Darling Downs Zone Rally May 2026

LUTHERAN Women Darling Downs Rally Report

April 21^st 2026 at Good Shepherd Toowoomba

Theme: God – Love and Comfort

On a lovely Toowoomba Autumn morning, 59 women including 8 Guests and 3 Pastors gathered for the 58^th Annual Zone Rally at Good Shepherd, Toowoomba.

Fellowship was enjoyed with a cuppa and plenty chatting. It’s always great to join with other members of the Zone.

Good Shepherd President, Margaret Schelberg welcomed old and new friends, Pastor Mark Blackwell and Bishop Mark Vainika as well as visitors. Cheryl Peters, Zone President welcomed all with the 23^rd Psalm and we all spoke it. God’s love and comfort in good and bad times.

Good Shepherd Chairman, Eric Donges welcomed all and wished us a good day.

Sue Donges explained the Display Theme. Our display today is my interpretation of our theme – “God Comfort and Love. When we first started thinking about this display I was talking to Pastor Mark and he straight away said our theme “God, Comfort and Love reminded him of the Trinity. This resounded and resounded in my mind as I prayed and thought about it. I did have to take some artistic licence as Love comes before Comfort. God the Father is represented by a picture of the Hand of God holding a small baby and the bible reading is ln lsaiah 41:13 we read “For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand, who says to you, “Don’t be afraid. l’ll help you. The picture of God holding a baby in his hands and The Bible Verse together remind us that God’s love is with us from a baby to old age. He always takes hold of us in His hand Love – The Son is represented by the crucifix. ln Romans 5:8 we read, But God demonstrates his own love for us in this. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Comfort – the Holy Spirit is represented by a Dove. ln John 14.26-27 we read But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace l leave with you; my peace I give to you . I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Along the front – along the altar rail are some stick figures representing us praising and thanking God.

A special welcome was given to Bishop Mark Vainika, LWA President Ruth Geitz, LWQ President Val Kath, LWQ Secretary Collette Mangan, LWA Secretary Avalon Hall & other Executive members.

Bible Study: Pastor Mark Blackwell (Good Shepherd) lead a thought provoking Bible Study on the theme which reminded him of the Trinity.  The Triune God brings Comfort and is the comforter, someone who walks beside us. We explored other words for Comforter….(Paraclete), Advocate, Helper, Counsellor. We looked at different Bible versions using these words, Counsellor, Helper, Advocate, which one is correct….all of them. The triune God brings comfort as the comforter.

Because we are forgiven, healed, we can bring comfort to others. He walks beside us during suffering. He is with us always. A great Bible passage on Comfort is found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. Praise to the God of All Comfort

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you, patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

What a blessing that the Father, Son & Holy Spirit gives us comfort because of His ‘LOVE’ for us!

Greetings from other zones were received.

The offering of $1.058 will be given Lutheran Media. All reports were adopted.

Bishop Mark Vainika gave an update on District news. He plans to visit all Zones of the State. There are 112 Congregations, 12 Schools, 30 Care Homes. LWA President Ruth spoke of the 2027 LWA convention, which will be held in the South East corner of Qld. LWQ President Val Kath mentioned that all of the Qld Executive were present at the Rally. Retreat in 2027 will be held in Toowoomba.

 

Guest Speaker:  Nola Lorraine Passmore is a Christian author, who uses the name Nola Lorraine as her writer’s name, gave us an up lifting and enlightening insight into her life. She has Lutheran connections through her parents. Her father donated land for the first Nundah Lutheran church.  She has been a Tutor in Senior Psychology at University, eventually ending up in Toowoomba. Now semiretired but with a home business, she advocates for Support Groups. We have something that a lot of groups don’t have .….God. She has done a course in Biblical Counselling and she and her husband ran many successful workshops in NZ in different churches. Being an adoptee, even though she had loving parents, she always felt like something was missing. No matter where she went or what story she shared, someone could associate with it and comfort came from that. We all have experiences and stories that help us to reach out to others in comfort.

How did she get into Creative Writing? After doing a course at University, she was asked why she believes in God. She wrote an article that was published in a book, ‘The God Factor’, and other articles have been published in Australian Stories, God Stories. She has had about 150 short stories published, a novel ‘Scattered’ and other devotionals. You never know who might be blessed by your story. You can share encouragement with things God has done in your life that can bless others. Some of her book titles include ‘Comfort Zone: A 40-Day Devotional on the Father of All Comfort’, Davy: A True Story for Anzac Day, ‘Comfort Zone’ is ‘Go For Launch!’ Blessings in Good Times and Bad, A Novel, “Scattered’ to name a few.

Her books have been a blessing to many, including a man in jail, who became a Christian after reading one of her books.

Business: There were 59 in attendance, 8 of those were visitors and 3 pastors. There 129 members in the Zone.

Good Samaritan Terms of Reference was accepted. President Cheryl thanked those ladies who have taken a position on the Executive.

Zone Project: Lutheran Media, Quiz Worx & 92.9 FM Voice for Hope.

Fellowship Day: Glencoe.  Rally 2027 at Maclagan.

Hazel Weis will continue as secretary for her 7th year. Office Bearers were elected.

Ros Vonhoff moved a Vote of Thanks to all who were involved in a very successful day.

Bishop Mark Vainika installed the Office Bearers.

President: Cheryl Peters (Maclagan)

1st Vice President: Jenny Stollznow (Glencoe)

2nd Vice President: Robyn Williams (Moree)

Secretary: Hazel Weis (Glencoe)

Treasurer: Cheryl Vonhoff (Maclagan)

Extra Members: Lois Schultz (Toowoomba Good

Shepherd), Diana Berlin (Toowoomba Emmanuel)

Roslyn Von Hoff (Pittsworth) Ronda L’Huillier

Closing Devotion: Bishop Dr Mark Vainikka based his devotion on Luke 24 – disciples on the road to Emmaus had been living in hope. Jesus walks and talks with them and their hope is restored. Christ comes to us, walks with us, feeds us so share our burdens with him. Invite Jesus into every space in our life – God has already come to us. He is the God of all Love and Comfort.

Lunch was another time of enjoying Fellowship.

With Christian Greetings Jenny Stollznow & Lois Schultz

 

To download the report, click below:

LUTHERAN Women Darling Downs Rally Report