... and many other major events
The reality, as highlighted even during the London Olympics, is that major events provide great opportunities for both good and dark things to take place.
Our social justice co-ordinator, Bev, writes:
The high octane fuel is pouring out, the engines are loud & roaring, rubber is burning , road tar is melting & the air is electric - yes it is Clipsal.
The fun & excitement, watching & listening to the petrol head rip up the road as the crowd roars. The rock bands take to the stage ( even KISS, now maybe I am not that old after all ) & the side shows bring in the dollars. Whilst the Adelaide City Counsel watch the money & people pour in as they rub their hands together in delight.
However there is a dark side to this sporting event & that is what I want to ask those who will be attending to please watch for & report if you see it.
With adds like "young petite Asian women in the state for only 3 days" we are alerted to the realization that trafficking of people in to the state for the s#x trade is taking place. If you see anything that makes you wonder if this is taking place PLEASE make the call. You will never know whose live you could set free from this terrible darkness.
To report suspected human trafficking call 131 AFP ( 131 237) or report a crime at www.afp.gov.au
The first step to reforming society is awareness. This is something to be aware of in Adelaide.
Tuesday 26 February 2013
Monday 25 February 2013
Dedication
This is the best word that I can think of to describe the events of yesterday at Marion Salvos.
Angela spoke to us on the challenges of dealing with criticism. Part of handling criticism is having a broader perspective, including both our identity in Christ and our dedication to Christ.
We had the opportunity to share in the dedication of a child. Aton is the beautiful baby daughter of Acout. Acout chose yesterday to stand before our congregation and declare her intention that this lovely daughter be raised influenced by her faith. She promised, so far is she is able, to keep her from poor influences and that should Aton choose to offer for God's service as an adult, that Acout would be fully supportive. These are big promises of dedication.
Last night we witnessed the installation of our new Divisional leaders, Lt Colonels Ron and Robyn Clinch. They weren't just welcomed into a new job. They were dedicated to God's purposes and set apart for the task of spiritual leadership within our state. It was great that this happened before a big crowd in the city that included community and religious leaders from our city.
Angela spoke to us on the challenges of dealing with criticism. Part of handling criticism is having a broader perspective, including both our identity in Christ and our dedication to Christ.
We had the opportunity to share in the dedication of a child. Aton is the beautiful baby daughter of Acout. Acout chose yesterday to stand before our congregation and declare her intention that this lovely daughter be raised influenced by her faith. She promised, so far is she is able, to keep her from poor influences and that should Aton choose to offer for God's service as an adult, that Acout would be fully supportive. These are big promises of dedication.
Last night we witnessed the installation of our new Divisional leaders, Lt Colonels Ron and Robyn Clinch. They weren't just welcomed into a new job. They were dedicated to God's purposes and set apart for the task of spiritual leadership within our state. It was great that this happened before a big crowd in the city that included community and religious leaders from our city.
Monday 18 February 2013
Community meetings
Part of the Corps Officer's key responsibilities is to be visible in the community. This is achieved, in part, by meeting key community figures on a regular basis to discuss matters affecting the community and how we can work together.
Today Brad met with Alan Sibbons at his electoral office. The conversation included Aged Care Packages, mental health programs, the new wetlands on Oaklands Road, grafitti and vandalism prevention, the upcoming election and, of course, the Red Shield Appeal. Alan has generously donated space in his electoral newsletter to promote the appeal, and has, himself, been an appeal chairman and collector for us.
To be fair, we have also had phone conversations with his electoral opponent, Cory Wingard, who I'm sure we'll get to know better over the next few months.
It could be suggested that it is up to every Christian to act as a concerned citizen and engage in their community. We want God's Kingdom to be extended and we want its influence to pervade our communities so that others are freed, others are saved, others can join us as disciples of Jesus Christ. Take the chance to become involved. Start with your neighbours, maybe your local club and attend local meetings when they are held. Be the salt and light in Adelaide's south (see Matthew 5:13-16!).
