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From the editors Desk Why did this !! |
Why did this, or that happen ? If only I had .. this would not have happened ! How often have you said, or heard this said ? Even Jesus heard this, Judas asked a similar thing when Jesus feet were anointed. The thing is that we do not know why certain things happen or what impact they have in the future. The Disciples did not know the effect Christs death would have, but I am sure they asked why did it happen. Just think if Christ had not died everything that followed would not have happened, no Resurrection, no Christmas or Easter, and no Christian faith. Jesus took twelve ordinary people and moulded them into a team, they did not know what the outcome would be. They had to work through their disagreements like the rest of us, and I guess they had quite a few. Judas always concerned about costs, Peter with his quick temper, cutting of a soldiers ear without thinking. How many times did they say why did this or that happen ? The only way to look at this is to accept that every event has a purpose, for us or someone else now or sometime in the future. In our daily lives we mix with people that rub us up the wrong way. Life is like that, not perfect. Look beyond the incident ask yourself why people act like this. Think about their past circumstances, what kind of experiences have they had ? God has sent them into our lives for a reason, so we need to learn to accept them for what they are, imperfect ordinary people and work with them. The lessons to be learnt could be by both parties. Let me explain. A person has run a business on their own for many years, and the business finally fails. That person then has to find a job and work with other people as equals. He does things on impulse because he has not before had to consider work mates. This causes frustration and disagreements. Both parties can learn from one another, both have things to bring to the overall working of the team. Some lessons may not be realised for a long time, only as we look back on the past we may realise the reason for events. The thoughtful word, helping hand, tolerance and patience may not bear fruit until much later. Really this has nothing to do with faith, I see it as a fact of life. Our faith just emphasises that we must accept people for what they are, putting a bigger responsibility on us to be mindful and accepting of others short comings. After all we also have short comings. So remember we may never understand or know why things happen, they may be for our benefit or the benefit of others. Therefore Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. |
The Editor |
Excerpt from the past. Corps History No 7 |
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Such excitement in Wimbledon during the summer of 1887 ! It was just ten years since the All England Lawn Tennis Championships had begun before a crowd of 200 in quiet Worple Road, one end of which led into fields with a footpath to the little village school at Raynes Park. Now in June there were joyful celebrations to commemorate Queen Victorias golden jubilee - much merriment and loyal tributes - but the Salvationists of Wimbledon, were already preparing for their own great day: Monday 22nd August when General William Booth himself would open our fortress in Kingston Road. The motor car was in its infancy and our Founder arrived by a horse-drawn cab. The War Cry of 3rd September enthused that this was one of the most perfectly constructed barracks you could wish to see. Its red brick front with stone facings, has a bright and cheerful effect, while the inside has both the useful and just a touch of the ornamental combined. Full is not the word; it was a "jam". "Storm the forts of darkness" (sung to the tune of "Come, landlord fill the flowing bowl") went off with a bang, and the hallelujah electricity ran all over the place. A wonderful description but, as we shall learn later from the local press of the day, the building was actually lit by gaslight. We also learn that it is recorded elsewhere that the Wimbledon folk so much wanted the Founder to stay that they took the wheels off his cab ! Hmmm ... perhaps a tall story? Next month: the local thoroughfares are jammed as the great chief arrives. |
Ron Foot |
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May Teasers Answers |
What and when is Royal Oak day ? OAK APPLE OR ROYAL OAK DAY MAY 29 was once a time for great national celebration and festivity. It is the day on which Charles II was restored to the throne, and it became popularly known as Oak Apple Day due to the story of his escape from the Roundheads. Fleeing from pursuers after the Battle of Worcester, Charles hid in an oak tree near Boscobel House at Wolverhampton. Although this actually happened on 4th September, it naturally became linked with the day of his restoration, decreed as a day of national thanksgiving by Parliament in 1660. What is well dressing ? A tradition that occurs in some areas of Britain, but in particular in Derbyshire, is that of well dressing. There used to be many holy wells and springs in Britain with reputedly magical or curative powers, some of which are still kept up and attract pilgrims. These wells were often originally consecrated to pagan deities but many were rededicated to Christian saints and, frequently, the Virgin Mary. The water from these wells and springs used to be thought to be particularly effective at special times such as Easter or Whitsun and especially Ascension Day. At these times, usually Whitsuntide, many of the wells are garlanded with flowers and bedecked with ribbons. Some, such as the village wells at Tissington in Derbyshire, are decorated with incredibly complicated mosaics of biblical scenes, using only natural materials. At Wirksworth, also near Derby, there are as many as nine wells, each decorated with a different design. |
Junes Teasers |
When is St. Peters day ? What is Strewings and Bawming ? |
People to remember in Prayer |
Lorraine, Matthew, Martin, Aiden, and their extended family
following the passing away of Lorraines father. Toni Rogers and her mum
and dad. Major Olive Feltwell who is to have surgery very soon. Winnie Vick.
