SALVATIONIST
To be like Jesus
AS the past two weeks of the Olympics have demonstrated, to be good at something requires effort. It takes time, dedication, discipline and a strong desire. No matter how good an individual’s natural ability, without training and commitment they would not be able to turn those strengths into medals and be the best.
As Christians, it is not enough to say that we follow Jesus if we do not invest in being more like him. That is the whole point of following. In his book Practicing the Way, John Mark Comer defines discipleship – or apprenticeship as he proposes it should be described – with three simple disciplines: being with Jesus, becoming like him and doing as he did. It’s not complicated, but it won’t happen without effort and a deep desire to practise.
In this week’s issue, we focus on the territory’s mission priority of nurturing disciples. Although no one else can make you more like Jesus, their example and encouragement can help. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to make more disciples. Who can you encourage to be more like Jesus and how can you be more like him too?
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor
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
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
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William Booth
GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham
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Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
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© The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
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.
A recipe for life
Major Julian Watchorn encourages us to learn from the skills on display in Cooking with the Stars
BÉCHAMEL. Roux. Chiffonade.
Julienne. Dum Aloo. Dauphinoise. If you appreciate the differences between these, or even recognise they might be choices you would make when creating a meal, then you are likely watching Cooking with the Stars on Tuesday evenings on ITV1. The intense but fun programme sees celebrities – with the support and guidance of professional chef mentors – do battle in the kitchen. The competition pairs eight celebrities with professional, world-renowned chefs to compete against each other in the creation of culinary classics.
Hosted by Emma Willis and Tom Allen, the current contest includes stars such as swimmer Ellie Simmonds, dancer Pasha Kovalev and runner Linford Christie.
Reflect and respond
How can you be a more willing apprentice?
Is the flavour of your life bitter or sweet?
How can you encourage the people around you this week in their own apprenticeship?
A contestant is eliminated each week until one celebrity is crowned champion. When the heat is on, they will hopefully rise like a soufflé rather than fall as flat as a pancake. Should the pressure get too much, the celebrity can bang a golden frying pan for their mentor to assist and advise them for two minutes before leaving their apprentice to finish the dish, executing every aspect of the recipe to the best of their ability.
At the heart of the chaos and curiosity is a mentor’s ability to pass on their knowledge and experience to an apprentice so they might put what they have learnt into practice. If they do it well and their apprentice has watched, listened and absorbed what they have been shown, then this learning will shine through.
There are many environments in which experience and wisdom can be passed on to a willing apprentice. The key is for the apprentice to keep practising until they become more like the master. Jesus understood the need to come alongside his disciples and demonstrate how to be like him. Recognising that life can be challenging, he reassured those who follow him when he said: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and
humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light’ (Matthew 11:28–30).
There can be no greater role model than Jesus. The more time we spend with him – the more we share his yoke and are guided by his movements – the more like him we will become. The more like him we become, the more we will do as he did and the more this will be evident to those we meet.
Thankfully, the recipe of life is not a competition, but the choices we make as apprentices of Jesus will influence whether our flavour is bitter or sweet. The final test on Cooking with the Stars is a blind taste test. It is not enough for a dish to look good; it has to taste good too.
Psalm 34:8 says: ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.’ As apprentices of Jesus, we cannot spend too much time in his presence. When we take refuge in him, we will absorb more and more of him until he is our very essence.
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor Salvationist
Picture:
From South Shore / Cooking With The Stars: SR4 on ITV1 and ITVX
Simon Girling Ipswich Citadel seconds with...
Who are you and what do you do?
I am the newly commissioned corps sergeant-major. Professionally I am a senior radiographer in nuclear medicine.
Why do you do what you do?
I have a passion for inclusivity in the Church.
What are you praying for at the moment?
Grace, humility and strength in my new role at the corps.
What’s your favourite hymn, band piece or worship song?
‘Boast in the Cross’ by Rend Collective.
What’s your favourite Bible passage?
‘Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track’ (Proverbs 3:5 and 6 The Message).
Out of context, what was the last text message you sent?
‘Do you know anyone who has some mannequins we could borrow?’
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be braver and care less about what others think about you.
Give your testimony or life story using only one word. Whosoever.
‘I wanted to learn more’
Joshua
Ademola (Gainsborough)
is grateful for being spiritually supported by his church community
BEFORE I came to the UK from Nigeria in 2021, I was a Baptist. I continued worshipping at a Baptist church in Lincoln. In May 2022, my family and I moved to Gainsborough. We searched for another Baptist church to attend, but were disappointed that there wasn’t one. When we passed in front of The Salvation Army, I asked my wife if we could go in and see what their service looked like. I was particularly intrigued by the ‘your community church assembly’ inscription outside the church building, as I knew little about The Salvation Army.
Recruiting Sergeant Major Christine Standing opened the door for us and welcomed us. Since then, we’ve never looked back. It’s the best decision we’ve made.
I wanted to learn more about the Army’s belief system, values and history. Discipleship has been a good opportunity to learn. Thanks to Major Chris, our facilitator, I’ve learnt about The Salvation Army and what it stands for.
I would like to thank the corps congregation for accepting us the way we are and receiving us with open arms. Here, we’re not reminded or made aware that we are black people.
The corps has shown us love, warmth and affection.
Corps officers Majors Colin and Denise Bradshaw make sure we’re fed spiritually, ‘rightly dividing the word of truth’ (2 Timothy 2:15 King James Version) and allowing me to serve as corps treasurer.
James and Sarah have been there to pick up our calls and help when we needed directions as new residents in Gainsborough.
Grandma Lorraine has been our mother in the UK and helped us settle.
Zoe has offered help and Fabian has been an inspiration to our children, as we saw in him a young man committed
to the band and the work of God.
Linda and Roger, David and Vida, Alan and Pam, and David and Pam are couples in their seventies and eighties who have continued to be inspirations and role models.
