Lutheran women certainly know how to organise and run an inspiring convention, and the recent one held in Murray Bridge, South Australia was no exception! From the beautiful venue at Unity College campus, to the enjoyable spring weather, to the awesome theme, to the magnificent floral arrangements, to the Bible studies and inspiring speakers and presenters, every moment gave those attending an unforgettable experience.

A warm welcome

President Grace Kroehn warmly welcomed us and opened the convention. Adrian Pederick, member for Hammond in the SA Parliament, gave a cordial civic welcome to the visitors who had come to Murray Bridge. Josie Hunt, President of LWSA-NT, the host state for this occasion, also gave a warm-hearted welcome to all. Greetings were also received from LCA SA-NT Bishop Andrew Brook who was unable to be with us due to another engagement.

Worship services, Bible studies and devotions

We were left in no doubt about our great God and his blessings to us as we explored the theme “How Great Thou Art” and sang the ever-popular hymn. (But did you know that the original words were under the title of “O Great God” written by a Swedish preacher Carl Boberg after a unique experience as he was walking home from church?)

The words of the hymn provided the basis for many Bible texts used during the days of convention as well as the two topics explored during the Bible studies by the LWA Spiritual Advisors, Pastors John Gerhardy and Paul Fielke. The studies entitled How Great Thou Art – The Wonder of Creation and How Great Thou Art – The Wonder of Salvation appear in this issue for everyone to share.

The opening worship was conducted by Pastor Paul with members of the LWA executive taking active roles in the service.

Devotions throughout convention were led by members of the LWA council from the various states and gave more opportunity to lift our voices in songs of praise.

A tract especially produced for Convention was launched and warmly received.

Convention Offering

Proposal 1 regarding the allocation of the convention offering was put to the gathering and adopted.

It was pleasing to hear from Tracy Smith, who is currently serving with her pastor husband, Murray, near Finschhafen, PNG, about our support for the Women’s training program in PNG. She assured us that the money we provide for them is gratefully received and appreciated. The money from the offering will provide sewing machines and needs for sewing classes currently operating in PNG.

Beneficiaries will be Encounter Youth Program which will receive $2000, with the remainder going equally to PNG, Finke River Mission and Malaysia Women’s Care and Counselling Centre.

It was announced on Day 2 that $19 213.00 had been received for the offering, but there was still more money expected to come in.

Guest speakers

We were privileged to have presentations from our three guest speakers.

Alexandra Westlake shared the pain of the farmers, with land in the flood plains adjacent to the River Murray, who were dramatically affected by the 2023 exceptional flood. The devastation caused by months of inundation by water caused complete destruction of the area. She spoke of being reminded of God’s might by the words of Psalm 93: Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty! (ESV) and comforted by Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (ESV). Alexandra is concentrating on support for the women who were affected, collecting their stories, and hoping their community continues to grow in response to the great help and support shown by the churches, especially the Lutheran Church.

Nigel Knowles is involved in Encounter Youth, serving as its CEO for some 15 years. It was begun by Christian churches in response to the problems created by “schoolies” celebrations at the SA coastal town of Victor Harbor in a drink and drug culture among school leavers. Encounter Youth works with the police and other groups to provide a safe place, a field hospital and transport, among other things, for young people during the “schoolies” celebrations. The organisation also visits schools to educate the young about drug and alcohol abuse and more recently has been involved in trouble spots in Adelaide city. Nigel’s prayer is that young people will be influenced for good by the example set by the volunteers who help them (Matthew 5:14–16).

Penny Fielke is the enthusiastic coordinator of Central Australian Students learning at Unity. Her role is to support the students who come from Areyonga in the Northern Territory to study at Unity College. While studying they are housed in two separate homes with “house parents”. The joint aim of Unity College and the elders at Areyonga is for the students to “Walk Tall in Both Worlds”. Penny paid tribute to Daphne, now aged 80, who has been involved in Aboriginal education for many years. The college liaises with Areyonga with a Confirmation program, football, music and art, providing service trips by the students at Unity to Areyonga. Funding is supplied by “Abstudy”, families paying support for their children, and donations. Penny is passionate in her support of the current education model, saying it is “the best one yet”. She asked for prayers so that the young people will have fulfilling lives.

Reports

The report of the President was presented and accepted with applause by the assembly.

It is with thanks to God that LWA projects were generously supported with almost $350 000 received by the treasurer for the period of 2021–2023. In her report, Treasurer Beryl Smith also noted some $40 000 being held in Term Deposits for the Pastoral Students Assistance Fund.

Other reports from the state presidents, projects and auxiliaries were accepted as printed, except the report of the ALC Women’s Auxiliary which was accepted with an addendum after some discussion. The addendum advised the sale of the ALC campus which had taken place after the report was written and the future for the Auxiliary is at present not clear. The aim is for the Auxiliary to remain in recess until the future is ascertained in consultation with the LWA Executive and the Principal and Business Manager of ALC. Current funds will be held in trust until this takes place.

