The Salvation Army Chatham

It hardly seems possible that in seven days time Christmas will have arrived. Yesterday was the third Sunday of advent and for us it was Carol Services all the way

Kaos in the morning

But before we get to that let us just mention two events which took place on Saturday. Firstly our Band was playing in the local Debenhams store for most of the day. This was an opportunity to reach many people intent on making sure all the presents had been purchased (and it was a lot warmer than being in a very cold High Street). Sorry we have no pictures of this.

At the same time Major Kathy was with the ‘National Association of Round Tables of Great Britain and Ireland’ float in the High Street. Round Table had decided that this year The Salvation Army in Chatham should be a ‘chosen’ charity and they very graciously presented Kathy with a cheque for £1000 for the Army’s work locally. This was done outside Woolworths in full view of the general public and we acknowledge their generosity with gratitude.

Receiving the cheque

Now to our meetings on Sunday. In the morning we held our KAOS (Kids Alive On Sunday) carol service which began with ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ featuring the Band (Carl Woodman) and the Junior Timbrels (Louise Robinson).

Louise Carl

The Junior Timbrels

A number of the well known traditional carols were sung and items were included by the Young Peoples Band (Nigel Lockwood) who played ‘Nativity Swing’ and Singing Company (Carolynn Woodman) who sang ‘Away in a Manger’. The Primary delighted us with ‘Jingle Bells’.

Nigel Carolynn

KAOS Leader Tracy Wood and her sister Sam portrayed a short dramatic sketch asking the question ‘Is it a plastic baby again this year?’ and reminding us that the real Jesus was very much alive and still is today. Tracy also brought the message, once again basing the story on bars of chocolate and sweets. The children really enjoyed this ‘fun’ presentation and the service concluded with the KAOS presenting ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’ featuring a very young soloist. Christingles were brought to the platform and the meaning of this was expalined to the congregation. It was lovely to see the Hall full to overflowing once again with many people attending who seldom join us on any other occasion.

More carols in the evening in what we have come to know as our ‘Corps Carol Service’. This is to distinguish it from the event held in The Central Theatre three weeks ago.

Major Drew

This year the service was arranged and led by Major Drew and included a story told by General John Gowans punctuated with carols sung by the congregation,readings and items performed by the corps musical sections.

General Gowans telling the story

Musical contributions included ‘Gabriel’s Message’ sung by Rachel Horwood and ‘Mary’s Song’ sung by Carolynn Woodman with the backing of the Songsters

Rachel & Carolynn

Readers & Tableau

The Band brought ‘The Proclamation of Christmas’, the Songtsters ‘The Holly and the Ivy’, the Singing Company ‘Happy Birthday’ and the Young Peoples Band ‘Away in a Manger. A number of Bible Readings were also included. Click on the links to read. Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46-55, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:8-16 and Matthew 2:1-15. Major Drew concluded with a short message and said ‘We’ve heard again the timeless story of how Jesus, God’s gift, came into our world. God’s gift is our gift’. ‘Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits the size of every heart (Dayspring Cards)’. The final carol was ‘O come all ye faithful’
So we reach the last week of the pre-Christmas programme and it promises to be a busy one. Next Sunday we have Christmas Eve family worship in the morning and Midnight Carols at 11.30pm during which we shall light the white Christ candle in our advent ring. Join us if you live near enough, we’d love to see you.

For those of you wondering if there will be a Monday Spot on Christmas Day – YES, THERE WILL. If you are travelling this Christmas we hope you have a good journey. If you are driving, drive safely. If you are entertaining, do so with joy in your heart as you celebrate the birth of the Saviour.