Post on 07-Jul-2020
DHQ Newsletter: Issue 44 17th
December, 2014
Page 1
Greater Things!
Newcastle & Central NSW Division
Now to the God who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us. Ephesians 3:20 (The Voice)
For God so loved the world that He
gave his only begotten Son... John
3:16. There's something about making
a present look beautiful and even
sometimes fun too that makes the
receiver excited about opening it. Of
course it always boils down to what's
inside that counts, but getting to that
point of finding out what's inside sure
is fun!
When our kids were young I loved
watching them open their presents at
Christmas. Now I love watching my
grandkids open theirs!! Sometimes
opening them slowly, other times
diving right in and ripping off the
wrapping, so quickly, you almost miss
them opening the gift. Watching their
faces and reactions is one of those
things we love as parents. Later on we
learn what gifts they like the best by
how much it’s played with or used.
I'm sure God is the same, when He
looks down at us. He's given so much
for us through the gift of His Son,
Jesus. He knows when we appreciate
His gifts too. He sees our thankful
hearts or not so thankful hearts. He
knows when we get out His Word and
find all those things He's left for us or
if we've left them under the tree.
John 3:16 tells us that God loved us so
much that He gave us His Son.
Through His Son, Jesus Christ, we
can have soooo much. Here are some
things that we find under the tree just
waiting for us to unwrap.
Unwrap the Gift of His Love.
Have you pulled off the wrapping of
the love of Christ and accepted Him
as your Saviour? If you haven't, that's
the first step in unwrapping what God
has given you. I'm so grateful that
Christ loved us so much that He wants
to take us to Heaven to be with Him,
but I love the fact that His love
sustains us here on earth. Every day I
wake up, I find the love of Christ.
Nothing can take that gift of love
away from us either. Romans 8:39
says, ‘Nor height, nor depth, nor any
other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord’.
Unwrap the Gift of Grace.
Another thing we can unwrap is the
gift of grace. Through Christ we have
access to that wonderful grace that's
given to us. Not a gift we deserve but
because of Christ we can have it.
Romans 5:12 says, ‘Therefore, being
justified by faith, we have peace with
God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by
faith into this grace wherein we
stand, and rejoice in hope of the
glory of God’.
Unwrap the Gift of the
Resurrection.
This is one of those gifts that it's
worth getting excited about. Without
the resurrection of Christ, we have
nothing. 1 Corinthians 15:17 says,
‘And if Christ be not raised, your
faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins’.
When we unwrap this and dwell on it
awhile and really think about how
much it does for us as Christians, it
makes you want to shout or jump up
and down with excitement!!....doesn’t
it?
Unwrap the Gift of Inheritance.
Because of Christ, we can become
heirs of God. What a gift it is to know
that we are the children of God.
1 Peter 1:4 says, ‘To an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, that
does not fade, reserved in heaven for
you’.
Unwrap the Gift of His Word.
When we rip off the wrapping paper
and find the Word, it's one of those
gifts that never runs out, never wears
out, and never gets old. Don't you
love that? Every day we can find new
things in it just for us to give us
strength, sharpen us, build us up, and
even rebuke us, but it's something that
the Lord knew we needed. Colossians
3:16 says, ‘Let the word of Christ
dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in
your hearts to the Lord’.
Conclusion:
There's just so much that we are given
through the gift of Christ. The ones
listed are just some of the things we
gain with a life in Christ. It's like
there's this big tree with the bottom
piled high with gifts and all the
branches bulging with gifts nestled in
just for us. We have wonderful and
precious promises, strength, the Holy
Spirit, peace, joy, and on and on just
because of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because of Christ our lives can
become so full, so rich, so
meaningful.
Page 2
John 10:10...‘I am come that they
might have life, and that they might
have it more abundantly’.
Most of us don't leave our gifts
unwrapped under the tree. We want to
see what's inside. Maybe we should
spend more time in the Word and in
prayer finding those things that the
Lord would have for us. Perhaps we
should spend more time saying,
"thank you" for our gifts and
appreciate them more. I know I need
to work on this. I don't want to miss
out on anything or forget to say
"thank you".
God bless you each.
Jeff Winterburn
Inside this issue:
SALVOS RURAL APPEAL
I am happy to share with you a new
initiative from THQ which will
hopefully have a significant impact on
struggling rural communities in our
division. It is called the Salvos Rural
Appeal and it is planned for launch in
early next year.
