Tuesday, 29 March 2011
New clothes for old
Many of you would be interested in an update about our "New Clothes for Old" partnership with Westfield Marion. We have had word that over 130 of the bags that we handed out have been returned for collection. This represents a lot of trust in The Salvation Army, and a blessing of stock for our shop and Community Support Services. Westfield are interested in running the programme again at another time in the future.
Monday, 28 March 2011
NCLS
Some advance notice... Every 5 years the churches of Australia participate in the National Church Life Survey. This will happen again in 2011, some time around October. This is a chance of for the church to have its say. It helps us know if people in our congregation feel that they have grown in the last 12 months, have a sense of belonging, are committed to the church's vision, are willing to try something new for the church, are able to reach out to help people and so on. It helps us to know what people value about our church and the areas that people believe make for growth and vitality. Every Salvation Army Corps is being sponsored this year, so that the survey and the reports back to us will come at no cost to our Corps. We encourage everyone to participate when the opportunity arises so that we get as complete a picture as possible.
Marion Celebrates
Yesterday the Corps had a stall at the Marion Celebrates Festival. We advertised The Salvation Army, promoted Corps programmes, invited people to Easter celebrations, sold fair trade coffee and chocolate and CD's from the training college. Thousands of people were in attendance and saw that The Salvation Army continues to be a relevant and active part of Marion City. One council worker, upon seeing Brad, Angela, Craig and Catherine said that it was so good to see The Salvation Army looking so young! Hundreds of people came to our stall, and dozens took brochures about our programmes. We even sold a little bit of chocolate. The interaction with the community was brilliant. As we sat, late afternoon, talking to Paulo and Lilly, a local couple, it was gratifying to think that in one day we'd had so many conversations with members of our community. We even seem to have picked up another service group for the Red Shield Appeal!
Prayers for Japan
Please pray for our teams in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami, and amid the pending nuclear threat. Expatriat workers have been required to leave the country. Our insurance company has decided not to cover our workers that are travelling into the zones under nuclear threat. We are hoping that this will soon be resolved. In the meantime, please continue to support in prayer the teams that are working tirelessly among the victims and their communities.
Retirement of our General
THE ground floor of The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ), 101 Queen Victoria Street, London was comfortably filled, on Thursday morning 24 March 2011, for the IHQ farewell meeting and presentation of retirement certificates to General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton.The meeting, led by the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, included a number of emotionally moving moments as memories were recounted and hopes for the future expressed.Caring, justice and the Cliftons being difference makers were three common threads running through each of the prayers and talks delivered during the farewell.In his prayer, specifically for Commissioner Clifton, IHQ Communications Section graphic designer Berni Georges thanked God for her love for the Lord, officer calling, faith, desire to see people of all races come to know Jesus Christ, strong sense of justice, and her support of and vision for Salvation Army women leaders across the world. He also gave thanks for the commissioner’s strength and clarity as she faced a new challenge at this time in her life.Major Richard Gaudion, Private Secretary to the General, stated in his prayer that no-one can estimate the influence for good that the General and Commissioner Clifton have had on thousands of people around the world. ‘We know that they live their lives for you, Lord, that they trust you for the future and that they will continue to be faithful to you.’When paying tribute to Commissioner Clifton, Major Lynn Gibbs (Personal Assistant to the WPWM), said that the commissioner not only ‘talks the talk but she walks the walk’. The major outlined a number of instances where Commissioner Clifton had revealed deep caring and compassion, especially in leading the fight against human trafficking but also in pastorally caring for officers and their families. ‘Helen, you are a role model, advocate, prayer warrior and friend – you are a blessing,’ said Major Gibbs. In delivering a tribute to General Clifton, International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner William Cochrane, said that ‘if anyone has been perfectly prepared for the office of General then Shaw Clifton is that person – service as an officer on five continents, intellectual grounding in academia, Salvation Army grounding by his parents and early commitment of his life to Christ’. The commissioner declared that the General was still a corps officer at heart and ‘many of us have been the recipient of your care and concern’. Commissioner Cochrane emphasised the General’s global vision, decisive action and apparent fearlessness in the face of difficult situations. He also disclosed two often used terms of General Clifton, ‘Intentionality and is it do-able?’ Hindsight has revealed, said the commissioner, that if the General thought it was do-able then it was. He added that the General’s intentionality had, among many other achievements, resulted in the elevation of soldiership within the Army, reasserted the supremacy of the covenantal relationship between officers and God and demonstrated to the Army that it can be confident in itself and its place in the Body of Christ. Prior to presenting the Cliftons with their retirement certificates, effective from 2 April and each recording 38 years and 10 months’ active officer service, the Chief of the Staff said that he viewed it a privilege to express appreciation to the retiring leaders on behalf of ‘a million plus Salvationists who have been inspired by your leadership’. In her heartfelt response to all that had been said in the meeting Commissioner Clifton quoted Hebrews 13:8; ‘Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever,’ and said: ‘These words describe my experience of the Lord Jesus Christ ever since I took him as my personal Saviour as a child’. The commissioner commented that even though she had missed being able to attend the office during recent weeks she had been greatly aware of the loving and prayerful thoughts coming to her from all at IHQ. She also commended the visionary and enthusiastic approach of the next World President of Women’s Ministries, Commissioner Sue Swanson. After thanking God for calling her to serve as an officer, Commissioner Clifton said: ‘I face the future with my faith unchanged and undiminished. Hebrews 13:8 is true. We will take the future one day at a time, our hands placed in his (God’s) hands, as we have always done.