What to expect?

[LiberatedChick]

What should I expect when visiting a Salvation Army Corps? I'm thinking of going to my nearest one next Sunday for the Sunday morning service. At least that's the plan...it took me two-three months to get up the courage to go to the service at my nearest church! So whilst I may plan to go next week whether I actually manage to step inside the door is another matter.

Anyway, take this as an opportunity to share your experience of your first visit. How did everyone welcome you? What do those that don't wear uniforms tend to wear? What differences are there between the service and what goes on at other churches (particulary CofE churches)?

 

[fibi]

Am sure you will be greeted with warmth and made to feel welcome. When I first went to the Army was fortunate that I had a friend there, but everyone else was really welcoming and friendly. Those who don't wear uniform tend to wear clothes! (sorry couldn't resist) go in what ever you feel comfortable in. You might go to a corps with a brass band, but not always some have worship groups others just have a pianist. We don't have communion in the Army, unlike the CoE or Methodist. There is usually singing, prayer time, a songster group might sing there is always a Bible reading and a sermon.

What drew you to the Army in the first place?

Will think of you.

 

[Andy Broadley]

My advice is just go along and relax. Wear whatever you want and enjoy youeself. I think you'll be glad you did.


And I'd like to welcome both you and fibi to the cyber corps. Stick around, we're a pretty relaxed bunch. Been by the drop in yet. kettles usually on up there. Taking a pack of virtual chocolate hob nobs always goes down well too.

 

[elm0]

Been by the drop in yet. kettles usually on up there. Taking a pack of virtual chocolate hob nobs always goes down well too.

I just rolled through for a cuppa, and someone's been in and left a pack of TimTams!!

 

[Andy Broadley]

A what of what whats?

 

[someone_else]

a pack of timtams. they are chocolate biscuites

 

[Andy Broadley]

Oh, right.

Never heard of 'em

 

[kiora]

obviously from down under Andy

 

[InTheFlame]

http://www.snackspot.org.uk/thread.php?story=0305091724sbc

 

[Abiel]

What should I expect when visiting a Salvation Army Corps? I'm thinking of going to my nearest one next Sunday for the Sunday morning service. At least that's the plan...it took me two-three months to get up the courage to go to the service at my nearest church! So whilst I may plan to go next week whether I actually manage to step inside the door is another matter.

Anyway, take this as an opportunity to share your experience of your first visit. How did everyone welcome you? What do those that don't wear uniforms tend to wear? What differences are there between the service and what goes on at other churches (particulary CofE churches)?

So much depends on which Corps you go to. A very tradtional, big Corps will have a band, songsters, might ask you to 'fire a cartridge', and you may be unfamiliar with some of the songs, if they trawl the depths of the Army SOng book. Some Corps are far more relaxed, and you wont get out without being warmly welcomed, and someone adopting you so you know what's going on.
What I would say is, don't draw the line at going to one Corps. Visit several if that is possible, and you will find one at which you are comfy.

Clothing. Be comfortable, clean and tidy. No big deal.

The main difference between SA and other churches? No book of litergy. No communion as generally understood. A mercy seat (place of prayer) which if used will change the meeting as the meeting tries to respond to the needs of the pray-er and the spirit.

Explore and enjoy!

 

[LiberatedChick]

Thanks for all your help folks.

What drew you to the Army in the first place?

I'm not sure to be honest. I just don't think I feel completely comfortable in my current CofE church.

 

[Andy Broadley]

Well, to be honest I was kinda born into it.

 

[kiora]

I have come from "outside" the army, so I can see things in slightly different way. I went to a C of E school and to be perfectly honest - no disrespect to anyone intended I found the styles of worship and expression boring and I also could never grasp the concept behind holy communion- I now know that I personally choose not to take it and that is my own view, but aside from the the Army seemed to me when I came in as such a joyful place where they is great fellowship.

 

[Abiel]

'There's joy in the salvation army'...mainly!!!

 

[Andy Broadley]

Fight the good fight with all thy might,
Lead with a left and follow with a right....

 

[elm0]

Fight the good fight with all thy might,
Lead with a left and follow with a right....

Kick and scream if you think it'll help,
But please, please, please, never ever bite.

​

 

[Andy Broadley]

We'd better watch out, people have been burned at the stake for less than this

 

[elm0]

Let me guess..... it's not army.

 

[InTheFlame]

We'd better watch out, people have been burned at the stake for less than this

For weighing less than a duck?

 

[elm0]

For weighing less than a duck?

or the same as a duck....