17 minute read
Quotes from the media
DOCTORS URGE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO REJECT ASSISTED SUICIDE LEGISLATION
Dozens of junior doctors have written to MSPs urging them to vote against legalising assisted suicide in Scotland…
The legalisation of assisted suicide has been proposed in a bill introduced to the Scottish parliament by Lib Dem MSP Liam MacArthur.
Christopher Marshall, a 24-yearold palliative care worker … and Ed Tulloch, a 30-year-old trainee GP … have co-authored a letter of opposition that has been signed by [more than] 30 other junior medics.
‘As junior doctors in Scotland, we oppose any form of legislation which seeks to promote assisted suicide and will not participate if it becomes legal,’ they say…
‘Legalising assisted suicide will undoubtedly place untold pressure on people who are vulnerable, disabled or elderly to end their lives prematurely. Some may even feel it is their “duty to die”. These are the people we have gone to such lengths to protect and support during the pandemic,’ the doctors said.
‘The implication of assisting suicide is that some human life is not worth continuing and would be better cut short. This is a dangerous precedent’…
The doctors are backed by the Care Not Killing Alliance, which is spearheading opposition to the bill, and Our Duty of Care, a group of medical professionals who have spoken out against the bill.
Christian Today
SALVATIONIST
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1841
EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, Major Margaret Bovey
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
NEARLY HALF A MILLION IN GRANTS BRINGS CHRISTMAS CHEER TO DOZENS OF CHURCHES
Grants totalling £473,000 for urgent building works arrived in time for Christmas for 47 churches across the UK.
The National Churches Trust (NCT), in partnership with the Great Universal Stores family charity, the Wolfson Foundation, is behind the … funding package.
This [was] the third and final grants round from the NCT and Wolfson in 2021. During the year the two funders gave churches 273 grants totalling £3.67 million.
NCT vice president, the broadcaster Huw Edwards, said the latest funding ‘is a much-needed lifeline for churches and chapels, many of which are struggling to raise money to keep their buildings in good repair.
Christian Today
CHRISTIAN AID BACKS FORMER PM GORDON BROWN WHO SAID OUR FAILURE TO PROVIDE VACCINES TO POORER NATIONS WAS A ‘STAIN ON OUR SOUL’
The failure of wealthy nations to vaccinate the world is a ‘stain on our soul’ according to the former prime minister Gordon Brown.
He’s been a vocal advocate of the need for countries with plentiful supplies of vaccines to donate them to poorer nations who are struggling to protect their populations from coronavirus.
The UK, European Union and the US have received more vaccine doses in the [past] six weeks than African countries [did] in the whole of 2021…
Fionna Smyth is head of global policy and advocacy at Christian Aid. She tells Premier she agrees... ‘The world’s failure to vaccinate the world is a great moral failure. In the UK, everyone has had access to not one, not two, but three vaccines each. Yet, at the same time, 90 per cent of African health workers remain unprotected.’
Premier
ANCIENT SEAL DISCOVERED NEAR TEMPLE MOUNT IN JERUSALEM MAY HAVE BELONGED TO THE PROPHET ISAIAH
A 2,700-year-old ancient Judean seal impression, which probably belonged to the prophet Isaiah, has been discovered just 50 metres south of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.
It is, therefore, potentially the first archaeological confirmation of Isaiah’s existence and status. Until now, the only early ancient references to him have been in the Bible…
The clay seal impression was found just two metres away from a second seal impression – issued by none other than the prophet’s royal colleague, the ruler of Judah, King Hezekiah…
It is known that Isaiah was a court prophet, active and conceivably resident for much of the time in Hezekiah’s palace. He acted as a close political adviser.
Church Times
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UNITY IN ACTION
IN 1910 the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh saw 1,200 representatives of churches and missionary societies gather to discuss how to ‘advance the Kingdom of Christ’. It fostered a new sense of co-operation and goodwill and led to the formation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 1948.
The WCC’s 1961 assembly adopted the goal of ‘full, visible unity’, which was followed in 1964 by a challenge from the British Council of Churches for ‘the inauguration of union’ in Britain by Easter Day 1980. Clearly, that did not happen! However, there have been other developments over the years, including the merger of several denominations to create the United Reformed Church and the Swanwick Declaration of 1987 in which churches in Britain and Ireland committed themselves to becoming ‘united in faith, communion, pastoral care and mission’.
