‘Hearts on Fire’: Celebrating fellowship and service

‘Hearts on Fire’: Celebrating fellowship and service

‘Were not our hearts burning within us, while Christ talked with us?’ ~Luke 24:32

Immanuel Women’s Fellowship Buderim celebrated 60 years with a morning of fellowship and thanking God for His guidance, during the years since 12 ladies with ‘hearts on fire’ formed Immanuel Guild in 1960.

President of Immanuel Fellowship Pam Flesser welcomed guests, including sister fellowships within the BN & SC Zone and LWA President Ruth Geitz.

Shirley Gartner gave a brief history of the Fellowship, paying tribute to the pioneer women who came together with their aim to study God’s word through Bible study, care, and supporting each other, while working for their church and the wider community and missions. Catering was always a means of raising funds for mission and projects. Catering for weddings at $3.50 per person was the norm, but of course everything was homemade and donated.

Pastor Dan Mueller related the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (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, prayer, and the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion.

Pam Flesser’s story ‘Living in the 60’s’ was told with a few added quips by her sister Jennifer Kleidon, who was also our organist.

Anne Hansen from Lutheran Tract Mission highlighted events of the past where someone’s heart had to be stirred to make a difference: ‘God’s guiding hand was with the Fellowship as you gave your faith, hope and the love of Christ burning in your hearts. Let God’s words talk through your experiences and share how God has led you on your life’s journey.’

Lyndal Mayer, part of the Immanuel Mission team to Uganda, told of the work they are doing, especially in the poorer areas. During the next trip in November they hope to build another sewing room and provide sewing machines, mainly for the women to become self-supporting. The takings for the day – $2,060 – will help significantly towards the projects they undertake.

The celebration cake was cut by Shirley & Pam with the help of all the members. Pam thanked everyone for making the day special, especially those who volunteered their skills in various ways. After singing the table grace, ‘Now thank we all our God’, we adjourned to Fellowship Terrace where the winter sun shone brightly and the Uganda team served welcome refreshments.

Hosting Convention and attending retreats, rallies and fellowship days are among the highlights of meeting with ladies across Australia. God has guided and blessed us through the Holy Spirit and will keep our ‘hearts on fire’: ‘I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me’ ~Psalm 13:5-6.