NEWS USA Western Territory Staff Songsters tour brings challenge and uplift SOUTHSEA USA Western Territory Staff Songsters visited the corps on the first leg of their UK tour. The songsters, with their rich choral sound, presented the love of Jesus through exemplary singing, prayer, drama presentations and testimonies. As a prelude to the evening festival, crowds gathered to listen to the songsters’ open-air ministry in the shopping precinct. A capacity congregation gathered at the hall in the evening for a scintillating programme which concluded with a rousing and remarkable rendition of ‘William Tell’. Corps officer Major Mary Wolfe presented the songsters with a plaque of the city crest on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth. Sunday worship led by Executive Officer Lieut-Colonel Victor Doughty was deeply spiritual with challenge, blessing and uplift in equal measure. The Holy Spirit’s presence was felt as the songsters contributed ‘His Provision’. – T. M.
On tour in Southsea
the festival Bandmaster Jeff Baker received recognition for 35 years’ service. Earlier in the day the songsters visited Durham Cathedral and Sanctuary 21. – H. K.
NORWICH CITADEL On arrival, the staff songsters presented short programmes at the hall, for day care centre attendees, and at Norwich Cathedral during a sightseeing visit. A large congregation greeted the songsters for the evening festival attended by the Lord Mayor of Norwich (Councillor Keith Driver), the Sheriff of Norwich (Graham Creelman) and Divisional Commander Major David Jackson. People
responded warmly to fine singing in the wide range of music presented. A vital Christian message was conveyed throughout with such pieces as ‘His Provision’, ‘Bow The Knee’ and ‘Boundless!’ Karen Moulton testified and soloists included David Dunford (piano) and Matthew Woods (vocal) with ‘Bring Him Home’. Following Lieut-Colonel Doughty’s Scripture message, the songsters sang ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ and ‘I’ll Follow Thee’. Assistant Territorial Music Director, Andrew Blyth was present to hear the songsters contribute his composition ‘Love’s Call’ with words by Stephen Pearson. This song was a focal point of the songsters’ message. – B. C.
CAMBRIDGE CITADEL A CONCERT honouring Retired Songster Leader Percy Reed’s 100th birthday began with the classic march ‘Mighty To Save’. Soloists included Susan Turner (vocal, Stowmarket), Don Jenkins (trombone, Bishop’s Stortford) and Michael Barratt (flugelhorn, Kettering Citadel). The band and songsters performed items that represented Percy’s 27 years’ service. Letters of greeting were received from General Linda Bond, Divisional Commander Major David Jackson and LieutColonel Ray Steadman-Allen OF. – J. M. FAKENHAM: Fifty-two volunteers from Holt and Fakenham were thanked for their contribution to corps life at a worship meeting and appreciation lunch. Corps officer Major Stuart Ashman, in thanking them, said everyone is part of God’s plan for the area. – S. A.
CONSETT A capacity audience filled the Empire Theatre for the staff songsters’ visit. Deputy Chairman of Durham County Council (Councillor John Robinson) and a number of councillors attended. A God-glorifying evening began with ‘Sing And Rejoice’ and moved sensitively into a time of reflection. The congregation was challenged by Captain Lynn Stewart’s testimony and reminded of God’s overwhelming love. A thought-provoking drama presentation by Christopher Toy and Mejee Lutcher portrayed the sacrifice of Jesus. The programme concluded with John Rutter’s ‘A Clare Benediction’. During
Percy scores a century
Chuka Umunna MP (second from right) visits Alver Bank Care Home in London; the MP, with Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel Suzanne Fincham, Home Manager Tony Onabanjo and Director Older People’s Services, Elaine Cobb, praised the Army’s ‘fantastic’ work
HUNSTANTON: Members of the East Anglia Salvationists Caravan and Camping Club gathered for their annual rally. Divisional Commander Major David Jackson led the Sunday morning meeting and an afternoon open-air songs of praise which attracted 300 listeners. Other events included a concert at Hunstanton Methodist church, a boat trip and nature walks. – W. T. Salvationist 13 July 2013
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