Salvationist 15 June 2019

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1709 Price 60p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 15 June 2019

SONGS OF JOY AT SYMPHONY SOUNDS

T CONTENTS

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 7

News feature 8 and 9 Symphony of praise brings glory to God

Feature Pawsitively pawsome

10 and 11

by Shanelle Manderson

Feature 12 and 13 Day centre helps people turn the corner

by Simon Hope

Column from the college Keeping in step

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by Cadet Emily Price

Feature Mont Blanc beckons

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by Angela Carlucci

Review Musicals Volume 2

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reviewed by Bandmaster Gavin Lamplough

Bible study 16 and 17 The vine and the branches

by Major Francis Frost

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Lynda Levis

New commitments

18 and 19

Announcements

20 and 21

Adverts

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

IT’S ALL YOU NEED ‘LOVE’ is a multi-purpose word in the English language. We use it in all sorts of ways: we love our nearest and dearest, we love our favourite sports team, we love our pets, we love particular films, books, music and food, and some of us love reading Salvationist. Of course, the kind of love we show towards these things differs in depth, quality and level of commitment.

C.S. Lewis pointed out that ancient Greek had more than one word for love.

There was storge (affection), philia (friendship), eros (romantic love) and agape (the gracious love of God).

I’m not sure if Lewis would put a love of animals in the ‘affection’ category – that was more to do with love between family members or people who share a natural affinity – but Brengle the therapy dog, featured on pages 10 and 11, is certainly held in great affection by many people. Therapy dogs provide psychological and emotional support in all kinds of settings. Brengle, for example, visits Teesside University. ‘He loves it and the people that he interacts with love it,’ says Lieutenant Naomi Kelly. And, as she shows, he opens the door for ministry.

On page 14 Cadet Emily Price mentions her love for travelling and the opportunities she’s had to visit a variety of places during her first year of training, but focuses on her visits to Faith House and the outreach work she’s experienced.

‘I’ve been so challenged about what it means to love people in a practical way,’ she says, and points to what motivates her: ‘I love, because Christ first loved me.’

Loving people in practical ways is the purpose of Rebourne Corner Day Centre in Eastbourne, which is featured on pages 12 and 13. The centre opened to expand Eastbourne Citadel’s work with people experiencing homelessness. Its services are highly valued by those who use them, as well as by the council and other local agencies. The fact that the centre is ‘showing God’s love through actions’ has led to some of the visitors being welcomed at the corps as adherent members.

Loving people with the love that God shows us is not easy. It means seeking the best for people even if we don’t like who they are or what they do. It’s a love that contains a strong dose of grace. That doesn’t come naturally, which is why it’s vital to rely on Christ’s presence and power. In the Bible study on pages 16 and 17 Major Francis Frost looks at the image of the vine, which illustrates the way we are connected to Christ. We need to ‘remain’ in him so that his love can flow through us to others.

A different but related image appears in the song that Major Neil McFerran mentions on the back page. In what has become the Army’s sacramental song, Albert Orsborn sees our love for others as an expression of Christ’s sacrificial love for us. Whatever kind of love we show, may this kind be supreme.

My life must be Christ’s broken bread, My love his outpoured wine, A cup o’erfilled, a table spread Beneath his name and sign, That other souls, refreshed and fed, May share his life through mine.

(SASB 610)

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featuring Major Neil McFerran

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

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From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GIVEN OFSTED BOOST There’s hope the teaching of religious education (RE) in schools will improve thanks to changes made in the way regulator Ofsted inspects.

Campaigners for better RE say the new school inspection framework will put more pressure on schools to prioritise the subject.

It’s understood two-day long inspections will now put greater emphasis on the broad curriculum, while a small number of subjects will also be chosen as a focus for examination. These subjects could include religious education.

Ben Wood from the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE)... said: ‘Ofsted are really pushing the sense that they want a curriculum to be broad... It’s very heartening to hear Ofsted saying that within that curriculum, RE has a crucial role to play.’

Guidelines for inspections now require schools to ensure pupils can reflect their own religious beliefs as well as having knowledge and respect for others.

Premier

INCREASE FUNDING FOR CHAPLAINS, UNIVERSITIES TOLD Universities should increase funding for chaplains, and appoint chaplains to better reflect the diversity of the student and staff body, a new report says.

The study, Chaplains on Campus: Understanding Chaplaincy in UK Universities... argues: ‘As student pastoral needs grow, universities increasingly depend on chaplains to supplement other student support services.’

It is written by Kristin Aune, Mathew Guest and Jeremy Law, academics at Coventry, Durham and Canterbury Christ Church universities, and is based on interviews with 374 chaplains across the country.

The report concludes that while chaplaincy is used by a minority of students, ‘more than half of the chaplaincy users we surveyed used chaplaincy at least once a week’.

Church Times

CHURCHES CALL FOR AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW INTO BENEFIT SANCTIONS The British Methodist Church is among a coalition of churches calling for an independent review into benefit sanctions, saying recent changes to the system will not fundamentally change the impact on struggling families.

The government announced an end to benefit sanctions lasting longer than six months, but the Joint Public Issues

SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey DTP DESIGNER Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

GOD IS OFF THE GUEST LIST! They are weddings that are, officially speaking, not even legally recognised. But such a small detail, it seems, is not stopping increasing numbers of couples from opting for humanist marriage ceremonies across England and Wales.

Such weddings have risen by more than 250 per cent in the last 15 years, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. The massive rise makes it the fastest growing type of wedding in the country – and comes as the number of faith-based ceremonies fell in the same period.

While humanist weddings went up 266 per cent between 2004 and 2016, Church of England weddings fell by 28 per cent, Catholic by 34 per cent and Baptist by 42 per cent. The rise – from 287 such ceremonies to 1,051 – comes despite the fact that humanist marriages are classed as atheist or agnostic, and are therefore not officially recognised in England and Wales.

JPIT says the expanded sanctions regime continues to cause hardship and drive families to foodbanks, and the roll-out of universal credit further expands the reach and duration of benefit sanctions.

Couples who have one must also go through an ‘official’ process at a registry office either before or after. But the new figures look set to add weight to campaigners who have long called for humanist marriages to be recognised in England and Wales, as they already are in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Methodist Recorder

The Independent

Team ( JPIT)... says this will only help a small proportion of families affected by sanctions.

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ISSN 2516-5909

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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant

Salvationist 15 June 2019

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NEWS

TC highlights FFM review recommendations THQ TERRITORIAL Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill has written an open letter to everyone in the territory highlighting the recommendations made by the Fit For Mission (FFM) Review Team.

In early 2018, he notes, the team was ‘charged with conducting a thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of the FFM initiative and to make appropriate recommendations for the future’, following the changes implemented in July 2016. The TC refers to

the ‘consultations and discussions’ that led to the team issuing its findings in September 2018.

He goes on to say: ‘The FFM Review Team produced a second report with recommendations for [the territorial] Cabinet on the way forward. This report included recommendations that covered three main areas: Culture, Structural Change and Process and Administration.’ A summary of the recommendations is included in an appendix to the letter.

The TC points out that the review team ‘prioritised culture change above all other recommendations’ and states that the Cabinet intends ‘to lead the change process to align several

CANNOCK: Children and young people enjoyed a Music-AThon during the YP celebration weekend, where they raised £387.

