Council of Synod news
Council met for 2 days on 5 and 6 April at St Paul’s in Otautahi, Christchurch.
Significant items that were discussed included:
- Introduction and welcome to Bishop-elect Richard Schwedes who joined the meeting for both days
- Bishop Richard will be installed as Bishop on 28 July in Sydney. A member of CoS will travel to the installation as the LCNZ representative
- The LCA are holding a Youth Forum in Adelaide in August 2024 as part of the preparation for Convention of Synod. Youth from all around the LCANZ have been invited and CoS have requested that this invite be extended to youth members of the LCNZ congregations via the Church Worker Conference members. If you or a youth member of your congregation is interested please approach your pastor for further information. See opportunities to serve in this edition of Te Oriwa.
- LCANZ (via General Church Board (GCB)) have recently updated the LCANZ Complaints Policy. CoS are writing to GCB with some concerns on the application of this policy. The policy can be found on this page: Policies
- CoS had a in depth conversation about LCNZ Mission plans. Among other things this has resulted in some new initiatives being implemented including:
- The first agenda item on all LCNZ CoS meetings will be a mission discussion – what is happening, what could happen, encouragement of members
- The introduction of a LCNZ in Mission header in Te Oriwa (see above)
- Encouragement of all members to discuss Jesus in their everyday lives.
- Encouragement for all congregations to introduce a In Mission: segment to all their meetings with active leadership from their Church Workers.
- LCA NZ have issued their guidelines for Lay Delegate assistance to attend Convention of Synod. Each congregation is encouraged to apply for assistance to make it easier for their delegate to attend without finances being a block. The Lay Delegate Assistance Application Form can be found on this page: Convention lay delegates – please note the deadlines for applications.
- A proposal for LCNZ zone gatherings were discussed and confirmed. The current (and this is still subject to minor changes) timetable off dates, times and venues can be found in the separate article in this edition of Te Oriwa.
- A proposal for a taskforce to be put in place to find a pastor who would be available to stand for the role of Bishop of LCNZ at the next LCNZ Convention of Synod in June 2025 was discussed and agreed to. A term of reference and a list of names to be considered for the task force will be considered at the next CoS meeting on 14 May 2024. If you have any input to the TOR or a nomination for the membership of the task force please send details to Bishop Robert Bartholomaeus (bishop@lutheran.org.nz ) or Chairperson Andy Marr (andrew.marr@lca.org.au ).
- A Nominations Committee for LCNZ Synod to identify, approach and put forward names of members who are willing to standing for a position on Council of Synod is also to be enacted. If you or someone you know is interested in being a member of this Committee please contact Andy Marr (andrew.marr@lca.org.au ).
- CoS presented a gift to Bishop Robert at what will be his last in person meeting in New Zealand before he retires on 28 July, followed by the installation of Bishop Richard into that role.
