Transformers

When i was a kid i loved the Transformers cartoons. Throughout the years the Transformers concept has changed, with different series using new and different characters. But this year i was excited to hear that there would be a new Transformers movie released. I found this out at about the same time that i was beginning to plan Kids Camp. When someone suggested the idea of using the Transformers theme for kids camp it really appealed to me. Transformation is one of the major themes in the bible, salvation obviously the major theme, but transformation is related to that.

Little did i realise that the new Transformers movie was targeted at us nostalgic 20 somethings who grew up watching Transformers on Saturday mornings and not at the kids who now watch cartoons on Saturday mornings.

All of that aside though, Camp was FANTASTIC!!!

The kids all seemed to have a really good time. And a BIG THANKS to the leaders who were a great help to me and the kids also.

Check out the photos from camp, hopefully we will be able to release a dvd from camp once we are able to work out a few technical difficulties.

Romans 12: 2 says: "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Transformation can be a 2 stage process. There is the initial instantaneous transformation that happens when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and then there is the continuing process of transformation that occurs as we walk with Jesus and try to become more Christ like. If i were talking in Christianese (the language those really religious people always seem to be talking in) i would call this redemption and sanctification.

Redemption is the first transformation where we chose to no longer conform to this world but to transform ourselves in to followers of Jesus.

Sanctification is the second transformation where we constantly ask the Holy Spirit to help us change our thinking from that of the way the world thinks, to the way God thinks, often vastly contradicting thought processes.

How are you going in your transformation experience, how transformed are you??

Lots n Lots of Stuff Happening!!!

Wow!!

I just looked at my calendar and realised that there is so much stuff happening over the next two months!!

Coming up we have the divisional youth 2Love Grand Prix (2Love G.P for short) on the 23rd of June where we will be going go karting here in Ballarat followed by a worship event at the Forrest Gardens (Wendouree) corps hall. We are planning on having a guest band join us for this, so stay tuned for more info!!



Creative Kids Camp begins on the last day of June, and runs until the 2 of July. The theme for this year is Transformers, based around the concept of Romans 12:2- "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect." Transformers '07 will be a time of fun for 7 to 15 year olds where they can learn about what it means to be transformed and changed!!

During the second week of the school holidays the Salvo's hold their national netball and basketball carnival. From the 8th to the 15th at the Gawler Starplex stadium in South Oz the Western Vic teams will be competing against other Salvo teams from around the country. we could use a few players for mens basketball and womens netball, so if you're interested, let me know.

Also, the dates for Candidates Weekend have been announced. This year Candidates Weekend will be on from the 13th to the 15th of July, while I'm in Adelaide, unfortunately!! Candidates Weekend is an opportunity for all of those people who are interested in officership or lieutenancy (that is full time ministry) within The Salvation Army to gather together and explore their calling and find out what is involved in becoming and officer/lieutenant. If you are interested, let me know and I will get back to you.

Well that's about it for now,

Adios Amigos.