Salvationist 10 December 2022

SALVATIONIST

QATAR WORLD CUP: ‘DON’T LET VIOLENCE COME HOME’

As England [prepared] for its second World Cup match … against the United States, the Church … joined an international call to kick out the domestic abuse often linked to big sporting events.

The campaign [launched] … on the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (also known as White Ribbon Day) and includes a video message from the Bishop of Tonbridge, the [Right Rev] Simon Burton-Jones, in which he acknowledges that football arouses real passions…

‘It’s a well-known fact that domestic abuse spikes after big football games finish, especially after derby games or when England play.’

But, he says, people are not defined by [their] team’s losses: ‘Our self-esteem does not depend on three points by the end of Saturday … we are defined instead by how we care for those we live with.

‘So let’s enjoy the game but, if football isn’t coming home, let’s make the promise that violence won’t come home either.’

His message is backed by White Ribbon UK, the charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.

White Ribbon Day opens 16 days of activities, and comes as new figures from diocesan safeguarding advisers show that reports of domestic abuse increased by 37 per cent from 2019 to 2021.

A range of videos and resources is being published on the Church of England website during the campaign, and they include the voice of survivors of domestic abuse, and individuals and organisations that support those experiencing domestic abuse.

Church Times

CHRISTMAS’ CHRISTIAN ROOTS

Actor Tim Allen, who played Father Christmas in the hit … 1994 film [The Santa Clause] says the new Disney+ series The Santa Clauses will have more Christian roots… Allen told The Wrap… ‘It originally had a lot of otherworldly characters and ghosts and goblins.

‘I said no, this is Christ-mas. It’s Christ-mas. It literally is a religious holiday.’

He continued: ‘We don’t have to blow trumpets, but I do want … to acknowledge it. That’s what this is about. If you want to get into Santa Claus, you’re gonna have to go back to history, and it’s all about religion.’

Premier

TINY NATIVITY SCENE IN THE EYE OF A NEEDLE ON DISPLAY IN BIRMINGHAM

A microscopic image of a crib that is thought to be the world’s tiniest Nativity scene has gone on display.

The image was engraved by hand on a speck of gold inside the eye of a needle by Birmingham micro-engraver Graham Short…

Visitors to a Nativity festival at St Laurence Church, Northfield, can view the piece using a microscope.

‘It’s going to be the smallest in the world, it must be,’ said Mr Short…

[The Very Rev] Canon Janet Chapman said it was part of an exhibition of Nativity scenes from throughout the world.

BBC News

COST OF LIVING ADVICE BUS BEGINS ITS TOUR OF LONDON

London’s first ever cost of living advice bus has set off on a three-month long tour of the capital.

The bus is run by the charity Debt Free Advice and was set up to provide debt advice and support to Londoners.

It will visit 35 locations, parking near supermarkets and library car parks and offering consultations.

This follows a recent City Hall poll showing nearly a third of Londoners are going into debt to manage increased living costs…

At the launch of the tour from Trafalgar Square on Friday, London mayor Sadiq Khan stressed the financial difficulties faced by Londoners.

He said: ‘The cost of living crisis is hitting Londoners hard and, as Christmas approaches bringing more financial strain, many Londoners will be worrying how they will make ends meet over the coming months.

‘No one should have to face these difficulties on their own.’

BBC News

‘THIS IS CHRIST-MAS’, SAYS ACTOR TIM ALLEN AS NEW DISNEY+ SERIES HIGHLIGHTS

Love made new

I WAS 11 years old when I got my first email address and learnt how to send an electronic mail. This was back in the days of dial-up internet, before broadband –when, as I once heard it described, you had to phone up the internet to see if it was in. Fast forward 25 years and, although I only know one other person still using a Hotmail email address, it’s mind-boggling how much the digital world has changed. I’ve moved from chatting with schoolfriends on MSN Messenger to sharing things on social media. I’ve sent Snapchats, followed people on Twitter, commented on Facebook, posted photos on Instagram and even dipped a toe in TikTok.

In the past year, The Salvation Army has gone even further and started to build an online corps. Fuelled by the understanding that church isn’t defined by buildings but by people, it’s a bold, pioneering initiative. This growing community of believers cultivates discussions about faith and provides opportunities for reflection, worship, prayer and support. It seems natural that it should take its name, Plexus, from the term for a network of intersecting nerves in the body.

You can read all about it on pages 10 and 11. Of course, it’s not here to replace inperson services or programmes; it’s creating a new space alongside them where, as Digital Community Mission Facilitator Sam Ellison explains, members can ‘find and develop their relationship with Jesus’.

The Army’s pioneering spirit has always led to new ways of connecting with people and sharing the gospel – whether that’s driving in a motor car from city to city, forming a pop group that made it into the charts or launching a new territorial website at salvationist.org.uk.

On pages 12 and 13 Captain Mark Cotterill studies Zechariah’s song at the Temple, a moment of realisation and celebration that God was birthing something new – a fulfilment of a promise built on years of tradition, hope and expectation.

The world today looks very different from when I sent my first email but, regardless of whether you use the internet or not, God is still inspiring new things based on the same timeless truth: a love he ultimately expressed through the gift of his Son, Jesus.

One of my favourite running jokes on social media is when people write ‘I was today years old when…’ and state something obvious they’ve just learnt or understood for the first time. Advent, a time of hope and expectation, is a wonderful invitation for us to do just that: to take the time to discover anew the reality of Christ coming into our world, both as a baby thousands of years ago and again in the future. Major Howard Webber encourages us to remember the latter on page 8, writing: ‘Whenever it is that Jesus comes, may he find us ready.’

Were you today years old when you appreciated once again the promise of Advent?

Come, O come, Emmanuel; Advent promise, life made new; Come, O come, Prince of Peace; We prepare our hearts for you.

