ABERDEEN CITADEL SALVATION ARMY
SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST 2020
GOD AT WORK Captain Emma Newton One of the things I love to do is to spend time outside in God’s creation. Living and working in a city means this takes a bit more effort! Since arriving in Aberdeen, we have taken a few trips down to the beach to walk along the esplanade and with the occasional ice cream too. This week we had a brief walk around Duthie Park. Many people had told us what a beautiful place it is and we certainly enjoyed the brief time we spent there looking at the beautiful flowers, trees and the river. I’m sure it will become a regular trip for us, particularly when the Winter Gardens are able to reopen.
are full of memories and emotions of significant events and loved ones. They have been placed in amongst the living, vibrant creation as a marker of remembrance and hope. This year has been unlike any other in living memory. Most of us spent the season of spring in our homes, with any walks taking place close by. We continued to keep our distance from each other as summer approached. Now lockdown is again restricting us from travelling for leisure. We have missed friends and family. We have missed praying and praising together. …Continued Page 2.
It is easy when we are in such beautiful places to recall God’s majesty and glory. So many verses of Scripture come to mind, and the songs based on them. “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1) was the verse, and song, playing in my head. In amongst the carefully landscaped gardens are memorials to different people and events. We read a few, noting who had gifted them, who they were in memory of and the phrases used to describe those people. For us, as casual passers-by, these are simply words on brass, stone or wood. For those who placed them there, they ‘A Thought From the Word’
‘Music Box’ -Page 3-
Captain Callum Newton considers Paul’s message of generousity and service to the Corinthian church. 2 Corinthians 9:15 ‘Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!.’
‘Getting To Know You’ - Page 7 -
Bandmaster John Still continues the Joystrings theme with a lively march by Norweigan Salvationist Eiliv Herikstad.
-Page 8In a new feature, we are hoping to learn some more about people within our Salvation Army fellowship at Aberdeen Citadel. This week we find out more about D.E. Margeret Ross.
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THE SALVATION ARMY
ABERDEEN CITADEL Serving God & Aberdeen For Over 140 Years 28 Castle Street Aberdeen AB11 5BG 01224 579 370
aberdeen.citadel@salvationarmy.org.uk
@aberdeencitadel Commanding Officers Captains Callum & Emma Newton callum.newton@salvationarmy.org.uk emma.newton@salvationarmy.org.uk
Part of the North Scotland Division and the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland Territory. Called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland exists to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we will be a Spiritfilled, radical, growing movement, with a burning desire to lead people into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, actively serve the community, and fight for social justice. Divisional Commander (North Scotland): Major Gillian Jackson Territorial Commander (UKI): Commissioner Anthony Cotterill The General: General Brian Peddle
GOD AT WORK CONTINUED FROM FRONT We have had holidays, weddings and parties cancelled. We have watched TV and listened to the radio more. We have learnt new skills as our regular activities have dried up. Meetings by video call have become increasingly normal. Hugs and handshakes have been replaced with nods and smiles. If we were to erect a memorial for 2020, I wonder what it would say? This year should have seen many celebrations of God at work in Aberdeen, through The Salvation Army, over the last 140 years. After the visit of the General, just before lockdown, we have been unable to mark the anniversary in any other way. We have been saddened to find that the whereabouts of the history books of the various Aberdeen Corps are unknown. In Callum’s research this week, he has discovered there have been seven corps in the city (Seaton, Mastrick, John Street, Woodside, Kaimhill, Torry and the Citadel) as well as multiple outposts. We would love to have been able to read the written memorials of events and people associated with The Salvation Army over the years in these places. Although many would have been simply names, we still share a common emotion of wanting to see souls won for Christ and demonstrating the Kingdom of Heaven here and now. As we look to next year, the Citadel will celebrate 125 years of the building being open.
We would love to collate as much of the missing history as we can, to create a new memorial to the faithful work of God, through the service of Salvationists over the years. If you have any photos, stories, newspaper cuttings, video recordings, orders of service or meeting plans that form part of the history of The Salvation Army in Aberdeen (not just the Citadel) we would love to hear from you. We can scan and copy anything you would like to keep. Whilst our plans for this year may have gone down the proverbial plug-hole, God is bigger than our plans! As I was reminded in Duthie Park, our memories, achievements and events are so short in comparison to the enduring life and love of Jesus Christ. An anniversary celebration is always a moment to look back and remember, but more importantly to look forward with hope to what else God has planned for us. As you spend some time looking back over memories, documents or photos, remember that those events form just a little bit of God’s story. They have shaped us into who we are today, but there is much more in store in the next chapters of God’s story. We don’t know when we will meet together again, but for now bring hope in the place where you are as a marker of God’s living, vibrant, enduring creation.
