International leaders General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women’s Ministries) were special guests for the 2023 Easter convention at Boscombe Corps (church), which commenced on Maundy Thursday with a musical meditation presented by Boscombe Band and Songster Brigade.
The congregation were invited to reflect on various pieces of music, including the band’s presentation of Eric Ball’s ‘The eternal presence’ and the songsters’ ‘Prayer of Gethsemane’.
At the Cross
The General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle led Good Friday worship with support in the morning from Boscombe young people’s (YP) music sections, which included the YP band playing the festival arrangement ‘At the Cross’. The evening saw corps from the local area unite in worship, including combined bands and songsters.
Along with the General and Commissioner Rosalie, corps members and young adults from the vocal group Una Voce joined on Saturday for an outreach event. Families were encouraged to explore the miracle of Easter with various crafts and activities. Boscombe corps officer Major Jane Alton commented on the poignancy of Una Voce singing ‘We are not ashamed’ with such conviction.
In the evening, Una Voce presented a concert that brought wonderful moments of praise, worship and testimony, including a massed item with the Southern Youth Chorus. In her Bible address, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle called for everyone to pause and celebrate on ‘silent Saturday’.
Still rolling stones
Boscombe music sections supported the morning meeting on Easter Sunday, including a lively rendition of ‘My Redeemer lives’ by the singing company. Using Lauren Daigle’s ‘Still rolling stones’ as an opening to a powerful message, the General reminded everyone that Jesus still rolls stones, even today. In response, a number of people moved to the mercy seat and a stirring of the Holy Spirit was felt amongst the congregation.
Easter day continued with a united march of witness and outdoor service held at Bournemouth pier before the Easter celebration concluded with ‘Encounter’, a contemporary worship gathering.
