The absence of reports over the last few days reflects the business of the season. I am mindful of the need to be still enough, amid the chaos, to observe the way that Christ is still coming into our world this Christmas.
I am also mindful of the wonderful work being done by our Corps teams across this season.
The band have reached thousands of people with their music. Last Tuesday they provided a carol service for 75 residents at Charles Young Nursing Home. On Sunday they played in the middle of Westfield Marion as thousands of shoppers wandered past - and many stopped to listen. Sunday night they visited a local park and provided music for a community Christmas party in Oaklands Park.
The Community Services team are doing their utmost to break all of their previous service records. They have partnered with so many business and schools, most notably Westpac and Bunnings, and are serving hundreds of families in our area. Today alone 285 families will recieve toys for Christmas - that's around 900 children. Then tomorrow they pick up and serve more people.
Concurrent with this, each of the families is recieving a Salvation Army calendar, youth group syllabus and holiday programme invitation. Pray for a positive response to these invites.
Pray also for those visitors that attended our carol service on Sunday. Judith is busy today following up each of these people that have come to worship with us. Wouldn't it be great if they could all find a home as part of our Christian community?
Pray please for Colin and Mavis Wood. They have stepped into the breach to help organise the Christmas fundraising since Ross has been hospitalised. They are doing a brilliant job, and with their team of volunteers have raised over $25000 this Christmas to be shared among The Salvation Army centres in southern Adelaide.
This weekend the season reaches its apex. I'm looking foward to Christmas Day worship and our 'out of the box' service on Boxing Day.
If I don't get to the computer to send a message before then, I pray that you will sense God's hope, peace, forgiveness and love as sent in Christ this Christmas.
Tuesday 21 December 2010
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Musical offices
No, they don't play music. Well, not unless Paul has his computer speakers turned 'up'.
But just as in the game of musical chairs, we've played musical offices this week. Thankfully, no-one pulled a desk out and we all ended up with somewhere to sit!
When you visit the centre, expect to find that a lot of people are in new spaces. This is so that we could make room for Lt Kathleen Pearce who arrives in January. It is also so that we maximise our office and meeting spaces and create good spaces for our teams to work.
Paul, our children and families pastor, is now in the office behind reception with a space also allocated their for a new youth pastor. We hope to advertise this position before Christmas. Angela, Kathleen and I have moved in with Ross and Doris in the large space behind the prayer chapel. I'm enjoying the view of the playground as I speak.
Do drop in some time. While we're not all bound to desks, we spend a bit of time here and it's good to have visitors!
But just as in the game of musical chairs, we've played musical offices this week. Thankfully, no-one pulled a desk out and we all ended up with somewhere to sit!
When you visit the centre, expect to find that a lot of people are in new spaces. This is so that we could make room for Lt Kathleen Pearce who arrives in January. It is also so that we maximise our office and meeting spaces and create good spaces for our teams to work.
Paul, our children and families pastor, is now in the office behind reception with a space also allocated their for a new youth pastor. We hope to advertise this position before Christmas. Angela, Kathleen and I have moved in with Ross and Doris in the large space behind the prayer chapel. I'm enjoying the view of the playground as I speak.
Do drop in some time. While we're not all bound to desks, we spend a bit of time here and it's good to have visitors!
Unknown impact
You can never quite be sure of the impact of your ministry. Last night as the band played their latest carolling engagement, the impact went beyond the 75 people gathered at the Charles Young Carol Service.
The Christmas Cheer delivered extended to families who spoke to us afterward about their childhood memories and the blessing that we were able to bring to their loved ones in care. They'll go away and talk to others about the Salvos visit.
As was the case with RAAF chaplain Gary Whelband this week. He writes:
Yesterday I met at the RAH with a RAAF mbr whose spouse had a pretty horrific motor bike accident near Tindal NT. It was great to see so many family mbrs gathered to support the mbr, and moreso, her partner who had the accident.
