The puzzle of being God’s church….
Have you ever tried to put together a jigsaw puzzle?
What about one without the picture?
Or with missing pieces? Or even a one colour puzzle?
Or even with others who see the puzzle different to you?
Being God’s church throughout the world, including as the Lutheran Church of New Zealand can at times be challenging and puzzling….
One of the blessings we have is that living in the puzzle of God’s church is one we don’t do alone…
As 1 Corinthians 12:27 remind us….
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
This is important to keep in mind, as we move forward in being God’s church as the Lutheran Church of New Zealand, every single person is important, is valued and has something to contribute in being part of God’s church…
But there is also something more important to keep in mind, although at times we like to talk about ‘my church,’ probably a better way to think is that this is Jesus’ church which we are invited to be part of.
Now with these two key factors in mind…we have the picture of what the church should look like, but that is a bit like seeing the picture on a jigsaw puzzle box, but when we open the box…the reality is it is a bit of a mess….Yet amongst this mess Jesus is continually working and active.
This year we have a great opportunity to be working together with Jesus and each other:
- In our local congregations and settings, let us continue:
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- exploring God’s word together,
- worshipping together
- being present for one another,
- working and serving together in love
- responding to the opportunities God places before us to share His loving grace to the community where we are place.
- The Manawatū and Marton congregations are working closer together to ensure Marton are supported in their ministry and mission.
- Our Church workers get together every month online and two times a year in person (this year in June and September)
- Our whole church has the opportunity to gather together in Auckland June for the Lutheran Church of New Zealand Convention of Synod.
- In October as part of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand, we will be getting together online for a mini pastor’s conference and a Special Convention of Synod.
- And to help us be more intentional in what it means to be the Lutheran Church of New Zealand, and how we are adventuring with Jesus we will be working towards developing some strategic directions.
Already we have a number of things to give thanks to God, as we live as His church including:
- The many things that are happening in our local congregations…. It is helpful to mention the things for which you are thankful for every week.
- That congregations are coming forward with more mission ideas to encourage new mission and ministry in their local settings.
- Pastor Joel Cramer and his family who arrived and have commenced being part of St Paul’s Wellington Lutheran Church and God’s wider church in Wellington and the Lutheran Church in New Zealand.
- Mark Tung who will be ordained and installed as the Specific Ministry Pastor for Botany congregation on 6 April 2025
- The many people who undertake paid and volunteer work throughout the Lutheran Church of New Zealand and its congregations
And of course, we face challenges that I encourage you to bring before God and trust God with including:
- Manawatū Lutheran Parish as they continue the call process,
- Auckland Mountainside Lutheran Church as the commence the call process, with Pastor Nich Kitchen moving to a new call at LifeWay (Epping, Illawarra, Newcastle, and West Side Sydney), in late May.
- People who are willing and able to accept positions in our congregations and in the wider Lutheran Church of New Zealand, including Council of Synod and Gateway Trust Board.
Our opportunities, thanksgivings and challenges remind us as our Convention of Synod theme suggests we are on adventure with Jesus in being His church in New Zealand. I pray that you enjoy the adventure with Jesus and others, and you engage with the challenges this adventure brings us as we adventure with each other and Jesus.
One of the things that Council of Synod, through a working party, continues to work on is the Bishop’s Taskforce, as we consider how the role of Bishop best serves the Lutheran Church of New Zealand. We are building on the previous work undertaken, and we will be seeking congregational input early in 2025. Also, we would love to hear from you your thoughts on how the current arrangements are serving the church currently and any ideas for the future. Feel free to email Richard.schwedes@lca.org.au with your thoughts.
I look forward to my visits to New Zealand this year which are planned as follows:
- a short trip in early February for Joel’s installation at St Pauls Wellington Lutheran Church, and visits to Palmerston North and Marton,
- visit in late March/early April for Mark Tung’s ordination and visits to most congregations,
- visit in June for Church Workers conference, LCNZ Convention of Synod, and congregational visits,
- visit in September for Church Workers and congregational visits.
In addition to these planned visits, I regularly attend meetings for Council for Synod, Gateway Trust, and Church Workers online and am available by phone, email and teams/zoom to assist congregations, pastors, and lay workers where this is needed.
Feel free to contact me phone: +6128660 1200 or email richard.schwedes@lca.org.au, to set up a meeting or to share your query.
I pray that God’s love for you and others shines brightly as you live as part of God’s church every day of your life.
Bishop Richard Schwedes
February 2025
