Salvationist 15 June 2024 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

SALVATIONIST

CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL OUR MISSION TO CARE FOR CREATION

Who cares?

YOU only have to read a paper or engage with other media channels as the UK enters a general election campaign to see the importance of clear messaging and then acting upon it.

In response to our territory’s intention to Love God, Love Others, The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland has set out five clear mission priorities: share the good news, serve others without discrimination, nurture disciples of Jesus, care for creation and seek justice and reconciliation.

Alongside our series exploring the territory’s values, over the coming months Salvationist will be highlighting examples of how the territory is seeking to engage with and develop its mission priorities. This week we are looking at caring for creation. In living out this priority, The Salvation Army is committed to helping change attitudes, resulting in a more responsible use of our planet. It seeks to provide practical care and advocacy for people affected by damage to the environment. People will not experience fullness of life unless God’s creation is protected and cared for.

We can all play our part, as individuals and as a Movement. The choices we make today are significant now and for the generations to come.

MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor

ON THE WEBSITE

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EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

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SCRIPTURE

(2011),

FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham

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The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.

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REPAIR CAFÉ

I know that was then…

As Euro 2024 kicks off, Rob Moye reminds us to believe that anything is possible with God

OBSTACLES, opportunities and dreams lay ahead of England, Scotland and other European national teams after Euro 2024 officially kicked off on Friday. The opening game of the tournament saw Germany host Scotland in Munich, while England will play Slovenia on Sunday. Each team and set of fans will be whispering to themselves: is it coming home?

Earlier this month I watched England in one of their final warm-up games against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St

James’ Park. I saw a large sign in the crowd being unravelled as the players ran out. It quoted the song ‘Three Lions’, originally released for Euro 1996: ‘I know that was then, but it could be again.’ It got me thinking and saying to myself: ‘Yes, anything is possible!’

Be encouraged by Matthew 19:26: ‘With God all things are possible.’

What are you trusting God with at the moment? Are you running along to his rhythm and tune?

Are you telling your story of faith to others?

Listen to Sport Faith Life, a podcast featuring Rob and Charlotte Tanner (Feltham) at salvationist.org.uk/ podcasts. Reﬂect and respond

The England and Scotland teams, although very different in their playing styles and set-ups, will be helping people in their teams to play to their strengths, making the most of each moment and minute during the tournament as they trust in each other to achieve their goals, and believe that together anything is possible.

Life is about making the most of each moment God gives us. Sometimes that’s not easy. Similarly to sport, our Christian lives are about being brave and taking leaps of faith, which often means stepping out of comfort zones and testing ourselves as we trust and obey – for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus.

Like the players who have trained to participate in Euro 2024, we must consider our spiritual fitness – as we strive each day for spiritual growth in our lives, as we persevere through obstacles in faith, as we grow in Jesus, and as we take those Holy Spirit-led risks each day of our missional lives.

We are a team. We are made ‘alive together with Christ’ (Ephesians 2:5 English Standard Version). Whether you love football or loathe it, I pray that you will allow Euro 2024 to be an opportunity for celebrating with and being nourished by others and each other, as you journey together with people in this sports-tastic summer. That could be during watch parties at your corps, big screen events within your community or as you open your house to others as a sign of hospitality.

Today, and every day, is about God and people. As you deepen and broaden your relationships with God and others, may you overflow with hope, as the power of the Holy Spirit continues to work in your life. May God fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him to help you play to your strengths and achieve his goals.

Let’s be bold and be strong, for the Lord our God is with us – and with him, anything is possible.

ROB MOYE

Sports Mission Specialist

Who’s the daddy?

Can you name all these biblical fathers?

by Garry D Reed

‘God

has given me more

confidence’

Nicola Magog (Sunderland Citadel) shares how God gives her strength and comfort through the corps

1 I am nicknamed ‘the Giant Killer’. To whom should I send a Father’s Day card?

2 I am proud that my dad helped Jesus carry the cross. What was his name?

IArmy, for the love I receive and for how people support me and pray with me. God has given me more confidence and I now help on Sundays by preparing the tea and coffee trolley.

3 Methuselah is my name. My father was a devout follower of God, and some say he didn’t die. Can you name him?

BECAME a Christian more than 20 years ago when I attended a local church in Sunderland. My friend, Sharon, told me about The Salvation Army and started bringing me to Sunderland Citadel each week. I met lots of new people and have become one of the corps family.

4 My dad was into boat building and weather forecasting in a big way. What was his name?

5 My dad was prepared to sacrifice me on an altar to God. Can you remember his name?

6 Can you name my dear dad, who rushed to Jesus pleading for him to heal me – his little daughter – when I was at the point of death?

7 I managed to trick my blind father into giving me his blessing and all it entailed. What was he called?

8 I am King Saul. Do you know my father’s name?

9 James is my name, a disciple of Jesus am I. My father’s name would be great for a character from a children’s TV programme. What is it?

Here, I have learnt more about God and, five years ago, I became an adherent. Just before Christmas 2023, I made the decision to become a soldier. I’m learning to pray more and taking part in prayer meetings. I also volunteer full-time in the Army charity shop. God helps me to do my job and get on well with those I work with. I’m grateful for all the friends I have at the

My brother, Peter, died a few years ago. We were really close, and I loved him so much. Sometimes I still get sad and need extra support from my friends at the Army. Having a faith and believing in God means I can ask someone to pray with me. So, when I’m feeling low and sad, thinking about my brother and missing him so much, it’s OK because God has placed me in Sunderland Citadel.

Here, I have people around me that care about me and who love Jesus too!

Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith journey! Get in salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. mo o h et i @ k

Have you a testi to to G touch at salvationist salvationarmy.org.u

Mission priorities Explained

with Major Heather Poxon (THQ)

Our intention as a territory is to love God and love others. How does caring for creation fit in with that?

God calls us to love him and love others. If we love him, then we love what he loves. He created the world and he loves the world so much he gave us his only Son.

Why is caring for creation one of our mission priorities?

The five mission priorities are integrated with each other. We share the good news – that God so loved the whole world is the good news. We nurture disciples of Jesus – part of discipleship is caring for creation. We serve others without discrimination and seek justice and reconciliation – when we don’t care for creation, other people suffer. How we behave impacts the climate crisis. Rising global temperatures cause the floods, droughts, heatwaves and fires people around the world are facing. Our territory’s vision is fullness of life for all with Jesus. The people impacted by the climate crisis who experience suffering and pain – that is not fullness of life. That is an injustice.

