Gathering under the theme Hosanna, Praise is Rising, The Salvation Army in Cape Breton, N.S., held a weekend of celebration, with Glace Bay Corps, Sydney Community Church and New Waterford Corps participating.

A welcome meeting was held at Glace Bay Corps on Friday evening, with Colonel Mark Tillsley, chief secretary, leading and Frances Burton, a university student, sharing her testimony. The service was followed by a youth meeting led by Captains Morgan and Lisa Hillier, divisional youth secretaries, Maritime Division.

On Saturday morning, Captains Hillier led junior youth councils at Sydney Community Church with the theme The Master's Builders.

Landon enjoys a moment with the Lego Man at
junior youth councils

The children learned that Jesus is the cornerstone on which they can build their lives.

“It was great to see the kids engaged and participating, and especially beautiful to see the children line up at the decision time,” says Major Dena Hepditch, corps officer, Sydney Community Church.

A seniors' lunch and rally was held at Glace Bay Corps in the afternoon, where Colonel Sharon Tillsley, territorial secretary for women's ministry, challenged those in attendance to stay focused on Jesus and the path he has set before us.

New Waterford Corps hosted a music café on Saturday evening, with musicians from the three corps taking part, as well as individuals and groups from the community. After a night of worship songs and local Cape Breton music, Colonel Mark Tillsley concluded with a devotional message.

A combined Sunday morning meeting was held at Sydney Community Church. As it was Palm Sunday, the children acted out Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, waving branches and shouting “Hosanna.” Major Alison Cowling, divisional commander, Maritime Division, encouraged the congregation to be a church that reaches out to the community, while Colonel Mark Tillsley championed the importance of being a united body.

“It was beautiful to witness people from all three corps kneeling and praying together,” says Major Hepditch. “We were challenged and empowered to be a church that loves Jesus deeply and is a transforming influence in our communities.”