IVAN RADFORD Managing Editor Salvationist

CONTENTS

Quotes from the media 2

News 4 to 6

Prayer matters 6 Interview 7 Completing the circle Lieut-Colonel Joan Williams talks to Lyn Woods

Reflection 8 Are you ready for the second Advent? by Major Howard Webber

Advent reflection 9 A song of hope by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts

Feature 10 and 11 Click and connect by Simon Hope

Bible study 12 and 13 Zechariah’s song of salvation by Captain Mark Cotterill

Through the week 12 and 13 with Salvationist by Major Philippa Smale

Retired officers’ 14 and 15 Christmas greetings

New commitments 16 and 17

Announcements 18

Adverts 19

Quiz 20

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

General thanks Army volunteers

IHQ

GENERAL Brian Peddle has released a video thanking Salvation Army volunteers around the world.

The message, which was timed to mark International Volunteers Day on 5 December, highlighted the many ways in which volunteers are helping people in need, including providing food and practical assistance to people fleeing conflict in Ukraine, offering shelter to people experiencing homelessness and giving support to survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery.

‘The generosity of Salvation Army volunteers across the globe continues to amaze and encourage me,’ said the General.

‘I am grateful for the realisation of 1 Peter 4:10, whereby our Salvation Army volunteers use their unique spiritual gifts to serve and support others.

‘Let me have this moment to celebrate and pray for you, our volunteers who continue to serve with all your strength and with the inspiration that the love of God provides to us.’

Watch the video online at youtube.com/SAIHQ

Job scheme empowers people

LONDON

A PROGRAMME supporting people experiencing homelessness is successfully placing people in jobs.

The Army’s Employment Plus team, funded by the European Social Fund and supported by the mayor of London, is delivering the two-year programme. Eight employment development co-ordinators are supporting people, including rough sleepers, into jobs. There is also support for people dealing with addiction and mental health problems.

The project aims to get 10 per cent of the clients into work and has already helped 20 per cent find a job.

Employment Plus Assistant Regional Manager Sarah-Joe MohunSmith said: ‘We are seeing people whose anxiety has decreased, they are having aspirations again and their wellbeing has improved. The project is holistic, and we take the time to understand someone’s complex barriers rather than simply reaching targets.’ – AR

MUSIC

MEETING

MG

FUNDRAISING

WELLING The corps hosted its annual Christmas sale with a mixture of new, homemade and pre-loved items to buy and the opportunity to sit with Santa Claus and share Christmas wishes with him. The next day at worship one of the visitors to the sale attended for the first time. – KS

songster pieces included ‘I’ve Been Changed’ and ‘The Wondrous Story’. During the meeting Kenneth Johnson was welcomed into the songsters and thanks were given to God in recognition of Brenda Hall as she transfers to the songster reserve. – JJ

COMMUNITY

SUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTH Ukrainian refugee support group Sunderland for Ukraine began its therapy and counselling programme in co-operation with the corps. The group numbers between 20 and 30 people of all ages and meets every Sunday afternoon. The corps provides a support team of volunteers and arranges activities and meals. Sunderland for Ukraine provides a trained Ukrainian-speaking therapist who supports the group members. – JC

SUNDERLAND CITADEL Songsters past and present joined in a day of celebration and prayer, led by corps officers Majors David and Meshiel Brown, celebrating 750 years of combined service in praise to God. Sunday morning’s

CIRENCESTER Divisional leaders Majors Paul and Gillian Billard led a Sunday morning meeting based around journeys, both physical and spiritual. The evening meeting, arranged by Songster Leader Helen Grace, was themed God So Loved the World and included items from the musical sections. There were practical activities for the youth members and drinks and hot dogs helped provide energy for line dancing. –

REMEMBRANCE

Chelmsford Band participate in the city’s Remembrance Sunday parade with Deputy Bandmaster David Wright, a British Army veteran, sounding the Last Post

INTERNATIONAL

Celebrating 15 years of Army ministry

GREECE

GENERAL André Cox (Retired) and Commissioner Silvia Cox returned to Greece to celebrate 15 years of Salvation Army mission in the country. Attending a reception in Athens, he spoke about The Salvation Army’s commitment – being rooted in the Christian gospel – to serve the marginalised, highlighting the amazing work undertaken at the height of the refugee crisis.

He also attended The Meeting Point at Athens Corps, where people mingled for coffee and children enjoyed face painting in the garden as Salvationists reached out to the community. The evening celebrated contemporary work, including worship, dance and a series of videos.

In an interview on Saturday evening, Commissioner Silvia emphasised that her best advice to a young Christian looking to the future would be to ‘read the Bible’.

At the subsequent Athens Corps holiness meeting on Sunday, André spoke about God’s call. He said: ‘God’s message to The Salvation Army in Greece is “I have chosen you”, and we cannot get alongside people if we do not have God at our side.’

Corps leader Territorial Envoy Terence Carpenter lays a poppy wreath at the Market Rasen war memorial

The weekend was a stimulating, faithbuilding time that encouraged participants to look to the future. – IG

MUSIC

David Woodman, attended a service of Remembrance at the hall. On display were 5,000 poppies knitted by the ladies’ fellowship group and their family and friends, which formed a ‘river of peace’. The songsters and members of the band also provided an evening of music and meditation. – DW

began with ‘Joy on the Hill’. The chorus then joined the band for the reflective ‘Siya Kudu Misa’. Andrew, well known for his piano playing, added to the enjoyment with ‘I’ve Got Rhythm’ and ‘Nimrod’. A youth chorus member dressed as a dinosaur joined celebrations during ‘All Creatures Praise’. The evening raised more than £3,000 to support the rebuilding of classrooms and toilet facilities at the Army’s schools in Moothanthara, India. – HB

