This message has been received from Bishop Mabo at the National Council of Churches as we observe Reconciliation Week this week:
“The theme for National Reconciliation Week “Let’s talk recognition” is also relevant to Christians as we start the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation,” said Bishop Saibo Mabo Chairperson of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) the peak Indigenous ecumenical body and commission of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA).
“We as Australians need to be united in one mind, one heart, and in one action as we continue on the journey of Reconciliation. Reconciliation is all about positive and respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and all other Australians.
Reconciliation needs to be fair and include justice and proper recognition. True reconciliation is not to just talk about recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture but it is to act. We need to start at the policy level and start at the top with the Australian Constitution.”
During National Reconciliation Week 27 May to 3 June the churches are celebrating the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation. Bishop Mabo said “I call for all people to pray for Reconciliation and Recognition. It is important for us all to pray and understand people. We need to be of one accord, there’s no good fighting we must understand each other. We must see the land where we are as belonging to Creator God We need to work together in love, peace and joy.
I strongly encourage everyone to attend one of the many services for reconciliation that are happening in every part of this land and unite all our prayers together for a better future. Reconciliation needs to be lived and real in every level of the Australian community.”
For more information go to http://www.ncca.org.au/departments/natsiec
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Good news story
One of our court chaplains, Bev, has written the following message:
We hear so much bad news I thought I would share something precious. A client from Intervention Court was in an extreme state of hopelessness after having to sleep in an empty house with her young son on the floorboards for sometime just so they were safe.
She found closed doors at every point to seeking assistance, she was on the edge. The option to return to a violent situation or her thoughts of suicide appeared to be all she could see. Either way the result would be the same, due to the situation she ran from.
I spoke to her for a while & asked if I could pass on her information to our doorways staff at Marion Salvation Army. She cried out to God that night & then the next day was contacted by Kerryn from Marion. They have helped this lady & her son in such a precious way, treated her with dignity , respect ,care & compassion. Reminds me of our God who calls us to be His light in the Darkness.
This lady has a new lease on life, believes that God heard her prayer & that there are some beautiful people in the world.
I thought this was something definitely worth sharing - our workers are such a gift, may we treasure them as they treasure those we send to them.
Thanks to Bev for such positive feedback. Thank you to Kerryn for her service, and Greg for his leadership of the Community Services team. Note Bev's reference to light: We continue to shine God's light in Adelaide's south so that others lives are saved (!) and others will join us as disciples of Jesus Christ.
We hear so much bad news I thought I would share something precious. A client from Intervention Court was in an extreme state of hopelessness after having to sleep in an empty house with her young son on the floorboards for sometime just so they were safe.
She found closed doors at every point to seeking assistance, she was on the edge. The option to return to a violent situation or her thoughts of suicide appeared to be all she could see. Either way the result would be the same, due to the situation she ran from.
I spoke to her for a while & asked if I could pass on her information to our doorways staff at Marion Salvation Army. She cried out to God that night & then the next day was contacted by Kerryn from Marion. They have helped this lady & her son in such a precious way, treated her with dignity , respect ,care & compassion. Reminds me of our God who calls us to be His light in the Darkness.
This lady has a new lease on life, believes that God heard her prayer & that there are some beautiful people in the world.
I thought this was something definitely worth sharing - our workers are such a gift, may we treasure them as they treasure those we send to them.
Thanks to Bev for such positive feedback. Thank you to Kerryn for her service, and Greg for his leadership of the Community Services team. Note Bev's reference to light: We continue to shine God's light in Adelaide's south so that others lives are saved (!) and others will join us as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Volunteers
We value volunteers. There is no other way to say it. We are grateful for all that they do to further our mission and help us achieve our vision under God.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak to some of the Divisional team about the value of volunteering as part of the discipleship journey. We can point to real stories of transformation in our Corps where people have been through our services, and then started volunteering as a stage on their spiritual journey. Or they have started with us as volunteers and then been staff, or come to church and come to faith.
Today, I was able to meet with the volunteer coordinator for Marion Council. Our hope is that we will be able to partner in providing volunteering opportunities. The relationships we have we council often open doors for us in the community as well.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak to some of the Divisional team about the value of volunteering as part of the discipleship journey. We can point to real stories of transformation in our Corps where people have been through our services, and then started volunteering as a stage on their spiritual journey. Or they have started with us as volunteers and then been staff, or come to church and come to faith.
Today, I was able to meet with the volunteer coordinator for Marion Council. Our hope is that we will be able to partner in providing volunteering opportunities. The relationships we have we council often open doors for us in the community as well.
Marriage Act
The Salvation Army has made submissions to the Senate committee reviewing the marriage act. To view this submission go to:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=legcon_ctte/marriage_equality_2012/index.htm
You will need to then click on "Submissions" and then scroll down a fair way until you find The Salvation Army submission among the hundreds of others.