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A Thought From the Word
GIFT BEYOND WORDS CAPTAIN CALLUM NEWTON 7 In the War Cry of 19 May 1881, Captain William Turner related this Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart story: ‘A dear little boy, three years of age, belonging to the township to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a of Woodside, Aberdeen, has left another legacy to The Salvation Army. cheerful giver.’ This little fellow having been suffering from a severe affliction a long The farmer who scatters a lot of seed will not have much while, had managed to save up 6½d, which he has left towards The seed left at the end of the day, unlike the farmer who Salvation Army in Aberdeen… to-day he is in glory.’ Shortly scatters carefully and sparingly. But the farmer with plenty afterwards, this simple act of generosity and faith in adversity led to of seed left, while richer for now, will not have much grain the opening of Aberdeen’s second Salvation Army corps, Aberdeen in the store at harvest time. Remember where Jesus Woodside. Although the work was described as ‘a stiff pull’, all instructed us to store up our treasures. More than that, meetings functioned well and so full was the hall that hundreds had remember who we represent. God loves a cheerful giver to be turned away. The gift of one young boy, led to hundreds of people receiving the because this is the most greatest give of all, accurate reflection of salvation in Jesus’ name. himself the most generous “Paul explains that in telling about the Corinthian ‘There is no need for me to and cheerful giver. And generosity, others in turn have been inspired to write to you about this Paul reiterates in the farm act in generosity. Goodness breeds goodness and service to the Lord’s analogy that goodness people. 2For I know your shown will result in righteousness breeds righteousness.” eagerness to help…’ wrote goodness received, Paul to the Corinthians (2 righteousness brings Cor 9). Whether it was written with a note of sarcasm or not I don’t about righteousness. ‘11You will be enriched in every way so know, but it’s a statement I’d love to hear said seriously about our that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us church. That our service to God’s people, that being all people, is your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.’ done with such a keen and willing attitude that it goes without saying From verse 12 to 15 Paul explains the incredible nature of that we’d always be there to help when we can. Paul explains that in God’s economy of generosity and service. Firstly, your telling about the Corinthian generosity, others in turn have been generosity meets the need of other people, and these are inspired to act in generosity. Goodness breeds goodness and all people God cares about. In The Salvation Army we count righteousness breeds righteousness. We as servants of Christ should this as one of the essentials of our existence, to ‘serve be the kind of examples than inspire others to acts of service and suffering humanity’. Secondly, it is an act of worship and generosity. These are the things that change the world, the things that praise. It is recognising the mercy and love that God has let His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. given us generously, and still pours out upon us daily, and With the ‘well done’ comes an encouragement not to rest on one’s giving our thanks to him for that. Thirdly, it is a strong act of laurels content with what has been done at the expense of doing witness. ’13Because of the service by which you have proved anything else. ‘6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ,
CASTLEGATE NEWS -ABERDEEN CITADEL SALVATION ARMY and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.’ This is strong and good teaching from Paul. People praise God when they see that you act according to what you profess to believe. When they see substance in faith then they can believe in it, they can trust it. So many things in life are temporal and can lack substance, people are looking for something that they can depend on. Right now, everything that once looked like a dependable institution is being shaken to its very core and many will not come out on the other side. We see household names disappearing from the high street. Airlines that have been flying for as long as many can remember that disappear overnight. Banks struggling, governments struggling, the richest owners of businesses begging for bail outs to stop their empires collapsing around them. But where is the church in all of this? We are built on a firmer foundation in Jesus Christ. God has all the substance that anyone needs to depend on. The supplies of the Holy Spirit are inexhaustible. Do we represent our triune God with the same substance of faith? Are people able to see the confidence you have in God by your acts of generosity and service? If they do, Paul writes; ‘14And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!’
