Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Zone Rally and Fellowship day 2020 was postponed till 2021, hoping, God willing, that next year will see a relaxing of restrictions.
LWQ Retreat: 8–10 March 2019 held at James Bourne Centre, Highfields, was hosted by Brisbane South and Gold Coast with the theme: Bee-Coming More for Christ. It was a buzzing weekend with a beekeeper as the guest speaker, showing the intricate workings of the hives and selling the honey.
Darling Downs Fellowship Day held at Good Shepherd, Toowoomba, chose the theme A Very Special You – For a Very Special Purpose. The focal point was a display with the focus on the cross with ribbons of Purple (Royal), Green (Life), and Gold (Precious). We are special; God comes to us and freely gives us many and varied gifts. Fifty-nine attended and the offering for the day was $890. Pastor Ray Pace led the Bible study and Pastor Mark Demmer, the devotion. Pastor Mark was installed as the Spiritual Advisor for the Darling Downs Zone. Spot speakers on the day were Carolyn Prout from Redeemer Bookshop, Toowoomba, informing us that it will be closing in 2020. Harlie Uebergang spoke on the importance of hospital visiting. Kaylene Stehn from Good Samaritan Bargain Shop, and Joy Wurst gave a report from Lutherans for Life. Our guest speaker, Lesley Kennedy from Pyjama Angels told how they implement the love of their learning program for the children in Foster Care. Lesley is a volunteer and former teacher. LWQ President, Karen Bryce gave us an insight into holding the Retreat/Convention together in July at Maroochy Waters on the Sunshine Coast.
Rally 2019 held at Goombungee on 4 May 2019 chose It only takes a spark to get a fire going as their theme – 57 attended. Flames were in the flower arrangements and displays done by Charmane Polsin and Meryl Rosenberger. Kulpi and Maclagan Ladies helped on the day. Pastor Robin Hoffmann led the devotions and Pastor Joel Pukallus led the Bible study from the text 2 Corinthians 1:3,4: Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. We can comfort and encourage others when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Pastor Joel, the guest speaker, showed overheads of his time in Mackay as a Fire and Emergency Chaplain. Sophie Volp entertained us with singing an old favourite song and one she had written.
The Zone has 2017 members supporting LWA/LWQ/DDZ projects, as well as many local, and others who have a need. The Lutheran Women magazine is used in many of the meetings for Bible study and devotions, as well as the pastors using their own choice and, when there is no pastor, the members capable, lead the study. Members cater for funerals, weddings, and clearing sales. Whenever and wherever there is a need, Lutheran women use their talents visiting, caring, and sharing their faith through their actions.
Many thanks to the executive of Darling Downs Zone, and we welcome Pastor Mark Demmer to his role as our Spiritual Advisor.
My prayer is that God continues to be with you all and may he richly bless each and every one.
In Christ’s Service,
Meryl Rosenberger, President
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