Council of Synod November
September to November
CoS met on two occasions by teams and in one face to face meeting over this period.
Manse Rectification Project
- The contractor started on 10 September and the project has been progressing well and remains on budget.
- There are a number of additional work items that have been uncovered once the cladding was removed. These are covered by the contingency approved at Synod.
- Council of Synod have also approved the full repaint exterior to be completed in 2025 which can utilise the scaffolding while it is still in place, making a significant saving on what would have been a duplicated cost.
- Council have also identified the replacement of the heat pump is required. This will be installed in 2026, once the rectification project has been completed and will be paid from the LCNZ 2026 budget.
Appointments
- CoS appointed the Salary Advisory Committee (SAC) members for the 2026 Pastor salary schedule. The members are Chris Argyle (Manawatu) and Davd Preston (Wellington) and they will report to the CoS in December.
- CoS appointed the Editorial Committee members for 2026. The members are Bishop Richard Schwedes, Pastor Andy Marr (Chair of CoS) and Lynette Larson (Upper Moutere)
- CoS agreed to engage Tim Niewand of Informed Lean Solutions (Melbourne) to assist in preparing the implementation plan for the Mission Directions. A grant application to Gateway Gift was also approved.
Other matters considered over the period
- CoS members start their meetings with a devotion and sharing their Minute for Mission.
- CoS approved the constitution changes following the completed postal vote.
- CoS approved the LCNZ quarterly financial statements for the three months ending 30 September 2025
- COS received a report on the annual review of Debbie Venz, the LCNZ District Administrator.
- The LCANZ payroll project was advanced and the first payroll period was 20 October to 2 November, paid on 5 November.
- CoS are having on discussions on the unfinished business item in relation to Membership. This is a work in progress.
- COS have approved the Convention of Synod 2027 to be held in Christchurch on the weekend of 11 to 13 June, with the theme Connecting People with Jesus.
Andy Marr
Chairperson
Council of Synod
November 2025
