Once a quarter we are able to gather all of our staff and volunteers together, in part to simply say 'thank you'.
Today was such a day, and we want to add to the verbal thanks a public post to say that we appreciate the way that so many people contribute to God's mission through our church.
Our vision of a multi-cultural, multi-congregational, multi-campus expression of the church that serves all generations takes some building. Our mission to shine God's light in Adelaide's south so that others join us as disciples requires a group of like-minded people working to this end.
We couldn't do it without you all.
Thank you.
Thursday 30 August 2012
Westminster
Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking at the senior school assembly at Westminster. Westminster has a proud tradition of promoting a holistic education that includes a strong community service focus.
For a decade now, Westminster's senior boarders have raised money for our Red Shield Appeal by participating in the doorknock. They have raised an average of $1500 per year. As well as this, at least annually they send a community services team to our Corps to learn and join in service activities at our Seacombe Centre. This happened last weeek.
I was able to present a certificate of appreciation to the Captain of Boarders, Alex, and also say a few words about the contribution that the school is making through their support of The Salvation Army. It was not insignificant that in the same assembly the students were promoting their next community service project - supporting Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child.
Our church is again, also, supporting Operation Christmas Child. If you are around Marion and interested in joining in this worthwhile project, please speak to Brian Hunt.
For a decade now, Westminster's senior boarders have raised money for our Red Shield Appeal by participating in the doorknock. They have raised an average of $1500 per year. As well as this, at least annually they send a community services team to our Corps to learn and join in service activities at our Seacombe Centre. This happened last weeek.
I was able to present a certificate of appreciation to the Captain of Boarders, Alex, and also say a few words about the contribution that the school is making through their support of The Salvation Army. It was not insignificant that in the same assembly the students were promoting their next community service project - supporting Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child.
Our church is again, also, supporting Operation Christmas Child. If you are around Marion and interested in joining in this worthwhile project, please speak to Brian Hunt.
Monday 27 August 2012
Letter from the TC regarding homosexuality and The Salvation Army
As late as today I have heard concerns from our people about a letter issued by our Territorial Commander in late June. Please refer to my blog from July 2 for some clarification including a note from our Chief Secretary in addition to the TC's letter.
As I sit an ponder the pastoral implications of these conversations, I am prompted about who we ALL are in Christ.
God loves everyone unconditionally.
God forgives everyone.
Jesus has done everything that is necessary for our salvation - it's got nothing to do with what we do, or don't do; who we are, or who we are not.
I am also prompted by the thought that:
All have sinned and fall short of God's glory, BUT there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, and there is NOTHING (including my actions) that can separate me from the love of God that is in Jesus.
As I sit an ponder the pastoral implications of these conversations, I am prompted about who we ALL are in Christ.
God loves everyone unconditionally.
God forgives everyone.
Jesus has done everything that is necessary for our salvation - it's got nothing to do with what we do, or don't do; who we are, or who we are not.
I am also prompted by the thought that:
All have sinned and fall short of God's glory, BUT there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, and there is NOTHING (including my actions) that can separate me from the love of God that is in Jesus.
Thursday 23 August 2012
Visit of Netty Horton
This week we were priviliged to welcome Netty Horton, The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory's Territorial Social Program Director, to Marion. Netty was accompanied by our Assistant Social Program Secretary, Major Sue Wallace, and our Social Policy Advisor, Andrew Elvin.
The purpose of Netty's visit was to continue her familiarisation with the social services provided by The Salvation Army in South Australia. We were able to speak to her about the incredible growth in our service delivery at Marion - now reaching over 4500 'client episodes' per year. We were also able to speak to three important issues for us: the diversification of our social service, the perennial funding issue and most importantly, the integration of all of our services to achieve our primary mission: shining God's light in Adelaide's south.
There has already been some good leads to come out of the conversation, as to where we can take our services next. Watch this space!
The purpose of Netty's visit was to continue her familiarisation with the social services provided by The Salvation Army in South Australia. We were able to speak to her about the incredible growth in our service delivery at Marion - now reaching over 4500 'client episodes' per year. We were also able to speak to three important issues for us: the diversification of our social service, the perennial funding issue and most importantly, the integration of all of our services to achieve our primary mission: shining God's light in Adelaide's south.
