Salvationist 12 August 2023

SALVATIONIST

STEPS TO RECOVERY JOURNEYING TOGETHER

HUMAN brains are wonderful things, but they do have their limitations. I don’t just mean me making spelling mistakes in Salvationist or struggling to choose a cereal for breakfast, but in the way that people’s brains try to understand and process the world around them – often, when they can’t comprehend things, by putting them in boxes.

That involves simplifying and codifying things in ways that will make sense – true or false, happy or sad. But nuance and complexities can get lost along the way when, truth be told, things aren’t always that clear-cut.

This week’s issue explores one particular complexity of human society, addiction, and shows how the Army across the territory is journeying with people experiencing addiction and supporting them in their recovery. The key to that is not putting them in a box, but seeing them as people, each made in God’s image, without stigma attached or being defined by labels.

As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are called to be in this world but not of it, navigating a society full of potentially harmful things. Simple, right? Of course it isn’t. Human brains might not always have the precise answer, but showing God’s love – and following his Spirit’s lead – is a certain step in the right direction.

IVAN RADFORD MANAGING EDITOR

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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham

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Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn

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Are you a fan?

EVEN people who don’t particularly like football will be aware of the return of the Premier League this weekend for the 2023–2024 season. Joining the well-known names in the top-flight competition will be Luton Town FC, who were promoted from the English Football League Championship at the end of last season.

Luton had just under 37,000 tickets allocated for that play-off final in London’s Wembley Stadium, yet the capacity of their home ground is only 10,356, so many of the spectators weren’t people who attended regularly – a reminder of the difference between

Reflect and respond

Revisit Matthew 25:31–46. How noticeable is it that you are a follower of Jesus in your day-to-day life?

Count how many times you talk about sport with someone this week. Is that more or less than the number of times you’ve shared about your faith?

Listen to or sing the hymn ‘Down in the Valley with My Saviour I Would Go’ (SASB 832). Make the words your prayer for the coming month.

fans and supporters.

I wonder what Jesus would have said, if he were in charge of the ticket allocation for that match. He certainly would have welcomed those who were regular attenders, who supported the club through thick and thin – home and away. He would have been pleased to see those who attended home games whenever they could get tickets.

Would he have turned away the fair-weather fans? ‘Where were you on a cold night in February when we played Rotherham United or when we travelled to Wigan Athletic?’ he might have asked. For they weren’t supporters in the true sense of the word, but armchair fans who turned up when it suited them or when they sensed success – no offence to Rotherham or Wigan!

Dedicated supporters, on the other hand, approach each game with enthusiasm, hoping for and expecting a good result, ready to sing and chant to encourage the team and fellow followers. They can usually recite the history of the club, the names of players past and present, and certainly know the rules of the game.

How does that compare with our attendance at church? Do we Christians know as much about the heroes of the Bible, its history, and the rules of life it sets out?

When I was a teenager, we would sing: ‘Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus,/ Anywhere, everywhere, I will follow on.’

But before I knew it as a chorus, it was more familiar to me as the anthem of Glasgow Rangers Football Club –although of course they were singing about following Rangers. And those supporters really meant it!

I once worked with a friend who would leave early on a Wednesday to travel from London to Liverpool for midweek fixtures and would even plan his annual leave around matches overseas – not a cheap hobby when you factor in costs of a season ticket and travel. And yet how many of us are content that we’ve done our bit to support our corps by putting in a £1 or so in the collection?

For some people, football is almost their religion. Bill Shankly, the former manager of Liverpool FC, reputedly once commented: ‘Somebody said that football’s a matter of life and death to you. I said: “Listen, it’s more important than that.”’ Is our belief as strong as that?

In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus uses the example of a shepherd who separates his sheep from his goats to help his followers understand what judgement will be like. Are we fans or true supporters?

JIM BURNS Dunstable

As the Premier League kicks off this weekend, Jim Burns asks if we are ardent followers

Quiz True or false?

by Garry D Reed

1 The first official Army corps band was Newton Abbot

2 ‘A Mighty Fortress’ is the first song in the Army songbook.

3 ‘The Leger des Heils’ is the name of The Salvation Army in Germany

4 When the first English Salvation Army officers arrived to start the work in Japan in 1895, they wore yukata, to help them blend into the culture – but yukata are actually pyjamas, leaving everyone there rather bemused.

5 In Blackest Britain was the title of William Booth’s major social manifesto.

6 Salvationist in Welsh is known as Bloedd y Gad

7 In 1896 three Salvationists went to Kenya to work on a railway line and unofficially started the Army’s work at a railway workers camp.

8 The Beatles song ‘Help!’ was inspired by a Salvation Armyrun orphanage.

9 Of the 958 tunes in the Salvation Army tune book the last alphabetically is ‘Zealley’.

10 The Fellowship of the Golden Star is awarded to parents of newly commissioned officers.

11 The Salvation Army featured on British postage stamps in 1965.

‘Jesus walks in my life’

Namita Masih (Gateshead) testifies to how God healed her and works in her life

ICAME to the UK from the Punjab as a student. My husband, Vikram, and children, Rahail Anjlo and Rockson, soon followed me and we settled in Gateshead. Incidentally, my father-in-law is a Salvation Army officer in India. About three years ago we attended the Every Child Warm initiative at Gateshead Corps, a back-to-school project that provides warm coats and shoes to children. We enjoyed the welcome we received and decided to worship there. Our son and daughter have both joined the junior choir and Rahail Anjlo is learning to play the cornet. They also participate in Sunday school

and other YP progrrammes at the corps I am one of the p prayer warriors at the corps. I assist at thhe Friday Foodshare – the coorps food bank, where I pray for those who respond to our offfer for prayers. Many o of these guests have huge challenges annd include people experiencing illnesss or homelessness, struggling with

addiction or unemployment. They include many older people and asylum seekers.

I talk to the guests in the queue and make them an offer of prayer if they would like it. On occasions people have asked me for a Bible to take away. An important part of what I pray for is food provision for these people. God has answered my prayers and we have seen successful grant applications and increased donations as answers to prayer.

God has been directly working in my life. Two years ago, I lost two close family members and I was extremely stressed about my family in India, in particular my mother when my father died. I became very depressed and anxious about her welfare, which led to me becoming very ill myself. I struggled to get out of bed in the morning and could not engage with the outside world.

mother when my father died. I became very and anxious about her welfare, which led to me very ill I to out of bed in the and could not with

However, Corps Sergeant-Major Ann Humes took me under her wing and advised me to see a doctor. She also told me to place my trust in God.

However, Sergeant-Major Ann Humes took me under her and doctor told me to trust in God.

Jesus then recovered and healed me, and he now walks in my life. God is great! He looks after his people and gives us strength, wisdom and his grace when you ask for it.

me, and he now walks in my life. God is He looks after his and gives us wisdom and his grace when ask for it. my mother. After the death of my I she asked her and that she was not time the time with God. God is me ’

My faith is also strengthened by my mother. After the death of my father, I often wondered whether she felt alone. One day I asked her and she explained that she was not lonely: ‘I spend my time reading the Bible and in prayer. I spend my time with God. God is always with me.’

Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith journey! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

1. False – it was Consett Band, formed in 1879

2. True 3. False – it is the name of The Salvation Army in Holland 4. True 5. False – it was In Darkest England 6. False – Bloedd y Gad is the name of the War Cry in Welsh 7. True 8. False

– the song was ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ 9.

False – the last tune is ‘Zulu Air’ 10. False – it is the Fellowship of the Silver Star 11. True

THEREFORE IF THE SON MAKES YOU FREE, YOU SHALL BE FREE INDEED

by Anona Lyons (Kilbirnie)

What does the piece depict?

‘Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed’ (John 8:36 New King James Version). These wonderful words of Jesus are written in the blank area of his beard, and they are the title of this portrait. I will explain a bit later how it all came about. So, in this fairly loose style, are written the words of John, hoping my fellow students might read them!

How was it made?

Choosing good strong white art paper and charcoal as a medium to draw with produces a quick drawing. Adding some colour with Conté crayon – this being ‘burnt sienna’, a reddish-brown hue – I think enhances areas and details, especially eyes. Conté crayons come in many colours, but I felt this was sufficient for the portrait, which perhaps gave a stark reality and an impression of Jesus’ face when the Romans had beaten him.

What inspired it?

The opportunity presented itself when, later in life, I took the plunge and enrolled on an art course. I was excited to be doing a three-year course in visual arts.

The first year was a higher national certificate, the second a higher national diploma and the third was a degree course, finishing when I was 60!

ree, you ew words of a s w it all e style, ping my aper w some eing ue – I me s sion when, enrolled al arts. onal ational ee

I felt it was a great platform to primarily share my faith visually and, at the time, thought it was more important than the final mark I received. The portrait was among many pieces of artwork produced during this time. In my third year I had an allotted space to work – a desk with a partition wall in front –which was looking rather blank.

As I was contemplating what to work on next, I knew I wanted the Lord to be instrumental in my work, so I thought I

should pray first and just see what

should pray first and just see what happened. I had briefly viewed the Shroud of Turin beforehand. After praying, and in not much more than 10 minutes, this was the picture drawn, and the eyes were looking back at me!

I am grateful for what I learnt over those years on that course, and pray that my work, in some way, has made people think about our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope that this was in his will and shows what can be done through prayer!

Do you have a piece of art to share inspired by your faith?

Email it to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration.

In this occasional series, Salvationists share artwork inspired by their faith

The Lord watches over the foreigner

PSALM 146

THINK of a time when you were in a foreign land, whether it was for work, business or a holiday. When surrounded by a whole new environment, how did you feel? You might have enjoyed an exciting experience as you encountered ‘the unexpected’ – strolling the unknown streets and exploring different cultures, peoples, or foods. I’m sure it would be a pleasant memory.

Imagine you were forced to be in a foreign land as an uninvited visitor, not just for a couple of weeks or months, but rather for several decades and beyond. This would put you in an altogether different position. You would have to leave the familiar behind – your home, language, culture, family and friends –and embrace the new, which would often be hostile to you. You would find yourself a foreigner in a strange land.

The Israelites were ‘foreigners’, ever since God called Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans to Canaan: ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you’ (Genesis 12:1).

The Bible records many stories of God’s people leaving their lands – from Joseph to David and Daniel to Paul. The whole Exodus story, followed by 40 years of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, also testifies to this. Many left their homes in obedience to God’s plan. Jesus himself left the heavenly realm to come to Earth as God incarnate.

Psalm 146 is one of five psalms known as the ‘Hallelujah Psalms’. They all begin with the words ‘praise the Lord’ –‘hallelujah’ in Hebrew.

After all sorts of outpouring of emotions, petitions, requests and

prayers, these psalms get calmer as they focus on what God has done for the psalmists all through their sufferings. Often, such sufferings were deeply embedded in their ‘foreignness’ during times of exile and oppression by powerful nations such as Egypt, Assyria and Persia.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

At the beginning of the study, you reflected on your own ‘foreign’ experience. Can you relate such experience to this ‘foreignness’ of God’s people?

This might be difficult even for those who live as immigrants, but some may identify in a powerful way as the psalmist goes through detailed aspects of such ‘foreignness’. They might relate to the list of people in verses 7 to 9: the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoners, the blind, those who are bowed down, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.

Throughout their displacements and exiles, the people of Israel identify themselves with all sorts of people and, eventually, as the foreigners. God, however, upheld their cause, feeding them, healing them, setting them free, and watching over them all the way through their travels in unknown lands.

‘Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live’ (vv1 and 2). The psalmist’s praise is so powerful because it is rooted in the real experiences of God’s people, both individually and collectively, all through their times of exile and journeying as vulnerable ‘foreigners’.

Humankind fails them. ‘Princes’ – the powerful and the influential – can’t

protect them. The psalmist urges: ‘Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save’ (v3). Trust only God because, unlike humans with their limitations and often wrong motivations, our God ‘remains faithful for ever’ (v6).

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Is our praise to God substantial and powerful enough?

If our praise is only limited to liturgical expression of doxology in Sunday worship, we won’t get anywhere near the depth and joy of the psalmist’s praise to the Lord.

William Booth famously declared that the word ‘foreigner’ should not be used in the Army, which is correct in terms of our identity as equal citizens of Heaven on Earth. I firmly believe that without restoring a sense of ‘foreignness’, our walk with God and praise to him will be greatly weakened. We must detach ourselves from the inclination of trusting in ‘princes’ – the comfortable way of the world driven by money, power and the will to dominate.

Reading this psalm from the perspective of exiled people naturally draws our attention to many displaced people and communities around us today – people who are more likely to suffer injustice, poverty, natural disasters, trafficking and poor mental health. If we don’t rediscover them as our own and recognise God’s powerful protection on them, our hallelujah will be only lip service.

God’s mandate still stands today, just as it did for the Israelites. We must not forget his instruction: ‘You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any

Captain Wan Gi Lee reflects on what life is like for those who are displaced and disorientated

way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt’ (Exodus 22:21 New Living Translation).

Do we remember and practise this today or are we following the agenda of the ‘princes’ of this world?

To what extent are we used to ignoring ‘foreigners’ as invisible in the public sphere?

Paul reminds us: ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ (Romans 12:2).

As the psalmist and so many biblical figures experienced in exile, let us leave the familiar behind as foreigners in the world and together – with full trust in God – take the road ahead to embrace the new. In his book God in Public, Tom Wright comments: ‘Our task is not just to tell but to live out the story of God.’

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How does the word ‘foreigner’ come to you?

Where do you identify yourself in this psalm?

What hinders you in opening yourself to others?

How does your fellowship welcome and embrace displaced people in seeking God’s plan and protection for them?

Prayer Matters contains daily devotions covering specific areas in the territory, current worldwide situations and personal reflection and relationship with God. A PDF of the unedited booklet is available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

In August, prayers will be centred on Jesus, the restorer.

FAMILY TRACING FOCUS

by Karen Wallace (Family Tracing Service, THQ)

SATURDAY 12 AUGUST

Pray that the need seen in the Family Tracing Service for human love and acceptance will help the team to seek more of God’s love and gracious salvation. Thank you, Lord, because Jesus is the only one who can restore us to our Father, and give peace to our hearts for the rest of time. Amen.

JESUS, RESTORER FOCUS by

SUNDAY 13 AUGUST

‘Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me’ (Psalm 51:12). Lord, your restoring power comes in many forms and brings restoration to so many areas of life. Restore the joy of our first love, filling us afresh with your Spirit. Amen.

MONDAY 14 AUGUST

‘“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord’ (Jeremiah 30:17). Lord, we pray for those who are ill, living with chronic pain or waiting to receive a diagnosis. May you restore them to health, according to your plan and purposes for their lives. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

TUESDAY 15 AUGUST

Lord, many people are facing so much right now. I bring to you my friends and family who need to know your presence and your direction, or need new open doors to step into. Go before them and make a way. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 16 AUGUST

Lord, I pray that you would restore to yourself people who once knew you but have turned away from you, and those who have still not encountered your loving presence. May they find all they need in your outstretched arms. Amen.

THURSDAY 17 AUGUST

‘The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it’ (Psalm 24:1). Lord, humanity is destroying your creation. We pray that you would give us wisdom in looking after it. Help us to be agents of restoration and not destruction. Amen.

FRIDAY 18 AUGUST

‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). Lord, there are so many distractions that come to rob us of our peace. Restore life where it has seeped away, restore minds that are tormented, restore the fullness of your presence. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

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 the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.

CAPTAIN WAN GI LEE Corps Officer St Albans

the Territorial Prayer Network team

When is a beer n

Captain (Dr) Will Pearson, a member of the Moral and Social Issues Council, considers the rise of alcohol-free drinks in society

‘IT’S OK, all the alcohol gets cooked off.’ How many times have you heard that as you’re looking at a menu with friends from church? Chicken in a white wine sauce, steak and ale pie, fish and chips with beer batter. But what about a sherry trifle – that old chestnut! – or a cheeky liqueur chocolate at Christmas? Well, today, there’s a new dilemma: low and no-alcohol beers.

For some Salvationists, this is a missional opportunity – a chance to connect with a new demographic. What better for a men’s event? ‘Tins and Hymns’, anyone? Or what about creating a venue that is credible enough for teenagers to bring friends to? Or for your new ministry with twenty-somethings?

It’s low alcohol, right? So it fits with our heritage and beliefs. Surely, it’s a rare but brilliant alignment of contemporary culture and Salvationism!

Maybe, maybe not.

Those of us who are soldiers have signed the Soldier’s Covenant. One of the promises made is: ‘I will abstain from alcoholic drink – “intoxicating liquor” for those who signed before 1989 – tobacco, the non-medical use of addictive drugs, gambling, pornography, the occult, and all else that could enslave the body or spirit.’

But what counts as an alcoholic drink?

In the UK, to be described as ‘alcohol-free’, a drink must

contain less than 0.05 per cent alcohol. De-alcoholised drinks can contain up to 0.5 per cent, and drinks containing up to 1.2 per cent can be labelled as ‘low alcohol’. An alcohol licence is required for selling beverages containing more than 0.5 per cent. All somewhat confusing. Can a soldier drink a 0.5 per cent beer? No? What about a glass of fresh orange juice? That’s right: orange juice. Alcohol is created by fermentation, which is a natural process that occurs in much of our food and drink. So regular fresh orange juice often contains up to 0.5 per cent alcohol – does that count as an alcoholic drink? A bread roll is often more than 1 per cent alcohol. And do you ever use red wine vinegar in your salad dressing?

You get the point: legalism to the wording of the Soldier’s Covenant in this instance has the potential to become silly quite quickly. Perhaps we should seek to understand the spirit of those words – what was their purpose?

The Army’s teetotal stance was inspired partly by a 19th-century

not a beer?

understanding of holiness and partly by an awareness of the human cost of addiction – look up William Hogarth’s 1751 drawing Gin Lane for a visual reminder.

In the face of such destitution and desperation caused by drink, early Salvationists chose to steer clear. Perhaps they also wanted to demonstrate an alternative lifestyle and avoid being a stumbling block to others (see 1 Corinthians 8:9).

In the health centre where I work, we’ve lost four patients in the past four weeks, three of them due to alcohol – mirroring the experience nationally, where deaths from alcohol are higher than ever and are rising by about 7 per cent per year. Staff members in our Lifehouses and drop-in centres know all too well how dependence on alcohol or other drugs can take everything from you. And for people who are alcoholdependent, there are reminders everywhere – a bottle of 1.2 per cent beer or even the imagery and branding of a 0 per cent beer could well be a trigger for someone trying to avoid alcohol. So, our covenant made sense historically, and I believe it still fits well today with our experience and our ministry to ‘suffering humanity’.

How can you help people experiencing addiction?

If you’re interested in what help you can provide in your corps or centre, email addictionservice@salvationarmy.org.uk for training or guidance on what advice to give, how to run a support group or how to contact your local commissioned drug and alcohol service.

Personally, I also find it problematic to give our money to ‘Big Alcohol’, the drinks industry that lobbies hard against public health measures that have wide support from health bodies. But then I did have breakfast in a well-known pub chain just this morning, so who am I to judge!

So where does all this leave us?

In all likelihood, no one is going to get drunk on 1.2 per cent beer. And with regards to keeping the Soldier’s Covenant, legalism to its wording is not likely to be helpful here. The other ‘I will’ statements deserve a more equal share of the attention.

In medical ethics, doctors are taught not to think in black and white and instead articulate and weigh up the different arguments. There are potential missional opportunities here but what is right in your context may not be right in mine.

As Christians, it shouldn’t be new to us to seek to discern what is right sincerely and humbly (see Acts 15:28) – seeking to live as disciples and sharing the good news, while also remembering the reality for people who are dependent on alcohol and our colleagues who work with them.

“ There are missional opportunities here but what is right in your context may not be right in mine”

Now, more than ever

Lee Ball shows Simon Hope how the Army is at the cutting-edge of serving others without discrimination

WHAT’S your addiction? While some readers might initially balk at that question, Salvationists – like all people – are not necessarily addiction-free. Whether it be sugar, technology, exercise or something else entirely, almost all of us manage a relationship with urges that compel us to repeatedly do something.

As the territory’s director of addictions, Lee Ball has years of experience in Homelessness Services (HS) alongside

people who struggle to manage these urges.

The UK’s drug problem is one of the worst in Europe: roughly one in three overdose-related deaths in Europe happen in the UK. But those who need help most find it hardest to access. When people are at their lowest, they can struggle to comply – let alone engage with – the standards of statutory drug programmes, and this can leave them without help or hope.

81%

rise in overdoserelated deaths in England and Wales (2021 vs 2012)

47%

reduction in overdoserelated deaths in Homelessness Services (2021 vs 2019)

Lee Ball

For people with addictions, conditional help can become a barrier when they struggle to attend appointments or follow instructions. One of The Salvation Army’s mission priorities is serving others without discrimination, as everyone is made in the image of God. For this incredibly marginalised community, the Army’s approach of compassion without conditions is essential to healing becoming a reality.

‘The question isn’t: “Why are people choosing to do this?”’ Lee clarifies. ‘When social exclusion hits you, life choices become extremely limited.

‘Nobody wakes up and thinks: “I’m going to inject heroin to the point where I lose my kids, my house and all sense of social standing.” We all want a sense of relief – as temporary as it may feel. And, when you face multiple exclusions or disadvantages, it’s possible to feel as if you have no other choice.’

While complete freedom from harmful addictions is desirable, it’s not possible for everyone, and a focus on harm reduction over abstention is a key element of the Army’s approach to helping people.

Harm reduction means that we no longer expect people to abstain from using drugs or drinking alcohol while receiving help. Rather, through the Army’s psychosocial programme, they build long-term resilience and learn to manage and minimise the risks associated with their addictions. After all, it’s safer to overdose inside a Lifehouse than while sleeping rough on the streets.

In 2017, building on its Scotland Drug and Alcohol Strategy, The Salvation Army partnered the University of Stirling to launch the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research. The centre undertakes research on substance use and related interventions that can prevent problems and reduce harms for individuals, their families and communities. It delivers programmes, policies and publications that inform the Army’s work across the territory. These are available to read online for free at stir.ac.uk

In 2019, the Army invested in four addiction development officers. Their 18-month secondment was extended indefinitely after they proved invaluable to the mission. With their support, HS has seen an increase in the use of naloxone – a medicine used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose – to help achieve a reduction in the number of overdoses. Between 2019 and 2021, overdose-related deaths in HS were reduced by 47 per cent.

Whether we like it or not, addiction is an inescapable part of our society. It can’t be taboo, and it can’t be shunned – those aren’t options in today’s world. When we speak of serving others without discrimination, we are talking about God’s call to love others without limits. By removing conditions on that love, we enable ourselves to live out bold compassion for people who perhaps don’t feel loveable.

‘William Booth’s I’ll Fight speech has never been more important,’ Lee

Following Jesus’ example

Read Luke 19:1–10.

Was Jesus’ visit conditional?

What parallels do you see between this story and the work of the Army?

How could you help foster a safe space without conditions?

implores. ‘We have to understand people’s behaviour with compassion. There is a real struggle going on and this is not the time to be locking people out of churches or communities. We bear the Army’s red shield for a reason: to protect the most vulnerable. If there were a time to love people more than ever, it is now.’

Contact Lee and the team for advice, resources and information at addictionservice@salvationarmy.org.uk or read more at salvationarmy.org.uk/ homelessness/addiction-services

young people

Children’s Specialist (Leader Development)

Tracy Wood introduces Mindset and explains how new toolkits are helping to equip those who work alongside young people

and Youth and Homelessness Services, Mindset is a free online training course designed to equip leaders to help young people feel more resilient and cope with what life throws at them.

By taking either the entry or enhanced course, those who work alongside children and youth will receive free copies of Resilience Toolkit for Ages 7–11yrs and Resilience Toolkit for Ages 12–16yrs, which are packed to the brim with activities to help young people better understand and process their thoughts, feelings and traumas – for example, by using the above emotional wheel to help

express themselves when they cannot easily say how they are feeling.

With the right interventions, building resilience enables young people to cope with the emotions and bounce back from the difficulties they encounter, bringing the hope that they are then less likely to need adult services later in life.

The training covers five topics: emotional regulation, adverse childhood experiences, attachment, trauma, and care giving and healthy care seeking. The toolkits offer practical ways to put this knowledge into action, with conversation starters and activities backed by evidence and research.

Mindset brings together all the

experience of Homelessness Services in a Children and Youth context to help you help young people build emotional skills that can last them a lifetime.

One person who previously attended the course described it as ‘quality training where the theory was clearly grounded in practice’. They added: ‘It will impact my everyday as well as my work with young people.’

There are six Mindset courses scheduled for 2024 with the next starting in January. Sign up now by emailing childrenyouth@salvationarmy. org.uk or follow @ChildrenYouthSA on Facebook for the latest updates.

AJOIN

Winton Steps to Active Recovery

FAST FACTS

DIVISION: Central Southern and Channel Islands

STAR GROUP LEADER: Jo Noble-Gresty

FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/ recoverywintonsa

RECOVERY, COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

We decided as a corps that we wanted to get involved through Bournemouth Area Recovery Ministry, headed up by Faithworks. We started to run the Recovery Course in January 2020 and then the Covid-19 pandemic struck. We were halfway through the course and that left a lot of our people unsupported, because they were isolated. It was a really hard time for people who were in recovery.

We kept in touch with them and as soon as we were able to meet, we started a group we called Recovery, Coffee and Conversation. We met outside, socially distanced, in the garden at the corps, to get people together who needed support and it’s grown from there really.

ALWAYS HERE

The Star (Steps to Active Recovery) group is part of the Army’s Core Recovery Church network. We still meet every Wednesday afternoon – we’ve never

STAR LIFE COURSE FEEDBACK

missed a week and the consistency is so important. People know we’re always here and they can come and drop in if they need to.

Star is a charity that was founded by Emma Heath, who was originally the recovery projects lead in Bournemouth for Faithworks and felt called to set up her own recovery charity. We were one of the first Star community pilots and it’s really taken off in a big way.

A SAFE SPACE TO TALK

It’s all about providing a safe space where individuals recovering from addictions can meet to chat about issues which are relevant to them, often to share their experiences and build self-esteem. People can receive support and signposting to other services, help with housing, job searches and CVs, learning courses and strategies for coping and making positive steps forward.

We love to celebrate successes, however small they might be; it’s very

‘I’ve been teetotal for eight months. I won’t deny my addictions have changed – they are simply not as destructive as alcohol. I eat a lot of chocolate and ice cream these days. This course is valuable even if you are now no longer drinking, etc. It’s a great safe space for whatever stage you are at. It’s been a total pleasure and blessing every single week. I particularly like hearing the testimonies.’

important to reinforce value and selfworth in those who attend. We usually have a member of the Faithworks team with us, who is great at getting alongside people in recovery and there’s always lots of lively discussion and laughter.

We finish each session with a word of encouragement and a prayer to help them on their journey, which I post on our group Facebook page. There’s a Bible verse for the week ahead, so they know God loves and values them and can help them in their recovery.

WIDER MINISTRY

In addition to the group, we have run the Star Life Course twice. It takes a holistic approach to recovery that helps people get to grips with what’s going on in their body, mind and spirit.

At Christmas we had a Wednesday community centre carol service and the group all came along. It was lovely to see them joining in and enjoying themselves. We have people with faith and some who don’t, and some who have lost their faith. They know that we are a church and that we’re inclusive.

Recovery is a journey. It’s about progression not perfection, taking one day at a time, and we’re here every step of the way.

Considering creating a Core Recovery space in your setting? Email corerecovery@ salvationarmy.org.uk to find out more.

Jo with the Star Recovery group

MSPs support campaign to end stigma of addiction SCOTLAND

A SALVATION Army-backed campaign aimed at reducing the stigma around deaths due to alcohol and drugs has been given the support of MSPs in the Scottish parliament.

See Beyond – See the Lives – Scotland was launched by the University of Stirling, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems and The Salvation Army. They hope that using stories and images of people who have been affected will shatter myths surrounding drug and alcohol abuse – and encourage people to show compassion for those experiencing problems with substance use and those left behind when a loved one dies.

Director of Addictions Lee Ball (THQ) said: ‘The Salvation Army supports thousands of people through our addiction and harm reduction work, and we understand that people often use drugs and alcohol as a coping strategy to escape unbearable pain and trauma. We welcome this campaign as it brings a voice to those who seldom get to talk about how substance use has affected them and brings a much-needed focus to the fact that this issue touches us all. It is also a powerful reminder that, to save lives, you must also address the root cause of the substance use, and that means investing in addiction and mental health support services.’

The initiative comes after three consecutive years of rising numbers of deaths from drugs, and two for deaths from alcohol, across the UK, with Scotland showing the highest rates.

The Salvation Army has worked with the University of Stirling since 2017, when it established the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research to fund pioneering research on substance use and related interventions that can prevent problems and reduce harms for individuals, their families and communities. – AR

MIRFIELD The corps celebrated its centenary with a concert and worship service that featured the youth band and choir. Worship was led by previous corps officers Majors Martin and Michelle Wheeler, who oversaw the move to the current building in 1998. Commenting on the occasion, Assistant Divisional Commander Major Alec Still said: ‘This church has a great heritage of 100 years as part of the community of Mirfield. But we can’t live in the past, we also celebrate that the corps continues to worship God and serves the community with commitment and enthusiasm.’ Pictured are Corps Mission Facilitator Sheena Grills with corps volunteers Jean and Bertie. – AR

STAINES The corps welcomed more than 250 friends and neighbours for scones, cakes and a concert. An evening of entertainment featured the band, songsters, YP band, Unison Junior Choir and guest soloist soldier Zara Stone. In her first weekend as corps officer, Major Val Mylechreest shared a message of love and welcome. A Salvationist who brought along a number of their neighbours received the following comment: ‘It was a joy from start to finish. What a wonderful church!’ – HK

WELLINGBOROUGH The band took part in the town’s Armed Forces Day celebrations. It was the first time the event had taken place since Covid-19 restrictions and it was an excellent opportunity to witness to people in the area. – AC

MUSIC

People of all ages gather for Bradford Citadel’s monthly Messy Church, reflecting on how Jesus welcomes everyone to the party

NORTH WALSHAM Residents of Furze Hill House care home joined a parent-andtoddler teddy bears’ picnic. The residents teach the young ones so much and it triggers memories of when they were parents. – RM

EVENT

MUSIC

UK Territorial Property Director Peter Grant and his brother, David, completed an epic 1,000-mile bike ride from Land’s End to John o’ Groats to raise funds for the Army’s work supporting refugees, individuals struggling with addiction and survivors of domestic abuse. Despite an injury to an Achilles tendon and badly grazed knees from one of them falling off a bike, they successfully raised £10,122. – PG

FUNDRAISING EVENT

EXETER TEMPLE Before the Covid-19 pandemic it was decided that the corps should start a Singing by Heart group. Some two-plus years later it has happened, and Deputy Safeguarding Lead Jane Williams has been leading the monthly group since its inception. The Utley Foundation has donated £1,000, enabling the printing of wipe clean song sheets and flyers, as well as the purchasing of small percussion instruments. – JW

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

LEIGH-ON-SEA A Saturday barbecue began the YP anniversary and prizegiving weekend. The Sunday meeting was themed Taskmasters and led by Captains Caron and Jon Doyle (Maldon). Further interest arose with the visit of a pigeon to the meeting, causing much amusement as corps officer Captain Rob Davis eventually returned it to freedom. A little later, a dog wandered in proving that all creatures great and small are welcome. – PJ

COMMUNITY

BALHAM The corps charity shop has now extended its opening hours to four days a week. To celebrate, the band played to mark the occasion and corps folk enjoyed coffee and conversation with the community. – TO

SWANSEA Corps folk manned a stall at the annual Wales Airshow held in Swansea Bay, which was attended by approximately 200,000 people. The event provided opportunities for prayer and engagement with passers-by, as well as networking with other groups and charities to better support the community. – MG

EVENT

EASTBOURNE CITADEL Lieutenant

Debbie-anne Hogarth (Hastings Citadel) shared her faith story with the home league through paint pouring. The paint went from red, yellow and blue to a mix of colours as she shared about God working through her life. – DH

WATCHET The Bristol Citadel Cameo group went on a day trip and enjoyed entertainment and tea with people from Watchet Corps. It was a good day to build relationships and plans are being made for the people from Watchet to visit Bristol Citadel in the future. – CB

SNETTISHAM

DAVID Barlow was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Emily Hague. David testified to the power of the Holy Spirit and an encounter that led him to serve and be led by Jesus as a soldier in his Army. As part of his witness, David sang ‘The Lord Is My Shepherd’. – EH

WORKSOP

TIMOTHY Matthewson and Tony Cookson were enrolled as soldiers by the then corps officer Captain Vicky Owen. Tim and Tony have been attending for more than a year and are involved in many corps activities. Also pictured are Colour Sergeant David Keers and Recruiting Sergeant Sylvia Duty. – VO

GAINSBOROUGH

OLAJIDE Bakar was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Colin Bradshaw. Olajide has settled into corps life since arriving from Nigeria. Pictured left to right are Recruiting Sergeant Major Chris Standing, Olajide, corps officers Majors Denise and Colin Bradshaw and Corps Sergeant-Major Ashley Simons holding the flag. – PH

DUNSTABLE

THE then corps officers Majors Lindsay and Steve Brevitt welcomed their daughter, Chloe, as an adherent and enrolled Natasha Chelgat as a soldier. Chloe gave an honest and moving testimony about her decision to become an adherent rather than a soldier. Having completed soldiership classes two years ago, she thought carefully and feels that this is the right decision for her now. Some of the congregation stood around Natasha as she signed the Soldier’s Covenant at the mercy seat. Referring to Matthew 11:28 and 29, Natasha said that, as a 19-year-old, she realises that she is imperfect and testified that she came to Jesus as she was. She trusts him to make her the person he created her to be. – JB

BATH CITADEL

SHARON Lambert and Abraham Nortey were enrolled as soldiers and Dawn Hudson and Joel Price were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major David Wise. Majors David and Denise Wise are pictured with Sharon, Dawn, Abraham and Joel. – KT

NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE

CHRISTINE Allan was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Liz Hancock. Chris has been a loyal member of the corps for many years. The corps folk are delighted that she has taken this next step in her Christian journey and wish her every blessing. Also pictured is Recruiting Sergeant Heather Stubbs, who supported Christine throughout. – BI

MAJOR COLIN CAMPBELL

COLIN was born in Glasgow and introduced to The Salvation Army in his teens by a friend.

Soldiering at Springburn, he worked in the finance department at THQ before entering the training college in 1990 as a Follower of Jesus.

Various corps appointments followed commissioning in 1992 and, for the last 15 years, Colin served as a prison chaplain in different parts of the UK. A long period of ill health led to a liver transplant last November, which was successful, but he was called Home too soon some five months later. Colin remained active in ministry even in his final days in hospital, praying and sharing Scripture with staff and patients. His influence led to theatre staff expecting him to pray for them before each procedure!

Colin leaves a legacy of faith and love for his wife, Ria, three children and four grandchildren. His influence lives on in the many lives he touched. – KG

ROY RODMAN STAPLE HILL

ROY was born in Bristol in 1927 into the family of Ada and Charlie Rodman. With his older siblings, Harold and Gladys, Roy enjoyed a happy childhood.

On leaving school, Roy started work for a local builder and it was at this time he was introduced to Staple Hill Corps by his friend, Maurice Usher. Roy became a senior soldier in 1945 and, at the time of his promotion to Glory, had completed 78 years of faithful service and become number one on the roll.

Called up to national service at the age of 18, Roy later married Songster Gwen Moremon in 1949. Gwen was promoted to Glory in 2004.

Roy used his building skills to help maintain the corps hall and he was a strong supporter of the corps band. Roy was a reliable and valued corps member. He will be missed by the corps and his family. – VW

MAJOR ANGELA WESTWOOD

MAJOR Angela Westwood was promoted to Glory from a care home in Wales on 24 May 2023.

Angela was born in 1938 in Luton, Bedfordshire. From an early age she attended Luton Citadel, being a company guard and using her lovely alto voice as a member of the songster brigade. It was there she met her future husband, Malcolm, both being just 12 years old at the time. They began what they described as a love-match, brought into being by the hand of God and lasting for 71 years. Later they transferred to Cambridge Citadel before entering officership.

Angela and Malcolm had the unusual experience of being the corps officers at only four corps in thirty years: Louth, Grimsby Citadel, Hove and Chatham, from which they retired in 2004. Having a scientific background – and needing to sign the Official Secrets Act –added to Angela’s understanding of the confidentiality needed in officership. Her analytical giftedness enabled her to be an excellent minister as a one-to-one carer.

So many have benefited from her natural kindness and compassion. Angela epitomised, in an unassuming way, all the lovely attributes required in a leadership role and found a truly unique and effective ministry in support to her husband, which was admired and appreciated by all who knew her. Malcolm, in particular, so often expressed his dependency and reliance on Angela’s unfailing encouragement and inspiration.

A mother to Heather and Kylie, grandma to six grandchildren and great-grandma to one great-grandson, Angela’s example of how to love and serve unconditionally was appreciated by family and friends alike. Never one to seek the limelight, Angela’s ministry revealed the light of Jesus to all who knew her. – MW

BRIAN OSBORNE NORWICH CITADEL

BRIAN Jack Osborne was born in Norwich in 1934 into a loving family. In 1957 he married Jo and they were blessed with three children, Sue, Stephen and Trudi, as well as five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

Brian was a Salvationist for most of his life and took on many roles, including assistant YPSM, band sergeant, corps treasurer, youth club leader and organiser of the corps Self-Denial Appeal. Brian was also the successful manager of Norwich Citadel football team, winning the Bishop’s Cup.

As an excellent musician he found much joy playing in Norwich Citadel Band, Norfolk Fellowship Band and Aylsham Town Band. Brian was a wonderful Christian man – the kindest, most thoughtful person you would ever hope to meet. He could make or mend anything and would go out of his way to help anyone. Brian is missed greatly by his family and friends.

Well done, good and faithful servant!

– SB

JUNE WALLINGTON STAPLE HILL

JUNE was born in Cardiff in 1929 to officers Bob and Ivy Kennedy. The family subsequently moved to Bristol, where they attended Bristol Horfield. This was where June spent many of her formative years.

June was well known for her elocution skills, for which she gained professional qualifications. Many a programme was enhanced by her monologues.

In 1953, June married Olaf Wallington, who was bandmaster at Staple Hill Corps, and they both served there until their promotions to Glory, Olaf’s being in 2001. Their son, Robert, was born in 1956 and June was immensely proud of her two grandchildren, Georgia and Tom.

June involved herself in the parentand-toddler group, Cameo club, ladies fellowship and the lunch club. For many years with Olaf, she helped at the Christmas Day event.

June’s health deteriorated over the last four years. However, her faith and her interest in the corps remained strong. – VW

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE ENGAGEMENTS

Wedding anniversaries

Diamond (60 years)

LES AND MAUREEN ANDERTON, Blackburn, on 14 August

S/RESERVIST CAROL AND EDWARD WOOLMORE, Yeovil, on 17 August

BANDSMAN/SONGSTER DAVID AND SONGSTER JOAN WICKS, Exeter Temple, on 24 August

CSM LYNNE AND PETER BRILL, Merthyr Tydfil, on 24 August

Dedicated to God

EVA ELIKIA WILLIAMS, daughter of Captains Lizette and Paul Williams, at Felixstowe by Major Irene Williams

JACK ERNEST THOMPSON AND LILA MARGARET THOMPSON, son and daughter of CT Cameron Thompson and Children’s Advocate Ola Thompson, at Kirkwall by Captains John and Rebecca Mitchinson

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR GRACE CROSSLEY, 85 on 23 August

Promoted to Glory

SONGSTER/BANDSWOMAN PENNY GILL, Bath Citadel, on 9 July

MAJOR GLENIS BIRCUMSHAW from Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield on 25 July

JOYCE BEST, Winton

Bereaved

GRAHAM BEST, Winton, of his wife Joyce Best, Marion Payton and Peter Best, both Winton, of their mother

TE KIM WHYARD, Cirencester, of her father Brian Howard on 21 July

CAPTAIN LEANNE WALLIS, Leek, of her father Fredrick Martin on 27 July

Official Gazette

Promotions

To captain – effective 2 June

LIEUTENANT NOVELLA STETTLER , Berwick

Retirements from active service

Effective 1 August

LIEUT-COLONEL CAROL BAILEY out of Greenock in 1979 and last appointment East Scotland DHQ

MAJOR MARIAN FRIPP (NÉE BARRON) out of Sheffield Citadel in 2003 and last appointment Hadleigh Temple

MAJOR DIANE HENDERSON out of Aberdeen Goodwill in 1983 and last appointment Worcester

MAJOR IVAN OLIVER out of Doncaster in 1982 and last appointment Dudley

MAJOR VICKY OWEN out of Northampton East in 2008 and last appointment Worksop

MAJOR LIV RAEGEVIK-SLINN (NÉE RAEGEVIK) out of Mandal, Norway in 1980 and last appointment William Booth College

MAJOR LINDA READ out of Cardiff Grangetown in 2007 and last appointment Tenby

MAJOR MARTIN WHEELER AND MAJOR MICHELLE WHEELER (NÉE FENN) out of Staines in 1990 and last appointment East of England DHQ

COMMISSIONER

ANTHONY COTTERILL Territorial Commander

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gill Cotterill

Sat 19 Aug Inauguration of the Central and Southern Scotland Division and installation of divisional commander

Sun 20 Aug Kirkcaldy

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Sat 19 Aug Inauguration of the Central and Southern Scotland Division and installation of the divisional commander

Sun 20 Aug Govan

NOTICES

Greater Depths

Since 1865, The Salvation Army has worked globally to bring glimpses of the Kingdom of God through community-led responses to modern slavery and human trafficking. Find out more about the current responses around the world through this exhibition that was on display at Gallery 101, IHQ, and is available to view online at salvationarmy.org/ ihq/greater-depths

Values colouring sheets

A new series of printable colouring sheets - designed by artist Gilly Parish - use illustrations and Bible teaching to explore characteristics and values by which to live. Topics include creativity, celebration and hospitality. Download them from salvationist.org.uk or order copies by emailing familyministries@salvationarmy.org.uk

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

This weekend’s Sunday Worship will feature a Bible message from Salvationist Editor Major Julian Watchorn. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays on Salvationist Radio? Catch up with our weekly podcast of Sunday Worship highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

Listen at salvationist.org.uk/radio

The Small Fish Podcast

This podcast from the Children and Youth Department is for children leaving primary school for secondary school –addressing questions children ask and offering support during this transitional period. All 14 five-minute episodes are available at salvationist.org.uk

NORTH SHIELDS, HOWARD STREET NE30 1AR

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September

Visit of

THE INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND

Saturday festival 7pm held at the corps

£10 donations requested for tickets (cheques made payable to The Salvation Army)

SAE to Eric Mercer

4 Roxby Gardens, North Shields NE29 7BW

Tel 07771 721504 Email ericmercer@btinternet.com

Sunday meetings at 10am and 1.30pm

ADVERTISING RATES

ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT

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Classified listing Up to 50 words£18£40

Small box (1/32nd page) 30mm x 43mm£15£40

Medium box (1/16th page) 30mm x 89mm£35£85

Large box (1/8th page) 62mm x 89mm£65£170

Quarter page 89mm x 127mm£170£440

Half page 127mm x 181mm£340£850

Full back page 181mm x 258mm£675£1,650

ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

VOLUNTARY ROLE THE SALVATION ARMY TRUSTEE SATCo

The Salvation Army is both a church and a charity. All charities are led by trustees, who are legally responsible for the activities the charity undertakes, and the financial management and strategic planning of those activities. The territorial commander, chief secretary and other senior officers are all trustees; they are joined by some independent persons who are chosen for their expertise and commitment to The Salvation Army. Please note that ‘independent’ simply means these trustees mustn’t be employees or officers of The Salvation Army, and therefore Salvationists and others connected to The Salvation Army are eligible.

You may be aware that The Salvation Army undertakes a broad range of social activities (from supporting the victims of modern slavery to running debt clinics), many of which are regulated. In addition it has a very significant property portfolio, a number of subsidiaries (including saha, Sagic and SATCoL), a large investment portfolio, and, of course, corps all over the UK. All this in the context of an increasingly regulated and secular environment. The Salvation Army must therefore be well governed to ensure that its vision of fullness of life for all with Jesus can be effective.

A vacancy for a trustee has recently arisen. This role is not responsible for day-to-day management of the charity, rather it is needed to ensure that SATCo has sufficient expertise to provide effective support and challenge across all of its services and functions.

Strictly speaking the trustees are directors of a corporate trustee, SATCo (which stands for The Salvation Army Trustee Company). The board meets about six times a year, usually on a Friday, and comprises five non-executive (independent) directors and 10 senior Salvation Army officers. Non-executive directors are expected to be appointed for two terms of five years. The role is unpaid but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

The successful candidate will be a Christian with relevant experience (committee/board level), and this may come from a variety of sectors given the breadth of The Salvation Army’s work. What is most important is their attitude and motivation, and we will be looking for the following (but not necessarily each item):

The ability to think strategically across a range of activities

The skills to challenge in a constructive and insightful manner

Independent and balanced judgement

Some knowledge of the church and charity sector, including statutory compliance obligations

Deep knowledge of at least one key area for The Salvation Army (this could be to do with anything about churches, charities, communication, fundraising or something else)

The Salvation Army is keen to promote a culture of inclusion. We welcome applications from people of different backgrounds and experiences. If you are interested in applying for this role, please email your CV and a supporting statement, of no more than two pages, explaining why you want to be a trustee of The Salvation Army and how you believe your skills and experience are relevant to company.secretary@salvationarmy.org.uk by 5 September.

VOLUNTARY ROLE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER SATCo

The Salvation Army Trustee Company – SATCo – is the corporate trustee of the various charities operated by The Salvation Army in the UK. The Investment Advisory Committee (IAC) is constituted to advise SATCo and constituent funds on their investments. Its chairman and members are appointed by SATCo.

The IAC includes four external advisers in its membership and advises on appropriate investments. The members do not take a part in active management but rather advise SATCo. The role of external advisers/ members to the IAC provides a unique opportunity to support one of the UK’s leading providers of practical Christianity in action.

We are seeking an additional member for the committee; the role is unpaid but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Individuals must be supportive of the Christian ethos of The Salvation Army and the following demonstrable skills and expertise are required:

Understanding of the investment environment, ie the economy/ investment market

Quoted fund management experience (this is desirable, however it is more important for applicants to have commercial experience and demonstrate commercial acumen and strategic thinking)

If you are interested in applying for this voluntary role, please email your CV to the Company Secretary office at Territorial Headquarters using this email: company.secretary@salvationarmy.org.uk