Readers will note the delay between posts. We've been enjoying a week of Officers' Fellowship in Tanunda, Barossa Valley. It's a time when all of The Salvation Army Officers from around South Australia retreat for some spiritual and physical nourishment. Our divisional leaders have led an extraodinarily good week, and our guest speaker, Roger Brook, was excellent as always.
During the week we were able to have a look at the Territorial programs currently underway: "Salvos Out There", which we will most likely run in January/ February 2010 at Marion, and "Connecting Forward", which is a series of recommendations coming out of the last few years consulation with Salvos around the territory. You will see information on both in our On Fire magazine and in the Marion newsletter.
The most important part of the week, however, was sharing the Word of God around the theme of being "Designed to Last". One verse, in particular, stood out to me during the week. It is John 1:40 - "After they heard what John had to say, they followed Jesus". It stood out because I hope that when I say things, they help others to follow Jesus. In fact, I hope that's the result of everything we say and do at Marion Salvation Army.
Friday 31 July 2009
Friday 24 July 2009
A school project
Last term Zoe had a school project where she needed to make a model of a church (she attends our local Catholic parish school). This morning, outside her classroom, there were photos of the class with their models .
Next to the photos were sentences the children had written about the project. Zoe had written, "In the church the people are very important".
"Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger" (Psalm 8:2 NRSV).
Next to the photos were sentences the children had written about the project. Zoe had written, "In the church the people are very important".
"Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger" (Psalm 8:2 NRSV).
Thursday 23 July 2009
"The Team"
Two or three times a year we are required to sit down with each of our employees individually and conduct a performance review and develop a training and development plan.
I've got to say that this is usually a really pleasurable task, because we have such a great team working here at Marion. This week as we've gone through our mid year reviews, I have again been encouraged by their faithfulness, their Kingdom focus, their love for people and their contribution to our ministries.
Please pray for our staff. They are good people that want to bear God's light to Adelaide's south so that others join us on the discipleship journey.
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly. (Ephesians 1:15-16 NLT)
I've got to say that this is usually a really pleasurable task, because we have such a great team working here at Marion. This week as we've gone through our mid year reviews, I have again been encouraged by their faithfulness, their Kingdom focus, their love for people and their contribution to our ministries.
Please pray for our staff. They are good people that want to bear God's light to Adelaide's south so that others join us on the discipleship journey.
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly. (Ephesians 1:15-16 NLT)
Wednesday 22 July 2009
Neighbours
We'd heard stories about our neighbours. He'd gone caravaning. She was almost dead. You name it.
Yesterday I was at the Repat hospital to catch some people and I found our neighbour. The story that was true was quite a bit more tragic than the rumours.
Got me thinking... how well do we know our neighbours? Do we get to know them personally or do we rely on the neighbourhood gossip. I found that a short chat yesterday and I was able to cheer someone up - and get the story straight. I think there's more to be gained for the kingdom when we take the personal approach.
Yesterday I was at the Repat hospital to catch some people and I found our neighbour. The story that was true was quite a bit more tragic than the rumours.
Got me thinking... how well do we know our neighbours? Do we get to know them personally or do we rely on the neighbourhood gossip. I found that a short chat yesterday and I was able to cheer someone up - and get the story straight. I think there's more to be gained for the kingdom when we take the personal approach.
Monday 20 July 2009
Thanks to everyone who is following the blog. Your comments have been appreciated. Apologies also to the many of you who have said that you can't leave comments on the page to create discussion. I'll try and work out what's happening.
We've spent a fair bit of today focussed on the physical - our building currently has 17 repair jobs either logged or underway. That's before the big stuff like painting the centre and regrading the carpark are pursued.
I get frustrated when there's so much time consumed with the physical appearance and maintenance of a facility. But we see the need to care for the things with which we've been trusted, and to create the space in which the relational and the spiritual can occur. God, who is everywhere present, does great things within this space so we want to make sure it's a place where people want to come and engage with him.
In the meantime, maybe it's the tradies we're to minister to. Look after them while they help look after our centre.
We've spent a fair bit of today focussed on the physical - our building currently has 17 repair jobs either logged or underway. That's before the big stuff like painting the centre and regrading the carpark are pursued.
