(all photographs are courtesy of Jim McDonald)
The ecumenical procession parades down Ayr High Street
An empty tomb, a risen Lord, a rejoicing people!
Several goals were achieved during the Easter weekend celebrations:-
The people of Ayr were contacted with an Easter “giveaway” on Saturday afternoon, and were challenged by the witness of young people from the West of Scotland who formed a youth choir and youth band.
The shoppers on Ayr High Street stopped and watched the spectacle of Army Flags, Drums, Brass Band and Timbrels as more than 150 witnesses held an Easter Parade led by the cross and local clergy.
During the Sunday Service many people made new or renewed commitments to the Lord and asked him to be their personal Saviour.
From the first strains of “When I survey the Wondrous Cross” at the start of our Good Friday gathering to the final “I know that my Redeemer Lives” on Sunday afternoon, everyone knew that we were meeting with the risen Lord Jesus.
And Ayr Town Hall was filled by the Spirit of the Living God.
The specially invited leaders for the weekend were the recently appointed Divisional Commanders of the Salvation Army in the West of Scotland, Majors Vic & Miriam Kennedy, who challenged everyone to come to the foot of the cross. Picking up the theme that Easter is the Big Hope for our personal lives as well as the world, they proclaimed that we have a "Third Day" God – one who is Risen, one who provides us with a positive and optimistic view of life - if only we will accept Him as Lord and Saviour.
During the weekend many Musical Sections from various centres of the Salvation Army in the West of Scotland took part in support of the convention. On Friday evening it was the Band from Hamilton whose contribution reflected the mood of the Day Jesus Died on the cross for us. The featured vocal soloist for the Friday evening session was Ayr Citadel's own Musical Ministries Leader, Bobby Irvine, who never fails to bless with his rich tenor voice.
On Easter Saturday all were reminded that the Risen Jesus is for all ages as the West of Scotland Youth Chorus & Youth Band provided lively and relevant music as well as innovative drama at our open-air service in the High Street. They also participated in the "Sing to the King" evening in the Town Hall.
On Easter Sunday the Band from the Clydebank Corps and the adult Choir (Songsters) from the Govan Corps provided a marvelous spectacle as they provided music on the march for the ecumenical Easter Parade down the High Street. These were sights and sounds which will not soon be forgotten.
In the concluding evening gathering both the band and the songsters added much valuable contribution to the service and we thank their leaders for helping to make the convention memorable.
Other special guests for the Convention were "Vision Brass" and renowned soprano soloist Stephanie Lamplough from The Salvation Army’s Birmingham Citadel Corps. Vision Brass are a group of seven highly talented musicians, several of whom are professional musicians, who use their gifts to enhance any worship experience. Each one of them is a committed Christian who place the Lord Jesus at the centre of all they do. Stephanie is a classically trained soprano, who in recent years has focused her significant talents on serving her risen saviour.
The contributions from the group ranged from Classical Arias to haunting melodies from classical marches to the streets of New Orleans, each one saying it can be fun worshipping a risen Saviour!
Perhaps the biggest cheer and applause of the weekend was reserved for the young puppeteers of the Ayr Citadel Performing Arts Club! They were able to bring a unique and enchanting form of worship with their own unique style and presentation of “Oh Happy Day”!
The puppeteers in full voice!
While the Convention certainly celebrated an even that occurred nearly two thousand years ago, its focus was on the continuing events which take place in the lives of those who have committed to the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Many people either made, for the first time, or renewed, that commitment during the convention. For those who didn't, but would like to make or renew that commitment, you may find it helpful to print out and sign the following declaration of faith. Then contact the local church of your choice to put your faith into action. You will certainly be made very welcome at the Ayr Citadel Corps!
My commitment:
Lord Jesus, thank you that the Easter message is a message of Hope, Thank you that this hope is available today and for me.
Today I put my faith and trust in you and I commit myself to share with others the hope I have found in you.
Signed …………………………… Date:……………………………….
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