DO you remember the 21st night of September? Apologies to everyone who just got the song ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire stuck in their heads –welcome to what the inside of my brain is like in the ninth month of every year.
That earworm of a track is a beautifully catchy celebration of love – it’s an uplifting banger that reminds us how joy can chase clouds away. Why wouldn’t you sing that as autumn begins? This, after all, is a time of year when Harvest encourages us to be joyful and thankful for all the good gifts around us that God has sent, whether that’s the very planet we live on, our loved ones or even a favourite band’s knack for writing memorable pop songs.
In primary schools across the country, another earworm sung at this time of year begins ‘cauliflowers fluffy and cabbages green’ – again, apologies. Whichever anthem is ringing in your memory at Harvest time, use it to remember to keep being thankful for what God has given you – and, like the innovative team at Hadleigh Farm featured in this week’s issue, to think about how you can give what you have received back to God. Say, do you remember?
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Stevie Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips, Joseph Halliday, Oyindamola Olagunju
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
Ahead of the International Day of Prayer for Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, Hayley Still encourages us to share prayers of hope
THIS Sunday is the International Day of Prayer for Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Human trafficking is not new. Modern slavery is so named not because it is a new form of injustice but because it has adapted – it is a modern version of a crime that has existed for a very long time.
In the Bible, we find stories of trafficking and accounts of slavery. The historical and cultural contexts in which the Old Testament and New Testament were written were vastly different from today, but our understanding of God –deepened through our knowledge and experience of Jesus – is that God is on
Reflect and respond
Visit salvationist.org.uk/ prayersofhope to share a prayer of hope, as well as access the IHQ resources for the international day of prayer, themed around Exodus 5:1.
Download resources for and donate to the 2024 Helping-Hand Appeal at salvationist.org.uk/helpinghand.
Learn how to spot the signs of modern slavery at salvationarmy. org.uk/spot-signs
the side of the powerless and desires liberation for the oppressed.
In Genesis 37, we read of Joseph, who was a survivor of human trafficking. In jealousy and anger, Joseph’s brothers planned to kill him, but instead sold him into slavery. We are told that ‘the Lord was with Joseph’ (39:2) through his trials of betrayal, slavery and imprisonment. Joseph remained faithful, trusting God in the midst of injustice. Ultimately, in Genesis 50, we read that Joseph voiced his forgiveness of his brothers. Joseph’s story serves as an important reminder of the power of faithfulness and forgiveness. It reminds us that – while we may not see how or understand why – God can bring good from even the most difficult circumstances, and that forgiveness and justice are ultimately intertwined – there is a reason one of the UKI Territory’s mission priorities is justice and reconciliation.
During October, both Anti-Slavery Week (14–20 October) and International Development Week (19–25 October) focus on the Army’s fight against modern slavery and human trafficking, both within this country and internationally. The 2024 Helping-Hand Appeal – a collaboration between the Family Ministries Unit and International Development UK – is also focused on the Army’s anti-human trafficking work. These next few weeks are an opportunity to pray, reflect on and
learn more about the issue. You can use the online Prayers of Hope platform at salvationist.org.uk/ prayersofhope to join Salvationists in praying for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, for hope, justice, reconciliation and freedom. Your prayers will be anonymous, but may be shared with survivors of modern slavery and trafficking through the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery team.
If you know someone who would prefer not to pray, but would like to share a message of hope and encouragement with a survivor, they can visit salvationarmy.org.uk/ international-development/helpinghand-appeal. You might also want to raise funds for the Helping-Hand Appeal to help the Army increase awareness of human trafficking and stand alongside survivors.
However you respond this weekend and over the days ahead, may we trust that God is with us, even in suffering, and allow him to use our experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. May we have the compassion and strength to remain committed advocates for the oppressed.
‘I
Ashley Dodds (Sunderland Millfield)
‘Vienna’ by Billy Joel
It’s a classic song everyone should know, but I usually listen to it when I’m trying to chill out or relax.
‘Crazier’ by Taylor Swift
She sang it in the Hannah Montana movie, which is years and years ago now. But I’ve just been to see Taylor Swift, and it was one of the surprise songs. So it was really nice to hear that.
‘Snow Angel’ by Reneé Rapp Reneé’s got one of the best voices I’ve ever heard.
‘Where Do Broken Hearts Go’ by One Direction
I love One Direction. I always have, and it’s such an upbeat song and it always makes you smile.
‘Jesus Will Still Be There’ by Point of Grace
I first knew the song through the singing company and we sang it at Northern Summer School last year. The words say: ‘When it looks like you’ve lost it all and you haven’t got a prayer,/ Jesus will still be there.’ It really speaks to me because, even if you are going through a tough time, it shows you God does have a plan for you.
• Based on an episode of Salvationist Radio’s Me and My Playlist. The podcast features young people from across the territory as they share five tracks they love. Listen to more episodes at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts.
am forever grateful for our Saviour’
Thanan
Simeray (Hastings Temple) shares
how her life has changed by following Jesus
FIVE years ago, my husband died from cancer and I suffered a massive heartbreak. It was also a turning point. It made me consider leaving the UK and returning to my home country of Singapore. However, I enjoyed my job and was willing to make a go of it, come what may. I was also able to spend more time thinking about the future.
At the time I was not a Christian, yet I felt that my behaviour needed lots of fine-tuning that our material world could never provide. I decided to read the Bible.
