13 minute read
Quotes from the media
Church leaders have remembered the millions of Jews who died at the hands of the Nazi regime...
International Holocaust Memorial Day [is] held each year on the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on 27 January 1945…
Pope Francis called Jews ‘a suffering people’ who ‘deserve peace’.
He said the world must never forget the ‘extermination of millions of Jews, people of various nationalities and religious faiths’ at the hands of the Nazis.
‘This unspeakable cruelty must never be repeated,’ he said.
The Pope, who visited Auschwitz in 2016, said it was especially important to educate younger generations about ‘the horrors of this dark page in human history’.
‘It must never be forgotten, so that we can build a future in which human dignity is never again trampled upon,’ he said...
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, also remembered those murdered during the Nazi genocide as well as ‘all subsequent genocides’.
He called on people ‘to stand against persecution because of identity or faith’.
‘May hatred be replaced by the love of God who calls each person precious,’ he said.
Christian Today
CHURCH’S REPUTATION IS ‘UNDER THREAT’ FROM NEGATIVE MEDIA COVERAGE
A ‘plethora’ of negative news stories is threatening to undermine the good being done by churches across the country.
The warning comes after research by PR agency Jersey Road found that an average of 150 pieces of negative media coverage are being published each month about the Church.
Kantar monitored media coverage of the Church over a period of three months starting from September 2021...
In response to the findings, Jersey Road has launched a crisis communications course for churches that offers practical guidance on how to prepare for, prevent and respond to a PR crisis… [Jersey Road’s crisis communications lead, Sarann Buckby, said:] ‘It’s crucial for the future mission of the Church that leaders proactively ... respond to a media crisis with transparency, integrity and compassion.’
Christian Today
SCHOOL PUPILS IN DEPRIVED AREAS ‘MUCH LESS LIKELY’ TO HAVE COVID-19 VACCINE
Pupils in the most deprived communities of England are ‘much less likely’ to have received a dose of a Covid-19 vaccine than those in other areas, new analysis suggests.
There are also likely to be sharp differences in take-up based on ethnicity, eligibility for free school meals and whether English is spoken as a first language…
Just over a third (36.1 per cent) of 12 to 15-year-olds at state-funded schools in the most deprived areas of England are estimated to have received at least one dose of vaccine, compared with 70.3 per cent in the least deprived areas…
Responding to the figures, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said... ‘It is vital that all eligible young people are able to receive either a first or second jab...
ITV News
CHRISTIAN CHARITY CALLS FOR UK LAW CHANGE TO PREVENT TRAFFICKING OF YOUNG GIRLS
A Christian charity is calling for the law to be changed to prevent young girls being trafficked into the UK ... for sex.
Care is raising the issue after a BBC documentary revealed evidence that children as young as 10 are being trafficked to the UK and then sold on.
The charity says there needs to be a reform of laws around prostitution to prevent the trading in thousands of young victims.
Lauren Agnew, Care’s human trafficking and sexual exploitation policy officer [said:] ‘We’re advocating for the government to follow in Northern Ireland’s footsteps and implement the Nordic model...’
Under the Nordic law, sex buyers are criminalised while prostitutes are decriminalised.
Premier
SALVATIONIST
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1845
EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, Major Margaret Bovey
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
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020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL Brian Peddle
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY
Major Mal Davies
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WHOEVER HAS EARS
A FEW weeks ago I met up with an old school friend for a meal in central London. We recalled our school days and especially the teachers. There were some fascinating characters among them. Mr Jacklin, who taught woodwork, had played bowls for England and claimed to be a cousin of the golfer Tony Jacklin. Mr Thompson, the Spanish teacher, broke the Commonwealth Games marathon record in 1974, which he still holds, and was known for running in a string vest. Then there was the less sporty maths teacher, Mr Paice, who had flown in Lancaster bombers during the Second World War and who occasionally threw a blackboard rubber at any pupil not paying attention. Mr Fisk, the RE teacher, had a different way of getting us to listen. ‘Lend me your ears,’ he would say, a quote from Mark Antony’s speech in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. He might also have been echoing the words of Jesus: ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear’ (Mark 4:9).
Listening was the purpose of the Encounter prayer gathering, reported in this week’s Salvationist. Not only ears, but also eyes, hearts and minds were used as delegates explored different ways of listening to God. The aim was to hear what God was saying to individuals, corps, centres and the territory as a whole.
