DECEMBER ‘16/JANUARY ‘17 Volume 14, Issue 7

Commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation

… A Roman Catholic Perspective

As part of our on-going commemorations leading up to the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, I invited the Rev Chris Sullivan to write the article below. Chris is a permanent deacon at St Mark’s Catholic Church in Pakuranga. He is from Wanganui and is married to Ana Maria from Bolivia. They have two children and share a love of Christ, the Church, Christian unity, and a passion for social justice. Pastor Joe

Reform was necessary in the Church then as it is now. The Second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church in the 1960’s taught that the Church is always in need of reform. That reform in the Catholic Church has continued and deepened with Pope Francis, whose papacy is very much a papacy of reform. We are always in need of reform, both as individuals and as Church.

Luther wanted to see married clergy, something we have always had in the Eastern Catholic Church and which we now have in the Western Catholic Church with the re-introduction of married permanent deacons, who are ordained ministers, at the Second Vatican Council. There are now hundreds of married priests in the Western Catholic Church, men who were married ministers in other Churches, who became Catholics, and were later ordained as married priests.

Luther wanted to see an end to the corruption in the Church, especially the abuse of indulgences which were sold to the wealthy. The reformation encouraged the Catholic Church to begin a serious process of reform at the Council of Trent, to make sure bishops were appointed by the Church and not by Kings and nobles, to make sure priests were properly trained, to correct some superstitious practices which had sometimes crept in to Catholic practice, and to clarify the understanding of Catholic faith.

Luther wanted to see the liturgy celebrated in the ordinary language of the people, rather than in Latin. This is now the standard practice in the Catholic Church.

… continued on page 2 …

S o m e m o r e c o n s e r v a t i v e

Catholics are surprised that Pope Francis is leading the Catholic Church in celebrating the 500th anniversary of the protestant reformation.

They wonder what there is to celebrate in Martin Luther’s dispute with the Roman Catholic Church which led him to break away and form the Lutheran Church. We all recall with great sadness the often bitter disputes, and even wars, which this led to.

But God’s saving and healing grace has led us to repent of our divisions and acrimony, has healed the divisions and forged a joint determination to work together towards greater Christian unity, with the goal of eventual full Christian unity. There is much to celebrate in this!

The dilemma for those seeking reform is always “do we stay and work within for reform, or do we leave and start a new group”? Sometimes both approaches are helpful, and I think we can see that in the unfolding history of the reformation.

There is general agreement among Catholics that the Church of 16th Century Europe was in need of serious reform. Parts of the Church had become corrupted by the pursuit of wealth and power, the clergy had become an upper crust, isolated from the people they were supposed to serve and often lording it over them. Bishops were chosen by Kings and Lords and not by the Church. The bible was seldom read by the people and superstitious practices had sometimes corrupted Christian understanding. There had been unsuccessful attempts at reform in the centuries before Martin Luther is said to have nailed his famous 95 theses’ to the Church at Wittenberg in 1517.

DECEMBER ’16/JANUARY ’17 Page 2

… continued from page 1 …

Luther wanted to see the bible translated into the ordinary language of the people, and for Christians to be encouraged to read and study the bible. This has also been achieved and the last 50 years has seen a great flourishing of Catholic biblical studies and a firmer grounding of Catholic theology on the bible.

Luther wanted to see a stronger grounding of theology in the bible rather than the developed tradition of the Church. This is also a reform the Second Vatican Council introduced into Catholic theology. Both Catholics and Lutherans accept that tradition needs to develop and deepen our understanding of theology as the Holy Spirit gently guides us forward in the Church.

Luther wanted to see an emphasis on the power of God’s saving grace, which is what heals, reforms, and saves us, rather than the merits of our good works. The 1999 agreement on justification between the Lutheran and Catholic Churches resolved this issue, so we now share a common understanding of justification and its relationship to faith, grace, and works.

