Wholly Holy: Introducing Together 2023

Majors Kerry and Nick Coke (THQ) introduce the theme of Together 2023, bringing together Commissioning, Congress and Symphony Sounds.

The past few months of planning, praying and preparing for Together 2023 have brought together an eclectic group of people with varied areas of mission but one goal and purpose: to create space for people from across the territory to worship, grow, celebrate and engage with the Holy Spirit.

The exciting three-day event in Croydon will run from 14 to 16 July and will take the theme Wholly Holy. A holistic approach to discipleship, worship and care for creation has been the focus of conversation.

Key to the planning has been the centrality of prayer. Our weekend will begin on Friday at Croydon Citadel, with space to stop and reflect before we walk and pray together through the streets of our host city until we reach Fairfield Halls. Soaking the weekend in prayer is not only for those who can be with us; there will be resources for Salvationists and friends to join us wherever they are in this important beginning to our weekend.

Friday night will feature a brand-new musical written by Stephanie Lamplough and Paul Sharman (Music and Creative Arts) called Belongings. Set in a Salvation Army charity shop, it brings to life the stories of the people who visit a place full of belongings and find a place to belong.

Saturday morning kicks off with a Parkrun for all the family. If you are attending the weekend, you can take part in person in parks near Fairfield Halls. Or, wherever you are in the country, you can be part of the Big Step Challenge in your local park. Stay tuned for more details on how to sign up and get involved.

At Fairfield Halls, there will be something for everyone, both inside and outside: Bible studies, seminars, workshops, an art gallery, concerts from the International Staff Band and International Staff Songsters, and a festival feel in the open air, complete with food stalls, children’s activities and a focus on caring for creation. The day’s events will finish with a worship event in the concert hall.

Sunday morning will begin with prayer and then lead into the ordination and commissioning of the Reflectors of Holiness session. This pivotal part of our weekend enables us to focus on our own calling and return to the central theme and our key passage of Scripture, 1 Peter 1:15.

The weekend will conclude with a celebration meeting for all the family and the sending out, not only of the newly commissioned lieutenants, but also everyone present, as they return to communities across the territory, inspired, enabled and empowered to reflect the holiness of Jesus wherever he has placed them.

Tickets will be on sale from 31 March. For more information on the box office, accommodation, accessibility and the full programme details as they are released, keep an eye on salvationist.org.uk/together.