ENOUGH IS (AS GOOD AS) A FEAST!

Transcription

1 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (NT) Final Minutes of the 2 nd Session of the VI Church Synod in the Markus Congregation, Piet Retief, from 24 to 27 October 2013 ENOUGH IS (AS GOOD AS) A FEAST! The second ordinary Session of the Sixth Church Synod is opened on Thursday afternoon at 14h00 with a worship service in the Markus Congregation, Piet Retief. The liturgy is conducted by Pastor Anja Spiske (Markus Congregation). Pastor Petra Röhrs conducts the sermon on the text taken from 2 Samuel 12:1-15. (Appendix 1) 1. CONSTITUTING SYNOD 1.1 Opening and Welcome The President of Synod, Mr Wolfgang Fechter, welcomes all present. In particular Bishops Hertel and Rohwer and new members are singled out. He thanks the Markus Congregation for hosting the Synod and commends them for their courage and commitment also with regards to the festivals that they had hosted during this year. He expresses gratitude to experience congregations in action. He reminds delegates of the task ahead and stresses that Synod is our journey together and each delegate should take their experience and reflect on how we can better prepare for next time. We are here to express our Church and reflect. He explains the structure of Synod and emphasises that there is deliberately enough time for the theme Enough is as good as a feast! He closes with the Watchword for October from Hebrews 13:16. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. The following guests are welcomed during the course of the Synod and addressed the meeting: Bishop Erich Hertel (ELCIN (GELC)); Bishop Nils Rohwer (ELCSA (Cape)); Bishop Dr NP Phaswana (Presiding Bishop of ELCSA and LUCSA), Dr Hanke van Blerk (DRC); Pastor Dieter Schnackenberg (FELSiSA); Rev Keith Griffiths (Church Unity Committee), Pastor Joachim Zirkler (Pastor of the Kreuzkirche in Dresden, Director of Studies at the Centre of the LWF in Wittenberg) (Ref Agenda Item 8) 1.2 Verification of Legitimacy The Legitimacy of Synod is declared Attendance Register Ms Yvette Mellis holds roll-call. The delegates are requested to sign the attendance register. (Appendix 2) The following members are absent with apology: Ms Madelein Eschert (Hillcrest), Mr Mulangi Mphego (Kelvin) and Mr Enos Ramoroka (St Peters, Pretoria). Unfortunately their deputies were also not able to attend. The other absent delegates are represented by their deputies. Mr Todani Moyo, Ms Matsie Mokgabudi and Ms Tebogo Muthabuli will arrive later. Dr Hans Schütte of the Church Council and Ms Dorothea Thiele of the Concordia Congregation will arrive on Friday Administering of Oaths The following Synod Delegates who were not present at the 2011 Synod are commissioned. Southern Circuit: Pastor Ron Küsel (Pastor Georg Meyer was elected as ordained member of Church Council) Mr Andrew Bee (Wartburg, stand-in for Ms Edna Ivory) Mr Stefan Lucht (New Hanover, replacing Mr Manfred Kuhn) Mr Claus Lütge (Harburg, stand-in for Mr Manfred Stegen) Central Circuit: Pastor Michael Diezun Ms Margaret Dippenaar Dr Ute Gründer Ms Matsie Mokgabudi Ms Dorothee Niederbröker Ms Natalie Zähringer Northern Circuit: Ms Margareta Ahlschläger Mr Cordt Backeberg Mr Herbert Switala Dr Dankwart Wittenberg (Pastor Edwin Dedekind was elected to Ecclesiastical Council) (Vanderbijlpark, replacing Mr Jochen Theiss) (North Rand, replacing Ms Irmgard Filter) (Midrand, stand-in for Ms Baradi Phirwa) (Eastrand, stand-in for Ms Erika Dittrich) (St Peters by the Lake, stand-in for Ms Masesi Molelekwa) (St Peters Pretoria, stand-in for Mr Nakedi Pasha) (St Peters Pretoria, stand-in for Mr Alex Fuchs) (Johannes Congregation, stand-in for Mr Eckart Krüger) (Johannes Congregation, replacing Ms Christa Meyer) 1

