Weekly worship - the Tin Tabernacle

Today we worshipped at Kipunguni, a little outpost alongside the Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar Es Salaam. A 30 minute trip (four wheel drive needed) saw us there early for worship at a building nicknamed the "tin tabernacle". We came as strangers, and were warmly welcomed into their company.

Some tunes were familiar ("How Great Thou Art", "Down at the cross where my Savour Died") but the Swahili words were new to us. I think we understood the message. We also heard some new songs, and sang along when we could.

The message was clear - and we were specifically included by the occasional words in English to make sure we knew what it was about. The week before Psalm 23 was read - here it was the basis of the message. The week before Matt 11:28 was part of the message text - today it was used as part of the message. A different part of the world, yet the same Word was heard.

The kids were remarkable - throughout meeting they gave good attention, sat quietly on the wooden benches, and were very well behaved.

Kipunguni is probably a little like many other areas around Dar Es Salaam - and those who live there survive. Some would have jobs; some (most) would not. After worship with about six or seven other adults and about the same number of children these gracious people bought sodas (soft drink) for us. We were just visitors who made little contribution to worship but someone provided these 'gifts' for us. After talking with them, and learning a little more of their stories and their families we stand amazed at their faith, faithfulness and gracious hospitality.

"The Lord is my shepherd...he prepares a table before me..." We were not in the presence of enemies by in the company of new friends graciously provided for us out of their limited resources. It is they who rely daily on God to prepare a table for them - and they shared their provision with us. We were honoured, and humbled, in sharing worship at the "tin tabernacle".

Weekly worship 6

Melbourne 614

After being in Melbourne Central Division for the last six years we finally had the opportunity to attend a worship service at Melbourne 614. Having heard so much about the programs offered at 69 Bourke Street near the heart of Melbourne, it was good be be able to experience worship with the '614 family'.

While environments vary the one constant thus far has been music. A couple of guitar players and a drummer provided the music, which included Jack Hayford's "Majesty", "How great thou art", "How great is our God", "Someone cares", "Worthy is the Lord" and "Shout to the Lord". Beginning with "Majesty" helped set the tone and my thoughts were directed to "Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings." So often we 'cruise' along with the Jesus who walks with us, our friend and companion, but he is also God incarnate, who died because of our sins yet rose again. Jesus is God. In the presence of 'famous people' we may feel overawed (think of fans swooning over movie stars or pop idols) or a little uneasy given their public profile and notoriety - yet we Jesus (who was God "in the flesh" for granted and think of him as a "mate". Today it was good to be reminded of the greatness of majesty of God - and to take time to worship him as "Jesus who died, now glorifed, King of all kings".

Down-to- earth testimonies were a feature of the meeting, as was the offering up of written prayers (clearly a regular part of worship). People participated freely, and obviously feel 'at home' in that worshiping environment.

The message was about "What makes a great follower?". We were reminded that great leaders make great followers. Great followers are proactive (they consult, take responsibility and initiate) and accountable. Followers do shape the culture of their environment and we were encouraged to be a positive influence in the various environments where we live, study, work or enjoy leisure.

It was good to share with people from a wide range of backgrounds as we worshiped today in what was once the "Australasian headquarters" of The Salvation Army, and is now an oasis of hope in the Melbourne CBD.

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.

Weekly Worship 4

Week 4 of our wandering and once more we joined with family on a Sunday morning. This time it was at Victor Harbor Baptist Church where our niece had shared in a holiday kids club during the week. Children and their families were invited to attend this Sunday's family service.

The welcome was warm and the service relaxed. Bright yellow themed T-shirts identified the participating children, and blue polo shirts the leaders and helpers. Decorations gave the church a holiday feel, songs learned by the kids were used, and a multi-media presentation of the weeks activities allowed those present to get a sense of what had happened during the week. During the service we learned that it was the eighth year of the holiday program, which had grown from 15 kids the first year to 65 in 2009. It was clear through the week that it was a well run and well planned program which offered a service to families during the holidays and an effective means of outreach for the church.

The message focused on the reliability of the Bible - a unique book that can be trusted, is living, powerful, and leads us to Jesus. Delivered in Indiana Jones attire in keeping with the theme 'Adventures to the Lost World', it was a helpful reminder to the faithful of the remarkable collection of books that are our Holy Scriptures, and an invitation to others to explore what for them might be a 'lost world'.

For a service in the middle of the holidays it was very well attended, pointed people again to the Word, and even offered an invitation for further participation in small groups later in the year.

It was good to share again with God's people - and to enjoy hospitality after.

Weekly Worshp 2

Geelong is a delightful city not far from Melbourne. Located on Corio Bay, and close to ocean beaches, it is a good place to live. We were privileged to live and serve there for nine years. Returning last Sunday to share in worship was almost 'coming home'.

The most noticeable change was the decor and furnishings. Despite the limitations of architecture some minor internal works, new carpets, new seats, and some changes in colour created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that was matched by the response of the people.

For us there was a strangeness about the visit, however, and it was the farewell of the officer at a Corps that was not 'ours'. We know both the officer and the Corps reasonably well, so I almost felt a little like a voyeur as we shared in the farewell segment. Still, it was good to be there.

Once again music spoke most strongly. 'Blessed be that name of the Lord' by Matt Redman reminded us that God gives and takes away. God is to be praised when things are good, and not so good.

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

A much older song "It is well with my soul" by Horatio Gates Spafford was also used - and it was a reminder that ministers or officers not only lead their congregations, they also share their journey with them. God is revealed in how we face the experiences of life, perhaps even more than in what we try to do in organising and leading others.

We shared a rich time of worshipping together - and again I was encouraged by the faithfulness and enthusiasm of those with whom we have shared in Geelong, and by the new faces that we saw amongst the congregation.

It is good to worship the Lord together.

Weekly Worship 1

Ringwood Salvos.

The Salvation Army is very familiar to us, and Ringwood Corps is part of our past. For 3 years we were part of that congregation but that was over 15 years ago.

Today we returned there to worship with family - so there were some familiar faces. It's holiday mode and things were a little different, but we expected that. So how was it?

Words are an inadequate substitute for any experience - but there was a connection and God 'showed up' for me. There was nothing dramatic, no 'wow' experience, more a quiet 'yes' and a gentle affirmation that things are going to be okay.

I was reminded of the importance of music in worship. Both old and new hymns affirmed that all will be well. Yesterday we shared with some families who had experienced great trauma - today we sang "Crown Him the prince of peace" and "The Heavens shall declare". Yesterday we felt the sorrow, today we were gently reminded to "Give thanks".

The message was on the Characters of Christmas - and the alliteration gets a bit tough here... but may be helpful in remembering the message. Today the focus was on the responses of four 'characters' in the nativity : Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and the Wise Men. Why did God choose them as key players in the drama? We were reminded of their backgrounds - which are varied, but the focus was on their attitudes.
Mary - contemplation; Joseph - cooperation; Shepherds - celebration; Wise men - consecration.
The challenge: how are we going to respond when God invites us to adventure?

We were welcomed warmly, met some friends from recent and not so recent days, and enjoyed the hospitality afterwards. It was good to be there, good to share, good to be part of the Church.

The theme at Ringwood has been "Growing the church seven days a week." Worship on Sundays is often our focus ... but we worship in the way we live seven days a week, and growth in individuals and the church takes place seven days a week. God shows up always, maybe it is just that on Sundays we make time to tune in a little better.