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=legcon_ctte/marriage_equality_2012/index.htm
You will need to then click on "Submissions" and then scroll down a fair way until you find The Salvation Army submission among the hundreds of others.
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
The General's Letter/ Greenland
The Salvation Army continues to grow. The General has just announced the commencement of official work in our 125th country, Greenland. This will be overseen by the Denmark territory, and the first officers to Greenland were appointed at recent commissioning events in Copenhagen.
You can read about this and more in the General's quarterly letter to Salvationists, available at:
www.salvationarmy.org/thegeneral
You can read about this and more in the General's quarterly letter to Salvationists, available at:
www.salvationarmy.org/thegeneral
Monday, 21 May 2012
Others
It has been a weekend about others for Marion Salvos.
Others have joined us as we've worshipped. In fact all three congregations on the weekend had first time visitors. Some came to Messy Church on Saturday after seeing the new banner. Some came to Glenelg because a friend had recommended The Salvation Army as a place of worship. Some came to Seacombe because they are new to the area - two from PNG, no less.
Others have volunteered to help us collect. It was great to be at both Seacombe and Glenelg centres over the weekend to meet people who are putting up their hand to help with the Red Shield Appeal. We couldn't do it without the extra help from the community.
Others are the reason we serve, really. We shine God's light in our area so that others join us as disciples of Jesus Christ. We offer a helping hand so that others come to know God, grow in God, show God's care and go in God to serve their world.
Others have joined us as we've worshipped. In fact all three congregations on the weekend had first time visitors. Some came to Messy Church on Saturday after seeing the new banner. Some came to Glenelg because a friend had recommended The Salvation Army as a place of worship. Some came to Seacombe because they are new to the area - two from PNG, no less.
Others have volunteered to help us collect. It was great to be at both Seacombe and Glenelg centres over the weekend to meet people who are putting up their hand to help with the Red Shield Appeal. We couldn't do it without the extra help from the community.
Others are the reason we serve, really. We shine God's light in our area so that others join us as disciples of Jesus Christ. We offer a helping hand so that others come to know God, grow in God, show God's care and go in God to serve their world.
Monday, 14 May 2012
Red Shield Ministries
The Red Shield Appeal can be a ministry. There is a real ministry that occurs in the contacts that are made while out and about.
One year I remember speakinga at length with a man that had been abused in a Salvation Army home as a child. While I wasn't able to satisfy all of his concerns, it certainly was a step toward reconciliation.
Another collector spoke to me this morning about his experiences last year. He called on a home where a man had recently been widowed. He found an opportunity to care for this man, pray with him, follow him up with a card and link him in with someone else to also support him.
Over the next fortnight of collections and conversations, shine your light so that others see God - take those ministry opportunities.
One year I remember speakinga at length with a man that had been abused in a Salvation Army home as a child. While I wasn't able to satisfy all of his concerns, it certainly was a step toward reconciliation.
Another collector spoke to me this morning about his experiences last year. He called on a home where a man had recently been widowed. He found an opportunity to care for this man, pray with him, follow him up with a card and link him in with someone else to also support him.
Over the next fortnight of collections and conversations, shine your light so that others see God - take those ministry opportunities.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Ric & Suzet - an update
Ric and Suzet Sutcliffe, from our Glenelg congregation, have given us an update on their work in the Philippines. Ric writes:
Hi all
I just posted the blog re the school graduation recently. It was great to see the 3 Joyland kids in their gowns and toga’s – take a look at the blog and some photos.
They each have a story and I have included some details there. We need to be cautious what we say for obvious reasons. They all glowed on the day and so grateful for the God given opportunity they have in life.
Also we are completing a new building which will be used as Dining/Recreation Hall. It is large and is looking great. The funds for this were donated by an old friend who now lives in the USA, Nats Kusuangko. He recently was here and saw the development. We wish he could be here now to be part of a Thanksgiving dedication. We hope to use it this Thursday – if the painting is all dry.
Suzet and I leave Thursday afternoon for the USA as Joshua and Julie are expecting twins late May. We still have not personally met Brynn, their daughter, so this is a great occasion for us. We are excited. We sold our car to do this. Joyland has an old Suzuki multicab, which is small and a squeeze for us foreigners, but heh, we survive. We are looking to raise funds to by an L300 style van for transport for Joyland kids. At the moment we do 2 trips when we go anywhere. If you can help it would be a blessing.
To all we thank you for your moral, prayerful and financial support. We know times are tough at the moment. If you desire to give from Australia it can be done through our website and is ‘tax deductible’. If in the UK it can be done through Heart of the Father and thereby is ‘tax deductible’ also.
