Goroka to host the next ELC-PNG synod

THE newly-elected head bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran church of Papua New Guinea Rev Giegere Wenge put into action his message to the church about strengthening the unity of its membership.
As the Goroka district delegates entered the 27th Synod arena to receive the church’s authority to host the 2012 synod, Rev Wenge rose from his VIP seat and immediately joined the Goroka district president Rev Kowara Toa and his delegates to meet the hosts district Jabem, and receive a carefully cared wooden plaque and the church’s symbol as hosts of the next synod.
Rev Wenge said nothing but stood with the Goroka delegation for the next synod, which would be his first as head bishop.
He will also be the chairman of the 2012 synod.
Part of the presentation ceremony saw Pr Jana Apo presented Rev Wenge with a paddle and specially-carved replica of a seafaring traditional canoe to Goroka for the next synod.
The outgoing acting head bishop and re-elected assistant bishop Rev Zau Rapa joined the Jabem procession as chairman of the 27th synod.
He stood on the specially-built canoe, which made its way surrounded by Jabem traditional dancers who drowned the afternoon air with the sounds of kundu drums and singing.
The handing over of the plague for the next synod or  is always a moving part of any ELC-PNG event.