LWQ: Looking forward, looking back

LWQ: Looking forward, looking back

Although ‘LWQ’ stands for Lutheran Women of Queensland, it could be argued that it also stands for Long-lasting, Wondrous, Quality-time, as LWQ gathered together with great joy for their recent retreat and convention at Kingaroy.

Graciously hosted by the ladies of the Wide Bay Burnett (WBB) Zone, the dampness of the weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of 77 ladies and a number of menfolk (with their own special program) who gathered at St John’s Lutheran Church, Kingaroy on Friday at the beginning of the convention weekend. President of the WBB Zone, Nola Zerner, and LWQ President Val Kath, welcomed everyone, reminding them that they cannot change the past, but instead “look back with thankfulness, and look forward with trust in our Lord.”

After a time of worship there was time for some hotly-contested trivia, won by the ‘Nutty Nuts’ team (aptly named as Kingaroy is a peanut-growing region.) Praise and devotion ended the evening.

Saturday morning consisted of a Bible study with spiritual advisor Pastor Jordan Bennett, and a number of lively and envigorating speakers.

At the breakfast gathering, Karyn Bjelke-Peterson, retired Principal of St. John’s Lutheran School, gave insight into the vision and prayerful commitment of the school from its establishment in 1989 to its present day enrolment of 680 students. Elsa Matthias spoke about her travels, challenges and interesting experiences as LCANZ Youth Representative – to Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Poland and Guatemala. Prayer dots were given out to remind people to pray for the work of LCA International Mission. And Lynda Lange told of the group called ‘Sistas in Sync’: A group of Christian women from the South Burnett, working together to bring  about change in places where women and girls live, work, and connect. Finally, Joanne Miller shared about the lives of Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin and their work in Ethiopia, in their quest to provide world-class treatment for women suffering from obstetric fistula.

After lunch all gathered in the church for the 29^th LWQ Biennial Convention. LWQ President Val Kath declared Convention open and Zone Presidents joined in lighting the Memorial candles.

The 2025 – 2027 elected LWQ Executive are:

President: Val Kath
Vice President: Hazel Weis
Secretary: Colette Mangan
Treasurer: Shirl Ciesiolka
Extra Member: Dawn Fagan
Spiritual Counsellor: Pr Jordan Bennett
Newsletter Editor: Pam Flesser
World Day of Prayer Rep: Leanne Warbrooke (with a vacancy existing for one more Lutheran member)
Nominations Committee: Lyn Klinge, Karen Bryce and one vacancy.

President Val Kath said, “Zone Rallies have been held and elections of Executive positions mostly have been filled. Thanks to all who have stepped out in faith. May you be blessed with love and friendship from those you serve.”

The LWQ Executive were installed by Rev Jordan during a special Closing Communion Service which also saw the installation of the Queensland based Lutheran Women of Australia (LWA) Executive, officiated by Rev Stuart Kleinig.

The weekend ended with a Sunday worship service with St John’s congregation. LWQ Newsletter Editor Pam Flesser shared, “How wonderful it was to see faithful members making up the usual number of participants, and a few new ladies attending Retreat/Convention at Kingaroy, the peanut capital of Queensland. We thank the WBB Zone ladies who wove the ‘nutty’ theme into the program for the weekend!”

Please keep these wonderful ladies in your prayers as they continue in fellowship and service, “looking back with thankfulness, and looking forward with trust in our Lord.”

Images: (Top) Some of the 2025-2027 LWQ Executive: L-R: Spiritual Advisor Pastor Jordan Bennett; Secretary Colette Mangan; Extra Member Dawn Fagan; President Val Kath; Vice President Hazel Weis.

(Middle Left): Zone Presidents join in lighting the memorial candles.

(Middle Centre): Sunday worship service with St John’s congregation

(Middle Right): The Ladies who made the Convention/Retreat happen, the Executive Members of WBB Zone: L-R: Pam Prange; Bev Jorgensen; Heather Behrendorff; Karen Bryce; Nola Zerner.