The Salvation Army was part of my childhood through my maternal grandparents. It brought them lots of comfort, hope and friendship at Balestier Corps in Singapore. In May 2019, I attended my first meeting at Hastings Temple. I liked the warm welcome and decided to continue attending.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, I suffered a major setback. I was isolated from my family. Zoom and phone calls were all we had at that time. Then my father died. There was a compulsory 21-day quarantine in a Singapore hotel at that time before I was allowed to see family, so I could not attend his funeral. I felt numb and heavy. Throughout those difficult years, I prayed and asked Jesus to lead me and help me out of this emotionally complicated situation. I was drained emotionally and financially.
assisting with media presentations in Sunday worship. I recently got married and I have been appointed corps secretary. My life has changed. All this because I decided to follow Jesus.
I am forever grateful for our Saviour. Through his death, my sins are forgiven. I have always had a competitive streak and love being part of a team. In Hastings Temple, I feel like a team player. I belong to Team Jesus.
There are many people to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. The kindness and encouragement shown to me by fellow Salvationists and my husband have helped me greatly in my spiritual development.
The following are words from a favourite hymn of mine: ‘O may thy Spirit guide my feet/ In ways of righteousness!/ Make every path of duty straight/ And plain before my face.’ Thank you, Jesus.
Have you got a testimony to share?
We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.
One day, I was reading famous Bible quotes and this stood out: ‘For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control’ (2 Timothy 1:7 English Standard Version). It resonated so loudly that I smiled. That was the sign: I saw the motivation to carry on and stay focused on Jesus. I felt loved. I knew then I was ready to become a soldier. In 2022, I was enrolled.
Today, God has made it possible for me to see my way through any situation. I am more involved in the community, maintaining good and growing friendships, learning a new foreign language (French), baking, playing flugelhorn in the band and
uld not d rs, I me and ned Bible od r and love nglish saw the ocused was 2, e for me tion. unity, ndships, French), band and
TRANQUIL SUNLIT STREAM
by Major Lynne Shaw (THQ)
Do you have a piece of art to share inspired by your faith? Email it to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration.
What
does it depict?
The painting shows a tranquil and sunlit scene, featuring a meandering stream, moss and plant-covered rocks, with shafts of sunlight piercing through the canopy of trees. When I first saw this scene on our TV, as part of a soothing video designed to calm the senses, I immediately wanted to capture it and grabbed my phone to take a picture.
How was the painting done?
For quite a few years now, I’ve been learning to use watercolour, and slowly trying to find my own style. Those who’ve seen my paintings say they can tell it’s one of mine, as I use my brushes in a particular
way, a bit like handwriting. This painting has also been done in watercolours, and over several days. I layered washes and added details, particularly depth, which is something I’ve struggled with over the years. I tend to start with bigger and lighter washes of colour, using larger round or flat brushes, and then move to finer brushes – and ones with interesting textures or behaviour – to add detail.
What inspired it?
As life has thrown one challenge after another at my husband, Darren, and me, we’ve had to learn to accept that much is outside our immediate control. Acceptance, peacefulness and
contentment have become big themes for us. This painting depicts that within its scenery, but also is the action of those things, as painting is all about being in the moment. With watercolours you also have to learn to accept when the paint and water seem to do their own thing, and I’ve had to learn when to stop fiddling with it too. It visibly captures for me both the painting process and the life process of discovering life to the fullest with God in the midst of the circumstances we face right now. Ultimately, this piece is about trust and hope, as we learn to accept and find peace and contentment no matter what might come our way.
A time of thanksgiving
Major Paul Hilditch highlights God’s grace to us
EXODUS 23:14–17
LEVITICUS 23:4–8
LUKE 22:7–38
HARVEST Festival is an annual treat when the smell of the greengrocer comes to The Salvation Army. When I started to read the Bible, I realised that for ancient Israel, as well as for Jewish people today, there are three Harvest celebrations. These celebrations have developed into Passover and Unleavened Bread in spring, Pentecost in summer and then Tabernacles in autumn. If you think that one Harvest Festival per year is not enough, try to fit in three!
We know that each festival is a moment to consider the grace of God in releasing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through to their arrival in the Promised Land. Before reading our three study passages, note that there are at least 600 years between the writing of Exodus and Leviticus and the writing of Luke. These biblical festivals have continued to develop over the subsequent centuries.
Our study passage from Exodus deals with the three festivals, while the passage from Leviticus focuses on the spring festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread. The passage from Luke is about the Last Supper, declared to be a Seder (a Passover supper) in the first three Gospels.
Each festival was a pilgrimage festival when the men of Israel were required to gather at the Temple. On many occasions, such gatherings included women and children, for example see Luke 2:41 and 42. Not all families could make the journey for each festival and, as Jewish people moved further from Jerusalem,
it was not always practical to make the journey. As a result, home-based customs developed that would have included the kind of celebration recorded in Luke 22.
Anyone who has ever catered for a family gathering will know that each of these passages disguises the background work. Add together Temple ritual, homebased celebrations, along with travel and accommodation requirements. It would have been a very busy time.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
In what ways can our busy times of celebration also be moments for acknowledging the Lord’s grace in our lives, our families and our communities?
The Exodus verses teach us lots of lessons in few words. Take time to read them and see what you notice. Here’s my list:
First, there is a pattern to the year and things happen at set times. This routine provides us with order out of what may otherwise be chaos (see v14).
Second, there are anniversaries of important events that are worth noting (see v15). For me there is now a year, which is poignant and useful in this time of loss. This verse also contains the command to not come before God empty-handed. We need to bring our whole selves before God for him to sanctify the offering.
Third, the first fruits of the harvest are to be presented to God, therefore we need to prioritise God in our thinking and doing; bringing to him the best, not the leftovers (see v16).
Fourth, worshipping within the faith community is a spiritual discipline to be
relished (see v17). Soldiers in The Salvation Army commit to be responsive to the Holy Spirit in the more obvious disciplines of Bible reading and prayer, as well as service, while our worship completes the list as a vital activity for our spiritual wellbeing.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Read Exodus 23:14–17. What does it say to you today?
