New bishop’s service ‘all about Jesus’

For newly installed New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory District Bishop Richard Schwedes, taking on the role that also includes providing oversight for the Lutheran Church of New Zealand is ‘all about Jesus’.

And so, it was appropriate that ‘It’s all about Jesus’ was the theme of Bishop Richard’s installation at LifeWay Lutheran Church Epping in suburban Sydney on 28 July 2024.

More than 150 people gathered in person for what Bishop Richard described as a ‘joyful celebration service’, while hundreds more watched and joined in worship online through 400 logged-in devices.

The service theme was influenced by Colossians 2:6–17, with LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith reminding worshippers that, as Christians, we live discovering the answer to two questions: ‘What has Jesus done for us (ie everyone)?’ and ‘What has Jesus done for me?’

Bishop Richard said the service reflected the diverse range of people and contexts who have not only been part of his faith and service journey so far but also the diversity of the congregations and ministries God is working through in the NSW–ACT and NZ Districts.

‘Ultimately the reason we gathered is because of Jesus and to focus on Jesus, and if it is about Jesus, it is about God’s love and mercy for all people’, he said.

‘The best thing about the day was that, although everyone had come to be a part of the installation, they all left with a lot more – and something even more significant – a focus on Jesus who gives us life, love and joy.’

Music for the service included traditional and newer hymns and songs, as well as singing from Chinese and Papua New Guinean groups. People from NSW, ACT and New Zealand assisted in the service.

Bishop Richard succeeds Bishop Robert Bartholomaeus, who had served as district bishop since 2018 before retiring this year. The installation service can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/live/26NlZDmQ_1c?si=mVNHGCy-9LXqAiT3