SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army
No.1739 Price 70p
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 18 January 2020
Making Connections Together in worship and mission
QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
TOP EARNERS HAVE ALREADY POCKETED AVERAGE SALARY FOR 2020 Low pay is ‘scandalous’ and the greatest social evil, the Bishop of Burnley, the Right Rev Philip North, has said, after research showed that FTSE 100 bosses would earn the average annual UK wage in a matter of days. A report, published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the think tank the High Pay Centre… shows that FTSE 100 chief executives starting work on Thursday 2 January would, by 5 pm the following Monday, have earned above the average UK wage of £29,559… Bishop North said: ‘We have full employment, but we still have hunger, food banks operating and poverty. There is something fundamentally deeply unjust with the way that workers are being treated. ‘It’s low pay, but also the gig economy, and zero-hour contracts…’ Bishop North continued: ‘It is increasingly obvious that the impact of that [low pay] is poverty, and it’s scandalous.’ He said that food banks could be put ‘out of business’ in five years with ‘fair pay and fair benefits’… Christians ‘must’ speak to the issue of low pay, he said. ‘How many of Jesus’ parables spoke from the marketplace? Jesus offers life in all its fullness... Social inequality is eating away at the fabric of society.’ Church Times
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 ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
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Salvationist 18 January 2020
BIBLE 2020 CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES TO ENGAGE ‘EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE’ IN GOD’S WORD
DISINVESTORS OFFER THEIR GIFT MOST RARE
A major digital campaign has launched… to encourage ‘everyone, everywhere’ to read the Bible. Bible 2020 delivers a daily reading plan via the app, with users being invited to film themselves reading the Scripture passages and post their footage to a global video wall… Bible 2020 is an initiative of the Scottish Bible Society with the aim of Christians taking the words of the Bible off the pages and speaking them out loud in their daily lives. The Scottish Bible Society said that while the increasing smartphone use could be seen as encouraging individualism and isolation, it can also be a force for good in bringing communities together.
Twenty Christian organisations in the UK, including churches, dioceses and synods, have agreed to disinvest from fossil fuels as part of the Epiphany Declaration for Fossil Free Churches. The declaration was drafted in November by the Christian campaign group Operation Noah as part of its campaign Bright Now. It encouraged churches across the denominations to combat climate change by disinvesting on the feast of the Epiphany… ‘This is a powerful action that your church can take to respond to the climate emergency and highlight the need for urgent action,’ the organisers said. Any church could ‘make a powerful statement by pledging not to invest in fossil fuels in the future’.
Christian Today
Church Times
BRITAIN LEADS FALL IN EUROPEAN DIVORCE RATES Divorce rates across Europe are continuing to fall. That was the finding of a new report from the Marriage Foundation, using data from Eurostat. The United Kingdom has experienced the biggest fall in divorce rates across Europe over the past 25 years. Couples here marrying in 1992 had an actual divorce rate of 30.7 per cent during the first 15 years of their marriage – the third highest rate out of the 20 countries surveyed. A decade later, for UK couples marrying in 2002, this rate had fallen to 28.1 per cent. For those who married in 2017, the projected divorce rate is 22.5 per cent. According to the research, divorce rates are overall higher in Scandinavia and Northern Europe (with Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Belgium and Denmark heading up the table) whereas Catholic countries generally have the lowest divorce rates (with the exception of Spain). The Church of England Newspaper
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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Malcolm Davies
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CONTENTS
STRONGER TOGETHER IN December 1997 Salvationist published a series of essays on the theme ‘Do you see what I see?’ which looked ahead to 2020 and envisaged what the Army might look like. Now that 2020 is here we have republished one of those essays, with another to follow next month. Captain Jenny Dibsdall’s original article is on pages 12 and 13, followed by her present-day reflections on page 14. Back in 1997 she looked at how the Army could develop its worship, outreach and community work to be relevant in a changing society. It’s fascinating to see how much of her vision has been realised, and challenging to consider what still needs to be done. Jenny also commented on the Army’s ecumenical relationships: ‘We need to learn to work more closely with other denominations.’ Many corps have learnt to do that, and at the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18–25 January) Salvationist includes two examples. On page 9 Captain Caroline Heward writes about an exciting partnership in Leeds. As mission development officer for the Copper Beech housing project she started networking in her community. She soon discovered a Christian fellowship looking for somewhere to hold their Bible study and invited them to use Copper Beech. Later, they began holding their Sunday worship there. This has now developed into a formal ecumenical partnership with the Army. As they worship and work together God is clearly blessing their unity. Eleanor Laming describes another type of partnership on pages 10 and 11: the Parish Visiting Service in Norwich, which seeks to support people in the community by listening, befriending, praying, offering spiritual support and signposting them to other services. The ecumenical aspect of the service is key to its success. ‘There is much to be gained from learning about different approaches to faith and mission,’ Eleanor writes. Christian unity has come a long way in the past 100 years. The ecumenical movement was set in motion by the 1910 World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh and led to the formation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 1948. The Salvation Army was one of the 147 founding denominations, although we currently hold ‘adviser’ status rather than full membership. Within a few years the WCC had adopted the goal of ‘full visible unity’. This was echoed by the British Council of Churches in 1964, which called for ‘the inauguration of union’ in Britain by 1980. Unification wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea and it didn’t happen, even though some denominations joined together to form the United Reformed Church in 1972. Over the years there have been various formal dialogues and agreements between churches at global and national levels. Today, though, the focus is on local unity, especially in mission. Many Salvation Army corps work with other churches in all kinds of ways: evangelism, children’s work, food banks, chaplaincies and Street Pastors, for example. Some people might think that unity is a distraction from mission. It can be – and it has been – when it is primarily inward-looking. But unity should really be at the heart of mission. In Eleanor’s words, ‘we are stronger working together than apart’.
From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
Quotes from the media
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News
4 to 8
Feature Connected through Christ
9
by Captain Caroline Heward
Feature 10 and 11 A God-given opportunity: the Parish Visiting Service by Eleanor Laming
20/20 Vision revisited Do you see what I see?
12 to 14
by Captain Jenny Dibsdall
Feature Raising the profile
15
by Ian Geary
Feature A benefit to everyone
16
by Annie Dell
New commitments Bible study The power of little
17 18 and 19
by Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant
Through the week with Salvationist
18 and 19
by Major Philippa Smale
Announcements Adverts
20 and 21 21 to 24
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
Salvationist 18 January 2020
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NEWS
THE ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE: Musicians from THQ’s Music and Creative Arts Unit supported the Judicial Office Choir at a carol service. Their playing enthralled the large crowd of judiciary, staff and visitors. Solo items included ‘Christmas Joy’ and ‘A Starry Night’, and choir leader Rhoda Atkinson (Croydon Citadel) sang ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’. Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill brought Bible readings. More than £350 was raised for the work of The Salvation Army and The Margaret Centre at Whipps Cross Hospital, which provides palliative care for people affected by life-limiting illnesses. – R. A. ENFIELD: The band continued a long-standing tradition by providing music and accompanying carols for the International Cultural Exchange’s annual gathering at the House of Lords. The group supports individuals from around the world as they work or study in London. The International Cultural Exchange presented the band with £1,000 for the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit. The corps has also received donations from local businesses amounting to more than £2,000 towards the Christmas toy and hamper appeal. – M. G.
Merthyr Tydfil Bandmaster Howard Roberts retires from herald duties after 26 years; he travelled every week to Brecon, where he made many friends and is well known
Elsie Strickle, No 1 on the Farcet roll, celebrates her 100th birthday with family and friends; she is pictured with corps officers Majors Ann and John Pugh
Eighty people enjoy tea, sandwiches, cake and scones at Snettisham’s popular Christmas afternoon teas 4
Salvationist 18 January 2020
STAPLE HILL: The band provided music for the St Peter’s Hospice Light Up a Life service. Junior and senior music sections contributed throughout the evening, and candles helped members of the congregation remember loved ones. A collection raised £800 to support the work of the hospice. – V. W.