To go to the blog and photos click here: http://joylandglobal.com/Content.aspx?contentK=80
Please pray for Ric and Suzet as the work and travel for the Lord.
Hi all
I just posted the blog re the school graduation recently. It was great to see the 3 Joyland kids in their gowns and toga’s – take a look at the blog and some photos.
They each have a story and I have included some details there. We need to be cautious what we say for obvious reasons. They all glowed on the day and so grateful for the God given opportunity they have in life.
Also we are completing a new building which will be used as Dining/Recreation Hall. It is large and is looking great. The funds for this were donated by an old friend who now lives in the USA, Nats Kusuangko. He recently was here and saw the development. We wish he could be here now to be part of a Thanksgiving dedication. We hope to use it this Thursday – if the painting is all dry.
Suzet and I leave Thursday afternoon for the USA as Joshua and Julie are expecting twins late May. We still have not personally met Brynn, their daughter, so this is a great occasion for us. We are excited. We sold our car to do this. Joyland has an old Suzuki multicab, which is small and a squeeze for us foreigners, but heh, we survive. We are looking to raise funds to by an L300 style van for transport for Joyland kids. At the moment we do 2 trips when we go anywhere. If you can help it would be a blessing.
To all we thank you for your moral, prayerful and financial support. We know times are tough at the moment. If you desire to give from Australia it can be done through our website and is ‘tax deductible’. If in the UK it can be done through Heart of the Father and thereby is ‘tax deductible’ also.
To go to the blog and photos click here: http://joylandglobal.com/Content.aspx?contentK=80
Please pray for Ric and Suzet as the work and travel for the Lord.
Red Shield Appeal Advertising
Yes the Red Shield Neighbourhood Appeal is here for another year.
This is a great opportunity for The Salvation Army to communicate our message to the community. Our visibility and public relations are worth as much as the money raised - although, let's be honest, we also need the money!
Today I've been to speak on Coast FM, and also have been interviewed by the Guardian Messenger (to be in an article next week). What a blessing that Brian, the Coast FM interviewer, asked about my role, and I was able to explicity tie our faith to our service.
Let's be ready for the divine appointments that God has already prepared for us ahead of these two-three weeks in appeal season.
This is a great opportunity for The Salvation Army to communicate our message to the community. Our visibility and public relations are worth as much as the money raised - although, let's be honest, we also need the money!
Today I've been to speak on Coast FM, and also have been interviewed by the Guardian Messenger (to be in an article next week). What a blessing that Brian, the Coast FM interviewer, asked about my role, and I was able to explicity tie our faith to our service.
Let's be ready for the divine appointments that God has already prepared for us ahead of these two-three weeks in appeal season.
Federal Budget
Last night Wayne Swann handed down his fifth budget as Treasurer. This is probably his most controversial, with carbon pricing, a surplus that may be more politically than economically sound, and a range of spending cuts that will hit most sectors.
While we don't know yet if there will be any impact on our own service delivery, there has been some good news in the federal budget for the Marion community.
Among the fine print was a significant sum ($3.5m) toward the construction of a community centre and library at Hallett Cove. This will be constructed by Marion City Council on the corner of Ramrod and Lonsdale Roads, opposite the two churches. This is something to look forward to, and something worth celebrating for our community.
While we don't know yet if there will be any impact on our own service delivery, there has been some good news in the federal budget for the Marion community.
Among the fine print was a significant sum ($3.5m) toward the construction of a community centre and library at Hallett Cove. This will be constructed by Marion City Council on the corner of Ramrod and Lonsdale Roads, opposite the two churches. This is something to look forward to, and something worth celebrating for our community.
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Garry Raymond
After some time away, it's great to be able to report back in.
Last Sunday night was extraordinary. At our Glenelg congregation we heard from Ret Det Insp Garry Raymond about his life and faith. He shared how he had almost lost his life twice, at the hands of his own mother. He shared about the life of service that he offered through the New South Wales Police Force Rescue Squad.
Most of all he continuously kept referring back to his faith. It was God that got him through, and early on, by miracle, brought his family to church. Since then he has been through divorce, the loss of a child, tramatic rescues and crime investigations and in all circumstances has been able to find his God faithful and true.
Everyone who attended was blessed to hear from Garry.
Last Sunday night was extraordinary. At our Glenelg congregation we heard from Ret Det Insp Garry Raymond about his life and faith. He shared how he had almost lost his life twice, at the hands of his own mother. He shared about the life of service that he offered through the New South Wales Police Force Rescue Squad.
Most of all he continuously kept referring back to his faith. It was God that got him through, and early on, by miracle, brought his family to church. Since then he has been through divorce, the loss of a child, tramatic rescues and crime investigations and in all circumstances has been able to find his God faithful and true.
Everyone who attended was blessed to hear from Garry.
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