Different groups of people in the Medway Towns have benefited from music ministry by the Corps Band during this week. It seems that not an evening has gone by without an appointment for bandsmen to provide music at a carol service or a departmental store or even Rochester Cathedral.
However, this week-end was the highlight for our family carol services led by Tracy Wood, YPSM, leader of KAOS, in the morning and by Drew and Beverley McCombe in the evening.
Tracy Wood
The morning service centred around the nativity story and the young people took a prominent part. Prayers were led by Rebecca, Gareth and Vanessa. Musical solos were played by Daisie, flute, and Mitchell, baritone, ‘Jingle Bells’, with a vocal solo by Chloe ‘Tell out the news’. Jessica recited the poem ‘Mary had a little lamb’.
Songs sung included Song 84, Song 71, and Song 80. The children all sang ‘Away in a manger‘. The singing company ministered by singing ‘We three kings’, and ‘Noel’ and the YP Band played ‘The rocking carol’. The Scripture portion, read by Melanie Scoulding was from Luke 2: 8-20.
The message was brought by Tracy in a different type of format being in the form of ‘Pass the parcel’. Ten parcels were moved around the hall and in turn they were brought onto the platform and opened. Each one depicted part of the Christmas story. The last one contained a big question mark. Why did God send Jesus to earth? Because He loves us. We shouldn’t limit God’s choices as He can use us if we trust Him.
The Senior Band concluded the service by playing ‘Winter Wonderland’. Hope you enjoy these pictures.
The evening service was in the more traditional style of Readings and Carols arranged by Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe but entitled ‘Will you do the same this Christmas?‘.
Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe
Carols sung included Song 075, Wonderful Counsellor, Song 085, Song 090, Calypso Carol, A starry night, Song 086, Song 082 and Song 077 with two singing company members, Bethany and Florence singing verse 3. The music ministry of the Singing Company, ‘Love shone down‘, the Songsters ‘Glory, Glory’ and ‘It’s Simply Jesus‘, the YP Band, the Worship group and the Band, all contributed to the evening’s worship. Scripture readings used were Hope Isaiah: 9 6&7, Birth Luke 2: 1-20, Receiving John 1: 10-14, Love John 3: 16,17.
John Mills told how he had been ‘Born again’.
John Mills
Major Beverley brought the message for the evening which centred on how we should make room for Jesus, not just in the inn but in the inner core of our being.
We had news that Stephanie and Kirk’s baby girl, was born at 9pm on Saturday. Her name is Sky Amanda and she weighed 6lb 4oz. Mother, baby and father are all doing well. We give thanks to God for this wonderful gift.