17 minute read
Quotes from the media
ARCHBISHOPS’ SOCIAL CARE COMMISSION LAUNCHES CONSULTATION
Concepts that are ‘not usually heard in policy discussions about care’ – including flourishing, loving kindness, empathy, trust and justice – are among the values that should underpin England’s social care system, the Archbishops’ Commission on Reimagining Care suggested...
The six proposed values, ‘informed by Christian theology and ethics’, were put out for consultation ... at the launch of the commission’s formal period of listening and engagement, which will run until Friday 10 December.
Announced in April, the commission has been tasked by the Archbishops with developing ‘a radical and inspiring long-term vision for care and support in England, underpinned by a renewed set of values and principles, drawing on Christian theology and ethics’. Its focus is on adults with disabilities and those with care and support needs in later life and a final report is due to be published in September 2022.
Besides seeking feedback on the values, the commission is asking for people’s views on ‘what is good and what is difficult, challenging or missing about care and support currently’. Responses are invited from those who use formal services, their relatives and friends, and those who commission them, unpaid carers, those who work in the care sector, churches and other faith communities, people and groups who provide informal support.
Church Times
SALVATIONIST
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
Staff are working from home and may not be contactable by phone or able to deal with non-electronic correspondence
EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – 020 7367 4883
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 THOUSANDS OF UK CHURCHES SOLD, DEMOLISHED OR CONVERTED INTO HOUSING OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS
New research has revealed the number of churches of all denominations across the UK being open and used has reduced by thousands in the last decade.
In 2011, there were around 42,000 churches open with an active congregation, but that number has lowered to 39,800 in 2021, according to the Brierley Consultancy.
The study is part of a campaign by the National Churches Trust to highlight how churches are being sold, demolished or converted into housing.
Claire Walker, the trust’s chief executive, told the Telegraph isolated areas of Scotland and Wales have been very affected.
‘This is a shame, because it is where they are most needed,’ she said.
Premier
CHURCHES COMMIT TO ‘LEADING BY EXAMPLE’ ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Thousands of churches have recommitted to getting their own house in order while holding the government to account on climate change.
At least 2,200 churches held a Climate Sunday ... as the COP26 summit got under way in Glasgow, Scotland, Christian environmental charity A Rocha UK said.
As part of Climate Sunday, churches from many different backgrounds and traditions pledged to continue their own action on climate change in the future.
In the run-up to COP26, over 700 church leaders signed the Time Is Now declaration calling for ‘a green energy revolution’, even deeper global emissions cuts and climate adaptation finance for poorer countries.
Christian Today
Plans are under way to build the UK’s largest village for rough sleepers in one of Manchester’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Embassy Village will provide homes for 40 men in purpose-built pods underneath 10 railway arches in the Castlefield district...
Sandwiched between the River Irwell and the Bridgewater canal, the land has been given for free on a 125-year lease by Peel Group, the developers behind MediaCity and the Manchester Ship Canal.
The village is the brainchild of Sid Williams, founder of a Christian charity called Embassy...
To qualify for residency in Embassy Village, residents must be men with no alcohol or drug addictions. (Embassy will soon open a separate, more low-key project for women [experiencing homelessness] fleeing domestic violence.) As well as paying rent, they must commit to six hours a week of training in shopping, cooking and budgeting.
The Guardian
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REMEMBERING TO HONOUR
THIS weekend thousands of people will attend civic or church Remembrance services. More than 76 years after the end of the Second World War and 103 years after the end of the First World War, the desire to remember those who lost their lives in these and other wars remains strong. For some it will be because a family member lost their life in one of these conflicts. For others it may be because they or a family member served or is serving in the armed forces. But for many it will simply be because they want to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reflect on the need for peace in our world today.
Micah Parsons is one of those seeking to honour a family member. Interviewed in this week’s Salvationist he talks about his great-grandfather, Henry Nicholls, a Salvation Army bandsman who served in the army in France during the First World War and was killed in action in March 1917. Micah began researching Henry’s life several years ago and recently commissioned an instrumental piece by Bruce Broughton to commemorate his great-grandfather’s death.