Ash and Claire offered to pick us up every Sunday in Newark and bring us to church, then drop us back at home. They have been doing this since May 2023, spending their resources and time making sure we don’t miss services every Sunday. They are amazing!
So, here I stand before you, declaring and committing as an adherent of The Salvation Army.
Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
Mission priorities Explained
with Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts (THQ)
Our intention as a territory is to love God and love others. How does nurturing disciples of Jesus fit in with that?
Discipleship involves others as well as God. When we truly love God, we can’t help but want to spend time with others. Discipleship is about deepening that love. As the old song ‘Climbing up the Golden Stair’ says: ‘O the joy of getting others to climb with me!/ Lost, despairing, brokenhearted, all may come;/ Calvary love has made the stair a very wide one’ (SASB 884).
Why is nurturing disciples one of our mission priorities?
Nurturing disciples of Jesus is on another level to sharing the good news. It’s recognising that a life of faith is a lifelong, transformative experience. That aligns with the Army’s doctrine: ‘Continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.’
What is the biblical basis for nurturing disciples of Jesus?
‘Go and make disciples’ (Matthew 28:19). The Great Commission was a specific instruction from Jesus. There’s something intentional in that command. Contemporary Christianity can be very personal and inward, but we forget about making disciples. That’s not to lay a huge burden on everyone: we’re responsible for nurturing disciples, not for delivering fully formed Christians. You might have an influence and help someone to take one step.
Matthew 4:19: ‘Come, follow me...’ Jesus’ first call to the disciples brings to mind other verbs: seek, find… It is incumbent on us to do something. We don’t just become disciples by sitting in a hall for an hour every week. Paul talks about running the race (1 Corinthians 9:24) and writes: ‘All I want is to know Christ … and become like him’ (Philippians 3:10 Good News Translation). It’s not a static thing.
Matthew 16:24: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’
share the good news serve others without discrimination care for creation
nurture disciples of Jesus
seek justice and reconciliation
Following Jesus isn’t a hardship, you know, it’s a joy, through all the different and difficult seasons of life. It’s about learning, growing, finding. As Christians in this country, thankfully we’re free to worship, read and meet as we choose. That’s not true for all Christians. And yet we hear the Church is flourishing in some of those countries.
Look at the Church in Acts 2:42–47, meeting, eating and praising together. Nurturing disciples is about being pilgrims together on a journey.
What does nurturing disciples look like in practice?
Nurturing can be simple. God uses the way he has made us as individuals, with our strengths and personalities. Some are gifted at standing up and inspiring a room of 200 people, others at sending cards or messages of encouragement. It might just be you sharing a resource or talking one-on-one with someone else. When a junior soldier is enrolled, it’s often mentioned that someone is their prayer partner, but people don’t always think about having prayer partners as adults.
Nurturing is interpersonal. Only you know how you are doing in your spiritual journey, but it’s not a journey you do alone. It’s important to have a safe space for everyone where no question is too simple. It’s not about people who know telling people who don’t; it’s about being and learning together. The Alpha course can provide a good space, and a good refresher, for groups.
Nurturing takes time. It’s important to encourage people to commit to a rhythm. To find something and give it time to take root. That might be using Lectio 365 or the Celtic Daily Prayer book. One useful resource is the book Knowing You, Jesus, which can be used by individuals or groups.
What’s
the end goal?
Becoming more like Jesus. In our personal lives, relationships and life
together as a community. It’s having that personal relationship with Jesus that expands. It’s a balance of doing and being. It’s not either/or. When training officers, William Booth College highlights knowing, being and doing – they’re all interconnected.
What’s the biggest challenge we face in this mission priority?
To consistently commit to a rhythm of prayer and Scripture reading. Try to pray as you can, not as you can’t – don’t set yourself an unrealistic expectation. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation with God, but intentionally living in daily fellowship with God, listening as much as speaking. Sometimes the challenge for small group leaders or corps leaders can also be finding the right material for the people they’re seeking to nurture.
What’s the most encouraging thing about this mission priority?
Lots of things. There’s a huge interest in spiritual formation. The impact that the new UKI Boiler Room rhythm is having through Prayer Matters. Meeting and hearing what people are studying. The new commitments shared in Salvationist. The resources that are available to us. People learning from each other.
• For more about the territory’s mission priorities, visit salvationist.org.uk/ our-mission
Together in purity
Major Althea Bawden wonders whether we reflect our new identity in Jesus
EPHESIANS 4
WHEN have you had to prove your identity? At the recent UK general election, every voter had their ID card, driving licence or passport checked at their polling station.
When watching their team in person or on television, football fans identify with their team by wearing team colours. At football matches, some fans chant and taunt the opposing side by shouting: ‘Who are you? Who are you?’
Who am I? I am a wife, mother, grandma, daughter, sister, auntie, friend, minister of the gospel and child of God.
In June 1944, as part of a series of poems from prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote the iconic ‘Who Am I?’, which asks that deep question. Is Bonhoeffer the person the prison wardens see, confident, cheerful and outwardly calm despite being imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp? Or is he the person who hurts, desperate for friends, birdsong and freedom? Bonhoeffer’s poem concludes that he is, in fact, both: he is a contradiction in terms who ultimately recognises he is God’s, and this is all that counts.
Bonhoeffer’s honesty is refreshing – he sees his own brokenness and vanity. He recognises that to really flourish and become fully himself, he needs Jesus Christ to find his new identity.
In our study passage, Paul encourages the believers in Ephesus to live a life that reflects their new identity in Christ. He focuses on how we, as believers in a church community, can live together in purity.
In July 2024, The Times newspaper published an article about how Brits should behave abroad. The list outlined expectations of general behaviour
towards citizens visiting other countries.
Paul similarly gives the Christians at Ephesus a list regarding their behaviour (see vv17–32). Paul is concerned that the Gentiles’ darkened understanding of life and their continual lust to indulge in every kind of impurity was influencing the church.
