LCNZ Special Update - Christchurch Earthquakes

Kia ora koutou,

Some of you will be aware that Christchurch was hurt by two large earthquakes this afternoon (Friday 23.12.2011).

I emailed Pastor David Lipsys and here is his reply which he is happy for me to send out as a special update.

Once again we are called upon to cry to our Lord Jesus - the Prince of Peace - for his mercy and protection of those we know in this city and region, and indeed for all in Christchurch and Canterbury

Peace and love to you all.

Mark

Begin forwarded message:

From: David Lipsys
Date: 23 December 2011 7:09:28 PM NZDT
To: 'Mark Whitfield', 'Judy Calder'
Subject: RE: are you ok?

Hello Mark

Janine and I are OK; more liquefaction and flooding at our current home (can't get motor-bike up the flooded and more cracked driveway now), and more cracking in walls/floors. And some more broken household things that fell down/over. We haven't been past our new home yet, but hopefully it's OK! Electricity and phones/internet just back on now.

No word of any damage or injury to congregation members; Janine and I just home from checking on an elderly couple without any family to keep an eye on them, and they are a bit shaken, but OK. They had stuff fall down and out of kitchen cupboards again, again, again, again ...

I was out on my motorbike going to/from visiting a rapidy weakening 93 year old lady with terminal cancer in a hospice; on way felt shakes, saw power poles and traffic lights swaying wildly, and people rushing out of shops screaming. Starting to become ho-hum commonplace here!

Thanks for your concern,
DAVID & JANINE

P.S. We're waiting for our lovely cat, Morris, to return home; he was here after the earliest quakes when Janine got home, but has since vanished/run away! :-( :-(

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Whitfield
Sent: Friday, 23 December 2011 3:16 p.m.
To: Judy Calder; David Lipsys
Subject: are you ok?

Just checking in with you all -

Didn't want to clog up phone lines but wanted to see if you're ok. What a terribly sad thing for you on the eve of Christmas. We simply hope and pray that you've come thru ok, and thanks to God that at this stage there's only been one reported injury.

Blessings from the Prince of Peace and calm.

Mark

LCNZ Update 21 December 2011

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

Is There Any Room In Your Inn?
As I write this, Leanne, the girls and I are surrounded by boxes stacked all around the house. The removal guys have been here for two days now, and what has been our home (Myrtle we called her) for the last almost 11 years doesn’t look anything like home anymore. I’m finding it all a little bit unsettling. As much as it’s exciting to be going to a lovely new manse, I feel somewhat in no-man’s land … even a little bit homeless, albeit for a very short time, I know.

2000 years back the Son of God and his Mum and Dad found themselves somewhat homeless on the night that he was to be born. Of course, they were visitors to town and as we know there was no room in the inn. Thank God for the animal shed out the back and the feed-box filled with straw!

Each Christmas time I have this renewed sense that Jesus would delight to find a home … but not in an inn or in a stable or in a manger … but in our hearts.

As we have prayed during the 4 weeks of Advent – Come, Lord Jesus, Come – now is the time to open our hearts so that where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.

My prayer for you, for your family and for those you love is that you too will have real joy in receiving the Prince of Peace who is Jesus. Join me in praying with Pastor Martin Luther –

Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee. Amen.

Vom Himmel hoch, da komm’ ich her (From Heaven Above to Earth I Come)
Luke 2:1-18
Martin Luther 1535
Geistliche Lieder Leipzig 1539

National Office Christmas Break
The National Office will close for the Christmas break at midday of Wednesday 21st December and will re-open in early January (date to be advised).
I will lead Christmas worship in Marton on Christmas morning.
I will then be on leave from 26th December – 17th January 2012.
Vice President, Pastor John Davison will be on call during this time.
Administrator Wayne Drogemuller will possibly be back in the National Office a little earlier in the New Year
This has been a challenging year, and many of you have kindly journeyed with us through the difficult road to presidency. We hope and pray for better times in 2012, and we thank you again for your friendship, support and love for us in Christ.

Please now accept my love and the love of my family (Leanne, Chelsea, Brittany and Charlotte) as we wish you and your family blessing and joy this Christmas, and happiness in the New Year.

Ngā mihi mō te Kirihimete.

Mā te Atua koe e tiaki; God be with you.

+MARK
President Elect – Lutheran Church of New Zealand

LCNZ Update 16 December 2011

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

O Come, O Come Immanuel

O come, O come, Immanuel and ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

The writings of the prophet Isaiah inspired the hymn “O Come, O Come, Immanuel.” Long before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah prophesied about the Saviour God would send, implanting in the hearts of God’s people a longing for Immanuel. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary, Isaiah wrote, “The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)” (Isaiah 7:14). Though it was hard for the people in Isaiah’s day to imagine or understand how God would actually become a human, they began to long for this Messiah who would be “God with us.” They looked forward to the day when God would fulfil all his promises by coming to live with them.

We identify with them in their longing for God to fulfil his promise to send Jesus when we sing “O Come, O Come, Immanuel.”

To understand what this song is saying, we have to understand some of Israel’s history. Remember that at one time God’s people were slaves in Egypt and God brought them out, led by Moses. They wandered in the wilderness for forty years before finally entering into the land God had promised them. But God’s people sinned and rebelled, and after a while, one part of the country was carried off into exile to Assyria and another to Babylon. Living far away from home, the people of God longed for him to come and rescue them from their captivity. As they sat in exile, many undoubtedly remembered the prophetic words of Isaiah. A child was coming who would save Israel – the Lord’s presence in the flesh.

We sing of their longing in the first verse: O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

When we sing the verse “O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer …,” it reminds us of Zechariah’s prophecy: “The morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 1:78-79). In other words, Zechariah likened the coming Messiah to the rising sun, shining light upon the dark world (cf. John 1:1-5).

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

This song stirs in us a longing for Christ to come to fulfil his promises. The words prepare our hearts to truly celebrate Christmas when it comes. We are preparing for Christmas by purposefully nurturing in our hearts and in our homes a sacred longing for Christ to come. Singing this song reminds us that the birth of Christ was not a surprising turn of events in history; it was the long-awaited fulfilment of God’s promise to his people. As we sing it, we are encouraged that as he came before, he will come again! When he comes again, we’ll hear a shout from the throne of God, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them” (Revelation 21:3). When he comes back, all the longings we sing about will be fulfilled. Finally and forever we will enjoy Immanuel – God with us.

