IT should come as no surprise that musicians through the ages have sought to express the benefits of being together. ‘All Together Now’, ‘Better Together’, to name but a couple. There can be no doubt that in most things we are better together. It is how we were made. We live in a world where, although there is a heavy focus on self-promotion, there has been a growing realisation of just how interdependent we are or need to be. God uses us to speak to others, if we let him.
This weekend, Together 2024 offers the territory an opportunity to come together in our commitment to – and celebration of – what God is doing in this territory. There are some great stories to tell and this week’s issue shares some of the amazing work that is being done in his name.
Whether you are able to gather with others at the ICC Wales in Newport or not, you are part of something bigger than yourself. God, through the power of his Holy Spirit, brings us together as his people, so that his story may be our story.
May God bless you, wherever you are.
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor
ON THE WEBSITE
Together 2024 Follow along with live updates! Covenant Day What is it?
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Stevie Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips, Joseph Halliday
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS
The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.
1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ 0845 634 0101 @SalvationistUKI
NAVIGATING GOD’S STORY
NEW LIEUTENANTS SHARE THEIR STORIES
ASSEMBLING A WELSH CHORUS
PRAYER WALK: HOW TO JOIN IN
ARTISTS’ CORNER
Celebrating together
Commissioners
Jenine and Paul
Main
us to share God’s story where we are
invite
THIS weekend we welcome Salvationists from across the territory to Wales for Together 2024!
It is a real joy for us to hold this territorial event in Newport in the year the Army celebrates its 150th anniversary of work and ministry in Wales. There have already been some significant events marking this milestone and we are sure that Together 2024 will add to the kaleidoscope of celebrations acknowledging the faithfulness of God and his Salvation people.
The theme for this anniversary year is Dyma Gariad, which translates as ‘Here Is Love’. It is an opportunity to focus on God’s story, our story, your story. Together 2024 is a perfect opportunity to explore that theme together and we invite anyone who is not able to be with us in person to join us in worship, in celebration, in prayer, in fellowship and in response to God’s Holy Spirit.
There are lots of ways in which you can join with us. In addition to this issue of Salvationist, which includes a Bible study of the weekend’s key verse, Micah 6:8, there are prayer points and children’s activities available at salvationist.org.uk/ together-home. There will also be a livestream of Sunday morning’s Commissioning of the Defenders of Justice and Sunday afternoon’s sending out of the new lieutenants at youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo
We particularly pray for the cadets of the Defenders of Justice session as they are ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army officers. We make history with this being the first ordination and commissioning to take place in Wales. As we witness and enter into these sacred moments, may we each take time to consider God’s story in our lives.
We are grateful to the planning team and to everyone involved in the extensive preparations and rehearsals
“ May we each take time to consider God’s story in our lives. ”
for Together 2024. We are grateful to everyone who has come to Newport for the event. And we are grateful to everyone across the territory joining us in spirit.
Wherever you are, may this weekend be inspirational and transformational, so that we are all ready to live out the story God has entrusted to us in our homes, communities, corps and centres. Every blessing.
COMMISSIONERS
JENINE
AND PAUL MAIN Territorial Leaders
Picture:
Andrew King Photography
MACA Dance seconds with...
‘God has always been so much more’
Taffy Bizure
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Taffy. I’m a project planner.
What’s your favourite Bible verse or passage?
Jeremiah 29:11: ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’
What’s your favourite hymn or worship song?
‘This Little Light of Mine’.
What are you praying for? Peace in my heart.
How did you first get involved in the Army?
I was born and raised in the Army.
What do you love, or not love, about the Army?
I love the music and timbrels, and I don’t love the way corps have depleted of young people.
What’s your most-played song at the moment?
‘Million Little Miracles’.
What’s the most-used app on your phone? WhatsApp.
Out of context, what was the last text message you sent?
‘Are you sure?’
Give your testimony using one word. Grace.
• MACA Dance is hosting a workshop at 1pm and taking part in the evening celebration on Saturday. For more information, email music@salvationarmy.org.uk
As
she prepares to enter retirement, Principal Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne (William Booth College) reflects on God’s faithfulness
in her life
BEING nurtured in a loving home with officer parents, I have always known that I am deeply loved by God. That life also gave me a deep longing for a stable home from which I would not be uprooted every few years, so officership was definitely not an option I considered! However, when working as a young nurse in London in the late 1970s, I discovered the beautiful truth that my home is in God. I became free to follow his call and so my husband, Ian, and I were commissioned in 1984, beginning 40 years of active service as officers.
It has been a privilege and joy to serve in different appointments, each one proving Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:20 that God ‘by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of’ (Good News Bible).
300 officers attended development programmes, more than 580 officers and employees were supported and funded for learning programmes, and 51 apprenticeships were completed along with nearly 8,000 college iLearn programmes.
This and so much more has been achieved by amazing people – officers, employees, members and volunteers all committed to loving God and loving others through The Salvation Army in beautiful and incredible ways. I have been blessed and inspired in my officership and I am hopeful for the future of the Army – so much more than words can say!
These three words shape my hopes for this new season of life: so much more…
I have seen his presence and power as people have given their lives to him, when they have been forgiven, healed, restored and renewed. I have known his power in my own life when I have faced difficult times, been in dark places experiencing pain and felt totally inadequate to the task. He has always been so much more than I could have thought of.
That verse became more significant to me when I became principal of William Booth College in 2020 and, within a few weeks of my arrival, the Covid-19 pandemic brought incredible challenges. We discovered that God is faithful and experienced his ‘so much more’ in so many ways. I will always remember the first live-streamed Commissioning, when the Messengers of the Kingdom sang their dedication song in the college grounds and even on the Assembly Hall roof. That memory represents for me the ‘so much more’ here at the college.
ence and power as ir lives to him, when en, n his in own been in ng and felt k. He has been could have of. more to me pal of William Booth within a few weeks of 9 d i b ght pan em c rou We discovered that God nced his ‘so much more’ remember the mmissioning, when e in the the y represents n to the mployed ged ation fficers e
Have you got a testimony to share? Get in touch at salvationist@
Get at salvationarmy.org.uk.