Consider the details in Luke 22:7–38. What do you notice about this Passover meal and the new teaching that Jesus brings to his gathered disciples?
It was a great privilege for me to be invited to a Seder with a local Jewish family. The mother is a rabbi in Reform Judaism, the father is Orthodox Jewish, and we met together with other Jewish guests and other Christians. We gathered in time to welcome the Sabbath early on Friday evening and then progressed to the meal itself. The ritual around the meal was entirely in Hebrew, the meal was enormous, and we got home in the early hours of the morning from an event that combined the need for stamina and appetite, and included strong moments of worship, laughter and much more.
What is recorded in Luke is sombre. It centres on Christ’s teaching about his betrayal, suffering and death, along with other intense teaching for the disciples. Presumably, Luke leaves out some of the other moments. He certainly doesn’t talk about the preparation in any detail, although a man carrying a water jar must have at least raised eyebrows in a society where this was a woman’s role.
It’s Harvest weekend sometime around now in most corps, with some
decorations and a few sneezes. It may be that we reserve this passage from Luke for the days around our more obvious spring festivals marking the death and resurrection of Jesus.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Consider this passage from Luke and how it impacts you at this time of the year.
How do you continually recall the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus in your day-to-day routine?
The central event in the Last Supper for all Christians, including Salvationists, is usually considered to be the moment when Jesus takes bread and wine and gives it a new meaning for then and now. Although Salvationists do not have a formal celebration of the Eucharist, we still acknowledge the importance of eating and drinking in worship.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
If planning a Harvest supper, consider how you can make it as worshipful as possible.
How might you make weekly refreshments before or after the meeting a part of your worship?
Consider how meals at home can be more filled with worship.
As of January 2024, Prayer Matters is following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission. Each day has a theme, based on the five mission priorities. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER: CARE FOR CREATION – BUYING SECOND-HAND
Forgive us, Lord, when we disparage the buying of second-hand things, and deliver us from our fear of what people will think of us if we do. Help us to take our part in ending the throwaway culture. May your Church lead the way in championing re-using and recycling.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER: SABBATH PRAYER – THE BIG CONNECTION
Pray that corps will make new connections in the local community, that there will be significant conversations which lead to new partnerships, and that many individuals and organisations will want to join in with the work of making our villages, towns and cities better places.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – NEW LIEUTENANT – ANA LAYTON
Pray for the church, the community and me, that God will be at work in hearts and minds as we get to know each other. Pray for an infilling of the Holy Spirit’s courage and wisdom as I begin my ministry as an officer. Pray for me to remain focused on God’s vision and mission, to make his love known through the gospel message. by Lieutenant Ana Layton (Maldon)
TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER: SERVING AND CARING – NEW LIEUTENANT – ELIZABETH KITCHENSIDE
Pray for my friends and family to know God’s love, peace and salvation, and pray for a Salvation Army where everyone feels included and accepted. Pray for the Defenders of Justice, that our transition to new places will be smooth and that our ministry will be fruitful.
by Lieutenant Elizabeth Kitchenside (Harold Hill)
WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER: GROWING IN FAITH – SOUTH WEST DIVISION
Pray that people will apply for a number of leadership development opportunities that are all ready and waiting, that they will be able to get under way in the autumn. We also have big leadership concerns, with officers who are leading two corps, corps with no officers and very few people able to lead. by Majors Gillian and Paul Billard (South West DHQ)
THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – INDIA SOUTH WESTERN TERRITORY
Father God, pour out your Spirit afresh, that the life-transforming message of Christ will find its way into places where it has never been heard. Protect your people who share it and cause it to take root in the lives of many. We ask your blessing on territorial leaders Colonels John William and Ratna Sundari Polimetla.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – OLDER PEOPLE –RECONCILING GENERATIONS
Pray that our older people will share their love for Jesus, to help younger people in their own discipleship journeys, that they will feel seen and loved for who they are – children of God no matter their age. Pray that their wisdom and knowledge will be used in vibrant ways in their corps and communities.
by Ali Thornton-Dean (Older People’s Ministries)
PRAYER REQUESTS
MAJOR PAUL HILDITCH Degree Course Leader William Booth College
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and it will be upheld in prayer.
Doingchurch organically
Major Lynne Shaw finds out how Hadleigh Farm is building relationships with the community
HADLEIGH Farm is a commercial farm, with a rare breeds centre, a tearoom and a hub. It’s a place of natural beauty, and of environmental and social progress. It’s where people come to receive training and develop the skills they need to succeed in whatever they want to do. It’s also an organic expression of church.
The dynamic team includes Emerging Mission Officer Captain Wendy Watkins, Chaplain Captain Claire Whybrow, and community outreach workers
Zena Österberg, Tara Dye and Sheena Booth, as well as Bitbop, an African Pygmy Hedgehog who lives in the staff office. They respond organically to the community around them with the resources they have at hand. There is much for the farm’s team to give thanks for, and much is given back to the community.
Zena says: ‘We engage with people in new and different ways that builds relationships. We have the mission to build those relationships how we feel led, doing church the way Jesus would have done church. We’re going to where the people are.’
This year, summer activities have run alongside Walking Church – a chance to explore faith, while getting some exercise and fresh air – and Tree Tots –activities for toddlers and their carers – with an emphasis on getting outside in all weathers, collaborative events and Muddy Church.
Across 10 summer events the team talked to many families and invited them to a special Muddy Church, held on a part of the farm not normally seen by visitors. It was based around the Olympics and the theme of Kindness to Your Neighbours. An Olympics trail, crafts and a campfire were part of the fun, with s’mores and popcorn. Captain Wendy then shared a thought on Jesus’ teaching about what it is to love your neighbour, with kindness, and they sang ‘Shine from the Inside Out’.
