Salvation Army Commissioning 2020 Event in Toronto Cancelled Due to COVID-19

A Message from Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd – Territorial Commander

Dear Salvationists and friends,

Greetings from Toronto!

Commissioner Tracey and I greet you in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

These are unsettled days for all of us, yet we hold firm in our faith and assurance that God is in control. As Scripture reminds us, “He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

The Salvation Army continues to respond to the needs of Canadians right across the territory. Our employees, volunteers and officers are steadfastly responding to the COVID-19 crisis through essential services: homeless shelters, long-term care facilities, community and family services offices, and feeding programs. We are grateful to our dedicated team members who are working in response to the pandemic with a professional, measured response to the needs presented. Thank you for all you are doing in support of suffering humanity.

You will have received the message about the cancellation of our territorial residential camping program. While disappointing this is the right decision as we seek to do our part to “flatten the curve” and stop the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your support and understanding regarding this important decision.

It was our plan to host Commissioning 2020 in Toronto, however, in keeping with Ontario provincial directives and public health requirements, the Toronto event has been cancelled. We understand the huge disappointment for the Messengers of the Kingdom and Messengers of Grace, their families and friends, and CFOT staff. Commissioner Tracey and I are committed to conducting and celebrating commissioning with our cadets even if it is via social distancing and with the use of technology. Current public health requirements in Winnipeg prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people, however, THQ and CFOT team members are exploring various options and moving the commissioning date is an option. We are hopeful that we can keep to the June 20, 2020 weekend, however, you will appreciate our current reality in that the situation is fluid. We’ll share details as we are able. In the meantime, Commissioning 2020 Toronto is cancelled and we’re exploring options for a Winnipeg-based commissioning with the understanding that The Salvation Army needs to follow all public health guidelines.

Friends, thank you for your understanding and for your assurance of your prayerful support – Commissioner Tracey and I are grateful. Let me leave with you the words of the Apostle Paul as recorded in Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

God bless you.

Yours sincerely,

Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Comment

On Sunday, April 5, 2020, Shayne Stanton said:

While it would be quite good to have the Commissioning here in Winnipeg, because I for one would have liked to have attended one. It makes it hard to have such a service in these trying times, I am friends with most of the cadets who are due to be commissioned and I am proud of how hard they worked their butts off to get to this point but why put the health of so many at risk. The session that is to be commissioned is made up a very diverse group and will do wonders in their first assignments. I for one will miss Bob and Susan Roffel and Kyron and Emily Newbury as they are four of the best I have had a chance to work with and worship with over the last two years.

On Saturday, April 4, 2020, Jessie said:

I was just wondering-why not have Commissioning in September. I realize it would take some organizing but these are unprecedented times and people are making different arrangements for many events. How wonderful for the Messengers of the Kingdom to have a public Commissioning with family and friends. A celebration of many things, hopefully the end of this pandemic. I know they will already be in their appointments but again these are not normal days. Just a thought.

On Friday, April 3, 2020, Bill King said:

Folks the Commissioning may be can cancelled buy God has called you and has still commissioned you to go into the world and preach the Gospel. What a opportunity lies before you to preach by offering the ministry of presence to those that God has appoint you to through The Salvation Army. Go and spread His love. God Bless you one and all.

On Friday, April 3, 2020, Susan RC said:

How disappointing for the cadets but necessary. Would be good time to cancel movement of officers too!! During a pandemic is not the time to meet new people and shuffle families around.