Christ At Coal Creek

While on holiday recently I revisted Coal Creek Heritage Museum, as my last visit there would have been some 28 years ago on a primary school excursion. Historic, hey?

While strolling the various heritage buildings I paused for some moments in a little old church. The interior decor was striking, for despite its simplicity it depicted a complexity of emotions.

My attention was immediately drawn to a framed velvet artwork in the left corner behind the pulpit, which I photographed as shown here. I later learned that it is a reproduction of Hofmann's Christ In Gethsemane.

Further research revealed that the German artist's (1824-1911) religious works were symbolic of the profound faith that guided his life and fed his creative genius. He painted subjects from literature and mythology, but is best known for his paintings of the life of Christ. Deeply affected by his beloved mother’s death, Hofmann was inspired to paint his first large religious work, “The Burial of Christ”. Interestingly, he was deeply devout and diligently studied the Bible before painting any scene from Christ’s life, strongly believing that unless someone was moved to their innermost soul while painting religious subjects, they were incapable of the task.

During these weeks of Lenten reflection I've been constantly reminded that the gospel is deeply personal. Yes, the sacrifice of Christ was deeply personal and continues to deepen within me a greater personal appreciation of the extent of God's love.

As I left that little church at Coal Creek, I took with me a deeper desire for personal spiritual engagement summed up well by the words on a plaque by the door.

Whosoever thou art that enterest this Church,

Remember it is the House of God.

Be reverent,

Be silent,

Be thoughtful,

And leave it not without a prayer to God

For thyself,

For those who minister,

And those who worship here.

The Lord Is My Chaplain

I attended a divisional chaplains meeting this morning and was greatly encouraged by the focussed discussion that took place. While there were many definitions of chaplaincy, it was affirming to be reminded of the value of chaplaincy in our changing world and to hear an acknowledgment that, first and foremost, chaplaincy is a ministry.

As a result of this and other personal reflections, I was inspired to compose the following paraphase of the well-known and often-quoted Psalm 23.

The Lord is my Chaplain!

Together we journey through life as trusted companions

He listens to me in gentle understanding

Always encouraging and supportive, never pushy or threatening

When I tread the streets of frustration, despair and anxiety

He guides me to discover the fullness of His love, grace and peace

I am reminded that He is ever-near, guarding and sustaining

Despite facing uncertain cirumstances and changing scenarios

His constant presence fosters hope and strength within me

And helps me to envision a better future

Where I'll know the joy of His eternal care

copyright 2009, Timothy D Lynn

Voice Of The Church ~ Conference and Concert

Come along for all or part of the day vocal conference, and plan to attend the 7.30pm combined vocal concert at Doncaster Corps featuring singers from Camberwell, Mooroolbark, Northcote and Warragul Salvos.

SING PRAISES TO HIS NAME!

1 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV) ~ "Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."

Informed Prayer, Prayerful Action

Today's World Day of Prayer service was focussed on Papua New Guinea.

My wife did a sterling job in arranging and leading the prayer liturgy through, with assistance from a few reader volunteers.

The highlight though was our guest speaker.

Brigadier Gwen Pedersen, a exemplary missionary officer, spoke firsthand of her ministry and service in Papua New Guinea over many years, where she lived and served in retirement with her husband, Brigadier Vic.

Brigadier Gwen took us on a most interesting and engaging journey of the places she visited and the people she loved, delighting us with humourous stories and cause for Christian concern.

This year's chosen theme, In Christ We Are Many Yet One Body, was well highlighted through this personal and prayerful reflection time.

Romans 12:5-6a (NIV) ~ "...in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."

Seniors Rally

Connecting with God is vital. Connecting with God is exciting...especially when a group of seniors are gathered together for meaningful worship and individual fellowship.

This was certainly evident today as the Eastern Victoria Division hosted its annual Seniors Rally at Doncaster, organized by Major Jennifer Cloke (Divisional Community Care Secretary) and well supported by territorial leaders, Commissioners Carolyn & Jim Knaggs, together with our own divisional staff. The Melbourne Veterans' Band were the invited guest musicians and they certainly added a spirit of praise to the gathering that focussed from start to finish on "Connecting With God".

I was privileged to be in attendance and personally participated by reciting selected verses from Romans chapter 8. These are inspiring words that are the basis for the personal confidence we have in our Christ-inspired daily faith - words that were supported with spontaneous applause.

Well, there's got to be a first time for everything. Why not at a seniors rally from wise and well-travelled fellow believers?

Romans 8:37 (NLT) ~ "...overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."

Maryborough 125th

The Melbourne Staff Songsters were guests of the Maryborough Corps over this weekend to assist them in celebrating 125 years of ministry within their local community. Captains Andrew and Kelly Walker have a wide-reaching, effective Christian influence as leaders of this vibrant, growing corps community.

It was great to witness the exciting present with the enrolment of 5 Adherents, and hear something of the past victories that inspire the modern-day Salvationists and friends of the corps to pave the way for a bright, hopeful future.

In honour of their 125th anniversary, Captain Peter Walker (CO's brother) composed 'March Maryborough' ~ a joyous, toe-tapping rendition of two theme songs: "Storm the forts of the darkness" and "Fill the world with glory".

Deuteronomy 4:29b (NIV) ~ "...seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."

MSS Executive Officer

Our weekend got off to a great start when Melbourne Staff Songster Leader Brian Hogg announced that Major Judith Soeters, a fellow MSS member, has been appointed as our new Executive Officer.

I am confident that the ministry of the MSS will be greatly enhanced by the spiritual leadership of Major Judith. May God bless her more richly still!