願 父 神 所 賜 的 恩 惠 和 平 安 與 你 們 同 在
Grace and peace to you from God
Why I Am Lutheran – Jesus at the Centre
Last week the Church celebrated Reformation Day. Reformation Day provides a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on the blessing of being re-formed and re-newed and re-deemed in and through Jesus Christ. And it’s also a good opportunity for us to reflect on the blessing of being Christian, and especially Lutheran Christians.
In his book, Why I Am a Lutheran: Jesus at the Centre, Daniel Preus focuses us on Jesus – God’s greatest and most wonderful expression of his love for us.
Preus writes –
- “Why am I a Christian? Because Jesus is at the centre and it’s all about Him. I am a Christian by grace, a simple yet profound work of the new creation in water and word. I know Jesus loves me because “His Word gives life to water poured.” Because of Jesus, I face no punishment for sin, nor do I face an eternal death. I am God’s child, and He has given me His family of believers wherein he feeds me. God is so kind and gracious. Thus I live with faith in him and hope that is born of His promises.
- I am a Lutheran for the same reason I am a Christian. It is not by choice but by grace. The teachings of the Lutheran Church place Jesus ate the centre because the teachings of the scriptures place Jesus at the centre. No other confession demonstrates such fidelity to the truths of God’s Word. No other confession so glorifies Christ by placing Him at the centre of all it confesses and teaches. Being a Lutheran is truly all about Jesus.
- The entire sinful world is loved by Jesus.
- God saves us through the life, suffering and death, and resurrection of Jesus.
- The Holy Spirit creates faith by showing us Jesus.
- In Baptism, we die and rise with Jesus.
- In the Lord’s Supper, we receive our inheritance with the body and blood of Jesus.
- The pastor proclaims and distributes the merits of Jesus.
- All our prayers go to the Father through Jesus.
- All our good works flow out of hearts that trust in Jesus.
- In the bearing of all crosses in this veil of tears, our eyes are fixed on Jesus.
- We wait with joyous hope for the day when we will see the face of Jesus.
- Thus the Christian faith is all about Jesus. Being a Lutheran is all about Jesus. St Paul says, “No one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).”
Why I Am a Lutheran – Jesus at the Centre, Daniel Preus, Concordia Publishing House ©2004May Jesus always be the centre of your life and the centre of your congregational life too.
Acts 15:36 Tour (Update)
At the end of this month, the Council of Synod (COS) will hold their final meeting for the year. The focus of this meeting will be almost exclusively on developing the outcomes of the Tour to a point where we are able to present a clear future ministry direction to you, the church.
I realise that many of you are waiting to know “the results” and maybe had hoped that they’d be out by now. However, we need to proceed with this carefully and in such a way that the servant-leadership of the church (i.e. COS) have a united sense of where and what God is calling us to do and be in the future.
I’d like to repeat what I wrote in my last newsletter.
- We are a church that has been in decline – numerically, and maybe also in understanding our place and God’s call to mission – for some decades now.
- The stats (the data), your own health analysis, and the comments you made during our visit, confirm that our general health as a church is not good.
- More of the same is not an option, if we want to see the church live and grow.
- Things have to change.
After the COS meeting at the end of November, I hope to share with you more information via the pages of the next issue of The Olive Tree on the vision and direction we as your servant-leaders believe God is calling us to.
- We continue to pray Holy Spirit: open our hearts to discern and to hear the will of God; his plans and his purposes for us. Almighty and gracious God, you want all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Increase the power of the gospel in the hearts of the faithful members of the LCNZ, that your Church may spread the good news of your salvation. As we proclaim the saving cross of Christ, may he draw all people to himself, in whose name we pray. Amen.
A few weekends back, the Spice Retreat of the LCNZ was revived after about a 10 year break. My wife, Leanne who organised the retreat, writes the following –
- The Spice Retreat for wives of LCNZ pastors and SMPs was held at the Home of Compassion convent in Island Bay, Wellington on the weekend of 18-20 October, 2013. This retreat was a revival of an older tradition which was first begun by Ruth Olsen in the 1990s. Five out of a possible seven pastors’ wives attended the retreat, with Pauline Simonsen generously giving her time as retreat leader.
- Last year, I felt that the time might be right to revive the Spice Retreat. A pastor’s spouse plays an important role, not only as a wife and usually mother, but also as a partner in ministry, confidant, prayer partner and ‘sounding board’. They can feel as if they live in a goldfish bowl, under the gaze of many who pass judgement on them. Pastors’ wives in NZ are generally quite isolated from one another, with rare opportunities to meet each other.
