Connecting people with Jesus
As I engage with the stories that lead up to Easter, I am very thankful that Jesus is constantly focussed on being there for us, suffering for us, dying for us and rising for us. It is a reminder that no matter how bad things get God hasn’t deserted us, and I am finding this is a message many people need to hear today…
On my recent visit to New Zealand congregations, it was a blessing to see how God is actively at work in many of our congregations.
We experienced an ordination and installation of Felix Tong as pastor at Mountainside Auckland Lutheran Church – Chinese congregation. On 29 March we will experience and celebrate the installation of Maccarinth Thomas as Pastor at Mountainside Auckland Lutheran Church. This is a real blessing for not just Mountainside but the wider church in New Zealand. Our Church Workers were also able to spend time together in Hamilton; encouraging one another, praying for one another, exploring relevant ministry topics such as AI and the faith, and being a resilient pastor.
The Council of Synod also met in person at Upper Moutere. Much of our focus is spent on supporting our ministries and congregations in New Zealand. One key aspect of this is our Mission Directions … which focuses us on Connecting people with Jesus through:
- Meaningful Relationship
- Using technology well
- Being adaptable communities
- Being sustainable
So our congregations are able to live out the Great Commission.
I look forward to our Mission Directions impacting every member of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand, and the communities our congregations serve.
And this is important because of what we will hear at Easter … Christ came into this world, Christ suffered for all, Christ died for all, Christ rose for all and Christ will come again … and as God’s church this is great message to share
Bishop Richard Schwedes
Sydney NSW
March 2026
