Around 2.00 p.m on Saturday members of the International Staff Songsters began arriving at The Capitol Theatre. After setting up we were thankful for dry weather as we walked to Swan Walk.
The International Staff songsters then sang in the shopping centre, and attracted a lot of interest - the sound resonated around the shopping centre and out into the street.
One person asked if it was a flash mob and if Gareth Malone had organised it!
After a rehearsal at the theatre, the songsters made their way back to the army hall where they shared a meal together,prepared by Sheila Jannels and her team.
The evening festival was held in the Capitol Theatre and it was good to see so many people there. It was an amazing evening,full of many special moments.The singing of ' The Power' and 'The magic flute' overture showed their versitality, whilst 'The Christ of Calvary' brought a pure sound echoing round the theatre.
Solos from Margeret Launn,Rob Moye,Susan Turner and Richard McIntosh enhanced the evening.
'More than wonderful' has become a tradition for the ISS to sing, inviting former members of the group to join in singing with them.Cath Maughan, Kaytie Harding,Mel Gunn and Rachel Horwood accepted the invite to join them.
The songsters finished the festival standing round the theatre singing John Rutters 'The Lord Bless you and keep you'.
With billets safely matched with their hosts,everyone headed back for a nights sleep.
Sunday morning began with a prayer meeting led by Ross Mercer for the ISS and corps folk,which set us up for a good day.
Sunday worship began with the ISS singing the beautiful 'Your grace still amazes me' And we were led to remember the words in Isaiah ' Those who wait upon the lord will renew their strength'
Horsham children contributed to the meeting with Doug Horley's song 'Nothings too big'.
Towards the end of the morning meeting the songsters sang 'With wings as eagles,in which the words say - We will rejoice in the lord,we will rejoice in the god of our salvation. Those who wait upon the lord will renew their strength'
A time of fellowship followed over tea coffee cake and biscuits!
The songsters were then fed well again,this time with lunch prepared by June Belcher and her team.
Already we had come to the final meeting of the weekend. This was again a time full of beautiful God inspired music, from the lively Count Your Blessings arr.Richard Phillips - Staff Songster pianist where Richard and Melanie Ellis provided the accompaniment, to the beautiful ladies voices 'You are always there'.
'Come to the cross' was a real spine tingling moment at the end of a beautiful weekend.
Soloists this afternoon were Rachel Gray singing Handels 'Lascia Ch'io Pianga' and Ross Mercer in the song 'Another Tree'.
The home sections contributed with the band playing 'The flag still flies' and the singing group ' Sing a song of Christmas' (an idea to sing a lively song - and one we had practiced ALOT prior to Christmas!).
The singing group joined with the ISS to sing 'To God be the glory' - a highlight for all the group I'm sure.
The ISS brought the weekend to a close with 'Praise his holy name'.
It was then time for the members to collect their belongings and travel to their homes around the country.
I'm sure that this will be a weekend that the members of Horsham Corps will remember for a very long time.
A weekend where we were left in no doubt that God was at the centre of their singing and the reason for all they do. Our prayer is that they will continue to bless people through their singing and bring people closer to God through this very special ministry.
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