Co-chairs Majors Kerry and Nick Coke (THQ) provide an update about this year’s event, which combines Commissioning, Congress and Symphony Sounds.

In July 2022 Salvationists from around the territory gathered in Birmingham for the first time in many months for fellowship, worship and celebration. Together 2022 combined three territorial events: Commissioning, Congress and Symphony Sounds. It was a new venture, bringing together the best of past gatherings with new, innovative ways to share the gospel and encourage one another.

The weekend had something for everyone: prayer, Bible study, music and the word. It saw young and old from across the territory join in one clear focus: to lift up the name of Jesus.

The event included the recognition of the wonderful diversity in the UK and Ireland Territory with the formal acknowledgement of the African Praise Fellowship Zimbabwe, whose joyous worship united all those gathered.

Sports mission also played a large part, as activities took place ahead of the Commonwealth Games hosted in the same city: park runs, games in the square and the impact of sports as an act of discipleship all featured during the weekend.

The commissioning of the territory’s newest officers, live-streamed to families and congregations across the UK, Republic of Ireland and beyond, was a moment of solemn commitment and united celebration as these Messengers of Reconciliation were sent out to their new communities to proclaim the gospel.

It was quite a weekend and the first of its kind in this territory. Which begs the question: what next?

Together 2023: 14–16 July 2023

Together 2023 will take place over three days from 14 to 16 July in Croydon at the famous Fairfield Halls complex, which boasts a concert hall, a theatre, large gathering spaces inside and park areas outside. Key to the weekend will be the Commissioning of the Reflectors of Holiness session on Sunday morning.

Plans are already under way not only to learn from the joys and challenges of Together 2022 but also build and innovate on the concept – to consider new ways for us not only to gather but also reach out and connect with the community and join in with what God is already doing in the area.

The theme for the weekend is Wholly Holy? and the weekend will feature – alongside Commissioning and Congress – Bible study, prayer, worship, seminars, staff section concerts, youth and children’s activities, sports and outreach.

Tickets go on sale from March and more programme details will be announced soon. You can keep up to date with the latest information at salvationist.org.uk/together, where we will add details about accommodation, transport, accessibility and how to get involved.

Please join us as we pray, plan and prepare for a weekend of outreach, worship and celebration.