The Christmas carolling season is nearly at an end. Just a couple of days to go and that will see the back of it for another year.

At a John Lewis store

There are many reasons why The Salvation Army conducts very active carolling programmes. Often there is a financial motive especially when churches run community outreach services. The picture above shows some of our Songsters singing in the John Lewis store at the Bluewater shopping centre (at the invitation of the store we must add). We are grateful to the store because, through it’s own generosity and that of it’s customers,£1300 was raised which will enable us to develop our premises to provide even greater services to our local community. Other fund raising carolling efforts have been made, particularly by the Band,  which will also add to the funds available for these services.

Often our various music group will visit elderly residents accommodation or hospitals, including the local hospice, to bring a taste of Christmas to those within, including the staff. Sometimes it is possible to raise funds for other deserving charities such as the new Medway Foodbank, which we have supported this year or to assist other groups in celebrations of their own, such as the NHS with the carol service in the cathedral. Macmillan Cancer Support also received the proceeds of the annual concert the Band gave with the Rainham Ladies Choir.

But, whatever the practical purposes behind the carolling programme, good as they may be, carolling is an important way of getting the Christmas message to many hundreds, indeed thousands, of people who just don’t seem to know what it’s all about. Opportunities for personal contact abound and are accepted gratefully. These can be a great blessing to many who just happen along when the Band is playing in the High Street or other places where people gather in substantial numbers.

So we give thanks to the public for the generosity shown even in times of financial hardship but more than all we give tahnks to God for the opportunity to witness to our faith and the Christian message which this world needs so badly.

Have a very happy Christmas and do remember what it represents.

A new Alpha course will begin at our Church Street hall on Wednesday 14 September.

The leaders for the new course will be Paul and Wendy Scoulding assisted by Rod Tranah. New Corps Officers Majors Alec and Andrea Still will also be involved.

L to R: Wendy & Paul, Rod, Andrea & Alec

Click here for more information about Alpha

Click here to register for the course

Rachel Abbott has sent the following report on the Band‘s recent visit to Ramsgate.

Rachel

On Sunday 3rd of July the band, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Ray Steadman-Allen, went to hold the meetings at Ramsgate Corps for the day. We arrived at the corps at 09.30am and we were greeted warmly by corps members, who made us feel welcome and offered us tea and biscuits. After preparing the platform ready the band met together for prayer, led by Stephen Burdett, before going into the main hall to start the meeting. The meeting was attended by a congregation of about 50 people, with an impressive number of young people.  After Rosemary had opened the meeting and welcomed the congregation to worship the band accompanied the singing of ‘Ye servants of God’.   Following the song Graham Hatton led us all before God in a meditative time of prayer.

Being pleased to see so many young people attending the corps, it was great to have them play a part in the meeting and they did so with a flourish of joyful and enthusiastic singing; it was lovely to see that they truly enjoy singing in their singing group. David and Sarah Lockwood presented the children’s story, using David’s military uniform, a water pistol, and a willing volunteer, to teach about the armour of God. The demonstration was well received, but resulted in David being squirted with the water pistol, oops.

The second song that was sung was ‘What a wonderful change in my heart’ , followed by the band contributing   ‘Penlan’, which was requested by Lt.-Col. RSA.  The Bible readings for the meeting, read by the Colonel were; Hebrews 12:1-3, 7-12 and 2 Peter 1:5-10. The reflective song ‘He giveth more grace’ was sung before Lt.-Col. RSA gave a thought provoking and challenging sermon on ‘Perseverance’, with a special message to the young people to ‘keep at it’. The prayer chorus ‘Spirit of the living God’ and the lively song ‘Stand up, Stand up for Jesus’ were sung before the benediction was pronounced.

After the morning meeting the band sat down to a roast turkey dinner, followed by apple crumble, kindly cooked by some corps members. The meal, the fellowship, and the rare chance for a chat were enjoyed by all.

On Sunday afternoon the band held an open-air meeting at Ramsgate harbour. Allan Jones led the service and encouraged audience participation by using well known Sunday-school songs. The band played a variety of pieces, with the most enthusiastically received pieces being traditional Salvation Army marches. The weather was perfect for open air ministry with clear skies and glorious sunshine.