On Sunday Lieutenant Megan Kervin (Bishop’s Stortford) led worship with the theme The Armour Of God, and a number of children received junior soldier and junior musician awards.

Pictured with corps officer Captain Lydia Bartlett and Lieutenant Megan are Joshua, Alfie, Nellie, Reece, Katie, Adam, Luke and Adam. – L. B.

GOVAN: Corps music sections and soloists regularly entertain patients, staff and visitors at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital with Sunday afternoon concerts, performed in the hospital’s atrium. A recent concert featured the young people, who presented a varied programme of songs and music including six soloists. – D. G. 4

Salvationist 15 June 2019

existing and developing plans and strategies to influence our Salvation Army culture’.

He adds: ‘We know that culture change cannot be a quick process but I sense great energy and commitment to ensure every part of The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland lives out a Christlike culture as we participate in God’s mission to the world.’

In identifying action steps, the TC says, ‘After much discussion and prayer, we have decided that rapid, wholesale change will not be the way forward! If structural changes are needed we intend to pilot and phase changes in a measured manner.’

He also affirms the existing strategic priorities of TIDE

– Transformation, Integration, Discipleship and Effectiveness – and says, ‘The priority now is for each of us to faithfully and effectively get on with doing the work given to us.’

The letter concludes: ‘Thank you for your patience, resilience and grace through the many twists and turns of the FFM journey. We look to the future with confidence and passion as we play our part in God’s mission to save the world.’

O The letter and the summary of recommendations are available by emailing info@salvationarmy.org.uk, writing to THQ, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (write ‘TC’s letter’ on the envelope) or, for those with access, from the internal website OurHub Hull Citadel Band, supported

by Sheffield Citadel Singing Company and soloist Steve Mortimer (euphonium), held their eighth annual spring festival

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Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication.

Copy should be sent to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

Corps officer Captain Gayner Ward and volunteers from Hucknall hold a stall at the nearby Tesco promoting the work of The Salvation Army as part of the 140th corps anniversary year

Boxing classes deliver a blow to addiction YORK BOXING classes have been helping people tackle challenges that landed them on the streets. Charles Malarkey, who heads up the York Early Intervention and Prevention Team, says that offering the weekly boxing classes to people who use the drop-in service has had transformative effects.

‘Our team supports people who are experiencing homelessness, helping them address the obstacles and challenges that have put them on the streets,’ he said. ‘As a result of the classes, people are more willing to engage with the help on offer to them, finding it easier to chat to our team and other agencies in the gym’s informal setting. They have also enjoyed the challenges of getting fit, finding that sport improves their confidence and self-esteem.’

Of the fourteen new boxers, four have reduced their drug and alcohol intake. Others have improved their mental health and wellbeing.

Since attending boxing classes Sam has dramatically reduced his drinking. He said: ‘Going to boxing classes turned my life around.

I’ve enjoyed meeting other people at training. It’s not just me in this situation, The Salvation Army is changing a few lives at a time and it all adds up. If it wasn’t for The Salvation Army, God knows where I’d be!’ – C. A. STAPLE HILL: A full hall enjoyed a spring evening of blessing, inspiration and challenge through the music of guest soloists David Daws (euphonium, Regent Hall) and Naomi Blowers (vocal, Bristol Easton), supported by the band. David brought thrilling renditions of ‘The Better World’ and ‘Czárdás’ and Naomi delighted the congregation with ‘Blessed Assurance’ and ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’. – V. W.

Secretary of State for Education praises employment programme PETERSFIELD EAST Hampshire MP and Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds has praised the Employment Plus programme, which is run by The Salvation Army and supports people in finding work.

He visited the service and its volunteers, saying: ‘The Salvation Army’s community church here is uniquely placed to offer what I consider is a vital employment service for the area.

I was impressed by the professionalism, yet also by how personal the approach is towards

people who are looking for work. It was great to hear the success stories of people moving into work and now looking to make the next move up.’

Damian spoke to volunteers and staff at the centre about the importance of training programmes for people who are unemployed.

‘We try to make people feel welcome, no matter what skills they have or what they need,’ said Carole, a volunteer.

‘There’s always a cup of tea or coffee waiting, and sometimes cake!’ Pictured with the Secretary of State are corps officer Captain Linda Read, Director of Employment Services Rebecca Keating and Divisional Commander Major Gregory Morgan.– A. R.

CLOWNE: More than 30 people enjoyed an evening of board games, fellowship and food at Thursday Nights Together, an ecumenical outreach event. Halfway through the evening, players enjoyed finger food, tea, coffee and cold drinks and moved on to new games with different people. – G. H. Salvationist 15 June 2019

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NEWS

A weekend of powerful music and testimony CLYDEBANK THE corps hosted Chelmsford Band for a weekend of worship, which began with a well-attended Saturday evening concert that included a varied programme of music. The band’s purposeful and intentional mission was clear from the outset, and this continued to be evident throughout everything they did across the weekend. Soloists included Ian Arnott (euphonium) with ‘Benedictus’, Ron Bewers (cornet) with ‘Serve Christ’ and Joanne McIntosh (vocal).

Chelmsford Bandmaster Alex Campbell, formerly of Clydebank, gave his testimony, and band pieces included ‘Fill The World With Glory!’, ‘Joy,

Peace And Happiness’ and ‘Chelmsford’. The songsters brought ‘Go Forth In His Name!’

Sunday morning included contributions from the YP sections and much of the worship was spent considering the road to Emmaus.

After a fellowship lunch the afternoon’s concert began with ‘Amazing Race’. A highlight for many was the testimony of Steve Anstead before the beautiful cornet solo ‘Share My Yoke’.

Steve’s story of finding himself at home through the inclusive and

loving welcome of the band and corps, after a period away from The Salvation Army, was deeply encouraging, challenging and moving.

As the evening concluded, the host band united with the visitors to play ‘Salvation’s Song’. – D. L.

GLASGOW: Five teams from Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow Lifehouses and drop-in centres took part in an inter-centre pool competition. Pictured are the winning team from William Hunter Lifehouse with Housing First Implementation Manager Helen Murdoch (Glasgow), and Edinburgh Homelessness Service Chaplain Major Alan Norton, who organised the event. – W. D.

Florence Court, a regular attender at Sittingbourne, celebrates her 100th birthday with the corps family; pictured with her are corps officers Majors Judy and Nigel Schultz

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GRAYS: Armáda Spásy, the Army’s Roma fellowship in Margate, led an uplifting time of worship in three languages that included testimonies and a drama item from the youth group. After the meeting around eighty people enjoyed a meal together. – H. S.

LEEK: Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill visited the corps for a Spring Praise evening as part of the YP anniversary weekend celebrations. The YP timbrel and singing groups presented a number of items, along with the band, songsters and worship group.

Two junior soldiers were enrolled in the Sunday morning meeting and Derby Central Male Voice Octet led Songs of Praise in the evening. – C. M.

Miriam Adamson attends the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace with her daughter, Vicky, after being nominated

by Hinckley Area Foodbank

LARNE: Around eighty people from neighbouring churches attended the annual home league rally. Divisional Leader for Leader Development Major Christine Kingscott spoke from Esther, and the newly formed Larne Community Choir provided music. – P. C.

