57th Annual Convention of LWVT – Saturday 4 May 2024
The 57th Annual Convention of Lutheran Women of Victoria and Tasmania was held on Saturday 4th May 2024. It was hosted by Our Redeemer Lutheran Ladies Guild, Warracknabeal. The Theme for the Convention was ‘Bread of Life’ based on John 6:35. Opening Worship was conducted by Pastor John Weier from Warracknabeal, after which Ladies Guild President, Avril Hein welcomed the 91 attendees and Kylie Zanker, Mayor of Yarriambiack Shire spoke about highlights around the Shire with special reference to the Silo Art Trail. President, Jenny Gellert opened the Convention.
Guest Speakers for the day, included a presentation from Lutherans for Life led by Rose Graham, Beth Matuschka and Hayley Simons. Audrey from the Wycliffe Bible Translators informed the Convention that 1.5 billion people in the world still can’t access the Bible in their own language and stressed that God’s word needs to be accessible to all. A complex process is involved in translating. They started with the shorter books of Ruth and Jonah. Jonah is being published now and an app has been produced so that more books can be added when translation is completed. John Keller spoke about the work which he has been involved in with Mission Teams in Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, Nepal and Burma. Denise Meikle informed the gathering about the Leprosy Knitting Project. She is a member of Horizons, which has been involved with Mission work in Africa for many years and seeks help to provide knitted beanies, scarves, jumpers and socks for children and adults with leprosy.
Pastor Lucas Matuschka, LWVT Spiritual Advisor, conducted the Bible Study based on the theme, where he reminded us that while we need food we can’t live on the wrong food. He cited the example of Chris McCandless, the American adventurer, who lived on berries but allegedly died of starvation in the Alaskan wilderness. As God’s people we need food for our bodies and our souls. God has provided us with Jesus, the true Bread from heaven, who gave us eternal life by giving His life for us.
Avril Hein provided an interesting history of the Warracknabeal Ladies Guld which celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2024. Nineteen ladies, with Mrs Starick as President, met on 4th May 1924 and were asked to donate one penny every meeting. This was soon raised to one shilling a month. A collection of photos in the Hall showed many of the highlights and achievements over the years. 93-year-old Ruth Shaw, who played the organ for the Convention, and Elaine Schultz, both of whom had links with the founding members, cut the celebratory 100th Birthday Cake.
LWA President, Grace Kroehn presented her report and spoke about the LWA Magazine and arrangements for the LWA Convention to be held in October at Murray Bridge.
Memorial Candles were lit in memory of 10 ladies who passed away during the year.
To close the day Bishop Lester Priebbenow provided an up-date of church news and conducted the closing devotion, during which he installed two new Executive Members, Secretary, Krista Thiele and Extra Member, Debbie Schulz. Special encouragement cards were presented to the LWVT Executive Members. The Offering of $2,680 was shared between Lutherans for Life and John Keller’s Mission work.
Photos from the Lutheran Women of Victoria and Tasmania Facebook page
