TAKE TIME WITH THE FATHER DAILY AS YOU MEDITATE UPON HIS WORD

ASK JESUS TO INTERPRET HIS WORD AND SPEAK TO YOUR HEART

OPEN YOURSELF TO THE SPIRIT AS HE BRINGS INSPIRATION

The January – April 2012  edition of Words of Life is now available at £3.99 per copy. Click here to order on line or contact us.

During the next three years ‘Words of Life’ will survey the entire Bible. The theme for 2012 is ‘Faith’ and in this edition we focus on ‘Faith in Action’. From creation through the Exodus and Deuteronomy, finally arriving at Mount Sinai, we witness this active faith in the journeying of the Hebrew people. We also consider the faith of the disciples as they are challenged to respond individually to God’s call. Psalms, proverbs and popular hymns encourage us to put our own faith into action and a series from guest writer Captain Mal Davies leads us into Passion Week.

The new writer of ‘Words of Life’ is Major Beverley  Ivany. She holds BAs in English and Music and an MA in Theological Studies. She is also an expert pianist. Beverly and her husband David have served various appointments with The Salvation Army in their homeland, Canada. Beverly is the author of ‘Kid Talk’, ‘Teen Talk’ and ‘Mentorship’.

Major Beverly Ivany

An almost full hall assembled for the celebration of the the life of Rose Reynolds this afternoon (Friday 25 November 2011).

Rose

The service was led by Major Alec Still and included two songs, ‘There is a happy land‘ and ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd‘. Tributes were brought by Frank and Graham Reynolds (for the family), Rusty Adams, (from the Australian family – read by Cyril Adams) and Major Alec Still (on behalf of the corps). Norman Martin read from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

Chatham Songsters brought ‘Morning has Broken‘ and a small brass ensemble provided suitable music and accompaniments.

The small chapel at the Crematorium was packed to overflowing, with many people standing, as Major Alec introduced the hymn ‘Thine is the Glory‘ and read from Psalm 16:8-11.

Family and friends entered and left the chapel to the singing of the International Staff Songsters which brought an atmosphere of peace and serenity to the proceedings.

Husband Frank and the whole family wish to express their thanks to everyone for the tremendous love and support shown to them at this difficult time

‘Let his church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing;
For her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting

Emma Davis reports on the recent Cobham Hall reunion organised by her father Greg.

Emma Greg

She writes:

On Saturday 12^th November, Maidstone Salvation Army hall was buzzing with the arrival of seventy excited musicians for a one-day reunion. Every one of the delegates, some of whom had travelled the length of the country to take part in the day, were former students of the Salvation Army’s National School of Music between 1977 and 1990, when it was held at Cobham Hall in Kent.

After a cup of tea, some perusing of poster-sized whole school photos and a quick chat with old friends, it was straight into rehearsals for the evening’s concert. The Band was very ably led by Howard Evans (Boscombe), while Susan Turner (Stowmarket) shared her expertise with the Girls’ Chorus. All the music chosen for the concert had been performed previously at a Cobham Hall festival, meaning some old classics were resurrected, such as ‘Paean’ (Peter Graham), “Mid All the Traffic’ (Paul Marshall), ‘The Old Wells’ (Eric Ball) and ‘Gone My Care’ (Ray Steadman-Allen). The rehearsals were an opportunity not only to learn the notes, but also to renew friendships and to revisit fond memories of the Cobham Hall Music Schools, which were important and even defining weeks in the lives of those who attended.

The whole school then joined together to rehearse the massed items, which included ‘Come, Join Our Army’ and ‘Jesus, the Name’, both by Lieut-Colonel Norman Bearcroft. The pieces were conducted by the composer, who had flown from his home in New York and was also the compere for the evening.

The delegates were served a well-deserved roast dinner which was preceded, in true Music School style, by a sung grace to the tune of ‘Harton Lea’. In the spirit of condensing a week at Music School into a day, the dessert was also preceded by a sung grace, this time to ‘Hernando’s Hideaway’. It was evident from the noise level and the regular outbreaks of laughter that ‘the Cobham days’ were an inexhaustible and enjoyable topic of mealtime conversation.

A good number of family and friends came to support the evening’s concert, which opened with an invigorating massed performance of the march ‘Cobham Hall’ (Norman Bearcroft), including the singing of ‘Able to Save’ by the Girls’ Chorus. Norman’s enthusiastic and easygoing hosting style was enjoyed by all, as were the anecdotes from previous Music Schools. The standard of performance from both sections was remarkable given the short period of rehearsal time – the Girls’ Chorus’ rendition of Eric Ball’s ‘Morning Song’ was beautifully sung, creating a calm yet uplifting atmosphere which the audience respected by remaining silent at the conclusion.