Micah highlights the service of Salvationists during the First World War, not only in the military but also bringing comfort and support to the troops. Many of us will be aware of the work of British Salvationists with soldiers in that war, but French Salvationists also played an important part. Marc Muller gives insights into how they provided refuge and relief for civilians and practical and spiritual support to French troops.
Support for military personnel continues today, and extends beyond their time in the forces as veterans face challenges returning to civilian life, including mental health issues. It was this that led Dawn Turner and Perminder Kundi to set up an organisation called Stepway, which works with The Salvation Army to provide drop-in centres. Dawn explains how Stepway helps veterans by improving mental health awareness and equipping them for civilian life. Stepway’s first wellbeing centre is located at Oldbury Corps, which offers pastoral support and an Employment Plus programme.
Pastoral support is not only important for those leaving the military but also for those who may be thinking of joining, which includes many young people in military youth organisations. In the third article in our series about chaplaincy, four Salvation Army officers speak about their work as chaplains with the Army Cadets, Sea Cadets and Air Cadets. They mention why they became involved, what the role involves and what kind of an impact they have. They regard it as a great privilege and an opportunity to explore faith issues with young people who might not have any church connection.
The photo on the front cover shows people passing by the Cenotaph in Whitehall where wreaths will be laid for Remembrance Sunday. It illustrates the fact that we can carry out our daily lives in peace and freedom because of those who served and sacrificed in times of war and because of those in the armed forces today. Remembering is a good is way of honouring them. Another way is to use that freedom to build a better world, which for us as God’s people means building the Kingdom. When we do that, we not only honour those who defended our freedom but also, more importantly, glorify the one who laid down his life to give us the greatest freedom of all.
From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
Quotes from the media 2
News 4 to 7
Prayer Matters 7
Feature 8 and 9
A bandsman in France
by Melita Day-Lewis
Feature 10
An Army at war
by Marc Muller
Feature 11 to 13
A faithful presence
by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
Feature 14 and 15
Saving veterans’ lives
by Shanelle Manderson
Bible study 16 and 17
God’s presence
by Major Nigel Bovey
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17
by Major Sheila Smith
Stories of transformation 18
Ian McDowall: Relying on God’s powerful resources
by Major Rosemary Dawson
Poetry corner 19
Reviews 20
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
reviewed by Major Philippa Smale
Held in Your Bottle
reviewed by Captains Cheryl and Tim Stone
Announcements 21
Adverts 22 and 23
The Salvation Army and me 24
featuring Jordan Bruen
COVER POETRY Stephen Pearson
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
ARMY NEWS
Government ‘must level up coastal and rural areas’
UK
THE Salvation Army has welcomed the announcement of government funding for vulnerable renters but warns more needs to be done for many coastal and rural towns still reeling from the impact of the pandemic.
The increase in people using food bank services is an early warning that lots of families are struggling, many corps are reporting.
Director of Employment Ser vices Rebecca Keating (THQ) explains: ‘Our food banks are busy with people choosing between making rent payments or eating a proper meal and so we are delighted that the government has announced it intends to help people facing homelessness.
‘Salvation Army community services – such as food parcel deliveries, school uniform banks and drop-in support – mean our corps officers see in real-time how thousands of people are struggling to make ends meet. A secure roof over their heads is definitely a key starting point to support these people and so we are glad the government is beginning to address how vulnerable READING LOWER EARLEY The corps hosted the community wellbeing fayre organised by the local GP social prescribing team. Other groups that provide support within the area, including Citizens Advice, Earley Hub, Men in Sheds and Substance Abuse, were there to share what they do and connect with the community. The corps provided refreshments throughout the afternoon. Some great conversation and connections were made. – RC
PENRITH The Salvation Army has opened a new hub to provide food, baby products and other essential items, plus spiritual and emotional support, to the community. The Nourished Project aims to nourish people practically by providing necessities from a new purpose-built area at the corps and spiritually by offering visitors a listening ear. People will be signposted to other services on offer at the corps, such as the toddler play-and-stay sessions, Happy to Chat café and activities mornings. Corps officer Major Carole Donaldson said: ‘As well as food parcels, we will be there to give spiritual and pastoral guidance. We can take people to a quiet place within the community centre for a cup of tea and a talk, establish what they need and introduce them to the other services we run or signpost them elsewhere… We want to thank our donors, as well as local businesses, volunteers and the community, for their passion, commitment and hard work over the past few months. It’s thanks to them that this project has been made possible.’ The hub was funded by EBM Charitable Trust and Stobart Newlands Charitable Trust. – AR
many renters are.
