The Salvation Army Chatham

The past week has been another eventful one at the Corps.   On Wednesday the sixth course of Christianity for Life began with fourteen participants.   The guest speaker was Nigel Day who contributed to the topic of ‘Belonging to the Church’.  We thank God for bringing people together for this opportunity of nurturing Christians in their faith.  The second session ‘Reading the Bible’ was held on Sunday afternoon when Ruth Hardy and Trevor Grant were guest speakers.

On the Friday was the first ‘Prayer and Praise’ celebration for 7-13 yr olds and a separate report will appear on the website later.    Our first ‘Hot Potato’ venture was held on Saturday when about 20 people gathered to share a hot potato supper and discussion on the hot topic of gambling led by Major Beverley McCombe.

At end of the evening.

The Sunday worship meetings were led once again by Cadets Jennifer and David Gosling who were welcomed together with their children Hannah and Owen.

Jennifer and David Gosling with their children

David led the morning meeting with the theme ‘Achieving potential – Life in all its fullness’.   The songs chosen to support this theme were SoF42, SA431, SA53, ‘The Spirit of the Lord‘, SoF851, and SA 298.  The Scripture used was John 10: 1-10.     Cadet David presented Singing Company member Elsa Burdett with her Junior Musician’s Commission and Songsters Gina Castle and Paula Butteriss-Dean with their Senior Musician Commissions.

Elsa Burdett, Junior Musician (Singing Company)

Paula Butteriss-Dean and Gina Castle – Songsters.

The music ministry by the Singing Company was ‘We’re in this thing together’ and Songsters ‘On the threshold’.

In his message David shared his discovery of what ‘fullness of life’ means by comparing what gives sheep a healthy contented life and the life we can live as Christians freely given to us through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.   The differences that can be made in people’s lives by giving to them what they need and, in the context of the Self Denial missionary giving, he showed pictures of the school in Zambia where the old rough floor had been replaced by a new smooth one.   This had made a huge difference to the lives of the children.   So it is in our lives when God is in control.

The evening meeting was led by Cadet Jennifer based on the theme ‘Prophets, Plumb line and Proclamation’.    Songs chosen were:  SA 824,  SoF 709, SoF 894, SA 324, SA 463 and ‘Lord, if your presence’.

Scripture used was Amos 7: 7-15 and Acts 20: 20-24, 27-28.   Paul Scoulding testified to the way God is helping him to witness in the workplace – a high security prison.   Since his lifehas been changed by God he is consumed with wanting to tell people about salvation.  He has a captive audience in the prison, both prison officers and prisoners and everyday he prays for opportunities to speak about God.   He and his wife, Wendy, have led Alpha courses for prison officers in the prison but as this is no longer possible they have commenced running an Alpha course in their home because prison officers were asking for it.  He said his most scary opportunity to testify was in front of 100 prisoners on a prisoners Alpha course but he was humbled when prisoners lined up to shake hands with him afterwards.  Jesus breaks down barriers.   The opportunities which God creates for him to testify are surprising.   He is having to share an office with an officer who at first did not want him to mention God but is now coming to understand that God placed Paul in that shared office to reach out to him.  Prison is a place where you come face to face with the devil – and that’s with the prison officers – he felt like an alien in a strange land, but was convinced by God that he was in the right place when an officer came and asked him to pray with him.   Paul is living out the great commission and assured us that we have the same power to tell others about Jesus so that their lives may be changed as the Samaritan woman did who Jesus met at the well.

The music ministry of the Band was in the song arrangement ‘The greatest adventure’ and the Songsters sang ‘We have a mission’.

In her message Jennifer drew out the parallels between the two stories of Amos and Paul.   Amos had a message of gloom but Paul had a message of hope and good news.   Amos was called and Paul was compelled – both knew it was God who was prompting them.   Ordinary people become prophets when God calls and we must be tuned in to God to hear him.   We should take courage that God knows the bigger picture and is waiting to equip us.   He walks ahead, alongside and behind us.   We do not always need to speak to proclaim the good news, but our lifestyle and day to day living can speak on our behalf.   We need to keep watch over ourselves, our own lifestyle, character and beliefs.  None of us is above needing God’s grace.

Our Lent courses start on Wednesday.  On Wednesday mornings in March at 10.30 am Major Beverley will lead a study of ‘His Cross and Ours’ – an opportunity to explore key themes that arise from the crucifixion that will help usliving as Christians today.   On Wednesday evenings in March at 8.00 pm Major Beverley will be leading a study of ‘Portraits of Jesus’.   This is a look at events and characteristics associated with well-known Bible characters to illustrate some of the major themes of Christ’s work of salvation through their lives.

If you are near enough you will be very welcome to come and join us.  Here’s where we are.

Click on the maps to enlarge

If you would like further information about us please contact us and we will do our best to meet your needs.   Happy St. David’s Day!