18 minute read
Quotes from the media
Half of all children in lone-parent families are now living in relative poverty, according to exclusive research that shows how a decade of … cuts to benefits has left single parents among the most exposed to soaring inflation…
The vast majority of the 1.8 million lone-parent families in Britain – almost nine out of 10 – are headed by women. Together, they are raising 3.1 million children – more than a fifth of all children…
Relative poverty is defined as having an income of less than 60 per cent of the national median, adjusted for household size. For single parents, this measure of poverty rose by nine percentage points between 2013–14 and 2019–20 to reach 49 per cent…
Figures from the charity Child Poverty Action Group show there were 3.9 million children living in poverty in the UK last year…
With households across the country facing the worst inflationary shock since the 1980s, charities warned that single mothers were suffering a heavier toll from soaring energy prices and the rising cost of a weekly shop. Victoria Benson, the chief executive of Gingerbread, the charity for single-parent families, said: ‘The pandemic and the cost of living crisis have made their lives much worse, and the welfare system just doesn’t provide the necessary level of support.’
The Guardian
CHRISTIAN CHARITY HEAD WELCOMES UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME TRIAL FOR BASIC INCOME TRIAL FOR CARE LEAVERS IN WALES
The head of a Christian children’s charity is welcoming the idea of a universal basic income for teenagers leaving care.
From [1 July], care leavers in Wales will be given £1600 a month to help support them… Around 500 18-yearolds will receive the monthly payment as part of a two-year pilot scheme.
The Welsh government hopes the guaranteed income will help them overcome challenges such as the threat of homelessness...
Ian Soars is CEO of Spurgeons which works with vulnerable families, children and young people. He [said] this could also encourage churches to provide more support for teenagers leaving care...
Premier
SMALLER CHURCHES HAVE RECOVERED MORE AFTER LOCKDOWNS THAN LARGER ONES, EASTER LARGER ONES, EASTER DATA SUGGESTS
Smaller churches have recovered more than larger ones from the effect of Covid lockdowns on attendance, a study published by the Church Pastoral Aid Society (Cpas), based on figures this Easter, suggests.
Data [was] submitted immediately after Easter by four dioceses – Lichfield, Oxford, Canterbury, and Rochester – and analysed by Dr Bev Botting, a former head of research and statistics for the national church institutions… Churches with more than 200 people in 2019 had only 69 per cent of their 2019 attendance, but the smallest churches, with fewer than 25 in the congregation, averaged 188 per cent. This was true in each of the four dioceses.
Church Times
PRINCE CHARLES: WORLD AT CROSSROADS BETWEEN LIBERALISM AND TOTALITARIANISM
The world stands at a ‘crossroads between totalitarian and liberal societies’, Prince Charles has said, declaring that freedom of religion is a right that must be ‘embedded’ in all areas of life including on social media.
The Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi and the foreign secretary were among dignitaries to address the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief in London … which gathered more than 500 ministers and faith leaders from 60 countries...
Prince Charles added: ‘Where there is discrimination, we know only too well there is disempowerment, darkness and division. Throughout a large part of my life, the ethnic, cultural and religious diversity which makes up modern Britain and the Commonwealth has been close to my heart.’
The Times
SALVATIONIST SALVATIONIST
salvationist.org.uk/media/magazine Issue No 1867
EDITOR EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
MANAGINGEDITOR MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIALASSISTANTS EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey
ARTDIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHICDESIGNERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER 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.
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020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. FOUNDER FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL GENERAL Brian Peddle
TERRITORIALCOMMANDER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
EDITOR-IN-CHIEFANDPUBLISHINGSECRETARY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY
Major Mal Davies
TERRITORIALHEADQUARTERS TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS
101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101
MAKING CONNECTIONS
THE BBC recently suggested that budget cuts might affect the production and content of Songs of Praise. Over the years the programme has visited communities across the UK, brought Christians together in a local church and filmed them singing hymns of all types. As the budget gets tighter the number of such visits could be reduced. This has raised various concerns. For example, The Times highlighted comments by Hugh Morris, director of the Royal School of Church Music: ‘He urged the BBC to consider Songs of Praise’s importance as a “focal point” to bring local communities together.’
This weekend the Salvation Army community will have its own focal point to bring people together. Salvationists from across the territory will gather in Birmingham for Together 2022. They will be able to experience worship, teaching, music and sport – and recommit themselves to God’s mission in their own communities.
The Commissioning of the Messengers of Reconciliation is an important element of the weekend. During their training they will have been reminded of the significance of their sessional name – wherever they are appointed there will be people who need to be reconciled to God and to one another. Four members of the session share their testimonies in this week’s Salvationist.
