Cadets Descend on Btown

Spring break is usually awesome in Bloomington, but it’s even better when six young, passionate Salvationists spend their week hanging out at the Bloomington Corps!

Sure we’ll treat them to the culinary delights of 4th street and show them the natural splendor of IU’s campus. But the real reason they are here is to help out with spring break VBS, lead Bible study and worship services, and get a glimpse of life here at The Salvation Army in Bloomington. We couldn’t be happier, and we think the kids will be too! The worst part is that they’re only here for a week.

The Salvation Army’s cadet program is based out of each of the Salvation Army’s four Colleges for Officer Training. In preparation for officership, cadets undergo academic, religious and social service training. On four occasions during their two year training, cadets leave their campus and are assigned to communities where they help administer programs.  These assignments, like the one in Bloomington, help prepare them for the challenges and joys that they’ll experience as officers.

Fun Fact: Prior to graduation, the “s” on each lapel and the epaulet are blue. At graduation cadets become officers and those items become red. In fact, there are two officers in the picture above, and once you know this fun fact, it becomes very easy to spot them.

Spring Break Fun!

The Salvation Army is running a fun vacation Bible school (VBS) for Monroe County elemementary students. It’s called “God’s All-Stars” and it runs the duration of Spring Break here in the Bloomington area: March 15-19 from 1-3pm

It’s a great time filled with creative crafts, wacky games, energetic gym time and quality time with special guests coming all the way from Chicago, just for ”God’s All-Stars”!

The best way to reserve a spot for your children is to contact Lt. Catherine. Experienced Salvation Army staff will provide transportation to “God’s All-Stars”, but these spots are limited.

Service Celebrates Accomplishments of Children

Two Sundays ago, youth at The Salvation Army in Bloomington were recognized. In pews filled with family, friends and fellow Salvationists, the students came forward one by one to receive their deep blue sashes. Not only do these look great but they will hold a growing number of badges.

The badges are awarded through two systems: the Adventure Corps for the boys and the Sunbeam Program for the girls. The youth spend up to a month going through lessons on a particular topic and for their participation and ability to know the lessons the youth accumulate badges that eventually fill their sashes.

These aren’t new program either! Since the 1920s, the Sunbeam and Girl Guard programs have reached out to area youth to provide fun, safe activities focused on Christ. The Adventure Corps emerged in the 1980s in the United States for boys. The main point of all of these groups is to promote strong character growth in children.

If you’d like to learn more about either of these programs please contact Lt. Catherine Fitzgerald who oversees the progress of the children.

Unique Ensembles Come to Bloomington

Bloomington will be getting a special treat this fall. Around 40 college students who are part of a traditional Salvation Army brass band or vocal ensemble will be visiting Bloomington November 13-15, 2009. Hosted by The Salvation Army of Monroe County, this group will be sharing with the community in several ways including nursing home visitation, neighborhood outreach, a community concert, and leading worship on Sunday morning.

The band and vocal ensemble is comprised of college students from Asbury Collegein Wilmore, Kentucky. Many have grown up in The Salvation Army church and participate in these music groups as a way of sharing the musical talent God has given them. Bloomington Corps officers, Jonathan and Catherine Fitzgerald, are alumni of this group and know personally how their ministry shares God’s love in a special way.

The band will be performing at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 14th, at 7:00 PM. The concert is completely free. You will not want to miss this rare and special treat!

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