Pilley's Island Salvation Army Corps

05/04/2021

Please be advised that moving forward, all information and new postings (including 'musings') will be placed on the The Salvation Army Robert's Arm-Pilley's Island Corps page only.

The Pilley's Island Salvation Army Corps page will be "retired". This simply means that there will not be new postings or information placed on this page. You will however, be able to access past postings and photos.

We would invite you to join The Salvation Army Robert's Arm-Pilleys Island Corps page if you are not already a friend.

Blessings on your day,

Lt. Colonel Sandra

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁'𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗺-𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆'𝘀 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝘀

05/03/2021

Monday Morning Musing – A Grey Foggy Day!

Been some years ago
Since I left from my island
To go to the mainland,
Like the old folks would say;
As I walked up the gangway
And I stood on the starboard
And I gazed on the harbour
On a grey foggy day.

Written and sung by the renowned Eddie Coffey and gaining further popularity when performed by one of NL’s most identifiable bands, Shanneyganock, “A Grey Foggy Day” is a well-loved traditional song. In fact, just a few years ago, I recall the CTV news story when a man with an accordion and another with a guitar led an impromptu sing-along in the waiting area of Toronto’s Pearson Airport Monday night, where passengers were awaiting a delayed flight to Newfoundland and Labrador. According to CTV, this song was the popular tune!

The song pretty much sums up the last several weeks. I had forgotten what spring could be like in NL but, like the winter, I have been determined to embrace it. With that in mind, as I drove around the harbour, I noted the fog was beginning to lift. A light drizzle was falling, and the temperatures were less than encouraging. It felt damp and looked dull! Strangely however, it was calm and peaceful.

On this morning however, it wasn’t even the fog or the rain or the dampness, which caught my attention. Look closely at the photos. What do you see? Yes, seagulls, reflections in the water, fog rolling over the horizon, etc. Look more closely and you will see the number of homes from which smoke is rising!

Returning home has allowed me to learn plenty about NL culture and has provided opportunity to recapture memories about many things I had long forgotten. For example, until recently, I had forgotten the comfort which accompanies the smell of wood burning. Many of the homes in these small towns burn wood to heat their home and the smell, at least in my mind, is amongst the top 3 inviting aromas (with bread baking taking the number 1 spot). On a grey foggy day, the stoves and furnaces are filled with wood and the unmistakable wood-burning smell fills the air. It is a far cry from the smells emanating from transport trucks and backfiring cars zooming down the Don Valley Parkway, my neighbourhood for the past 10 years.

I parked the car, walked a little, and as I kept my eye on the chimneys and the smoke, I soon found myself musing. You may know that the Bible sometimes uses smoke to symbolize the glory and greatness of a powerful God. Read Revelation 15:8, Isaiah 6:4. Smoke, in Scripture, is also used figuratively to emphasize the transitory nature of all things on the earth (James 4:14). Other Scriptural references use smoke to address judgement and wrath.

Allow me to take you to a less familiar reference. In Exodus 30, God gave Moses specific instructions as to how God’s people were to worship. The details included the offering of sacrifices and the burning of sweet-smelling incense, perhaps to overpower the odours of livestock and unwashed bodies. Priests would refill this special mixture of incense on the golden altar in the morning and evening, so a sweet-smelling smoke issued from it around the clock. In its simplest explanation, breezes might carry the smell outside into the tabernacle court, among the people offering sacrifices. When they saw and smelled the smoke, it reminded them their prayers were constantly being carried to God, were welcomed and sweet-smelling to the Lord.

The death and resurrection of Christ has done away with the offering of animals for sacrifice. Additionally, incense is largely foreign to the Protestant experience of worship. Nevertheless, today, let’s not forget a sacred and significant lesson found in the symbolism of the Biblical picture of ascending smoke. We are called to “pray without ceasing” and, with or without an image of smoke, Christians can be assured that our prayers, ascending to the heart and ears of God, are pleasing to Him. After all, our prayers are offered on our behalf by our great High Priest, Jesus Christ.

And if that is not enough, the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ assures us that God hears our prayers (Prov. 15:29, 2 Cor. 5:21) … whether it be sunny or foggy! How’s that for a promise?

Oh yes - understanding the temperamental nature of NL weather, Ed Coffey continued…
“It's been more than a long, long time
……. And we waited for the sun to shine
On a grey foggy day”

Praise the Lord – the sun is shining this morning! A prayer answered!

Lt. Colonel Sandra

04/28/2021

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮 - 𝟳 𝗣𝗠

Please note the change of time for this coming Sunday. There will not be a morning service.

Please be sure you register by phoning 652-3571! Leave a message and your name will be added to the list for Sunday evening.

Every blessing!

