Grace and peace to you from God.
Sheltered From the Storms
Last weekend many places in the North Island were hit by a weather bomb – a storm that had its genesis in the Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria, a storm that increased in intensity as it crossed the Tasman with the Long White Cloud in view. It had its most destructive effect in some parts of Whanganui and Southern Taranaki, and even as I write (almost a week on) some 1000+ homes are still without electricity.
At the same time we’re hearing about destructive flooding in parts of Australia, destructive twisters in parts of the US, and fairly recently seriously cold temperatures in Europe resulting in a number of deaths.
Some of the storms that come our way and hit us are not of the climatic variety. At the moment I’m aware of a number of folk who are experiencing various forms of storm in their life – bereavement, illness, ageing and wearying, job and vocational uncertainty, personal relationship issues, financial concerns, etc.
I recently encouraged a good friend with these storm-protection words, and I offer them to you too, just in case you’re experiencing a storm or two at the moment –
You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.’
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence;
he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge
Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble,
I will rescue them and honour them.
With long life I will satisfy them,
and show them my salvation. (Psalm 91:1-4,14-16)
Ecumenical
On Sunday 26th February Leanne and I were guests at the Liturgical Farewell to Bishop Thomas Brown, Anglican Bishop of Wellington. I found that a very inspiring event for a number of reasons, but mainly because it helped me reflect on the call the church has placed on me to be ‘bishop’ – to be pastoral and shepherding in my servant-leadership of you in the LCNZ. It seemed from everything that was said at this service, that Bishop Tom had been a great bishop; a servant at heart with a pastoral love for his people … and I came away thinking – Lord, please help me be like Tom … loving and pastoral.
Earlier this week I attended my first National Heads of Churches meeting in Wellington. We’re a small player in the NZ church scene, but well-respected and valued. Many around the table remember with great affection and appreciation the contribution that Steen Olsen made during his time to this forum, particularly as chairman. And so I was warmly welcomed by other church leaders. I was impressed with the spirit of unity in the group, especially the unity of purpose we share with respect to sharing Jesus and his love with the nation. We received the final report on the Engage campaign which saw churches throughout New Zealand offering hospitality in the name of Christ to visitors and communities during the recent Rugby World Cup. This ecumenical ministry initiative was considered so successful that the NZ Engage team has been asked to oversee the same ministry for RWC 2015. One of the exciting things to look forward to is the bicentenary celebrations of the arrival of the Gospel to Aotearoa in 2014.
Twenty20: Administration Workshop
- LCNZ National Offices, 14 Oxford Terrace, Mt Cook
- 17th and 18th March 2012 (Sat + Sun) … opportunity to worship at St Pauls on the Sunday
- See the website for more information
The complete set of Martin Luther’s writings in 54 volumes including a Companion Volume with an introduction to the evangelical writings is for sale (published by Concordia Publishing House in St Louis, Missouri). The seller was planning to offer them on EBay and/or Amazon at about NZ$600 but would much prefer that they stay in New Zealand for, say, $NZ500. If you are interested, please contact the National Office of the LCNZ.
Locum Ministry
Pastor Norm Bergen and Kay completed 10 weeks of locum ministry at St Pauls, Wellington and St Francis, Mauriceville West last Sunday. We’re so grateful to God for providing pastors to our church during vacancies, and thank Norm and Kay for their time and ministry of love. At the same time, we continue to thank God for Pastor David Wundersitz and Barbara who are serving in locum ministry at Mountainside.
Call News
Pastor Matthew Wilksch informed members of the Auckland Lutheran Parish last weekend that after prayerful consideration he believed that God was leading him to decline the call to Mountainside. So, that call process continues, and St Pauls Wellington is working towards holding a call meeting on Sunday 1st April.
Bach Cantata Vespers
- Saturday 10th March, 5.00pm
- Widerstehe doch der Sūnde (Stand firm against sin), BWV 54
- St Pauls Lutheran Church, 12 King Street, Mt Cook Wellington
- Music provided by Ensemble Abendmusik directed by Richard Apperley
- Cantor, Organist, and Preacher: Mark Whitfield
I encourage you to include in your prayers –
- Pastor Allan Heppner, Debra and their family, as we offer them to God for his protection during Allan’s illness. Allan continues to receive chemotherapy treatment.
- The family of Ray Meharg (Mountainside) as they mourn the death of Ray’s dad during the week, and the family of Shanon Peters (Wellington) as they mourn the death of Shanon’s mum in the USA recently.
- I would appreciate your prayers for our family too – my Dad, who has been unwell for many years, was admitted to Intensive Care at Whanganui Hospital this morning, struggling with breathing.
- Preparation for the T20 Administration workshop.
- Pray for the computer system at the National Office. About 2 weeks ago it crashed, and now we’re in the process of restoring/recovering everything to a new computer. I’ve heard from Wayne this morning that all our information has been restored to the new system; thank God for that!
- That God would provide in his good time –
- An administrator for the National Office
- Pastors for St Pauls Wellington / St Francis Wairarapa and for Mountainside
God be with you.
+MARK
President – Lutheran Church of New Zealand