This year, in addition to the training of cadets, 11 employed spiritual leaders engaged in a certificate in Salvation Army leadership, 22 officers graduated from degree courses, more than
SHED ART
Major Lynden Gibbs (THQ), one of the artists featured in the Together 2024 art exhibition, unpacks a piece of art inspired by his faith
What does this piece depict?
This piece of ‘shed art’ is a chunk of driftwood painted with daisies.
Many people spend time digging up daisies that don’t fit in with the perfect lawn they strive for. Not me. I love them. I actually went out of my way to introduce them into my garden – much to the despair of other gardeners in my family! They are beautiful and bring colour, insect life and interest to an otherwise sterile environment.
I’ve spent much of my life working with people who are broken, who don’t fit in, and who have been rejected by the world. This piece celebrates the truth that, although the world can sometimes reject individuals, God sees us for who we are and makes broken people into something beautiful.
Hopefully you will see the beauty in the driftwood and the daisies and realise that God thinks you are fantastic. From something insignificant, I’ve made something that has earned a place on my sideboard. The message is: God will do the same for you too!
How was it made?
Some of my favourite things are beachcombing, gardening, ecology and art. This piece brings these together into something that looks good but also has a challenging underlying story. The driftwood was just a piece of discarded wood I found during a beach walk. It’s not considered beautiful or desirable. It was broken and has probably drifted around the sea going nowhere. I saw it and I loved it.
What inspired it?
I love dabbling with materials and ideas in creative ways to produce things that make me – and hopefully others – either smile or think. Finding time to do this has helped my wellbeing, so I try to fit some creative spaces in my week as often as possible. Art is something that takes me closer to God, and I use it within my quiet times. Although I don’t produce art for general viewing, one of my bucket list aims was to exhibit some of my shed art. The Together 2024 art exhibition
has enabled me to do this alongside many ‘proper’ artists!
It would be fantastic if my shed art challenges you to be creative and get your materials out to produce something for next year’s exhibition. Don’t worry about standard – art isn’t about that! It’s about having fun and taking yourself on a creative journey! I look forward to seeing what you produce!
Do you have a piece of art to share inspired by your faith?
Email it to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration.
Living God’s story
Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts challenges us to live out God’s justice, mercy and humility
MICAH 6:6–8
EARLIER this year, my husband and I moved back to Cardiff after a gap of many years. I am gradually getting my bearings again in a place that I thought I knew well, greatly assisted by various apps on my phone. I can plan my journeys on public transport to the city and then see how long it will take me to walk from one location to the next. Previously, I would have relied on a street map and guesswork!
These days, I also enjoy the what3words app, which labels every location on the planet with a unique combination of three words. It’s interesting to see which three random words are assigned to places of note. For example, Cardiff Castle is labelled ‘curvy.donor.keys’, while the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s label is ‘gold.song.young’. The app can also lead emergency services to a precise threemetre square location and is a powerful tool in remote settings.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How do you navigate an unfamiliar location?
In our study passage, we discover what three words the prophet Micah uses to instruct people in living faithfully in response to God’s grace – ‘act.love.walk’. Micah declares: ‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’ (v8).
Note that each action – act, love and walk – is followed by another word that
tells us how to perform it: act justly, love mercy, walk humbly. The behaviour God requires of his people shows the hallmarks of justice, mercy and humility.
Micah was a prophet in Judah during the 8th century BC. This was a time of social injustice, political turmoil and religious hypocrisy. The book of Micah addresses the leaders and people of Judah, calling them to account for their sins and urging them to return to a covenant relationship with God. Micah 6 begins with a courtroom scene, where God presents his case against Israel. Verses 6 to 8 are a response to this divine indictment, highlighting what God truly desires from his people. Here is a living narrative that continues to speak into our lives today. It invites us into God’s story and helps shape ours.
The passage begins with rhetorical questions about offerings that were considered the highest form of worship. The speaker challenges people to consider whether the Lord is pleased with extravagant sacrifices such as burnt offerings of thousands of rams or rivers of oil. Then, verse 8 shifts from questioning to clarity, offering a concise summary of God’s requirements.
It’s interesting that the prophet specifically says ‘your God’. This challenges us to reflect on our own personal practices.
Let’s consider whether our daily pattern of life includes God’s three actionable principles.
Justice in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that includes fairness, equity and the protection of the vulnerable. Acting justly means more than just avoiding wrongdoing; it involves actively pursuing
what is right and fair in our relationships and societal structures. This calls us to engage in social justice, stand against oppression and ensure that our actions contribute to the wellbeing of others.
Mercy – chesed in Hebrew –signifies steadfast love, kindness and compassion. Loving mercy means embodying a spirit of forgiveness, grace and compassion in our interactions. It requires us to show kindness not just to those who are easy to love, but to everyone, especially people who are marginalised or in need. This reflects God’s own merciful character and reminds us that love and compassion should be at the heart of our actions.
Humility before God involves recognising our dependence on him and submitting to his will. It is about living a life that acknowledges God’s sovereignty and seeks his guidance. Walking humbly with God means cultivating a relationship with him marked by trust, obedience and reverence. It calls us to align our lives with God’s purposes and to live in a way that honours him.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How are our lives rooted in genuine relationship and ethical living?
How do we express our devotion to God as we live out our story in our community and family settings?
To what extent is God’s story part of our story?
In our study passage, the prophet invites us to integrate God’s story into our own by embodying justice, mercy
and humility. Consider these three practical steps.
First, think about your actions and attitudes. Are you promoting justice in your community and personal relationships? Are you known for your kindness and mercy? Do you live with a sense of humility before God?
