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