Council of Synod August 2026
August 2026
CoS met by Teams on Tuesday 11 August and had a follow up email meeting dated 31 August.
The first item of discussion was “Mission in a Minute” where members hare items of Mission in their own lives. This occurs at the start of every LCNZ and GGTB meeting.
Other matters considered over the period
- CoS received the 2026 Q2 Financial Statements which show a deficit of $2,300, which is compared to a budgeted deficit of $10,800 and the 2025 Q2 deficit of $33,800.
- The completed LCNZ audited financial statements for 31 December 2025 were received, reviewed, signed and approved in August as well. The statements were uploaded to the Charities Services website after they were approved.
- The John King Estate reports were presented and the annual distribution was received. The distribution was shared according to the estate rules.
- Bishop Richard reported on a number of items in the LCNZ Bishop role. His next visit is scheduled for October and November. He also shared specific items in relation to congregations and church workers.
- The manse refurbishment has been completed. A report to be prepared and sent to LCNZ Synod delegates.
- The LCNZ Trust Board has requested a letter be sent to all congregations to confirm the property holding within the Trust Board to ensure all records are current.
- CoS approved the development of an Expression of Interest to be sent to LCA for their Local Mission Fund for a grant for the establishment, development and support of a coordinated congregation wide LCNZ Youth Ministry initiative. If approved a formal grant application will be applied for. The EOI was due on 28 August and the formal grant application will be due 15 October. This is in response to both the Youth Ministry resolution from LCNZ Convention of Synod in 2025 and the introduction of the Mission Directions project.
Mission Directions
- A member has been approached to be the project manager; this is still an active process and will need to finalised as soon as possible.
- Artwork, website and resources are now being developed. They will be used for the Mission directions web pages, the LCNZ 2027 Convention of Synod and other collateral items.
- GGTB grant has been approved and received for to support the Mission Directions.
- LCNZ to apply for a LCA Local Mission Fund grant for 2027 – 2029 for the LCNZ Youth Ministry initiative.
Future meetings
- The CoS and GGTB meeting schedule for 2026 can be found here: Events from June 9 – December 8
- Church Workers meet in Botany Lutheran Church on 28 to 30 October.
- CoS will meet in person at St Pauls Lutheran Church, Christchurch on 17 and 18 October.
Andy Marr
Chairperson
Council of Synod
September 2026
