Get connected

Later this month The Salvation Army will be celebrating with a great series of meetings in Melbourne under the title, 'Connections'. The world leader of the movement will be a key speaker and there will be a coming together of Salvationists and friends. There will be an attempt to connect with each other, with the vital issues of these day yes, and with God. A list of events and venues can be obtained from the SA by phoning 9896 6000. See you there!

Uniform

As a Salvation Army editor I had a lengthy interview with the late Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth, a grand-daughter of the founders of our movement. She told me that the wearing of uniform was not something imposed by headquarters but came from the desire of Salvationists to show whose side they were on as Christians. They turned out in in all sorts of rigs which were anything but uniform until it was reallised that common and easily recognised garbs would have a greater cumulative impact. Still, the uniform is meant to be a silent witness to Christian faith and may take on a sacramental significance. Police forces have their plain clothes and uniformed branches, and so does the Church!

SPROC

My wife and I have just returned from the South Pacific Retired Officers' Convention in Adelaide. About 200 ROs from Australia and New Zealand gathered for fellowship, encouragement and prayer. It was a great experience. It was said that the company represented 6000 years of service and there was the throb of true spirituality along with the cameraderie and fun. The singing was outstanding - hearty and meaningful. In these days when congregations are often segmented and when, in some situations, the twain never meet we should recall that at Pentecost the young and the old were specifically mentioned in Peter's sermon. Both need each other and have a part to play. Amen?

Re-visiting

This past week I have been taking some visitors from Scotland to see some of the sites around Melbourne such as the beautiful Dandenongs, Sovereign Hill, Phillip Island etc. I have done this tour before but have still enjoyed my latest visits made in good company. In a similar way I regularly re-visit 'sites' in the Bible and find new inspiration in words which have become familiar over the years. The need is for renewed vision and an ability to see new truth which God has to reveal. The Army Mother said, 'God's revelation will keep pace with my consecration'. Now that is a thought to ponder!

Spirituality and practicality

The Ss on the collars of Salvation Army uniforms stand for 'Saved to serve (or save)' that is, spirituality and practicality. I am encouraged that many Army (church) congregations are more than ever involved in community service - being there when they are needed. But our community service must always be seen as an expression of the gospel and not a substitute for it. Helping people to find God is still the highest form of community service as far as we are concerned. The DNA of The Salvation Army makes that abundantly clear and we must be true to ourselves oin this respect.