14 December, 2025
Congregations and Ministries
Lutheran Church of Australia NSW and ACT District
Dear colleagues in God’s mission
On Sunday afternoon the lives of many were not only disrupted but shaken by the news of shootings at Bondi Beach.
Bondi Beach for many is a place of gathering with family and friends to enjoy each other’s company, God’s creation of the beach, to relax and be refreshed. And on Sunday it was also a place for the Jewish community to gather to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah (Chanukah).
Initially I was disturbed and perplexed, but as in the past at times like this, I have learnt to turn to God’s Word and spend time in prayer. Some of what I heard God say today includes:
From the lips of Jesus:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
And from God through St Paul, we hear:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
May you rely on the comfort and peace that Jesus gives, especially in our messy broken world.
Also with this letter are some prayer points, which I invite you and your community to use in joining me in prayer.
May the Prince of peace, bring peace and comfort to you and all in our world.
Richard Schwedes
Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia, NSW and ACT District Richard.schwedes@lca.org.au
