LWCQ Zone Rally Day, Rockhampton, March 29, 2025

35 women gathered at Calvary Lutheran Hall, 59 Burnett Street, North Rockhampton, for a weekend of sharing God’s word, fun, and fellowship. The hall was beautifully decorated in keeping with the theme: “If Life Gives you Lemons, make Lemonade”. Lemons in bowls, on tablecloths, lemon tea candles, serviettes and on the tee shirts and dresses many wore. The amazing catering, had some platters of small cakes with lemon curd instead of cream. Attention to detail awesome.

Our rally commenced by singing a number of well known songs. The president, Ute Graz,
kept us focused on time management and Pastor Don McCall led the Bible study. We were privileged to have LWA President Ruth Geitz, Secretary, Avalon Hall. LWQ President Val Kath. Also in attendance, Members and visitors came from CQ Zone, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Toowoomba, Biloela, Theodore and Mackay. Val Kath shared her enthusiasm of how special it is to be part of our Women’s Fellowship and how precious we are to each other. Many worthy organisations are supported, Australian Lutheran World Service being just one. It was also highlighted that it is easy to be a registered member if there is no fellowship in your area. Just contact someone you know and a form can be obtained. This just ticks the box for Lutheran Women of Queensland.

The AGM re-elected last year’s committee. President Carolyn Murdoch, Vice President Christine Pukallus, Secretary Lorna Bahnisch, Treasurer Carol Hartwig and extra member Dianne Pukallus.

Memorial Hymn, “May the feet of God Walk with you”, was sung while candles were lit in remembrance of loved ones.

Pastor Don McCall from Calvary, Rockhampton, who is our spiritual advisor, led the bible study on the Theme,” When Life gives you Lemons, make Lemonade.”
Don spoke about how some people love lemons, some hate them, even in the tart taste of the lemon, some find pleasure, sustenance and vitamins like C. We all have those moments in life, which might not be so enjoyable, and yet, through Christ we can get through it. We are strengthened and enhanced through Christ..

Guest speaker was Donna Kirkland, MP.
Our theme was beautifully encapsulated in Donna’s inspiring journey of working for Missions and her courageous decision to enter the realm of politics. Through her words, we were able to witness the resilience and determination that defines her path. Donna’s insights and experiences resonated deeply with all the like-minded women present.

The offering was donated towards the local project which was Gumbi Gumbi and Compass House and totalled $1149 to be shared 50-50 between the two services. Gumbi-Gumbi is an indigenous community controlled organisation dedicated to improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people impacted by problematical alcohol and/or substance dependency.
They provide Alcohol and Drug Recovery Support by offering comprehensive services including residential withdrawal, residential rehabilitation, and external rehabilitation programs to men and women, in a culturally safe environment.
Everyone, indigenous or not, is welcome to join their supportive community as they provide essential AOD services to the Central Queensland region.

COMPASS HOUSE is a service for people with mental health difficulties.
Their purpose is to advance education, advance social or public welfare, promoting and protecting human rights.
They provide centre activities, community access plus one on one support, community events and outings and an annual skill building trip.
They also help family and carers of their clients build knowledge and skills for living with and helping loved ones with mental health difficulties.

Zone project for this year is the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service and $1226 was raised for this cause which is so vital for our zone.

We ended our day session joyfully singing Songs of Praise. Pastor Don McCall led closing devotion and prayer. The visiting men enjoyed a trip out to Rookwood Weir on the Fitzroy River, a cement construction 18 metres high which provides irrigation water for horticulture and cattle. Already 2000 hectares of macadamias are in the ground. It is a huge project, the trees all under irrigation. This is being managed by Rural Funds Management, a huge enterprise investing heavily in rural Australia. Thanks to Ron Bahnisch for a very interesting and informative day.

A very enjoyable dinner was appreciated followed by an evening of Karaoke led by the Millan family. How everyone appreciated the hall and air-conditioning. It was a tropical evening with thunderstorms all around. By Sunday evening it was bucketing down, 300 mm of rain and many roads flooded. Our God certainly knew how to show his love. The rain is so needed even if the humidity was challenging.

Sunday morning worship at Calvary Rockhampton Church, again led by Don McCall who remarked how great it was to have so many attending.. We enjoyed a great service, fellowship and music and of course food. Next year we look forward to meeting at Emerald on a date yet to be decided.

Ute Graz, President Rockhampton Ladies Fellowship.