Lutheran Women of Darling Downs Fellowship Day 2025

    On Tuesday 9^th September 2025, Lyn Kanowski, the President of Saint John’s Ladies’ Fellowship, welcomed 61 ladies to the Darling Downs Fellowship Day.   A special welcome was also given to Val Kath, the President of Lutheran Women of Queensland, Ruth Geitz LWA President, Avalon Hall LWA Secretary, Cheryl Peters, President of the Darling Downs Zone, Hazel Weise, LWQ Vice President and Jenny Stolznow, Extra Member of LWA .  The theme for the day was “Serve the Lord with gladness” which is the key thrust in Psalm 100:2.   Here we are told, “Serve the LORD with gladness!   Come into his presence with singing!” (ESV)

    In the Bible Study, the Spiritual Advisor for the Darling Downs Lutheran Women, SMP Ken Von Pein, shared some thoughts on Luke 14:1 and 7-14.  Here we are encouraged to humbly take the least important places, and to wholeheartedly show hospitality to the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.  We are asked to give to others freely and unconditionally, not expecting anything in return. In the parable the host gives this wonderful invitation in Luke 14:10, “Friend, move up higher…” (ESV)   This reminds us of the marvellous things which Jesus, our blessed Saviour and Lord, does for us in Holy Communion.   When we go to Holy Communion with humble, contrite and believing hearts, Jesus always welcomes us as His honoured guests.   Then He graciously gives us His true body and His holy precious blood with the bread and the wine.   Strengthened through the Holy Sacrament, we are then equipped to welcome others warmly and to give them grace and love in our day to day lives.

    An offering of $980 was received, and was given to two very deserving causes.   They were Hummingbird House, a Hospice for Children in the Wesley Hospital Brisbane; and Concordia College, Toowoomba.

    The Guest Speaker was Ann McClenaghan from Hummingbird House.   The hospice has been open for nine and one half years.   It provides excellent support and care for both the children and the parents alike.   Tragically, hospices for children are extremely rare in Australia.   Hummingbird House is the only hospice for children in Queensland, and it can only cater for around 6 to 8 children and their families at one time, giving everyone concerned 24/7 care.  The hospice is having a fundraiser through Coles from the 17^th September until the end of the month.

    The second Guest Speaker was Belinda Sanders from Concordia Lutheran College, Toowoomba.   She spoke about their present 3 stage building project for the Junior School.  This will bring about the realisation of an integrated College for Kindergarten to Year 12 students.   It will also involve the closure of Martin Luther Primary School and its students will be included in the newly built  Concordia College Campus.   The project will allow the College section to expand from 600 to over 700 students.  The third stage will also include a Kindergarten and OSHC, which will probably be finished in 2026.   The entire project is a very exciting development for Concordia College and for the Darling Downs.

    John Hoffman, the Deputy Queensland District Executive Officer, gave an update on the Good Samaritan Bargain Shop, Toowoomba.   At the moment the Committee running the shop are lacking office bearers and volunteer workers.   A review also needs to be conducted to investigate the best and safest structure to continue the ministry.  There is a great need for the shop, but the best and safest way to proceed in the future needs to be sought.   The future of the shop will discussed at the Rally in April.   If a suitable plan hasn’t been found, the shop will probably have to be closed.

    During the day, it was also highlighted that Litigation Insurance is required for both Lutheran Women of Australia and Lutheran Women of Queensland.  The treasurer of Lutheran Women of Australia, Leanne Warbrooke has done some research and the cheapest insurance she could find is $500 for each policy, making a grand total of $1000.   The membership fees may need to increase to cover this expense.

     A comprehensive vote of thanks was given by Shirl Ciesiolka from the Darling Downs executive, and she thanked the Saint John’s ladies for their warm welcome, and for a very uplifting and inspiring day.    Everyone was in complete agreement that it was indeed wonderful to be able to meet together as Lutheran women, and to humbly “Serve the LORD with gladness!” (Psalm 100:2 ESV)

Robin Jaensch