‘Be bold for Christ! Be brave for Christ! Be beautiful for Christ, in the beauty of holiness!’ challenged Commissioner Clifton.During the early portion of his message the General expressed his thanks to a large number of people, including the two officers who have served as his Chief of the Staff, Commissioners Robin Dunster and Barry Swanson and all the IHQ commissioners. General Clifton also encouraged Salvationists to prayerfully support the General-Elect, Commissioner Linda Bond. In measured tones, reflecting the transitional nature of his life at present the General said: ‘These are indeed strange and unfamiliar moments for Helen and me. We’ve never retired before! We’ve seen others do it with considerable poise without realising how difficult it is.‘As we look back over our shoulders at the years that have passed, we see God in it all. He has led us. He has graced us. He has been faithful. He has been ahead of us, pouring out prevenient grace.’He presented a brief summary of his and Commissioner Helen’s officer service leading to the final five years as an active officer.‘These past five years serving as the Army’s world leader have thrown me back again and again on the grace and help of God. If you are risking much for God, your need of grace doubles and re-doubles. Your prayers grow more and more passionate, even desperate, as you seek guidance. God hears, God guides, and God opens up the way.‘A word about the Army - we all know God raised us up, but also we know that we Salvationists are very human and that, as a result, the Army is not perfect. Nevertheless, I want to affirm clearly and with all my heart today that I have been deeply privileged to have been called by God to be a Salvationist. God’s great Army of Salvation has allowed me to pastor, preach, teach, write, research, study, learn, travel, encourage, experience myriad cultures, to serve and to lead. The Army, under God, has allowed me to be stretched, challenged and – above all else – to be changed and to grow in grace.‘All of this has happened with Helen at my side. We have gone every step of the way - all of it - together. How grateful I am that we have both been spared to retire together. Helen married me in 1967 when she was just 19. She has made a huge contribution in her own right to the furtherance of the gospel and to the building up of the Kingdom and the Army in every appointment. She has lovingly reproved and corrected me, as only a devoted spouse can. She has encouraged me and has quietly empowered me in every place, in every appointment, and in every task,’ said the General.He also thanked God for his family (some of whom were present) and for the support their children and grandchildren provide. Using four verses from Acts 20: 20, 22, 24 and 32 General Clifton reaffirmed his Christian faith and thanks to God for the past, present and future. He concluded with a sacred reminder for all Salvationists. ‘All of us are called to be pure for God, sacred vessels for him, sanctified and made holy by His blood poured out so freely at Calvary. The One who calls you can do it. He is able.’Earlier in the meeting Captain Matt Clifton read from the Scripture, an ensemble from the International Staff Band provided music support and an IHQ vocal group sang ‘The Stranger of Galilee’. General Linda Bond assumes office at midnight Saturday morning (April 2).
Property Update
This week sees more progress in our property developments. The renderers are working outside the Glenelg centre to clean up the 'shop front' ready for painting. Hopefully the painters will be starting this week. We are still on track for an opening celebration around Easter time. Our aim is for an 'open house' on April 28 to welcome the community back to the centre. The builders are commencing the renovations at White Crescent today. They will be replacing the bathrooms and the laundry. Once that is done the painters can move in and we can clean the house up ready for Kathleen to move some time around June. Finally, it is with sadness that we report that slow approval processes within The Salvation Army have meant that we have lost our chance to lease the shop in Ascot Park. We will start to look for alternatives in a while (probably after Easter and Red Shield Appeal).
Monday, 21 March 2011
This coming Sunday...
This will be a big day for our Corps.
During the 10am service Marie will be preaching; please support her. It is her first message while on placement with us from The Salvation Army's training college in Melbourne.
From 11am we will have a stall at the Marion Celebrates Festival. There are all sorts of groups, from gymnastics clubs, Lions clubs and Bahai groups manning stalls at this event. Sadly we will be the only church present, so we need to make the most of our opportunity.
At 5pm Munchiez food van will be officially dedicated at Edwardstown Baptist Church. This joint venutre between our Corps, EBC and Unley Park Baptist Church will provide a meal service to the southern suburbs three nights a week. Please come along to the dedication and pray for this new partnership in service. The first meal will be from 7pm on Sunday, under the care of EBC. Our first rostered night will be Thursday 31st March.
During the 10am service Marie will be preaching; please support her. It is her first message while on placement with us from The Salvation Army's training college in Melbourne.
From 11am we will have a stall at the Marion Celebrates Festival. There are all sorts of groups, from gymnastics clubs, Lions clubs and Bahai groups manning stalls at this event. Sadly we will be the only church present, so we need to make the most of our opportunity.
At 5pm Munchiez food van will be officially dedicated at Edwardstown Baptist Church. This joint venutre between our Corps, EBC and Unley Park Baptist Church will provide a meal service to the southern suburbs three nights a week. Please come along to the dedication and pray for this new partnership in service. The first meal will be from 7pm on Sunday, under the care of EBC. Our first rostered night will be Thursday 31st March.
