There have been a number of incidents and situations that have come into the sphere of ministry at Marion this week that have highlighted to us all the incidence of Mental Health concerns in our community.
Many of the team this week have been in touch with a man who attempted suicide. We have members of our Corps that are battling depression. Many of our visitors, customers and clients experience mental health and come seeking help, community and support.
The figures tell us that 1 in 5 of us experience mental health concerns during our lifetime. Look down the row next time you are at a sports game or a church service and count along. For every row of 10 or so, that means 2 may have experienced mental illness.
The opportunity is there for us to stand with people and journey with people that suffer any illness, not just mental illness.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Coast FM
Last night we were fortunate to receive another talk show spot on Coast FM. This means that for an hour I (Brad) was able to chat with the host about activities at our Corps and choose one or two to highlight.
This time around we chatted especially about Messy Church and the opportunities that people have to volutneer. It is important to us that we continue to seek out these opportunities and maximise them for the way in which they help us shine God's light and invite others to join us as disciples.
This time around we chatted especially about Messy Church and the opportunities that people have to volutneer. It is important to us that we continue to seek out these opportunities and maximise them for the way in which they help us shine God's light and invite others to join us as disciples.
Beyond the classroom
Beyond the classroom is a great initiative that The Salvation Army has developed across our territory to educate young people about poverty, society and the services on offer for people, through groups like The Salvation Army.
Our Corps has hosted a number of these 'workshops' and will do so again later next month. In the meantime, BTC has launched a new website with a number of videos - five of which were either filmed at our centre during a workshop, or feature people that have been served by our church.
Head to: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/SALV/SIMPLE/PC_62165.html
Check out the stories.
My favourite is Jacob - very much worth listening to!
Our Corps has hosted a number of these 'workshops' and will do so again later next month. In the meantime, BTC has launched a new website with a number of videos - five of which were either filmed at our centre during a workshop, or feature people that have been served by our church.
Head to: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/SALV/SIMPLE/PC_62165.html
Check out the stories.
My favourite is Jacob - very much worth listening to!
Monday, 20 February 2012
Financial Counselling Report
Figures in a new SA Council of Social Service (SACOSS) report paint a disturbing picture of unmanageable demand, with growing numbers of South Australians seeking financial counselling assistance as essential cost of living pressures continue to rise.
Three of the state’s largest charities – UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide, Anglicare, and the Salvation Army—together with other smaller agencies around the state have supplied data for the new report - Unsupported Debt: The Crisis in Financial Counselling in South Australia - that shows requests to their financial counselling units have jumped exponentially in the last year.
Anglicare reports an increase of 373% in the number of appointments made by South Australians needing advice to manage household budgets as cost of living pressures escalate.
SACOSS Executive Director, Ross Womersley, said “Not only are agencies reporting an increase in the number of people who need financial assistance, but people also need help in sorting escalating debts, negotiating with debtors such as utility companies, and keeping food on the table.”
“This is exactly what the free, independent financial counselling the government used to provide through Families SA AntiPoverty teams. These teams were cut dramatically in the 2010 State Budget and now the community is paying the price.”
Lynn Arnold, CEO of Anglicare, said, “Anglicare's figures reveal a system in crisis. The community sector is simply unable to meet the need for financial counselling services in this state. In November we had to close our books for financial counselling appointments until the end of the year – our staff just could not fit anyone else in.”
Simon Schrapel, Chief Executive of UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide, said “An urgent injection of funds is clearly needed if the community sector is to meet financial counselling need. People who don’t receive this early intervention end up in critical financial, personal and relationship stress, sometimes with tragic outcomes”.
Margaret Davies, Salvation Army Director Community Support Services Network, said “The Salvation Army has seen an increase not just for face to face client assistance, but also for our Doorways Financial Counselling telephone Helpline. The Helpline is a first port of call for many people, especially in the country. Many other agencies refer their clients to our Helpline. By December last year we were receiving an average of 45 calls a day, compared to 10 a day in 2010.”
Financial counselling has long been valued as a low-cost, high value early intervention measure that supports vulnerable people through crises, often avoiding deeper problems that could otherwise develop. In the 2010 State Budget the South Australian Government cut 44 full-time equivalent positions from its 120 anti-poverty services positions, and in implementing the cuts Families SA has limited any future provision of financial counselling to their clients only (i.e. those in the child protection system), leaving the rest of the population to be serviced by the community sector.
Ross Womersley said, “The sector welcomes the government’s recent decision to reverse the cuts to the Family and Community Development Program, but we still believe the government urgently needs to implement a comprehensive antipoverty strategy for South Australia. Providing adequate financial counselling assistance to South Australians in need is one critical step towards a solution. The figures in the SACOSS report simply illustrate why this is so urgent.”
