Word of Greeting from the Synod of ELCSA (N-T) 2011 to its congregations
Firm - and eager to learn! These words - deep at the heart of Lutheran tradition and Christian faith - were the guiding theme for the Synod of ELCSA (N-T) which commenced in Harburg on 20th October 2011. The theme was explored in a variety of devotions that focused on learning by listening, seeing, experiencing, history and in silence. During the opening service the sermon suggested that the church needs to be on its way as a learning community with its God, who is a God willing and able to learn and change. As such the church needs a sense of direction and destination, a road-map (Scripture, the Word of God) and the ability to read and understand that map.
Bishop Müller was given the opportunity to address the theme of synod in a more systematic and comprehensive way: (The full text of his two lectures can be downloaded from http://www.elcsant.org.za/synod-lecture-part-1--part-2.html)
When reflecting on “firm” he used the image of a rock-climber, who needs - as a golden rule - three footholds, and then you are secure and can also take a step forward. For the Lutheran church these footholds are:
1. Jesus Christ, who is the foundation;
2. Scripture, the workbook and companion of the Christian;
3. Tradition and History, as a reference point and servant for development, growth and celebration.
Whilst “firm” is the point of departure, there needs to be progress and change, an eagerness to learn at the same time. Being a Christian has to do with movement, with growth, with life! The bishop also used the rock climbing rope to demonstrate that Christ gives direction - but we have to find the route; he gives direction and freedom at the same time. The bishop urged delegates to rekindle their love for Christ through fellowships, celebration of worship services and the reading of the Word.
Both lectures were well received and vigorously discussed in small groups, much to the benefit of all the participants. Members of synod look forward to share some of their experiences and new insights with their respective congregations after their return. This point was particularly impressed upon the delegates by the president of synod: The information and experience of synod needs to be lived and applied in the congregations.
The treasurer in his budget-speech said that grateful people have generous hearts and minds - such an attitude would ensure that the budget of our church could be met successfully. Giving to the church is both a duty and delight. The budgets for 2012 and 2013 (Church Law 1/2011) were adopted both showing an increase of 6% p.A.; the documentation will be sent out to the congregations in due time. Much time was spent on the Solidarity Fund, which showed a shortfall of 34%. Synod amended Church Law 1, which will now require all congregations to include the required Solidarity Contribution in the congregational budgets. Congregations should be encouraged to give as much as they are able to give towards the growth of the church. The concept of “solidarity” was stressed - being in solidarity with the projects and mission of our church. Solidarity buys into the growth concepts and diaconical responsibilities of the church at large. Finances are a spiritual matter.
As Synod reflects on the life and well-being of church-activities and congregations it always calls on the various ministries to report on their work. These reports have all been published on the church’s website. You are all encouraged to study these reports and become part of the church’s joy. During the tabling of the reports members of synod once again committed themselves to fostering good relationships with other Lutherans in the Southern African region, this time with a special emphasis on the ELCSA-Cape; it tasked Church Council to explore all forms of cooperation and implement these wherever possible.
Smaller changes were effected to the Constitution of our church in order to improve continuity and capacity building within synod and on the level of Circuit Council.
Many friends and guests attended the proceedings of synod, some - those, who are partners of the ELCSA (N-T) in one way or another - delivering words of greeting to our church. These words of greetings were encouraging and helped synod to understand itself as part of the larger church, the body of Christ. Bishop Ramashapa, representing the Lutheran World Federation and LUCSA touched on the need for Lutherans to be relevant and hence LUCSA’s continued work on HIV and AIDS projects; he lamented the dire situation of education in our country, which had an adverse effect on theological education as well. He reminded synod: “We cannot change our history, but we can together shape a better future.” Bishop Hertel from ELCIN shared about his church’s search for understanding grace in its life and actions. He encouraged the ELCSA (N-T) to move forward in seeking unity in the light of the good experiences they have had in Namibia. Bishop Dieter Reinstorf from FELSiSA emphasized that Lutherans could paint a picture that is striking and beautiful. He said that unity between 6 Australian synods was achieved through a drive by lay-people; so it is not a leadership issue only. Lutherans in SA dream together about a unified church that is based on Scripture and the Lutheran Confessional writings. Ds. Pieter Raath from the Dutch Reformed Church pointed to the close ties that exist between the Lutherans and Reformed Church and applauded the social awareness of the Lutherans and their commitment to good theology. Pastor Gunnar Bösemann of the ELM reminded Synod of the long and fruitful partnership that exists between the mission and the church. He felt that ELM, who is a partner to both the ELCSA (N-T) and ELCSA, could play a part in the process of reconciliation and unity. Facilitation from outside could be helpful in the way forward. Bishop Nils Rohwer, representing both the ELCSA (Cape) and UELCSA, shared with Synod some insights gained from the Cape Church’s reflection on the 1st Article of faith, culminating in the statement, that God rules the world by serving it. In terms of the ELCSA (N-T) theme he commented, that whilst understanding, knowledge and insight are valuable, they are not indicative for salvation - only Christ is!
