Connect People With Jesus Bishop’s message
LCNZ Bishop’s Message – January 2026
Dear members and friends,
I am regularly encouraged by what is happening in our local congregations, where people are gathering to connect with Jesus, each other and the wider community.
Sometimes these connections are moments of celebration—Christmas, Easter, or the ordination of a new pastor, such as the upcoming ordination and installation of Felix Tong at Mountainside Auckland on February 7.
Sometimes these connections arise in times of difficulty, when people come together to pray, to console, and to support one another—at funerals, during illness, problems in our world, or in response to events such as the recent landslide at Mount Maunganui.
Sometimes these connections grow through camps and retreats, where communities enjoy fun, rest, and renewal, as our St Paul’s Wellington and St Luke’s Palmerston North congregations did over the summer.
Sometimes these connections are for intentionally growing deeper in faith through Bible studies and small groups, with others.
And on most Sundays, these connections take shape as we gather for worship—where God blesses us, and we respond to His grace while encouraging and supporting each other in our life and faith journeys.
Connection is a vital part of the Christian life: God connecting with us, us connecting with God through Jesus, and we—both as individuals and as a church community—helping others connect with Jesus for life, love, and forgiveness.
John 15:5 reminds us of the importance of remaining connected to God through Jesus: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Hebrews 10:23–25 reminds us of the importance of being connected to one another: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
In my own life and faith journey, I have found it helpful to remember that God is always connecting with me, especially during busy or tough times. At times I may not notice Him or His efforts—yet He never gives up. I am deeply thankful for this, and I pray that you, too, notice God connecting with you, grow in your connection with God, with others in the church, and with people in the wider community through God’s love and grace.
If you want to explore how to connect better with God and others, talk to your local church leaders, and if there is no local congregation where you live, feel free to contact me, richard.schwedes@lca.org.au
A resource that may help you connect is the Lutheran Fellowship Gathering Small Group/Worship weekly resource. It is ideal for any small gathering—whether a small group within a congregation, a small congregation, or people who gather where there is no formal Lutheran church. You can access it at: https://lutheranmission.blogspot.com/2025/12/small-group-or-worship-resource.html
Bishop Richard Schwedes
Sydney NSW
January 2026