There is much to celebrate that the reformation has encouraged the Catholic Church to make many of the reforms which Luther saw as necessary to the Church.

As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the reformation, let us remember that what unites us as Christians is infinitely greater than what divides us. For what unites us is Christ himself, but what divides us is only our own fallible human interpretations.

We don’t know yet exactly what form full Christian unity will take, but I suggest it will involve a full Eucharistic unity, some autonomy for Catholics and Lutherans in a united Church (perhaps somewhat along the lines of the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church which have their own distinct liturgical rites, canon law and theology), a recognition of each other’s ministerial roles and some form of agreement on the exercise of authority in the Church (which will need to be more collegial than the exercise of papal authority in the Catholic Church has sometimes been), with a return to legitimate diversity within a united Church (which was the case in 1st Century Judaism and Christianity).

Let us give thanks to God that much has been achieved in building greater Christian understanding and unity and let us pray for the grace to continue to work together towards the full Christian unity which Jesus Christ prayed for at the last supper. This is the most serious reform Christians of the 21st Century need to make.

Chris Sullivan, Oct 2016

Joint Catholic—Lutheran Commemoration, Lund Cathedral, Sweden

As part of the joint Catholic-Lutheran Commemoration of the Reformation a worship service was held in the Lund Cathedral, Sweden, October 31, 2016. The Rev Martin Junge, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation and Pope Francis both preached. You can read the full text of Rev Junge’s sermon at: https://www.lutheranworld.org/sites/default/files/joint_commemoration_mj_sermon_final_en.pdf. The homily presented by Pope Francis can be read at: http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2016/10/31/full-text-popes-homily-at-service-for-500th-anniversary-of-reformation/

Pastor Joe

CHRISTMAS SERVICES:

Saturday 24th December, 7 pm:

Christmas Eve Service

(with Children’s Programme)

Sunday 25th December, 10 am:

Christmas Day Worship

with Holy Communion

Both of these services will be led by

Bishop Mark Whitfield.

DECEMBER ’16/JANUARY ’17 Page 3

On Sunday the 16th of October, the members of Mountainside

Lutheran Parish were treated to a short video clip titled, “500 Years

of Reformation—500 Trees for Wittenberg”. We learnt about an

international and ecumenical project, the Luthergarten, initiated by

the Lutheran World Federation as a means of giving expression to

the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation beginning in 2017.

On the occasion of Reformation anniversaries, it has been

customary to plant a tree in memory of Martin Luther, the most

widespread being the Luther oak. A very famous specimen of this

tree is in Wittenberg. At its location, Luther in 1520 burnt his copy

of the papal bull threatening him with excommunication.

Luther loved trees, and once said

that, “…even if I knew the world

were to collapse tomorrow, I

would still plant my apple tree

today”. In connection with the

Wittenberg project and the

Luthergarten, and as a symbolic way of giving concrete affirmation

of the optimism so clearly expressed in Luther’s apple tree quote,

we planted an apple tree alongside of our church.

We surrounded this little event with God’s Word, prayer and

blessing. We prayed that our apple tree would grow well and

produce abundant fruit, and we prayed for the people of God, that we might show ourselves to be

disciples of Jesus, by the fruit we bear. Pastor Joe

Inspiration for Mountainside’s Longest Lutheran Lunch

2016 came via the Holy Spirit, through the Gospel

according to St Luke, chapter 14, verses 12-14.

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a

luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your

brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they

may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a

banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be

blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the

resurrection of the righteous.”

Over the few weeks leading up to 30th October the seed was planted for

a new way to share the LLLunch with our community. An approach was

made to the Auckland City Mission, asking whether they would be happy

to receive packed lunch boxes, and whether they would send a

representative out to speak to us at the conclusion of our Reformation

worship service.

2-litre ice cream boxes were a handy container for the lunches, which Mountainside members made up at

home and brought to church on Sunday 30th. A list of suggested foods was provided, for an exciting,

nourishing lunch. An envelope to be taped to the top of each lunch box was prepared, containing a note of

explanation, folded paper napkin, and a couple of Christian tracts.