What is the biblical basis for caring for creation?

John 3:16: ‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.’ The word ‘world’ in Greek is kosmos, which means all creation, yet we often think about the world just in terms of people. God gave his Son that all creation would be reconciled with him (see Colossians 1:19 and 20, and Romans 5:8–11). That’s what we’re working towards.

Genesis 1:26: ‘Let us make mankind in our image … so that they may rule over the fish in the sea...’ We often see that word ‘rule’ as something negative, but if we are doing that in the image of God, we love and care as he would for something he saw as ‘very good’ (see Genesis 1:31).

Genesis 2:15: ‘God … put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.’ The word for ‘home’ in Greek is oikos, from which we get ‘economy’ and ‘ecology’. Economy is the management of our home.

share the good news serve others without discrimination nurture disciples of Jesus care for creation seek justice and reconciliation

Ecology is how everything in our home works together. We tend to think economy and ecology are separate, but we need to bring those together – working and taking care of creation. That’s how they were meant to be.

Psalm 24:1: ‘The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it’ (New Living Translation) When we try and control it, it goes wrong. Yet we like to be in control. I think we’ve become very enclosed in today’s world with our phones and computers. We kind of box ourselves in.

Job 12:7: ‘Ask the animals, and they will teach you.’ Creation was God’s first way of communicating with us. We have lost something of that learning from creation. We need to listen to God through what he has created.

What does caring for creation look like in practice?

The Earth is our home and we share it with humans and non-humans. The way I care for my own house – keeping it tidy, clean, healthy – should be how I care for our wider home. A recent global survey found the following to be the most impactful things an individual can do to reduce global warming: One, vote for a government with

good environmental pledges, because governments have power to make changes. Two, reduce the number of flights we take, for holiday or work. Three, reduce the amount of meat we eat. Four, reduce energy consumption in our homes and use green energy. Then things such as reducing food waste, recycling, walking or taking public transport rather than a car.

What’s the end goal?

A complete change of mindset. We need to tread softly and treat this world as God would – God loves it. Caring for creation is part of our worship to God.

What’s the biggest challenge we face in this mission priority?

The fact that humans don’t change their behaviour unless they or their families are impacted. Scientists are concerned we may have already breached the 1.5 degree threshold of global warming. It’s like a ship: we can’t put the brakes on, but we can keep it from going too far down this route.

What’s the most encouraging thing about this mission priority?

The engagement of the territory’s leadership with this mission priority. The willingness to invest in it. It’s brilliant and so encouraging. Also, growing awareness, as children are talking about it. People are asking what they can do in their context. More corps are becoming Eco Churches.

As Anne-Marie Bonneau wrote: ‘We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.’

• For more about the territory’s mission priorities, visit salvationist.org.uk/ our-mission

I believe God answers prayer

Lieutenant Martyn Bellshaw challenges us to pray in faith

ACTS 3:1–10

OUR study passage takes me back to when I was a little boy attending Sunday school and singing ‘Silver and Gold Have I None’. It continues: ‘But such as I have give I thee./ In the name of Jesus Christ/ Of Nazareth, rise up and walk!/ He went walking and leaping and praising God,/ Walking and leaping and praising God.’ As we sang, my friends and I danced around the room without a care in the world. As I’ve got older, I don’t really dance, but I’ve grown in my experience and understanding of healing in the name of Jesus.

In this passage, we read that, as usual, Peter and John were going to the Temple to pray. In doing so, they were presented with an opportunity to encounter the supernatural power of God. I wonder whether we go about our day with eyes open to God.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How does the ordinary rhythm of your day help you encounter opportunities for the supernatural?

Are you bold enough to ask for what you want and need?

The man at the Beautiful Gate was there to ask for money. I wonder if he was asking because this was what he wanted or because this was what he needed. The wonderful thing about God’s healing is that it is given in the way we need it most. This doesn’t always mean

it’s given in the way we want. This can be really difficult to accept.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How do you recognise God’s healing when you don’t always receive it in the way you want?

When we look at someone, what do we see? How many people walked by the man, looked at him, but didn’t really see him? It’s interesting to note that ‘Peter looked straight at him as did John’ (v4) and then Peter made the man look directly at them. Peter and John looked and saw with the eyes of Christ. They saw more than a beggar. They saw a person who needed to experience God’s healing. They didn’t offer him money, which they didn’t have. Instead, they offered him all they had: Jesus Christ.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

When you look at others, do you see them as Jesus sees them?

What opportunities do you miss when you don’t look and see?

This story isn’t about Peter and John. It’s not really about the man who was healed – we don’t even know this man’s name. This story is about Jesus and his work. Peter did not offer healing in his own name. He was crystal clear that it was only through the name of Jesus of Nazareth that the prayer of healing was offered. Peter and John demonstrated their faith in Jesus, who they had seen

healing people. They had also heard his teaching about the power of faith, so they put their faith into action and confidently prayed for the man’s healing in the name of Jesus.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

To what extent do you pray in faith, believing that Jesus will answer?

We often hear prayers that are eloquent and sincerely offered. Peter’s prayer was simple – he declared the name of Jesus, and then simply asked directly for what was needed. That was all that was needed.

I can sometimes get in the way of God’s working by complicating something that is extraordinarily simple. When we pray for healing, is that what we pray for? Do we complicate what should be simple?

What if God doesn’t answer our prayers? What if that man had never leapt or jumped again? There are times in prayer ministry when healing doesn’t come. I have found that very difficult. Yet we still need to give glory to God and, even when we don’t understand his answer, allow him his rightful place as sovereign over all things.

Pain and suffering are realities of life that I am sure we all question. There are times in my own journey with God when I have been angry at his apparent lack of action.

In my preaching, I often refer to my granny. She was a beautiful, godly woman, who offered much advice that was full of wisdom and grace. One such piece of advice concerned praying for others.

I was being bullied at school and really struggling with it. My granny told me to pray for the bullies.

After many months of prayer and conversation – and frustration at praying for the bullies’ redemption – I actually prayed God would strike them down. However, my granny very wisely let me know that prayer is about God changing us first.

So, instead of praying curses, pray blessings. Perhaps, instead of praying for external circumstances to change, we should pray for God to change us from the inside. In all things, we should give the glory to God.