PERTH All Scotland Youth Councils saw Captains Vanessa and Xander Coleman (Buckingham) help young people and leaders explore the theme Glow, centred around 2 Corinthians 3:17 and 18. The weekend included a praise party on Saturday evening and interactive worship and reflection on Sunday, including live art created by Corps Treasurer Adam Howie (Edinburgh Gorgie). – JG

REMEMBRANCE

SOUTHPORT The band presented a concert on the eve of Remembrance Sunday. Based on the Festival of Remembrance held at the Royal Albert Hall, pieces included ‘The Dam Busters March’, the theme from Saving Private Ryan, ‘The Red Shield’ and ‘Faith Reborn’. The marrying of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and the Last Post brought the concert to a moving conclusion. More than £1,000 was raised for the Royal British Legion and the Warm Welcome campaign. – PW

CIRENCESTER The band provided music for Remembrance Sunday services at war memorials in Barnsley and Ablington and at St Mary’s Church in Bibury. Bandsman David Grace and Songster Leader Helen Grace sounded the Last Post and Reveille and Maxwell, one of the youngest members of the corps, read a poem during Down Ampney’s Remembrance service. – MG

EVENT

CLOWNE The Christmas fair and coffee morning welcomed 99 people through the doors, with many visiting the hall for the first time. New and pre-loved items were on offer alongside tea and coffee, bacon cobs, mince pies and Christmas cake. The event raised £825 for corps funds. – GH

EVENT COMMUNITY

TWICKENHAM In response to the cost of living crisis, the corps has opened a free-to-use ‘living room’, offering a warm, welcoming and safe space to the community during the winter months. – EW

CARDIFF CANTON Chief Petty Officer Gary Kaunhoven of the Royal Navy, pictured with corps officer Major

STAPLE HILL Severn and Somerset Divisional Youth Chorus and Songster Leader Andrew Wicker (Swindon Citadel) joined the band to present a programme in support of the Kenya Trust, which

ANNIVERSARY

MIDDLESBROUGH CITADEL

REMEMBRANCE

ADVENT FOCUS

Captain Gary Lacey (Territorial Prayer Network Support Officer)

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER – PROVERBS 12:20

Lord, we have all seen first-hand through war and all kinds of other evils in this world just how deceit is brandished like a warped weapon of destruction on mankind. As your children we want to come in the opposite Spirit to that. We want to be promoters of peace. We shout out now that that’s exactly what we will be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MONDAY 12 DECEMBER – JOHN 14:27

Thank you for your peace, Lord. We sometimes get confused with the type of peace the world offers which is so very inferior and different from yours. We are desperate to receive it, and furthermore, the world around us is desperate too. Bless us with your peace, Lord. Amen.

TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER – PROVERBS 16:7 Lord Jesus, help me to fix any broken relationships I may have, especially as I consider your coming to this world. Help me, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER – ISAIAH 12:2

Father, in these troubled times we long for peace. Thank you that you came to defend us and to be our strength. Lord, we join in with this statement: ‘Surely God is my salvation, I WILL trust and NOT be afraid!’ In Jesus’ strong name. Amen.

THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER – COLOSSIANS 3:15 Beautiful and amazing Lord, we declare that you rule in our hearts as the God of peace. We pray that as members of your body through the Church, we will allow you to breathe your peace into us and then breathe out through us to those in desperate need of a Saviour. We are so thankful you came to earth. Amen.

FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER – ROMANS 16:20

Peace always wins! Thank you, Father, that you keep our heavenly pathway clear and straight. Thank you for the protection and safety that your coming brings. May we forever live in you, Lord! Amen.

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER – PSALM 85:8 Lord, may we be steadfast in our relationship with you. We say sorry for the times we have let folly throw us off course. We commit to listening to you alone. In Jesus’ precious name.

A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

Amen.

Bellshill Band lead the town’s Remembrance Sunday parade organised by the Royal British Legion

Members of the Let’s Connect group enjoyed a crafts session creating Christmas gifts. The group, which includes corps members and those who have come through community programmes, has grown significantly over the past few months and new members helped to lead the session. – NK

PENARTH Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill led the 140th corps anniversary weekend. The hall was decorated with photos from over the decades and Dawn Watson made a cake. Celebrations started on Friday with the band and choir’s first carolling engagement before a meal on Saturday. Sunday morning opened with an upbeat arrangement of ‘Now Thank We All Our God’ by Choir Leader Anthony Williams. Finally, everyone shared in a faith meal. – CP

Picture: Craig Maunder Photography

WOOD GREEN For the first time since 2019, the Women of Hope group met for a retreat day at Mulberry House. Divisional Area Officer Major Jo Justice led the group in a time of reflection, asking the question: ‘What spiritual season of life are you in?’ – PK

EVENT

Completing the circle

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FROM YOUR TIME SERVING IN INDIA?

A little boy in Burma was standing with me, holding my hand for prayers. Instead of saying ‘our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name’, he said: ‘Our Father who art in Heaven, how did you know my name?’

WHEN DO YOU TRAVEL TO INDIA?

We set off on Boxing Day. I have some of my family going with me and I’m introducing my grandson to India for the first time. This will be my last visit.

WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS FOR THE TRIP?

A few things. First, to encourage fellow officers and soldiers, as the work is difficult out there because they have a Hindu Nationalist (BJP) government. Second, to challenge them spiritually and put money in the hands of the right people – that’s one of the main reasons I go. Also, to see my friends and family and to enjoy the wonderful food. I shall be celebrating my 87th birthday while I’m there!

