Synod Sermon

"Being Sent" (John 20:21-23)

21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you." 22 And after he said this, he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyoneʼs sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyoneʼs sins, they are retained."
(NET Bible)

The Christian life can be quite adventurous and not as boring as many people think. For some their ministry does not vary all that much geographically. They were born on a farm or a town or in a city and they've spent their entire lives there. Perhaps for some people they have had one major move and that was it. I can remember several people when I was a pastor in Queensland that had not travelled to another state, much less overseas. Now, of course Queenslanders would say, "what is the point of travelling when you have everything where you live"!

Others have moved from place to place by mixtures of choice and necessity. Increasingly, the people of New Zealand are becoming more aware of those who have been displaced and sent as refugees from repressive governments and famine plagued lands to have a new beginning in a strange and foreign land which we call home.

So, there are people on the land, the jet-setters chasing a better job -- and then the refugee. People are moving around in our world, but what does it mean to be "sent". Jesus said, "as the Father has sent me, I am sending you"

"I am sending you" is a statement that will mean travel for the first disciples and Apostles to the far ends of the ancient world. The boundaries they would cross would be more than between countries. As Paul said, it would be boundaries between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, social norms between male and female.

St Mark has theme which runs through his Gospel of Jesus crossing the boundaries. [Rick Strelan picked that up in an Open Book commentary several years ago] That mission has not changed. Being sent, being in mission, is still crossing the boundaries and bringing good news.

Before speaking about being sent from place to place, it is good to get clear on this. Mission is more than travel. To those of you who are on the land and have a family dairy farm, or live in Marton or Palmerston North, or lived in Christchurch all your lives –except for a wild OE in the UK when you were 20—the term "being sent" also happens at home! It means being a missionary to your local community. It means being Jesus to both those disgustingly familiar to you, and the stranger in your midst.

Then there are those who travel. I guess I have been one. Betsy and I will have been married 40 years this August and we have calculated that we have moved on an average of every 2.5 years. Also I have one of those jobs where I am sent. As an Intentional Interim Pastor before being President I was sent somewhere every three months. Now going back to that position it will be a new place every six to nine months. Like seminary graduates I still wait in eager anticipation for an assignment. My next one is to a parish in Brisbane.

It makes our Christian lives much more exciting when we know that we are people who have been 'sent'.

People in mission both at home and on the road are given Christ's peace, his commission and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It is for God's continued mission to this world. All three parts are necessary: His peace, his call, his breathing upon us the Holy Spirit.

We as Lutherans especially link our commissioning as missionaries, as sent ones, to our baptism. Jesus gave his first disciples what is called the Great Commission. That commission has yet to be revoked, and it is linked to baptism. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age". (Mt 28) Here again is "sending" in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The Synod theme comes from John 20 which says, "As the Father has sent me so I am sending you". Our Logo on the bulletin cover proclaims "Love Comes to Life". It is a nice phrase and truly has a positive ring to it. However, in preparing for this message, I had to seriously think and pray about how does that happen. How does love come to life and where does it come to life?

Sometimes my experience with congregations as a President (bishop) seems to be a bit counterintuitive as I don't always see their loving side at meetings! But I have been a parish pastor and know that the local congregation, and the ministries of the local church, are places where love comes to life. It happens in many ways especially in ministries of caring. My wife and I have experienced your care. Thank you.

Our text from John says that as Jesus spoke his peace to the disciples, and commissioned them, he then breathed upon them to receive the Spirit. Anytime God breaths on us there is life. We come to life, and the work we do has life in it.

Two people of talent can play the same piece of music. One does it flawlessly, but somehow it lacks that character which brings life to the music. The other brings it to life and to the hearts of those who are privileged to listen. I am not a musical, yet even I can detect there is some difference. Love is that way too. The (heavenly agape) love of God in our hearts leaves a mark on what we do. It has life within it. And with life there is growth. Love come to life.

"The Lutheran Church of New Zealand is a place where love comes to life." How does that sound to you? Is it a bit contrived? Do you know so much about some of the people here that you could doubt it could happen? Well, if that is the case let's look back at that portion of John 20 and see who is the principal actor in the scene. Is it the disciples standing up boldly calling on Jesus and saying, "here we are, send us wherever, we are ready"? No, that is not the scene at all. They are still just trying to get their heads around Easter morning and the resurrection, and they are still afraid that they might end up dead. Even bold Peter who had vowed to follow Jesus anywhere and die with him has lost all that bravado as his teacher faced the cross.

