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