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this climate change-impacted planet is ‘not the Earth our God created or intended’.

Her call for a radical and revolutionary Movement to respond to that challenge resonated in an evening that saw different expressions and generations of the Army united in grappling with the realities of loving God and loving others together.

‘We can no longer claim to love God and love others and do nothing about climate change,’ stated Lizzie.

Commissioner Gill recalled someone who, when asked what Love God, Love Others looked like in practice, simply responded: ‘Just live it.’

Niamh quoted William Booth’s ‘I’ll fight’ speech to the packed hall. Every day people struggle with oppression, poverty, violence and injustice, she said, noting that the Army is still on the front line together battling these issues. ‘I know I’ll fight,’ she declared. ‘Will you?’

Sale Band Niamh

FOYER FUN

ICC THROUGHOUT the weekend, music groups from across the territory provided entertainment and ministry as they took turns presenting concerts in the foyer of the ICC, reports Steph Hope (Upper Norwood).

Sale Band opened with an hour of music and joy, featuring a cornet solo by Alistair Campbell. The Kids Alive Brass group – made up of young learners from the Sale community – drew rapturous applause and cheering from the listeners, encouraging the children.

Regent Hall Songsters showcased their ministry with a powerful presentation of ‘We Are Not Ashamed’. Liverpool Walton Songsters shared their group testimony and anthem in ‘Let the Morning Break’ and ‘Jesus, What a Saviour’.

The International Staff Band (ISB) took a turn to bless the congregation before Una Voce sang with one voice. The singing group – comprising members from up and down the territory – captivated those gathered with ‘Take My Life’ before ‘cheekily plugging’ their CD. NeXus Youth Chorus kicked off Sunday’s concerts, blessing everyone in attendance with their passion. The West Midlands Youth Band brought the concerts to a conclusion, leaving behind smiles all round.

Charlie Green

MUSICIANS TOGETHER IN PRAISE

BIRMINGHAM REP THEATRE THE International Staff Band opened Friday evening’s Together in Concert on a note of praise with ‘My God and King’. ‘Blessings’ by the International Staff Songsters led into a prayer by ISS Executive Officer Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts.

Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb welcomed everyone, expressing the hope that the evening would bring great blessing, before the ISB played Martin Cordner’s ‘Christ Is All’. The band later brought ‘Powerhouse’ and ‘The Kingdom Triumphant’.

ISS contributions included ‘Choral Symphony No 4’, ‘Swingtime Religion’, featuring Elliott Chappell on saxophone, and ‘Do Not Be Afraid’.

Vocal soloist Charlie Green (Droitwich Spa) presented two sets, which included the swing-style ‘Now I Belong to Jesus’, ‘Someone Cares’ and the anthemic ‘Let the Walls Come Down’.

Basing his thoughts on Psalm 95, Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main spoke about the power of music and song to ‘touch our souls’ and bring us into the presence of God. He thanked Army musicians for their ministry week by week. Reflective moments followed as the ISB played ‘To the Hills’.

After a benediction from ISB Executive Officer Major Paul Kingscott, the varied and enjoyable evening concluded with the staff sections and Charlie Green uniting for ‘When All Is Said and Done’. – JR