Concord Chronicle

I've had an envelope sitting on my desk for nearly a year. Yes, an entire year! Inside it was a voucher for a paint night. I won it at the high school's silent auction. I was thrilled I won it and waiting for the "right time" to redeem it. (Most of my gift cards last me this long. I know, I'm weird!) Finally, I opened up the envelope and realized that there was an expiration date! It would expire while I was going to be out of the country over the next two weeks, so the pressure was on to claim it. I didn't want to miss out on using it.

I quickly searched the web and found its selection of courses available. First of all, I had to see which nights actually worked for me. Second, I had to decide which art project I wanted to paint. And then last of all, I had to book someone to go with me. (Gwyn was definitely out of the question!) After a few attempts of asking around, I was able to confirm my dates for the evening - my sister Shoshannah and sister-in-love Sharol.

We have never done anything like this before. So, it was fun for the three of us to hang out and try someone new. It was a little intimidating at first, but once we relaxed and all agreed to give it our best shot, we had a wonderful time. (Although who knew that painting sunflowers could be so hard?! My sunflowers ended up looking like yellow poinsettias, but I committed to them.)

This Sunday, our Corps Cadets - teen disciples and leaders-in-training - will be leading our worship service. The theme is "spiritual gifts". God gives his children spiritual gifts - different from tangible, physical gifts, objects, or possessions. He gives us extraordinary power or an ability that comes from the Holy Spirit which is used to draw attention to God's goodness or to encourage those who believe in Him. They are meant to be used. They can be taken away. And sometimes that gift could be for a limited time depending on the need.

Imagine if I had never opened my certificate and booked the date. I would've missed out on the experience, the fellowship with my sisters, and the opportunity we had to fellowship with other ladies. We walked away with happy memories, a personally painted canvas, and phone numbers of our new friends. Plus, we were able to share God's love - and snacks - with the rest of the class.

Reflect now the spiritual gifts God has given you. Do you recognize them? Have you used them? Put them to practice? You will never know who you might bless until you use them. So, don't be afraid, the Holy Spirit has given you something special just for you that will benefit others. To learn more about it, come on Sunday!

AnnMarguerite Jones

I was recently talking with friends who are pastors of a small church in the south of England and asking about developments in their congregation post-COVID.

As in so many congregations, the pandemic caused many to drop out of the habit of attending Sunday services. This was especially true of those who are older and more vulnerable. And although social distancing restrictions have eased or been removed entirely, numbers have not rebounded and their church is now actively rebuilding its congregation by seeking to attract more in their community who have felt isolated or marginalized.

As in most churches, music and congregational singing are an integral part of their worship and so they prayed fervently for many weeks that God would provide a pianist/musician to help. They were consistent and focused in their pleas to the Lord and for quite some time nothing seemed to happen.

However, one Sunday, through a convoluted chain of connections, a woman came to their service looking for a place to worship. She felt comfortable since the friendly environment and people made it so. However, she did say that she just wanted to come and worship and not be involved in any other way. After a few weeks she began to become more active and interactive and began to invite friends and others in need.

Then she revealed that she was a musician and could play piano! But wait!, there’s more!

Then she began to take leadership roles in other ministries, and eventually was willing and able to lead services while my pastor friends were out of the country visiting family!

The whole point is that they prayed for a pianist, but what they got was not only a pianist but so much more!

This brings to mind some scriptures which are instructive:

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT

“…your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:32-33 NLT

“I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” Malachi 3:10 NLT

“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11 NLT

Sometimes we seem to expect too little in answer to our prayers!

God is not stingy!

Not only does He not have to be — “infinity” is a really big amount — but it’s in His nature to be lavishly generous!

It is undeniable that focused prayer is good.

Being specific in what we pray for solidifies in our minds what it is we are asking God for, but the evidence points to the answers to those prayers being overwhelmingly broad and generous! God will give us not just what we asked for (in his will) but additionally what He knows will be to our benefit in the future.

We may not have even known we needed to ask Him! His timing will be perfect.

So, may I suggest that while our prayers can and should be narrowly focused, our attention to the answers needs to be broad so that our praise for His immense grace does not go unacknowledged!

God has this habit of showing up and showing off!

And wait! There will be (lots) more!

He is infinite in so many ways!

Don’t try and confine His grace to the narrow scope of your needs.

Give Him space to bless your socks off!

