The Salvation Army Chatham

The past week has been a busy one at the Corps with around one hundred people attending Bible Study groups at various times as part of the Give to Grow programme.  This culminated in Altar Services during the morning and evening meetings when Corps folk brought their covenant envelopes to the altar.

The meetings on Sunday were led by Cadets David and Jennifer Gosling of the Prayer Warriors Session.   The Cadets will be leading meetings during the next few months as part of their officer training.

Cadets David and Jennifer Gosling

The morning meeting focussed on the theme ‘Sixth day – resemblance’ and used the scriptures : Psalm 8 and Genesis 1: 24-31 and songs: SA 19, SA 591, SoF 362,   SA 435 and SA 438.   Music ministry was provided by the Singing Company ‘Something beautiful for Thee’ and Songsters ‘The majesty and glory of His name’.

During the meeting two Junior Soldier awards were presented to Victoria Page who had gained a Platinum award and Rebecca Abbott who had gained a Silver award.

Kate Boughton, Junior Soldier Sergeant with Rebecca and Victoria

Major Drew McCombe announced the farewell of Commissioner Gisele Gowans as this week she is moving house to be nearer to family and friends.  He said how much the Corps had appreciated both General John and Commissioner Gisele’s support and prayed God’s blessing on their future days.

In her message Cadet Jennifer Gosling said that God made man in His image on purpose.   Humankind is the only part of creation made in His likeness and this means that we are meant to be a physical, tangible representative of who God is.   To do this we need to show the Christlike attributes of grace, compassion, love, mercy, goodness and faithfulness.   The Holy Spirit helps us in the ongoing process of becoming like Jesus, the image of the invisible God.   We need to focus more closely on the image of Jesus so that when people look at us they can see Jesus.

Cadet David led the evening meeting with the theme ‘Good thoughts for bad times’.   Songs included SA 159, SoF 742, SA 165, SoF 1099, SA 173.   Music ministry was given by the Band ‘People need the Lord’ and Songsters ‘Come into our world’ .   Scripture used was Psalm 12, Matt. 13:31-33, Luke 6:20-23 and Matt. 5: 13-16.

Looking mainly at Psalm 12, David said that this psalm could be used prophetically for our world and what God will do about it.    It is an affirmation of God’s promise.   He said that similarly for people today there are some who may feel isolated and persecuted and wonder if they are losing their way.   He set out some of the ways, in to-day’s world that lies and deceit abound.   The psalmist calls on God to help and save the people.   In verse 5 the promise is made by God that ‘God will shine forth’ which leads to an affirmation of God’s protection.   Society carries on and in the midst of it God’s love can be shown by the small steps we take each day.   David said that these small steps do really help and referred to the mustard seed and the yeast.   Like these two examples, we need to be a signpost to God in the world.

Cadets Jennifer and David will be leading our meetings for the next two weeks and we look forward to receiving more blessings through their ministry.

There was to have been a Family Fun evening next Saturday, 6 February but this has been postponed until 13 March.    Further details will follow but keep the date clear for a great evening.   On Monday 8 February is the next meeting of the Ladies Fellowship which takes the form of a Quiz evening.   Why don’t you come along – friends and partners are invited.

Some new initiatives will be starting soon for youngsters.   On the last Friday of every month there will be a praise party aimed at 7 – 12yr olds.   This will be a fun, interactive evening with singing and games with a Christian message.   Prayer support is needed.    During half term there will be a holiday club, also aimed at 7-12 yr olds in Endeavour House, in Chatham.  This will be run by our children’s workers, for any children of that age, and we hope that some who already come to KAOS, our Sunday School, will come and meet some children from that area.

Thank you for visiting our website.   God bless you and we hope to see you again soon.    Don’t forget to contact us if you would like further information about anything mentioned here.