Allan

The evening meeting took the form of a ‘Tea-time special’ (a Ramsgate corps regular event). This was an evening festival of music from Chatham Citadel Band with Ramsgate band and songsters, a prayer time led by Chris Boughton, a bible message from Lt.-Col. RSA, a testimony from Tim Scott, and a buffet tea at the meeting’s conclusion.

The band played a varied repertoire of music of different styles. The pieces included “Ein’ Feste Burg” by Andrew Mackereth (featuring the tune to the hymn ‘A mighty fortress is our God’), “In His presence” also by Andrew Mackereth featuring two songs that relate to being in the presence of God – ‘As we are gathered’ and ‘In the secret of thy presence’) and “Promises” by Derek Jordan (featuring three hymns that can be found in our song book; songs 757, 753 and 887 (SASB). Adrian Horwood (euphonium) played “When I remember” by David Catherwood. The solo is described as a challenging yet light-hearted solo which is based on the chorus ‘When I remember that He died for me, I’ll never go back any more’.

Ramsgate Songsters brought a valuable contribution to the evening by singing “Precious Jesus” which was sung with true meaning. The chorus of the song has these words; ‘Jesus Jesus, How I love thee. How I’ve proved thee o’er and o’er. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, O for grace to love you more.’ Following the congregational singing of “The Lord is King, I own His power” Ramsgate Band also contributed to the meeting piece.

The next three pieces were all of different styles. The first was a march by Eiliv Herikstad called “On parade”. The second was a beautiful Flugal Horn Solo, also by Eiliv Herikstad, played by Rosemary called “The old Rugged Cross”. The third, and penultimate piece of the night, was “Greater things” by Olaf Ritman. “Greater things” is written in the style of ‘Big-band swing’, a style which the band does very well.

Before the meeting drew to a close, Lieut-Col. Ray Steadman-Allen read several passages scripture and gave a short message of encouragement continuing with the theme of ‘Perseverance’ from the morning meeting.
The final musical contribution of the evening was a well known Salvation Army march “Amsterdam Congress” by Charles Skinner which I thought was a great, upbeat way to end an evening.

After the meeting the congregation and band were all invited to stay for a buffet tea, again prepared by corps members. Food and fellowship was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all who took the time to provide the meal and thank you to the Corps for inviting the band and for making us very welcome.

A new Alpha course will begin at our Church Street hall on Wednesday 14 September.

The leaders for the new course will be Paul and Wendy Scoulding assisted by Rod Tranah. New Corps Officers Majors Alec and Andrea Still will also be involved.

L to R: Wendy & Paul, Rod, Alec & Andrea

Click here for more information about Alpha

Click here to register for the course

This coming Sunday (3 July 2011) the Band will be visiting the Salvation Army corps at Ramsgate to lead meetings and conduct evangelical outreach.

The Band in concert

The Band will lead the morning meeting, starting at 10.30, in the High Street hall of the Ramsgate Salvation Army corps and will present a Praise concert in the same building at 4.30pm.

In between he two indoor gatherings the Band will conduct an open-air concert at the harbour-side which will concentrate on presenting the Christian gospel message. This is timed for 2.30pm, weather permitting!

If you are in the Ramsgate area on Sunday why not join the Band for one or other (or all) of its activities. Bnadmaster Carl Woodman and the members of the Band will be pleased to see you.

Carl

Here I am to worship….here I am to say that you’re my God! This lyric quotation appeared on the Songsters programme at Tunbridge Wells last Saturday.

The Songsters

Prayerful preparation preceded the Saturday evening programme, the Songsters focusing on the mission before them during the weekend. Mingling with the congregation at the start of the evening brought a sense of communication and helped to develop a sense of being together in purpose. Focusing on God himself, and following bible history from creation to the coming of the Holy Spirit, the evening began with ‘Praise his holy name and continued with ‘The Majesty and Glory of your name’ and ‘God and God alone’. The congregation was invited to join with the words of the well known hymn ‘Now thank we all our God’.