What was very touching was that a Salvation Army Officer from Adelaide area, who had contact with this family a number of years ago, visited while I was there. This was very encouraging for the family.
This unnamed Salvation Army Officer was just going about his job, but has had a massive impact on a family. More than that - his story has been spread around to all chaplains in the defence force Central Region as a challenge and encouragement. Motivated by this... what will be the unknown impact as it flows out in their ministries?
Whatever it is that you are doing this week in Jesus' name, keep it up. You have no idea what great impact you will have or how it will be passed on.
The Christmas Cheer delivered extended to families who spoke to us afterward about their childhood memories and the blessing that we were able to bring to their loved ones in care. They'll go away and talk to others about the Salvos visit.
As was the case with RAAF chaplain Gary Whelband this week. He writes:
Yesterday I met at the RAH with a RAAF mbr whose spouse had a pretty horrific motor bike accident near Tindal NT. It was great to see so many family mbrs gathered to support the mbr, and moreso, her partner who had the accident.
What was very touching was that a Salvation Army Officer from Adelaide area, who had contact with this family a number of years ago, visited while I was there. This was very encouraging for the family.
This unnamed Salvation Army Officer was just going about his job, but has had a massive impact on a family. More than that - his story has been spread around to all chaplains in the defence force Central Region as a challenge and encouragement. Motivated by this... what will be the unknown impact as it flows out in their ministries?
Whatever it is that you are doing this week in Jesus' name, keep it up. You have no idea what great impact you will have or how it will be passed on.
Wednesday 8 December 2010
The High Council
For the first time in The Salvation Army’s history its High Council will have more female members than males. A High Council comprises the national and territorial leaders of The Salvation Army, and comes together for the sole purpose of electing a new General, the international leader of the worldwide Army which currently serves in 122 countries.
The 17th High Council convenes on Friday, 21 January, 2011, at Sunbury Court, United Kingdom, to elect the 19th General of The Salvation Army in succession to General Shaw Clifton who will retire at midnight on 1 April, 2011. This will also be the largest-ever High Council with 109 members – 59 women and 50 men.
The Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, issued summonses on Wednesday, 1 December, 2010 to those Salvation Army leaders who qualified for membership. All active commissioners, territorial commanders and territorial presidents for women’s ministries were summoned. There will be 83 Commissioners and 26 Colonels present. Commissioners Raymond and Aylene Finger, Commissioners Vic and Ros Poke and Commissioners James and Janet Condon are the Australians on the High Council.
Council members will also meet at Sunbury Court from Tuesday, 18 January until Thursday, 20 January for a plenary session of the General's Consultative Council led by General Clifton.
A public welcome to the High Council takes place on Saturday, 22 January at 4.00 p.m. in the Nine Kings Suite of the Lancaster London Hotel, Hyde Park. This gathering will incorporate a Retirement Salute to General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton.
Individual photos of all the members of the 2011 High Council are located on flickr.com at: http://bit.ly/ihdPDq
The 17th High Council convenes on Friday, 21 January, 2011, at Sunbury Court, United Kingdom, to elect the 19th General of The Salvation Army in succession to General Shaw Clifton who will retire at midnight on 1 April, 2011. This will also be the largest-ever High Council with 109 members – 59 women and 50 men.
The Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, issued summonses on Wednesday, 1 December, 2010 to those Salvation Army leaders who qualified for membership. All active commissioners, territorial commanders and territorial presidents for women’s ministries were summoned. There will be 83 Commissioners and 26 Colonels present. Commissioners Raymond and Aylene Finger, Commissioners Vic and Ros Poke and Commissioners James and Janet Condon are the Australians on the High Council.
Council members will also meet at Sunbury Court from Tuesday, 18 January until Thursday, 20 January for a plenary session of the General's Consultative Council led by General Clifton.
