Concord Chronicle

You know a message is significant when you experience something at least three times. So, what if you get similar messages MORE than three times? It is definitely a message to be noted!

This week:

• The ignitor for the pilot light to our water heater went out, so we only had cold showers and running water for a day and a half. (Not too bad really.)
• One of our sensors to an alarm was broken which meant that the alarm for the entire building was not setting properly.
• The new corps oven was sent with the wrong fitting so we were unable to hook up to the gas line.
• And personally, my physical therapist explained to me that my hip muscle is so tight that it is affecting my pelvis, leg, and back from its full range of motion.

Isn't interesting that each of these systems was all hindered or obstructed by something small compared to the whole system. And yet, that "small" thing was essential.

I don't know what the "small thing" is for you. Maybe you feel insignificant? I want to encourage you that YOU matter! You are known and loved by God. You matter to your family and to this fellowship. Without you, we would be incomplete. What you do for His Kingdom is essential.

Maybe there is something that is hindering your relationship with Him or keeping you from feeling like your life is functioning properly and running in full motion? Speak to Him about it. He will give you the help you need.

Major AnnMarguerite Jones

I will readily admit that my title is pure clickbait!

But, now that I have your attention, let me point out that in the church at Philippi a couple of the ladies in the fellowship did have a falling-out significant enough and serious enough to come to the attention of the Apostle Paul!

Paul gives the church a recipe for how to deal with the situation. He asks the two feuding women to “…be of the same mind in the Lord”. [Philippians 4:2, NIV] In doing so, Paul also gives us one of the most astounding examples of what humility means for a Christian.

Earlier in his letter to the Philippian church, Paul pleads with the members of the congregation to “…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” [Philippians 2:2-5 NIV]

Paul then goes on to explain to his readers what this mindset of Jesus was and is.

He points out that Jesus is God Himself.

By right he should be an object of worship, but Jesus considered that something that might be an impediment in his mission to redeem fallen mankind. So he made a choice and instead chose to become a servant!

In Philippians 2:6-11 Paul lays out the implications and consequences of this choice.

Instead of appearing as some mystical and fantastical being, awesome, inspiring jaw-dropping admiration, Jesus took on the appearance and limitations of being fully human. The King James translation says he took on the “…form of a man…”. This word translated as “form”, comes from the same root as the Greek word which gives us our word “performance” or saying that someone was in good “form”. This means that Jesus made a conscious decision that he would show us what mankind looked like whilst achieving its fullest potential.

Paul also says Jesus made himself “nothing”, reversing roles by becoming the servant rather than the one being served.

Paul says he “humbled” himself. The Greek word here is one that literally means “to empty out”. This means that Jesus forsook all his rights and privileges so that he could be wholly available to carry out the will of the Father, even if that meant dying on a cross!

Against this standard, the petty disagreements and irritants inside the church surely pale into insignificance!

Paul says we should look at our purpose in life with the same mindset and humility as Jesus because if it was good enough for the very Son of God it should be good enough for us.

I should point out that none of this implies that we should become doormats or limp noodles in dealing with people - a quick look at his courage, tenacity, and zealousness for the Father’s will quickly convince us that Jesus was no shrinking violet in that regard. Rather, by seeking to emulate Jesus’ mindset we will empty out our wills and desires and seek the kingdom of God first. Doing so comes with great rewards in this life according to scripture [Matt 6:33]

If everyone in the church can have this kind of purpose and mindset then the irritants which might lead to squabbling, dissension, and bad feelings for others will melt away in a higher purpose. Those who love to criticize, and cry “hypocrisy” the church will have little to write about except for noting our good works and giving God the glory!

I have long since admired the elegance and style with which my grandmother’s generation closed their letters,

and so:

Praying for God’s richest blessings on you and yours,

Allow me to remain, dear readers,

Your Humble Servant,

Jim Black

We encourage you to come and pray before Sunday's Holiness and Worship Service. Pray over the requests that have been shared during the week. Pray for those seeking the Lord. Pray for those who are lost. So many things to pray for ...

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them,” Matthew 18:19-20.