Clowne corps officer Major Mark Holder presents a certificate of appreciation to Hazel Martin for 16 years of dedicated service as cradle roll sergeant

The Army charity shop in Coedpoeth celebrates its 21st anniversary; pictured with corps officer Captain Sharon Hampton is Gwen Jones, a volunteer who has served in the shop since it first opened

HULL ICEHOUSE: At the corps anniversary celebration, led by Majors Carol and Peter Kendall, the fellowship enjoyed a meal together and a music programme performed

by Leeds West Hunslet Band and Songsters.

The oldest and youngest members of the corps, Diana Bennett and Luca Donnelly, cut the anniversary cake. – H. N. Salvationist 15 June 2019

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Photography: ALEX GIBSON AND BOBBY WEIR

NEWS FEATURE Symphony Sounds

Symphony of praise brings glory to God BIRMINGHAM SALVATIONISTS and friends gathered eagerly in the foyer of Symphony Hall for a series of afternoon mini-concerts prior to Symphony Sounds. There was enthusiastic appreciation for varied programmes by Staines Songsters, the Music and Creative Arts (Maca) Dance Group, the Household Troops Band and Peterborough Citadel Songsters.

The International Staff Band opened the evening concert with Nicholas Samuel’s ‘Legacy Of Faith’ before the International Staff Songsters created a reflective atmosphere with ‘Blessings’. In his prayer, ISB Executive Officer Major Noel Wright asked God to ‘be pleased to receive from your people this symphony of praise’.

Director of Music and Creative Arts Stephen Cobb (THQ) welcomed everyone and acknowledged the presence of General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, as well as territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill, and General John Larsson (Retired) and Commissioner Freda Larsson.

Regent Hall’s contemporary vocal group FourHymn (Nick Hampton, Nathanael Watchorn, Joe Rose and Karl Westwood) took to the stage to present two songs from their recent CD: ‘That The World May Believe’ and the title track ‘Home’.

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Introducing Bellshill Band, Stephen said they represented corps bands around the territory who ‘week in and week out’ support their corps and communities. The band brought Dean Goffin’s set of rhapsodic variations ‘My Strength, My Tower’ and, later in the programme, accompanied Alex Ramsey (cornet) and Chris Shanks (euphonium) in the beautifully haunting ‘Time And Eternity’ and played ‘Immeasurable’, a stately setting of the hymn tune ‘Penlan’.

Resplendent in bright yellow T-shirts, 170 young people from corps in the Central East, East Midlands, West Midlands and Ireland Divisions sang ‘Count Your Blessings’ and ‘What A Friend’, drawing an enthusiastic response.

The staff sections made further contributions before the interval: the ISS

with ‘Far Above All’ and the ISB with ‘The Dawning’.

After the interval the audience enjoyed the rousing congregational song ‘Sound The Battle Cry!’, to a contemporary setting of the original tune, before the massed singing companies performed Andrew and Sue Blyth’s ‘Have Faith!’, complete with actions, and the more devotional ‘All There Is Of Me’.

‘Toccata Fire!’ from the ISB featured the contemporary tune ‘Send The Fire’ and a reference to ‘Burning, Burning’ in an exciting toccata style.

The ISS presented ‘Ubi Caritas’ unaccompanied. The Latin song, inspired by medieval plainchant, was received with appreciative silence. This was followed by ‘Salvation’, the fourth movement of ‘Choral Symphony No 4’ by Stephen Pearson and Richard Phillips.

Foyer concert by the Household Troops Band

Chris Shanks and Alex Ramsey

Bellshill Band

Encouragement and insight at leaders councils BIRMINGHAM

FourHymn

FourHymn’s second set included ‘Don’t Worry’, which Nathanael and Joe explained was inspired by the story of David and Goliath, and ‘Crown Him (Majesty)’.

In his message, the TC recalled his YP band and singing company days, when he was told to keep one eye on the leader and one eye on the music. In a similar way, he said, we should always keep our eyes on our leader, Jesus, on the word of God and on the people we’re called to serve.

Earlier in the evening, when introducing the massed singing companies, Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (brass and choral) Paul Sharman referred to Major Joy Webb’s influence on singing companies through her work with the Sunbury Junior Singers and to her songwriting skills. He led a finale that featured a continuous sequence of her songs. All the musicians combined for ‘I Want To Sing It’ and ‘Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet’, before the ISS sang ‘The Candle Of The Lord’, also interpreted through movement by the Maca dancers.

This led into a big band version of ‘It’s An Open Secret’ by the ISB and Bellshill Band, followed by the prayerful ‘The First Step’ by FourHymn and the ISS. The night concluded with all the performers presenting ‘There Will Be God’, a fitting affirmation with which to end this symphony of praise. – J.R.

DELEGATES to the Music and Creative Arts Leaders Councils at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre began Sunday worship with the song ‘Come, Thou Almighty King’; the line ‘Spirit of holiness, on us descend’ provided a glimpse of the theme the TC focused on later in the meeting.

After the ISS sang Richard Phillips’ sensitive arrangement of ‘All There Is Of Me’, two members of the Maca Dance Group brought an interpretation of FourHymn’s ‘Home’, which was presented as a music video, and Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (creative arts) Stephanie Lamplough opened in prayer.

In his testimony, YP Band Leader Chris Shanks (Bellshill) spoke of his faith journey, including a spiritual breakthrough at the age of 20 when he discovered what it meant to trust God and follow his path.

‘I absolutely love it!’ he said of his work with the YP band.

After the ISB brought Kenneth Downie’s ‘Worship’, an arrangement of the hymn tune ‘Was Lebet’, the TC spoke about the need to be anointed with the Holy Spirit. He reminded those gathered of the Lord’s words in Zechariah 4:6, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ and declared, ‘It’s time for us to receive all that God in Christ is wanting to give to us.’ A number of people knelt at the mercy seat in moments of prayerful response.

During the lunch interval the ISB and ISS presented programmes and there was an opportunity for networking and fellowship.

Four regional specialists for music and creative arts – Stephen Burn, Dean Jones,

Ira Thomas and Dan Elson – led the opening prayers in the afternoon meeting, and after a congregational song led by worship group Meraki, who supported throughout the day, Stephen Cobb and regional specialists Alex Gibson and Dean Jones highlighted the range of activities, courses and resources available from the Music and Creative Arts team.

In an interview with Stephen, Andrew Blyth gave fascinating insights into the work of THQ’s Music Editorial Unit, revealing the variety of contributors and the challenges being faced.

Contributions by the ISB and the ISS included a new piece by Martin Cordner, ‘Rise’, and Stephen Bulla’s vocal arrangement of ‘Wayfaring Stranger’.

Having just returned from a visit to Myanmar, Territorial Leader for Leader Development Commissioner Gill Cotterill reflected on the dedication of Salvationists there and, referring to Psalm 34:1, encouraged the delegates to ‘extol the Lord at all times’. The concluding song, ‘Lord, If Your Presence Does Not Go With Us’, was a welcome reminder that the presence and grace of God was with the delegates as they returned to serve him in their corps.

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FEATURE Therapy dog

PAWSITIVELY PAWSOME Lieutenant Naomi Kelly tells Shanelle Manderson how her dog is helping to open up new doors for ministry

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Pictures: TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

RENGLE spends a lot of his time at Teesside University. No, he’s not studying. In fact, he’s usually working – the three-year-old golden retriever is a therapy dog.

