Weeks @ Worship 2

Port Hedland
The Uniting Church was near our caravan park and there was a small group of people who met for worship. A Frontier Services pastor was leading, in the absence of the regular minister, and I was the lone male. It was a comfortable and welcoming environment where visitors were over half the total worshippers. One other visitor had been to Africa a number of times with Medicin sans Frontiers. Having recently read "The Heart of Darfur" by Lisa French Blaker it was interesting to chat with one of the team who had been there before her. While each persons perspective and experience is different the perseverance and quiet suffering of the people remains a common theme.

I was taken by an image which seemed to be the mission statement of this small congregation. It was good, but there seemed to be something missing.

Tom Price

After some quieter times of worship it was a bit of a shock to be in a congregation were children and adults were present in equal numbers. 26 adults and 26 children worshipped at the Baptists on SAO Sunday. In this tradition SAO meant 'Save an Orphan', and has morphed into 'Share an opportunity'. During the service it was good to learn that at least l0 children were being sponsored by families in this congregation. Here was a lively, noisy, active, connected congregation that had a quiet focus beyond themselves.
I was reminded of the orphans and urchins of Mbeya, of kids who hang around the markets and mothers who sit patiently trying to sell some fruit or vegetables to feed, clothe and educate their children. Child sponsorship makes a difference, but the needs remain great.


Exmouth

Where the range meets the reef we worshipped with the Exmouth Christian Fellowship. There were many children present, and the service was largely led by the lay people. I confess to being surprised that the pastors were an older couple (recognition of two birthdays indicated that the sixty mark had already been left behind) and confess that I was not sure what to expect as the message bega. At the end I left with food for thought and a bit of a challenge. Perhaps I should not be surprised about the people God uses.

Personal and practical life experiences were used to illustrate Scripture - in a very sound, straightforward, and helpful message.
The idea that David learned to trust God through his parents was not new, but the contribution of his working environment to his faith development had not been given enough attention. Perhaps it was the naming of those barren hills as his place of work, and as a hostile place, that emphasised it. Or it may have been the connection with our own hostile and uncomfortable working environments that drove it home. Yet in those environments we can, and must, trust God for safety, protection and wisdom. Thanks to Pastor Linda for that reminder.

Weekly Worship - Mbeya Anglican

The plans for Sunday's home visit meant we were free to attend an English speaking service. This was held at Christ the King, an Anglican Church in the centre of Mbeya.

The English speaking service is one of three held in the morning - and fits between two larger Swahili services. The congregation of about 30 was made up of ex-pats and locals, and the service took around about an hour. After attending a few two hour plus meetings it was a nice change.

Sharing in a planned and prepared liturgy was something different for us. The readings allowed for some individuals to participate, and responsive readings and prayers engaged us all. The value of repeating some prayer regularly, and the guided prayers for family, church, community and nation, and the use of creeds were helpful aspects to the service. Repetition is a valuable learning tool, and the intercessory prayers help raise our thoughts to broader issues.

In contrast to the other services we have attended all the singing was a Capella - no keyboard, and no drums. We didn't do too badly either.

Father John preached, and gave an interesting message entitled "Look Up".It was instructive to her him speak of the wandering in the wilderness - the desert. His descriptive phrases help it come to life, and pointed to an understanding of what life was really like in the desert. My mind turned to on of Wilbur Smith's novels "The Burning Shore". If you know where to look you can survive in the desert, but life is difficult, and precarious.

When the snakes afflicted the Israelites a way out was provided. The message turned to Jesus, who was lifted up for our salvation. We need to look up if we are to survive in the spiritual desert that is this age, and perhaps even this world.

At the church I saw a box marked 'Jenga'. At home we have a game called 'Jenga'. Later I discovered that the box was for the building fund. I now know where the game got its name.

Weekly Worship - Winning Faith

It is a while since I Have been to an Assemblies of God worship service, but Sunday at 9.00am we were waiting at the Winning Faith church (Evangelical Assemblies of God Tanzania) for our host to arrive. Unfortunately the taxi that was taking her to catch the daladala broke down on the way, so we entered 'unaccompanied'.

We were warmly greeted, and escorted to our seats by people clearly identified as ushers. The service had begun on time, but it took about 45 minutes before most people arrived and the place (on old movie theatre) to be filled. Today, music was provided by keyboard and bass guitar - no drums, and it continued throughout the service! Yes, there was a quiet and sympathetic keyboard backing for the message.