2 1.2.3 Establishing the Quorum It is established that the Synod is in quorum as 75 members are present. The President, Mr Wolfgang Fechter, declares the Synod officially constituted. The Synod was prepared and convened in accordance with the Constitution. 1.3 Nomination of Secretaries Minutes will be kept by Ms Liselotte Knöcklein (Administrative officer from Church office) assisted by Ms Yvette Mellis. 1.4 Subcommittees (Proposal by Church Council) Synod members accept the following proposals by Church Council for committees: Formulating Committee Ms Almut Buhr (Convenor), Ms Annette Pfeiffer and Pastor Georg Meyer Legal Committee Mr Heino Küsel (Convenor), Mr Todani Moyo and Neithard Graf von Dürckheim Election/Nomination Committee Dean Gilbert Filter (Convenor), Mr Johann Engelbrecht, Mr Alec Gumbie and Dr Friedeburg Wenhold 1.5 Reference to Standing Orders of the Church The President refers to the standing orders of Synod. He points to forms to be used for the formulation of motions and requests, and explains the required number of secondments. He restates the fact that delegates are to be guided by their conscience and not by wishes and instructions of their congregations. He thanks Bishop Horst Müller, Church Council and Church Administration for the preparations. The President describes Laws that need to be passed and explains the election procedure, refers to guidelines of Synod members and expresses the hope that Synod will be able to define and formulate the way ahead for the Church. On Friday Dean Gilbert Filter, in his capacity as Convenor of the Election Committee explains the procedures of nominations for the elections. He states that nominations for elections will close one hour before the elections take place. The following elections are due: - Deans: Northern, Eastern and Southern Circuit (Should the current deputy to dean be elected then a deputy has to be elected as well.) - Lay members of council for each circuit. If Church Law 2 is accepted by Synod then Circuit Council Lay members and their deputies must be elected. - Current Deputy to the Ordained member of Church Council must be elected because Dr Detlev Tönsing s agreement with ELCSA (NT), when he took up the position at the University of Kwazulu- Natal (UKZN), does not allow him to be in that position. 2. THEME OF THE SYNOD 2.1 Presentation by Professor emeritus Klaus Nürnberger Pastor Georg Meyer introduces the guest speaker Prof emeritus Klaus Nürnberger. Prof Nürnberger presents Part I of the Theme of the Synod: Enough is (as good as) a feast! (Appendix 3) Discussion The President informs Synod about the set up of the discussion groups. The picture on the name tags of delegates defines group membership. The following are the group facilitators: Pastor Michael Diezun, Dr Jens von Delft, Ms Almut Buhr, Mr Martin Büttner, Ms Margaret Dippenaar, Dr Ute Gründer, Mr Hogart Gevers, Mr Heinz Lütge, Pastor Petra Röhrs, Ms Margareta Ahlschläger Prof Nürnberger commends the groups on the good and concise feedback. The lectures were well received and discussed in the groups. The theme of Synod is carried forward to the Saturday morning. Synod applauds Prof Nürnberger on his presentation. The President thanks Prof Nürnberger for the presentation as well as his long service to the Church. Bishop Müller points out that Prof Nürnberger and others were in the past seen by some as enemies of the Church. He is thanked for his perseverance and today is recognised as teacher of the Church. A gift was handed over as token of thanks. 3. REPORTS All reports received were sent to delegates by and are taken as read. 3.1 Church Council Report, submitted by Bishop Müller (Only selected points are mentioned) 1. Personnel News The election of Bishops is highlighted: Dean Gilbert Filter was elected to the ELCSA (Cape), and 2

3 Pastor Burgert Brand was elected as Bishop of the ELCIN (GELC). 3. Lutheran Churches in Southern Africa 3.1 ELCSA (Cape) The ELCSA (Cape) tabled and unanimously adopted a motion which reads as follows: Synod decides to continue to pursue the matter of greater unity with ELCSA (NT) and formally proposes to ELCSA (NT) to enter into an engagement in view of marriage. Church Council is instructed to engage with the church council of ELCSA (NT) to jointly work on concrete issues that need to be clarified, regarding constitutional, legal, financial, and practical matters regarding life of congregations and their relationship to the church. The process and the progress will be communicated, discussed and reported on congregational, circuit, church council and synod level. Motion 1 is introduced to Synod. (Ref Agenda Item 5) Proposal emanating from line , Church Council Report: Synod is instructed to appoint an expert task team to assist Church Council in dealing with matters of structure and finance. Counter Proposal is introduced to Synod. (Ref Agenda Item 5) Motion 2 is introduced to Synod. (Ref Agenda Item 5) 6. Challenges facing our Church 6.1 Theological Training There are many challenges currently facing theological training. These