‘My husband, Chris, and I have had him since he was eight weeks old,’ says Middlesbrough Citadel corps officer Lieutenant Naomi Kelly. ‘He’s been helping out since he was 18 months old.’

Therapy dogs provide emotional and psychological support to people in settings such as schools, hospitals and care homes. They must be friendly, gentle, at ease in all situations and enjoy human contact, as they interact more closely with others than service dogs, such as guide dogs, which should not be touched.

‘Essentially his job is to give cuddles,’ laughs Naomi. ‘It’s the easiest ministry The Salvation Army could do. He can only work two hours at a time because it tires him out, but he loves it and the

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Salvationist 15 June 2019

people he interacts with th love lov ve it. I love it too – it’s fun, n, easy and manageable. All I have to do is walk him before visits, so he’s not bouncy.’

After leaving the training college Naomi and Chris knew they wanted to get a dog. They wanted Brengle, named after holiness teacher Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle, to be trained and well behaved. It made sense for him to be able to help people too.

However, Brengle was a boisterous puppy, and Naomi had worries about whether he would ever qualify as a therapy dog.

‘Therapy dogs have to have a naturally good temperament, but they also have to be good at following commands: things like sit and stay,’ explains Naomi. ‘Walking loosely on a lead without tugging was our biggest problem on walks because he was so energetic and happy to meet people.’

So Naomi took Brengle to some obedience classes with an informal community group for 18 months.

‘The classes were great, but it was hard work,’ says Naomi. ‘There were a lot of dogs and people, and other sounds and distractions, but Brengle was able to learn to focus on me and my instructions.

‘Now, if we’re visiting somewhere and a fire alarm goes off, for example, he doesn’t get jumpy or anything. He waits for my command. I guess you have to be one with your dog.’

The human-canine team regularly visit a nearby care home, spending time with the residents. But they have made the biggest impact at the university across from the hall.

‘It’s great!’ Naomi enthuses. ‘I get noticed on campus as the lady from The Salvation Army with the dog. I chat with the students, and they really open up to me about how they are and how they’re feeling. That gives me the opportunity to tell them we’re always at the corps if they want to chat.

‘Just a couple of weeks ago two students turned up asking for Brengle.

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Essentially his job is to give cuddles

’

What an opportunity! We went from struggling to engage with students for years to students knocking on our doors. One student is even using us as the subject of their dissertation!’

The first time Naomi realised Brengle would be a hit with the students was when a stray dog ran through the corps hall. After leashing him to a nearby railing she called the warden, and when she looked back outside students had flocked around the dog.

‘I realised this was powerful,’ she enthuses. ‘If I stood outside no one would even look at me but when you put a dog out there, all of a sudden everybody wants to know.’

Therapy work is known to increase self-esteem, social interaction and levels of comfort. At exam time students often feel a lot of pressure, but research by the University of British Columbia in Vancouver found that time with an animal helped alleviate stress and anxiety and increased happiness.

‘I think it’s such a valuable ministry for students and older people living in sheltered housing who miss having their pets around them,’ says Naomi. ‘But also for vulnerable people who maybe don’t get to see or don’t like speaking to other people.’

Other Salvationists use therapy animals as well: at Forest of Dean vulnerable children are helped by horses in a mentoring programme called Growth and Learning Equine Assisted Ministry (Gleam) and Major Alexandra Hughes’s fox-red labrador, Evie, is a

Naomi and Brengle

‘

He can only work two hours at a time because it tires him out, but he loves it and the people he interacts with love it

therapy dog based at Bognor Regis and visits Messy Church, hospitals and special needs centres.

Naomi is the first to admit that, without Brengle, ministry at the corps would be very different.

‘I look at him and think I’m fortunate to have him,’ she says. ‘Therapy work opens up doors that I honestly believe some forms of ministry just can’t open.

People that wouldn’t normally talk to me will do so because I’ve got a dog. I can put on all the services I want – drop-ins and kids clubs – but for some people, they’re too frightening and “churchy”.

But a four-legged creature is normal,

’

non-intimidating and soothing. It’s incredible!’

When Brengle isn’t working, his friends can check up on him via social media as he has a strong online presence. He’s usually relaxing at the hall.

‘He’s the laziest dog you’ll ever meet,’ jokes Naomi. ‘I always say the retrieve part of him is broken because I’ll throw a ball and he’ll go and get it, but then he’ll drop it instead of bringing it back. He loves cuddly toys, walks, eating and playing with my two youngest children and other dogs. He avoids cats though; he’s terrified of them!’

In comparison with Eston, the Kellys’ previous appointment, Middlesbrough is more multicultural. There is a high movement rate of people migrating from other countries, and, culturally, for a lot of people, dogs are terrifying; in these instances dog ministry isn’t the right option. But there are hopes to visit more schools in the future, as there is a lack of children’s work in the community.

‘In the Army I think, now more than ever, we’re trying to embrace different ways of reaching people, and things like this are part of that,’ says Naomi.

‘Society is changing, and reaching people through Sunday church is becoming increasingly difficult.

‘The other day I was on my regular walk home from the hall with Brengle. I wasn’t wearing anything with Salvation Army branding, and a wee girl and her dad asked me if we visit the nearby school. I said: “Yes, everyone knows the dog and not me.” And he told me his daughter recognised that I was from The Salvation Army.

‘Now that kid may not know a lot about the Army, but she’ll hopefully learn that we’re friendly people and have links to interesting things.

‘If I can be noticed as being that Salvation Army lady, then that for me is job done.’

Keep up-to-date with Brengle’s adventures by following his Instagram and Facebook page @brengletherapydog

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FEATURE I Rebourne Corner

Day centre helps people turn the corner Centre Manager Pauline Peagam-Phillips shares with Simon Hope how Rebourne Corner is changing lives in Eastbourne

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EBOURNE Corner is a refuge for people who are homeless and seeking hope and help,’ says service user Michael Lirette.

‘Without the refuge I think Eastbourne would be totally lost.’

Opened in 2010 as an extension of Eastbourne Citadel’s work to combat homelessness in the seaside resort, Rebourne Corner Day Centre has gone from strength to strength. Spearheaded

by Pauline the drop-in day centre gives people a safe space during the day, away from the stresses and burdens of rough sleeping.

Originally its services operated out of the corps building but, after outgrowing these facilities, the team realised they had to do something more – they had to open a dedicated centre.

‘I didn’t know where, when or how,’ Pauline says. ‘I had nothing. Then the landlord of the building neighbouring the corps – which had been empty for quite a long time – approached us. He was putting the place up for rent but wanted to give us an opportunity in case we 12

Salvationist 15 June 2019

wanted it for any reason. So we said: “Yes, please!” We got this building right next to the Citadel, which is brilliant. The Lord was obviously working here.’

Rebourne Corner provides an incredibly wide range of services, and it is making waves in the community.

These include low-cost meals and laundry, landlord arbitration and housing support, a weekly job club, a visiting gym instructor, a visiting medical team and podiatrists, hairdressing, ID card applications and an allotment for service users to work on.

Pauline has also played an important part in a scheme that is having a national effect. ‘We do bank accounts through a credit union,’ she says.

‘People experiencing homelessness and people who rent a room don’t get utility bills or all the things you need for a bank account, so many of them cannot register at any of the normal high street banks. So we linked up with a credit union that sets up accounts for our service users. We’ve created 53 accounts for people so far, and the

credit union has spread this across the country.