A steady stream of packed lunches arrived on the morning,

many people having made more than one each. We taped the

envelopes on top, and the stack grew. Our guest speaker arrived,

and spoke from the heart about the need in Auckland city for

people to be fed. She told us that as she left to come out to us that

morning there were already about 80 people waiting for some

lunch. The mission is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 365

days of the year.

So this year our Lutheran Lunch was the longest yet, stretching

from Mt Wellington in to the centre of Auckland city. Pastor Joe

Kummerow prayed a rite of blessing over the food and those

about to receive it. We were happy to be able to send 99 lunch

boxes to those much more needy than ourselves. Thanks be to God. Visse Hopley

DECEMBER ’16/JANUARY ’17 Page 4

Mountainside Women would like to invite all

women of the parish to their

Christmas Lunch on Sunday 11th December

after the worship service.

Cost is $10 per person.

THE ADVENT PROJECT

I discovered some-thing interesting

the other day. Well, at least I found it interesting! Did you know that in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the season of Advent, which by the time you get to read this new edition of The Rumblings we will have entered into, is actually celebrated for seven weeks rather than for four? As with other

western Christian churches, here at Mountainside we’re used to always starting this penitential season of preparation for Christmas on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

In eastern orthodoxy, however, November 15 is always the starting date. November the 15th is the day

after the Feast of the Apostle Philip. For this reason it is popularly known as St. Philip's Fast.

A simple count of the days between November 15

and December 25 shows that this special period lasts exactly 40 days, the same as Lent. Hence the seven week period of Advent.

Now this got me thinking. Perhaps there is something to be gained by returning as a church to this ancient practice, especially if you consider the way in which our secular culture has impacted on this time of preparation. Someone even suggested to me

that, “in view of the way the secular world has robbed Christmas of its significance, we Christians should just quietly abandon the day and transfer our celebrations to another date”. Now you might think this is a rather radical suggestion, and even a bit silly, (it most

certainly is tongue in cheek!), but perhaps the idea of a seven week Advent does have some merit?

Certainly others think so. In North America there is

currently a movement amongst Christians known as the Advent Project. It’s founder is the Very Rev’d

William H. Petersen, PhD, DD. Look him up if you want more information about his credentials. This movement is working towards an expanded Advent

based on what they describe as a “very simple idea…to make the Advent we celebrate congruent with the

lectionary we already have”. The movement’s rationale is based firstly on what

Petersen describes as the loss of Advent to the

“Christmas culture” of our society, and the church’s “complicity” in that. We have tended in the west to turn the four weeks of Advent into a four week

journey to Bethlehem. But as Petersen says… “…that focus is only one pole (and secondary at that!) of the Advent season. The primary one is beginning

the new church year with a steady look at the “end times,” that is, at the goal of fulfilment of all the

implications of Christ’s resurrection for humanity and, indeed, the entire creation. This is usually called the

“kingdom” or the “reign of God.” That emphasis is intended to give the beginning of the annual cycle of the liturgical year an emphasis that will help Christians to engage ever

more deeply in Christ’s mission of peace, justice, and the integrity of creation”.

Petersen then goes further with his rationale. “The second reason for an expanded season has to

do with setting before us in our worship, rooted in Scripture, an alternative and, I think, more authentic vision of the “end times” or the “reign of God” than

those otherwise so effectively media-touted ones offered in fundamentalist, millenialist, or rapturist versions. Whether this is possible and effective is, of course, part of the test in trial usage”.

Speaking of which, a pastor friend of mine did actually trial this idea of an expanded Advent in his congregation. From the feedback he received, his people appreciated the opportunity to slow down and

more patiently and deeply take in the profoundness of what is the Advent season.

