Brisbane North & Sunshine Coast 52nd Zone Rally

9 April, 2019

Judith Smyth, Marilyn Jonas, Narelle Jefferd, Ruth Geitz, Pam Flesser, Desley Logan, Rev Maurie Richter, Esther Jones

Hosts for the day, Immanuel Buderim, welcomed ladies and gentlemen with morning tea on Fellowship Terrace. A fitting start to the day, enjoying the beautiful sunshine after much needed rain.

Zone President, Judith Smyth welcomed 60 members and friends with our Theme: We are God’s Show and Tell. Hebrews 10:24-25 … and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together … but encourage one another.

President of Immanuel, Pam Flesser, welcomed all who travelled from as far away as Darling Downs and wished everyone a safe journey home. Our first hymn Shine Jesus Shine was sung with gusto. After which Pastor Matthew Thiele led the opening Devotion based on Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Be transformed – Metamorphosis – meaning to change – Shaped to be like Jesus. “My child – My beloved – I delight in you”. We are transformed by grace. We rest in grace in the presence of God. Our destiny is heaven.

Queensland Bishop, Paul Smith, gave us an insight into calls and acceptances of the pastors. Bishop Paul was honoured to be invited to attend the Christian Parliamentarian’s Breakfast, and then asked to pray for the members of Parliament as they carry out their decision making.

LWQ President, Karen Bryce, gave her report and said that, while Lutheran women membership may be falling, our Retreats are seeing larger gatherings of women who go home uplifted with the joy of sharing their love of Jesus, praise and friendships. The march Retreat held at Highfields was attended by 102 and the offering of $2,300 was donated to Lutheran Disaster Fund for Townsville for flood affected families.

The LWQ executive meet in March to set guidelines for a combined Convention/Retreat to be held 17-19th July 2020. Final year Education Students were given bursaries of $800 each.

Donations of $1,500 each, from Accumulated Funds, went to LWQ kids camp, Mary and Martha’s, Hospital Chaplaincy and Townsville Flood Appeal.

Zone President, Judith Smyth, gave her report highlighting her attendance at Retreat with the Theme: Bee coming for Christ. This was an excellent programme prepared by the Brisbane South & Gold Coast Zone.

A report about the closure of the Zone Bargain Centre, which has been operating since 1986, raising money for Zion Home, including purchasing a small bus for the residents. It was operated by volunteers and will be sadly missed even by the staff of Zion Home who had easy access to shopping for clothes for the residents.

Judith thanked her committee and others for their valued support in her role as president.

Our rally this time was a trial to decide if a half day Rally Day would be the way of the future.

May God continue to bless each and every one as you study his Word and SHOW that the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives because of God’s great love and forgiveness, and that we can then TELL others this wonderful news as followers of Jesus.

Treasurer, Ruth Geitz, reported that $7,232 was donated to LWA projects. Leaving a credit balance of $2,939 and LLL balance of $1,067.96.

Wade Scott our guest speaker, Manager of INTERCEPT, enlightened us on the service that is provided in the Moreton Bay Region, mainly for youth between ages 12 – 18. The purpose of INTERCEPT is to empower and provide opportunities to young people who are looking for a hand up, not a hand out. Through supporters who are passionate, non-judgemental, understanding and inclusive in our communities. EVERYONE IS SOMEONE. Under the banner of Lutheran Services (Youth & family), INTERCEPT helps young people stay connected with their families and communities. Helping young people to make sense of what is going on when they find themselves in difficult circumstances.

  • Finding school tough
  • Homeless or, at risk of, homelessness
  • In an unstable family situation
  • Living independently but struggling
  • Living with mental illness or disability.

One positive outcome was a young person who had significant criminal history – completed year 10 and went on to do other courses and secured full time work. Some eligibility criteria apply. Acknowledgements of some funding from Queensland and the Federal Government.

The offering for the Day $590 was donated to INTERECPT.

The committee elected for the coming year is: President, Judith Smyth; 1st Vice President, Marilyn Jonas; 2nd Vice President, Narelle Jefferd; Secretary, Ruth Geitz; Treasurer, Pam Flesser; Extra Members, Desley Logan, Esther Jones, and Lorraine Stiller was installed by Pastor Maurie Richter.

“In Christ alone” was followed by table grace and all enjoyed a ‘bring and share’ lunch before their journey home.

Pam Flesser

Immanuel Buderim Queensland.


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