Paul stresses the importance of a change in behaviour: ‘You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires (v22). In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrases Paul’s exhortation: ‘Take on an entirely new way of life – a Godfashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you’ (v24).
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What does it mean to ‘put off your old self’?
How can we be made new in the attitude of our minds?
What are practical ways to put on your new self?
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes: ‘Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline... And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it’ (Colossians 3:12–14 MSG).
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What does the new you look like?
Do your new spiritual clothes fit well?
Before our wedding day, 38 years ago, my husband and I were given lots of advice. I do not remember everything that was said, but I remember hearing: ‘Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry’ (4:26).
Paul addresses the topic of anger because simmering anger, even when justified, erodes bodily health, and gives the Devil opportunity to divide and conquer. In his letter to the Romans, Paul urges: ‘Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord’ (Romans 12:19).
In Jesus’ sermon on the mount, he urges us to resolve any wrong we have against our brother or sister before bringing our offering to God (see Matthew 5). The Devil has no place at the table of relationships in the Church. Rather, our fellowship should be a place to seek a refuge of shalom.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How can unresolved anger give the Devil a foothold?
Describe some ways to resolve anger in a godly manner.
In today’s society, social media is a key method of communication. Through various platforms we share our views by joining conversations, saying perhaps what we would not normally say in person. Unwholesome conversations are destructive and hurtful.
Jesus tells us that we will have to give an account of the careless words that we have spoken: ‘For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned’ (Matthew 12:37).
Christ
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What was your last conversation about?
Who was it with and were your words kind?
Paul encourages the church at Ephesus to create togetherness in unity, to build each other up, encourage one another and not to grieve the Holy Spirit. In place of bitterness and malice, there is to be kindness and grace, a willingness to forgive.
We are to treat others in a similar way. Love, kindness and graciousness are to drive our responses. Our speech is to reflect that core, all of which is rooted in the Spirit who resides in us. How can you contribute to the purity and unity of your community? Commit to one practical step this week to live out the teachings of this passage.
PAUSE AND PRAY
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the guidance in your word. Help us to live in purity and unity, reflecting your love and holiness in our lives.
Empower us by the Holy Spirit to put off the old self and to put on the new self. May our community be a shining example of love, grace and truth.
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 10 AUGUST: CARE FOR CREATION – LIVING LOVE OUT LOUD (JOHN 13:34 AND 35 NEW LIVING TRANSLATION)
Let’s dream today of what it might mean for us to live the love of Jesus out loud: not just saying it in words or even praying it in our prayers, but letting it shape every part of our lives – every action and interaction – that the world might be blessed through us. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
SUNDAY 11 AUGUST: SABBATH PRAYER – REVIVAL FIRE (2 CHRONICLES 7:3 NLT)
Lord, reignite us with a hunger for your presence in our worship, a welcoming of your fire in our mission, and a burning desire to tell the world that you are good. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
MONDAY 12 AUGUST: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – JOYFUL EVANGELISM
‘We talk freely about salvation because it is to us the very light and joy of our existence… We know by our own experience that life is a very different thing when we have found the peace of God, and are working together with him for the salvation of the world, instead of toiling for the realisation of worldly ambition’ (In Darkest England and the Way Out). Today we dream William Booth’s dream of a Salvation Army whose evangelism rings with joyful gratitude and confidence. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
TUESDAY 13 AUGUST: SERVING AND CARING – EQUALITY FOR ALL (JAMES 2:1–8 NLT)
We dream of a Salvation Army where prejudice, judgementalism and favouritism have no place, where the love of Christ is the standard we live to, and where every person finds the warmest of welcomes. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST: GROWING IN FAITH – WHOLENESS (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 AND 24 NLT)
Jesus, you make us whole by the cleansing of your blood and the renewing of your Spirit. As we grow more fully into the people you made us to be, may The Salvation Army be a living demonstration of wholeness in this fragmented world. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
THURSDAY 15 AUGUST: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – EASTERN EUROPE TERRITORY
The territory comprises Bulgaria, Moldova, Georgia, Romania and Ukraine, and the territorial leadership team are Colonels Richard and Ann Borrett, and LieutColonels JP and Karin Ramos. We pray today for all the work happening across the territory to support people impacted by Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. Renew hope and strength in the midst of this most difficult of situations. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 16 AUGUST: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – ACCESSIBLE (MARK 2:4 NLT)
We dream of a Salvation Army which stops at nothing to help people find their way to Jesus. May we be those who remove the barriers and open the way for all to come. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
MAJOR ALTHEA BAWDEN ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE
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.
From chore to awe
Major Lynne Shaw invites us to put
down the baggage of expectations and focus on being in relationship with Jesus
MANY of us hold ourselves accountable to high expectations about what constitutes discipleship. We ask ourselves: How long should I pray? Read my Bible? Wait upon God? What should that look like? If you fear what you are doing is not enough or not good enough, you might be missing out.
“ If you fear what you are doing is not enough or not good enough, you might be missing out. ”
Let’s start with the beautiful rendering of Matthew 11:28–30 from The Message: ‘Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.’
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But when our focus falls on experience and relationship, these transactional chores can become transformational habits. That difference is important. Jesus won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on us and, if we are open to mystery and awe, we are blessed by approaching him with freedom, waiting to see where he will take us.
This partnership is fuelled by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has been described by Celtic Christians as a wild goose because we cannot pin the Spirit down. They are untameable. The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control, which at first seems opposite to their wild nature. But this self-control is not the forced co-operation of our own spirit. Instead, the Spirit flows through us, helping us achieve what we couldn’t on our own.
We’re not in this alone. We’re invited to fully participate in a dynamic and whole-person relationship with God, where our Guide moves and interacts with us like the wind. And the idea that only one way of doing things is the right way gives way to adventure and exploration, a wide open space where we may connect with God and ourselves.
