The Salvation Army's international leader, General Bond, is continuing in the tradition of recent generals, in that she is periodically writing to Salvationists around the world. One of the advantages of modern technology is that this is possible, quickly and effectively.
To check out the General's latest epistle, go to www.salvationarmy.org/thegeneral
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Monday, 26 March 2012
Boost
Boost (formerly known as Junior Youth Councils) was held over the weekend. Angela and Lana took some of our kids to the event, including 3 that had attended our Adventure Camp in January. It's great to see the relationship develop with these children in a space where they are also hearing the gospel. The kids enjoyed worship at the Marion cultural centre, with a message from Captain Joel Clifford (CO at Oakden). Then they splashed the afternoon away at the state aquatic centre. Now, that's a great way to engage with church, isn't it!
Evangelism
Last weekend, around 10 of our Sunday morning congregation attended an evangelism workshop entitled the Grace Seminar. This was led by two Salvationists, Jarrod and Grieg, from Sydney. Many would recall hearing Jarrod on Sunday morning at our Seacombe Gardens service.
The guys explored the rescue story that each person needs, and the way that we can use story to share our faith. They spoke about the pillars of Christianity that are so often forgotten or trampled by institutional religion: Jesus is the only thing necessary for our salvation (i.e. we can't do anything extra or special to earn God's salvation - Jesus has done it all), God loves us without cause (i.e. nothing we can do can make him love us more, or less) and that we are forgiven before we even ask - when Jesus said "it is finished" it was finished.
These are liberating thoughts. This is good news! The argument, of course, being that when we have such good news, why not share it!
Since then, I am aware of people that were in attendance using the tools provided to share with others. I'm aware of the way that Angela was able to speak to a lady last Tuesday and help her reframe her story so that she stopped crying suddenly and realised God's love in her life. I sat with a guy last night at Glenelg and was able to speak to him about the way his tragic story could be reframed by an understanding of God's love.
It's hoped that later in the year we will have Jarrod and Grieg back in Adelaide so that we can pass these tools on to more people. If you hear of them coming to town - make time to go and hear what they have to say.
The guys explored the rescue story that each person needs, and the way that we can use story to share our faith. They spoke about the pillars of Christianity that are so often forgotten or trampled by institutional religion: Jesus is the only thing necessary for our salvation (i.e. we can't do anything extra or special to earn God's salvation - Jesus has done it all), God loves us without cause (i.e. nothing we can do can make him love us more, or less) and that we are forgiven before we even ask - when Jesus said "it is finished" it was finished.
These are liberating thoughts. This is good news! The argument, of course, being that when we have such good news, why not share it!
Since then, I am aware of people that were in attendance using the tools provided to share with others. I'm aware of the way that Angela was able to speak to a lady last Tuesday and help her reframe her story so that she stopped crying suddenly and realised God's love in her life. I sat with a guy last night at Glenelg and was able to speak to him about the way his tragic story could be reframed by an understanding of God's love.
It's hoped that later in the year we will have Jarrod and Grieg back in Adelaide so that we can pass these tools on to more people. If you hear of them coming to town - make time to go and hear what they have to say.
Corps Review
Every three years within The Salvation Army, Corps are 'reviewed'. For our Corps this has recently occured in 2006, 2009 and last week!
The review is both an administrative and a missional review. The administrative component is usually pretty quick and painless. The Divisional Commander and the Divisional Corps Program Secretary will check to see that all of our administrative and pastoral process are in place. Thanks to the great team that we have at Marion, we had a 100% compliance! (Phew!)
The missional review is the good bit. This takes up most of the time allocated to the review. The DC and DCPS will sit down with the Corps Officers to discuss points for celebration and points for concern. Following this, they do the same thing with the senior leadership team.
So, last Wednesday evening, Wendy, Lynette, Iris, Greg and Catherine (Judith, Ross & Doris were apologies) spent time speaking about the Corps' vision, mission and opportunities, and also some concerns that we face. Some time was also spent celebrating the progress in some of our ministries, e.g. seniors, youth, children, men, women... well most things. We realised freshly that we have so much to celebrate.
Some key action points to come out of the review were:
Continuing to work on engaging with our community, remembering that we exist for those that are yet to belong.
Continuing to enhance the mission centre approach at our new Glenelg and Ascot Park developments.
Continuing to focus on our discipleship process: Know God, Grow in God, Show God and Go in God.
Continuing to provide means and opportunities for leadership development across our church.
Secure ongoing financial sustainability for each of our centres.
The review is both an administrative and a missional review. The administrative component is usually pretty quick and painless. The Divisional Commander and the Divisional Corps Program Secretary will check to see that all of our administrative and pastoral process are in place. Thanks to the great team that we have at Marion, we had a 100% compliance! (Phew!)
