Whoever you are, whatever your story, we're here for you.
Our People
Please contact us if you have any questions or if we can help in any way.
Richard Schwedes
Pastor
I love our focus at St Paul’s which is connecting people with Jesus, because Jesus clearly demonstrates how much God loves us and what God is prepared to do for us. So who better to connect with? Click here to email Pastor Richard.
My journey into full time pastoral ministry began in the mid 90’s when I was a member and lay leader at St Johns Southbank Melbourne, whilst working full time as a manager for a small business training organisation. As I encountered God through His word and His community I was encouraged to consider pastoral ministry as the focus for my life. After completing studies and being ordained, in 2005 I was appointed pastor for the newly formed Northern Tasmanian Lutheran Parish, serving the people of Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. In 2009 I began serving the Portland-Heywood Lutheran Church (Victoria) which also included a school. In 2016 I accepted the call to serve Sydney through St Paul’s Lutheran Church – Sydney and our sister congregation Redeemer Lutheran Church – Northern Beaches.
I am married to Veronica, and we are blessed with 3 children, Mercedes, Zackary and Brooke and enjoy the challenge of exploring life with them in their teenage years. Having been strongly influenced by a community focussed father, I love helping people grow and connect with each other, especially in a Christian context.
I would love to catch up with you, to have a coffee with you, to discover more about you and how God is working through you and to discover with you how God can continue to help and encourage you.
Office secretary
Ruth van den Tol
Leadership team
Tom Allen (acting chairperson)
Marianne Hammerton (vice chair)
Milton Sickerdick (treasurer)
Vincent Lam (secretary)
Liz Dickinson (discipleship and education)
Deepa Justus (hospitality)
John Mickan (welcoming)
Wes Beh (welcoming)
Nancy Fox (communications)
Tom Allen (pastoral care)
Pastoral assistants
Bruce Arnold
Jimmy Hong Ning
Virginia Milla
Audio and visual leader
Ian Pietsch
Band leader
Jimmy Hong Ning
Sunday school
Veronica Schwedes
Jimmy Hong Ning
Amanda Rosenzweig