Meet the Hantons!
Meet the Hantons!
Tom and Heather Hanton are the special guests for Behind the Red Shield 2024 on Sunday, May 19th, which will feature a concert, open house and opportunity to practice and perform with the brass band.
Behind the Red Shield will start with a short concert at 2 pm, followed by a wide selection of short experiences, such as mini-exercise classes, crafts, women’s and men’s ministries, brass band activities and more! Snacks will be available. We will conclude with the 140th anniversary concert at 4 pm and the announcement of the silent auction winners.
A Homecoming band will have rehearsal on Saturday, May 18th at 4 pm, followed by dinner. RSVPs are required for the Homecoming band rehearsal and meal.
“What I love about The Salvation Army is an opportunity to worship in community and use the gifts that that the Lord has blessed me with,” says Tom Hanton. “I also love that The Salvation Army has a rich heritage in music that connects us to the throne of God.”
Tom and Heather Hanton are members of The Salvation Army church in Oak Brook Terrace, IL where Tom leads the band and Heather is a corps sergeant major. The Hanton family loves the Lord and loves to serve in music ministry whenever they can.
Tom assumed the role of Assistant Territorial Music & Creative Arts Ministries Secretary for the US Central Territory in July of 2019. Previously, Tom served as the Divisional Music Director for The Salvation Army in Florida Division (5 years), Eastern Michigan Division (6 years), Western Michigan/Northern Indiana Division (5 ½ Years), and a schoolteacher in Flushing, MI (4 years). This included inaugural leadership of the Eastern Michigan Divisional Band, leadership of the Florida Divisional Band and Great Lakes Ministries team. Tom is an accomplished musician. He has been both a trombone and euphonium soloist with various bands throughout his career and has been a guest instructor and soloist at a myriad of summer camps and concerts.
Troy, 16 and Taryn, 13 were introduced to play instruments and sing at the Clearwater Corps School of Music. They have taken what they have learned there and have continued to develop their musical gifts. Both Troy and Taryn are aspiring young musicians who love Jesus and are using their talents to glorify Him.
More from Heather What's a good memory from your time living in Grand Rapids? "When Doug and Jan Rowland were corps officers, Doug would say every Sunday, “Are you all prayed up?” I still ask myself that question every Sunday!" What's something you enjoy about being involved with The Salvation Army? "I love the ministry of relationships. I’ve lived in 9 different states - and I’ve been to 8 different countries – all within the SA. I’ve met so many people who the Lord has used to influence and shape my life for His glory. Many of those people are from Grand Rapids Fulton Heights Corps!" What are some hobbies you enjoy?I love to watercolor paint, graphic design, Bible study, and singing…especially with the Central Territorial Staff Songsters! What are some of your favorites?Favorite podcast is, of course, "The Prepare Podcast"! We are foodies, but my favorite is probably Mediterranean. Movies – The Princess Bride, Notting Hill, and You’ve Got Mail. Place to visit – Florida Tell us about a spiritual goal that you have. "I long to be more like Jesus and I strive to trust Him more. I am daily surrendering – cutting the lifeboats and letting them go (Acts 27) and clinging to THE Life Boat (Jesus) to guide me through the storm and bring me safely through."
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