Blessings on you and yours,

Jim Black

P.S. If you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study

SUNDAY

The Valentine's Luncheon will be after the service. Tickets are still available. Don't worry - you will be home before the Superbowl Kick-Off! :)

TUESDAY

• 4:30 PM - Craft Class - Library
• 6:00 PM - Men's Bible Study - Fireside Room
• NOTE: Major Ann's Bible Study will resume after she returns from England.
• 7:00 PM - Songsters Rehearsal - Chapel
• 8:00 PM - Senior Band Rehearsal - Chapel

FRIDAY

• Territorial Youth Band and Territorial Youth Chorus members will be travelling to Camp Arnold, Washington for their Ministry Weekend. Keep them in your prayers as they travel and use their gifts for the Lord. May they be a blessing to those who hear their musical messages.

SATURDAY

• 1:00 PM - Joe Haughin's Celebration of Life Service

NEXT SUNDAY

• 9:00 AM - Praise Team Rehearsal - Chapel
• 10:00 AM - Adult Sunday School
• NOTE: No College Study or Corps Cadets this day.
• 10:30 AM - Prayer Time - Prayer Room
• 11:00 AM - Worship Service led by Captain Joe West - Chapel
• 12:30 PM - Food and Fellowship - Fireside Room
• NOTE: No youth music rehearsals while the TYB/TYC members are away.

Date: February 14th

This is an opportunity to humble ourselves before God and seek His will together.

How to Pray for Others
Dr. Charles Stanley

Many Christians are fearful about praying with someone who is suffering because they don’t know how to do so. But there are just a few simple requirements for being able to pray confidently and effectively for those who are sick or hurting emotionally.

First, we need to have compassion for others. This sounds obvious, but the sad truth is that we are often consumed with our own problems and don’t make time to care about others, much less pray for them. As we seek to identify with the suffering of others as best as we can, God gives us the ability to pray fervently for His deliverance in their lives.

Second, we must be willing to listen. This is one of the most affirming, comforting, and healing things you can do for others. Instead of trying to fix problems by offering advice or sharing your own experience, try to express God’s love and compassion. Listen patiently to people’s stories. Then, go to the Lord together in prayer, and ask Him to speak directly into their specific situations. Just remember: unless you have permission, never share with others—even in the form of a prayer request—what hurting individuals tell you.

Third, we should have clean hearts. That means we must be born-again, committed to Jesus Christ, and living a lifestyle of obedience. We don’t have to be perfect, but the overall patterns of our lives should be that of seeking to do God’s will. We can’t harbor willful, deliberate rebellion against the Lord and expect Him to use us in the lives of others.

Fourth, we need to pray in faith. James 5:15 says, “The prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick". While this verse is speaking specifically about the prayer of church leaders, the principle holds true for all believers. It’s true that we don’t always see complete healing this side of heaven, but we need to pray confidently, knowing that God not only can heal but that He desires to do so. If you struggle with this, use a concordance to discover what the Scripture says on this subject. As you fill your mind with biblical truth, your faith will grow. Seeing God answer prayer also builds our confidence, so keep interceding for those in need.

Fifth, we must trust the Lord with the outcome. Sometimes we don’t pray boldly because we are afraid that if God doesn’t act, it will appear to be a failure on our part. But our job as believers is to take a hurting person’s needs to the Lord. He will choose whether to answer their cries for deliverance or see them through it by His grace.

So, are you willing to allow yourself to be an agent of healing in your church and community? As a Christian, you know that Jesus Christ has the power to transform suffering, sorrow, and loss into peace and joy. All you have to do is to allow the Holy Spirit to work through you as you minister to hurting people. Listen to their stories, pray in faith, and trust God to work as He desires.

Prayer Walk

Be creative in choosing your prayer walk location. You could walk through your corps neighborhood, walk through a local park or even walk through your corps building.

Choose several places to stop with your group. Share verses of scripture on prayer. You could sing the below chorus (SA Songbook 801/931) at each stop as well. Then have a time of prayer. Each stopping point should have a different topic.

Here are some suggestions:

• Prayers of thanksgiving
• Your corps, corps officers and employees
• The people that come in and out of your doors for assistance and corps programming
• Your neighborhood and community leaders
• Your city needs
• The world
• For God to bless our Salvation Army leaders and our ministries around the world
• Personal prayers for those on the prayer walk

“Nothing that is of interest to us is too small to interest Him. Many people do not believe this, but it is true. They think God is interested only in big things; but the same God that made the flaming suns and mighty worlds made the tiny insect, fashioned the lenses of the eye and painted with brightest colors its dainty wings. He is interested in the little quite as much as in the great. Therefore, we may bring everything to Him in prayer.” The Way of Holiness, Samuel Logan Brengle

SAVE THE DATE: MARCH 12-14, 2024

Camp Del Oro, Nevada City

Del Oro's Emergency Disaster Department will be hosting a training for all current volunteers as well as new interested volunteers and personnel we have acquired during previous disasters. Workshops include Intro to EDS, Canteen Operations and Safety, Critical Care/Stress Management, Truck and Trailer Driver Course, Mass Feeding 101 classes, ServSafe and “NEW” Canteen Leader class just to name a few.

