I've been to the Salvation Army's 3:16 cafe in Perth on a number of occasions, but I've never worshipped with them until yesterday. Now Mrs G is off placement, she was able to come along for the ride.
The building is fairly modern, sitting to the back of the cafe and shop. We had a warm welcome at the door and were taken through to a bright and airy sanctuary. It wasn't the largest of congregations, although it was the bank holiday weekend. They were certainly welcoming and genuinely friendly.
The service was a good mix of old and new tunes, some new to us, some favourites, and one in particular that has a "special" significance for Mrs G and I. The preacher spoke with a consistent theme throughout the service and sermon and was genuinely enthused by her subject of "When Worlds Collide*" about the coming together of Heaven and Earth based on Acts 1:1-8
Of particular note was the use of hymns within a prayer setting as a mens to establish a mood. As with so many things, it's something that depends on the congregation. The same with the open prayer section. Open prayer is good for some groups, preferably small ones. In a large group, you may not be able to hear what someone is saying, and it could be distracting.
My only criticism, and I would level this at many congregations that I've visited, is that your website should list the times of your regular meetings. Not everywhere meets at 11am on a Sunday.
In speaking to people after the service, it was noted that congregations are getting smaller, and there are not as many people coming through to leadership roles. Nothing different from the CofS then. But what is clear about the Salvation Army is that they have a strong brand, and it is the place where people come to in an emergency. There's a lot to be learned from the Salvation Army about doing God's work on earth.
And I'msure Mrs G will be along soon with her thoughts...
* When Worlds Collide, is also a 1951 sci-fi film about the end of the world through a rogue star passing through the galaxy and hitting the earth. It considers the collapse of society at the end of the world, and the saving of a select group of people. There's a sermon in there somewhere...
The service title was actually "The sound of worlds colliding", but close enough!
ReplyDeleteI got the worlds and the collision bit right. To the casual observer, from a safe distance there would be no sound at all, because, as we all know, in space, no-one can hear you scream... :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd if you were close enough to hear it, place a paper bag over your head. It won't help, but it will give you something to occupy your last moments.