I get frustrated when there's so much time consumed with the physical appearance and maintenance of a facility. But we see the need to care for the things with which we've been trusted, and to create the space in which the relational and the spiritual can occur. God, who is everywhere present, does great things within this space so we want to make sure it's a place where people want to come and engage with him.
In the meantime, maybe it's the tradies we're to minister to. Look after them while they help look after our centre.
Friday 17 July 2009
Interdependence
One of the pleasures of school holidays is the chance to do something with the kids. Zoe and I went to see Ice Age 3 this week. Good (and safe) movie. A few laughs for both the adults and the kids.
One of the themes in each of the Ice Age movies is "interdependence". Everyone in the herd, from the mammoth to the weasel, needs each other.
Sound familiar?
Within any community/ herd/ church everyone needs each other. In fact the care that we have for each other is the way that our community knows we are Jesus' disciples.
One of the themes in each of the Ice Age movies is "interdependence". Everyone in the herd, from the mammoth to the weasel, needs each other.
Sound familiar?
Within any community/ herd/ church everyone needs each other. In fact the care that we have for each other is the way that our community knows we are Jesus' disciples.
Thursday 16 July 2009
Making Connections
Throughout today I have appointments with people from groups we want to connect with better. This morning, for example, we were working out how better to engage with schools in our area. This afternoon it's an employment agency and a mental health worker who may be able to provide training for our staff.
This is the bigger scale stuff. While it's going to be beneficial to our mission if any of them 'get off the ground', I'm still convinced that a lot of our best efforts are one-on-one. Last night for example we were able to deliver some assistance to a man in our community freshly out of hospital. We also met a young man who had walked from Outer Harbour to Marion to speak to someone - he's looking for community and some living skills, and we can help with both.
Take every chance you can to connect with people who come into your life. Speak the gospel into them, either thorugh actions or words.
This is the bigger scale stuff. While it's going to be beneficial to our mission if any of them 'get off the ground', I'm still convinced that a lot of our best efforts are one-on-one. Last night for example we were able to deliver some assistance to a man in our community freshly out of hospital. We also met a young man who had walked from Outer Harbour to Marion to speak to someone - he's looking for community and some living skills, and we can help with both.
Take every chance you can to connect with people who come into your life. Speak the gospel into them, either thorugh actions or words.
Wednesday 15 July 2009
Alignment
Yesterday I was walking a contractor through our centre - he's working on the playground redevelopment.
As I walked through I had the pleasure of passing the Pioneer Companion Club - a full hall listening to musical entertainment. I then passed by some of the Community Services offices which were in full swing. Out the back Monica was training some of the Southern Edge program participants in job searching. The garage sale was soldiering on despite the rain, and the shop was open. Paul and his team were preparing for the next onslaught of the school holiday program. And so on...
For a moment I was proud - and rightly so, I think, of each of our teams and the efforts they put in to reaching our community with God's light and love. Then I had a fresh realisation of how important it is for our teams to be aligned in what they are trying to achieve. Our church exists to bear God's light to Adelaide's south so that other people join us as disciples of Jesus Christ. All of our ministries must have this aim in mind.
If we do keep everything aligned, the territorial objectives - transforming lives, making disciples, reforming society and caring for people - happen naturally. May it be so.
As I walked through I had the pleasure of passing the Pioneer Companion Club - a full hall listening to musical entertainment. I then passed by some of the Community Services offices which were in full swing. Out the back Monica was training some of the Southern Edge program participants in job searching. The garage sale was soldiering on despite the rain, and the shop was open. Paul and his team were preparing for the next onslaught of the school holiday program. And so on...
For a moment I was proud - and rightly so, I think, of each of our teams and the efforts they put in to reaching our community with God's light and love. Then I had a fresh realisation of how important it is for our teams to be aligned in what they are trying to achieve. Our church exists to bear God's light to Adelaide's south so that other people join us as disciples of Jesus Christ. All of our ministries must have this aim in mind.
If we do keep everything aligned, the territorial objectives - transforming lives, making disciples, reforming society and caring for people - happen naturally. May it be so.