A century after the Edinburgh conference some were sensing a loss of ecumenical momentum. In 2010 Paul Avis, former general secretary of the Church of England’s Council for Christian Unity, wrote: ‘Inertia and apathy confront ecumenism on every side… A fresh vision is now clearly needed.’ Since then a fresh vision seems to have emerged, particularly with the shift in emphasis from global and national schemes to local unity in mission.
With the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18–25 January) in mind, this week’s Salvationist focuses on ways in which local unity, supported by regional and national co-operation, is expressed in action.
Territorial Ecumenical Officer Major David Evans points out that, during the Covid-19 pandemic, corps have worked with other churches to serve their communities, sharing resources and avoiding duplication of their work. This was possible in many cases because churches were already committed to mission partnerships. Good examples of that in the North West Division are highlighted, including a county level covenant between denominations in Cumbria that supports and encourages local mission projects.
In an interview Major Katrina Greetham speaks about the way Swanage Corps and other churches in the town have supported their community during the pandemic. This includes a helpline, a food bank and outdoor ‘thank-you’ services. She also gives an insight into the work of Churches Together in Dorset, which she chairs, and encourages Salvationists to get to know, learn from and work with other Christians.
Sunderland Citadel is an example of a corps that got to know members of another church, an Independent Methodist congregation. When the church faced closure the corps moved in and some church members became adherents and soldiers. CSM Valerie Sinclair describes what happened and how, 40 years later, a couple who were members of the church before the merger recently visited the corps and saw its work as an answer to prayer.
Godliness is the theme of the latest in our series of messages that William Booth sent to corps early in the 20th century. He said that godliness means more than following leaders of particular church traditions – the focus is on God and reflecting his nature. He wrote this three years before the 1910 Edinburgh conference, and the words still resonate today. If we are to achieve unity, the focus must always be on the Father who joins us together as brothers and sisters. And if that is to make an impact on the world, it needs to be seen in action.
From the editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
CONTENTS
Quotes from the media 2
News 4 to 8
Prayer matters 8
Feature 9
Better together... but how?
by Major David Evans
Interview 10 and 11
Partners in mission
Major Katrina Greetham talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
Feature 12 and 13
God’s perfect plan
by CSM Valerie Sinclair
Stories of transformation 14
Derek Harkness: Allowing God to take control
by Major Rosemary Dawson
A word from William 15
The gain of godliness
Bible study 16 and 17
Walk in the light
by Captain Althea Bawden
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17
by Major Howard Webber
Reflection 18
Give him the glory
by Brian Colley
Reflection 18
God be in my head
by Major John Waters
Review 19 Making Disciples for the Workplace
reviewed by Major Donald Montgomery
Preview 19
Borders and Belonging
by Pádraig Ó Tuama and Glenn Jordan
New commitments 20
Adverts 21 and 24
Announcements 22 and 23
FRONT-PAGE PICTURE
David Hillas
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
Editor's note: Some events reported took place before the current Covid-19 restrictions.
EMERGENCY AID
Army helps Afghan refugees
USA WESTERN
THE Southwest Division’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) helped to manage nearly 100 tons of donations given to support the US military’s Operation Allies Welcome. The EDS team was based at Holloman Air Force Base (HAFB) near Alamogordo, New Mexico.
The Department of Defence, through US Northern Command, and in support of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, provided transportation, temporary housing, medical screening and general support for about 50,000 Afghan evacuees at secure locations.
The EDS collaborated with Holloman Spouses Organisation and Task ForceHolloman to organise warehousing operations for donations and resources. Afghan evacuees arriving on the base were provided with individual bags containing clean clothing, shoes, hygiene items and more.
During a four-week period the evacuees were provided with 32,802 clothing items, 11,853 infant supplies, 3,755 comfort/hygiene kits, 2,145 toys for children and 890 blankets.
