Crossbearers to be commissioned, ordained, appointed in one service

Tremors from YouthQuake 6.02 will be shaking up the traditional order of services for Commissioning Weekend this June.

Traditionally, cadets are commissioned and ordained during the Sunday morning meeting and given their new assignments during the afternoon Service of Appointments. However, this year a single exciting Sunday afternoon service has been planned for the members of the 2000-2002 Session and all Congress participants. This event will be the culmination of the grand Youth Congress & Commissioning weekend to be held at the Long Beach Civic Auditorium, June 14 ­ 16, 2002.

The twenty-five members of the Crossbearers session of cadets will receive their ordination and commissions as Salvation Army officers. Later, in the same service, the new captains will receive their very first assignments. This juxtaposition of the solemn and sacred with the great excitement of first appointments promises to create an event long to be remembered.

General John Gowans will bring the message; the cadets will provide special music; and the traditional recognition of previous sessions by the presentation of their colors will herald the occasion.

In addition to the commissioning, ordination and appointment of the Western Territory’s newest Salvation Army officers, this meeting of celebration will include a farewell salute to our own territorial leaders, Commis-sioners David and Doreen Edwards as they enter into honored retirement. Gowans will be presenting the Edwards with their certificates of retirement in the presence of friends, soldiers, and fellow officers. This united gathering will also mark the last public meeting with the Gowans in the Western Territory.

Sunday afternoon, June 16, Long Beach Terrace Theatre ­ an event guaranteed to be a fitting conclusion to a phenomenal weekend. Prelude music by the Pasadena Tabernacle Band will begin at 2:15 p.m. with the service beginning at 2:45 p.m. Make plans now to attend, and register by May 1. You won’t want to miss it!