PAGE | 4 And it all comes back to this once more, the outstanding generosity of God that giveth and giveth and giveth again. Elsewhere, John simply puts it ‘We love because he first loved us’ (1 John 4:19). John Larsson took that final verse and wrote the simple, yet beautiful chorus; Thank You, God, for Your gift beyond words, Thank You, God, for Your gift beyond words. We thank You for giving us Jesus, Thank You, God, for Your gift beyond words. The sincerity of our thankfulness is shown in the sincerity of our generosity and service. Through this joyful giving heart, God can been seen. People are crying out just now for something they can rely on, we know that God is exactly what they need. But if they cannot find something reliable, generous and loving in us his representatives, then they will simply pass by. Do you really understand in your heart the gift beyond words that you have been given? Do you really show it? ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ (John 13:35)
Song 30
Song 76
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labors increase, To added afflictions He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
Down at the cross where my Saviour died, Down where for cleansing from sin I cried, There to my heart was the blood applied, Glory to His name!
When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources Our Father's full giving is only begun.
Glory to His name, glory to His name! Now to my heart is the blood applied, Glory to His name!
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. Annie Johnson Flint Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgxANn41NJc
I am so wondrously saved from sin, Jesus, my Saviour, abides within; And, by the cross, I a crown shall win, Glory to His name! O precious fountain that saves from sin, I am so glad I have entered in! There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean, Glory to His name! Come to this fountain, so rich and sweet, Cast thy poor soul at the Saviour’s feet. Plunge in today and be made complete, Glory to His name! Elisha Albright Hoffman Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY67hei4Lug
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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WHAT’S ON... SOME ONLINE RECOMMENATIONS
Please remain aware that all upcoming events remain subject to change or cancellation at short notice owing to the ongoing Coronavirus situation. If there is sufficient notice, changes and cancellations will be announced in ‘Castlegate News’ and on Facebook.
Saturday 29th August
Fortress Radio Sunday Services 11am and 6pm. Salvation Army music all through the week. “Take yourself back through a day of 'Army' activities and enjoy a day of music featuring Songster Brigades, Bands, YP Sections and much more. During the week, listen again to your favourite Army melodies including special broadcasts such as Songster Gems and Band Fest.”
Available at: https://www.fortressradio.online/listennow.html
Divisional Leaders’ Installation (Time to be Confirmed) Territorial Leaders’ Messages
The Territorial Leaders will be leading an installation meeting of our new Divisional Leaders, Major Gillian Jackson (Divisional Commander) and Major Steve Dutfield (Divisional Leader for Leader Development). Attendance at this event will be by invitation only in order to comply with COVID-19 legislation. Sunday 30th August
Available at: https://youtu.be/CoqdGei_SUo
Divisional Candidates’ Farewell (Time to be Confirmed)
“I want to remind us all today that it’s really important not only to hear the words of God, but to put them into practice.” This week, Commissioner Gillian Cotterill challenges us to build firm spiritual foundations that will help us face difficult times. When Peter walked on water, he started to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus - he lost his focus. Commissioner Gillian says: “Do not panic when you’re in the crisis but remember the important things: that God is with us whatever the circumstance… Jesus Christ walks the wave with us.”
Further details for this event will follow. Attendance at this event will be by invitation only in order to comply with COVID-19 legislation. Sunday 4th October Harvest Sunday Colonels Lee and Debbie Graves, currently in appointment as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development, are due to lead us in worship for Harvest.
Please keep all of our future events in your prayers, especially in these times of fragility in forward planning.
Songs of Praise The Rev Kate Bottley visits the Salvation Army’s Hadleigh Farm in Essex to meet the staff and find out about the work of the farm in the past and the present. One thing Hadleigh has been doing during the current pandemic is food distribution, and we see that in action at a local corps in Basildon, where Lts. Lizette and Paul Williams hand out food to those who need it. Kate also meets Lt. Daniel Holland, an officer in the Salvation Army homelessness unit who has been working as a nurse on a Covid-19 ward. He ended up catching coronavirus but has now fully recovered. We find out about the challenges and rewards this experience has had on his faith. Plus music from congregations across the country, with hymns including Strength Will Rise and For the Beauty of the Lord, and the Salvation Army’s International Staff Songsters performing three hymns especially for us.
Sunday 23rd August - 13:15 Available on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast.
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CHORAL CORNER Captain Callum Newton ‘He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands’. It’s a song many of us will have learned at a very young age. It’s a simple song with a simple message, but the message should not be dismissed for its simplicity. At a time like this when the world is all in turmoil, it’s always reassuring to remember that simple truth that God holds us all in His loving care. This video features a combined choir of 150 Salvation Army songsters representing their home countries - with Amsterdam Staff Songsters (the Netherlands), Canadian Staff Songsters, Melbourne Staff Songsters (Australia), USA Central Territory Staff Songsters, and representing the UK and Ireland - current and former members of the International Staff Songsters. This arrangement of this traditional song is by Lieut-Colonel Len Ballantine, the leader of the Canadian Staff Songsters and a former leader of the ISS.
