Concord Chronicle

I think it is safe to say that nothing is more frustrating in our lives than unfinished tasks.

It’s the flip side of procrastination. When we procrastinate we never seem to be able to get something started. And of course, something that never gets started can never get finished. But things that do get started but never get finished engender sadness because of the unfulfilled potential and wasted resources.

One of the sayings of my mother was, “…if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well!” and that included finishing whatever I started.

Such advice is timeless, of course, and although I am speculating, I believe that Joseph the carpenter/builder probably taught his son/apprentice Jesus the same thing. Do your best work, complete the job!

So it was when Jesus left the carpentry business to begin his two-fold mission to rescue humankind from the condemnation of sin, and to teach the Jewish people about the realities of the Messiah and the coming Kingdom of God. He certainly got off to a good start,

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” Matthew 3:17 NLT

But while starting was important, finishing was even more important.

Starting was relatively easy, although it did involve leaving home and family, but there was always the possibility of giving up and going back to safety, security, and obscurity.

Finishing was always going to be the difficult part, but Jesus was determined to see his job through to the end. It was what sustained him:

Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” John 4:34 NLT

Jesus saw his three major objectives through to completion.

Firstly, on the cross he references Psalm 22:15 with regard to his thirst and then pays the ultimate price for all sin for all people for all time!

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30 NLT

His second great “finish” was to be raised from the dead on that first Easter Sunday. As Paul explains to the Church in Corinth:

And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:14-17 NLT

His third great “finish” was to return to be with the Father and the Holy Spirit so that he can be our advocate and defender:

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:9-11 NLT

Undoubtedly, Christmas was an astounding “start” of God’s great project to rescue his creation, but it is the big three “finishes” of Jesus that complete the plan and make it possible for us to be certain that faith in Jesus and his completed mission ensures our eternal life.

We each have a “finish” to achieve — eternity in the presence of God — and there will be obstacles along the way, but if we follow Jesus’ example it will all be worth it. As the writer to the Hebrews puts it:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT

Jesus’ three great finishes on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Ascension Day become the pattern for our spiritual journey: death to our sinful nature, resurrection as a new creation, and eternity in the presence of our creator.

He has already done all the "heavy lifting" for us, all that’s left is to rely on him while we finish our project!

Let’s keep on keeping on until we get to hear:

The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 NLT

See you at the finish line!

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

• 9:00 AM - Youth Praise Team Practice - Chapel
• 9:15 AM - Corps Cadets and Teens - CCM Distribution of Easter Gifts to Diablo Valley Acute Center (meet at corps)
• 10:00 AM - Adult Bible Study - Library
• 10:30 AM - Prayer Time - Prayer Room
• 11:00 AM - Worship Service - Chapel
• 12:15 PM - Food & Fellowship - Fireside Room
• 12:30 PM - Beginning Band Practice - Chapel
• 1:00 PM - Youth Chorus Practice - Chapel
• 1:00 PM - Adult Visitation Team - CCM Distribution of Easter Gifts to Concord Royale

NOTE: We are focusing on Encore materials now. So we encourage our participants to attend practices.

TUESDAY

• 4:30 PM - Craft Class - Library
• 6:00 PM - Men's Bible Study - Fireside Room
• 6:00 PM - The Power of the Holy Spirit Names - Library/Hybrid
• 7:00 PM - Songsters Practice - Chapel
• 8:00 AM - Senior Band Practice - Chapel

WEDNESDAY

• 6:30 AM - Prayer Time - Sanctuary Church
• 10:00 AM - CAMEO Meeting: Rooted in Gentleness - Fireside Room

FRIDAY - Office Closed

• 6:30 AM - Prayer Time - Sanctuary Churcyh
• 7:00 PM - Good Friday Service - Chapel (followed by bread and broth)

EASTER SUNDAY

• 8:30 AM - SONrise Service - Rose Garden (enter by business office)
• NOTE: Bring fresh flowers for the cross.
• 9:30 AM - Easter Breakfast - Fireside Room
• 10:30 AM - Prelude Starts - Chapel
• 11:00 AM - Easter Celebration Service - Chapel (followed by an Easter egg hunt)

Pastors of Contra Costa County are hosting a week of prayer.

Location: Sanctuary Ministries Church - Monday through Friday

2250 Commerce Avenue, Suite D, Concord, 94520

Prayers at 6:30 - 7:30 AM, 12:00 - 1:00 PM, and 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Major Gwyn will be present on Wednesday and Friday morning shifts, if you want to accompany him. However, you are welcome to go any of the other time slots during the week.

This Lent, let us reflect on God’s outrageous love and his generosity to us - and respond.

For forty days, we invite you to engage in 40 acts of kindness, each act inspired by Scripture.

Let us reach out to our communities with kindness and through our display of love, care and generosity, may we make the goodness of our God known.