We all know that rural communities
throughout Australia are doing it
tough as they deal with financial,
emotional and mental strain brought
on by drought and other natural
disasters. People in crisis in rural
areas deserve to know that they are
not alone, that we are aware of their
situation and are there for them for as
long as needed.
The Salvos Rural Appeal will enable
people in the bush to commit to long-
term support of their community
through the Army’s work. It is
sustainable through varying market
conditions and individual
circumstances - those who are doing
well know they are supporting others
who are struggling, who in turn can
plan to donate when conditions
improve.
Supporters will be able to donate
online, at market points of sale, and
by phone and mail. Donors will also
be able to choose whether their
donation remains in their region or
goes to wherever it is needed most.
Importantly, the Salvos Rural Appeal
will provide information and contact
details for members of the rural
community who need assistance. It
will enable people living and working
in country areas to invest in long-term
practical, emotional and social
support through The Salvation
Army’s rural services.
The appeal demonstrates that these
communities have not been forgotten,
and aims to build up The Salvation
Army’s rural support services to
ensure it will be with them for the
long haul.
An update will be provided in January
for your ongoing information.
- Amber Dale (Div. Communications
& PR Secretary)
SYDNEY SIEGE Colleagues,
The Sydney siege has been very much
the focus of our attention, our
thoughts, our prayers and our interest
over the last 24 hours
We received the tragic news this
morning that Katrina
Dawson, the
daughter of Sandy
Dawson, who had
been the Chairman
of the Sydney East
Red Shield Appeal
Committee for the past 20 years, was
tragically killed as part of the siege
last night.
I have been in touch with Sandy today
to assure him of our thoughts and
prayers. Sandy Dawson Jr, is still the
zone chairman for the Red Shield
Appeal at Woollahra.
I also am grateful to Captain Chris
Radburn, Chaplain to the NSW
Ambulance and NSW Fire and
Rescue Authorities, who was called in
by the Police to notify the victim's
families and offer support to the
victims.
Our hearts go out to all those affected
and we certainly say well done to all
those involved in the response to the
siege.
God be with you,
James Condon
HANNAM VALE CORPS
Hannam Vale Corps are set up and
ready to distribute Christmas Toys
and support to families in their
Community. All areas in our Division
are greatly supported by generous
Australians who reach out at this
special time of the year. The Salvation
Army is privileged to be the vehicle
entrusted to distribute these gifts to
those in need.
- Christine Martin DMARD - Social
See photos next page
Message 1
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News 2
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More News 3
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Personnel 4
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Prayer Page 5
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Christmas Events 6
Page 3
Hannam Vale Hall packed with
Christmas gifts!
Hannam Vale Hall set up with
refreshments, tables and chairs for
people to sit around and chat after
they receive their Christmas
parcels.
RETIREMENT MAJOR ALICE FEAN
When you next think of Alice, no
longer remember her sitting at her
desk across from Paula at DHQ, or
being busily involved in various PR
activities.
Instead, think of her doing a whole lot
of… nothing? Well, surely it won’t be
nothing, but rather lots of quality time
spent with family and enjoying the
things she hasn’t had time to do
during her 21 years as a committed
Officer.
Major Alice Fean was farewelled into
retirement last week at a service
held at Newcastle Worship and
Community Centre, with people
coming from near and far for her send
off. It was a great retirement service,
and thanks must be given to Majors
Pam and Colin Robinson who spent
many hours preparing the service to
ensure Alice had a wonderful
celebration.
Congratulations Alice on your
retirement – we are already missing
you!
- Amber Dale (Div. Communications
and PR Secretary)
KROSSWERDZ
If you haven’t heard the word on the
street, ‘KROSSWERDZ’ is a
growing, international gospel hip-hop
movement that started in Sydney back
in 2006. It’s a gathering for those who
love hip-hop culture (DJing,
Emceeing, Breakdancing and
Graffiti).
It is made up of people from all
different churches and denominations,
welcoming those who may not feel
comfortable walking into a typical
Sunday service. Hip-hop is used as a
medium to worship God, connect with
community and spread a message of
hope and creativity.
The Oasis Youth Centre in Wyong
recently hosted the final Central Coast
KROSSWERDZ event for 2014.
Oasis staff members manned the
BBQ, ran a canteen and connected
with local young people.
Approximately 120 people came out
to the Centre to jam it out for an
amazing night (even despite the 42
degree heat of the day!).
Christmas Under the Stars – You’re invited!
