Today I was impressed, as I often am, by the co-operation between some of our teams. Monica and Mark had a young guy that was headed off on a camp to help with self-confidence and leadership as part of his employment program. He arrived for the bus without a pillow, a raincoat or some of the other gear that he needed. A quick visit to Lucy and her team and he was kitted out, with the agreement of Kerryn so that CSS could cover any costs.
Just after this Lynette and I were in negotiations with the electoral office about leasing our hall as a poling booth for the upcoming state election. It would require relocation of one of the youth activities. Mark was willing and it looks possible that we might be able to showcase our church to the whole neighbouhood next March.
These are small things but they make the biggest difference to the way we work together and serve our community.
On another note, I've come to love a song by Casting Crowns, and I thought I'd share the lyrics of the chorus with you:
Not because of who I am, but because of what you've done
Not because of what I've done, but because of who you are...
I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow
A wave washed in the ocean, a vapour in the wind
Still you catch me when I'm falling, and you hear me when I'm calling
And you tell me who I am...
I am yours!
Wednesday 14 October 2009
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Who's in?
It was great for Angela and I to be able to share lunch yesterday with our old friend Graeme; he's over from Melbourne for a week's leave.
Graeme and I have a congregation in Melbourne that is common to our personal histories. It is a place that we love, where there are many good people worshipping and serving God. But it occured to us, with the benefit of hindsight, that it was quite insular. Further, we both think that we were only able to break into that congregation because we were the same as everyone else. We were of the same Salvationist heritage, we were of the same ethnicity and we had some of the same interests.
When we were at the leadership summit last week, one of the Scriptures we looked at was in Luke 15 - the story of the lost son. It struck me that in the end, the ones that were 'in' were the misfits like the lost son. The ones that were 'out' were the supposedly faithful ones - the elder brother - who was too busy sulking in the paddock to enjoy the party. Moreover, the party was paid for out of the elder brother's inheritance!
Let's not lose our inheritance, or the chance to party, through intolerance or a lack of welcome.
Graeme and I have a congregation in Melbourne that is common to our personal histories. It is a place that we love, where there are many good people worshipping and serving God. But it occured to us, with the benefit of hindsight, that it was quite insular. Further, we both think that we were only able to break into that congregation because we were the same as everyone else. We were of the same Salvationist heritage, we were of the same ethnicity and we had some of the same interests.
When we were at the leadership summit last week, one of the Scriptures we looked at was in Luke 15 - the story of the lost son. It struck me that in the end, the ones that were 'in' were the misfits like the lost son. The ones that were 'out' were the supposedly faithful ones - the elder brother - who was too busy sulking in the paddock to enjoy the party. Moreover, the party was paid for out of the elder brother's inheritance!
Let's not lose our inheritance, or the chance to party, through intolerance or a lack of welcome.
Allowing the enquiry
During our Sunday afternoon service on the weekend, we were a little sidetracked by the persistent questioning of one of the congregation. I commend the whole group for their patience and their persistence. Rather than judgement or condemnation, everyone joined in the discussions and the community worked to see if we could assist the enquirer.
I hope that we all come with an inquiring mind to worship and to our service. It's how we learn. It's how we converse and sharpen our ideas.
I hope that both of our congregations continue to be places where people can ask the questions that they feel they need to.
I hope that we all come with an inquiring mind to worship and to our service. It's how we learn. It's how we converse and sharpen our ideas.
I hope that both of our congregations continue to be places where people can ask the questions that they feel they need to.
Friday 9 October 2009
Global Leadership Summit
The Summit is on again. Ten leaders from our church are sharing together, alongside 1000 others in Adelaide and 160,000 others by simulcast around the world, over a two day summit.
This summit is the premier leadership training event on the calendar each year, and it is thanks to the people of the Willow Creek Association for the way that they make it possible for us to access such great teaching.
Today we heard from Bill Hybels about making sure we are equipped to lead the church through the economic situation the world is in, and also about making sure our own 'bucket' of spirit and energy is full enough for us to lead in these times. We heard from the lady that founded KIVA, a micro-credit organisation that lends almost a billion dollars a year in 185 countries after just five years of operation. We heard from an Ugandan entrepreneur about the way that trade is more important than aid. We also heard from Gary Hamel, one of the world's foremost business thinkers about change and transition in the church.
Perhaps the most challenging speaker of the day came last, when we were reminded about the Prodigal God and were warned to be neither the elder or the younger brother in the parable. The challenge was to make sure that as people of God we were obedient because of our salvation, not thinking we were saved because of our obedience.
We look forward to tomorrow's speakers, including Bono and Tony Blair. Please pray for our church's leaders as they learn and are equipped to better serve our community.
The Doc's funeral
There's been a few funerals lately, and we're not finished yet - we celebrate the life of Clive Bates next Tuesday.
Yesterday I was privileged to assist with the celebration and remembrance for Professor Raffele Scicchitano. The Doc, or Raff (as we variably knew him) was a leader in research and treatment of thoracic and lung cancers. He was a leading medical officer in the Australian Army, serving on five deployments for his adopted country. He was a great family man. He was also a man of faith - and an inquisitive and genuine man in the community. All who truly knew him loved him, it was that simple.
I learnt a lot through Raff. I learned about the value of irreverence even in serious matters. I learned about inquisitiveness and the value of the well-phrased question. Indirectly, I learned about awakening someone's faith even in horrific situations, as it was in Afghanistan that he shared living space with Chaplain Craig Potter who helped rekindle the Doc's curiosity about God.