Three of the state’s largest charities – UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide, Anglicare, and the Salvation Army—together with other smaller agencies around the state have supplied data for the new report - Unsupported Debt: The Crisis in Financial Counselling in South Australia - that shows requests to their financial counselling units have jumped exponentially in the last year.
Anglicare reports an increase of 373% in the number of appointments made by South Australians needing advice to manage household budgets as cost of living pressures escalate.
SACOSS Executive Director, Ross Womersley, said “Not only are agencies reporting an increase in the number of people who need financial assistance, but people also need help in sorting escalating debts, negotiating with debtors such as utility companies, and keeping food on the table.”
“This is exactly what the free, independent financial counselling the government used to provide through Families SA AntiPoverty teams. These teams were cut dramatically in the 2010 State Budget and now the community is paying the price.”
Lynn Arnold, CEO of Anglicare, said, “Anglicare's figures reveal a system in crisis. The community sector is simply unable to meet the need for financial counselling services in this state. In November we had to close our books for financial counselling appointments until the end of the year – our staff just could not fit anyone else in.”
Simon Schrapel, Chief Executive of UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide, said “An urgent injection of funds is clearly needed if the community sector is to meet financial counselling need. People who don’t receive this early intervention end up in critical financial, personal and relationship stress, sometimes with tragic outcomes”.
Margaret Davies, Salvation Army Director Community Support Services Network, said “The Salvation Army has seen an increase not just for face to face client assistance, but also for our Doorways Financial Counselling telephone Helpline. The Helpline is a first port of call for many people, especially in the country. Many other agencies refer their clients to our Helpline. By December last year we were receiving an average of 45 calls a day, compared to 10 a day in 2010.”
Financial counselling has long been valued as a low-cost, high value early intervention measure that supports vulnerable people through crises, often avoiding deeper problems that could otherwise develop. In the 2010 State Budget the South Australian Government cut 44 full-time equivalent positions from its 120 anti-poverty services positions, and in implementing the cuts Families SA has limited any future provision of financial counselling to their clients only (i.e. those in the child protection system), leaving the rest of the population to be serviced by the community sector.
Ross Womersley said, “The sector welcomes the government’s recent decision to reverse the cuts to the Family and Community Development Program, but we still believe the government urgently needs to implement a comprehensive antipoverty strategy for South Australia. Providing adequate financial counselling assistance to South Australians in need is one critical step towards a solution. The figures in the SACOSS report simply illustrate why this is so urgent.”
Home
It is certainly good to be home. The last two weeks at the training college have been challenging as, for the first time, I faced the task of teaching cadets for a full unit. I had mostly second year cadets and they were really quite engaged, which was a relief.
Having said that, it's great to be home! Over the next few days I assume that I will be doing a fair bit of catch up, but to have people again seeking prayer on Sunday morning reminded me of the way God is moving among us at the moment.
Having said that, it's great to be home! Over the next few days I assume that I will be doing a fair bit of catch up, but to have people again seeking prayer on Sunday morning reminded me of the way God is moving among us at the moment.
The Salvation Army Hungary
The Salvation Army in Hungary has been registered as a church since the early 1990s. However, on 1 January this year, Országgyűlés – the Hungarian parliament – introduced a new Church Law. This legislation limited the number of officially registered churches to just 14. The Salvation Army was not included in the list, nor were other notable denominations such as the Methodist Church.
Churches that were previously registered had the registration period extended to 29 February to enable them to reapply for church status. A total of 82 churches reapplied. Despite this number, a proposed amendment to the law was published on 10 February which would recognise only another 17 churches. Thankfully, The Salvation Army is included on this new list.
As the church status expires on 29 February, the parliament is expected to vote on the amendment at some point before then. Please pray that The Salvation Army’s application is successful and that the revised legislation is passed before the expiry of church status at the end of the month. Pray also for other Christian churches who are in a similar position, that the gospel would continue to be shared in word and deed.
Churches that were previously registered had the registration period extended to 29 February to enable them to reapply for church status. A total of 82 churches reapplied. Despite this number, a proposed amendment to the law was published on 10 February which would recognise only another 17 churches. Thankfully, The Salvation Army is included on this new list.
As the church status expires on 29 February, the parliament is expected to vote on the amendment at some point before then. Please pray that The Salvation Army’s application is successful and that the revised legislation is passed before the expiry of church status at the end of the month. Pray also for other Christian churches who are in a similar position, that the gospel would continue to be shared in word and deed.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Ascot Park
It's good to see new things blossoming. Our centre at Ascot Park has been growing slowly since it opened last June. Helen sends this report from the last few weeks:
During the hot weather I have spoken to a few customers about how they are coping with the heat re do they have anyone to check they are ok etc, given out numerous glasses of water and encouraged them to take their time to cool down before going out into the heat again. I have rung and spoken to Southern Mental Health for a gentleman on two different occasions and helped a lady reconnect her phone as she is a priority one customer.(Must always have it due to health reasons).I have sat down with a customer and spent time listening to her as she was very distressed about a family matter. I also referred these people to Marion to make an appointment for ER and counseling and also to the Hospital in question to speak to a social worker.