On Sunday 21 December, the Central
Coast will be jingling to the jolly tune
of Christmas Carols at the annual
Mingara Christmas Under The Stars
event, which is proudly supporting
The Salvation Army.
You’re invited to this family fun and
star studded event with performances
from Shannon Noll, Dora The
Explorer, Nathan Foley, Gina Jeffreys'
Christmas Stars, Nikki Webster, TV
personality Erica Davis, and of
course, Santa!
Mingara has been supporting The
Salvation Army for many years and in
2014, the money raised from ticket
sales will be used to purchase a
second driver training car for Oasis
Youth Centre Wyong. The car is
greatly needed to meet the demand in
the community and we are really
appreciative of the generous support
that Mingara continues to give.
Come along and get involved in the
Christmas spirit! Sunday 21
December, Mingara Regional Athletic
Centre (Tumbi Umbi Drive) gates
open from 4:30pm with entertainment
from 5:30pm and fireworks from
9pm. Plus a visit from Santa!
Tickets can be purchased on the night
(or at any Greater Building Society
Branch on the Central Coast or
Mingara Recreation Club) $5 per
entry, children under 12 years are
free.
See you there! - Amber Dale
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OASIS HUNTER
The team at Oasis Hunter had
opportunity last week to join in a
Team development day facilitated by
"Blue Bus Coaching". BBC
contributed their professional skills
and time in developing a 'state of play'
for Oasis Hunter as they embark on a
new journey of Mission & Programs
in 2015.
A previous working relationship
between The Manager, Peter Martin
and Heath Thacker, (Coach/Principal)
coupled with an appreciation for what
The Salvation Army had done for his
mother and family many years ago,
provided this highly professional
opportunity to the Oasis Team.
Blue Bus Coaching (Locomotive) has
seen wonderful & highly skilled
professionals bonded together through
the roll out of the Blue Bus concept to
many of Australia’s top organisations.
Their Red/Green/Blue Bus Playshops
are a unique product that is providing
the frame work to rapidly transform
many organisations toward
excellence, ensuring they become
distinct & not extinct in this rapidly
changing environment. It was a very
fun packed afternoon, highly
interactive, delivering a great
common goal.
- Report – Chris Martin DMARD -
Social
RURAL CHAPLAINS
As of 8th January, 2015, Captains
Jeffrey and Sharilyn Bush will be
taking on the responsibility of serving
as the Rural Chaplains for the Central
West NSW area. These officers will
come to this role after service in
Atherton and Gladstone in
Queensland.
It is with a degree of sadness that we
relinquish this role for health reasons.
Trevor will retire early in the new
year and Maree has been appointed to
a new role as the Rural Ministries
Consultant for The Salvation Army.
A Farewell will be held during a
service at Dubbo Corps on Sunday
4th
January 2015 at 10.30am,
followed by a Fellowship Lunch. All
welcome.
We have counted it a great privilege
and blessing to meet many farmers,
contractors and business folk and their
families over the past three years and
this role has been one of the
highlights of our 35 years in
Officership. We have met many
inspirational people. Thank you to
everyone who has helped us in our
ministry - your kindness and
generosity will never be forgotten.
Thank you for supporting the new
chaplains. God bless you.
- Majors Trevor and Maree Strong
CELEBRATIONThe Australia
Eastern Territory
will welcome our
first male officer
Centenarian on
Tuesday 23rd
December 2014 -
Brigadier Jim Smith (a soldier of
Taree Corps) will be 100 years young!
We wish Brigadier Jim our best
wishes for a very HAPPY
BIRTHDAY!! 100 years of memories
and 100 years of life.... You are very
special and surely honour is due to
you as you celebrate your special day.
We praise God for your life. God
bless you and congratulations!
WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Leah Ross who
leaves our Australian shores with her
family bound for the United States of
America to marry her fiancé,
Lieutenant Samuel Fowler (Torrance
Corps Southern California Division)
on Saturday, 27 December 2014, at
The Salvation Army College for
Officer Training (USA Western
Territory). Leah is the daughter of
Majors Graeme (Legal Department
THQ) and Karan (Territorial
Mission & Resource Team – Corps)
Ross, while Samuel is also the son of
officers in the USA.
Please accept our best wishes and
prayers for you both as you seal your
vows to each other before God, family
and friends. May God bless you both
abundantly.
Leah will enter the School for Officer
Training in August 2015. Please pray
for Graeme, Karan and their family
as they share this special day with
their daughter and new son, and as
they return to Australia while Leah
remains in the USA.