BURY ST EDMUNDS: Stowmarket Band accompanied carols at the Emergency Services Carol Service at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, and played two items, ‘Who Is He?’ and ‘Christmas Bells’. Police and crime commissioner for Suffolk Tim Passmore and members of the fire, police and ambulance services gave Bible readings, and the message was brought by the Dean of St Edmundsbury, the Very Rev Joe Hawes. – M. B.
Army supports Australian firefighters and evacuees AUSTRALIA AS the bushfire crisis continues to escalate, General Brian Peddle has called for prayer while Salvation Army Emergency Services crews, Salvationists and volunteers support thousands of evacuees and firefighters. With the Army active across several states, a national response is being co-ordinated by the Strategic Emergency and Disaster Management team. ‘We are working alongside corps and the local community, who are doing amazing work,’ explained General Manager Major Topher Holland. ‘All parts of our Army are involved.’ Captain Ben Knight (Batemans Bay Corps) has been overwhelmed by the amount of generosity. ‘It’s just astounding how the
community has come together,’ he said. ‘We would be talking among our team and saying, “What are we going to do for dinner?” and in walks a business owner, saying: “I’ve got 500 of this or 500 of that… Do you need them?” God’s got big ears and hears [our prayers]!’ In Bega, despite the demands of feeding 3,000 displaced people, the combined churches held an impromptu prayer meeting that was attended by around one hundred people. In Sale, people are being airlifted in by military helicopter to a centre with 300 beds supplied
by The Salvation Army’s thrift shop chain, Salvos Stores. Even as the fires continue to rage around the nation, Strategic Emergency and Disaster Management Specialist Major Sue Hopper (Queensland Division) is in Sydney to assist with recovery efforts. ‘We are providing Salvation Army grants from our public appeal to people who have lost their homes,’ she said. ‘What we’re doing [provides] immediate help and gives people a bit of hope – something to move forward with one step at a time.’ – S. W./L. M.
Six-year-old Nihaal Dale-Khera donates some of his birthday presents to Willenhall toy appeal for the third year in a row; he is pictured with corps officer Major Graham Barratt 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
Snettisham Band plays carols at the Sandringham Estate visitors centre
Bristol United Walking Club members Alan Franks and Keith Gwilym present Logos House Chaplain Captain Martyn Watson with £150 to help residents of the Lifehouse
Glenrothes Band plays carols at Teen Ranch Scotland
Stockport Heaton Norris Sunday school children perform at the community carol service Salvationist 18 January 2020
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NEWS
ROYAL STOKE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL: Members of Leek Band played at the hospital in aid of UHNM (University Hospitals of North Midlands) Charity. Many members of the corps have benefited from the hospital and charity’s work, so the band was happy to support. – R. J.
ESSEX: A quartet from Chelmsford Band was invited to the BBC Essex studios to play carols. Bandmaster Alex Campbell was interviewed live on air by guest presenter Alex Lester. He answered questions about The Salvation Army and the corps, and shared information about Chelmsford’s Christmas programme. – S. W.
RUGBY: This year the corps featured a Nativity scene with a difference. CSM Ian Jones narrated Scratch Nativity, assembling characters into position at certain times throughout the story. It was a different way to depict the Christmas story and was well received by the congregation. – G. J.
ELGIN: The Army held a carol service in the town for the first time in more than 30 years. People from the community joined members of the café church established by Findochty and Buckie corps officers Majors Bruce and Isobel Smith. A band, which included players from the café church and Aberdeen Citadel, provided accompaniment. A second café church carol service was held in Macduff, led by the majors and supported by members of Fraserburgh Band. – B. S.
