Melbourne Staff Songsters

29/08/2026

The Melbourne Staff Songsters shared a weekend of praise, worship, celebration and contemplation with the Camberwell Corps.

A Saturday night concert, Lift Your Voice, featured the Camberwell Corps Band, Oxley Christian College’s Senior Vocal Ensemble and Barbershop Boys, as well as the songsters. The hall was full of anticipation for a great night together.

The Camberwell Band presented a variety of music including Hosanna Shuffle (Sam Creamer) and Boundless Spirit (Martin Cordner). They also accompanied the MSS Timbrels in the march Collaroy (Barry Gott), much to the delight of the college students.

The Oxley Christian College Senior Vocal Ensemble treated everyone to some tight harmonies and energetic moves, singing everything from the Pentatonix to the Carpenters and Abba. The group also sang Chris Tomlin’s Home, accompanied by a string quartet. The Barbershop Boys also entertained with their bright and breezy presentations.

The Melbourne Staff Songsters contributions included Let It Be Jesus (arr Mary McDonald) and Soli Deo Gloria (arr Cliff Duren). A new venture was the inclusion of some ‘choralography’ to O Happy Day (arr Mark Hayes) and it was certainly a popular inclusion.

A highlight was everyone joining together in the worship song Holy Forever (arr Sam Creamer) and the evening concluded with the songsters and vocal ensemble combining for the gospel number Rejoice (arr Cliff Duren).

The Camberwell Corps made the songsters feel very welcome and Sunday Morning Worship was a wonderful time sharing in scripture and song. Washed in the Blood (arr Mary McDonald), In Christ Alone (arr James Koerts) and My Midnight Faith (Heather Sorenson) were amongst the songs from the songsters and the Camberwell Band contributed to worship with Nicea (William Himes). Christine Clarke blessed us with a flute solo and Major Tim Lynn’s Bible message, Faith Put To The Test, was both a challenge and encouragement for all of us.

The weekend came to a close with the beautiful The Blessing (arr Heather Sorenson).

“The Lord bless you and keep you
Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace.”

18/08/2026

PROMOTION TO GLORY - Major Iain Trainor (Former MSS Executive Officer)

Today we give thanks to God for the life, ministry, service and faithful witness of Major Iain Trainor, a devoted Salvation Army officer, a valued Christian leader and a cherished friend to many.

Major Iain Trainor's life reflected a deep commitment to Christ and to the mission of The Salvation Army. Throughout his officership he served faithfully, providing leadership, encouragement and pastoral care wherever God called him.

Iain was appointed Executive Officer to the Melbourne Staff Songsters from 29 May 1996 until 15 February 1998. During this period, he provided valuable administrative and spiritual leadership to the Songsters' ministry. His organisational skills, commitment to excellence and servant-hearted approach helped ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the group and strengthened its mission of sharing the message of Christ through music.

Within the Melbourne Staff Songsters (MSS), Iain made a significant contribution both on and off the platform. As a member of the tenor section, Iain enriched the ministry of song through his enthusiasm, loyalty and love of music. His voice blended well with others to proclaim the Gospel, bringing encouragement to congregations and audiences both locally and globally – in particular, when he was privileged to tour his homeland of Canada with the MSS in 1997.

Whether in leadership or fellowship, public or private, Iain's ministry and service was always marked by grace and integrity.

As we reflect on Major Iain Trainor's life, we celebrate a man who used his gifts faithfully in service to God and others. We are grateful for his contribution to The Salvation Army, to the Melbourne Staff Songsters, and to all who were blessed by his ministry.
Though we grieve his passing, we do so with the assurance of the resurrection hope found in Jesus Christ. We rejoice that Major Iain Trainor has now been Promoted to Glory, entering the presence of the Lord whom he loved, served, and faithfully proclaimed throughout his life.

"Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:23)

Major Iain Trainor's celebration of life service will be held on Friday 21 August 2026 at the Balga Salvation Army, commencing at 11am (AWST).

The family have recently shared that Iain's funeral service will be livestreamed and can be accessed using the following link:
https://greenfieldsfunerals.com.au/.../major-iain.../

Please uphold Shelley, Sharon, John and their respective families in prayer at this challenging time of grief and loss.

