Weekly Worship 5

Victor Harbor Salvos.

Many Salvation Army Corps across the Australia Southern Territory had worship today that was a little different. January 25 had been scheduled as the day new officers were installed. At Victor Harbor they greeted their new officers and shared in a delightful lunch afterwards.


This corps is the place where my parents worship, the corps to which they belong and in which they are still active participants. We had a sense of what to expect as we joined with them today.

The corps has all that is often associated with Salvation Army worship - a band, a songster brigade, and even some who play timbrels during the singing of choruses. The worship style and music is appropriate for a congregation where many of the key personnel are life long salvationists who have chosen to retire in this environment.

The people were friendly, the welcome warm, and the worship sincere. In speaking words of welcome to the new officers mention was made of the idyllic location, and of the needs in the wider community that are often hidden below the surface. There is certainly a work for The Salvation Army here.

As is customary with 'installations' there was the opportunity to respond, and the warmth and friendliness of the congregation was matched by the words and demeanour of the officers. We pray that the next few years will fruitful as the love of God is evidenced in the shared life of this group of God's people.

For us there was opportunity to connect with some with whom we shared in days past - ironically enough with three couples who were in ministry in Corps in Tasmania some years ago. I was caused to reflect on those with whom we share our journey. Whether a brief chat, participating in some events together (e.g. "Blood of the Lamb", Launceston, circa 1980), doing life or walking through deep valleys together, our lives are enriched because we belong to this amazing body called 'the church'. That which we share we share because of Christ, and because of Him we continue to have hope for the future and help along the way.