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Congress to be held in Pasadena, Calif.
By Martin Hunt
“For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them” (Matt. 18:20).
Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs are summoning the troops of the USA Western Territory to gather together for the first time in 15 years in a celebratory congress, called “The Gathering,” scheduled for June 7-10, 2012, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Southern California (facebook.com/ TheGathering2012). General Linda Bond will be the visiting leader—her first visit to the West as General and a return to the territory that she previously led as territorial commander.
“As a body of believers there is a real sense of excitement as we have the opportunity to gather together, from all corners of the territory, to be unified in our worship and praise of God,” James Knaggs said. “The Gathering will be a spiritual experience that you will not want to miss.”
The Gathering will feature invigorating preaching, dynamic worship and enrollment of new soldiers, and will culminate in the commissioning and ordination of the Friends of Christ Session of cadets. Bond will share from God’s Word during the congress, and will hold officers councils with all officers in the territory. Other planned programs include men’s and women’s rallies, junior soldier and young adult events, celebrations of recovery and a new Larsson musical. The innovative and inspirational meetings will feature some of the territory’s finest music and arts ensembles.
Prior to the event, youth leaders and corps officers from across the territory will be invited to attend Boot Camp, a dynamic youth leadership training event. More information will be available about this event soon.
If you have ever attended a congress, you know that this is an event not to miss. Between 1973–1997 there were seven such events where soldiers, officers and friends gathered together in unity of worship, praise, challenge and celebration. It is the hope and prayer of our leaders that the 2012 Congress will be a spiritually invigorating, motivating and inspirational time for all generations.
Event organizers are anticipating a crowd of 5,000 people. Registration details, along with hotel accommodation information, will be available in the weeks to come. Start planning now to be part of this historic event in the Western Territory, recruit your friends and fellow soldiers, and come share in The Gathering.
