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Interview 10 and

‘I was able to have great theological discussions with people from different denominations, yet we all worshipped together and took turns leading worship. There was something beautiful about garrison churches, in that denominations and ranks were left at the door. I can’t remember in five years asking anybody which denomination they belonged to. Everybody was just together.’

In her role as chair of Churches Together in Dorset, Katrina is able to see how churches work in partnership across the county. The group is known as an ‘intermediate body’, operating as part of Churches Together in England to support local groups.

‘We’re an executive committee that supports the work of Churches Together in Dorset and a paid county ecumenical officer who reports back to us,’ she explains. ‘During the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve held Zoom meetings with local Churches Together leaders in the county to talk about what they’re involved in and share good practice.

‘We also link up with denominational leaders in Dorset. Normally we would have a couple of leaders breakfasts each year. They have not been possible in the past 18 months, but we are planning one this spring when denominational leaders will be able to share any joys and concerns.’

Churches Together in Dorset supports all kinds of events. One was a service for people who had been bereaved by homicide.

‘Somebody had a passion to do it but needed support,’ Katrina says. ‘If people come to us and say they’d like to do something, but don’t know how or want support, then we can help.’

Katrina is also fully involved in her local group, which has been busy in the town over the past 18 months:

‘During the pandemic Churches Together in Swanage met every week over Zoom to see how we could best support our community. We decided to hold some services at the town’s new bandstand and invite people to come and say some thank-yous. A huge crowd gathered and people from different churches interviewed counsellors, doctors and nurses. It was something for the community, something to say “the Church is here and we care”.

‘We also had a helpline during the pandemic. The number was published locally and a mobile phone was passed around from church to church, so there was somebody available 24/7.’

Katrina acknowledges that churches face challenges, especially as they adapt to a post-pandemic world, but she has seen them find strength in unity.

‘Church leaders from different denominations have openly shared their concerns,’ she elaborates. ‘Some are having to close churches quite rapidly. Some have a huge lack of ministers and leaders. Some are concerned about financial issues that the pandemic has highlighted. But there’s also a feeling that we’re all in it together. There’s been a real binding together over the past 18 months.’

Katrina is concerned that Salvationists are sometimes wary of getting involved with other churches and is keen to break down any barriers.

‘The Salvation Army, by dint of who we are, can sometimes come across as very insular,’ she observes. ‘The Army has a unique position and I think our theology is sometimes misunderstood. There’s a bit of a fear of Salvationists mixing with others in case they get asked questions they don’t feel qualified to answer. But the body of Christ working together can only benefit the Kingdom of God.’

Swanage Corps is an example of that. It hosts a food bank where volunteers from different churches are involved in serving the community. Katrina would like to see more of that kind of engagement with other Christians.

‘I would say get involved, learn from one another,’ she encourages. ‘Talk to people in other churches, get to know them. The Army has a special ministry and other churches are also doing amazing things. We can work in partnership, so let’s be involved.’

God’s perfect plan

Valerie Sinclair tells the tale of a spiritual home saved through prayer

‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for wellbeing, and not for calamity, in order to give you a future and a hope.’ (Jeremiah 29:11 International Standard Version)

MANY years ago, a Christian lady said to me, ‘God does not make mistakes.’ She quoted Jeremiah 29:11. I can testify to this sentiment over many years, but once again have been reminded of his perfect plan and blessed by the way in which he revealed something of his divine purpose.

Arriving at Sunderland Citadel hall for morning worship, the corps secretary and I came upon a family: Elizabeth and Ian Warren, with their daughter, son-inlaw and two grandchildren. It was a blessing we arrived at that moment, for the meeting times on the noticeboard had not been updated since the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The Salvation Army took over the building in 1982 after a great deal of thought and prayer by then corps officers Captains Alan and Linda Aggett. The previous corps hall on Lambton Street was a huge building, difficult to heat and costly to maintain. But most of all it was isolated in the town centre, away from residential areas. The proposed new hall – an Independent Methodist (IM) church on Cairo Street – was situated in the heart of the community with many residential houses and families.

During the transition, the officers led a Sunday service at Cairo Street IM to aid the transition for those members of the Methodist congregation who might wish to then attend Salvation Army meetings. A few of the congregation chose to remain and became a valuable part of the corps family, some becoming adherents and soldiers.

‘With faithfulness and love he leads all who keep his covenant and obey his commands.’ (Psalm 25:10 Good News Bible)

Elizabeth takes up the story: ‘As a young child I attended Sunday school at Cairo Street IM. It was an active, vibrant church and had a large Sunday school. Settled among the streets of Sunderland, the church became my second home.

‘I practically lived there as I grew up. Sunday school, evening service, Christian Endeavour and the yearly Sunday school anniversaries, Eisteddfod and Scripture examinations all kept me busy. There was the parade of witnesses on Good Friday when we marched into Sunderland with other Sunday schools for a joint service. This small chapel was indeed my spiritual home.

‘The IM Connexion in Sunderland decided to hold a youth weekend. The culmination was to be a televised Sunday morning worship service for ITV North East. I was asked if I would take part in various aspects of the service representing the young people of the IM Connexion. The worship leaders also included a famous group of musicians on a mission – the Joystrings.

‘This formed a bond between the IM Connexion and The Salvation Army, which was to bear fruit in future years.

‘In 1971 Ian and I were married at Cairo Street IM and, in 1973 and 1975, my children were baptised there. A move 30 miles away to Stockton-onTees meant that there were very few occasions to worship at the church, but my parents continued to attend.

‘The congregation grew smaller and, sadly, the decision was taken to close my spiritual home. This was in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The area

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