The Salvation Army Chatham

At very short notice (less than 24 hours) a group of bandsmen, together with Major Drew McCombe, assembled in Chatham High Street at 8am on Friday morning to take part in a live broadcast for BBC Radio Kent.

Major Drew McCombe

Major Drew was interviewed, along with a member of the local council, another Christian leader and a representative from the Pentagon Shopping complex, about the meaning of Christmas in our own particular context whilst the group of just 5 musicians played carols in the background.

On Saturday the whole band was again busy, taking part in the service in Rochester Cathedral as part of the Dickensian Christmas Weekend. More about that during the week.

Rochester Cathedral

Scenes from a previous Dickensian Christmas Weekend

Drew & Beverley

‘My Soul Magnifies the Lord’ was the theme for the meeting on Sunday morning which was led by Major Drew. Song 74 from the Salvation Army Song Book along with 1419, 145, 478 and 520 from Songs of Fellowship. Scripture used was Isaiah 9:8 and Luke 1:26-38 and musical ministry was provided by the Singing Company (The Candle Song) and Songsters (Mary’s  Song).

The meeting included recognition of those who have recently completed the ‘Christianity for Life Plus‘ course and the introduction of new adherents, Peter and Sue Willard. Peter and Sue both testified to their experiences on the journey back to God, and the healing of hurts of the past, which has resulted in their new commitment made at this time.

The Christianity for Life Plus delegates

Peter & Sue

Major Beverley preached and asked is the Christmas story just another story? Many people do not realise the significance of the events portrayed. God is intervening in the history of the world with the fulfilment of the prophesies of scripture. Jesus is the saviour of the world. His birth was important, supernatural and unique, but he fully identified with us because he was human. The angel Gabriel told the Jewish nation that this was the fulfilment of prophesy, that Jesus was the Messiah. Mary’s response was amazing, accepting what God was doing in her life and the history of the world. We, too, need to respond. Our sins can be forgiven through him. We need humble obedience, like Mary, and we must allow God the Lordship of our lives.

In the evening our new candidate for officership, Steve Scoulding, was our leader.

Steve Scoulding

Steve has, this week, received confirmation of his degree, from the University of Leicester (an MSc in Security and Risk Management), and will graduate in January. Songs 104, 490, 492 and 474 from the Salvation Army Song Book were used together with scripture from Isaiah 40:1-5. Musical ministry was provided by the Band and the Songsters with ‘The Suppliant Heart’ and ‘The Majesty and Glory of your Name’ respectively.

In his message Steve spoke about what he feels Christmas is about. He said it is not an accident that you are here tonight. You are here for an appointment with God. We will look at Christmas from a different point of view and see if we have a part to play in it. For many years Christmas had no meaning for me. It just meant night duty (Steve is a police officer) But God knows all about us and had prepared me for inclusion in his plans. This has been the experience of us all and we have to share it with others so that they, too, can meet with Jesus. Many people today are without hope because they don’t know Jesus. We must see that they do. Christmas is, therefore, a time for evangelism and we must surrender to his will and take part.

Paul Woodhouse brought the solo ‘All to Jesus I Surrender’ as an appeal. The whole congregation reprised the song as a dedication.

This week we conclude with congratulations to Joan West on being awarded an Area Manager Commendation for her commitment to the prison service in which she has worked for the past 13 years. Joan will be presented with the award during the Kent and Sussex Area Conference at the Brighton Metropole on 11 December. She is currently one of the chaplains at Rochester Prison and also at Swaleside Prison (Isle of Sheppey). Well done Joan!

Joan West

Finally (again) click here to check out the Times On-line article on the International Staff Band’s latest recording ‘Together’. Bandmaster Carl Woodman is pictured nearest the camera.