The banner proclaimed the church as "Building Bridges to Greatness" and the text was Mark 10:43-44. Greatness comes through servanthood. The service was bright, with scripture read in English and Swahili, five testimonies in Swahili but the person who led that part of the meeting gave a synopsis in English after each testimony. The sermon too, was translated, - into Swahili - and the preacher gave an interesting message on the "Wonders of the Word". At times he spoke in Swahili, especially if the translator was lost for the right word, and on a couple of occasions he spoke in Swahili for a few minutes to more effectively communicate to the majority of his congregation. I guess the sermon was about an hour - but he spoke passionately and well. Maybe I wasn't as comfortable with the touch of 'prosperity gospel' at the end of his message - but the core of it was good. He was certainly offering hope, and encouraging us to do what is needed to allow the Word of God to be the major influence in our lives .

As the concluding part of worship, after the invitation, first time visitors were welcomed. We were all invited to the front where the pastor prayed for us all (about 20 or more first timers). It was well thought out, and we were offered visitor cards to complete before departure.
It was about 12.30pm when we headed off to lunch at the home of our host for the day.

We were the only mzungu in that congregation, and probably the only people for whom English was the mother tongue. Despite that there was translation throughout the service. The regular congregation is probably a littel better educated than most churches in Mbeya, but the effort to use Engllish and Swahili was both inclusive and educative. I was impressed, and caused to think about the role the church can play in the practical aspects of literacy.

I was glad to have be able to worship in Mbeya at Winning Faith on Sunday 14.

Weekly Worship - Matima

Every week it is somewhere different, and every week there are familiar and unfamiliar aspects to our worship.

On Sunday we worshipped at a place called Matima Beach. For the first time in four weeks we worshipped in English, so we understood all that was said. The hymns and songs were familiar, and included "Now thank we all our God", "Seek ye first the kingdom of God", and a few others. We used all four lectionary readings, as last week, with selections from Genesis, Psalms, Mark and Romans.

Beyond that there was much that was different. There was no offering.... there was no one to welcome us at the door.... there was no sermon.... everyone participated in some way...it was out of doors.... and one other thing, we knew everyone there!

Saturday we had travelled with Chris and David and Mike and Oriel (an English couple working with SIL) to the Matima Beach Resort. On Sunday, outside our accommodation and looking out over Lake Nyassa (Lake Malawi), the six of us shared in worship together.

It was good to reflect on God's goodness, to read God's Word, to pray for family, friends, and for other people and situations that were on our hearts and minds.

God was present, and on Sunday morning we worshipped the God Most High, the One who brought this world into being, the One who has revealed his love to us in Jesus, and the One who through Jesus calls us to "take up our cross and follow him" Mark 8:34.

Weekly worship - Moravian Church

The gift of a cow.

Last Sunday we ventured into new territory again. Our hostess for the day was one of the teachers from Shukrani and we attended a nearby Moravian church in Mbeya. The Moravians are strong is this area - and we have to learn a little more about their history and doctrines, but understand them to be similar in many ways to the Lutheran church.

It was the second service that we were to attend, and we had to wait just a few minutes before we were able to enter. Our chosen seat was just behind the choir in the section of the church facing the pulpit. Two 'wings' extended right and left of the raised platform in front of us, and each had a capacity of at least 150 persons. Very early in the service we were invited to move to a more prominent position, and later in the service were 'formally' introduced and asked to greet the church.

The singing commenced before the worship leader or the preacher arrived. The tune was familiar, but not the words, so we sang in English "What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus". It was one of only two songs that were familiar to us. There were elements of liturgy in the service, and the three choirs all contributed. Readings were taken from Old Testament (Exodus and Psalms) and from the New Testament (Gospels and Epistles) - four in all.

One of the interesting background noises was a cow periodically moo-ing in the background. It seemed unusual, as we were only a couple of kilometres from the centre of Mbeya, but there are quite a number of cows that are tethered in streets and lanes. During the notices there were two unusual announcements. The first was to turn off your mobile phone - with the added advice that "If you did not know how then someone hear to you would be able to help you!" The second was that as a thanksgiving offering a family had given a cow to the church. They were thankful that their children had passed form 4 and form 6. This is a very significant gift, worth many months' wages for an average employee. A very generous gift indeed.

There were two offerings during the service - the regular tithes, and a thanksgiving offering. At the end of the service there was a short auction of goods people had brought instead of money. The money was then put in their giving envelope. (Envelopes are reused, and people received a receipt for their previous offering when they got the envelope back.)

Once again we enjoyed the music, and the privilege of worship. We were the only white people there, we didn't understand much of what was said (our hostess translated for us), yet it was great to share in worship and praise to God.