One of the sessions focused on listening to God through journaling. Major Meshiel Brown, who led the session, gives more insights in her article. ‘I experience journaling as a conversation with myself, God and sometimes others who may choose to engage with my work,’ she says, and goes on to describe how her journaling has developed through drawing and painting.
On Valentine’s Day many people will send messages of love to others. In their ‘Reflection’ article, Ron Thomlinson and the Rev James Macfarlane say God also wants to communicate his love to us. Ron points to the many ways this has happened during Sunday meetings and Jim mentions a time when God got his attention while he was teaching a school class – without the need for a flying blackboard rubber.
God often speaks to us through other people as they share their thoughts and experiences. The Racial Inclusion Working Group (RIWG) has been listening carefully to people for many months, discerning what God is saying and proposing action steps for the territory. To mark Racial Justice Sunday (13 February) three members of the group write about the RIWG’s aims and the progress it has made.
Major Jonny Smith, also a member of the group, reflects on how God has spoken to him over the years to increase his understanding of intercultural living. Colonel Jenine Main, who co-chairs the RIWG, writes about the need to be ‘more welcoming, hospitable and inclusive of anyone who may be different from us’.
There are many voices speaking loudly to which we might lend our ears. But we need first and foremost to listen to God, not just lending, but giving him our full attention – then responding to what he says.
O give me Samuel’s ear, The open ear, O Lord, Alive and quick to hear Each whisper of thy word; Like him to answer at thy call And to obey thee first of all.
From the editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
News 4 to 6
Prayer matters 6
Self-Denial 2022 7
Kenya
George Obondo talks to Captain Jo Moir
My journal 8
Journaling in pictures
by Major Meshiel Brown
Reflection 9
A gentle embrace
by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane
News feature 10 and 11
Encounter prayer gathering
by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
Reflection 12 and 13
Love God, love others
by Colonel Jenine Main
Feature 14
Loving our neighbours
Reflection 15
Bringing Heaven to Earth
by Major Jonny Smith
Bible study 16 and 17
My light and salvation
by Captain Paul Williams
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17
by Major Jane Kimberley
Reflection 18
Putting on the armour
by Brian Colley
Reflection 18
Nothing too small
by Major John Waters
Review 19
A Lent Journal
reviewed by Emily Bright
Previews 19
Dancing with Thieves
Reflect with Sheridan
New commitments 20
Announcements 21
Adverts 22 and 23
The Salvation Army and me 24
featuring CT Rosalind Featherstone
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
Editor's note: Events reported were held in accordance with the Army’s Covid-19 safety guidance at the time.
PRESENTATION
Jean Willows transfers to the Barton-upon-Humber band reserve after 39 years’ service playing horn and Yvonne Davies transfers to the songster reserve after 66 years’ service
MEETING
BRISTOL SOUTH The corps celebrated its YP annual prizegiving led by Jonathan Searle (Boscombe). Jonathan spoke about being fearfully and wonderfully made and how God loves everyone. The corps was blessed to have so many families there for the meeting. – RC ARMY NEWS
People of Peace winners announced
STRAWBERRY FIELD
ON International Day of Peace 2021 Strawberry Field launched an international search for the most inspiring ‘People of Peace’. The awards offer a unique way of celebrating the legacy of John Lennon and encouraging peace.
Debbie Hicks from the USA was the international winner. In 2006 her daughter, Timmaree, was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer and passed away two years later, aged nine. During long stays in hospital, Timmaree painted rocks to give to family, friends and hospital staff. To honour Timmaree’s memory, Debbie created rock-painting kits to give to other children in the hospital, raising money through bake sales, garage sales and restaurant fundraisers.
Debbie has delivered more than 18,000 kits to Children’s Health of Orange County (Choc) hospital since 2009. She also leads Team Timmaree Rocks at the annual Choc Walk in the Park fundraiser at Disneyland, which has helped to raise $260,000 for the hospital. In addition, she is the director of an independent living service helping adults with developmental disabilities learn important life skills.
The judges felt that Debbie proved ‘not only to be resilient in challenging times’ but always put ‘others before herself’.
The second adult winner, Sandra Hamilton from Liverpool, created an initiative to support children with complex needs during the pandemic. She was described as an ‘inspirational community leader’ who inspired others to ‘follow her lead to love, live and learn each day’.
