What's happening?
Lots of stuff happening...!
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Webmaster
P.S. If you need to see previous posts - check out the "Archives" at the bottom of the sidebar on the right!
Re-creation
Our pastors are off on vacation. We are praying that their recreation might be re-creative in body, mind and spirit.
Major Clay sent us this photo with no comment - none is necessary!
This Sunday and next Captain Jonathan Harvey will be bringing God's Word to us, be sure and join us!
See you in Church!
Western Bible Conference Webcasts Available
Western Bible Conference
MOUNT HERMON CONFERENCE CENTER, CALIFORNIA
AUGUST 21-26, 2010
Even if you are unable to attend this year's Western Bible Conference, you can still plan to be part of the congregation online, as each of the main sessions will be webcast live. During the webcast, you will be able to chat live online with other viewers and share your thoughts and prayers for the conference and the territory.
You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the "online prayer wall" for the WBC, found here. You may add a prayer or prayer request by texting or emailing it to wbc@saynetwork.com. It will be displayed before and after every meeting during the week, and will be kept active even after the conference ends.
Some other useful links for WBC:
Promotional Video (Windows Media Player)
Live Webcast Information
Conference Information Page
Adieu, Farewell, So long...
Wow! This has been the fastest few weeks of my life.
With mixed emotions we said "Farewell" to our beloved Ruth [Vint]. In our hearts is a hole that will be hard to fill, but we know she is walking the golden streets of Glory and we will see her soon and spend all eternity smiling and laughing with her.
A couple of weeks ago we said "Farewell" to Cadets Randy and Sheryl Skelton and little Levi. It seemed like we had only just said "Hello," it was the fastest seven weeks of my life.
Saturday many of you helped Pam and I celebrate as Jason and Emily were married in a beautiful ceremony. Then on Monday we said "Farewell" to them as they headed off to Texas where Jason is stationed. (They stopped for a couple of days at Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth, on their way.)
And now, we've one more "Farewell" to say. This Sunday is Cadet David Harth's final Sunday with us before he heads off to The Salvation Army's College for Officers' Training. David has committed his life to full-time service to God as a pastor/officer in The Salvation Army. At the college he will spend two years learning those things necessary for full-time ministry.
This Sunday as we say "Farewell," David will be sharing his testimony and delivering his first sermon and your presence is requested. Equipped by the Word, empowered by the Spirit, and supported by us, David will make a fantastic officer. I know you think so too. So come support him!
See you Sunday!
Major Clay
One plus one equals...a whole bunch!
The bridal party gets ready for the photographer.
It's almost hard to believe that it's been nearly eight years since Majors Clay and Pam were appointed to our church, time flies so fast when so much is being done! When they first arrived in Concord from Texas, their daughter Joy had just graduated from high school and their son Jason was just starting. Little did they know that Concord was to be a divine appointment for Jason as well, for it was at high school in Concord that Jason first noticed Emily.
Fast forward through Jason's graduation, military reserve musicianship, regular US Army induction, service for two years in Korea, and stateside base in Texas - Jason always knew that Emily was to be his life's partner (and so did she!).
On Saturday August 7th our sanctuary was filled to capacity to witness the wedding of these young people. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony. Major Clay relished his role as a proud dad as he officiated and Major Pam looked serene despite looking after the myriad of details she is well known for!
Emily and Jason now plan to "mosey on back" down south to Texas where he continues to serve our country and she will continue her education.
We all join in wishing them the very best in their lives together and God's richest blessing - which is essentially saying the same thing!
Much happiness to you both!
The cake before Mr and Mrs J. Gardner got to it!
Onlookers with a combined life experience of nearly 300 years are thrilled as the newly-weds cut the cake!
Not enough excitement...?
H/T Claycord.com
One of our advisory board members, Pleasant Hill Police Chief Pete Dunbar, obviously does not have enough excitement in his life. Here we see him rappelling 38 storeys down the outside of the Grand Hyatt in San Francisco to raise funds for the Special Olympics. The rest of our board are thrill-seekers too, but mainly by assisting the work of The Salvation Army in our local community.
One of our advisory board members, Pleasant Hill Police Chief Pete Dunbar, obviously does not have enough excitement in his life. Here we see him rappelling 38 storeys down the outside of the Grand Hyatt in San Francisco to raise funds for the Special Olympics. The rest of our board are thrill-seekers too, but mainly by assisting the work of The Salvation Army in our local community.
Reinforcements now appearing...
David Harth stands with Major Clay Gardner at the Divisional Candidates' Farewell.
The title comes from the old hymn "Hold the fort" and says "reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh!"
At the Divisional Farewell to Candidates held at Camp Del Oro on Saturday July 24th, we were very proud to be sending one of our own as a "reinforcement" to the officer ranks of The Salvation Army. Candidate David Harth has only a couple of weeks before he joins the newest session of cadets in training at the School for Officer Training in Rancho Palos Verdes.
David is a fine young man with a terrific testimony to the working of God in his life and enters training after much prayer and with the full support of his immediate and church family.
If you'd like to wish David well, there will be a Church farewell to him on Sunday August 8th in our morning worship service.
Come join our Army!
David and the other candidates are welcomed by Major Colleen Riley.
No restin' goin' on around here!
Our Band serenading the pancake breakfast patrons at the Clayton Independence Day Celebrations!
Looking good! (Sounding better!)
On the starting line!
As you can see from the snaps above, our band was busy this July 4th.
But our whole church is busy these days!
We have day camps going on, music camp and Vacation Bible School is scheduled.