I shall visit several social centres and am particularly interested in one in Mizoram, up in the hills, which few people visit because it’s difficult to get to. Another is a motherless babies centre, which is mainly for babies whose mothers can’t look after them. The man who used to be my secretary, LieutColonel Shamu Meitei, is territorial auditor – his last appointment before retiring – and his wife is in charge of the centre. It will be good to see them. Also, in Kolkata there are social centres I want to see. I worked at a girls’ home there in the 1990s, so I’m going back there, and

there’s a boys’ home, an aged home and a blind home. The blind home is interesting; it’s mainly grown men there and most of them work for the Mint because a lot of the work with the coins is through touch and feel.

WHEN YOU VISIT INDIA, WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT THE UK?

I can honestly say that I look upon India as my home and I miss those things more when I’m here in the UK. My friends and Tavistock Corps I will miss.

HOW HAS LIVING AND WORKING OVERSEAS ENRICHED YOUR LIFE?

It’s opened my eyes and given me a much wider view of the world, particularly of people and nature.

HOW DOES THE LORD

EQUIP

YOU FOR THE TASKS HE SETS FOR YOU?

Well, I had a wonderful husband. And whenever we had something difficult to do, he’d say ‘now we’ll do this, we’ll pray about it while we do it and we’ll think about it afterwards’. When he first said that to me, I thought that was a very silly idea, but I learnt that it was probably the best idea, because while you were doing it you came to the realisation that you had to get on and do it, or else nobody else around you would. I lost my husband in Sri Lanka and, five years later, the Army asked me to go back on the mission field. I thought that was difficult, and it was difficult, but for me it was the ending of the circle. I met people in those last years when I was serving who were very important to me. And I believe that was the Lord’s way of healing the wounds of grief for me.

My favourite hymn reminds me:

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater…

When we have exhausted our store of endurance…

Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

(SASB 30)

HOW CAN PEOPLE SUPPORT YOUR UPCOMING MISSION?

There is a GoFundMe page for donations at gofund.me/b362ef1d. And, of course, by offering prayerful support.

LYN WOODS Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Lyn Woods talks to Lieut-Colonel Joan Williams about her upcoming missional visit to India

Lieut-Colonel Shamu Meitei

Are you ready for the second Advent?

WHEN JESUS COMES AGAIN

The day is drawing ever near When Christ will come, will reappear; No virgin birth, no manger bed, No shepherds, Magi, cattle shed.

But from above the clouds, the skies, He’ll come as King with fiery eyes; His face as radiant as the sun, A splendour seen by everyone.

Yes, he who hammered in each nail And did Christ’s hands and feet impale, Together with the baying crowd Who shouted ‘crucify!’ out loud.

Those Pharisees and Pilate too, And all who claim they never knew, Will kneel and weep at seeing him, The Crucified, return as King.

eyes blazing like fire (see Revelation 1:14; 19:12) and with a face that shines like the sun (see Revelation 1:16).

AMONTH after submitting my book Gift Beyond Measure: Inspiring Poems for Christmas for publication, I woke up in the night. ‘It’s not complete,’ I thought. ‘There’s something missing.’ I lay there till dawn wondering what it could be, before I realised that everything in the book was referring to the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago. There was nothing regarding the future, the fact that Jesus will return – his second Advent.

In the morning I phoned the publisher and asked whether it was too late to add one more poem to conclude the book. He told me the idea sounded good, but that he would need to receive it very soon. I had no idea what I was going to say and I needed time to read up and write down what the Bible had to say about Christ’s return.

When Jesus ascended to Heaven, two men in white told the apostles that Jesus would return in the same way as they had seen him go (see Acts 1:11).

Revelation 1:7 describes Jesus as ‘coming with the clouds’, saying that ‘every eye will see him, even those who pierced him’. He will come with ‘power and great glory’ (Matthew 24:30), with

But when will that day be? Matthew 24:14 tells us how ‘this gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come’. But verses 36 to 39 make it clear that no one knows precisely when Jesus will return. The unbelieving world will be getting on with their day-to-day lives unprepared, as when the flood suddenly swept everyone away in Noah’s time. The day will come as ‘a thief in the night’ (1 Thessalonians 5:2). However, as Christians we live in expectation of that day – when it comes, it shouldn’t surprise us.

The Bible makes it quite clear that life on Earth as we have known it will not continue indefinitely; we are moving towards a climax. Creation is groaning more so than in St Paul’s day (see Romans 8:22). Humankind has spoilt so much of this wonderful planet and is now capable of destroying it completely, whether by nuclear power, pollution, eradication of plant and animal species or the effects of human activity on the climate. None of this would have been thought possible a hundred years ago!

Can the direction in which the world is travelling be reversed, as many hope, or are these some of the signs Jesus had in mind that would precede his return? We

With tears of joy and bended knee, Those praying, labouring ceaselessly, Will worship, praise, rejoice, adore, The One, so long, they’ve waited for.

So be prepared for that great day, When death, pain, tears, he’ll wipe away, And faithful souls he’ll gather in To spend eternity with him.

know there will be more to come as that day approaches. ‘Nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world’ (Luke 21:25 and 26).

Whenever it is that Jesus comes, may he find us ready. ‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another –and all the more as you see the day approaching’ (Hebrews 10:24 and 25).

Major Howard Webber looks ahead to Christ’s return

MAJOR HOWARD WEBBER

A song of hope

In the third of five Advent reflections, Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts considers Mary’s response to God’s call

‘Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.’

(Luke 2:19)

IHAVE often wondered whether Mary would have kept a journal if she lived in the present day. A journal can be a useful space to record our response to what is happening in our personal lives and our wider communities. Many people find this practice helpful for their own spiritual formation.

It would be fascinating to read Mary’s first-hand account of the events, which began on an ordinary day in Nazareth with an extraordinary visit from the angel Gabriel. Yet we cannot assume that Mary, a humble village girl, would have even been taught to read and write. It is from Luke that we learn what was said to Mary and her response, when Gabriel announced the staggering news that she had been chosen by God to give birth to his own Son. The name, Jesus, was pre-chosen for the baby and Gabriel’s announcement confirms his divine kingly status and the eternal Kingdom over which he would rule.

