All Articles - Lutheran Women of Australia

Existing and New Projects for Lutheran Church of Australia International Mission

Like many of you, I was eagerly anticipating our time together in Horsham for the LWA Convention where I was hoping to offer these words of thanks in person and share with you the proposed projects for the next triennium. While that is not possible, I give thanks to God that even a world-wide pandemic and constant lockdowns are not enough to stifle his mission to bring forgiveness and life to people everywhere.
Pastor Matt Anker shares with us the projects that we will be supporting through LCAIM for the next triennia.

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A Final Report from your Lutheran Women of Australia Executive

Three years ago, we were elected as your executive and took over from the LWA executive from Queensland. They had done a wonderful job leading the women’s guilds and fellowships throughout Australia.

The following is a brief rundown of our activities over the past triennium. At present, your LWA Executive consists of five members from Victoria and two Spiritual Counsellors who have been overseeing the activities of the State committees and organising the Convention that was due to be held at the end of September this year.

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Devotion – October 2021

Having three children, there are often disagreements. Cruel words are spoken, feelings (and sometimes bodies) are hurt, and relationships are damaged. These occasions usually occur because of selfish choices. Someone saw something they wanted and so they took it, regardless of whose it was. The cry of “Hey that’s mine!” and “But, I want it!” can often be heard and sometimes a verbal or physical altercation ensues. As adults, we like to think we have a better handle on our selfish behaviour but, in truth, our natural tendency is still to satisfy ourselves first. At its core, this could be sin’s definition. When we focus on ourselves and what we want, we sin. God’s plans and promises are forgotten or ignored, and we go our own way.
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Bible Study – October 2021

Not her again!

Whilst one could critique the idea of studying “The Wife of Noble Character” for what could be the umpteenth time in Women’s Bible studies. What if we reconsider our preconceptions of her as a model wife, we all romanticise and (is it me?) fail in epic proportions to achieve? Is she the demure holy wife one only reads about and will never become? As always, the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). So, we pray now for the Holy Spirit to inspire our reading and consideration of this often-misapplied chapter, understood by many to be a poem about Wisdom herself.

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As I see it … Karen Bryce

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15 (NKJV) When asked to write my reflection on this topic I wondered why they would ask me to do this. There are so many women I have met in the Lutheran Women family whom I admire tremendously. They are all out there serving their sisters in Christ with love and passion. Most of my working life I worked with my husband in a retail and service business, and this gave me an insight into what is required to be successful …

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A woman sits atop some red rock formations many metres in the air. She sits in contemplation of the view. From Central Australia.

On the Cover … October/November 2021 print edition

She sits atop the rock. Still, calm, Feeling the warmth of it beneath her. Just the rock – quiet, immovable, Keeping her safe, confident in her position. Free to survey all around. Jesus, you are my rock and my fortress In trusting you I find my quiet, my confidence, my strength, my peace. This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah 30:15 (NIV) ___ Rock formations, Central Australia. From the editor’s …

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Outgoing President’s Reflection

ALL PRAISE TO OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR “Who’d have thought it …” Do we say this in a surprised or stunned voice? Is it said out loud or in the recesses of one’s mind? I would have to say that has been in my thoughts in the last 20 months. We are living in uncertain times; will this virus disappear? Or will it keep mutating? I don’t have the answer, but I know that our Father in heaven has everything else in hand, he has all the answers. That is …

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Looking back… looking forward

Do you have a “let down” feeling as the days of our eagerly awaited, but necessarily cancelled, Lutheran Women of Australia (LWA) Triennial Convention approach? Here are some snippets from the Convention held just 40 years ago on 23,24 September 1981 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Toowoomba, Queensland. The theme for convention was “Aflame for Christ”. A report on the convention observed: “Toowoomba in springtime is aflame with brilliant colours of flowering trees, shrubs and gardens”. Another said: “Toowoomba, city of gardens and churches… decked out for the Carnival …

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Concentrate on God’s Way

There is an ‘ought-ness’ about life that troubles the reflective mind. He or she senses that we ought to be happier than we are, better than we are, wiser, more alive. We ought to be thinner, kinder, more peaceful, more controlled; and most thoughtful people have occasional, late-at-night presentiments that we ought to consider our finiteness. As Sappho, the poet, said: ‘Not even God Himself can do what cannot be; and surely as starry night follows rosy-armed Dawn and brings us darkness unto the ends of the earth, Death tracks …

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Bible Study – September 2021

WHERE IS GOD IN OUR SUFFERING – Part 2 Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we continue our journey in your Word, open our hearts and minds to how you are with us in our suffering. May we be truly blessed through this time of fellowship around your Word. Help us to trust in your goodness and mercy which follows us all the days of our lives. May we always be assured of your presence with …

Devotion – September 2021

Keeping it in the Family Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10. Families can be complicated things! Growing up, my family was dad, mum, my sister and me. I feel very blessed to have an amazing family. We enjoyed each other’s company and looked forward to family holidays and special events celebrated together. I knew my family knew me, and …

A terracotta pot filled with pink and purple hyacinths in full bloom

Hyacinths for the Soul

“Never mind about the expense, dear. An evening out would be good for all the family. After all, you NEVER have a meal at a restaurant.” “You don’t think that it would be an extravagance Auntie Mae?” “Memories are worth more than money, my dear. Even in these hard times money is less important than people’s feelings. And remember about the pot of hyacinths?” The pot of hyacinths! It was one of Auntie Mae’s favourite stories. Her gentle face would glow as she recounted it. She read, once, of a …

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