The Best Things in Life ARE Free
This was the message given by Lt. Cols. Peter and Sylvia Dalziel to the London South East Division’s Adult Ministries Annual Celebration at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells.
Lt. Cols. Peter & Sylvia Dalziel
Organized by Divisional Family Officer Maureen Ross, the day featured Pearl Brown (Margate – Xylophone), Kathryn Doncaster (DHQ – Drama) and Captain Julia Jepson (Sittingbourne) with the ‘Liberate’ Dance Group formed earlier in the year at the Divisional women’s bible weekend. The Divisional Fellowship Band (BM Keith Thomas, Maidstone) and the Maidstone Timbrels also supported.
Maureen welcomes the guests
Kathryn makes a point
Liberated
In support
Maidstone Timbrels
Fringe activities included ‘Market Place’, in the foyer, where handiwork of all kinds was on display and for sale in aid of the ‘Helping Hand’ Scheme. Money raised for the scheme throughout the past year was brought to the altar and presented for God’s use. Homemade greetings cards were entered in competition and the best was adjudged to be that of Home League Secretary Naomi Bennett of Tunbridge Wells. The oldest person present (94 years) was recognised and greeted By Divisional Commander Lt. Col. Anthony Cotterill.
Market Place
For the Helping Hand Scheme
The winning card
Recognition
Nine members of Chatham Corps attended the event and felt the day well worthwhile, especially the ice creams. Listening to Captain Ian Woodgate at the piano was also a pleasure.
Too many calories!
Relaxing interlude
Dancing in the aisles
Lt. Cols. Peter and Sylvia compered both the programmes and brought encouraging messages in addition to numerous vocal items which were much enjoyed by the audience. Old favourites ‘I’ve found a friend in Jesus’, ‘On we march with the blood and the fire’ and ‘Take the world but give me Jesus’ were featured alongside modern compositions such as ‘Let a little sunshine in your heart’ and ‘There’s a new name written down in glory – and its mine!’. A medley of old ‘Joystrings’ songs brought many nostalgic memories and the Colonels concluded with a lovely arrangement of ‘A wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord’. Their relaxed, easy to listen to and audience friendly ministry brought much blessing to the audience of approximately 350.
Former ‘Joystrings’
Sylvia reminded listeners that, if we are to have real joy we need more than superficial bargains. We need the freely given love of Jesus. Peter, reflecting on James 1 verse 17 confidently declared that what God promises we always receive. When we give we always get something back and when we give love freely we will often find it returned in greater measure. The best things in life ARE free, to GIVE.