Greetings in Christ Jesus,
Christchurch Memorial Service: I was able to attend the Christchurch National Memorial service March 11th at Hagley Park along with what seemed to be 100,000 other people. It was a moving event that I’ll never forget. Some members mentioned that they did not see me on TV! That was because our Church did not have an official part in the service – but I can assure you we were there (see photo). The following Sunday I was able to give greetings to the St Paul’s congregation at Christchurch.
Christchurch Appeal: Here is a brief update on what our LCNZ has distributed. Thirty households have received $300 grants, two have received $3000, the St Paul’s congregation treasury was sent $10,000 and there was an additional $500 grant. That is a total of $25,500. We also recognise there will be more ongoing grants. So far, one Christchurch couple will be taking up the offer to have a rest break of a week or so on the North Island at one of our member’s holiday homes. Donors would be pleased with how we have been working with the congregation on these grants.
Japan: When we consider the heartbreak and disruption that the people of Christchurch have experienced after their two major quakes (and then try to imagine the situation in Japan) it is mind boggling. I am not aware of a Lutheran Church Appeal, but would encourage you to pray and also donate via the different charitable organisations involved, such as the Red Cross. I hope congregational prayers will be abundant for those who are suffering as a result of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear contamination.
Congratulations to Mark Whitfield who has organised a Lutheran Vespers at the Wellington Anglican Cathedral 5pm the 3rd of April. He is the Cantor for the evening. The Dean of the Cathedral, The Very Reverend Frank Nelson is the Preacher. Mark is a member of the Cathedral Choir and they will be singing under the direction of Dr Richard Marlow and Michael Fulcher. Pastor Mark is commencing his R&R leave this week and will return to duties at his Wellington congregation the seventh of June.
Calls: Thank you for your prayers. I have decided to accept the Call to be LCA Interim Pastor. This position will commence the first of September, and I will be based in Brisbane.
The Lutheran: Congregations will receive information about a wonderful offer. THE LUTHERAN magazine, is the official publication of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand. First, each congregation will be sent several free copies of the April edition of THE LUTHERAN. Each congregation is to nominate a person to distribute three more months of the magazine to 10 households at no charge. After that, they can choose another 10 households. The idea behind this promotion is that after experiencing how good THE LUTHERAN is we will have many more members of our LCNZ purchase their own subscriptions. It is a great way to grow in faith by reading this publication, and while doing that to learn what is happening in our wider Church.
We Pray:
For Wayne, Samantha and Liam George as Wayne prepares to leave Auckland for studies at Australian Lutheran College Seminary.
For my wife Betsy. She has one more chemo treatment left, and after a few weeks will commence radiation. I think she is doing well and I admire her.
For those mentioned in your weekly church bulletin, and those whom you know.
For those who suffer in Japan.
God bless,
President Robert