Elections had to take place, some necessitated by the constitutional processes of our church, others due to vacancies. Synod elected the following office-bearers:
Ordained member of Church Council: P Georg Meyer, with P Dr Detlev Tönsing being the alternate
President of Synod: Mr Wolfgang Fechter, with Mr Heino Küsel being the alternate.
Secretaries of Synod: Ms Yvette Mellis and Buyisiwe Matema, with Mr Jens von Delft and P Anja Spiske being the alternate.
Dean of Northern Circuit: P Victor Röhrs, with P Mark Meier being the alternate.
Dean of Eastern Circuit: P Theo Jäckel, with P Dirk Köstlin being the alternate.
Dean of Southern Circuit: P Gilbert Filter, with P Manfred Müller-Nedebock being the alternate.
Dean of Central Circuit: P Edwin Dedekind, with P Olaf Gieseke being the alternate.
Deputy Lay-members to Church Council of Northern Circuit: Mr Enos Ramoroka
Deputy Lay-members to Church Council of Eastern Circuit: No election was due
Deputy Lay-members to Church Council of Southern Circuit: Ms Annette Pfeiffer
Deputy Lay-members to Church Council of Central Circuit: Ms Mosadi Machaba
Synod was concluded with a joyous service to God’s glory celebrating 125 years of Neuenkirchen Congregation in Harburg and 30 years of ELCSA (N-T) – at the same time keeping in mind that 100 years ago the Hermannsburg synod and 50 years ago the ELCSA(Transvaal) met for the first time. It is our sincere hope and prayer that the praise of this worship will become part of our church’s worship in praise.
Firm - and eager to learn! These words - deep at the heart of Lutheran tradition and Christian faith - were the guiding theme for the Synod of ELCSA (N-T) which commenced in Harburg on 20th October 2011. The theme was explored in a variety of devotions that focused on learning by listening, seeing, experiencing, history and in silence. During the opening service the sermon suggested that the church needs to be on its way as a learning community with its God, who is a God willing and able to learn and change. As such the church needs a sense of direction and destination, a road-map (Scripture, the Word of God) and the ability to read and understand that map.
Bishop Müller was given the opportunity to address the theme of synod in a more systematic and comprehensive way: (The full text of his two lectures can be downloaded from http://www.elcsant.org.za/synod-lecture-part-1--part-2.html)
When reflecting on “firm” he used the image of a rock-climber, who needs - as a golden rule - three footholds, and then you are secure and can also take a step forward. For the Lutheran church these footholds are:
1. Jesus Christ, who is the foundation;
2. Scripture, the workbook and companion of the Christian;
3. Tradition and History, as a reference point and servant for development, growth and celebration.
Whilst “firm” is the point of departure, there needs to be progress and change, an eagerness to learn at the same time. Being a Christian has to do with movement, with growth, with life! The bishop also used the rock climbing rope to demonstrate that Christ gives direction - but we have to find the route; he gives direction and freedom at the same time. The bishop urged delegates to rekindle their love for Christ through fellowships, celebration of worship services and the reading of the Word.
Both lectures were well received and vigorously discussed in small groups, much to the benefit of all the participants. Members of synod look forward to share some of their experiences and new insights with their respective congregations after their return. This point was particularly impressed upon the delegates by the president of synod: The information and experience of synod needs to be lived and applied in the congregations.
The treasurer in his budget-speech said that grateful people have generous hearts and minds - such an attitude would ensure that the budget of our church could be met successfully. Giving to the church is both a duty and delight. The budgets for 2012 and 2013 (Church Law 1/2011) were adopted both showing an increase of 6% p.A.; the documentation will be sent out to the congregations in due time. Much time was spent on the Solidarity Fund, which showed a shortfall of 34%. Synod amended Church Law 1, which will now require all congregations to include the required Solidarity Contribution in the congregational budgets. Congregations should be encouraged to give as much as they are able to give towards the growth of the church. The concept of “solidarity” was stressed - being in solidarity with the projects and mission of our church. Solidarity buys into the growth concepts and diaconical responsibilities of the church at large. Finances are a spiritual matter.