There has already been some good leads to come out of the conversation, as to where we can take our services next. Watch this space!
Monday 20 August 2012
The toilet tour of Australia
From September 7-9, Marion Salvos will be hosting the toilet tour!
This is part of a broader campaign by the Micah Challenge and their partners (including The Salvation Army) known as "Give Poverty The Flush".
We are hopeful that the event will be attended by our local federal member, Dr Andrew Southcott. We have also sent invitations to our Mayor, Felicity Lewis, and our state member, Alan Sibbons.
Give Poverty The Flush is aimed at raising awareness about the 780million people who live without access to clean, safe drinking water and the 2.5 billion people who don't have adequate sanitation. Every day around the world, 3000 children die from preventable causes related to water, sanitation and hygiene.
The event will feature the giant toilet - a two meter toilet - in our foyer where people can have photos taken and sign the petition to ask for the federal government to do more in this area.
Look out for more information to come.
This is part of a broader campaign by the Micah Challenge and their partners (including The Salvation Army) known as "Give Poverty The Flush".
We are hopeful that the event will be attended by our local federal member, Dr Andrew Southcott. We have also sent invitations to our Mayor, Felicity Lewis, and our state member, Alan Sibbons.
Give Poverty The Flush is aimed at raising awareness about the 780million people who live without access to clean, safe drinking water and the 2.5 billion people who don't have adequate sanitation. Every day around the world, 3000 children die from preventable causes related to water, sanitation and hygiene.
The event will feature the giant toilet - a two meter toilet - in our foyer where people can have photos taken and sign the petition to ask for the federal government to do more in this area.
Look out for more information to come.
William Booth - 100 years on
Today marks the centenary of the promotion to glory of William Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army. This was a significant moment in the history of the movement. Could it survive the death of both of its founders? (Catherine predeceased William by a number of years).
Well, under the consolidatory leadership of Bramwell Booth, and a number of subsequent Generals including our current incumbent Linda Bond, it has not only survived, but is now larger than ever with 2 million plus members spread across 124 countries.
But what of the vision and legacy of our founders. They didn't necessarily envisage a denomination at first, in fact William was keen that the movement should cease the minute it lost its focus on saving sinners. They didn't forsee an institution at first, but understood the need to structure an organisation that would serve the needs of society.
What they did see is many people coming into relationship with Christ. They saw a holy movement of people reaching every people-group with the freedom of the gospel and a holistic salvation that considered the whole person. Is that what we see today, 147 years after The Salvation Army was founded (as The East London Christian Mission) and 100 years after William's death?
Well, under the consolidatory leadership of Bramwell Booth, and a number of subsequent Generals including our current incumbent Linda Bond, it has not only survived, but is now larger than ever with 2 million plus members spread across 124 countries.
But what of the vision and legacy of our founders. They didn't necessarily envisage a denomination at first, in fact William was keen that the movement should cease the minute it lost its focus on saving sinners. They didn't forsee an institution at first, but understood the need to structure an organisation that would serve the needs of society.
What they did see is many people coming into relationship with Christ. They saw a holy movement of people reaching every people-group with the freedom of the gospel and a holistic salvation that considered the whole person. Is that what we see today, 147 years after The Salvation Army was founded (as The East London Christian Mission) and 100 years after William's death?
The Marathon
Yesterday, I completed my fourth marathon. This morning, a nice email awaited me from the organisers.
Congratulations on completing the 42.20 km Run with a Finish Time of 03:35:30. Your position overall was 109, with a Gender place of 98, placing 53 out of 137 in your Male 16-39 Age Group.
(Context: 406 competitors)
Marathons teach a lot. There is the need to persevere, even when you hurt. There is the need for community - people to share the journey, people to train and coach you, people that are running the same pace as you that can encourage you on the way. There is the need for leaders and volunteers to set up the event and keep it running and safe. There are mental challenges on the way as well as physical.
