The retirement recognition of Lt. Col. Sandra Moran took place at Maidstone on Sunday evening with our own Band in attendance.
Lt.Col. Sandra Moran
The evening began with pre-meeting music provided by the Band and Maidstone Songsters. ‘Shout for Joy’, ‘Somebody prayed for me’ and ‘Under his wings’ were the Songster contributions and the Band added ‘Fill the world with glory’ and ‘Simple gifts’.
A time of worship led by the Divisional Worship Group began proceedings and Captain Sheila Westlake followed with prayer before Major Denise McGarvey welcomed the Moran family, the congregation and the evening’s special guests, Cols. David and Sylvia Hinton.
Sandra, with recently Promoted to Glory husband Lt.Col. Peter Moran, worshipped at Srood Corps, represented by the Singing Group which brought ‘There’s a way’ before Phil Bailey was introduced as the new Divisional Children’s Officer. Phil spoke of his vision for the work and asked for the offering which was to be used for children’s work in the Division, in particular to help fund places for youngsters at the Summer Camps. During the offering a video was shown illustrating the work done in this area of ministry.
Phil Bailey
Col. David Hinton spoke words of appreciation and presented the retirement certificate representing over 35 years of officer service. Col. Sylvia Hinton presented Sandra with her long service badge.
Major Gareth Heward added further words of appreciation on behalf of London South East Divisional Headquarters referring to the white rose, the emblem of Sandra’s home county of Yorkshire and also the emblem of the Home League for which she had a special love as Divisional Director for Women’s Ministries. Sandra responded to the words of Col. Hinton and Major Heward.
Maidstone Songsters sang ‘Thou hast called me’, a special request for the occasion. The grandchildren brought a family appreciation of ‘nanny’ and expressed delight that they would now be able to see much more of her than in previous times. The younger ones reminded her of their favourite sweets and hoped there would always be some in the house when they visited.
The congregation was invited to sing ‘Lord, if your promise does not go with us‘ (Magnify 39) before Chatham Band brought the sparkling march ‘True Colours’.
Scripture chosen was Philippians 4:10-20, read by Stephen Windsor and Captain Matt Spencer brought a vocal solo, accompanying himself at the piane before Col David gave the message, concluding with a song of recognition of God’s hand in all things (Lord, you’ve been good to me – Songs of Fellowship 1441)
The meeting concluded with the powerful song ‘In Christ Alone‘ (SoF 1346) before the Band played out with ‘Life Savers’.