Message from Bishop Richard
Dear colleagues in Mission in New Zealand
The last month continues to be a time of change for our church and myself, as I pastorally respond to the outcomes of LCANZ churchwide synod, respond to the various needs of our congregations in NZ, NSW and ACT (including calls), and move into a new house.
I am looking forward to my next visit to New Zealand to celebrate Pastor Joel Cramer’s installation at St Paul’s Wellington on 2 February 2024. This will be a joyful moment for Joel, his family, St Paul’s and the wider Lutheran community in New Zealand. At this stage this will be a shorter visit than normal due to some other commitments.
I am currently planning future visits to congregations, pastors and leaders in New Zealand following Easter, June (around Church workers conference and synod) and in September. Please let me know if your congregation is planning a special event as early as possible and we will explore how I can best serve you and your community.
In serving you and your congregations feel free to reach out to me should you need to discuss any matter, need a resource or help or have questions.
You are welcome to contact me by:
Email: richard.schwedes@lca.org.au
Phone: +61418303406
Whats App +61418303406
and we can also arrange Zoom or Teams meetings.
I pray that out of God’s glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, Ephesians 3:16-17
Pastor Richard Schwedes
Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia – NSW and ACT and NZ Districts
November 2024