The Salvation Army around the world
Here are some snippets of news from The Salvation Army in Togo, the Middle East and Japan:
Togo:
FOLLOWING consultation with the International Management Council (IMC), General Shaw Clifton has approved the official commencement of Salvation Army work in Togo, effective 1 April 2011. Togo – officially the Togolese Republic – is a country in west Africa, bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east and Burkina Faso to the north. The fledgling work in Togo has been developing under supervision of the Ghana Territory and will continue to do so. With this new opening The Salvation Army is now at work officially in 124 countries.Many messages reached International Headquarters between 1999 and 2005, both from residents of the country and Togolese people living in the USA and Canada, asking that Army work be commenced in Togo. In March 2007 the Ghana Territory despatched a fact-finding team to Togo, which was greeted with great enthusiasm by established churches and community leaders alike. It was discovered that Salvation Army meetings were already being held and converts were being made. Seven societies have been opened during the past year, 230 seekers have been registered and 14 indigenous soldiers have been enrolled. Work among children and young people is also developing well. Captains Hervé Michel and Naty Dorcas Ahouyanganga, of the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory, have been appointed to give leadership to this new work as of 1 April 2011.
Middle East:
There are also developments concerning Salvation Army work in the Middle East. The Salvation Army was officially established in Kuwait in 2008 and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2010. The Army received excellent support and cooperation from St Andrew's Church in Dubai in the early days of exploration leading to the start of its work in Kuwait.Three centres now operate – Abu Dhabi and Sharjah (both in the UAE) and Kuwait. In recent days regular Army meetings have also been taking place in Bahrain and Oman, though these activities remain on an informal basis for the time being and are not yet officially established as Salvation Army activity.In view of the development that has taken place in the region in the past three years, and the obvious potential for further growth, the General has approved the proposal that the work in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates shall be known, for Salvation Army purposes, as the Middle East Region as from 1 April 2011 (reporting directly to International Headquarters). Should the activities in Oman, Bahrain or other countries in that area move to official recognition, they will be included in the Middle East Region.Majors Mike and Teresa Hawley, officers of the USA Southern Territory, will be the regional leaders – Major Mike Hawley serving as Regional Officer.
Japan:
THE Salvation Army's earthquake response in Japan is continuing its work despite difficulties caused by snow and the lack of fuel. A team that was set to head from Tokyo to the tsunami-hit north of the country had to delay its journey because of snow but has now made its way to Sendai, where a distribution will take place tomorrow morning (Saturday).The three teams that carried out distributions in Sendai, Koriyama, Shirakawa, Fukushima and Mito City on Wednesday 16 March returned to The Salvation Army's Japan Territorial Headquarters in Tokyo to report on what they had seen and decide what should be done next. International Emergency Services worker Major Raelton Gibbs reports: 'The work that has been done is commendable – from feeding programmes out of Salvation Army halls to the distribution of blankets, water bottles, bread and nappies (diapers).'He says that Tokyo continues to feel aftershocks and admits that 'no matter how many you experience they are all a little daunting'.The Salvation Army distribution teams are well aware of the concerns surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station and are staying clear of the exclusion zones.Major Gibbs says he has been impressed by the response put together by The Salvation Army's Japan Territory. The fuel and weather problems mean that people have had to be flexible. He tells of one group that tried to get to Sendai but was unable to make it all the way and so met the needs of some smaller communities around Koriyama on the way back to Tokyo.The focus is understandably on the immediate response but Major Gibbs says that longer-term plans are being put in place, such as the provision of cooking equipment when people return to their communities. As it often does in emergency responses, The Salvation Army will pay particular attention to communities that have been missed by the government and other agencies.
Togo:
FOLLOWING consultation with the International Management Council (IMC), General Shaw Clifton has approved the official commencement of Salvation Army work in Togo, effective 1 April 2011. Togo – officially the Togolese Republic – is a country in west Africa, bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east and Burkina Faso to the north. The fledgling work in Togo has been developing under supervision of the Ghana Territory and will continue to do so. With this new opening The Salvation Army is now at work officially in 124 countries.Many messages reached International Headquarters between 1999 and 2005, both from residents of the country and Togolese people living in the USA and Canada, asking that Army work be commenced in Togo. In March 2007 the Ghana Territory despatched a fact-finding team to Togo, which was greeted with great enthusiasm by established churches and community leaders alike. It was discovered that Salvation Army meetings were already being held and converts were being made. Seven societies have been opened during the past year, 230 seekers have been registered and 14 indigenous soldiers have been enrolled. Work among children and young people is also developing well. Captains Hervé Michel and Naty Dorcas Ahouyanganga, of the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory, have been appointed to give leadership to this new work as of 1 April 2011.
Middle East:
There are also developments concerning Salvation Army work in the Middle East. The Salvation Army was officially established in Kuwait in 2008 and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2010. The Army received excellent support and cooperation from St Andrew's Church in Dubai in the early days of exploration leading to the start of its work in Kuwait.Three centres now operate – Abu Dhabi and Sharjah (both in the UAE) and Kuwait. In recent days regular Army meetings have also been taking place in Bahrain and Oman, though these activities remain on an informal basis for the time being and are not yet officially established as Salvation Army activity.In view of the development that has taken place in the region in the past three years, and the obvious potential for further growth, the General has approved the proposal that the work in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates shall be known, for Salvation Army purposes, as the Middle East Region as from 1 April 2011 (reporting directly to International Headquarters). Should the activities in Oman, Bahrain or other countries in that area move to official recognition, they will be included in the Middle East Region.Majors Mike and Teresa Hawley, officers of the USA Southern Territory, will be the regional leaders – Major Mike Hawley serving as Regional Officer.
