Together 26: This is us!

Hermione Hutchings talks about helping to plan Together 26.

Together 26 is a weekend to gather, celebrate and reflect on who God has called us all to be – united in hope, faith and purpose. The event includes gathered worship, music and the ordination and commissioning of the cadets of the Keepers of the Covenant session.

Hermione (Southport), Sam Bishton (Hedge End), Amelia Burr (Preston) and Ellie Highton are a group of young Salvationists planning Saturday evening’s worship session. Hermione gives us an idea of what to expect:

Is helping to plan Together 26 something you ever expected to be doing?

Absolutely not!

How did it come about?

Calum Montgomery (Youth and Student Outreach Worker) asked if I wanted to be part of the God Date podcast, which is a youth-led podcast in the North West Division. Sam and Amelia were in the first season, and Ellie and I joined for the second season. Captain Kat Whitmore (Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary) messaged us, said she liked the podcast, and asked if we’d like to help plan Together 26.

Have you been to Together before?

I went last year for the first time and I really enjoyed it. So I already wanted to go to every day of it this year!

What’s the best thing about Together?

Seeing so many people I know. I see people at Territorial Youth Band and Territorial Music School, but at Together I’ve got adults and friends from my life all in one place – there aren’t many opportunities for that and it’s really special!

Do you have any highlights from last year at Together?

My sister joined the MACA Dance workshop and then danced with them, which was really good! Speaking as a band geek, I enjoyed the music and the International Staff Band. Plus, I got a picture with the General! I thought, ‘Day made!’

How’s the planning going?

It’s going well! We know each other, so we are comfortable enough to say when we don’t think something’s a good idea. We’re planning this for everyone, so we want to make sure that everyone gets something out of it – including each other! Major Kerry Coke (THQ), Rob Moye (THQ) and Kat are involved too, and we’ve all been throwing ideas back and forth.

Can you give us any hints of what to expect?

The God Date podcast is our forte, so we are going to be interviewing people – people who serve on the front line, musicians and maybe some people in the congregation! On the podcast, we ask people: What’s your relationship with God like? What’s your favourite Bible verse? We want everyone to ask themselves those questions and connect with God. We want to remember it’s a time of worship.

What one thing do you want people to take away from the weekend?

I want everyone to know they are unique and they are valued. You are different from everyone around you, you are made in the image of God, and we can all worship together, because Acts 17:28 says: ‘By his power we live and move and exist’ (New Century Version). We want people to feel that. We want to represent the whole range of people who make up The Salvation Army.

What would you say to anyone booking a ticket?

Don’t just come as you are, come exactly as you are. And if you can’t make it, we’re going to try and make sure you can still be part of it because we’re not going to let any barriers separate you from your relationship with God and with others!