Journey of Grace
The Good Friday worship service that observes the life, death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ is always one filled with pensive appreciation and holy reverence. The “Journey of Grace” program brought to the forefront the Perfect Sacrifice that introduced redemption to all mankind. |
 |
| The congregation was brought into the Presence of Almighty God through the musical offerings of the New York Staff Band and the School for Officer Training Vocal Ensemble. Each presentation shared the great gift of Christ’s love for mankind, the shedding of His blood or the victorious power of the resurrection |
|
Narrations where shared throughout the program that helped the congregation focus on all aspects of God’s nature, Christ’s life and the believer’s response. Major Patricia Anglin began our time of worship by wholeheartedly sharing a narration “Praise to the Lord” which consisted of verses of praise from the Psalms. Majors John and Lauren Hodgson’s narration centered on the perfect gift of Jesus that made our salvation possible. Cadet Ashley Mauk helped all present to understand the sense of hopelessness during the hours Christ hung on the cross in her narration “”The Hour of Shadows”. Cadet John Luby brought us to the cross as he brought a narration that exclaimed Christ’s proclamation “It is finished!”. Captain Colette Masom passionately shared her victorious narration “Behold the Lamb”.
|
|
Walter Droz presented a drama monologue as Simon of Cyrene, the Bible character who was conscripted to carry the cross beam of Jesus as the Son of God was unable to carry its weight in His weakened state.
|
|
The speakers for the evening all shared an aspect of Good News Jesus’ earthly ministry. Major Evie Wilson presented the life of Christ; filled with grace as He walked on earth and how that same grace has been very real in her life and the life of her family. Major Stephen Banfield spoke of the death of Christ; even in its most gruesome moments the grace seen in the account has a wondrous attraction for the “whosoever”. Commissioner David Edwards poignantly shared how each of us must intimately embrace the resurrection of the Son of God to find forgiveness from sin and sanctified life. |
|
God honored the offerings of all who participated in this “Journey of Grace”, for the altar was filled with those who found salvation, healing, victory over addictions, and an undeniable filling of the Holy Spirit.
Praise be to Jesus for His sinless life, sacrificial death and victorious resurrection! |