Once the gates were opened for Muddy Church, it took a long time for the queue to work its way through. The previous year they had 170 people attend and this year they planned for a few more, producing 200 stickers. In the end, 352 people attended, the whole event being covered in prayer.
The huge number of people led to what has been nicknamed the ‘potato miracle’: only 105 large potatoes had been put in the oven but, with the addition of a lot of cheese and beans, only two people missed out on potato.
It would be easy to focus on this as the high point of Muddy Church, but the most important result was the relationships they were building with the many families who come time and again to different events and activities.
That same relationship-building is seen in the wider team, as corps officers, pioneer leaders and volunteers from the
local community, have come on board –literally, in the case of the Stuff on the Bus fresh expression that came from nearby Canvey Island for Muddy Church.
A different kind of collaboration happened after Castle Point Climate Action group approached the farm. Together they ran some environmentbased activities. They considered healthy snacking, the environment, planting seeds, identifying the droppings of different creatures, and the vital work of bees.
The farm team put together a Bee trail, talking about being kind, being humble, being patient. The Climate Action group spoke about the importance of bees to the environment. The children who attended each made a bee and planted seeds to take home with them. When Tara spoke to the appreciative parents, they said how much they’d enjoyed the afternoons, how much they’d learnt and what a lovely time they’d had.
Castle Point Clean Up Crew, a local litter-picking group, also collaborated with the farm, and both groups were very appreciative of the contacts they were able to make with local families through the farm. This kind of joined-up working across the community allows for the territory’s mission priority of caring for creation to be embedded in the activities of the farm. For example, the farm recently joined forces with environmental regulator Natural England for an ambitious rewilding
“ We’re doing church the way Jesus would ... going to where the people are. ”
scheme that will transform nine parcels of land on the estate.
Looking over all that has happened this summer, there has been much to be joyful and thankful for. That joy is being shared through the farm’s film nights and music afternoons and evenings –including the visit of Swift Beats, a young group who play a lot of 1960s music, and DJs who play hits from the 1980s or sets evoking the Ibiza club scene.
The farm and its café, where ample parking is available, allow for good fun, great conversations and for families and friends to relax. The team all wear bright red T-shirts, making themselves visible to the thousands of visitors, always available to help, support and chat. These conversations often lead to invitations to
other farm activities and build a stronger sense of community.
Being where the people are, engaging with the community rather than separating off from it, has led to the growth of Walking Church. Information about each walking session is shared on social media, spreading the message of Jesus further and wider than the estate’s boundaries. It continues the cycle of giving back what they’ve received, sowing seeds of love and hope that have been planted over time, watered faithfully by God.
MAJOR LYNNE SHAW Editorial Assistant Publishing Department
Noodle boats Crafts tent
The ‘potato miracle’ Film night
Making bees Captain Wendy Watkins
Muddy Church
Poetry corner
Thank You
As we say goodbye to summer And the signs of autumn show, The landscape changes colour With the leaves an orange glow.
The days start to get shorter With the evenings drawing in, And then outside it gets colder And the cosy nights begin.
Let us take time to say thank you For the gifts that come from Heaven, For the beauty all around us That to us he’s freely given.
For the food he has provided That is grown throughout the land, So much for us to be grateful All created with his hand.
LYNSEY GALLOWAY CARLISLE
Harvest Poem
This moment is eternity And still you suffer Though with joy
We meet and greet you.
Bring our burdened souls
To the oasis of your love To drink the cool waters
That flow, blood mingled, From your wounded side.
So, like grain we grow Nourished by the Son Till the harvest comes And he and we are one.
SIMON CAMPBELL ABERTILLERY
Come to the Harvest Table
Come to the table, bring offerings to God, Rainbows of fruits, things grown in the earth, A token repayment for all he gives us.
Mundane and exotic, all are of worth.
He’s blessed us with bountiful food and supplies, Give thanks and let your praises rise.
Come to God’s table, with all that you have,
Bring passion, compassion, concern and love
For people who struggle, who don’t have enough Of basic essentials nor know of God’s love.
A simple thank you is only the start
To showing real gratitude from the heart.
Come to God’s altar with all you can be,
Turn thanks into actions and practical deeds, With faith and obedience to God’s call
We can benefit others who live with great needs.
Giving ourselves completely to him
Fills the Harvest basket to the brim.
LEMOYNE BOWYER MIDDLESBROUGH
Living Branch
Lord let me be a living branch, Upon your holy vine.
Nourish and feed me with your word, And place your life in mine.
Cut from my life all death and sin, Like dead wood thrown away. Prune, mould and fashion me to grow, To be like you each day.
Replant me Lord where you desire. Be with me where I go.
So that my branch may reach the lost, To join your vine and grow.
MAJOR SIMON CLAMPTON THQ
A Paraphrase of Psalm 104
I will bless God with all my soul And praise him for provision whole. My God, my God, you are so great, You did a wondrous world create. On firm foundation you set earth, It can’t be moved from off its berth. The boundaries so well prepared, Dry ground would from vast floods be spared.
Provision for all birds and beast, Water to drink and grass to feast. You gave folk plants to cultivate, To take food from the earth they ate. Wild birds all have a place to nest, With animals a place to rest. All seasons will the moon obey, Whilst sunshine marks the start of day.
So many things you did install, In wisdom Lord you made them all. Your living creatures look to you, Reliant when their food is due. You open up your mighty hand And they are satisfied as planned. But if you turned your back, they’d die, Then lifeless on the earth would lie.
Your works can never be surpassed, Forever let your glory last.
