Christian Women of Influence 1700-1900

New developments in recreation, commercialisation, and industrialisation led to a transformation in occupations available and life during these centuries. In England, although women could work, they could not vote, own land while married, go to a university, earn equal wages, enter many professions, and even report serious cases of domestic abuse. There were no anaesthetics and women sometimes died in childbirth. Infant mortality was high. About one child in four died before their fifth birthday. …

What is Faithfulness? – Comment

I want to start with the words from Lamentations 3:22,23 (ESV): The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. So, the question is: What is faithfulness? It is a “doing” word. An original definition of faithfulness in the late 14th Century puts it this way: ‘confidence in a person or thing with reference to truthfulness or reliability’; also ‘fidelity …

Faithfulness in the storms of life

I was born with impaired vision. Following failed eye surgery at age 16, then told that no more could be done, left me devastated and scared for what my future would be.

My father was a uncompassionate man who had very high expectations which one had to meet. I tried very hard to do that, but I was never good enough . . . put down and declared a failure, never encouraged or felt wanted or loved by him. On occasions I witnessed violence aimed at my mother. At an early age I was raped by a family member. It was covered up. Never dealt with or spoken about again. Home was not a happy place. Read the full story …

President’s Reflections – October/November 2023

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” Do you ever find yourself thinking this way?

It’s easy to slip into the mindset of doubt and cynicism. We live in a broken world, and we may have gone through painful experiences that cause us to lose our trust in others.

For this reason, faithfulness, a fruit of the Spirit, can be a challenging trait to possess.
Read Grace’s full reflections …

Wide Bay – Burnett Zone Rally Day, 21 April 2023

St John’s Lutheran Church, Kingaroy was the setting where 30 ladies gathered for Rally Day, with the theme One body, one spirit, one hope. A welcome morning tea was followed with Holy Communion Service with Modern Liturgy, conducted by Orana Aged Care Chaplain, Jordan Bennett. The president of Kingaroy fellowship welcomed all to the rally with an apology from Zone President, Nola Zerner. Elected office bearers for 2023-24 were: President, Nola Zerner; First Vice President, …

Brisbane North & Sunshine Coast Zone Rally Day 19 April 2023

We gathered at Calvary, Glasshouse Mountains with the theme taken from Genesis 1:24,25: All creatures great and small. There were 38 in attendance to close off our year and make plans for 2023. After a cuppa we were welcomed by Zone President, Marilyn Jonas. All creatures great and small was the opening hymn. Pastor Tom Jantke opened with a devotion based on forgiveness. If you forgive sins, they are forgiven. Jesus said to Thomas, “Blessed …

St Petri Women’s Fellowship

Our fellowship has been very busy with Bible study, outings, fundraisers, guest speakers and other fun activities. Our guest speakers have brought a range of issues to the forefront including dementia and school chaplaincy. A panel of ladies talked about dealing with the death of a loved one. Our soup and rolls luncheon was a great time of fellowship. Marie Heinrich shared with us the Diary of a Pioneer, which gave us an insight into …

Penola Women’s Fellowship

There are seven women in our fellowship, and we meet in Marlen Wittwer’s very comfortable home on the second Thursday of each month. In March 2022, we hosted the Penola World Day of Prayer. Maggie Mott from Naracoorte, originally from England, was our guest speaker. She spoke very passionately about her walk with Christ and his influence in her life as she moved from England to Australia. Twenty-five women attended the day and the offering …

Bible Study – October 2023

We lead such busy lives – slowing down and appreciating God’s faithfulness and our own response is a challenge we may not even have on our list. We may be more likely to take our list to the Lord in prayer – running short on praise, admiration, or deep connection with our faithful God. Today we will slow down, focus on him and his faithfulness and cultivate the fruit in our own lives.

Devotion – October 2023

After our mother passed away, my sisters and I had the task of sorting through her belongings. Whilst the majority of our mother’s household items were passed on to charity, there were sentimental objects that remained far too precious for us to ever give away. One of those items I happened to come across while sorting through an old brown suitcase. In my hand I held something very familiar to me. A simple black book with the word “visitors” embossed in gold on the font cover. Read the full devotion …

Devotion – September 2023

In our backyard we have several fruit trees. One of my favourites is a peach tree that my mother grew from the seed of a particularly sweet, juicy peach she had purchased from a supermarket. Affectionately called “Mum’s Peach”, this little tree has had good years and not so good years, mostly depending on whether I have remembered to spray for curly leaf. When I have neglected to spray, my yields are severely impacted. The fruit is generally fewer and smaller. However, when I have placed time and effort into controlling this disease, then the fruit is usually large, sweet, and juicy just like the original parent fruit that my mother had purchased all those years before. Read the full devotion …

Bible Study – September 2023

Gracious Triune God, you were there at the beginning of creation. You brought everything into being simply by a spoken Word. Be with us this day as we again study your powerful and living Word. Allow your Word to create, nurture, and sustain the faith that you first gave to us in our baptism. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.