No Room

Been reflecting over the past month and have to be honest, in all the carolling and community programme at Gorgie SA that I've been involved with, there has been no room for family stuff. Thankfully we are now off for a few days and I plan to totally relax and chill.

Had a lovely time yesterday with a corps community lunch which followed the Christmas Day Meeting. Good to see a great crowd that gathered for that. This was followed by time with corps family where we enjoyed a 4 course meal (thank you Alan and Jean) and then some crazy games (OK Sharon the second one made up for the first!) Arrived home totally blessed but tired.

Interested to hear the Quuen's Christmas Day Message followed along the lines of my thought this year. Making room for the Christ Child in all the hustle and bustle. The preacher here needs to listen to his own message.

Ruby Gems

Mrs Brigadier Ruby Sloan
A gracious, sincere, loved, respected and cheerful lady, a lover of parties and someone who practised Christian hospitality. A lady who with her husband ministered the Christian gospel through Salvation Army Officership for nearly 70 years. She exemplified God's love to thousands of people, young and old alike, she influenced many to follow in her footsteps as a minister of God's grace. Latterly her intercessions for younger people were greatly valued. How we will all miss her. Physically a small lady, spiritually a lady whose heart was huge. Who will step into her shoes? Servant of God well done.

Totally Blessed

Totally blessed today by the commitment of Gorgie young people and their workers. Just witnessed what happens when God's people work together. A packed hall of parents, grandparents, and other relatives gathered for the annual Childrens Carol and Toy Service. Dividing the two halves of the evening was refreshment. In the 1st half, dance routine from the Telfer School of Dance, music provided by our YP Band and Singing Company and items by the Kidz Clubs were indispersed by congregational carol singing. The 2nd half comprised the "Hosanna Rock" musical produced by Sharon Bell and Karen Telfer. The kids from all aspects of the children's ministry took part.

Well done Kevin and Paul and your team ministries.

Sainsbury Murrayfield New Opening

I've been asked to do some strange things in my time as a corps officer of 13 years, but last thursday was a first for me and Alison when we were asked to officiate at the opening of a new supermarket. Our new Sainsbury's supermarket was opened and the manager, Callum Nicolson, is really keen to develop links with the local community of which the corps is ideally placed and a significant mover. Contained in a goody bag for Alison and me was a specially labelled bottle of whisky for each of us! We're looking for two homes who would welcome this gift.

Our band have been invited to play carols in the store, our Christmas community food parcel distribution has been assisted with the donation of a large amount of food and it seems we will be looking forward to a great partnership in the future with our new neighbours.

Prison Visitor's Centre Partnership

Just had a really interesting meeting about how our corps, in particular our Children's community work, may be able to work in a partnership with The Salvation Army's Prison Visitor's Centre. Kerry Watson, our visitor's centre community worker and Alan Montgomery our divisional director for social services are keen to maximise the resources and commitment at the corps in terms of the West Hall building and the expertise we have gained from our work in the community around the hall, to operate a kind of 'place to be' for children of prisoners. The idea would be to offer a counselling/education safe environment where the children may be invited to talk through issues about having a family member in prison.

With my passion for working in the prison, together with the passion and current successes of Kevin Avis, our children's development worker for reaching out to children in our community, this would be an amazing development for the corps. Lots more discussions and ideas to work through, but a great potential opportunity lies ahead.

Teddy Bears

I've just had an interesting conversation with my colleague chaplain in prison today. Yasim visits the prison as a Muslim man to chaplain Muslim prisoners. When I asked him about the news of the UK teacher being released, his comment was so refreshing. "Most Muslims around the world are so embarrassed at the Sudanese authorities response at jailing this woman. It's an utter disgrace. Most Muslim's are God fearing peaceable men and women. This news paints Muslim's in such a bad light."

Gillian Gibbons, who has been the victim of misunderstanding. Her crime was to be naive at cultural differences. As I meet and welcome strangers who are different from me over the next wee while, I hope I can show the same care, understanding and loving kindness that she displayed to the children she taught. "love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you." we're commanded by the man who was the baby we celebrate coming into our world at this time of year. I guess I'll be encountering over the next few weeks those who are different from me and I hope I can show Christ-like attitudes.