God does answer prayer. That’s a fact. The man who leapt and jumped knew that reality. Peter and John knew that reality. When we dig deep in our lives, we know that reality too. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that ordinary rhythm of prayer were just as natural as breathing? What if we walked into our fellowships and discovered people naturally praying for each other, without the need to set aside time – although this is good too. What might the results be? I think we would see the supernatural become our expectation rather than the exception. How wonderful it would be to give God all the glory!

I declare: ‘I believe God answers prayer;/ He’s answered mine before’ (SASB 761).

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 15 JUNE: CARE FOR CREATION – GREAT BIG GREEN WEEK (8–16 JUNE)

Pray for those who have taken part in this annual event, caring for our world and tackling climate change. May God bless all that has taken place and all the local connections created. Pray that people will see a glimpse of God’s desire to reconcile all things and that the Church cares about these issues too. by Carl Jobson (Head of Mission Resources)

SUNDAY 16 JUNE: SABBATH PRAYER – FATHER’S DAY

We pray for new dads, grandads, stepdads, adoptive dads and solo dads. Father to the fatherless, we pray for those for whom this day is sadder than it is happy. Lord, for all those who forgot that today is Father’s Day, we ask you to bless them. by Pete Greig, based on a prayer at dirtyglory.org

MONDAY 17 JUNE: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – EAST OF ENGLAND DIVISION

Pray for the Growing Leaders course starting in September, that those God is calling to take part will say ‘yes’, for the team preparing to lead it, and for our new divisional children’s worker who will join us in discipling and encouraging our youth and children.

by Major Pam Pitt (Assistant Divisional Commander)

TUESDAY 18 JUNE: SERVING AND CARING – LAUNCH OF 150 DAYS OF PRAYER IN WALES

The Salvation Army in Wales begins 150 days of prayer marking its 150th anniversary. Faithful God, pour blessings on everyone linked to the Army in Wales. May stories of past blessings inspire them to pray for the moving of your Spirit in the present, and to seek your wisdom and power to serve this generation. by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts (Divisional Commander)

WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE: GROWING IN FAITH – BRENGLE 2024 (11–19 JUNE)

As Brengle concludes with a covenant service, we pray for all participants. May they return to their appointments strengthened and encouraged, filled with renewed understanding of their call to holy living. Thank you for every opportunity to learn and grow spiritually through abundant resources available to us. by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)

THURSDAY 20 JUNE: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – INDONESIA TERRITORY Pray for the territorial leadership team, Commissioners Yusak and Widiawati Tampai and Lieut-Colonels Hosea and Liliana Makagiantang. It’s the territory’s 130th anniversary this year. Pray there will be much joy in looking back over all that God has done, and much hope in looking forward to dreams that are yet to be realised. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

FRIDAY 21 JUNE: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – REFUGEE RESPONSE

As we reach the end of Refugee Week, give thanks for and celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. We thank you for the gifts and skills they share with us and our communities, and the way they help us see you and your story anew. Thank you for bringing them into our families!

by Ben Still (Refugee Response Manager)

LIEUTENANT

MARTYN BELLSHAW Corps Officer Gillingham

PRAYER REQUESTS

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.

The man with the plan

Sustainability Manager Brian Troddyn talks to Salvationist about the territory’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint

IN June 2023, The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland Territory declared a climate emergency. The territory also announced a plan to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2040, with a target of at least a 50 per cent reduction by 2030.

This strategy is a key part of the territory’s mission priority to care for creation. It is rooted in science, driven by data and inspired by the theological importance of being good stewards of the environment. It will require significant financial investment. It will span buildings, vehicles and more. And, in delivering it, the Army is committed to ensuring that efforts to reduce its carbon footprint do not undermine the essential services it provides to the communities it serves.

It is, in other words, a bold move. The man behind the plan is Sustainability Manager Brian Troddyn. Brian was hired in 2022 and has spent the past two years crunching numbers to help the Army become more environmentally sustainable. That has now led to a roadmap for the territory’s net zero strategy.

“ Net zero by 2040 is ambitious, but we want to be ambitious. ”

‘It’s a 16-year path to be net zero by 2040,’ says Brian. ‘We will need to reduce our emissions by 90 per cent and offset a maximum of 10 per cent.’

The long-term strategy has been broken down into three-year plans, with the first Carbon Management Plan recently signed off by the Salvation Army Trustee Company (SATCo) and covering 2024 to 2027.

‘We basically work out how much we need to do every three years to meet

our overall target,’ explains Brian. ‘At the moment, we aspire to reduce carbon emissions by 5.2 per cent a year.’

That will require an estimated total investment of £21 million in the next three years, but over time that investment will pay off in the form of lower running and energy costs.

The Army’s estate includes more than 2,800 buildings, including officers’ quarters, corps halls, Lifehouses, care homes and more.

‘The biggest undertaking, as you can imagine, will be helping existing buildings reduce their carbon footprints,’ explains Brian. ‘In the next three years, we hope to make progress with roughly 100 buildings, but we are still in the process of bringing in consultants to build up the specific details. We also broadly aim to improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of officers’ quarters – on a scale of A to G, we are looking to bring them up to a minimum of C.’

In any building, the heating and hot water typically makes up most of the energy consumption.

‘One of the biggest challenges will be moving away from gas boilers,’ says Brian. ‘We will eventually need to transition to a different technology, for example electric boilers. But if you want to shift to an alternative technology, you have to plan for it. Something like a heat pump, for example, would be expensive, and we wouldn’t ask someone to stump up the extra cost for that kind of change. There might be instances when a corps has money and wants to do something, and that’s great. But again, it’s about making a strategy, working out a supply chain and having those conversations. We can then have a model of what can be done and how to do it. We’re aiming in the coming year to install solar panels across several buildings, for example.’

Property is only part of the picture. The Army’s estate includes more than 800 vehicles, and the Fleet Management Unit is about to introduce electric vehicles to their provided lists for employees and officers.

There are operational factors to consider too, such as travel, and resource consumption.

‘There is a lot of printing across the organisation and we will want to think about how we can reduce that,’ adds Brian. ‘Beyond that, we are looking with the Procurement team at the whole supply chain for the Army in this territory from a carbon impact perspective – that will almost be a strategy within itself.’

The supply chain incorporates all the things the Army purchases and all the contractors and suppliers it uses.