04/27/2021

04/26/2021

Monday Morning Musing – Under the Sea, Under the Sea!

They are nothing like Sebastian, the red Trinidadian crab in Disney’s animated film, The Little Mermaid! Sebastian is a loyal, kind, high-spirited, fun loving crab. On the other hand, he sometimes suffers from anxiety which in turn makes him high strung and irritable. I hope you will not be disillusioned, but the real deal is not at all like the Disney version!

The crab fishery has now begun and this week I spent time with fisherman (and master teacher), Mr. Gerald Anthony of Pilley’s Island. Standing in his classroom, his boat, he told me about quotas, gear, vessel monitoring systems, weather, licenses, bait, processing, discards, waves, sea, stock, vessel size, safety, twine, fishing areas, logbooks, traps, controls, inshore and offshore fleets, coloured twine, mesh size, stock assessment, and of course, crab! Oh – and he did all of this in less than an hour! Impressive!

There was so much to learn about this ‘under the sea’ adventure. For example, did you know a specified, coloured twine has to be folded into the trap lines? Should a whale ever become entangled in the gear, when discovered, the authorities, by looking at the colour of the twine, can identify the area in which the trap/mesh had been originally located.

Did you know that depending on the size of the boat and designated area, this work takes place anywhere from 20-80 miles offshore? Perhaps further for some!

And forget cute, fun loving Sebastian. Crabs in Atlantic waters are neither cute nor fun loving. Do you know how these unattractive and pesky crustaceans find themselves landing in the trap, in the processing plant, and ultimately, in the kitchen? It works something like this… the traps possess a common construction that consists of a welded steel ring frame, netting, twine, rope and a cone. The crab, attracted to the baited cone at the top of the trap, crawls slowly up the side of the trap, crawls down over the cone, reaches the bait, falls into the trap and then finds itself unable to get back over the cone and out of the trap.

One end of a ‘tucks string’, embedded around the bottom of the trap, has already been pulled tight and tied to the side of the trap, preventing the crab from escaping through the bottom of the trap. That same string is released once the trap is raised, releasing the crab into the boat and transported to the nearby plant. The rest is history!

The crab fishery is a highly regulated industry and in fact, I sense that is true of much of the fishing industry. There were over 2,000 licensed inshore harvesters hauling in 26,400 tonnes of coveted crab last season. Amongst the fishermen, there is common frustration over the disparity between the price for crab in NL compared to other Atlantic provinces. I admit, I too am puzzled. Still, apart from income and employment for the fishing crew, snow crab feeds more than 20 processing plants in the province, providing further employment to almost 3000 workers. Tally up the complete value and one soon realizes, with gratitude I might add, that snow crab alone realizes many millions of dollars into the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. It is one of the most lucrative industries in the province.

Gerald is a member of our Corps but he represents hundreds, thousands, of people who make their living from the sea. I am musing about the fact that my instruction took place in the comfort of a safe harbour, accompanied by mild temperatures, on a sunny and calm day and within a few feet of land! Those who live near the sea, and certainly those who work on the sea, know a less comfortable and friendly reality. Though mechanical and technological advances have brought some relief for the fishermen, this way of making a living is not for the faint of heart! The crab fishery – the fishing industry – is for those who are called to the sea. It is demanding and even dangerous.

Read Psalm 107! The Psalm is a hymn and its reference to ships and the sea make it a favourite of seafarers. “Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.” During the storm, “… they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” The Psalmist then calls these same seafarers to “give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love”.

My musing leads me to a prayer for those who have gone “out on the sea”. The hymn was written to help a student, about to embark on a sea voyage, “anchor his faith”. You may recall it most recently sung at Prince Philip’s funeral. Despite the ancient language, it is a beautiful prayer for those who sail the sea…

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm does bind the restless wave,
Who bids the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

O Savior, whose almighty word
The winds and waves submissive heard,
Who walked upon the foaming deep,
And calm amid the rage did sleep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.

Have a blessed and safe week… and remember, “We know the Master of the Wind!”

Lt. Colonel Sandra

04/23/2021

It’s national volunteer week and The Salvation Army thanks the more than 130,000 volunteers across the Territory who give of their time to help the organization fulfill its promise of Giving Hope Today.

We especially thank the dozens of volunteers who assist The Salvation Army fulfil its mission in Pilley’s Island and Robert’s Arm.

A special shout out to the volunteers who have in the past, and continue today, to serve in the Thrift Store. They are gracious, generous and consistent in their service .“Thank you” so much! God bless you!

04/21/2021

May you find your rhythm in the reality of God’s Grace. When you are weary may God give you strength. When you are disappointed may the Holy Spirit bring you a fresh sense of hope and trust. When you face the future with fear in your heart may Christ’s words echo in your soul- ‘Do not fear’

04/19/2021

Monday Morning Musing – Constant Companions!