Listen here: https://youtu.be/MWpwCE94L3w He’s got the whole world in his hands!
PRAYER MATTERS People and Prayer •
Pray for Aberdeen as we continue in partial lockdown.
• Pray for our community as many have been affected by the weather and flooding this week. • Pray for The Salvation Army in North Scotland as corps adjust to officer changes and navigate their way through the COVID-19 situation and serve their communities. • Pray for all those involved in repairs to The Citadel building, that they might work with care and precision. May they also experience the peace of God in our building. • Pray for the steady adjustments being made in our service to the community as we move more towards being a soup kitchen than a food bank in order that people have access to hot food. • Pray for the people who come each day to The Citadel seeking our help.
Never a prayer he will not answer, Never a seeking soul to whom the Lord said nay; Never a sin that his grace cannot cover, Never a burden that he cannot roll away. Old Song Book – Chorus 87
Corps Prayer Diary – August 23rd - 30th SUN 23 MON 24 TUES 25 WED 26 THUR 27 FRI 28 SAT 29 SUN 30
Clark and Ruth Wallace Martin, Sam Wallace and family Phillip. Laura Wallace and family Michael Watt Elsie White Alison Will Christopher Wyles and family Dorothy Young
The above are the names from the Corps Prayer Diary for this week. Our thanks to Major Violet for her dedication in preparing this important diary for us all to follow. Please ensure you take the time to pray for our comrades and friends in order that we may all together be strengthened and unified in Christ. If you would like to be included in the Corps Prayer Diary and have not already expressed this to Major Violet Leiper, then please be in contact with her or the Corps Officers to make them aware of your interest.
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MUSIC BOX Bandmaster John Still This week we continue last week’s Joy Strings theme with Eiliv Herikstad’s March ‘On Parade’. Eiliv Herikstad is a Norwegian Salvationist, musician and composer and he is known throughout the Salvation Army world for his music-making, particularly for his many excellent arrangements and compositions for brass band. Many of these contain music with a 'swing' feel echoing the American big-band style, he was probably the first composer to introduce this style to Salvation Army bands. ‘On Parade’ is a ‘big-band’ march written in swing style and featuring two songs written by Joy Webb and performed by the Joy Strings in the 1960s; ‘I want to sing it’ and ‘Follow’. I want to sing it; I want to shout it, I want to tell you all about it; The love of Jesus, the love of Jesus; It brings the glory to my soul. I want to sing it; I want to shout it, It brings the glory to my soul I can't compare it; I want to share it, I feel I really must declare it; The love of Jesus, the love of Jesus; It brings the glory to my soul. O, if you set out for the City of Light, Then you must follow, follow, follow. You must never let the Master out of your sight, And you must follow, follow, follow. O, you’re sure to get there by faith and pray’r, If you follow, you follow, you follow. O, you’re sure to get there, if you just keep a-following on
Listen here: https://youtu.be/1A9SZ0qB0dY Come on then follow, come on and you must follow, Come on and you must follow, come on and you must follow Come on and you must follow, follow, follow, follow. O, there’s sure to be times when you want to look back, But you must follow, must follow, must follow. You must keep right on that straight and narrow track, And you must follow, must follow, must follow. O, you’re sure to get there by faith and pray’r, If you follow, you follow, you follow. O, you’re sure to get there, if you just keep a-following on, on. O, come on, get started now there’s no time to lose, And you must follow, must follow, must follow. Two ways are set before you, and you have to choose, And you must follow, must follow, must follow. O, you’re sure to get there by faith and pray’r, If you follow, you follow, you follow. O, you’re sure to get there, if you just keep a-following on, on. ‘On Parade’ has been described as an energetic and joyful piece and even a light-hearted frolic!
Generally Speaking Evangeline Booth, (1865 – 1950) was the 4th General of The Salvation Army from 1934 to 1939. She was the first woman to hold the post. At age 15 she was a Sergeant selling The War Cry in the slums of east London. In 1887, at 21 years of age, she became the officer of the corps in Marylebone, where there was very strong opposition to The Salvation Army. Wherever trouble threatened, William Booth’s solution was invariably the same, 'Send Eva!'. She brought to the Generalship a wealth of experience in many areas of The Army’s work but never lost the zeal and enthusiasm of the early years.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOU Divisional Envoy Margaret Ross Which book (apart from the Bible) would you want on a desert island? A Short History of Nearly Everything – The author Bill Bryson is so funny, entertaining and instructive. Or The Complete Works of Shakespeare - I fell in love with his work at university and marvel at how many of his insights are still relevant. What hobbies or interests do you enjoy in your spare time? Family! Family! Family! But I also enjoy time with friends; history; swimming; walking and travelling. What is your favourite Bible verse?
