There was only one meeting yesterday which was led by Majors Malcolm and Sylvia Walters in the absence of Corps Officers Majors Alec and Andrea Still who are taking a short break. They will be back at work later in the week.
Majors Sylvia & Malcolm Walters
Majors Andrea & Alec Still
Verse 1 of Acts chapter 2 began the Pentecost worship which continued with song 195 from the Salvation Army Song Book and Songs of Fellowship 1377. The Singing Company contributed ‘What a great and mighty God’ and Major Sylvia spent some time with the children speaking about how we sometimes suffer at the hands of an unreliable SATNAV and how we sometimes make mistakes in following directions. We are then encouraged to return to the ‘highlighted route’. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, keeping us on the right track This part of the meeting concluded with song 204 (SA Song Book)
The worship then continued with song 680 (SA) and a scripture presentation by Major Malcolm based on Acts 2: 14-21 before the Songsters brought ‘Bow the knee’
Major Malcolm delivered the sermon which is summarized here:
Of course the people thought the disciples were drunk. They had never seen anything like it. Many different languages were being used and understood. It was explained that these men were not drunk but full of the Holy Spirit, and that they would prophesy.
So what is prophecy? First of all it is what God says and what he means. We must speak about Jesus, that’s what prophecy is.
The ancient prophets acknowledged that their world was in a mess. but claimed it need not always be so. They told of God’s will and encouraged people not to worry because he was in charge. This is what we are ordained to say, speaking about Jesus and what he said and did.
Ministry is not gender specific (ref: sons & daughters). this has only recently been acknowledged in the church. Neither is it age specific (ref: young and old). When we are young we have the energy to carry out our vision. As we get older we are able to support through our dreams and we will be very encouraging when we do so. We need to be engaged with the thought that one day Jesus will come again. That’s all we need to know. Don’t miss the point; forget the ‘signs’ and tell out God’s word.
So, what proof is there that no one was drunk at Pentecost. Well, people were saved for a start. thousands of them. Note that it was the Lord who added these to the church, not the disciples. We need to be about our Father’s business and when we are he will reward our ministry. WE must rely totally on him and he will be faithful to us.
Our response today has to be the same as those early day disciples. Allow the Holy Spirit into your life.
A time of meditation around the chorus ‘Spirit of the living God‘ as helpful before the meeting closed with song 199 from the Salvation Army Song Book.
We are grateful to Majors Malcolm and Sylvia for their ministry.
During the past week we have said our final goodbye to Isabel Morris who was recently Promoted to Glory at the age of 91. The funeral and ‘celebration of life’ took place on Wednesday led by Major Alec Still. Hymns used were ‘Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven‘, ‘To God be the Glory‘ and ‘Count your blessings‘ and scripture chosen was Psalm 91:1-5. John 14:1-6 was read at the Crematorium where the Bob Willis Storyville Jazzmen provided some of the music (featuring Isabel’s brother, Doug Richford, on clarinet). Isabel was a lovely, gracious lady who will be greatly missed.
Isabel Morris
We recently reported the success of Duncan Sutton, who now lives in Southern California. Duncan, who is the son of David and Margaret and the brother of Ruth and Russell, has gained a Doctorate in Education Leadership and we are now able to bring you pictures from his graduation.