The ever popular Summer Palooza is just around the proverbial corner.
We have Cadets Randy and Sheryl Skelton from the School for Officer Training helping us (along with their son Levi).
We just completed our highly successful 2nd annual golf tournament (photographs here).
We have nearly completed a very popular Sunday Afternoon Bible Study Series featuring the covenants of the Old Testament - only one more available on July 11th, you won't want to miss it!
Jim and Craig's Sunday Morning Bible studies are in full swing!
So just because Summer is now officially in full swing, don't get the impression that we're taking any vacation from worship and praise - quite the opposite! Be sure to join in the fun. And, oh yes, we'll see you in Church!
Can't attend Commissioning?
Can't go to the Commissioning Services in So. Cal. this weekend?
Click here and you can still follow the action via the Western Territory's Webcasts.
This will take you to a page which will let you watch in real time, catch up with meetings you've missed, and view the printed program for each meeting.
Our own Craig Arnold will be receiving the Trailblazer Award in Sunday's afternoon meeting.
An opportunity to "Ham" it up!
Our Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) group at the Concord Community Church has a number of licensed Amateur Radio Technicians who accompany our disaster services canteen teams in the field. If you'd like to join these Ham Radio Operators they are offering a free class.
The next Amateur Radio Technician License Class (entry level) is scheduled for Salvation Army Fireside Room in Concord Ca. 3950 Clayton Rd at West Street.
Session 1 9-01-10
Session 2 9-08-10
Session 3 9-15-10
Session 4 9-22-10
Session 5 9-29-10
Session 6 10-06-10
Pacificon (Pacific Amateur Radio Convention) VE (Volunteer Examination) testing Friday 10-15-2010 -
To sign up email HamRadioClass@gmail.com
Chuck Graham, KI6DCD
Salvation Army Concord Corps EDS Cochairman
The next Amateur Radio Technician License Class (entry level) is scheduled for Salvation Army Fireside Room in Concord Ca. 3950 Clayton Rd at West Street.
Session 1 9-01-10
Session 2 9-08-10
Session 3 9-15-10
Session 4 9-22-10
Session 5 9-29-10
Session 6 10-06-10
Pacificon (Pacific Amateur Radio Convention) VE (Volunteer Examination) testing Friday 10-15-2010 -
To sign up email HamRadioClass@gmail.com
Chuck Graham, KI6DCD
Salvation Army Concord Corps EDS Cochairman
We're not resting!
Our "meal packers" got a real workout last Saturday in the Cow Palace. In 15 hours over 2,000 volunteers came and packed 1,019,568 meals which will be delivered to earthquake survivors in Haiti! In that crowd of volunteers were 35 representatives from the Concord Corps! Well done! Thank you!
On Sunday Major Clay "teased" everyone with his announcement that "The Epic of Eden - the story of our redemption" was coming soon to a home near you! It turns out that what he has in mind is a series of bible studies in the homes of local church members to be held after lunch on Sundays. Be sure and check the calendar page for when they will start!
We also need volunteers for our kids' day camps, vacation bible school, and the Summer Palooza! In the interest of keeping our kids safe all volunteers must take our online child safety training course. Please contact Will Harper as soon as possible if you'd like to help so he can get you set up with all the information! Dates are on the calendar page!
He is risen indeed!
Here is an inspired group who were present at our great Easter Celebration on Easter Morning!
Photo credit: Brian Leonard
Photo credit: Brian Leonard
We need baskets!
We are looking for some empty baskets!
Do you have any nice baskets, medium to large sizes, which are just taking up space in your closet or garage?
If they are in good shape and not an Easter basket why not bring them to The Salvation Army in Concord and we’ll put them to good use. We’ll fill them with our donated auction items for our 2nd Annual Golf Tournament in June.
We will be collecting until May 28th.
For more information please call (925) 676-6180
Last Call!
If you haven't yet ordered your tickets for this one-time event, don't be disappointed!
Sources tell us that the venue is close to being sold out!
Get the details here!
Come celebrate Easter with us!
Make plans now to celebrate the most wondrous event in the Christian calendar with us!
Easter Morning Breakfast
4th April 2010 – 09.00am
Come break bread (or even a few eggs!) with us in the Fireside Room. Fantastic food and fellowship prior to the morning worship.
Join us in the Sanctuary for prelude music provided by our musicians.
Easter Morning Worship
4th April 2010 – 10.45am
We'll pull out all the stops, wave our flags, and have exuberant singing and celebrating followed by powerful, pertinent, present-day preaching by Major Clay Gardner!
You won't want to miss this!
We will also take our annual group photograph with our Pastors around 12.00 noon.
Everyone Welcome
Auditors, Kids and the Exodus
We were thrilled to death when Jason arrived for an extended visit between his South Korea assignment and his new post at Fort Hood, Texas. We were even more excited to learn he bought his sister a ticket to come visit for a few days. So we had BOTH Joy and Jason with us.
Oh...and auditors. Every now and then our headquarters sends auditors to check up on us. They even checked our closets.
It was so good to see our kids… and here’s a bit of news, Joy called this morning and it looks like she has a new job in New York City. I wish it had been local but it is a good job, using both her education and her work experience and now she makes more money than I do—again.
We also had a couple of new staff members start in the last few days. I’ve announced it publicly, but in case you haven’t heard. Pamela Johnson is our new accounting clerk and Susan Pierce who had been working for us part time through our headquarters—is now our full time business administrator.
And in the mornings I took some much needed time with God. My Bible readings for these are in Exodus—coinciding with my recent sermons—and it is a lot of fun reading through these pages as I do, slowly and thoughtfully.
