Monday Spot (25 January 2010)
The Corps Give to Grow programme commenced on Saturday with a Corps meal at the local hotel. There was a short presentation at the end of the evening which was introduced by Adrian Horwood.
It was a great opportunity for everyone to relax and enjoy the company of fellow Salvationists over a very pleasant meal. Here are a couple of photos. To see more, click here.
The Sunday meetings were conducted by Majors Drew and Beverly McCombe.
Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe
The theme for the morning meeting, led by Drew, was the Generosity of God and from the start focussed on the blessings which God bestows on us. The following songs were used: Song 10 , SOF 2065, Song 579, Song 308. Music ministry was provided by the Singing Company, ‘What a wonderful Day’ and Songsters ‘Know my heart’. A new adherent, Dolly Morgan, was received into the Corps fellowship.
Major Drew praying with Dolly. Adherent Secretary Major Alma Brown behind her.
Dolly Morgan
The Give to Grow Study Leaders were recognised and a prayer of dedication was given. They will lead small bible study groups during this week to help understand the will of God in respect of the giving of time, talents and money.
Bible study leaders are, left to right: Mark Scoulding, Nigel Day, Joan West, Ray Maycock, Carolynn Maycock, Tim Scott, Andrew Pennington, Jean Jones, (not in photograph), Bev Hudson, Chris and Kate Boughton.
The Bible verses used were Isaiah 55: 1-5 and John 3:16-17. In his message Drew said that our view of God is important as it will reflect in our reaction to him. There is still a need for us to be shocked into the understanding of who we are dealing with – an extravagent, generous God. So generous that he stripped himself of his splendour to feed and clothe us. It is only God’s love that can satisfy and he wants to endow us with splendour.
The evening meeting led by Major Beverley was based on the theme ‘Aspects of love’. God as provider and communicator. The scripture used was Psalm 23. Songs included Song 763, SOF 496, Song 614, Song 612, Song 136, and Song 43. The music ministry by the band was ‘I need Thee’ and Songsters ‘One life to live’. Two more Give to Grow Study leaders were dedicated: Mike and Sheena Gibbs.
Mike and Sheena Gibbs
Major Beverley led a time of prayer using the St. Ignatius prayer when we were able to sit for a time of silence to listen to God communicating with us. The message, based on Mark 12: 38-44, was, Beverley said, when Jesus got rid of the rule that said one tenth of wealth should be given to the temple. The rich gave out of the excess of their wealth but the poor widow gave out of her poverty in love. She explained that advanced poverty was when people rely on themselves. This is severe because what they rely on will certainly disappoint them. They impoverish themselves by their failure to trust. The widow risked having nothing but gained treasure because she relies on God who will never disappoint her. When Jesus pointed out the widow’s faithfulness and her radical trust in God, he erased the law about the tithe. For some people 10% is too much to give and for some it is not enough. The Jesus way has nothing to do with the law but it has everything to do with love. Whatever we decide to give we must not give grudgingly but give out of love for the God who gives everything to us.
Thanks for visiting us. May God bless you in this forthcoming week.