‘Our goal was to make sure everyone had at least one extra set of clothes,’ said Captain Niki Woollin, incident commander of the warehouse effort. ‘There was an overwhelming response of gratitude from the evacuees.’
The Salvation Army also worked with Islamic Relief USA, a non-profit humanitarian and advocacy organisation, to have 1,500 prayer rugs shipped to the airbase.
Afghan evacuees have also been supported by The Salvation Army in other locations. Centres across the USA collected clothes and other essential items for newly arrived refugees. – AR
EMERGENCY AID
UK Children of Afghan families arriving at Heathrow airport were provided with toys sourced from Staines Corps by airport chaplains Majors Christine and Stephen Perkins. Northampton Corps set up a distribution hub for 155 Afghan refugees who had been settled in the area and other corps are assisting evacuees who have been housed locally. – AR CHRISTMAS C
SHEFFIELD CITADEL The corps hosted an in-person young people’s carol service, welcoming about 120 people through its doors, including some new faces. The interactive evening, primarily led by YPSM Joya Parker, featured carols, two songs from the youth worship group and the Nativity story. Table activities led by the corps YP team included a Christmas-themed quiz, Christmas brain teasers and decorating biscuits and baubles. The corps also held a toy service to help provide for children and families in need, and a wider carol service, which sold out. – JC
CHRISTMAS C
FAKENHAM The corps took part in the town’s annual Christmas tree festival. The corps tree took centre stage, being placed above the font and telling the Christmas story. Thousands of people attended the event and £324 was raised for the Big Collection. – AA
ISLE OF WIGHT Three hundred and fifty food and toy parcels were delivered to families in need at Christmas. Money and food were donated by the community while The Entertainer toy shop and Isle of Wight Radio donated toys. Pictured are corps officers Captains Lillian and Rodney Bean with volunteer Nicki Phillips. – IR
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50,000
Afghan refugees supported
SEE PAGE 4
75
yule logs donated towards Christmas Appeal
SEE PAGE 5
350
referrals for children in need
SEE PAGE 5
£530
raised for British Heart Foundation
SEE PAGE 7 BRIDGWATER A team from Bylor, one of Hinkley Point C power station’s contractors, donated to the Christmas appeal. Corps officers Lieutenants Heather and Jonathan Culshaw said they were blessed by the gesture. The team collected toys and gifts from more than 5,000 on-site staff members and donated 75 large gift bags, 250 crackers, 75 yule logs, 75 rolls of wrapping paper and 100 rolls of Sellotape. They also offered to deliver some of the parcels in the firm’s minibuses. These donations, plus others from the community, helped more than 175 families and 380 children. – TG
BRISTON The corps enjoyed an afternoon of carols, coffee and cake. Rita Wright gave a reading and Brenda Bullock presented her own written piece, Daisy the Cow. Singing Group Leader Ian Gallon sang ‘A Starry Night’. Stephen Lane, who recently transferred to the corps, sang the first verse of ‘Away in a Manger’. He travelled from his home in Bedford to attend with his three carers, who all enjoyed the afternoon. Later that evening, the singing group participated in a service at the parish church. – MR
FELIXSTOWE For many years the songsters and band have shared songs, readings and carols at St Mary parish church, Trimley. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event was moved to the corps hall, where members of St Mary and other churches joined in an evening of worship. As well as accompanying the carols the band presented ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ and ‘Christmas Swing’, while the songsters brought ‘Christ Has Come’ and ‘Gift of God’. Readings were shared by members of the church and corps officer Major David Lennox gave a Christmas message. – DA CHRISTMAS C
NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE Nineteen-year-old student Neve Ashby donated £250 worth of gifts to the corps Christmas present appeal. She saved money she received for Christmas and birthday presents, and for doing odd jobs for family members, to buy gifts for families in need. Neve delivered them to corps officer Major Liz Hancock, who was delighted as the corps had referrals for more than 350 children. Neve said: ‘It tore me apart to think of families not being able to afford gifts. I knew The Salvation Army would distribute the presents in the best way, to those who need them.’ – HW