PRESTONPANS: A full house gathered at the annual carol service to watch members of the Energise after-school club and the 1st Prestonpans Brownies perform It’s A Baby!, a Nativity mini-musical. Picking up on the doors closed to Mary and Joseph, corps officer Major Elizabeth Turner called on all present to open the doors of their hearts and step through the open door of God’s love. – S. T. 6
Salvationist 18 January 2020
STAPLE HILL: Christmas with The Salvation Army attracted many people from the community. The band opened with a Christmas fanfare, and the singing company brought ‘When A Child Is Born’ and ‘Carolling Medley’. Guest Sarah Grace presented Bed And Breakfast, telling the story of a woman preparing her hotel and cleaning the stables to welcome a King who would become the Saviour of the world. The young people acted out a Nativity scene. The band, YP band and songsters brought items, and corps officer Major Nicola Hylton-Jones gave two Bible readings. The band closed with ‘Christmas Joy’. – V. W.
NORTH WALSHAM: The community carol service at The Atrium drew more than 150 people. During ‘Away In A Manger’ a Nativity scene was revealed and those taking part gathered round with tea lights. More than £500 was raised for the Big Collection. Pictured are Cameron Ellis and Lucy and Lilley Payne. – R. D.
GILLINGHAM: Nativi-teas, an exhibition displaying more than 80 Nativity scenes in various media, was well attended. Two Salvation Army preschool groups also visited for a Nativity storytelling session. Children and adults were given the opportunity to make their own Nativity scenes, and Advent prayer stations were available for people to reflect on the Christmas story. – J. M.
NORFOLK: Christmas presents and food parcels were delivered to more than 5,000 people following referrals from social workers, schools and charities. The Army’s Toys and Tins Appeal, which has been running in the county for more than 30 years, allows each referred family to receive a hamper of food and an average of five gifts per child, including one or two larger items and stocking fillers. It is estimated that volunteers sorted, packed and delivered more than 14,000 gifts. Divisional Commander Major Derek Jones said: ‘Thanks to the generosity and community spirit of the people of Norfolk, thousands of struggling families who may have otherwise gone without were able to enjoy some festive treats this Christmas.’ – A. R.
Winton Songsters and Band bring the meaning of Christmas to patients at Royal Bournemouth Hospital
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Exeter Temple corps officer Major Margaret Fozzard presents Major Marina Jones with a certificate of recognition for running the home league for more than 20 years; Major Marina acknowledged all those involved in the team
Ipswich Citadel Band leads the annual Debenham parish church carol service, supported by the songsters
CIRENCESTER: Sunday Club leader Corinne Walters led assemblies at schools in the area and collected toys and food for the corps Christmas parcel appeal. Including donations from the charity shop, other churches and businesses in the area, food parcels were provided for more than 200 families and toy parcels for more than 300 children. – M. G.
Ipswich Citadel corps officer Major Loes Palmer leads the annual Carols Around the Tree at Thorpeness Meare, supported by the band
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NEWS
LEEK: The annual civic carol service raised £984 for Douglas Macmillan Hospice, following the outstanding care received by several corps members in recent years. A further donation brought the total to more than £1,000. The carol service included items from the timbrelists, band, songsters and worship band, and was attended by local dignitaries, including Leek town mayor, Councillor Sue Coleman. Douglas Macmillan representative Mike Pegg shared how the donations would be used. Ben Donagh, from the charity New Era, which supports people who have been victims of domestic violence, also expressed appreciation for toys donated by the corps. – R. J.
SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD: Majors Brian and Hesley Johnson and Retired Bandmaster Douglas Grant, who originates from Seaham Harbour Corps, were among the loyal collectors for Christmas. With a combined age of almost 240 years, the intrepid trio are a great encouragement to corps folk. Major Brian and Douglas regularly attend band rehearsals and Major Hesley is a devoted member of the home league. – R. B.