First there was Tip! Then Tyke! Over the years, our extended family has included Roxy, Frankie, Blue, Angel, Maggie, Raven, Piper, Abby and recently, little Dali! Pets, and more specifically, puppies!

Perhaps some of you remember Tyke? It took some effort to convince Mom that Tyke would be a perfect addition to our family. He really became “Mom’s” puppy and he, surprisingly, was her constant companion! (Photos 1 & 2) I always thought the loyalty was a result of the attention she showered on him. I have reconsidered and think it likely had something to do with all the red licorice she fed him!

Arguably, the cutest of the family pets would have been Frankie, the wiener dog! Myra and family had this adorable and energetic, Newfie-born dachshund. Loyal and contented to the end! (Photos 3 & 4)

At the risk of annoying the other family members, I am also giving a shout out to Abby. This beautiful Yellow Lab lives just up the street and has been part of the family for 11 years.

I see her regularly and though she saunters over for a little pat on the head, she is clearly Tony’s constant companion! She goes where he goes! She listens when he speaks! She curls up next to him when he settles down! Not to be excluded, she follows along whether he is duck hunting, hiking, fishing, or boating. Perhaps he is shovelling snow, cutting wood, repairing a broken water hose, or putting up Christmas lights and still Abby joins in on the action.

I describe her as gentle, attentive, smart, and adventurous! Lori reminds me there is plenty of work to owning a dog, like cleaning up after her, ensuring she is fed and watered, and sweeping the “dog hair” from the entire house. Still – they love her. Perhaps this is most obvious by Tony’s description of Abby – “content, happy, loyal, and loving”! The photos highlight this lovely, and now mature, lady!

Over the years, friends have introduced me to their puppies ie. Caspian, Charlie, Maddie, Tucker, Hershey, Miss Dolly...and the list goes on! I recently met Ping and Pong who live across the street. Roxy lives next door! I may have some bias but, to redeem myself, I publicly declare I have the greatest respect for the non-canine family additions. I must mention kitties Bart, Twinson and Emma! Then there is bunny, Jasper! Less you think I am too focused on the 4-legged family members, I remind you I have been an attentive caregiver for several installments of goldfish (who’s demise often came quickly. In fact, I don’t ever recall assigning a name!). Then there was Sandy, a budgie bird given to me as a gift by my sister but again, for many years, cared for by Mom!

There is reference in the Bible to dogs, but little evidence to suggest that they are constant companions or “man’s best friends”. Most references use the word in a derogatory manner or at best, suggest their sole purpose would be herding or hunting. No cuddling on the couch for Biblical dogs!

Isn’t it interesting that with all the joy that family pets bring to our lives, the Bible does not really address the issue of keeping pets? The only example I could find of a pet owner is the poor man in Nathan’s parable, a man who “had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him” (2 Samuel 12:3). I think a lamb or baby goat would make for a great pet!

Then there is this - “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal” (Proverbs 12:10). Here you have it - the Bible suggesting that care shown to an animal entrusted to us is a sign of personal integrity? Who knew?

I am musing this AM about Saint Francis of Assisi. Though born to a wealthy family, as a young man he denounced it all and embraced a life of poverty and Christian charity, determined to follow the example of Jesus. Perhaps it was his personal charisma and evangelical zeal that attracted thousands of followers? Some might consider him an eccentric; nevertheless, his is an intriguing and inspiring story and I encourage you to explore it further.

Here is a little tidbit of information – Francis had great kinship for and with animals. It is said that he once removed worms from a busy road and placed them to the side so they would not be crushed under human traffic. That does sound eccentric and perhaps the story is simply a legend. Nevertheless, Francis had a deep respect for all God’s creation and particularly, loved animals. In them he saw a unique connectedness to the presence of God. So – to all you animal lovers – St. Francis would approve!

At the Corps yesterday AM, together, we prayed the words written by St. Francis of Assisi, animal loving, champion of the poor! His words move us beyond our furry creatures and speak to how we live in community. It just seems to be an appropriate prayer for the beginning of another week:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love with all my soul.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Have a blessed week!

Lt. Colonel Sandra

04/15/2021

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

We are pleased that the attendance restriction for worship gatherings has been increased to 100. All other COVID restrictions will continue to be in place so please be aware of the following:

1. In that distancing will still be required, we will be limited on seating capacity simply because of the size of space. It is crucial that you register so seating arrangements can be made prior to Sunday. Therefore, please register by phoning 652-3571 by Friday noon! If you call between 1-4, most times, there will be someone available at the Thrift Store to receive your call. If you call outside those hours, please leave a voice mail and your name will be added to the registration list.announce that there will be a Sunday AM worship service this Sunday, March 28th!

