CoolyRocksOn 'Australia's coolest and biggest 50s & 60's Nostalgia Festival 3-13 June held at Gold Coast's Coolangatta with 150,000 visitors is once again hosting the CoolyRocksOn church service 8.30am Sunday 12 June.
The venue - Coolangatta beach - in a large marquee – this CoolyRocksOn Church Service has quite a history. Initially held in the local Coolangatta Anglican Church building but it closed its doors seven years ago and there was a two year gap before a CoolyRocksOn board members approached cricket chaplain Dr Mark Tronson to revive it who lives locally.
This is now in its third year under this new auspicious, in the marquee, on the beach, with Gold Coast's Beachside Baptist rock'n'roll band The Son Chasers led by Ken Harris carrying the music for the four hymns and the three items. The CoolyRocksOn Church Service is listed in the official program booklet on page 22.
It is a very sharp one hour service honouring the Lord - (the marquee is then utilised for other things) – and with Dr Mark Tronson preaching – it must be concluded within the prescribed time – usually by 9.25am in order for the customary hand shake of the well over 120–130 who attend.
Patrons of the CoolyRocksOn Church Service are usually out rock'n'rollin' til late at night or the early hours, then get up and breakfast and head to the Church Service by 8.30am – this is no small feat and to enjoy such a number attending is quite something of the Lord.
Last year Dr Tronson bought as a 'show and tell' his very large and heavy preaching gown and hood, illustrating he was the genuine item although in mufti. Mark invited one of the congregation members to lift the preaching gown off his arm to note his weight. There was quite a shock - and - Mark told his dad joke – when preaching he has a weight on his shoulders!
Helper Mr Bill Parr welcomes everyone at the marquee entrance with the hymn sheet and does the bible reading and with photogapher Mr John Grocott unable to be here this year, another has been approached.
Jesus is central to the preaching at CoolyRocksOn Church Service. Last year Dr Tronson focused on a section of the Sermon on the Mount and this year is homing in on what he refers to as 'Resurrection Moments' – similarly to his April devotional at 'One Day in Melbourne – Evangelicals Online' conference.
CoolyRocksOn Church Service
D J Stringer Marquee
8.30am – 9.30am
Sunday 12 June
Enquiries
timeout@bushorchestra.com
Dr Mark Tronson
0419 917 713
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html