include - Venue: Prospective students apparently do not perceive UKZN as the preferred locale of study. The contract to train in the current location was signed between UELCSA and UKZN 30 years ago. - Quality and contents - Aim of theological training (Ref Agenda Item 3.3.1) 6.2 Finances of our Church c. Placing of pastors Suggestion from Church Council If the last post was filled by election, the next one can be filled by Church Council placing a pastor without election. Church Council requests feedback and suggestions from Synod in this matter for deliberations at Synod in equip Bishop Müller encourages everyone to inform themselves on the equip retreat and to participate. 7.7 Helplift Network Bishop Müller introduces the Helplift Network to Synod. Corrections to Church Council Report - German version line 186: replace Germiston with Eastrand Proposal by Neithard Graf von Dürckheim He requests that Church Council rethinks the decision in Par 1.8 regarding the Pastor of the West Rand Lutheran Church and that Synod receives a report back within 3 months. Secondment: Pastor Michael Diezun, Pastor Mark Meier Motion 3 is introduced to Synod. (Ref Agenda Item 5) Proposal by Dr Detlev Tönsing There are no remedies in the laws. These remedies should be available. The Legal Committee of Synod is requested to propose that remedies are included. Secondment: Pastor Michael Diezun, Mr Alec Gumbie Motion 4 is introduced to Synod. (Ref Agenda Item 5) A motion is proposed to adopt the Church Council report. Proposed: Dr Eduard Meyer Seconded: Pastor Remo Köhne The report is adopted unopposed with 13 abstentions representing the membership of Church Council. 3.2 Financial Report of the Church Mr Ron Küsel presents the financial report and Contribution History Analysis since Voluntary giving is R short in Solidarity. Mr Küsel encourages giving freely. He informs that the current account is being changed to Nedbank. Congregations will be notified timeously. Some problems are still experienced with regards to remittance advices. Congregations must send remittance advices with every payment they make. Solidarity requests were unfortunately received too late since the whole process takes several months. If a remission is needed it has to be planned and thought through before it can be presented to Synod. He thanks Ms Yolanda Kilian for her work with the budget, office administration, the Finance Committee, Church Council and Bishop Müller. It has been a pleasure to work with this team. A motion is proposed to adopt the financial report 3

4 Proposed: Pastor Ron Küsel Seconded: Ms Margareta Ahlschläger Against: 2 Abstain: 1 The motion is carried by majority 3.3 Theological Education Fifth Year / Lutheran Theological Institute (LTI) Dr Detlev Tönsing presents the report on the LTI. Certain points are highlighted: There is currently only 1 student. At least 7 are required to sufficiently supply ELCSA (NT) with pastors. The LTI is technically insolvent (debts are greater than assets) because one Member Church did not contribute. UELCSA Church Council (4 out of 5 members are present) convenes during a break and reaches the following decision with regards to theological training: UELCSA Church Council decided to have an Indaba on theological training within this year. Representatives from the 3 churches (ELCSA (NT), ELCSA (Cape) and ELCIN (GELC)) will be put into the picture in terms of what is happening in Pietermaritzburg and formulate an interim strategy for theological training of future pastors. From that will emanate long term planning. The UELCSA representatives will, at the next SALTTT meeting suggest a visitation of the LTI. Prof Nürnberger pleads that this process is done together with ELCSA. 3.4 Mission Committee Pastor Hugo Filter presents the Mission Committee report. The goal of the Mission Committee is to reach people with the word of God; within and outside of congregations. The Mission Committee works closely together with church- and congregational councils. The aim is to think of new ways to reach people. He requests Pastor Lutz Ackermann to introduce Fresh Expressions. A fresh expression is a form of church for our changing culture established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet church members. Church has to reinvent itself constantly. Mr Johann Engelbrecht then shares on the development of mission projects in the region of