2018 began when the Women’s Fellowship Committee met in January to organise our program for the year. The program was given out to all members at our first Fellowship Meeting in February.
North Adelaide members and guest speaker
Our Women’s’ Fellowship is a small group of around 10 – 16 members with most of us retired. We meet every second Wednesday of the month. We welcomed a new member and with God’s Blessings, two of our members Val Grau and Elva Ames both turned 95 years.
We commence our Bible study at 11am with our President Betty Paech opening with a Devotion and acknowledging the custodians of our land the “Gaurna people”. Each member reads a section from the Lutheran Womenwith everyone discussing each passage to further our understanding. At the conclusion of the Bible study we close with a prayer.
Two hostesses are rostered during our lunch break, as we have our Business meeting.
Gwen Nesbitt, on behalf of all members, acknowledges every member’s birthday by presenting them with a birthday card, blessed with one of God’s passages. We are so thankful for Gwen’s generosity.
With funds raised from our meetings, we supported the LWSA-NT and LWA projects.
Later in the year, we packed 70 Birthing Kits for New Guinea, and honey biscuits were forwarded onto the Lutheran Community Care.
We have had the privilege of interesting speakers attend our meetings –- Graham Jaeschke from the “Smith Family”; Michael Francis of “The Hutt Street Centre” for the homeless, and Carol from COTA discussing “Ageing in South Australia”. There are distinct differences between modern ageing and ageing a generation ago.
Police Officer Sergeant Peter Winter enlightened us on home security, and Natalia gave a very informative presentation on “Red Cross” regarding their Home Support program which allows you to remain in your own home.
Christa Dahms viewing the Cyanotype printing at the “Gallery 1855”
We visited the “Gallery 1855” at Tea Tree Gully Art Centre, viewing the Exhibition “Garden Instinct”. It was a community focused exhibition of stories and photographic artworks. Cyanotype printing was on show, where participants used a variety of plant materials to create designs. It’s a beautiful blue photographic process where watercolour paper is used. Another interesting visit was to the “Heidelberg Cakes”, where we viewed their variety of cakes from a carton of milk coffee to wedding cakes.
Pastor Mark Worthing undertook the Bible study in June, discussing his report on “Science and the Christian Faith”, which was very interesting. At the completion of the meeting, we visited Haigh’s Chocolates, which was a highlight of the year. We learnt the history of the company and witnessed the process of decorating chocolates.
We are so blessed to enjoy our monthly meetings together, sharing God’s Word.
We support our congregation in many of their activities, by assisting with catering for Wedding Anniversaries, special birthdays, farewells, Baptisms, and Funerals.
Erika Proeve in front of the “Heidelberg Cakes” photo board
As we are fortunate to have the church grounds surrounded with lawn and trees, we held the Longest Lutheran Lunch with a BBQ, salads and sweets, by inviting Lutheran businesses in our area. It has always been a success.
One of our yearly events is celebrating “Christmas in July”. This year, we held the occasion at the Australian Lutheran College Refectory with approximately 55 members attending. In previous years we have held Christmas in July in our Church Hall. A guest speaker is invited to share the lunch and speak on their particular subject. A donation is given to support their cause.
It was decided to hold our annual Congregational Picnic in our Church grounds in November last year, with everyone contributing towards the luncheon. In the past, we have held this function at Pastor Mark and Kathy’s home in Hahndorf. After a very pleasant fellowship, we were reluctant to leave as the weather was in our favour.
At the end of each year, we celebrate the “Women’s Fellowship Christmas Luncheon” in our Church Hall by inviting the elderly, past and present Pastors and Church members. In 2018 we shared the Luncheon at the Australian Lutheran College. We had the privilege of touring and learning the history of the College.
God’s Blessings to you all.
Jan Boyce
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