In this spirit of freedom, I offer you my own paraphrase of Philippians 4:6 and 7:
‘Be anxious about nothing and no one. Instead, no matter what situation or circumstance you find yourself in, speak to God about it. Include your heart-felt, deep-seated prayers that come from yours and others’ personal needs, and especially offering the prayer of thankfulness for God’s grace. The results of this are an inner quietness and a sense of wholeness that are beyond even our God-given capacity to think and reason. This peace-beyond-reason will act like a protector for our thoughts, feelings, intellect, understanding and sense of self. All this is achieved through resting permanently within all that is the anointed one, Yeshua – the one who saves us.’
What does discipleship look like to you? It’s time to re-evaluate the fear and dump the guilt! Sense the invitation of the Divine Breath of the universe to explore, to gaze in awe, and to rest deeply in the eternal presence of Christ.
MAJOR LYNNE SHAW Editorial Assistant Publishing Department
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The word ‘unforced’ is important. It’s not about rigid, determined effort, but an invitation to experience grace, mystery and awe. Awe grows because we are aware of how much we don’t know or understand. It’s the opposite of a chore, a repeated task often done expecting the same result; there’s no surprise in washing up or putting away chairs. But a chore done with openness and love – letting imagination and spirituality come to the fore – can become a place of awe. Religious practices can sometimes seem to be all about getting it right.
Supporting materials
Hannah Kingston talks to Stevie Hope about what THQ’s Resources Hub team offers to equip disciples
IN Matthew 28:19, Jesus says: ‘Go and make disciples.’ While God is unchanging, the discipleship needs of Christians in the 21st century are different to those in the 1st, or even the 20th century.
One person who is helping to meet these changing needs is Resource Team Manager Hannah Kingston. As a member of the UK and Ireland Territory’s Resources Hub team, she has been bringing materials to life to equip disciples since 2016.
Recognising the breadth of demographics represented in this territory, the team is keen to offer materials that support a range of settings.
‘Whether your small group is a traditional kind of meeting together or something a bit different, we have material to help you on your discipleship journey,’ Hannah offers. ‘There’s a real desire for material that supports local mission. We want to help people engage with and experience God through what they like doing.’
‘The resources are flexible,’ she continues. ‘There are some things labelled for small group settings that, actually, could be useful and interesting for individual use too.’
Today, the go-to place to find all the territory’s resources is the online Resource Centre at salvationist.org.uk/ resources. While a lot of focus is given to key date resources – created for events such as Christmas, Candidates Sunday or Refugee Week – the centre’s bread and butter is the ongoing series,
which see regular additions to their ever-expanding pools. These include Youth Small Group, which guides small groups in learning more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus, Connect, which reflects one of the four home league values in each session (worship fellowship, service and education), and Sing to the Lord – Songs Unpacked, to accompany the Sing to the Lord Children’s Voices series and slot into practices.
Much of this content is generated in-house with the help of regular contributors, and the team are quick to be humble.
‘There’s lots of collaboration, lots of linking up,’ Hannah explains. ‘We have thought and input from people across the board – we’ve got lots of different skillsets in the team, as well as a lot of great corps officer contacts all over the territory and across THQ who help shape material. They make sure that what we’re offering is meeting local needs. We make sure to involve people who are leading in a particular area or theme.’
There is an emphasis on working with partner units to help generate content and develop designs that support their aims, campaigns and ministry. A Closer Look at Ageing, for example, is a series of
information briefings from Older People’s Ministries to inspire and equip leaders to support older people through grief, loneliness, befriending and more.
To keep things fresh, the team are careful to avoid complacency by regularly evaluating what they do. This involves looking at what’s been created in the past while acknowledging what’s happening in the now. Some great examples include the latest Get OWT! discipleship resource for children, which tied in with the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the latest Connect home league resource, which tied in with the Riverbank Women’s Conference.
‘We don’t just pluck ideas out of thin air. We’re always looking at stats and qualitative feedback to help us build up a picture,’ says Hannah. ‘Ultimately, we create a resource because we are confident there’s a need for it. If we’re putting the right stuff in people’s hands, then that’s great!’
• Visit the Resource Centre at salvationist.org.uk/resources.
STEVIE HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist
Staying curious
Ivan Radford finds out how the Alpha course is being used to make and grow disciples
HOW curious are you? Once you have an answer to a question, do you still want to learn more?
‘Stay curious’ is the slogan of the Alpha course, and it’s been used by churches around the world since it was developed by Nicky Gumbel in 1977 – and that includes many corps in the UKI Territory today.
The Alpha course is a series of group conversations that explore the basics of Christianity. It focuses on providing a safe, structured space for anyone to ask questions and talk with others about God. The course – along with its follow-on Alpha Plus – has also become a way for existing Christians to revisit and refresh their understanding of faith. It’s a tool not just for making disciples, but growing them.
“ For some it’s the highlight of the week, sharing a meal and learning among friends. ”
Bromley Temple ran an adult Alpha course last year, aimed at the community and people from the corps.
‘We had about 12 attendees with 3 members of the community who weren’t attending the church and had seen the course advertised,’ says one of the course leaders at the corps.
Bromley Temple then ran an Alpha youth course this year aimed at youth from local corps, as well as their friends. About 15 people attended, including the youth leadership team, which supported everyone throughout the course. In both instances, the course built deeper relationships:
‘We all drew closer in our faith and relationship with each other. Some were able to clarify thoughts and move further in their personal journeys with God.’
Some of the most fruitful instances of running the course can occur across communities.
‘Market Rasen Corps has a close relationship with our Methodist brothers and sisters and we agreed that we should hold a joint Alpha course,’ explains corps leader Territorial Envoy Terence Carpenter. ‘Having new members attending both churches, we thought it would be good to explore faith issues together.’
The course ran from 2021 to 2022, with 20 to 25 attending aged between 14 and 80. As a result, a family returned to the Army, with one member recently commencing soldiership classes, and they have also brought with them another family.
Portsmouth Citadel has run three Alpha courses in the past year and has another planned for next month. The first two were aimed at people coming to the corps and volunteers or people regularly in the building. They had six attendees at the first, nine at the second and nine at the third, which was for parents connected with the parent-and-toddler group.