‘I think we are unique. The number of services we offer is vast, and the council knows this. We get people sent from the police, the council and even agencies like Age Concern. I think that’s the reason we stand out.’

This wide range of services is designed to fit the vast array of people Pauline sees at the centre day by day.

‘On the one hand we have those with addictions and all the problems that come with that,’ she says. ‘But on the other end of the spectrum we have people who are perfectly knowledgeable in many ways and yet things still go wrong.’

While there is much good work going on, there has also been a steady rise in the amount of help service users need to maintain tenancies. This is where Rebourne Corner’s arbitration service is making a big difference. Rather than evicting people, landlords have begun contacting the centre to get their tenants the help they need. The success of the

Eastbourne Citadel

Inside Rebourne Corner

Pauline Peagam-Phillips

‘

They have food and drink and they keep us warm. It’s a lovely place. We’re already getting back to reality

’

service has led to a growing relationship between Pauline and several landlords, who now offer their available rooms to homeless service users.

The rise in tenancy support means that between 15 and 20 per cent of the centre’s daily work revolves around helping people through a variety of housing issues. The majority of service users are locals who are unable to sustain tenancies, but there is also a high proportion of ‘wandering homeless people’ from outside the area, predominantly London. There are also many people who need support after being housed.

Rebourne Corner continues to be efficient and effective in its work. Only a couple of days after finding the centre, service users Darren and Scott could already attest to this quality and efficiency: ‘We just came in here and told them our situation and they helped us straight away. They have food and drink and they keep us warm. It’s a lovely place. We’re already getting back to reality.’

Along with helping to house clients, the team ensures that service users are equipped with necessities such as furniture, and kitchen essentials such as a kettle, a toaster and a start-up food parcel. But it is only thanks to generous donations from the public that the team can continue to give these basics.

As well as the crucial practical services the centre provides, it boasts some standout leisure activities, such as the Rebourne Choir. Directed and accompanied by Pauline, along with her husband, Mal, on guitar, the small group of service users and volunteers met to sing ‘Streets Of London’ during last year’s Homelessness Sunday meeting at Eastbourne Citadel.

After the burgeoning choir’s relative success, they decided to learn another

song – then another. The Rebourne Choir now has five songs under its belt, and a couple of service users, who play drums and bass guitar, have joined Pauline and Mal in accompanying the singing. The ever-growing choir now regularly takes part in Sunday morning meetings.

While the centre does not directly evangelise among service users, Pauline is passionate about sharing and showing God’s love through actions, and this is widely appreciated by guests, who affirm that the gospel is not ‘stuffed down their throats’. This has led to many people feeling comfortable enough to talk about or ask questions about Christianity and religion. Pauline believes that it is because of this approach that several regular visitors have been welcomed as adherent members.

‘When I started the day centre the corps and the homelessness services didn’t meet,’ Pauline explains. ‘We’ve worked really hard to bring them together. It’s wonderful to see Salvationists and service users mixing in a way that enforces the idea that you can have fun without drugs and alcohol.

We really are seeing lives changed.’

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Keeping in step COLUMN FROM THE COLLEGE

Cadet Emily Price reflects on her first nine months of training

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T’S interesting how I thought that the big decision to say ‘yes’ to God’s call on my life, which led me to begin training as a cadet, was the major, difficult decision all made! But the journey of the last nine months has only served to remind me of the constant need to trust in God and rely on him as my strength and guide.

I thought, when coming to William Booth College, that my love for travelling would be put on hold but, surprisingly, I have been able to visit Edinburgh for the territorial congress, Belfast for a mission placement and Jersey for the Easter campaign. There have been so many highlights and revelations, times of joy and laughter, and so many challenges as I continue to learn and reflect on how God wants to teach and use me as an officer within The Salvation Army.

Cadets each undertake a personal initiative project while at the college, and I have joined the team at Faith House in north London on their Friday evening outreach programme. We head into Edmonton and approach the women working on the streets as prostitutes. We have conversations and give free hot drinks, hand warmers when it’s cold and sweets, as well as information about Faith House and the support available to them if they need help.

I’ve been so challenged about what it means to love people in a practical way, regardless of what we may think about their life choices and whether we believe they should be living differently or making different decisions. It’s easy to sit in a Sunday meeting or a Bible study and say all the right things about loving others, but if we are not able to put it into practice it is worthless. I love, because 14

Salvationist 15 June 2019

Christ first loved me. When I know his love for me, how can I not be compelled to love and serve others, even if this can be uncomfortable, tiring and painful!

A challenge for me during the past nine months has been the temptation to look so far ahead that I lose focus on the present. Galatians 5:25 says: ‘Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.’ That’s good advice for those of us who find ourselves worrying about the future. I have a busy schedule and when obstacles get in the way of my carefully planned life, it can be seen as a barrier to my goals and plans. But I cannot live by the Spirit if I am running through life at a rapid pace rather than walking step by step.

Hurtling through life and trying to hold tight control of it means that I can so easily disregard the present. I can miss

specific things in my life that need to change. I can become so preoccupied and busy that I don’t have the energy to work through those moment-by-moment struggles. In contrast, when I keep in step with the Spirit, I find relationship with God, who strengthens, equips, guides, protects and always loves me.

I rejoice that God is still calling people to serve him as officers within The Salvation Army and that he has called me to serve him in my insignificance. My testimony is that God didn’t call me and abandon me, but every second of every day he journeys with me and has placed wonderful people in my life who support me. I am able to share with them in worship and in the joy of the amazing God I serve. I pray that I remain faithful and obedient to his call on my life, whatever he requires of me.

FEATURE I Trek the Alps

Mont Blanc beckons Community and Events Fundraising Manager Angela Carlucci (THQ) encourages us to support the Trek Alps challenge

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Mel Morton

FTER months of training and fundraising, an intrepid team of trekkers leaves for Mont Blanc on 18 June.

Taking in Italy, Switzerland and France over three days, their route will certainly challenge them; they will be rewarded by the most spectacular views that this part of Europe has to offer, from stunning cliffs to gorgeous glacial waterfalls.

Each member of the team has their own reason for taking part in the challenge, with many choosing to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s work supporting the victims of human trafficking and modern slavery.

One member of the team is AntiTrafficking and Modern Slavery Referrals

Officer Mel Morton. She says, ‘Slavery still exists. We must stand together to support the vulnerable and the voiceless against these atrocities – freedom, justice and peace for all.’

Our next event is a cycling challenge to an exotic location. Watch this space!

If you would like to support our trekkers with a donation, visit justgiving.com/ campaigns/charity/salvationarmy/ trek-alps O To take part in one of our life-changing challenges, get in touch with Amy, Charlotte or Ross in the Community and Events Fundraising Unit on 020 7367 4819 or email challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk

+ CD REVIEW

MUSIC WITHOUT BARRIERS

Bandmaster Gavin Lamplough (Birmingham Citadel) reviews Musicals Volume 2 by the Household Troops Band, featuring vocalist James Morley

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phenomenon, The Greatest Showman.