Cadets entering training college this year from this division:- Keith and Vicki Burr, Daniel and Emma Rous, Esther Halliday, Catherine Stevens, Chris Moran, Alice and Andrew Stone, Theresa Harris. Gillia and Henk as they prepare to move to Redhill Corps, and Major Rosemary Randell who will be leaving Hastings Corps to join us in September |
Cadets summer placements |
Do pray for:- Sue Betts going to Dorcester, and Alan & Carol Donaldson going to Croydon. |
Anniversaries |
The second weekend in May saw the celebration of 3 wedding anniversaries Mary & Ernest 61 years: Paul & Ailsa 20 years: not forgetting Shaun & Sarah 6 years. |
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24-7 prayer |
From the original 24-7 prayer meeting prayer has spread like a
God-virus into many nations, denominations and age groups. Hundreds of non-stop
prayer meetings now link up on the web to form a unique chain of prayer. Q. WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF 24-7? 1. To turn the tide
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On a Mission from God! |
"Pray continually." (Jesus) Prayer and evangelism are inseparable.
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Preaching programme for June |
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Morning Holiness meeting | Evening Salvation Meeting | |||
3rd Family Service (Pentecost) | Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (selected verses) & His Coming (Acts 2). | Call to celebrate Christs presence. * | ||
God Squad | Who dares speaks. Acts 2:1-42 | |||
Junior Soldiers Class | Remain in the main meeting to celebrate Pentecost | |||
10th | Peters messages Acts 2,3,4 | Call to Soldiership. * | ||
God Squad | No compromise. Acts ch. 6 & 7 | |||
Junior Soldiers Class | Marriage is for keeps ! Exodus 20:14 | |||
17th Fathers day | The Believers. Acts 4 | Call to Inner Life. * | ||
God Squad | Trading Places. Acts 16:11-15 | |||
Junior Soldiers Class | Honesty is the best policy. Exodus 20:15 | |||
24th | Stephens story. Acts 6, 7 | Call to our life together. * | ||
God Squad | Turning point. Acts 26 | |||
Junior Soldiers Class | Telling the truth Exodus 20:16 | |||
* Based on the book and video Called to be Gods People. |
Thirsty ? |
As the temperatures hit the 70s and the sun beats down, have you ever longed for a tall cool drink in the shade ? David, the writer of Psalm 63, fled fom his son Absalom through a hot dry, sandstorm swept desert. Water was a scarce commodity. Just imagine Davids thirst, parched lips and burnt skin. Yet in the wilderness, stripped of all his usual support, creature comforts, security and assurance of Gods saving presence, David found something very precious. Falling back on his past experience of seeing God (v2), beholding his power and glory (v2), and knowing Gods love (v3), only then could David see that knowing God and being loved by God was the most important thing in life. Davids response was to glorify God (v3), praise God (v4), and sing (v5) even with parched lips ! He keeps on with prayer and meditation (v6), but trusts God to help him (v7) rather than rely on how hes feeling. David chooses to remain close to God (v8) even when he feels as though God is far away. So where are we ? Is God the most important thing in life ? Are you in a spiritual desert ? Are you tired and wanting to give up ? Are you muddling along, scared to let go of things and just trust God ? Remember that long tall cool drink, well Gods living water, his Holy Spirit, reaches parts other drinks can not. Go on drink deep, God wants to give you more of himself. Just as he did to the disciples on Pentecost 2000 years ago. |
Call to worship |
We call Salvationists worldwide to worship and proclaim the living God, and to seek in every meeting a vital encounter with the Lord of life, using relevant cultural forms and languages. (International Spiritual Life Commission). Worship springs from our heart as we come before God to rest, be strengthened and built up to go out into the world. It includes prayer, praise, singing, Bible reading, music, meditation, testimony, drama, reflection, poetry, and meeting with God as we meet in fellowship. In the Salvation Army we have a rich legacy of many ways to worship God. For those who enjoy worship through music and song and informal praise, why not come and gather around the piano after the Sunday evening meeting as Bill leads us into worship. For those seeking the assurance of prayer, there is the monthly prayer meeting at 5.30pm on the first Sunday of the month. For those seeking to reflect and share Gods word, then come to the monthly Bible study co-ordinated by Ron. Rebecca and Letitia are exploring how to use drama in worship. Interested ? Then chat to them and get involved. I wonder what other ways are there to worship ? Go on dream, try it, get others involved. It could catch on you know !! |
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Highlights from Corps Council 30 April |
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Called to be Gods people |
As the Salvation army moves forward into the new millennium there is a hunger and need to discover afresh the inner life that gives each one of us as Christians that inner strength to respond to Gods call in our lives. Nothing should be of higher priority than growing in grace and understanding in holiness of heart and life, and our experience of the risen Christ, present among us, experienced by us, and expressed through us in the quality of our lives and service. ( General Paul Radar). During our evening meetings, until 29th July, there is a chance to explore the findings of the Salvation Army International Spiritual Life Commission, and to work out as a Corps what Gods will is for us. We are called to be Gods people, lets fellowship together to ensure we are Gods people. Come and see the video, read the book, and share with each other your wonder of Being Gods people. |