Kia tau ki a koutou te atawhai me te rangimarie o te Atua
願 父 神 所 賜 的 恩 惠 和 平 安 與 你 們 同 在
Grace and peace to you from God

One of my scripture readings in my devotion yesterday was Revelation 21:1-8. Here are some words I’ve picked out from this reading which, in my opinion, resonate beautifully with the waiting motif of the Advent season we’re about to enter –

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Rev.21:1-5)

Don’t you just love the promise of something better … no more crying or tears, no sadness, no pain … don’t you just love the promise of something new?

We’re about to embark on the short Advent season; a time to look forward to something incredibly wonderful … God coming to be with us (Immanuel) so that we can he his people and so that he can be our God. It’s the time to eagerly await the birth of the One who makes all those promises listed above possible and real for us … Jesus (the one who saves) from sin, death, sadness, pain … Jesus, the One, who by his birth, his death and resurrection makes all things new again … for you, for me … for everyone … forever!

O come, O come, Immanuel …

LCA GENERAL CONVENTION OF SYNOD / LCNZ DISTRICT CONVENTION

In the last week I have sent notice of two important events in the life of the Church for 2015 to all Pastors and congregational leaders (where there is no Pastor); the General Convention of Synod of the LCA, and our own LCNZ District Convention.

Please read this letter carefully and take note of the information contained in it, and make plans to prepare appropriately for these events. Here is the check-list I included in this letter –

⎕ Elect and register delegates for General Convention of Synod in Brisbane (29th Sept – 4th Oct 2015)
⎕ Ensure that delegates can attend the Delegate Training days
⎕ Invite your congregation to prayer in 2015 and especially in the lead-up to General Synod
⎕ Make yourself and your congregation aware of the resources available on the Ordination website
⎕ Ensure that the members of your congregation are given an opportunity to study the ordination issues (again)
⎕ Elect and register delegates for the LCNZ District Convention in Whanganui (23rd – 24th May 2015)
⎕ Send remits, reports and financial statements to the District Administrator by 27th March 2015

MARJON CONCLUDES MINISTRY AT MOUNTAINSIDE

Last Friday, Marjon Gerson completed 3½ years of ministry as a Family, Youth and Community Worker at Mountainside Lutheran Church in Auckland. Marjon wrote in her resignation letter –

I have enjoyed my journey for over 3.5 years at Mountainside and I’m grateful for all the wonderful people I met and opportunities I had to serve the church. I wish you all God’s blessings with the work you do!

Marjon will now work in a Retirement Home close to where she lives with her family.

Thank you, Marjon for your loving service in and amongst the congregation and community at Mt Wellington, as well as your valuable contributions as one of the Church Worker team in the LCNZ. I have certainly appreciated your input and participation at CWC level over the years.

We thank God for your servant heart and for 3½ years of ministry at Mountainside, and we thank God also that he has led you to find new employment and direction for serving. Every blessing as you transition from one vocation to another.

VICAR / PASTOR JASWANTH

This coming Sunday, Vicar Jaswanth Kukatlapalli will conclude the vicarage component of his preparation for the ordained ministry. On the following Sunday (7th December) at the Chapel of Concordia College in Adelaide (and probably in 35deg+ heat!!), Jaswanth will be ordained, along with five other graduates, as a Pastor of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand.

I have had the privilege of knowing Jaswanth and sharing part of his ministry journey since the time that he, together with his family – Johnson (father), Anuja (mother) and Jabin (brother) became members of St Pauls in Wellington. It was a real joy to see Jaswanth respond to the Lord’s call on his life to go to Australian Lutheran College to continue theological studies (he had already completed studies in Auckland) in order to be formed as a Lutheran Pastor.

I have also had the joy of meeting up with Jaswanth on many occasions during my regular visits to Adelaide, where we’ve shared a cider and meal of Lemon Pepper Squid at the Welly, and when we’ve talked together about the wonderful thing that God has been doing in Jaswanth’s life.

The next few days, weeks and months are going to be exciting ones for Jaswanth, so I invite you all to keep him in your prayers … as he completes vicarage, goes to Adelaide next week to graduate and then to be ordained, and then prepares to take up his first call – to the Wodonga Parish in northern Victoria early next year.

LCANZ CHURCH PLANTING MENTOR VISITS LCNZ

Two weeks ago, Dean Eaton, the LCANZ’s Church Planting Mentor and I visited various locations in the LCNZ so that we could check out the potential for future church planting here. We visited Christchurch, Palmerston North, Whanganui and Auckland.