Monday 13 July 2009
Finishing a job
Today is a day for things getting done.
Many of you would know that I recently graduated from the Master of Ministry course at the Adelaide College of Divinity. True completion came today as I handed the bound copy of my project thesis to the college for their library/ records. Finally - it's all done.
Similarly we finally see the completion of 18 months of planning this week as the playground at the church gets underway. Within a few weeks we should have a functional space for families, including the BBQ and playground, that they can enjoy most of the year around. (I wouldn't be out there in today's wild weather though).
As this happens around me, I realise that I am a work incomplete. Thank God for that! I can relate to Paul who said, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Philippians 3:12).
Many of you would know that I recently graduated from the Master of Ministry course at the Adelaide College of Divinity. True completion came today as I handed the bound copy of my project thesis to the college for their library/ records. Finally - it's all done.
Similarly we finally see the completion of 18 months of planning this week as the playground at the church gets underway. Within a few weeks we should have a functional space for families, including the BBQ and playground, that they can enjoy most of the year around. (I wouldn't be out there in today's wild weather though).
As this happens around me, I realise that I am a work incomplete. Thank God for that! I can relate to Paul who said, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Philippians 3:12).
Friday 10 July 2009
International Leaders' Conference
Did you know that the senior leaders of each territory of The Salvation Army are currently meeting in conference? It's flown under the radar a little, but it's worth noting, and please - support our senior leaders in prayer as they gather.
Newsfeeds tells us that the General gave his keynote speech yesterday to the gathered Commissioners. As part of this, he noted that The Salvation Army globally continued to grow at around 1.4% per annum. There was also much discussion around social justice on a global scale.
What's worth noting for us at Marion is that we are part of this. We are part of this growing movement. We are a people contributing to the advent of social justice in our world. We continue with the same task given the disciples: "to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal" (Luke 9:2).
More on that this Sunday... please join us at 10am and 4 pm at Marion Salvos.
Newsfeeds tells us that the General gave his keynote speech yesterday to the gathered Commissioners. As part of this, he noted that The Salvation Army globally continued to grow at around 1.4% per annum. There was also much discussion around social justice on a global scale.
What's worth noting for us at Marion is that we are part of this. We are part of this growing movement. We are a people contributing to the advent of social justice in our world. We continue with the same task given the disciples: "to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal" (Luke 9:2).
More on that this Sunday... please join us at 10am and 4 pm at Marion Salvos.
Thursday 9 July 2009
Pray 155
This initiative is changing our Corps. As people pray, individually and together, for the work of God in our community, through our Corps, we are seeing things happen.
Since the launch of this prayer season a month ago, we have not had a single service without a visitor. Nor have we gone more that two services without people seeking God's influence in their lives and circumstances through coming forward for prayer.
Can I encourage you all to keep up the prayer? Pray at 1.55 for 155 (Sturt Rd) and our influence around Marion. It's a great time to be part of our Corps.
Phil 4:6 "... with thanksgiving, present your requests to God..."
Since the launch of this prayer season a month ago, we have not had a single service without a visitor. Nor have we gone more that two services without people seeking God's influence in their lives and circumstances through coming forward for prayer.
Can I encourage you all to keep up the prayer? Pray at 1.55 for 155 (Sturt Rd) and our influence around Marion. It's a great time to be part of our Corps.
Phil 4:6 "... with thanksgiving, present your requests to God..."
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Anniversaries
Well, they said it wouldn't last... but nine years ago today, two young Salvation Army lieutenants married in Melbourne. Yep - it's our wedding anniversary. It was nice to be surprised this morning with some apple danish and Farmers' Union IC for breakfast. Ange, in turn, had some flowers in the living room waiting for her.
(We also had a great dinner at Swish on North Terrace last week to celelbrate!)
Surprises do us good. They keep life interesting and they show us that people care.
God cares, and if you look around there's a surprise waiting for you at every turn. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end - they're new every morning! Great is his faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
(We also had a great dinner at Swish on North Terrace last week to celelbrate!)
Surprises do us good. They keep life interesting and they show us that people care.