The missional review is the good bit. This takes up most of the time allocated to the review. The DC and DCPS will sit down with the Corps Officers to discuss points for celebration and points for concern. Following this, they do the same thing with the senior leadership team.
So, last Wednesday evening, Wendy, Lynette, Iris, Greg and Catherine (Judith, Ross & Doris were apologies) spent time speaking about the Corps' vision, mission and opportunities, and also some concerns that we face. Some time was also spent celebrating the progress in some of our ministries, e.g. seniors, youth, children, men, women... well most things. We realised freshly that we have so much to celebrate.
Some key action points to come out of the review were:
Continuing to work on engaging with our community, remembering that we exist for those that are yet to belong.
Continuing to enhance the mission centre approach at our new Glenelg and Ascot Park developments.
Continuing to focus on our discipleship process: Know God, Grow in God, Show God and Go in God.
Continuing to provide means and opportunities for leadership development across our church.
Secure ongoing financial sustainability for each of our centres.
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Alex Raymond
Many of our Corps folk know the Raymond family. Alex, their youngest son, was farewelled during a moving funeral at Adelaide Congress Hall this morning.
Alex, an 18 year old man, had just graduated from Cornerstone College. He was a great singer and entertainer - very much a crooner. He was an integral member of Soul Factor Gospel Choir and also Adelaide Congress Hall.
But he was more than the sum of his associations. He led a life without compromise, famous just for being 'himself'. His father, Howard, commented that he never submitted to peer pressure, and probably didn't know what it was - because he was himself. He was also an evangelist, never scared to speak of his faith, but also never fearing to show it through acceptance of others and helping others with fun in life.
The songs chosen for his funeral reflected this. An overcrowded ACH and Benson Hall sang the lyrics:
I will sing of your faithfulness, of your mercy and your love
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made
I hold on to your promise and your resurrection power
Then they sang:
When I stand in glory, I shall see his face
Then I'll serve my King forever in that holy place.
And they finished by singing:
Thine is the power, O Lord
The glory and the praise
The final victory over death
The end of mortal days
All majesty is thine
Beyond the poet's pen
For thou are life, and light and love
Amen, Amen, Amen
Fittingly, the sort of thing that Alex would testify to, his family and friends continue to sing.
Alex, an 18 year old man, had just graduated from Cornerstone College. He was a great singer and entertainer - very much a crooner. He was an integral member of Soul Factor Gospel Choir and also Adelaide Congress Hall.
But he was more than the sum of his associations. He led a life without compromise, famous just for being 'himself'. His father, Howard, commented that he never submitted to peer pressure, and probably didn't know what it was - because he was himself. He was also an evangelist, never scared to speak of his faith, but also never fearing to show it through acceptance of others and helping others with fun in life.
The songs chosen for his funeral reflected this. An overcrowded ACH and Benson Hall sang the lyrics:
I will sing of your faithfulness, of your mercy and your love
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made
I hold on to your promise and your resurrection power
Then they sang:
When I stand in glory, I shall see his face
Then I'll serve my King forever in that holy place.
And they finished by singing:
Thine is the power, O Lord
The glory and the praise
The final victory over death
The end of mortal days
All majesty is thine
Beyond the poet's pen
For thou are life, and light and love
Amen, Amen, Amen
Fittingly, the sort of thing that Alex would testify to, his family and friends continue to sing.
Bec Goudie
Today at Marion Corps we farewell Bec. Bec has been an integral part of our Community Support Services team since she joined us on placement from Flinders Uni. She was so good we kept her!
Bec has worked with our CSS team as a "Doorways" Caseworker. This means that she takes some of our more complicated visitors' situations and helps to find doorways to services for them.
Bec has many talents (including dance!). But she is loved because she loves. She is great with everyone she meets. She is genuine, and her faith shines through her work.
We wish her all the best as she starts her new role on Monday with the Australian Red Cross, working with new arrivals to Australia.
Bless you heaps, Bec!
Bec has worked with our CSS team as a "Doorways" Caseworker. This means that she takes some of our more complicated visitors' situations and helps to find doorways to services for them.
Bec has many talents (including dance!). But she is loved because she loves. She is great with everyone she meets. She is genuine, and her faith shines through her work.
We wish her all the best as she starts her new role on Monday with the Australian Red Cross, working with new arrivals to Australia.
Bless you heaps, Bec!
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Munchiez
For just over 12 months our Corps has partnered with Unley Park Baptist Church and Edwardstown Baptist Church to operate the Munchiez Food Van.