The LCNZ, as part of the LCANZ has been invited to become part of the Board for Local Mission’s (BLMiss) vision to plant 30 new churches throughout the LCANZ over the next 10 years.

Dean met with the Council of Synod and has prepared a report along with some proposals for how we might explore these exciting possibilities in the future. COS received Dean’s presentation with enthusiasm … and so now … where to from here? Let’s do something … O come, O come, Immanuel!

BISHOP JOHN VISITS

LCANZ Bishop, John Henderson also visited the LCNZ briefly a couple of weeks ago. John shared an evening meal with members of COS and then spent some time in our meeting on the Saturday morning. It was great to welcome our Bishop to NZ, and we look forward to many more visits over the coming years.

KAWERAU ANNIVERSARY

Check out the story on Kawerau’s 50th – www.lca.org.au/kawerau-precious-every-one-of-you.html

MĀNAWATANGA / BLESSING

Kia tau ki a tātou katoa Te atawhai o tō tātou Ariki, a Ihu Karaiti Me te aroha o te Atua Me te whiwhingatahitanga Ki te wairua tapu Ake, ake, ake Amine

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all Forever and ever Amen

Kia noho a Ihowa ki a koutou; the Lord be with you.

+MARK

Pastor Mark Whitfield BTh MSM
Bishop of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand / Pihopa o te Hāhi Rūtana o Aotearoa

Kia tau ki a koutou te atawhai me te rangimarie o te Atua
願 父 神 所 賜 的 恩 惠 和 平 安 與 你 們 同 在
Grace and peace to you from God

SPRING

I love spring! It’s a season of increased warmth (yes, even in Wellington), new growth, fresh beginnings, emerging life, new possibilities, etc.

And friends, it’s all around us!

I spent plenty of time during my recent two weeks of annual leave in the garden … digging through and freshening up the soil that had become somewhat sodden and lifeless through the cold of winter … pulling out weeds and planting in their place new seedlings … petunias, lettuces, tomatoes, daisies. And now I watch as rose bushes, once pruned hard, send forth new stems that hold the promise of beautiful flowers for the length of the summer … I see hydrangeas putting on a fresh lustre of green … the kowhai has, in most cases, blossomed already and is shedding spent flowers … but the Tui, still stops in its branches and sings its new song.

Spring … a time for new plants … a time for fresh flowering.

Next month, the LCA’s new Church Planting Mentor, Dean Eaton will visit the LCNZ to invite us to participate in a new springtime in the life of the Church. Dean and I will visit Christchurch, Palmerston North, Whanganui and Auckland during the week of 10-16 November, to talk with local congregations and pastors, to walk and drive through new locations where possibilities exist to plant the gospel; to plant new churches.

Jesus planted the Christian Church in the world. His disciples were the first church. But that was only the beginning. Looking into the future, Jesus said, ‘I will build my church’ (Matthew 16:18). It was always his intention that the church, his body on earth, would grow, and keep growing. He knew we’d need a hand, so he promised to send us a Helper (John 14:16). Every baptised Lutheran in Australia and New Zealand is part of Jesus’ prophecy fulfilled – we’re part of the church he grew – and every one of us has received his promised Helper, the Holy Spirit, so that we can keep the church growing. The LCA Board for Local Mission is taking Jesus’ prophecy and his promise seriously. We are inviting you and your congregation to join us on the LCA journey to plant 30 new churches in 10 years. (Taken from Church Planting, an initiative of the LCA Board for Local Mission)

Bishop John Henderson encourages us – Now is the time, more than ever, for us to step forward in mission. Whether your congregation is new or old, large or small, urban or rural, you have an important role in bringing the gospel of hope to new people. Please consider prayerfully how you can take up this offer and challenge.

Friends, I encourage you to pray for the Lord's springtime in His Church; that there would be a new and beautiful flowering of the gospel in and through us, His people, His Church.

SIGNS OF SPRING IN THE CHURCH (and in OTHER PLACES)

In so many ways and places in the Church, there are signs of the new growth of spring. Consider these, for example:

• Six graduates from Australian Lutheran College (formerly “The Sem”) were approved just over a week ago for ordination and call. Included in this group are Nicholas Kitchen (wife Julie) originally from Feilding, and Jaswanth Kukatlapalli (from St Pauls Wellington). These men are raring to go, having been prepared and formed for the ordained ministry. They have planting on their minds and nurture and care of the gospel in the lives of many people. Pray for them, that their pre-ordination enthusiasm might translate into years of satisfying service, working in the harvest fields.
• At this time many of our congregations are holding their Longest Lutheran Lunch … an opportunity to reach out and invite many to receive our hospitality and welcome; an opportunity for us to gently share the gospel in word and in action … an opportunity for God’s love to spring to life in our communities. God bless you as welcome others to your embrace, and indeed to Christ’s.
• One of our smallest congregations – Kawerau – celebrated last Sunday God’s blessing of a place for worship and ministry in their community over the last 50 years … a place where the seed of God’s love in Christ has been sown and nurtured … a place where through all the seasons of those 50 years, the gospel has sprung to and given life.
• There are signs of new life at St Martin, Marton, where the Methodists of this small community are now regularly joining the Lutherans for worship. Please pray that the Lord would bless the springtime of this new season.
• This weekend I will meet with our Chinese sisters and brothers at Botany Lutheran Church in Auckland to discuss their future ministry plan.   The Holy Spirit is stirring a fresh and new energy in this congregation for participating in God's mission of love to the world.  Please pray for a springtime of growth in this recently-planted congregation.
• Last weekend your Lutheran Support Ministries (LSM) met to discuss and plan ways in which it might support the members of the LCNZ to be the means by which God’s love springs to life by the power of the Holy Spirit. The LSM is working on a plan to offer a ‘one-day’ series of events next year to encourage us in our faith and in our witness, so that we might participate in this springtime season of the Church.
• I’m aware that many students from our congregations – University and College / High School students especially – will be preparing for final exams for the year. Some of you will graduate and move on to new things next year … new opportunities for growth and training and service. God bless you richly in this springtime of your life.
• This spring has brought about a new parliament in our land; the 51st parliament of New Zealand. And while many of the faces are the same and the distribution of representation fairly similar to the previous parliament, it is none-the-less a fresh beginning of servant-leadership, and so we might do well to join with our parliamentarians in praying their opening prayer for each sitting session: Almighty God, humbly acknowledging our need for Thy guidance in all things, and laying aside all private and personal interests, we beseech Thee to grant that we may conduct the affairs of this House and of our country to the glory of Thy holy name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, the honour of the Queen, and the public welfare, peace, and tranquillity of New Zealand, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE SPRINGTIME OF THE REFORMATION

In 1667 John George II, the Elector of Saxony, ordered the first Reformation Festival. The chosen date for the celebration was 31st October; the anniversary of Luther’s famous posting of the 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517. With the rediscovery of the doctrine of justification, that is, the ‘springtime of the gospel’ – the good news of salvation by grace through faith for Christ's sake, a reformation took place across the church in many parts of the world. It is our heritage to this day. Celebrate the grace of God in Christ who delights in having mercy on us.

MĀNAWATANGA / BLESSING

Kia tau ki a tātou katoa Te atawhai o tō tātou Ariki, a Ihu Karaiti Me te aroha o te Atua Me te whiwhingatahitanga Ki te wairua tapu Ake, ake, ake Amine

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all Forever and ever. Amen. 

Kia noho a Ihowa ki a koutou; the Lord be with you.

+MARK

Pastor Mark Whitfield BTh MSM
Bishop of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand / Pihopa o te Hāhi Rūtana o Aotearoa

Kia tau ki a koutou te atawhai me te rangimarie o te Atua
願 父 神 所 賜 的 恩 惠 和 平 安 與 你 們 同 在
Grace and peace to you from God

GENERAL ELECTION

By this time next week, the General Election will be over, and we will know who will be serving as the government of New Zealand for the next 3 years.

At the recent gathering of the National Church Leaders of Aotearoa-New Zealand, we discussed how we might, as leaders, assist the members of our churches as they prepare to vote.

I’m not going to tell you who to vote for; I’m simply going to share some principles that came from our meeting, which could guide our thinking. The principles offered here are adaptions of the principles issued by the leaders of the mainline churches in New Zealand prior to the General Election in 1993. It seems that these principles were widely welcomed then and remain relevant for today.

Each person possesses a dignity that comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment. The foundational human rights that protect this dignity include food and shelter, work, education and health care. Therefore, the test of any policy is whether it ensures that everyone – regardless of race, gender, age or economic status – has these needs met. This must be the first priority of any political system.

We are called into community. People realise their full potential, both rights and responsibilities, in relationship with others. Our most treasured values are learned when we live in close and loving relationships with each other across standard social barriers. A central test of both institutions and policies is what they do with people and how they enable people to contribute and participate. Anything done to or for a group of people who are disconnected from the process is of enduring concern from a Gospel perspective. Furthermore, in Aotearoa / New Zealand our institutions must take account of the special relationships between all our peoples brought into being by the Treaty of Waitangi.

