Monday Spot (17 September 2007)
The corps programme is back in full swing now following the summer holiday period and, guess what, the weather’s improved. Wouldn’t you just know it?
Sunshine, in short supply this summer
However, good worship and meeting content has most certainly not been in short supply and this week-end was no exception. Major Kathy was again our leader in the absence of Majors Drew and Beverley, absent on Divisional Headquarters duties.
Major Kathy
In the morning the theme was ‘God’s purpose for you’ and Kathy used John 14:5-14 as her scripture. The meeting contained a birthday tribute to Lt Col Ray Steadman-Allen, OF, who will be 85 years old on Tuesday and is a member of our corps. A fuller and more detailed appreciation of the Colonel’s work will feature on this website on Tuesday.
The Singing Company, Band and Songsters all provided a musical ministry with the Singing Company bringing ‘There’s a Way’, the Songsters ‘I will Answer’ and the Band playing Ray’s march ‘Task Force’.
Ray with Joy
Songs 847, 801 and 644 from The Salvation Army Song Book together with 1184, 1076 and 480 from Songs of Fellowship supported Kathy’s message in which she asked have you ever wondered what your purpose is? Why have you been put on this earth? God’s purpose for each of us is to repond to the needs we see around us . In other words, to do what Jesus did. He said ‘those who have faith in me will do what I have done’. God will provide all we need to do it. As 21st century disciples we must accept this responsibility for the benefit of those around us. God’s purpose is for us to be like Him and if we trust Him He will fulfil his work in us. Yes, each of us!.
Speaking of purpose we are pleased to announce a new leader for our Fellowship Purpose Group. Sam Wood has accepted this responsibility and will start work immediately.
Sam
In the evening we again looked at ‘Reactions to Jesus’ and asked the question ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son’. Songs used were 17, 48 and 9 from The Salvation Army Song Book and 544, 92 and 780 from Songs of Fellowship. The Band brought two items of musical ministry both as a tribute to Lt Col Ray Steadman-Allen. These were ‘Silver Star’ and ‘A Thanksgiving Suite’. The Songsters sang ‘If you would be strong’.
Verna Smith and Adrian Horwood both spoke of their experiences as children of Salvation Army officers, its difficulties and benefits and the development of their own spiritual experience in coming to the point where their faith was their own and not that of their parents.
Verna 
Adrian
Basing her address on Luke 4:14-24 Kathy said we all have an inherent desire to know who we are and where we come from. Jesus was known as Joseph’s son but he did not live in his earthly father’s shadow. Instead he was the Son of God and lived in the likeness of his Heavenly Father. And so who are we? Do people we meet see Jesus in us? Are we recognised as God’s children? Our father God loves us and treats us as His own. Have you accepted that? Do you recognise yourself as His child?
In conclusion we would like to wish Louise Robinson every success as she begins her course at Buckinghamshire Chalfont University College. We understand that she will be attending Hillingdon Corps during term time but no doubt we shall be seeing her during the holidays and whenever it is possible to get home for the week-end. Send us a blog occasionally, Louise. We want to know how you are getting on!
Louise
Readers may also be interested to learn that this website has proved to be a useful link for two ladies wishing to join our next Alpha Course, starting in ten days time. This is not the first time that members of the general public have expressed an interest in our programme of activities through the website and we encourage contact with us in this way. Contact us if you wish to know more.