Two officers in their early years, Lieutenants Emily and Joel Watson, share how they have connected with their communities in Teddington and Twickenham. They began selling the Army papers on the streets and soon found it was a valuable ministry. ‘It’s such a privilege to be able to be present, listen to people and potentially pray with them,’ says Emily.
In an article summarising her degree dissertation Captain Emma Newton looks at how Messy Church and Godly Play help children and families ‘join in God’s creativity’. She suggests that there could also be an element of playfulness in congregational worship, enabling people to connect with God more freely.
Major Mal Davies introduces a new book, Reflections. Featuring quotes and images from the back page of the War Cry, along with his own devotional thoughts, he hopes the book will be a way to help us connect with people and encourage conversations about faith.
Communities depend on strong connections and a sense of togetherness in order to be healthy. That doesn’t mean we always sing from the same hymn sheet – there will be differences in opinion and approach. But there should be a common emphasis on values that promote personal and social flourishing – values such as truthfulness, integrity and a concern for others, especially the marginalised. As Christians we have a vital part to play. We are all called to be messengers of reconciliation – living out the values of the Kingdom of God and helping others to find peace with him and to live in harmony with one another.
AND FINALLY...
After almost five years as editor of Salvationist this is my last issue. It’s been my privilege to work with a terrific team producing the paper each week and with all the corps press representatives and contributors who send us material for publication. Having worked for more than two years with the new editor, Major Mal Davies, I know that Salvationist will be in good hands as it continues its ministry of informing and inspiring everyone linked to The Salvation Army.
LIEUT-COLONEL JONATHAN ROBERTS
Editor Salvationist
CONTENTS
Quotes from the media 2
News 4 to 8
Prayer matters 8
Mission and the pandemic 9 Adopting a trauma-informed approach
by Amy Quinn-Graham
Interview 10 and 11 Heralding a positive paper ministry
Lieutenants Emily and Joel Watson talk to Emily Bright
Cadet testimonies 12 and 13
Stepping out with a message of reconciliation
Feature 14
Worshipping through play
by Captain Emma Newton
Interview 15
From cover to cover
Major Mal Davies talks to Emily Bright
Bible study 16 and 17
In the strength of the Lord
by Major Mal Davies
Through the week with Salvationist
by Major Howard Webber
16 and 17
Poetry corner 18
Read with us 18
Called to Be a Soldier: Chapter 11
Reflection 19
Give thanks
by Major John Waters
Reflection 19
Lifted by Love
by Brian Colley
New commitments 20 and 21
Announcements 22
Adverts 23
The Salvation Army and me 24
featuring Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
FRONT-PAGE PICTURE Andrew King Photography
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
INTERNATIONAL
UKRAINE
WITH the conflict in Ukraine showing no signs of ending, Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers are continuing to play a vital role in supporting those affected.
While much of the world’s attention is focused on towns and cities in Ukraine under attack, other parts of the country are having to deal with an influx of refugees as millions seek safety away from their homes. It is estimated that up to 15 million people have been forced to flee.
Kropyvnytskyi, located in central Ukraine, is one such place and Salvation Army officers there are leading the way in assisting the new arrivals.
Captains Daniil and Valeriya Lukin from Kropyvnytskyi Corps, Lieutenant Tetiana Popova from Noviy and Captains Dmitry and Daria Bessmolny from Dnipro are heading up the response.
War is nothing new to the five officers who were also called into action in 2014 when the Crimea peninsular was invaded.
Captain Daniil said: ‘Our experience in 2014 meant we could understand how we could be useful to the community and how we could help people. When the war started, we gathered together with the whole church to decide our plans. We knew people would need food, washing facilities and a place to sleep.’
‘Faith is very important at this difficult time,’ said Captain Dimitry. ‘Without God and our faith, we wouldn’t be able to do as much as we are doing.’
‘At the beginning of the war a big wave of refugees needed a place to sleep,’ explained Lieutenant Tetiana. ‘Now people are slowly coming back home. People will need support from us for a long time yet.’ – AR INTERNATIONAL
International leaders inspire Nordic nations
NORWAY, ICELAND AND THE FÆROES
A NINE-DAY journey by General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle across the territory began in the Icelandic capital Reykjavík. After being welcomed by president Guðni Th Jóhannesson, the international leaders met volunteers, employees and customers at the Hertex shop, which sells pre-owned items.
The following day the General enrolled 31 soldiers in Reykjavik Corps hall. Since opening during the Covid-19 pandemic, the hall has become a hub for the community, providing a homework club for schoolchildren.