We have created both beginner tracks and advanced tracks to cover all aspects of our Volunteer experiences.

We will also have an award ceremony to thank and honor all volunteers for their effortless time supporting our past disaster events.

Agenda:

• Overview of Disaster Preparedness and Response
• Understanding Different Types of Disasters
• Effective Communication Strategies
• Hands-on Simulation Exercises
• Mystery Dinner
• We had to bring back the EDS SWAG!!!!!

Registration Details: To register for the VDAT please visit our registration page https://form.jotform.com/240285628773162 and fill out the required information. The registration deadline is February 23rd so please ensure you register before then to secure your housing spot.

Lodging is first come first serve and will be limited to the first 80 attendees.

Please pay the Concord Corps $100 to attend as we will be billed for your registration.

Registration must be done by each individual delegate. Each delegate will be required to upload a photo for their EDS ID badge.

Requirements:

• Participants must be 18 years or older
• Must be able to stand and participate in training exercises.
• Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Why Attend? By participating in this training, you will gain valuable skills and knowledge that will enable you to assist our community during times of crisis. Whether it's providing immediate food assistance, or offering emotional support to those affected, your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Spread the Word: Feel free to share this invitation and flyer with friends, family, and colleagues who may also be interested in becoming disaster volunteers. The more individuals we have trained, the better prepared our community will be to face any challenges that may arise.

If you have any questions about registration please reach out to Teri Lewis 408-313-1149 directly.

For additional event details please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your dedication to serving our community. We sincerely hope you will join us for this important training opportunity. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community.

Amy Mefford

Director of Emergency Disaster Services

Northern California/Northern Nevada

The Salvation Army Del Oro Division

This initiative of turning our thoughts and prayers towards the same part of the world at some point in the same week is a beautiful way to unite us as a global Army family and I thank you for the commitment you each give to this.

USA SOUTHERN TERRITORY

Commissioner Kelly Igleheart - Territorial Commander

Commissioner Donna Igleheart - Territorial President of Women's Ministries

Colonel Deborah Sedlar - Chief Secretary

Prayer Requests:

• We ask God’s blessings upon our Territorial Priorities that are divided between three categories: Love, Serve and Disciple. The emphasis is “All for Jesus” as we move through 2024 in all levels of Salvation Army service and ministry.

• Although we have resumed all our activities, the attendances in our corps are still below what they were before the pandemic. Pray for God’s Spirit to quicken the hearts of those who have become spiritually lazy and that there would be renewal in our ranks.

• Pray for our ministry among those suffering most acutely. Opioid and meth addiction is at epidemic levels in areas of our territory. Human trafficking is increasing despite efforts to intercede. The Army is doing meaningful work with wonderful results but so much more needs to be done.
  

• We praise God for our evangelistic outreach through our frontline ministries in the corps and adult rehabilitation centers, our online ministries (Soundcast in English and Spanish), and through social media. We ask for wisdom as we seek the Spirit’s guidance to reach more souls for God’s kingdom.
  

• We are boldly asking God for 50 candidates for the Keepers of the Covenant Session entering the training college this August. Pray that men and women will heed God’s call to be officers.

TradeWest is excited to announce that we’ll be collecting art submissions for the Testify Congress Art Contest. This is open to all Salvationist around the Territory. 1 winner from each category will have their art featured on an item that we’ll sell at the TradeWest store during the Congress weekend, June 14-16, 2024, at the Pasadena Convention Center and receive a $50.00 Amazon gift card!

All submissions must be emailed to artcontest24@usw.salvationarmy.org along with your name, age, and Corps/Division by April 7, 2024. We look forward to seeing you at the TradeWest Store in June!

Details of competition in flyer below.

Email: annmarguerite.jones@usw.salvationarmy.org
Website: https://www.SalvationArmyConcordCA.org
Location: 3950 Clayton Road, Concord, CA, USA
Phone: (925) 676-6180
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tsaconcord