Japan:
THE Salvation Army's earthquake response in Japan is continuing its work despite difficulties caused by snow and the lack of fuel. A team that was set to head from Tokyo to the tsunami-hit north of the country had to delay its journey because of snow but has now made its way to Sendai, where a distribution will take place tomorrow morning (Saturday).The three teams that carried out distributions in Sendai, Koriyama, Shirakawa, Fukushima and Mito City on Wednesday 16 March returned to The Salvation Army's Japan Territorial Headquarters in Tokyo to report on what they had seen and decide what should be done next. International Emergency Services worker Major Raelton Gibbs reports: 'The work that has been done is commendable – from feeding programmes out of Salvation Army halls to the distribution of blankets, water bottles, bread and nappies (diapers).'He says that Tokyo continues to feel aftershocks and admits that 'no matter how many you experience they are all a little daunting'.The Salvation Army distribution teams are well aware of the concerns surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station and are staying clear of the exclusion zones.Major Gibbs says he has been impressed by the response put together by The Salvation Army's Japan Territory. The fuel and weather problems mean that people have had to be flexible. He tells of one group that tried to get to Sendai but was unable to make it all the way and so met the needs of some smaller communities around Koriyama on the way back to Tokyo.The focus is understandably on the immediate response but Major Gibbs says that longer-term plans are being put in place, such as the provision of cooking equipment when people return to their communities. As it often does in emergency responses, The Salvation Army will pay particular attention to communities that have been missed by the government and other agencies.
Personnel
Please continue to pray for Colin Wood, Gerrit Jongsma and Bob Anderson who continue to be hospitalised.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Caring for People
As part of The Salvation Army's commitment to care for people, a new anti-harrassment and anti-bullying initiative is underway.
Each of our supervisors this week will attend training in "Leadership and prevention of bullying and harrassment". We have also trained workplace contact officers who act as independant advisors for officers, staff and volunteers in this field.
Our workplace contact officer is Julie Davis. Please support her in her role, and feel free to contact her for advice on any related issues.
Each of our supervisors this week will attend training in "Leadership and prevention of bullying and harrassment". We have also trained workplace contact officers who act as independant advisors for officers, staff and volunteers in this field.
Our workplace contact officer is Julie Davis. Please support her in her role, and feel free to contact her for advice on any related issues.
Brad is away...
Brad is away this week with the Army. He will be out of contact until Friday.
He is at a seminar for Army chaplains about the role of the chaplain in military planning, with other health professionals and in the current cultural climate.
He is at a seminar for Army chaplains about the role of the chaplain in military planning, with other health professionals and in the current cultural climate.
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Church Connect
Tomorrow morning Brad will be a guest on "Church Connect", a weekly segment on Life FM (107.9 FM). The interview will be pre-recorded early tomorrow and will be broadcast around 11 am.
This is a good backup opportunity to the interview with Greg Varidel last week. Greg was able to talk about our thrift shop, and in particular some sales that we were running.
This is a good backup opportunity to the interview with Greg Varidel last week. Greg was able to talk about our thrift shop, and in particular some sales that we were running.
Opportunities to serve
Hi all, there are a few opportunities to serve coming up that may interest you...
On Monday it is Adelaide Cup Day. Traditionally this is the way we have kicked off our Red Shield Appeal and there will be collectors there. This is also an opportunity to connect with the community. Across the course of the day there will be plenty of people needing assistance. Perhaps some have drunk too much, perhaps some have become disconnected with friends or family.
On Sunday March 27 we are participating in the Marion Celebrates event at Warriaparinga, Sturt. This will involve a stall where we will sell fair trade tea, coffee, chocolate and easter eggs and a chance to showcase the activities that the Corps offers. Please let Brad know if you would be interested in helping out.
Hopefully some time in April we will be opening our second Thrift Shop in Ascot Park. The idea of this is to remove the deficit from the budget in our Glenelg cost centre. We have approached someone to lead this venture, and Greg will oversight it from Seacombe Gardens. However, we will need people willing to give a few hours a week to keep it open! If you are interested, see Brad.
On Easter Sunday we will be celebrating with the other churches from around Brighton and Marion at Seacliff Beach. Our musicians will be on duty for the dawn service and they would love your support.
On Anzac Day we have two teams out. The musicians will be supporting the dawn service at Brighton Jetty. The emergency services team will be supporting the dawn service at Glenelg. If you want more details, speak to Neil Stokoe (Brighton) or Tryntje Betterman (Glenelg).
We are planning a open day at the Glenelg Centre on April 28. We need to confirm this date after the renovations are finished. We plan to open this to the community and show off the 'new' facility. If you have ideas for this night (it's a Thursday night) please let us know.
Please also check in with Judith if you are interested in supporting the prayer and congregational care ministries of our church. She can direct you to people we know need support and supports Kathleen in coordinating the prayer ministries and membership classes, while also looking after our newcomers.
Finally, Catherine is putting together a list of people that are willing to help with our youth ministry. This is a special minsitry and you will need to be police checked, and undertake Childsafe training, prior to commencement. If you are interested, let her know.
There's always opportunities to find your niche at Marion Salvos.
On Monday it is Adelaide Cup Day. Traditionally this is the way we have kicked off our Red Shield Appeal and there will be collectors there. This is also an opportunity to connect with the community. Across the course of the day there will be plenty of people needing assistance. Perhaps some have drunk too much, perhaps some have become disconnected with friends or family.
