Report – Wide Bay Burnett Zone

Wide Bay Burnett Zone Fellowship Day

28th August 2014

The Peace Kumbia-Taabinga Congregation Hall situated along the Bunya Highway, in view of the beautiful Bunya Mountains and just south west of Kingaroy was the venue for what was a memorable and rewarding day of song, study and fellowship.

On a crisp clean morning, following some much needed rain, 41 women from across the zone, 4 Pastors and 2 American visitors happily followed the theme “In the Footsteps of Jesus and St Paul”.

The opening service was led by Pastor Sam Davis, our zone advisor. Pastor Sam drew thoughts from Psalm 23, the well known ‘Footprints in the Sand’ story, and from Romans 8:28 ‘And we know that in all things God  works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’. The service concluded with the singing of ‘In Christ Alone’ and ‘To God be the Glory’, followed by prayer.

Welcomes were extended to all by local Pastor Rob Fechner, the president of host fellowship, Heather Unverzagt, and Wide Bay Burnett zone president Pam Prange.

All present were truly blest as Robin Unverzagt (the president’s husband) delivered an amazing rendition of ‘I’ll Walk With God’, from the Student Prince. Many thanks to Kaye Wolski, the organist, who ably accompanied Robin and all the singing throughout the day.

Our Bible Study themed ‘Walking In The Truth’, was led by Pastor Rob Fechner and included some spirited discussion from the floor. In conclusion, Pastor Rob reminded us that Walking with God is truly living the Christian life.

State President, Karen Bryce in presenting her very informative report, reminded us that this was the first Fellowship Day for the year. Projects for LWQ are Queensland Student Bursaries and LYQ for Christian Life Week camps. These projects were chosen and accepted at Convention. LWA Convention 2015 will be at Rochedale from 28th to 29th September. Hosted by NSW. Queensland Convention has been deferred until August 2016.

LWQ Retreat 2015 from the 6th to 8th March at James Byrne Centre Highfields. LWQ website is now near completion . President Karen encouraged all guilds to consider using the site. (www.lwq.org.au) Photos and short paragraphs of information are required. Reports on guild activities and fund raisers to be emailed to  Susan Pietsch . This website is only as good as we make it. Karen also encouraged all guilds to forward information regarding local activities to Inari Theil, our Newsletter reporter for LWA. Many thanks to Karen for her encouragement and commitment to the work of LWQ.

It was decided to accept the previous suggestion for the allocation of today’s offering. An amount of $515.45 will now be forwarded to LWA as a donation for Shipping of Birthing Kits in New Guinea.

Host guild members Val Smith and Dorrie Thamm entertained all with a clever and thought provoking skit entitled, ‘The Eye and The Foot.’

Following a delicious lunch, voices were raised in Praise as we sang ‘Fairest Lord Jesus’, ‘There Is A Redeemer’, ‘Trust and Obey’ and ‘Take My Life’, while Heather led the devotion time, based on a reading entitled ‘Steps’.

Our guest speakers for the afternoon were Pastor Peter and Mavis Thamm. Pastor Peter is a son of the local congregation, was a school teacher before entering the ministry and served in areas across much of Australia. Words seem inadequate in expressing thanks to Pastor Peter for his enthralling delivery, about the time he and Mavis spent earlier this year, visiting their daughter Anita who lives in Israel and works for United Nations, caring for refugees. Although he was uncertain about visiting the Holy Land, as we know of it from the Bible, by way of photos and detailed information it was easy to understand that the time spent in Israel was a real and emotional eye opener for he and Mavis, and he certainly was able to convey to all present the agony of living in Israel now. Pastor Peter closed his presentation with a thoughtful prayer of praise and thanksgiving. Val Smith eloquently expressed a vote of thank on behalf of all present.

Closing Devotion was led by Pastor Sam Davis. A wonderful day of fellowship concluded with the singing of ‘A Christmas Blessing’, followed by a scrumptious afternoon tea.

Praise and thanks be to God

Kay Bochmann (reporter)