Monday Spot (19 November 2007)
A tragic disaster occured on Saturday when a newly fitted out shop, due to open for business today (Monday), was destroyed by fire. The shop was situated only about 40 metres from the front doors of our hall as you will see in the following pictures.
Shortly after these pictures were taken the flames broke out again and the shop owner told a local Salvationist, who was able to offer some comfort, that she had lost everything as her insurance was not effective until Monday. The police advised us that they did not believe the circumstances were suspicious and, fortunately, there was no loss of life or injury. We have no hesitation in asking our readers to remember in prayer those who have lost so much.
Also on Saturday Lt. Col. Ray Steadman-Allen was the special guest and compere at a concert given by the Medway Band at our neighbouring Salvation Army corps at Gravesend. We hear that the evening was well worthwhile and the contributions of the Colonel were much appreciated. We hope to bring a more detailed report in due course.
The Band in concert
Lt. Col. Ray Steadman-Allen at work
It seems hardly possible that in two weeks time we shall be entering the season known in the Christian church as ‘Advent’.
Advent is the season when our worship begins to prepare us for the season of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. There are many ways of preparing for Christmas and, no doubt, we shall be featuring a number of them on this website during the next few weeks. But we cannot escape the fact that the only true way to prepare is through worship. The Christmas story will feature strongly in our worship in December but for the next two weeks we continue with our regular themes for our meetings.
On Sunday morning Major Beverley was our leader and the theme was ‘Church Serves’.
Major Beverley
Psalm 86:1-13 and Romans 12:1-8 were the chosen portions of scripture and this was supported by songs 488 and 707 from The Salvation Army Song Book together with 145 and 1404 from Songs of Fellowship. Heather Scott and Margaret Sutton gave some of their experiences as ‘servants of Jesus’, Heather speaking about her work teaching adults of foreign origin to speak English and Margeret about the service of feeding the homeless each Monday at the Hall. The musical ministry was ‘Psalm 91′ from the Singing Company and ‘Beyond Compare’ from the Songsters. Carolynn Woodman received her commission as Deputy Songster Leader.
L to R: Heather, Margaret, Carolynn & the Songsters
In her message Major Beverley asked two questions. Do you consider yourself to be an active member of this church and do you consider yourself to be a minister? God has far greater expectations of us than for us to turn up to church and support financially. He says that every member of His family is a minister. We, as Salvationists, are ‘saved to serve’. Service is not optional for Christians. We cannot sit on the sidelines and join in when we feel like it. God made us so that we can add something to life. Beverley challenged us by saying that she felt 90% of the work of the corps was probably done by 30% of the people. What’s your challenge?
Major Drew
In the evening Major Drew again pursued the general subject of remembrance and brought thoughts on ‘Remember Me when you come into your Kingdom’. Verses from Psalm 40:1-3 were used in conjunction with Luke 23:32-43 and songs included were 824, 289 and 298 from The Salvation Army Song Book and 1607, 1151, 27 and 875 from Songs of Fellowship. Examples of desperate situations were brought before the congregation (including the one described above) and prayer was offered on behalf of those suffering as a consequence. The Band contributed ‘Grant us Thy Peace’ and the Songsters ‘Remember Me’ as the musical ministry for the evening.
Major Drew said in his message God has put all people on an equal footing regardless of their staus in life. This does not seem fair but it is Christ’s teaching that the value of all human souls is the same. The thief on the cross understood this and changed his attitude to Jesus. He admitted his wrong doing which is a difficult thing for all of us. His eyes were opened and God can open our eyes as well. Have we reached our own ‘desperation’? If so we can plead for the mercy of Jesus. As with the thief on the cross, it will be granted.
Returning to the subject of Christmas, we were pleased to hear that the The Splinter School of Dance, which once again is taking part in our Carol Concerts at the Central Theatre this year, is wishing to include a number of our own children in part of their routine. The number to be featured is the well known High School Musical song ‘We will always be together’ and this will allow friendships to be built between the pupils of the dance school and our own young people. What a great idea! Here is a picture of the ‘Splinter’ contribution last year. On line booking starts here (follow the link ‘search the calendar/month/next month’)
Seven swans a-swimming