BABY NEWS Majors Gary and Susanne
(Campbelltown Corps) Cox’s son
David (Aged Care Plus Weeroona
Village) & his wife Zoe have
welcomed their third son, Judson
Jacob Cox on Tuesday 9th December
2014. Judson is a brother to Memphis
& Lawson. All are well for which we
praise God. We congratulate David,
Zoe, Gary and Susanne. Memphis
and Lawson are thrilled to have a
baby brother.
RETIREMENT SERVICE
Major Marie Gittins (Chaplaincy
Employment Plus) was presented with
her Retirement Certificate, by Major
Marie-Louise Craig during the 11am
morning meeting at The Salvation
Army Wynnum Corps last Sunday,
14th December 2014.
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DATES TO REMEMBER
December 19
th NSW School Term 4 ends
25th Christmas Day
26th Boxing Day
January 1
st New Year’s Day
8th Appointment Changes
19th Majors Gavin & Wendy
Watts back from overseas
furlough.
26th Australia Day Holiday
27th NSW Schools Resume
GREETINGS FROM THE WATTS FAMILY
Gavin, Wendy, Josh and Sarah Watts pictured on their sleds in front of the
Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Pictured in front of the Leaning
Tower of Pisa in Italy.
They are all well and having a
wonderful time. Thank you for your
prayers.
OFFICER’S KIDS
BIRTHDAYS December
Ayden Pethybridge 1st (5)
Andrew Brooks 7th
(10)
Tahlia Lauder 9th
(14)
Ilisha Stephens 18th
(5)
January Abi Gittins 21
st (12)
Amy Prigg 22nd
(7)
21-27 December 2014
“Every year we celebrate the holy
season of Advent, O God. Every year
we pray those beautiful prayers of
longing and waiting and sing those
lovely songs of hope and promise.”
Prayer Points:
- Wollongong First Floor Program –
Envoy Jayne Wilson and Team
- Women’s Ministries, THQ –
Commissioner Jan Condon, Lt.
Colonel Simone Robertson, Major
Karan Ross and Team
- Woodport Retirement Village – Val
Hopewell, Cynthia Leidtke-Aidar and
Team
- Wynnum Corps – Majors Gary and
Marie-Louise Craig
- Wynnum/Capalaba Community
Welfare Centre – Rhona Muller and
Team
- Yeppoon Mission – Daniel and
Yvette Walters.
Psalm 33:8-9 “All the earth should
worship the Lord; the
whole world should fear
him. He spoke, and it
happened. He
commanded, and it
appeared.”
Page 6
CHRISTMAS EVENTS THAT WE KNOW OF:
Bonnells Bay Corps
Christmas Service - 9.30am Christmas Day.
Mingara's Christmas Under the Stars
Sunday 21/12/14 - Mingara Regional Athletics Centre. Tickets $5, children 12 years and under free (complimentary ticket required). Pre-purchase your tickets at any Central Coast Greater Building Society Branch or at Mingara’s Welcome Desk.
Ticket booths will be open from 4pm on the day. Gates open from 4.30pm with entertainment from 5.30pm and fireworks from 9pm.
Long Jetty Corps
Christmas Eve Carols Service - Wednesday 24/12/14, 6pm-7.15pm, 1-7 McLachlan Ave, Long Jetty
Christmas Breakfast - Thursday 25/12/14, 8.30am-11am (Please RSVP for the Breakfast 43331813 so we can cater appropriately).
Gosford Corps
Christmas Service
– 9.30am Christmas Day. Newcastle Corps Community Carols On Saturday, 20th December you are invited to join us and Hamilton Baptist Church as we present a Carols Night for the community in Gregson Park, Hamilton @ 6:30pm. BYO Chair, Rug and Picnic. Christmas Day Service - 9.00am. Northlakes Carols Sunday 21st December @ Macquarie College, Lake Road, Wallsend from 5pm. Westlakes Carols Wed. 24th December. Contact corps’ direct for further details.
NEXT NEWSLETTER:
4th
February 2015
Praying Christ’s gift of hope will fill this
season and your year with joy!
With love from the 2014 DHQ Team –
Gavin, Wendy, Jeff, Sue, Colin, Pam, Alice, Lucas, Angela, Amanda, Amber,
Chris, Christine, Elyse, Emily, Emma, Gina, Graeme, Jasmine,
Kirsten, Lyn, Paula, Ross & Susan.
A special Farewell to Officers and Children leaving the Division. Thank you all for your ministry and may God richly bless you during 2015!