2. Please be advised that masks have to be worn throughout the service.

3. Hand sanitizer is available upon entry and exit.

4. Upon entry, you will be directed to your seat. We are to minimize any moving about or mingling.

We understand these restrictions pose some limits; yet we are committed to the safety of anyone who enters the building and ultimately, the broader community.

Blessings and we look forward to worshipping together on Sunday at 10:30 AM.

Lt. Colonel Sandra

04/15/2021

We are excited to announce the following two workshops as part of our upcoming conference!!! These will be pre-recorded so you can choose one Saturday morning and watch the other one later.

04/12/2021

Monday Morning Musing – Feather Friendly!

I quickly realized we were not talking about the same thing! Church was over and I was on the parking lot, shouting goodbye to the those who had gathered for worship. I asked Craig about his schedule for the remainder of the day and he indicated he would be “babysitting”. I was impressed, remembering he and Mona have 2 grandchildren. It was when he said they would be looking after “all 80 of them”, I realized we were not on the same page. They were headed home, and, out of necessity, they would have to be attentive to their 80 adorable babies… yes, eighty, 2-day old baby chicks!!!

I needed to see these babies for myself and a few days later I was peering down at the cute, fluffy, photogenic, little fluff balls. I was so enamored that for a split second, I imagined they would serve as great pets. They do not take up much space! I would not have to walk them each day! People would likely compliment me on the cuteness factor. Just so you know - I moved on from that idea very quickly!

Once I stopped “cooing and ahhing”, I received a little lesson on the more practical realities of raising chickens! I was surprised by the amount of care required to raise these little chicks.! Craig and Mona are well versed on the skill and effort needed and in short order I was in the middle of chicken farming, lesson 101.

For example, did you know that the “babysitter” must ensure these little babies are kept very, very warm? In fact, Mona explains that you must ensure you keep the heat lamp at 95⁰ for the first week after these little chicks are hatched and you are to decrease by 5⁰ in each of the following weeks “until their feathers grow in”. Mona adds, “they like it really warm.” Only after they grow feathers can they be moved from their temporary home out to the shed.

Additionally, these little critters need to be carefully fed. They need a medicated feed for the first month to protect them from infection but they will develop immunity over time. Presently they are receiving chicken starter feed but as they get a little older, they will, as Mona and Craig explain, “forge outside where they can eat sprouts and critters.” That is, the chicks will forge outside, not Craig and Mona! As I understand it, the greater the variety of menu, the deeper yellow the yolk will be, and more significantly, the more nutritious the egg. Who knew?

Perhaps the most careful attention must be applied to providing water to these adorable babies. Look at photo #4. Chick water ni***es were purchased and inserted into a ‘beef bucket’. The baby chicks caught on very quickly as to how it works. The chicks push on the middle of the little fountain with its beak, the water flows out, rests on the lip of the ni**le and the chicks drink to their hearts content!

I was interested to learn that raising chickens has been common in this province for years but, according to CBC, the increase in sales this past year has skyrocketed. The egg industry’s farm value alone sits somewhere around $19 million in Newfoundland and Labrador. Admittedly, some have taken on the raising of these fluff balls as a hobby but for most, the plunge into poultry is meant to add to food security. Mona and Craig have a vegetable farm and these 80 extra ‘peeps’ will expand their food distribution. Assuming and hoping all 80 little cuties are not roosters, in a few weeks, people in the area will be enjoying the result of this careful attention – fresh eggs!

As I muse, I am reminded that a chicken is generally not thought of as a noble animal or bird. Yet, I think the mother hen deserves attention for the care she exerts in protecting her young. She is alert and constantly looking for danger and when she senses such, she makes a clucking noise which brings the chicks to her. They gather under her outspread wings and there they find protection from any threat. This mother hen will give her life to protect her brood.

This image is used to describe God’s attitude toward us, His precious children. Read Luke 13:34-35 – “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! (NKJV)” He looked over the city in the distance and His heart was broken. He had tried so hard to convince the people to believe in Him, to receive His love and protection but He knew that He would be rejected, despite His love for them being like that of a hen for her chicks. Regrettably, such is too often still the case today.

God wants to gather us under His care. He wants us to stay close and run to His protection and provision. Here is a great verse as you head into this week - “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4)

Have a blessed week.

Lt Colonel Sandra

Oh yes, a baby boy will be added to Craig’s and Mona’s grandparenting responsibilities come July. I have observed their care for these 80 baby chicks. I can only imagine the attention they will give to grandbaby #3! Then again, that seems to be the way grandparents roll! To all grandparents – we love you!