Concord Chronicle

This week, the officers (pastors) of the Del Oro Division (Northern California) area met for our bi-annual Officers' Councils (Pastors' Retreat). During this time, we have corporate worship, intercessory prayer, a time for self-reflection, teaching, and opportunities to encourage one another in this journey that only another in this "calling" can understand. We were also blessed with an afternoon and evening of free time - take a nap, go for a walk, hang together with friends, or do whatever your heart desires. It indeed was a blessed time.

Well, you know me, I have to share a personal experience ...

The first morning, I had a cold shower. I assumed that all the hot water had been used up in our block of rooms. The next morning, I got up earlier determined to get at least a warm shower. And I did! I was so proud of myself for getting up and beating the crowd. My shower was warm. But out of curiosity, I wondered if I could get more hot water. I pushed the shower faucet more to the left ... and it went further! I was absolutely surprised!

The shower faucet in our home didn't go past a certain point, so I didn't go beyond that point at the Granlibakken. (Think of the "2" position on the face of a clock. That's where I faucet at home stops.) But the faucet in our accommodation turned all the way to the "9" position! Not only did the shower get hotter, but it could get to the point of scalding! I felt silly.

Sometimes in life, we only expect the minimum because that is what we are used to. We limit ourselves to what could be greater. God has so much more for you.

Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success." (Proverbs 3:4-5, NCV)

"Jesus answered, “Because your faith is too small. I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. All things will be possible for you." (Matthew 18:20, NCV)

Have faith - and turn the handle.

Major AnnMarguerite Jones

When seeking inspiration for these weekly columns, I often ask friends to suggest topics that they find especially meaningful or puzzling in scripture that will give me an opportunity for exploration and research. Very often these are well-encapsulated nuggets that I can easily write about without becoming a substitute for a sleep aid.

But this week I had a friend suggest that I delve into “covenant living”.

This is a subject that is far too rich to complete in the space I have available, so as my title implies I plan — a number as yet unknown — more thoughts to follow in this series.

At its most basic, a covenant spells out a “working arrangement” for how two or more parties will interact with each other. The terms and definitions of the covenant, spell out the obligations of the parties and, in later iterations of the form, the benefits that will be received as well as consequences following a breaking of the covenant.

It is probably true to say that most biblical scholars have not come to agreement on how many covenants are contained in the scripture we have today, with numbers ranging from one to at least twelve.

But regardless most will agree on a few of the highlights including the Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Priestly, and Davidic covenants in the Hebrew Bible as well as the Christian “New” Covenant explained by Jesus at the last supper.

We know from ancient writings of other cultures apart from the history of the Israelites that covenants were not uncommon and basically took two forms: the obligatory type and the promissory type. Obligatory covenants were most often entered into by parties of equal standing. We have records of these from the Hittite peoples who were neighbors of the Israelites.

Most of the covenants in our scriptures are of the promissory type which focuses on the relationship of a King or Ruler and his subjects and is very similar to “Royal Grant” legal documents seen in other cultures. These “Royal Grants” generally adhere to a set format and include an historical introduction, border delineations, stipulations, witnesses, blessings, and curses. Here, “blessings” refer to the benefits being distributed, and “curses” to the consequences to be suffered by the person giving the grant if he should break the covenant. The covenants put in place by Yahweh usually omit the “curses” section, since God cannot, by His nature, break His promises.

We will, for now, skip over the promises made to Adam and Eve (even although they are covenantal in form and nature) and look at the first great covenant that applies to you and me — and everything that has lived, is alive, or will live on the earth — the Noahic covenant.

I encourage you to read again the whole passage in Genesis 9:1-17. There you will see the boundaries —“all living beings in all generations”, stipulations — “I will never again destroy the earth with water”, witnesses — “whenever the rainbow appears I will see and remember my covenant” and blessings — “be fruitful and multiply”.

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” Genesis 9:8-17 NIV

In this first great covenant, we see the willingness of God to let the consequences of His gift of free will play out to their logical conclusion without Him intervening and just destroying His creation by natural disaster.

