festive Friday

Well, it was a great day in ministry. Taking care of 'business' at DHQ and sharing in conversation on spiritual (growth) things.
And to end off the day I was able to join with most of the officers on the Island and share in their Christmas Fellowship dinner. Again, such a joy to be with them all ... a big thank you to them for being a huge part of my learning experience during my 'winter assignment'.

a little bit of Christmas

It was a busy today in the Army world on the Island. Hamper distribution day ... I was at the main distribution center which happened to be at the Botanical Gardens. Many people coming through to get their bag of groceries, a gift certificate, a turkey/chicken, and toys for children. Quite a team ... and might I add - a winning team!

St. George's

I ventured to the 'other end' of the Island today and shadowed the Broome's in the ministry in St. George's. Before I went too far, Major Dan and I (with the assistance of Major Bruce) went to the Hospital and had a chapel for some of the patients there.

 

By around lunch time we made it to the Kings Square of St. George's ... where we saw the Town Crier at the ducking stool doing his little demonstration thing ... It just so happens that the corps has a Kettle in the Town Square as well! So, no worries - I wasn't being a 'complete' tourist (it was just all good timing for the day!).

In the afternoon I helped in their preparations for the Christmas Hamper distribution tomorrow.

During the evening we trekked down to 'The Caring Place' where they serve a free meal to those that want it, it is at another local church and volunteers are from the various churches in the area.
When we finished there a trio of us took instruments and played a few carols outside a home of a corps folk.
All in all, yet another great day!

2nd chances

Today was a great day!
It started off by walking into the Harbour Light with the sound of nearly a dozen men singing (acapella)   'This is the day'. I could hardly get in the building fast enough to hear the sounds from the other side of the door. I sat in on the tail end of their devotions, it was a blessing to sit and listen as they read scriptures with each other.
After a short break I met back with most of the men that had gathered for devotions and spent an hour studying the bible study. I shouldn't be surprised, but they were sure an encouragement and blessing to me. The discussions around the table were great reminders of the love of God of second chances that we serve!
Before lunch I was brought over to the Emergency Housing complex and given a tour. Again, the passion of the Director there to offer not only a hand out but a hand up to those in need was exciting to see. God is at work here folks!!
After lunch I sat in on an Art Therapy class at the Harbour Light - hearing the men share their stories of where they were last Christmas vs this Christmas, the changes they have seen in each other, etc. spoke profoundly, again of the God's great love for us.
After a great day at the Harbour Light I grabbed a bite to eat and then made my way over to Somerset (my 'home' for most of last week) to help out with the band there while they did a bit of caroling at Marketplace.
Yay for second chances ... and the ministry opportunity it brings ...

the only Monday on the Island

This morning I shared in ministry with the Jennings'. The first task was to handle a bit of Bermudian currency and tackle some of the joys of Shelby. Good times, for sure!
Mid-morning Major Critch swept me away and I sat in on a meeting with a 'Foundation' that is a great supporter of The Army here in Bermuda. A great learning experience, once again.
After lunch I was blessed to make a visit to the home of an elderly lady whose concern was whether or not it would be acceptable if she wore slippers to church on Sunday with her uniform. If only we all had the commitment and passion of this fine lady. It my ventures here this week it has been a blessing to 'see' the faith of so many ... If only I could be an inspiration like these people have been to me!
There are obviously pieces of information that I'm missing for my 'updates', but this isn't by any means my journal ... but hopefully you get the idea of the blessings that are overflowing here during my 'winter assignment'.
Blessings on you ...

Third Sunday in Advent

So, this morning I delivered my first sermon on the Island of Bermuda. I shouldn't say 'my' sermon ... it was God's word as far as I'm concerned ... despite having the topic given to me by a third party, the words that I studied and shared were of/given by Him. Yup ... that's what I firmly believe. I was privileged to join with Cedar Hill in their worship service and Majors Wayne and Cavell Loveless were kind enough to allow me to stand at 'their' pulpit ...

Very thankful for the many officers across the Territory that are allowing us (from both sessions) to share in their ministry experiences over these two weeks. Without their willingness we would not be experiencing these great ministry opportunities and the God-moments that come with them!

We ventured to a local restaurant for lunch and I enjoyed a traditional Sunday morning 'breakfast' ... cod-fish, potatoes, egg, avocado and banana! It was delicious!! Thank you to the Loveless' for their hospitality ... we hung out until it was time for me to head to North Street Citadel for their afternoon Children's play.

For the afternoon I enjoyed the Children's play ... Christmas County Spelling Bee! They did a wonderful job! Hats off to the many leaders to met with the youth of the corps for a few Friday evenings to end up with the results of this evening! Wow - wow - wow! Great stuff.

In the evening, I enjoyed playing Sequence with a team that lost more than we won ... but we had fun!

Well folks, that's the end to another full day.

no pictures today

Well, it was a great day of ministry but I somehow missed the opportunity to take photos along the way.
In the morning I joined the band of West End Community Church and Major Curtis Butler at LeFroy House to bring some Christmas cheer to the residents. A few Christmas carols and a devotional, by yours truly, is what we filled the hour with. But, more than that it was filled with God's love!

From there we loaded into the vehicles (mopeds for some) and headed over to the Dockyard to play Christmas carols for the folks doing a bit of shopping there. A kind lady from the corps treated us all to an ice-cream ... kindness in action!

In the afternoon I helped with some 'office' work and prepped for an evening with some youth of the corps. That prepping involved going over some final details for my devotional and making icing from scratch! I did it ... and again, I didn't think to take pictures to prove it ... but I iced a cake and a few cupcakes with the chocolate icing that I made and I'm still here to tell the story - you'll just have to take my word for it, that I actually did make it!

Major Cindy made fabulous spaghetti and garlic bread, we hung out, and ate cupcakes!

A day of ministry at West End Community Church and I loved it.

And now to pack up and move on to my next nesting spot for the next week ...

a different kind of day

So it was a different kind of day ... but I'll take it!
Despite the rain, wind, and anything else I was able to take in a few sites around the area in between the various responsibilities of the day.
I took myself on a little walk this morning ... here are some sites I saw along the way ...

(I think I'd like this orange house when I grow up!) 

My view during devotions ...

 

The joys of being caught in a rain-shower on the way home ...

This afternoon my kind guests took me to Horseshoe Beach and Gibbs' Hill Lighthouse ... It was a great afternoon of 'Self Care' as itemized as the training focus on today's schedule. Check out the photos ...

Tonight I met up with some band members of the division and played a few Christmas carols around downtown Hamilton and when that was said and done we went to bingo!

Drive-in bingo!!