Augsburg-Braunschweig. Pastor Hugo Filter thanks Synod for the financial assistance which has shown an increase and this enables them to do their work. 3.5 Youth Work Southern and Eastern Circuits Pastor Udo Lütge presents the report on youth work. The current agreement regarding the funding of a youth pastor for the Eastern Circuit and Southern Circuit is in place until the end of Pastor Lütge expresses hope that the eastern and southern circuits will continue with the funding even after the agreement lapses. They will deliberate and reach a decision by the end of The youth work is very important and he thanks for the financial support. A visitation of the Youth Pastor post is envisaged for The President thanks Pastor Udo Lütge for the great work he does in the youth work Northern and Central Circuits It is again stated that the Northern and Central Circuits must also report on their youth work to Synod. 3.6 Hermannsburg School Pastor Burgert Brand presents the report on the Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg. This report is signed by the board, the school pastor as well as the principal. The school advertises at congregations. Unfortunately the school was removed from the list of prescribed offerings but the congregations have continued their support. Pastor Brand encourages everyone to visit the school. It is commended that the school received an excellent report from the German Government. Pastor Brand is thanked for the report. 3.7 Church Music Bishop Horst Müller presents the reports and states that Ms Cornelia Ortmann was approached as music representative for Synod covering choir, brass and contemporary worship music. She was unfortunately not able to attend this synod. 3.8 German Seamen's Mission Durban Dean Gilbert Filter presents the report on behalf of Deacon Hans-Werner Casper. The mission is still experiencing problems. The EKD has only guaranteed finances for the next 2 years. Dean Filter is thanked for the report. 3.9 Report on Theological Study Commission No written report was presented. Pastor Gertrud Tönsing reported that work on Homosexuality is in progress. The commission is requested to inform members of Synod if there are discussion points during the writing of the draft. 4

5 Pastor Burgert Brand states that the bishop cannot be held responsible for the compilation of the report as was stated. It is the responsibility of the commission because it was requested by Synod. The committee is thanked and asked to continue with the study Program Facilitator Mr Ulrich Johl introduces as part of his report, Mr Lungelo Msimang and Ms Maika Lilje to Synod. Mr Lungelo Msimang is the youth coordinator for Durban/Coastal youth hub and Ms Maika Lilje is youth worker in training for Eastern Circuit. The President thanks Mr Johl for his work. 4. CHURCH LAWS All church laws were sent to delegates by and are taken as read. 4.1 Church Law 1/2013 Mr Ron Küsel, Treasurer, highlights the increase in contributions and a change in the prescribed offerings. Church Law 1 is put to the vote: Abstain: 1 Against: 0 The law is passed by majority. 4.2 Church Law 2/2013 The President explains the amendments suggested by Church Council in Church Law 2 Section 1 and 2. The Proposal of Church Council for amendments to Section 1 of Church Law 2/2013 Abstain 2 Against 2 The law is passed by majority. The Proposal of Church Council for amendments to Section 2 of Church Law 2/2013 Abstain 1 Against 0 The law is passed by majority. The amendments are passed. This law shall come into effect on 25 th of October Church Law No 3/2013 The president introduces the change proposed by Church Law 3 with regards to the term of office of bishop. With this change the two term limit now applies equally to all elected offices in the Church, including the bishop. The proposal of Church Council for amendments to Church Law No 3/2013 Section 48 (4) and Section 9 (1) is put to the vote Abstain: 3 Against: 3 For: 65 The law is passed by two third majorities. This law shall come into effect on 25 th of October Motion 5 is introduced to Synod. (Ref Agenda Item 5) 5. PROPOSALS / MOTIONS Proposals and Motions emanating from discussions during Synod: Counter Proposal: (from lines 205,206; Church Council Report) Synod instructs Church Council to appoint an expert task team to assist Church Council in dealing with matters of structure and finance. Proposal: Mr Claus Lütge Seconded: Pastor Ron Küsel Proposal is tabled: by Neithard Graf von Dürckheim: Section 47 (2) is hereby amended as follows: If the Pastor has already served in a congregation for 12 years he shall be transferred. However, one extension is possible if the Pastor, the Congregational Council and Church Council agree thereto. The period of extension shall be determined, however shall not exceed 6 years. The proposal to add however shall not exceed 6 years is seconded by: Pastor Mark Meier, Pastor Michael Diezun, Ms Margareta Ahlschlager, Pastor Petra Röhrs, Mr Alec Gumbie, Ms Gerhild Mentzel, Ms Matsie Mokgabudi, Mr Claus Lütge, Mr Heinz Lütge, Mr Egon Rembold, Ms Tebogo Muthabuli, Mr Thomas Wenhold, Dr Friedeburg Wenhold, Mr Edwin Meyer, Mr Hogart Gevers, Pastor Anja 5

6 Spiske, Pastor Udo Lütge, Dr Detlev Tönsing According to the constitution any changes to the law have to be presented two months in advance and should be seconded by at least 15 secondees. This proposal is therefore presented timeously to Synod Motion 1 Church Council is instructed to engage with the Church Council of ELCSA (Cape) to jointly work on concrete issues that need to be clarified, regarding constitutional, legal, financial, and practical matters regarding life of congregations and their relationship to the church. The process and the progress will be communicated, discussed and reported on congregational, circuit, church council and synod level. Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Motion is carried by majority Motion 2 Synod instructs Church Council to set up a task team to develop a strategy to work towards unity with ELCSA. ELCSA (Cape) shall be invited to be part of this task team. Seconded: Pastor Udo Lütge For: 48 Against: 25 Abstain: 2 Motion is carried Motion 3 That Church Council re-think it s decision regarding the Pastor of Westrand Lutheran Church, as contained in the report of Church Council, paragraph 1.8 line 18 within 3 months from date and inform synod members of the outcome within the said 3 months. Secondees: Pastor Michael Diezun, Pastor Mark Meier For: 15 Against: 36 Abstain: 17 Motion is not carried Motion 4 Synod instructs its legal committee to prepare a change of Constitution and Rules of Procedure for Synod 2015, to correct the omission of the need to accept the Church Council Report, the lack of remedies in regards to dissent with respect to specific issues in Church Council Report, the possibility to pass a vote of no confidence in Church Council or to terminate the term of office of any one member of Church Council. Secondees: Pastor Michael Diezun, Mr Alec Gumbie Against: 63 Abstain: 7 Motion is not carried Motion 5 Synod requests Church Council to consider, and if possible prepare a church law change for the next synod sitting, introducing the post of a Legal Advisor as a member of Church Council. Secondees: Pastor Udo Lütge, Mr Andrew Bee Against: 15 Abstain: 3 Motion is carried by majority Motion 6 We the Ev. Luth. Congregation Kempton Park ask Synod to task the Church Council of ELCSA (NT) to put together guidelines for congregations who wish to employ Youth Workers/Youth Pastors for their congregations. These guidelines should include recommendations for: Qualifications Job description Employment conditions and contract, Recommendations for a salary structure, according to a candidates qualifications, age, marital status etc. Purpose of this motion is to help congregations in their decision making, when employing such a person, and streamlining the working conditions of people who serve in the youth ministry within ELCSA (NT) Motion is accepted unanimously 6. QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS 6.1 From Members of Synod Proposals from previous Synod presented by Neithard Graf von Dürckheim will be dealt with 6