On Sunday March 27 we are participating in the Marion Celebrates event at Warriaparinga, Sturt. This will involve a stall where we will sell fair trade tea, coffee, chocolate and easter eggs and a chance to showcase the activities that the Corps offers. Please let Brad know if you would be interested in helping out.
Hopefully some time in April we will be opening our second Thrift Shop in Ascot Park. The idea of this is to remove the deficit from the budget in our Glenelg cost centre. We have approached someone to lead this venture, and Greg will oversight it from Seacombe Gardens. However, we will need people willing to give a few hours a week to keep it open! If you are interested, see Brad.
On Easter Sunday we will be celebrating with the other churches from around Brighton and Marion at Seacliff Beach. Our musicians will be on duty for the dawn service and they would love your support.
On Anzac Day we have two teams out. The musicians will be supporting the dawn service at Brighton Jetty. The emergency services team will be supporting the dawn service at Glenelg. If you want more details, speak to Neil Stokoe (Brighton) or Tryntje Betterman (Glenelg).
We are planning a open day at the Glenelg Centre on April 28. We need to confirm this date after the renovations are finished. We plan to open this to the community and show off the 'new' facility. If you have ideas for this night (it's a Thursday night) please let us know.
Please also check in with Judith if you are interested in supporting the prayer and congregational care ministries of our church. She can direct you to people we know need support and supports Kathleen in coordinating the prayer ministries and membership classes, while also looking after our newcomers.
Finally, Catherine is putting together a list of people that are willing to help with our youth ministry. This is a special minsitry and you will need to be police checked, and undertake Childsafe training, prior to commencement. If you are interested, let her know.
There's always opportunities to find your niche at Marion Salvos.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
International Women's Day
March 8 is International Women's Day.
It's a good opportunity to highlight gender issues as they are in the world today. Women and children are still being trafficked and caught in slavery or sold as child soldiers. Women are still paid less than men, even in Australia - the second most developed nation in the world. Women are still denied positions of power and decision making.
The list of discrepancies goes on.
Consider how you can work toward an equitable society. Be aware of the issues that are current in our world today. Support women's movements - did you know that some of our women hold key positions in the Women's Christian Tempereance Union? Ask Dawn Giddings or Wendy Sudron what it's all about.
And pray for our new General Linda Bond.
Perhaps this last note will be of interest to you. For the first time a married woman has this week been appointed as a Chief Secretary of a Salvation Army territory in her own right - in the Germany and Lithuania Territory. Her husband will continue to serve as the Territorial Youth Secretary.
Progress...
It's a good opportunity to highlight gender issues as they are in the world today. Women and children are still being trafficked and caught in slavery or sold as child soldiers. Women are still paid less than men, even in Australia - the second most developed nation in the world. Women are still denied positions of power and decision making.
The list of discrepancies goes on.
Consider how you can work toward an equitable society. Be aware of the issues that are current in our world today. Support women's movements - did you know that some of our women hold key positions in the Women's Christian Tempereance Union? Ask Dawn Giddings or Wendy Sudron what it's all about.
And pray for our new General Linda Bond.
Perhaps this last note will be of interest to you. For the first time a married woman has this week been appointed as a Chief Secretary of a Salvation Army territory in her own right - in the Germany and Lithuania Territory. Her husband will continue to serve as the Territorial Youth Secretary.
Progress...
Training
We are always offering training opportunities for people. Please keep an eye out for the courses and events that are advertised, and register to attend.
As an example, this week Judith, Kym and Greg are attending a training event called "Everyone Counts". It is a course designed to help people look after people in a church, engage with those that might be on a 'drop out track', listen well where there is conflict and develop good communication skills. It is a course that is used world-wide and we are going to greatly benefit from having trained personnel using their skills among the congregation.
We also have a layered learning event next week that will be attending by the senior leadership team. This is a twice annual event where our corps leaders meet with those from Arndale, Ingle Farm and Golden Grove for focussed lay training. This month's topic is 'Lessons in Leadership from William Booth'.
Next Saturday there is an event open to everyone around awareness on the sexualisation of women. It will be facilitated by our divisional headquarters and running at our hall from 9am on Saturday 19th. See Kathleen for more information.
Later in the month the CSS team are taking a whole bus load of people to upskill and update their Child Safe Environment training (formerly known as Mandatory Reporting). If you haven't done this before and work with children - it's a must, and it would be good to do it with a team. See Kerryn for details and to get yourself registered. For those that have trained in this area before - remember that we need to update every two years.
Finally, we also have the One Mission Conference coming up soon. Jeff Lucas and Alan Harley are must-hear speakers. If you are around on April 2, please register.
One of the key roles of the senior leadership in any church is the equipping and deployment of people into ministries. These courses and training days are ways in which this becomes possible.
As an example, this week Judith, Kym and Greg are attending a training event called "Everyone Counts". It is a course designed to help people look after people in a church, engage with those that might be on a 'drop out track', listen well where there is conflict and develop good communication skills. It is a course that is used world-wide and we are going to greatly benefit from having trained personnel using their skills among the congregation.
We also have a layered learning event next week that will be attending by the senior leadership team. This is a twice annual event where our corps leaders meet with those from Arndale, Ingle Farm and Golden Grove for focussed lay training. This month's topic is 'Lessons in Leadership from William Booth'.
