Celebrating faith and fellowship: annual Convention of Lutheran Women

There was a happy buzz of voices as over 150 women met at Zion Church Glynde on 18 May 2024 for the 57th Annual Convention of Lutheran Women of Australia SA–NT (LWA SA–NT) with the theme ‘No Longer Strangers’ (Ephesians 2:19). This theme was illustrated by a thought-provoking banner designed by Dot Turner. Glynde is a multicultural worshipping community. The diversity of languages was represented in a Pentecost banner floating at the front of the church. Each Saturday, English lessons are held, and different activities are arranged for fellowship to welcome new folk into the community.

Pastor Richard Fox led the opening devotion in the absence of the LWA SA/NT chaplain, Keith McNicoll. The day’s business followed under the capable, cheerful direction of President Josie Hunt. Warm welcomes were received from local MP Vincent Tazia, Pastor Stephen Schulz representing SA Bishop Andrew Brook, who had Covid, and LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith, who, with his wife Heidi, spoke of their journey to Poland and about their family. They use Luther’s Morning Prayer to start the day and end it by singing the hymn ‘Glory to thee my God this night’. Many ladies joined them in song.

Our first speaker was Audrey, a Wycliffe Bible Translator with the Koch (Coach) speakers in Northeast India, preparing a translation for 25,000 people. She spoke of the need for confidentiality in her work. Covid made it necessary for her to return to Australia and work online from here. Hopefully, she will be able to return to India soon. Our prayers for her and all translators are as important as financial support.

After lunch, Pastor Tim Chen, a pastor’s son from Taiwan, spoke of his journey to Australia. God’s call came to him in Wugal Wugal in Far North Queensland to renew his faith, study, be ordained and come to lead the Grace Lutheran Chinese Church, which meets on Sundays here at Glynde. There are 70 members, of whom 50 worship regularly. Two ladies, Tabitha and Rebecca, are active leaders of the Sudanese Church there. Glynde is also the church home for a group of Korean Christian worshippers.

The Convention heard from ‘spot speakers’: Tania Nelson from Lutheran Media, Erin Kerber from LCA International Mission, Julie Krause from Australian Lutheran World Service, and Jeanette Mann from Blueprint Ministries. Their enthusiasm for their roles and thankfulness for the support given by the women was most encouraging. Jeanette particularly asked us all to be influencers of the children in our care so that each one may come to know Jesus as their Saviour. Tell, connect, bless and pray, for no one can stop you from praying.

Reports outlining the activities of women serving on various committees, organising the annual retreat, fundraising within aged care homes and representing us on the National Council of Women, World Day of Prayer and Australian Church Women (SA unit) were acknowledged with thanks.

We praise and thank God for the generosity of Lutheran women that the total income for both LWA and LWSA–NT projects for 2023 was $90,386.01. The offering for the day amounted to $8,693.00. One thousand dollars will go to cross-cultural ministry at Glynde, with the remainder divided equally between Wycliffe Bible Translators and Australian Lutheran World Service.

Do you get the Lutheran Women Magazine? It’s a great way to keep in touch with what’s happening with Lutheran Women. It has devotions, Bible studies and interesting articles edited by Grace Bock and Maureen Turner. If your fellowship no longer meets, it’s a great little magazine to put in your bag. Share an article as you have coffee with friends.

Debbie Borgas from Glenelg fellowship gave the vote of thanks to all those who made the day such a success.

Thankfully, all the office bearers were happy to continue in their current roles and were blessed and installed by Pastor Richard as he led the closing devotion.

We look forward to Convention 2025 when we will meet in the Barossa Valley on Saturday, 2 May 2025.