Second, engage in action. Look for opportunities to advocate for justice. This might involve supporting policies that promote fairness, volunteering to support marginalised people, or simply standing up against injustice in your daily life.
Third, cultivate compassion. Make a conscious effort to show mercy and kindness. This can be through small acts, such as helping a neighbour, or more significant commitments, such as supporting someone in need.
Our study passage presents a powerful reminder that God’s desires for us are not rooted in ritualistic observance, but in living out his principles of justice, mercy and humility. As we strive to integrate these values into our lives, we participate in God’s ongoing story of redemption and grace. In doing so, our story becomes a reflection of God’s story, bringing light and hope to the world around us.
Let us commit to this transformative journey, allowing God’s story to shape and define our own.
As of January 2024, Prayer Matters is following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission. Each day has a theme, based on the five mission priorities. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 13 JULY: CARE FOR CREATION – THE GIFTS OF SPACE EXPLORATION
Creator God, we give you thanks for the many important discoveries and innovations that space exploration has brought us. We pray for the scientists who interpret the research carried out in space and apply it here on Earth, helping us to live healthier, fuller lives and better understand how to care for our planet. by Major John Ager and Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
SUNDAY 14 JULY: SABBATH PRAYER – COMMISSIONING
Pray for Commissioning today, that the blessing of the Lord will rest on the cadets being commissioned and on the friends and family who have come to support them. Pray the Spirit of joy and hope will fall on all attending. Pray, too, for the first-year cadets, that their summer placements will be a time of renewal and of growing in confidence for the ministry God is calling them to.
by Major Gary Lacey (Territorial Prayer Co-ordinator)
MONDAY 15 JULY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – EAST MIDLANDS DIVISION
Pray for all officers in the division who are moving appointment, and also for the corps involved: Bourne, Leicester South, Nottingham Arnold, Newark and especially Wollaston, which will be unofficered after a cadet summer placement. Pray for protection on the practical arrangements, that the moves will go well, settling will be quick, and that Kingdom growth will be a result.
by Major Mark Rose (Divisional Commander, East Midlands Division)
TUESDAY 16 JULY: SERVING AND CARING – HOMELESSNESS SERVICES STRATEGY
Pray the 10-year Strategy for Homelessness Services – investing materially, relationally, practically and spiritually – will be owned by our Army as a whole, acknowledging God at the heart of everything that we do.
by Major Danièle Norton (Hull Community Chaplain)
WEDNESDAY 17 JULY: GROWING IN FAITH – HOMELESSNESS SERVICES STRATEGY
Pray the Homelessness Services Strategy will be owned by all who work in our services, praying for an increase in integrated mission and prevention, and more non-accommodation-based models. Pray we will continue to work towards harm reduction, being trauma informed. We pray Salvationists will be more aware of people’s needs, and of ways to meet them in their local context, without discrimination.
by Major Danièle Norton (Hull Community Chaplain)
THURSDAY 18 JULY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – INDIA NORTHERN TERRITORY
We pray for territorial leaders Colonels Chawnghlut Vanlalfela and Khupchawng Ropari and all those serving across the 12 states in which the Army is working. The gospel is shared in nine different languages, and we pray that the message of God’s grace will be heard, wherever it is preached.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room
Team)
FRIDAY 19 JULY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – ENGAGING WITH POLITICS
Pray that we will commit to building relationships with our elected politicians and speak truth about the realities of what we experience in our communities. Pray that we will be faithful in prayer and passionate in action as we take our part in the work of justice and reconciliation.
by Lieut-Colonel Nick Coke
(Secretary for Communications)
LIEUT-COLONEL JAYNE ROBERTS Spiritual Life Development Secretary THQ
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and it will be upheld in prayer.
Captain Kathryn Stowers (Wales DHQ) talks to Major Jo Moir about the Welsh choir assembled for Together 2024
WHETHER
it’s the lyrical quality of the Welsh language or the prominence of hymns during the revival of 1904, Wales is rightly referred to as the land of song. Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood declares: ‘Praise the Lord! We are a musical nation.’ From the first Salvation Army meeting on Bute Street on 11 November 1874, voices have been raised in worship at halls from Tenby to Newport, from Rhyl to Cardiff.
‘It’s my first time singing in such a big group and I’m singing with my dad and my grandparents. I’m excited to be part of this united group, singing beautiful songs about God’s love for us.’ MENNA, 17
the group had an overwhelming response. Early conversations hoped for around 50 singers, but at the last count the chorus numbered more than 130!
As Together 2024 marks 150 years of The Salvation Army in Wales, music both ancient and modern is a significant part of the celebrations. Central to this is a special chorus of singers from across Wales. The invitation to form
‘I love singing anyway, but the opportunity to sing about God’s love for everybody is just wonderful.’ MARK, 60
The chorus is made up of representatives from 15 Welsh corps and centres, stretching from Carmarthen and Tenby in the southwest to Connah’s Quay and Wrexham in the northeast. Some voices come from corps with large brigades and others are the only voices from their communities.
At Newport Citadel, they re-formed their singing group especially for the event.
from such a large geographical area has meant that the Welsh chorus has had two rehearsals: one in the north at Wrexham and another in the south at Merthyr Tydfil. The latter was a poignant venue, as it celebrates being the longest continually serving Salvation Army expression in Wales. Despite logistical hurdles and time commitments, the group has been able to prepare for this weekend with enthusiasm and excitement.
‘Being part of this Welsh chorus makes me think of the tribute we can pay to the thousands of voices that witnessed to God’s love in Wales over the past 150 years.’
LYNNE, 75
The result is a chorus of wonderful diversity, with teenagers and octogenarians joining in harmony. There are generations singing together, parents with children and, from at least one family, three generations –grandparents, son and granddaughter! The logistics of bringing together voices
The chorus feature in the Saturday evening celebrations and will be singing a song especially commissioned for the event, entitled ‘Dyma Gariad’, written by Jonathan and Stephanie Mead from Morriston Corps.
As all these voices unite to celebrate what God has done, is doing and will do through his Salvation Army in Wales, how can you or your corps sing about God’s story where you are?
MAJOR JO MOIR Territorial Communications Officer
Walking and praying together
Territorial Prayer Co-ordinator
Major Gary Lacey encourages us to step out in prayer this weekend
PRAYER walking is a valuable tool in mission. It enables us to join Jesus in his work out in the world.
People often ask me what the difference is between praying inside and outside. I always say there is no difference in the prayer, but what’s different is that we see what Jesus is experiencing and seeing in our communities and on our streets.
Evidence-based information can help us pray more effectively. For example, I was recently out praying and saw trainers hanging from a telephone wire, which is often thought to indicate drug activity in that street. This activated prayers from my heart to bring healing, justice and transformation. There are signs of the Enemy’s work that we can use to pray in a more informed way for our communities and our world.
This type of praying is both transformational and missional. It captures the heart of the King of kings as we pray. That is why, at each Together event, there is always a prayer walk. This year, the Wales Division has organised organising a prayer walk in Newport for this morning. If you can’t make it to the event, I encourage you to take a walk over the weekend and pray in your community. It makes a massive difference.
If you can’t get out, set some time aside to join in praying directly for Together 2024. I am leading a prayer team comprising eight people who are experienced in praying for events such as this. We are based on the concourse in the ICC Wales and are clearly identifiable. Our principal role is to intercede for Together 2024. We are also available to pray with people as they approach us.
We are creating a furnace of prayer for Together 2024 this weekend. We pray that the fire of God falls on The Salvation Army as we meet.
Prayer points for Together 2024
That the
That every session is flooded with the Spirit of God.
That the Commissioning is an amazing spiritual experience for cadets, staff and especially the families of the cadets being commissioned.
That lives are transformed through the power of the Spirit.
5 steps to hold a prayer walk
1 Plan a route
Do some research on what is along your route. Hospitals, schools, maybe sites of accidents or other incidents. Know how many residents approximately live and work in the area. Follow the local news to arm yourself with current issues, joys and struggles. Pray God’s blessing into your streets.
2 Walk together I recommend going in pairs. Never a large group. Never on your own. Have your phone with you and let others know, especially church leadership, when you go.
3 Be spontaneous
Praying before and when you conclude is essential. Take your Bible and note-taking apparatus. Stop at your pre-planned buildings, etc, but be spontaneous in your prayers.
4 Be comfortable
It’s good to pray out loud, but equally good to pray silently – whatever you are comfortable doing.
5 Be Spirit-led
If you see someone in deep need, you could ask if you can pray with them. I tend to ask the Spirit of God to draw people to me if they want prayer. Praying with people on the streets is not a given, but when the opportunity arises, take it.
name of Jesus is lifted above all else.
Defenders of Justice!
ED BORRETT APPOINTED TO HARLESDEN
I FIRST felt a calling to officership 10 years ago, at a corps in the heart of the red light district in Amsterdam. My wife, Sophie, and I had signed up to a three-week programme of prayer, Bible study and social action, called Find Your Mission.
One evening as we sat in prayer, I felt a gnawing sense that God was calling me to become an officer. This sense grew and grew, until I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I had to make a choice: do I share this or do I pretend like nothing had happened?
Of course, I chose the latter. As the prayer time drew to an end, Sophie opened her eyes, looked at me and said the very words I hadn’t been brave enough to say: ‘I think God is calling us to Salvation Army officership.’
There was no pretending now. I fessed up and told Sophie that I had heard the same call. That moment set us on the adventure of a lifetime. We spent the next few years testing that calling, all while being supported and encouraged by some incredible role models in Huddersfield and Leeds Bramley, until we felt that the time was right for us to continue our training at William Booth College.
Throughout my time at the college, God has continued to surprise me! Drawing me out of my comfort zone and into deeper levels of trust, all the while embedding a confidence that the one who called me will continue to equip, empower and provide, wherever I may find myself in the years to come.
Although I set out to Amsterdam 10 years ago to ‘find my mission’, in the end God invited me into his. And that’s an invitation God extends to each and every one of us.
THE DEFENDERS OF JUSTICE
Edward Borrett Harlesden
Sophie Borrett Harlesden
Luke Furlong Isle of Wight
Rachel Furlong Isle of Wight
As the new lieutenan four of them share th
Ana Layton Maldon
I WAS called to officership before being part of The Salvation Army. I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home and I professed a faith, but it was head knowledge. However, aged 14, I had a tangible experience of God’s presence. I had walked to the next-door village church and ‘Here I Am, Lord’ was left on the music stand. In this empty church, as I played and sang, I became aware the church was filling with God’s presence.
A year later I had a dream: I was wearing Salvation Army uniform, preaching. I had never been to a meeting before, and the only time I had seen the Army was on TV adverts, but after this dream I knew that God was wanting me to go to The Salvation Army.
Aged 18, I went to university in Edinburgh. On my third week, I went to Edinburgh City Corps. The family atmosphere was beautiful and I went back. I asked one of the members what the different coloured epaulettes meant. She explained red was for officers. This was a moment of affirmation since, in the dream, I had been wearing red epaulettes and I had previously felt a call to ministry.
I became a soldier and, for two years after university, worked as a community mission facilitator at Buckhaven, then entered William Booth College. In this time, I also met and married my husband, Luke. The journey in this time had its challenges, but a real moment of peace came on appointments day. Long before the calling to officership, I had felt a calling to island ministry, but was warned this may not be possible. However, God has enabled Luke and me to serve him on the Isle of Wight as our first appointment. We pray he will continue to use us.
Lizzy Kitchenside Harold Hill
Georgia Marriott-Lodge Sherburn Hill
John Melia Street
Beth Perkins Maidstone
Dave Perkins Maidstone
Paul Sass Aberystwyth
Alice Swain Macclesfield them share
RACHEL FURLONG APPOINTED TO ISLE OF WIGHT
are commissioned, heir stories
‘SURRENDER’ has never been a word that sits well with me. For me, there has always been a negative association with it. To surrender felt like giving up.
Like many others before me, I felt my calling to officership a long time ago, but I was not ready to let go of the little bit of control I thought I had over my life. However, little by little, God started to put me into roles and situations that implored me to do just this.
Having surrendered enough to serve as a territorial envoy for 11 years, I still felt God was asking more of me. During the Covid-19 pandemic, as I looked at the fragility of life, I knew that now was the time to give my full surrender to the one who gave his all for me.
I would love to say that, since surrendering to God’s plan, everything has been easy. There have still been challenges to face, but one thing I can assure you of is that, when we say yes to his plan and fully trust him to provide for our needs, we will be able to achieve anything he is calling us to do.
I am truly thankful for the love, trust and grace the Lord has shown me throughout my life. There are so many ways I feel I have failed him, but each time he has welcomed me back into his presence, holding nothing against me and allowing me to partake once again in his unconditional love. As I enter into this next phase of my ministry and journey with God, I do so knowing these words are true: ‘Because I set you, Yahweh, always close to me, my confidence will never be weakened, for I experience your wraparound presence every moment’ (Psalm 16:8 The Passion Translation).
MY testimony is one of God’s persistent faithfulness and patient calling on my life. Many people have nurtured my faith in God since I was a young girl, including family and friends at my home corps of Staines. Because of this, I have always pursued God’s will for my life, while studying at school and university and then eventually working as a speech and language therapist.
I had frequently prayed to God as to whether I should pursue a calling into full-time ministry, often at large events or during particularly powerful times of worship. But during the Covid-19 pandemic, everything changed. I had a choice to make over who was in charge of my life and what my first purpose in life was.
At this time, God gently called me and my husband, David, into officership – not in a moment of heightened emotion, but in a simple conversation while sat together on our sofa. Our response was an instant and easy ‘yes’.
Of course, there has been a cost to following God in this way; we’ve physically moved, sold possessions, left our careers, etc. But this has been nothing compared to the sense of freedom and release we’ve experienced in answering the call to full-time ministry. Making that decision has taken us on a real adventure to new and unexpected places. At William Booth College, I’ve discovered new depths to my relationship with God, my understanding of the Bible and my love for God’s people.
God has been faithful in providing for us as a family while at college and I feel a strong sense of peace as I am now released into a new season. As a family, we look forward to joining the community in Maidstone and seeing what God has in store as we step out in faith again!
JOHN MELIA APPOINTED TO STREET
BETH PERKINS APPOINTED TO MAIDSTONE
Taking a stand
Stephanie
Lamplough talks to Salvationist
about a new musical chronicling the Army’s early days in Wales
THIS time last year, a musical premiered at Together 2023: Belongings, a SATCoL-inspired celebration of connection through Christ. It has since gone on to tour the territory and will soon be performed in the USA too. This weekend sees the debut of another musical: Take a Stand
Written again by Stephanie Lamplough and Paul Sharman from Music and Creative Arts (MACA), the 15-minute production is inspired by John Allen, a navvy – a manual labourer – who became an Army pioneer in Wales. Affectionately nicknamed ‘the Salvation Navvy’, his story is now all but forgotten.
How did you come across John’s story?
The International Heritage Centre unearthed this book, John Allen: The Salvation Navvy by George Scott Railton. Being a navvy carried with it a reputation of being rough and ready. When Allen heard William Booth speak at a theatre, he felt a transformation and then was converted. From that moment, he needed to go out and tell people. He was sent to Cardiff by William Booth and would hold open-air meetings, with hundreds of people blocking the roads. He got fined, but kept going. Not only was his fine overturned, but the law was also changed to allow preaching outdoors.
How did you adapt his story?
The musical takes place at a Sunday school as the children learn about John Allen, and how his story continues today. It’s about celebrating the past but looking to the future. What’s happening now in Wales? What’s happening across the territory? How are we taking a stand for Christ?
What’s your writing process?
I do the lyrics, Paul does the music. We’ve got a shorthand where we bounce off each other. Normally, it’s the lyrics first. A lot of the time, my ideas come when I’m driving! I record voice memos and then revisit them later. For Take a Stand, we had existing melodies from a
musical we wrote that didn’t take off. It was a question of reshaping those and getting the words to match.
When did you decide on the length?
We knew it would be about 8 minutes – then it went to 12, then 15! Once I had worked out the structure, I managed to fit in a lot of information using telegrams as a device.
Who’s in the cast?
Rob Moye plays John, alongside Grace Moir as the Sunday school teacher, plus children of cadets and MACA Dance members. We’ve had three rehearsals – when working with people from across the territory, it’s tough finding a convenient time for everyone!
What’s been the biggest challenge?
Making sure it’s authentic. Even with Belongings, which was fiction, we wanted it to feel real – I did work experience in a charity shop, for example. As this is history, the props and everything have all got to ring true. It takes months of work and research to get to one 15-minute musical!
And the most exciting thing?
Finding this gem of a story! I hope it speaks to people today. I love doing this
– I never knew I could write a musical, so it’s a newfound gifting and that’s also very exciting.
How do you feel about Belongings a year on?
We had no idea what would happen to Belongings when we started and now it’s going to be at Commissioning in Chicago next June! A group flew over and saw it in Sheffield and they are currently rewriting the script to suit an American audience.
Do you have any plans for a third musical?
I recently collected my daughter from university and it was a six-hour drive –that’s a lot of voice memos! I did start to write Belongings 2, developing some characters and where they are two years later, so maybe there’s scope for that...
Will Take a Stand go on tour too?
We don’t know yet. But it would be manageable for people to perform, because it has a small cast. I’m hoping God will use it, even if it’s just on the day.
• For more on this year’s Wales 150 celebrations, and to take part in the 150 days of prayer, visit salvationist.org.uk/wales150
Newquay Beauty in unity
Called to Newquay
I arrived four years ago – joined later by my wife and children – after receiving direct instructions from God to go to Newquay. Prior to my arrival, the small but devoted worshipping community of about eight, mostly older people, had been unofficered for nine years. It was faithfully led by folks who kept the doors open and the ministry going.
My role, supported by DHQ, has been to reimagine and replant the Army here. There was a real sense of God asking: ‘What have you got?’ We found significant loneliness and social isolation in our community. Through a lot of listening, we’re reconnecting with our community and understanding what their assets are, what is already out there,
Fast Facts
DIVISION: South West
CORPS LEADER: Territorial
Envoy Martyn Coles
FIND US ONLINE: facebook. com/NewquaySA
what the needs are and where the gaps are. It’s felt like the blocks have fallen into place as God has prepared the way.
Intergenerational intent
We’re getting the youngest to the oldest involved in everything we’re doing, not viewing our limitations as limitations but instead allowing God to use what we have: younger children and families connecting through our parent and baby support group, as well as older people coming to the community café.
We have employed a part-time intergenerational worker to help us build relationships across age groups. We want to intentionally bring people together and develop what we have already without adding loads of extra things to the corps programme. The big thing for us last year was looking at our gathered worship and considering how we can give opportunities for people of all ages to connect with it.
We started doing Messy Church quarterly and were engaging with about 30 people. It’s been good for people – even those who are loosely connected or have no faith – to come through the door and engage. Now we’re doing it monthly and, from September, we’re taking a new approach with the aim of connecting with and engaging people of all ages, using their gifts to make this happen in a God-honouring way.
Not only is worship all-age, but we’re also working on learning styles as well. Often, it’s not about age but about trying something different to help people connect with God in a way that’s suited to them.
Sharing skills
One of the main benefits of being intergenerational is recognising the things that generations can teach each other. It’s about harnessing assets, gifts and skills in the corps and community. The corps had been without children in worship for years. I turned up with two and then a third. Initially, it was a big adjustment, but we’re seeing a transition that is exciting. When generations are missing, we’re not whole. We’re so much richer for having a wide range of children, adults and older people present. They’re learning and sharing together and recognising that, although life is hard, we’re all in this together, we’re all on this journey of life and faith.
The real beauty is in gathering all ages and backgrounds together. Some who connect with our gathered worship don’t have faith but love being with us and being part of things. One of them said: ‘In the week I don’t see many people, you are my community.’ It’s amazing that people feel safe and loved and have a sense of belonging. We are praying that we will continue to be open to God’s leading, to keep reimagining, keep transitioning to where he is leading. We are especially praying over our new intergenerational worker, so that they can help us to build and understand the importance of intergenerational relationships.
We’re called to be Jesus in the community, and we leave the rest to him. We’re just trying to join in with what God is already doing. He doesn’t need us, but he graciously allows us to join him.
Celebrating 130 years
GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries
Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham joined a week of celebrations in the territory, including the ordination and commissioning of the Defenders of Justice session.
At the inauguration of Jonooge #1 Corps, the General encouraged the congregation to rejoice in God’s grace in rebuilding the corps, which was devastated by the 2018 earthquake.
On the same day, officers’ councils were held in Palu. Officers from seven divisions and two regions in central and eastern Indonesia – comprising 567 retired and active officers – attended. A total of 184 officers responded to the General’s sermon by renewing their covenant with God.
A thanksgiving service celebrating 130 years of The Salvation Army’s ministry in Indonesia was held at the Mobile Brigade Corps of Indonesia Police in
Palu. This spirited outdoor celebration of God’s greatness was attended by 11,676 soldiers.
Commissioner Bronwyn urged the congregation to be grateful to the early champions and fighters of the Movement in Indonesia. The General’s sermon, based on Hebrews 12:1-3, saw 883 people come forward to pray.
Later, young members of the Army held a revival meeting at the Bumi Kaktus sports hall. The international leaders enthusiastically participated in the energetic service. The General encouraged the 4,658 young Salvationists to commit their youth to God’s plan. When the time came to pray, 263 young people responded, many of them feeling called to become officers.
The culmination of the visit was the ordination and commissioning of 36 cadets. The General’s call for them to continue advancing for truth, humanity and justice was met with hallelujahs. – FA
WEYMOUTH Corps officer Major Ian Urmston led two wreath-laying ceremonies to commemorate the D-Day landings. Two weeks later, he deputised for the mayor’s chaplain at the town’s Armed Forces Weekend and led a service on the esplanade. The weekend concluded with a flag-raising ceremony at the council offices. – HU
REMEMBRANCE
CIRENCESTER The band provided music for a D-Day commemoration event at Watermoor House Residential Care Home. The event included an afternoon tea for residents and loved ones, with expressions of thanks given for fallen war heroes and prayers for enduring peace. – MG
MUSIC
STAPLE HILL The corps hosted a concert titled Salt and Light. Items included ‘Thy Tenderest Blessing’, ‘Arise My Soul, Arise’ and ‘Toccata Fire’ by the band, as well as instrumental solos from Band Sergeant Beth Ewins (cornet), Haydn Brown (tenor horn) and Mark Dickens (euphonium). Guest vocalist Loulita Gill presented contemporary songs and Mark Feltwell (Worcester) conducted the band playing ‘Salt and Light’, which he had composed. Beth led the Sunday meetings, and the band supported the town’s D-Day commemoration service at the war memorial. – VW
Rayleigh Band, pictured with veteran Bernie, play at the Hockley D-Day 80 Beacon lighting
MUSIC
BELFAST CITADEL Salvationists travelled
EVENT
songs were sung in English and Shona simultaneously and singing groups
small group started the lively marching and were soon joined by the rest of the testified and local pastor Hwami spoke on by Assistant Corps Sergeant-Major Reggie the closing song ‘Riripo Gomo Ramwari’
EVENT
WINCHESTER Friends of the corps gathered at Basingstoke’s Milestones Museum to explore life in the 1920s
sweets from the shop and afternoon corps officer Lieutenant Josh Herbert
COEDPOETH hunt for Jam club dads to mark Father’s chocolate coins and were reminded that
SHERINGHAM
adaptation of The Carnival of the Animals
Many people in the audience were Following the programme, a cream tea
HADLEIGH FARM ESTATE More than 1,500 people visited for an open farm
handle small animals from the Rare Breeds Centre, take part in crafts and watch sheep shearer Michael Hull getting ewes
time, the day also included a blessing by Emerging Mission Officer Captain Wendy co-ordinator, and Captain Wendy
OUTREACH
SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD corps partnered Silksworth Independent Methodist Church for a mission Festivities commenced with a vibrant community garden party at the church, featuring music by the Sunday included united worship, bringing together diverse talents and expressions Contributions from the band, songsters, young people and the gifted piano soloist Alfie Smith enriched the the leadership of Andrew Mair, the congregation delved into the uplifting theme of Reflect HS
MUSIC
BEDFORD CONGRESS HALL An evening at the musicals, organised
‘Any Dream Will Do’ sung by Andrew
A sweet weekend
USA EASTERN
CHIEF of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill were the visiting leaders during the commissioning of the Defenders of Justice session in
Famed for its chocolate factory, Hershey is nicknamed ‘the sweetest a ‘sweet, sweet spirit’ in Hershey’s Great American Hall, where the commencement, ordination, commissioning and appointment Beyond the major events, reunions
Ralph and Susan Bukiewicz and Commissioners Edward and Shelley attended the Fellowship of the Silver
On Saturday, Commissioner Edward spoke to a packed audience of Salvation Army youth, encouraging them to search for the ‘bright and
On Sunday, he spoke about the need for civility in the world, particularly among Christians who become tangled in purposeless verbal
During a general session of commissioning attendees, Commissioner Shelley shared encouraging news about how other areas of the world can experience successful ministry in challenging
ELI Clifton was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Mandy Sands. Eli requested the songster piece ‘Still’. Also pictured are Corps Secretary Roger Wolstencroft, holding the flag, and Jean Wolstencroft, who led Eli through soldiership classes. – LH
CLIFF Mewett, Trish Rayworth-Hall, Bethany Simmonds, Tessa Rahi, Marilyn Taylor, Douglas Taylor and George Harrison were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Sarah Butler. Corps Sergeant-Major Chris Lawton is holding the flag. – AH
JOSHUA Warrington was welcomed as an adherent by Major Gethin Thomas. Joshua spoke about the impact that Salvation Army brass banding has had on his life, in particular attending Territorial Youth Band. Josh noted that playing ‘Shine as the Light’ at TYB was a pivotal moment in committing his life to God. Josh was born into the corps and it has been a privilege to see him grow spiritually over the years and make this important step in his faith. – HS
KWASE and Seun Ogungbure were welcomed as adherents by Corps Sergeant-Major Russell Chalmers. Kwase said that when they arrived in the UK from Nigeria with their daughter, Lian, they struggled to find accommodation. They were introduced to the corps by Jennifer, a friend who is an adherent, and decided to give it a try as they were looking for a church to call their home. They felt loved and welcomed by the corps family and made it their spiritual home. They enjoy the fellowship and interesting conversations. – AD
STEVEN Grubb was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Andrew Manley, after a period of prayer and reflection. Steven grew up in the Church of Scotland but drifted away for several years. When he met his wife, Felicity, he started attending the corps and has come to realise he belongs to God and The Salvation Army. – AM
HOVE
SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD
PARKHEAD
KIRKCALDY
BOGNOR REGIS
WELLINGBOROUGH
A PENTECOST songs of praise service included the retirement of Bandmaster Barry Clarke after nearly 23 years in the role. This was a time to celebrate Barry’s commitment to the corps in various roles, as well as his leadership of the original East Midlands Divisional Youth Band. Former members of the corps band and the youth band travelled to join in the celebrations, along with members of Barry’s family. Barry is pictured with the band following his final music choice, ‘Montreal Citadel’. – AC
THE 138th corps anniversary celebrations included the retirement of Songster Leader Meriel Alliston, who is moving away from the area. Corps officer Major Dawn McGarvey thanked Meriel for her 18 years’ service and presented her with a retirement certificate. Meriel is pictured with the songsters. – NM
THE mayor, Councillor Ahmet Dourmoush, presented corps officer Captain Katy Shubotham with a Civic Recognition award for her contribution to the community at Bexley Civic Offices. Captain Katy’s nomination said: ‘Katy is a shining star in Welling – and because of her support people feel they are worthy and that they have a purpose.’ It went on to say that Katy takes time to mentor and support others so that they too can be active in the community. The corps were delighted with this recognition. – KS
THE corps community services director, Chris Waldock, was invited to a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace to recognise the work of the corps in supporting people experiencing homelessness. The invitation came after The Well project received an award in the Health and Wellbeing category at the London Faith and Belief Community awards. Chris was accompanied by his wife, Community Mission Facilitator Rebecca (Penge). Chris said: ‘The award was in recognition of the good work undertaken by staff and volunteers, past and present, who have been involved with The Well for the last 14 years. It was an honour to have this work also acknowledged by the royal family.’ – CM
ANDOVER
SOLDIER Pauline Hoare was presented with a Pride of Andover Community Champion award for her community work. Pauline began as a pub-boomer about 60 years ago. When that stopped, she decided to be a presence in the high street, heralding once or twice a week. Pauline has outlived her uniform but still wears her bonnet, which she says is her uniform and which all her customers know her by. Now 94 years of age, she raises at least £4,500 for corps funds each year. – NN
SLEAFORD
CROYDON CITADEL
ARMY PEOPLE
Appointed
Effective 1 August
CAPTAIN JONATHAN PITTS, additional appointment (2 days a month), Divisional Support Officer, Central, Southern and Channel Islands Division
CAPTAIN SARAH PITTS, additional appointment, Divisional Candidates Officer (Lead), Central, Southern and Channel Islands Division
Effective 15 August
MAJOR ANDREW SPIVEY, Mirfield
MAJOR VALERIE SPIVEY, Mirfield
MAJOR ANDREA STILL , Morley
Effective 2 September
MAJOR HEATHER
GRINSTED, in retirement (21 hours a week), Deputy Director, Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit, THQ
Effective 1 January 2025
MAJOR LEANNE CORDNER , Delaware State Co-ordinator, USA Eastern Territory
MAJOR MARTIN CORDNER , Delaware State Co-ordinator, USA Eastern Territory
Wedding anniversaries
Platinum (70 years)
MARLENE AND MAURICE FOSTER , Poole, on 26 June
Diamond (60 years)
DEREK AND CORPS SECRETARY/SONGSTER
LEADER PAM BRILL , Merthyr Tydfil, on 26 July
Emerald (55 years)
CAPTAINS MARILYN AND TREVOR WARMINGTON on 12 July
Golden (50 years)
IAN AND MAUREEN POTTER , Coventry City, on 20 July
MAJORS MARGARET AND NIGEL BOVEY on 27 July
LIEUT-COLONELS GEORGE AND VERA PILKINGTON on 27 July
Dedicated to God
JAXSON CHRISTOPHER JOHN DIX, son of Christopher Dix and Hayley Harper, at Nuneaton by Major Joy Stephenson
Promoted to Glory
NOEL BROOKES, Stockton
RETIRED SONGSTER
LEADER BERNARD COOKE, Stockton
ROBERT ROUTLEDGE, Stockton
CYNTHIA LEWIS, Wood Green
BANDSMAN GEOFF JORDAN, Chelmsford, from Basildon University Hospital on 3 June
JEAN HILDITCH, Belfast Temple, on 17 June
MAJOR JUNE HATCLIFFE from the Knolls Care Centre, Leighton Buzzard, on 21 June
MAJOR ELIZABETH WHITE from Ipswich Hospital on 23 June
ROBIN LOVEGROVE, Southport, on 25 June
MAJOR BERNARD PYMAN from his home on 26 June
Bereaved
PAM JORDAN, Chelmsford, of her husband Bandsman
Geoff Jordan, Ian Jordan and Dean Jordan of their father
MAJOR PAUL HILDITCH, William Booth College, of his mother Jean Hilditch
MAJOR JOHN HATCLIFFE of his wife Major June Hatcliffe, Bandsman Mark Hatcliffe, Staple Hill, of his mother
VALERIE LOVEGROVE, Southport, of her husband Robin Lovegrove, Major Michelle Lovegrove-Huggins, Leicester South, Nicola McDonnell and Michael Lovegrove, both Southport, and Andrew Lovegrove of their father
MAJOR KATH PYMAN of her husband Major Bernard Pyman, Deputy Songster Leader Helen Cripps, Lincoln, and Rachel Kenealy of their father
MAJOR AMARO PEREIRA , Angola Territory, of his brother Arlindo Pereira
LYNETTE PRICE, Staple Hill, of her mother Eileen Pryor
Retirements from active service
Effective 1 July
MAJOR SHEILA EADE out of Ware in 2001 and last appointment Dartford and Ebbsfleet Fresh Expression
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Fri 19 Jul ICO (Lecture)
Sun 21 Jul ICO (Spiritual Day)
Sun 21 Jul – Thu 25 Jul United Nations / International Social Justice Commission
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill Tue 16 Jul Sunbury Court (ICO Lecture)
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Sat 13 Jul – Sun 14 Jul ICC Wales (Together 2024)
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development
Colonel Julie Forrest
Sat 13 Jul – Sun 14 Jul ICC Wales (Together 2024)
NOTICES
Together 2024 at Home
Join in with Together 2024 wherever you are. As well as this issue of Salvationist , you can live-stream Sunday’s Commissioning at 10.30am and the sending out of the new lieutenants at 3pm at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo. Prayer points for each of the new lieutenants, children’s activities, the Commissioning brochure, an event guide and a Spotify playlist of worship songs from the weekend are all available at salvationist.org.uk/ together-home, along with live online updates from both days.
Appointments list 2024
The annual list of appointments will be published in the 20 July issue of Salvationist
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Ahead of Commissioning, Cadet Ana Layton (William Booth College) leads Sunday Worship this weekend, reflecting on what it means to be a Defender of Justice. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Evening Jazz with Richard Mingay
Major Richard Mingay (William Booth College) shares the good news through his love of jazz and gospel music. The episode is broadcast at 7pm on Sunday 14 July and repeated in full at 9pm on Friday 19 July.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
The All Terrain Podcast
This bonus episode was recorded with worship leader and songwriter Lucy Grimble at the Riverbank conference. Her heart in writing and leading is to be vulnerable and real, to share her journey of faith with honesty.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
TO LET
ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hill-walking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.
TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.
STENHOUSEMUIR CORPS, MAIN STREET, LARBERT FK5 4BL
VALEDICTORY SERVICE
Saturday 3 August, 2pm Messages of appreciation by email to css-dhq@salvationarmy.org.uk by mail to Central & Southern Scotland DHQ, 4 Buchanan Court, Stepps G33 6HZ
• Online discussions
• Inspiring conferences
• Territorial networks salvationist.org.uk/events
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