Winter Festival brings the community together

Winter Festival brings the community together

The 13th of June was a crisp winter morning. It had been raining for over two weeks, yet that day the clouds parted and the sun warmed the faces of the volunteers preparing to welcome the community into the church.

From the break of dawn, the grounds of St Mark’s Mt Gravatt parish were abuzz with activity. People worked hard to create a memorable day featuring food trucks, a rock-climbing wall, market stalls and a demonstration by a junior dance troupe. This was, hopefully, the first of many annual winter festivals hosted by St Mark’s.

From 9am to 1pm, about 500 guests came from near and far to enjoy the day. Whether friends, family, neighbours or members of the public, all were welcome. With bubbles floating through the air, ice cream coating little faces and the upbeat tunes of the live band, all were made to feel a part of this big family community. Wherever possible, activities were free, including face painting, balloon twisting, the baby animal farm, jumping castle, rock climbing, chess, line dancing, and children’s arts and crafts.

Many local families embraced the community spirit by leaving the car at home and walking to the event, while others travelled significant distances to share in the celebrations. New friendships were formed, conversations flourished, and many visitors experienced Lutheran hospitality for the first time, with the opportunity to explore a Lutheran worship space and community.

A joint community effort opens doors

This joint effort between the St Mark’s Congregation and the St Mark’s Early Learning Centre also involved neighbouring congregations of Our Saviour and St John’s. Redeemer Lutheran College, the Korean congregation that worships at St Mark’s, and a local women’s craft group, also assisted in making the day the success that it was. Market stalls showcased local talent and gave several teenage entrepreneurs the chance to earn pocket money. St Mark’s members ran second-hand book, plant, clothing, and adopt-a-bear stalls, sold raffle tickets, led line dancing and provided live music. This small congregation proved you don’t have to be big to show God’s mighty love; you simply have to open your hearts and doors to those around you.

The Winter Festival gave expression to several of the LCAQD 2026 Strategic Charter’s ‘Open Doors’: to the World by serving the community, to the Church by welcoming people onto the grounds, and to Collaboration through the gifts and service of many groups and individuals.

As the parish reflects with thankfulness on a successful event, there is deep gratitude for every volunteer, stallholder, supporter and visitor who helped create a welcoming place where community could gather, connect and belong.

The Winter Carnival reminded everyone that when God’s people come together in service, opportunities abound to share Christ’s love with the wider community.