SUNDAY:

9:30 AM - Praise Team Rehearsal - Chapel

10:00 AM - Prayer Room Opens - Side Room of the Courtyard

10:00 AM - Corps Cadets & Sunday School - Classrooms 2 & 3

11:00 AM - Worship Service - In-Person and Facebook

12:15 PM - Singing Company

1:00 PM - Junior Band & Music Electives

MONDAY:

9 AM - 3 PM - LifeScreening (see flyer for details)

TUESDAY:

10:00 AM - Bell Ringer Informational Meeting

6:00 PM - Men's Bible Study - Fireside Room

6:00 PM - Women's Bible Study - Hybrid

7:00 PM - Songsters Rehearsal - Chapel

8:00 PM - Senior Band Rehearsal - Chapel

THURSDAY: Cadet Cody Trimmer arrives. Office closed for Staff Appreciation Day.

10:00 AM - CAMEO: Turkey Shoot - Zoom ONLY Meeting

SATURDAY:

9:30 AM - 1:00 PM - Divisional Youth Music Day

CORPS LUNCHEON

Last year, we were unable to have our Corps Thanksgiving Luncheon. But this is a new year, and we plan on hosting it on Sunday, November 21st, after the Sunday Worship Service. However, we know that not everyone may feel comfortable staying. Please make your reservation in the link below or sign the sheet in the Chapel Foyer so that we know how many place settings to prepare. Plus, if you are able to bring a dish to share, please sign-up on the paper list in the Chapel Foyer.

RSVP HERE https://form.jotform.com/212996209285163

THANKSGIVING DAY

We will be providing 50 meals to veterans and their families that are staying in local hotels or shelters. Mike O'Reilly will be heading up that service project. If you would like to drop off raw goods or ingredients to prepare the meal or help with the preparation, please let him know.

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

Traditionally, the corps and community have provided frozen turkeys to be distributed to the families requesting assistance for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yet, due to the concerns of a supply shortage and storage complications, we will provide grocery gift cards instead. We still need your help. Please see the flyer below for details.

If you would like to order a poinsettia plant for Christmas, we will be doing this through Clayton Valley Charter High School's fundraiser again this year. Orders must be placed by November 11th. Plants are ordered from Choate Nursery. They will be delivered to the school on December 4th. There will be a drive-thru pick-up system.

Major Ann was able to pick up some of the orders last year and brought them to the corps for pick-up. If this will easier for you, please let her know and she make that arrangement with you. When asked for a "student name," put "Morgan Jones."

PLACE DIRECT ORDERS HERE https://www.claytonbands.org/

Memorial Poinsettias: You may request to have a poinsettia plant displayed in the chapel in memory of a loved one. And then you may take the plant home after the Christmas Sunday Worship Service, December 19th. Envelopes will be placed in the Chapel Foyer for you to share the information. See sample below.

Christmas is coming, and if you’re longing for a simple, unhurried approach to the season, you’re in luck ...

Get on the list now for The Light Will Come: A 28-Day Advent Journey for Families. Let it be a gift to your family this year to slow down and make room, as a family, for Jesus, the King, to come. ✨

➡️ Get the free guide and follow a simple day-by-day plan to more wonder, mystery, and excitement this Christmas. You’ll get a printed guide sent to your door, while supplies last!

Sign-up today at http://www.caringmagazine.org/advent.

The Future Officers’ Fellowship retreat is a time for individuals considering full-time ministry as officers in The Salvation Army to come away for the weekend to prepare their heart, mind, and soul for this calling.

This will be a valuable time together as God speaks and confirms in their hearts His calling on their lives. The schedule will include opportunities for classes, interaction with CFOT staff and cadets, and time for discovering what officership looks like.

The FOF Weekend event registration will be open October 13- December 1, 2021! Please read through for key details.

Dates: February 11-13, 2022 (Check-in starting at 4 pm; and on Sunday the 13th, we will be done after lunch.)

Location: College for Officer Training at Crestmont (CFOT). Lodging will be at CFOT.

Delegate Requirements:

• Senior Soldier (or on course to become a Sr. Soldier)
• Age: At least 18 years of age (by September 6th) to early 50’s (age of eligibility for officership).
• Regularly attends and participates in corps programs
• Strongly considering future officership
• Endorsed by their corps officer and division

Registration Fee: $40 per person (paid by the delegate at registration) on events.usawest.org

Limited spots: We only have 95 delegate spots for FOF 2022.

Please talk to Major Gwyn or AnnMarguerite Jones if you are interested in attending before registering.

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