7 between Church Council and Neithard Graf von Dürckheim Mr Edmund Bunge requests that synod delegates volunteer themselves for the committees of the task team with regards to deliberations with ELCSA and ELCSA (Cape) Neithard Graf von Dürckheim requests clarity and transparency with regards to financial statements concerning congregations that are overdue in their committed payments to ELCSA (NT). Mr Ron Küsel, Treasurer, shows a table listing all the congregations that are behind in their contributions. He states that they are in discussion and seeking solutions with each of them. 7. ELECTIONS Dean Gilbert Filter explains the election procedure. In the elections for the lay members of Church Council the deputy is the person with second most votes. 7.1 Deans a) Northern Circuit Nominations for Dean: Result: b) Eastern Circuit Nominations for Dean: Result: Deputy a) Southern Circuit Nominations for Dean: Result: Dean Theo Jäckel Dean Theo Jäckel Pastors Hugo Filter, Dirk Köstlin Pastor Dirk Köstlin Pastor Hugo Filter Pastors Ron Küsel, Dieter Klee, Victor Röhrs Pastor Ron Küsel 7.2 Lay Member to Church Council a) Northern Circuit Nominations: Ms Renate Wittenberg; Result: Ms Renate Wittenberg b) Central Circuit Nominations: Ms Ann Mokhine Result: Ms Ann Mokhine c) Eastern Circuit Nominations: Dr Hans Schütte, Mr Johann Engelbrecht Result: Dr Hans Schütte d) Southern Circuit Nominations: Ms Annette Pfeiffer Result: Ms Annette Pfeiffer 7.3 Lay Member to Circuit Council a) Northern Circuit Nominations: Ms Dorothea Thiele, Dr Eduard Meyer, Ms Margareta Ahlschläger, Dr Friedeburg Wenhold Result: Ms Dorothea Thiele Deputy: Dr Friedeburg Wenhold b) Central Circuit Nominations: Mr Alec Gumbie, Mr Ludwig Schulze Result: Mr Alec Gumbie Deputy: Mr Ludwig Schulze c) Eastern Circuit Nominations: Mr Georg Kehrhahn, Mr Walter Thiele, Mr Johann Engelbrecht, Mr Hogart Gevers Result: Mr Johann Engelbrecht Deputy: Mr Hogart Gevers d) Southern Circuit Nominations: Ms Yvette Mellis, Dr Jens von Delft, Mr Stefan Lucht Result: Dr Jens von Delft Deputy: Ms Yvette Mellis 7.4 Alternate to the ordained member of Church Council Nominations: Pastors Petra Röhrs, Anja Spiske Result: Pastor Petra Röhrs Dean Gilbert Filter congratulates everyone who has been elected and thanks the Election Committee for a job well done. 8. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS 8.1 Words of greeting Bishop Erich Hertel ELCIN (GELC) Bishop Hertel reflects on the 27 years that he has served in Southern Africa. He will retire in May 2014 and return to Hermannsburg, Germany. He thanks for the love and appreciation experienced and especially Pastor Dieter Lilje and the leadership. Many years ago the ELCIN (GELC) sent a young pastor to ELCSA (NT) and they are looking forward to welcome that pastor, Burgert Brand back in Namibia as their Bishop. Bishop Hertel requests a collection towards the drought stricken people in Namibia. (Ref Agenda Item 8.2.5) 7

8 The three separate Lutheran Churches in Namibia have now formed a United Lutheran Church Council. Resulting from an invitation by this new council the LWF accepted their invitation for Bishop Hertel brings greetings from the Lutheran Churches in Namibia also from Bishop Kameeta. Bishop Hertel closes with words from 2 Cor 12 My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect through weakness Bishop Nils Rohwer ELCSA (Cape) Bishop Rohwer thanks for many years of good cooperation with ELCSA (NT) and also within UELCSA. He reflects back to synods that were not as harmonious as this one. Some have expressed their concern with the engagement to be married because of the great historical differences. These as well as our different laws on pastors should not deter us. These issues will need to be dealt with when we legally merge. The laws are not really the problem but the personal issues. Bishop Rohwer retires at the end of 2013 and again thanks for the friendliness with which he was always received Dr Hanke van Blerk DRC Dr Van Blerk brings greetings from Dr JJ Gerber the General Secretary of the Dutch Reformed Church. The relationship between the leaders of our churches has become more than formal ecumenical contact. Dr Van Blerk looks forward to 2017 when we will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation together Bishop Dr NP Phaswana, Presiding Bishop of ELCSA and LUCSA; LWF Representative Bishop Phaswana reads a letter from Rev Martin Junge, General Secretary LWF He brings greetings from LUCSA of which ELCSA NT is also a member. Bishop Phaswana encourages Synod to continue the discussions of 1991 and look at the already accepted constitution and use that as a starting point to further unity between the churches Pastor Dieter Schnackenberg FELSiSA Pastor Schnackenberg brings greetings from Bishop Dieter Reinstorf. The leadership of FELSiSA and ELCSA (NT) met in Bonaero Park. This was a unique meeting where the leaderships had decided to rather listen and not talk about differences. Pastor Schnackenberg thanks for