Massachusetts Ministry Weekend Report

November 16-18, 2018 – The November ministry weekend saw the band travel to the Massachusetts Division with stops in Worcester, Canton, Boston, and Brockton, where we were busy and well utilized. Massachusetts Divisional Music Director Matthew Luhn and his team did a great job organizing the events of the weekend.

FRIDAY
The band departed from Territorial Headquarters on a bus headed to Worcester (pronounced “Wooster”) for the first engagement at the Adult Rehabilitation Center. After a four hour bus ride, we arrived in time for a quick sound check and a nice meal together. The evening’s program featured mostly upbeat and contemporary items. Whenever we play concerts at the ARC facilities, it’s always a warm and friendly crowd, and great audience, and this night was no exception. After the concert, it was off to the hotel to get some rest.

WORCESTER ARC PROGRAM
To Ask the Lord’s Blessing – Morton
Amazing Grace – Himes
Almighty – Trigg
Floods of Joy – Ritman (Brindley Venables, Cornet Soloist)
Birdland – arr. Smith
They Shall Come From the East – Larsson
Balkan Dance – Crausaz
Toccata Fire – Ponsford
Everlasting Hope – Sharman
Devotional – Lt. Col. LaBossiere
Band Chorus – I Sing Because I’m Happy
Turris Fortissima – Ponsford
Stars & Stripes
Rock of Ages

SATURDAY
We had an early start to prepare for a leadership training day at Massachusetts Divisional Headquarters located in Canton (about thirty minutes south of Boston). This was a great opportunity for the band to share in fellowship with delegates from the Massachusetts Division and surrounding area, and for the delegates to learn closely from the NYSB. Kathryn Higgins and Ian Evans from the Territorial Arts Ministries department at THQ were also present to teach dance and drama classes. Before the workshops started, there was a time of worship and devotions. The band played a few pieces and led some congregational songs, (South Shields Celebration – Cordner, Congregational Songs: Holy, Holy, Holy and Send the Fire – from the Hallelujah Choruses, Great Are You Lord) and Matt Hodgson shared a devotional thought. DMD Matt Luhn then walked us through what would happen during the day, and then it was off to classes.

There were a good number of varied classes offered on a rotation basis: Teaching Beginners, Teaching Young Percussionists, Guitar: Bridging Lessons to Leading Worship, Piano: Resources and Techniques for Young Pianists, Beginner Drama, Beginner Dance, and Designing Your First Timbrel Drill. There were also several united sessions offered: Simon Morton gave some tips on “How to Structure a Corps Music Program”, Aaron VanderWeele talked about “Music & Arts at Trade”, and Aaron Harris led us through some vocal techniques and “How to start a Singing Company”. After the day of workshops was over, we were delighted that the recently formed Massachusetts Divisional Youth Band, led by DMD Matt Luhn, performed a concert for all of the attendees. This band is doing very well in the early stages of formation, and we look forward to seeing the group develop further and we pray a special blessing upon them.

NYSB in 1895

After listening to the Mass DYB, we headed to Faneuil Hall, located in downtown Boston. As was mentioned a lot leading up to this ministry weekend, Faneuil Hall is a historic building that has been standing since 1742, when it was proclaimed “The Cradle of Liberty.” In 1895, General William Booth spoke at this hall, and the New York Staff Band accompanied him on that day. The band was privileged to be playing at this venue 132 years later. We arrived, setup, and had a sound check before heading out to dinner at various restaurants at Quincy Market, which is located right beside Faneuil Hall.

FANEUIL HALL PROGRAM
To Ask the Lord’s Blessing – Morton
Be Still – Gates
Prayer & Welcome
Russlan and Ludmilla – Kenyon
Floods of Joy – Ritman (Brindley Venables, Cornet Soloist)
Birdland – arr. Smith
Southern Cross – Bowen
Introit – O Love – Blyth
Partita on ‘St. Theodulph’ – Norbury

INTERMISSION

Balkan Dance – Crausaz
Toccata Fire – Ponsford
Everlasting Hope – Sharman
Devotional – Lt. Col. LaBossiere
Band Chorus – I Sing Because I’m Happy
Turris Fortissima – Ponsford
*Massed Bands – Kingdom Triumphant – Ball
Stars & Stripes
Rock of Ages

SUNDAY
Sunday morning worship was held at the Brockton Corps. The band played several pieces throughout the service including “Great Are You Lord” (which was also featured the day before). This has been a very impactful piece whenever the band has played it, and along with “He Watches”, which was just recorded by the International Staff Band on their most recent album “Pulse“. Andrew Blyth has written a beautiful piece entitled “O Love”, which was featured as the selection, and this, too, is a very affective and moving piece. It was a wonderful time of worship together. After the service, we were treated to a nice lunch and fellowship. We then boarded the bus, and headed home feeling thankful for all the events that transpired over the weekend.

MORNING WORSHIP AT BROCKTON CORPS
Preliminary
Almighty – Trigg
He Watches
Great Are You Lord
Call to Worship Lt. Colonel LaBossiere
Congregational Song – All Hail the Power HC 141
Offertory – Lloyd – PLC
Time of Worship – 10,000 Reasons, Send the Fire
Testimony Harrison Lubin
Band Chorus – It is Well
Selection – O Love – Blyth
Message – Lt. Colonel LaBossiere “Come to the Table”
Congregational Song – In Christ Alone
Benediction – Matt Luhn
Postlude – They Shall Come From the East – Larsson