The Salvation Army Chatham

This weekend our Band has visited the Cardiff Canton Salvation Army Corps.

Canton Hall

The Band travelled to South Wales on Saturday and returned on Sunday evening having presented a musical programme and led the worship services there. We will bring a more detailed report when we receive it.

On stage at Canton

Of course, visits like this are not all hard work, sometimes there is a tourist side. In the picture below, taken only a few hours ago, Greg Davis and Tim Scott visit the Welsh Assembly.

Meanwhile we experienced a different sort of day without them but still had a great experience of the presence of God in our meetings.

Majors Drew & Beverley McCombe

Majors Drew led the morning worship on the theme of ‘Christian Lifestyle – Dealing with Criticism’. Using a number of scripture references including John 1:14, Hebrews 4:14-16 and Matthew 7:1-6, songs chosen in support were 174, 274, 449 and 324 from the Salvation Army Song Book together with 120, 441 and 329 from Songs of Fellowship. The musical ministry, which adds so much to our worship, was again provided by the Singing Company, who brought ‘Nothing but Thy Blood’ and the Songsters, who gave us ‘Lord of All’. Of course the Songsters were very depleted due to the absence of the members of the band and so this song was sung just by the ladies.

The Corps recorded its best wishes to Gwyneth Williams who is moving to the Blackpool area. In her testimony Gwyneth spoke of the influences on her life which have been felt here at Chatham and thanked members of the Corps fro their friendship.

Gwyneth Williams

Major Beverley preached and in her message said we live in a critical culture, always wanting to find someone to blame. This is the way our society seems to function. Fault finding isn’t difficult, it is easier than getting stuck in to the job at hand. Jesus says ‘do not judge’. We are not to be fault finders, seeking out other people’s failures. This turns people away from Christ and God’s judgement is against people who do such things. Some of us have a longer journey to Christ-likeness than others but if we are merciful then mercy is what we will receive from God. Criticism of ourselves leads to repentance and removal of the obstacles to progress. When we are perfect, as God is perfect, then we shall be able to judge others. We can only be in this position if we truly have His love in our hearts.

The evening meeting was led by one of our newly recommended candidates for Salvation Army officership, Mel Scoulding. The theme was ‘Light’ and the songs chosen reflected that in no uncertain manner. Mel used 8, 371 and 844 from the Salvation Army Song Book and 40 and 362 from Songs of Fellowship. In the absence of the Band the Songsters sang twice featuring ‘Shine on Me’ and ‘You are the Light’. Scripture used was John 1:1-5. A period of Bible Shots was also included in which several members of the congregation quoted their favourite scripture and explained the reasons for their choice.

Mel Scoulding

The message was given in three relatively short parts,  ‘As it Was……’, ‘And Is……’ and ‘Always Will Be……….’. Using additional scripture references from Genesis 1:1-5 and Matthew 5:14-16 Mel explained how God had put the stars in place during creation and described the many features of the sun. In His creation, however, God knew that we needed more than just light. In fact, he knows exactly what we need and provides it. It was God who brought light into the world. There is also another type of light which shines into the hearts of men. He came as a baby to bring that light to men and he lived and died a death which brought life to all. The life he brings is a light to all people. Matthew tells us that we are the light of the world. We must let that light shine in the world so that the glow may be visible to others. God keeps the flame alive in us.

Next weekend will be a very exciting one in the corps. There will be only one regular meeting on Sunday led by Cadets Karl and Rachel Carpenter, the rest of the day being taken up with the wedding of Gina Butteriss and Martin Castle. Watch this space for pictures of the happy couple and share their joy with them. You’re very welcome.