Christmas Cheer

Christmas Cheer has had its realisation in a number of way for us here at Marion.

Last week the band were able to play to residents in Bucklands and Pines nursing homes, visit two of the boarding houses in Glenelg, play on Jetty Road and also play to shoppers at Westfield Marion.

Our children's ministries were able to have parties at both Busy Bee and First Steps playgroups, and enjoy a Christmas celebration at both Junior Soldiers and Kidzone. Being able to speak the meaning of Christmas into the lives of children is such an honour.

Our youth ministries finished up the year on a note of service. Over 30 gathered to help unpack the toys that had been collected from theKMart Wishing Tree ready for distribution to our community.

We've joined with local businesses to support our community. Bedford Park Westpac, The Commonwealth Bank branches at Hallett Cove, Marion, Glenelg and Brighton, Bunnings Marion and Westfield are all joining in our ministry to the community. This week over 300 families will be blessed with toys for their children (over 1000 children will be supported). Even now, I can hear the guys from Westpac busily helping in the hall as they set up for our distribution week.

Referrals have come in from country and interstate Corps to ask for assistance with their community members that are in Flinders hospital.

Last week 2 people came into our centre asking to speak to people about God. For Kim there was a new realisation that God was real and loved her. For Michael there was a reconnection with God.

Messy Church was launched on Saturday. 40 people came, half of whom were not previously connected with our Corps or a worshipping community. Please pray that as we worship with them and the families play together in this uniqued church environment, they will come to embrace God in their lives also.

For all of this, we need to thank God and our amazing team here at the Corps. Thank you to everyone who has helped with the Carol Service or the Collecting. Thank you to everyone who has been collecting or spoken in the schools. Thank you to everyone who has picked up toys and food, or handed it out. Our community is a better place because you have served this Christmas season.