19 minute read
Quotes from the media
MAKE YOUR RESOLUTIONS ‘HEROIC’
The Archbishop of Canterbury has urged Christians to take up a ‘heroic’ New Year resolution and ‘resolve to reconnect’ with lost friends or family…
In his New Year message, broadcast on BBC One… Archbishop Welby praised the 70 volunteers involved with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Dover, in Canterbury diocese, whom he described as a family.
He continued: ‘Christian faith doesn’t promise us a comfortable life. Christ promises us hope, meaning, peace, purpose, and joy – but not comfort.
‘It’s about following in the footsteps of Jesus, who took the risk of connecting with people who were separated from him. ‘We rightly think of lifeboat crews as heroic… Yet every time we reach out and connect with someone, it is an act of heroism. Don’t underestimate it. It could be someone you know… It could be someone you really disagree with.
‘Let’s go for a heroic New Year’s resolution. Let’s resolve to reconnect. To reach out to just one person we don’t know, or from whom we have drifted apart.’ Church Times
SALVATIONIST
(tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
2 Salvationist 11 January 2020 LEADERS HIGHLIGHT PERSECUTION AND CALL FOR RECONCILIATION
The prime minister, Boris Johnson, and the Prince of Wales highlighted the plight of persecuted Christians in their Christmas messages, while church leaders in their homilies urged Christians to be agents of reconciliation in a divided culture.
In a video message for Aid to the Church in Need, Prince Charles said: ‘As we mark this holiest of seasons… may I assure those of you who carry the cross of suffering today that you are in my most special thoughts and heartfelt prayers…’
His comments were echoed in a video message… by the prime minister, who said: ‘Today of all days, I want us to remember those Christians around the world who are facing persecution… We stand with Christians everywhere… and will defend your right to practise your faith.’ The Tablet
RETHINK URGED ON SCRAPPING OF CHILD REFUGEE SCHEME
Charities have spoken out against the government’s apparent scrapping of the Dubs amendment, which sought to reunite child refugees stranded in Europe with their families in the UK… Lord Alf Dubs, a Labour peer who was among those children who found safety from persecution by the Nazis after arriving in Britain on the Kindertransport, said he was ‘bitterly disappointed and angry’ after the amendment was watered down...
John Pontifex, head of press and information at Aid to the Church in Need (UK), told The Tablet: ‘… Seeing the situation on the ground in places like the Middle East where huge numbers of people are fleeing persecution, there is an urgent need to ensure robust legal protection for unaccompanied children and other young people arriving in Europe.’ The Tablet
LEVELS OF CHILD CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION ‘ALMOST BACK TO VICTORIAN TIMES’
The criminal exploitation of children is at its highest level in modern times as gangs capitalise on a lack of youth facilities and school exclusions to groom children, a police chief has revealed.
Chief constable Shaun Sawyer… is the national police lead for modern slavery and human trafficking and he said [the number of] exploited children were ‘almost back to Victorian times’…
He said that while in previous years, sexual exploitation or labour exploitation were the biggest reasons to class someone as a modern slave, it was now criminal exploitation driven by drug gangs...
Under county lines youngsters are groomed by urban gangs operating phone lines for customers to buy drugs, and travel to take supplies up and down the country, and deal them. The Guardian
ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4883 (email) advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk
DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH (tel) 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) (email) subscriptions@satcol.org
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 0845 634 0101
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. ISSN 2516-5909
THE SALVATION ARMY
FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL Brian Peddle
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant
Find Salvationist on Facebook www.facebook.com/salvationistonline
DAYLIGHTING
JUST before Christmas I heard a fascinating radio discussion about the impact of water on our communities. It took place soon after flooding had forced many people across the country to leave their homes, so the main focus was on flood prevention and how vulnerable areas can be protected. There was also discussion about the erosion of our coastlines, which is set to increase in the coming years.
As well as these important and worrying topics, something else in the discussion caught my attention: Britain’s hidden rivers.
Apparently the Victorians covered over many of the rivers in our towns and cities, hiding them in culverts to mask what had become foul-smelling sewers and outlets for industrial waste. An environmental engineer explained how some of these are now being ‘daylighted’. They are being uncovered – brought into the daylight – and renewed to bring social and environmental benefits to nearby communities. In Sheffield, for example, part of the underground Porter Brook has been daylighted. What had been a hidden ‘dead’ stream now has wild trout spawning in the spring and green banks where people can picnic.
