Brisbane South and Gold Coast Rally Day 9^th March 2026

“Finding JOY in the Journey”

“This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made, let us reJOYce and be glad in It”.  The ladies of the Alberton Parish shared the whys, when’s and how’s of experiencing moments of JOY in daily living at the BSGCZ’s annual Rally Day on the 9^th of March.

In a world that sometimes feels fast paced and unpredictable, Christians have such assurance by embracing the simple pleasures of finding joy in everyday moments knowing that our God provides. Whether it’s the first sip of a morning coffee, a stroll along the beach, or gardening, joy emerges that uplifts spirits and strengthens communities.

We were reminded of prioritising our mental health by focusing on activities that spark gladness and gratitude. From backyard bar-bies to spontaneous road trips, even holding a newborn, people are discovering that Joy doesn’t have to come from grand gestures—it’s often found in the little things. However, true joy comes from the Lord.

The Bible mentions over 650 times joy, rejoicing, gladness and delight.  It says that the fullness of JOY is found in God’s presence. Jesus says in John 16:22: , “Your heart will rejoice and no one will take away your JOY.”  Nothing and no one has the power to steal your JOY, unless you let them!  Unless you stop rejoicing and being in His presence.  The Bible, “God’s love story”, verses of JOY, teach us how to live it out.  In John 15:11 Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you that MY JOY may remain in you, and that your JOY may be full.”

We were asked as a group how can we live life to the fullest and experience abundant JOY?  In the Old Testament the word for JOY speaks of gladness, dancing, leaping or spinning around in pleasure – not only deep in the inside but also obviously on the outside of our bodies. Isaiah mentions in 9:3, 12:3 and 55:12 “There is JOY in Jesus and it’s fun being saved”!  In the Psalms JOY is also in abundance in verses 5:11, 43:4, 71:23 and 118:24 Do take time to read these they will remind you – SHOUT for JOY!  And why? In Nehemiah 8:10 it states clearly that the JOY of the LORD is your strength. In the New Testament it speaks of celebration.  Matt 25:21, Luke 2:10 John 16:24, 15:9-11 and 16:22 Reminding us that when we are in the presence no one can rob us of JOY.  As we continue to worship and praise the Lord; coming into His presence there is fullness of JOY, and this JOY gives us strength. John 15: 5, 11.  Spending time daily reading His Word and time in prayer and weekly worship are abiding in Jesus.

As we continue to navigate the ups and downs of life, purposely find JOY in the journey, and your heart will be glad. Don’t say ‘when’ do it ‘now’ by scheduling in your week what you enjoy, by relishing the little things and include God in everything!

The zone also welcomed with JOY Pastor Mark Gierus as their chaplain, heard from First Assistant Bishop Rev. Ben Henschke, greetings were conveyed from our LWQ President by Colette Mangan on behalf of Val Kath.  The nominations for positions were passed and installed by Pastor Mark Gierus:  President & Secretary Kaye Rossmann, Vice Presidents Sharon Tegan and Leanne Kopp-Verier, Treasurer Colette Managan and Extra Members Narelle Lanyon and Susan Dewitt .

Presentations for mission were given by Shirley Kleinschmidt (Nepal church Asia Focus), Colette Mangan shared LWQ project Bursary for Pastoral Education – gifted this year to Pastor Jordan Bennett. Narelle Lanyon reminded us about ALWS Gifts of Grace, and Jennie Stelan explained the Stamps for Mission which was established in 1938 and has raised more than $446,000 for mission such as the Seminary in PNG. Finishing with Leanne Kopp-Verdier sharing about the Meri Wok Training in PNG.  The BSGC Zone Executive put forward proposals that the project for 2026-2027 be Meri Wok Training and that the offering from today be directed to the LWQ Project of “Sewing the Gospel”

The ladies who gathered at the Alberton Church on that very wet day in March were truly blessed with JOYOUS reminders and new ideas to priorities the JOY in the Lord by singing, worshipping and being saturated in the Word.  They will be looking forward to gathering again in August at Bethania Lutheran Church where the Trinity ladies from Southport will lead Fellowship Day with the theme “Held in His Hands”.

Remember: There’s a gladness in OUR heart, there’s a JOY that overflows It’s the JOY of knowing Jesus, he set us free; From the mountains and the valleys, from sea to sea. WE will sing about Jesus He set US free, Thank you, Alberton ladies😊

Reporter: Helene Kingsley