‘We are in the early days of a strategy to look at the broad requirements of what we would want from suppliers,’ says Brian. ‘We would eventally be able to screen larger suppliers when looking at contracts and engage with smaller suppliers about the subject.

‘It’s exciting that a growing number of companies are making these kinds of changes. At THQ last month there was a supplier conference and there was a big environmental and social focus on that day.’

As of April 2023, the Army in this territory has reduced its overall carbon footprint by 2.8 per cent from its 2019/20 baseline, which is a positive start, but it’s a long-term process.

‘One of the hardest parts is getting things up and running,’ says Brian, who is encouraged by the support and investment from territorial leadership to make this all possible.

The net zero strategy and Carbon Management Plans are approved by SATCo. All property-related matters are overseen by the Property Director, while the Environmental Committee – chaired by the Secretary for Business Administration – has key oversight of the strategy and is accountable to Cabinet. While each Carbon Management Plan is a three-year step, the budgets for each year will be signed off individually.

On a local level, the Eco Church and Eco-Congregation schemes also feed into the strategy.

‘They are a real grassroots component that we want to encourage,’ enthuses Brian. ‘It’s about us all understanding how we can demonstrate caring for creation in a practical way.’

In addition to the positive impact on the environment, the benefits of the plan will ultimately be tangible at all levels, from reduced energy and maintenance

costs to healthy workplaces or homes, improving mental health and alleviating fuel poverty.

Existing initiatives already include solar panels on 19 Army buildings, LED lighting trials, heat pumps, having a half-hourly electricity meter contract for large buildings that is from 100 per cent renewable electricity, and, of course, the new THQ building. By 2030, the aim is for 90 per cent of corps to be registered with an eco church scheme.

One of the challenges is capturing data to measure all that progress.

‘My focus for at least six months was getting that data together,’ he explains. ‘It’s impossible to have 100 per cent accurate data, but you need sufficient quality data to make informed decisions.’

What does a typical day look like for Brian?

‘Anything from speaking to corps and local property teams to sitting in working groups or speaking externally. Plus I need a lot of time to go through spreadsheets! I like data, obviously, but I also like that I get to interact with people at all levels –Fleet, Property, the Environmental Committee, Territorial Environmental Officer Major Heather Poxon and others. There’s a lot going on!’

‘It’s a very ambitious undertaking,’ he adds. ‘But we want to be ambitious.’

What is a carbon footprint?

The total amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of an activity. What does ‘net zero’ mean? A balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the carbon removed from it.

90%

Target for reducing carbon emissions by 2040

5.2%

Target for reducing carbon emissions each year

Make do and mend

George Tanton investigates how a new repair café in Wales is setting a sustainable trend

THE war generation, living through years of rationing and austerity, would think nothing of having to ‘make do and mend’. However, in today’s world of online shopping and fast fashion, a throwaway culture has emerged that has a damaging impact on the environment.

In Gorseinon, Swansea, the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) has opened a monthly repair café at its donation centre to teach the importance of upcycling and repairing goods.

‘A repair café offers to repair products for free that would likely go to landfill,’ explains Business Development Co-ordinator Karina Hare. ‘These include clothing, household electronics, toys, furniture and bikes.’

The initiative aligns with the Army’s care for creation mission priority and encourages people to live in a more circular economy. It is also part of SATCoL’s Dare to Care environmental strategy, which focuses on three areas: giving products a new lease of life, innovation in textile-to-textile recycling and reducing SATCoL’s carbon emissions to net zero by 2040.

Majonne Frost, SATCoL’s head of environment and sustainability, explains: ‘The production of new items has a really big impact on the environment. It creates carbon emissions from the use of fuels

at all stages of the supply chain, all the way from farms to manufacturing sites. The more we look after the items that we own, the better for the environment.’

Social projects, such as repair cafés, support people as well as the planet.

‘As the cost of living crisis continues, people don’t want to go and buy new,’ explains Gareth Carnegie, the donation centre manager. ‘They would rather have the one item they’ve already paid for.’

As a community hub, the repair café also encourages individuals to pass on important restoration skills.

‘Repairers are always keen to offer up their skills,’ says Karina. ‘We encourage customers to sit with them to learn, empowering them to do it for themselves.’

Gareth observes how restoration work often leads to meaningful discussions and cross-generational connections: ‘You get the history of an item, how it’s been in a family for generations. We had a china figurine that belonged to a customer’s mother, and it had a little chip in it, but we managed to repair it because they had kept the piece. Something like that goes a long way, especially when you hear the chat between the repairer and customer. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.’

‘Our jewellery specialist told me that most of the items she repairs aren’t

necessarily valuable, but often the memories behind something make the piece priceless to its owner,’ says Karina. ‘She recalled repairing a clasp on a necklace for a customer who was 102 years old – the necklace had been given to her by her late husband during the Second World War.’

All types of people volunteer for the repair café.

‘We’ve got IT specialists and retired nurses,’ says Karina. ‘Sometimes volunteers have a keen interest in repairs and just want more experience.’

The repair café is growing in popularity. People from as far as Bridgend have brought items in. While it can proudly claim to be SATCoL’s first, it plans to establish another in Coventry with support from Repair Café International.

Majonne encourages the trend to continue.

‘The main thing you will need to get started are some enthusiastic volunteers,’ she suggests. ‘Once you get up and running there are bound to be other volunteers who come forward.’

GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Stevie Hope explores the spiritual value of animal companionship

ACCORDING to the Animal Kindness Index 2023, 69 per cent of people in the UK consider themselves animal lovers. There are certainly Salvationists among them, as corps across the territory share in animal-related ministry.

Major Vivienne Prescott (Forest of Dean) has been working with animals for the past 18 years. A key insight for her has been the two-way nature of animal companionship and what animals can show us about their Creator.

‘In Matthew 6:25–33, Jesus taught us to not worry about life – what we’ll eat, what we’ll wear,’ Vivienne explains. ‘Animals live that out. Working so closely with my more-than-human family challenges me to do the same.

‘I learn so much more about my Creator God because I am in relationship with a sheep. I know that sounds bizarre, but I see God’s nature in my sheep, my dog, my cat, my chickens. I see the continuity, the stability, the love, the faithfulness, the compassion, the strength of his nature in the animals I share my life with.’

When people think of caring for creation, their minds immediately go to trees and leaves. But God’s creation is so much more than just the flora – there’s plenty of fauna to care for too. How open are you to the lessons that God can teach us through them?

