Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/418074
corps newS >> Finding purpose, painting faces, and bridging 'gaps' Lynn, MA East Orange, NJ MEN 'ON PURPOSE' Lynn, MA—A record 19 men attended the 5 th annual men's retreat from Sept. 5–7 under the theme, "What Is Your Purpose?" Captain David Pay- ton, corps officer, said the men raised money for the retreat by hold- ing two car washes. "It was a fantastic weekend with great weather and fruitful times of open discus- sion and sharing," Payton said. "We took a 3–hour trip deep into the woods of Maine to fully get away." Payton said the men's retreat resulted in the creation of a weekly men's fellow- ship meeting that coin- cides with a women's study. "We even started a children's program so that couples could come and have some- thing for their children to do during the adult programs," he said. The first meetings included 12 men, 14 women, and 15 children. "Quite a full house. And we expect many more folks to join us in the near future!" Payton said. HALLOWEEN REDEEMED Dorchester, MA—The Salvation Army's Jubi- lee House near Boston held a "Redeem Hal- loween" event on Oct. 31. Attendees received hot chocolate from a canteen as well as treats and fliers. "The Jubilee House staff hosted approxi- mately 2,000 adults, youth, and children during this event and shared what we have been doing at the House," said Lieuten- ant Patricia Edwards, corps officer. Edwards said several soldiers, youth, and volunteers joined her at the event. 'BACK TO SCHOOL' BASH East Orange, NJ— On Sept. 6, the corps reached out to the community with a "Back to School Bash." Major Verna LaSalle, corps officer, said Cap- tains Angelo and Vir- ginia Bermeo, territorial evangelists, dazzled the audience. LaSalle described the event as "a day of fun, Gospel music, and Gospel magic ministry to reach out to the community, share God's Word, and inform people about The Salvation Army's ministry and programs here in East Orange." The event also fea- tured carnival games, face painting, free food, book bags, and prizes. GOSPEL MUSIC SCHOOL McKeesport, PA— They're making beauti- ful sounds for the Lord at the McKeesport, Pa., Corps. Envoy Kate Esker said a weekly music school for kids started on Sept. 15 and involves Zachary DeLong, the new regional music director. "We have music programs two nights a week that consist of dinner, music theory, Bible lessons, piano lessons, individual brass lessons, dance, and timbrels." Esker said DeLong has "brought much excitement" to the music school. "This has encour- aged other volunteers and kids to get more involved," she said. SENIORS HAVE 'A BALL' Portsmouth, OH— Senior citizens can sometimes be lonely, but not in Portsmouth where the corps orga- nized a Harvest Moon Ball on Oct. 2. "This is a great opportunity for our seniors to get out and to enjoy an evening of fun and dance," said Lydia Smith, community 10 November/December 2014