O let me with my life God praise, Sing hymns to him all of my days. May sinners be removed from Earth, You answered that with Jesus’ birth. I will bless God with all my soul And praise him for provision whole. ‘He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.’
BRIAN COLLEY CLOWNE
No Need to Hang Your Head
To a sunflower:
No need to hang your head in shame
As if, somehow, you are to blame; Glory days are in the past
And you were never meant to last.
No need to shrink into despair
Craving what’s no longer there; Your fairest beauty, once in view, Will always be a part of you.
So bow – in thanks – then look ahead
And ponder next year’s flower bed; The seeds you leave will grow, and then Your radiance will bloom again.
And when we too are stooped and low, We’ll still have room within to grow, Then find beyond our earthly skies
That world where blooming never dies.
COMMISSIONER ROBERT STREET
Sharing Harvest
Taking a stroll down Memory Lane
Some of life’s seasons remain the same. Harvest for one was a special time With fruit and veg and plants and bread. The farmers on the land, how they toil And we reap the benefit from the soil. When I was a child we lived near the plots
My Dear Mum would decorate a large shoe box And then we would ask for produce and fare
And all the allotment for nourishment did bear. Then away I would go with my fruit and plants To church I would take my offering and thanks, Now I am grown with children of my own, They know this is how they should live. Amen.
DORIS CLARKE ECCLES
OUTREACH
Americans on a mission SCOTLAND
DURING the summer, a group of six young Salvationists from the USA Central Territory conducted a mission campaign across the North Scotland Division.
They were engaged in activities at Orkney, Shetland, Buckie and Findochty, Fraserburgh and in Stornoway. A number of corps across the division were grateful for the extra support as the group helped to lead the first holiday clubs for a number of years, often in partnership with other churches.
They also supported celebrations commemorating the first anniversary of the newly merged corps of Buckie and Findochty, including 140 years of the Army in Findochty.
Of course, no trip to Scotland would have been complete without a ceilidh, which was enjoyed by the guests and the various corps with whom they engaged.
The USA team enabled the corps communities to see the wider world of The Salvation Army, while witnessing the impact God is having on the lives of these young women.
They returned to America blessed and encouraged, as were those they shared with. – SD
DUNSTABLE The corps manned a stall at a community day organised by the council. Members distributed the War Cry and Kids Alive!, taking opportunity to engage with passers-by. The band took their turn on the bandstand and invited favourite songs from listeners. The day was a worthwhile initiative, with a number of interesting conversations, showing that the Army is alive and well in the area! Pictured are Toddler Time Leader Sue Thorne and Peter Goodchild manning the stall. – JB
OUTREACH
CANVEY ISLAND The hall has been given a colourful makeover by art students. The building is now adorned with eight paintings including a colourful octopus with the message ‘root for each other and watch each other’ next to its tentacles, and a giraffe with the caption ‘we build fellowship every day’. The collaboration started after Pioneer Leader Hilary Johnston visited USP College in South Benfleet, looking for paintings to reflect values of community, faith and fellowship. USP College tutor Dave Taylor said: ‘All the students rose to the challenge and were successful in producing much more ambitious works than they would normally attempt at this stage.’ – AR
MUSIC
GLOUCESTERSHIRE The South West Divisional Fellowship
Choir led by Liz Brewer partnered Crofts End Silver Band to present a programme at the Hanham Tabernacle United Reformed Church. The concert was well supported and concluded with a strawberry tea prepared by church members. The event raised the sum of £300 for church projects. – EB
OUTREACH
CITADEL The band accompanied the singing at Aldeburgh Carnival’s Songs of Praise evening, and played before and after the event. It was a great opportunity for outreach to the many people visiting the carnival. – DC
IPSWICH
COMMUNITY
BIRTHDAY
OUTREACH
SOUTHPORT
rehearsal. They were thrilled when 49
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
WELLING
BELFAST CITADEL
have had special anniversaries this year. This included diamond and silver EVENT
sweets and chocolates as well as a prayer
BRIEF UPDATES
MOTHERWELL A Summer Sounds concert took place at Calvary Christian Fellowship Church in
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland and a church in Ukraine. – HG
IPSWICH CITADEL
Chelmondiston Methodist Chapel.
WOMBWELL WITH BARNSLEY
EDLESBOROUGH
provided the accompaniment. As part SWINDON GORSE HILL A new
the corps community day. The money raised at the last community day paid
SUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTH
Furze Hill House chaplain Territorial Envoy Ruth Morey celebrates resident Florence’s 100th birthday
ECUMENICAL
God on the move at Methodist conference
SWEDEN
SECRETARY for International Ecumenical Relations
Commissioner Jane Paone (IHQ) attended the 22nd World Methodist Conference in Gothenburg.
Hosted by the Uniting Church in Sweden and the Danish and Norwegian United Methodist Church, the event was attended by 1,200 people.
Themed On the Move, sessions explored topics such as migration, pilgrimage, and guiding lights.
The Salvation Army joined in a panel (pictured) with guests representing the Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches, Anglican Communion and Catholic traditions. The Rev Tony Franklin-Ross (World Methodist Council) invited panellists to explain more about how being salt and light does not stop at the boundaries of our Christian communities and traditions.
Participants touched on seeking justice, caring for creation, listening and the apostolic faith. Commissioner Paone read a greeting from General Lyndon Buckingham and shared how Salvationists are loving and serving beyond frontiers.