It reminded me of the story in Genesis where ‘Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up’ (26:18). In a land where water was scarce Isaac was able to find what he needed in the places that had been dug before. It was a case of uncovering what had been lost and renewing its purpose.
That was perhaps the thought behind the inauguration of the International Staff Songsters 40 years ago. As far back as 1892 a vocal group comprising staff from International Headquarters began weekend visits to corps. Five years later the International Staff Songsters were officially established to ‘spread salvation news’. The group came to an end in 1928 but a new ISS was brought into being in 1980.
On pages 12 and 13 Ruth Unwin, a founding member of the revived ISS, looks back at their inaugural event and the impact they have had since. ‘To point the way to Jesus is why the Staff Songsters are still in existence after 40 years,’ she writes. Her reflections, and the experiences of the thousands who have received their ministry, show that going back to the old wells and daylighting the ISS was an inspired move. Another idea that was part of the early Salvation Army is uncovered by Samantha Calvert on pages 10 and 11. Members of the Booth family practised and recommended vegetarianism, and it was on the menu at some social service institutions. With veganism on the rise, and with a growing range of food from non-animal sources becoming available, it may be timely to take another look at this part of our history and see what it says to us today.
Even if not every practice from the past is worth recovering, many of their underlying principles have value and could be reconsidered and applied in a fresh way. So, what old wells might be worth daylighting in our personal lives and in the mission and ministry of our corps and centres? Feel free to write in and tell us. CONTENTS
News 4 to 9
Preview 9 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by Bob Fyffe
Feature 10 and 11 Examining a vegetarian legacy by Samantha Calvert
Feature 12 and 13 Pointing the way to Jesus by Ruth Unwin
Column from the college 14 A united family of the ‘whosoever’ by Cadet Kit Mayston-King
Reviews 15 Boundaries For Your Soul reviewed by Major Zach Bell
Second Helpings reviewed by Major Susan Robinson
Bible study 16 and 17 Infinitely more by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Philippa Smale
New commitments 18
Letters 19
Announcements 20 and 21
Adverts 21 to 23
The Salvation Army and me 24 featuring Major Geoff Ashdown
ABERTILLERY: A Christmas concert raised £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Divisional Chaplain to Welsh Assembly Members Major David Emery compèred a programme, which featured Abertillery Town Band and Training Band, 16-year-old Nia Roles, who sang a selection of operatic arias, and spoons played by Major Cora-Joy Tucker. A number of dignitaries also attended. Corps officer Major David Wise is pictured handing the cheque to Janie Hughes, a representative of the charity. – A. B.
Fauldhouse corps assistant Alan Bellshaw presents Robin Campbell with a long-service certificate for 50 years of banding
NORWICH MILE CROSS: A Christmas craft fayre raised more than £600 for the Big Collection. People who would not usually attend worship services visited and filled the building. Chloe Smith, MP, also visited and took the time to see Father Christmas (Adrian Lee) in his grotto. – P. R.
MAIDENHEAD: The children’s carol service was led by Sparkle (corps officer Major John Mclean) and Shine (YPSM Rob Molloy), two stars from the first Christmas night. The YP sections participated, and many people dressed as characters from the Nativity story. A great time was had by all. – J. M.
Forties-style singers the Candy Bars take part in Ipswich Citadel’s Christmas concert; the event raised more than £265 for the corps Christmas Day lunch
Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
BRIGHOUSE: Major Ernie Huby played traditional Christmas carols on his hand-built street organ outside the hall, enticing people to come into the building and encouraging many donations. The tunes were well received, cheering people up on a windy day. – G. O.
READING CENTRAL: Fifty volunteers from the corps, nearby businesses and Festival Republic helped pack Christmas food hampers for people in need. The number of hampers packed increased to 829, enough to provide more than 4,000 people with necessities for a festive Christmas lunch. The corps worked with social services, schools and health workers to ensure the hampers supported underprivileged individuals and families who find Christmas a difficult time. The costs were covered by donations from the public and businesses in the area as well as the band’s carolling efforts. – R. W.
Snettisham corps folk lead a carol service at Hanover Court sheltered housing complex in Dersingham; residents collected food and toys for the Army’s Toys and Tins Appeal in Norfolk
BRISTOL SOUTH: The corps opened its doors to the community for the first time after relocating from Bristol Bedminster. Fifty-six families and nearby residents attended a craft morning and many positive conversations took place. The event allowed corps folk to build relationships and gain a greater understanding of the community’s needs. – S. C.
KIRKCALDY: Nearly 200 people attended the corps community carol service held at Kirkcaldy High School. The corps sections took part, as well as the newly formed high school choir, Kirkcaldy North Primary School and soloist Julie Taylor. More than £600 was raised for Rachel House Children’s Hospice. Kirkcaldy Central councillor Judy Hamilton presented a cheque to Margaret Langlands. – D. A.
Cowdenbeath Messy Church plays, eats, enjoys crafts and shares the Christmas story A number of first-time visitors attend a relaxed Christmas Community Brunch meeting at Reading Central, with tea, coffee and pastries before worship; everyone was invited to wear Christmas jumpers
CLOWNE: New and returning families were welcomed to Messy Christmas, which included the creation of a pool noodle donkey, a bourbon biscuit manger cupcake and a handprint angel. Corps members joined them for a Christmas celebration, which featured a Nativity scene themed With Love From God To You. Combined, the music sections and congregation resulted in more than 100 attendees for worship. Later, everyone enjoyed a buffet. – G. H.
THE Salvation Army has highlighted the need for action on homelessness and social care following the Queen’s speech at the state opening of parliament.
‘Sadly, the priorities outlined in the Queen’s speech make clear that the government will not be able to deliver on key manifesto pledges on homelessness and adult social care,’ said Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant.
‘This inaction will have devastating consequences for the most vulnerable in our society.’
The Army is calling for 90,000 more lowcost homes for social rent to be built every year, and an increase in the value of the local housing allowance so that 3 in every 10 rented homes are affordable to people on benefits and low incomes.
‘We very much welcomed the Conservative manifesto pledge to “end the blight of rough sleeping by the end of the next parliament” but the government are setting off on the wrong course to achieve that,’ Lieut-Colonel Dean continued.
In the past decade, rough sleeping has increased by 165 per cent. Supported housing, such as the Army’s Lifehouses, provides shelter but also gives access to health and addiction help and other essential supportive services. The Army is campaigning for a new, targeted programme of investment for local authorities to design and deliver local solutions to homelessness and rough sleeping, including support for those with addictions to prevent drug-related deaths, as well as more investment in supported housing.
The Army also highlighted the urgency of the promised cross-party consultation on how to tackle the adult social care crisis.
‘More investment in adult social care is praiseworthy, but it is clear an additional £1 billion per year is not enough to fix a system that is in crisis,’ added Lieut-Colonel Dean.
He concluded by expressing the Army’s disappointment that the government ‘has not addressed the child poverty and destitution and desolation that universal credit continues to cause’.
‘We have said time and again that the fiveweek wait for people’s first payment is too long,’ Lieut-Colonel Dean explained. ‘It causes great financial strain for the people we support.’ – A. R.
Carols, readings, prayers and testimonies are shared, along with a festive quiz and sweets, at the Harold Hill Christmas walking service
CASTLEFORD: Looking to support people experiencing homelessness, two children from a local family, Annabel, aged 11, and Isaac, aged 5, experienced the difficulties of sleeping rough during a sponsored sleep out. They raised £263 through family and friends and presented the amount as a donation during the carol concert. The congregation added to the total, bringing it to more than £430. The applause the children received was rapturous, and a service user from the soup kitchen got down on his knees to thank them on behalf of everyone who will benefit from their generous hearts. – J. B.
A quiz at Hereford raises funds for work with people who are vulnerable
UPPER NORWOOD: The mayor of Croydon, Councillor Humayun Kabir, opened the 2019 Christmas fayre. The mayor thanked the corps for their fundraising activities, which raised nearly £2,500. Some of the money went towards providing toys for children in need in the community, to be delivered by volunteers and several organisations. – R. C.
Inspired to take the message to the people
GLOUCESTER
TERRITORIAL leaders Com - mis sioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill led the 140th corps anniversary, which began with the band splitting to play at both SATCoL charity shops in the city.
An evening festival featured the music sections and a message from the TC, encouraging listeners to take the message to the people of Gloucester. The commissioners also led the Sunday meetings with the TC answering searching questions from young people on topics
BOSCOMBE: The Rev Charles Stewart began the annual Boscombe Band and Timbrelists carol concert at Christchurch Priory by asking: ‘When does Christmas begin?’ Band Sergeant Craig Snell (cornet) played ‘Candlelight Carol’ before corps officer Major David Alton prayed God’s blessing upon the proceedings. Later, Major David spoke on the juxtaposition of politics and the Nativity. The congregation gave full voice to the closing carol, ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’. – R. C.
including the environment and the future of the Army.
The TC cut a wonderful cake, made by Eric Freeman, with No 1 on the roll Rene Thomas. They are pictured with corps officer Major Gareth Heward, Com missioner Gill, youngest on the cradle roll Madeline Rouffet, Lorna Rouffet, Major Susan Heward and divisional leaders Majors Ian and Jean Harris. – A. B.
O Yavana Choir, who use Loughborough hall, raised £374 through a Christmas concert to help fund instruments, music folders and a banner for the Singing by Heart group
Music for a Christmas evening
BELLSHILL
THE band presented its annual Music for a Christmas Evening programme to a capacity congregation, with items including ‘Carol Of The Bells’, ‘Winter’s Snow’, ‘French Christmas’ and ‘A Christmas Finale’. Soloists YP Band Leader Chris Shanks (euphonium), Marjory Watson (vocal) and Daniel McMillan (vocal) presented ‘In Gardens Of Peace’, ‘Saviour’s Day’ and ‘When Love Was Born’ respectively, and the congregation enjoyed the opportunity to join the band in a number of carols.
The concert raised more than £860 for Brothers in Arms, Scotland’s first mental health charity for men. Bandmaster Yvonne Ferguson presented a cheque to Kieran and Kris, who spoke movingly of their personal experiences and the charity’s work. – M. S. Firefighters help with sorting toys at Blackpool Citadel in return for the help they receive from the emergency response team
NORWICH MILE CROSS: Former Tiverton soldiers Myra and Peter Woods presented corps officer Major Paul Robinson with £1,000 for the Christmas appeal. The funds were raised through their new book, Christmas Then And Now, which comprises photos and stories based on their travels. The couple now worship at Corton Methodist Church but have a deep ongoing relationship with the Army. They hope the book portrays the real meaning of Christmas. – P. W./P. R. O A copy of Christmas Then And Now can be requested by emailing arestos@btinternet.com with a suggested donation of £10
DUNSTABLE: Corps folk once again donated to an overseas project organised by Major Laina Geleit instead of sending Christmas cards to each other. More than £1,200 will go towards the Army’s work in Malawi to provide decent handwashing facilities and toilets in schools, enabling pupils to spend more time in class. The amount raised should provide four units of each. These facilities are known to have a significant positive impact on health. – S. B.
SALE: Two community carol and toy services included a panto-style Nativity play, called A Lad In A Manger, which was full of fun, laughter and audience participation. Despite the drama and excitement the Christmas story was still well portrayed. The mayor of Trafford, Councillor Rob Chilton, was a guest. The afternoon performance featured corps children and the Baby Song group, who use the hall. Wellfield Junior School choir sang in the evening performance. Corps officer Major Ann Montgomery spoke about finding Jesus, inviting the congregation to bring their gifts. Once again, the community’s response was amazing. – E. Y.
BURTON-ON-TRENT: The luncheon club and Evergreen meeting were extended into a Christmas fun day. Members engaged in crafts before a seasonal quiz. Handbell ringers from Alrewas provided entertainment and everyone participated in the carols. The next Sunday, a good number attended Christmas Messy Church and the Christingle service. – K. A.
Did you know Salvationist is on Facebook? O Catch sneak peeks at upcoming features O See the new cover early O Comment on articles O Ask us questions O Get advance notice on important news stories O Link to the Editor’s comment and our article of the week
LOUGHBOROUGH: While collect ing for the annual appeal, David Pocock met Doreen Lennox, who had not attended the corps for many years. Because of that conversation, Doreen attended a Sunday morning meet ing and presented £1,000 towards the corps community work on behalf of Rotary International. Doreen is pictured with corps officer Major Marta Ager and long-lost friends. – M. A.
LEEDS CENTRAL: The community carol services were themed 12 Days Of Christmas and included guest soloists Bethany Furlong (vocal) on Saturday and Hannah Dilworth (flute) on Sunday. Members of the congregation donated toys, and the lord mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor, attended on Sunday. Other items included a barbershop-style quartet, a dance by the African Fellowship group, kazoos and the opportunity for 12 people to try their hand at drumming. – M. B.
