Monday Spot (30 March 2009)
This weekend has been one with a heavy accent on Youth and Young People generally.
This is the logo for The Salvation Army’s Training Course on child protection, an issue which is taken very seriously in these modern times.
But first our Sunday morning meeting which was prepared and led by our Youth Group members. Using the theme of ‘Reaching Out’ songs chosen were 755, 742, 851 and 830 from Songs of Fellowship and 832 from the Salvation Army Song Book. Piloted by Mark Scoulding the morning featured Ant, Helen and Axl who, together, brought us John 4:1-26, Daisy, Jess and Adam who each gave short talks and Emma who prayed. Ant also spent some time with the children.
Members of the Youth Group who participated in the meeting. Back Row (L to R): Mark, Ant, Adam, Axl. Front Row (L to R): Emma, Daisy, Jess, Helen
Musical contributions were brought by the Singing Company and Songsters with ‘With You, Jesus’ and ‘Praise His Holy Name’ respectively.
In their talks the young people spoke about how Jesus took the opportunity, at the well, to tell what He knew and the impression this made on the woman. The question ‘what is the point of testimony?’ was asked, and answered with the example that it can encourage others and help them to also tell what they know of Jesus. In the words of the song it can ‘make salvation’s story heard’. In considering what the bible story can tell us today we were encouraged to take our opportunities to witness, especially in one-on-one situations and to do so by taking the first step. Our message is a quality one, and we must ‘reach out’ by telling it.
The Safe & Sound Training Pack
Safe & Sound Training is now mandatory in The Salvation Army for those who work with children (which is very nearly everyone, really!). For more information on S & S click here. During yesterday afternoon a training session was held aimed mainly at leaders and their assistants, sergeants, etc. whose sections or groups can have under 18s as members. This is a wide ranging group and approximately 35 people attended the course.
Training in progress
In the evening the meeting was led by Major Beverley and included song 184 from the Salvation Army Song Book together with 1170, 633, 1193, 1239 and 646 all from Song of Fellowship. Words of scripture from Isaiah 53:3-7 amd Matthew 27:45-50 supported the theme of ‘Love’s extremity – Why have you forsaken me?’. Testimony was also included from 5 members of the congregation who each spoke of their own experience, some referring to the morning meeting and the encouragement they received from our young people.
Major Beverley McCombe
The Band brought Divine Communion and the Songsters Somebody’s Prayin’ each enhancing the worship.
In her address Beverley said the death of Jesus by crucifixion is the most famous death in history. She went on to describe the horror in graphic detail. Jesus cried out to His father God – ‘why have you forsaken me?’ Why did He cry to God – “My God”. He was, in fact, quoting Psalm 22 as He experienced, for the first time, spiritual separation from Him. He felt utterly alone. In our turn, we can only fulfil a relationship with God by being with Him in a spiritual sense. We must have a ‘Holy Hunger’ for Him. Jesus went through this experience of separation so that we don’t have to. Accept Him and He will remove the feeling from your heart so that you never need know it again.
For some weeks now we have been focussing on the upcoming Easter season, both in our Sunday meetings and other activities such as Bible Study. We shall soon be into Holy Week with all the significance that holds. Why not join with us for some or all of the various acts of worship planned. To find out more visit our Coming Events page. Please come, we’d love to meet you.
God bless you and have a great week.