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
24 November 2011
18 November 2011
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:
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
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
04 November 2011
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:
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
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
29 October 2011
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:
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
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
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
18 October 2011
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:
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
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.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.
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.
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
07 October 2011
LCNZ Update 7 October 2011
Kia tau ki a koutou, te atawhai me te rangimarie o te Atua / grace and peace to you from God.
Twenty20 Workshop - Governance
I would like to encourage you to consider attending this workshop to be held in Wellington on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October. Here is an overview of this workshop:
Every Christian ministry finds itself caught between two worlds - the legal demands of society and the spiritual expectations of church organisation. This course explores this challenge by understanding differing types of legal entities (e.g. companies/incorporated bodies) and diverse models of church organisation. Whichever solution is chosen, there will still be the distinct functions of governance (boards, councils etc.) and management. We explore the importance of this distinction, the role of governance and the Tricker model of governance. Participants will be introduced to a structured approach for risk management and decision making. Additionally, we will investigate key legal issues facing Christian governance teams and the personal responsibilities of governance team members. Finally, we look at factors that make governance teams effective with a particular focus on running effective meetings.
For more information please check the website.
President's Manse
After the Council of Synod meeting last Saturday afternoon, various members of CoS viewed a home that met LCA/NZ standards. However, subsequent inspections and builders reports have indicated that this home requires too much remedial work to be a possibility. So, it's back to the hunt.
Council of Synod Meeting / Rite of Reconciliation
Last Saturday Dr David Stolz led CoS and Leanne and Mark Whitfield through a process of talking through various issues connected with the presidents manse. There was opportunity for confession, saying sorry, repentance, forgiveness and healing. At the conclusion of the rite we walked to St Marks Anglican Church (ST Pauls Lutheran was being used) where we participated in a short service where we received God's healing grace in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
CoS then continued with a short meeting in the afternoon to discuss among other things the President's manse, staffing requirements at the National Office, and the installation of the president.
Installation of President
A reminder that this will take place on Sunday 30th October at 4.00pm at St Pauls Wellington, 12 King Street, Mt Cook, followed by a fellowship. Official invitations are on their way out now. It's important that you let us know if you're attending or not (in the case of a congregation, how many of you), for catering purposes.
Visiting
Last Sunday I had the pleasure of visiting, worshipping with and preaching for the folk at Redeemer Lutheran in the Hawkes Bay. It was a long return drive from Wellington in one day, but well worth it.
Marton/Halcombe - Manawatu
On Wednesday evening a group of leaders from the Marton/Halcombe Parish and the Manawatu Parish met at St Lukes Palmerston North, to discuss and explore the possibilities of sharing and supporting ministry across the Manawatu Rangitikei region.
Meetings In Adelaide
This Sunday I leave for Adelaide for College of Presidents meetings, Graduate Interviews (Australian Lutheran College / Seminary), General Church Council, and a Hermeneutics Conference in the Barossa Valley. I will be back in the office on Thursday 20th October. At this stage I cannot give you a personal phone contact while I am away, but I think I should still be able to receive and reply to emails.
Calls
St Pauls in Wellington and Mountainside in Auckland each continue to prepare to call a pastor. I will attend a call meeting at Mountainside on Sunday 23rd October, and St Pauls Wellington plan to hold a pre-call meeting on Sunday 6th November.
Peace and aroha to you all in Jesus' name.
Kia noho a Ihowa ki a koutou / the Lord be with you!
+MARK
President Elect - Lutheran Church of New Zealand
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
29 September 2011
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
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
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