Munchiez will continue to operate under the eigis of these two fine churches.
Our church, however, has run into a few problems, mostly logistical, that will prevent our ongoing partnership. This Thursday, March 15, will be our last Thursday.
1. Our Thursday nights now clash with two meals per month being offered by Marion Church of Christ. Our sandwich van cannot "compete" with the Marion Life two-couse-sit-down meal, nor should it. This has directly impacted attendances at Munchiez.
2. The other churches have offerings each week (after their services) to support the Munchiez ministry. We have relied on recurrent budgets to fund our share, as I have believed our congregation would not be open to another offering each week. This is in effect costing us close to $400 per month for the upkeep of the van, food and so on. (That's $4800 per year without any income).
3. Volunteers are leaving the ministry. We lost a group last year who thought the van was unsafe, despite its frequent maintenance and servicing. We have this year lost almost another whole team. Last month, on one Thursday, not one member of a team showed up to work!
4. We have no coordinator for our teams. I have tried to pull this together, especially since Nathan has left, however this is not sustainable.
Please pray for the ongoing ministry that is Munchiez. They will still be delivering food from our site and will still be engaging with members of our community in Jesus' name. We trust the ministry to Unley Park and Edwardstown knowing their fine witness and thank God for their work.
Munchiez will continue to operate under the eigis of these two fine churches.
Our church, however, has run into a few problems, mostly logistical, that will prevent our ongoing partnership. This Thursday, March 15, will be our last Thursday.
1. Our Thursday nights now clash with two meals per month being offered by Marion Church of Christ. Our sandwich van cannot "compete" with the Marion Life two-couse-sit-down meal, nor should it. This has directly impacted attendances at Munchiez.
2. The other churches have offerings each week (after their services) to support the Munchiez ministry. We have relied on recurrent budgets to fund our share, as I have believed our congregation would not be open to another offering each week. This is in effect costing us close to $400 per month for the upkeep of the van, food and so on. (That's $4800 per year without any income).
3. Volunteers are leaving the ministry. We lost a group last year who thought the van was unsafe, despite its frequent maintenance and servicing. We have this year lost almost another whole team. Last month, on one Thursday, not one member of a team showed up to work!
4. We have no coordinator for our teams. I have tried to pull this together, especially since Nathan has left, however this is not sustainable.
Please pray for the ongoing ministry that is Munchiez. They will still be delivering food from our site and will still be engaging with members of our community in Jesus' name. We trust the ministry to Unley Park and Edwardstown knowing their fine witness and thank God for their work.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Sabbath
The Salvation Army has released a new position statement on the Sabbath. It reads as follows:
Statement of the Issue
Human beings require adequate rest if they are to thrive in their work, meet their obligations and enjoy all that God has provided. Conversely, the absence of a day of rest denies the human need for physical rest and spiritual renewal. In the midst of increasing commercialism and an accelerating pace of life, the observance of a Sabbath, whether on Sunday or otherwise, reinforces the natural rhythm of rest and activity that the Bible endorses for the benefit of God’s entire creation.
Statement of Position
The Salvation Army values and proclaims the scriptural teaching that God, our Creator, established a rhythm of life for our benefit. This is reflected in the Creation narrative (Genesis 2:2-3), the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15) and in the teachings of Jesus regarding a balanced approach to life. Therefore, regardless of the day of the week on which it is observed, the principle of Sabbath observance provides that opportunity to rest, to give thanks and to worship.
The Salvation Army believes that individuals have the responsibility and privilege to live according to this scriptural framework. Furthermore, The Salvation Army holds that those whose religious beliefs will not permit them to work at certain times should be protected against unreasonable discrimination in recruitment, deployment or advancement of staff.
In its recognition of Sunday as the Sabbath, The Salvation Army aligns itself with the custom of the Early Christian Church, which chose that day on which to commemorate and celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
Principles
Within this historical Christian context, The Salvation Army holds that:
1. Sunday is ‘a day of sacred assembly’ (Leviticus 23:3) for corporate worship,
praise and prayer, to enrich the lives of believers and strengthen their fellowship one
with another and with God. It is also an opportunity for the gathering of families, friends and worshipping congregations.
2. Sunday is a time of resting in God apart from the anxieties and challenges of life. It is part of being human. As Scripture indicates, ‘the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath’ (Mark 2:27).
3. Keeping Sunday holy does not only entail the cessation of secular work for the purpose of honouring God, but also may include performing deeds of love and kindness toward fellow human beings. Jesus cautioned against legalism in the observance of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28; Mark 3:4; Luke 13:10-17; John 5:1-15).
4. Observing Sunday as a day of rest is an evidence of our obedience to, and reverence for, God the Creator (Exodus 20:8-11).