When did you first come to Aberdeen Salvation Army and why? From birth because I’m a fourth generation Salvationist in the city on both sides of my family. Thanks to my parents and wonderful Primary Sunday School teachers, I knew Jesus was my friend from my earliest years. At seven years old, I responded to the Lord’s call during the song “Just As I Am”. I became a Junior Soldier and since then have tried to live up to the privilege of serving the Lord. My family moved to England when I was 16 where I became a Senior Soldier, but I eventually returned to Aberdeen Citadel age 26 which is my Spiritual home.
So many to choose from but the two which first come to mind are: Philippians 4:13 ‘For I can do everything with the help of Christ who give me the strength I need.’ Proverbs 3: 5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths.’ Which Bible figure would you like to meet, and what would you ask them? Paul. I’d like to ask about his experience on the Damascus Road and about the strength he found to keep his strong conviction through so many trials. Where is your favourite place in and around Aberdeen?
Breakwater beach on Greyhope Road holds happy childhood memories, but I chose to come back to Aberdeen because of When we can travel freely again, the many beautiful places in and around the city. We are so where would you like to go? fortunate to live in a wonderful country where the work of God’s To see the new babies born in my family during lockdown. Two hand is everywhere! of them were born on same day, one in Aberdeen and one in Dundee. I also want to visit siblings in England and the Highlands What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? whom I miss seeing very much during lockdown. Cliff Richard – Living Doll and Andy Stewart – Donald Far’s Yer Troosers (both bought on the same day). If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?
What have you missed most during lockdown?
Mary Queen of Scots. I’d like to try to understand the difficulties she faced on coming back to Scotland and the decisions she Family, friends and the Good Neighbours and Castlegate Chorus groups on Thursdays at the Citadel. Major Violet and I made which led to her downfall. have tried to keep in touch with our members through phone calls, text and cards as each one is special and has become a What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? dear friend. Do the best you can, when you can, how you can and don’t harm I’ve also missed undertaking duties as Divisional Envoy as I love renewing friendships, and sharing worship, with people I anyone in the process. met throughout North Scotland Division during my working life.
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GOOD NEIGHBOURS Divisional Envoy Margaret Ross Good Neighbours Summer Trip Good Neighbours meet every Thursday morning at The Citadel and everyone is welcome. We firstly enjoy a cuppa, chat and catch-up on how we are all doing. Then we break into groups to play a variety of table games and occasionally other activities. Some folks prefer to just keep chatting and that’s fine too – to each their own as they say! The aim is to be Good Neighbours, share friendship and share God’s love through our actions, not necessarily just words! Every summer we arrange trips out in order to keep in touch with each other during the summer break. This photograph (right) is of some of our members on one of our previous visits to Stonehaven. Banchory and Stonehaven are favourite destinations every year, although two years ago we celebrated our fifth anniversary with a coach trip to Arbroath. The Arbroath Salvation Army, led by Major Helen Young, provided a lovely meal and rounded it off with entertainment from the local Strathspey and Reel Society In the meantime, Major Violet Leiper and I will try to keep in who practice in the Salvation Army hall each week. touch with our members in the hope it won’t be too long before Sadly, this year there have been no such outings. Nonetheless it’s we enjoy our Thursday mornings once again. good to remember past times; times of friendship, sharing, and Lots more can be told about our Thursday activities but that’s caring. These days will come again - one day! for another time. God Bless everyone who’s patience is being tested at this difficult time, I know mine has been!
QUENCHING THE SPIRIT Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle You do not need to do some great evil, some deadly sin, to quench the Spirit. Just cease to rejoice, through fear of man and of being peculiar; be prim and proper as a white and polished gravestone; let gushing joy be curbed; neglect to pray when you feel a gentle pull in your heart to get alone with the Lord; omit giving hearty thanks for all God’s tender mercies, faithful discipline and loving chastenings, and soon you will find the Spirit quenched. He will no longer spring up joyously like a well of living water within you. But give the Spirit a vent, an opening, a chance and He will rise within you and flood your soul with light and love and joy.
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