The Salvation Army (SA) in Moose Jaw is hosting several community events this Saturday and Sunday to celebrate 134 years of service in Saskatchewan, including a visit from area commander Major Mike Hoeft.
Lt. Lester Ward, the Salvation Army’s Corps Officer and pastor in Moose Jaw, said that the Salvation Army serves the community 12 months a year and is excited to celebrate 134 years of that service.
All events will be held at the SA Community Church at 2 Wintergreen Drive off Thatcher.
The following events will be held:
- Women’s Fellowship luncheon at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26
- Community barbecue with family games in the hall, 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26
- Major Mike Hoeft, area commander for the Salvation Army in Saskatchewan, will give a talk titled “A Firm Foundation” at the Sunday, March 27 worship service
There is a $5 charge for the Women’s Luncheon at noon on Saturday – the barbecue and worship service are free.
Ward said that while the community is invited and encouraged to attend the community barbecue, it would be helpful to let them know you plan on attending by calling the SA downtown office at (306) 692-5899 by noon on Friday, March 25 so they know how much food to buy.
“You can imagine, you know, especially when food is involved, it’s nice to know a bit in advance,” Ward said.
The Moose Jaw congregation is not the largest in the province, but it's 134 years give it the distinction of being the oldest.
Many people think that Christmas is the busiest time of year for the SA, Ward noted, but in fact, they are “on the ground, in the trenches,” 365 days a year.
“Whether it’s providing clothing, shelter, food, anything like that, I mean, it’s a 12-month thing, it’s not a once-a-year type service that we provide.”
Ward highlighted the free brown bag breakfasts from the community and family services office downtown.
“It’s free of charge to people that may not have much,” Ward said. “They can come in and just request a breakfast.”
He and his wife Almeta have been in Moose Jaw for only a short while (two years in August), but he said that in that time they have provided many acts of service.
“We have provided meals to low-income seniors over summer months. We’ve done the backpack program for students. Back in September, we purchased and packed 65 backpacks for children in families that probably would otherwise go to school with the basic necessities.”
Ward emphasized that all of what the Salvation Army does is possible because of the generosity of individuals and organizations in the community. He said that the support of their charitable partnerships goes above and beyond expectations.
Follow the Salvation Army in Moose Jaw on Facebook to stay up-to-date with their news and announcements.