The Band’s playing of ‘March Militaire Francais’(Saint-Saens arr. Michael Kenyan) was to an impressive standard, but the most challenging item on the programme must have been Ray Steadman-Allen’s well-loved ‘Romans 8’. The piece holds a special significance for ‘Cobhamites’, as it was composed especially for the Music School in 1985 to fit in with the topic of the Bible study sessions throughout the week. The Band coped well with the technical demands of the music, but more importantly conveyed well the emotion of the topic it describes; God’s promise of future glory to those who follow him. The intense silence that followed the last chord will surely long remain in the memories of those present.

Special thanks were given to the three conductors for their hard work, and to Greg Davis (Chatham), the main organiser of the event, who initiated the idea of a reunion through a social networking site. The whole school then presented Norman Bearcroft’s ‘Just as I Am’, which brought a busy and exciting day to a poignant close.

This reunion was a precursor to a full reunion to be held at Cobham Hall. Any “Cobhamites” who may be interested in a future reunion are encouraged to join the Facebook group for “The Salvation Army National School of Music Cobham Hall”.

for contemplation

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something. It gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During these times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations. They give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge. They will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you are tired and weary. It means you have made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfilment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.

Author unknown (but we’re thankful to him, or her)

As an antidote to Halloween, Churches Together in Medway (CTIM) organise an annual celebration in Rochester Cathedral on the original theme of the day – the eve of All Saints Day (writes Nigel Day). Whilst the secular world is now overtaken by commercialism and manipulation on this day, Christians are called to unite against the forces of evil.

More than 400 people gathered at the Cathedral to join in singing praises to God led by Ruth Shopland and a composite band of musicians and singers after an introduction from the Chairman of CTIM, Revd. Peter Friday.

The guest speaker was Revd. David Tidy, Co-ordinator of Prayer Warriors International, who spoke on theme of “Power over evil”. He gave examples from Matthew, Mark and Luke to show how Jesus gave his disciples authority over unclean spirits, to deal with the evil powers in this world. David explained how the power is within each Christian, through the Holy Spirit and that it is a dynamic, spiritual power that needs to manifest itself in us through our living, loving relationship with God. These signs of power include healing and defeating demonic spirits which is so needed in today’s society where many people seek guidance from the evil spiritual world instead of through Jesus.

We were challenged to raise up the name of Jesus to show the power he has given us and be united as Christians around and in the Holy Spirit to overcome evil that is prevalent in a world that is getting darker.

A time of prayer followed as the congregation moved to different areas of the Cathedral to gather at prayer stations relevant to aspects of ministry within Medway. These were: Street Pastors, Medway Foodbank, Youth for Christ, Medway More than Gold and Medway Family Trust.

We left the Cathedral to the wonderful words of the song: “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord”.

A capacity audience greeted Lt. Col. Ray Steadman-Allen (OF)* on the occasion of his 89th birthday celebration concert at Maidstone last weekend.

Lt.Col. Ray Steadman-Allen

Participating in the concert were Chatham Songsters and the South London Fellowship Band under the leadership of Songster Leader Adrian Horwood and Major George Whittingham. The special guest soloist for the evening was Brett Baker (sponsorship by ‘World of Brass‘), principal trombone of the world famous Black Dyke Band.

L to R: Adrian Horwood, Major George Whittingham, Brett Baker

The Band

The Songsters

The concert, which was arranged to promote Lt. Col. Joy Steadman-Allen’s Parkinson’s Project, comprised entirely the music of RSA and began with the march ‘ Crown of Conquest’ which heralded the entry of the guests. During the programme the Songsters contributed ‘Vesper’, ‘Marching Along’, ‘After the rain’, ‘Whosoever will’, ‘This age of rockets’ (with the band), ‘God of all wonders’ and ‘What a friend’. The Band’s further contributions were ‘Wonders begin’, ‘Lord of the Sea’, ‘Neath Italian skies’ and ‘His guardian care’. The band also featured in accompaniment to Brett’s beautifully executed solos, ‘Concert Piece for Trombone’, My story and song’, ‘Share my yoke’ and ‘The Eternal Quest’.