Songster Leader Adrian Horwood

Initial introductions having been made by Adrian, subsequent links between items were undertaken by himself and other individual songsters (Jean Jones and Fiona Burdett), thus creating a ‘flow’ which added much to continuity. Ruth Hardy brought an entertaining monologue  and the Songsters completed the first half with ‘Go down, Moses’, ‘Sing and be not silent, ‘Mary, did you know’ and ‘Then will the very rocks cry out’.

Fiona Jean

Ruth stretches the point!

A short interval, allowing more ‘mingling’, preceded a second half which again allowed the congregation to participate, this time with the hymn ‘And can it be…’. The Songsters brought ‘A jubilant song’, ‘Remember me’, ‘They could not’ featuring Rachel Horwood, and ‘Radiant Lord, majestic Christ’ before Tunbridge Wells Band contributed ‘The King’.

Rachel

The final part of the programme reflected the current time in the Christian calendar when we think about the coming of the Holy Spirit and included ‘Spirit Divine’, ‘And you will be my witnesses’, ‘With wings as eagles’ and a humorous reflection on current musical entertainment on the media given by Andrew Pennington. Don Hall gave an up to date testimony reflecting his recent experiences culminating in him being enrolled as a Soldier of The Salavtion Army in March of this year. The evening concluded with ‘Let us go in peace’.

Andrew Don

Sunday’s meetings are reported for us by Ruth Hardy:

Sunday saw the theme of the ‘Word of God’ as the Songsters visit continued. The morning meeting focused on ‘The Living Word’ and the afternoon on  ‘Our Role in sharing that Word today with the Hope for an eternal future’.

The morning started with the Songsters singing ‘Thou art Worthy’ which helped bring an atmosphere of worship and reflection. Subsequent songster items, ‘I miss my time with you’ and ‘I know a Fount’ (soloists Sarah Lockwood & Allan Jones), continued that focus throughout the meeting.

L to R: Sarah, Allan, Tim

The Children’s spot (Vanessa Robinson & Daisie Tranah) brought smiles to faces with the story of the ‘camelephantelopelicanary’ reminding everyone that they are created unique and are perfect in God’s sight.  Tim Scott’s testimony had a similar reaction as he spoke about the importance of ‘spiritual doughnuts’ given by God reminding us in mundane daily life just how much He loves us.

Vanessa  Daisie

The message concentrated on ‘Jesus the Living Word’. It started with a clip from the film ‘Inkheart’ and went on to say that Jesus wasn’t just a story but was a real person as history records it. Ruth concluded that we can research and understand how John saw Jesus as the Word of God through the embodiment of the prophesies of years before. We can understand the confusion over Jesus not being the ‘superhero’ expected but being the Saviour that mattered, however we have to individually accept that Salvation, and his Holy Spirit living in our lives to show what a difference it makes and to bring all nations into his Kingdom.

The songsters closed the morning worship with the benediction ‘Vesper’.

With the song ‘Christ for the Whole Wide World’ the Songsters set the scene for an afternoon meeting reflecting and celebrating the calling of Christians to share the Word with all nations.

Trish Hall, starting with the words of the song ‘Somebody Prayed for Me’, shared her testimony to the healing power of Christ, which was followed by a united item from both Royal Tunbridge Wells and Chatham Songsters – ‘I’ve been changed’.

Trish

Adam Hall’s beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace brought a time of quiet reflection. This was followed by the reminder of the Christian’s mission in the items of, ‘Whosoever Will’ and ‘We have a Mission’ (soloist Emma Davis).

Adam Emma

Following on from the song ‘It must be Love’,  Major Alma Brown, in her epilogue, highlighted a number of Paul’s letters to the churches reminding them of the importance of sharing the Hope bought by Christ of an eternal future with the world. Time was given to consideration of this with a further solo by Adam (Make me a channel of your peace) and the songsters singing ‘Know my heart’.

Alma

The weekend ended with the same benediction as used on Saturday, ‘Let us Go in Peace’.