As Synod reflects on the life and well-being of church-activities and congregations it always calls on the various ministries to report on their work. These reports have all been published on the church’s website. You are all encouraged to study these reports and become part of the church’s joy. During the tabling of the reports members of synod once again committed themselves to fostering good relationships with other Lutherans in the Southern African region, this time with a special emphasis on the ELCSA-Cape; it tasked Church Council to explore all forms of cooperation and implement these wherever possible.
Smaller changes were effected to the Constitution of our church in order to improve continuity and capacity building within synod and on the level of Circuit Council.
Many friends and guests attended the proceedings of synod, some - those, who are partners of the ELCSA (N-T) in one way or another - delivering words of greeting to our church. These words of greetings were encouraging and helped synod to understand itself as part of the larger church, the body of Christ. Bishop Ramashapa, representing the Lutheran World Federation and LUCSA touched on the need for Lutherans to be relevant and hence LUCSA’s continued work on HIV and AIDS projects; he lamented the dire situation of education in our country, which had an adverse effect on theological education as well. He reminded synod: “We cannot change our history, but we can together shape a better future.” Bishop Hertel from ELCIN shared about his church’s search for understanding grace in its life and actions. He encouraged the ELCSA (N-T) to move forward in seeking unity in the light of the good experiences they have had in Namibia. Bishop Dieter Reinstorf from FELSiSA emphasized that Lutherans could paint a picture that is striking and beautiful. He said that unity between 6 Australian synods was achieved through a drive by lay-people; so it is not a leadership issue only. Lutherans in SA dream together about a unified church that is based on Scripture and the Lutheran Confessional writings. Ds. Pieter Raath from the Dutch Reformed Church pointed to the close ties that exist between the Lutherans and Reformed Church and applauded the social awareness of the Lutherans and their commitment to good theology. Pastor Gunnar Bösemann of the ELM reminded Synod of the long and fruitful partnership that exists between the mission and the church. He felt that ELM, who is a partner to both the ELCSA (N-T) and ELCSA, could play a part in the process of reconciliation and unity. Facilitation from outside could be helpful in the way forward. Bishop Nils Rohwer, representing both the ELCSA (Cape) and UELCSA, shared with Synod some insights gained from the Cape Church’s reflection on the 1st Article of faith, culminating in the statement, that God rules the world by serving it. In terms of the ELCSA (N-T) theme he commented, that whilst understanding, knowledge and insight are valuable, they are not indicative for salvation - only Christ is!
Elections had to take place, some necessitated by the constitutional processes of our church, others due to vacancies. Synod elected the following office-bearers:
Ordained member of Church Council: P Georg Meyer, with P Dr Detlev Tönsing being the alternate
President of Synod: Mr Wolfgang Fechter, with Mr Heino Küsel being the alternate.
Secretaries of Synod: Ms Yvette Mellis and Buyisiwe Matema, with Mr Jens von Delft and P Anja Spiske being the alternate.
Dean of Northern Circuit: P Victor Röhrs, with P Mark Meier being the alternate.
Dean of Eastern Circuit: P Theo Jäckel, with P Dirk Köstlin being the alternate.
Dean of Southern Circuit: P Gilbert Filter, with P Manfred Müller-Nedebock being the alternate.
Dean of Central Circuit: P Edwin Dedekind, with P Olaf Gieseke being the alternate.
Deputy Lay-members to Church Council of Northern Circuit: Mr Enos Ramoroka
Deputy Lay-members to Church Council of Eastern Circuit: No election was due
Deputy Lay-members to Church Council of Southern Circuit: Ms Annette Pfeiffer
Deputy Lay-members to Church Council of Central Circuit: Ms Mosadi Machaba
Synod was concluded with a joyous service to God’s glory celebrating 125 years of Neuenkirchen Congregation in Harburg and 30 years of ELCSA (N-T) – at the same time keeping in mind that 100 years ago the Hermannsburg synod and 50 years ago the ELCSA(Transvaal) met for the first time. It is our sincere hope and prayer that the praise of this worship will become part of our church’s worship in praise.