Maybe we might one day consider doing the same as we prepare this Advent season for the Lord who “has come, is coming, and will come again”? Come,

Lord Jesus come! Pastor Joe

Please visit the web site:

http://www.theadventproject.org/ for further

information

DECEMBER ’16/JANUARY ’17 Page 5

Whither Botany Lutheran Church?

Greetings to all at Mountainside Lutheran Church. Thank you for the opportunity to share briefly the latest development at Botany Lutheran Church (BLC). Right now, we are in the process of selling the church building. I am profoundly reluctant to write because I know there are those who are hurting deeply. Deep down in our hearts, we do not want to sell our church property.

A brief description of the context is appropriate here. The church building was bought and renovated in 2009. The cost of the building was partly financed by a $200,000 suspensory loan from Gateway Gift Trust Board and an interest-bearing loan of $400,000 from Lutheran Laymen’s League. According to the BLC’s report to the 36th Synod of LCNZ in 2011, the church was experiencing difficulties in meeting the loan obligations. This was only a year or so after the loans were granted. The Botany Education Centre set up to generate income to service the loan did not last long. Although a debt restructuring arrangement of interest-repayment only for five years was put in place, its financial strength has never recovered. The cost to maintain the building, servicing the loan, and meeting associated levies as a member of LCNZ have easily exceeded the congregational offerings, our main source of ‘income’. In commercial terms, we are not a viable entity. We have no money to do what we are supposed to do: to develop an effective ministry to the Chinese immigrants. The employment of a pastor was completely out of the question.

Owning a church building is always a contentious issue. Depending on their motives, stakeholders can come up with equally valid reasons to argue in favour or against ‘ministry with or without a building’. For BLC, it is pragmatism which dictates the sale of the building.

In its short history of trying to build a sustainable ministry, BLC has experienced both ups and downs, but more downs than ups. Most of the time, it was preoccupied with financing the building. There are things we know why we went downhill numerically and financially. But there are also those which we do not yet understand. Perhaps only time will tell. It is like Apostle Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9. We prayed fervently to ask God to remove the ‘thorn’ (our financial burdens) but God did not appear to have answered our prayers.

So, where is BLC at now? It is a Kairos time for us—a time for reflection and discernment as to what God is calling us to do. The sale proceeds minus the loan obligations and expenses will be held in trust by LCNZ Trust Board. The money will be “ring-fenced” for Botany’s ministry. In many ways it is a tipping point for us. Not only will the church become debt-free soon, it will have a pool of funds to do what it should be doing, including the employment of a full-time pastor. This is something worth celebrating.

According to our draft ministry plan 2016-2018, our immediate priority is to engage a fulltime Lutheran pastor and locate a suitable place for worship. We are making good progress in both. Bishop John Henderson has

identified a Chinese Lutheran pastor who is multilingual. Being an overseas candidate, there will be a colloquy to be chaired by Bishop John and the panel includes Bishop Mark Whitfield and Pastor Jim Pietsch. Also, we have had promising conversations with Pastor Joe and Chairperson Fredric Doss regarding the possible use of Mountainside space and facilities for worship and ministry. We wish to say thank you to all of you. How now shall we move into the future? Doing ministry is a journey—BLC is NOT closing. We

must review what has gone by, assess the present, and build the future. Gaining a better sense of the future is not a repeat of the past. We need to have a fresh start. The mission field is already at our door steps. And the church of the future starts today.

There are no perfect churches—It is important to remind ourselves that, regardless of its size, there are no perfect churches. Churches are a community of imperfect people, like you and me. We will be disappointed if we have unreasonable expectations of what the church should do or how to serve you as members.

There is a biblical promise— Jesus says, “You are Peter, a stone; and upon this rock I will build my church; and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18, The Living Bible). The church of the future needs a renewed sense of who God is and that He is always at work. In the end the church prevails.

Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12: 5: “I am going to boast only about how weak I am and how great God is to use such weaknesses for his glory.” Paul, as one of the leading authors of the New Testament, had experienced struggles in his ministry and he publicly confessed them. The community of believers at BLC have similarly struggled with imperfections in trying to develop a sustainable ministry. The goal is noble but the body is weak. The Scripture encourages believers to embrace the attitude of dependence that directs us to Lord God Almighty as the chief Cornerstone, not to us. It is in this spirit that we now see our future. David Pang 18 Nov’16

DECEMBER ’16/JANUARY ’17 Page 6

The Mt Wellington Foodbank

The Mt Wellington Foodbank has celebrated its 25th year of

operations this October. The Foodbank was started in 1991 in

response to a challenging recession which hit New Zealand in

the early 1990’s. The Mt Wellington area was hard hit by the

economic downturn and many programmes offering support

did not cover the area.

A group of 4 churches from the Mt Wellington area, St

Bernadette Catholic Church, St Peter’s Presbyterian Church, the

Mt Wellington Community Church and Mountainside Lutheran

Parish, started the Foodbank and recruited the Panmure

Citizens’ Advice Bureau to be its front line operation. After a

number of years, St Peter’s Presbyterian Church was replaced

by The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ellerslie.

Statistics for the Foodbank over the past 25 years show that, by the end of September 2016, a

total of 12,929 food parcels have been prepared and delivered by the Foodbank’s volunteers! That is

an average of 517 parcels per year. This past year ended 30 Sept 2016, the Foodbank demand was

about average but was slightly higher than our last year’s total by 65 parcels. In total for the year,

2,019 people were provided with much needed food. 68 parcels was the largest number delivered in

any one month for the year with the average being just over 43 parcels per month.

The Foodbank has been able to stay in service over these past years only through the many,

many donations from organisations in and around the community who donate both food and

monies to keep the Foodbank going. The Mt Wellington Foodbank is unique in that it delivers the

parcel to the families needing support. They complete a request form at the CAB and members of

the 4 churches then prepare the parcels and deliver them.

Annually, the Foodbank touches the lives of up to 2,000 people in the Mt Wellington area and

over 25 years, that adds up to around 50,000 people! This is both amazing and wonderful! It’s

about everybody pitching in and doing a bit here and a bit there and collectively making a BIG

difference in the community. The Mt

Wellington Foodbank Committee

would like to extend its thanks to

each volunteer and donor who have

assisted the Foodbank over these

many years! The list is far too long

to try and mention everyone but

those that have been dedicated

supporters over the years know who

they are and their efforts and

support are invaluable.

Roxanne Bakke

Vanilla Crescents [Vanillekipferln]

200g flour

pinch baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

3 egg yolks

200g cold butter

125g sugar

125g ground almonds

Form dough, chill.

Form crescents on baking tray. Bake at 160oC for 10—15

minutes. Do not overcook. Roll in icing sugar.

This recipe originated in Austria and they are also very

popular in Switzerland and Germany… for special

occasions. Linda Heidrich

DECEMBER ’16/JANUARY ’17 Page 7

MOUNTAINSIDE KIDS… in Worship & Upstairs

This term, Mountainside kids have enjoyed a variety of activities thanks to the resources provided by Grow Ministries. As part of the lead up to the commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, we set up our own printing press, Gutenberg style, using foam letters and paint. When Johannes Gutenberg began working on the printing press in 1436, he created what can be considered one of the most ingenious inventions of all time! This revolutionary invention paved the future for many great writers including Martin Luther. This printing press helped Martin Luther spread the Gospel.

We have also enjoyed printing our names, memory verses and preparing Baptism cards with our Printing press. The Gospel is being well spread with little fingers! Thank you for your prayers and support. God bless you all! Julie Kummerow & the Children’s Ministry Team

CHRISTMAS CAR BOOT SALE AND CAFÉ

Saturday 3rd December, 9 am

Christmas Carols & Crafts, Sausage Sizzle & Christmas Café This is our last one for the year! Come along and enjoy the wonderful

atmosphere and pick up a bargain or two!! Selling spots are available for $10, or $15 with a table supplied.

