The Salvation Army Chatham

This was the final weekend of the peroid when our meetings have been led by lay members of the corps. Next week we shall be welcoming the return of Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe and we look forward to their leadership with anticipation.

Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe

We also seem to be now at the height of the holiday season with many being away on vacation, making it difficult for music sections to function. Hence no Band was available yesterday morning and no Singing Company either. Songsters did, however, manage to contribute to both meetings.

The morning was led by Corps Sergeant Major Murray Smith (R) who took as an upbeat theme ‘enjoying God’.

Murray

Songs chosen to support this theme were 10, 28, 177, 766 and 12, all from The Salvation Army Song Book. The scripture portions were Psalm 98 and Acts 2:42-47. The Songsters contributed ‘I will worship You’. The normal children’s spot had to be one which would interest adults as well as children were few and far between. So, following loosely the contents of one of the episodes of the TV series ‘The Vicar of Dibley’, Murray brought his West Highland Terrier ‘Ollie’ to the platform and compared some of his characteristics to those of humans.

I’m watching you!

In his talk Murray remarked on an apparent error in an article in Salvationist a few weeks ago when the word massage was used instead of message. He likened God’s message to us as a form of massage because we often take a long time to respond to it. He referred again to Ollie and highlighted the similarities in behaviour which exist in humans. He said be obedient, be playful (enjoy what you do), be hungry (for knowledge of God), don’t promote mischief (don’t damage our church community), be in charge of yourself (act appropriately). Use your talents and skills of all kinds to enhance your relationship with God. These can include music, communication, business, hospitality, service and many others. Present your resources to God for His use, not just your money but your abilities and even your whole life. When we do that we will enjoy God.

In an unusual way of allowing time for contemplation, Lt. Col. Ray Steadman-Allen spent about ten minutes at the piano presenting, ad lib, music which expressed the enjoyment of God. Yesterday was a great day of celebration in the Steadman-Allen family as it was the 80th birthday of Lt. Col. Joy, Ray’s wife. We offer our congratulations to Joy and pray that she will have many more years in which to grace our Corps.

Lt. Cols. Joy and Ray Steadman-Allen

In the evening Mark Scoulding was our leader.

Mark

Mark’s choice of songs included 390 from Songs of Fellowship and 579, 711 and 474 from The Salvation Army Song Book. Musical ministry was provided by the Songsters and testimony was received from Gina Butteriss and Martin Castle.

Gina Martin

Basing his message on Colossians 3:8-14 Mark said it is difficult to be a member of a church community. When I went to Durham I found a thriving Christian Union in the University. But, over time, the CU caused me much pain because of the attitudes of some members who were often judgemental or ‘fire and brimstone’ types. Any single community has different types of members belonging and this can cause stress. Scripture exhorts us to be ‘together’ supporting each other and the community. But community can be tough. We don’t always want to get on with each other. We need to be able to forgive those who wrong us and accept that all parts of the church constitute the whole. God’s command is that we love one another. We must love others as God loves us. We can argue and debate but love and respect must rule. If our corps wishes to influnce our local society it must love the people in it.

This year has seen a longer than usual summer break for our officer team due to the change in appointments for both Major Kathy and the Majors McCombe and the corps is grateful to those who have accepted the responsibility for leadership during this period. We now feel ready to settle down to a new period of worship under our new but well known leaders. We wish them God’s blessing on their future ministry to us. Any local readers who would like to meet them personally are welcome to contact us and attend any events, including Sunday meetings, held at the Corps. We hope to see you one day!