Jesus is the one who acts, and he first gives them his peace, then he gives them a call to go, it is followed by breathing on them to receive the Holy Spirit; then they are given what is called the Office of the Keys. That means (as I see it) primarily the authority of God's Word. "If you forgive anyone's sins they are forgiven". That also goes with "being sent" because we are sent with authority.

Police, Prime Ministers, Governor General's, are examples of people under the authority of someone and represent them to others. As Christian pastors and laypeople we are under Christ's authority. Being sent is to be sent in his name.

So, as a Church in New Zealand we exist here not in our own power alone, but in the power of our Lord and Saviour. His power and authority has been given him from the Father and he has called us to be his disciples and do the works of love here in our (really his) mission field. At times when we can be discouraged by our numerical size and lack of influence we can remember that we do not stand here alone. We belong to a larger Church, which in one sense is our larger Lutheran Church of Australia, but just as relevant are other Christian churches. Some of them have sent representatives to our Synod/Convention today. Thank you for coming and I know that you share with us what it means to try to live out this theme where the Christian Church is a place where Love comes to Life.

My journey with you will end in a few months when I return to Australia, but we know as Christians there is no barrier to the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace that we share around this globe. We have the one Holy Spirit and are part of the larger Body of Christ.

Yes, it is right there where "love comes to life". .... Amen.

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Rev. Robert Erickson
Lutheran Church of New Zealand
June 18-19, 2011
Opening Sermon of Synod

LCNZ Update (Synopsis of 2011 LCNZ Synod)

BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE 36^TH SYNOD OF THE

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF NEW ZEALAND

18^TH – 19^TH JUNE 2011

HELD AT ST. PAUL’S WELLINGTON, NZ

WHEN LOVE COMES TO LIFE

as the Father sent me

Saturday 18^th June

WELCOME : Pastor Mark Whitfield welcomed the Governor General of NZ, Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, Archdeacon Robert McLay, Rev Canon Deborah Broome, Commissioner Donald Bell, LCA reps, all delegates and visitors to this 36^th Synod.

OPENING WORSHIP : Led by Pastor Mark Whitfield, who also shared both his and their music group’s talents, President Robert Erickson preached on John 20:19-31. He picked up the theme of Synod: ‘Love comes to Life - as the Father sent me’. Being ‘sent’ is being ‘breathed on’ with the Holy Spirit as instigated by Jesus, is us going out with the good news, to strangers and also people we may know well. The place we are sent is not the focus – it is the love!

SYNOD : Dennis Mollet opened with prayer, followed by a welcome to St Paul’s, Wellington from the Chairman, Bill Viggers.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT : Was presented by President Rob Erickson. ‘Church on the move’ was truly reflected in the changes that have occurred since Synod 2009. He thanked the Pastors who had moved or retired, the many interim Pastors for their service and welcomed the incoming Pastors. He also thanked the Vice President, LCNZ Administrators, the Treasurer and church workers who had concluded their service.

As MISSION DIRECTOR, Pastor Rob spoke to the 5 Strategic Initiatives coming out of the Summit and the preliminary results of the Survey sent out by LSM

He thanked all concerned, suggesting that the dual roles of President and Mission Director can continue to work.

REPORT OF COUNCIL OF SYNOD : Presented by Judy Calder, who in introducing the CoS members, had them incorporate the word ‘love’. She thanked the members for their many hours of voluntary work behind the scenes. Highlights were the growth in Mountainside, the moving of the National Office and the wonderful support from the wider church to Christchurch who is experiencing severe ongoing trauma from the earthquakes. Dennis Mollet commended her for her commitment and fortitude during what have been very challenging times. She concluded by thanking Pastor Rob for his leadership and input.

REPORT OF LUTHERAN SUPPORT MINISTRIES : Pastor David Lipsys’ report was presented by Marg Gust, in his absence. She emphasized that the outgoing committee had encouraged, supported and undergone training to better equip themselves to support the ministry of the Church, that the Survey would provide a clearer direction for the incoming committee as part of their portfolios as per written report.