Last, but by no means least, we must acknowledge the hard work throughout the weekend put in by accompanist Carole Horwood. So often the accompanist is the Achilles heel of vocal and instrumental groups but Carole adds a tremendous amount to the Songsters performance. Don’t blush, Carole!

Carole hard at work

Major Noel Wright, accompanied by his wife, Major Marion Wright, led our Good Friday meeting on the theme of ‘For me – instead of me’.

Majors Noel & Marion Wright

Major Noel is currently the Assistant Evangelism Secretary at Territorial Headquarters.

Commencing with song 121 from the Salvation Army Song Book Major Noel continued in prayer with 514 from Songs of Fellowship. A native of Portadown, Northern Ireland, he spoke of the time at school when a teacher noticed a note being passed along he back row of class and how he had, under threat of the cane, taken the blame for writing it although it had actually been written by a girl called Gladys, for whom he had a ‘soft spot’. He likened this, in a very small way, to Jesus taking the blame for our sins by dying on the cross.

The Singing Company brought a simple yet beautiful contribution with ‘Once again I thank you’. Scripture (Isaiah 53) was presented visually by means of DVD. In his message Major Noel said:

Sunday by Sunday we are reminded of God’s riches provided by his son on the cross. ‘For us – instead of us’. Today there are forces at work in the world that would have us deny the significance of the act of atonement. ‘He took my place – and yours’. He took our suffering on himself and we must not diminish the holiness of this. Isaiah’s verses are about Jesus, a direct reference, but they refer to our sins and our sorrows. Jesus was punished for us so that we could be ‘at one’ with our creator as we were meant to be. We have to acknowledge our guilt in order to obtain his grace for ourselves. This is for us all yet it is personally applicable. With outstretched hands God says ‘come home – back to where you belong’. Jesus laid down his life willingly ‘for me – instead of me’.

The meeting concluded with song 780 from Songs of Fellowship.

Following the meeting the Band led a march of witness formed by the central Chatham churches. Approximately 200 marched through the High Street, stopping on several occasions for prayer, reading and singing to proclaim the message of Easter and culminating in a short service which attracted considerable interest.

Majors Noel and Marion Wright will be leading our meetings (10am and 6pm) again on Easter Sunday. Why not join us to celebrate the most important event in the history of the world, the resurrection of Jesus. Here’s how to find us:

Click on the maps to enlarge

The Nine Kings Suite at the Lancaster London Hotel was full to capacity to greet General Linda Bond on the occasion of her Welcome and Dedication meeting. Canadian born General Bond entered the hall to the playing of the march ‘Montreal Citadel’ by the International Staff Band and immediately gave words of greeting to all present and the many thousands watching on the live internet stream.

General Linda Bond

The songs ‘And can it be‘ and ‘King of kings, majesty‘ preceded a prayer session led by delegates to the International College for Officers, each praying in their own language. Music by the International Staff Songsters (In the Army) and International Staff Band (Celebrate and Sing) sandwiched a powerful revelation by the General of her vision for the Army.

Representative speaker Cadet Christianne Zund commenced a period of dedication including the song ‘Beautiful Lord, wonderful Saviour‘, a prayer of dedication given by General John Larsson (Rtd), words of scripture (John 7:37-44) by Commissioner Sue Swanson and ‘If Your Presence’ from the International Staff Songsters.

In a challenging address General Bond spoke of the needs of the Army today and encouraged all Salvationists to seek after the desires we all have for our movement so that it can go forward together into the future with a strong faith and a determination to fulfill its calling. Many lined the mercy seat during the congregational singing of the song ‘His Provision’ which followed.

An inspiring afternoon concluded with the sing of the Founder’s Song (O boundless salvation). General Linda claimed this to be her favourite song and insisted that she will always want to sing all 7 verses! Lusty singing was rewarded with an invitation to take tea with the new General.

General Linda Bond

Below is our Holy Week programme of meetings.

Readers are welcome to any or all of these gatherings.

Tuesday 8.00pm

A musical meditation by the Band and Songsters.

