The Salvation Army Chatham

Well, the news is out. We are losing Major Kathy in July. Not totally unexpected we have to say but there are those who are surprised.

moving to Thornton Heath

Normally, in these circumstances, we would be anticipating new officers who we did not know but not this time because Majors Drew and Beverley are relinquishing their DHQ appointments and becoming our full time officers (they have been part time here for the last four years). So we already know them and look forward to having a fuller relationship with them from July onwards.

a full time appointment

Unfortunately we hear that Drew will be seconded to DHQ for two days each week to co-ordinate the role of Divisional Director of Evangelism until a new appointment can be made. We hope (and believe) this will be for no more than one year. Nevertheless, in terms of days per week, we will have slightly more officer input than at the present time and we can’t complain at that in these days of paucity of resources.

Now to the week-end. On Saturday a number of our youth attended the Territorial Youth Rally ‘Going Viral’ at the Watford Colosseum. We hope to bring you a special report, maybe even more than one, when our youngsters can find the time to write for us and, hopefully, look forward to some pictures too. Judging from those we’ve spoken to they had a great time.

On Sunday Major Kathy was again our leader. The theme for the morning meeting was ‘Hearing God’s Words’, centered around scripture from 2 Peter 1:12-21 and 2 Chronicles 7:11-16. Songs 653 and 224 from The Salvation Army Song Book were used together with 1562 and 1099 from Songs of Fellowship and a new song (click here) not in our song books. Musical ministry was provided by the Singing Company, Young Peoples Band and Songsters who brought us ‘Psalm 91′, ‘With Purpose Firm’ and ‘Don’t let the Devil’ respectively.

Also of interest was a song by the Tranah family, ‘As for Me and my House’, which was sung at their wedding vows renewal recently.

The Tranah Family Singers

In her message Kathy said that she learned the Doctrines of The Salvation Army by heart in preparation for reciting them when she was commissioned as an Officer in 1991. She read Doctrine 1 and encouraged us to look back at our beginnings as Christians. What did we learn in those early days? Has some of it been forgotten or become hazy? We need to review our promises and commitments to make sure we are still ‘on track’. Kathy asked ‘what happened when you became a Christian?’ Were you changed? It is all too easy to lapse and there is no substitute for living in touch with God. We all have a tendancy to think we know best and to wander from God. What are you going to do to avoid that happening? We must not read the bible with our own agenda but read it to search for God. We must read and learn. God wants his word to be our staple diet.

In the evening we looked at another of the ‘big questions of life’, this time ‘duty’. Mark 12:13-17 was her chosen scripture together with John 14:1-8 and she supported this with songs 707, 71, 508, 532 and 571 from The Salvation Army Song Book and 1015 from Songs of Fellowship. The Band‘s contribution to the worship was ‘On Duty!’ and the Songsters sang ‘Let us go in Peace’.

Tim Scott, a Police Officer, testified about how difficult it can be to honour God and remain a Christian in his job situation. He confessed to feeling anger on behalf of those who suffer at the hands of criminals. He feels sorry that the police are sometimes not given the respect they deserve. It is often difficult to take the opportunities given to him by God and he feels the need to be more active on God’s behalf.

Tim wants to be a better witness at work

In her message Major Kathy said the scripture story which began as a potential trap for Jesus became an opportunity for Him to teach. The Pharisees sought to bring about the downfall of Jesus. They saw Him as a threat and so they ‘smooth-talked’ Him. He was not fooled. He knew exactly what they were trying to do and how to deal with it. He required them to surrender themselves to the call of God. Who’s side are you on? Are you claer about that? We must give to God that which is rightfully his because we are bound by Him and not by law. We must give Him our lives because they belong to Him. “Unto thee of Saviour King, Our allegiance now we bring” the song says. And you?

Once again we have been blessed by the meetings both in the content and the atmosphere. Next week we look forward Majors Drew and Beverley being with us so why not join us again if you can. Or better still, if you live near enough, come and pay us a visit. We don’t bite!

Finally we leave you in the knowledge that we prayed yesterday for the whole Anglican Communion and in particular for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams who has caused such controversy this week with his comments about sharia law. We pray that those who have been hurt, including Dr Williams himself, will find the peace of God and be able to heal the wounds that have appeared.

Have a great week and, if you get a ‘valentine’ card, write and tell us about it. ‘WHO LUVS YA, BABY? God does!