Be thankful we still live under that covenant today — “Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God is showing his forbearance and love for His creation in this the earliest covenant for all time, all people, and all living things.

As we shall see, God gradually reveals His true nature and character in the (mostly) one-sided promises He makes to the people He has chosen to be examples for the rest of Creation until He fulfills them all in the ultimate sacrificial promise of all — Himself in the form of Jesus Christ.

Raise a hallelujah!

Next time we will look at some of the covenants God made with Abraham and the means used to make them indelible on the minds of His chosen people.

But until then,

Blessings on you and yours,
Jim Black

SUNDAY

• 9:00 AM - Praise Team Practice - Chapel
• 9:30 AM - Prep for Trunk or Treat (Please read notes below on where to park.)
• NOTE: The youth will help set up game stations through Sunday School time.
• 10:00 AM - Adult Sunday School - Library
• 10:15 AM - Time of Prayer - Prayer Room
• 11:00 AM - Worship Service - Chapel
• NOTE: There will not be a normal fellowship time since we will be prepping for the event.
• 1:00 PM - Trunk or Treat Community Event Starts
• 3:00 PM - Trunk or Treat Community Event Ends
• NOTE: We will need help cleaning up the program spaces.

TUESDAY

• 6:00 PM - Men's Bible Study - Classroom 3
• 6:00 PM - Rooted: Small Discipleship Group - Library and Zoom

WEDNESDAY

• 10:00 AM - CAMEO: Scarves Craft - Zoom and Library

For those who will be participating, thank you for your willingness to help with our first Trunk or Treat!

Everyone: We ask that on this occasion as many as possible, park your cars in the upper parking lot to allow visitors to park in the front lot. You may wear your costume to church, (nothing too scary, please!)

Trunkers: Please arrive at The Salvation Army by 9:30 at the latest on October 30th and park your automobile in your assigned space near the tree in the center of the far parking lot. Please plan to decorate your trunk as you see fit before church begins. There will be people assigned to watch the cars and keep the gate secured until opening time at 1 pm. Please plan to have plenty of candy, toys, trinkets, or prizes of your choice available for the children who come. And wear a costume if you can! As soon as possible after church, go to your car and plan to stay there until 3. You are responsible for your car and giveaways throughout. At the end, please do not move your car until the children have left the lot and are safe from harm.

Parking and Tree Lot Control:

• 2 persons - 9:00 - 10:45 - Tree Lot and Church lot - Help set up Tree Lot with games/jump house/and Trunkers - encourage church attendees to park in Upper Lot.
• 2 persons - 10:45 -1 - Standing guard during church then helping with crowd control as needed.
• 2 persons - 1-3 visitor parking - Help visitors to drive slowly, park in church lot and find way to Tree Lot.
• 1 person - 1-3 gate guard - open and control gate. Remain near gate in case it needs closed, for emergencies.
• Restroom monitors - 2 persons

Game leaders:

• Corn hole - 2 persons
• Lawn darts - 2 persons
• Bean bag tic tac toe - 2 persons
• Cakewalk - 2 persons (need Bluetooth speakers)
• Jump house - 1 person - must be over 21
• Gospel tracts - 2 persons (as people are leaving)
• 2 relievers - These people will be around to relieve game and jump house people as needed.

Food Helpers - 3 persons for hot dog and popcorn station (This will be located in the little parking lot by Room 13/Pantry Entry/Men’s Outdoor Restroom under a canopy.)

Please let Major Willdonna Rich know if you are available to help.

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 that you each give to this.

