Salvationists and friends of the Army in Bermuda gathered in November for the biennial divisional congress under the banner Declare His Glory, based on Psalm 96:3: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

Supported by Majors Shawn and Brenda Critch, divisional commander and divisional director of women's ministries for the Bermuda Division, Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley, chief secretary and territorial secretary for women's ministries, led the weekend of praise and community engagement commemorating 117 years of ministry in Bermuda.

Face painting was a popular activity for children at Saturday's community event

Celebrations began with Friday's gala of praise and worship through music, liturgical dance, drama and testimonies of lives changed by the power of God. Colonel Mark Tillsey and Major Shawn Critch recognized the faithful and exemplary service of David and Marion Knight to the mission of The Salvation Army in Bermuda and abroad.

A highlight of the weekend was the community celebration on Saturday, which saw 600 members of the public, from Somerset to St. George's, enjoying a fun afternoon in a carnival-like atmosphere.

“It is important that we be a community of faith engaged in the community around us,” says Major Shawn Critch. “Saturday's event was a great opportunity for the local corps family to reach out to build relationships and introduce others to the ministry of their church. It was an awesome day.” Funding for the day's events came in part from the territorial Mission Focus Fund.

Artist Kevin Simmons proudly displays his contribution to congress celebrations

North Street Citadel was filled to capacity for Sunday morning's holiness meeting. From the initial call to worship that highlighted Psalm 96:3, to the conclusion of the service, there was a beautiful sense of the presence of the Holy Spirit. With the support of the Bermuda Divisional Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster Warren Jones, and worship leaders Andrea Cann and Carol McDowall, the sanctuary was filled with vibrant singing offering adoration and praise to God. The participation of Kevin Simmons, Jonique Crockwell and Wendell Anderson reminded those in attendance of the importance of one generation commending the work of God to another (see Psalm 145:4) through testimony and song. Kayla Esdaille shared a vocal solo.

In his message, Colonel Mark Tillsley focused on Jesus and how he represented, modelled and glorified God, his Father. The chief secretary challenged the congregation by stating that if we are to be like Jesus, we have to allow the Holy Spirit to do the same through us.

The theme song, Declare Your Name, by Brooklyn Tabernacle, brought the morning worship to a conclusion.

Congress events concluded with a march of witness through a portion of Hamilton and an afternoon of praise and worship in a local park where the message of the gospel was shared with the community. Upon returning to North Street Citadel, Salvationists gathered on the street corner to sing the final verse of O Boundless Salvation in a moment of commitment.

The Bermuda Divisional Band ministers in music