In our life marathon, we could all do with the people that share our journey, lead us, coach us, and support us. We could all learn about persevering in the hard times and overcoming those lies and challenges that enter our minds. I'm grateful for what I learn... it's not just a run through the parklands!
Congratulations on completing the 42.20 km Run with a Finish Time of 03:35:30. Your position overall was 109, with a Gender place of 98, placing 53 out of 137 in your Male 16-39 Age Group.
(Context: 406 competitors)
Marathons teach a lot. There is the need to persevere, even when you hurt. There is the need for community - people to share the journey, people to train and coach you, people that are running the same pace as you that can encourage you on the way. There is the need for leaders and volunteers to set up the event and keep it running and safe. There are mental challenges on the way as well as physical.
In our life marathon, we could all do with the people that share our journey, lead us, coach us, and support us. We could all learn about persevering in the hard times and overcoming those lies and challenges that enter our minds. I'm grateful for what I learn... it's not just a run through the parklands!
Friday 17 August 2012
Livable Cities
Every six months, the EIU (the publishers of "The Economist" magazine) publish a list of the world's most livable cities. This is based on security, healthcare, education, tranpsport etc. The purpose is to demonstrate to companies where their executives might like to live, and conversely where they wouldn't (so they'll ask for more money to go there).
It wouldn't come as any surprise to readers to know that there are four Australian cities in the top 10. Melbourne is the world's most livable city. Adelaide is number 5. Sydney comes in at 6 and Perth at number 9. The rest of the top 10 are Toronto, Vienna, Vancouver, Helsinki, Aukland and Calgary. (Some would be interested to know that the highest ranked US city was Honolulu at 26).
This brings to mind two things. In highly 'livable' countries, of which Australia is obviously one of the highest ranked, we often take for granted how blessed we are and the obligations we therefore have to consider the rest of the world.
Also, I think we need to guard against complacency. It would be easy to look at reports such as this and find that we forget that within livable cities there are still many lost people, addicted people, abused people and homeless people.
It wouldn't come as any surprise to readers to know that there are four Australian cities in the top 10. Melbourne is the world's most livable city. Adelaide is number 5. Sydney comes in at 6 and Perth at number 9. The rest of the top 10 are Toronto, Vienna, Vancouver, Helsinki, Aukland and Calgary. (Some would be interested to know that the highest ranked US city was Honolulu at 26).
This brings to mind two things. In highly 'livable' countries, of which Australia is obviously one of the highest ranked, we often take for granted how blessed we are and the obligations we therefore have to consider the rest of the world.
Also, I think we need to guard against complacency. It would be easy to look at reports such as this and find that we forget that within livable cities there are still many lost people, addicted people, abused people and homeless people.
Tuesday 14 August 2012
Social Justice conversations
At the moment The Salvation Army is supporting three campaigns in the social justice arena.
The first is to ask the Hon Nicola Rixon, Attorney General, to change Australian laws regarding the importation of goods that involve the use of slavery in their production. Australian law makes it illegal for any Australian company to engage in any financial transaction involving a slave, regardless of where it occurs in the world. Unfortunately, it is up to consumers to do their own extensive research to identify goods produced by slave labour. These goods typically include cocoa, seafood, clothing, bricks and rugs from some countries.
The second campaign is to ask the President of Hershey Chocolates to provide a public timetable by which all the cocoa used in their products will be independantly certified free of abuse of children trapped in harmful or expoiltative conditions, or who have been the victims of trafficking. In comparison, other large companies including Nestle, Cadbury, Mars, Kraft, Ferrero and Lindt have taken action to address exploited child labour in their production of cocoa.
The third is to ask the Hon Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition, to support legilation to stop Austrlian Ineternet Service Providers from allowing their clients to access child sexual abuse sites by requiring them to block ready access to such sites. At this stage Telstra and Optus do so voluntarily. We ask that all ISP's be mandated to block ready access. Blocking access to such sites is reccommended by INTERPOL as assisting the police in combating this activity. It makes it harder for commercial child sexual abuse sites to build a customer base. It also respects the rights of victims to minimise access to the abuse of their images.
If you are interested in joining one of these campaigns, more information can be obtained from www.stopthetraffik.org.au or from Major Marion Weymouth at Territorial Headquarters in Melbourne.
