JUNE 7-9, 2024 – The USA East Commissioning 2024 weekend saw the largest number of attendees in recent years as salvationists from around the territory gathered at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
As usual, the primary purpose of the weekend is to ordain, commission and send out the newest Salvation Army Officers, however, the weekend is packed with meaningful times of worship, reflection, teaching and even competing!
Music has always been a major player in the eastern territory’s mission with the long-standing Salvationist Star Search being the highest attended territorial event on the calendar each year.
The three main territorial music groups: The New York Staff Band, Eastern Territorial Staff Songsters and Unbound each met for individual rehearsals the week of commission as much work was to be done over the course of the weekend in supporting various meetings. After providing music for the commencement service on Friday morning, the three groups came together to rehearse several massed items that would be used throughout the weekend.
The opening segment during the Friday evening service aimed to tell a story of the spiritual battle encountered by officers and salvationists alike. An exciting rendition of ‘Shout’ by Unbound segued into a beautiful arrangement of ‘Rise Up’ by Gavin Whitehouse featuring the ETSS and the remarkable voice of Olivia Renkel. To close the opening segment, the NYSB, ETSS and Unbound joined forces to present Simon Morton’s powerful arrangement blending two songs, ‘Battle Belongs’ and ‘The Power of Your Love.’ The meeting quickly transitioned to what would be a spirit led concert by well known worship singer TAYA, made famous through Hillsong Church and several hit songs.
The following day was Star Search…anyone who has been to this event knows that it is a very long but rewarding day! The NYSB and Unbound were once again on duty during the awards ceremony where Victor Morales’ awesome arrangements of some massive worship songs ‘Thank You Lord’ (complete with some James Brown funk and extended instrumentals by both the NYSB and Unbound) ‘You are Good’ and some brilliant versions of well-known choruses complete with brass horn sections really brought a new flavor to Unbound’s ministry.
The three territorial music ensembles also serve in a support role at the annual commissioning weekend. Their music is featured as preliminary items as well as congregational singing and special selections and continues to maintain a high standard of musical ministry at this important event.
