RSVP...ASAP

This was the theme of today's Chapel Service, attended by 30 staff, volunteers, clients and friends of Doveton CSS. Focussing on Matthew 6, we explored together the importance of prayer. An important feature was the introduction and dedication of our both of new Chapel Cross and Mercy Seat (place of prayer).

The shared 'Faith Thought' can be summed up as follows:

• RSVP = God's 'Please Respond' Invitation to us to commune with Him regularly through prayer
• ASAP = Always Say A Prayer!

Praise God, we had two first time attendees - one from our Men's Breakfast and another who 'walked in' off the street seeking assistance. In speaking with them both at the conclusion, I discovered that they had both enjoyed the worship service - adding that they hadn't been to church for many years.

Despite my own preconceived notions, I was vividly reminded today of the fact that while we don't know the ins and outs regarding the backgrounds of everyone we meet, we can be sure that God does. He knows our needs and what it is we need. His timing is unquestionably right - in every way!

Our worship focus on prayer was timely for so many - and mine was the privilege to share with folk in both corporate public and private prayer for expressed concerns and needs. The worship was nice; the fellowship was encouraging; but, most of all, the prayer time was 'powerful and effective'!

Thank You, Lord, for confirming once again that Doveton's FaithWorks Chapel is an integral mission imperative of our integrated mission centre!

Always Say A Prayer (ASAP)

There's work to do, deadlines to meet

You've got no time to spare

But as you hurry and scurry

ASAP - always say a prayer

In the midst of family chaos

"Quality time" is rare

Do your best; let God do the rest:

ASAP - always say a prayer

It may seem like your worries

Are more than you can bear

Slow down and take a breather -

ASAP - always say a prayer

God knows how stressful life is

He wants to ease our cares

And He'll respond ASAP -

ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER!

Author: Lisa Engelhardt

One Of Life's Certainties

Our circumstances and experiences of life are not always predictable. And neither are they always fair. One day is momentously memorable and the next is terribly tragic. We constantly ride a roller coaster of emotion and response, reacting to all that takes place around us in our everyday routines.

However, despite life's many uncertainties, one thing alway inspires me to hope - to look for a better outcome - a new possibility. That certainty is my faith in God. My personal belief and knowledge that assures me that there is a 'Greater Divine Being' in control. Not necessarily to
fix and mend', but to suppport and strengthen me. For I am certain that my Great God is powerfully present in my every circumstance and situation - intimately involved by equipping me with His 'more than sufficent' grace for my every need.

During this morning's worship, the band shared a message that encouraged my heart and inspired me to 'go deeper with God'. Here are the words:

"I can think of Him in my happy hours, when my heart is gay, glad my way;

Knowing He walks with me, I can always think of Him.

I can think of Him in prayer, for I know He will be there;

In my brightest day or my darkest way, I can think of Him in prayer.

I can think of Him in my darkest hours, when I cannot see what will be;

And despair stifles prayer. I can always think of Him."

Joy Webb

NAIDOC Week

On Friday 9 July, forty people from all walks of life gathered together united in a spirit of worship to "Celebrate Our Heritage" for our chapel service in honour of NAIDOC week.

Our special guest, Lloyd Hollingsworth (Aboriginal Programme & Ministry Consultant, THQ) commenced by sharing the Welcome To Country.

A time of enthusiastic singing was followed by the Presentation Of Flags (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island and Australian) to the Doveton Community Support Services Manager, Vina Fernandes - thanks to the generous donation of a local MP.

Lloyd then shared about his territorial role to identify and develop opportunities for The Salvation Army to work effectively with Aboriginal & Indigenous people groups. His ministry passion to share Christ with indigenous people groups was inspiring.

A time of 'creative worship' followed where those present had the opportunity of creating their own Aboriginal artworks. This was very much a profitable and enriching experience for all!

