Greetings in Christ Jesus,
This edition of the LCNZ Update is longer than usual and contains a few reports. You will read about the establishment of an LCNZ Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, greetings from many friends from around the world following the events in Christchurch, brief reports from some of our boards and committees, and general news. The photo was taken on my (Pres Rob) phone of candles on the St Paul’s Wellington altar during their service for victims of the earthquake.
On Tuesday, St Paul’s Lutheran Church extended an invitation to the Mt Cook, Wellington community “to spend time together thinking about our fellow New Zealanders in Canterbury”, a week after the earthquake. The church was open from 12pm for private contemplation, with a short prayer service starting at 12:30pm. The service incorporated 2 minutes silence that the Prime Minister has suggested at 12.51pm.
Following the Christchurch Earthquake we have received compassionate emails and phone calls from:
* President Mike Semmler and individual emails from Vice President John Henderson, Neville Otto and each of the other four Presidents of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
* Rev Jerzy Samiec – Bishop of Evangelical-Augsburg Church in Poland.
* Rev George Samiec – Lutheran Church Great Britain
* Rev. Albert B. Collver, Director of Church Relations - Assistant to the President Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
* Marudut Manalu – HKBP Indonesia
* Rev. Franklin Ishida, Asia Pacific head for Global Mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
* Darin Storkson, Regional Director, Asia LCMS World Relief & Human Care, Jakarta
* Charles Klingensmith, Kinki Evangelical Lutheran Church Osaka, Japan
* Pastors John Davison, Steen Olsen, Peter Ziersch, Tim Klein, Lay worker Cheryl Reif , Australia
* Pastor Alaris and Panti Karya from the Hephata Disability Centre in North Sumatra (the Manawatu Parish’s Overseas Mission Partnership)
* Ken and Ellie Chitwood, former NZ church workers, USA
* Rev Paul and Richard Meyer, Retired Lutheran Church of Missouri Pastors, USA
* Robyn Appleby, Msalato Theological College, Dodoma, Tanzania, East Africa
* Tony PLEWS, Executive Director, Passionate Advocates for Leadership Development International Langham partnership New Zealand
* And if I have missed anyone I will include that in another Update.
Many of our NZ members have also contacted me with concern for the members and people in Christchurch. That same outpouring was witnessed at the LCA Office in Adelaide and by Pastor David Lipsys our man on the ground in Christchurch.
One joyous phone call was from Allen Kupke, the Executive Officer for the Australian Lutheran Laypeople’s League. He informed me that $50,000 ($66,00 NZD) has been approved immediately from the board for the Christchurch Appeal. It is now in our account. The funds are for immediate use where needed. I want to assure any recipients of the money that the Aussie LLL intends this for whoever needs this hardship gift, and that it is available. Your name can be treated confidentially. It has been said that cash is one thing that is really needed by many right now. Our tax deductable local appeal is ready to commence, but right now we have aid money on hand. Applications can come thought the congregation or directly to our office.
The other thing which people need is care and concern. The following is a brief thought that I will call, Disaster Response and the Five Love Languages:
You probably heard of Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages. It has been used in many groups settings. I have led enrichment groups using that teaching. Although originally written as a marriage enrichment resource, the Love Languages has been successfully applied to a variety of relationships. The book basically states that each person has a preferred love language by which they receive and express love and care. Often others don’t really understand what motivates us.
Here are the five love languages; Words of Affirmation; Quality Time; Receiving Gifts; Acts of Service; Physical Touch.
As we look at the actions and response taking place during this terrible disaster you can see how these distinct ways of loving are being enacted. In your response to those in need they too might need words of affirmation, a bit of your undivided attention, a gift, an act of service or even an appropriate hug. In Jesus’ ministry he was able to speak these languages, and as you are controlled by the Holy Spirit, I am sure you will be able to do that too.
– President Rob
LLL Report
Below a are few points jotted down for you information from the last Lutheran Laymen’s League (NZ) Director’s Meeting on 12 February
- 5% interest on Apex and E accounts retained
- LLL Directors’ meeting and presentation at Hamilton was
well received! Thanks to the congregation for hosting it.
- A grant of $1500 was approved for a Youth Leadership
Training weekend in May – good to be involved in supporting such a positive initiative.
- Remember to nominate up to 2 LLL delegates for LLL AGM
held at Synod this June, during your congregation’s AGM.
- Please send your LLL passbook to your Branch Treasurer
so they can update your interest!
--Marg Gust
Gateway Gift Trust Board Meeting Notes for 25 February
- The accounts for 2010 record a surplus of $28,105 compared to the budget deficit of $668. Monies released from the divestment of the Spicer portfolio, which did result in a capital loss, were invested in interest bearing deposits and income has been generated from that. Also a change in the investment strategy into longer term deposits has achieved increased rates of interest.
- Total equity at 31 December 2010 was $3,777,068. The original capital sum was $3,809,806.
- The budget for 2011 is a surplus of $25,098. The Trustees have determined that the restoring of the capital lost on the Spicer investment should occur and it is intended that $25,000 be retained.
- Mission Support grants for 2011 have been affirmed by some congregations/parishes. New grants this year are for pastoral services at Botany and Hamilton/Bay of Plenty.
- Audit of accounts has progressed with the 2009 accounts now signed off. The 2010 accounts are presently with the auditor.