A crowd gathers for Selby’s Carols in the Car Park; everyone enjoyed soup, hot drinks and mince pies Children and adults take part in a Nativity sketch during Hereford’s community carol service; baby Ezra, the newest member on the cradle roll, played Jesus
BURTON-ON-TRENT: Christmas activities began with a Christingle service where young people engaged in crafts. The following week, nearly 100 people attended café church, and a thanksgiving service for William and Blake, sons of Alex RileyHall and Stephanie Whetton, took place. On the Sunday before Christmas all the groups that worship in the church, including Baptists, Seventh-Day Adventists and Freedom in Christ and Asian Calvary members, gathered for a united carol service. – K. A. 8
Salvationist 18 January 2020
BROMLEY TEMPLE: Capacity congregations attended the two community carol services, which were themed Share The Light. The band, community choir, singing company and songsters took part. Guest soloist Shelly Deacon (violin), who has performed in operas and ballets around the world, brought ‘The Snowman Suite’ and a medley of carols, and Lauren Westwood sang ‘When Love Was Born’. International Secretary for the Americas and Caribbean Zone Commissioner Mark Tillsley encouraged everyone to illuminate the path to God for others. The services raised £1,200 for Parkinson’s UK. – A-J. L.
FEATURE I Connect@CopperBeech
Connected through Christ Captain Caroline Heward explains how The Salvation Army formed a new ecumenical partnership in Bramley, Leeds
F
OUR years ago The Salvation Army, in partnership with Saha (Salvation Army Housing Association), opened Copper Beech in Bramley, a housing project made up of 84 homes, a Salvation Army day care nursery and a community hub built on a site that had once been a Salvation Army family centre. I was appointed as the mission development officer in July 2016. When I arrived Copper Beech was still a building site. Consequently, in the early days of the appointment, I had time to get to know the locality. I visited the other churches, got involved at my children’s school, met the local councillors and started to participate in the wider community. In the autumn of 2016 the building works were completed. I can clearly recall the day the site was officially handed over by the builders to Saha. Commissioner John Matear (Saha Chairman), who came to Bramley for the handover, spoke with me, saying how lovely the place looked, and enquired what I was going to do next. This innocent question, coming from genuine interest, filled me with fear because I didn’t have a clue. After he left I stood in a beautiful refurbished building with absolutely no idea what I was going to do with the space or how I
would get anyone to come and join me in it. How was I going to make these new links I had in the community part of what I was doing at this new site? The following day I realised I needed to pray about it. I knew that God had a plan for Copper Beech. My job was to discover what that was. The links I had made proved to be vital. At the school gates I met Val, a grandmother who attended a Methodist church. She told me about ‘the Baptist ladies’ who had a connection with the Army’s past work in Bramley. Unfortunately, Val didn’t have a contact for them. A few weeks later I attended the coffee morning at the Methodist church, and Val excitedly told me that the Baptist ladies were there. She introduced me and for the next hour they told me about their church, Connect, which they had planted eight years before with a small team that would go into the Army’s family centre once a month and hold a service in the common room with the families there – the very room that was now our community hub and my base. At this stage the group were meeting in the school next to Copper Beech, but did not have a place for their midweek Bible study. I offered them use of the hub and joined with them each Friday. I
went along to the school a few Sundays to share worship with them, and a relationship with the group grew. In the autumn of 2017 Connect discovered they could no longer use the school and asked if they could use the hub for three months while looking for a new home. During that time my family and I joined them each Sunday for worship and quickly felt part of the family. In early 2018 Connect had still not found new premises, but felt as if they had returned home. Perhaps the Holy Spirit had other ideas about this being a short-term arrangement. Two years later and we have entered into a formal partnership, known as Connect@CopperBeech – a partnership where we share in the mission, ministry and worship at Copper Beech. We have weekly Sunday services, with about 40 people attending, two Bible study groups each week and an established young people’s programme. During 2019 nine new members were welcomed. Despite my lack of knowledge on how to birth a new faith community, it transpired that God was already at work even before the first house was built or I was appointed. I am truly thankful to God for all he has done, and excited to see what lies in store. For many years I have prayed the prayer in Ephesians 3:20 and 21: ‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!’ I am thankful to God, who has done more than I could ever ask or imagine. It is his power at work within us at Connect@CopperBeech that has made all things possible. Salvationist 18 January 2020
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FEATURE I Parish visiting
A God-given opportunity The Parish Visiting Service Eleanor Laming explains how a failed venture turned into a new ecumenical opportunity
Rev Isaac Sibanda, Margaret Bell, Diana Cooper, Jane Cubitt, Eleanor Laming and Sarah Housden
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N January 2019, St Francis Church on the Heartsease housing estate in Norwich was faced with a dilemma. After four years our parish nurse, Angela Stewart, had moved on to take up a new, innovative role at Sheringham Corps, and St Francis Parish Nursing Service had no one qualified to take her place. The team had made valuable links with individuals and groups in the community and provided physical, spiritual and emotional support, and advice and care for a large number of people. I joined the team in 2015 as a member of The Salvation Army, making it an ecumenical venture. Faced with no parish nurse, we prayed and God provided the answer – and another project I was involved in prepared the way. 10
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I am an adherent member of Norwich Thorpe St Andrew and, as corps secretary, a member of the leadership team. Corps leaders Territorial Envoys Alison and Russell Day have always been supportive. They encouraged me to attend the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit conferences and the Everyone Counts course run at Anglia DHQ, which focuses on developing communication skills. I set up a Salvation Army visiting service called 2Cs (Christian Care Service) to provide a befriending and spiritual care service for the community. I had excellent help in reviewing proposals, policies and training sessions for the group from Regional Specialist for Community Debbie Charles. We had a core ecumenical team of seven people
who came with a range of skills related to medicine, healthcare and teaching, and who were committed to the vision. 2Cs ran for six months, for one full day a week, and helped people in the community. Unfortunately, we had very few referrals and the hard decision was taken to stop the service. We had advertised widely, and many people, when asked, thought the idea was good in principle. However, we realised that there were some factors that may have restricted its success. It ran from a home rather than from a recognised community building, such as a corps hall. When services are run from a community building that other groups and organisations use, there is more opportunity to make face-to-face contact with possible clients and key people who might make referrals. Having the word ‘Christian’ in the name might also have been off-putting. Thorpe St Andrew is a relatively affluent suburban area, not associated with The Salvation Army in some people’s minds. This may have led people to think that the service was not for them but for others experiencing homelessness and material need. In such an area, people who do have needs might be too proud to ask for help from those who are, to all intents and purposes, strangers. Although it is sad when a venture or new project turns out not to be as successful as envisaged, I believe that God turns our failures into his opportunities. The experience of running 2Cs enabled me to see that it might be possible to run St Francis Parish Nursing Service in a new way. Although the existing structure had come to an end, team members came forward to take up the weekly visiting work and are now supported by other members, who visit when they can and provide prayer cover and other services for the team. We rebranded the service as the Parish Visiting Service (PVS), using the church logo (above) on promotional material and designing new uniforms. Information leaflets, policies and levels of training for the team were all reviewed and updated.