CROYDON CITADEL The band played carols around the streets of a small estate in Earlswood, where up to 80 residents joined in joyful singing. There were trios and solos, dancing in the streets and ringing of bells to proclaim the Christmas message. The residents were generous in their giving: the evening raised £673 for The Salvation Army. – MP
CHRISTMAS C
CHRISTMAS
MEETING
DRIFFIELD Divisional leaders Majors Raelton and Lynn Gibbs led a retirement meeting for corps officer Major Lois Town, who completed more than 32 years of faithful service. The divisional leaders presented Major Lois with a retirement certificate and she responded with the lyrics ‘my very steps are planned’ from the song ‘God’s Love to Me Is Wonderful’, as these words were given to her when she entered the training college in the Servants of God session. The meeting was attended by friends of the corps and family members. – LG
CHRISTMAS C
WELWYN GARDEN CITY The corps was grateful for the generosity of local businesses, which donated gifts for the Christmas appeal. This helped support families in need at a time when people are facing rising living costs. Corps officer Major Diane Watson is pictured receiving gifts from Natalie and Adam, who are part of the Azets Hertford management team. – DW
TEDDINGTON Corps officer Lieutenant Emily Watson was interviewed by local station Radio Jackie about the message that The Salvation Army wanted to share with people at Christmas. She spoke about rejoicing in the knowledge that Jesus came to live and love among us. – EW PRESTONPANS Children from 1st Prestonpans Brownies, Rainbows and the After School Club presented The Star of Bethlehem Nativity play to proud parents and friends. Membership of the clubs dropped during the Covid-19 pandemic, with most of the brownies and rainbows joining during the term. The Rainbows unit was about to close until it was brought under the leadership of Lindsey Black, daughter of Brownie leader Alison Black. – ST
TWICKENHAM The corps hosted Carols in the Car Park, with more than 60 people joining together to enjoy carol singing, refreshments, a fire pit, marshmallows, mince pies and an opportunity to be with others and share the Christmas message as the band played carols. – EW
CHRISTMAS
WELLING The toddler group members embraced their creative sides to make Advent crowns, Christmas cards and tree decorations. Each activity allowed volunteers to explain the story of the Nativity to the children and adults. The cards, decorations and crowns took centre stage in many families’ Christmas displays. – KS Risca Bandmaster Adrian Browning and guest soloist Kelly Hastings prepare for the band to lead an outdoor carol service at Llancaiach Fawr Manor
CHRISTMAS
KNOTTINGLEY Family and friends of corps folk enjoyed the corps carol service, many of them attending the Army for the first time. During the service, the Christmas story was dramatised. Pictured is an ‘angel’ who escaped from Heaven to avoid harpists practising for Christmas Day and investigated presents left in front of the manger. – MT
BELLSHILL The band held its annual Music for a Christmas Evening concert, which was also live-streamed. A varied programme of seasonal favourites and a new repertoire was presented to a socially distanced congregation, who joined in singing carols. Items included ‘Christmas Presence’, ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Star of Wonder’, ‘Carol of the Bells’ and ‘A Christmas Finale’. Soloists Marjory Watson (vocal), Lynn Shanks (flugelhorn), Alex Ramsay (cornet) and YP Band Leader Chris Shanks (euphonium) presented, respectively, ‘Emmanuel’, ‘O Little Town’, ‘Away in a Manger’, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘In Gardens of Peace’. The original fundraising focus for the event was to purchase a defibrillator for the corps but, after one was donated the week before the concert, the £530 raised was given to the British Heart Foundation. – MS
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Read through archived issues Catch up on the news you missed Read the editor’s comment and our article of the week Visit salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist CHRISTMAS
REGENT HALL Supported by John Lewis store chaplain Major Ali Stone, Regent Hall Songsters sang carols to shoppers on the last Saturday before Christmas Day. Above the atrium, partners and customers stood and sang along and even gave a round of applause. People commented that ‘it had made them feel happy at a time when things can seem so uncertain’. – AS
Briston Corps featured two trees at the village Christmas tree festival held in the parish church, representing the food bank (pictured) and the Friday Friends dementia group
HAMILTON The corps welcomed social workers who collected gifts for children in need in South Lanarkshire. Toys were donated in response to the Christmas toy appeal, which was run in partnership with the Hamilton Advertiser. – WL
