Report Fellowship Day DDZ 01.09.26

What a wonderful day to celebrate the start of Spring on the 1^st September, as we gathered at the Glencoe Lutheran Church for the Darling Downs Fellowship Day.

It was hosted by the Glencoe Coffee Group.

We were welcomed by our DDZ President Cheryl Peters on the theme “Shaken but not Forsaken”

 2Cor 12:9. My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Val Kath also welcomed us to Glencoe and as LWQ President gave us an update on the 60 years celebrations that will be acknowledged at the Retreat Convention held at Concordia Lutheran College on 2-3 April 2027, hosted by the DDZ. The theme is “Who am I”.

The Opening Devotion was presented by Pastor Stephen Jaensch, our spiritual advisor, on the theme “Shaken but not Forsaken”. He referred to Ian Fleming, not a theologian, but the creator of James Bond and the catch phrase “Shaken not stirred” as James Bond liked his martinis. Even though on the occasions though life when we are shaken through problems or difficulties, God has definitely not forsaken us but maybe He needed to stir us to greater trust in Him. “Shaken but not Forsaken” is clearly biblical truth and though we are shaken at times in life, through our faith in Jesus Christ our Saviour we know that God never leaves us and never forsakes us.

The Guest Speaker, Carol Charmers talked on Parkinson Disease. Her husband suffers from PD and she discussed the symptoms and problems he has. PD is a mystery disease and it could be 20 years or more before actually being diagnosed, there is no cure, exercise is very important and also a network of community support. The Toowoomba Parkinson Support Group is held in the 1^st Thursday of each month and can have up to 60 attending. This disease has touched all of us, in family or friends so it was great to listen to the effects it has on those suffering the disease.

Val Kath thanked Carol and presented her with a basket of goodies.

Heather Bruggemann led us with a few chair aerobics to loosen up before Bible Study.

Jenny Stollznow welcomed SMP Mike Ludwig from Immanuel Congregation as their “adopt a SMP”

He introduced his Bible Study on the theme, and interaction with the group. He asked the question,

“In one word how are you feeling today” we can all carry afflictions as did Paul with his thorn in the flesh but God says in Phil4:9 that he will supply all our needs. Others tell us to be strong but God says, you are my canvas, I will look after you. Mike Ludwig suggested we write the theme bible verse on a sticky note and put it on our mirror to remind us that God’s power covers me before my make-up ever does.

There were 47 attending and the offering of $900.00 was donated to the Toowoomba Parkinson Group.

Val Kath gave an update on the Good Samaritan Op Shop and stated that the terms of reference were changed and approved. A few of the ladies modelled their shop outfits and did a fine job.

Lois Schultz, DDZ extra member gave the comprehensive vote of thanks.

Pastor Stephen Jaensch closed with devotion and gave us an illustration of the Stump Jump Plough that we are unstumpable and unstoppable in our faith that keeps on keeping on.

This is the faith we have in Jesus Christ. He finished with the blessing from Heb12:28

“Since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear”

A fellowship lunch was then enjoyed with a lot of chit chat.

Ros Von Hoff (extra member DDZ)