This Morning we celebrated the amazing love of Jesus for all mankind. Our singing group sang I Believe, and our band played O How I Love Jesus. Songs included:- Let us sing of His Love once again; Soldiers of our God arise; O the Blood of Jesus; All Hail the Lamb; Jesus Hope of the Nations; Everyone needs compassion; Come, O Come with tender healing; Revive thy work O Lord. Captain Ian led us through, which also included a voice over of William Booth reminding us to put that amazing love of Jesus into action in all we do and say.
During the meeting people were invited to bring their gifts to God in preparation for the annual appeal in September, and over £1100 was gifted towards this, for which we thank God for.
Captain Ian then spoke on reaching in and reaching out, and looked at the fact that Christianity was more than just doing, it was about a responsive relationship with God - a missionary relationship. He looked at the Two S's on The Salvation Army Uniform (modelled to the left, by Captain Susan wearing her General Trimmings in preparation for 45 years times). We were reminded that for some it stands for Saved to Save, and others Saved to Serve - and how whatever - they are both responses to our Salvation, and thus we have to be making a difference where we are. Taking Acts 1:8, we were reminded as the Power of the Holy Spirit came on the disciples it was for purpose, it was to make a difference not just to an individual but to the world. Thus we have been called to be witnessing/sharing Jesus with those in Jeruslaem - where we are, our immediate family and friends; our Judea, our wider communities; our Samaria - further afield, reaching out with His love in whatever ways we can.
For time of prayer we sang the chorus - O How I Love Jesus, as played by the band, and as we did a number of people knelt in prayer at the Mercy Seat.
We thank God again for another meeting with Him.