You are the God of history and time is in your hands,
so we know that you can be trusted to accomplish everything you intend in the world
and in our lives in your perfect timing.
So come, O come, Immanuel. Amen. 

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room: Daily Family Devotions for Advent
by Nancy Guthrie.

What’s Happening With the LCNZ President?
This last Wednesday Judy Calder (Council of Synod chair) and Dr David Stolz (representing President Michael Semmler) and I had a teleconference meeting to discuss where things are at with regard to my assuming the office of LCNZ President.

Since the middle of October I have been receiving specialised help from my GP and from my Spiritual Supervisor, and I’m delighted to report to you that the three of us believe that I am well enough to be installed as your President early next year.

I still have an on-going health issue with my throat and a very persistent cough, and so I have been referred to a respiratory specialist for further investigation.

In my pastoral letter to our Church Workers this week (which hasn’t been posted to them yet; sorry guys), I wrote the following –

As well as greeting you this Christmas, I am writing to let you know that I will be formally accepting and assuming the office of President of the LCNZ in the New Year, with an installation date set for Sunday 12th February at St Pauls in Wellington, most likely at 2.00pm.

As you are aware, the journey to the presidency for me and my family has been a tough one. However, all the way, we have been sustained by the love of God and by an awareness of the love such people as yourself have had for us … so thank you for your prayers and your support.

So, please set aside Sunday 12th February, and come on down to Wellington for a party … oh, and an installation as well. I’m looking forward to it!
 
Pastor Called To Wellington/Wairarapa
At a call meeting last Sunday at St Pauls Wellington, Pastor Michael Jarick – currently serving as a College Pastor in Queensland – was called to be pastor of St Pauls and St Francis (Mauriceville West). Please pray for Michael as he considers this call, and for the people of St Pauls and St Francis as they wait for his answer, and for God to provide them with a pastoral shepherd.

Continue also to pray for God’s people at Mountainside in Auckland as they continue to prepare to call a pastor.

All Together Seven (The White Book?)
Time for a new songbook – the last one came out over 4 years ago. Robin Mann wants songs to hear, writers to check out, song-books to explore. Community songs, ones you’ve heard in church or on CD. Send emails, CDs, print music to Robin Mann, 54 Currawong Crescent, Modbury Heights SA 5092 or by email.

ALWS Christmas Gifts Of Grace On The Way
Fishing nets. Footballs. Small start-up business loans. Pigs. The famous Lutheran Long Drop Loo. Yes, it’s ALWS Gifts of Grace time again. More than 20 unique gifts, starting from just $6, with many gifts under $20. Last year more than 10,000 Gifts of Grace brought joy to the people who gave them AND received them – here in NZ and in Australia, and in the developing communities where they were delivered. If you need catalogues, or would like to buy Gifts of Grace go to www.alws.org.au/grace.

Prayer at the National Office
Every Friday morning at 9.30am, the Staff of the LCNZ National Office takes time to read God’s Word together and to pray. Anyone is welcome to submit prayer requests to the email below, and if you’re in the neighbourhood, please feel free to pop in and join us.
 
National Office Christmas Break
The National Office will close for the Christmas break at midday of Wednesday 21st December and will re-open in early January (date to be advised).
My family and I will be shifting to the president’s manse from 19th – 22nd December.
I will lead Christmas worship in Marton on Christmas morning.
I will then be on leave from 26th December – 17th January 2012.
Vice President, Pastor John Davison will be on call during this time.

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

+MARK
President Elect – Lutheran Church of New Zealand

LCNZ Update 9 December 2011

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

Advent Week Two: Hoping For Hope
These devotional / meditation thoughts are sourced from ‘Devotions for Advent’ (New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers)

Advent is a time of hope; the spirit of eager anticipation pervades the senses. Even in the refuge of your own home, the season is inescapable as carollers dismiss the social inhibitions that dominate the other eleven months of the year. But when tragedy, depression, or loneliness steals your joy, you can almost resent the hope that others have. When we think our hope unfulfilled, we adjust our expectations. We take on new causes, reconsider our optimism, or sometimes become leery of new endeavours. We can even become angry with God, feeling desolate or abandoned. But even if we lose our hope in God, he will never give up on us. God doesn’t share our limited perspective, and that is one of the reasons that the hope of Advent isn’t dependent on how we are feeling. It can be comforting to rely on the one who gives us hope, even when the light of that hope doesn’t seem to penetrate our temporary darkness.

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.
—Isaiah 40:1

“Christianity has always been the hope of God through Jesus played out in the lives of real people living in real circumstances.”
—Doug Pagitt

Investment Opportunity In Whakatane
The manse in Whakatane is currently on the market. We wanted to let the wider church know in case anyone was looking for an investment opportunity in this area. The manse is newly refurbished and has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths and the price is negotiable.

Ordination
The Lord of the harvest has given the LCA seven more labourers to send out into his harvest. What a joy it was to see these men ordained last Sunday 4 December. In God’s grace they accepted without reservation the Holy Scriptures as the inspired and inerrant Word of God. They promised to uphold the public teaching and practices of the LCA and placed themselves under the oversight of the Church. The Confessional assent and vows were not made in their own strength. As restored children of God, in his love, in the faith he gives and in the resurrection of his Son, our Lord Jesus, they publicly announced their promises. Their commitment to God’s Word and the Confessions of the Church because the latter are a correct exposition of the Word of God (Thesis of Agreement IX 4) assures the Church which has supported them and continues to pray for them that they will join us in teaching and pastoring and searching the Scriptures for truth, as the source for our faith and lives.

The graduate assignments for 2012 are:

• Jade Bauer to Whyalla SA
• Wayne George to Greenock SA
• Steven Hibbard to Gilgandra/Dubbo NSW
• Sean McMaughan to Natimuk VIC
• Greg Page to Holy Cross Murray Bridge SA
• Harry Pickett to Lameroo SA
• Wing Wah Tso to NSW District (in preparation to assist the ministry to Chinese communities in Sydney)

National Office Christmas Break
The National Office will close for the Christmas break at midday of Wednesday 21st December and will re-open in early January (date to be advised) –

• My family and I will be shifting to the president’s manse from 19th – 22nd December.
• I will lead Christmas worship in Marton on Christmas morning.
• I will then be on leave from 26th December – 17th January 2012.
• Vice President, Pastor John Davison will be on call during this time – phone 07 839 5768.
• I’ll try and provide more details in next week’s update.