Contact the church office to book a spot—ph 579 4490 or email lcnz.auckland@clear.net.nz.

(Note: There is no Car Boot Sale in January)

In Loving Memory…

On All Saints Sunday (5th November) we remembered

those who have left this earth to rest in the arms of our

Loving Father during the year:

Esther Barrett 12/2/1929—31/1/2016

Vernon Graham Henry Ross 12/4/1929—23/5/2016

Fridtjof Friis 20/11/1937—5/8/2016

Morten Johannes Rasmussen 14/11/1928—13/10/2016

DECEMBER ’16/JANUARY ’17 Page 8

With Pastor Joe away on leave for 2 months

the deadline for the next issue has been delayed

by 1 week.

Deadline for articles for the February/March

issue of ‘Mountainside Rumblings’ is

TUESDAY 31st JANUARY 2017.

Don’t forget that you have 3 options for receiving this newsletter—a printed copy available in the foyer of Mountainside Lutheran Church, we can post you a copy if you let us know your address, or we can email a copy in PDF format which you can enjoy in full colour!! Just contact Kathy and she will organise it for you. And please remember to let us know if your contact details change so we can alter our records accordingly. Thanks very much.

&

PRAYER POINTS In your prayers this month, please pray for the following:

We pray ... For the Christian Church as we prepare to

celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Bless all who attend Christmas services and hear the wonderful message of God’s love through his Son.

For Eva & Peter Lever and family as they mourn the loss of Eva’s mother, Doreen. Grant them comfort, Lord during this difficult time.

For Pastor Joe, Julie & children as they take 2 months’ leave during December—January. Grant them rest & enjoyment and keep them safe as they travel.

For our brothers and sisters at Botany as they complete the sale of their building and call a pastor. Give them your guidance Lord as they discuss the way forward.

For students undergoing exams and for all teachers as they complete the school year.

For everyone struggling in the aftermath of the earthquake and continuing aftershocks in the Kaikoura/Canterbury region. Give them strength Lord to rebuild their communities.

For all who are sick or suffering at this time— may God give them strength and his healing comfort.

For peace in areas of the world where there is on-going conflict and political instability.

‘Happy Birthday’ and Best Wishes

to the following people

celebrating birthdays in December:

Jack Neal (2nd) Marjon Gerson (5th) Caitlin Tippett (8th) Isabella Jorna (15th) David Sutton (17th) Alexander & Nicholas Kummerow (18th) Christian Geese (20th) Janet Mason (21st) Katelyn Sutton (21st) Theo Quax (27th) Caroline Samsom (30th)

Wedding Anniversary Congratulations to: John & Lisa Fraser 11 years on the 17th Anand & Mary Jala 12 years on the 20th Joe & Julie Kummerow 19 years on the 20th Paul & Sue Samsom 61 years on 23rd

Jacque Morris (1st) Jessica Jala (6th) Jenna Hewett (9th) Pat Heinemann (11th)Tabitha Meharg (15th) Margrit Romaniuk (17th) Linda Heidrich (20th) Dori Reeve (24th) Annabelle Skadiang (28th)

Wedding Anniversary Congratulations to: Maurice & Linda Heidrich 60 years on the 19th Julie & Armstrong Mathews 22 years on the 19th Kevin & Dori Reeve 7 years on the 23rd Nick & Jenna Hewett 10 years on the 27th Neil & Jenny Lindstrom 57 years on the 30th

‘Happy Birthday’ and Best Wishes to the following

people celebrating birthdays in January:

Ofa, Sione, Funaki, Saimone & Tevita Ongoongo

(children of William & Ane)

were welcomed into God’s Kingdom and our Mountainside Church

family through the miracle of Holy Baptism on Sunday 27th November.

May God watch over and protect these children as they grow.