All are called to work for the common good of society. Individuals and groups have an obligation to pursue not only their own interests but the good of all. This is no more or less than an application of the second commandment: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 12:31).

Work is more than a way to make a living. It is participation in God’s creation. The unpaid contribution of voluntary workers, home makers, people with disabilities, the elderly and others, is of equal value to the contribution made by those in paid employment. No policy should disadvantage or stigmatise those contributing to the well-being of society in ways that do not earn wages. However, people have the right to decent and productive employment, and to fair wages and working conditions. Paid workers are not impersonal instruments of production. In any economic order based on justice, human labour takes priority over capital and technology.

We are stewards rather than owners of God’s creation. All economic activity must be an out-working of a commitment to ensure the sustainability of creation. Our use of the resources of creation is to be in such a manner that we enhance the inheritance that we pass on to our children and grandchildren. In living out this principle we are aware of the delicate global interdependence between ecosystems and humanity.

The Gospels show a preferential concern for the poor and vulnerable. This is in recognition of the powerlessness that often comes with poverty and vulnerability. The poor must be a major focus of social policy. A basic moral test of any society is how its most vulnerable members are faring. This is not a new insight. It is the lesson of the parable of the Last Judgement (cf Matthew 25). To reject the “option for the poor” is to imitate Dives, the rich man who ignored Lazarus, the beggar lying at his gate.

The task which faces us all is to support and endorse policies which are consistent with gospel vision and values, and to challenge those which do not. We look for policies that promote human dignity, stress rights and responsibilities, emphasise the value of work and creativity, protect and care for the creation, and express human compassion.

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, also identifies four key issues facing our nation:

Child poverty Many New Zealand children lack access to warm homes and nourishing food and are at greater risk of abuse than in many other countries with similar levels of economic wellbeing. Our lack of official child poverty measures, reduction targets, and consistent reporting of progress is of urgent concern.

Income inequality High income inequality breaks down the social fabric of society. It erodes trust and reduces social mobility. Inequality is a relational rather than a quantity problem.

Lack of affordable and accessible housing Housing affordability is closely aligned with the challenges of poverty and inequality. Unhealthy, overpriced, substandard housing is a reality for an unacceptable proportion of our society. Significant health problems such as rheumatic fever are one of the results of poor housing.

Global Warming The environmental impact of global warming on the island nations of the Pacific is significant. We are already seeing, in the face of rising sea levels, the relocation of whole communities. Urgent action is required and, as yet, not being seen.

Gracious Heavenly Father, all governments are given by You for our good. Teach us to honour all who govern, because they are Your servants. As we approach a time in our nation to choose our leaders and representatives, we ask You to grant wisdom to all who will cast their votes. Help us to choose the best and most honourable among us to lead us. Use the consciences of all, Your law written on the hearts of all people, to guide everyone in all their decisions. Give us leaders who will govern with wisdom and laws that bring order and justice to our nation. Provide a continued environment in which Your Church may preach and teach all of Your Word and administer Your sacraments without interference or persecution. Strengthen the faith of all who trust in Your Son as their Saviour with the knowledge that You guide and control all things. We ask that you help our citizens to unite for the common good of all, obeying the law of the land, setting aside selfishness and all evil thoughts. When all decisions are made, help us to support our leaders in all their work, and to obey all laws that do not oppose You and Your Word. As with all things, we ask that Your will be done. In the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

ANGLICAN-LUTHERAN IN NEW ZEALAND

A couple of weeks back the Anglican-Lutheran Dialogue Group met for one of its regular meetings at St Francis Cooperating Parish at Clive in the Hawkes Bay. St Francis is a wonderful example of cooperation in worship, ministry and service between three main denominations – Anglican, Presbyterian and Lutheran (there are also some Methodists).

We met here for a couple of reasons. You will recall that it was back in March that Redeemer Lutheran congregation from the Hawkes Bay joined the cooperative venture at St Francis. So, over a lovely Morning Tea, we listened to Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians and some Methodists tell us how it was all going. There was a lot of very positive conversation and reporting, characterised by a wonderful spirit of love and appreciation for each denomination. It seems that the Lutherans have been warmly received and that they are enjoying fellowshipping with a larger group.

We also met to thank the Reverend Noel Hendery, one of the Anglican members of the Dialogue Group, who is retiring, having served on Anglican-Lutheran Dialogue, as I understand it, from its inception many years ago. Noel played a very important role in helping us identify Clive as a possibility for putting into practice the mutual hospitality arrangement Anglicans and Lutherans have in New Zealand, and it was through working with him, that we Lutherans were able to join St Francis.