-- Dennis Mollet
Council of Synod Information from 26 February Meeting
President’s Report
- Convention ‘to do’ list –
- Including invitations to Church Leaders, Governor General, Mayor etc., Maori powhiri / mihi (welcome)
- Call for list of delegates from parishes,
- Call for reports, registration forms, nominations process, liaising with host congregation – St Paul’s Wellington re hosting (accommodation, convention dinner, meals, airport pick-ups, minute secretaries,
- Farewell to Erickson’s during convention dinner, etc.
- Rob E. is volunteering to be on Host Committee and is willing to chair it.
- The possible Convention Theme will be discussed via email over next two weeks.
- Nominations committee – Milton F. to oversee.
- Twenty20 Vision Leadership Program – summary document prepared by Trevor Ruthenberg. Katharina B. been asked to do strategic planning with LSM, and then to consider offering strategic planning to congregations of the LCNZ. LCNZ needs to prioritise this initiative for second half of 2011.
- Rob presented a document – LCA Victorian District Strategic Plan. Victoria used the same five strategic imitatives as we have to order their plan. … (i) increase leadership capacity at all levels, (ii) increase spiritual depth, (iii) develop a pro-active mission culture, (iv) improve communication and engagement, (v) leverage our assets to support ministry and mission. There were remarkable similarities in strategy and we can use a number of aspects of this plan ourselves.
- ChildSafe – request from LSM for LCNZ to have full compliance by the end of 2011.
- Church Planting – North Shore, Summer Hills (Palmerston North).
- John Davison – installation at Hamilton / Bay of Plenty on Sunday 5th June. Installation of Chris Janetzki at Upper Moutere / Hope on Sunday 6th February. Vacancy at Botany – possible 1 year vicarage of a candidate followed by possible ordination as an Specific Ministry Pastor.
- Helping St Paul’s Christchurch in wake of earthquake. Money from Australia ($AUD50k) must get to the people. Ask QLD District how they administered the funds with a view that the LCNZ could administer in similar way. Ask St Paul’s Christchurch for a proposal(s) concerning immediate needs.
RESOLUTION
That the LCNZ establish a general appeal to assist with Christchurch earthquake relief, to be collected by congregations and forwarded to the LCNZ Office.
- May Council of Synod meeting to be in Auckland to coincide with Mountainside’s 10th anniversary.
- LCNZ Calendar – Rob giving apologies for non-attendance at Lutheran Church of Australia meetings in first part of the year. Rob preaching twice a month at St Paul’s Wellington during Mark’s R&R.
Church Workers Conference
- Milton reported on the Church Workers Conference which met in Palmerston North 22-23 February. Conference was shortened by one day due to the Christchurch earthquake.
- CWC has already started the process of nomination for President.
Report of Financial Advisory Committee
- The Ericksons are enjoying the new president’s manse at Churton Park. The president’s manse in Palmerston North has been sold. A proposal has been received with regard to putting the Whakatane manse on the market (LCNZ Trust Board). Roxanne is working on accounts from 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.
- Plea to congregations to send their 2010 accounts into Financial Advisory Committee.
- Some financial compensation for the LCNZ treasurer was approved, starting 28th February up to the end of June, and then to be reviewed.
Treasurer’s Report
- Reviewed LCNZ Mission & Development accounts.
Grant Applications
- Bishop Monrad Celebrations – the recommendation from Financial Advisory Committee that grant of up to $2000 come from Lutheran Media Fund was approved.
- Botany – Chinese Broadcasting Ministry – approved grant of $9000 from Lutheran Media Fund.
- Harrison Street, Wanganui – advertising for Holiday Program and one Community Event (Christmas Carols) – approved grant of $1323 from Lutheran Media Fund.
- Mountainside 10th Anniversary – approved funding of $5000 (comprising $2250 from Lutheran Media Fund and $2750 from General Income) for anniversary related costs.
- Amy Brinkman (Personal Ministry Scholarship) – recommend that LLL take up the cost of funding of $800.
- Request from Upper Moutere re costs associated with ChildSafe training for Mason & Lisa Stoney in Christchurch. Agreed that $254 of the total coast be paid as a personal ministry scholarship grant out of Mission & Development. Encouragement was expressed that the new Upper Moutere worker has now been oriented in our Lutheran safety programme.
Mission and Congregational Life
- David Lipsys has attended Faith Inkubators workshop in USA. There is funding for the roll out of this to our New Zealand Church. David is happy to act as key person in the roll out. LSM support this.
- National Youth. Lee Kroehn working with leader training in May. National Youth Camp in July in Hamilton.
- ChildSafe (letter from Lee Kroehn). LSM be asked to see if the LCNZ can work with the ChildSafe Risk Assessment Officer with either the Victoria-Tasmania or the NSW Districts of the LCA. LSM need to develop an LCNZ Parish model for how this works in each parish/congregation.
- LSM Report – Kogudus Retreat coming up, Faith Inkubators, Council of Synod representative (no one available yet), and analysing survey from late last year.
Appointments
- Peter Hentschel appointed as liaison person with St Pauls Christchurch re financial earthquake relief.
Applications
- J.S. Bach Scholarship to be considered for funding to enable David Gutla (Mountainside) to attend organ training / inspirational event in Wellington. Roxanne and Mark are working on this.
- Rob and Betsy Erickson might ask for a week holiday leave after Betsy has completed chemotherapy and before commencing radiation.
- Mark Whitfield – R&R Leave (28.03 – 06.06). President to act as locum.
Office Equipment
- Research and proposal re upgrade of office equipment – software, printer/photocopier, Word 2007.
LCNZ Churches and Manses
- Building Maintenance Check List provided by Trevor Ruthenberg is to be turned into a form with tick boxes and sent out to parishes. Inspections to be conducted annually.
-- Mark Whitfield
