Bloomington, IL Visit - Then Merrillville06/09/2006 09:46 AM
Location : Home Office
I guess it's been too long since I updated this blog. It's been rather busy lately and I let it slip away from me.
On May 20 & 21 the band had the privilege of visiting Bloomington, IL as part of their capital campaign program to raise money to replace their Safe Harbor Shelter. They have a big job ahead of them to replace this building whose foundations are more than 100 years old. I remember this building from when I was a boy. My parents were stationed in Bloomington and purchased that building that served as our corps. If I remember right it had been an old Moose Lodge and we converted the bar area into our chapel. Nice transformation! But, we left Bloomington 41 years ago and the building that now serves as temporary housing for the less fortunate does need to be replaced.
Captains Scott and Jolinda Shelbourn were gracious hosts for the weekend and arranged to have both the Saturday evening concert and Sunday worship services in the First Church of the Nazarene. Their pastor, Scott Sherwood, worked hand in hand with the Shelbourns to make our visit there a true opportunity for ministry. The Saturday night concert included presentation of a video highlighting the work that goes on at Safe Harbor Shelter. In addition, kids from Pekin, Peoria and elsewhere joined us for a presentation of "Classics In Brass" under the leadership of bandsman Jim Beardsley who lives in Peoria. No matter the audience, this always goes over big.
A big thank you goes out to the Shelbourns, Pastor Scott and every at the Salvation Army in Bloomington and the First Church of the Nazarene for a wonderful time together.
Since returning from Bloomington we have been busy preparing for the "Leading Edge Leadership and Discipleship Weekend" held in connection with the commissioning of our new officers. Unfortunately, General and Commissioner Clifton will not be able to attend as planned due to the death of his father. However, Commissioners Gaither will be leading us forward along with our own territorial leaders.
More about this weekend when I return on Sunday night (or maybe Monday morning).
No.... I didn't forget. We leave for Australia on Wednesday. We've been getting ready for that too!
Bloomington, IL Visit - Then Merrillville06/09/2006 09:46 AM
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