As time is going by it seems the people in our immediate community are discovering we are here as a shop for them and also as a place to come and talk about and receive help for their concerns.
During the hot weather I have spoken to a few customers about how they are coping with the heat re do they have anyone to check they are ok etc, given out numerous glasses of water and encouraged them to take their time to cool down before going out into the heat again. I have rung and spoken to Southern Mental Health for a gentleman on two different occasions and helped a lady reconnect her phone as she is a priority one customer.(Must always have it due to health reasons).I have sat down with a customer and spent time listening to her as she was very distressed about a family matter. I also referred these people to Marion to make an appointment for ER and counseling and also to the Hospital in question to speak to a social worker.
As time is going by it seems the people in our immediate community are discovering we are here as a shop for them and also as a place to come and talk about and receive help for their concerns.
Jim Mortimer
Yesterday we farewelled Jim (James Howard Vickers Mortimer). Jim had served in The Salvation Army for most of his (almost) 96 years. He had been a faithful Christian since his conversion at the age of 14 (in 1930!) and a faithful Salvation Army soldier since his enrolement at the age of 17 (in 1933!).
Jim had served as bandmaster (North Adelaide), songster leader (Glenelg), deputy bandmaster (Hindmarsh) and band sergeant (Kilkenny). He testified through the pursuit of excellence in musical witness and sang with gusto up until his 95th year in praise of his God.
Jim's son, grandson and friend yesterday each testified to his faithfulness to God and his love for people. They spoke of his care and the untold stories of how he would practically support the church or the people in the church (e.g. by giving milk to the officers at North Adelaide each day).
Well done Jim! Thank you for the privilege of sharing part of your journey with you.
Promoted to Glory!!
Jim had served as bandmaster (North Adelaide), songster leader (Glenelg), deputy bandmaster (Hindmarsh) and band sergeant (Kilkenny). He testified through the pursuit of excellence in musical witness and sang with gusto up until his 95th year in praise of his God.
Jim's son, grandson and friend yesterday each testified to his faithfulness to God and his love for people. They spoke of his care and the untold stories of how he would practically support the church or the people in the church (e.g. by giving milk to the officers at North Adelaide each day).
Well done Jim! Thank you for the privilege of sharing part of your journey with you.
Promoted to Glory!!
Great things are happening
On Sunday, for the first time since Christmas 2010 when we had the Christmas party, we pushed 160 in worship (130 am and 30 pm).
Better than that are the many stories that are behind the number:
Many are attending a newcomers lunch this Sunday coordinated by Judith.
Our mercy seat has been used in 3 morning meetings this last month.
Harry, our newest soldier, initiatied care for the visitors we had on Sunday morning.
Sally, our small groups coordinator, reports 55 enrolments in our seasonal studies for this term. This doesn't include the new youth Bible study being run by Mavis and Catherine or the exisiting groups, e.g. Lillian's KYB group.
After many years away from the Corps, some have been with us almost every Sunday this month.
We have had first time visitors to every service this month.
Other spiritual indicators, such as giving, are up - noticably the open plate at Glenelg has grown a little.
The feedback we received from our guest two weeks ago, Andrew Evans, was that we had an 'open church' that is well placed for good growth.
Everyone has coped well with the building restorations and it hasn't spoilt anyone's activities or worship..
Thank you to everyone for the service you are giving that is shining God's light in Adelaide's South. Your contribution to our vision to see a multi-cultural, multi-congregational, multi-campus church serving all generations is meaning that others are joining us as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Better than that are the many stories that are behind the number:
Many are attending a newcomers lunch this Sunday coordinated by Judith.
Our mercy seat has been used in 3 morning meetings this last month.
Harry, our newest soldier, initiatied care for the visitors we had on Sunday morning.
Sally, our small groups coordinator, reports 55 enrolments in our seasonal studies for this term. This doesn't include the new youth Bible study being run by Mavis and Catherine or the exisiting groups, e.g. Lillian's KYB group.
After many years away from the Corps, some have been with us almost every Sunday this month.
We have had first time visitors to every service this month.
Other spiritual indicators, such as giving, are up - noticably the open plate at Glenelg has grown a little.
The feedback we received from our guest two weeks ago, Andrew Evans, was that we had an 'open church' that is well placed for good growth.
Everyone has coped well with the building restorations and it hasn't spoilt anyone's activities or worship..
Thank you to everyone for the service you are giving that is shining God's light in Adelaide's South. Your contribution to our vision to see a multi-cultural, multi-congregational, multi-campus church serving all generations is meaning that others are joining us as disciples of Jesus Christ.
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