Biblical and Theological Background
The Sabbath was ordained by God at creation and set aside as a holy day (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Leviticus 23:3; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Psalm 92). Its observance became the fourth commandment, which was to be observed from generation to generation (Hebrews 4:9-11).
In the Old Testament, trade on the Sabbath was forbidden (Nehemiah 10:31; 13:15-22) because it diminished the spiritual importance of the day of the Lord. The Sabbath was considered a joyful opportunity to ‘delight in the Lord’ (Isaiah 58:13-14) and not simply another opportunity to pursue our own interests.
Practical Responses
Salvationists will exert every influence possible to make and keep Sunday as a day of worship, rest and family. The Salvation Army also encourages all people to consider how they can promote a weekly day of rest and renewal for others.
In support of those who must work on Sundays, The Salvation Army will always seek to provide multiple opportunities for Christian worship and fellowship.
Approved by the General – February 2012
The views expressed in this International Positional Statement constitute the official position of The Salvation Army on the issue addressed, and they may not be modified or adapted in any way without the express written permission of International Headquarters.
Statement of the Issue
Human beings require adequate rest if they are to thrive in their work, meet their obligations and enjoy all that God has provided. Conversely, the absence of a day of rest denies the human need for physical rest and spiritual renewal. In the midst of increasing commercialism and an accelerating pace of life, the observance of a Sabbath, whether on Sunday or otherwise, reinforces the natural rhythm of rest and activity that the Bible endorses for the benefit of God’s entire creation.
Statement of Position
The Salvation Army values and proclaims the scriptural teaching that God, our Creator, established a rhythm of life for our benefit. This is reflected in the Creation narrative (Genesis 2:2-3), the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15) and in the teachings of Jesus regarding a balanced approach to life. Therefore, regardless of the day of the week on which it is observed, the principle of Sabbath observance provides that opportunity to rest, to give thanks and to worship.
The Salvation Army believes that individuals have the responsibility and privilege to live according to this scriptural framework. Furthermore, The Salvation Army holds that those whose religious beliefs will not permit them to work at certain times should be protected against unreasonable discrimination in recruitment, deployment or advancement of staff.
In its recognition of Sunday as the Sabbath, The Salvation Army aligns itself with the custom of the Early Christian Church, which chose that day on which to commemorate and celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
Principles
Within this historical Christian context, The Salvation Army holds that:
1. Sunday is ‘a day of sacred assembly’ (Leviticus 23:3) for corporate worship,
praise and prayer, to enrich the lives of believers and strengthen their fellowship one
with another and with God. It is also an opportunity for the gathering of families, friends and worshipping congregations.
2. Sunday is a time of resting in God apart from the anxieties and challenges of life. It is part of being human. As Scripture indicates, ‘the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath’ (Mark 2:27).
3. Keeping Sunday holy does not only entail the cessation of secular work for the purpose of honouring God, but also may include performing deeds of love and kindness toward fellow human beings. Jesus cautioned against legalism in the observance of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28; Mark 3:4; Luke 13:10-17; John 5:1-15).
4. Observing Sunday as a day of rest is an evidence of our obedience to, and reverence for, God the Creator (Exodus 20:8-11).
Biblical and Theological Background
The Sabbath was ordained by God at creation and set aside as a holy day (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Leviticus 23:3; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Psalm 92). Its observance became the fourth commandment, which was to be observed from generation to generation (Hebrews 4:9-11).
In the Old Testament, trade on the Sabbath was forbidden (Nehemiah 10:31; 13:15-22) because it diminished the spiritual importance of the day of the Lord. The Sabbath was considered a joyful opportunity to ‘delight in the Lord’ (Isaiah 58:13-14) and not simply another opportunity to pursue our own interests.
Practical Responses
Salvationists will exert every influence possible to make and keep Sunday as a day of worship, rest and family. The Salvation Army also encourages all people to consider how they can promote a weekly day of rest and renewal for others.
In support of those who must work on Sundays, The Salvation Army will always seek to provide multiple opportunities for Christian worship and fellowship.
Approved by the General – February 2012
The views expressed in this International Positional Statement constitute the official position of The Salvation Army on the issue addressed, and they may not be modified or adapted in any way without the express written permission of International Headquarters.
Corps Picnic
One of the highlights of any church life is the ability to build community. One of the ways that we build community at Marion Salvos is our annual church picnic.
Yesterday was a great day with families from across many Corps activities, including our youth group, playgroup, volunteers and Sunday congregations, meeting at a reserve in Seacombe Gardens for an informal bit of fun. There was no structure, just a whole group of people enjoying cross-generational community.