All Together Seven (The White Book?)
Time for a new songbook – the last one came out over 4 years ago. Robin Mann wants songs to hear, writers to check out, song-books to explore. Community songs, ones you’ve heard in church or on CD. Send emails, CDs, print music to Robin Mann, 54 Currawong Crescent, Modbury Heights SA 5092 or by email.

Call Information
Extended

• Michael Jarick Grace Lutheran College QLD to Hermannsburg NT
• Andrew Ruddell Rainbow VIC to Hamilton VIC
• Jon Goessling Glynde SA to Tatachilla College SA
• Adam Eime Henty NSW to Tabor VIC
• Brian Keller Eudunda SA to Southern Yorke Peninsula SA

Accepted

• Andrew Koehler Gladstone QLD to Good Shepherd College Palmerston NT
• Greg Fowler Endeavour College Mawson Lakes SA to Tuggeranong ACT

ALWS Christmas Gifts Of Grace On The Way
Fishing nets. Footballs. Small start-up business loans. Pigs. The famous Lutheran Long Drop Loo. Yes, it’s ALWS Gifts of Grace time again. More than 20 unique gifts, starting from just $6, with many gifts under $20. Last year more than 10,000 Gifts of Grace brought joy to the people who gave them AND received them – here in NZ and in Australia, and in the developing communities where they were delivered. If you need catalogues, or would like to buy Gifts of Grace go to www.alws.org.au/grace.

Bach Cantata Vespers
Singing the Faith – part three of a three part series exploring the heritage of Lutheran music – J.S.Bach, Felix Mendelssohn and the “Confessional Revival”This Sunday evening – 11th December, 5.00pm – St Pauls Lutheran Church, 12 King Street, Mt Cook, Wellington

Prayer At The National Office
Every Friday morning at 9.30am, the Staff of the LCNZ National Office takes time to read God’s Word together and to pray. Anyone is welcome to submit prayer requests, and if you’re in the neighbourhood, please feel free to pop in and join us.

Jean King Books
There are a few copies of Jean King’s book, The Lutheran Story – a Brief History of the Lutheran Church in New Zealand 1843-1993 available at the National Office. If you’re interested in getting a copy, please contact the National Office.

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

+MARK
President Elect – Lutheran Church of New Zealand

LCNZ Update 1 December 2011

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

Each week during Advent I want to begin by sharing with you some resources to assist you in your Advent devotional life.

Advent Week One: Longing
Waiting doesn’t resonate well in our culture. Our spending habits serve as one good example. Because we need it now, we rack up outlandish debts we may have no plan for repaying. The Christian life is – and always has been – filled with waiting. Whether it was the Old Testament anticipation of the promised Messiah or the New Testament eager expectation for Jesus Christ’s return, believers are often focused on what is to come. It seems that God teaches us the most poignant lessons when we pay attention to the ways in which his Kingdom is upside down from ours. Perhaps God wants us to feel strongly dissatisfied with the imperfections of our current state and long for what is to come. Could it be that in those moments of yearning we grow to better understand the ways of our Lord?

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
— Matthew 24:44

Advent helps us to understand the fullness of the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, we must understand that our whole life should be an ‘advent,’ in vigilant expectation of Christ’s final coming. To prepare our hearts to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, will come one day to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize his presence in the events of daily life. Advent is then a period of intense training that directs us decisively to the One who has already come, who will come and who continuously comes.
— Pope John Paul II

Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
— 1 Corinthians 1:7

John Lennon was right about one thing in his song “Imagine.” This world is broken, and we should yearn for its healing. Our hearts should ache for a better world. Sadly, our culture often fosters a complacent, blasé, smug approach to Christianity. In the words of C. S. Lewis, “We are far too easily pleased.” We’re happy to numb and freeze our restless ache for a better world. Advent is the season of the church year that ignites that longing in our hearts. Before we rush into “Happy Holidays,” we pause and let longing rise up within us. Throughout Advent we catch glimpses of a better world. And as we catch glimpses of this Messiah-healed world, we long for its coming now. All of the best Advent hymns capture this spirit of groaning and longing for Messiah’s better world. When we sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” with its dark, unresolved melody, it cracks our hearts open with longing’s wound. And yet, we know Messiah has come, even as we wait for him to come again. Advent is a deliciously painful mix of joy and anguish. This Advent-like longing is at the heart of Christian spirituality. Augustine’s Latin phrase desiderium sinus cordis — “yearning makes the heart grow deep”—became a central theme in his pilgrimage on earth. Augustine cried out, “Give me one who yearns; give me one far away in this desert, who is thirsty and sighs for the spring of the Eternal country. Give me that sort of man: he knows what I mean.” C. S. Lewis claimed that in this life the Advent-like stab of longing serves as a spiritual homing device, placed deep in our heart by God to lead us back to him. Thus, as Psyche realizes in Till We Have Faces, “It almost hurt me . . . like a bird in a cage when the other birds of its kind are flying home. The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing to find the place where all the beauty came from. The longing for home.”

Advent trains us to ache again. Of all the seasons of the church year, Advent is the time to acknowledge, feel, and even embrace the joyful anguish of longing for Messiah’s birth and the world’s rebirth. So we sing our aching songs while we light candles and festoon the church with greenery. That is Advent longing, and we couldn’t imagine it any other way.

Everlasting God,
in whom we live and move and have our being:
You have made us for yourself,
so that our hearts are restless
until they rest in you.
— Augustine of Hippo

Gateway Gift Trust Board / Council of Synod Meetings
Held at Botany Lutheran Church 25th – 26th November 2011

Council of Synod

• Pastor John Davison has been appointed the new Vice President of the LCNZ.
• Pastor Chris Janetzki has been appointed as the COS extra Pastor Member.
• Both these appointments are effective from 1st January 2012.
• COS members spent considerable time talking about Mission and Congregational Growth. This discussion flows out the key LCNZ initiatives that came out of the LCNZ summit that was held midway through 2010.
• Developing a Proactive Mission Culture, it was decided to rework the LCNZ Vision Statement "Celebration 21" and have this statement as the starting point of all our future discussions.
• Rationalisation of Pastoral resources to establish regional ministry. It was noted that the Hamilton/Bay of Plenty Ministry area seems to be working well at this stage.
• Youth and Children's Ministry. Planning is already underway for the 2012 National Youth Camp. Childsafe training has taken place at Upper Moutere and other training days are being planned for early 2012.

