07 October 2011

LCNZ Update 7 October 2011

Kia tau ki a koutou, te atawhai me te rangimarie o te Atua / grace and peace to you from God.

Twenty20 Workshop - Governance
I would like to encourage you to consider attending this workshop to be held in Wellington on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October. Here is an overview of this workshop:

Every Christian ministry finds itself caught between two worlds - the legal demands of society and the spiritual expectations of church organisation. This course explores this challenge by understanding differing types of legal entities (e.g. companies/incorporated bodies) and diverse models of church organisation. Whichever solution is chosen, there will still be the distinct functions of governance (boards, councils etc.) and management. We explore the importance of this distinction, the role of governance and the Tricker model of governance. Participants will be introduced to a structured approach for risk management and decision making. Additionally, we will investigate key legal issues facing Christian governance teams and the personal responsibilities of governance team members. Finally, we look at factors that make governance teams effective with a particular focus on running effective meetings.

For more information please check the website.

President's Manse
After the Council of Synod meeting last Saturday afternoon, various members of CoS viewed a home that met LCA/NZ standards. However, subsequent inspections and builders reports have indicated that this home requires too much remedial work to be a possibility. So, it's back to the hunt.

Council of Synod Meeting / Rite of Reconciliation
Last Saturday Dr David Stolz led CoS and Leanne and Mark Whitfield through a process of talking through various issues connected with the presidents manse. There was opportunity for confession, saying sorry, repentance, forgiveness and healing. At the conclusion of the rite we walked to St Marks Anglican Church (ST Pauls Lutheran was being used) where we participated in a short service where we received God's healing grace in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

CoS then continued with a short meeting in the afternoon to discuss among other things the President's manse, staffing requirements at the National Office, and the installation of the president.

Installation of President
A reminder that this will take place on Sunday 30th October at 4.00pm at St Pauls Wellington, 12 King Street, Mt Cook, followed by a fellowship. Official invitations are on their way out now. It's important that you let us know if you're attending or not (in the case of a congregation, how many of you), for catering purposes.

Visiting
Last Sunday I had the pleasure of visiting, worshipping with and preaching for the folk at Redeemer Lutheran in the Hawkes Bay. It was a long return drive from Wellington in one day, but well worth it.

Marton/Halcombe - Manawatu
On Wednesday evening a group of leaders from the Marton/Halcombe Parish and the Manawatu Parish met at St Lukes Palmerston North, to discuss and explore the possibilities of sharing and supporting ministry across the Manawatu Rangitikei region.

Meetings In Adelaide
This Sunday I leave for Adelaide for College of Presidents meetings, Graduate Interviews (Australian Lutheran College / Seminary), General Church Council, and a Hermeneutics Conference in the Barossa Valley. I will be back in the office on Thursday 20th October. At this stage I cannot give you a personal phone contact while I am away, but I think I should still be able to receive and reply to emails.

Calls
St Pauls in Wellington and Mountainside in Auckland each continue to prepare to call a pastor. I will attend a call meeting at Mountainside on Sunday 23rd October, and St Pauls Wellington plan to hold a pre-call meeting on Sunday 6th November.

Peace and aroha to you all in Jesus' name.

Kia noho a Ihowa ki a koutou / the Lord be with you!

+MARK
President Elect - Lutheran Church of New Zealand