Our Pastor
The Rev. Richard A. Kwiatkowski
While awaiting call, Pastor Kwiatkowski assisted with a summer inner-city day camp at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Buffalo, New York and served as Vacancy Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elma, New York.
Pastor Kwiatkowski received a call to serve as Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in North Boston, New York in June 2002. He served this congregation until November 2014. For a couple of years, while serving as the pastor of Good Shepherd, he also served as the part-time Chaplain for the Niagara Lutheran Health System in Western New York. As Chaplain, he provided pastoral care, on two campuses, to residents of two nursing homes, two assisted living facilities, and a senior’s residence.
Pastor Kwiatkowski began his Master of Theology studies at Trinity College (University of Toronto), an affiliate of the Toronto School of Theology in 2008. He received his Master of Theology (ThM) degree in May 2015.
While in Toronto for his studies, he met his partner, Charles, in October 2010. Pastor Kwiatkowski and Charles were married in October 2015. Pastor Kwiatkowski and his husband Charles have been foster parents since December 2011. They have fostered eight children since becoming foster parents. Two of their former foster children, who are now young adults, have become their sons.
In December 2014, Pastor Kwiatkowski was appointed as Interim Pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Toronto. His service to First Evangelical Lutheran Church concluded at the end of July 2016. During the summer of 2016, the congregation voted to call him to be our pastor. He began his ministry with us in September 2016.
Latest from Pastor’s Blog
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
We all have memories of our Christmas traditions from years gone by. Some of these memories come from our childhood, from traditions started by our parents or grandparents.
Blue Christmas Service
Grace Lutheran Church special holiday service designed for those for whom the holidays might be difficult. Undergoing a difficult loss, transition, or life change? Join us for a special time of music and worship.
Stewardship 2018
As a pastor, I have really come to appreciate the deep theological significance of the simple banner: God’s Covenant – Our Response.
TESL – Assembly Edition
The PDF version of The Eastern Synod Lutheran Assembly Edition.
Liberated by God’s Grace
“Liberated by God’s Grace…to be neighbour.” That was the theme of our Eastern Synod Assembly that was held in Toronto from June 21st to June 24th. Before I share with you what happened at this event, it might be helpful for me to explain what a synod is and what a...
Our Ministry Story, 2018, prepared by our Synod
Seeking Unity [Effective partnerships] Thousands of people in the Synod attended Reformation commemoration services in local communities across the Synod in 2017. “I was astonished at all the work and efforts of the Ministry Area Leaders and other volunteers who...
Witnessing to others through Canadian Lutheran World Relief
Back in March of 2017, Grace Lutheran hosted an evening presentation titled "What in the World are Lutherans Doing"? About 40 people attended, and Tom Brook from CLWR shared many of his experiences from his travels supporting their missions. Living in...
What opportunities does our Pastor provide for our continuing education as Christians?
Lenten series, Confirmation and weekly Bible study.
What is our Pastor’s role in administration?
One of my least favourite tasks as a pastor is administration, however it is a necessary component of pastoral ministry. For a congregation to fulfill its mission, there needs to be order and records. At the end of the previous year, Grace’s long-time secretary,...