STEVIE HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Caring for creatures

Brengle the therapy dog

Middlesbrough

Captain Naomi Kelly

Spending time with Brengle as a therapy dog is wonderful. I’m fortunate God has trusted him into my care.

Many people live with pent-up frustrations and worries, and Brengle offers an outlet. People who won’t talk to people will often talk to dogs, and when they interact with him I see their whole posture relax. He also creates opportunities for deeper conversations, opening doors to my own ministry.

Caring for creation has a lot of sides. God trusted Brengle – part of creation – to me, another part of creation. I care for him, and he cares for other humans. It’s beautiful.

A pet blessing party

Hadleigh Farm Community Outreach Worker

Zena Österberg

Our first pet-themed Muddy Church was a Paw and Claw Pet Blessing Party. We wanted to celebrate and bless this part of family life and let our families know that what is important to them is important to us.

Pets are a source of joy, fun and love, and they offer a united family focus. Losing a pet is often the first big loss in a child’s life, so we remembered much-loved departed pets as part of the service.

The extra fun of bringing pets added to the Muddy Church atmosphere, and we were asked to make it an annual event!

Paws Pantry

Edinburgh Granton Territorial Envoy Andrew Howe

During Covid-19 restrictions, we identified that food bank beneficiaries requested pet food supplies. As services returned to normal, we partnered Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home to launch Paws Pantry, a welcoming pet-friendly environment offering place-based support, fellowship and guidance. As demand grew, the corps took ownership.

In 2023, the corps supported 1,800 pets and owners. The year culminated in a pet blessing. The informal service included worship, remembrance and Scripture, before an opportunity to pray over each pet and family. We acknowledged the blessing the pet had been and asked God to protect and bless them in the year to come.

Stornoway Supporting, serving and saving

A growing fellowship

Stornoway is the main port into the Western Isles and the Isle of Lewis. The corps is small and not very old, recently celebrating its 40th anniversary. We have a predominantly older fellowship, which is expanding. The range of people joining us keeps everyone open-minded to growth and diversity. Our son is the youngest member at just a year old and our oldest member is 92 years old.

We arrived in July 2020, after our livestreamed commissioning during the Covid-19 pandemic. There wasn’t much we could do because the hall had to be closed, but we were full of the fire of the Holy Spirit, wanting to get out and do stuff. It was frustrating, but we decided to look at what the corps had been doing.

Fast Facts

DIVISION: North Scotland

CORPS OFFICERS: Lieutenants

Christopher and Faith Thompson

FIND US ONLINE: salvationarmy. org.uk/stornoway

Environmental efforts

The previous officers registered the corps with Eco-Congregation Scotland and, although we didn’t really know what that was, we had time on our hands to find out. We discovered that others were passionate about the environment and we developed from there. There were lots of easy fixes, such as recycling and putting thermostats in the hall and, by committing to prayer times and including caring for creation in Bible study discussions, we made it a missional priority. We submitted a proposal last year, had our interview in January, and received a Bronze award. We’re already well on our way towards a Silver.

Island intricacies

Island living can be isolating, tough and more costly than on the mainland, as food and fuel costs are increased due to the remote location. A lot of our corps folk don’t live in town, with many living in Point. If it’s bad weather, the causeway is often closed, and many are unable to get into town. We wanted to support each other in this and recognise how our faith links to it, so we started giving people lifts to Sunday worship. We also combined our weekly programme

into one day – Welcome Wednesdays – which means people who can’t make numerous trips into town can attend. It also means a focused approach to prayer, study and fellowship.

We are extremely blessed to live in such a beautiful part of Scotland with community at its heart. All over the island, villagers know and support one another. Isolation can create a sense of togetherness. It connects us to the wonderful landscapes, enhancing our need to care for creation.

Mindful in mission

With attendance on the increase, we’re encouraging the corps to be more selfsufficient, because we know not every corps is guaranteed an officer. We have new people stepping up and we’re seeing God working, which is exciting.

Our vision is that we will be a loving fellowship that knows what it is to be accepting and welcoming to all who wish to belong to God’s church within the Western Isles. Our mission is to worship God, to support each other and to serve our community.

We ask readers to pray that we stay true to our vision and mission, accepting people for who they are and where they are, and letting God do the rest. We pray for confidence in ourselves and in the knowledge that God’s going to equip the work where we are. We pray that we continue to listen to God’s promptings and have the confidence to go with them.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ECO CHURCH? Email environment@salvationarmy.org.uk or visit salvationist.org.uk/environment

MUSIC

NORWICH CITADEL A Saturday evening concert with the International Staff Band included a diverse selection of items old and new. Martin Cordner’s ‘Koinonia’ was coupled with a moving video presentation and message by Lieut-Colonel Paul Kingscott (THQ). During worship the next day, International Staff Bandsman Jonathan Evans gave his testimony, speaking about having faith in God even in the most challenging times. The meeting was followed by Church on the Street, with the ISB and corps band marching into the city centre, following William Booth’s command to ‘get a drum and rouse Norwich from one end to the other’. – AB

ENVIRONMENT

Symposium explores caring for creation

IHQ

THE Salvation Army’s International Development Services hosted a three-day online symposium exploring caring for the environment.

Climate Change for Adaptation and Resilience in the Global South called everyone to see caring for the environment and responding to the climate crisis as part of caring for one another and themselves.

General Lyndon Buckingham, along with Treasure Umoh (Nigeria Territory) and Blessed Kachepa (Zambia Territory), gave a sage reminder that we are not just responsible for God’s creation but that we, his children, are part of that creation.

More than 300 participants from over 50 countries learnt from and shared topics that ranged from the biblical basis for climate care to the global picture and what other organisations are doing. Sector-specific case studies focused on community health, human trafficking, gender inequity, water, sanitation and hygiene, and agriculture.

Presenters and delegates shared their lived experience of the direct impact of climate change. Diverse and innovative Army ministries around the world to mitigate against these effects were showcased.

‘We need to devise sustainable strategies for the future,’ said Territorial Commander Colonel Diana MacDonald (Pakistan Territory). ‘All sessions at the symposium have reconfirmed our commitment to contribute to creating a better world around us.’

‘Climate change is real,’ proclaimed George Obondo, a project manager from the Kenya East Territory, in his powerful and inspiring presentation. ‘And it is our responsibility, as we respond, to not leave anyone behind.’ – AR

ENVIRONMENT

Army begins rewilding project

HADLEIGH FARM

THE Salvation Army is joining forces with environmental regulator Natural England for an ambitious rewilding scheme.

