LCNZ Council of Synod news – February 2025
Significant items that were discussed at the Council of Synod (CoS) meeting held by Teams on 18 February 2025
Meeting opening items
- Lesley Johnson led devotion and karakia
- Members shared minute for mission items
Standard items
- Bishop Richard reported on number of items under action.
- Members of CoS confirmed their conflict of interest schedule, police vetting checks and safe church training were up to date.
Agenda items
- The LCA advised that the Levy amount for congregations has increased in 2025 and this is now AUD 40 per confirmed member over 18. (This is NZD 44)
- Debbie Venz has been approved by the Department of Internal Affairs as the Marriage Celebrant Coordinator.
- CoS are working with two congregations who have not paid the superannuation contributions to the Lutheran Super accounts for their pastors. A plan is being developed with each congregation to solve this problem.
- CoS received the draft financial report for LCNZ to 31 December 2024 which shows a surplus for the year of $79,186.
- The 2025 Pastor salary schedule is being finalised. A draft schedule has been distributed to congregations and pastors.
- The small catechism has been approved for a reprint (paper and digitally) with a new cover. Details will be shared with the LCNZ congregations once they are available.
- CoS were advised that Pastor Nich Kitchen has accepted a call to Epping Lutheran Church in NSW; his last service will be 18 May.
- CoS celebrated the installation of Pastor Joel Cramer and his family at Wellington St Pauls on 2 February
- CoS were advised that Mark Tung has been approved for ordination by the College of Bishops. His ordination and Installation will take place at St Columba Church, 480 Te Rakau Road, Botany on 6 April.
- CoS have been notified that Pastor Mark Whitfield will take Furlough in July and August 2025.
- CoS have agreed that they will present a farewell gift and blessing to Karolina Przybytek-Chrobak over the period of their trip to Auckland for meetings and celebrations (2 to 6 April).
- Convention of Synod preparations are in full swing mode. Nominations for LCNZ positions, election of congregation delegates, preparation of congregation reports and remits have all been requested. (See separate article in this enews for specific details).
- The LCNZ Trust Board appointment of directors were made.
- The LCNZ Trust Board replacement Trust Deed (deed has been lost for a number of years) was discussed and a plan was agreed
Meeting ending
- The meeting ended in prayer led by Assistant Bishop Warren
- The next meeting will be Face to Face in Auckland (Mountainside Lutheran Church) with a focus on Strategic, Constitution, Convention and relationship matters. Bishop Paul Smith will be joining us along with an independent facilitator.
- A regular CoS meeting will be held by teams on 15 Apri
Rev Andy Marr
Chairperson Council of Synod
March 2025
