Monday Spot (30 June 2008)
This week we’re back in the normal routine again with Monday Spot describing the important features of the past weekend in the life of the Corps. This weekend started with a BBQ.
Chef Paul
Heather Woodhouse played host for a BBQ Breakfast on Saturday which was attended by approximately 65 people. The weather was kind and the food great, with eggs, bacon and sausages accompanied by beans, tomatoes, toast, etc. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship, especially the children playing in Heather’s lovely garden. The event raised approximately £250 for the corps building fund. Here are some pictures.
Sunday meetings were arranged by our purpose group for Discipleship and led by Major Judith Payne and husband Ian. Major Judith’s current appointment is Director for SISTAD (School for In-service Training and Development). Taking her theme for the morning as ‘Church in the Community’ she chose songs 10 and 463 from The Salvation Army Song Book and 894, 1047 and 192 from Songs of Fellowship. Musical ministry was provided by the Singing Company and Songsters who brought ‘Sing, children, sing’ and ‘Moment by Moment’ respectively.
In her message, which was delivered in two parts, Major Judith asked a number of questions. Do people know where we are? Do they know what we do? What are we known in our community for? In general people do not have a good knowledge of us or our organization. Why does modern society hold such a negative view of the church? Is the media kind to us? Are we muddled about what we are doing in our community? Can we imagine our potential? Our country needs the good news of the gospel and, for us, it starts in Chatham. Chatham needs disciples and we must make a difference where we are. The amount of creativity in the Army today is as much as when the movement first began. This is exciting. Salvationists are moving into poorer communities in order to be ‘salt and light’ to those who already live in them. Street pastor groups are growing and having an effect, particularly where crime levels are concerned. Other activities are finding their way into the High Streets and attracting ‘business’. Different but effective! Church in the Community is about us and what we can do for God. Imagine Jesus – flesh and blood and moved into our neighbourhood.
Judith and Ian Payne
In the evening songs chosen were 365 from The Salvation Army Song Book and 1013 and 894 from Songs of Fellowship. The Band contributed ‘I surrender all’ (Flugel Horn Solo), the Songsters ‘One Life to Live’ and the scripture used was Psalm 139:1-18.
Instead of a sermon the final part of the meeting took the form of ‘Question Time’. In addition to Major Payne, panellists included General John Gowans, Rev. Peter Southcombe (Regional Development Officer for the United Reformed Church) and Rev. Canon Jean Kerr (Bishop’s Officer for Mission and Unity, Rochester).
Jean & Peter
John & The Panel
Amongst the questions asked were the following:
1) What is the most pressing need in this community and how should the church seek to address it?
2) What are your views on genetically modified human cells and human cloning?
3) How did it come about that the words of Jesus ‘Do this in remembrance of me’ have become so important to the church when other things He said are ignored?
4) Who is your Christian hero and why?
Answers in the comments box please!
An activity undertaken in the afternoon by both the Band and Songsters was the annual Service of Remembrance at the Medway Crematorium. The service this year was led by Rev. Sam Funnel and our sections provided suitable music and asssisted with the hymns. About 300 people attended the service which was an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed on. We conclude with some pictures.
Well, its been a lengthy ‘spot’ this week, but that’s our church! Its so exciting we haven’t enough space to write about it all. So we think it best if you come and find out for yourself or find an exciting church near you! Alternatively please contact us.
How to find us. Click on the maps for larger versions