The project will transform 240 hectares of the estate to encourage an array of wildlife to make Hadleigh Farm its home.

On nine parcels of land, plant species native to wet grasslands will be introduced, which is the preferred habitat for birds such as sparrows, skylarks, linnets, yellowhammers, grey partridges, wintering waders and wildfowl.

It is hoped that the restoration of grassland will also encourage protected species, including the great crested newt and slow worms, to make Hadleigh their home.

Hadleigh Estate Director Ciaran Egan said he was looking forward to the work getting started: ‘Once work is complete and the different parcels of land have had the opportunity to fully establish, the vista will be a natural corridor with a rich diversity of wildlife.

‘We’re particularly excited about the creation of the wet grassland areas and other land, which will allow us to introduce grazing around the site. It will add to the natural beauty of a day out at Hadleigh Farm while bringing about significant benefit to the environment.’

The majority of the designated area is currently open grassland covered with scrub, with some currently used as farmland.

Work on the project is set to continue throughout the summer until the end of 2024. – AR

EVENT

DEWDOWN HOUSE Residents at the care home enjoyed a virtual sightseeing tour of Italy, America, Japan, China and the UK. The dining room was decorated by staff and volunteers to look like a cruise ship and international cuisine was provided. Activities included playing traditional instruments, writing Chinese calligraphy and learning languages. While some passengers had never travelled abroad before, all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. – AR

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Forum attends launch of reconciliation programme

LAMBETH PALACE

THE newly formed Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Youth Forum received an invitation from the Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby to the launch of his new Difference programme for young people.

This adapted version of the course, which has been running in churches and prisons for some time, equips young people to cross divides, navigate disagreement, practise forgiveness and pursue a just and flourishing world.

Focusing on themes of Justice and Reconciliation, the event brought together Christians from across the UK into an environment where they could make connections and educate themselves.

The archbishop met with the Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Forum and they were able to talk about the forum’s work. They were invited to bring signs to display at the opening of the event along with the other young people present.

One side of the signs revealed an injustice in the world and the other something good they wanted to see in the world. It was heartbreaking to hear some of the stories people gave as explanations for their responses.

The archbishop delivered a moving address, remarking on his time in Kensington, Philadelphia – a neighbourhood so overrun with crime that the police had given up on them. He passed around a cross, made from the metal of guns and surrendered to a Christian organisation helping to clean up the street. He spoke of the injustice in this world and how he wanted to see it changed.

It was powerful and an invaluable experience. – BM

• Find out more about Difference for young people at difference.rln.global/youngpeople

MUSIC

BIRMINGHAM CITADEL The senior and YP bands united to present By Request, where the audience decided what would be played during the second half of the concert. Voting was in the form of donations to support young people wanting to attend music camps and summer schools. Pieces included ‘To the Chief Musician’ and ‘Symphony of Thanksgiving’ for the senior band and ‘The Break of Day’ and ‘The Avengers’ for the YP band, which has recently been expanded by 14 graduates from the learner’s programme. – RO

EVENT

LONDON Corps officers Captains Clare and Robert Davis (Leigh-on-Sea) were invited by Anna Firth to a reception honouring community childcare champions at 10 Downing Street. The corps is home to the Smiley Centre for Children, the oldest Army-run preschool in the country. As well as networking with education providers, Captains Clare and Robert spoke to David Johnston MP, minister for children, families and wellbeing, who hosted the event. – AR

COMMUNITY

KEIGHLEY The corps has launched the Army’s Victory Programme, a six-week course that teaches simple cooking skills as well as helping people gain confidence and make new friends. The programme launched following the success of Cook and Eat sessions, which helped more than 40 families. The hope is that these courses will help those who regularly use the food bank, which has an average of 40 to 60 clients a week. – AR

MUSIC

ENFIELD The corps held its first Spring Festival after a five-year break. A packed hall, with many attending from the community, enjoyed a variety of music, including ‘Tomado De La Mano’. The songsters presented ‘O Happy Day’, ‘God Forgives and Forgets’ and ‘If You Would Be Strong’. In band tradition, the evening concluded with the march ‘The Red Shield’, before the congregation enjoyed coffee and cake. – SF

PAT Donkin was highly commended at an awards evening for inspirational women organised by Harrogate Soroptimists. Pat has been selling War Cry for 20 years, raising about £3,000 a year for the community. Corps officer Captain Yvonne West said: ‘For a lot of people, their connection with the Army is through Pat. She might be the only person they talk to that day. This led to us starting our coffee ministry in a nearby café, where Pat signposts people who want some help or just a chat. We couldn’t do it without her.’ – AR

THE corps celebrated Catherine Murphy’s 30 years of dedicated service to Girlguiding and continued hard work with church parade. Catherine (centre) is pictured with corps officers Captains Chris and Lucy Still and guiding commissioners. – LS

IT was a privilege to express gratitude to Songster Leader Ian Malcolm as he retired after more than 37 years’ service. He received a retirement certificate from Divisional Commander Major David Taylor. – PH

THE Territorial Advisory Council (TAC) marked the retirement of Stuart Bate (Preston) after 18 years’ service – including 13 years as chair. Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main presented Stuart with a certificate of recognition and thanked him for his service. Stuart also received a framed word cloud from incoming chair Sonya Pascoe (Belfast Sydenham). Words for the cloud were provided by current and past members who were asked what came to mind when thinking of Stuart and his leadership. Suggestions included honourable, caring, gifted, wise, calm, humble and encouraging, and paid tribute to his leadership abilities as well as his wit and sense of fun! Stuart will be sadly missed, but it was recognised that God has much more in store for him. – MS

EMPLOYMENT Plus pioneer Cara Upham was thanked for her service at the corps as she moves to Cornwall to pioneer the scheme there. Cara joined in many events and initiatives and helped the corps to be more holistic in its outlook. Although sad she is leaving, we are glad she is staying with the service to start it in a new area. Cara is pictured with corps officer Captain Martin Davison, receiving a copy of Light of the World by Hannah Dunnett – an appropriate gift for someone who has brought hope and caring to people who were often living through darkness, frustration and despair. The corps has been blessed to have Cara as part of their mission team. – MD