What a wonder it is that God took this people, this nation of slaves, perhaps as many as two and a half million of them...and led them out of Egypt.
What an adventure they had learning just who God—whom they had asked for help—really was. We remember all of the high points of the story, but this Sunday we’re going to talk about something that we usually “pass over” to get to the more exciting stuff. If you’ll come, I’ll try to make it interesting!!
See you there!!
Major Clay
The International Staff Band is coming...
The International Staff Band of The Salvation Army will be making a rare appearance in Oakland at the Scottish Rite Center on March 31, 2010.
In existence since 1891 and based in the United Kingdom, the ISB has been privileged to play in great concert venues, including The Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace.
Since its earliest days the ISB has toured overseas, visiting countries from the United States and Canada to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, Germany, Holland and the Scandinavian countries.
The ISB has released numerous CDs of Salvation Army music and has been featured in national television and radio broadcasts.
In 2008 The Salvation Army signed a record contract with Universal Music, the world's leading record company, to raise additional funds for its social work in the UK. In November 2008, the ISB released its first CD on this label entitled "Together".
Tickets for the Oakland concert are free and may be obtained by filling out our form. Limit 4 tickets per person.
Call 510-645-9710 for more information.
To learn more about the International Staff Band, visit their website.
By our love..
Jesus Himself said that the world would know we were Christians (followers of Christ) because of the evidence of His love in action toward each other. The news from Haiti inevitably contains some dreadful elements, but it is good to be reminded that God is at work there through His people! Here is one of His people - our very own Craig Arnold - making a difference in the lives of many. One at a time!
Love in Action
This baby was born in The Salvation Army's Home right after the earthquake.
As many of you are aware, our own Craig Arnold was able to leverage his connections and the generosity of his company - UPS - to go to Haiti and assist with relief efforts. Craig and his family have visited Haiti frequently and so are quite familiar with the Army's work there, especially at the Children's Home.
Anne was able to have a brief phone conversation with Craig as he was looking for more relief supplies at the airport.
Craig was able to get to the Children's Home and one of the kids ran up to him and said, " you don't know how much it means to us that you came to check on us". He has been visiting these kids every year for the last 6 years. Craig reports that many of the kids have been sent away to safer places. All their concrete security fences have just crumbled. Folks from the neighborhood have crowded the soccer field and about 400 are sleeping there. Any available flat space is being used for people to sleep, although the kids have not been able to get much sleep. They are really traumatized, as you can imagine. The Salvation Army is giving out food and water as it becomes available to all of them.
There are dead bodies everywhere. Many people with horrific injuries are just being cared for by family members, who wash them and try to bandage them with whatever they have.
Craig said he marveled at the response of the rest of the world to the plight of the Haitians.
Please continue to pray for Craig's safety and well-being as he shows God's love in action.
The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations to assist in the effort via, http://www.salvationarmyusa.org or 1-800-SAL-ARMY and postal mail at: The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728. Designate donations "Haiti Earthquake."
Haiti Earthquake Relief
As you already know, the country of Haiti, one of our close U.S. neighbors, suffered a devastating magnitude seven earthquake yesterday.
The Salvation Army is mobilizing additional resources and personnel to assist with the International relief effort in Haiti. The Salvation Army has had a presence in Haiti since 1950 and currently operates schools, clinics, a hospital, feeding programs, children's homes and church-related programs spread across two major facilities in Port au Prince, close to the epicenter of the earthquake. Salvation Army staff currently stationed in Haiti are in full-fledged disaster relief mode and additional resources are being mobilized.
The Salvation Army's World Services Office, based in Alexandria, VA, has committed $50,000 to the relief effort and the organization is prepared to commit more financial resources, as well as food, water and other emergency supplies, to assist in the recovery.
The organization is preparing to send more than 44,000 lbs of pre-packaged emergency rations to the country, along with emergency disaster teams. The Salvation Army is working with other agencies to identify appropriate transportation for the food. As with all such relief efforts, The Salvation Army will be a part of the initial emergency response while assessing longer term needs of the residents.
The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations to assist in the effort via, http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/, 1-800-SAL-ARMY and postal mail at: The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728. Designate donations "Haiti Earthquake."
Final Promotion
David Prince, Sr.
It is with a great deal of sadness that we mark the passing on Tuesday January 5th of David Prince Sr.
It is with great gladness that we note that he has received the highest promotion possible - to Glory! One for which he hoped and prayed all his life.
David, for decades, has been the consummate Soprano Cornet player in both the Oakland Citadel and then Concord bands. He was a quiet, unassuming christian man with simple, but perfectionist tastes, and a profound appreciation for the subtle and sublime joys of life.
His integrity, commitment and depth of character are legendary. We will have to substitute for him now, but he is truly irreplaceable.
There will be a service of remembrance for David in The Concord Community Church at 6pm on Friday January 8th at 6:00PM. All are invited to celebrate the living of this great man and friend to all who knew him.
Even if you cannot attend, please pray for peace, comfort, and uplift for Shirley and the rest of the family.
News You Can Use!
Here are some announcements from our bulletin today. You won't want to miss them!
The Men's and Women's Tuesday Bible Study Groups are starting again on January 5th at 7:30PM. Come and join us for a great time of learning, sharing and fellowship.
Sacred Grounds Women's Fellowship is putting on a "Movie Night" on Sunday January 10th at 6:00PM. The night's movie will be "Gifted Hands". Please RSVP to Anne Arnold so that she can have appropriate amounts of popcorn available!