‘Everyone who attended the course has moved forward in their understanding of Jesus and Christianity,’ says corps officer Captain Sarah Ilsters. ‘For some, it has been totally life-changing. Quite a few of the mums have started to come regularly on a Sunday. One of our food bank volunteers came and had a transforming experience with the Holy Spirit on an Alpha awayday. She has since started coming regularly on a Sunday.’
While these are big stories of making disciples, the course’s impact has also been felt by people who have grown in their discipleship.
‘For some it was an affirmation of
what they believed, but they said how beneficial it was to go through these “basics”,’ Sarah explains. ‘One lady who had been attending for 40 years really met Jesus. She said it was like putting on a new pair of glasses and she sees everything around her differently now.’
Growing in faith through Alpha isn’t just limited to course participants.
‘Our course leaders were able to be in the privileged position of journeying alongside others while sharpening their own faith,’ observes one of the Alpha course leaders at Bromley Temple.
At THQ, chaplain Major Ian Loxley has started running Alpha at lunchtimes. It is advertised to all staff at THQ and William Booth College, local corps and a nearby Lifehouse. An average of nine people attend.
‘Some are attending to help them decide whether an Alpha course might be appropriate for their local setting,’ Ian explains. ‘Some have taken the opportunity to bring colleagues who are interested in exploring faith issues.’
Regardless of where attendees are on their spiritual journeys, the friendships formed are repeatedly highlighted as a key outcome. Most sessions intentionally start with food as a way to connect, before a talk or video, then an open conversation.
‘Sharing a meal together reminds us of the Last Supper, that Jesus showed us how to eat together and discuss our faith,’ adds one of the Alpha course leaders from Bromley Temple. ‘For some it’s the highlight of the week, sharing a meal family-style and laughing and learning among friends they may have only known for a few weeks!’
‘Some significant issues have been explored in the discussion time,’ says Ian. ‘The course comes from a theological stance that I would describe as middle-of-the-road. Some aspects of the teaching I feel need to
be openly discussed – the opportunity for conversation after each of the videos is of great importance.’
The course’s format is a reminder that journeying together is key to how humans learn and develop. As disciples of Jesus, deepening our love of God naturally leads to a deeper love of others – and by staying curious in our relationships with each other, we can grow by hearing other people’s perspectives and understanding.
‘I would recommend any course that invites people to think about Jesus and faith,’ says Sarah. ‘We don’t know how the seeds planted in what our participants heard will work into their lives.’
‘I would recommend Alpha,’ says Terence. ‘It’s a way of introducing enquiring to Jesus.’
Enquiring is perhaps the key to using Alpha successfully. It’s not about simply getting answers to questions and stopping, but encouraging people to discover new questions – and staying curious enough to keep seeking and knowing Jesus more.
• For more about the Alpha course, visit alpha.org
Growing together
Territorial Mission Officer Major Ian Mountford considers how discomfort can be fertile soil for spiritual development
IS it possible to face discomfort or disagreement while deepening our own faith? When we encounter situations that challenge our beliefs or push us outside our comfort zones, God may be using it to create opportunities for our deeper reflection, learning and spiritual development.
In 2 Corinthians we encounter a letter that seeks to restore broken relationships that have been frustrated by the first letter to the Corinthians and also Paul’s ‘painful visit’ (2:1). Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians is complex, but he has a love for them and earnestly seems to be grappling with holding things in tension, ie unity, diversity and the need for reconciliation.
In 2 Corinthians 2:3 we read: ‘I wrote as I did, so that when I came, I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice.’
Enter Titus. He is not mentioned in Acts, but in Galatians Paul writes of journeying with Barnabas and Titus. Titus had been sent from Ephesus to Corinth, where he successfully brought reconciliation between the Christian community and Paul, who had put him in the uncomfortable position of being the courier for what is commonly known as the ‘Severe Letter’. This lost letter is referred to in 2 Corinthians, yet amid this discomfort and disunity emerged
a ministry in which Titus delivered reconciliation.
Titus is traditionally considered to have been a master of engaging in conversations with those with differing views, disagreeing well, and finding a way forward that did not compromise, but amid disunity brought reconciliation and peace – evident in his work to reconcile both Jews and Gentiles.
Reconciliation is at the heart of God’s mission (see 2 Corinthians 5:18–21). It requires us to be active listeners who are full of empathy, willing to engage in open dialogue, giving prayerful consideration and avoiding personal attacks. It calls us to let go of bitterness and resentment, to practise and receive forgiveness, and – like Titus – to receive the blessing of being ambassadors of reconciliation.
This should be both a mark and the fruit of our discipleship. It is something we should both exude and work towards (see Romans 14:19; Colossians 3:15). It is not only beneficial to others but brings glory to God and makes us more like Jesus.
MAJOR IAN MOUNTFORD Corps Officer Chelmsford
4 biblical principles to help us grow
Love
Without love, we are nothing but noise (see 1 Corinthians 13:1). God is love, and the core of Christian teaching is love for God and others. This love should be the foundation of all our interactions, even when there is disagreement, since love is our work (see Matthew 5:44-48) and because of love there is nothing to fear (see 2 Timothy 1:7). Love in action strengthens our own convictions, broadens our understanding and helps us to develop empathy and compassion.
Grace Grace equips us for discomfort and enables us to be fruitful. Like love, it is higher, wider, deeper and longer than we can experience or imagine. It extends to those we least expect and is sufficient for our own weaknesses and obstacles (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Grace helps us to forgive, heal, restore, grow in wisdom and discernment, and develop a more compassionate and informed understanding of the world around us.
Humility
and patience
No one other than Christ has a perfect understanding of all things. In Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most, the authors point out that any single conversation has three underlying voices – the ‘what’, the ‘feeling’ and the ‘identity’, each open to interpretation, assumption and a claim on truth. Engaging in such conversations requires humility and patience rather than dogma and blame. When we enter such places as Titus did, with the gospel of reconciliation and the mind of Christ, we will be both challenged and blessed.