Information sessions

Spot speakers were popular as always, providing information on various projects of the Church and generously supported. We heard from:

Lutheran Media – Tania Nelson

Lutheran Tract Mission – Anne Hansen

LLL – Scott Ross

LCAIM – Erin Kerber

ALWS – Julie Krause

LWA Projects for the next Triennium

Following discussion arising from the presentation of Proposal 2, the list of projects as presented in the Book of Reports was accepted. (For the current list for the next triennium see page 2 of this magazine.)

Our Magazine

Following extensive advertising of the position of Business and Production Manager for Lutheran Women, no applications were received.

The current editorial team is composed of Maureen Turner, Grace Bock and the president of LWA (currently Grace Kroehn). A new team member with technology expertise will be sought to complement the team.

Going forward, the roles of the two main team members have been revised and, for the immediate future, Maureen will take over the position of Business and Subscription Manager and continue as Proofreader and State Link coordinator. Meanwhile, Grace will continue as Editor and take on the roles of Graphic Designer and Production Manager, as well as coordinate the LWA website and Facebook page.

A digital version of the magazine will cease for the immediate future, but Bible studies and Devotions will continue to be posted on the internet for free use. The magazine subscription will continue at $20 per annum (six copies) for 2025.

New LWA Executive Committee

It was reported to convention on Day 1 that there had been some doubt about where our next convention would be held. As LWA holds its triennial convention near the same time as the LCANZ and in the same state, the executive had only had a few weeks to determine that the next convention would be held in Queensland and circumstances had not permitted a list of nominations being finalised for the incoming LWA Executive. It was also reported that the new executive does not necessarily need to come from Queensland, and nominations could be received from anywhere in Australia. The election of the new executive was tabled until the following day.

After a meeting of the LWA Council on Day 2, and following discussion, “it was decided that the current Executive and the Pastoral Counsellors continue on in a Caretaker role until 31 December 2024, until such time that a new committee can be formed”.

It was further decided “that the new Executive can be made up of members from any State, however logistics will be handled by the Lutheran Women of Qld where the next Convention will be held in 2027. Nominations to be forwarded to Val Schild, Secretary.”

The caretaker committee is: President, Grace Kroehn; Vice President, Maureen Turner; Secretary, Val Schild; Treasurer, Beryl Smith; Extra Member, Dianne Adams. Pastors John Gerhardy and Paul Fielke will remain as interim Spiritual Advisors.

LWA Constitution Update

It was “resolved that a subcommittee be formed to finalise the completion of the LWA Constitution. The committee will comprise Grace Kroehn, Maureen Turner and Beryl Smith, with power to co-opt”.

Convention dinner

Pastor Paul Fielke was MC for the dinner in the evening of Day 1, welcoming almost 140 people, and special guests, Robin and Dorothy Mann, who shared some of their songs, with their stories.

Robin and Dorothy also spoke of their involvement with ALWS and the recent Asante functions they have been a part of. A very tasty two-course meal was catered for by Jodiscuisine ably assisted and served by some young men who play football for the North Adelaide Football Club. All present enjoyed being able to sing along with Robin and Dorothy who were thanked and presented with gifts and flowers by Beryl Smith and Maureen Turner.

The informal evening gave those present time to renew friendships and share time together.

Last (but not least)

The magnificent floral arrangements drew much attention and admiration from those who attended the two days of activities. President Grace Kroehn thanked Cheryl Miegel for the huge undertaking and the magnificent works of art. The abundance of beautiful tulips came from the president’s garden!

The convention roll call was as follows: SA – 109, NSW – 8, Vic – 13, WA – 11, Qld – 11, Visitors (Men) – 28, International visitors – 7, Women visitors – 13, Individual members (not attached to a guild) – 8. Overall attendance was 208.

The musical accompaniment was ably provided by talented musician Paula Starke. Also worthy of our thanks were the IT assistants Jai and Adam from Unity College.

The oldest attendee at convention was Valda Kriewaldt aged 96!

The attendance at convention by LCA Bishop, Paul Smith, was appreciated on Day 2. In his greeting to convention, Bishop Paul gave “thanks for the many ways the LWA members give support in their congregations and communities by witnessing the spread of the gospel”.

The vote of thanks was proposed by the previous LWA President, Wendy Habel, who acknowledged “the Executive for their organisational skills in putting this well-run Convention together. She appreciated and emphasised the great mission focus of this year’s Convention”.

Thanks also are due to those who provided the food and refreshments during convention. Well done!

Close of Convention

The closing service with Holy Communion was conducted by our two Spiritual Advisors, Pastors John Gerhardy and Paul Fielke, to whom we are indebted for their input and service to LWA during their term of office and during convention. Members of the LWA executive again took active roles in the service.

Bishop Paul conducted the installation of the Caretaker Executive during the service.

The wonder of God’s love never ceases. To him be the Glory!

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