It is hardly surprising that, in this moment, the future destiny of her

promised child is not Mary’s priority. She simply asks how she, a virgin, could become pregnant. I wonder if we have often moved too quickly to Mary’s willing response: ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled’ (1:38).

Mary was given time to think and permission to question. So many of the great figures of the Bible are found questioning God at the moment of their calling. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks once said, ‘to be without questions is not a sign of faith, but of lack of depth’. The call of God to Mary is an invitation that she questions and then accepts.

If we were watching these events unfold on a stage, there would now be a pause and a change of scene from Mary’s home in Nazareth to the house of Elizabeth and Zechariah. Mary enters and is greeted by Elizabeth, who is by now heavily pregnant with the child who would be known as John the Baptist. In a prophetic encounter, Elizabeth recognises that Mary is the mother of God incarnate and says: ‘Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her!’ (Luke 1:45).

Mary’s response is a song of praise to God and a song of hope that God’s justice will be established. There are echoes of psalms and quotations from Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2:1–10. Mary envisions a Kingdom where poverty and injustice are ended, where the hungry are filled with good things. In her words we find the fulfilment of God’s covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants.

‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my

spirit rejoices in God my Saviour... The Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation’ (Luke 1:46–50).

REFLECT

Mary may not have had any means of recording the amazing events around the birth of her son, but we know that she stored up the precious memories and continued to think deeply on them. Take time to read Luke 1:26–56. Reflect on the themes of Mary’s song. What verses from the psalms are you reminded of? What events in the life of Jesus find an echo in her words?

ADVENT PRAYER

A verse from another gifted songwriter, Major Joy Webb:

All around us seemingly, darkness holds its sway, Truth and love are faltering, peace in disarray; And if we needed you, we need you now!

Come into our world, Come into our world, now, Lord Jesus.

LIE

Click and connect

THE internet is the largest thoroughfare on Earth. Billions of people across the world pass through its virtual streets on an hourly basis. But how effectively are we, as Christians, inhabiting this space? How are we ministering to people digitally as Jesus’ hands and feet?

In response to these questions The Salvation Army has pioneered Plexus –an online corps. This new initiative is building a community and reaching the unchurched in the online world. Just like other pioneer groups and fresh expressions, it is breaking new ground and reaching new people in new ways.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ONLINE CORPS?

As an entirely online corps, it is distinct from the ways that other corps place their services online. Rather than sharing output that is born of in-person communities, Plexus focuses on specifically building online communities. It’s not designed to replace services and programmes for those who are unable to attend their local corps. Rather, it aims to reach people who experience friendship and community wholly in online spaces. Understanding that this concept may feel alien to some people, the team respect that not everyone will be interested in what Plexus has to offer, but the aim is to create a new space for people who don’t fit into traditional formats of church.

WHAT DOES PLEXUS DO?

Plexus exists as a collection of projects, such as small group Bible studies, a book club and Instagram outreach groups. Their equivalent to traditional Sunday meetings is the podcast Selah: Time to Pause. It gives listeners an opportunity to take time out each weekday to catch their breath, draw near to God and refresh their spirit through worship, reflection and prayer. The weekly schedule devotes time to studying the Bible, learning from art and music, responding to the news and considering some of life’s big questions.

ws and g ats

Pastoral support happens within these groups just as it happens in other corps, and corps officer Major Ian Emery takes time for one-to-one conversations and video chats with members.

WHY IS IT CALLED PLEXUS?

A ‘plexus’ is a network of nerves or vessels in the body. The name symbolises the different projects combining to create a network of believers and communities, forming one church.

HOW CAN I CONNECT WITH PLEXUS?

Visit salvationarmy.org.uk/plexus or search @plexus.salvationarmy on Instagram or ‘Plexus Salvation Army’ on YouTube. Or, for more details on how you can get involved, email plexus@salvationarmy.org.uk. The team understand that people have questions, and they’re more than happy to answer them!

CHURCH VIDE

When the Covid-19 pandemic forced churches online, creating video services and worship lyric videos became the new normal. For some, the process of creating these videos began drawing them closer to God. But as churches went back to onsite worship, fewer creators were being asked to make these resources and, as the need dwindled, some people fell away.

SIMON HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Concluding a series on pioneering, Simon Hope finds out about Plexus, an online corps

Digital Community Mission Facilitator Sam Ellison (North West Division) introduces the CVC community:

SUPPORT PLEXUS IN PRAYER

The Plexus team’s prayer is that, as you read, a name will pop into your head: someone that you know who might enjoy being part of this pioneering online community – that person might even be you!

Pray for Major Ian Emery in his leadership of the initiative

Pray for members of the steering group and leadership group for direction and holy discernment

Pray that those who join this online community come to faith or strengthen their faith

EO CREATORS

focus on building friendships, community and church, giving opportunities for members to find and develop their relationships with Jesus.

How does it do this, I hear you ask?

CVC is hosted on the social platform Discord, which provides an easy way for members to interact however they feel most comfortable – voice chat, video or text. Conversations that take place can range from video requests to discussions about the meaning of a song to prayer requests. There is a constant aim to encourage deep and meaningful conversations, with the Holy Spirit at the centre of everything that we do.

We aim to join people in community by cultivating discussion about technology and faith. We pray that through these relationships we will see and feel Jesus at work in their lives as they come to know him for themselves.

Find out what CVC is for yourself – scan the QR code and accept your personal invitation!

