Pastor Steve Hibbard and 18 ladies attended the Guild Fellowship Afternoon on Wednesday 2 June 2021. The theme for the day was taken from 2 Timothy 1:6, Stir up the gift of God. To keep with the theme, Cathy Hibbard made crosses for a take home gift, using a coffee sachet and a wooden spoon which displayed the Bible text. A $5 coffee voucher to a local coffee shop was the door prize won by Edna Elies.
The informal afternoon started with President, Eleanor Dutschke, welcoming all. Cathy introduced the Guest Speaker, Christina Eglinton (Chrissie), who gave a captivating and heartfelt talk on her mission work with rescue children in Kenya, Africa. Chrissie spoke of her personal encounters and what it takes to run such a facility where children are brought to the centre, mostly from social services, for safety, nurture, and schooling in a Christian environment, with the anticipation of a positive outcome. The centre works together with others so these children can be reunited with family members. When it’s time to go out into the community, they have the knowledge and skills needed as they grow up and endeavour to find work and start a family of their own. Not all stories have a happy ending but knowing the children were given the best opportunity helps to keep going. Chrissie explained how she felt God was calling her to embark on this adventure and journey of mission, and that she would need to stir up the gift of God as she made that decision over 20 years ago. The donation of $180 will be passed onto the Solidarity Child Rescue Australian Auxiliary. Cathy did a vote of thanks and Chrissie was given a $10 café voucher and a lovely arrangement of flowers done by Myrna Dutschke.
As the afternoon continued, there was a surprise visit from the Maitland Lutheran School, where some students, accompanied by a few music teachers, performed two songs from the up-and-coming school musical “Ye-Ha!”. This was enjoyable and very entertaining and showcased the talent of the singers and musicians.
Pastor Steve followed with the devotion based on the theme text, 2 Timothy 1:6, and spoke about the Western World, Australia and our local community which complemented Chrissie’s talk. The devotion included interesting facts on research that showed the struggles and challenges faced in mission within the Western World. God will place us before people and provide us with the opportunities to bring his love and peace to those around us. We pray that God will give us the courage and strength to face challenges and use our gifts to be a blessing to others.
We go forward in the sure hope that Jesus Christ is our Saviour and Redeemer. LHS 454, Ye servants of God your master proclaim, was sung while Eleanor played the piano.
A thank you was given to all who were present and to those who made the day possible and helped in any way. The fellowship continued over a cuppa during the delicious afternoon tea. An enjoyable time of fellowship was had by all who attended, and apologies received from those who couldn’t be there.
Cathy Hibbard
“Stir up the gift of God” – Report submitted by Cathy Hibbard
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