WETHERBY

SALISBURY

WALLSEND

STOCKPORT CITADEL

GUISBOROUGH

ALISON Manley was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer

Major Antony Mugford. Alison was brought up in the corps but drifted away for a number of years. She began attending again and became an adherent but recently felt called back into soldiership. Also pictured is Major Fiona Mugford and Corps Sergeant-Major Geoff Blott holding the flag. – SS

BOSCOMBE

KEIRA Allcock was enrolled as a soldier and Lee Irving and Jay King were welcomed as adherents by corps officer

Major Jane Alton. They all made commitments following attendance at a corps Alpha course. – JA

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD

TERRITORIAL Leader Commissioner Paul Main enrolled Maggie, Zelda and Amelia as junior soldiers during Easter celebrations at the corps. Zelda and Amelia initially came to the corps through the holiday club with their grandparents, and Maggie through the parent-and-toddler group. After eight weeks of classes, it was fantastic to see the youngsters take this step in faith. Also pictured is Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main. – HS

SWADLINCOTE

ANN and Simon Withnall were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Marjory Parrott. Their first connection with the corps was a request for help. Following a home visit, they started to attend and immediately felt they had come home. After attending for a few months, and with encouragement from one of the soldiers, they enquired about becoming members. Ann and Simon testified to their sense of belonging and a growing faith in Christ, saying: ‘We just want Jesus in our hearts with his love and compassion.’ – JP

DAVID George was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Marjory Parrott. Having attended Mablethorpe Corps previously, David reconnected with the Army after moving to the area. He experienced the love of Christ through the corps folk, became a regular worshipper and asked about belonging to the church. Despite health issues, David was an enthusiastic participant in classes and, through a friend and soldier in the corps, expressed his wish to have Jesus in his life, and to be like Jesus as much as he could. – JP

MAJOR MARGARET TUCKER

MARGARET was born in 1939 into a Salvationist family, her early years being spent at Greenford Corps.

Later as a soldier and songster at Hanwell, she served well, combining her active life in the corps with her nursing and midwifery career.

The call to officership was clear to Margaret, as was her call to serve God in Ghana. Following training in the Heroes of the Faith session and commissioning in 1964, she served faithfully in that territory, where she was held in high regard. Margaret was a very caring person with an ability to listen and help a person to feel special.

Following retirement Margaret was active at Stockport Heaton Norris, leading the parent-and-toddler group, and taking responsibility for an Open Door feature, which included time spent in a worldwide prayer meeting.

Distributing the War Cry at Stockport railway station each week was an important part of Margaret’s ministry. There she would have time to speak with people, sharing their concerns.

There are many people who will miss Margaret and always thank God that they knew her. She will be missed by her son, Kwame, grandsons, Christopher and David, and her sisters, Sue and Phyllis. – BT

Please note members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Officers’ tributes should be no longer than 300 words. Good quality pictures will be included.

Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

MAJOR LIBBET BOOTH

LYDIA Westergaard was born on 31 August 1940 into a family steeped in generations of Salvation Army service.

Educated in England, Australia and Norway, Libbet gained her nursery nursing diploma, before studying for an English degree at the University of Sussex as one of the first fifty students to study there. She retained a love of literature, penning many poems and songs throughout her lifetime.

While studying, Libbet met Lieutenant Jorgen Booth, who she married on 4 June 1966 following the completion of her own officer training in the Defenders of the Faith session.

Libbet served in the British Territory, Goodwill centres and at corps level, as well as abroad in the USA – Atlanta, Florida, California and Montana – and Spain.

She went into retirement from service at Territorial Headquarters in London. Alongside her officer ministry when she was younger, Libbet had a stint as an assistant librarian in a college of further education, her love of learning environments never being far away. Indeed, latterly Libbet also taught Salvation Army doctrine as a guest lecturer at the training college in Denmark Hill.

She loved learning and was always eager to engage in new areas of study, accumulating in addition to her early training, qualifications in couple and bereavement counselling and a diploma in cognitive behavioural therapy! All of this was invaluable in her contributions to work within the Marriage Guidance Services (MGS).

As well as her work for MGS, Libbet worked as a counselling course lecturer at Havering College in Essex. Libbet is survived by Jorgen, her children, their spouses and her four grandchildren.

A woman of profound Christian faith, she is loved and missed by many. Defender of the Faith, well done! – M-KT

MAJOR SHEILA GREEN

INITIALLY a Goodwill Department envoy in Nottingham, Sheila then served for 49 years as an officer, entering training from Fulham in the 1972 Followers of Christ session.

Commissioned in 1974, Sheila was appointed to Liverpool Edge Hill, followed by Hoxton Goodwill in 1975.

Three years later she was appointed to Wolverhampton Goodwill, where Lieutenant Linda McEwan joined her. In 1982, Sheila was appointed to Salford, followed in 1989 by an appointment to Stratford for 11 years.

Her final appointment of three years was to Bush Hill Park, from where she entered retirement. In retirement, Sheila continued to serve faithfully, almost daily, at Bath Citadel in the café, lunch club and prayer space.

She sold the papers and did much more behind the scenes, supporting the officers and corps in all types of outreach. – LM

DENNIS VERSEY FELIXSTOWE

BORN into a family of local Salvationists in 1932, Dennis served as a member of Felixstowe Corps for the whole of his life.

A lover of music and singing, he was a young people’s band and singing company member prior to becoming a bandsman and songster.

A good bass singer, and soloist, for five years he was songster leader and corps sergeant-major for 31 years.

Later, Dennis became the over-60 club secretary and band sergeant for Anglia Fellowship Band. He married Marion on Easter Saturday 1961, and they had two children, Fiona and Niall.

Dennis was well known in the community working as a telephone engineer.

He was also secretary/treasurer for the local branch of the Royal British Legion for 46 years.