The aim is to create a new space for people who don’t fit into traditional formats of church

Zechariah’s song of salvation

LUKE 1:5–80

IN Jerusalem, a city under Roman occupation, Zechariah, a priest, is carrying out his duties in the Temple. He and his wife, Elizabeth, both from priestly families, are described as ‘righteous in the sight of God’ (v6). Although they have longed for and prayed for a child, ‘Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old’ (v7).

Over the years, in response to their childlessness, tongues would have wagged questioning what sin they had committed for God to punish them in this way.

Their situation appears hopeless, but Zechariah is faithful in service to God and patient in prayer and sustained by old songs of hope that God would come to the rescue of Israel once again.

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Philippa Smale

SUNDAY

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Is faith just about longing, hope and trust? Or are there some things we can know or be assured of?

As Zechariah burns incense in the Temple and ‘the assembled worshippers were praying outside’ (v10), he is totally freaked out by an encounter with the angel Gabriel. The news is staggering. Gabriel announces that God has heard their prayers. Elizabeth will bear a son, John, who will be ‘filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born’ (v15) and who will ‘make ready a people prepared for the Lord’ (v17). John is to play an important role in the salvation of Israel.

You may sense echoes and parallels with older stories such as Abraham and Sarah and the birth of Isaac in their old age – this is exactly the connection that Luke is wanting his readers to make.

As this centuries-old story comes

‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.’

(Luke 1:68)

MONDAY

bursting out of the darkness into the light, coupled with racing thoughts of becoming a father, Zechariah finds such good news hard to believe. He questions: ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well on in years’ (v18). He is silenced until the child’s birth.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Why do you think Zechariah questioned Gabriel’s message?

Zechariah’s silence also mirrors what was going on in Israel at the time. People believed God’s prophets had been silent for a long time and, sensing God’s absence, many increasingly felt they had no one to turn to. In the midst of seemingly overwhelming injustice and irreversible oppression, Elizabeth gives birth to her son.

On the eighth day – when the child is

TUESDAY

(SASB 88)

(Luke

1:69–71)

‘He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.’

Captain Mark Cotterill discovers silence is broken with a sign that God is birthing something new

presented to be circumcised and named – the expectation is for him to be named after his father, Zechariah. Elizabeth speaks up: ‘No! He is to be called John’ (v60). Then all eyes in the room turn to Zechariah, who signals for a writing tablet and, to everyone’s astonishment, writes: ‘His name is John’ (v63). His tongue is immediately set free and he begins to speak, praising God, and the place is filled with wonder and worship.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah bursts into song and the excitement heightens as his listeners begin to grasp its meaning. The silence, possibly seen as a form of punishment, is broken – an unmistakable sign that God is birthing something new.

As Zechariah sings, old memories are evoked: God’s holy covenant with Abraham, God’s promise to raise up a saviour from the house of David and God’s promise to enable his people to

WEDNESDAY

O come, thou key of David, come/ And open wide our heavenly Home;/ Make safe the way that leads on high/ And close the path to misery.

(SASB 117)

Prayer

Lord, we pray that you will place a song of thanksgiving in our hearts for all that you do for us. Help us to live holy and righteous lives that will be a shining witness to others of your saving grace.

serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness. As Zechariah’s song comes to a climax, its message of salvation goes way beyond earthly liberation to the forgiveness of sins and even rescue from death itself.

For Luke’s audience, these are not only reminders of the great tradition they are part of, but also a reminder that Jesus is the powerful fulfilment of these promises.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Zechariah prays about the future as an event that will happen. What might that mean for the way we pray?

At a new moment of history, Zechariah was called to trust God. In the big picture it is the smaller human stories that really matter. Like many, it is a story of hesitating between faith and doubt.

THURSDAY

‘To show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.’

(Luke 1:72–75)

FRIDAY

Reflecting on Zechariah’s song, Alexander John Shaia says: ‘There is something in the Christian tradition that goes beyond hope and longing – to knowing in the very cells of your body.’

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What does this story teach us about God?

Are you in a season of silence or salvation?

While the truth and beauty of God’s purposes can be held back for a while, they can never be done away with – and that is something worth singing about.

O thou God of full salvation,/ King of righteousness divine,/ Author of the new creation,/ Light of life, within us shine!/ Make us holy, make us holy;/ With thy blessing make us thine.

(SASB 51)

SATURDAY

‘And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.’

(Luke 1:76 and 77)

CAPTAIN MARK COTTERILL Corps Officer Helsingborg, Sweden

Warm Christmas greetings to all our friends and colleagues.

Major Ann Andrews and Major Rita Andrews

Greetings to all friends. I’m still here and grateful for the joy that the Saviour still brings to this world.

Major Dorothy Brevitt

Major Pat Charlesworth wishes all her friends and colleagues a blessed and peaceful Christmas. May memories cheer your hearts.

Retired o Christmas

Colonels Anne and Graeme Harding wish for you renewed blessings of wonder and joy as we celebrate God with us.

Major Joyce Holmes sends warmest Christmas greetings and God’s blessings for 2023 to all her friends. Lilliput House Care Home, Poole

Rejoice, the Light of the world has come! Wishing you a blessed Christmas and new year.

Majors Christine and James Cunningham

Christmas greetings to all my friends. God bless you.

Jesus is alive, hallelujah!

Major Rene Davey Majors Alan and Dorothy Green send season’s greetings to all our friends and family. God bless you this Christmas and in the new year.

Major Doreen Ingram and Brigadier Doreen York send Christmas greetings to friends and colleagues met over the years.

We wish you peace and joy this Christmas and grace and hope for 2023.

Majors Derek and Susan Jones

May the Lord of Peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Majors Kath and Mel Jones

ogreetings

Lieut-Colonels Joan and Ray Kirby pray for friends and colleagues. God’s shalom at Christmas and in 2023.

Christmas greetings and best wishes to all friends and colleagues. Every blessing for a happy new year.