The Prayer Focus requests for November 2022. We will be praying for the following territories:

31 October - 06 November 2022 | Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory

07 – 13 November 2022 | Mali Region

14 – 20 November 2022 | USA Southern Territory

21 – 27 November 2022 | Norway, Iceland and the Faeroes Territory

PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND SOLOMON ISLANDS TERRITORY

Territorial Leaders: Colonels Garth and Patti Niemand

Prayer requests:

• Give thanks to the Lord, that despite many challenges, the PNGSI Territory continues to plant new congregations, enroll new soldiers, and increase the active officer force year on year.
• Pray for the physical health of our officers around the territory, as they minister in remote appointments while having to contend with an inadequate national health system.
• Pray for the children of our officers who are separated from their parents due to the lack of sufficient schooling in many parts of PNG. We thank God for the international support that allows the territory to cover school fees for officers’ children.
• Pray for the leadership in the Solomon Islands (Majors Robert & Vanessa Evans) as they diligently implement their district development strategy to develop local leaders, enhance financial sustainability, and to grow their missional footprint.
• Pray for the continued implementation of the Territorial Strategic Plan: “Rebuild-Restore-Renew-2025”, as we address the priorities of the territory under the pillars of sanctification, service, sustainability, and strategy.
• Pray for the preparations for the Commissioning events at the two campuses (Port Moresby and Kainantu) in late November and early December, respectively.
• Pray for the launch of the 2023 territorial theme: ‘Regeneration’ - “I’m going to grow tendons on you, regenerate your flesh, cover you with skin, and make you breathe again so that you can come back to life and learn that I am the Lord” Ezekiel 37:6 (ISV). May the Spirit breathe new life into his people again and keep us holy, faithful, and energized.
• Give thanks to God for the many young people in The Salvation Army and pray for their protection and that they will reach their full potential in the church, and in the nations of PNG and the Solomon Islands.
• Prayer for the Salvationist to grow mature in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and they will effectively reach out to those who are not saved.

The Youth Department would love to invite all young adults 18-35ish (and their friends) to join us at the Del Oro Young Adult Friendsgiving Dinner on Saturday, November 12th. Friendsgiving will be hosted at Captains O’Briens' house and start at 6:00 PM. The Youth Department will provide the main dishes and sides, but we would love it if those in attendance bring a dessert to share!

Please have those interested RSVP by Monday, November 7th, with their name and how many will be attending. RSVPs can be emailed to katharine.phrasavath@usw.salvationarmy.org or completed by filling out this google form https://forms.gle/Mh1r39gjSnHGqbJJ6 (link will be posted on Del Oro Youth social media pages as well).

Katharine Phrasavath

Del Oro Division Youth Program Specialist

The Quest Nursing Education Center has partnered with us to offer a five-week, online, and live training program that provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the nursing industry and prepares them to take the Certified Nursing Assistant exam. Upon completion, students are invited to take the exam and are connected to potential employers. Each class has approximately 8 students. Classes are held twice annually and include the job readiness skills needed to start a new career path, at a local Bay-area livable wage.

Nursing Assistant Program Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must be legally able to work in the United States
• Must have a valid social security card and picture ID
• High School Diploma/GED or take an entrance exam, or equivalent required, Foreign diplomas accepted if equivalent to U.S
• Speak, read, and write English (Evaluation of English proficiency will be required for non-native English speakers)
• Successfully pass a Criminal Screening Background Test

Testimonial from CNA Graduate

“As a CNA graduate, the experience has greatly increased my confidence and I received several opportunities for employment, one of which I did decide to take in the healthcare industry,” said student Kyra Barker.

Participants of the class are individuals who are currently or have been recently involved in local homeless or recovery-based programs, such as the Garden Street Family Center, or walk-in clients in one of four Salvation Army Family Services offices in Oakland, Hayward, and Tri-Cities/Newark.

Graduates receive new shoes, scrubs, stethoscopes, and other supplies. Program participants are assisted in finding employment through job fairs hosted at our Tri-Cities (Newark) Corps.

7th Cohort/Class session coming up Jan 30-March 10, 2023.

Cost of Class: $1500 per student.

Full Scholarships are available. Students pay a $25 Registration Fee.

For more information or to apply, contact Dr. Privilege at privilege.chadwick@usw.salvationarmy.org or by calling 510.383.9300 x 1209.

Classes are to be held on location and online at:

The Salvation Army Tri-Cities Corps

36700 Neward Blvd

Neward, CA 94560

Major James Sullivan

Divisional Secretary for Alameda County

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