NEON, a worship team based at territorial headquarters, was officially installed as a staff section of the Canada and Bermuda Territory during the Canadian Staff Band’s (CSB) annual Fall Festival at Oshawa Temple, Ont., in November. The installation ceremony was led by Lt-Colonel Les Marshall, territorial secretary for mission, and Heather Osmond, territorial music and arts secretary.

“It was exciting to officially be commissioned as a staff section in a concert with the CSB,” says Simon Gough, contemporary music specialist and leader of NEON. “It represented the oldest and newest staff sections in the territory coming together to show that we, through different genres, are all about connecting people with God and providing them an opportunity to know his love for them through music.”

Currently comprising eight members from various corps across the Ontario Division, NEON brings contemporary worship music to the Army’s repertoire, using instruments such as keyboards and guitars instead of more traditional brass instruments. NEON plays and writes its own music and has been involved in various events, including last year’s INSPIRE Conference and Congress and, most recently, Christmas With The Salvation Army in December.  

“We have a responsibility to connect with worship leaders across the Canada and Bermuda Territory,” says Gough. “We are excited to see what this can look like and how we can give practical help and encouragement to those involved in the same ministry that we love to do.”

According to Gough, Osmond has been instrumental in the progression of NEON toward becoming a staff section. “Her leadership and vision for the evolution of music ministry among our corps saw her push for NEON to be recognized as the third staff section, and to support the group in their ministry to the territory,” he says.

During the installation ceremony, Lt-Colonel Marshall invited members of NEON, as well as family, friends, mentors and leaders, to join in a prayer of dedication over the group and their ministry.

“I think it will be incredibly significant to be considered a staff section. We are stepping into a heritage of ministry and outreach that has shared the love of God, through music, with so many people for so long,” says Gough. “It will also be significant to have the support of the music and arts ministries team who will help us grow and serve congregations better.”

Members of NEON:

Simon Gough – Mississauga Community Church, Ont.

Jake Wiseman – Meadowlands Corps, Hamilton, Ont.

Rabekah Wiseman – Meadowlands Corps, Hamilton, Ont.

Paige Sharp – Oshawa Temple, Ont.

Victoria Evans – Guelph Citadel, Ont.

Emajean Hobbin – Mississauga Community Church, Ont.

Carter Jones – Guelph Citadel, Ont.

Myles Washington-Purser – Mountain Citadel, Hamilton, Ont.