Staff Worker Grapevine March 2010
Welcome to the March edition of GRAPEVINE, the newsletter for Military Christian Fellowship.
A special welcome this month to new Members and Centurions.
A Moment to Reflect
'Jesus set his face resolutely toward Jerusalem', Luke 9.51
As we enter this Holy Week we remember the journey Jesus took towards the cross. The rising opposition to Jesus and his goodness was terrifying and, understandably, his closest friends were fearful and doubted their faith in Jesus. It was a dark time and reminds us of the darkness of our own times. As Jesus set his face towards Jerusalem we can travel with him, acknowledging the darkness while trusting the power and ultimate goodness of God who shines a light of hope.
A close friend of mine, Terry Falla, has written a prayer which captures this hope. I'd like to share an extract with you:
'God, we need a faith that is able to face the suffering and brutality of our world.
We need a faith that refuses the way of cynicism and the despair of resignation, and sees the love and good in the world.
We need a faith that is red with hope, the leads to change and welcomes freedom. God, take us to the cross.'
May God who kindles the light of hope in our darkness be with you this Easter.
Praying Together: from the MCF Prayer Calendar:
4 April:
Thank God for safety of our personnel on operations. For rapid healing of the wounded and injured.
LTCOL James van Heel - chairman of MCF as he directs the Council that he would be faithful to God and be wise in his decisions.
Chaplains. For faithful proclamation of the gospel. For wisdom in relating to those around them.
11 April
For strength, faithfulness and perseverance for the families of those who are deployed. May those who don’t know Christ, seek him.
Thank God for the website and the additional functionality that has been added. Pray that more military Christians might join MCF as a result.
Praise God for the Forum of Christian Military Ministries (FCMM) held in Feb which was highly worthwhile and fruitful. Pray for the implementation of the actions arising from the meeting.
18 April:
For those in authority in the ADF to lead well.
CAPT Katie Chapman, the Evangelism Coordinator – help her work to assist others to spread the gospel clearly and faithfully.
Pray for those on course, that they would listen well and study hard. Pray for those who share the gospel at training establishments.
Staying Connected
Are you about to be deployed or have recently moved? We want to stay in touch with you. Please update your details online or contqact the MCF Staff Worker. You can now apply online to become a member and/or Centurion.
What's the news?
Call for Crossfire articles by 30 April. Twice a year MCF produces the Crossfire magazine which is widely distributed throughout the ADF. We are preparing now for the 2010 June edition with the theme of 'Grief'. You can contribute to the magazine by sharing your experience of Grief, particularly as an ADF member or family. Articles can be sent to the Staff Worker or the Editor through this website.
As mentioned last month the Forum of Christian Military Ministries met on 18 Feb. 2010 with representation from Everyman's, Red Shield Defence Services, MCF, Solid Rock, Navigators, Chaplains and Fighting Words. Russell Bielenberg has provided a brief report: 'Thank you for your prayers. The Forum was very helpful, and your prayers were abundantly answered. We agreed to meet again on 10 and 11 November 2010.' During the Forum, MCF Chairman, LTCOL James van Heel proposed that a book be produced based on the deployment experiences of Australian military and their families, and FCMM groups. His idea is based on the 1993 version of the US 'Deployed, not Disconnected' book produced by the Officers Christian Union in the United States. If you as a Service man or woman and your family would like to participate, please submit articles on your experiences of pre deployment, deployment and post deployment to the Staff Worker by 31 May. The articles should try to have some mission content and/or be useful for our Service men and women and their families when preparing for deployment, on deployment or post deployment. The articles should be no longer that 3 pages in length or 1500 words.
MCF Groups
HMAS Harman
This month's profile is on a new group at HMAS Harman begun as a joint initiative between Chaplains and MCF. Each Thursday at 1100, a group meet in the chapel for a time of quiet reflection. Originally started as a prayer, encouragement and fellowship group for parents of new babies, the group is child-friendly and welcomes all members of the extended military community. The meetings are very informal, and move from the Chapel to Harman's coffee shop on completion, for anyone who would like to stay for a cuppa and chat. For more information contact LCDR Samantha Woods, R1-4-B115, ph: (02) 6265 6676.
Other news:
MCF at Enoggera are currently using the Life of Jesus DVD for a series of studies. They meet at lunchtimes on Mondays at the Chapel near the front gate. Contact Mick Mumford if you would like more information.
Staff Worker Visits: Last week it was great to visit HMAS Stirling and RAAF Pearce while on a personal trip to Perth. Thanks to people there for your friendly welcome and time spent chatting about your area. After Easter I'm looking forward to visiting a new group at DSTO Port Melbourne, then Puckapunyal and Bandiana/Bonegilla.
Coming Events
30 April '10: final date to submit articles for Crossfire
31 May '10: final date for submission for the Australian version of 'Deployed, not Disconnected'
3rd September '10: Defence Christians Dinner
4th September '10: MCF Seminar 'Battle Smart"
10 November '10: MCF Annual General Meeting
10 November '10: FCMM
A message re Receiving Grapevine. I have been updating the MCF membership database and email lists. If you know of someone who may enjoy receiving the Grapevine, or if you would prefer your name removed from the email list please let me know.
Grace and peace,
Ann Lock
National Staff Worker
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