This weekend just passed I visited Jersey along with a number from L’Islet Corps for the visit of the ISB. Below is a video of the band marching through St Helier on the Saturday.
It was a fantastic weekend of music and worship. On Saturday the ISB marched through St Helier. The reception from the general public was very good, though I was a little disappointed that there didn’t seem to be any opportunity taken to engage with the members of the public through either the handing out of tracts or at the very least advertising the next day’s meetings or week to week activities. Though there may well have been numerous conversations between Salvationists and the public which could prove beneficial in furthering the kingdom.
On Saturday evening the Jersey Opera House was almost full for the evening festival, including the recognition of Graham Guy following his retirement as Bandmaster of St Helier Corps. The band played Eric Ball’s Journey Into Freedom – a fantastic bit of writing, and probably the musical highlight of the weekend for me. The program ended with Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s Fire In The Blood, which was preceded by a short bible message (which was pitched perfectly for the event) by Major Mark Herbert – Executive Officer of the ISB.
The Sunday morning meeting lead by Major Herbert and the Band saw the Corps come together with the good number of visitors from Guernsey for a moving time of worship which included testimony from one of the newest bandsmen. The Afternoon concert was excellent, though not as well attended as many of us expected. Eric Ball’s dubiously categorised Aire Varie – The Old Wells featured mid program. Another highlight was the Euphonium Duet Brillante by Peter Graham , expertly played by Derick Kane and Jonathan Evans.
Overall the weekend was an excellent time of fellowship, worship and witness. The Corps in St Helier is moving forward under the leadership of Lieutenants Steve and Mel Scoulding who are clearly filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit to go forward in the mission of the Army in the island.