Today Brad met with Alan Sibbons at his electoral office. The conversation included Aged Care Packages, mental health programs, the new wetlands on Oaklands Road, grafitti and vandalism prevention, the upcoming election and, of course, the Red Shield Appeal. Alan has generously donated space in his electoral newsletter to promote the appeal, and has, himself, been an appeal chairman and collector for us.
To be fair, we have also had phone conversations with his electoral opponent, Cory Wingard, who I'm sure we'll get to know better over the next few months.
It could be suggested that it is up to every Christian to act as a concerned citizen and engage in their community. We want God's Kingdom to be extended and we want its influence to pervade our communities so that others are freed, others are saved, others can join us as disciples of Jesus Christ. Take the chance to become involved. Start with your neighbours, maybe your local club and attend local meetings when they are held. Be the salt and light in Adelaide's south (see Matthew 5:13-16!).
Friday 15 February 2013
Kimberley Ashmore
We've been able to share the news on Sunday, and through Facebook, but we should also let our blog readers know that Kimberley is on her way!
Kimberley Ashmore will be joining us at Marion Salvation Army, starting from February 24 as part of her trianing experience. She is a cadet from The Salvation Army's Catherine Booth College in Melbourne, preparing for her commissioning and ordination, and for her future service, as a Salvation Army officer. It is anticipated that she will be commissioned and ordained in December this year.
As part of her training, Kimberley will spend a month on placement at Bramwell House, our Domestic Violence service in Adelaide. During this time she will be at Marion Corps on Sundays for our worship services. She will be giving her testimony when we introduce her to the Corps on Feb 24.
Then from Good Friday through to the Red Shield Appeal in late May, she will be full time at the Corps. Kimberley will work alongside Brad, Angela, Deb and the rest of the staff on a range of prescribed activities that will help her to experience Corps life in preparation for potentially leading a Corps herself (maybe even next year).
Please make sure Kimberley feels welcome when she arrives in Adelaide next week.
Kimberley Ashmore will be joining us at Marion Salvation Army, starting from February 24 as part of her trianing experience. She is a cadet from The Salvation Army's Catherine Booth College in Melbourne, preparing for her commissioning and ordination, and for her future service, as a Salvation Army officer. It is anticipated that she will be commissioned and ordained in December this year.
As part of her training, Kimberley will spend a month on placement at Bramwell House, our Domestic Violence service in Adelaide. During this time she will be at Marion Corps on Sundays for our worship services. She will be giving her testimony when we introduce her to the Corps on Feb 24.
Then from Good Friday through to the Red Shield Appeal in late May, she will be full time at the Corps. Kimberley will work alongside Brad, Angela, Deb and the rest of the staff on a range of prescribed activities that will help her to experience Corps life in preparation for potentially leading a Corps herself (maybe even next year).
Please make sure Kimberley feels welcome when she arrives in Adelaide next week.
Feedback
At our Corps we are grateful for feedback. Good news is encouraging and tells us the things we should sustain. Disappointing news helps us to work on things that must change. In the business world it is called Continuous Quality Improvment. For the rest of us it's simply about growing.
Of late we've had a bit of both. Two feedback forms from our Sunday services have said that people have felt welcome and that, in one case, a newcomer thoroughly enjoyed the service. We have had a volunteer help us to create an idea for a portable support office. We've had a Community Support Services client today cry with thanks as we've been able to help him to a new home - with all of the stuff he's been carting around the streets.
We've also had the sad and disappointing stories. Via Facebook feedback our centre was criticised for not helping a man through our shop in the way that we should have. It could be demonstrated that our staff didn't have all the information they needed to make a good judgement in this case. However, if someone has left our centre without feeling supported and dignified, cared for and encouraged, then we haven't met our own value standards.
We thank everyone who gives us feedback. We continue to struggle with the good and the bad.