Wednesday 8.00pm

Worship and the Word – Guest speaker Major Mark Rose (William Booth College)

Thursday 7.30pm

Fellowship meal – a limited number of places now available (contact us)

Good Friday 10.00am

Leader Major Noel Wright, Assistant Territorial Evangelism Secretary. Following the meeting a march of witness and an open-air service will take place in Chatham High Street led by the combined Central Chatham Churches.

Easter Sunday 10.00am and 6.00pm

Leader Major Noel Wright, Assistant Territorial Evangelism Secretary

The maps below show how to find us:

Click on the maps to enlarge

For further information please contact us

Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe have received new appointments which they will be taking up on Thursday 28 July 2011.

Majors Drew & Beverley McCombe

Drew and Beverley have been our full time officers for the past 5 years and this news will be viewed with disappointment by all of us as we believe the corps has made much progress during their stay. Major Drew will become the Territorial Evangelism Secretary (THQ) and Major Beverley the Assistant Secretary for Personnel (Development) (THQ). We are sure the ‘army’ will benefit from having such fine officers in these important roles.

The news about who will follow them to Chatham will be released next Thursday and we will post the information as soon as we have it.

The majesty of God was portrayed in full during the International Staff Band’s visit to Chatham last weekend. As promised in Monday Spot we are posting today a more detailed report on the Saturday evening concert and the Sunday afternoon concert/worship especially for those who have a particular interest in Salvation Army brass band music.

in concert

For ease of presentation we have scanned both the programmes presented and show them as thumbnails below. In order that the words will be large enough to read we have divided each programme into four parts which run consecutively. Programme notes appear with most of the items. Click on each thumbnail in turn to enlarge.

SATURDAY EVENING

The Soloists

L to R: David Winch, Kevin Ashman

L to R: Andrew Justice, Derick Kane

L to R: Richard Woodrow, Damian Wileman

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

The Soloists

L to R: Carl Nielsen, Jonathan Evans

Bandmaster Dr. Stephen Cobb

The ISB always give the very best in performance standards and this weekend proved to be no exception. Portraying the full range of dynamics the music was always exciting, often powerful and frequently moving. Whilst many of the band live in the London area a number travel great distances every week to rehearse and perform to the glory of God, from places such as Blackburn, Leicester, Sheffield, Norwich and Bristol. We pray that the band’s 120 years anniversary celebrations taking place in the summer of 2011 will be a time when it re-enacts its commitment to ministry using the medium of Christian music for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Last Sunday evening a number of people testified to how God is working in their lives as they try to bring light to dark places. Click here to read one of those testimonies.

Click here to visit the ISB web site

Readers may also contact us here

We have learned this week of the ‘Promotion to Glory’ of Major Peter Muller, known to a few older members of the Chatham Corps through his connection with us during the Second World War.

Peter Muller’s story is an interesting one, not to say unique. During the war he was a German POW (Prisoner of War) held here in Chatham, firstly in a camp at Chestnut Avenue, Walderslade and then in another at Southill Barracks, Maidstone Road, just next to the Mediclean laundry, now a housing estate.

He made contact with a ‘War Cry’ seller in Chatham High Street outside what was then Woolworths (opposite the Pentagon Centre entrance), and was invited to come to the ‘Army’ (he was by then a ‘Trustie’). He didn’t come at the first invitation and was invited again. This time he accepted and was so pleased with the welcome he received that he began to come regularly.

He got ‘saved’, became a soldier, and when the war finished stayed in England to become a Salvation Army officer.  He went into ‘The Peacemakers’ session, along with Lt. Col. Ray Steadman-Allen, Rita Broomfield(then Smith) and Dorothy Read’s eldest son, Christopher. After commissioning he served in West Germany looking after Social Homes before retiring to become Territorial  Auditor for the Social Work Homes until his health failed.

Peter was always very proud of what he called his ‘Chatham Heritage’.

(Sorry – we do not have aphotograph)

The ‘away day’ in the current Alpha Course being run by the central Chatham churches takes place at Aylesford Priory tomorrow (6 November)

Aylesford Priory

Please pray that the power of the Holy Spirit will be felt by all who attend and that there will be those willing to make a commitment to Jesus Christ.