LWQ RETREAT 15th – 17^th MAY 2026

HELD AT Maroochy Waterfront Conference Centre Maaroochydore.

Theme: “WOMEN IN THE WILDERNESS” Matthew: 11:28.

The weekend began with a meeting of LWQ Executive at Immanuel Church Buderim where all Zones of LWQ were represented. (photo)

Moving on to the Retreat Venue. Registration – Meet and Greet before being Welcomed by LWQ President – Val Kath and BN&SC Zone President Marilyn Jonas. Theme Song set the mood for the weekend – ‘Be still in the Presence of the Lord’ and ‘Father Welcomes all His children’.

Dinner, followed by a Taize Service with our Spiritual Advisor Pastor Jordan Bennett to calm the nerves after travelling. Marilyn explained the Christian Symbols that we based the program on and displayed on the Table Mats for everyone to take home.

Devotion and praise time including the Theme song and ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’ Followed by Bible study based on Matthew 11: 28-30 led by Pr Jordan Bennett. Giving the Bible’s meaning to “Women in the Wilderness”

• ‘Wilderness’ is often a place of testing, but also of meeting God.

• ‘Come’ – Invitation, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened. We contemplated on burdens we are carrying that others may not see.

• ‘I will Give You Rest’ – Rest is confidence in grace, even in wilderness.

• ‘The Yoke’ – Shared strength. Even when pain is unseen, Christ carries more than we know. You walk forward. Not alone, Never alone.

Spot speakers: LWA President (Ruth Geitz)  gave an update on Convention 2027.

LWQ Vice President (Hazel Weis) Explained the importance of keeping records

LCAQD First Assistant Bishop Ben Hentschke gave Bishop Mark Vainikka’s report.

GUEST SPEAKERS –Heather & Neville Doecke – Their interesting ministry while working with Indigenous communities in Far Nth Qld and Northern Territory.  Professor Jane Edwards – (UQ lecturer in music therapy for dementia patients) after lunch a Power Point talk on the (Early Nundah Missionary) St Paul’s Nundah Fellowship have recently celebrated 100 years.

A break to enjoy some Fellowship/craft/art or just time catch up with friends.

GUEST SPEAKER: Anne Hansen Lutheran Tract Mission Representative gave us a report on new tracts and encouraged us to take from the vast range of tracts she exhibited for all occasions.  Victoria Fitzpatrick – Christian Artist – spoke of her struggles in the wilderness and not even being able to paint. With the help of knowing God is always near she has recovered and back doing what she loves – Painting.

A short coffee break followed by own activities. Then spruce up for Pre Dinner wine and cheese sponsored by Lutheran Laypersons League.

The evening program was delightful with dinner music by Kevin and Kylie Grimley from Immanuel Buderim. We all sang or hummed along to old time favorites.

Immanuel College Student Ben Wilson along with SMP Student Stefan Volejnik shared their faith journey and how it has impacted their lives. Attending Christian Life Camps and leadership training camps at Luther Heights, Coolum.

We enjoyed listening to Christian music and singing with Keyboard – trumpet & Guitar by the Holland family – Justin, Karl & Nicole. ‘Be still in the presence of the Lord’ was a fitting ending

Marilyn explained the Finger Labyrinth (Christian contemplation, prayer and reflection on God’s Word using Bible verses). Ending quietly on an eventful days program.

Breakfast and pack up before Worship Service with Holy Communion including Memorial hymn and candle lighting concluded our Faith Fun and Fellowship Retreat weekend.

Announcements / Review and time to chat and say goodbye to friends before lunch and Farewell.

My observation of this Retreat: 80 women & 12 men were happy to be together despite distance / petrol shortage and age. Men folk enjoyed a leisurely Hop on hop off boat trip on the Mooloola river & Lunch at the Kawana Hotel on return.

All in all a wonderful gathering of Lutheran Women of Qld..Sharing their life and faith journeys together, to ‘Be still in the Presence of the Lord’.

Reporter: Pam Flesser