A public welcome to the High Council takes place on Saturday, 22 January at 4.00 p.m. in the Nine Kings Suite of the Lancaster London Hotel, Hyde Park. This gathering will incorporate a Retirement Salute to General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton.
Individual photos of all the members of the 2011 High Council are located on flickr.com at: http://bit.ly/ihdPDq
Christmas Break ups
This week is the break up week for most of our activities. It is importantly an opportunity for us to thank all of the people that have contributed to such a great year in our programmes.
On Monday the Seacombe Gardens Playgroup had their break up and yesterday it was the Pioneer Companion Club and the Glenelg CAMEO group. You would be interested to know that 146 seniors enjoyed the Pioneer's break up. It was a great opportunity for me to share a Christmas message also, and directly invite them all to our services Christmas week.
Make sure that this week you take the opportunity to thank the people that have made your activities run. Bless your small group leader, pray with your team leader or shake the hand of the person that has prepared your morning tea. It takes around 130 volunteers to make our activities run. This is why we are also having an appreciation morning tea for them all next Thursday (16/12).
On Monday the Seacombe Gardens Playgroup had their break up and yesterday it was the Pioneer Companion Club and the Glenelg CAMEO group. You would be interested to know that 146 seniors enjoyed the Pioneer's break up. It was a great opportunity for me to share a Christmas message also, and directly invite them all to our services Christmas week.
Make sure that this week you take the opportunity to thank the people that have made your activities run. Bless your small group leader, pray with your team leader or shake the hand of the person that has prepared your morning tea. It takes around 130 volunteers to make our activities run. This is why we are also having an appreciation morning tea for them all next Thursday (16/12).
Salvos TV
Were you aware that the Salvos have a TV station in Australia. Well... it's a TV station on the internet.
Each week there is a morning programme on Wednesdays ("Good Morning Southern Territory"), a Just Salvos broadcast on topical issues and a church service.
This week's Just Salvso broadcast will be the last for 2010. The episode features Jarrod McKenna. They talk with Jarrod about the real meaning of Christmas and how we can apply the Christmas story - in it's real context - to current situations facing our nation and facing us as Christians: War, Refugees, Consumerism.
Jarrod has an amazing ability to show us how to apply a Biblical framework to these - and other - issues, particularly at this time of year.
Jarrod is the recent winner of the Australian Peace Award, current World Vision National Advisor for Youth, Faith and Activism, founder of the Pace e Bene Christian Community in WA.
Rev Tim Costello says of Jarrod: "Around the world there is an emerging generation of young leaders, Jarrod McKenna is one such leader Australia has to offer"
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/sstv/justsalvos.htm (if that link doesn't work on your SA computer, try this one http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/11285012 )
Each week there is a morning programme on Wednesdays ("Good Morning Southern Territory"), a Just Salvos broadcast on topical issues and a church service.
This week's Just Salvso broadcast will be the last for 2010. The episode features Jarrod McKenna. They talk with Jarrod about the real meaning of Christmas and how we can apply the Christmas story - in it's real context - to current situations facing our nation and facing us as Christians: War, Refugees, Consumerism.
Jarrod has an amazing ability to show us how to apply a Biblical framework to these - and other - issues, particularly at this time of year.
Jarrod is the recent winner of the Australian Peace Award, current World Vision National Advisor for Youth, Faith and Activism, founder of the Pace e Bene Christian Community in WA.
Rev Tim Costello says of Jarrod: "Around the world there is an emerging generation of young leaders, Jarrod McKenna is one such leader Australia has to offer"
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/sstv/justsalvos.htm (if that link doesn't work on your SA computer, try this one http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/11285012 )
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Gambling Initiatives
Around 150,000 Australians have gambling problems. The impact includes suicides, relationship breakdown, increased bankrupcies, lower job productivity, depression and crime.
The current federal government has introduced new initiatives that propose an universal system to allow gamblers to set loss and time limits at the pokies and to strengthen the existing ban on internet pokies and casinos.
