11 minute read
The General’s Christmas message
(Colossians 1:17)
WHAT a year 2021 has been! In these past 12 months our world has continued to face up to the challenge and reality of the Covid-19 pandemic, dealing with illness and death, as well as recovery strategies and vaccination programmes.
In contrast there was the welcome relief of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which provided positive engagement, something to enjoy and an opportunity to celebrate our countries’ achievements.
Of course, we have also witnessed both natural and manmade disasters and tragedies – wildfires in different countries, the assassination of a president, hurricanes and storms – each presenting significant challenges. In recent months the Taliban has retaken control of Afghanistan, with people fleeing the country, concerns about the education of women, the potential return to the ways of former regimes and the loss of any semblance of democracy.
In such tumultuous times where, or to whom, do we turn? Hebrews 13:8 tells us that we turn to Jesus, who is the same ‘yesterday and today and for ever’, while Colossians 1:17 describes him as the one in whom ‘all things hold together’ and Revelation 22:13 as ‘the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End’.
We need to turn to the one who is wiser than we are, more compassionate than we are, more powerful than we are, who is both transcendent yet with us and who is present in the midst of the tumult and chaos with its resultant personal cost – because, as we read in Psalm 23 and in Matthew 11:28, he invites us to rest. If ever there is a time to turn to Jesus it is at Christmas, when we pause to remember and celebrate his birth, his incarnation and his becoming Immanuel, God with us.
What does all this mean? It means there is hope! It means we are not on our own. It means we have someone who can restore our souls when we are weary; someone who can give us rest when we are tired; someone who can provide an eternal perspective when the immediate is all-consuming; someone who holds us and our world together when we and it are falling apart.
That truly is something worth celebrating this Christmastime. Why would we not want to get to know someone like Jesus?
If your relationship with Jesus has been neglected for a while, Christmas represents an opportune time for it to be reconnected, reignited. And if you don’t know him already, Christmastime is also an opportunity to meet Jesus for the first time – to invite him into your heart and life as Saviour and friend.
Commissioner Rosalie joins me in wishing you a happy Christmas and God’s blessings during this holy season.
Editor’s note: Events reported took place before the current Covid-19 restrictions.
EVENT PRESENTATION ANNIVERSARY
Crowned at the ladies’ divisional retreat
YORKSHIRE SOUTH WITH HUMBER
A DIVERSE group of 70 women came together for the divisional ladies’ retreat held at Hellaby Hall Hotel.
The theme was Every Crown Has a Story. Divisional Leader for Leader Development Major Lynn Gibbs led worship on Sunday, when the women were reminded that they were children of God – daughters of the King of kings.
The ladies created crowns and adorned them with gems and stones before reflecting on the question: ‘Every crown has a story, what is yours?’ They were encouraged to take photographs in a photo booth to help them see that they really were children of the King.
Guest speaker Major Estelle Blake (Oldham Fitton Hill) led the women through the biblical story of Esther and Queen Vashti. In another session she shared something of her anti-trafficking work. Through her life and faith experiences she was able to raise awareness of human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
Later in the day Major Lynn led the final worship session. The women each shared their own story regarding the crown they wore and their relationship with their heavenly Father.
After a day in which God’s presence had been felt in many ways, the women enjoyed a fellowship meal and were sent out with these words: ‘Who do you say I am? I’m a child of God, yes I am!’ – LG
MEETING
DERBY CENTRAL CSM Dennis Handley received a retirement certificate from corps officer Major Anthony Colclough after 62 years’ service as a local officer, which commenced with his appointment as assistant YP band leader at Derby Temple. Words of tribute were shared and Dennis was presented with gifts from the corps to be shared with his wife, Val, who has supported him through his years of service. Pictured are corps officer Major Jill Colclough, Val, Dennis and Major Anthony. – AC
Merthyr Tydfil corps officer Major Catherine Rand presents Derek and Corps Secretary / Songster Leader Pam Brill with certificates as they join the Fellowship of the Silver Star following the commissioning of Lieutenant Dean Brill (Malton)
Territorial leaders join 135th corps anniversary celebrations
GAINSBOROUGH
TERRITORIAL leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill led the 135th corps anniversary weekend.
During a tea on the Saturday evening, Commissioner Gill cut a celebration cake. Guest soloists Songster Leader Sue Blyth and her daughter, Songster Abigail Johnson (both Peterborough Citadel), delighted everyone with three sessions of solos and duets. Two soldiers also shared their testimonies.
In a Q&A session, corps members later asked the territorial leaders about different aspects of the Army.
On Sunday the TC and Commissioner Gill led a challenging morning meeting centred on Zechariah chapter 8. Several members of the congregation responded to the commissioners’ appeal. – PH
CHRISTMAS C
EXETER TEMPLE Salvationists and members of the community gathered for a Christmas Temple Praise meeting. Divisional Envoy Malcolm Camp-Richards spoke about being thankful that God did not cancel his plans that first Christmas and kept his promise to send Jesus. Guest vocal soloist Staff Songster Nicola Collings, cornet soloist CSM Nicholas Walton and the band and songsters provided music, interspersed with Bible readings and Christmas poems. – JW
WELWYN GARDEN CITY As the corps returned to in-person worship, corps folk were asked to make and bring a sheep to represent how many may have felt like a lost sheep during the Covid-19 lockdowns. The sheep were distributed among the congregation to remind them that they are united as the family of God. – DW
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Christmas comes to parliament
WESTMINSTER
AN ensemble from the International Staff Band played ‘Christmas Joy’ and ‘A Starry Night’ as Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, with Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main, joined invited guests at the parliamentary carol service.
Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons the Rev Tricia Hillas greeted everyone and set the scene with words from 17th-century poet Richard Crashaw: ‘Great little one, whose all-embracing birth,/ Lifts Earth to Heaven, stoops Heaven to Earth.’
The reality of those words was emphasised with verses from Isaiah 9, Luke 2 and John 1, which were read by Kitty Donaldson, political editor of Bloomberg News, the TC and Canon Pat Browne from the Roman Catholic parish of Pimlico, who is the Catholic chaplain to the Houses of Parliament. Other readings included excerpts from Laurie Lee’s Cider with Rosie read by Black Rod Sarah Clarke and Wordsworth’s The River Duddon read by Helen Wood, the Speaker’s secretary.
Speaker of the House of Commons the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP and the Lord Speaker Lord McFall of Alcluith brought words of seasonal greeting, thanked those who had taken part and acknowledged the work of The Salvation Army.
The Chief Secretary read a short closing reflection written by Howard Thurman pointing to ‘The birth of a child linking past to future,/ The symbol of love absorbing all violence.’
A Christmas blessing was pronounced by the Rev Tricia Hillas before the ISB ensemble, which accompanied the evening’s carols, concluded the service with the march ‘Christmas Praise’. – JR
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Hadleigh Temple Band plays carols in Sloane Square, London, in partnership with Chelsea Corps
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SALISBURY The band provided music for the launch of Christmas in the Square in the city centre. A member of the council events team had purchased a bike from the corps Re-Cycles project, which led to the invitation to play carols at the event. Hundreds heard the band with many children singing and dancing along. The corps hopes this will become an annual occurrence. – MD
ANTI-TRAFFICKING
READING LOWER EARLEY The Christmas fayre was a great success, with a steady stream of people of all ages picking up some bargains. Stalls included homemade arts and crafts, bric-a-brac, toys, books, bottles, jars, toiletries and nearly new clothes, along with face painting and Christmas card making for the children. A refreshment option was available for everyone to enjoy throughout the day. – RC ENFIELD Enfield council's modern slavery team completed a 10km walk to raise funds for The Salvation Army and its work supporting survivors of modern slavery. Members of the council’s modern slavery board are pictured with corps officers Majors Glenn and Sharen Furlong and Anti-Trafficking Response Co-ordinator Ellen Lennox (THQ). – MG
ARMY NEWS
ANNIVERSARY
Corps celebrates 135 years with hub reopening
MAIDENHEAD
THE corps celebrated 135 years of ministry with a weekend of mission and activity, including the reopening of its community hub.
The weekend was led by Lieut-Colonels Bev and Drew McCombe (THQ) and included open-air ministry in the town centre, creating an opportunity to connect with people in the community.
The visiting leaders then opened the refurbished hub and reception at the corps building, which creates space for welcome, hospitality and ministry through a community café and other activities.
During the afternoon people from the community stepped in for refreshments and to look at pictures and videos of the past 135 years of the Army in the town.
The evening featured a celebration festival with the sections and friends taking part. This included the songsters, band and timbrelists, alongside testimony and individual items of celebration.
The Sunday celebration focused on God’s faithfulness. A corps meal followed and Lieut-Colonel Drew led a Bible study on Ephesians chapter 4. – JM
CHRISTMAS
Army trials NAPpads to tackle homelessness
YORK
THE Salvation Army is piloting an innovative form of pop-up accommodation for rough sleepers in York.
The NAPpad (night-time accommodation project) uses microwave technology to ensure rough sleepers seeking shelter are safe.
The pads, designed by Protectal Ltd with The Salvation Army, provide temporary accommodation to help people who are finding it difficult to get off the streets. They are fitted with non-invasive sensors to detect whether someone has stopped breathing so that emergency services can be alerted, giving responders vital minutes to save a life. The sensors are based on technology used to combat sudden infant death syndrome.
The pilot is supported by City of York council, which has temporarily provided land for the scheme and support for those using the pads.
Assistant Director for Homelessness Services Malcolm Page (pictured) said: ‘Sadly, most rough sleepers have multiple health problems as sleeping on the streets is dangerous and tough on the body, so these pads mean we can keep people safe as well as warm and dry. A key element in our “trauma-informed” approach, they provide dignified sanctuary from the streets for people who may be suffering from mental health issues.
‘The pads offer an informal setting to meet with our support team to explore more permanent housing and support options.’
With an energy-efficient heating and water system, each NAPpad can keep someone safe using the same amount of energy per night as a domestic light bulb. They can be moved to different locations to meet need.
The NAPpads provide accommodation at the moment of need. Referrals can be made via the York Early Intervention and Prevention hub or through referral agencies. – AR
NORFOLK The Toys and Tins Appeal has been preparing gifts, food and toys to distribute to families in need this Christmas. In partnership with BBC Radio Norfolk, the appeal is supported by public donations. Major Rosemarie Williams, co-ordinator of the county-wide appeal, paid tribute to the volunteers, who have been busy sorting and packing the donated items. ‘The need is opening up before us,’ she said. ‘We are only able to do this because of the generosity of the public in donating toys and tins and also via our JustGiving page. We are so grateful to all businesses and individuals who support our work.’ – AR PRESENTATION
After 38 years of faithful, fruitful service at Maidenhead, Graham Gray retires as songster leader; corps officer Major John Mclean presented Graham with a certificate of retirement along with gifts for him and his wife
