Draw Me Nearer

DrawMeNearer
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Heather Allington
Heather writes for Sunday Song Book on behalf of the The Salvation Army Oshawa. As a lifelong member of the Army, she has loved these familiar - and some less familiar - songs for many years, and enjoys researching and writing about their origins. She is a wife, mother, grandmother and retired elementary school teacher who likes trying her hand at watercolour painting and poetry writing.

As we approach Eastertime, let’s consider drawing nearer to the cross of Jesus, as suggested in this hymn.

Drawing nearer to the cross of Jesus Share on X

I am Thine, O Lord; I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious bleeding side.

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

O, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend;
When I kneel in prayer and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!

There are depths of love that I cannot know,
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

fanny_crosbyDuring her 95-year lifetime, Fanny Crosby, the “Queen of American Hymn Writers”, wrote over eight thousand hymns! She was also one of the three most prominent evangelical leaders in America in the late 1800’s. (The other two were Ira Sankey and Dwight L. Moody.) Sometimes lines of people circled the block near a location where she was to speak, as they hoped to get a seat.

Sometimes lines of people circled the block near a location where she was to speak Share on X

Although Fanny Crosby was blind, she was very independent, and travelled alone until she was in her eighties. She lived in rundown tenements in Manhattan in order to be close to her work in “rescue missions”. Her amazing memory was cultivated in childhood by her grandmother, who taught her Bible verses. Later, Mrs. Hawley, the Crosbys’ landlady, continued this task, hoping to help Fanny memorize the whole Bible! She gave Fanny whole chapters to memorize, until eventually she knew the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, the four Gospels, Proverbs and most of the Psalms, as well as other portions of the Bible. Can you imagine learning by heart all the detailed rules of those Old Testament books? And the genealogies!

Can you imagine learning by heart all the detailed rules of those Old Testament books? Share on X

Ira Sankey, in his autobiography, has told the story of the writing of “Draw Me Nearer”. Miss Crosby was visiting in the home of Mr. W.H. Doane in Cincinnati, Ohio. As they talked about the nearness of God, the sun was setting and shadows began gathering in the room. Miss Crosby must have specially sensed God’s nearness, and she wrote the words to this hymn that evening. William H. Doane composed the very fitting tune, which has made the song a favourite of many people. It was first published in 1875 in the collection called “Brightest and Best”. Underneath was written this Bible verse: “Let us draw near with a true heart.” (Hebrews 10:22)

“Let us draw near with a true heart.” (Hebrews 10:22) Share on X
S.A. SONG BOOK, 1987 EDITION, #585 SECTION: MEANS OF GRACE – PRAYER
WORDS: FANNY CROSBY MUSIC: WILLIAM H. DOANE
REFERENCE: MORGAN, ROBERT J., THEN SINGS MY SOUL, BOOK 2

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Code of Conduct for all Mission Partners of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda

1. Purpose
To provide mission partners with guidelines regarding their expected behaviour while undertaking work on behalf of TSA. The code of conduct states TSA’s commitment to operating in an ethical and legal manner that aligns with TSA’s mission, vision, values and Orders and Regulations. The code of conduct serves as a foundational standard for other conduct-related operating policies.

2. Basic Principles
All mission partners are expected to behave in ways that are aligned with TSA’s mission and values.

2.1. Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

2.2. Vision Statement
We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

2.3. Core Values:
Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.
Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

3. Conduct Expectations
The code of conduct provides guidelines for mission partner conduct. The code of conduct cannot cover every possible situation; mission partners are responsible for considering each issue in the context of TSA’s mission and values, recognizing that individual conduct may be understood as a reflection of TSA’s values, image, integrity and public trust. If a mission partner is unsure of a situation and needs guidance about their conduct or has concerns about the conduct of another person, they should speak with their supervisor or HR/officer personnel representative.

Mission partners will:
3.1. Comply with TSA policies and procedures.
3.2. Follow all applicable laws and at no time participate in, or assist others to participate in, any illegal, criminal or unethical activities.
3.3. Conduct themselves at all times with honesty, integrity and transparency.
3.4. Perform their defined duties to the best of their ability.
3.5. Treat others, including other mission partners, funders, clients and the public, with respect, dignity, fairness and courtesy.
3.6. Promote and support a work environment that is inclusive of all people and respects their unique abilities, strengths and differences.
3.7. Identify actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose them to their supervisor to help minimize or eliminate the impact of such conflicts, which could influence or appear to influence their judgment and actions. Refer to GV 01.003 Conflict of Interest policy for additional direction and requirements.
3.8. Collect, use and disclose confidential information only in accordance with TSA policy and applicable privacy laws. Ensure all records, documents and communications are accurate and that privacy is maintained as required by GV
01.009 Privacy.
3.9. Conduct all business, service and ministry activities in a responsible manner, consistent with TSA’s values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.
3.10. Always strive to create and maintain the highest health, safety, wellness and environmental standards in all facilities and work areas.
3.11. Take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of oneself and others and report accidents (however minor) and near-misses (accidents that almost happened), risky behaviours, and instances where equipment and/or building
deficiencies could compromise the safety of a workplace.
3.12. Use information technology, including internet and email, in a professional and appropriate manner, in accordance with TSA policy (IT 02.001 Computers and Information Technology Acceptable Use).
3.13. Ensure they are fit to work and able to perform assigned duties as required by their job description safely, satisfactorily and in compliance with HR 10.002 Substance Impairment in the Workplace.

TSA expects mission partners will not:
3.14. Act in a discriminatory, harassing or violent way toward others.
3.15. Use their position in order to gain an advantage over or exploit the vulnerability of others.
3.16. Destroy or take for personal use any items belonging to or safeguarded by TSA without prior written approval.
3.17. Solicit (money or goods) from clients, donors, vendors, contractors or any person in a position to benefit from their association with TSA. Mission partners will adhere to the requirements of HR 04.002 Gifts, Speaking Fees, and Testimonials policy.
3.18. Give the appearance that they are speaking on behalf of TSA when not authorized to do so or engage in any activity that would negatively impact TSA’s reputation, brand or public image, including the use of personal social media
accounts.
3.19. Initiate contact with the media or respond to their inquiries, and instead will refer all media inquiries to their supervisor, their public relations representative or TSA’s communications department.
3.20. Use, abuse or misuse paid time, TSA resources or the equipment assigned to them.
3.21. Misuse their authority, abuse power, act irresponsibly, retaliate against someone who reports misconduct or exclude others from workplace events.

4. Officers: Orders and Regulations
In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the code of conduct and Orders and Regulations, the latter shall take precedence.

5. Violation of the Code
If a mission partner believes the law, the code of conduct or TSA’s policies may have been violated or are about to be violated, they should inform their supervisor or report their concern through the Whistleblower hotline (see GV 01.008 Whistleblower policy).

Violation of the code of conduct is a serious matter and could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.