Lt. Col. Joy Steadman-Allen

Brett with the Band

Both daughters of Ray & Joy played important roles in the proceedings. Rosemary reminded us of the Christian environment in which Ray’s music has had such an important place, reading scripture from Romans 8:31-39 (a favourite reading of Ray’s) and offering thought provoking comment emphasising the message of salvation and hope we have in Jesus Christ, whilst Reverend Barbara made an appeal on behalf of her mother’s charity project which, through personal messages sent to many Parkinson’s sufferers around the world, brings so much encouragement to them.

Rosemary Barbara

At the end of the evening a cheque for £500, the proceeds from the concert, was presented to Joy.

Whilst this was a shared event with others we would like to offer the warm, affectionate, greetings of the Chatham Corps to Ray and Joy on this special occasion. They have both added so much to the richness of the fellowship of the corps and, in particular, have never lost their love for the many new Christians and other worshippers the corps has been privileged to welcome in recent times.

GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!

* Order of the Founder

click on the poster to enlarge

It’s this coming Saturday, be there if you can!

Click here to read the recent article in Salvationist regarding General Linda Bond’s call to prayer.

General Linda Bond

Click here to submit prayer requests to Major Jill Miller (24-7/SA Prayer Co-ordinator, THQ)

Click here to submit prayer requests to Margaret Day (our own corps Prayer Co-ordinator) or to seek further information about our prayer fellowship.

Mark Scoulding has sent us a report on his week at Vinehall School where he was on the staff of the Divisional Summer School. Click here to read.

Mark

MEET GOD DAILY THROUGH PRAYER AND PRAISE

ENJOY A VARIETY OF BITE-SIZE BIBLE READINGS

BUILD A LASTING LIBRARY FOR FURTHER STUDY

The September – December 2011  edition of Words of Life is now available at £3.50 per copy. Click here to order on line or contact us.

Advent…….a chance to prepare for the celebration of that moment in history when ‘the Word became human and made his home among us’ (John 1:14, NLT). So, in this advent edition guest writer Lt. Col. Andre Sterckx helps us to understand further how God came to earth for our salvation – in the person of Jesus Christ.

Other studies in this volume lead us through the life and teaching of Jesus, as outlined in a selection of books authored by Salvation Army officers. We consider how best to display the nature of Jesus as we endeavour to live like him, producing the fruits of the Spirit. We discover more about his character from some ‘portraits’ of Christ, and learn about God’s kingdom from teaching Jesus gave through his parables and some question-and-answer encounters.

As the year draws to its close, we get to meet the next author of ‘Words of Life’ as Major Beverly Ivany, of Canada, introduces herself by way of two mini-series.

Major Beverly Ivany

Jessica Scott attended Territorial Music School for the first time this year. Click here to read of her experiences.

Jessica

Lieutenants Steve and Mel Scoulding share their thoughts about Commissioning Day at Westminster Central Hall (9 July 2011).

Steve & Mel

They write:

There are a few occasions in life when you wish that you could bottle each moment, so you could take it out again at your leisure and enjoy every detail. Today was one of those days as we celebrated our Commissioning and Ordination as Salvation Army Officers.

Coming at the end of two years of formal  residential training at William Booth College, which itself followed five years of journeying towards Officership, we were in some ways well-prepared. We cadets had certainly spent time in preparation and rehearsal, so that we knew what was happening when and could sing our Sessional and Dedication songs without too much difficulty. But it’s not easy to be prepared for the emotions of such a day.

The solemnity of Wednesday’s Covenant Day set a seal on what God has called us to by reminding us that covenants with God are sacred and not to be entered into lightly. The sense of peace that followed the signing of each Covenant was overwhelming and we looked forward with eager anticipation to sharing our Commissioning Day with family and friends.

A ramshackle band from the Friends of Christ Session serenaded us before breakfast, making sure that nobody overslept! Two coaches took us to Westminster and almost before we knew it, we were into our final run-through. Then it was time to meet up with family and friends, checking that those not yet there were on their way, before entering the Main Hall for the first meeting of the day.

We will never forget the joy of looking around and spotting so many familiar faces: from Chatham, from our placement corps of Reading and Bexleyheath, from our former workplaces and from those chance encounters  that God has made possible. The meeting seemed to move effortlessly towards Commissioning and before long it was our turn. Standing facing the Territorial Commander as he commissioned and ordained us, and gave us each an individual verse of scripture, was a particular highlight.

