Theme: Who is in the Kingdom of God? We are!
It seems that Vic/Tas does things a little differently from other States! In addition to the State Convention and the various Zone Rallies, for over 50 years now, the LWV has hosted multiple retreats around the state every year.
Of our six retreats, Vic/Tas hold four one-day retreats rotating through our Metro, Western, Wimmera, Northern and Gippsland Zones. These are bookended by two weekend retreats at our Lutheran campsites at Tandara in Halls Gap and Araluen in Anglesea. Every two years, the Retreat Committee has the joy of travelling to Tasmania, rotating between Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.
Each year, we prayerfully source a Bible Study leader from our midst. To provide the opportunity for women to grow in their faith, our leader is generally a woman who works with the LWV/Tas Spiritual Advisor (currently Pastor Adrian Kramer from Ballarat). At each retreat, a chaplain, usually the local pastor, is there to offer the opportunity for those with a need to have a deeper discussion and to also conduct Holy Communion during the weekend retreats worship services.
The primary purpose of each retreat is for ladies to gather around the Word of God. This year, Robyn Kuchel presented “Your Kingdom Come” where, through study of Scripture, quotes from valuable background reading, symbolic demonstration, discussion and song, we explored the questions: Who is in the Kingdom of God? How do they get there? and Where is the Kingdom of God?
Being a very musical person, Robyn introduced us to some wonderfully enriching songs from our All Together series that were new to most retreaters. The words were impacting and became favourites of the Retreat Committee who attend most retreats during the year. At each retreat we were blessed by a talented group of local pianists.
Warm fellowship of beautiful Christian sisters is something that regular retreaters look forward to. This is especially felt over the weekend retreats where there is time to make new friends and rekindle relationships established in previous years, and time to discuss the study sessions over a “cuppa”.
The weekend retreats also allow some down time and pure fun – to either walk through the wonderful Grampians or to see the sea at Anglesea and perhaps drive along the Great Ocean Road. This year, our Saturday night activity involved a Movie Night, where we nestled down in our PJs and enjoyed choc tops and popcorn – as you do!
During her last teaching session, Robyn challenged us to look outside our usual circle of acquaintances to those in the community, in particular, the need for Jesus’ love to get outside our comfort zone. She helped us come to a better understanding of the issues those marginalised in today’s world face and the way various people are stereo-typed as groups instead of being seen as individuals. It was challenging.
At each retreat an offering is taken up. Across the six retreats in 2019, donations have been given to Lutheran Media, Melton Community Food Bank, ALWS, ALC, Pakenham Community Church Plant, Bible translator Hannah Schultz, and both Tandara and Araluen Camps – an amazing total of $2478.20!
Did you know that you don’t need to belong to a Guild or Fellowship to attend a Retreat – they are for all Lutheran women and friends. Information is available through your church or our Facebook page “Lutheran Women’s Retreats – Vic/Tas” (which is a closed group, but please just ask to join). Or you could email mrsmodra@gmail.com to join our mailing list.
Christine Modra
Secretary, LWV Retreat Committee
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