Following retirement, he was a driver for the local community bus. Dennis was always keen to share his love for the Lord, and to serve others. – DA

ARMY PEOPLE

Appointed

Effective 1 June

MAJOR NINA WRIGHT, additional appointment, Divisional Prayer Co-ordinator, Ireland

Effective 27 June

MAJOR KENNETH

SANDISON, Business and Facilities Officer, Davidson House

Effective 1 July

LIEUTENANT

JACQUELINE COATES, additional appointment, Eaton Bray (2 days a week)

Effective 18 July

TERRITORIAL ENVOY

ALLAN ISDALE , Lockerbie

LIEUTENANT DIANE

JOHNSON, Dunfermline

MAJOR JANICE SNELL , additional appointment, Divisional Candidates Officer, North Scotland with Central and Southern Scotland

MAJOR JASON SNELL , additional appointment, Divisional Candidates Officer, North Scotland with Central and Southern Scotland

Effective 1 August

MAJOR JANE ALTON, additional appointment, Divisional Personnel Officer (1.5 days a week), Central, Southern and Channel Islands

MAJOR LISA

LLOYD-JONES, additional appointment, Executive Officer, International Staff Songsters

CAPTAIN ROB

WESTWOOD-PAYNE , additional appointment, Divisional Personnel Officer (1.5 days a week), Central, Southern and Channel Islands

Effective 8 August

MAJOR ANNETTE

RIEDER-PELL , Assistant Secretary for Business Administration, Business Administration Service

Effective 3 October

MAJOR DAVID WING , Perth

MAJOR MIRIAM WING , Perth

Wedding anniversaries

Emerald (55 years)

MAJORS ALAN AND DOROTHY GREEN on 21 June

HAZEL AND ROBERT FOSTER , Leighton Buzzard, on 28 June

Promoted to Glory

GRAHAM BROMLEY, Sheffield Citadel

BANDSMAN/HERALD

PETER CURSLEY, Long Eaton, on 7 May

JEAN NORTON, Sittingbourne, on 12 May

MARGARET SMY, Ipswich Citadel, on 26 May

MAJOR SUSAN

RANDALL from Elm Bank Care Home, Kettering, on 30 May

ALLAN HIRST, Bolton Citadel, on 31 May

Bereaved

BARBARA BROMLEY, Sheffield Citadel, of her husband Graham Bromley, Julie Bolland and Christopher Bromley of their father

EILEEN CURSLEY, Long Eaton, of her husband Bandsman/Herald Peter Cursley

MAJOR ALAN NORTON , Slough, of his mother Jean Norton

DAVID RANDALL , Kettering Citadel, of his sister Major Susan Randall

MAUREEN HIRST, Bolton Citadel, of her husband Allan Hirst, Captain Faith Scales, Shiremoor, and Railton Hirst , Bolton Citadel, of their father

Retirements from active service

Effective 1 June

MAJOR PAUL COOPER out of Leighton Buzzard in 1991 and last appointment Cottenham

COLONEL MELVIN

FINCHAM out of Croydon Citadel in 1981 and last appointment IHQ

ENGAGEMENTS

General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Wed 12 Jun – Mon 17 Jun USA Western Territory

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill Fri 28 Jun International Finance Conference

Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Tue 18 Jun Northampton (Enabled Summer Extravaganza) Mon 24 Jun WBC (Resilient Leader Seminar)* Sat 29 Jun – Sun 30 Jun Penge

*Commissioner Jenine Main only

NOTICES

Care

for creation: International Bible study

Major Heather Poxon (THQ) has established a monthly Bible study for Army colleagues worldwide to consider caring for creation. The hour-long sessions are led by different people and take place on the first Tuesday of each month, alternating between 8am and 8pm. The next will take place on 2 July at 8am and will be led by Generous Discipleship Team Leader Denise Wilkinson. For more information, email environment@salvationarmy.org.uk

General election

If you’re keen to engage with local politicians or have been approached by one, please contact the Public Affairs Unit at public.affairs@salvationarmy. org.uk. Access guidance and support at salvationist.org.uk/pau, follow along with election-themed reflections by Captain John Clifton (Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Officer) at salvationist.org.uk/articles and stay tuned for a general election-inspired issue of Salvationist planned for 29 June.

Green Church awards

The Army is partnering the Church of England Environment Programme, the Methodist Church and Eco-Congregation Scotland to organise the 2024 Church Times Green Church awards, which recognise projects that bring positive change for the environment. Submit your nominations by 30 June at salvationist.org.uk/green-church-awards

Creation Cries Out

The Salvation Army is partnering A Rocha UK, Christian Climate Action, Green Christian, the Joint Public Issues Team and Operation Noah for an ecumenical church service before the Restore Nature Now march. It will take place from 11am to 12pm at Farm Street Church, London W1K 3AH. Visit salvationist.org.uk/events/creation-cries-out for details.

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

Captain Ben Ellis (Ireland) leads Sunday Worship. Can’t join us at 11am? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Me and My Playlist

This Salvationist Radio show sees a young person linked to The Salvation Army share five tracks they love. Listen to the podcast and Spotify playlist.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts

103 OLD ROAD, CLACTON-ON-SEA CO15 1HN

Clacton Corps & Hospital Radio Colchester present THE HOUSEHOLD TROOPS BAND OF THE SALVATION ARMY

Saturday 6 July, 7pm

Advance tickets £8 each (£10 on the day if still available) Available from hrcolchester.co.uk/bandconcert Email: brightcol25@gmail.com Mobile: 07801 99607

REGENT HALL, 275 OXFORD STREET, LONDON W1C 2DJ

Sunday 23 June, 2pm STORIES BEHIND OUR FAVOURITE

HYMNS

with Pam Rhodes (from Songs of Praise) supported by Regent Hall Band and Songsters. Free entry! Come along and sing!

DUDLEY CORPS, NORTH STREET, DUDLEY DY2 7DT RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

FOR MAJORS LIZ & IVAN OLIVER

Sunday 7 July, 10.30am, led by Majors Cliff & Joy Allchin

Video greetings and messages to Major Cliff Allchin cliff.allchin@salvationarmy.org.uk

MAIDENHEAD CORPS, EAST ROAD, MAIDENHEAD SL6 1PJ BIRMINGHAM CITADEL YOUNG MUSICIANS

Saturday 22 June, 7pm Sunday 23 June, 10.30am and 2pm Admission free. Retiring collections to cover expenses

CHARMING HOLIDAY COTTAGE BY THE SEA, LOOE, CORNWALL

Seafront parking, stairlift avail if req’d, sleeps 2 to 8, pets welcome, open all year. For a free colour brochure by post/email call 0800 334 5609 anytime or email us at cornishdreamslooe@gmail.com

GREAT YARMOUTH CORPS, TOLHOUSE STREET, GREAT YARMOUTH NR30 2SQ

REDEDICATION OF THE HALL

FORMAL REOPENING ON COMPLETION OF REPAIR WORKS

Celebratory meeting at 10.30am, Sunday 16 June, led by Majors Martin and Michelle Wheeler followed by a light lunch All welcome!

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