Next Saturday there is an event open to everyone around awareness on the sexualisation of women. It will be facilitated by our divisional headquarters and running at our hall from 9am on Saturday 19th. See Kathleen for more information.
Later in the month the CSS team are taking a whole bus load of people to upskill and update their Child Safe Environment training (formerly known as Mandatory Reporting). If you haven't done this before and work with children - it's a must, and it would be good to do it with a team. See Kerryn for details and to get yourself registered. For those that have trained in this area before - remember that we need to update every two years.
Finally, we also have the One Mission Conference coming up soon. Jeff Lucas and Alan Harley are must-hear speakers. If you are around on April 2, please register.
One of the key roles of the senior leadership in any church is the equipping and deployment of people into ministries. These courses and training days are ways in which this becomes possible.
Caring for People
As always, it isn't long after we discuss something at Marion and you see it in action. This is why Kathleen emphasised on Sunday that Caring for People is something we do as a matter of course, and for many years have done well.
Last night a young homeless couple, she being 8 months pregnant, sought permission to use our carpark to sleep last night.
They came in to ask if it was alright, and Iris and Dahnushka quickly said, 'No, we can do better than that'. It's great to see the team, as small as it was at the time, mobilise. Dahnuska made sure that they had food, Iris made them a coffee and chatted with them, we were able to get clothes from the shop for them, we were able to make contact with Centrelink and we got them a motel for the night last night. We were also able to arrange for a bond payment to help them get into private rental - hopefully starting from today.
Can you imagine the fear and uncertainty for a first time mother, not even knowing where she will sleep, let alone where her child will be born? Sounds very much like Mary trying to find a place to stay in Bethlehem...
Last night a young homeless couple, she being 8 months pregnant, sought permission to use our carpark to sleep last night.
They came in to ask if it was alright, and Iris and Dahnushka quickly said, 'No, we can do better than that'. It's great to see the team, as small as it was at the time, mobilise. Dahnuska made sure that they had food, Iris made them a coffee and chatted with them, we were able to get clothes from the shop for them, we were able to make contact with Centrelink and we got them a motel for the night last night. We were also able to arrange for a bond payment to help them get into private rental - hopefully starting from today.
Can you imagine the fear and uncertainty for a first time mother, not even knowing where she will sleep, let alone where her child will be born? Sounds very much like Mary trying to find a place to stay in Bethlehem...
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
New Envoys
Congratulations to Greg and Renee Curnow of Port Augusta Corps who have been accepted as territorial Envoys.
Renee grew up at Seacombe Gardens Corps (you would know her as Renee Fernee!).
Please pray for Greg and Renee as they take up their new appointments with the Red Shield Defence Services in Darwin.
Renee grew up at Seacombe Gardens Corps (you would know her as Renee Fernee!).
Please pray for Greg and Renee as they take up their new appointments with the Red Shield Defence Services in Darwin.
Victorian Bushfires Remembered
Bushfire recovery manager David Barker reports that The Salvation Army has taken part in commemorative events on 5,6 February, the second anniversary of the February 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ bushfires. The Salvation Army, David says, ‘was thanked by the Governor General Quentin Bryce and by communities impacted. We also held showcase events, a major concert event for our Youth and Music Project, in Federation Square, and participated in the formal commemorative service for the bereaved.‘The service was attended by dignitaries including the Governor General of Australia, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Victorian premier Ted Bailleau, and the head of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBRRA), Ian Dicker. The Governor-General said that as she moves around the country, she is aware of The Salvation Army’s presence at times of disaster, and is grateful for our contribution.’
Works update
Today at Glenelg the kitchen cupboards will go back in and the stove top will be fitted. It won't be installed properly until later when the gas plumbing line can be put through. The tiling continues - and looks good!
At the Seacombe Gardens quarters, the garage that was filled in around 1989 will be restored tomorrow. This is a much simpler task than we expected; we just hope that the roller door is still operational!
The Seacliff Park quarters settles on March 11. However, we won't occupy this quarters until we can get furniture from the Glengowrie quarters. In the meantime we plan to hold an open house so that everyone can come and check it out. We will advise the time in due course.
At the Seacombe Gardens hall there will be some minor works occuring next week (not sure of which day yet). This is to put a protective barrier on the wall where the chairs are stacked so that we are not continuing to patch and repair the wall. It will look similar to the protective barrier near where the band sit.
At the Seacombe Gardens quarters, the garage that was filled in around 1989 will be restored tomorrow. This is a much simpler task than we expected; we just hope that the roller door is still operational!
The Seacliff Park quarters settles on March 11. However, we won't occupy this quarters until we can get furniture from the Glengowrie quarters. In the meantime we plan to hold an open house so that everyone can come and check it out. We will advise the time in due course.
At the Seacombe Gardens hall there will be some minor works occuring next week (not sure of which day yet). This is to put a protective barrier on the wall where the chairs are stacked so that we are not continuing to patch and repair the wall. It will look similar to the protective barrier near where the band sit.
Christchurch
Yesterday was day 8. There were 200 homes in Sumner and Redcliffs which were evacuated and all but 20 households were able to return to their homes. The cordon in the main street has been removed. There has been one more death confirmed and the victim identification process is going along slowly. The good news is that 86% of the city’s power is back on and this is being achieved by the extensive use of generators and re-routing of transformers and reconfiguration of overhead wiring. There are still 28,000 homes without power.
