A great Sunday at Marion Salvo's again. In the morning there was a spirit of unity - so much so that some of our welcome team commented on the 'feel' as people arrived. The afternoon congregation were challenged by a guest speaker, Brad (what a great name), to take on Jesus yoke.
He used the example of St Aiden, the Ionian missionary sent to the Saxons following their conquest of the Britons. St Aiden was following another missionary who had taken the approach of condemning the Saxons and wondered why it didn't work. Instead, Aiden approached them with humilty and one by one was able to introduce the Anglo Saxon people to Christ.
His approach saw thousands accept Christ. The Anglo Saxon converts became the English people, who formed the Anglican church, from which the Methodists and subsequently the Salvationists come. Our movement owes a lot to Aiden, even though he lived and served in the sixth century.
Today happens to be his feast day in the Anglican tradition. Perhaps Salvationists, too, could take a moment to learn from his story. Look him up on the web. I get the feel that our approach to our community should be like his approach to the Saxons. Let's be a humble, gracious and listening people that journey alongside the people of Adelaide's south and together see where our stories fit into God's big story.
Monday, 31 August 2009
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Training
There's always something happening at Marion Salvation Army. For one thing, this weekend we celebrate Mark's 30th birthday - congratulations Mark (Mark is our youth pastor).
Also, Angela, Paul and the children's team are at a training day today entitled "Kidwise". Opportunities like this help them to hone their skills for the sake of the children they endeavour to reach with the gospel. Well done to the team for taking the opportunity to learn.
We all need to keep learning. See you tomorrow in worship.
Also, Angela, Paul and the children's team are at a training day today entitled "Kidwise". Opportunities like this help them to hone their skills for the sake of the children they endeavour to reach with the gospel. Well done to the team for taking the opportunity to learn.
We all need to keep learning. See you tomorrow in worship.
Friday, 28 August 2009
Ezekiel
Despite my friend Margaret's overview a few weeks ago when she shared the message at our church, I happen to be in the middle of reading Ezekiel. It's part of my regular reading plan.
It's not an easy read. I can only imagine how Ezekiel felt when he was experiencing such visions and being asked to share them with the people of Israel in exile.
Thankfully God promised to steel him for the task, and as always, God kept his promise. And Ezekiel was able to go through with whatever it was that God asked of him and to share whatever it was that God showed him.
May we have the same courage, knowing that we always have the same God and the same support that Ezekiel did.
It's not an easy read. I can only imagine how Ezekiel felt when he was experiencing such visions and being asked to share them with the people of Israel in exile.
Thankfully God promised to steel him for the task, and as always, God kept his promise. And Ezekiel was able to go through with whatever it was that God asked of him and to share whatever it was that God showed him.
May we have the same courage, knowing that we always have the same God and the same support that Ezekiel did.
Monday, 24 August 2009
Holiday?
Apparently I've had one. Let's just call it a week away from the usual, because it doesn't feel like I've actually had a break. Maybe that's what kids do to you.
Even though I return to the mission here at Marion, probably just as tired as when I left, I know God has continued to refresh me spiritually and intellectually. I've been challenged at the Super Cluster gathering and I've had a good time in the Word while we've been away as a family.
Now to put my office back together after the painter has been through and get to work.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to and end. They're new every morning. Great is his faithfulness. (Lamentations 3)
Even though I return to the mission here at Marion, probably just as tired as when I left, I know God has continued to refresh me spiritually and intellectually. I've been challenged at the Super Cluster gathering and I've had a good time in the Word while we've been away as a family.
Now to put my office back together after the painter has been through and get to work.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to and end. They're new every morning. Great is his faithfulness. (Lamentations 3)
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Supercluster
OK... so it's a wierd name for an event. The Supercluster is a gathering of the Growing Healthy Corps Officers from around our territory each year in Melbourne. It is an opportunity to hear from pastors and officers on the journey toward growing healthy corps in their locality, and to glean ideas for our own journey.
