JANUARY 20-21, 2024 – The New York Staff Band has long made the statement that some of its most rewarding and memorable experiences have not been on the big stage or in the famous concert hall. Many band members over the years have experienced the power of worshipping together on a Sunday morning either in a local corps, church or even Adult Rehabilitation Center. Each year, the NYSB gathers at the Manhattan ARC in the Hells Kitchen neighborhood of NYC on the Sunday morning of its annual Christmas ministry weekend. Ministering to the men and women of the program has left a lasting impression on the NYSB, especially the heartfelt testimonies of struggles and victories each year. The appreciation of the members of the ARC is tangible each year and leaves the band with a real sense of fulfillment and purpose.
With this singular event having such a significant impact on the band, it was decided that something new and more far reaching could be done to build on this great ministry. In January of 2024, the NYSB set out on its first ever ARC tour of the USA Eastern Territory!
Planning a ministry weekend or tour in the Northeast during January is always a gamble and unfortunately the house won on the Friday evening of the weekend. Snow and ice made driving difficult during the Friday rush hour commute and given that the band was due to play at the Paterson, NJ ARC – located in a dense commuter area, the decision was made to reschedule this location.
The next day brought brighter skies and brisk temperatures as the band met at NJ DHQ to board the bus to Wilkes-Barre, PA ARC. Upon arrival, the band quickly set up and sound checked before being greeted by Envoy Joan Pierce – Program Administrator for the ARC. This was a special night for the Envoy as her son, Tommy Pierce, was making his debut appearance with the band on first cornet. After a lovely meal cooked by men of the ARC, the band was ready for the festival. The Wilkes-Barre ARC features a beautiful new chapel that has a warm acoustic and a welcoming atmosphere. The band shared a varied program of music that was well received by the packed audience. A special mention goes to Zoe Zanders, also making her NYSB debut on second horn and may be one of the only NYSB members to be a featured soloist on their first appearance!
It was a successful night, but the band wasn’t done yet! After packing up and loading the truck, the band boarded the bus once again and headed south ready for the Sunday morning meeting at the Philadelphia ARC the next morning.
There was a real sense of anticipation in the ARC Chapel on Sunday morning as members of the program gathered along with Salvationists from the local Roxborough, PA corps. The band shared several preliminary items before a heartfelt welcome from Philly ARC Administrator – Major Daniel Alverio. A time of contemporary worship was led by Euphonium player Devonte Thomas and a well-executed testimony time was navigated by Major Josh Lyle. A moving moment was experienced by all when a young man in the ARC program confessed to having backslidden the day before. A member of the congregation sang ‘Just a Closer Walk’ over the young man as he was prayed over. Yet another example of the powerful work that happens daily in our ARC programs.
A fantastic Cheese Steak lunch was prepared by members of the ARC that would easily rival any of the preferred and famous local Philly Cheese Steak establishments, sending the band on its way after a fulfilling and meaningful ministry weekend.
WILKES-BARRE ARC PROGRAM
Fantasy of Joy (Frederick Schjelderup)
Welcome & Prayer
David’s Dance (Dorothy Gates)
Send Forth (Marcus Venables)
Testimony – Michael DeVault
Glorify Your Name (Dean Jones)
Triquetra (Peter Graham)
Before the Throne (Joel Collier) Soloist: Aaron VanderWeele
Devotional – Lt. Colonel Kathleen Steele
King of the Seven Heavens (Philip Harper)
New York, New York (Goff Richards)
It’s About Band Time (Marcus Venables)
PHILADELPHIA ARC PROGRAM
Preliminary
Psalm 91 (Stuart Watson)
This Day (Gavin Whitehouse)
Concurrence (Marcus Venables)
Welcome & Call to Worship
Congregational Song
Holy, Holy, Holy (Mcbride / Thomas)
Selection
Our Consecration (Marcus Venables)
Praise & Worship
Devonte Thompson
Time of Testimonies
Major Josh Lyle
Selection
NYSB Chorus: Come into our World (Webb arr. Whitehouse)
Scripture
Lt Colonel Kathleen Steele
Selection
There will be God (Webb arr. Philips) Soloist: Devonte Thompson
Devotional
Lt. Colonel Kathleen Steele
Response
Invitation – Come just as you are (Gavin Whitehouse)
Congregational Song
Onward Christian Soldiers (Mackereth)
Benediction
Postlude
Send Forth (Venables)
