Monday Spot (30 July 2007)
Well, we are still waiting for summer. But after another night of heavy rain we woke up on Sunday to improving weather and the slight hint that it might improve even more during August. May, June and July have all experienced the highest rainfall since records began in the UK!
Remember sunshine?
But who are we to complain? British TV has shown many images this week of flood devatation in the UK and we can only express our support and offer our prayers for those who have lost so much. It will take many months for life to get back to normal for thousands of people.
Our meetings this week-end were led by Major Kathy who will be ‘on the bridge’ for the next few weeks due to holidays and other commitments for Majors Drew and Beverley.
Major Kathy
In the morning meeting we continued our theme of ‘Issues of Life’ thinking particularly about gambling. Songs 60, 435, and 356 from The Salvation Army Song Book were used in conjunction with 493, 1498, 475 and 1346 from Songs of Fellowship to develop this theme. Taking scripture from 1 Timothy 6:3-21 Kathy spoke of how many myths exist about the remedial value of money.God has nothing against money but He is concerned about how it is obtained and what is done with it. ‘No gambling’ is a rule which William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, introduced because he could see the problems associated with it. What are the principles for the Christian? “Teach those who are rich in the world not to be proud……use your money wisely……lay up treasure in God for the future”. Musical contributions were ‘Teach me, Lord, to be thankful’ from the Singing Company and ‘Grace Alone’ from the Songsters.
Three new adherents, Peter & Annette Sampson and Valerie Smith were recognised during the meeting. Peter spoke of how he came to The Salvation Army following the ‘Promotion to Glory’ of his sister-in-law who had became an adherent only a few weeks before her passing.
Recognition
Peter gives his testimony
Evening worship centered again around the theme of great women of the bible, this time Deborah. It included songs 17, 711 and 6 from The Salvation Army Song Book and 895, 145, 1099 and 707 from Songs of Fellowship. Scripture was taken from Judges 4 and the musical contributions were the march ‘Soldiers of Christ’ from the Band and ‘Come to Me’ from the Songsters. In her address Major Kathy asked what was it about Deborah that made her such a strong woman? Her determination and her lifestyle were part of the reason God chose her as a judge. She was also a prophet with a God-given word for the world. The bedrock of her life was an unshakeable faith in God. The lesson for us is that God choses his own leaders and asks them to lead others to him by lifestyle and deep concern for them.
A good days meetings yet again. We are certainly blessed with good ministry!
Finally, over the next few weeks we hope to have news of other activities, music and summer schools for example, attended by members of our Corps and we will bring these to you when we can. In the meantime, have a good week.