Lutheran Support Ministries

• LSM were led by 20/20 participant Katharina Borzsik on a visioning and planning day. Katharina led COS through the outcomes of this planning day.
• Web Manager Simon Lieschke is to remind congregations on a regular basis to keep the information on the LCNZ Web page up to date.
• Olive Tree has a new editor. Dan Carswell has agreed to take on the editing of the Olive Tree. Our thanks go to Anna Kroehn for being the editor for the past year. We need to find a new printer for the Olive Tree as the Palmerston North Boys High School printing facilities are no longer available to us. ome options for a new printer are being investigated.

Twenty20 Training

• There is an Administration Workshop planned for March 2012.

President's Report

• President Elect Mark is working on a draft plan for visiting congregations in 2012.
• Wellington Call meeting is scheduled for 4th December.
• Mountainside's Call meeting will be held sometime in January 2012.
• The Whitfield's will be moving into the new President's manse in late December.

LCNZ Office Support

• COS will be advertising for the position of LCNZ Administrator (30 hrs a week) and for a part time Finance Officer (25 hours per month) with both positions to begin in February 2012.

Gateway Gift Trust Board

• Major grants for 2012 totalling $246,876 were approved.

Vacancies in Te Ora Hou Whanganui for Mission Minded Persons
Here are 2 fantastic local mission opportunities for people who would like to join our team and who are passionate about transformative change in communities … more specifically OUR community! Both these positions work closely together, and both have a component of youth work and community development. Please contact Judy Kumeroa, Te Ora Hou Whanganui, 32 Totara St, Whanganui – 06 3447860, 027 426 6494 for more information. Applications close on 9th December.

Investment Opportunity in Whakatane
The manse in Whakatane is currently on the market. We wanted to let the wider church know in case anyone was looking for an investment opportunity in this area. The manse is newly refurbished and has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths and the rice is negotiable.

Ordinations
The Ordination Service for the LCA/NZ takes place this Sunday, 4th December at Concordia College Chapel in Adelaide. Wayne George is amongst the group of graduates from Australian Lutheran College to be ordained.

ALWS Christmas Gifts of Grace on the Way
Fishing nets. Footballs. Small start-up business loans. Pigs. The famous Lutheran Long Drop Loo. Yes, it’s ALWS Gifts of Grace time again. More than 20 unique gifts, starting from just $6, with many gifts under $20. Last year more than 10,000 Gifts of Grace brought joy to the people who gave them AND received them – here in NZ and in Australia, and in the developing communities where they were delivered.

If you need catalogues, or would like to buy Gifts of Grace go to www.alws.org.au/grace.

Call Information
The St Pauls Wellington and St Francis Mauriceville West hold a call meeting this Sunday, 4th December. Mountainside has postponed their call meeting until sometime in January next year.

Prayer at the National Office
Every Friday morning at 9.30am, the Staff of the LCNZ National Office takes time to read God’s Word together and to pray. Anyone is welcome to submit prayer requests to the email below, and if you’re in the neighbourhood, please feel free to pop in and join us.

Jean King Books
There are a few copies of Jean King’s book, The Lutheran Story – a Brief History of the Lutheran Church in New Zealand 1843-1993 available at the National Office. If you’re interested in getting a copy, please contact the National Office.

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

+MARK
President Elect – Lutheran Church of New Zealand

LCNZ Update 24 November 2011

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

Monrad Celebrations
The program for The Bishop Ditlev Gothard Monrad bicentenary Celebrations is underway. Dr Steen Olsen delivered a lecture entitled, The Spiritual Legacy of Bishop D.G. Monrad in New Zealand at Victoria University, Pipetea Campus in Wellington on Wednesday evening. Other speakers included Dr Steve Behrendt (Head of History at Victoria University), Professor Julie Allen (Assistant Professor of Scandinavian Studies at the University of Wisconsin), and Vick Robson (Curator of European Art at Te Papa) who gave an illustrated lecture on the Monrad Collection of Etchings and Engravings at Te Papa.

There is still time to catch up with some of the events associated with this bicentenary celebration, so please check out the website.

Nominations To Council of Synod
At the recent Church Workers Conference held in Upper Moutere, Pastor John Davison (Hamilton/Bay of Plenty) was nominated as Vice President of the LCNZ, and Pastor Chris (sometimes now known as Ernst) Janetzki (Upper Moutere) was nominated as the Extra Pastor member of the Council of Synod.

Meetings
As I mentioned last week, we are currently completing the final round of meetings for 2011. The Gateway Gift Trust Board and the Council of Synod are meeting this weekend at Botany Lutheran Church in Auckland.

Investment Opportunity In Whakatane
The manse in Whakatane is currently on the market. We wanted to let the wider church know in case anyone was looking for an investment opportunity in this area. The manse is newly refurbished and has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths and the rice is negotiable.

Interim Vice President
General Church Council has appointed Pastor Mark Lieschke, NSW District President, as the Interim Vice President of the LCA until their next meeting in February 2012. At this meeting the General Church Council will decide on the position of Vice President to carry through to the next convention of Synod in April 2013. Pastor Mark Lieschke served in the LCNZ as pastor in the Manawatu and Marton parishes.

Pastoral Ministry Graduate Assignments
The College of Presidents have assigned six of the seven pastoral ministry graduates for this year as follows:

Wayne George to Greenock SA
Steven Hibbard to Gilgandra/Dubbo NSW
Sean McMaughan to Natimuk VIC
Greg Page to Holy Cross Murray Bridge SA
Harry Pickett to Lameroo SA
Wing Wah Tso to NSW District

The assignment of Jade Bauer will be made by this weekend.

The Ordination Service will be held on Sunday 4th December at Concordia College Chapel in Adelaide. Australian Lutheran College will hold its Valedictory service and Graduation ceremony this weekend in Adelaide.

Wayne, Samantha & Liam George
As you will have read above, Wayne has been assigned to the Greenock Parish in the Barossa Valley just north of Adelaide. Taking up ministry in the ‘first parish’ is an exciting time for a graduate pastor and his family but it can also be a time of some apprehension. That’s why it’s important for Wayne, Samantha and Liam to know that they are supported and loved by many others who look to the Lord Jesus for strength and purpose in their lives. That’s you, folks! Can I please ask you to I ask you to continue to uphold Wayne, Samantha and Liam in your prayers as they complete their time at ALC and prepare to take up full time ministry in the parish?