God cares, and if you look around there's a surprise waiting for you at every turn. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end - they're new every morning! Great is his faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Tuesday 7 July 2009
Students
Emiko Matsuo is the latest student to join us at Marion Salvos. We have social work and community services students with us most of the time, doing their practical placements. Emiko is a third year social work student from Flinders University and will be with us until late November. Welcome Emiko!
As I helped with her induction yesterday, two things occured to me. Firstly I was reminded about how everyone connected with our church needs to be conscious of our mission at all times. Where are we headed? Why do we do what we do? What are the dreams and visions for our Corps?
Secondly, I was reminded that we are all students, and need to be learning throughout our life. One example of how important this can be is in Scripture, when Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness. He responds to each temptation through the use of Scripture. If we are to stand as people of integrity and withstand temptations in our own lives we need the background of Scriptures we have learned to aid us. Keep reading and keep learning.
As I helped with her induction yesterday, two things occured to me. Firstly I was reminded about how everyone connected with our church needs to be conscious of our mission at all times. Where are we headed? Why do we do what we do? What are the dreams and visions for our Corps?
Secondly, I was reminded that we are all students, and need to be learning throughout our life. One example of how important this can be is in Scripture, when Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness. He responds to each temptation through the use of Scripture. If we are to stand as people of integrity and withstand temptations in our own lives we need the background of Scriptures we have learned to aid us. Keep reading and keep learning.
Monday 6 July 2009
The moving of the Holy Spirit
Isn't it great when God's people get together to worship?
Yesterday was just a great day to be in God's house. In both congregations we had people coming forward for prayer, wishing for a fresh encounter with God. In the 10am service, as many of us recognised our own need of prayer, it was superb to be able to stand alongside our brothers and sisters and 'present our requests to God' (Phil 4:7).
Certainly we have so much to thank God for coming out of the weekend. And heading into this week. Please continue to present our requests to God this week, especially as the youth and children's teams both head toward their special school holiday activities. Think of Paul as the primary aged program starts on Wednesday and also Mark as Habit@ have their holiday sleepover on the weekend. Pray for their teams and for the young people that attend. God will use these events to his glory and the salvation of kids in our area!
Yesterday was just a great day to be in God's house. In both congregations we had people coming forward for prayer, wishing for a fresh encounter with God. In the 10am service, as many of us recognised our own need of prayer, it was superb to be able to stand alongside our brothers and sisters and 'present our requests to God' (Phil 4:7).
Certainly we have so much to thank God for coming out of the weekend. And heading into this week. Please continue to present our requests to God this week, especially as the youth and children's teams both head toward their special school holiday activities. Think of Paul as the primary aged program starts on Wednesday and also Mark as Habit@ have their holiday sleepover on the weekend. Pray for their teams and for the young people that attend. God will use these events to his glory and the salvation of kids in our area!
Saturday 4 July 2009
Youth and Children
I was challenged this week by an article written by Captain Gen Peterson from Melbourne. She asks The Salvation Army to take seroiusly the discipleship of young people - seeing them as soldiers in their own right.
We have a great suite of youth and childrens activities at Marion. For the toddlers there's a playgroup where we can tell Bible stories and use active play as part of their critical development. For the primary aged kids there are gateway groups like U14 Basketball, Kidzone and the holiday programs, and growth groups like Kids Church and Junior Soldiers. For the teenagers there's the Habit@ gateway group and soon there will be Corps Cadets for discipleship. For the young adults there's Ever-lution, Senior Basketball, Small Group Bible Study and worship opportunities on Sunday. Accompanying all of this are the service opportunities that the young people have.
Qudos to Angela, Paul and Mark and their teams for the way that they work with each of these age groups. Let's all of us ensure that our churches are places where the young are welcome (not just tolerated) and seen for their worth. Check out what Jesus has to say about the little ones of the faith (including new adult Christians) in Matthew 18:1-14.