More could be done.
A group, including The Salvation Army, Uniting Care, Catholic Charities Victoria, Anglicare Victoria, the Victorian Local Government Association, The South Australian Heads of Churches Gamibling Taskforce and the Victorian Interchurch Gambling Taskforce, are calling for more action.
We are asking that there be a maximum a gambler can lose on the pokies set at $1 per button push.
We are asking that pokie venues have their opening hours limited to 10am to midnight.
We are asking that ATMs be banned in pokie venues.
We are asking that online wagering and sports betting companies have their aggressive marketing reined in.
If you agree with these proposals, you can collect a postcard from our front reception desk, sign your name to it and send it to The Hon Julia Gillard, MP, Prime Minister. The card is already printed, ready for your name and all you'll need to do is fill it in, attach a stamp and help the campaign.
The current federal government has introduced new initiatives that propose an universal system to allow gamblers to set loss and time limits at the pokies and to strengthen the existing ban on internet pokies and casinos.
More could be done.
A group, including The Salvation Army, Uniting Care, Catholic Charities Victoria, Anglicare Victoria, the Victorian Local Government Association, The South Australian Heads of Churches Gamibling Taskforce and the Victorian Interchurch Gambling Taskforce, are calling for more action.
We are asking that there be a maximum a gambler can lose on the pokies set at $1 per button push.
We are asking that pokie venues have their opening hours limited to 10am to midnight.
We are asking that ATMs be banned in pokie venues.
We are asking that online wagering and sports betting companies have their aggressive marketing reined in.
If you agree with these proposals, you can collect a postcard from our front reception desk, sign your name to it and send it to The Hon Julia Gillard, MP, Prime Minister. The card is already printed, ready for your name and all you'll need to do is fill it in, attach a stamp and help the campaign.
Apology to children in care
Today in Canberra, The Salvation Army is hosting an event for those that were in our children's homes between 1894 and the early 1990s when the last home closed. The purpose of this event is to reinforce previous gatherings and apologies offered for those times when the best of care was not afforded the children. General Shaw Clifton was due to address the gathering. As he has recently had heart surgery, he could not travel from London. However, the Cheif of the Staff (The Salvation Army's 2IC and CEO) Commissioner Barry Swanson is in Canberra. On behalf of the General, at 10.30 this morning, he made the following speech as written by the General and on his behalf:
I am grateful for this opportunity to speak on behalf of The Salvation Army to men and women who were children in the care of The Salvation Army in years past. I want to thank Jim Luthy for the courage to write to me and initiate the idea that has culminated in this gathering. I acknowledge the support of CLAN (Care Leavers Australia Network) in working toward this day. The territorial leaders of The Salvation Army in Australia: Commissioner Linda Bond and Commissioner Raymond Finger are also here to show their support on this significant occasion.
Between 1894 and the early 1990’s, The Salvation Army operated children's homes throughout Australia. During those years, over 30 thousand children were cared for in over 55 Salvation Army homes staffed by more than 3,000 Officers and employees. Some children were only infants, many were young teenagers. Some were with us briefly, others for their whole childhood. There were many and varied circumstances that led to these children being placed in our care.
To our great regret, some of these children did not benefit from their experience and were not well cared for by our staff. We acknowledge that at certain times in our history, the atmosphere in some homes was rigid, harsh, and authoritarian. Many children did not experience the gentleness of love that they needed. Some children suffered abuse and deprivation. As a result their stories are full of hurt, rejection, discouragement and a failure to realise potential.
As the International Leader of The Salvation Army, I express to all Australian care leavers, our deepest sorrow for these failures and hurts. The Salvation Army offers you our heartfelt apology. To you all, we say 'Sorry.'
That greater love was not given when you were so vulnerable - we are sorry.
For any harsh words, violent actions or abuse - we are sorry. These should never have happened.
For when you tried to speak out and you were not listened to or believed – we are sorry.