Boscombe A year of discipleship
ASKING WHAT’S REQUIRED
We were appointed as corps officers here in November 2017. It’s a big corps, historically quite traditional with strong musical sections. Prior to this, we were spiritual directors at William Booth College. Spiritual formation has always been on our hearts. We asked the Lord what he required of us during our time here and entered with a strong sense of that.
The corps was looking at mission and where the Lord was leading before the Covid-19 pandemic. Post-pandemic, some realised how much they had missed church and began to ponder what church and Jesus mean to them.
Fast Facts
DIVISION: Central Southern and Channel Islands
CORPS LEADERS: Majors David and Jane Alton
FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/ boscombesalvationarmy
BACK TO BASICS
We started to look at the Army’s mission and vision statements. Many of us felt we wanted to get back to basics. Our songsters began to hold small discussion groups instead of the first practice of each month. Our band started ‘BandCom’ to encourage others to join them to play Christian music and be among Christians.
In September 2023, we held our first corps retreat at Moorlands College, which kickstarted a year of discipleship. There was a momentum, an enthusiasm. People caught the vision of who we are, why and what we’re all about.
ALL ON THE SAME PAGE
We wanted to explore everyone reading the same devotional book, to have something shared, even if they weren’t together physically. Christian writer Tony Horsfall sent through a draft of his new book, Knowing You, Jesus, based on the prayer of Richard of Chichester.
We secured some funding from the Army’s mission innovation fund and showed an introductory video at the hall one Sunday. We thought it would be amazing if we could get 100 people to engage. At the end of the first Sunday, we had 85 people sign up. Eventually we had 160.
People said: ‘Thank the Lord. I was really looking for something like this.’ ‘This is an answer to prayer.’ Even more amazing was the ripple effect: other corps in the division wanted to embrace it too.
We gave everybody a reading plan and started in December. The first part is about the birth of Jesus, so it ran well through Advent.
One of our leadership team suggested a WhatsApp group for discussion. Four groups later, we see some people interact daily, while others dip in and out, sharing questions, insights and prayer requests. Even if a quarter of those who signed up now have a rhythm of daily reading, that’s amazing.
Our young people have also focused on discipleship during this year.
ALPHA FOR ALL
Historically the corps had done the Alpha course and felt it was needed again. Alpha resumed last September, ably co-ordinated by Helen, our songster leader, followed by a further Alpha at Easter.
Two of the guys who regularly come to the BH1 project – for people who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness – came along, got saved and are now adherents. From that, and conversations with BH1’s managers, we’ve started Core Recovery church once a week. The clients have named it ‘Coffee, Cake and Faith’.
We’re delighted that our desire for small groups is being realised.
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
We’ve seen people getting saved. People on the Christian road as Salvationists for many years finding a revitalised faith. People on the fringes of the corps having a sense of forgiveness and renewal.
Focusing on discipleship has also made people less concerned about the outwards stuff we can get caught up in and has made us more inclusive.
God has used this as a catalyst for change and our preaching plans have emphasised that. We’ve also found the Bible Society’s Romans course an enriching source of preaching and study.
God has blessed this year of discipleship abundantly. The Holy Spirit is moving mightily among us, and God’s not done with us yet!
ENVIRONMENT
SATCoL named charity retailer of the year
HARROGATE CONVENTION CENTRE
THE Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) was named Outstanding Charity Retailer of the Year and won the Environmental and Sustainability award at the Charity Retail Association’s annual conference.
SATCoL Managing Director Trevor Caffull said: ‘We are grateful to our fantastic retail teams who are committed to ongoing improvement in our service to donors, customers and communities, including the fulfilment of our mission to help those in need through initiatives such as our vital free clothing voucher scheme.’
SATCoL has invested heavily in world-leading innovations including Fibersort, which automatically sorts second-hand garments by fibre type, and Project Re:claim, the world’s first commercial-scale polyester recycling plant.
Majonne Frost, head of environment and sustainability at SATCoL, said: ‘We are also making positive changes through our processes and suppliers. This has seen over 1.5m plastic bags removed from our retail operations, and the conversion to LED lighting in our stores. Our retail colleagues are hosting engaging events such as our repair cafés, Sally Salvage events and participating in nationwide campaigns such as Sustainable Fashion Week.’ – AR
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Belfast North’s exciting YP prizegiving inspires people of all ages to dress up as heroes
MUSIC
DUNSTABLE Territorial Candidates Directors Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer led the morning meeting. The band played in Dunstable town council’s Sunday Concerts in the park.
enthusiastically. Band members also had encouraging conversations with the audience during the interval. – RC
COMMUNITY
COEDPOETH Charity shop manager Michelle Shennan led an afternoon celebration recognising the shop volunteers. Certificates were presented to each volunteer. – SH
MUSIC
EAST ANGLIA The West Midlands Divisional Fellowship Band toured Norfolk and Suffolk, supporting Sheringham, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Citadel. The band also played in Great Yarmouth Minster alongside Great Yarmouth Brass, raising more than £1,000, which was shared between Great Yarmouth Corps and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. – TP
FUNDRAISING
away as western Canada, Alaska, Seattle and Norway, but have also travelled throughout the UK. Pictured with their duck are Nicola
Point in Stanley Park, Vancouver, which commemorates the pioneering work of The Salvation Army – EH
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
BATH CITADEL The corps celebrated its YP annual and prizegiving.
