The New York Staff Band has come to the end of its current season. What better way to celebrate a highly successful season of concerts and worship opportunities then to participate in the Commissioning and Ordination of the “Joyful Intercessors”.
The weekend began with the Staff Band and the Eastern Territorial Songsters in concert! Outside of territorial events, this was the first time both groups were in concert together. The stage was set and the crowd of excited attendees created the perfect setting for a great night of music. BM Derek Lance completed his first highly successful and enthusiastic year with the band and lead us in some of the year’s highlighted pieces, i.e. “Living Power” by Tom Davoren, “The Present Age” by Les Condon and “I Surrender” by Marcus Venables. SL Gavin Whitehouse continues his leadership with the Eastern Territorial Songsters (ETS) and featured some of the pieces from their season of ministry…. “Revelation Song” arr. by Anderman, “Lest I Forget Your Love” by Sorenson and “You Shall Go Out With Joy” by Barrett. The fellowship shared that evening was the perfect ending to a God inspired season for both groups.
The band always feels privileged to participate in the Commissioning, Ordination and Appointment services for the cadets from the CFOT. Our prayer during our final rehearsal was that we would approach this day with a spiritual freshness and sense the privilege that was ours in participating in this territory’s most sacred setting of the year. The Joyful Intercessors lived up to their session name…..they were extraordinarily joyful! It was an exciting and spiritually moving day for all of us. God bless the new Lieutenants of the Joyful Intercessors session!
-Karen Shaffstall, NYSB First Cornet