ALWS Christmas Gifts of Grace on the Way
Fishing nets. Footballs. Small start-up business loans. Pigs. The famous Lutheran Long Drop Loo. Yes, it’s ALWS Gifts of Grace time again. More than 20 unique gifts, starting from just $6, with many gifts under $20. Last year more than 10,000 Gifts of Grace brought joy to the people who gave them AND received them – here in NZ and in Australia, and in the developing communities where they were delivered.

If you need catalogues, or would like to buy Gifts of Grace go to www.alws.org.au/grace.

Call Information
The St Pauls Wellington and St Francis Mauriceville West congregation have postponed their call meeting to Sunday 4th December. Mountainside have postponed their call meeting indefinitely.

Prayer at the National Office
Every Friday morning at 9.30am, the Staff of the LCNZ National Office takes time to read God’s Word together and to pray. Anyone is welcome to submit prayer requests to the email below, and if you’re in the neighbourhood, please feel free to pop in and join us.

Jean King Books
There are a few copies of Jean King’s book, The Lutheran Story – a Brief History of the Lutheran Church in New Zealand 1843-1993 available at the National Office. If you’re interested in getting a copy, please contact the National Office.

Bach Cantata Vespers
We are delighted to advise you of Part Three of the “Singing the Faith” series of the Bach Cantata Vespers at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, and invite you and people from your community to join us. As on the previous two occasions, a DVD will be shown instead of the usual cantata. The DVD focuses on music by JS Bach, Felix Mendelssohn and the “Confessional Revival”. Lisette Wesseling (soprano) and Roger Wilson (bass) will also sing music from cantatas for the season of Advent.

5.00pm Sunday 11th December
St Paul’s Lutheran Church
12 King Street
Mt Cook
Wellington

There is no admission, but we invite you to contribute to a koha/offering which will be received during the service.

A new series of Bach Cantata Vespers has already been planned for 2012. Watch for more information in the New Year.

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

+MARK
President Elect – Lutheran Church of New Zealand

LCNZ Update 18 November 2011

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

In the Middle
We are currently in the middle of the final round of meetings for 2011. Lutheran Support Ministries (LSM) recently spent a day in visioning and strategic planning, facilitated by Katharina Borszik. The LLL, the Finance Advisory Committee, the Salary Advisory Committee, the Gateway Gift Trust Board and the Council of Synod have all recently met or are planning to meet in coming days.

These committees and boards and councils of our church exist to support our most fundamental objective or responsibility as church, which are summed up in the constitution of the church, namely:

To fulfil the mission of the Christian Church in the world by proclaiming the Word of God and administering the Sacraments (Constitution of the LCNZ, Part III, Objects).

So, please pray for these committees that in their work and decision-making they might always keep before them the aim of supporting the church in its proclamation of Jesus Christ!

Gateway Gift Trust Board and Council of Synod will be hosted by Botany Lutheran Fellowship in Auckland for their meetings next Friday and Saturday.

Monrad Celebrations
The program for The Bishop Ditlev Gothard Monrad bicentenary Celebrations reaches its climax during this coming week. Former LCNZ pastor and president, Dr Steen Olsen will be speaking at The Monrad Lectures at Rutherford House, Victoria University in Wellington on Wednesday 23rd November at 6.00pm.

Please check out the very informative website which includes information on all the events taking place in Wellington, Auckland, and in the Manawatu.

Investment Opportunity in Whakatane
The manse in Whakatane is currently on the market. We wanted to let the wider church know in case anyone was looking for an investment opportunity in this area. The manse is newly refurbished and has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths and the rice is negotiable.

Call Information
Please pray for the members of St Paul's Wellington and St Francis Mauriceville West as they hold a call meeting this Sunday (27th) and for Mountainside in Auckland who have shifted their call meeting to Sunday 4th December.

Prayer at the National Office
Every Friday morning at 9.30am, the staff of the LCNZ National Office (Wayne Drogemuller and Yours Truly) takes time to read God’s Word together and to pray. Anyone is welcome to submit prayer requests to the email below, and if you’re in the neighbourhood, please feel free to pop in and join us.

Jean King Books
There are a few copies of Jean King’s book, The Lutheran Story – a Brief History of the Lutheran Church in New Zealand 1843-1993 available at the National Office. If you’re interested in getting a copy, please contact the National Office.

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

+MARK
President Elect – Lutheran Church of New Zealand

LCNZ Update 4 November 2011

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

LSM Vision And Strategic Planning Workshop
Tomorrow (Saturday 5th) the Lutheran Support Ministries (LSM) committee will meet in Palmerston North to be led in a visioning and strategic planning workshop by Katharina Borszik. As Katharina has written to the LSM committee in preparation for this workshop – this is about having a shared understanding of where we are going as LCNZ so that the LSM can continue to assist our congregations in their mission and ministry.

International Disaster Response Conference for Lutherans
Past President, Rob Erickson recently attended this conference in the USA. He showed a 4 minute clip of Christchurch City Centre produced by the Christchurch City Council and then spoke on the earthquake and how Pastor David Lipsys and the members of St Paul's Lutheran Church in Christchurch had responded. He also thanked the LC-MS (Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod) for their donation.



Investment Opportunity In Whakatane
The manse in Whakatane is currently on the market. We wanted to let the wider church know in case anyone was looking for an investment opportunity in this area. The manse is newly refurbished and has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths and the price is negotiable.

Safe Place
Pastor Lee Kroehn ran Safe Place training at Upper Moutere after the conclusion of ChildSafe Team Member training. The LCNZ’s Safe Place policy aims to ensure that all paid employees and volunteers within the LCNZ are protected from sexual abuse and harassment. 9 members of Upper Moutere attended the training.


Childsafe Team Leader Training
Andy and Abbey Bensemann, Amy Brinkman, Anna and Pastor Lee Kroehn attended an online ChildSafe Team Leader training session on the 2nd of Nov. This training highlighted the need for our churches to continue to work towards complying with this risk assessment and management system.