In the Færoe Islands, the international leaders visited Herbergið, a rehabilitation centre in the capital city Tórshavn. Later they headed to Eiði, a former Viking settlement in the north that is home to the Army’s rehabilitation centre for young adults, which is the only one in the country. Young people deemed at risk were previously sent to Denmark for treatment but now can receive help in their own country.
A Spirit-filled occasion took place when the international leaders, territorial leadership and a group of singers and musicians from Tórshavn Corps shared a meal on a farm in Kirkjubøur, which hosts the ruins of 14th-century St Magnus Cathedral.
The international leaders ended their tour in Norway, where they witnessed a broad range of social programmes and led a meeting in Stavanger. In Oslo they led Pentecost Sunday worship. Preaching on the work of the Holy Spirit from the original Pentecost through to today, the General challenged the congregation to have ‘a personal experience and engagement with the Holy Spirit’. – AR
EVENT
Members of Merthyr Tydfil’s parent-and-toddler group and Cameo club join a fun-filled Messy Church morning themed Queen Esther
£1,090
raised in charity skydive
SEE PAGE 5
135
years of ministry
SEE PAGE 7
10,000
families helped in USA Central
SEE PAGE 8
COMMUNITY
Corps provides warm welcome for Ukrainian refugees
SUTTON
THE corps has set up a weekly drop-in for Ukrainians to meet up with each other.
Gill Bonner, who co-ordinates the drop-in, said: ‘It is a place for people to meet, whether they are newly arrived guests, staying with families or Ukrainians who have already lived here for some time. They come together to relax, share information and experiences and to speak Ukrainian.’
The service is also an opportunity for the refugee families to find out about English lessons and how they can access places such as banks and schools.
A local Ukrainian resident who translates at the drop-in said: ‘This is great because they can meet each other and are given so much useful information, which is what they need right now. They are very happy to come here because they can bring their children and are given toys and school uniforms. Most of all they get a warm welcome and develop friendships.’
Some Ukrainians hosted in the area are already working, while others have multiple needs and have struggled to get their children into a school. One child had secured a place, but the uniform was unaffordable. The team of volunteers at the drop-in managed to provide a uniform the next day. – AR
ECUMENICAL FUNDRAISING
GREAT YARMOUTH Community manager Harry Woods took a leap of faith with a charity skydive, raising £1,090 to support the corps ministry and community outreach. Harry said: ‘I was keen to do something big and bold to raise awareness of The Salvation Army as so much more than a charity doing amazing community and social work.’ – LW
ST ALBANS To raise much-needed funds to help meet rising need in the city, corps officer Lieutenant Wan Gi Lee joined former BBC correspondent Bill Hamilton, Aubrey Foddering and John Smith on a 100-mile sponsored cycle ride through Normandy. Not content to sit back, the London Central Fellowship Band held a concert at St Alban and St Stephen Catholic church. The two events raised a combined total of more than £2,500. – BH
LURGAN The band provided music for thousands who attended the annual Lurgan and District Horse and Cattle Show. Volunteers were on hand to speak to passers-by and hand out packs containing Salvation Army papers, sweets and information regarding corps activities. – GW
DUNSTABLE The band accompanied hymns at the annual Whipsnade Tree Cathedral Service. The idea of building a cathedral with trees was the vision of Edmund Blyth, who conceived it as a legacy in memory of two friends who died in the March retreat of 1918 during the First World War. – JB
PRESENTATION
CONSETT Former corps officer Major Ian Patrick presented Songster Leader Brian Kirkup with a retirement certificate, 33 years after Major Ian first commissioned him in the role. A celebration tea was attended by family and songsters in recognition of Brian’s hard work and dedication. Corps officer Major Ian McCredie also commissioned Deputy Songster Leader Ruth Marklew as songster leader along with Major Barbara Fawcett as songster sergeant and Kimberley Houchen as songster librarian. – HM OUTREACH
ANNIVERSARY
NORWICH MILE CROSS The fellowship met to celebrate the 85th corps anniversary, a ministry that began with a group of Salvationists from Norwich Castle Corps. Renewing their focus on the Army’s message and the power of an individual in fellowship with other Christians, the corps considered what could be done to make a difference in the community. They celebrated the ministry of Daphne and Trevor Middleton, who for many years have been the face of the Army. In the meeting, Daphne retired from leading the parent-and-toddler group, knowing that many people on the Mile Cross estate have experienced her care and kindness, as the children have grown up and in turn had their own children. Trevor became a member of the band as a young child, serving for well over 70 years. The Norwich Evening News picked up the story of Trevor’s lifelong ministry and, at the end of the article, the editor explained the history and purpose of the Army. This in turn was picked up by The Sun, which reprinted a shorter article about Trevor’s Christian ministry. – PR
PRESENTATION
Major Phil Layton (Upper Norwood) presents Acting Bandmaster John Clarke with a certificate of service recognising his 13 years in the role INTERNATIONAL
Queen Máxima opens Majoor Bosshardthuis facility
THE NETHERLANDS
QUEEN Máxima of the Netherlands officially opened The Salvation Army’s Majoor Bosshardthuis (Major Bosshardt House) in Amsterdam. The ceremony recognised the work of Lieut-Colonel Alida Bosshardt, whose half-a-century of ministry in the Amsterdam red-light district was renowned across the country. A former home of De Majoor (‘the Major’) – as she was known even after being promoted to lieut-colonel – the building is where she sheltered and supported vulnerable people from the city centre.