[Picture of Major Iain Trainor in WA during MSS tour of September 2024 with then EO, Captain Paul Lorimer]

15/08/2026

We’re looking forward to leading and sharing in worship at The Salvation Army Camberwell (7 Bowen Street) at 10am this morning.
Come along and join us in person or via the livestream!

13/08/2026

🇦🇺✝️🇰🇷🎶

I’m delighted to share that the MSS will be undertaking a mission trip to South Korea for Easter 2027.

This special opportunity will see us sharing the Gospel through music, worship, fellowship, and ministry alongside our Salvation Army brothers and sisters in the Korea Territory.

We are excited to see how God will use this missional journey to encourage faith, strengthen international partnerships, and bring people together through the message of hope found in Jesus Christ.

🙏 We invite you to join us in praying for our ministry preparations, for those who will be travelling, and for the Korean communities we will have the privilege of serving and connecting with.

Major Tim Lynn
EXECUTIVE OFFICER

30/07/2026

Today we honour the life, ministry and service of MSS Alumnus John Barclay, who was Promoted to Glory on 11 July 2026 - as family and friends gather together in celebration of his life at 2pm at the Waverley Salvation Army.

John joined the Melbourne Staff Songsters in 1995 and served in the position of Marketing & Sales Coordinator until the end of 1999.

In addition to this role, John also was instrumental in providing production support to then Staff Songster Leader Rod Reeve for a number of MSS CD recordings.

Throughout this time, he had the unique opportunity to serve in the MSS alongside his daughter, Major Robyn Lorimer.

We continue to extend our love, prayers and support to John’s daughters, Staff Songster Major Robyn Lorimer and Meredith, as well as members of the Barclay family.

We give grateful thanks to God for John’s life, his Christian ministry and his years of service with the MSS.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt 25:21)

22/07/2026

We're looking forward to our upcoming weekend of music ministry at The Salvation Army Camberwell on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August.

Please join us in praying for our ministry weekend - and plan to come along and share with us as we join in concert on the Saturday evening with the Camberwell Corps Band and Oxley Christian College choir, followed by a Sunday morning of worship with the corps community.

28/06/2026

If you missed this time of worship in song, here is the link 🙏🎶💚

We had a wonderful gathering this month for Choir Connection under the leadership of Captain Nicola Salomo Poore. The concert is now available to watch on our YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/-tuMSujAg_4

21/06/2026

The Melbourne Staff Songsters were the guests of the Warragul Corps and were made to feel most welcome. The faithfulness of God was a clear theme as everyone joined together in worship.
The MSS sang Christ Calls (Dick Krommenhoek) and There Will Be God (Joy Webb), featuring Jason Geeves, as a prelude, and it was evident right from the start that God was in the midst of all that was sung and spoken.
Merryn Steel led a time of worship, Judi Agnew shared a message for the children and Christine Clarke blessed all with her flute solo as tithes and offerings were given to God. The Warragul Band set a contemplative atmosphere for Major Tim Lynn’s message.
The MSS also sang In Christ Alone (arr James Koerts), He Will Hold Me Fast (arr Andrew Wicker) and concluded with Let Us Go In Peace (John Rutter).
That afternoon, the Warragul Salvation Army building was filled to capacity for a Red Shield Appeal Concert.
The Warragul Band commenced the afternoon with a bright March, before the MSS and the Warragul Songsters joined together for This Little Light (arr Richard Phillips). The Warragul Songsters shared a variety of songs throughout the afternoon and the Warragul Band also ministered to everyone with their choice of music.
Timbrel displays by both the Warragul Timbrels and MSS Timbrels proved to be very popular with the crowd, as did a toe-tapping number from the Warragul Male Voices.
The MSS also worshipped with a variety of music, including a very moving duet from Major Robyn Lorimer and Songster Leader Jeffrey Clarke, Midnight Faith (Heather Sorenson). Other songs included Let It Be Jesus (arr Mary McDonald), Rejoice (arr Cliff Duren) and Throned In Majesty (Fairclough/Martin).
The afternoon was a great opportunity to share the gospel with the wider community, whilst raising much needed funds to support those who need it most.
“In my darkest night, Your grace has covered me.” (Midnight Faith - Heather Sorenson)