I am honoured to have shared a part of our journeys together and to have been a part of celebrating his life.
General Change
We have been notified this week of the planned General Change for officers in our territory next year. We are pleased to advise that Ange and I will be staying at Marion for at least another year (and hopefully many more).
Please pray for those affected by the general change announcement. There are people connected with our church directly involved - including my parents who are on the move from PNG back to Melbourne where my Dad will take up responsibility for Employment Plus. Our Division is affected with a new Divisional Secretary, Divisional Corps Program Secretary, Divisional Youth Secretary and Divisional Candidates Secretary. And our cadet, Karyn, is affected - but we won't know her appointment for another month.
Remember these people in prayer. Over the next few months of upheaval, they'll need it.
Wednesday 7 October 2009
Diverse experiences
A day at Marion Corps is never dull.
Today we started with a relatively calm gathering of people interested in accessing our services. By midday the police and the mental health crisis services were here. Personally, I think it was overkill, but regardless the day had taken a turn for the strange.
This afternoon some order was restored as I was able to meet with our student's supervisor from Flinders University to talk about her progress, and then help Dave with his soldiership classes. Tonight we'll finish with the Pastoral Care Council. Pray for their meeting and counsel.
God is keeping us on our toes. We are not in any way naive to what is occuring in the community - we see it every day - but we are able to share hope, love and grace because of who Jesus is and what he has done. We are able to create an alternative community and culture where our world is confronted by justice and mercy.
Please pray for our community support services staff and volunteers. Pray for their team leader Kerryn. Pray for the safety and security of our centre.
Oh... and PS... plese also tonight pray for the families of officers in our territory that have been notified that they are moving at the end of the year. Their appointments will be mostly announced tomorrow. With that comes some aprehension, uncertainty, expectation and grief at leaving the familiar for the unknown. And... just in case you're wondering, Angela and I aren't going anywhere!
Today we started with a relatively calm gathering of people interested in accessing our services. By midday the police and the mental health crisis services were here. Personally, I think it was overkill, but regardless the day had taken a turn for the strange.
This afternoon some order was restored as I was able to meet with our student's supervisor from Flinders University to talk about her progress, and then help Dave with his soldiership classes. Tonight we'll finish with the Pastoral Care Council. Pray for their meeting and counsel.
God is keeping us on our toes. We are not in any way naive to what is occuring in the community - we see it every day - but we are able to share hope, love and grace because of who Jesus is and what he has done. We are able to create an alternative community and culture where our world is confronted by justice and mercy.
Please pray for our community support services staff and volunteers. Pray for their team leader Kerryn. Pray for the safety and security of our centre.
Oh... and PS... plese also tonight pray for the families of officers in our territory that have been notified that they are moving at the end of the year. Their appointments will be mostly announced tomorrow. With that comes some aprehension, uncertainty, expectation and grief at leaving the familiar for the unknown. And... just in case you're wondering, Angela and I aren't going anywhere!
Tuesday 6 October 2009
What a weekend
Well, what a weekend!
Friday was huge, with such a great "Main Event" run by our youth team. Over 80 young people enjoyed horizontal bungy, rock climbing, carnival games, DJ groovy sounds, Wii, PS3 - a whole range of activities. A visitor was blown away by both the number of kids and the diversity of the kids - well done to Mark and team.
Congrats to Paul, Sarah and all those involved in the Creative Kids Camp. Angela tells me that Friday night's concert was great.
Sunday morning we were touched as people listed their families and friends on our prayer wall - people that they want to come into relationship with God. As we pray for them this month and onward from here, let's believe in faith that God will come into their lives and transform their worlds.
Sunday morning was also a good chance to speak to some more people who are interested in membership of our movement. Did you know that there are currently 6 people interested in Salvation Army soldiership and 4 people interested in Adeherency. Please pray for them, and for the senior pastoral care council as they counsel and prepare these folk for membership.
Sunday afternoon was a little adventurous as far as services go. Mark spoke on 'getting along with each other' and it seems to have been a salient message. Please pray for stable relationships and healthy community for those attending our afternoon congregation.
Hope you had a restful Labour Day (that sounds contradictory doesn't it). Enjoy the rest of your week.
Friday was huge, with such a great "Main Event" run by our youth team. Over 80 young people enjoyed horizontal bungy, rock climbing, carnival games, DJ groovy sounds, Wii, PS3 - a whole range of activities. A visitor was blown away by both the number of kids and the diversity of the kids - well done to Mark and team.
Congrats to Paul, Sarah and all those involved in the Creative Kids Camp. Angela tells me that Friday night's concert was great.
Sunday morning we were touched as people listed their families and friends on our prayer wall - people that they want to come into relationship with God. As we pray for them this month and onward from here, let's believe in faith that God will come into their lives and transform their worlds.
Sunday morning was also a good chance to speak to some more people who are interested in membership of our movement. Did you know that there are currently 6 people interested in Salvation Army soldiership and 4 people interested in Adeherency. Please pray for them, and for the senior pastoral care council as they counsel and prepare these folk for membership.
Sunday afternoon was a little adventurous as far as services go. Mark spoke on 'getting along with each other' and it seems to have been a salient message. Please pray for stable relationships and healthy community for those attending our afternoon congregation.
Hope you had a restful Labour Day (that sounds contradictory doesn't it). Enjoy the rest of your week.
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