The East Bay Escrow Association is holding the 2nd annual Crab Feed on Saturday January 30th at 7:00PM. You can check the flyer in the Fireside Room for more details or contact Debbie Neylan through the Church Office for tickets.
Also according to the bulletin - being a christian is a lot like being a pumpkin! God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off you. Then He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff - including the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. Then He carves you a new smiley face and puts His light inside you to shine for the whole world to see!
Blessings!
What happens?
By Major George HoodHave you ever wondered where all your money goes after you drop your change (or swipe your credit card) into a red kettle? It’s a good question. The Salvation Army’s Annual Report is a great way for donors to learn how their money is being used to help people in need nationwide.
For several years I’ve been thinking about how we can do a better job distributing our annual report – to make sure the reports don’t sit on a shelf collecting dust somewhere. This past year -- for the first time ever -- The Salvation Army went entirely paperless by releasing its annual report exclusively online. Having the report “live” online ensures that it is easily accessible to as many people as possible.
In addition to interactive financial statements and a video “letter” from our National Commander, among other items, the Annual Report also features testimonial videos about the Army’s work. One of the videos highlights the FAITH program in Sarasota, FL which offers transitional housing for homeless families with children.
Another video features the Caring Partners Adult Day Program which was started at The Salvation Army in Rochester, NY. It helps physically and mentally challenged adults while also offering support to their spouses and children.
Every donation counts – from individuals and from our corporate partners like Walmart. But it’s easy to lose sight of the real good that these gifts do. Our hope is that with the online annual report, people will really get a sense of where these contributions go – and how they help. You can check out the report for yourself here: http://annualreport.salvationarmyusa.org/.
Carols From Concord
'Tis the season!
As our gift for the season we'd like to present some Christmas Carols and Songs sung by a packed house in our Sanctuary on December 19th, 2009. There's no fancy engineering, production or editing here - just a bunch of folks enjoying the Christmas Spirit!
As you enjoy these sounds, we'd like to wish you a very blessed Christmas for you and those near and dear to you!
Away in a manger
The Christmas Song
Deck the Halls
Good King Wenceslas
Good News! (sung by Concord Songsters)
Hark! The herald angels sing
Joy to the world
Mele Kalikimaka (a Hawaiian Carol)
O come, all ye faithful
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Silent night
The first Nowell
White Christmas
Winter's Snow (played by Concord Band)
All I Want For Christmas
I've whipped out my credit card a couple of times this season - I mean a couple of times that I hadn't intended to - and did it with nary a thought. After all, generosity is what Christmas is all about! ...no? Are you sure?
Well, every year out come the movies that remind us of yesteryear, when things were simple and didn't cost so much to make us happy. I think we all yearn for those days. Sure we didn't have so much to give - but we likewise didn't expect so much.
Then... I was also reminded of A Christmas Carol where Ebenezer Scrooge was a cranky old soul until he learned to be generous!! Thinking of that reminded me that Christmas really is all about being generous - expect nothing, but give everything. That's the kind of love that God Himself modeled for us. 2 Cor 8:9, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich."
Love comes Generously - especially this time of year! I see it everyday, in the selfless giving of scores and scores of people, stopping by our kettles, our office and the post office. Our Toy & Joy shop is filled with food and toys because of generosity.
And all of that giving is modeled after the generosity of God.
Major Clay
We're ready!
We've rehearsed for weeks. The carols are all hung on our stands with care. We're tuned up and warmed up! We've scoured the globe for the best of songs for you to enjoy.
It would be so disappointing if you didn't show up!
See you Saturday!
It would be so disappointing if you didn't show up!
See you Saturday!
A Thanksgiving Wish
One of our church members sent us this piece of Thanksgiving doggerel - much too good not to share!
May your stuffing be tasty
And your turkey be plump,
May your 'tatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Where are those Turkeys?
We need more Turkeys!
It's that time of year again. You know, turkey with all the trimmings at Thanksgiving. Well we've made a good start on the trimmings - cranberry sauce especially - but we're a few turkeys short of a Thanksgiving! We need 358 more as of this writing.
If we just go out and buy them we have to pay full retail price, which can be $1 a pound or more. If you go and buy them as part of your grocery shopping you can get special deals far below the retail price at about $6 - $8 a turkey!
Help us out here, please. Buy a couple of turkeys and drop them by the church campus during business hours so we can keep them properly refrigerated. We promise they'll all go to good (and needy) homes!
The Best Laid Schemes o' Mice and Men
"Gang aft a-gley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promised joy." -- Robert Burns, Scots Poet.
For non-Scots speakers out there, "Gang aft a-gley" is reasonably translated as "Often end up in a mess". And that's just the way things looked to be heading last weekend. A hallelujah mess! Our Majors are still away on their anniversary-celebration-vacation-cruise and they had tied up all the loose ends to ensure that their congregation would be properly shepherded in their absence. Jim was assigned to preach on the doctrine of justification by grace through faith, a subject he loves to talk about. And he was ready to go - except for the small detail that he ended up the emergency room for most of Saturday with a very inconvenient pain, and could not physically fulfill his assignment on Sunday.
In the non-Christian worship world this might be a drama of the first order, but to quote Charles Wesley: "Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, And looks to God alone; Laughs at impossibilities, And cries it shall be done!" God still had plans to bless us on Sunday morning, He just had to change His mouthpiece!
Craig Arnold is a young man who is enthusiastic and articulate about the God-inspiration of our doctrines and is not afraid to let God use him on a moment's notice!
