LWQ: A Rich Tradition Continues

Lutheran Women of Queensland (LWQ) are a wonderful group who live out the motto of Lutheran Women of Australia (LWA): ‘Christian women – meeting together…studying together…serving together – under God.’

LWQ Origins

LWQ came into existence on 30 March 1967 when over 560 people (including 16 pastors) were involved in the Constituting Convention, held at Gatton, under the theme “The Word of the Lord Endureth Forever”. This was following the union of the ELCA and UELCA churches in 1966. The two former women’s groups, QLWL and LWA, formally agreed to the resolution to amalgamate “… pledging our loyalty to Christ and His Word, our church and her confessions as we go forward together to serve Him.” This was moved, seconded and carried by the assembly rising and singing ‘Now thank we all our God’.

In his address, Pastor F H Schmidt (then President of Queensland District of the LCA), closed with, “… there is important work to be done in many fields by the women of the church and we can be assured that the Lord will continue to be with us in the future as He has been in the past. In the task of loving service, may God use the Lutheran Women of Queensland to the glory of His name in the tasks He has given us”.

We can certainly be assured that this has been, and continues to be, fulfilled. The ‘Women’s Guilds’ are often the silent partner, providing not only for their congregation and the community, but also the wider church, here and overseas. This is not only in the form of financial assistance but also in hands-on ways – and most importantly, in prayer.

LWQ 2023 Retreat/Convention

Since its formation, LWQ have held annual retreats and biannual conventions, alternating between Luther Heights and Koojarewon Camps. These are hosted on a roster system by the various Zones. At the 2018 Convention, it was decided for 2020 to trial a combined Retreat/Convention at a time and venue to be decided. Luther Heights and Koojarewon were no longer conducive to the present needs of ageing attendees, a reality that was deeply heart wrenching for all.

After much searching, planning, and the inevitable cancellations in 2020/21, this finally came to fruition in May 2023! LWQ were grateful to the West Moreton Zone as they prayerfully considered hosting this event by serving and studying his Word as a group – in doing so, bringing the LWQ community back together. The theme of ‘Courage to Speak Out’ was the catalyst to get LWQ out and around the Zones that, as a Christian group, would come together under God.

During the Convention, memorial candles were lit for each of the seven zones, in rememberance of those who have passed away.

Some 57 ladies attended this Convention, a far cry from original Convention attendance figures, but nonetheless all passionate about being Lutheran Women of Queensland who are loved by God and sharing this love with others. Convention proceedings began without an incoming President or Vice President, despite much searching by the Nominations Committee. Under the current Constitution, LWQ knew they would not be able to continue without these positions being filled. Attendees then witnessed the Holy Spirit at work within the hearts of Val Kath and Hazel Weis who have taken on these roles respectively (‘Now thank we all our God’!) This was a great weekend of Christian Women, living faithfully and living prayerfully under God.

‘We are assured that the Lord will continue to be with us in the future as he has been in the past.’

LWQ Executive