This year's guests were Rev Dr Paul Borden from the American Baptist Churches of the West (California, USA) and Ps Bob and Luann Cherry, also from California. Their honesty and passion were evident as they discussed their journey and fed into our ministries from theirs.
Most important was the reminder that the internal stuff within each of us comes first - i.e. dealing with our individual relationships with our creator God. From there we ventured with the timeless reminder that the church only exists for those that don't belong to it yet - in other words, we are here for our community, not ourselves.
While we are off on furlough for another 10 days now, we know that the Corps is in good hands with our extraordinary staff. We know that on Sunday when Margaret and Mark preach you are in for a treat, as you will be next Sunday with Neil. We also know that God is continuing to prepare our church for an amazing ongoing ministry among the people of Marion.
God be with you all this week.
This year's guests were Rev Dr Paul Borden from the American Baptist Churches of the West (California, USA) and Ps Bob and Luann Cherry, also from California. Their honesty and passion were evident as they discussed their journey and fed into our ministries from theirs.
Most important was the reminder that the internal stuff within each of us comes first - i.e. dealing with our individual relationships with our creator God. From there we ventured with the timeless reminder that the church only exists for those that don't belong to it yet - in other words, we are here for our community, not ourselves.
While we are off on furlough for another 10 days now, we know that the Corps is in good hands with our extraordinary staff. We know that on Sunday when Margaret and Mark preach you are in for a treat, as you will be next Sunday with Neil. We also know that God is continuing to prepare our church for an amazing ongoing ministry among the people of Marion.
God be with you all this week.
Monday, 10 August 2009
Blake's day
I love those days when we get to witness a commitment to Christ in the form of a Salvation Army enrolment. Yesterday we welcomed Blake, our newest Junior Soldier. He looked great, for sure, but better still he publicly stated his faith in Jesus. Thank you God.
Qudos, also, to Marion our Junior Soldier Sergeant, Paul our children's pastor and Mark, Blake's Dad, who have all played a part in his discipleship. The whole church community is responsible for helping this young one be all that he can in Christ.
On another note, today we've picked up a pallet load of groceries for our Community Services Team, courtesy of IGA and our friends at the Port Adelaide warehouse. We are forever grateful to God and our community for the generosity of such sponsors that help us continue to serve.
God be evident to you this week in your journeyings.
Qudos, also, to Marion our Junior Soldier Sergeant, Paul our children's pastor and Mark, Blake's Dad, who have all played a part in his discipleship. The whole church community is responsible for helping this young one be all that he can in Christ.
On another note, today we've picked up a pallet load of groceries for our Community Services Team, courtesy of IGA and our friends at the Port Adelaide warehouse. We are forever grateful to God and our community for the generosity of such sponsors that help us continue to serve.
God be evident to you this week in your journeyings.
Friday, 7 August 2009
Stress
I just arrived home from a day of training to help assist people who have almost given up. Chatting with Ange, I'm told that while some of our team aren't at that stage, certainly there's a little stress in the air today.
Working in communities always has its stressors, as does maintaining and performing well in team environments. Still beats doing it on our own, but we need to find ways in which we can support each other and also care for ourselves.
We are no good to anyone, if not in a good place ourselves.
This week can I encourage everyone at Marion Salvation Army to uphold our team leaders and section leaders in your prayers. Make it a subject of focus during your Pray 155 times. "Pray for us that the message may be delivered and God honoured" (see 1 Thess 3:1)
Working in communities always has its stressors, as does maintaining and performing well in team environments. Still beats doing it on our own, but we need to find ways in which we can support each other and also care for ourselves.
We are no good to anyone, if not in a good place ourselves.
This week can I encourage everyone at Marion Salvation Army to uphold our team leaders and section leaders in your prayers. Make it a subject of focus during your Pray 155 times. "Pray for us that the message may be delivered and God honoured" (see 1 Thess 3:1)
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