Lord God, thank you for the spirit of love and cooperation that you have created in this land between the Anglican Church and the Lutheran Church. And thank you for Noel Hendery and for his commitment to finding ways that our two churches could share worship, ministry and life together. Give him joy in his retirement, and continue to bless the growing cooperation between your people at St Francis Clive. Amen.

PERSONAL PEACE-MAKING AND CONFLICT COACHING - A LIFE CHANGING EVENT - BOTANY LUTHERAN CHURCH - OCTOBER

This 2+ day training event builds on the introductory peace-making seminars conducted by Rev Bruce Zagel. This training takes the basic steps of personal peace-making and applies them to daily life situations. You'll learn and practise ways to apply your Christian faith in family, business, church, and legal conflicts. You'll learn how to coach others into peace-making approaches.

Since all children of God are called to be peacemakers, this training is appropriate for every Christian. Church leaders who have responsibilities for teaching and assisting others in their conflicts will find this training especially helpful for assisting others to respond to conflict in a biblically faithful manner.

Where:

• Botany Lutheran Church 150C Harris Road, East Tamaki

When:

• 2 October 2014 7:00 pm to 9.00 pm 3 October 2014 8:30 am to 5.30 pm 4 October 2014 8:30 am to 5.30 pm

Cost:

• Training $175.00 plus meals ($15 / day) = $205.00
• Some LLL assistance may be available for participants

For more information or to receive a registration form, contact:

• Dr Pauline Simonsen 06 357 4859 rpsimonsen@inspire.net.nz, or
• The LCNZ Administrator 04 385 2540 admin@lutheran.org.nz

50th ANNIVERSARY

Just a reminder that the 50th Anniversary of the church building at Kawerau Lutheran Church will be celebrated on Sunday 19th October with a Service with Holy Communion at 10.30am. Guest preacher will be Assistant Bishop John Davison. A light catered lunch will follow.

Past and present members and friends of the congregation are warmly invited. Please RSVP by Monday 6th October to Erik Rohde, 07 3228365, or rohde@clear.net.nz.

The church is on the corner of River Road and Ward Street, Kawerau

BOARD FOR LOCAL MISSION

Last week, together with Sharolyn Mollet, I attended a Board for Local Mission (BLMiss) meeting in Adelaide. One of the main tasks of this new Board is to identify opportunities for planting new churches throughout the LCA-NZ. Newly appointed Church Planting mentor, Dean Eaton is keen to come to New Zealand to see how the Board can support the LCNZ to identify new church opportunities and plant them. The plan is to invite every Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand to become either a Sending Church or a Partner Church.

SPICE GIRLS

3 Spice Girls (spouses of LCNZ pastors) gathered at the Home of Compassion in Wellington recently for the annual Spice Retreat. Pauline Simonsen was Retreat Facilitator. Some of the other Spice Girls were unable to attend for various reasons, including sickness. Please pray for these Spice as they support the ministry of their partners.

By the way, there’s no news on when they might get around to releasing an album.

CHURCH WORKERS CONFERENCE - ST LUKES PALMERSTON NORTH

This coming week, the Church Workers (pastors and lay-workers) of the LCNZ will meet for conference at St Lukes in Palmerston North. Glenn Schultz, lay-worker formation officer of the LCA will be present for this conference, and Jill Hagen, Professional Standards Officer of the LCNZ will also present a session. Please pray for our pastors and lay-workers as they gather for worship, Bible study, prayer and mutual encouragement.

IN YOUR PRAYERS ...

• Assistant Bishop John Davison and Diane as the health condition of John’s mother, Maud deteriorates quite rapidly.  Please pray for John’s father, David and their family as well.
• The Pastors and Lay Workers of the Church as they meet in conference this week.
• The Board for Local Mission as it seeks to support new and renewing ministries in the Lord’s Church.
• Our nation as it approaches the General Election.
• Vicar Jaswanth, as he concludes preparation for becoming a pastor in the Church.
• The opportunity the bicentenary of the Gospel in Aotearoa gives us to re-tell the story of the gospel of Jesus Christ to our nation.

MĀNAWATANGA / BLESSING

Kia tau ki a tātou katoa Te atawhai o tō tātou Ariki, a Ihu Karaiti Me te aroha o te Atua Me te whiwhingatahitanga Ki te wairua tapu Ake, ake, ake Amine

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all Forever and ever Amen

Kia noho a Ihowa ki a koutou; the Lord be with you.

+MARK

Pastor Mark Whitfield BTh MSM
Bishop of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand / Pihopa o te Hāhi Rūtana o Aotearoa