Live updates from Saturday at Together 2023

Live updates from Croydon, South London, on the second day of Together 2023.

10pm

This evening’s session reflected on the day’s theme Encountering the Holy, with sung worship led by Meraki, a Bible reading from John 7:25–41 in 13 different languages, dance and testimony.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill shared a powerful Bible message that challenged everyone present to recognise that ‘this encountering of the Holy has beautiful and awesome consequences’.

The TC explained: ‘As he died to make us holy, let us live to make men, women, boys and girls free… Us becoming ambassadors of holiness, us becoming defenders of justice, us becoming active in bringing the Kingdom of God with power to the communities, to the places, where we have our being.’

Following worship there was a live recording of The All Terrain Podcast, with host Jo Taylor interviewing Colonels Paul and Jenine Main (THQ).

The podcast invites guests to reflect on their life journey, and Paul and Jenine honestly shared personal experiences of facing change and suffering, as well as the challenges and isolation of leadership.

That's it for today! Join us in the morning for the commissioning and ordination of the Reflectors of Holiness.

Good night!

6.30pm

Worship Together, the Saturday evening session, has just started. Before the audience took their seats, music filled the foyer with energetic mini concerts from Meraki and Salvation Brass.

3.30pm

There’s something for everyone at Together 2023! From foyer concerts and the International Staff sections to a MACA Dance workshop and a community festival in the park opposite Fairfield Halls.

Despite the blustry weather, Salvationists from Croydon Citadel and further afield have been inviting members of the public to have a quick game of volleyball, football and rugby. The Get OWT! gazebo has been offering activities for younger children and two groups have set out on muddy walks to reflect on our care for creation mission priority.

Spotlight Talks are taking place throughout the afternoon. Explore salvationist.org.uk for an insight into some of the teams and topics that are featured today:

12.30pm

It’s been a busy morning at Together 2023.

The doors opened at 9.30am and the marketplace, SP&S shop, pop-up charity shop, prayer bureau and art exhibition have been hives of activity.

Lieutenant Liam Beattie (Leicester West) and Harum Yu (New Malden) led Bible study sessions this morning examining the weekend’s key text of 1 Peter 1:15 and 16. This week’s Bible study in Salvationist magazine is written by Lieutenant Liam.

10.30am

Welcome to live updates from Saturday at Together 2023.

I’m Beth and I’m the editor of salvationist.org.uk. The Big Stride kick-started today's programme. It's a new Sports Mission initiative that also enables people to raise funds for their favourite Salvation Army project.

A devotional podcast and Spotify playlist has been created to help runners engage their body, mind and spirit as they complete the challenge wherever they are.

For more information about the Big Stride and raising funds for your favourite Salvation Army project, go to salvationarmy.org.uk/run/big-stride.