The Majoor Bosshardthuis facility aims to inspire people not only by showing De Majoor’s life and ministry but also by sharing some of the work in which the Army is still engaged in the country.
Before receiving a tour of the house, Queen Máxima spoke with several people who had been supported by Salvation Army services and visited the community centre housed on the building’s first floor. – MB
ARMY NEWS REMEMBRANCE
Picture: Ryan Miller/McLaren Group
DENMARK HILL Construction remains on schedule at the new THQ. The structural frame was completed in June, external concrete works are complete and firstfix supports for the external cladding are being installed. More than 90 per cent of the construction has been procured, which has helped to minimise the impact of the uncertain economic conditions and gives some certainty to deliveries being on time as needed. The mechanical and electrical works will start shortly inside the building, getting air conditioning and electrical ducts in place while the cladding is being installed. A long dry summer is expected to enable the building to become watertight at the end of the year, when a topping out ceremony is planned. – AJ Risca Bandmaster Adrian Browning sounds the Last Post at the town cenotaph to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict
LIFEHOUSE
BOOTH LIFEHOUSE Recent donations from JMT Training Centre enabled the Lifehouse in Grimsby to develop its first community shop. Residents have the opportunity to choose the goods they would like, which helps promote independence and choice. – RR
ANNIVERSARY
CLOWNE Divisional leaders Major Brian Slinn and Major Liv Raegevik-Slinn led the 135th corps anniversary meetings. Major Brian reflected on his coming to faith in nearby Bolsover as a teenager and soldier Val Straw remembered those days in her testimony, thanking the majors for their years of service and support to the corps. Majors Brian and Liv are pictured holding memorabilia, including a piece of the mercy seat from the former Bolsover Corps hall. – GH
ANNIVERSARY
Long Eaton corps folk share a celebration cake made by Pam Smith as they say farewell to divisional leaders Majors Brian Slinn and Liv RaegevikSlinn, who have soldiered at the corps
PRESENTATION
Bandsman Raymond Jackson celebrates 70 years of service at Dunstable CARLISLE The magnificent Carlisle Cathedral provided the backdrop for the installation of three honorary ecumenical canons within the county of Cumbria. All were nominated in recognition of their contributions to the life of the Church across the county at the invitation of the Right Rev James Newcombe, bishop of Carlisle. Family, friends and colleagues, including Divisional Commander Major David Taylor, gathered in support as each received their honour. Pictured from left to right are the Rev Andrew Dodd (president, Churches Together in Cumbria), Captain Hilary Borthwick (Kendal and Millom and co-leader, Helm Mission Community) and the Rev Dr James Tebbutt (chair, Cumbria District of the Methodist Church). – MS
PRESENTATION
UPPER NORWOOD The 135th corps anniversary was led by former corps officer Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main. The celebrations commenced with an informal event on Saturday evening where corps members brought guests. Sixty-five people enjoyed a buffet supper, with the band and songsters taking part. Throughout the evening, corps officer Major Karen Layton invited everyone to introduce themselves and Colonel Jenine spoke on the theme A Changing Army, before leading a time of devotion. Sunday morning worship considered aspects of God from Psalm 33 in addition to testimonies from corps members Phil Edwards and Paul Rigby. The morning was crowned by two people kneeling in dedication at the meeting’s close. – RC PRESENTATION
Divisional Commander Major Brian Slinn presents Major Rudi Bruinewoud with a retirement certificate at Louth, recognising his 41 years of service Divisional Commander Major Brian Slinn presents a certificate of appreciation to Ann Burgess thanking her for many years of loyal service as bereavement card co-ordinator at Clowne
Salvationist wants to hear your news
Corps press representatives can email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures may be included.