Anna Kroehn also writes:

On Saturday 29th Oct I trained 8 volunteers from Upper Moutere in the ChildSafe Team Member material. They are now all fully certified and trained to volunteer in children and youth ministry in their parish. They were all very receptive to the training and showed high levels of concern for the safety of children in their programs by asking intelligent and thoughtful questions and applying the material to their local situation. Their feedback will also be used as we continue to work on implementing the ChildSafe Policy across our district, where the mandatory reporting and legal requirements for ChildSafe environments are significantly less than in Australia. We are excited to be leading the way in terms of implementing this policy without legal compulsion and hope that the Lutheran Church in NZ will be leading the way amongst its fellow Christian communities when the legislation will no doubt catch up to us. Upper Moutere now has 10 team members fully trained, 3 people trained at team leader level and a coordinator. Abbey and Andy Benesmann completed the Team Leader training via an online "Go to Meeting" conducted by James Zeirsch, of the SA/NT District of the LCA. We are linking into their Team Leader and Coordinator training sessions that occur over the internet with voice connection, so that people can train from anywhere in the world so long as they have access to a computer, broadband internet connection and a microphone and speakers (such as are connected to a webcam).

The 6 hour training session will also inform any Team Leader training that I (Anna Kroehn) deliver in person in NZ. Pastor Lee Kroehn and Amy Brinkman (layworker of Manawatu Parish) also attended the online "Go to Meeting".

If anyone would like training delivered in their region, please contact Anna Kroehn to arrange a training date.

All congregations are reminded that Council of Synod made a decision that in 2012 congregations are not to be engaging in Child and Youth ministries unless they are compliant with the ChildSafe policy. The first step towards this compliance is getting all your children and youth ministry volunteers police checked through the National Office, and trained in the Team Member training delivered by Anna.

All Pastors need to be trained in all 3 levels of ChildSafe, beginning with the Team Member training and working upwards through Team Leader and Coordinator so that they can effectively help any layworkers and laypeople as they serve in these roles.


Call Information
St Paul's Wellington will hold a pre-call meeting on Sunday 6th November, and Mountainside is planning for a call meeting on Sunday 27th November.


Prayer at the National Office
Every Friday morning at 9.30am, the staff of the LCNZ National Office (Wayne Drogemuller and Yours Truly) takes time to read God’s Word together and to pray. Anyone is welcome to submit prayer requests to the email below, and if you’re in the neighbourhood, please feel free to pop in and join us.


Jean King Books
There are a few copies of Jean King’s book, The Lutheran Story – a Brief History of the Lutheran Church in New Zealand 1843-1993 available at the National Office. If you’re interested in getting a copy, please contact the National Office.

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

+MARK
President Elect – Lutheran Church of New Zealand

LCNZ Update 29 October 2011

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

Church Workers Conference
This past week all thirteen Church Workers of the LCNZ (plus some wives and kids) met in conference at St Paul's Lutheran Community Church in Upper Moutere. The last time a CWC had been held in this beautiful village was over 11 years ago, and the locals – Pastor Chris and Haidee Janetzki, together with members of the congregation there – made us feel very welcome. Our conferences offer opportunity for:

• Sharing the joys and challenges of ministry
• Worshipping together
• Praying for each other
• Studying scripture together
• Relaxing together
• Discussing matters of LCNZ ministry

We were also delighted to attend the Nelson Youth Theatre's performance of Cabaret one evening, starring Haidee Janetzki in the role of Sally Bowles and Pastor Chris as Ernst Ludwig. Haidee and Chris were wonderful in their performance and we commend them for the way they are using their acting talents to connect with their community.

At the end of conference we also prayed for blessing on Pastor Milton Fritsch who was attending his last conference before leaving for Ipswich at the end of the year.

Oh yes … and some of us discovered Peckham's Boysenberry cider on tap at the Old Moutere Inn … and I’m led to believe that it is a very nice drop.

Twenty20 Workshop – Governance
Three people (along with 2 observers) attended the Twenty20 Governance Workshop in Wellington on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October.

President’s Manse
The result of the postal vote on the President’s manse proposal was as follows:

Votes for: 21
Votes against: 1

A conditional offer was made on the house in Khandallah that had been viewed almost two weeks ago. This offer was made last Friday and was accepted during this past week. Settlement is set for the 16th December.

Call Information
St Paul's Wellington is working towards a call meeting on Sunday 6th November, and Mountainside is planning for a call meeting on Sunday 27th November.

Jean King Books
There are a few copies of Jean King’s book, The Lutheran Story – a Brief History of the Lutheran Church in New Zealand 1843-1993 available at the National Office. If you’re interested in getting a copy, please contact the National Office.

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

+MARK
President Elect – Lutheran Church of New Zealand

LCNZ Update 18 October 2011

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

Update on the LCNZ Presidency
Many of you will be aware by now that due to health concerns, my installation to the presidency of the church has been cancelled. For some time now I have been quite unwell, but have tried to put on a brave face and keep going. It is the considered opinion of those wiser than me that the physical signs of my poor health (coughing and headaches) are an indicator of other issues of fatigue and un-wellness; i.e. emotional and mental fatigue.

I have sought the advice of my doctor and my Spiritual Supervisor/Companion, and they are suggesting a significantly reduced workload until early in 2012 while I receive treatment and hopefully start to get better.

I realise that many of you - especially the members of the LCNZ - will be concerned to receive this news; this certainly is not the way I wanted to start my term as president of the LCNZ.

Last week, Judy Calder (chair of the Council of Synod) sent out the following statement to members of the church:

Unfortunately Pastor Mark has been unwell for some time. Because of this continuing situation, he has been advised that at this stage it would be inappropriate for him to take on this demanding responsibility.

Because of this situation, it has been decided that the installation is to be cancelled. Further decisions will be made in the light of health improvements, at a later date. In the interim, Pastor Milton Fritsch (Auckland) will continue in the role of Acting President and Pastor Mark Whitfield will carry out some duties as President-elect.

Please uphold Pastor Mark, his wife Leanne and their three daughters in your prayers as they seek healing, health and comfort.

Over the next 2-3 months until the beginning of 2012, I will re-assess the schedule I have in place and will make appropriate adjustments in order to facilitate healing as quickly as possible.

I also want to say that I have not made any other plans nor am I exploring any other options, apart from the plan to get better.

Twenty20 Workshop - Governance
Once again I would like to encourage you to consider attending this workshop to be held in Wellington on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October. For more information please check the website.

President's Manse
Council of Synod are currently investigating the possibility of a manse in the suburb of Khandallah. It was viewed by three members of CoS on Monday and a building inspection is being arranged for the next day or so.