Mayor Parker said that he was unaware of asbestos dust being an issue but said it had the potential to impact on the city. He advised people to wear masks or a rag over their face during the high winds.
There is no plumbing in the New Brighton and Sumner areas and the National Civil Defence Coordinator said the ‘sea is full of sewage’.
A 2 minute silence was observed at the Arts Centre attended by the staff working on the earthquake and many politicians including the prime Minister. The ceremony moved many staff.
The Welfare Centre Coordinators report that there is an increasing demand for food in the Welfare Centres. People are not staying but using the centres for support during the day and going home at night. Authorities are considering ‘what next’ for people staying in the Welfare Centres and to this end they are considering closing all but one centre. Welfare groups are working with families to get them to either return home or to move to some other semi-permanent housing.
Community groups are starting to form around the Welfare Centres and leaders are beginning to make local arrangements for people. The Salvation Army will be providing meals in New Brighton for 500 people from tomorrow. To date The Salvation Army has provided 2850 meals
The Psychosocial Support Team Coordinators had several teams in the field today. There were 90 Salvation Army personnel operating in the Eastern Suburbs. They provided emotional support to residents and identified any material needs or more complex issues such as people suffering anxiety and stress, those who have run out of their medication, those who need assistance to get to the doctor and the elderly living in isolation. 14 Salvation Army personnel followed up these cases in the Flying Squad. Another 30 Officers were based in 4 welfare centres and a further 20 Officers who arrived during the day went door-to-door in affected suburbs. There were reports of elderly who have been isolated from their families and in a high level of distress.
Some of the cases being encountered demonstrate a high level of deprivation and vulnerability. For example a family was visited by a Salvation Army Officer where an 18 year old youth was caring for his wheelchair bound mother and two intellectually disabled adult siblings without sewage or water connected and a damaged house.
The CCC Health and Safety Officers have asked for The Salvation Army’s assistance to support contractors who are removing rubble and pulling down damaged buildings. We are getting more information on this as to numbers and locations, but our SoS Vehicle may be perfect for visiting these folk and assisting.
Today he Community Ministry staff handled a high volume of work, slightly less than the day before. They took the time to stock up on food parcels and had a full compliment of 800 ready for tomorrow by the end of the day.
The Linwood Centre responded to requests from the Emergency Operations Centre from the Op. Suburbs teams in the field. We provided 479 food parcels to families, of these 232 were ‘walk ups’. We provided food parcels and bulk food equivalent to 529 food parcels overall today.
Work is being done to find a larger distribution centre and office space for several Salvation Army functions. We are in discussion with Ngai Tahu over various options which are or will become available.
There are several Corps in the South Island, particularly in Nelson providing meet and greet and support to families who have left Christchurch. It is reported that 5000 residents have relocated to Timaru. We have had reports of increased Community Ministry activity in North Island Corps as well assisting people who have relocated in other towns and cities fleeing from the aftermath of the earthquake.
The student army today delivered thousands of FAQ sheets to households in Parklands, Woolston, St Albans, Shirley and Mairehau. Another 120,000 FAQ pamphlets will be delivered tomorrow to residents in the most affected suburbs. The pamphlets are being translated into Chinese and Korean and packs are being prepared to give to the Operation Suburbs Salvation Army people in the field to be available.
Information signs are also being prepared and will be deployed in key parks on Wednesday.
Residential property inspections report that 12,250 properties were safety assessed by 2pmtoday
1444 properties have been red stickered;
2113 properties have been yellow stickered and
8693 properties have been green stickered.
From today parts of the city's water supply will be chlorinated to kill disease-causing bacteria. This is due to infrastructure damage to sewerage and water pipes following the earthquake. The public are still advised to boil water for drinking and brushing teeth until further notice.
The stabilisation work was completed today. Search and rescue teams have entered the building and reached the fifth floor and will continue their work this evening. Nearby buildings in the potential collapse zone have also been searched.
Work crews and volunteers are continuing to remove silt from roads across the city. By Monday night 120,000 tonnes of silt had been collected with the estimated total amount revised upwards to more than 200,000 tonnes.
Water supplies will be intermittent for the next two to three weeks. When suply is initially restored it may be turned off again soon after to repair any leaks, particularly in the eastern part of the city.
Limited postal services resumed today (Tuesday 1 March), primarily in the northern and western areas of Christchurch.
A total fire ban for open-air fires has been declared by the National Rural Fire Officer across Canterbury for the next 48 hours from midday today, due to high winds forecast.
The number of confirmed dead has increased by one to 155. Police still expect that number to increase.
Police are ready to release the names of several further victims, as soon as the families give their consent.
It's great that people are starting to return to some of their normal routines - but we have some serious traffic management issues and we need everyone's help to keep our streets as clear as possible.
The South Island Salvation Army Divisional Commander says, “The aftershocks continue to shake the city and disturb and frighten people as they become full of uncertainty about what will happen in the future. We thought that another big earthquake would not happen in Christchurchfor a long time; but it did. I am reminded that the only thing we can rely on is God’s love and his powerful presence. It is God who is stable. We can depend on God’s presence to guide and uplift us in this difficult time as we go out to rebuild our own lives and help others to see the great future that God has planned for us and this city.
Again, I urge you to look after yourselves and your fellow workers tomorrow, as you approach the tasks we have been assigned in the love and service of Christ. Keep going."