‘This Is Me’ is one of two songs from the blockbuster movie featured on this recording. The second, ‘A Million Dreams’, is arranged by Paul Drury (a member of the band’s tuba section) and features guest vocal soloist James Morley. James grew up in The Salvation Army, and has played trombone with the Household Troops Band on many occasions. His second contribution is in Philip Harper’s wonderful arrangement of ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ – the high point of the CD. Other highlights include excellent solo contributions featuring Daniel Robson with ‘Memory’, Neil Blessett with ‘Over The Rainbow’ and Anthony Smith with ‘A Simple Message’. Each soloist displays a beauty of tone and refined interpretation that listeners are sure to enjoy in these much-loved melodies.

HIS CD follows the success of the band’s first volume, which showcased music from the world of musical theatre and won the British Bandsman Light Music of the Year award.

The second volume also features a wide range of music from the Gowans and Larsson musicals alongside hits from secular productions. This meeting of sacred and secular tunes reflects the band’s ongoing ministry – it regularly features a similar mix of genres in its programmes and keenly promotes an ethos of music without barriers.

The CD starts with music from Martin Cordner and showcases the Gowans and Larsson production, Take-over Bid. Using the chorus, ‘We Have A Gospel’, Martin creates an exciting concert overture, full of colour and capturing Broadway energy.

This is followed by music from the 2017

No Household Troops programme would be complete without a clarinet solo from Andrew Piper, and he is featured in ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar. Further contrast is added by the trombone feature, ‘I Will Follow Him’, as featured in Sister Act. The CD ends with a sensitive setting of Joy Webb’s beautiful song, ‘The Candle Of The Lord’. Perhaps less well known is that it was included in the musical Breakthrough. This track brings a great sense of symmetry to a CD that started out with the band stating ‘we have a gospel that matches the hour’, before ending with ‘I am the candle of the Lord, with truth and love more powerful than sword’.

Musicals Volume 2 is available from SP&S priced £13.95 (plus postage and packing)

O

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BIBLE STUDY

The vine and the Major Francis Frost reminds us of the vital connection to Jesus that we need to maintain STUDY PASSAGE: JOHN 15:1–8

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HAT does Jesus mean when he says: ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing’ (v5)? There is a simple, beautiful and inescapable logic to it; it is the only way to be fruitful.

Jesus was preparing his disciples for the time when he would no longer be around to tell them what to do and how to bring in God’s Kingdom. This statement made it clear that this would be achieved not by what they did, but rather by who they were in relation to him. As Matthew Henry, the 17th-century Bible commentator, said: ‘We must possess Jesus and not just profess him.’ They just had to remain in him and he in them.

Fruitfulness would follow naturally, just as Jesus had promised: ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching… and we will come to them and make our home with them’ (John 14:23).

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day

by Major Lynda Levis

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Salvationist 15 June 2019

QUESTIONS O How can we remain in Jesus and ensure that he remains in us?

O What actions and attitudes of ours can lead to us not remaining in him?

When Jesus used the word ‘vine’ the disciples knew that the prophets used this term of Israel, God’s chosen nation, which had consistently failed to produce God’s intended fruit.

Jesus, the true vine, would now change all that. He and his disciples would bring about the fruit of the Kingdom.

Jesus reminds today’s disciples that we are not the vine but only the branches and our task is to attract and lead others to him. He alone is the Vine, the Bread, the Light, the Door, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus is the essential ingredient. Amazingly he invites us to help him achieve his goal of building the Kingdom.

QUESTIONS O What does a fruitful disciple’s lifestyle look like?

O What is the nature of the fruit that we shall inevitably produce when we remain ‘in Christ’?

Only through Christ, the Vine, can we be truly related and connected to God. This connection cannot be partial – it must be absolute. No branch worthy of the name can be partially connected to the vine.

As branches we are constantly and continually fed from the roots of the vine, Jesus (see Romans 11:17 and 18). It is this and the essential pruning that ensure our fruitfulness.

Pruning ensures that all the energy of the branch is devoted to fruit production alone. Just like the first disciples, as we feed on and inwardly digest the word of God and the teaching of Jesus, we are cleansed and we are pruned (see John 15:3 and 17:17).

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

My soul is now united to Christ, the living vine;/ His grace I long have slighted, but now I feel him mine;/ I was to God a stranger till Jesus took me in,/ He freed my soul from danger and pardoned all my sin.

(SASB 469)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

(Galatians 2:20)

Come, O Spirit, take control/ Where the fires of passion roll;/ Let the yearnings of my soul/ Centre all in thee./ Call into thy fold of peace/ Thoughts that seek forbidden ways;/ Calm and order all my days,/ Hide my life in thee./ Fellowship with thee,/ Give me constantly to know/ Fellowship with thee.

(SASB 325)

branches QUESTIONS O How connected to Jesus are we?

O What form does our pruning take to ensure that we remain ‘even more fruitful’? How willing are we to be pruned?

Whenever we’re disconnected from the Vine we will become unfruitful. By his own attitudes and actions Judas became such a branch, and it seemed that nothing that Jesus or his disciples could do could save him from his own actions.

Verse 6 – ‘If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned’ – focuses on the fatal consequences of forsaking Christ. This suggests that hypocrites and those who reject Christ will be rejected by God: for example, Ananias and Sapphira (see Acts 5:1–11).

QUESTIONS O Can we help to save the unfruitful branches?

O If our corps or Christian fellowship is failing to grow the Kingdom where we are, what should we do about it?

O Is it fair that those who reject Jesus should be rejected by him?

upon the fact that those who ‘remain’ in him will always ask for things that please him. As Augustine taught: ‘Love, and do what thou wilt... let the root of love be within, of this root can nothing spring but what is good.’

QUESTIONS fruitfulness its own reward?

O Are others encouraged, inspired and built up by our words and actions?

O Is

When the disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost they found themselves connected to Jesus in a way they had never been before. The result was that they became fruitful disciples whose lives, words and actions led to the extension of God’s Kingdom on Earth. All Christians are united in Christ, the true Vine. Unitedly and individually we are building his Kingdom as we produce fruit from the Vine.

‘If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you’ (v7), tells us that the fruitful life can also be defined as communion with God in which prayer is always answered. Surely this is based

This passage is all good news to disciples in the 21st century. We are invited by Christ to become effective and fruitful Kingdom builders. We don’t have to develop challenging strategies or work harder. We have only to maintain our closeness to him. It’s that simple.

MAJOR FROST LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN PLYMOUTH

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:2 and 3)

My all is in the Master’s hands/ For him to bless and break;/ Beyond the brook his winepress stands/ And thence my way I take,/ Resolved the whole of love’s demands/ To give, for his dear sake.

(SASB 610)

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

(Colossians 2:6 and 7)

Like the birds that soar while singing,/ Give my heart a song;/ May the music of thanksgiving/ Echo clear and strong./ God who touchest earth with beauty,/ Make my heart anew;/ Keep me ever by thy Spirit/ Pure and strong and true.

(SASB 320)

Prayer

Lord, may we recognise the need for your Spirit’s presence within us to be renewed and refreshed each day. May we hold on to you as strongly as the roots of a tree keep hold of the earth where it is planted, to draw nourishment and grow strong in your love.

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NEW COMMITMENTS

LEEK: As part of the YP anniversary celebrations, Lucy Frodsham and Samuel Williams were enrolled as junior soldiers by Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill. The meeting also included a YP drama presentation and a performance by the YP singing group. – C. M.