Clarissa, the winner of the child award, was nominated for always trying to think of the next thing she could do to make someone smile, demonstrating peace throughout the pandemic and looking for new ways to support those around her in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.
The panel of judges included Major Kathy Versfeld, the mission director of Strawberry Field, BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster Paul Beesley and author Charlie Roberts, a childhood friend of John Lennon. – AR
COMMUNITY
WELLING As part of its new year celebrations the corps sent letters to every shop on the high street. Members took the opportunity to introduce themselves to neighbours and remind them who they were and what they stood for. Within minutes of receiving a letter, the nearby Worths Bakery offered to support the corps food bank twice a week by donating fresh bread and other products. The corps hopes to one day support the bakery in return. – KS
Send your news to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included. PRESENTATION
WILLIAM BOOTH HOUSE LIFEHOUSE Tony Thornton, Homelessness Services Unit regional manager (North East), and Malcolm Page, assistant director of Homelessness Services (North), awarded long-service certificates to 12 members of staff. Those honoured were Kim Wallace, Pam Baldwin, Richard Bentley, Kath Ellerby, Kevin Watts, Daron Lewis, Ann Johnston, Iltaf Khan, Andrew Tate, Chris Willis, Mel Davis and Angie Waudby. Combined they have served a total of 300 years, with many individually working for more than 30 years. Service Manager Pat Tamminen said: ‘I am so proud of our staff for their dedication… The past two years have been unprecedented in terms of the challenges we’ve faced in trying to keep people safe during the pandemic. Despite this, staff members have continued to give their all and I can’t thank them enough.’ – HW
PRESENTATION OUTREACH
SHOEBURYNESS Current and former corps officers joined together to celebrate and give thanks to God for the 50 years’ service of John Wilcockson as a local officer at the corps. John was presented with a book of messages of appreciation and a certificate to mark his service. Pictured are corps officer Captain Clare Davis, Major Janet Thompson (THQ), the Rev Derek Thompson, Major William Fraser, corps officer Captain Rob Davis, Majors Amaro and Susan Pereira (Angola Command), Major Christine Fraser and John and Celia Wilcockson. – RD
COMMUNITY
BALLYMONEY As part of a Captain Tom 100 challenge, Dorothy Blair crocheted 100 baby blankets and matching caps for Billie’s Little Angel Gowns NI, a non-profit organisation supported by the corps. She is pictured with corps officer Captain Tim Cook. – JC
COMMUNITY
GATESHEAD As part of an ongoing commitment to supporting the council’s refugee resettlement programme, more than 250 coats, shoes and other much-needed items were donated to people arriving in the area. – AH PRESENTATION
Retiring songster sergeant Katrina Hunter receives a certificate of appreciation from Lincoln corps officer Captain Huw Dutfield and Songster Leader Malcolm Andrews
MEETING
BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL When the first Covid-19 lockdown began in 2020 the corps started using Zoom on Wednesday evenings to chat. This proved so successful that ‘Zoomers’ logged on from as far away as Norway, Canada and South Africa. Guest speakers were invited once a month to share with those gathered. Although the corps programme is returning to normal, the Zoom chats will continue for a while longer. – BW ALNWICK The writings and poems of Salvationist Sheila Hay have been published in two books, My Mantle and Hineni: Here I Am Lord. Since she came to faith, Sheila has been gifted with the ability to write poetry and articles that honestly reflect the challenges and joys of her faith. Those who have read her work have been touched, enriched and encouraged. Sheila hopes the books will draw many more people closer to God. They can be ordered by emailing corps officer Major Alison Anderson at alison. anderson@salvationarmy.org.uk. – AA
COMMUNITY
ST MARY CRAY The corps has been delighted to welcome new families and old friends to its newly launched Twisting Tots group. It is designed to encourage young families to worship and praise Jesus together. Corps officer Lieutenant Emma Gorin hopes Twisting Tots will continue to thrive. – EG
MEETING
CIRENCESTER A thanksgiving service was held for Roddy Baker, a long-time member of the congregation. So many members of the community wanted to be involved that the hall was too small to allow for social distancing. However, Canon Graham Morris offered the use of the St John Baptist church in the town centre. He took part in the service led by corps leader Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard. The band accompanied singing and people related their memories and appreciation of Roddy. – MG
