Synod 2022 District Bishop’s Report

Bishop Mark Vainikka reflected on his first 12 months in the role, saying the time had been both fast and slow.

He said the joys of the role had far outweighed any burdens and that everyone working at Church House at Milton was there to serve the LCAQD.

He spoke of the changes being experienced by Australia as a nation, Western society and the church in the West.

He referenced Psalm 137:4 “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” as he spoke of the changing landscape for the wider church.

He also reminded delegates and visitors to remember John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world”) when there are feelings of frustration towards change, and that through God’s love we are called to serve and love the world as well.

Bishop Mark also thanked Governance Advisory Committee chair Geoff Crooks for the committee’s work over the past 10 months to undertake a comprehensive consultation process with the entities of the Queensland District.

Ahead of discussions about the governance change proposals, delegates and visitors were encouraged to discern what the Holy Spirit says to us as a church through each other, just as it happened in Pentecost.

In closing, Bishop Mark offered his thanks to those who had supported him in his new role, including LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith, First Assistant Bishop Ben Hentschke, Second Assistant Bishop Nathan Glover, Acting First Assistant Bishop David Schmidt and Acting Director Ministry and Mission Kathy Matuschka.