the cooperation between Braunschweig, Augsburg and Lüneburg congregations on mission level Rev Keith Griffiths, Secretary General Church Unity Committee (CUC) The Secretary General recognises the participation of the Lutheran Church as Observer Church in the CUC, brings greetings from the Central Committee and assures members of prayers for a successful synod and expresses hope of your continuing participation in the work of the Commission Pastor Joachim Zirkler, Pastor of the Kreuzkirche in Dresden, Director of Studies at the Centre of the LWF in Wittenberg At the start of 2014 Pastor Zirkler will take up the post of Director of Studies in the office of the Lutheran World Federation in Wittenberg. One part of the work will be the preparation of the Reformation anniversary 2017; the other part will be preparation, organisation and attending international seminars. Two thirds of the participants should come from the southern part of the world and one third from the northern part. We share the challenge of clarifying our roles in the face of new social and economic realities. The enemy is no longer as clearly defined as it was in the past Other Words of Greeting The greetings from ELMSA, VELKD and Pastor Georg Scriba are read to Synod. 8.2 Sundry Announcements Pastor Ron Küsel reminds of the APN old-age home in Durban Pastor Remo Köhne and Ms Margaret Dippenaar share more about the School for Autistic Children Pastor Hugo Filter suggests that diaconical projects of congregations should also be supported by Synod Pastor Rene Risch reports on the student work in Pretoria and introduces the book Boerperd. The proceeds of this book go towards youth work A request was received from Bishop Hertel for a collection towards the drought stricken people in Namibia. The collection at the closing service will be given in half to Namibia and half to a local cause. Synod will recommend to all congregations within our church to give one collection towards the Namibian drought relief fund within this current year. 8.3 Devotions Morning and Evening devotions were held in line with the theme of Synod: Thursday Evening Devotion Pastor Dieter Lilje Friday Morning Devotion Bishop Nils Rohwer 8

9 Evening Devotion Saturday Morning Devotion Evening Devotion Ms Buyisiwe Matema Bishop Erich Hertel Ms Dorothea Thiele 9. NEXT CHURCH SYNOD MEETING 9.1 The 3 rd Meeting of the VI Church Synod will take place in Kroondal in CLOSING Closing of the plenary sessions Bishop Horst Müller congratulates the new members who have been elected as office bearers especially for the first time circuit council members who all will experience serving the church on a new level. He thanks the current church council for the path shared. He thanks Pastor Burgert Brand and Dean Gilbert Filter and wishes them all the best for their future as Church leaders in Nambia and the Cape. He reminds of the presentation given on Fresh Expressions to think new, a culture of permission is needed. Thinking new is like an off road experience. New routes and roads need to be found. This can be scary at times, but also is very rewarding in the end. He thanks the delegates for their prayers, enabling us to fulfill our calling together. In his closing remarks the President encourages everyone to make use of the preparation meetings and documents that are sent out before synod meetings so that time is maximized at Synod to run Synod better. Communicate and give comments beforehand. All contributions are valued. He also thanks the guests for sharing this experience. He continues to express great appreciation towards the Markus Congregation for being prepared to host Synod. He thanks all of those who availed themselves to be elected, and thanks them for considering it. He wishes all of those who have been elected to be a blessing in the name of Jesus Christ Closing Service with Holy Communion Installation of newly elected Deans, Church Council members and Circuit Council members. The second ordinary session of the Sixth Church Synod is closed on Sunday morning by a worship service with Holy Communion at 09:00 in the Markus Congregation, Piet Retief. The liturgy is conducted by Pastor Gilbert Filter. Pastor Burgert Brand delivers the sermon on the text from John 6, (Appendix 4) Mr W. L. Fechter President of the Synod Bishop H Müller Chairperson of the Church Council First draft /lk First draft Final Minutes NT12687/2013/lk 9