Colonel Bo Jeppsson, territorial commander for the Sweden and Latvia Territory, along with Major Jon-Anders Marthinussen, assistant divisional commander for the territory’s Western Division, joined the full hall for the concluding worship, which included the ordination of 20 deacons and 10 pastors. – JP
SOUTHPORT After the tragic incident at the children’s dance workshop, the band performed at the town’s Bands in the Park. The programme included a time of reflection for more than 400 people, featuring the singing of Psalm 23. The previous Sunday, band members played in the town centre while a floral tribute was laid on behalf of the corps. The hall was also open for quiet contemplation and support in the days following the tragedy. – PW
OUTREACH
MARGATE Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Thanet has made The Salvation Army one of its chosen charities of the year. Corps members spent a day there, talking with passers-by about what is happening at the corps and what the Army believes. Pictured manning the stall are Lieut-Colonel Audrey Burrows, Cadet Hannah Carr and Community Programme Leader Jastin Chari. Another day is planned in October. – LC
EVENT
SHERINGHAM During a busy summer, the corps held six evening open-air meetings on the promenade, as well as hosting concerts by the West Midlands Fellowship Band and Norfolk Brass. The Old Hall in Runton also opened its gardens to the public in aid of Army funds. Additionally, members of the corps took part in the town’s carnival, riding in an Olympic-inspired bus decorated with flags and knitted hearts, titled Sharing God’s Love Around the World. The band also featured in the annual lifeboat service celebrating 150 years of the Royal National Lifeguard Institution, featuring the band. – MG
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
WELLING The community pantry provided children with books to read over the summer, with the volunteers able to talk with them about the books. It has proven to be a brilliant way of building intergenerational relationships. Finished books are returned and swapped for another. – KS
JUNE
SHARRATT BURTON-ON-TRENT
JUNE was born in 1938 and was introduced to The Salvation Army as a child. She attended Sunday school, Sunbeams and later became a soldier. After her marriage to John, they were very active in young people’s work. They had two children, Marianne and Nick.
After a time away from the Army, they reconnected many years later in response to a letter of invitation. When John was promoted to Glory, June continued using her administrative skills and supporting prayer ministry.
Due to poor health, June was unable to attend meetings and had recently moved into nursing care. However, she kept a strong faith and was always keen to share her faith with others. This was very clear from her funeral service, which she prepared herself. In the song ‘O Boundless Salvation’, she asked everyone who attended to accept this salvation. Well done, faithful servant! – CM
BEVAN SPENCER SHIPLEY
BEV met Iris in 1955, when he transferred from Tamworth Corps to Atherstone. They married in 1959 and started a family –Carol, Steven, Bevan, Ruth and Heather.
Bev and Iris entered the training college in 1969 in the Victorious session. Bev’s claim to fame was that he was the last Army insurance cadet to be commissioned. He was appointed to Liverpool Kensington.
Bev and Iris went on to be corps officers at Barry, Port Talbot, Williamstown, Barrow-in-Furness, Wallsend, Weston-super-Mare and Harrow. In the early 1990s, Bev opened a charity shop on behalf of Rayleigh Corps. In 1993 he became a prison chaplain at a women’s prison.
In retirement, Bev and Iris played in Shipley Band, where their son, Bevan, is the bandmaster. Other corps responsibilities Bev took up were the men’s fellowship leader, Bible study leader and band sergeant. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. – BS
MAJOR JUNE HATCLIFFE
JUNE Hatcliffe (née Lang) was born in Fulham but grew up in Battersea Corps. She was an enthusiastic Salvationist, often going straight from work to a midweek meeting.
At 17 she offered for officership and became a cadet in the Soulwinners session in 1954. At 18, June was commissioned to Outwood Corps, the first of many varied appointments. These included as a single officer Parkgate, Cudworth, Clay Cross, Eckington and Manor.
June’s outstanding leadership at Clay Cross so impressed her successor, Probationary Lieutenant John Hatcliffe, he was determined he must find out more about this remarkable officer! Thus started a lifetime companionship. They were married in 1959 and began a lifelong ministry together, being the corps officers at Londonderry, Guildford, Guisborough, Carlisle Citadel with Carlisle Raffles, Grimsby Citadel and Gainsborough.
A change of ministry came in 1983 when they were appointed to the Red Shield Services in Germany. June’s natural caring nature was so much appreciated by the families of the armed forces there.
Returning to corps leadership at Leighton Buzzard in 1986 gave June a further opportunity to reveal her wide-ranging ministry in a corps setting.
Yet further change came in 1990 when John and June were transferred to the Public Relations Department, first in the South West and then in the East Midlands regions. June’s adaptability was evidenced in her ministry for God in the civic and public life of the communities.
Retirement in 2000 led to involvement in the corps at Guisborough, where June continued to live out the words of her sessional song, ‘All My Life, I Give to Thee’. On moving nearer to family in 2019, she attended Dunstable Corps. June was admitted to hospital and promoted to Glory within days of her 88th birthday. – JH
LESLIE WESTWOOD WILLENHALL
BORN in Willenhall in 1941, Leslie faithfully served God in the corps all his life. He was the corps sergeant-major for 37 years and could be relied upon to have a meeting ready in his Bible, just in case!
Many officers paid tribute to his tremendous support in their ministry as well as his pastoral care of their families. He also represented the corps at Churches Together.
Leslie was married for more than 60 years to his wife, Joan, and was very proud of his two daughters, Dawn and Claire, and six grandchildren. His passion for Scripture led him to be part of Gideons International, becoming the local branch chairman and distributing Bibles in schools, universities and prisons.
Leslie’s Christian witness extended to the golf course where he spent many happy hours in retirement. He faced his final illness with tremendous courage and grace, sure in the knowledge of his eternal reward. – DW
JOANNE HYND BIRMINGHAM CITADEL
JOANNE will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, cheerful disposition and love of the Army. She was born in Rugby in June 1929. Her parents, Tom and Bertha Blackledge, were active Salvationists and Joanne was introduced to the Army at an early age.