The question as to why the provision for a paid worker had not yet been taken up was because of the potentially (at the time) unkown location of the LCNZ office and the generous support from Betsy Erickson

LAMP DATABASE : Having introduced her team, Debbie Venz talked us through the LAMP database system which helps streamline administration of personal details of both paid and voluntary church personnel, membership and financial statistics.

GATEWAY GIFT TRUST BOARD : was presented by Chairperson Dennis Mollet and Wayne Drogemuller. From its beginning to 2011 grants of $1.4 million have been made. Much time has been spent in monitoring investments – Judy Calder thanked Dennis for his hard work. He in turn thanked all the Trustees for their dedication. Close monitoring was encouraged, particularly in these tough times. The Financial Advisory Committee is responsible to oversee all Funds and advises CoS accordingly.

STATISTICS REPORT : was presented by Pastor Rob Erickson. It was noted that not all statistics have been received – such reports can only be as accurate as data is received.

LCA BOARD FOR MISSIONS : presented by Glenice Hartwig, touched us all as she told of many people being connected and reconnected to Jesus, through the prayers and financial support of LCA and LCNZ

AUSTRALIAN LUTHERAN WORLD SERVICE REPORT : presented by Jonathon Krause (remember the toilet paper?) spoke of many families/communities being helped in practical ways, together with the Word. ‘I was hungry and you fed me…….

PRESENTATION BY : Pastor Lee Kroehn, Palmerston North, spoke to a slide show about how the disabled community in Hepatha, Sumatra, Indonesia were helped by their congregation, from a visit from a team of 5.

PRESENTATION BY : Jill Hobden, Chairperson Hamilton, shared their Memorandum of Understanding whereby 4 parishes agreeing to work together now have a Pastor.

REPORT OF THE FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE : was presented by David Preston (Chairman) and Wayne Drogemuller. Highlighted was the huge task of relocating the LCNZ offices together with the purchase of a new President’s manse. The committee were thanked for their dedicated work.

REMIT 1 : PROPOSAL TO COMBINE THE LCNZ PRESIDENT’S ROLE WITH A PART TIME PARISH POSITION : Marg Gust spoke to this remit. It was lost.

REMIT 2 : PROPOSAL TO REVIEW LCNZ OFFICE ADMINISTRATION : Dennis Mollet spoke to this remit. Amended to ‘Be it resolved that the office administration, management and financial roles of the LCNZ be reviewed in order to best meet the requirements of the church’, it was carried.

LCA EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT : Trevor Ruthenberg said that the theme ‘Where love comes to life’ was common to all Lutheran churches in Australasia. Despite significant outreach programmes, our LCA church is in decline : we need new maps – strategic initiatives(see LCNZ Pres. report). Three Twenty20 workshops will be held in NZ this year : is God calling you to attend? A Professional Standards’ Unit is being developed. Trevor encouraged us all to be informed, using all available sources.

LCA PRESIDENT’S REPORT : not presented as President Mike Semmler unable to attend Synod.

STOP PRESS! Shared phone call from President Mike on Sunday afternoon! We were asked to pray for all our Pastors, congratulations extended to new President Pastor Mark Whitfield with thanks to retiring President, Pastor Rob, theologians from outside Australia were being brought in to look at ‘How we listen and hear the Word’, and that General Synod would now be in April 2013 to incorporate celebrating 175 years of Lutheran activity in both Queensland and South Australia.

PRESENTATION BY : Mountainside. Pastor Milton Fritsch shared their dream to put a Pastor on the North Shore by 2013, a potential whole church project, as well as their many regular Mountainside activities.

DEVOTIONS : Pastor John Davison led us in a closing devotion on behalf of and for Christchurch, based on Psalm 16, a prayer of comfort – keep us safe Lord.

CONVENTION DINNER, PROJECT CONNECT AND FAREWELL TO PASTOR ROB ERICKSON : Great food and fellowship at a buffet dinner at ‘The Pines’. Jonathon Krause enthused us with his passion for CONNECTing people with Jesus – through user friendly strategies, inviting people to church for fellowship together with food. Look up the long lunch website – grab a ‘bite’ for your congregation!

President Rob Erickson and Betsy were farewelled with grateful thanks and lovely gifts for the service (a lot more than Rob’s iPhone skills and Betsy’s yummy food!) they gave to LCNZ. God bless you both!