Mayor Parker said that he was unaware of asbestos dust being an issue but said it had the potential to impact on the city. He advised people to wear masks or a rag over their face during the high winds.
There is no plumbing in the New Brighton and Sumner areas and the National Civil Defence Coordinator said the ‘sea is full of sewage’.
A 2 minute silence was observed at the Arts Centre attended by the staff working on the earthquake and many politicians including the prime Minister. The ceremony moved many staff.
The Welfare Centre Coordinators report that there is an increasing demand for food in the Welfare Centres. People are not staying but using the centres for support during the day and going home at night. Authorities are considering ‘what next’ for people staying in the Welfare Centres and to this end they are considering closing all but one centre. Welfare groups are working with families to get them to either return home or to move to some other semi-permanent housing.
Community groups are starting to form around the Welfare Centres and leaders are beginning to make local arrangements for people. The Salvation Army will be providing meals in New Brighton for 500 people from tomorrow. To date The Salvation Army has provided 2850 meals
The Psychosocial Support Team Coordinators had several teams in the field today. There were 90 Salvation Army personnel operating in the Eastern Suburbs. They provided emotional support to residents and identified any material needs or more complex issues such as people suffering anxiety and stress, those who have run out of their medication, those who need assistance to get to the doctor and the elderly living in isolation. 14 Salvation Army personnel followed up these cases in the Flying Squad. Another 30 Officers were based in 4 welfare centres and a further 20 Officers who arrived during the day went door-to-door in affected suburbs. There were reports of elderly who have been isolated from their families and in a high level of distress.
Some of the cases being encountered demonstrate a high level of deprivation and vulnerability. For example a family was visited by a Salvation Army Officer where an 18 year old youth was caring for his wheelchair bound mother and two intellectually disabled adult siblings without sewage or water connected and a damaged house.
The CCC Health and Safety Officers have asked for The Salvation Army’s assistance to support contractors who are removing rubble and pulling down damaged buildings. We are getting more information on this as to numbers and locations, but our SoS Vehicle may be perfect for visiting these folk and assisting.
Today he Community Ministry staff handled a high volume of work, slightly less than the day before. They took the time to stock up on food parcels and had a full compliment of 800 ready for tomorrow by the end of the day.
The Linwood Centre responded to requests from the Emergency Operations Centre from the Op. Suburbs teams in the field. We provided 479 food parcels to families, of these 232 were ‘walk ups’. We provided food parcels and bulk food equivalent to 529 food parcels overall today.
Work is being done to find a larger distribution centre and office space for several Salvation Army functions. We are in discussion with Ngai Tahu over various options which are or will become available.
There are several Corps in the South Island, particularly in Nelson providing meet and greet and support to families who have left Christchurch. It is reported that 5000 residents have relocated to Timaru. We have had reports of increased Community Ministry activity in North Island Corps as well assisting people who have relocated in other towns and cities fleeing from the aftermath of the earthquake.
The student army today delivered thousands of FAQ sheets to households in Parklands, Woolston, St Albans, Shirley and Mairehau. Another 120,000 FAQ pamphlets will be delivered tomorrow to residents in the most affected suburbs. The pamphlets are being translated into Chinese and Korean and packs are being prepared to give to the Operation Suburbs Salvation Army people in the field to be available.
Information signs are also being prepared and will be deployed in key parks on Wednesday.
Residential property inspections report that 12,250 properties were safety assessed by 2pmtoday
1444 properties have been red stickered;
2113 properties have been yellow stickered and
8693 properties have been green stickered.
From today parts of the city's water supply will be chlorinated to kill disease-causing bacteria. This is due to infrastructure damage to sewerage and water pipes following the earthquake. The public are still advised to boil water for drinking and brushing teeth until further notice.
The stabilisation work was completed today. Search and rescue teams have entered the building and reached the fifth floor and will continue their work this evening. Nearby buildings in the potential collapse zone have also been searched.
Work crews and volunteers are continuing to remove silt from roads across the city. By Monday night 120,000 tonnes of silt had been collected with the estimated total amount revised upwards to more than 200,000 tonnes.
Water supplies will be intermittent for the next two to three weeks. When suply is initially restored it may be turned off again soon after to repair any leaks, particularly in the eastern part of the city.
Limited postal services resumed today (Tuesday 1 March), primarily in the northern and western areas of Christchurch.
A total fire ban for open-air fires has been declared by the National Rural Fire Officer across Canterbury for the next 48 hours from midday today, due to high winds forecast.
The number of confirmed dead has increased by one to 155. Police still expect that number to increase.
Police are ready to release the names of several further victims, as soon as the families give their consent.
It's great that people are starting to return to some of their normal routines - but we have some serious traffic management issues and we need everyone's help to keep our streets as clear as possible.
The South Island Salvation Army Divisional Commander says, “The aftershocks continue to shake the city and disturb and frighten people as they become full of uncertainty about what will happen in the future. We thought that another big earthquake would not happen in Christchurchfor a long time; but it did. I am reminded that the only thing we can rely on is God’s love and his powerful presence. It is God who is stable. We can depend on God’s presence to guide and uplift us in this difficult time as we go out to rebuild our own lives and help others to see the great future that God has planned for us and this city.
Again, I urge you to look after yourselves and your fellow workers tomorrow, as you approach the tasks we have been assigned in the love and service of Christ. Keep going."
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