Of late we've had a bit of both. Two feedback forms from our Sunday services have said that people have felt welcome and that, in one case, a newcomer thoroughly enjoyed the service. We have had a volunteer help us to create an idea for a portable support office. We've had a Community Support Services client today cry with thanks as we've been able to help him to a new home - with all of the stuff he's been carting around the streets.
We've also had the sad and disappointing stories. Via Facebook feedback our centre was criticised for not helping a man through our shop in the way that we should have. It could be demonstrated that our staff didn't have all the information they needed to make a good judgement in this case. However, if someone has left our centre without feeling supported and dignified, cared for and encouraged, then we haven't met our own value standards.
We thank everyone who gives us feedback. We continue to struggle with the good and the bad.
Friday 8 February 2013
Adelaide Casino expansion
In 2013 Adelaide‘s SkyCity Casino has been given the go-ahead to double its number of poker machines to 1,500 and to introduce card-based cashless gambling facilities.
There is no onus on the casino to add any additional measures to help prevent problem gambling.
These new casino additions obviously have great appeal to the South Australian Government who will benefit financially from the increased income from the gambling taxes. This is something they will be keen to maximise in the face of dropping general and GST revenues for the state.
Ross Womersley (Executive Director of the South Australian Council of Social Services) says that the government has "concrete boots on, in relation to responsible gambling policy, because they’re… so reliant on gambling revenue". $40 out of every $100 in gaming machines comes from problem gamblers.
And while the income to government may increase in the short term the cost to both treasury and to community long term has clearly not been calculated.
One impact will be the increased demand placed on the limited Gambler's Help services in Adelaide, and the emergency relief programmes such as those operated by Marion Corps' Community Support Services.
Please pray about how you might respond to an issue such as this, and pray for our team as they continue to serve the people of South Australia that find themselves in need.
There is no onus on the casino to add any additional measures to help prevent problem gambling.
These new casino additions obviously have great appeal to the South Australian Government who will benefit financially from the increased income from the gambling taxes. This is something they will be keen to maximise in the face of dropping general and GST revenues for the state.
Ross Womersley (Executive Director of the South Australian Council of Social Services) says that the government has "concrete boots on, in relation to responsible gambling policy, because they’re… so reliant on gambling revenue". $40 out of every $100 in gaming machines comes from problem gamblers.
And while the income to government may increase in the short term the cost to both treasury and to community long term has clearly not been calculated.
One impact will be the increased demand placed on the limited Gambler's Help services in Adelaide, and the emergency relief programmes such as those operated by Marion Corps' Community Support Services.
Please pray about how you might respond to an issue such as this, and pray for our team as they continue to serve the people of South Australia that find themselves in need.
Discovery Bible Studies
On Wednesday night some of our leaders went out to Adelaide Congress Hall to hear Steve Addison speak. Steve has been in ministry for over 30 years including church planting and significant discipleship programs. He currently has two books to his credit. It's worth checking out his work at www.movenetwork.org
This particulary night he helped us to workshop sharing our faith, and using a Bible Study method called "Discovery" where each person tells the story to each other from memory (this takes homework before hand to know the passage), then answers a few questions:
1. What does this passage tell you about God?
2. What does this passage tell you about people?
3. What does this passage ask you to do?
4. What will you do this week as a result of reading this passage?
5. Who will you share this passage with during the week?
It's a simple way of sharing the Bible together that is natural and conversational and can be used anywhere, in any group, without any resources (except your memory). Have a go and see what happens.
This particulary night he helped us to workshop sharing our faith, and using a Bible Study method called "Discovery" where each person tells the story to each other from memory (this takes homework before hand to know the passage), then answers a few questions:
1. What does this passage tell you about God?
2. What does this passage tell you about people?
3. What does this passage ask you to do?
4. What will you do this week as a result of reading this passage?
5. Who will you share this passage with during the week?
It's a simple way of sharing the Bible together that is natural and conversational and can be used anywhere, in any group, without any resources (except your memory). Have a go and see what happens.
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