As a young woman, she worked as a telephonist in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). With John, her husband of 68 years, Joanne worked for the Army in Zambia and Norway before settling in Birmingham.
Throughout, her passion was the encouragement of young people in their Army activities, and, at various times, Joanne served as company guard, corps cadet guardian and recruiting sergeant. She loved to sing and was an enthusiastic songster. In later years Joanne was leader of the home league singers and pianist at Cameo.
Her welcoming smile will be greatly missed by her children, family and friends alike. – MH
BILLY Stitt was re-enrolled as a soldier by corps officers Captains Emma and Les Heal. Billy was born into a Salvationist family and became a soldier in 1953, at the age of 14. He participated in many corps activities, including as a bandsman. Billy and his wife, Mary, were married at Kilmarnock Temple. Sadly, in the late 1990s, following Mary’s death, Billy withdrew from all corps activities, although he remained in contact with friends. Immediately before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, Billy began calling in at the Thursday drop-in, as ours was the only church community event open in the town. There, he renewed acquaintances and made new friends. In time, he accepted an invitation to attend Sunday meetings and has done so since. Recently he expressed his wish to recommit to God, the Army and the corps. – EF
STEVENAGE
DAVID Rayfield was welcomed as an adherent by the then corps leader Territorial Envoy Jackie Roberts, supported by his prayer partner, Cathy Tanner. David testified to his calling to attend the Army, to Jesus being the anchor of his life and to a commitment to serve. Also pictured is Jonny Rawlings. – JR
ELLEN Utting, Carolyn and Mike Batley, Lyn Davison and Elsie Pymm were welcomed as adherents by the then corps officer Major Andrina Downie. Each shared a song with special meaning for them and testified to feeling at home and supported by the corps and God wanting them to commit formally to the Army as their place of worship. Corps Sergeant-Major Mervyn Poore prayed God’s blessing on them. Recruiting Sergeant Linda Paxton is holding the flag. – AD
FOLLOWING a recommitment to faith, David Rennie was enrolled as a soldier by Major Beth Goodall, who had enrolled him as a junior soldier at age 7. David completed his soldiership classes with Major Fiona Partland (DHQ). David leads the Christmas toy appeal and works with a team of volunteers in the corps food bank. Also pictured is Corps Sergeant-Major Major Helena Boyd. – FP
Farrow was enrolled as a
and Rosie Knowles was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Territorial Envoy Dan Searle. Angela felt called back to the Army last year and decided she wanted to step out in faith and show an outward sign of an inward change. Rosie connected to the church through a friendship group and, when asked why she wanted to become an adherent, she simply said: ‘I love Jesus with all my heart and I love his Church, the Army.’ We praise God for his continued calling on people’s lives. – DS
IAN and Sandra Gamble were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Nigel Byrne. Having regularly worshipped at the corps for more than a year, Ian felt the Lord speaking to him at Easter about becoming an adherent. Ian testified to the continuing presence of Jesus in his life. A few weeks later, Ian’s wife, Sandra, also felt that she should become an adherent and followed in her husband’s footsteps. – NB
WHAT DOES BEING A SOLDIER OR ADHERENT MEAN?
Find out more about membership of The Salvation Army and the different ways in which you can make a spiritual commitment at salvationist.org.uk/membership
KILMARNOCK
LOCKERBIE
ANGELA
soldier
ST AUSTELL
GLASGOW WEST
NEWTON ABBOT
DAISY and Evie were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Major Diane Kinsey and Daisy’s grandmother, Christine Jones, was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major David Kinsey in front of a full hall of family and friends. Sitting around tables, the congregation were invited to decorate cakes and make Olympic torches as they focused on Joshua 24:15, to choose this day whom they will serve. Daisy, Evie and Christine are pictured with Major Diane. – DK
CHARLENE Hopkins-Ward was enrolled as a soldier by the then corps officer Major Michelle Huggins. After attending meetings at the corps, Charlene became an adherent and served as such for some years. Attending recruits’ classes on a regular basis led her to decide she was ready to become a soldier. – BB
CHRIS Peace and Sarah Martin were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Jill Colclough. Chris has successfully completed a 12-month rehabilitation programme with a Christian charity. He has attended the corps for two years and volunteers in the charity shop and drop-in, sharing his story with people who come in. Sarah comes from a Salvation Army family and reconnected with the corps a few years ago after a time away. Sarah wanted to be formally recognised as an adherent before moving to a new home with her husband in Yorkshire. Sarah has since transferred to Filey Corps. – JC
OLDHAM ROUNDTHORN
JENNY West and Sheila Pickstone were welcomed as adherents by the then corps officer Major Pamela Ralph-Barratt. After their church, Mount Pleasant Mission, closed in December 2021, they tried several churches, praying continually to the Lord to lead them to the right place. They are now becoming part of the church where they feel at home. Jenny and Sheila look forward to good fellowship with the friendly folk at the corps. Praise the Lord! – PR-B
CATHERINE Smith was re-enrolled as a soldier by the then corps officer Major Pamela Ralph-Barratt. Catherine is a third-generation Salvationist and was born into a Christian family in Falkirk. By the age of 20, both her parents had passed away and her three older siblings were all married and she felt alone. On visiting friends at Oldham Lees Road Corps, Catherine met Robert Smith and it was love at first sight. Two years later they married. Catherine had health concerns affecting her confidence and self-worth, resulting in her and her husband attending the corps spasmodically. After the promotion to Glory of Robert, Catherine felt God speak to her through her heartache and was comforted by returning to the renamed corps. After more than 40 years as an adherent, Catherine is pictured holding the Soldier’s Covenant. – PR-B