Those who were in attendance were abundantly blessed - in spite of our plans!
The doctrine speaks of "justification by grace", which is not something our "I-am-powerful-and-can-do-it-all-by-myself" generation likes to explore. Our court systems are set up so that you will launch a vigorous defence of your actions even although the facts tell a different story! Hmmm, let's just try and have those inconvenient facts labeled as "inadmissable"! Were you read your rights by God before this trial? Flimsy, but it's about the best hope we have! This kind of defense is called "justification by law", and the Scripture goes to great lengths to point out that it will always be a losing battle. After all, The Judge in this case already has all the facts at His disposal! Sorry folks! Legal Justification is going to lead to a death sentence, and you know it!
The Scripture says the only way to be declared "justified" (note - it doesn't say "not guilty" because you already know you are!) is to use the alternative path of grace. Throw yourself on the mercy of the court! A great portion of the New Testament is devoted to providing evidence that this technique works, every time! Enter the star witness for the accused - The Holy Spirit! This is the great "Justification by Grace through Faith" which leads to a full and complete pardon, the assumption of all the rights, privileges and appurtenances due to a child of God! It just gets better and better! And it's simple and easy to understand!
But wait, there's more!
We've laid plans and dreamt up schemes to have a great time worshipping God next week. Why not join us. Be assured that God will be glorified even if our plans end up in a mess!
Webmaster
PS. Our sound engineers were also indisposed so we don't have any recordings from this weekend. Make sure you don't miss a word! Show up in person!
Thank goodness God is in control!
If you were at church on Sunday, you would have enjoyed hearing the welcome and announcements from Mike, the Band selection ably led by Bram, the Songsters singing on their own accompanied by Susan, and the message skillfully taught by Craig.
Did you know that all of these leaders got a call on Saturday to fill in for Jim Black, our own CSM and Bandmaster, who was suffering at the emergency room? (By the way, keep praying for Jim. It looks like all that pain was caused by gall stones, which have to come out by surgery).
To top it off, our Pastors, Clay and Pam, are on vacation.
Houston, we had a problem!
It's a good thing we worship a God who has all the details under control. He was directing the service on Sunday, and his Spirit was there assuring us of the truth of our Doctrine: We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
Thank goodness God is control!
Corps News
Nice Surprises!
You can probably tell from the eyes that the newest member of our church family is Liam David McKaigg who was born at 10:03pm September 30th.
Liam weighed in at 6.5 pounds and 19 inches long. Dad Mike says he is a "big, strong, healthy boy".
Mom and baby are doing fantastic! No mention of how dad Mike and sister Emily are faring!
Congratulations from all of us to Mike and Debbie!
Unless you check the Pastoral Team page on our website regularly, you may not have noticed that we have some new formal portraits of our pastors - Majors Clay and Pam Gardner.
These portraits were taken by Jennifer Fink who is the daughter of our Advisory Board Chairman Chuck Graham. If you are in the market for some family photograph work you might check out Jennifer's website here.
Local TV Highlights Food Shortage
How can you help?
Our typical food box includes....
Canned Fruits, Canned Veggies, Tuna, Peanut Butter, Tomato/Spaghetti Sauce, Soup, Canned beans (pork & Beans, Refried, etc), Canned meals (ravioli, chili, beef stew, etc), Mac & Cheese, Cereal, Snacks, Baking items (cake mixes, pancake mixes, sugar, etc), Extras (condiments, spices, sauces/gravies), Dry soup (top ramen, Lipton onion soup), Packaged Sides (noodle roni, rice a roni, stuffing, etc), Dry pasta, Dry beans, rice, as well as meat, bread and fresh produce.
As you can see, we can take almost anything and make it part of our boxes. Donation of any of the items above would make a huge difference to us.
Things that are needed outside of those food items are diapers (size 3 and up...everyone donates the little sizes as their babies grow out of them), baby formula, baby food, laundry soap, dish soap, toilet paper, feminine products, shampoo, toothpaste & body soap.
Just drive by and drop off items during any of the hours we're open!
Click here to see our Social Services link.
Congratulations!
Angela and Mateo Martinez
Everyone loves a wedding and our own Angela Vargas married her longtime sweetheart today in our sanctuary.
Click here to see more photos.
Congratualtions Angela and Mateo!
Social Services
Social Services
For many people the face of The Salvation Army is not our excellent church activities, but our Social Services. For many years one of the mottos of the "Army" was, "with heart to God, and hand to man". Our Founder, William Booth, famously remarked, "you can't preach to a man on an empty stomach!" We seek to serve our community in Jesus' name too and that's where our Social Services Department comes in. Lauri Vint and Karen Shreve are assisted by volunteers who donate time and resources to help those in our community who find themselves in need. You can find the following summary of our services here.
FOOD PANTRY
Our Food Pantry is open for walk-in clients on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. Thursday hours are from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm. It is open for residents of Central Contra Costa County. We offer non-perishable food, along with fresh items, like meat, milk and produce when available.
Eligible clients can come every 30 days.
All you need is an ID for you and your family members, a piece of mail with your name and address, and verification of any income you receive.
We have many other programs for those seeking help such as:-
* Assistance with Past Due PG&E Bills
* Back to School Clothing & Backpacks
* Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Food Baskets & Toys
* Reasonably Priced Summer and After-School Programs
* Dog & Cat Food and Cat Litter
* Baby Items (clothing, furnishings, diapers, etc. when available)
…..and lots more!
If we don’t do it, we might be able to help you find a place that does!