awarded
DERBY CENTRAL Corps folk were invited to make donations
Prizes were
by corps officers Majors David and Denise Wise and the children enjoyed singing and playing their timbrels. – KT
COMMUNITY
PRESTONPANS The corps celebrated Founders’ Day with a community strawberry tea. More than 40 people filled the hall and found out more about the work of the Army. – AB
FUNDRAISING
SUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTH People enjoyed culinary delights of all descriptions at the annual Strawberry Fair organised by the songsters, which raised more than £200 for the British Heart Foundation. – DM-A
COMMUNITY
NORWICH CITADEL The fourth course of the Victory Programme has given people from different walks of life the opportunity to learn about cooking healthy nutritious meals. It has enabled volunteers running the course to build helpful relationships with participants who, on this occasion, included people from Pottergate Arc Lifehouse Project. The picture shows those who successfully completed the course. – MW
EVENT
CLOWNE To celebrate the end of the summer term, members and friends of the home fellowship enjoyed an afternoon outing to Oława Bakery for cake, tea, coffee and ice cream. – GH
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
BRIDGWATER The Babysong group celebrated its final session before the summer holidays with a bouncy castle and special cupcakes. The group also said goodbye to Flossie, who is off to school in September. – HC
INTERNATIONAL
Sharing God’s grace
USA WESTERN
GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham made their first visit to the territory for the 2024 Testify Congress.
The event, which included the commissioning of the Defenders of Justice, challenged some 3,400 people to follow the message from 1 Peter 3:15.
The General enrolled 177 new junior and senior soldiers in the first main session, and territorial leaders Commissioners Colleen and Douglas Riley ordained and commissioned 14 officers.
‘God, the Holy Spirit, is on the move in The Salvation Army and here is the proof,’ the General said, and he shared a four-part formula for the Movement: connect with God, share the good news, demonstrate care and concern, and pursue holiness.
‘We are not satisfied merely telling people about God’s love,’ he continued. ‘We bring love and hope, and joy and promise – and grace, copious amounts of grace.’
The following day, young people’s, men’s and women’s rallies featured. These included an orange mascot telling the gospel story, an interview with Commissioner Bronwyn, a basketball-themed free throw contest and a message from Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill.
The 13th annual Encore! Territorial Music and Arts Celebration highlighted the creativity of 500 young people, while 28 other young people competed in Bible Bowl, a competition capping a year of Scripture memorisation.
‘The story of Jesus is absolutely timeless and changeless,’ Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham said, in the second main session, noting that there is no one way that God reaches people.
The General also presented the William Booth Award to Donna and Doug Erlandson, and Exceptional Service Awards to Debi Leighton and Brigadier Vivian Rodriguera.
‘We’re equipped. We’re prepared. We’re ready,’ said Commissioner Douglas. ‘Just think if each one of us went out of this place and shared our testimony with one person – three thousand people would hear the gospel today.’ – AR
TORQUAY
SUSIE, Danny and Martina were welcomed as adherents by the then corps officer Captain Chris Baker as part of the 142nd corps anniversary celebrations. Susie, Danny and Martina have been coming to the corps since they moved to the area two years ago. Their dad was due to become an adherent but was unable to be present on the same day due to work commitments at Torbay Hospital. – AS
HYTHE
KIRKCALDY
VIJAY was welcomed as an adherent by the then corps officer Captain Chris Baker. Vijay was unable to join when his family were recently welcomed as adherents, due to work commitments. We praise the Lord that he is working in Torquay. – AS
PHIL Wain was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Susan Shorland-Compton. Phil comes from a Baptist background but has found a spiritual home in the Army after moving to the area. He is already active in service to God through Bible study and helping with the parent-and-toddler group and weekly drop-in. Also pictured is flag bearer Richard Carroll. – SS-C 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 WHAT DOES BEING A SOLDIER OR ADHERENT MEAN?
FLORA Ferguson was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Andrew Manley. Flora joined our Let’s Connect group, where she was made welcome. She slowly became more involved, including leading a ‘food for thought’ at the group. Flora helps with fundraising and at our new kids club and is a wonderful asset to our mission. It has been a blessing to see Flora grow in her discipleship journey. – AM
SHIREBROOK
corps officers Captains David and Lorna White. After retiring as a carer 18 months ago due to ill health, Carol said she felt lost and had no focus in life. Carol’s daughter, Roz, invited her mum along when she became an adherent and Carol started coming to church regularly. She has made lots of new friends and found a warm welcome. Carol says she has found her spiritual place and has grown so much in her faith. She no longer misses her old job and is a regular attendee at all corps events. Carol welcomes new people and delights in sharing her love for God. Carol regularly studies the Bible with Roz at home as well as attending Bible study at church, which has brought mum and daughter closer than ever in their shared love of Scripture. – LW
CAROL Hallam was welcomed as an adherent by
STAINES
OLA Ugwu, Victoria and Busayo Akinjayeju, Florence Ojenike and Wilson were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Val Mylechreest. Arriving in the UK from Nigeria, they were looking for a new church and found the Army to be their spiritual home. Ola has been studying for her master’s degree and has attended the corps for several years with her two boys. After attending soldiership classes, they all decided to make a commitment. – MJ
ROTHERHAM
TINASHE, Domita, Bethel and Micaiah were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officers Captains Christianne and Tim Swansbury. These young people represent two families who are new to our corps, having moved to the area and found their spiritual home with us. – TS
GREENFORD
MIRABEL, Princess and Zoe have attended the corps for more than a year with their dad, Wilson. Mirabel and Princess were welcomed as adherents and Zoe was enrolled as a junior soldier. These are exciting times for the corps as we see new people wanting to belong to the Army. – MJ
BURRAY