Memorial Service - Dawn Klein
Around 18-20 members of St Matthews Hamilton gathered for a Memorial Service at the same time the funeral for Dawn Klein (wife of Pastor Byron Klein) was taking place in South Australia last Wednesday. Dawn served alongside Byron in ministry at Hamilton (and in Marton) during the 1970s.

Kidz Klub Max: "Pyramid Rock"
This week St Pauls Christchurch with the help of folk from St Lukes Palmerston North are running a school holiday programme for primary kids, including stories, songs, games, crafts, afternoon tea. The idea is that participants will follow in the footsteps of Joseph, and discover how God and Joseph made the pyramids ROCK!

Please pray for this program over the next few days.


Call Information
This coming Sunday I will have the pleasure of leading worship and preaching at Mountainside in Auckland, and after the service I will participate in their pre-call meeting.

St Pauls Wellington are continuing with their pre-call process under the watchful and caring eye of Pastor David Lipsys. Retired pastor, Norm Bergen and his wife Kay will be coming to St Pauls for January and February next year; Norm will serve as interim during that time.

Meetings in Adelaide
Last week I attended a College of Presidents meeting in Adelaide and participated in the graduate Interviews at Australian Lutheran College. Seven men have been presented to the church for ordination later this year. I was impressed at the passion these men and their wives had for getting out into the church in order to start their ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please keep these men and their families in your prayers.

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

+MARK
President Elect - Lutheran Church of New Zealand

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

LCNZ Update 29 September 2011

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

It is wonderful to have finally settled in enough to be able to send my first LCNZ Update, even though it still comes at this stage from me in my capacity as President-Elect.

Office
Over the past 2-3 weeks I have gradually shifted from my office at St Pauls Wellington to the National Office at 14 Oxford Terrace, Mt Cook.  Attention in these opening weeks has been given to ensuring the new phone system works well, updating the wireless internet connections, setting up a new computer, as well as a general tidy-up of the whole office area.

Office hours remain 9.00am-2.00pm, Tuesday through Friday, although I am often contactable beyond those hours.

Please, if you're in the area, pop in and say 'Kia ora' and Wayne and I will make sure you're offered a cuppa.

President's Manse
Council of Synod are now working towards the purchase of a manse that meets the LCA/NZ Housing Standards. Several homes have already been viewed. Until such time that a new manse is purchased, St Pauls Wellington have been happy for the President and his family to remain in the St Pauls manse.

Council of Synod Meeting / Rite of Reconciliation
The President's manse issue has not been an easy one for the Whitfield family and for CoS.  Out of love for the LCNZ - its people, its president-elect, its leadership, and its future ministry - LCA President Michael Semmler appointed Rev Dr David Stolz (retired president of LCA, Victoria/Tasmania) to assist in working with the Whitfield family and CoS towards an appropriate housing solution.  Dr Stolz was also asked to lead us through a process and Rite of Reconciliation.

To that end, Dr Stolz is coming to Wellington this weekend.  The process and Rite of Reconciliation will be taking place on Saturday from 9.00am-12 midday, and we invite your prayer covering for this time of confession, repentance, and forgiveness and healing.  At the conclusion of the rite we will receive God's healing grace in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and then with hearts filled with gratitude to our wonderful God, we will sing Now Thank We all our God.  Sing along if you wish wherever you are, at around 12 midday!

CoS will then have 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
This will take place on Sunday 30th October at 4.00pm at St Pauls Wellington, 12 King Street, Mt Cook, followed by a fellowship meal which will extend the LLL (Longest Lutheran Lunch) into the LLT (Longest Lutheran Tea). More details in the form of an official invitation will follow. Well done, Marton and Palmy. I've heard you're getting a bus together to bring people down.

Visiting
In amongst my shifting in to the National Office, I have managed to already start getting out amongst the people and congregations of our church - something I really want to do. During September I have led worship in Marton (2x), Halcombe and Tauranga. This Sunday I am visiting and preaching for the folk at Redeemer Lutheran in the Hawkes Bay. As things settle down a little bit more, I'm looking forward to arranging to visit the rest of you.

Meetings In Adelaide
From the 9th to the 18th October I will be attending my first round of meetings in Adelaide. These meetings will include College of Presidents, Graduate Interviews (Australian Lutheran College / Seminary), General Church Council, and a Hermeneutics Conference in the Barossa Valley. I'm also booked up for orientation meetings with Larissa Helbig (PA to President Semmler) and Debbie Venz (Business Manager of the LCA).

Calls
Some of you may / may not have caught up with the news that Pastor Milton Fritsch from Mountainside in Auckland has accepted the call to St Johns Lutheran Church in Ipswich, Queensland. Pastor Milton will leave New Zealand after Christmas. We give thanks to God for the servant-heart that Pastor Milton has had for the church here in New Zealand and especially for the church (including Botany) in the Auckland region. We wish Pastor Milton, Gaylea and their children every blessing as they conclude their time and ministry here, and as they prepare to return to Australia.

I will be visiting Mountainside on the 23rd October to start working through a call process with them.

I have invited Pastor David Lipsys (Christchurch) to have pastoral oversight of the call process at St Pauls Wellington; thank you David for accepting this invitation.

Please pray for both congregations as they seek to be led to call the shepherd God has set apart for them.

Have I Forgotten Something?
I probably have forgotten something, but then please just remember, I'm new to this. If there is something I have forgotten - and I know lots of good things have been happening (Kogudus, Twenty20 in Whanganui) - then please let me know what you want shared, and I'll endeavour to share it.

For now, peace and aroha to you all in Jesus' name.

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

+MARK
President Elect - Lutheran Church of New Zealand

LCNZ Update 2 August 2011

Grace to you and peace,

Just a few items to mention in this LCNZ Update to the members and friends of our Lutheran Church in New Zealand.

This week we were emailed an application form to receive a $15,000 (US) grant from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod for the St Paul's Christchurch congregation. The money can be used to help members of the congregation or others in the community. Several people had contributed in the USA, but there was a delay in receiving notification. We thank the donors and the LCMS. Friends, there are so many ongoing earthquake related problems and needs in Christchurch. We cannot let them go off the radar.

This coming Sunday the 7th of August 4pm, at Wanganui, Mr Phil Husband will be ordained. I mentioned this in the last Update.

I've been asked to inform you that Pastor Mark Whitfield's date for his installation as President of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand may be postponed. You will be informed as soon as possible about any change.

