Salvationists reflect on past, present and future as territory marks 125th anniversary

The celebration of the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s 125th anniversary was marked by memorable moments of joy, praise and spiritual challenge.

From east and west Salvationists gathered in Winnipeg June 14-17 to reflect on our heritage, reaffirm our mission and rekindle our passion for winning the lost to Christ. New recruits and longtime soldiers recommitted to continue being The Salvation Army in their communities long into the future.
The weekend was marked by various events occurring at multiple sites. From a circus to a music concert, from street witness to small-group reflection, from multi-sensory prayer to outdoor worship, from the commissioning of new officers to purchasing the latest Army resources-there was something for everyone.

Following Friday afternoon officers’ councils at William and Catherine Booth College, the opening celebration at Calvary Temple began with contrasting cultures of rap music and the bonnets and high collars of early years. Two characters were then introduced who would lead us throughout the weekend through the unfolding drama of a retired Salvation Army officer (Major Brian Armstrong) cleaning out a trunk in his attic with his granddaughter (Alyssa Hoeft). At different points in the various meetings, we witnessed them reminiscing and questioning the usefulness of Salvation Army ministry, climaxing with a renewed understanding that our purpose is not frozen in collectables hidden in a trunk, but in a spirit of passion and enthusiasm that continues to live in each new generation.

On Friday night, the massed choir summed up the sentiments of the evening by reminding those present that “we’re pilgrims on the journey … surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” and concluding with the resolution, “May all who come behind us find us faithful.”

Throughout the weekend, meetings were led by Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan, territorial commander, and Colonels Glen and Eleanor Shepherd, chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries. The commissioner’s messages acknowledged the Army’s rich legacy of the past 125 years, as well as recognizing our present mission and anticipating our future ministry. While we are lauded for our contributions to people and communities, she acknowledged that the drift in recent years has sometimes been to cloistering in our places of worship.

"We are a Salvation Army that can no longer sit in our comfortable pews,” the commissioner commented. “Around the world we are going out with God’s grace into more countries than ever before, but we need to learn how to do more with less.” Citing her comments to the young people at the Saturday night youth event, she explained, “Jesus has not grown older with us. He is just as relevant as this generation needs him to be.”

Saturday proved to be a rich buffet of activities and experiences to engage one’s heart and mind. Contrasting events included the discussion of “Faith and the City” led by Dr. Jonathan Chaplin at the ethics symposium and the family celebration “Under the Big Top,” where hundreds gathered for fun, face painting, clowns, music, mime and great festivities. There were also places for conversation, prayer and building community with ourselves and God.

What would be a celebration without great musical support? The Canadian Staff Band, Jabulani vocal group from Bermuda and the massed choir from Winnipeg enhanced the spirit of joy, reflection and commitment permeating the weekend. Beyond its support at the large scheduled events, the staff band also played and marched throughout the city streets, visiting parks and malls to let local residents know that The Salvation Army was celebrating in their city. In various meetings, Jabulani effectively led in periods of praise and worship, creating an awareness of God’s presence in our midst.

The Saturday evening ordination and commissioning service was particularly moving. Highlights of the meeting included a video message from the General and the valedictory address by Cadet Ashley Bungay. Then just before the ordination Cadet Nancy Braye sang meaningful words that said, “We’ve found the source for all we need in Jesus’ name.”

Addressing the cadets, Commissioner MacMillan spoke from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, which he wrote while under house arrest. She challenged them to break out of their own two-year “house arrest” at the College for Officer Training and go out into the ministry God has given them. Each cadet then knelt at the holiness table to be ordained as a minister of the gospel, before receiving their commission. As they prayed, the video cameras brought the emotion of each new officer sealing their own personal dedication, conveying the sincerity of their individual covenant directly to each member of the congregation. It was moving to witness these transactions with God and enter into supporting their commitment.

Following a morning outreach event at The Forks, Sunday afternoon marked the culmination of the weekend, as the new officers’ appointments were recognized and summer assignments for the second-year God’s Fellow Workers Session were announced. The territorial commander challenged the congregation to take the “Jesus of energy” found in the Gospels and follow his example by becoming the “energy of Jesus” into our own neighbourhoods, impacting other lives for Christ.

by Lt-Colonel Ray Moulton, Editor-in-Chief