CYRIL and Eileen Unsworth were enrolled as soldiers of the Burray Café Church outpost by Captain Rebecca Mitchinson (Kirkwall). Eileen chose ‘Who Is on the Lord’s Side?’ (SASB 992) and Cyril played ‘Take My Healing to the Nations’. The congregation sang ‘Goodness of God’ as Cyril and Eileen signed the Soldier’s Covenant. They are pictured with Captain John Mitchinson (Kirkwall). – JM
SURENDER and Razia were welcomed as adherents by Divisional Envoy Kath Davison and their son, Saron, was added to the cradle roll. The meeting was followed by a buffet lunch. A happy time of fellowship was had. Also pictured is Corps Secretary Marjorie Barrett. – KD
NIAMH was enrolled as a soldier by her dad, Captain Ian (William Booth College), testifying to the faithfulness of God in all areas of her life. In the same meeting, Elsa was enrolled as a junior soldier by Captain Keely (William Booth College). She said why she wanted to be a junior soldier, explaining:: ‘I want to be a good Christian.’ – LC
ARMY PEOPLE
Local officers appointed
CORPS SECRETARY BEVERLEY
NICHOLL , Bedlington
BANDMASTER AND SINGING
GROUP LEADER DENNIS
PEARMAN, Snettisham
YOUNG PEOPLE’S BAND
SERGEANT TERESA EMERY, Stockton
Wedding anniversaries
Platinum (70 years)
GORDON AND MURIEL
PULLEYN, Leeds Central, on 21 August
Golden (50 years)
ANDY AND CHRISTINE COXON, Rock Ferry, on 17 August
Promoted to Glory
RETIRED YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERGEANT-MAJOR BRIAN BAGWORTH, Ripley
COLIN WARD, Morley
SONGSTER MARY ADAMS, Chester-le-Street, on 10 July
PETER WARE, Skewen, on 13 July
RETIRED CORPS
SERGEANT-MAJOR ANN CRUMP, Bourne, on 16 July
MOLLIE MALPASS, Worthing, on 23 July
MAJOR DOROTHY
STEVENSON from Southend General Hospital on 24 July
LIEUT-COLONEL JOHN HALL from Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, on 29 July
Bereaved
SANDRA BAGWORTH, Somercotes, of her husband Retired Young People’s Sergeant-Major Brian Bagworth
GILLIAN WALL , Sunderland Monkwearmouth, and Ian Ward of their father Colin Ward
NEIL STEVENSON, Rayleigh, and Philip Stevenson of their mother Major Dorothy Stevenson
LIEUT-COLONEL MARTHA
HALL of her husband
Lieut-Colonel John Hall
LIEUT-COLONEL STEPHEN
PALLANT of his daughter
Fiona Davidson
ENGAGEMENTS
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill Fri 16 Aug Sunbury Court (ICO Farewell Meeting)
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Sun 18 Aug – Mon 19 Aug The Netherlands (The Catherine Programme)
NOTICES
Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main: ‘It’s time to go public’
‘It’s time to go public with our love for Jesus,’ Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main challenged everyone at Together 2024. ‘We’ve got 30,000 members – well, that’s just the ones we measure. If you bring the one next to you and I bring the one next to me, in no time at all we’ll have 60,000.’ You can watch a video of the full message from Saturday evening’s worship online, along with a written transcript, at salvationist.org.uk/ together-2024-go-public-gods-story
In memory: Online wall of remembrance
The Salvation Army has introduced an online wall of remembrance that allows people to share memories and photos of loved ones when they don’t always know what to say. This virtual wall is free to use and a donation to the Army is optional. Access the page at thesalvationarmy.dedicationpage.org
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. 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
Evening Jazz with Richard Mingay
Major Richard Mingay (William Booth College) shares the good news through his love of jazz and gospel music. The episode is broadcast at 7pm on Sunday 11 August and repeated in full at 9pm on Friday 16 August.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
The All Terrain Podcast
Host Jo Taylor (Children and Youth Department) is joined by Jill Rowe, Ethos and Formation Director at Oasis UK, for this month’s hypothetical hike. Oasis UK is one of the largest providers of academy schools in England, serving more than 30,000 students and 5,000 staff members.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
Morning Praise with Kids Alive!
Get your day started with half an hour of music, prayer, a thought and lots of giggles! Listen on Saturdays from 7.30am to 8am. Can’t tune in on Saturday morning? The broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 9am and Mondays at 7.30am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Sunday Wake-Up with Lyndall Bywater
Ease yourself into the day with a relaxed mix of music, chat and a few inspirational moments to stir your soul. Listen from 7am to 9am on Sundays.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
CLASSIFIED
HANDMADE BY GRACE AND HOPE Individually painted cards for any occasion from just £1. Search for us on Facebook or email handmadebygraceandhope@gmail.com. ALL profits support Salvation Army projects around the world. We would love to serve you.
TO LET
ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hill-walking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.
TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.
LOCHGELLY CORPS, 1 AUCHTERDERRAN ROAD KY5 9DQ
VALEDICTORY SERVICE
Saturday 17 August, 4pm
Messages of appreciation by email to css-dhq@salvationarmy.org.uk
by mail to Central & Southern Scotland DHQ, 4 Buchanan Court, Stepps G33 6HZ
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 IN-HOUSE
This role involves promoting the work and mission of the international Salvation Army through digital and printed content production. This will include research and procurement of international Salvation Army stories that promote the Salvation Army mission and ministry ideals and write printed and digital content for publication on Salvation Army social media, web and internal platforms and printed works.
The successful candidate will:
• Have a degree in English, journalism or an equivalent related subject
• Demonstrate significant experience in an in-house writing role at mid-seniority level
• Be willing to adhere to The Salvation Army’s in-house writing style and branding
• Have excellent written and spoken English, as well as a professional presentation
• Have experience in writing and distributing news releases
• Be proficient working with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Teams, etc)
• Demonstrate well-developed interpersonal, organisational and time management skills
• Have confidence in recommending new concepts for communication methods
• Share empathy and a willingness to advance the mission, values and objectives of The Salvation Army
Applicants must be in sympathy with the aims and objectives of The Salvation Army.
Salary
£39,794.01 pa plus travel to work allowance up to £3,700 pa
Working hours 35 hours per week
Contract Full-time
Details
Contributory pension scheme; generous travel to work allowance; 25 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays per annum; café discount
Closing date Fri 30 August
Interviews held Mon 9 September
full details and to apply, visit salvationarmy.org/ihq/jobs-portal
and
Sunday 8 September, 10am Led by Major Alec Still Messages to sonja_simpson@hotmail.co.uk