- The theme for the retreat was ‘Bloom where you are planted’, and the weekend included study and guided meditation, prayer and worship. We also enjoyed walking in the lovely gardens of the convent, especially the flourishing vegetable garden tended by 90 year old Sister Loyola and her helpers, and the community garden that they have established. A documentary movie, ‘Gardening with Soul’, had recently been released. This movie focused on the work of Sister Loyola and her life of service to people in need through the Sisters of Compassion. We went to see the movie at a small cinema in Brooklyn on the Saturday afternoon, and as women in ministry ourselves, it was a great encouragement and provided plenty of food for thought. After our return to the convent, we were thrilled to meet and chat with Sister Loyola. On Sunday morning, Bishop Mark joined us to lead in worship and Holy Communion.
- The Spice Girls (as we referred to ourselves) were deeply appreciative of the support of the church, through LSM and LLL. An online survey was carried out in the week following the retreat, and without exception, the participants said they had felt very encouraged through the retreat. There was strong affirmation of the role Pauline played in supporting and leading us through the weekend. We agreed that Wellington and the Home of Compassion was a great location. We were in a peaceful place, yet only about 15 minutes from the airport which was just as well, as high winds on the Friday evening meant that Diane Davison’s flight from Hamilton could not land in Wellington, and she had to be picked up from the airport much later, after being brought by bus from Palmerston North. If we had been further from Wellington, the logistics would have been much more difficult. The Home of Compassion is a comfortable, very lived in environment, and the food provided is plain and plentiful – perfect. The rates charged for spiritual retreats are very reasonable.
- The Spice Girls have indicated through their online feedback that they would love to have an annual opportunity to meet. This week most of the church workers who gathered at our home on Wednesday night as part of Church Workers’ Conference, spoke about how much they appreciated the nurturing and support given to their wives.
- Thank you to the members of the LSM and LLL Boards for supporting me in pulling the Spice Retreat together. I feel it was a very worthwhile venture. Leanne Whitfield
On Sunday 27th October, Pastor David Lipsys announced to his people at St Pauls Christchurch that he would be concluding his ministry there on Christmas Day this year and seeking Leave of Absence. Pastor David said to his people –
- It is with a fair amount of sadness that I inform you today of my intention to resign my call as your pastor – a ministry that I have now held full-time for a month over 10 years; and prior to that, I was also part-time assistant pastor here for about 18 months. This will take effect from the end of this year.
- There are many factors behind my decision; but suffice to say, with this duration of service – and with relative peace and tranquillity now restored about 3 years after the destructive earthquakes – I feel the time is right.
- I am not seeking another pastoral call at this time, and I do not have any other employment to go to – but I’m on the look-out for something locally, as Janine and I intend to remain in Christchurch, at least for the time being.
- I thank God, and you all, for the opportunity to serve here among you. May He guide and bless you, as you strive to live as His people! – DAVID
- Gracious God, you have called us in our baptism to be your servants. You have enabled us to respond to your call as a community of believers. Thank you for the partnership in the gospel that you created and blessed between the people of St Pauls in Christchurch and Pastor David and Janine. As we receive news of David’s resignation, strengthen both David and Janine for the mission you still have placed before them and reveal to your people at St Pauls your plan and purpose for them in the future also. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
On Sunday 27th October, St Lukes Lutheran Church was filled with people – mainly members of the Manawatu Lutheran Parish – who welcomed God’s gift to them of Pastor Rodger Russ.
Special guests, including Iain Lees-Galloway (MP for Palmerston North), Jim Jeffries (Palmerston North City Council), and Rev John Hornblow (Urban Dean for Anglicans in Palmerston North), were also present to welcome Pastor Rodger.
A special moment was the mihi whakatau (the formal Maori welcome) at the beginning of the service where Rodger and I were called into the church (karanga) by Jude Nelson (Te Punga) and where Rodger was invited to become one with the people of God in this place in their worship, life and mission. Parish Chair, Lawrence Satherley did a wonderful job with his “Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.”
God bless you dear saints of Manawatu as you share life and ministry with Saint Rodger.
Graduate Interviews
During my most recent visit to Adelaide for a College of Bishops’ meeting, we also interviewed the final year class at Australian Lutheran College (ALC). Please continue to pray for these men, together with wives and families (in some cases), as they conclude their days of formation and training at the Seminary, and as they prepare to receive their first ministry assignment.
Longest Lutheran Lunch
A number of our congregations participated in the Longest Lutheran Lunch on the Sunday of the Commemoration of the Reformation (27th October). My prayer is that the Lord blessed your event and used you and it as a way of expressing God’s hospitality and love to many people. The next issue of The Olive Tree will include a report from around the LCNZ.
Next Round of LCNZ Meetings
The final round of meetings for the year has started. The Finance Advisory Committee, the LLL, and the Lutheran Support Ministries have already met; the Gateway Gift Trust Board meets in Auckland this coming Sunday evening, and the Council of Synod meets in Wellington at the end of the month.
