Simply Trusting: A celebration of seniors in Victoria
BY MAJOR ALAN LAURENS*
Waverley Temple Corps in Melbourne was filled with people enjoying fellowship, worship and music as Salvationists and friends from across Victoria gathered for the annual Seniors Celebration on Wednesday 14 October.
Guided by the theme ‘Simply Trusting’, the day welcomed attendees from Melbourne’s metropolitan areas and regional centres, including Bendigo, Shepparton, Ballarat and Geelong.
Led by Major Kate Baudinette (Assistant Divisional Commander for Victoria), the celebration began with a fellowship morning tea, followed by worship accompanied by the Melbourne Red Shield Band.
An engaging question-and-answer interview with Major Simon Damen (Area Officer for Southeast Victoria) set the day’s theme, followed by guest speakers who shared insights into The Salvation Army’s diverse ministries and its response to people experiencing disadvantage.
Damen spoke about youth outreach through Frankston Youth Ministries, while Major Narelle Jacobsen (Community Development Officer at St Kilda) outlined The Well’s work at the St Kilda Crisis Centre.
Major Brendan Nottle (Corps Officer at Melbourne Project 614) traced The Salvation Army’s social work history in Melbourne, from its early ministry along the Yarra River to the ongoing work of the 614 centre, which supports people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.
A choir formed for the occasion, led by Merryn Steel, Brimbank City Corps, added to the morning program, while Major Jo Brookshaw (Corps Officer at Waverley Temple) created a remarkable artistic interpretation of the theme. Painting throughout the meeting, she completed a striking image of a firmly rooted tree beside flowing waters – a powerful reminder of the strength and security found in trusting God. The painting is to be donated to The Well.
After lunch, the celebration continued with an afternoon concert featuring a variety of musical performances.
The Melbourne Red Shield Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster Graham Roper, opened the program. The Sing and Strum Ukulele Group from Mornington Corps, led by David Parker, encouraged enthusiastic participation with familiar choruses and enjoyable solo items.
The choir returned with a selection of songs that invited the congregation to join in. A lively timbrel display, organised by Annette Davies of Camberwell Corps, delighted the audience, while pianist Peter Lewis of Craigieburn Corps offered a quieter moment of reflection with his own arrangement of ‘Standing in the Need of Prayer’.
Recognising faithful service A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the annual Isabel Gale Award, recognising faithful service and care in senior ministries.
Announced by Major Jennifer Cloke (Corps Officer at Kingston City), the award was presented to Kevin and Patricia Drinkwell of Greensborough Corps. The warm applause and standing recognition reflected the appreciation and affection felt for the recipients.
Major Kate Baudinette thanked everyone who contributed to the day’s success, with special acknowledgement of Jennifer and her ongoing work in senior ministries.
The Melbourne Veterans Band farewelled attendees with the familiar strains of ‘I Still Call Australia Home’, providing a fitting end to a memorable day of fellowship, celebration and encouragement.
Through worship, shared stories and recognition of faithful service, the Seniors Celebration was a joyful reminder that, whatever the season of life, we can continue to find strength, hope and blessing in simply trusting God.
Click through the slideshow below for more photos of the Seniors Celebration:
*The story’s author, Major Alan Laurens, is a retired Salvation Army officer living in Melbourne.