To conclude this celebration service, our faith community joined together in honouring another Guest of Honour, Mina, who was turned 90th that day - singing "May the Good Lord, bless you!" (to the tune of Happy Birthday to you). Refreshment fellowship was a fitting conclusion to a richly rewarding worship experience.

Click here to view the photos of this memorable day of community celebration!

New Leadership Team

Attending the Welcome & Installation of Commissioners Aylene & Raymond Finger and Colonels Jenny & Peter Walker this evening was a sacred privilege. It was a godly time of confirmation and challenge not only for our new territorial leaders, but for the congregation and individuals present. This Divinely-inspired occasion was evidence that God uses ordinary people to achieve His extraordinary purposes.

We were encouraged to live courageously in the knowledge that our faith is centred in a God who continues to make the impossible possible, and challenged to 'reach the unreachable star' in our own pursuit of personal holiness and spiritual mission.

Today you, too, can know this personal sacred privilege of experiencing the everyday miracle of trusting in a 'life-transforming' God of im-possibilities. God longs for you to team up with Him and walk daily in step with His Spirit. Believe me, that's the best leadership team you could ever hope to experience!

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?

Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible

For He can do just what no other power can do

Lavished In Love

Today marks another personal milestone! Fifteen years ago we stood together before God, and in the presence of family and friends, as we were wed in holy matrimony. During this significant moment, we both experienced the blessing of unity as we made our solemn vows and expressed the faithfulness of our love to God and each other.

Today, too, is a reminder that God never gives up on us and always offers us His best for our betterment. We live life to the fullest when we live it to God's glory. We get the most out of life, when we are fully aware of the love that God lavishes on us unconditionally and choose to love others extravagantly.

On this first day of this new financial year, I challenge you to bank on the love that God lavishes on you. His love never fails!

1 John 3:1 ~ "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

A Poignant Reminder...

Tonight during songster rehearsal at Camberwell Corps, I was emotionally moved by the words of a song that portrayed a personal journey through a painful experience, yet spoke of the true fellowship and love that gives Christians so much comfort and help to journey through these low times.

As we sang these words by Claire Cloninger, I was strongly aware that this was more than a 'performance rehearsal' - it was a 'personal experience reminder' of the grace of God available to us - to me, even recently!

The song made my experience come alive, and made my heart sing praise and thanks to God for the bereavement encouragement of Major Warren Elliott (CO, Waverley Temple Corps) who shared with me the poignant reminder that, during times of difficulty, 'Christians are privileged to share the journey together, and in doing so, prove the worth of Church.'

I pray these same words bring personal blessing to you in your journey!

SOMEBODY PRAYED FOR ME

When my heart was so broken that I could not pray

When love wasn't easy to see

Someone was there, somebody cared,

Somebody prayed for me

Somebody went to the throne of Heaven

Somebody lifted my name

Bringing me into His holy presence

Saying what I could not say

Somebody showed me the face of his mercy

When darkness was all I could see

Somebody pleaded the blood of Jesus

Somebody prayed for me

When the future looked hopeless and I'd given up

When I had lost sight of my dreams

Somebody near dried every tear

Somebody prayed for me

Celebrating The ANZAC Spirit!

It was a great privilege and honour to lead the ANZAC Day Commemoration Service with staff, volunteers and clients at Doveton today.

Taking as our theme - "Celebrating the ANZAC Spirit!" - we met for a time of reflective worship that incorporated a special Remembrance Segment featuring the singing of the National Anthem, a Minute Silence, the Last Post and Reveille, and the reading of The Ode. As a personal tribute to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice through war-time service, we laid a wreath made especially for the occasion by staff.

A devotional thought based on the ANZAC Spirit of 'Mateship - Courage - Sacrifice' was shared, which drew out appropriate parallels from the Christian faith of "Friendship with God - Courage of Christ - God's Ultimate Sacrifice of Love", and challenged all present to live with this same GODLY Spirit.

An appropriate conclusion to a great afternoon was a time of fellowship with a cuppa and ANZAC biscuits. Yummy!

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 (NIV)