Pastor Chris Janetzki led us in a closing prayer.

Sunday 19^th June

OPENING DEVOTION : Pastor Milton Fritsch led us in opening prayer.

ELECTION OF LCNZ OFFICERS :

President : Rev Mark Whitfield

Vice President : Rev Milton Fritsch

Treasurer : Wayne Drogemuller

COS – 5 members : Judy Calder

Roxanne Bakke

Dennis Mollet

Katharina Borszik

Gerhard Hoppe

Pastor Member : TBA

Chair of Financial Advisory Committee : David Preston

LSM Pastor member: Rev Lee Kroehn

LSM Committee : Sharolyn Mollet

Mel McKenzie

Simon Lieschke

Administrator (appointed) Diana Fehsenfeld

NEWLY ELECTED LCNZ PRESIDENT : Pastor Milton Fritsch affirmed President Mark Whitfield who in reply invited us all to work together under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

PRESIDENTIAL REPORT – ADDENDUM : Phil Husband’s ordination as SMP is 7August 2011 at Wanganui. Brother Tat Ming Tsui is the new licensed Vicar at Botany.

PRESENTATION BY : Vicar Tat enthusiastically shared Botany’s dreams and plans for the short and long term future, summed up in the one word : NURTURE.

PRESENTATION BY : Georgina Preston from Wellington shared that two of their main outreach activities, Mini Minstrels, (with a new team) and the Bach Cantatas are continuing.

MEMORIAL HYMN : Pastor Mark Whitfield assisted by Pastor Lee Kroehn and Roxanne Bakke led us through singing Autumn Leaves as we remembered those taken home by our Heavenly Father since Synod 2009.

CONVENTION SERVICE WITH HOLY COMMUNION : Pastor Mark Whitfield assisted by the gifted St Pauls’ music team, led us in worship. Pastor Rob Erickson preached from 2Cor.13:11-14, encouraging us to REJOICE, in the midst of the reality of our ‘humanness’ (not the dream), to STRIVE, for peace, to ENCOURAGE, making others bold and to UNITE, being as Christ on the Cross, forgiving those who persecute us, remembering that GOD is the POWER enabling us. United, we spoke together of the grace, the love and the fellowship of the Triune God.

LCNZ BUDGET : Presented by Wayne Drogemuller

A. GGTB Budget 2011

- 2011 budgetted income of $238 800 will be higher than that of 2010

- total expenditure will be $238 702

- Wayne thanked the Board for their investment endeavours

Budget approved

B. LCNZ Budget 2011

- total income : $187 565, expenditure $189 446

A decision reached for presented LCNZ Budget for 2011 to be amended to include actual costs for 2010 – vote by post/email

Motion ‘That future Synodical budgets include the figures for the previous year irrespective of whether the accounts have been audited.’

Motion carried Judy C./Dennis M.

Report adopted

PRESENTATION BY : Pastor Chris Janetzki from Upper Moutere asked us to pray for them, rejoice with them about the manse renovations, the youth group, and to invite Synod there in 2015 to help celebrate 100years!

LLL AGM AND PRESENTATION : Chairman Ahi Allen reported on the work of the LLL. The audited accounts were approved, unqualified this year – yippee! and Gunn and Cotton were retained as Auditors. Ahi thanked Buster Kells for his many years of hard work and accepted his offer for investment advice. Caroline Samsom was elected to replace Buster. The meeting finished with a power point presentation of the ongoing work of the LLL.

PRESENTATION BY : Phil Husband presented a sustainable vision for Wanganui’s Harrison Street Community Church, which enthused us all – we look forward to hearing of their progress at the next Synod!

PRESENTATION BY : Marg Gust introduced a power point presentation by Leanne Whitfield of the 150^th celebration – the walk from Wellington to Marton . The walk and celebration were finite – our walk with the Lord continues to future generations.

VOTE OF THANKS : Georgina Preston proposed a vote of thanks to the organizing committee, cleaners, all Wellington people who helped, minute secretaries and EVERYONE who has been involved in the weekend, to make it happen.

CLOSING WORSHIP : Pastor Mark Whitfield led this, based on evening prayer, in which we look to the light of Christ that scatters the darkness, anticipating the great awakening of the resurrection. The incoming President and all other elected officers were installed and Synod was officially closed.