We've had a busy run of morning services for the first couple of months of 2018, playing in morning services at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church on 21st January, 4th February and 18th February.
On Sunday 4th February, the service was led by Rev. Peter Cornick and was a 'church with choices' service on the theme of baptism. The band of 24 started with the introit 'He came to earth' arr. Simon Farrenden, this was quickly followed by another of Simon's arrangements 'Christ be our light'. The tune 'Sing hosanna' from the Salvation army hymn tune book was then used for the next hymn followed by another of Simon's arrangements 'Father God I wonder'. After this the service split up and band members were given the choice whether to listen to the bible study or participate in one of the other four groups. After 25 minutes the groups all reassembled in the church for the end of the service. We played 'Aurelia' from the S.A hymn tune book for the next hymn followed by 'Come, now is the time to worship' from the Salvation Army's Scripture Based Songs book for the offertory. The final hymn was 'Lord, for the years' by M Baughen arr, D Carter. After the service we played one final piece as the congregation departed for refreshments 'Faithful God' from the S.A. Scripture Based Songs book.
It was nice to have Sally-Anne, a past member, back to play with the band for the service whilst she was in the area. It is thought to be nearly 10 years since Sally-Anne and her daughter left Chandler's Ford was new pastures and was good to see her looking and sounding so well.
The band also helped to provide the music for the morning service at Chandler's Ford Methodist Church on Sunday 18th February. The service was led by local preacher Mr Peter Hayward and the band of 17 started with the Introit 'He came to earth in poverty' to the tune East Dulwich arr. Helen Cornick. The first hymn was 'Great is thy faithfulness' followed by a Simon Farrenden arrangement of 'Come on and celebrate'. The Salvation Army hymn tune book was used for the final two hymns, we played 'Sussex' for the third hymn and for the last hymn 'What a friend'. After the service we played a couple of verses of the Salvation army tune 'Repton' as the congregation departed.
It was nice to be joined by Jonathan on Euphonium who was home for the weekend visiting family and took the time to come and play.