Staff Worker Grapevine June 2010
Welcome to the June edition of GRAPEVINE, the newsletter for Military Christian Fellowship! A special welcome this month to MCF people at Brindabella Park, RAAF Bases Richmond and Williamtown, Randwick and Holsworthy BKS (recently visited by the Staff Worker)
A Moment to Reflect:
'For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Rom 8.38,39
We were all shocked to hear of 3 Australian soldiers killed when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan. 7 soldiers were also injured in the accident, a number of those seriously. This tragedy follows the deaths of Sappers Jacob Moerland and Darren Smith earlier this month. May our prayers be with the families, friends and fellow soldiers of these men; for comfort in grief and healing from injury. We have had a specific request for prayer from the family of Jacob Moerland who was involved in one of the ACC Churches in Gayndah Qld, where he grew up.
God of all life,
we pray for those recently bereaved and injured.
Give them strength in their sorrow and pain,
your presence in the dark hollow of loss,
and your hope that in death
we are not divided from love.
God of all life,
when your people are mourning
make us patient listeners for the pain of others.
Help us be sensitive carers, and good friends
so that we can hold the future open
with your grace and love. Amen
MCF News:
This month I (Ann Lock, Staff Worker) have visited MCF people at Brindabella Park, Randwick and Holsworthy BKS and RAAF Bases Richmond and Williamtown. It was great to meet these people in person and join in their MCF meetings. Thank you all for your warm welcome.
This month let's pray for these groups:
- for those at Brindabella Park who meet regularly to read the bible and pray together and for Deidre Windolf who facilitates the group.
- for the new group which has commenced at Randwick
- for MAJ David Williams as he looks at beginning a group at Holsworthy
- for FLTLT Ben Allen as he takes over as MCF Contact Person at Richmond. Thanks to CHAP Ian Whitley for his work in this role; our grateful prayers are with you Ian.
- for the Williamtown Christian Network Advocates and the great ministry they have in their workplaces.
If you have any prayer points, please send them to Ann Lock on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Evangelism Tools: Looking for resources for your group meetings?
Katie Chapman, MCF Evangelism Coordinator, is building an Evangelism Library for MCF groups to access. The books are kept in the MCF Office and will be loaned out to groups on request. Current books are: After Alpha, Christianity Explained, Gospel Talk and For Christ's Sake. Coming soon is Going Public with Your faith. Email a This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
MCF has a new Flyer for use in your workplace. If you would like some copies email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Some useful links:
SERVICE SEPARATIONS: http://ocfusa.org/articles/service-separations/ Russell Bielenberg recommends these resources which have been prepared by Beverley Moritz.
'So you and your husband have a separation coming up! And you're anxious. You've heard all the horror stories about the things that go wrong when your husband leaves. Well. I'm not about to tell you that everything is going to be just great...'
COMMANDO CHAPLAINS: http://www.abc.net.au/compass/s2848686.htm
'The last place you might expect to find a chaplain is dodging bullets in Afghanistan. This film follows two British Royal Marine chaplains as they travel around 'their parish' bringing faith to the frontline. Many of the marines don’t attend church back home in Britain, but they do here. “It's something to believe in," says one. But the chaplains' focus here is not preaching. Instead it is what they term "incarnational ministry” - being there alongside the men, to provide a moral compass in the heat of battle, and help them deal with the aftermath. '
HOW YOUR CHURCH CAN MINISTER TO OUR DEFENCE FORCES: http://accent.acc.org.au
'If your church is near a military base or includes the families of military personnel, then this is a huge mission field right on your doorstep. Here are some creative ways to develop relationships with the personnel in Australia and for those overseas.' by Ps. Anne Iuliano
Become A MCF Prayer Warrior: Be part of a vital team of MCF people who pray regularly for the members of MCF .
Contact the MCF office through This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring 02 6266 4950 for further information. Prayer requests may be sent by email or phone to the MCF Office. These requests are held confidentially within the Prayer Warriors and can be anonymous.
Coming Soon!
The Crossfire team have been hard at work preparing the next magazine with the theme of Grief. Thanks to Dave Coleman, the Crossfire editor. The magazine should be on its way to you in a few weeks. Look out for stories of people dealing with grief in their personal and operational lives, an introduction to Evangelism resources for MCF, updates on MCF news and lots more.
Events for your Diary: watch out for more details on these events next month.
3rd September '10: Defence Christians Dinner
4th September '10: MCF Seminar 'Battle Smart' Battlesmart will encourage and equip Christians in Defence to prepare for and succeed in spiritual battles. Biblical perspectives and practical ways of ‘taking up the armour of God’ in the workplace will be shared by inspirational and thought provoking speakers. Battlesmart is a forum where we can strengthen each other in our Christian walk and rise to the challenge of being Jesus’ ambassadors in the ADF.
10 November '10: MCF Annual General Meeting
A message re Receiving Grapevine:
I (Ann Lock) 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 to have your name removed from the email list please let me know.
Grace and Peace,
Ann Lock
National Staff Worker
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