That the process of being placed in care meant for some that you lost family and extended family – we are sorry.
For those who did not find the support you needed as you grieved for your losses – we are sorry
To our Indigenous care leavers, for the loss of culture and connection to your land - we are sorry.
For those who could not navigate the pain of their life experience and are no longer with us – we are deeply sorry
To your families, your wives and husbands, your children, your partners, who have also suffered because the deprivations of childhood can impact on adulthood relationships – to you we say sorry.
The Salvation Army acknowledges that you were not to blame for what you experienced. We are now listening to your life stories.
I want to thank those Salvation Army Officers who did give compassionate care. Some of you objected to the harsh treatment given – I pay tribute to your courage and we thank you for the kindness you brought and the positive difference you were able to make to some of these precious children.
As General of The Salvation Army, I am glad that our two Australian Territories now have firm policies in place to protect children. I am grateful that both territories have previously issued apologies. In some cases, reunions have been held at the home sites, and apologies have been given there. I am also glad that both territories are able to assist former “children in care”, who contact The Salvation Army. Where care leavers make direct contact themselves with the Army, caring and just procedures are followed. Many care leavers have been helped, for example, by assistance with counselling costs, or by receiving a personal apology. We desire to support all our care leavers to find healing and hope for their future. I invite all care leavers who feel pain from their time in a Salvation Army home who have not yet contacted us, to do so.
Finally, as leader of this global Christian movement, I want to affirm the true values which underpin The Salvation Army and the Christian Church. We follow the one who said, 'Let the children come to me.’ He has called everyone to a pathway of love, respect, and compassion. While at times we failed him in the past, we do not want to now. We want all to know and experience his gracious love and healing. With that desire in our hearts, we say, God bless you.
I am grateful for this opportunity to speak on behalf of The Salvation Army to men and women who were children in the care of The Salvation Army in years past. I want to thank Jim Luthy for the courage to write to me and initiate the idea that has culminated in this gathering. I acknowledge the support of CLAN (Care Leavers Australia Network) in working toward this day. The territorial leaders of The Salvation Army in Australia: Commissioner Linda Bond and Commissioner Raymond Finger are also here to show their support on this significant occasion.
Between 1894 and the early 1990’s, The Salvation Army operated children's homes throughout Australia. During those years, over 30 thousand children were cared for in over 55 Salvation Army homes staffed by more than 3,000 Officers and employees. Some children were only infants, many were young teenagers. Some were with us briefly, others for their whole childhood. There were many and varied circumstances that led to these children being placed in our care.
To our great regret, some of these children did not benefit from their experience and were not well cared for by our staff. We acknowledge that at certain times in our history, the atmosphere in some homes was rigid, harsh, and authoritarian. Many children did not experience the gentleness of love that they needed. Some children suffered abuse and deprivation. As a result their stories are full of hurt, rejection, discouragement and a failure to realise potential.
As the International Leader of The Salvation Army, I express to all Australian care leavers, our deepest sorrow for these failures and hurts. The Salvation Army offers you our heartfelt apology. To you all, we say 'Sorry.'
That greater love was not given when you were so vulnerable - we are sorry.
For any harsh words, violent actions or abuse - we are sorry. These should never have happened.
For when you tried to speak out and you were not listened to or believed – we are sorry.
That the process of being placed in care meant for some that you lost family and extended family – we are sorry.
For those who did not find the support you needed as you grieved for your losses – we are sorry
To our Indigenous care leavers, for the loss of culture and connection to your land - we are sorry.
For those who could not navigate the pain of their life experience and are no longer with us – we are deeply sorry
To your families, your wives and husbands, your children, your partners, who have also suffered because the deprivations of childhood can impact on adulthood relationships – to you we say sorry.
The Salvation Army acknowledges that you were not to blame for what you experienced. We are now listening to your life stories.
