“HEARTS ON FIRE”

“Were not our hearts burning within us while Christ talked with us” Luke 24:32 Immanuel Women’s Fellowship Buderim, Celebrated their 60^th Anniversary on Saturday 12^th with a morning of Fellowship and Thanking God for his guidence during those 60 years since 12 ladies with “Hearts on fire” formed Immanuel Guild – later a name change to “ Fellowship”.

President of Immanuel Fellowship Pam Flesser welcomed approx 70 guests, which included members from sister Fellowships, St Mark’s Caloundra, Calvary Glasshouse, Prince of Peace Everton Hills, St Luke’s Nambour, LWA President Ruth Geitz.

Apologies from past & present members, along with greetings from LWQ Pres.Val Kath & executive, BN&SCZ Pres. Marilyn Jonas, & Jill Schefe, St. Paul’s Caboolture.

Shirley Gartner (who joined in 1974) gave a brief history of the Fellowship, paying tribute to the pioneer women who came together with their aim to Search and study God’s word through Bible study, care and supporting each other, while working for their church & the wider community and missions.

Catering was always the means of raising funds for mission work and Projects of LWQ & LWA as well as adding to furnishings within the church. Catering costs $3.50 pp were the norm, but of course everything was homemade and donated.

Hosting LWQ Convention and attending Retreats & Conventions, Rally Days and Fellowship Days are among the highlights of meeting with other ladies of Qld & Australia. As well as fellowship with other denominations.

God has guided and blessed us through the Holy Spirit and will keep our “Hearts on Fire” as we move forward now in our later years. Psalm 13:5-6 “I Trust in your unfailing Love: my HEART rejoices in your Salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me”.

Devotion: Pastor Dan Mueller related to the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus from Luke 24 to explore the concept of a ‘Burning Heart’. Not as a fleeting emotion, but as a profound understanding and renewed faith ignited by the Holy Spirit. This spiritual fire is a gift from God, received through the “Means of Grace”.

God’s word: The primary fuel for the fire in our hearts that, when opened, illuminates understanding. * Prayer: A two-way conversation that fosters itimacy with God. * Holy Sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion, which tangibly bring Christ’s presence into our heart.

The result of a “Burning Heart” is the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and service, which has been evident in the Immanuel Women’s Fellowship for the past sixty years.

Pam wrote a story titled “Living in the 60’s” Pam’s sister Jennifer Kleidon added to, and told this story of how it was back then compared to now, with some quips along the way.

Guest Speaker: Anne Hansen from Lutheran Tract Mission really appreciated the theme: “Hearts on Fire” for as we remember events of the past, someone’s heart had to be stirred to make a change.

God’s guiding hand was there in the stirring of the Spirit to form the Ladies’ fellowship. As a fellowship the Holy Spirit has been leading you in your work for the Church – providing a place of love and friendship for all who come and feel needed in the congregation, providing flowers and a touch of the feminine. Arts, crafts, etc. but above all you have given the church your all. Your faith, hope for the future and the love of Christ burning in your hearts.

Anne told of her life stories and you realize that it is only through God’s guiding and leading that you have come to the place you are today. Our stories are impacting our children, grandchildren. Let God’s words talk through your experiences and share how God has led you on your life’s journey.

Ending in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to burn within our hearts that we may share and grow in love for others. Amen

The entrance takings of $1,320 was donated to the Immanuel Mission team to Uganda, together with their stall, $2,060 will go a long way to the projects they undertake. Lyndal Mayer and the Team did the catering as a fundraiser for their cause. Lyndal, in the absence of Eunice Wallis gave an update of the work they are doing in Uganda especially in the poorer areas – hoping to build another  sewing room on their next trip in November, providing sewing machines, piggeries and chickens mainly for the women to become self-supporting.

The celebration cake was cut by the longest serving continuous members Pam and Shirley with the help of all the Fellowship.

Pam thanked everyone for making this day special. Thanking her executive and members who volunteered their skills in various ways to enhance the setting. After singing Table grace “Now thank we all our God.” We adjourned to the Fellowship Terrace where the winter sun shone brightly and the Uganda team served most welcome Refreshments.

Psalm 100 v 5: “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever, His faithfulness continues through al generations.

Reporter: Pam Flesser

HEARTS ON FIRE downloadable report