Here's the next update...a link to the official MSS UK blog site!
http://mssuk2010.wordpress.com/2010/09/28/cradley-heath-north-shields-southwick-primary-school/
Time is precious, so thought that I'd be resourceful in preference to being creative. Just arrived in Bonnie Scotland, awaiting the commencement of our ceilidh.
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Monday 27 September 2010
MSS - UK Tour (Felixstowe - Peterborough)
On Thursday 16 September, I departed Melbourne with the Melbourne Staff Songsters (MSS) for their UK Tour. An (un)eventful departure to London via Hong Kong saw us arrive at sunny Heathrow some 23 hours later - ready, but not quite refreshed, for our first weekend in Felixstowe.
The group was warmly received and made to feel at home from the moment we arrived. Our billets were fantastic, which made the experience so much more enjoyable. The MSS sang at an Open Air in the mall, attended a Civic Reception hosted by the Mayor and then enjoyed giving an evening concert with a difference! Sundays worship services were a memorable time to connect both with God and the local corps folk.
Moving onto Norwich, we enjoyed sightseeing the town prior to sharing lunch at the local corps. We then gave a mini concert to senior citizens featuring some Australian folk songs, such as "Waltzing Matilda" and "Tie me kangaroo down". Boarding the coach again, we then made our way to Sheringham, where we setup for our evening concert at St Peter's Church. The opportunity to wander around hid delightful seaside town was appreciated, as was the fresh fish and chip dinner provided by one of the local Salvationist fish shop owners. As was our routine, the Saturday night concert was given to a packed audience - though this occasion was made more memorable by the collapsing keyboard and one very persistent pianist!
The next day we journeyed to Peterborough, a place that had literally bathed our visit in prayer! I had the opportunity to meet with the Msyor and local councillors at a reception before the evening's concert, and thoroughly enjoyed staying at the Bright household following. Though too short, our stay was most memorable in every way.
Stayed tuned for the next update...
The group was warmly received and made to feel at home from the moment we arrived. Our billets were fantastic, which made the experience so much more enjoyable. The MSS sang at an Open Air in the mall, attended a Civic Reception hosted by the Mayor and then enjoyed giving an evening concert with a difference! Sundays worship services were a memorable time to connect both with God and the local corps folk.
Moving onto Norwich, we enjoyed sightseeing the town prior to sharing lunch at the local corps. We then gave a mini concert to senior citizens featuring some Australian folk songs, such as "Waltzing Matilda" and "Tie me kangaroo down". Boarding the coach again, we then made our way to Sheringham, where we setup for our evening concert at St Peter's Church. The opportunity to wander around hid delightful seaside town was appreciated, as was the fresh fish and chip dinner provided by one of the local Salvationist fish shop owners. As was our routine, the Saturday night concert was given to a packed audience - though this occasion was made more memorable by the collapsing keyboard and one very persistent pianist!
The next day we journeyed to Peterborough, a place that had literally bathed our visit in prayer! I had the opportunity to meet with the Msyor and local councillors at a reception before the evening's concert, and thoroughly enjoyed staying at the Bright household following. Though too short, our stay was most memorable in every way.
Stayed tuned for the next update...
Friday 10 September 2010
The Reward Of Ministry
Everyday ministry doesn't often "bear fruit" right before our eyes. The time and energy we invest in the lives of others hoping, praying and working toward their betterment is, more often than not, a matter of "sow now, reap later". How much more blessed we are, then, to be able to see the change and transformation take place as we journey together with others!
Over the past 10 weeks, I've been privileged to share the personal "Positive Lifestyle" journey with a guy who has committed himself wholeheartedly to work toward intentional change for his own betterment. It's been an exciting and challenging time! It's been a time of self discovery and searching for better outcomes! It's been a time of encouragement and learning! But most of all, it's been a fruitful and rewarding time of ministry!
I'm pleased to share the good news: my friend has completed the PLP course, transformed his thoughts and actions for his own personal betterment and - perhaps most fruitful of all - has now commenced employment. His past was not so bright, but now his future is!
Life transformation brings hope, healing and wholeness. Life transformation in Jesus brings eternal reward!
Galatians 6:15b (NLT) ~ "What counts is that we have been transformed into a new creation."
Over the past 10 weeks, I've been privileged to share the personal "Positive Lifestyle" journey with a guy who has committed himself wholeheartedly to work toward intentional change for his own betterment. It's been an exciting and challenging time! It's been a time of self discovery and searching for better outcomes! It's been a time of encouragement and learning! But most of all, it's been a fruitful and rewarding time of ministry!
I'm pleased to share the good news: my friend has completed the PLP course, transformed his thoughts and actions for his own personal betterment and - perhaps most fruitful of all - has now commenced employment. His past was not so bright, but now his future is!
Life transformation brings hope, healing and wholeness. Life transformation in Jesus brings eternal reward!
Galatians 6:15b (NLT) ~ "What counts is that we have been transformed into a new creation."
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