We are The Salvation Army 12 to

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prayer hankies to be given to those we pray for in our meetings.

Now that we have begun worshipping together again, our Sunday meetings are varied, with friends and officers leading us in worship. And, through our community work, we have three new attendees.

Every day for us is mission. Every day is community. Every day sees us trying to show God’s love and live lives that are pleasing to the Lord. Every day we can make a difference and we ask for your prayers for our daily witness.

Come visit us, and be assured of a warm welcome!

TESTIMONIES FROM CORPS FOLK

ANNE GOOZEE

Seven years ago, I decided to end my marriage of 48 years. I had just spent six months in a psychiatric hospital and decided I could not go on. We had bought a holiday bungalow in Norfolk, so I followed my dream and moved there.

I knew I had to make a new life for myself and one day I saw the Sheringham home league advertised. I enjoyed this very much and started going to Sunday meetings, where I met Major Joan Taylor and Marilyn. We became friends and I visited Briston Corps.

My life changed from that time. The dedication of the people of Briston inspired me as they served the Lord and the community. It was during this time that I felt called to become a soldier, and I am proud to help with the food bank, which supports so many in the village and beyond.

LINDA SEAMAN

Before the Covid-19 pandemic I started to attend the Tuesday coffee and lunch mornings, which I enjoyed. After the lockdowns, the coffee mornings resumed and, at that time, the food bank was also in full swing.

Christmas was coming and the corps invited me to the carols, coffee and cake Sunday afternoon meeting. I went along and thoroughly enjoyed it. In the new year I asked if I could attend Sundays regularly.

I have loved the variety in the meetings, which are led by different people. After the meeting we share in fellowship and everybody is so friendly. Nobody ever seems in a hurry to go home, so with that in mind we have started a monthly faith tea.

My grandson, who has been very ill in hospital, has been prayed for continually, and the family and I are thrilled that he is now home and progressing nicely. I have never prayed or read my Bible so much as in these recent times, and I feel quite different. We have a singing group and I was proud when I sang with them for the first time. I love attending the Army!

MAJOR JOAN TAYLOR

My husband and I retired from active service in 1995. Having been the corps officers at Sheringham in the 1980s we decided to soldier there. We were happy when asked to help at Briston, because there was talk that it could close.

Sunday attendance was low, but we had a large home league. My husband went door to door with invitations to Sunday worship and we planned to raise money by selling the War Cry in Holt.

The fellowship is wonderful, warm and inviting, and it is a real treat to have new people from the village attending who are happy to have the corps as their spiritual home.

Having no corps officer, we have guests lead meetings and one recently remarked how happy the fellowship is.

I am so glad to be part of this family every Sunday, and Marilyn’s leadership and work have made such a difference.

We give God the glory!

DIVISIONAL ENVOY IAN RICHARDSON

As a divisional envoy I have led worship at many corps. They have all been welcoming, but there is something special about Briston and the family that worships here.

Years ago the then corps officer, Captain Gaynor Mulryne, asked me to be part of the leadership team. I ended up leading worship for 12 weeks while she was signed off with a foot injury. As successive officers were appointed, they asked me to remain a part of the corps as much as possible.

When Briston became unofficered and fell under the leadership of Marilyn, I committed myself to leading worship once a month. Then, one evening after a call with Marilyn, I felt compelled by God to offer more support. I prayed about it and spoke to my corps officers at Norwich Mile Cross. They instantly said: ‘You must do what God wants you to do.’ So, I am now serving God at both corps on a temporary basis.

There are no words to adequately describe how wonderfully warm and Spirit-filled this place is. If you are ever in the area, join us. We look forward to seeing you!