SWANAGE: Major Jonathan Greetham (Wimborne) welcomed Sheila Cass, Thelma Eggelton and Margaret Marlow as adherent members.

The three women have been worshipping at The Salvation Army for some time and felt it was the right time to take this next step in being recognised as adherent members. The corps celebrated with a buffet to mark the occasion and friends and family came to support. – K. G.

RIPON: Alison Hewitt and Sheila Atkinson were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Christine McCutcheon. In her testimony Sheila spoke about how God had brought her back to the Army. Alison shared how he had led her to the Army through the parent-and-toddler group with her daughters. They both spoke about how God is using them now. The corps family enjoyed a faith lunch after the meeting. – K. R.

WARRINGTON: The last time Allan Morris stood on the platform was on his wedding day 23 years ago. Allan and his wife, Nicola, have been on an incredible journey since Nicola started working in the corps day centre. Nicola was enrolled as a soldier earlier this year and Allan, seeing her journey of faith, began his own. He is now employed as the cook in the day centre, and was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Vaughan Bovan. – V. B. 18

Salvationist 15 June 2019

PARKHEAD: Bobby Barnes linked up with the corps through the weekly drop-in and, although welcomed as an adherent member, always wanted to become a soldier. Corps officers Majors Colin and Denise Bradshaw have now enrolled him as a soldier. Bobby is a valued team member not only at Parkhead but also at Dennistoun and Shettleston. In his testimony he shared how he had been born blind but his sight was restored. That was why he chose ‘Amazing Grace’ as his favourite song in a recent Songs of Praise meeting.

Also pictured are Recruiting Sergeant Flora Muir and flag bearer Tom Combe. – A. D.

Some photos removed

BELFAST SYDENHAM: Rebekah Sharpe was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major Sally McBride; also pictured are JSS Julia Evans and YPSM Deborah Moffett. – I. M.

BALLYMONEY: Elaine McKee was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Jane-Marie Cook. Elaine first came into contact with the Army through the midweek befriending drop-in. She felt welcome, made friends and accepted an invitation to a Sunday meeting.

Elaine now helps at the drop-in.

She chose Chris Tomlin’s version of ‘Amazing Grace’ as part of her testimony. – T. C.

HAROLD HILL: Kath Gow and Susanna Smith were welcomed as adherent members by corps leader Territorial Envoy Phil Goldsmith.

They spoke of how God had led them to the church family and their maturing faith within it. – P. G. ISLE OF WIGHT: Corps officers Captains Lillian and Rodney Bean welcomed Philip Coward as an adherent member and enrolled Anthony Hebditch as a soldier. Philip is a beaver leader of the 6th Newport Scout Group, who use the hall. He decided to worship with the corps and said he was warmly welcomed and now feels part of a big family.

Anthony had previously been a soldier but attended a Methodist church for many years. The Lord brought him back to the Army through playing in the band. – I. R.

SWANSEA: Major Gordon Atter enrolled Ieuan Jones as a soldier. Ieuan testified that, although he had been brought up in The Salvation Army, becoming a soldier was not a decision he made lightly. He felt that the time was right to commit himself further to God. Ieuan said that he was grateful to the youth group and the encouragement they had given him. He is pictured with Majors Agnes and Gordon Atter and his grandfather, Gordon Burridge, who held the flag. – G. A. Salvationist 15 June 2019

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O Divisional Envoys Carol and Duncan Starbuck, Boston WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Gordon and Avril Bell, Barrow-inFurness (20 June) O Majors James and Christine Smith (24 June) Golden O Majors Philip and Jean Packman (28 June) O Rtd SL Robert and Songster Hazel Foster, Leighton Buzzard (28 June) DEDICATED TO GOD O Zachary Leroy, son of Dave and Dawn Anderson, at Boston by Major Jayne Nicoll RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Myra Sercombe (80 on 22 June) O Colonel Irene Becker (80 on 25 June) BEREAVED O Gareth Whitehead, Hadleigh Temple, and Graham Whitehead, of their mother Major Audrey Whitehead O Major Brenda Jackson of her husband Major Ivor Jackson, Maureen Morgan, Linda Kilner and Paul Jackson, Rhyl, of their father

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Sheila Daglish, Burton-on-Trent, of her husband Ken O Ray Cooper, Burton-on-Trent, of his wife Joyce O Bandsman Alan Mitchell, Guisborough, of his brother Les O Georgina McDonald, Govan, of her husband James, Lynsey McNeil and Neil McDonald of their father

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PROMOTED TO GLORY O Songster Cissie Rankin, Cumbernauld O Gail Stewart, Tunstall

30 years O Major Maggie Cadogan, Chaplain, George Williams House, Fleetwood O Major Adrian Coupe, Shildon O Major Andrew Dunkinson, York O Major Carole Gadsden, Pokesdown O Major Ian Harris, Severn and Somerset DHQ O Major Jean Harris, Severn and Somerset DHQ O Major Paul Hilditch, William Booth College O Major David Lees, Service Manager, The Orchard Lifehouse, Bradford and Mission Service, THQ O Major Jeanette Lees, Service Manager, The Orchard Lifehouse, Bradford O Major Mark Price, East Midlands DHQ O Major Sarah Price, East Midlands DHQ O Major Fiona Sayer, Chaplain, Swan Lodge Lifehouse, Sunderland O Major Sally Spry, Hoxton

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory 25 years O Major Sandra Battle, Rayleigh O Major Stephen Battle, Rayleigh O Major Philippa Chagas, Brazil Territory O Major Heather Coles, Kirkcaldy O Major Denise Cooper, Llanelli O Major Claire Dickens, Chaplain, The Hawthorns Care Home, Buxton O Major Gareth Dickens, Macclesfield O Major Chris Herbert, Yorkshire South with Humber DHQ O Major Lin Herbert, Yorkshire South with Humber DHQ O Major Philip Howe, Cambridge Heath O Major Pamela-Jayne Johnson, Hereford O Major David Murray, Stockport Citadel

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Canada and Bermuda Territory (congress and Commissioning), Mon 17 Jun – Sun 24 O Croydon Citadel (150th corps anniversary), Sat Sun 30 O London (Commissioning weekend), Sat Sun 7 Jul THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O USA Eastern Territory (Commissioning), Wed 12 Jun – Tu 18 O Devon and Cornwall Division (fiesta), Sat Sun 30 O ICO (welcome to session), Th 11 Jul THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O William Booth College (Covenant Day), Wed 3 Jul O London (Commissioning weekend), Sat Sun 7 O William Booth College (Farewell Sunday), Sun 7 O ICO (welcome to session), Th 11 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O Luton (20th corps anniversary), Sun 23 Jun O William Booth College (Covenant Day) Wed 3 Jul O London (Commissioning weekend), Sat Sun 7 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: O Westminster (Commissioning), Sat 6 Jul

Major Norman Ord, Herts and Essex DHQ O Major Lindy Rose, Hendon and North London DHQ O Major Mark Rose, Hendon O Major Andrea Sawyer, Norwich Citadel O Major Mark Sawyer, Norwich Citadel O Major Elaine Turner, Fort William