I (President Rob) have been asked to extend my official and administrative time as President for another week to the 14th of August. No problem and happy to do it. Betsy and I fly back to Brisbane on the 18th of August, and I'll start work as LCA Interim Pastor on the 1st of September.

Pastor Milton Fritsch (Mountainside Auckland) has the call to the Ipswich Parish by Brisbane. Please pray for him and his family as he decides over the next few weeks whether he will accept or decline the Letter of Call.

We thank God for the successful and safe National Youth Camp which had over 30 campers and leaders. You can read about that in the next edition of The Olive Tree.

OLIVE TREE --

Acts 2:44-47 "All the believers were together and they had everything in common...and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved". The theme for the next Olive Tree is "Walking together". Articles based on this theme, and news of what is happening in your local church and community are welcomed. A firm copy deadline for the next Olive Tree is 15 August 2011. Please email any articles to anna_kroehn@hotmail.com or send via “snail mail” to 5 Adrien Way, Palmerston North, 4412.

God bless,
<><
Rev. Robert Erickson
president@lutheran.org.nz

LCNZ Update 15 July 2011

Grace to you and peace,

 

Mr Phillip Husband will be ordained as a Pastor of the Lutheran Church of Australia and our Lutheran Church of New Zealand. The specific call Phil will have is to the members at Whanganui, NZ.

 

DATE

Sunday 7^th August, Pentecost 8

 

PLACE

Harrison Street Community Church, St John’s Lutheran Church, Whanganui, New Zealand

 

ORDINATOR

President Robert Erickson, assisted by Pastor (or President Elect) Mark Whitfield

(This service will also mark the final service for Pastor Erickson as President.)

 

 

INSTALLATION OF PRESIDENT MARK

President Elect Mark Whitfield will be installed as President of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand on Sunday the 28^th of August, 10:00am at St. Paul’s Lutheran, Wellington.

Rev Dr Michael Semmler, President of the Lutheran Church of Australia will be officiating.

 

SUDAN

A few weeks ago President Mike Semmler wrote to all congregations requesting that prayer be made for the refugees and people in Sudan. The situation has not improved, and in fact has gotten worse.  Our Lutheran World Service is working on our behalf, but there are obstacles in getting aid to the people. Please continue to pray for peace in Sudan and the safety of the Lutheran teams and those they support there.

 

OPEN LETTER FROM ONE OF OUR TWENTY20 TRAINEES

If you would like to read about her disappointment and then a word of encouragement then follow this link to our LCNZ Blog: http://goo.gl/B7iaJ

 

God bless,

 

Pastor Robert Erickson

 

 

A letter from one of our Twenty20 Leadership Trainees

(A letter from one of our Twenty20 Leadership Trainees – unedited)

Hello,

I am sad, because I have been receiving updates from Grassroots Training on registration numbers regarding the Twenty20 (T20) workshops and there are NO registrations from NZ! at this stage at least  (me thinking positively here).

I am sad because I am working very hard and making sacrifices - and all the other T20 people too - to be part of the T20 program because I want to give this back to the congregations and God. I knew this will be hard but we cannot do this alone. NO registrations???

Change is not what other people do - change is what YOU do! We met at the summit in Auckland last year and talked about not wanting our church to be dead in 20 years or so. We need to change NOW and that starts with people in the congregations. With you.

The workshops will be a wonderful platform to share knowledge. We, the presenters will not lecture about finances - for example - because we are no accountants. If you have knowledge or experience the presenters don't have, share it with the people in the workshop - everybody benefits.

We try to help you supporting your congregation.

If you are on Church Council or Council of Synod and feel that this foreign language those accounts are talking - no offence here :o) - is something you should understand a bit better so you can make informed decision on your committee then you should register FAST for that finance workshop. Same applies for the other workshops in administration and governance (see infos attached).

I have the dream that from each congregation/ parish will be 3 people attending the 3 workshops so your congregation/ parish gets the most out of the Twenty20 workshops.

The workshops can be regarded as professional development and help you not to burn out (for example) or do this as part of training you do for the church (or work?) or ... More information on certificates and diplomas on the Grassroots Homepage http://www.grassroots.edu.au/ .

Maybe someone comes to mind when you read this? We all have busy lives but you can also schedule in something like this because it’s a matter of the heart - a matter of God's kingdom. God will give you the time and the money to do this. Pray about it and let God guide you on who to approach and how. Maybe you feel that burning in the heart yourself?

Our church has invested money in us T20 people - for nothing, if no one turns up!

We need to make this work. We have only this one shot. T20 is costing a lot of money and time and effort. This is not happening again soon!
For those arguing the costs - don't because:

Education is not free. The T20 workshops are subsidised by the church which brings is down to the $110. Which is comparable to Continuing Education Courses formerly funded by the Government for example and are now offered to those prices or more. Other Courses (comparable) provided by public institutions or private organisations are MUCH more expansive!

I am sad that the courses are just looked through the $$$ and not viewed beyond the value and unplayable return people would get. Some things can't be measured in $.

But if you like: How much time could an administrator save (and therefore working time and that means $) by knowing how a system works and effectively communication with the right people? OR an committee makes better informed financial decisions which can be measured in $$$ because they understand their financial situation better?

If you would LOVE to come but need financial supports talk to your pastor or Rob Erickson or me who might be able to hock you up with a sponsor or someone who can take you along (car pooling). If you read this and would like to support people to attend and give your congregation a boost get in touch with your pastor or Rob Erickson or me.

First Workshop 23 July - no registrations
Second Workshop 2 and 3 September - no registrations
Third Workshop 28 and 29 October - no registrations

I look forward to see YOU at the workshop so you get equipped to change our church for the future. To change for God!
Feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested.
More info on the T20 things check out my blog www.twenty20experience.blogspot.com

In His service,
Katharina C. Borszik

Re: Mark Whifield elected LCNZ President

http://www.lca.org.au/features/news/story.php?id=1899

Here is a link to the story that goes with the photo below.

Congratulations Mark, and Christ's richest blessings!

<><
Rev. Robert Erickson
LCNZ President until 7 Aug 2011

My Australian email address is
robert.erickson@LCA.org.au and
Lutheran Church of New Zealand emails can initially be sent to LCNZ@clear.net.nz.

>

Mark Whifield elected LCNZ President

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.

<><
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.