Major June Kitchen

Christmas greetings from Commissioner Freda Larsson to fellow officers, Salvationists and friends. Wishing you peace and joy this Christmas.

I pray that you all have many Christmas blessings and find joy in the new year.

Major Christine H Marriott

Major Gerald Peacock wishes all friends best wishes for Christmas and new year.

Majors Doug and Eileen Shankster wish all friends a happy Christmas and every blessing for the new year.

To comrades and friends, unto us a child is born. The Everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace. May you know his presence throughout the new year.

Major Olive Stevens

Commissioner Margaret Sutherland wishes all her friends and colleagues past and present a very happy and blessed Christmas.

Major Nanella Weir sends Christmas greetings to all her friends. May your Christmas be blessed with peace and joy.

May the love, joy and peace of the Christ child be with you at this season and throughout the coming year.

Lieut-Colonel Joan Williams

We wish all our friends a very happy Christmas and a blessed new year.

Lieut-Colonels Mike and Ruth Williams

PENGE John Major was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Jason Snell. In his testimony, which included a cornet solo, John spoke about reconnecting with the Army in 2018 when asked to assist with the music group Swizmaid and their work in Africa. While there, John met Lieut-Colonels Ann and Kenneth Hawkins, who encouraged him to reconnect with the Army. John visited the corps and felt welcome and reconnected with his faith. John is pictured with Major Jason and Bandmaster Ian Fell. – JS

DUDLEY Jenni-mai, Wendy, Matthew, Jayden, Michaela and Mitsy were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Major Liz Oliver, supported by Junior Soldiers Sergeant Diane Homer. – ML

CATFORD Peggy Pierre, Doreen Cooper, Eno Igwubor, Ruth Musundi and Augusta Moriba were enrolled as soldiers and Roman Burota and Doreen Stylianou were welcomed as adherents by corps officers Majors Michael and Rebecca Eden. – RE

NORTH SHIELDS Having been warmly invited back into the fellowship, Beatrice and Kevin Millward re-committed their lives to God as a soldier and an adherent at the corps. Kevin testified on their behalf and shared that, after trying a few different corps and churches, ‘they had come home and are back for good’. They are pictured with corps officer Major Barry Ashton. – SC

NEWPORT CITADEL Shamisu Olivia and Tinashe Owen were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Captain Joyce Baynes. Olivia declared her faith by singing ‘Amazing Grace’ (SASB 453) and Owen by reading the story of Daniel from the Bible. The meeting concluded with a glory march and African praise. – JB

BOSCOMBE Jenna Main and Jasmine Allcock were enrolled as soldiers by corps officers Majors David and Jane Alton. Both of them grew up within The Salvation Army and are active within the corps. Jasmine testified to a growing faith and encountering God at the divisional summer school. Jenna played a cornet duet alongside the YP band as part of her testimony.

Rosie Williams and Catherine Collins-Dryer were welcomed as adherents. Rosie started attending the corps after the Covid-19 lockdowns and has made it her spiritual home. Catherine moved from Addlestone Corps during the pandemic and spoke of how God has blessed her on her spiritual journey. Rosie and Catherine are

RUTHERGLEN Fulton Hunter was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Catherine Wyles. Fulton attended a Christmas service and was made to feel welcome. In his testimony he said: ‘There is a great difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing him as your personal Saviour. I was brought up in the Church of Scotland but never had a relationship with him as Lord and Master. My desire to join the Army was birthed by two officers I met down south, who showed me and my family unconditional love and friendship.’ – CW

WANDSWORTH Brenda Bassom and Malcolm Lee were enrolled as soldiers by then corps officer Lieutenant Chris Button. – CB

HINCKLEY Linda and David Mullaney and Terry Stynes were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Carol Evans. Recruiting Sergeant Major Mavis Pascoe introduced them one by one and supported them in sharing something of the way in which God had led them to this point in time. – CE

pictured with Majors David and Jane and Adherents Secretary Lieut-Colonel John Pearce-Haydon. – JA

WINTON Rosemary Lopez was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major James Hill. Rosemary shared a reading that was a great blessing to the congregation. – JH

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

CSM Christine Mortimer and Community Choir Ldr Hazel Dukes, Burton-on-Trent

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Golden

John and Sue McGill, Andover (23 December)

DEDICATED TO GOD

Leo Sherpa, son of Katrina and Pasang Sherpa, at Upper Norwood, by Majors Karen and Phil Layton

Jack Michael Colwill, son of Katie and Richard Colwill, at Swansea by Major Agnes Atter

RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS

Colonel Michael Pressland (90 on 18 December)

Captain Phyllis Fisher (85 on 19 December)

Commissioner Arthur Thompson (90 on 23 December)

Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley (80 on 23 December)

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Doris Cook, Dunstable S/Reservist Christine Stewart, Bellshill, on 15 November

Christine French, Bridgwater, on 18 November

Major Jean Harry from Ruckland Court Care Home on 23 November

Captain June Gaylard from Villa Adastra Care Home on 23 November

Lieut-Colonel Heather Blurton from Kettering General Hospital on 23 November

ENGAGEMENTS

GENERAL

South

ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL

Westminster (parliamentary carol service), Wed 14 Dec

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN

Westminster (parliamentary carol service), Wed 14 Dec

Major Michael Sebbage from Croydon University Hospital on 24 November Major Beryl Warren from Lewisham Hospital on 26 November

BEREAVED

Bandsman Bill Stewart, Bellshill, of his wife S/Reservist Christine Stewart, BM Yvonne Ferguson and Dep SL Lynn Shanks, both Bellshill, of their mother Malcolm French, Bridgwater, of his wife Christine French, Major Nicola Watson, THQ, and Michelle Bradford of their mother

Marc Harry, Lincoln, Eira Hammond and Ruth Bell, Portsmouth Citadel, of their mother Major Jean Harry Lieut-Colonel Geoff Blurton of his wife Lieut-Colonel Heather Blurton, Karen Feven and Adrian Blurton of their mother, Colonel Teresa Tuck, Southern Africa, and Trevor Hebden, Johannesburg City, of their sister Major Chris Sebbage of her husband Major Michael Sebbage, Mihol Sebbage and Tim Sebbage of their father, Major Keith Sebbage, Long Eaton, of his brother

TRIBUTES

MARGARET JONES, BECCLES

BORN in Bury St Edmunds in 1948 to Brigadiers George and Phyllis Gartshore, Margaret dedicated her life to God at an early age. She moved with her family to their various appointments and was recognised for her beautiful soprano singing voice. Margaret was commissioned as a songster and, after settling at Preston Corps, went on to become songster leader.

