Monday Spot (16 March 2009)
This weekend eight of our ladies have been to a Women’s Conference entitled ‘Liberate – Breath’, held at Ashburnham Place, in Sussex. We were a little concerned for them on Friday because the BBC TV weather forecast had indicated ‘fog on the M25 in both directions‘. Really!
Ashburnham Place
Hopefully one of the ladies will be able to see enough to be able to report for us during the week (on the weekend, not the fog).
fog in both directions!
Our meetings on Sunday were again led by Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe and took themes from sayings of Jesus on the cross
Drew & Beverley
In the morning we thought about ‘Father, forgive them….’. Major Beverley used songs 109, 133 and 17 from the Salvation Army Song Book and 1170, 783 and 877 from Songs of Fellowship. Scripture was in the form of a united rreading using a collation of Jesus’ words on forgiveness. Click here to read the verses chosen.
Musical ministry was provided by the Singing Company and Songsters who brought ‘I love you, Lord’ and ‘Under His Wings’ respectively. Recognition was given to the new Songster Librarian team comprising Joan Page, Rachel Abbott and Emma Davis and Ruth Hardy was commisioned as Songster Sergeant.
Ruth Hardy
Chloe Fales-Butteris, Elsa Burdett and Emma Moon were enrolled as a Junior Soldiers and Martin Davis (Platinum), Jessica Boughton (Gold), Bethany Boughton and Daniel Lenton (both Bronze) were presented with their Junior Soldier Awards by Major Beverley McCombe. Martin has earned the first Platinum award here at Chatham.
L to R (left): Chloe, Elsa & Emma
L to R (left): Daniel, Martin, Bethany & Jessica
In her message Major Beverley quoted the old adage ‘actions speak louder than words’ and said Jesus demonstrated this in the most extreme of circumstances, on the cross. We always seem to want vengeance when people hurt us or do us wrong, sometimes even to death. In contrast, Jesus asked for forgiveness for those who had crucified Him. Throughout His ministry Jesus often spoke about forgiveness and encouraged his listeners to practise it. Here, on the cross, He lived out what He had preached for three years. ‘This is how much God loves the world’ is how the Message translation puts it. When He said ‘Father forgive them’ Jesus reached out to the world of ‘you and me’. We must acknowledge our wrongdoing and seek that forgiveness; humble ourselves and come honestly before God so that we can receive it. Forgiveness could change the world!
The evening found us reflecting on ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise’. Songs 156, 907, 136 and 371 were chosen from the Salvation Army Song Book together with 416, 1404 and 921 from Songs of Fellowship. Selected verses from Psalm 136 were used, these being verses 1, 2, 4, 8 & 9, 11 & 12, 16, 23, 24 and 26.
The ministry of music was again provided by the Band and Songsters with ‘For You’ and ‘You are the Light’ respectively.
The message, which was based on Luke 23:32-43, was given by Major Drew who asked what comes to your mind when you think of Heaven? What do you believe about Paradise? Jesus referred to it on the cross in his words to the dying thief when He said ‘today you will be with me’. This means that Jesus will be there. Salvation is eternal life, now, and we enter into it through forgiveness. The cross is pivotal in all human history, not just a ‘take it or leave it’ story. Where are you in relation to Paradise? Are you assured of a place in God’s eternity? He accepts and loves you unconditionally and by his grace you can be. You can be assured of Paradise today!
It was a good day at the Corps and we look forward to our meetings next Sunday which is, if course, Mothers’ Day. We expect a number of visitors on this special Sunday so why not join them.
How to find us:
Click on the maps for a larger version
Have a great week! And watch out for fog in both directions. Sorry BBC.