One small, significant act at a time.

Pick up your journal on Sunday in the Chapel Foyer.

Holy Week—the week leading up to Easter—is approaching, and it’s not too late for you to join in and journey with Jesus in a guided art experience. You can join today!

This is a chance for your family to learn about God’s love and the last day’s of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Sign up to receive the downloadable PDF here.

The accompanying Grown-Up Guide has all of the instructions you need as well as additional prayer prompts for you as you lead your family this season.

We hope you’ll join us and create this meaningful space of reflection for your family.

With love,

The team at Caring Magazine

What: "GUTS" Divisional Youth Rally/Corps Cadet Retreat

When: April 5-7, 2024

Who: Ages 13-17 years old (18 years old if still in high school or members of the Divisional Youth Music sections. Older participants will be asked to assist with programming and chaperoning duties throughout the weekend too.)

Cost: $75 covers program materials, food, and lodging

Where: Camp Del Oro

We are excited to share some information about the upcoming Divisional Youth Retreat (DYR), “GUTS”, April 5-7, 2024 at Camp Del Oro. Our theme scripture for the weekend is 2 Timothy 1:7. Throughout the weekend, we will focus on how the Holy Spirit gives us power, love, and self-discipline, and how God speaks to us and through us. DYR is a wonderful opportunity for our delegates to build friendships, participate in fun activities and hear and experience the word of God together.

We will also take time to highlight Corps Cadets, completing ACTs together and recognizing the accomplishments of our Corps Cadet participants throughout this last year.

Divisional Youth Music sections will be participating this weekend. Bring all items required for your group.

Registration is due March 25th. FORMS NEED TO BE FILLED OUT AND SIGNED ON SUNDAY!

Major Gwyn will be the officer chaperone.

What: "THE EPIC BATTLE" Divisional Men's Rally

When: Saturday, May 4th - ONE DAY ONLY

Cost: $40 covers materials, food, and rental costs

Where: Suisun Kroc Center

Inspired by the powerful message of 2 Chronicles 20:15, which reminds us that the battle belongs to God and that He will grant us victory. This scripture serves as a profound reminder of our dependence on God's strength and guidance in all of life's challenges.

Here's what you can look forward to at our Men's Rally:

• Fellowship: Strengthen your bonds with fellow brothers in Christ as we unite and support one another on our spiritual journeys. This event is strategically made so that your congregation can fellowship with their corps members, as well as people from other corps. Let’s fellowship and encourage one another.
• Fun: Prepare for an exhilarating adventure in the battle arena that combines the best of RC car racing and strategic battles on a specially designed track! Your corps will be challenged to customize their very own RC car with different pieces to make the ultimate Machine. Get ready for thrills, spills, and plenty of friendly competition! (RC Car and Supplies will be provided at the event)
• Food: Indulge in delicious food and refreshments as we gather to share the joy of fellowship and camaraderie.
• Worship: Lift your voices in praise and worship as we honor our Almighty God, who grants us victory in every battle we face. Our theme song will be “The Battle Belongs To You” By Phil Wickham.
• Scripture: there will be two breakout sessions where we will receive Scriptural teaching from some of our well-seasoned officers. Let’s go deeper into the word of God and find out what it truly means to let God fight our battles!

This rally offers something for everyone so invite all the men in your congregation!

Sign-ups begin now and will end on April 15th.

What: "FLOURISH" Divisional Women's Rally

When: Saturday, May 18th - ONE DAY ONLY

Cost: $50 covers t-shirt, lunch, and program materials (extra fee for crafts)

Where: Suisun Kroc Center

We are excited to announce Flourish as the theme for our 2024 Divisional Women’s Rally! The theme comes from Psalm 92:13, “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.” Our Women’s Department is planning a unforgettable day filled with workshops, live auction, grab bags, live music, words of encouragement and much more!

We are also doing our infamous grab bag and silent auction fundraisers. There is also a live auction portion and an opportunity to purchase the centerpieces at the end of the day.

Registration is due April 22nd.

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.

Colonel Bo Jeppsson - Territorial Commander

Colonel Christina Jeppsson - Territorial President of Women's Ministries

Lieut-Colonel Robert Tuftström - Chief Secretary

Lieut-Colonel Anna-Maria Tuftström - Territorial Secretary of Women's Ministries

Prayer requests:

• We pray for the salvation of people! Multitudes of men and women need to have their lives transformed by meeting with Jesus Christ.
• We pray for an increasing growth in Christlikeness among our Salvationists.
• In our desperate need of Candidates, we pray that women and men would heed God's calling for officership.
• Pray that the planned transferring of Officers would lead Officers and members into a greater expectation of God. Officers moving into new appointments have rarely taken place in Latvia.
• Pray for the strategy and planning for a Corps planting in 2025 in Latvia.

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