The Salvation Army Chatham

Its nice to be home. How many times in our lives have we said that?

The New Look

Yesterday was our first Sunday of worship in our newly adapted hall and was the first time many of the worshippers had seen the building since the alterations. It was a day for new beginnings in more than one sense as it included the enrolment of two new soldiers, Peter and Sue Willard, in the morning. The songs chosen for this meeting, led by Major Drew, were 10 and 786 from the Salvation Army Song Book together with 935, 10 and 1346 from Songs of Fellowship and musical contributions were brought by the Singing Company, with ‘Praise His Holy Name’ , and the Songsters, with ‘All of our Praise’. Colossians 1:15-20 was also used to introduce the theme of the meeting.

In anticipation of the distribution of gifts to needy families, toys were brought to the Christmas Tree by members of the congregation. These will be added to those received at the Central Theatre next weekend and those donated from other sources.

Toys brought to the tree

The enrolment of Peter and Sue was conducted by Major Drew and was witnessed by many visitors invited especially for the occasion. Peter testified to the power of the Easter Holy Week this year when, for the first time, he experienced the power of the cross, ‘how we can forgive others and, in doing so, have an opportunity for a new start with the slate wiped clean’. Sue said ‘when we came through the door of this place we were immediately made to feel welcome. the presence of the Holy Spirit was tangible’. We will publish their testimonies in full later in the week.

Peter & Sue

Major Drew brought the message, entitled ‘Who do you think that I am?’ and based on Matthew 16:13-28. He  said:

There comes a time with relationships when they become personal. They intrude on our private space and the watershed question is asked ‘what does this person mean to me?’ Jesus is also the subject of such a question. Everybody had an opinion about Him and that is just the same today. He asked ‘who do people say that I am?’ So, who was He? The Bible offers a number of answers but then Jesus says ‘what do YOU believe?’ It becomes personal. This very basic question is a challenge to us all and the answer is going to determine some pretty important issues. The disciples acknowledged that He was the Messiah, provided by God and promised in scripture. A patient, peaceful and loving person, but the Son of God no less. We must commit to this way of love and show the truth of this gospel to the world around us. We must ask others ‘who do YOU think Jesus is?’

Following the meeting coffee was served in the new foyer area. As you can see it was enthusiastically enjoyed and it was good to meet and mingle, especially with the visitors, of whom there were many sharing with us in support of Peter and Sue.

In the evening our friends from the Emmaus Church Centre joined us for ‘Songs of Praise’ and a good crowd responded to the invitation to be present. Thirteen different songs were used as well as contributions from the Band and Songsters who brought ‘Wyndfield’ and ‘Breathe’ respectively. Songs chosen by members of the congregation included 234, 362, 419, and 203 from Songs of Fellowship and 42, 934, 152, 690, 710, 862, 479 and 734 from the Salvation Army Song Book. Most explained the reason for their choice.

A short message was brought by Revd Brian Adams who spoke about the opportunity we shall have, one day, to praise God continually in heaven.

Brian and Beverley each expressed thanks to the other for the way in which our two churches have been able to work together for the past 13 weeks and had such an enjoyable time so doing.

Brian, Beverley and Drew

Yes, it was a different and inspiring day and, as we said at the top, it is good to be home again. But next week is different, too. On Saturday we make camp at the Central Theatre for the day and give our Christmas concerts at 3pm and 7pm. We just wish it could be nearer to Christmas itself but that seems not to be possible with the Theatre Christmas schedule as it is. We know there are tickets still available and would encourage anyone wishing to come to contact the Box Office on 01634 338338 or click here to book on line.

Thank you for taking the trouble to browse this website. You are most welcome. We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to make a comment.

God Bless and have a good week.