For more information
Call us at 925-676-6180 ext 10 or 11
Golf Tournament and Big Surprise!
Golf Tournament is Huge Success!
Due to the sustained efforts of members of our Advisory Board - especially David Cantando and Scott Singley, aided by Susan Pierce - our first annual Pro-Am golf tournament turned out to be a resounding success! The Contra Costa Country Club hosted the event in spectacular fashion. With the help of sponsors and professional golfers from around the area we were almost at capacity for this first of its kind event in our county. Members of the Corps including young people from our basketball teams showed up to help with the myriad of logistical chores which go on behind the main golfing scene. Many individuals and corporate sponsors donated items for the silent auction. Advisory Board Chair Chuck Graham took photographs of every group which were presented at the awards dinner at the end of the day (You can view Chuck's handiwork here).
Big Surprise!
Those in the know were having a hard time containing the secret of the day. Major Clay and Pam's son Jason - currently serving with the U.S. Army in S. Korea - was arriving home without their knowledge for a month's leave! Since Major Clay was participating in the golf tournament he did not find out until Jason walked out to greet him on the 18th green. The pictures tell the story better than any words!
Overall it was a marvelous day which will help us reach our goal of building a gymnasium for the young people of our neighborhood!
Celebrate!
Professor Wordsmart is a little fuzzy on things...
Celebrate!
Everybody loves a WINNER!
These last few days we've been holding our annual Vacation Bible School -- this year the theme is a TV-style Game Show called Studio Go, where everyone is a winner! Well almost everyone, Professor Wordsmart and Coach Armstrong two of our contestants didn't seem to pay attention to the lessons because they got most of the answers wrong.
Fortunately it seem the children were paying attention, because I noticed they were getting the answers right!
Maybe the Coach and the Professor will get a clue from the kids and start paying attention. You can see for yourself on Friday. At 3:30pm we'll have our closing program and all are welcome to come and watch and cheer on the contestants -- even the Professor and the Coach(who need all the help they can get.) Come and celebrate a week of activity, fun and learning about God.
Then on Sunday we're going to celebrate some more. Come early and listen to the band's prelude and see some pictures of the kids.
This Sunday we conclude our sermon series on the Christian disciplines with -- the Discipline of Celebration! So come celebrate our VBS, our kids, and our marvelous staff and volunteers! But most of all, we will celebrate God!
See you Sunday, Major Clay
Exalted!
Exalted!
Our service today was a little unusual in that we started with the sermon and left all the music until after Major had finished preaching.
Sort of like watching fireworks - always better to have the "oohs" and "ahhs" follow the "boom"!
Major Clay continued the Christian Disciplines series with the discipline of Worship and a sermon entitled "Exalted".
We did have music, and so here is our band playing the exuberant march "Alderney" and our songsters singing "Praise His Holy Name".
We were delighted to share in the joy of Dean and Imogene Grey who were just recently married. They thought we should also share in cake, as seen below!
Not your father's VBS
Definitely not "Old School"
This year's format is a game show, complete with host and (sur)prizes.
Maybe you know a young person who is at a loose end next week? It's almost, but not yet, too late to enroll them in what promises to be a fabulous experience. Maybe you're at a loose end, and would like to come and help? Either way contact Will Harper or Major Pam Gardner to get in on the action. You've been pre-approved and you're a guaranteed winner!
Thursday Food Drive Continues
Lauri Vint counts our blessings...
Thursday Food Drive Continues...
Our food drive kick-off last week was a success. Lauri Vint who oversees our food pantry operations reckons that at least 5 families benefitted from your generosity.
We asked Lauri what she needed - here's her reply:
"Our typical food box includes....
Canned Fruits, Canned Veggies, Tuna, Peanut Butter, Tomato/Spaghetti Sauce, Soup, Canned beans (pork & Beans, Refried, etc), Canned meals (ravioli, chili, beef stew, etc), Mac & Cheese, Cereal, Snacks, Baking items (cake mixes, pancake mixes, sugar, etc), Extras (condiments, spices, sauces/gravies), Dry soup (top ramen, Lipton onion soup), Packaged Sides (noodle roni, rice a roni, stuffing, etc), Dry pasta, Dry beans, rice, as well as meat, bread and fresh produce.
As you can see, we can take almost anything and make it part of our boxes. Donation of any of the above items would make a huge difference to us.
Things that are needed outside of those food items are diapers (size 3 and up...everyone donates the little sizes as their babies grow out of them), baby formula, baby food, laundry soap, dish soap, toilet paper, feminine products, shampoo, toothpaste & body soap."
If you'd like to volunteer to help Lauri collect the food, show up in our parking lot between 3:30pm and 6:30pm on Thusrday. If you want to donate food, show up with the food between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. You'll get a tax receipt and a thank you, but you'll also get the satisfaction of helping those that are finding times tougher than you are!
God Bless You for Caring!
Aren't they beautiful?
Good News!
Our newspapers, television and email today are so often filled with sad and depressing news. Very often those involved in the news are young people making poor choices.
So it is with great joy we report that there are still many fine young people today making good choices for their lives. Pictured here are Amber and Laurel, two young women who were recently enrolled as Soldiers in The Salvation Army by the National Commander. They are long-time friends who started attending our church within the past couple of years and have the testimony that Christ is their Savior. They sing in our choir ("Songsters") and enthusiatically join in many activities. It's pretty obvious from their smiles that they have the love of God deep inside! With fine young people like these, we can be assured that the future of The Salvation Army will rest in good hands!
And don't they look teriffic in those Salvation Army uniforms?!
Sizzlin' Hot Palooza!