We have a great suite of youth and childrens activities at Marion. For the toddlers there's a playgroup where we can tell Bible stories and use active play as part of their critical development. For the primary aged kids there are gateway groups like U14 Basketball, Kidzone and the holiday programs, and growth groups like Kids Church and Junior Soldiers. For the teenagers there's the Habit@ gateway group and soon there will be Corps Cadets for discipleship. For the young adults there's Ever-lution, Senior Basketball, Small Group Bible Study and worship opportunities on Sunday. Accompanying all of this are the service opportunities that the young people have.
Qudos to Angela, Paul and Mark and their teams for the way that they work with each of these age groups. Let's all of us ensure that our churches are places where the young are welcome (not just tolerated) and seen for their worth. Check out what Jesus has to say about the little ones of the faith (including new adult Christians) in Matthew 18:1-14.
Friday 3 July 2009
Ambassadors
Yesterday was our quarterly staff meeting. These are days when all our staff and volunteers meet. Did you know that during any given week over 120 people work in the ministries that occur in our centre, whether that be our shop, our Community Services or our youth and children's activities, as some examples.
While these meetings are mandated (in South Australia, a workplace of our size must have a quarterly OHS consultation), it provides a great opportunity for all our weekday workers to be together, to share in the vision for our community and to gather around the Word.
Yesterday in our devotional time we thought about our role as "Ambassadors". We remembered that every time that any of our staff encounter a member of our community they are ambassadors for Christ, our mission to the lost and The Salvation Army as a whole. When they speak, the community believes that The Salvation Army has spoken.
We have a great team at Marion. They represent us well. Lives are changed because of their work. Thank you Lord.
While these meetings are mandated (in South Australia, a workplace of our size must have a quarterly OHS consultation), it provides a great opportunity for all our weekday workers to be together, to share in the vision for our community and to gather around the Word.
Yesterday in our devotional time we thought about our role as "Ambassadors". We remembered that every time that any of our staff encounter a member of our community they are ambassadors for Christ, our mission to the lost and The Salvation Army as a whole. When they speak, the community believes that The Salvation Army has spoken.
We have a great team at Marion. They represent us well. Lives are changed because of their work. Thank you Lord.
Thursday 2 July 2009
Governor Scarce
Last night I had the privilege of representing my Army unit, and by proxy The Salvation Army, at a reception at Government House. Our Governor, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR, is warm and personable and takes genuine interest in individuals. We are fortunate to have leaders such as he within South Australia.
My day also included two encounters with good friends. At lunch I was able to have an open and honest conversation with a friend around matters of accountability. I appreciated his reception and was honoured to be a part of such a "real" conversation. Similarly, later last night an old friend rang from Melbourne.
Each of these encounters emphasised to me the importance of cultivating healthy relationships. Relationships where honesty and genuine concern and love season every interaction.
John 15:12, "This is my commandment (said Jesus.) Love each other in the same way I have love you".
My day also included two encounters with good friends. At lunch I was able to have an open and honest conversation with a friend around matters of accountability. I appreciated his reception and was honoured to be a part of such a "real" conversation. Similarly, later last night an old friend rang from Melbourne.
Each of these encounters emphasised to me the importance of cultivating healthy relationships. Relationships where honesty and genuine concern and love season every interaction.
John 15:12, "This is my commandment (said Jesus.) Love each other in the same way I have love you".
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Pioneer Companion Club
Yesterday the 'Pioneers' gathered again. This amazing group of seniors - numbering over 150 when they all show up - meet each week and enjoy life together.
I had the privilege of sharing a devotion with them yesterday. This happens each week, by the way; the gospel is shared. I was led to mention the $90 lottery and the impossibility of winning it - about 45 million to 1. This is contrasted by what we know for certain: God loves us, sent Jesus for us and is faithful and just to forgive us. Futher, we are confident of eternity with God if we are people of faith.
I know that I would rather bet on certainties. This "gospel" (i.e. good news) is as sure as it gets.
I had the privilege of sharing a devotion with them yesterday. This happens each week, by the way; the gospel is shared. I was led to mention the $90 lottery and the impossibility of winning it - about 45 million to 1. This is contrasted by what we know for certain: God loves us, sent Jesus for us and is faithful and just to forgive us. Futher, we are confident of eternity with God if we are people of faith.
I know that I would rather bet on certainties. This "gospel" (i.e. good news) is as sure as it gets.
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