35 years O Major Jillian Bartlett, Maesteg O Lieut-Colonel Mary Capsey, William Booth College O Major Christopher Connelly, Bellshill O Major Lynda Connelly, Bellshill O Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, Territorial Commander O Commissioner Gillian Cotterill, Territorial Leader for Leader Development O Major David Emery, Chaplain to the Welsh Assembly O Major David Evans, Communications Service, THQ O Major Peter Forrest, IHQ O Major Lynn Gibbs, Yorkshire South with Humber DHQ O Major Raelton Gibbs, Yorkshire South with Humber DHQ

facebook.com/salvationistonline twitter.com/@SalvationistUK

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Salvationist 15 June 2019

Major Teresa Harris, Southampton Shirley O Lieut-Colonel Ann Hawkins, Zambia THQ O Major Martin Hill, Central East DHQ O Major Derek Jones, Anglia DHQ O Major David Lennox, Great Yarmouth O Major Gladys Ljungholm, Chaplain, Salisbury House Lifehouse, St Helens O Major Judith Payne, Personnel Service, THQ O Major Karen Smith, Hastings Temple O Major Michael Stannett, France and Belgium Territory O Major Ruth Stannett, France and Belgium Territory O Major David Taylor, Central North DHQ O Commissioner Carol Telfer, Pakistan Territory O Commissioner Ivor Telfer, Pakistan Territory O

40 years O Lieut-Colonel Carol Bailey, East Scotland DHQ and Chief Secretary’s office, THQ O Major Lynne Collins, Merthyr Tydfil O Major Nigel Collins, Merthyr Tydfil O Major Margaret Fozzard, Exeter Temple O Major Deirdre Gibson, Personnel Service, THQ O Major Carole Harries, Personnel Service, THQ O Major Susan Pereira, Rochdale O Major Cora Joy Tucker, Paisley O Major Edwin Tucker, Chaplain, Greenock Floating Support Service and Rodney Street Lifehouse, Glasgow O Major Liliane Westlake, Bolton Citadel PROMOTIONS To major O Captain Barry Ashton, Tadley O Captain Matt Butler, Bognor Regis O Captain Sarah Butler, Bognor Regis O Captain Nigel Byrne, Newton Abbot O Captain Linda Charlton, Reading West O Captain Ray Charlton, Reading West O Captain Andrea Cooper, Homelessness Services Unit, THQ O Captain Lisa Goble, Redruth O Captain Karl Gray, Clapton and North London DHQ O Captain Ruth Gray, Clapton O Captain Paula Hubbard, Aberdare O Captain Dawn Lacey, Winsford O Captain Paula Layton, Risca

Captain Janine Lewis, Poole Captain Carole Tucker, Dundonald O Captain Gordon Tucker, Dundonald O Captain Katherine Ward, Parkgate O O

RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 June O Major Ian Fawcett and Major Barbara Fawcett (née Bullock) out of Grangetown in 1985 and last appointment Consett O Major Edwin Tucker out of Clydebank in 1979 and last appointment Chaplain, Greenock Floating Support Service and Rodney Street Lifehouse, Glasgow ANTHONY COTTERILL, Commissioner, Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES KENNETH HEWARD, WORTHING BORN in 1929, Ken attended Penge from childhood, as had generations of his family, including his great-grandfather, Commissioner John Carleton.

A skilful musician and loyal local officer, Kenneth was bandmaster at Penge before moving to Worthing in 1967 where, having held other commissions, he retired as corps treasurer.

After the promotion to Glory of his first wife, Gwen, who suffered a fall during music leaders councils at William Booth College in 1998, Ken presented the sessional flag to the Ambassadors of Grace Session in her memory. He later married Aux-Captain Sheila Potter.

Generously supporting overseas projects, Kenneth sponsored the work at the Cayambe Day Care Centre for the Aged in Ecuador, even making the arduous journey to visit when in his mid-seventies.

His whole family – children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – miss him deeply, as do friends at home and abroad.

A strong faith, keen mind and loving nature marked his life. – G. H.

JOHN NEVILLE, AYLSHAM JOHN was born in 1939 into a Salvationist family and attended Coltishall. He progressed through the YP band to the senior band and songsters; he also formed a rhythm group. He held local officer positions as deputy songster leader and corps secretary.

John stopped attending the Army but he remained interested and never lost his faith in God. A few years ago he was asked to help out Aylsham Band by playing an instrument. He gradually started attending the corps and was welcomed as an adherent member, and then enrolled as a soldier.

As well as being a fully committed soldier and bandsman, John did many practical jobs at the corps. He was promoted to Glory after a full and active day at the Army.

John’s family and corps members miss him in many different ways, especially his friendliness and sense of humour. – S. B. AUDREY PARKINS, SOUTHPORT AUDREY was born in Oldham in 1931 to the Loveless family.

At the age of 19 she married Donald Dyer at Oldham Citadel, enjoying 48 years of married life until Donald was promoted to Glory in 1999.

They had two daughters, Jane and Julie, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Audrey held many jobs during her working life, including working with disabled children for Barnardo’s Homes, as a sheltered housing warden and working in residential homes. These gave her the opportunity to express her Christian beliefs.

In 2008 Audrey married Kenneth Parkins, and they moved to Birkenhead Corps. This was followed by a move to Southport in 2017.

Audrey and Ken became popular worshippers at the corps, and all were saddened to learn of Audrey’s terminal illness, which she bore with great fortitude, always smiling while drawing heavily on her lifelong faith. – G. M. Salvationist 15 June 2019

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Salvationist 15 June 2019

22-23

‘ Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army!

We’ve asked various people to tell us about themselves. This week…

MAJOR NEIL McFERRAN (Chaplain, Sir Samuel Kelly Memorial Care Home, Holywood) How did you first come into contact with the Army?

A couple of friends from the Army, who I met at secondary school, invited me to their corps. That is where my journey of faith began.

Knowing Jesus better is the ultimate goal in my life. Everything else falls into second place

If you could meet any celebrity, who would you choose?

Eric Cantona. He is a genius footballer!

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

I need God’s daily supply of grace.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

Walking!

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?

Love.

What made you want to become an officer?

I did not want to become an officer, but God had his way and won! I am glad he did!

What one thing would you change about the Army?

The Movement is changing all the time.

I can’t keep up!

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Anywhere with a swimming pool, scenery and history.

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

A James Bond film. I would love to play 007 or maybe a villain!

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?

I’d ask Moses, ‘How did you keep so patient with the Israelites over 40 years?’

If you could rid the world of one thing what would it be?

Greed.

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

Anybody who is prepared to be handcuffed to me!

If you could invent a gadget, what would it be?

A gadget that would eradicate human suffering.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

Any books by the Rev Richard Coles or the Rev Dave Tomlinson.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

Meeting people and ministering to them.

I have met all kinds of people from various walks of life. … and the most frustrating?

Sometimes people’s lack of understanding of what chaplaincy is all about.

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What do you do in your spare time?

Relax, read, walk (usually with my dog) or listen to music. I also watch football, rugby and cricket.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be?

‘Alive And Kicking’ by Simple Minds.

What languages do you speak?

‘Norn Iron’ (Northern Ireland). We are a unique people!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Never lose your sense of humour.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

Flares!

What do you consider to be the most valuable thing in your life?

My wife and children.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?

An album by Blondie.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death’ (Philippians 3:10). Knowing Jesus better is the ultimate goal in my life.

Everything else falls into second place.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘My Life Must Be Christ’s Broken Bread’

by Albert Orsborn (SASB 610).