On Sunday, Sept. 11, The Chief of the Staff conducted meetings in Ocean Grove, N.J. The Great Auditorium echoed with the sounds of the New Jersey Youth Band as they provided the preliminary music for the final Sunday morning worship service of the season.

Gaither spoke from John 17, reminding the congregation of Jesus' prayer for His people.

"The Church must stay in the world, no retreating!" Gaither said.

The Church's mission, he said, is to transform a damaged society.

"The Church must never behave like an ordinary institution—we are to make known Jesus' prayer that the world would know that the Father has sent the Son for the redemption of the world...."

Majors Stephen and Janet Banfield, New Jersey divisional leaders, and Majors Jeffrey and Jessica Bassett, corps officers, supported the meetings. The USA Eastern territorial leaders, Commissioners Lawrence R. and Nancy A. Moretz, attended with the territorial cabinet officers. The former Eastern territorial leaders, Commissioners Ronald G. and Pauline A. Irwin, were also in attendance.

—Reported by Majors Charles H. and Barbara J. Kelly