‘However, while protecting renters facing homelessness is urgently needed, this measure helps a person at the point of crisis… Our research shows that more than a third of England’s most deprived areas will not benefit from the government’s £4.8 billion Levelling Up agenda. In particular, while coastal and rural areas feature some of the highest levels of deprivation, these are also the areas most likely to miss out on Levelling Up investment.’
The Salvation Army is calling for the government to: reconsider how funding is allocated from the Levelling Up agenda, with coastal communities being recognised as an investment priority; develop a new plan of investment to fund childcare so that parents can access work and training opportunities; engage with communities to identify what investment will best level up these areas; and invest in skills and employment support to help individuals out of low-wage employment. – AR To find out more visit salva-
tionarmy.org.uk/levelling-up
FUNDRAISING
Kelsey, Sam and Tania from Milton Keynes raise £165 for the Big Collection by washing cars; their fathers, Chris and Steve, helped out EVENT
COMMUNITY
OUTREACH
BRIDGWATER Five Come and Meet Us sessions took place at the corps. The sessions were created as a way of reconnecting with those who attended corps activities before the Covid-19 pandemic and offered an opportunity to meet newly appointed corps officers Lieutenants Heather and Jonathan Culshaw. Together with corps members and volunteers, all who attended enjoyed the fellowship and food shared – especially the bacon sandwiches and home-made Victoria sponge cake! – HC
OUTREACH ARMY NEWS
Number of modern-day slaves forced into crime climbs during pandemic
UK
THE number of people rescued from modern slavery after being forced to commit crimes rose by more than half (62 per cent) in 12 months, according to a new report released by The Salvation Army.
Over the past 10 years, the Army and its partners have helped more than 15,000 adult survivors in England and Wales through the government’s Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract. Specialist support workers provide safe places for survivors to stay and help them to get medical care, counselling and legal advice.
From July 2020 to June 2021, a total of 2,662 survivors of modern slavery were referred to the Army for help. Of these, 470 had been forced to commit crimes such as growing or dealing drugs, begging and shoplifting.
Forced labour, where people are made to work in places such as farms, factories, building sites and restaurants for little or no pay, remains the most common way survivors were exploited, with 1,030 referred to the Army during the year. There were also 647 survivors of sexual exploitation and 187 who had been domestic slaves.
Major Kathy Betteridge, territorial director of anti-trafficking and modern slavery, said: ‘Behind these statistics are real people who have had their freedom stolen and been used and abused as mere commodities…
‘Despite the number of people that have been rescued this year, many more across the country are still trapped in slavery unable to escape. We can all help fight modern slavery by raising the alarm if we are worried that something is wrong.’ – AR To read the full AntiTrafficking and Modern Slavery 2021 report visit salvationarmy.
