Monday Spot (21 May 2007)
A special week-end for Chris and Joan Page who renewed their wedding vows on Saturday having been married for 18 years.
Chris & Joan
The service was conducted by Major Kathy Woodhouse and was attended by approximately 50 guests. Here are some pictures.
Major Beverley led our morning meeting on Sunday on the theme of ‘Abiding in the Vine’. She used songs 741, 736, 458 and 397 from The Salvation Army Song Book together with 40 and 1113 from Songs of Fellowship. The musical contributions were ‘Sing, Children, Sing’ from the Singing Company and ‘In His Presence’ from the Songsters. In her message, which was based on John 15:1-8 Beverley asked ‘How do we produce fruit from the Spirit in our lives? She said ‘God loves us in a way a father loves his son. We do things for our families we would not do for others. He loves us because we are his children. God makes the promise “I will be with you” many, many times in scripture. He sent us his Holy Sprit and when it came it gave us the facility to “abide in Him”. If we do, then fruit will grow. If we don’t, then it cannot’
Major Beverley
During the meeting Greg Davis was installed as our new Purpose Group Leader for Worship, a position that has been vacant for some time. We wish Greg well as he seeks to assist in setting the direction in this vital area of Corps life.
Greg Davis
Our evening meeting was led by Major Drew who used scripture from John 9 to illustrate ‘The Changed Life’.
Major Drew
Songs 365 and 334 from The Salvation Army Song Book together with 895 and 1067 from Songs of Fellowship set the theme for the meeting which focussed on the difference God has made in our lives. Musical contributions were ‘Why I love Jesus’ from the Songsters and ‘Lord, how I love you’ (from The Splendour of Youth) from the Band. The Songsters also led the congrgation in the singing of ‘I dare to be different’.
Four brief personal testimonies were given, each one telling of a single change God has made in the life of the speaker.
In his message Major Drew spoke about the statement from scripture ‘I was blind but now I see’; how good can come out of evil and light out of darkness. But God does not always act as we want Him to. Sometimes it is hard to see what he is doing but He changes our lives. The changed life is not ashamed to point to Jesus and we must not discredit the miracles God makes happen. We must let our lives shine so that others may see God in us and themselves be changed.
Rosemary
Finally we must congratulate Rosemary Steadman-Allen for raising £215 in ‘The Race for Life’ supporting cancer charities. We also need to let readers know that the funeral of Shirley Lebar will take place today at Medway Crematorium (11.20am). Let us remember Dave and the family in our prayers and ask that the many fund raising events, such as the one in which Rosemary participated, will help to provide further relief from this illness.
Whatever you are doing this week, remember that GOD LOVES YOU and has done so much for you.