It is great that we are not alone in such campaigns. In these cases we are joined by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydeny, The Freedom Project, The Churches of Christ, Childwise, Starfish Ministries, The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, the Oaktree Foundation, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, the Victorian Trades Hall Council, the National Tertiary Education Union, the ACTU and the National Council of Churches in Australia.
The first is to ask the Hon Nicola Rixon, Attorney General, to change Australian laws regarding the importation of goods that involve the use of slavery in their production. Australian law makes it illegal for any Australian company to engage in any financial transaction involving a slave, regardless of where it occurs in the world. Unfortunately, it is up to consumers to do their own extensive research to identify goods produced by slave labour. These goods typically include cocoa, seafood, clothing, bricks and rugs from some countries.
The second campaign is to ask the President of Hershey Chocolates to provide a public timetable by which all the cocoa used in their products will be independantly certified free of abuse of children trapped in harmful or expoiltative conditions, or who have been the victims of trafficking. In comparison, other large companies including Nestle, Cadbury, Mars, Kraft, Ferrero and Lindt have taken action to address exploited child labour in their production of cocoa.
The third is to ask the Hon Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition, to support legilation to stop Austrlian Ineternet Service Providers from allowing their clients to access child sexual abuse sites by requiring them to block ready access to such sites. At this stage Telstra and Optus do so voluntarily. We ask that all ISP's be mandated to block ready access. Blocking access to such sites is reccommended by INTERPOL as assisting the police in combating this activity. It makes it harder for commercial child sexual abuse sites to build a customer base. It also respects the rights of victims to minimise access to the abuse of their images.
If you are interested in joining one of these campaigns, more information can be obtained from www.stopthetraffik.org.au or from Major Marion Weymouth at Territorial Headquarters in Melbourne.
It is great that we are not alone in such campaigns. In these cases we are joined by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydeny, The Freedom Project, The Churches of Christ, Childwise, Starfish Ministries, The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, the Oaktree Foundation, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, the Victorian Trades Hall Council, the National Tertiary Education Union, the ACTU and the National Council of Churches in Australia.
Monday 13 August 2012
The General's Prayer Letter
For those that are interested, our General, Linda Bond, has been issuing letters with prayer topics included.
If you would like to read one, and pray for our General and the worldwide Salvation Army, then please have a look at http://www.salvationarmy.org/thegeneral/prayertopics
If you would like to read one, and pray for our General and the worldwide Salvation Army, then please have a look at http://www.salvationarmy.org/thegeneral/prayertopics
Kimberly
Last night it was great to welcome Kimberly Farwell as the latest adherent of our Corps during a ceremony at the Glenelg Centre. Kimberly is the first new member to be welcomed at Glenelg since we recommenced worship services there, last September.
Kimberly's testimony was sweet. She mentioned that she had been volunteering at the Seacombe centre since last December, and how she enjoyed being able to come to worship.
Thank you for joining our team, Kimberly. May God continue to impact your life.
Kimberly's testimony was sweet. She mentioned that she had been volunteering at the Seacombe centre since last December, and how she enjoyed being able to come to worship.
Thank you for joining our team, Kimberly. May God continue to impact your life.
Volunteers Sunday
Throughout the year we plan events that help us to recognise the contribution of our volunteers.
The latest was a special Sunday service that celebrated their service, recognised their contribution and offered a small gift in thanks.
Perhaps the best part of the morning was the interviews with Susan Lynch and Bev Cairns. I loved the simple statement from Bev, when asked, "What keeps you coming back?" "God!"
Susan spoke about how she was surprised by how welcoming the team were at Ascot Park, and how she loves being able to use all of her talents in her role.
Those that serve alongside us - soldiers, friends, adherents, employees, volunteers, advisors, collectors and so on - all contribute to our mission to shine God's light in Adelaide's south so that others join us as disciples of Jesus Christ. Each of them make up an important part of the life, community and transformation that we offer to our local area.
Thanks to all our volunteers.
The latest was a special Sunday service that celebrated their service, recognised their contribution and offered a small gift in thanks.