HOLLIE was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major Miriam Wing, cheered on by her brother, Oscar, her parents and her aunt and uncle with her newly dedicated cousin, Isla. Also pictured is corps officer Major David Wing. – MW
BELLSHILL
LEICESTER SOUTH
ARMY PEOPLE
International appointments
The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff
Effective 1 March 2025
COMMISSIONERS MERLE AND DAWN HEATWOLE, officers of the USA Central Territory, are appointed as National Leaders of the USA National Headquarters; Commissioner Merle Heatwole as National Commander and Commissioner Dawn Heatwole as National Secretary for Programme
LIEUT-COLONELS LEONARDO AND EVANGELINA FERNANDEZ , officers of the South America East Territory, are appointed as Territorial Leaders of the Latin America North Territory; Lieut-Colonel Leonardo Fernandez as Territorial Commander and Lieut-Colonel Evangelina Fernandez as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, both with the rank of colonel
MAJORS MARKUS AND EWA-MARIE KIHLAGARD, officers of the Sweden and Latvia Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Mexico Territory
Local officers appointed
ADHERENTS SECRETARY MAJOR LINDA BOOKER , Southampton Sholing
Wedding anniversaries
Diamond (60 years)
ANDREA AND BILLY ALLAN, Bellshill, on 3 October
Golden (50 years)
BANDSMAN/SONGSTER JIM AND SONGSTER RUTH PENTNEY, Bellshill, on 20 September
BETTY AND RAY WILSON, Sunderland Millfield, on 14 September
Promoted to Glory
SONGSTER HAZEL CAUDLE , Peterborough Citadel
PAUL NEWTON, Gainsborough, on 26 August
RUTH SHARP, Gillingham, on 2 September
DENNIS HILL , Rushden, on 6 September
Bereaved
BANDSMAN GRAHAM CAUDLE , Peterborough Citadel, of his wife
Songster Hazel Caudle
CAPTAIN CALLUM NEWTON, South Shields, of his father Paul Newton
HEATHER SCOTT, Chatham, Susan Pethers and John Sharp of their mother Ruth Sharp
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries
Sat 28 Sep William Booth College (Welcome to the Keepers of the Covenant)
Fri 4 Oct William Booth College (Territorial Advisory Council)
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest
Sat 28 Sep William Booth College (Welcome to the Keepers of the Covenant)
NOTICES
International Day of Older Persons
Take an opportunity on 1 October to celebrate, encourage and affirm the older people in your local setting. This year’s resources are themed Bolder: It Takes a Village. Download them at salvationist.org.uk/resources
Unsung heroes
Is there an older member of your congregation who has influenced your spiritual journey or shaped your corps mission? For our International Day of Older Persons issue on 5 October, we want to celebrate those unsung heroes! Tell us about yours by 25 September by emailing salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
Wales 150: 150 Days of Prayer
The Salvation Army began working in Wales on 15 November 1874. To mark this 150th year, join in 150 days of prayer leading up to the anniversary in November. Each day also features a story of faith and service. Follow along with each day’s prayer focus at salvationist.org.uk/wales150
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week, Hayley Still (International Projects Office) speaks about the International Day of Prayer for Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (22 September). Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
No Age Limit
Salvationist Radio’s show reminds listeners that there is no age limit to what we can do for God or what God can do for us. Join Andy and Ali from Older People’s Ministries for an hour of music, chat and testimony. This month celebrates one year of the radio show, with special guest Major Yvonne Field. Listen live on Sunday 22 September at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 27 September at 11am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
William Booth College welcomes the
with Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
10am
festival 2pm
MOTHERWELL CORPS, CAMP STREET, MOTHERWELL, ML1
VALEDICTORY SERVICE
Saturday 5 October, 2pm
Messages of appreciation by email to css-dhq@salvationarmy.org.uk by mail to Central & Southern Scotland DHQ, 4 Buchanan Court, Stepps G33 6HZ
University of Exeter
If you, or someone you know, is coming to the University of Exeter and would like to know more about the city or Exeter Temple Corps, please call 01392 216553 or visit salvationarmy.org.uk/ exeter-temple
All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion.
For more details email advertising@ salvationarmy.org.uk
RECRUITING NOW DOMESTIC ABUSE RESPONSE COORDINATOR (PERIPATETIC)
The UKI Salvation Army is committed to addressing the issue of domestic abuse wherever it is found. Working as part of the Family Ministries Department, you will action and develop the Domestic Abuse Steering Group Action Plan and provide advice to internal stakeholders.
Key responsibilities:
• Represent the Army to promote and develop integrated mission and research opportunities
• Respond to findings from the Family Ministries Department domestic abuse PhD research and other ‘best practice/ lessons learned’ and disseminate/ implement as appropriate
• Develop good working relationships with territorial, divisional and local teams seeking to develop effective responses to domestic abuse
• Write and present reports in line with mission priorities
To succeed, you will need:
• Previous strong experience of successfully working in a similar role, coordinating and advising on a specialist area of work
• Strong and up-to-date knowledge of matters related to domestic abuse
• Proven experience of effective project proposal management and delivery
• Demonstrable strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Strong organisational skills
This role has an occupational requirement to be a committed and practising Christian in sympathy with the doctrines, purposes, aims and objectives of The Salvation Army.
£32,590 – £34,187 pa
Working hours
Minimum of 35 hours per week with some evenings and weekends
25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; an employee assistance programme
Closing date Sun 6 October
Interviews held Mon 14 and Tue 15 October
VISIT OF WILLIAM HIMES (OF) AND LINDA HIMES
Saturday 5 October 3.15pm Rehearsals with corps band and songsters (all welcome) 6.30pm Open evening with Bill and Linda
Sunday 6 October 10.30am Morning worship 3pm Temple Praise