Kevin Black and David Harth had the best job of the day!
Annual Palooza Breaks All Records!
When we moved our annual Palooza time to the afternoon we had no idea that we'd also chosen one of the hottest days of the year to hold it!
With temperatures hovering in the low 100's (in the shade), snow cones and water fights were the activities of choice for the overflow crowd of participants. Our parking lots were at capacity and people were arriving by car, bicycle, skateboard, on foot, and by taxi!
The SATERN radio group and our Boy Scout Troop set up displays alongside our own Emergency Services Canteen. Social Services was on hand. We had a garden stall, water wars, fishing, darts, food, a DJ spinning music, a bouncy castle, bungee run, dunk tank, and even a Twinkie eating contest!
We signed up lots of kids and families in the neighborhood for our summer activities, camps, and vacation bible school.
The fact that it all looked so effortless is an outstanding testament to the huge effort expended by our staff and volunteers. It all paid off in the end, and we broke all our previous attendance records as well as the temperature record!
We want to express heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in any way to make this effort such a huge success!
You can see some photos of the activities by clicking here.
Miraculous Multiplications!
Multiply your loaves and fishes!
If you are familiar with the biblical story of the feeding of the 5,000 (men), you'll know that the miracle happened after the blessing and during the distribution!
As we announced last Sunday, we are holding a weekly food drive at the Corps every Thursday between 3pm and 6pm.
Our local ABC affiliate, Channel 7 News, has picked up on this opportunity and will be doing a live feed from our location this coming Thursday (June 25).
It would be more than a little embarrassing if not many people showed up with food to donate, so if you have been thinking about it, this would be a GREAT opportunity to multiply your "loaves and fishes".
Our food pantry needs non-perishable food items (no frozen items please) suitable for families.
Just show up in our parking lot between 3pm and 6pm for a great blessing - we'll take care of the distribution for you!
Thank you for caring in this ministry.
School's Out!
What do kids do this summer?
If they are involved in our day camps or Vacation Bible School or Kidz Klub they have lots of fun in a safe environment!
The photograph above shows a group we recently took to a SF Giants' game. They got to experience the thrills of the ballpark from a luxury box which was graciously donated for this purpose.
If you know someone who'd like to get in on all this fun, be sure to come to our amazing Summer Palooza this coming Saturday (June 27th).
Get details of all the fun activities going on at The Salvation Army this summer.
We'd love to see you in church too!
A Treat for Dad
Calling all dads!
It's official! This Sunday, June 21st, is Father's Day. Don't work this Sunday!
Instead, join us at Concord Community Church for our special Father's Day Worship! You could hardly do anything better if you want to be a role model for your children! Bring your whole family!
Come and join us as we honor our fathers - and you won't want to miss our fellowship after church. We probably have the best church food in the whole universe!
So take the day off and join us on this exciting Sunday for the whole family.
We're hard to miss at
3950 Clayton Road
Concord, CA 94521
Our Worship Service begins at 11:00am.
See you in church!
Service with a smile!
Bill & Libby Johnstone
Service with a smile
We had a busy Sunday today! Much serving and celebrating to do!
Major Clay continued his sermon series on The Christian Disciplines by reminding us that "service" and "worship" are not merely synonyms in Hebrew and Greek (the languages of the Bible), they are exactly the same word! You can listen to Major Clay's sermon here - or you can get the whole series to date here. Our bonus audio this week is our songsters singing "For Thy Service".
Our good friends Bill and Libby Johnstone celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with us, and they provided they cake for our mix-and-mingle food-and-fellowship time after the morning service. It is this editor's opinion that they must barely have been teenagers when they married to look so young after 55 years! We all wish them many more blessed and happy years together!
Frode Frafjord is our pet Norwegian!
The celebrations continued into the evening with the "Second Annual Aussie Barbeque and Generally Good Time". This event is sponsored by Sacred Grounds, our women's fellowship group, led by the inimitable Anne Arnold. Since it is well known that our current most favorite Norwegian person is Frode Frafjord who is on loan to us from Oslo, and since it was Frode's birthday, we decided to make a fuss of him, make him wear a silly hat, and eat more cake! It appears that Frode enjoyed only one of those activities!
The BBQ was a huge success this year with over 80 folks showing up to eat hamburgers with cheese, fried eggs, canadian bacon, onions and pineapple! In spite of the strange culinary combinations a generally good time was had by all!
Anne is leaving us for a few weeks to give her family an immersion course in Australian customs, language and manners. Please pray for journeying mercies for the Arnold family.
The photographs below show just a small sampling of folks at the BBQ.
Yup - that's hamburger with fried egg!
This is how a fearless Aussie attacks her food!
Can you believe she's doing that?
Totally amazing!
Now that's what I'm talkin' about!
Can't wait for the 3rd annual BBQ!
Pal-OOOO-za!
This year our Parking Lot PALOOZA (Saturday June 27th 1:00 - 3:00 PM) is going to be BIGGER, BETTER, and more EXCITING than ever before!
We are going to be appealing to the children, of course, but this year we will also have a lot of activities which will appeal to grown-ups in a way we never have before!
Here are some of the things we have lined up:
- [Breaking News!] We will feature a climbing wall for all those frustrated mountaineers in the vicinity!
- There will be a food drive for our food pantry - it's become very popular in the neighborhood in recent months!
- There will be a garden booth showing people how easy it is to grow some vegetables for themselves.
- We will have up-to-date information on employment services.
- And, of course, we will have the ever-popular BBQ going!
