Extra Christmas celebration for Macarthur with four enrolments

deansimpson7
Jan 15
2 min read

(From left): Cadet Belinda Clark, Major Melanie-Anne Holland, Sue Bennetts, Charlene March, Gabby Winstanley, Michael Turk, and Captain Nicola Salomo Poore.

BY DEAN SIMPSON

Christmas came early for four people at Macarthur Salvos in December when they committed themselves to membership of the corps in Sydney’s south-west.

At a special service on Sunday 21 December, Sue Bennetts and Gabby Winstanley were enrolled as senior soldiers, Charlene March became an adherent, and Michael Turk reaffirmed his covenant as an adherent.

“What a privilege it was to support Sue, Gabby, Charlene and Michael on this very special day,” said Corps Officer Captain Nicola Salomo Poore.

“And, of course, we celebrated them with a delicious cake!”

Captain Nicola Salomo Poore conducts the enrolment ceremony of new senior soldiers Sue Bennetts and Gabby Winstanley.

Nicola conducted the enrolment ceremony for the senior soldiers, while fellow corps officer Major Melanie-Anne Holland conducted the adherency ceremony.

Nicola, who this month begins a new appointment as Mission and Ministry Coordinator at Eva Burrows College in Melbourne, has journeyed with the four new members over many years.

Melanie, who has shared the corps officer role with Nicola for the past 18 months, has now taken on a new appointment as a Recovery Coordinator within the National Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) team.

The new Macarthur Corps Officers starting this month are Lieutenants Anthony and Nicole Bezzina.

Major Marina Randall (Ret.) prays for the new members of the Macarthur Corps.

Journey to enrolment

Each of the four people enrolled in December has found a sense of belonging at Macarthur Salvos and peace in committing to their spiritual home.

“Sue connected with The Salvation Army through Campbelltown Corps about two decades ago and has been active for many years in SAES (emergency services), hospitality and the corps’ Sponge Bag ministry to local hospitals,” said Melanie.

“Gabby was introduced to The Salvation Army Macarthur through a school friend, coming to faith and growing as a disciple over a few years. Gabby is part of the worship team and tech team on Sundays.

The newly enrolled members cut the cake, supported by their Macarthur Corps family.

“Charlene came to Macarthur Corps through our Friendship Group over a decade ago and has found a loving community to share and grow with. And Michael was introduced to The Salvation Army in the early days of Narellan Corps and has continued to enjoy fellowship and serve musically over the years.”

Melanie said the enrolments came after Macarthur Salvos ran a six-week seminar series titled ‘We Believe’, covering The Salvation Army’s doctrines and covenants.

These seminars were presented by Nicola and Melanie, with assistance from the other corps leaders, including Cadet Belinda Clark and Major Marina Randall (Ret.).

Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the enrolment Sunday: