Salvationist 13 May 2023

SALVATIONIST

HOW ARE YOU? CONVERSATIONS ABOUT WELLBEING

WITH Mental Health Awareness

Week running from 15 May to 21 May, this week’s issue focuses on wellbeing. In 1873, Horatio Gates Spafford wrote the words to the now much-loved song ‘It Is Well with My Soul’ (SASB 741). The song speaks of a sense of peace among the troubles and challenges of life and that, in whatever situation, we have cause to say ‘it is well with my soul’.

The sad situation for Spafford was that, much like Job, the preceding years had seen him going from great wealth – as a Chicago lawyer and property owner with a happy family – to losing almost everything of his real estate portfolio in the Great Chicago Fire, and losing his four daughters, who were accompanying their mother on a trip to Europe when their ship sank.

It was as he sailed to be reunited with his grieving wife across the very same sea that he penned the song.

Life can be harsh and give us much to deal with. How we deal with it very much depends on the foundations upon which we build. May we, like Spafford, be able to say: ‘Whatever my lot … it is well with my soul.’

MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN EDITOR

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Issue No 1909

EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

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

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Major Julian Watchorn

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United in joy

Continuing

IDON’T know about your plans for tonight (Saturday 13 May), but I will be camped on the sofa with snacks in reach and sporting more glitter than your average Blackpool club night so I can join in the utter delights of the greatest music show on Earth: the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest on BBC One.

Whether you’re a superfan or silently seething at the prospect, you can’t overstate the fun when there’s such a mishmash of countries, musical styles, costumes and identities – not to mention politics – under one roof.

Thirty-seven acts are taking part in this year’s competition. You can check out the songlist online: lyrics include ‘I have the power of a unicorn’, a guaranteed banger if ever there was one!

As a relative latecomer to Eurovision, I started watching for Terry Wogan’s craic and stayed for Graham Norton’s snark – their light-hearted commentary and approach to the event made laughing off the UK’s years of ‘nul points’ much easier.

When UK entry Sam Ryder exploded onto the stage last year, the nations collectively gasped – the UK knew it stood a chance! But it wasn’t the quality of Sam’s performance on the night that stuck with me, it was his comments during an interview with BBC Radio 4

afterwards, in which he described Eurovision as ‘like being in a church, because there was so much joy’.

Sam zoned in on something that believers know well – that when people come together with one mind and one spirit, laying differences aside and united by a common love, there is a connection that binds them. And music has a way of intensifying that bond. Philippa Hanna, writing for Premier Christianity, suggested that ‘music is the backstage pass to a person’s soul’ and that ‘perhaps when God invented music it was always his intention to unify people in this way’.

And while there wasn’t an outpouring of God’s Spirit across Eurovision – we live, we pray, we dream – there was a genuine flow of love, compassion and warmth that swept Turin’s PalaOlimpico as Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won in 2022. Their country was experiencing the devastation of the ongoing conflict with Russia, but its people chose to sing and be in the bosom of an international community that enveloped them. The arena awash with flags waving in support and emotions running high, Ukraine seized the victory after an overwhelming number of votes (439 points – the maximum possible is 468,

If music is a backstage pass to the soul, what do the psalms tell you? Try reading one a day this month.

Visit eurovision.tv/event/ liverpool-2023 for this year’s songlist and pray for each country taking part.

which would require ‘douze points’ from all the other participating countries).

This year the UK is hosting Eurovision on Ukraine’s behalf in Liverpool, and I expect the welcome will be similarly warm. As I join the party from my sofa, I am slightly more reflective as I wonder what difference I can make in putting aside differences to show love to others.

Picture: BBC / Nick Robinson

a series of topical reflections, Claire Anderson celebrates the harmony of Eurovision

LEADERS

What renews your strength?

Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main answers:

Psalm 18:19 says: ‘He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.’ The concept of God bringing us to a spacious place is repeated in the Old Testament, often following a time of exhaustion, challenge, trial or opposition – a reminder God does not intend for us to constantly live at full pace; he wants to bring us to a ‘spacious place’ where we can breathe deeply.

If we are self-aware, we know the signs to slow down. For me it is when I feel the pressure of having too much to do in too little time, when I am always running late, making poor decisions or apologising for forgetting things. It is at this point I know that it is time to find that spacious place God wants to bring me into.

However, how much better life is if I measure my pace. Measuring my pace is about leaving margins, creating spaces in my diary to do things that energise and refresh me. For me, this can be preparing for sermons or Bible studies just as much as meeting with friends or family, spending time Going Deeper with God alone or with colleagues or working as part of a team on a project. Living simply also energises me. Intentionally creating margins is essential.

I have a ‘Pause’ app on my phone that buzzes twice a day, reminding me to pause and know that God is in control – although admittedly there are times I skip the reminder because I am too busy! At particularly stressful times I set an hourly alarm. A favourite ‘alarm verse’ is Psalm 16:8: ‘I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me’ (New Living Translation).

A regular Sabbath rest renews my strength. Sometimes this is a Sunday, but often it is Friday evening until Saturday evening when I intentionally rest, laugh, sleep, feast, walk and spend time with family or friends celebrating the goodness of God.

Read a longer answer at salvationist.org.uk

IF you are planning for a trip, or going to buy a new car, you might first search online for more information. Believe it or not, I first started to search about Bristol after Major Liz Church asked me: ‘Did you know about Bristol before you came here?’

My answer was no and yes. I knew Bristol was a city in the UK, but besides that I really didn’t know much. You may ask, then, why my family and I came to Bristol. One of the reasons was that we have friends here, but the most important reason was that we knew there was a Salvation Army here. Being part of Staple Hill Corps makes me feel so blessed and peaceful.

When we were living in Hong Kong, we were privileged to be able to travel to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Australia. If our travel schedule allowed, we would try to visit one of the Salvation Army corps in those countries for a Sunday service. Of course, we couldn’t speak Japanese or Korean. However, when the band or pianist played from the songbook, we would sing along in our own language. We would then be in unity praising our Lord,

just as we are in Staple Hill Corps when we are singing together, which always makes us feel at home.

Thirty years ago, when I first went to Wan Chai Corps in Hong Kong, it was because of the Self-Denial Appeal. After all these years I know more about what The Salvation Army is doing than before, as I know how faithful our God always is. Leaving our hometown for a new place was not easy to deal with, from language barriers and different food to weather conditions and transport networks. However, I remember how good God was to me in the past and I continue to believe he is and will be the same faithful Lord to me. This brings me peace.

In the Bible, there are two verses that give me courage to face challenges and difficulties. Joshua 1:9 says: ‘Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go’ (New Revised Standard Version). In John 16:33, Jesus says: ‘I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’ (NRSV).

‘I know how faithful our God is’

Kit Chow (Staple Hill) shares how his faith in the Lord brings him peace

Thank you

MOST sincere thanks to all those involved in the God-inspired concept of Fortress Radio. To Stuart Hall and Austin Burn, who gave life to it with such perfect timing at the start of the first lockdown. To see it flourish and grow is truly remarkable. I’m sure they would say, too, that it needed committed presenters who shared their vision. This certainly was the case, especially on a Sunday. It was set up to show the Army as it was in years past, from a

thought-provoking knee drill with Major Keith White, a Holiness hour with Majors Ian and Susan Woodgate and a most challenging Salvation meeting with Bandmaster Marc Harry. All the presenters were so helpful in those difficult, uncertain times. We now have Salvationist Radio, which offers the Army as it is ‘today’ rather than how it was ‘yesterday’. I’m sure God will continue to use and guide it.

Alan Croft Stowmarket

pressure on a preacher to satisfy a range of spiritual needs – including holiness and Salvation – in just one weekly sermon. David mentions ‘nuggets not boulders’. I offer these: A sermon should be long enough so that people don’t notice the time. A sermon is about quality not quantity. The question is: How good should a sermon be?

Major Nigel Bovey Exeter

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

and the other disciple found the tomb empty, save for the shrouds. Shrouding a dead body is still common in some cultures.

Kevin Chubb Barry

ON THE NO FAITH IN FOSSIL FUELS PILGRIMAGE

HOLY COMMUNION

THANK you for the reminder of the Army’s stance on Holy Communion (Salvationist 8 April). The United Reformed Church is using our hall for worship as their own building is not economically viable to maintain. Their service is in the morning and ours in the afternoon. We feel that this is church unity in action. When we attend their services, and they celebrate Communion, we are always included. We have explained that as Salvationists it is a personal choice whether we take Communion or not and

they respect this. We will pass round the article among our friends, who will no doubt find the background and explanation helpful.

Mary Tyler Pontefract

QUALITY NOT QUANTITY

DAVID Newstead’s point about the timing of sermons (Salvationist 18 March) is timely. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, preachers had to adopt new ways to reach –and maintain the attention of – their isolated congregations. Increasingly, corps meet only once on a Sunday. This increases

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? Get in touch with the Salvationist editorial team at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk or comment on Facebook or Twitter @SalvationistUKI

I NOTED Malcolm Dragon’s letter (Salvationist 18 March) about vegetarianism. As an omnivore, I have sometimes deliberately chosen a vegetarian option and been disappointed. Many seem short on protein: I once had half a walnut in a ‘walnut and vegetable casserole’. I read a couple of labels on cutletshaped burgers – a meat alternative – and one was 9 per cent pea protein, the other 5 per cent wheat protein. Ultra-processed food is usually criticised by diet experts and food gurus. How a plateful of leaves can be made appetising without much processing is an interesting experiment.

Wesley Paxton Annan

HE IS RISEN

MY wife sells the War Cry every Saturday. Folk have been asking, ‘How can we be sure the Easter narrative is true?’ So how do we prove it? The dating, authorship and detail of the Gospel of John. The gap between event and writing is around 70 years, nowhere near enough time for fanciful stories and mythology to be incorporated. There is evidence to suggest it was written by John the apostle – that would imply that it was written by an eyewitness. At the beginning of John 20, we are told Peter

YOUR VIEWS

Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters for publication in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 150 words.

‘It was a great event. Full of peace and power and we received so many positive comments. And everything was done with respect. It was a God-honouring event done out of love for the vulnerable who are suffering and will suffer more if we worry about our reputations more than their lives.’

Annette Wicks

Call on the name of the Lord

Major Graham Mizon highlights the need for corporate as well as individual repentance

OBSERVING a change in the national mood in the years following the Second World War, the playwright and composer Sir Noel Coward wrote these humorous words: ‘There are bad times just around the corner,/ There are dark clouds hurtling through the sky/ And it’s no good whining, about a silver lining/ For we know from experience that they won’t roll by.’

These sentiments could be applied to today. There are so many ‘bad times just around the corner’ that I am starting to think twice before tuning into daily news bulletins. Joel must have lived and prophesied through a similar national mood. He opens his account by recording an invasion of locusts, a drought and a fire, all of which devastate the land.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How should Christians prepare for ‘bad times’?

How can we, as Christians, be bearers of good news and live counter to the national mood of our day?

Some scholars date Joel as early as the 9th century BC, while others place these events as late as the 5th century BC. My preference would be some time before the Babylonian exile of Judah in 586BC. If this can be accepted, then an invasion of locusts, a drought and a fire could be

seen as actual events, or alternatively as apocalyptical visions of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, the desolation of Judah and the dispersion of the Jews into Babylonian exile.

Whatever the interpretation of these catastrophic events, Joel is warning of dark and gloomy days ahead when God will judge Judah (see Joel 2:2). It is as if Joel is saying: ‘When you consider the awful things going on in the world around you, can you not sense God’s displeasure?’

Joel brings attention to other trials: ‘The fields are ruined, the ground is dried up; the grain is destroyed, the new wine is dried up, the olive oil fails’ (v10). These are signs of God’s judgement upon Judah. Other Minor Prophets, such as Habakkuk and Haggai, painted very similar pictures, albeit for different reasons (see Habakkuk 3:8–18 and Haggai 1:5–11).

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Is it possible for us to interpret wars and troubles as signs of our times?

How could we interpret Jesus’ words in Mark 13:8: ‘There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines’?

Having given a description of a devastating invasion of locusts in verses 2 to 4, Joel gives a prescription from verse 13 onwards. He is saying: this is

where you are, and now this is what you should do about it. So the prophet calls the priests to seek forgiveness, and for the elders and the people to come together to repent and mourn (see v13).

Often, we view sin as an individual matter. In verse 14, we see that all the community is being called together to seek forgiveness and repent. Godly people, who have steadfastly loved and served God, will have also been in this community. Nevertheless, the whole nation is called together. God may judge individuals for their sinful actions, but here the burden of disobedience is laid upon the whole nation of Judah.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

When bad things happen to us, must this always mean that we have displeased God? Why or why not?

Is there a place for corporate responses to God for our sins?

‘Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly … and cry out to the Lord’ (v14). In the Old Testament, mourning and repenting is often accompanied by a fast (see Judges 20:26; 2 Samuel 1:12; Nehemiah 1:4). Not only was Joel urging Judah to mourn for their nation and to weep for their sins, but he was also inviting them to return to God and be wholly devoted to him: ‘Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love’ (2:13).

JOEL 1:13–20

It is interesting to note that, although there are many references to fasting in both the Old and New Testaments, it is only Joel who feels that he needs to describe it as a ‘holy fast’ in 1:14 and 2:15. Maybe this is because fasting can have many forms or perhaps because fasting can be used inappropriately (see Isaiah 58:1–14). The word ‘holy’, as used on both occasions in Joel, is in Hebrew –sacred, consecrated, dedicated, to set apart or to sanctify.

This was not to be a ritualistic fast that had no meaning or impact; rather, Joel called for a holy fast that the people would approach in a humble spirit and with a desire to repent of their sin and seek God’s love and forgiveness.

While Joel’s prophecy foretells God’s judgement, he also encourages those who will repent and turn back to the Lord. He declares: ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’ (2:32) and he utters words that Peter would later quote on the day of Pentecost: ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people’ (2:28)

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Can you recall how God came and ministered to you during bad times?

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

SCRIPTURE FOCUS – 1 PETER 2:1–10

by Captains Vanessa and Xander Coleman (Buckingham)

SATURDAY 13 MAY

‘As you come to him, the Living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ’ (vv4 and 5). Living Stone, build us together around you, and accept the sacrificial offering of our whole lives. Amen.

SUNDAY 14 MAY

‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame’ (v6). Father, we don’t take lightly your precious gift of Jesus. Cornerstone, we trust in your teaching, your word, your presence as a firm foundation for our lives. We choose again today to trust in you. Amen.

MONDAY 15 MAY

‘To those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become … a stone that causes people to stumble”’ (vv7 and 8). When the world doesn’t recognise you, O Lord, open people’s eyes to see who you really are. Stretch out your hand to save. Amen.

TUESDAY 16 MAY

‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him’ (v9). Lord, help us stand tall in our identity as chosen, royal, priestly and holy, orientating our lives around you and bringing you glory. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 17 MAY

‘Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy’ (v10). Lord, your mercy unites us as a family, and we are so grateful. Help us to love each other well, bear with each other, and spur each other on, discovering your beauty among us. Amen.

PENTECOST FOCUS

by Lyndall Bywater (Prayer Network)

THURSDAY 18 MAY

The word ‘evangelism’ so often conjures visions of awkward conversations and embarrassed efforts to persuade people to be interested in Jesus. But there was nothing awkward or embarrassed about Pentecost – there was just an exuberant sharing of joy (see Acts 2:1–13). Lord, fill us again with the joy of your Spirit, that we might find the good news bursting out of us wherever we go. Amen.

FRIDAY 19 MAY

One of the first things Peter told the crowds was that they should expect to hear prophecies (see Acts 2:18). All sorts of people, from the least to the greatest, would speak powerful, life-changing words, given to them by God. Lord, give us your words today – words with supernatural power, words that carry hope and healing. 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.

MAJOR GRAHAM MIZON Retired Officer Burntwood

It’s OK not to be OK

ARE you an optimist or pessimist? A worrier? That’s me! Anxious? Yes, sometimes.

In the UK more than 8 million people are experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time, so you might be one of them or know someone who is. Philippians 4:5 and 6 tell us: ‘The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything.’ But perhaps you’ve read this many times before and feel that it doesn’t work, or still experience anxiety.

In Psalm 6, we find these words: ‘I am worn out with grief; every night my bed is damp from my weeping; my pillow is soaked with tears’ (vv6 and 7 Good News Bible). Thank God that the Bible is full of such honest laments – particularly in the Psalms, when David and others complain to God about their lot. God is not offended by that: he wants us to be honest with him.

Whenever I’ve read the parable of the lost sheep, I’ve thought of it applying to someone else, perhaps someone who was no longer a believer. But what if that parable is about me? What if I’m feeling lost, either because of various life concerns or because I have strayed away from God’s way?

Are you really a lost child? No, for God knows exactly where you are and what you’re going through. He’s with you, even if, at your lowest, it seems otherwise.

In The Day Is Yours, Ian Stackhouse writes about a friend who, during a bout of depression, applied the discipline of living one day at a time:

‘He would wake up each morning and ask Jesus if we can do today – ‘we’ being the operative word – and then, having received some kind of affirmation from the Lord that indeed it was possible to do today, proceeded to live that day. Then the next day he would do exactly the same thing, and then the next day, and the next day. As he describes it, it was a one-day contract.’

In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask him to ‘give us this day our daily bread’. And, in Deuteronomy 8:3, we are instructed that we must not live on bread alone but on everything that the Lord says. Matthew 28:20 reminds us that Jesus said, ‘Surely I am with you always.’ That means we can cry out to him if we’re attacked by anxiety.

If we break a bone or have physical problems, as Christians we don’t feel guilt. Similarly, there is no need to feel

that way when we suffer from anxiety or depression, or when we must take medication or engage in talking therapies.

In her book Glorious Weakness, Alia Joy writes: ‘There are so many among us who hurt, and we may never know we’re sitting next to someone barely holding all the pieces together when we gather together on a Sunday to sing rickety hymns and hear God’s word cracked open for us.’

Perhaps we need to be honest and share our anxiety with a trusted friend, hopefully someone within our corps. After all, if we can’t be honest there, where can we be? If someone does confide in you, may you be willing to support them in their journey.

JIM BURNS Dunstable

Jim Burns encourages us not to be ashamed about anxiety

B uncing f rward

Austen Hardwick (Children and Youth Department) talks to Salvationist about supporting young people’s wellbeing and new resource Bounce

The world is so different now to 20 years ago or even 5 years ago. How do you support young people in such a rapidly evolving landscape?

We never get away from the world in which a child is trying to operate. That’s our starting point. When I was young, it would be a form of punishment to be sent to your room. These days, it’s a form of punishment to be told to come out of your room.

There is a very individualised experience of childhood, whereby children are connected globally but loneliness is common. In the Children and Youth Department, we keep coming back to three questions around identity, purpose and belonging: Who am I? Where do I fit in? What difference can I make?

How do you know what concerns young people are dealing with?

One of our priorities is to listen to people on the front line. It’s very easy to create resources from the centre and make what you think everyone needs, but we check in with people on the ground –heads of schools, teachers, officers, local children’s leaders and children – and we listen. That then informs what we do. We begin with where children are at.

How did Bounce come about?

Schools are busy places. Everyone’s stressed out, but they need to make an impact, be able to measure it and do it pretty quickly with limited resources. I know from my experience in education that the development of a child is really important, with them having the opportunity to articulate not just their emotions but also their developing spirituality. Bounce is an easy and fun way to help make that happen.

How does it work?

We provide sticky letters that go on a ball and a pocket-sized pack of question cards. The game works by bouncing the ball around the group and the letter under your thumb relates to the cards – for example, ‘B’ for ‘Breathe’. On the back of the cards are sentenceopeners, so the adult says something like ‘my favorite food is…’ and the child finishes the sentence. The letters are designed to unpack that child’s world and we scaffold their responses.

The Salvation Army edge comes in the ‘U’ card for ‘Understand’. The openers are things like: ‘If God is there, I wish he would…’ We’re really getting them to think on a spiritual level. There’s also a Bible ideas card with quotes from Scripture. As the Army, we go into schools with a 360-degree respect for the individual. We recognise that every child has a spiritual life – they have an inner world, which is sometimes externally shared but often quietly processed.

I recently had an email from a teacher who said their class couldn’t get enough of Bounce – that it created an atmosphere and they found children who weren’t necessarily comfortable talking had grown in confidence.

Society is increasingly open about mental health. Does that make you optimistic about future generations and how they talk about wellbeing?

Yes. There’s a definite openness to talking about these things, which weren’t spoken about when I was a kid. We just have to create moments where they feel they can do that. That’s what we are doing with Bounce and our upcoming podcast, The Small Fish Podcast.

What’s The Small Fish Podcast about?

We identified that, for tweens, the summer in between leaving primary school and starting secondary school is when the wobbles happen. We wanted something to help launch children into secondary school with confidence.

There are 14 short episodes, which will drop all in one go this June – before the end of the summer term – for families or children’s leaders to listen through with their children. It’s about equipping and bringing them together to talk through these issues. So a five-minute podcast episode becomes the springboard for what they chat about when they load the dishwasher or travel to school.

So

the bottom line is opening up communication?

Absolutely. We’re creating opportunity for children to express how they feel, and building a relationship with them, earning the right to steer and nudge them in a healthy direction.

To order Bounce, visit salvationist.org. uk/bounce. For more information on The Small Fish Podcast, visit salvationist. org.uk/smallfishpodcast

Time to talk

David Grundy tells Simon Hope about SISTAD’s suicide prevention course

Content warning: This article deals with the topic of suicide. If you need to talk to someone, you can call Samaritans day or night, 365 days a year, for free on 116 123, send an email to jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

AFRIEND shares thoughts about ending their life with you. What do you do? As a learning and development officer with a focus on mental health, suicide awareness is an important part of David’s role.

Let’s Talk About Suicide is an online course created by The Salvation Army’s School for In-Service Training and Development (SISTAD). It is designed to improve your knowledge of the subject and the resources and links you can access, and is supported by material from charity Grassroots Suicide Prevention. It bridges the gap between the shorter, half-hour Zero Suicide Alliance training session, available via iLearn, and the in-person, two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Support Training.

More than a series of long lectures, the course uses an interactive film and activities to teach you how to respond to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts – what to say and what not to say – as well as explaining statistics, risk factors of suicide and who you can reach out to for help and advice. By equipping you, it helps you to be more confident and less likely to panic when talking to someone who is at risk of suicide.

Following the course, more than 80 per cent of respondents said they felt ‘confident’ or ‘very confident’ that they were better able to support someone.

While the causes of suicidal thoughts are complex and nuanced, suicides are preventable. The word ‘suicide’ has historically been taboo, and many people find it difficult to talk about it candidly. Education is the most powerful way to combat these fears.

As an example, David explains how crucial it is to talk openly and ask direct questions to people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. For example, slang terms that talk

around the subject – ‘You’re not thinking of doing something silly?’ – would not be helpful.

‘All the evidence and all the research,’ David elaborates, ‘suggest we actually need to ask the question: “You’re not thinking about suicide, are you?” We need to be confident enough to say “suicide”, but there is still a stigma.’

David points to mental health advocate Sir Norman Lamb, who wrote: ‘Suicide remains a huge social taboo. Some people feel unable to talk about suicidal feelings – and as a result fail to access the help and support they need. Others around them might be too scared to intervene when they know someone is at risk –or may just feel there is nothing they can do.’

Thousands of people in the communities we serve take their own lives every year. Let’s Talk About Suicide offers the tools to be the difference when someone walks into your corps or centre looking for help. Are you ready to talk with them?

To find out more, visit sistad.org or email sistad@salvationarmy.org.uk. You can also read the Army’s international positional statement on suicide prevention at salvationist.org.uk/positionalstatements

See the signs

Suicide is complex and most of the time there is no single event or factor that leads someone to take their own life. Factors that could increase the risk of suicide include mental ill health, physical ill health, substance misuse, a family history of suicide, bullying or abuse, or loss of a job, role or loved one.

Some possible signs to look out for are:

Changes in a person’s appearance, including a sudden sense of ‘peace’ or ‘calm’

Reckless behaviour or

withdrawal

Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Someone saying they cannot go on or that people would be better off without them

When I needed a neighbour…

Major Richard Gaudion talks to Salvationist about wellbeing and fullness of life

WITH 10 years’ experience working within the Well Being Department, Deputy to the Head of the Counselling Service Major Richard Gaudion is an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist. As the Counselling Service turns 50 years old, Major Richard talks about supporting those involved in the Army’s mission and ministry.

Why does the Army have a Counselling Service?

The service started in Whitechapel in 1972 with Colonels Harry and Margaret Dean. They had a vision to give officers a confidential space where they could talk freely without fear of their material being shared with anyone, including a more senior leader.

People come to us for any number of reasons, but it’s important they feel safe and not judged. We provide a confidential space where they can express what’s on their hearts and minds. I like to see the client and myself as fellow travellers; I have the privilege of journeying alongside somebody who is sharing what’s going on in their life.

The service doesn’t report anything back to anybody, but we do have the opportunity of presenting to Cabinet themes that have arisen during the previous year. It’s important they’re aware of the issues that clients are bringing to us. However, there’s never any identification of where that material came from.

Who’s the service for?

We have a specific remit from THQ about who they want us to see: officers, envoys, pioneer leaders, cadets, applicants for officership, senior managers and staff

who have experienced a critical incident – such as a death in a Lifehouse or Older People’s Services. Also, we provide help to children of officers, whether they are young or adult. Where capacity allows, we will see other Salvationists and members of the public. If we’re unable to see a client, for whatever reason, we’ll do our best to find them a qualified therapist in their area, so nobody’s ever excluded.

Does the team have professional training?

Being an in-house counselling service can bring into question the professional status and quality of our work. All our counsellors are professionally trained to degree or postgraduate level, and all are members of a regulatory body. I’m currently required to complete a minimum of 30 hours’ extra study each year to ensure I’m up to date with the latest understanding, research and best practice.

We are often asked if we offer Christian counselling. We don’t offer Christian counselling, per se, but we do offer counselling in a Christian environment. However, if clients want to talk about their faith, of course we’ll journey with them, as much as we would with a person of any other faith.

Are there common themes that come up in sessions?

Every Salvation Army leader is human. None of us is immune to the realities of life and it’s important that we listen to our bodies and our minds. We get the same presentation of issues that any

counselling service would. Umbrella themes include anxiety, depression, self-harm, stress and low self-esteem.

We often sit with people who say something like: ‘I should be able to cope. Does this mean my faith is weak? Or that my relationship with God is failing?’ The courage in acknowledging the need of help is the first step of the journey towards wholeness and dealing with that misplaced shame.

When people are going through psychological or emotional distress, they’re unable to live life to the full. John 10:10 is a beautiful verse that our department has taken to heart, where Jesus reminds his hearers: ‘I have come that they may have life ... to the full’. Wellbeing embraces all aspects of an individual’s life – spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical –and is the fulfilment of Christ’s offer of ‘abundant life’.

Tips to help each other

Ask twice ‘How are you?’ will get a response, but be genuinely interested in the answer.

Listen You don’t need to give advice – just be there for somebody.

Don’t try to fix it You’re not the expert in somebody’s life; they’re their own expert.

Working smarter, not harder

Ivan Radford considers the importance of self-care in today’s always-on world

PUT your hand up if you’ve heard this: Jesus first, yourself last and others in between. That spells ‘joy’, right? Keep your hand up if you know Christians who are joyful, but have also worked themselves to exhaustion. That might be a loved one or a leader. That might be you. It’s often been me. Either way, there’s a risk in taking that maxim to an unhealthy extreme – not by putting Jesus first or others before you, but by neglecting yourself entirely.

In Matthew 22:37–39, Jesus reminds us of the two greatest commandments – love God with ‘all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ and ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. Loving others as yourself can already be challenging, but do you love yourself as you love others? As God loves you?

As God’s children, we are unworthy, sinful and imperfect. And yet, wondrously, we are also redeemed and loved by a Father who knows us by name. Do you love yourself as a disciple of Christ, being shaped by his Spirit? Do you love yourself as a valued co-worker in God’s mission, sharing his love with others?

If we are not mindful of our wellbeing, we can become poor examples of fullness of life with Jesus – we cannot hope to join the fight for the world’s salvation if we are too burnt-out to step up to the front line. Even Jesus delegated spreading the gospel to a team of 12.

As a millennial growing up in a time of uncertainty, inequality and social media, I have always been better at doing than being. God, incredibly, has found ways to use that, but I have also learnt the importance of self-care. Thanks to modern technology, we can be always-on, 24/7, aware of everything everywhere all at once, from bad news in

other countries to emails in need of replies. It’s hard to step back from the busyness and find a healthy work-life balance, particularly if you see your work as directly or indirectly serving the Lord.

Jesus modelled self-care during his busy years of ministry, repeatedly taking time out to recharge. ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest,’ he told his disciples (Mark 6:31). In Matthew 14:23, he went ‘up on a mountainside by himself to pray’.

Paul reminds Christians in 1 Corinthians 6:19 and 20 that their ‘bodies are temples’ and they should ‘honour God’ with them. That includes taking care of them – working to the point of physical, mental or emotional exhaustion is not what any parent would want for their child. God in his grace gives us strength for what we’re called to do, but that doesn’t mean we’re not still human – we are. Humans have limits, and there’s nothing wrong with admitting that.

At the heart of self-care, of course, is spiritual wellbeing – Jesus’ rest included prayer, spending time in God’s presence without rushing away. By starting from that place – putting Jesus first – safeguarding your wellbeing means you are able to serve God fully and effectively. It’s not about putting yourself before others – but if you don’t look after yourself, and don’t let others and God take care of you, how can you love anyone else?

IVAN RADFORD Managing Editor Salvationist

4 steps to work smarter

Focus on what you can control Try to only spend your energy on what is in your circle of influence – everything you can’t control, let go and let God take care of it.

Be honest There is no shame in being overwhelmed or overloaded – be open and honest with yourself, others and God about how you are and what you need. Talk to people.

Ask for help God’s strength does not mean that you can shoulder everything – the body of Christ is a team operation and God supports us through the people he puts around us.

Pause Take time to honour God and find blessings in your everyday, whether that’s sunshine or your favourite biscuit.

Dunstable An oasis in the community

FAST FACTS

DIVISION:

FLYING THE FLAG OF FAITH

We have been the corps officers at Dunstable for the past six years. It’s a large, traditional corps with a varied programme, located in a busy town centre. In January we were privileged to be able to purchase a new external flag. Giving by corps members was boosted by a kind donation from one of our members, Maureen Dunn, in memory of her late husband, Bandsman Haydn Dunn. We were keen to ensure that the flag would not just fly on Sundays but would be a continual indication that the King is in residence here. We hope it will prompt meaningful conversations with those who see it.

DESIGNS FOR THE FUTURE

One of our soldiers, Robert, was the architect of our building when the original hall was knocked down and rebuilt on this site. Robert is a real asset to us, heading up our corps property group, because he knows the building inside and out. He guides us in matters of building maintenance and improvements, as well as in the efficiency of our heating, lighting and water systems. All of which helps us to become more environmentally friendly as a church.

TRANSFORMING LIVES IN THE COMMUNITY

We are blessed to have a debt advice service that runs here three days a week with a paid co-ordinator and a team of five volunteers. They’re doing tremendous work with people in the area, transforming

the lives of individuals and families. They are regularly working at full capacity, as the need is so great.

We work closely with Dunstable Food Bank and we are a voucher issuer for them. In addition, we have our own food store so that we can give out food bags to the most vulnerable. Our drop-in service is open four times a week where shower facilities are available. There are three daytime sessions and one in the evening where a hot meal is provided. All these give us the opportunity to signpost people to the other things going on in our programme.

FRIENDSHIP, FUN AND FOOD

The Covid-19 pandemic really affected attendance and leadership of our over-60 club and home league, so we decided to replace both activities with a new club, Oasis, for over-55s. This is in addition to our over-75s group, which is run in partnership with the local authority to encourage social interaction among older people who live alone. Both groups help to combat loneliness and encourage people to get out, make friends and engage in activities.

GETTING GREENER FOR GOD

Although we don’t have a garden or green space attached to our hall, we have started to become more alert to climate matters, and to think and act more carefully in our use and re-use of items indoors. Since we reopened after the Covid-19 lockdowns we have installed new internal bins for sorting and recycling

materials, including kitchen food waste. This has significantly reduced our black bin waste. We’ve placed signs and stickers on our lights and taps to remind people not to waste these valuable resources. We are also gradually changing over to LED lights to reduce energy consumption. Our desire to care for God’s creation motivates us to become more aware of our responsibilities and the impact of our actions.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ECO

Caring for creation is one of the territory’s five mission priorities. Find out more by emailing environment@salvationarmy.org. uk or visiting salvationist.org. uk/environmentaloffice

Inspiring Easter during Chief of the Staff’s visit BELFAST

SYDENHAM

CORPS officers Majors Graham and Keira Wood welcomed Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham to lead the Easter weekend meetings.

On Good Friday evening, a large congregation joined in worship, including contributions from the band and songsters. Commissioner Lyndon invited everyone present to say a personal thank you to Jesus as the Lord’s crucifixion was recalled.

Saturday morning saw corps members join the commissioners in the grounds of the parliament buildings at Stormont, followed by a picnic.

Young people were to the fore at the Easter Day morning meeting, including an Easter egg hunt to highlight the real significance of Easter. The songsters presented ‘Redeemer’, before Commissioner Bronwyn emphasised in her sermon that we are invited by Jesus, just as Peter was, to be personally included in humanity’s redemption story.

In the afternoon the Ireland Division gathered at the corps, and the divisional youth band made its first public appearance since the Covid-19 pandemic. The Army’s work within the division was also featured in several videos and an interview with Adam Cree (Lurgan).

Commissioner Lyndon’s inspiring message challenged each person to decide if Jesus was present, prominent or pre-eminent in their life, and many responded by kneeling at the mercy seat.

The weekend brought great spiritual encouragement to both the corps and the division. – PP

EMERGENCY AID

COST OF LIVING

Baby bank supports 120 struggling families

SOUTHPORT

THE Little Miracles baby and toddler bank provided essentials to 120 families last year.

Supported by local Christian charity Compassion Acts, Little Miracles works on a referral basis, supplying bespoke emergency parcels based upon clients’ individual needs. These can include baby formula, nappies, toiletries, clothes and baby food. People needing extra support can be referred from food banks, family wellbeing centres, social workers, health visitors or schools.

The service has continued at an alarming rate, with a steady increase of clients since opening in 2020.

KILMARNOCK Members of the corps, including the band, joined others from the Fellowship of Kilmarnock Churches on Easter Day for a march of witness, culminating in a short service at Kilmarnock Cross. A prayer vigil at a nearby church saw representatives of each of the fellowship churches taking part. Corps officers Captains Emma and Les Heal led the first session of the afternoon. – EF

SUFFOLK Volunteers are celebrating 45 years of supporting emergency services in the county with a dedicated emergency vehicle. In Suffolk, this began in 1978 when co-ordinator Mike Baker set up a group of volunteers. The relationship between Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and The Salvation Army continues to grow and plans for the redevelopment of Stowmarket Fire Station included a dedicated bay for the emergency vehicle. – AR

Community Programme and Engagement Manager Kathryn Casserley said: ‘We have seen so many families affected by the rise in the cost of living, families that are desperate and don’t know where else to turn or what else to do.’ – AR

COMMUNITY

BRIGHTON CONGRESS

HALL

More people have been using the café over the past few months. Many have lost loved ones. Some women have formed a Knit and Natter group. This has given the staff members time to chat, get to know them and invite them to the meetings. Two of the women helped with catering for the Brighton Marathon. – BW

MODERN SLAVERY

Army urges Lords to protect victims’ rights

UK

THE Salvation Army has urged the House of Lords to protect victims of modern slavery from a bill designed to tackle illegal immigration.

The Army is ‘greatly concerned’ that the Illegal Migration Bill passed through the House of Commons while still containing provisions that will entrap the victims of modern slavery.

As the bill currently stands, it will be almost impossible for people being forced to work by criminal gangs to get help and break free from their captors.

Major Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery said: ‘Without major amendments, this bill will have the unintended consequence of undermining the rights of survivors of modern slavery and make it harder for genuine victims to access support through the existing systems.

‘While we have serious concerns around the bill as a whole, our position as holder of the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract gives us a unique insight into the potentially devastating impact this bill will have on victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

‘It is essential that genuine victims of modern slavery are not refused the right to seek our help.

‘We are yet to see evidence showing that the modern slavery system is being widely exploited. We must not undermine our world-leading system as part of the government’s efforts to tackle illegal immigration. We also have concerns about the lack of scrutiny throughout the bill’s passage through the House of Commons, for instance the government is yet to publish an assessment detailing the bill’s expected impact.

‘It is vital that such a consequential bill is accompanied with comprehensive evidence to allow for proper consideration and debate.’ – AR

EVENT

New hall, new opportunities PLYMOUTH BARBICAN

THE newly leased premises in the Barbican area of Plymouth officially opened, with the ribbon cut by corps member Anthony Otter and the lord mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann.

The weekend began with a Jam club party on Friday evening. At the official opening and dedication on Saturday, Secretary for Business Administration Lieut-Colonel Alan Read encouraged the corps to seek God through Psalm 127:1. Sunday worship was led by divisional leaders Majors Steve and Mandy White, who encouraged the corps to seize the door of opportunity.

Also in attendance were deputy lord mayor, Councillor Chris Penberthy, and Luke Pollard MP. – GJ

OUTREACH

SALE A concert by the New York Staff Band began with a traditional festival repertoire, with all music written exclusively for the group. After an interval ‘The Creation Story’ used visual media, spoken word, narration by LieutColonel Richard Munn and a mixture of popular Christian and secular songs. The immersive worship experience was followed by a choral benediction of ‘Rock of Ages’, which left the audience visibly moved. – BW

EXETER TEMPLE The community team produced ‘little bags of hope’ to build more connections between the corps community work and ministry. Each bag contained an Easter egg, a handmade card from children at a nearby school, a flyer with the lyrics to ‘Because He Lives’ (SASB 219), details of Easter and weekly activities and an Employment Plus flyer. This project was possible thanks to the contributions of about 110 people, 90 of whom were children. The bags were distributed to friends at the Salvation Army Housing Association, the community meal and Employment Plus Local. – JW

MUSIC

Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main led Good Friday and Easter Day meetings. On Good Friday the band and corps members joined other churches for open-air witness in the high street. Colonel Jenine challenged the many listeners to consider what the cross, representing forgiveness, freedom and hope, could mean in their lives. Colonel Paul led the early morning Easter Day meeting in Forbury Gardens with other churches before breakfast at the hall and a large celebration meeting. – BM

SALE During the Easter Day meeting the community choir enthusiastically declared, ‘Alleluia, Jesus Is Alive!’ At the conclusion of the meeting the whole congregation gathered outside to sing ‘In Christ Alone’, which brought neighbours outside to see what was happening. They were invited to share refreshments to celebrate the joy of Easter. – AM

SHERINGHAM Visitors heard the message of the Christ of Calvary at an open-air service on Good Friday morning. On Easter Day members of the congregation transformed a plain wooden cross in the hall through offerings of multicoloured flowers. The band and songsters added to the celebrations with their ministry. – MG

MAIDSTONE After reflecting at prayer stations during Holy Week, corps members responded to Jesus’ crucifixion by dipping a finger in red paint on Good Friday and putting their mark of love on the cross in the hall. On Holy Saturday, a walk led by Matt Clifton and Hannah guided corps members on the ancient Pilgrims’ Way between Hollingbourne and Charing in Kent. Easter Day was a celebration of Jesus being fully alive, with everyone invited to put a colourful paint mark on the cross as a sign of wanting to be fully alive in Jesus. In the afternoon the Walking on Water Group enjoyed an Easter egg hunt on the lake in Mote Park. Participants on paddleboards and pedalos had to find nine rubber ducks to make the Easter phrase ‘he is risen’. – GP

FAKENHAM Children enjoyed Palm Sunday-themed crafts at a Saturday family fun day, with worship led by Ruth Woodhouse. On Palm Sunday corps folk waved flags and sang ‘Hosanna in the Highest’. The Easter weekend began with the local churches joining together for a walk of witness, before hot cross buns at the hall and a meditation led by corps leader Territorial Envoy Alison Parker and her husband, Peter. On Easter Day, a sunrise service on Bullock Hills preceded breakfast at the hall and joyful worship with members of Fakenham Baptist Church. The hall was decorated with donated daffodils, which were distributed to those absent due to ill health. – AP

STAPLE HILL Holy Week events included an evening of Easter music from the band and songsters, with many of the large congregation attending for the first time. A Passover meal on Thursday included an explanation of its rituals and traditions. After Good Friday worship, the band held a short open-air meeting, where hot cross buns and Easter gifts were handed out. A capacity congregation gathered for Easter Day morning worship, after which the band marched to the park and presented an Easter concert to several hundred people. – VW

READING CENTRAL Chief Secretary

SUSAN Mahoney was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Christine McCutcheon. Susan gave her testimony and spoke of how losing her father had been difficult and how she missed him, and how this led her to coming back to the Army and accepting Jesus as her saviour. – KR

NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE

RYAN, Roshelle, Luke, Cain and Katie were delighted to be the first junior soldiers to be enrolled in the new hall by corps officer Major Liz Hancock. Their enrolment service included a presentation of ‘Jesus Loves Me’ by the band. The children are pictured with Major Liz and YPSM Joy Sutton. – BI

KETTERING CITADEL

ELLA Clark was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Nigel Govier. Ella gave a delightful testimony in front of family and friends, telling of how she had been dedicated to God as a baby, enrolled as a junior soldier in 2014 and enjoyed opportunities to learn about being a Christian and Salvationist. ‘I thank everyone who has influenced me, especially Nanna, and God is with me in everything,’ she said. Proverbs 3:6 was echoed in her sung testimony, ‘All the Way My Saviour Leads Me’. – NG

HARRY was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major Catherine Wyles. Harry read the Junior Soldier’s Promise prior to signing it. Harry attends Jam club and is always happy to take part in Sunday worship. – DSM

STREET

SEVEN-year-old Noah was enrolled as a junior soldier by Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Major Helen Schofield. They are pictured with Noah’s parents, corps leader Territorial Envoy Louise and Cadet John. – JM

FELTHAM

JOAN Longhurst was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Lieutenant James Pegg. Joan initially came to the corps through Cameo and soon felt at home. She started joining in worship a couple of years ago and decided that the time was right to make the corps her church home. – JB

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE ENGAGEMENTS

Appointed

Effective 27 April

CAPTAIN CHRISTINE BAKER, Torbay Cluster – Torquay

TERRITORIAL ENVOY MATTHEW BRAKE, Torbay Cluster – Paignton

MAJOR IAN MOUNTFORD, change of designation and hours, Territorial Mission Officer, Mission Service (2 days a week) and Chelmsford

CAPTAIN GRAEME SMITH, additional appointment, Divisional Candidates Officer, South East Division

Effective 28 April

CAPTAIN BERRI McKENNA, additional appointment, PT Chaplain to Wormwood Scrubs (1 day per week)

Effective 29 June

CAPTAIN ANNETTE WICKS, additional appointment, Practitioner Tutor, William Booth College (28 days per annum)

Effective 13 July

MAJOR JAMES ELLIOT, Regional Learning and Development Support Officer – Scotland

Wedding anniversaries

Golden (50 years)

ALAN AND CATHERINE OLVER, Oakengates, on 19 May

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR GEORGINA THOMPSON, 90 on 26 May

MAJOR MARY BISHOP, 80 on 27 May

LIEUT-COLONEL MYRA LAMBERT-GORWYN, 90 on 27 May

Promoted to Glory

JOHN GRASSHAM, Sale

BANDSMAN RAYMOND SMITH, Stotfold, on 17 April

BERYL SMITH, Stotfold, on 22 April

Bereaved

MAJOR ELSIE GRASSHAM of her brother John Grassham

BANDSWOMAN/SONGSTER PAMELA SMITH, Stotfold, of her husband Bandsman Raymond Smith

ETHEL CLARKE, Stotfold, of her sister Beryl Smith

Official Gazette

Retirements from active service

Effective 1 May

MAJOR SUSAN HEWARD (NÉE JONES) out of Maidenhead in 1982 and last appointment Gloucester

MAJOR CAROLE LOVERIDGE out of Tipton in 1990 and last appointment Oakengates

COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL Territorial Commander

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner

Rosalie Peddle

Sat 20 May Central Hall Westminster (Welcome to the High Council and farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle)

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Thu 18 May Sunbury Court (High Council members welcomed)

Sat 20 May Central Hall Westminster (Welcome to the High Council and farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle)

Mon 22 May – Date TBC Sunbury Court (High Council)

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Thu 18 May Sunbury Court (High Council members welcomed)

Sat 20 May Central Hall Westminster (Welcome to the High Council and farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle)

Mon 22 May – Date TBC Sunbury Court (High Council)

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Sat 13 May – Sun 14 May Kettering Citadel

Sat 20 May Central Hall Westminster (Welcome to the High Council and farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle)

Thu 25 May – Fri 26 May Launde Abbey (Going Deeper)*

* Colonel Jenine Main only

NOTICES

Thy Kingdom Come

This global ecumenical prayer movement runs from Ascension to Pentecost (18 to 28 May), inviting Christians to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. Take part and download a free prayer journal with contributors including Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill from thykingdomcome.global

International Day of Families

Resources to help you and your congregation explore the human familial relationships and the divine around International Day of Families (15 May) are available from Family Ministries on salvationist.org.uk

New Pentecost resources

A range of resources are available to help celebrate the birth of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost (28 May), including resources for ministry with families and schools, and ideas to support corporate worship. Download them on salvationist.org.uk

SOUNDS

The All Terrain Podcast

Phil Wall joins host Jo Taylor for this month’s hypothetical hike. In 1990 Phil began working for The Salvation Army and launched the UK Mission Team that he led for the next decade. Listen and get accompanying sketch notes and a blog article with small group questions at salvationist.org.uk Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and PodBean

WELLINGBOROUGH, SALEM LANE NN8 4JT

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November

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BECCLES CORPS, 68–72 BLYBURGATE NR34 9TQ

The Salvation Army is looking for a committed Christian to be a part of the youth team and receive training as a youth worker apprentice based in West Malling, Kent, working across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

You will be passionate about young people and work in a variety of faith-based settings and community-based projects. As part of the apprenticeship training, you will develop your skills and knowledge of youth work, develop and deliver suitable programmes and activities that will engage and support young people to be discipled in a Christian context.

You will have the support of an established and experienced youth team and a trainer provided by RM Training. You will receive regular supervision and mentoring to support the vision of nurturing and encouraging young people in the Christian faith.

Key responsibilities will include:

Working with young people to enable them to explore their values, beliefs and identity.

Motivating young people to engage with Salvation Army youth programmes and promote participation.

Helping young people develop their personal discipleship and understanding of Christian faith.

Participating in Christian youth gatherings.

Working with specific corps youth groups, projects and schools and network with other youth leaders.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

A Christian faith with a passion for working with young people to bring ministry to the community of young people.

Willingness to work towards an L3 qualification in youth work.

Good communication skills and ability to engage with young people in different settings.

Previous experience of working or volunteering within a community work-based environment.

Salary £20,019.84 per annum

Working hours

35 hours per week including Sundays and some evenings

Contract

Fixed Term for 2 years

Details

25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan; an employee assistance programme

Closing date

Sunday 28 May

Interview date

Monday 5 June

140TH ANNIVERSARY A WEEKEND OF CELEBRATION

Friday 16 June, 7.30pm

Anglia Fellowship Band concert with guest soloist ISS Juliet Parker St Michael’s Parish Church

Saturday 17 June, 12pm

March and open-air meeting with Norwich Citadel Band Beccles town centre

Sunday 18 June 10.30am

Service of celebration

Tickets are available via BecclesCorps140years.eventbrite.co.uk or contact corps for Friday. Each ticket costs £14.25 and includes buffet and drink

For further details and to apply please visit: careers.salvationarmy.org.uk

RECRUITING NOW YOUTH SUPPORT WORKER APPRENTICE SOUTH EAST AREA (KENT, SURREY AND SUSSEX)