After moving to Thetford, where she continued her ministry in the songsters, Margaret moved to Beccles to be closer to family.

Margaret loved to help people and was such an inspiration and encourager particularly through the Covid-19 pandemic. She taught sewing and baking skills to her grandchildren, helped with school runs, and loved getting away in the family caravan.

Margaret was a beautiful wife to Graham, mum to Stuart, Simon and Gavin, youngest sister to Myra and Mavis and nanna to her grandchildren. Margaret was much loved and will be deeply missed by all. – GJ

TREVOR BATES, HULL ICEHOUSE

TREVOR Bates was a wonderful soul, radiant with the love of Jesus, gentle, kind, and hard-working. Trevor dedicated his life to serving Jesus as a sergeant in the Salvation Army Social Services, serving in London’s Whitechapel, Dublin, Newcastle, Sheffield, Leeds, St Helier, Liverpool and in his final appointment at William Booth House in Hull. Many of these appointments were also shared with his wife, Carrie.

The corps at Hull Icehouse, those who worked with Trevor, and especially his family and dearly loved wife feel a great sense of loss, while comforted that Trevor will be with his Lord and Saviour in Glory. Well done, good and faithful servant! – JE

MARION TOWERSEY, NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE

MARION Elizabeth Towersey was born in Newcastle upon Tyne on 30 June 1937 to Salvationist parents

George and Mary Loan. Marion’s first job was with a wholesale chemist. Then, after a few years living in Sweden, Marion returned to Newcastle and worked in a major hotel. With a strong desire to move to London, Marion transferred to a hotel in High Wickham, where she became the head receptionist. While working at the hotel, Marion met her future husband, Ron Towersey, and they married in 1969.

Marion became the stepmother to Ron’s sons, the late Brian and Ian. In 1974 they moved to Ealing, where their daughter, Katie, was born. In 1987, Ron sadly died. Marion re-joined The Salvation Army at Ealing and was enrolled as a soldier. She transferred to Newcastle City Temple in 2002, aged 65, and served as the ladies’ fellowship treasurer. Marion was a friend to everyone and will be much missed. – BI

BRIGADIER EVA TAYLOR (VALIANT) wrote A Pattern for Living, 365 poems of faith and positivity, now printed in her ‘centenary’ year. Selections and full version: please contact daughter Phyl on 01263 820160 or ap.styles@mybroadbandmail.com for prices and dispatch, to start 2023 in step with the Lord.

Southbour ne, Bour nemouth Southbourne, Bournemouth

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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.

NANNY REQUIRED! LEAMINGTON SPA

We are a family looking for a nanny to care for our two-year-old twin boys while their mum, an employee of The Salvation Army, carries out her job. The nanny will need to be Ofsted registered before starting and we would be happy to cover the cost of this if necessary.

You would be required to: Look after the boys and play with them at home – reading, singing/music, art/crafts and supervising them in the garden Take the boys out for walks to the park, library and toddler groups

Help out with some light household tasks

Salary: £12 gross per hour

Hours: 36 hours per week, 8am – 5pm (4 weekdays)

Annual leave: 5.6 weeks per annum (pro rata) including bank holidays

Start date: 4 January 2023

End date: 31 August 2023 (with the possibility of reduced hours after this date)

For more information and details of how to apply, email hannah.holden@salvationarmy.org.uk

Quiz…

CHRISTMAS JOY

BY GARRY D REED

1 ‘Chord family’ is an anagram for which Salvation Army carol, words by Arch R Wiggins and music by Eric Ball?

In which English county would you find a church in Thundridge nicknamed ‘Cold Christmas’?

What is the surname of the Army officer who wrote ‘We Gather Round the Manger-Bed’, ‘O HeavenSent King’ and ‘Sweet Chiming Christmas Bells’? Miriam ________.

Name Andrew Maycock’s choral composition, published in the 2013 edition of Sing to the Lord, which includes the lyrics: ‘What does Christmas mean to you? Does it lift your heart and make you feel anew?’ (Anagram: July pessimists.)

connects the journey of the wise men and Peter Graham’s march ‘The Shining ___’?

the seasonal staple popularised by Prince Albert, which gave the title to Ronald Foot’s singing company song. (Anagram: Stretch timeshare.)

Which Gospel writer mentions the wise men following a star to Bethlehem with gifts for Jesus and also references King Herod ordering the massacre of all boys under two years old in Bethlehem?

Which out-of-this-world vehicle made a historic voyage on Christmas Eve 1968?

Joy Webb composed a number of Christmas songs, including ‘Noel’ and ‘Such a Tiny Child’. Complete the title of one of her best known seasonal songs: ‘A _____ Night’.

Isaac Watts wrote the words and Handel penned the music for which jubilant Christmas carol, which never actually mentions the birth of Christ?

Name the carol featured in the feature films Home Alone and The Nativity. (Anagram: Loony thigh.)

Complete the line from ‘Deck the Halls’: ‘Troll the ancient ________ carol.’