I want to thank those Salvation Army Officers who did give compassionate care. Some of you objected to the harsh treatment given – I pay tribute to your courage and we thank you for the kindness you brought and the positive difference you were able to make to some of these precious children.
As General of The Salvation Army, I am glad that our two Australian Territories now have firm policies in place to protect children. I am grateful that both territories have previously issued apologies. In some cases, reunions have been held at the home sites, and apologies have been given there. I am also glad that both territories are able to assist former “children in care”, who contact The Salvation Army. Where care leavers make direct contact themselves with the Army, caring and just procedures are followed. Many care leavers have been helped, for example, by assistance with counselling costs, or by receiving a personal apology. We desire to support all our care leavers to find healing and hope for their future. I invite all care leavers who feel pain from their time in a Salvation Army home who have not yet contacted us, to do so.
Finally, as leader of this global Christian movement, I want to affirm the true values which underpin The Salvation Army and the Christian Church. We follow the one who said, 'Let the children come to me.’ He has called everyone to a pathway of love, respect, and compassion. While at times we failed him in the past, we do not want to now. We want all to know and experience his gracious love and healing. With that desire in our hearts, we say, God bless you.
Monday 6 December 2010
Commissioning
Over the last weekend we were at The Salvation Army's commissioning celebrations in Melbourne. Thank you to Laurie and Rhona for covering our 10 am congregation while we were away. I trust everyone enjoyed their worship leadership.
The big news for our Corps is that Lieutenant Kathleen Pearce has been appointed to our Corps as an additional Corps Officer. Kathleen will join Angela and I from January 18 and will be installed during our 10 am service on January 23.
Kathleen is a WA girl, but was born in Adelaide and still has some family here. Ange and I had the opportunity to meet with her for an hour this morning at The Salvation Army's college in Melbourne, and we're looking forward to a good year with Kathleen next year.
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Schools
We've posted about schools in the past, but this week there have been some good and sad things to report.
On the one had we are getting great support from schools. The Maths and Science school has brought in eight boxes of food for our Community Support Services. Westminster are sending six students for a service experience on Monday. They will help playgroup and CSS. Brighton High and St Lenard's Primary have both raised funds or provided food for CSS this Christmas. Tabor (HIgh School) are sending volunteers to help with Christmas Cheer distributions.
On Wednesday of this week our band were involved in a carols night at Marion Primary. This included traditional carol singing and was a high visibility event for our musicians. The Primary School also made a donation to the Corps. It was great to catch up with kids that are connected with both our children's and youth ministries and further the relationship with them - on their turf.
It is interesting to note, though that on the same day we were able to play traditional carols at a public primary school, another neighbouring school, Brighton Primary, made the decision that a song could not be sung at assembly because it mentioned God. This seems a strange decision, and I must admit that we don't have all the information (e.g. whether the CPSW checked first before rehearsing with the students etc).
Please pray for everyone that works in our public schools during this time of uncertainty and timidity in their leadership.
On the one had we are getting great support from schools. The Maths and Science school has brought in eight boxes of food for our Community Support Services. Westminster are sending six students for a service experience on Monday. They will help playgroup and CSS. Brighton High and St Lenard's Primary have both raised funds or provided food for CSS this Christmas. Tabor (HIgh School) are sending volunteers to help with Christmas Cheer distributions.
On Wednesday of this week our band were involved in a carols night at Marion Primary. This included traditional carol singing and was a high visibility event for our musicians. The Primary School also made a donation to the Corps. It was great to catch up with kids that are connected with both our children's and youth ministries and further the relationship with them - on their turf.
It is interesting to note, though that on the same day we were able to play traditional carols at a public primary school, another neighbouring school, Brighton Primary, made the decision that a song could not be sung at assembly because it mentioned God. This seems a strange decision, and I must admit that we don't have all the information (e.g. whether the CPSW checked first before rehearsing with the students etc).
Please pray for everyone that works in our public schools during this time of uncertainty and timidity in their leadership.
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