For a small church I reckon there is a lot of business and administration to look after. Please pray for your servant-leaders as we attempt to look after what needs looking after, without losing focus on the main task of the people of God – proclaiming the gospel of his Son to our friends and family and neighbours and communities.
Margaret Mayer
Many in the LCNZ will know Margaret Mayer, wife of Pastor Rolph Mayer; Margaret and Rolph have served in interim ministry in the LCNZ. I’ve been informed that Margaret was recently involved in a serious traffic incident. She has spent some time in Intensive Care with many broken bones and lots of bruising. Please keep Margaret and Rolph in your prayers also.
Death of Priscilla Bennett
Again, many of you will remember the interim ministry of Pastor Ron Bennett and his wife Priscilla here in the LCNZ. News came through of Priscilla’s death some days ago, and I want to share what Ron wrote as he informed us of her dying –
- My beloved Priscilla went into a standing Jesus with His arms stretched out to welcome her to her new home. However, I believe a “miracle" happened a minute before she went to heaven. Her shallow breathing from an open mouth seemed to tell me "I need something from my husband before I die." So I closed her mouth and leaned down to kiss her and she puckered up her lips to reach mine … my last kiss … and a minute later she left her body. I then told the body, "Thanks for being the body that carried the spirit of my wife … which is now in heaven."
Lutheran Masses
If you love the music of Bach … music written for Divine Service in the Lutheran Liturgical Tradition … and if you happen to be in Wellington in March next year, don’t miss –
- The Bach Collegium Japan presenting The Lutheran Masses
- Thursday 6th March 2014 at 7:30pm in the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
- Tickets available at http://premier.ticketek.co.nz/Shows/Show.aspx?sh=LUTHERAN14
LCA Missionary, Greg Schiller writes -
- Hi there bishop! I wonder if any in the LCNZ are interested – I started a Facebook page for Lutheran Highlands Seminary, Ogelbeng where I now serve. The address is www.facebook.com/lhsogelbeng. Blessings, Greg.
Church Workers’ Conference – Wellington
Last week, most of the Church Workers’ of the LCNZ gathered at St Pauls Wellington for the final conference of the year. We also welcomed back to NZ Pastor Bob Kempe who is Co-ordinator for the LCA’s Continuing Education Program for Church Workers. Here are some of the things we did –
- Bob led us through a study of Galatians.
- Pastor Joe Kummerow (Mountainside) led us in an exegetical study of one of the readings for this last Sunday.
- Pastor Chris Janetzki (Upper Moutere / Hope) led us in our Opening Devotion on Wednesday morning in the grounds of the Botanic Gardens.
- We did a tour of Parliament.
- We visited the LCNZ National Office.
- We shared highs and lows with each other and prayed for each other.
- We enjoyed the hospitality of Pastor Jim Pietsch and the folk at St Pauls.
- We ate at a lovely restaurant in Khandallah … there’s a good steak deal on Wednesday evenings, eh!
- We sat back and relaxed over coffee and dessert at the Bishop’s manse.
This weekend the saints of God at Whakatane Lutheran Church will be celebrating 50 years of God’s blessing to and through them. Former Bay of Plenty Pastor, Robert Hamann will be preaching at the Divine Service on Sunday morning.
My greeting to Pastor John and the members of Whakatane Lutheran on behalf of the LCNZ read in part –
- This weekend you will look back with thanksgiving, and you have opportunity to look forward in hope. So, with thanksgiving for the past and hope for the future, my prayer is that you dedicate yourselves and your lives to the mission which God gives us as the Church of Jesus Christ in the community of Whakatane.
- For 50 years the living hope that is ours through belonging to Jesus Christ has been proclaimed, received, celebrated and lived out at Whakatane Lutheran. O give thanks to the Lord for this, for he has been and continues to be good! And whatever God has planned for you all, also be assured of this – (He) knows the plans (He) has for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
About 36 years ago I was getting ready to sit School-C (School Certificate). Remember that? I’ve been there, done that, like many of you have. But now it’s the turn of my 15 year old daughter, and heaps of other young people throughout the congregations of our LCNZ.
I realise lots of things have changed and that it’s not called School-C or UE anymore; I only hope that 2 + 2 still equals 4.
I found a neat little prayer that may be useful for the young people of the LCNZ as they face college and university exams –
- Loving God be with me now, as I prepare for my exams. Thank you for the many talents and gifts you have given me and for the opportunity of education. Calm my nerves and anxiety, help me to remember all that I have studied, to express it clearly and to answer the questions the very best that I can. Holy Spirit, sit with me in my exam and always. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Kia noho a Ihowa ki a koutou; the Lord be with you.
+MARK
Pastor Mark Whitfield BTh MSM
Bishop of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand / Pihopa o te Hāhi Rūtana o Aotearoa
