BRISBANE NORTH & SUNSHINE COAST ZONE RALLY DAY 6TH APRIL 2022

We gathered at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Buckland Rd., Nundah, beginning with a lovely time of meet and greet – new and old friends, over a delicious morning tea prepared by the ladies of St. Paul’s. We were blessed with a beautiful Autumn Day although still a little rain hovering about. We thank God for the Blessing of being able to meet again after all the Covid restrictions.

The morning began with a welcome by Zone President, Judith Smyth and St. Paul’s President Karen Long. We sang “Tell out my Soul, the greatness of his name! Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done, His mercy sure, from age to age the same.” Pastor Mark Nitschke gave the devotion based on the Theme “New Beginnings”   found in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! As a Day spa makes you feel like a new person and as in the T V programmes “extreme Make over” Pastor Mark reminds us that no new makeover improves us. Only God knows what we are really like. The Bible tells us – Through Baptism, we are a new creation through Christ.

Reports:– Rev. Ben Henschke assistant to Bishop of LCAQD – Mark Vainikka, read the Bishops report which detailed that 6 Pastors will retire by 2023, 35 are over the age of 60 which will leave a big gap in being able to fill vacancies left by those retiring Pastors. Retired Pastors are already helping where they are able. We put our faith in the Resurrection, which enables us to hope.

An apology from our LWQ President Shirley Horrigan. Her report was read by Judith.
“With restrictions somewhat over we move forward knowing that God has been with us at all times, even though it has been difficult to plan Rallies, Retreats and even Fellowship meetings. God’s mission for us is to share His love with each other and those around us. God doesn’t want us to be alone. We encourage you to come along to the LWQ “Friendship Day”, at St. Paul’s Toowoomba, on 21^st May. This is being held instead of the usual weekend Retreat. The programme and registration form is on the back pages of the November Newsletter. Hope to see many of you there. May God watch over, Bless the work you do in His service and give you His peace. We that the Lord for all he has done.
In His service, Shirley Horrigan, LWQ President.”

Zone President Judith Smyth: 2 Tim 1:7 “For the Spirit God gave us, does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline”. We pray God will give us his Spirit to move into a new beginning. I encourage everyone to reach out to others. I commend all Fellowships for seeking ways to continue meeting, Studying God’s word and helping each other through hard times, especially COVID 19. Also the contributions to our many projects. Currently we have 112 members in our Zone. As this is my last year as President, I am thankful to God who has given me this position of responsibility and the opportunity to serve in this role since 2016. And 3 yrs. previously as Secretary. I thank the Zone Executive ladies and Clergy, for their support and direction for Rally, Fellowship days and Retreats. We thank Nundah Ladies for hosting today and we look forward to meeting for Fellowship Day at Everton Hills on Tuesday 20^th September.
May God continue to watch over all and direct our paths.
Judith Smyth (President)

Zone Treasurer Pam Flesser reported an Income for the year ended 31/12/21 – $12,082.00 With expenses $11,527.00. Zone Project of $1,190.00 will be paid to Mary & Mathers our project recipients. Pam outlined the proposal 2 for the Zone project for 2022 – 2023. It was decided by the Executive to ask the LYQ Director, Aaron Glover if they had any projects that we could support and He suggested that they would like to give the children a suitable devotion book to take home after attending camps. All were in favour that this be our project for 2022-23. Proposal 1 – That the offering for the day be given to the Romero Centre. Narelle Jefferd outlined the need for donations to the Romero Centre who cater for people seeking asylum and needing practical support. This was voted unanimously.  A fitting offering Hymn was sung: “Take my life and let it be, ever, only, for Thee” .

Installation of Office Bearers was performed by Pastor Ray Morris. Installing a new President Marilyn Jonas as Judith Smyth Stands down after 6 years as President and will now take a position as extra member. Lyn Klinge will step into the position of 2^nd Vice Pres. Other positions remain the same.

Guest Speakers from the Romero Centre in Brisbane, Beata Ostapiej-Piatkowski (pictured above) and Darryl McNeill, gave us a very informative insight into the centre, established in 2000 in response to the needs of people arriving in Australia seeking safety and human rights. The centre is named after the late Oscar Romero, now a Saint. From El Salvador, A human rights campaigner who was assassinated in 1980 while saying mass. The centre provides asylum seekers access to support and expertise, such as: practical support-food and shelter, legal connections, English classes, medical, trauma counselling, and lots more.  The offering for the day of $522.00 was very welcomed by the speakers.

Pastor Ray Morris, our Spiritual advisor gave a closing devotion reminding us of the Theme Text If anyone is in Christ we are of Christ through Baptism.

The hymn “Yours is the Glory” closed our morning of Fellowship combined with the business of the Zone.  To God be the Glory.

Reporter Pam Flesser.