- Yes! of course we will have lots of fun and games for all ages, and we will promote our vacation bible school. [Rumor has it that Debbie Bennett gets to be a game-show-host this year! Woo-Hoo!]
Have no fear! The DUNK TANK will be back this year for all to enjoy! We are going to need all the help you are willing to give us! And you certainly won't want to miss any of this fun!
Make plans NOW to spend that Saturday afternoon with us. You'll be glad you did!
Win by Losing!
Happy musicians showing off!
The winning entry from the congregation
Winning and Losing!
It was "nip-and-tuck" at the end! Sunday May 24th was the last day for entries in our "can-the-musicians-outgive-the-congregation?" food drive, to benefit our food pantry.
Well, the short answer is "no!" - for in the end, the Law of Large(r) Numbers won out, and the Congregation (with more than twice as many people) brought in 753.5 lbs of foodstuffs. The valiant entry by the intrepid, but outnumbered, musicians was a very respectable 639.5 lbs!
The musicians didn't understand the rules (or weren't listening as usual!), so they are demanding a "re-match" later in the year! Secretly, the musicians still believe that they won (if you calculate on a per-capita basis!).
All this good-natured rivalry was part of the immense joy all the participants had in knowing that more than 50 families would be helped in the Lord's name as a result.
Half a ton of food in a few weeks is a good start, but we believe the Lord has still greater things in store!
It is truly more blessed to give than to receive - so we're all gearing up for more blessings!
Check back here for when then next competition starts, but be aware that the food pantry can use help at any time. So if you can't wait, call the Church Office - (925) 676-6180 - and we'll gladly accept your help!
See you in Church!
Day Fifty
Pentecost Sunday
Pentecost was a feast that dated back to the days of Moses. It was called the Feast of Weeks - seven weeks to be specific. It was also called the Feast of Harvest. It was scheduled so that it fell on the 50th day after the offering of the barley sheaf at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is part of Passover. Since it happened on the 50th day after Passover, it became generally called Pentecost, which means Fiftieth.
Acts 2:1 says, "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place." "They" being the hundred and twenty Christians (including the disciples) who had gathered for prayer and fellowship that morning. Lloyd Ogilvie says they were on the edge of a miracle. The miracle? Well sure, it was the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But it was more than that. It was the changing of the Divine Preposition.
For three years God had been with them. For three wonderful years God the Son had traveled the countryside, teaching, healing, and mentoring. Jesus had been there for fellowship, discipleship, and eventually even friendship. He had been with them. But that had changed, ten days ago He ascended back into heaven after telling them to wait for the miracle. And though they didn't know they were right on the edge of it, they were. The Divine Preposition was about to change from with to in. From God with them to God in them!
Every now and then someone will say, "We need another Pentecost." People often think they mean we need another outpouring of the Spirit of God and often will even critize them for making such a statement. "After all, the promised outpouring has happened." But even though those who yearn for "another Pentecost" may mean that on the surface, really all they usually mean is we need a little more of the miracle: God in us, and who could argue with that? Who knows, maybe we're on the edge of a miracle, come Sunday and find out.
See you Sunday, (I hope) Major Clay
And the beat goes on
Musicians
Congregation
...and the beat goes on...
Stung by revelations that the congregation had pulled out in front, the musicians (see top picture) made a (ahem!) concerted effort in the last week and have certainly pulled even, if not ahead, in the food drive challenge. There may be some subterfuge going on since the musicians are stuffing material behind the barrels, out of the picture!
This Sunday, May 24th, all that is hidden will be revealed! All material must be in place by 11:00am to count! The efforts will be judged and winners announced!
You won't want to miss it!
Surge!
The Musicians' Pile
The Congregation's Pile
Surge!
Congregation Surges Ahead
A quick survey of the on-going challenge between the musicians and the congregation to out-give the other in donations to our food pantry is depicted above. The congregation has surged ahead if appearances are to be believed! However there is some suspicion that the congregation is achieving this effect due to the judicious use of bigger boxes!
The musicians are not taking this lying down, though! Two can play at that game!
So on Thursday at the regular rehearsals, this matter was brought up, discussed at length, and strategies devised to regain the lead! This reporter actually heard plans to break out -- credit cards!
This challenge only lasts until May 24th, so if you've been putting off that trip to Costco or generally avoiding big boxes of Ready To Eat ("RTE") foodstuffs, now is the time for action! There are only two Sundays left to support this exciting cause!
See you in church!
A quick survey of the on-going challenge between the musicians and the congregation to out-give the other in donations to our food pantry is depicted above. The congregation has surged ahead if appearances are to be believed! However there is some suspicion that the congregation is achieving this effect due to the judicious use of bigger boxes!
The musicians are not taking this lying down, though! Two can play at that game!
So on Thursday at the regular rehearsals, this matter was brought up, discussed at length, and strategies devised to regain the lead! This reporter actually heard plans to break out -- credit cards!
This challenge only lasts until May 24th, so if you've been putting off that trip to Costco or generally avoiding big boxes of Ready To Eat ("RTE") foodstuffs, now is the time for action! There are only two Sundays left to support this exciting cause!
See you in church!
National Day of Prayer
Day of Prayer
Thursday May 7th is the 58th National Day of Prayer in the USA. Many christians will gather all over the country to come together in prayer and we will have our sanctuary open at 6pm on Thursday evening to provide an opportunity for those in our community to join with us in prayer.
Why not plan to spend an hour with us? As an added bonus you can join us at 7pm for our choir rehearsal and at 8:30pm for our band rehearsal!
See you in church!