org.uk/modern-slavery/ modern-slavery-latest-reports
FUNDRAISING
FELIXSTOWE After an absence of 18 months, Sunday lunchtime open-air worship returned to the Crescent in the town centre. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, many regular worshippers, including former Salvationists, considered this as their place of worship. To reconnect with those who would normally attend, War Cry ministry was extended to the Crescent on Sunday at noon during the lockdowns. Despite overcast weather on the first Sunday back, there was a good congregation of returning regulars and newcomers. The meeting was led by CSM John Ellitson and many expressed their delight at being able to worship at their outdoor church once again. – DA
EVENT
HAMILTON Twenty corps members met on Saturday morning for worship, teaching, sharing and exploration of their spiritual gifts, led by Major Fiona Partland (West Scotland DHQ). A time of reflection followed in the afternoon, during which members laid their spiritual gifts at the altar table and gave them back to God to use. Major Fiona also led Sunday worship. Corps folk celebrated the fruit of the Spirit with their Harvest gifts, and the donated produce was given to the local food bank. – WL UK Two survivors of modern slavery successfully skydived, raising more than £3,500 for The Salvation Army. After the skydive, one jumper said: ‘That was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. Thank you so much for the opportunity!’ The other added: ‘It was great and I felt adventurous. The whole experience was really great and everyone’s been so helpful. I felt safe because the people at the aerodrome were so knowledgeable. If you’re thinking about doing a skydive, I’d say just go for it. It was for a great cause.’ – AR
LIFEHOUSE MEETING
CATHERINE BOOTH HOUSE The weekly gardening club has had another successful year supporting families experiencing homelessness in Portsmouth. It was started in 2020 by Assistant Support Worker Vikki Farndell, who understood the importance of children being in the fresh air, growing plants and being in a natural environment. This summer, club members planted flowers to attract bees, built a ‘bug house’ to encourage insects into the garden and grew herbs, tomatoes, spinach and sweetcorn, which the residents have enjoyed eating. ‘The herbs provide a great sensory experience in the garden area, and the residents are able to gather them for their own cooking,’ said Vikki. Lifehouse staff members hope that the club will give families the knowledge and confidence to keep gardening once they move into their own accommodation. – TG
MUSIC
Band celebrates 135 years
BOSCOMBE
BANDMASTER Howard Evans and his team came up with a different idea to celebrate Boscombe Band’s 135th anniversary. Former members were invited to join the current band for a weeknight rehearsal and to play in the Sunday morning worship meeting, which would be extended to include the playing of some music that many would recall from their earlier playing days. Almost 50 players attended the rehearsal, most of whom were present on Sunday morning.
The bandmaster’s theme was Symbols of Blessing and several members of the current band expressed in testimony how God had imparted his blessing to them through family situations.
‘Begin the Day with God’ preceded the opening song. The songsters contributed ‘If Your Presence’ before prayers and a Scripture reading. The junior band joined their senior counterparts to play Peter Graham’s ‘Las Lluvias Grandes’. Bandmaster Howard shared thoughts about how God uses events and situations in everyone’s lives to bestow his blessing upon them.
The band sang Erik Leidzén’s ‘Perfect Peace’ before the second phase of the morning began with the march ‘Praise’. Corps officer Major David Alton presented Bandsman Tom Hinchliffe with a retirement certificate for 61 years’ service. Six members of the solo cornet section played Ray Steadman-Allen’s ‘The Veterans’, followed by the same composer’s arrangement of ‘Poem’, conducted by former bandmaster Roland Wright, who represented all former leaders of the band.
The benediction song ‘Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow’ concluded this special anniversary celebration. – RC CWM Harvest worship was led by Majors Gethin and Pearl Thomas, who entered the training college from the corps 40 years ago. Major Gethin presented a certificate to Retired Corps Secretary Jeff Davies, who has served for more than 50 years in a variety of local officer positions. Major Gethin spoke about the influence Jeff and his late wife, Gloria, had on his life. Representatives from the corps also spoke highly of their ministry. Jeff’s family were able to share in the meeting, including his four granddaughters. Corps folk brought Harvest gifts of toiletries, which corps officer Captain Karen Symonds (pictured, left) passed on to Chaplain Harriet Forwood-Andrews (right) for use at the two Lifehouses in Cardiff, where she works. – KS
PRESENTATION
BRISTOL KINGSWOOD Major Diane Steadman received a certificate of appreciation on her retirement as an active officer from divisional leaders Majors Ian and Jean Harris (pictured). Major Diane was also admitted to the Fellowship of the Silver Star by Lieutenant Portia Stirling-Mack (Reading West), who nominated her. – KS
