Who Are We?

We are a parish of approximately 200 communicant members from all walks of life. Some of us are business men and women, some of us are mechanics and labourers, some of us are from the professions; some of us are university students, some of us are involved in primary production, some of us are pensioners, some of us are housewives and some of us are children. But we all love our Lord. Our ages range from a few weeks to nearly a century.Our parish is uniquely situated in a rural residential sugar cane farming area between the major cities of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The origins of the farmers, may, for the greater part, be traced back to German settlers who arrived in the mid 1860s. These ancestors have greatly influenced tire attitudes and character of tire area and therefore the parish. The production of sugar is the major industry in the district. The sugar cane crop is processed into raw sugar at the Rocky Point Sugar Mill and a by-product, ethanol is produced at the Rocky Point Distillery. The harvesting season runs from July to December. A by-product of this is hay production from the tops as the sugar cane is often harvested green. This hay is used for animal fodder and garden mulch. Prawns in the form of aquaculture, are grown and harvested from large ponds not only for the Australian market but also for the overseas markets, primarily Japan. Other primary production includes dairy farming and small crops like sweet potatoes, bananas, zucchinis, strawberries, flowers etc. We are bordering on light industrial areas to the northwest and to the east" Horizon Shores" is a marina that facilitates boat building and other associated enterprises.

We are surrounded by abundant natural heritage. As residents we can appreciate the various landforms which include its famous beaches, mountain ranges, rainforests, waterfalls, creeks and rivers and the coastal lowlands and flood plains, Moreton Bay and its islands. Complimenting this is a wide range of wildlife and a wealth of natural resources. Favourite pastimes therefore of local residents include fishing, surfing, water skiing, bushwalking, and for the less adventurous there are eight movie theatres at the Hyperdome complex and an extensive library, as well as Ten Pin Bowling, Golf Courses and gymnasiums are also located close by, and Woongoolba has a recreation area which has a cricket pitch, tennis courts and a swimming pool. Alberton also has a recreation reserve with a cricket pitch. Boat ramps can be found at both Woongoolba and Alberton. We have the unique benefit of being a special community tucked hidden away from the highway and yet in close proximity to all the amenities of the Gold Coast and Brisbane Cities.

Activities of our parish run on a regular basis currently include:

Blessing of the Harvest : the Parish Committee is responsible for organizing the 'Blessing of the Harvest' service held annually near the Sugar Mill. This is an ecumenical service with members of the clergy from the main form churches in Beenleigh participating. Afternoon tea is held at its completion.
Confirmation lessons are conducted by the Pastor on a parish level for those children who do not have lessons at Redeemer College, but all children are confirmed in their own congregations. The Pastor holds private lessons rather than classes for adults who wish to become members.
Community Carols by Candlelight is usually held on the third Friday of December each year. This is well supported by the community and also people from outside the community. It is held in association with the local progress association.