Yesterday was a great day with families from across many Corps activities, including our youth group, playgroup, volunteers and Sunday congregations, meeting at a reserve in Seacombe Gardens for an informal bit of fun. There was no structure, just a whole group of people enjoying cross-generational community.
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Jean Miller
Today we sadly mourn the passing of one of our oldest soldiers, Mrs Jean Miller.
Jean transferred to the Glenelg Corps in 1953, the same year as Mrs Brown, and together they were the elders of the Corps for almost 60 years. Across the years she held many specific posts in the Corps at Glenelg, including leadership roles with young people and in the Home League. She was at Glenelg when the Corps planted its new outpost at Seacombe Gardens in 1968 and still there when the Corps came back together as Marion in 2010.
She is survived by 5 of her 6 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at the Glenelg centre at a time to be advised, probably next week.
Jean transferred to the Glenelg Corps in 1953, the same year as Mrs Brown, and together they were the elders of the Corps for almost 60 years. Across the years she held many specific posts in the Corps at Glenelg, including leadership roles with young people and in the Home League. She was at Glenelg when the Corps planted its new outpost at Seacombe Gardens in 1968 and still there when the Corps came back together as Marion in 2010.
She is survived by 5 of her 6 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at the Glenelg centre at a time to be advised, probably next week.
International Women's Day
On March 8 each year there is an observation of International Women's Day. This traces its history back through the suffragette movements of the 19th and 20th centuries and is often observed with morning teas, the wearing of purple and green and lots of speeches and conferences.
It is worth a pause on a day like today to remember the inequality that still exists across the world, in terms of the treatment of women. In many parts of the world girls are not enrolled in schools. In almost every part of the world, women are not paid equally for their labour. Even within our own movement, The Salvation Army, there is a glass ceiling for married women officers that is only just starting to crack (the first married woman chief secretary, and the first married woman nomination for general were only proposed last year).
From our own Corps' perspective we would be nowhere without the contribution of our women. We thank them for the labours, and today I especially acknowledge the leadership team women: Angela, Wendy, Lynette, Iris, Catherine, Judith and Doris. With Jenny they make up 70% of our Corps leadership team! Thank you ladies.
It is worth a pause on a day like today to remember the inequality that still exists across the world, in terms of the treatment of women. In many parts of the world girls are not enrolled in schools. In almost every part of the world, women are not paid equally for their labour. Even within our own movement, The Salvation Army, there is a glass ceiling for married women officers that is only just starting to crack (the first married woman chief secretary, and the first married woman nomination for general were only proposed last year).
From our own Corps' perspective we would be nowhere without the contribution of our women. We thank them for the labours, and today I especially acknowledge the leadership team women: Angela, Wendy, Lynette, Iris, Catherine, Judith and Doris. With Jenny they make up 70% of our Corps leadership team! Thank you ladies.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Explosion in Congo
Please pray for The Salvation Army in Congo Brazzaville following yesterday's explosion at an arms depot in the Mpila area of the capital.
Up to 200 people were killed in the blast and more than 1500 injured, some very seriously. A Salvation Army team has been despatched into the community to assess how best to help those affected by the catastrophe.
Salvation Army property in the city has been damaged by the explosion - the shock waves blew out the windows of our building at Potopoto Corps and an explosion destroyed the roof of Ouenze Corps hall and officers' quarters and the roof of Talangai Corps hall. There are currently no reports of any Salvationist casualties, though a soldier at Ouenze corps lost three grandsons and her daughter lost her leg.
Remember especially Major Urbain Theophile Loubaki at this difficult time, the officer who leads the Brazzaville 1 Division which includes the three worst-affected corps.
Lieut-Colonel Daniel Moukoko, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army's Congo (Brazzaville) Territory, writes: 'We thank you for your assistance in prayers - we really appreciate them.'
Up to 200 people were killed in the blast and more than 1500 injured, some very seriously. A Salvation Army team has been despatched into the community to assess how best to help those affected by the catastrophe.
Salvation Army property in the city has been damaged by the explosion - the shock waves blew out the windows of our building at Potopoto Corps and an explosion destroyed the roof of Ouenze Corps hall and officers' quarters and the roof of Talangai Corps hall. There are currently no reports of any Salvationist casualties, though a soldier at Ouenze corps lost three grandsons and her daughter lost her leg.
Remember especially Major Urbain Theophile Loubaki at this difficult time, the officer who leads the Brazzaville 1 Division which includes the three worst-affected corps.
Lieut-Colonel Daniel Moukoko, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army's Congo (Brazzaville) Territory, writes: 'We thank you for your assistance in prayers - we really appreciate them.'
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