Weekly Worship

We left Mbeya early and headed for Shipongo. It was not a long journey (maybe 60 kms), but it took 2 1/2 hours to arrive at our destination. After fifteen or twenty kilometres we turned off the bitumen and wound our way across the hills and through the villages to reach Shipongo.Along the way a few officers and local officers climbed in the back of the Nissan twin cab as the Divisional Commander offered assistance with transport.

By 11.00 am we had arrived and were greeted by Envoy Mlaga. There we were warmly welcomed into the quarters and provided with a satisfying breakfast of hot milky tea and boiled potatoes. A number of other officers joined us as we waited for others who had walked, or cycled, for many kilometres to the Corps to share in a regional gathering. Today there would be worship, celebration, encouragement and challenge. Leaders from Corps in the area came to hear from the Divisional Commander as he shared a report on the past year, and his vision and plan for 2009. It was a great privilege to be able to share with them, and an even greater privilege to bring a message from the Word.

An important part of the event was the retirement of a local officer, Mr. Petro Mukasa. The faithful servant of God has been a local officer for 40 years, and was honoured by all who had come on that day. For us it was not unusual to see the presentation of a certificate from the Divisional Commander, but the presentation of gifts from different 'sections' of that region, and from the Corps itself was new to us. The majority of the gifts were monetary, and his Corps, Shipongo, presented him with a young goat. In a country where there is no social security payment and survival depends upon your ability to work or the capacity of family to support you, these gifts will ease the burden for this servant of God for some time. It is a fitting way to honour a man who has faithfully shared, taught and led his community, as well as encouraging and supporting his leaders. The church family, his fellow Salvationists and friends, gave their support for his future.
The afternoon concluded with some more encouragement from the Divisional Commander and a meal provided by the local corps. For the DC and some of the officers (including us) the table was set in the officer's quarters. Others who had come were catered for outside the hall.

It was about 5.30 pm when we left Shipongo and the DC had taken the opportunity to talk with many of the officers and to receive and distribute important correspondence. There were a few more on the back of the Nissan as we left Shipongo and made the trek back to the city of Mbeya.

We saw again the villages along the way, the homes, the livestock, the fields and plots they worked. We saw again the women carrying their loads and the children and young men looking after the cattle of goats along the road. We marvelled at their patience and their endurance.

At around 8.00pm we arrived back at Shukrani, knowing full well that some of those we had shared with were still walking towards their homes and villages.The faith and faithfulness continues to humble us.

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 7 : 'The Cave'

Tonight we shared in worship at 'The Cave' in Ascot Vale. Although late for the meal that precedes worship we were warmly welcomed, and efforts were made to make sure we had something to eat. Time was made for coffee and a brief chat before worship commenced.

Somewhat different to the style of worship we have been accustomed to it was refreshing to share in the open fellowship of this group. People present came from a variety of backgrounds, and many shared freely in prayer, in responding to the Word, and in a time of confession.

Perhaps because it was not a large group the sense of community was very real, and the care and involvement in the lives of others was evident. One theme that was evident was the 'open table' - and the mid-week activities of the community reflect that openness. Anyone is welcome to share in community meals, in social activities, and to participate and contribute to worship.

It was good to be able to share and to feel welcome even though we were strangers in their midst and just 'passing through'.

What did I enjoy? Apart from the participation the opening of the Word was both helpful and interesting. The message was based on Matthew 11:25-30 and everyone had a Bible, and all were invited to look closely at the text. While the focus was on verse 28-30 ("Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.") the whole text was considered and many were able to share their insights and grapple with what these verses mean for our community today, and and for us as individuals.

In grappling with this text those affected by the bush fires that have devastated parts of Victoria, especially areas surrounding Melbourne, were not forgotten. Beyond specific prayer for all involved a free translation of Psalm 23 reminded us all of the need for the Shepherd in these days.

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.

Weekly Worship

Meeting together...

We are part of the Church - and belong to a church.

For many years we have been involved in leading a congregation. That means planning and organising worship, and being involved in the lives of all the people who are part of that worship experience. We have been involved in the 'production' of worship experiences, seeking to help people connect with God in ways that will help them grow as followers of Christ.

For the next twelve months we will not have that responsibility, but desire to continue to meet together with the Church wherever we can. We will become 'consumers', as we seek to experience God in and through a worship experiences others have organised.

Weekly worship with the church has been part of our lives. It will continue to be part of our lives in days as we meet with other 'churches'.