For the first time since 2002, the corps was able to worship in its own purpose-built premises. Having received the keys to the renovated building on 28th March, the corps was keen to worship together under their own roof as soon as possible.
The congregation joins in praise.
Thanks to the determined efforts of a wide range of volunteers from the corps fellowship and from a range of community groups including RecoveryAyr, Riverside Church and the Community Service Team, the building was ready to use just over one week later on Sunday 7th April. The work included cleaning 200 chairs that were covered in builders’ dust, then bringing band instruments and songster music back on to site. Then there was an urgent need to find and place for everything and put everything in its place. Easier said than done!
However, that Sunday was also special for at least two other reasons. Bob and Carol Lambie were enrolled as new senior soldiers.
In his testimony, Bob explained that he and his wife had come to know the Army through the Ayr Community Gospel Choir (under the leadership of BM Bobby Irvine). After 30 years of searching, at last Bob had found his spiritual home. After publicly signing his Articles of War, Bob said he particularly appreciated the unconditional friendship extended to him and Carol by the entire congregation and went on to commit his own life to befriending others unconditionally in the name of Christ.
Bob and Carol are enrolled as soldiers.
Also that morning a new local officer was commissioned.
Douglas Johnson became Corps Strategy Director, joining the corps leadership team with particular responsibility for guiding the corps’ mission. His new role includes addressing issues such as deepening the corps’ spiritual commitment, evaluating the purpose of programme activities and encouraging numerical growth.
Douglas Johnson is commissioned by Lt. Tim Stone.
Corps Officer Lieutenant Cheryl Stone said “This fantastic building provides the corps with a wonderful opportunity to welcome the people of Ayr into our church community and break down unnecessary barriers and show the relevance of the church today”.
Lieutenant Tim Stone thanked God for the people God had provided the corps with both in the leadership team and in the wider congregation. “God has a plan for each one of us”, he said. “Together we will discover and live out what true discipleship means”.
No comments:
Post a Comment