After an interval to once again catch up with family and friends, we were back in the Hall, this time wearing our new Lieutenant’s uniforms and Sessional flags, waiting to march out in celebration. The noise of the air-horns, the cheering and clapping, and the smiles on everyone’s faces was overwhelming. It felt like we marched on air because we were so well-supported! Our thanks go to you all, for your love, constant encouragement and your prayers.

The next chapter is just beginning as we prepare to lead St Helier Corps, Jersey, but we will never forget this very special day of celebration. We are truly blessed.

St Helier hall

Last Saturday saw the commissioning of the ‘Ambassadors of Holiness’ at Westminster Central Hall in London.

Ambassadors of Holiness

Around 100 people from Chatham Corps including family and friends journeyed to London for the occasion as Steve and Mel at last became Salvation Army officers. This was the conclusion, and climax, of a two year session at William Booth College and signals the beginning of their ministry as officers. Steve and Mel came to faith through the Alpha course a decade ago and we have watched with interest, and not a little pride, their progress up to this point.

Lieutenants Steve & Mel Scoulding

The Cadets entered the auditorium for the afternoon Commissioning and Ordination gathering to the hymn ‘Joyful, joyful, we adore thee’ and there followed a time of prayer, testimony, scripture (1 Peter 1:14-17) and more congregational singing (‘Holy, holy, holy’ and ‘Purify my heart’). Commissioner Elizabeth Matear spoke before the International Staff Band brought ‘Just as I am’ before the Training Principal presented the session to the Territorial Commander (Commissioner John Matear) for the ceremony. Each Cadet was individually commissioned before further prayers, this time of dedication. The meeting concluded with the congregational song ‘Send the Fire’.

Steve & Mel receive their commissions

Click here for a video recording of the cadets dedication song filmed from a seat in the audience.

During the break between meetings many Salvationists (and others) met on the green opposite the main entrance of the Westminster Central Hall and we were able to find enough space to take a photograph of as many of those supporting Steve and Mel as could be found. Seventy people made it to the picture although some of them are hidden behind others (not deliberately of course).

The new Lieutenants entered the final meeting following their own sessional flag. Proceeding around the balcony they made their way to the platform to be received enthusiastically (to say the least!) by all present.

The Ambassadors of Holiness sessional song was sung and the congregation joined wholeheartedly in ‘And can it be’. This great Wesley hymn may have been sung many times in this seat of Methodism but seldom, if ever, can it have been sung with more gusto than by this congregation.

Lieutenants Clare Hayward and Ashley Prodgers gave personal testimonies before the ‘children of William Booth College’ brought their own video testimony and performed and enthusiastic item, much enjoyed by the audience. Major Mark Herbert encouraged people to discipleship and officership before the International Staff Band brought ‘Covenant Worship’.

The Territorial Commander, Commissioner John Matear delivered a lengthy and fervent address leading to a time of prayer, re-dedication and commitment in which many knelt at the mercy seat or gathered in prayer groups at the front of the hall. The following benediction brought the evening to an end.

May the God of holiness bless you with desire to pursue a holy life in all you do
May the God of holiness transform your whole being to be holy as he is holy.
May the God of holiness bless you with a compelling call that sends you into the world as his ambassadors.

This was a day which will live for ever in the memory of all present and particularly in the memories of Steve and Mel. May God bless them in every way as they begin the next phase of their spiritual journey. We ask all readers to surround them in prayer.

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

The third of our group of prayers made at the FastForward weekend.

Handing everything over to the Lord is hard and it is even harder not to keep taking it all back again. Lord, help me to let you help me.

Lord, you have control of all of me.  I place myself in your hands, heart, mind, body and soul. There is no better place to be.

You are God.  In control of the universe.  You know all about me.  Why do I sometimes try to keep control over my life?

Help us, Lord, surrender ourselves fully to you.   You know everything about us, our weakness and strengths but still we hold back and think that we can still manage certain areas of our life.   You died for us.  Help us to live for you.   Amen

Show me the areas of my life which need to be changed so that I am in tune with your will.  I need confirmation of your peace always.

Father, I worry too much.   You know it and I know it.  Sometimes that worry machine seems just too powerful for me to stop.  Help me to remember that it is you I serve, love and follow.  Help me remember that you are the Great Provider.

By the power of your spirit, transform me, so that I may know you so much better and come to you whenever worry begins to rumble.   Lord God, break this cycle and open my eyes to see only you. In Jesus’ precious name,    Amen.

Exodus 33: 14.   The Lord replied, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’