Perhaps the best part of the morning was the interviews with Susan Lynch and Bev Cairns. I loved the simple statement from Bev, when asked, "What keeps you coming back?" "God!"
Susan spoke about how she was surprised by how welcoming the team were at Ascot Park, and how she loves being able to use all of her talents in her role.
Those that serve alongside us - soldiers, friends, adherents, employees, volunteers, advisors, collectors and so on - all contribute to our mission to shine God's light in Adelaide's south so that others join us as disciples of Jesus Christ. Each of them make up an important part of the life, community and transformation that we offer to our local area.
Thanks to all our volunteers.
Monday 6 August 2012
Children's Celebration
Yesterday we celebrated children.
They are an integral part of our church, and we took the opportunity yesterday to develop our worship time entirely around the children.
In the morning at Seacombe Gardens we 'wiggled and froze', sung about our Great Big God, and prayed with thanks as our Junior Soldiers renewed their pledge. It was sobering also to hear Angela and Wendy speak about the 90 children connected with our children's ministry at the moment, and the responsibility we have to ensure they are in a safe, gospel-oriented environment.
In the evening at Glenelg we joined with other Salvationists around the world in observing the International Day of Prayer for Children. We prayed that the children in our community would have a safe environment in which to grow. We prayed for our children's ministries, that they would be places where children learn about God's unconditional love. We prayed for our mission, remembering lost children in our community. And we also prayed for children that are born into extreme poverty.
I can't accept the notion that the children are the church of tomorrow. They are the church of today! They are more spiritually aware than many adults, and need to hear and use God language, and see and learn about Kingdom values NOW. May we be instruments by which this happens.
They are an integral part of our church, and we took the opportunity yesterday to develop our worship time entirely around the children.
In the morning at Seacombe Gardens we 'wiggled and froze', sung about our Great Big God, and prayed with thanks as our Junior Soldiers renewed their pledge. It was sobering also to hear Angela and Wendy speak about the 90 children connected with our children's ministry at the moment, and the responsibility we have to ensure they are in a safe, gospel-oriented environment.
In the evening at Glenelg we joined with other Salvationists around the world in observing the International Day of Prayer for Children. We prayed that the children in our community would have a safe environment in which to grow. We prayed for our children's ministries, that they would be places where children learn about God's unconditional love. We prayed for our mission, remembering lost children in our community. And we also prayed for children that are born into extreme poverty.
I can't accept the notion that the children are the church of tomorrow. They are the church of today! They are more spiritually aware than many adults, and need to hear and use God language, and see and learn about Kingdom values NOW. May we be instruments by which this happens.
Saturday 4 August 2012
Team Building
Each year we take our senior leadership team for a team building exercise. In the past these have included meals out, or even a trip to a chocolate school.
Following a suggestion from within the team, this year we did things quite differently. We went first to the Australian Refugee Association's offices in Underdale for a meeting with their staff to learn more about the plight of refugees in Adelaide. The purpose was to open our eyes to what is happening in our community and learn the best ways of serving those recent arrivals.
We spoke together about intercultural competence, visas, organisations that help and ways of working together.
Following this, we went over to Hindmarsh to have an Afghan meal.
Whenever you are building a team, it is important to create experiences (learning, social and memorable) that build a team memory and ethos. If you work in one of the teams at our church (shop, children's, youth, seniors, CSS etc), ask your team leader or manager about a team building experience. It will bring immeasurable value to your teamwork.
Following a suggestion from within the team, this year we did things quite differently. We went first to the Australian Refugee Association's offices in Underdale for a meeting with their staff to learn more about the plight of refugees in Adelaide. The purpose was to open our eyes to what is happening in our community and learn the best ways of serving those recent arrivals.
We spoke together about intercultural competence, visas, organisations that help and ways of working together.
Following this, we went over to Hindmarsh to have an Afghan meal.
Whenever you are building a team, it is important to create experiences (learning, social and memorable) that build a team memory and ethos. If you work in one of the teams at our church (shop, children's, youth, seniors, CSS etc), ask your team leader or manager about a team building experience. It will bring immeasurable value to your teamwork.
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