Our focus remains on Jesus’ mission to go out and heal and enable people to flourish through the restoration of relationships with self, community and God. We offer help to people in times of need through listening, befriending, prayer, spiritual support and signposting to services that may be of use. PVS provides a variety of outreach services from the church: home visits for anyone over 18, whether they have a faith or not; bereavement support; a presence at the weekly Community Fridge and lunch club; other weekly activities; a monthly Communion service; individual visits for residents of Woodside House care home; flower ministry; and aromatherapy treatments. The church has also made links with organisations such as mental health charity Mind and local councils to support health-related initiatives and courses that are based in the church buildings. We have been running for a year and are prayerfully planning for the future. We are looking at the possibility of being linked to the Guild
of Health and St Raphael, a national ecumenical organisation that exists to promote the ministry of health and healing in the Church. I am truly thankful to God, to the PVS team, to Angela Stewart and to Territorial Envoys Alison and Russell, without whom none of this would have been possible. The new service potentially has a much wider scope than the Parish Nursing model. A Parish Nursing service has to be led by a nurse who is currently on the Nursing and Midwifery Council register and has undergone the relevant training provided by Eleanor Laming and Diana Cooper
Parish Nursing Ministries UK. It would be hard to provide this service across the country because there are a limited number of nurses who could meet the criteria and a limited number of corps or churches that could raise the funds required. Our parish visiting model can be used by any corps or church to reach out to all people in their community, providing there are people with the right training and knowledge who are willing and able to listen and attend to people’s needs, and to refer them on where relevant. Many churches have members with a wide range of skills, gifts and experience that they could bring to such a team. I strongly believe that working ecumenically can take us forward into the future. We can achieve more in unity, as there is much to be gained from learning about different approaches to faith and mission. We are stronger working together than apart. O For
more information on the Parish Visiting Service, visit stfrancisheartsease.co.uk/ parish-nursing Salvationist 18 January 2020
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FEATURE 20/20 Vision revisited
Do you see what I see? In 1997 Salvationist featured essays by a number of people who visualised what the Army would be like if the 20/20 Vision were accomplished.* At the start of 2020 we are reprinting two of them – this week the entry by Jenny Dibsdall
M
Y fear is that if the Army is not open to change it will not be able to operate effectively in the year 2020. William Booth’s original call to save souls is still our prime task but we have to adapt to our changing world for our ministry to be effective. We have a unique calling, and operate in an international organisation that is evangelistic at its roots, but if we are not prepared to adapt to modern technology, and research the needs of our communities, we will – by the year 2020 – be a dying organisation. However, if we are alive to changing needs and flexible enough to take the difficult decisions to enable our corps to meet the needs of their communities, we will be pulsating with souls won for Christ. If we are to have an Army that attracts all ages, that is open and appealing to all, that reaches out to touch all levels of the community with a message recognisable by all races, it has to be an adaptable organisation. We need to consider at local level where we are going. What personnel do we have to carry out our mission to win souls? What are their weaknesses and strengths? Are our buildings in the right places? Should we relocate so we can provide the services our community needs? Is a building designed purely for worship enough? Should we be able to provide community services, drop-in centres, leisure facilities? What is needed by our communities? What will bring people through our doors? 12
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When we have answered all these questions and have a vision of what is needed physically we need to look at what the needs of our personnel are – spiritually and educationally. Are we fit to provide what is needed from us by the community? Should we be training people in community outreach? What courses and events should we be planning in order to move people from our community work into our mission field? Are we making good use of Alpha courses at youth and mainstream level? Are we supporting our outreach leaders and are we flexible in our programme to allow there to be many forms of worship within our complex? There are so many questions to be assessed and answered if we are to be fruitful for God’s Kingdom. It is not enough to stand on street corners with our open-air witness. We need to know our communities, assess their needs and be seen to be providing an answer that will make all races and cultures feel comfortable within our confines. There is as much good done by face-to-face confidence-winning in gaining souls for the Kingdom as there is in open-air witness and street campaigns. If we have taken on this flexible attitude then our halls will be built to be adaptable, with meeting rooms designed for small groups, playgroups, community meetings, prayer fellowship, Bible study, youth meetings, over-60 clubs, women’s and men’s fellowships and leisure activities.
The furnishings will be multifunctional, adaptable and comfortable so that where space is required, say, for exercise classes, furniture can be easily and safely stacked away to allow the maximum use of space. It is paramount that our centres feel welcoming to all ages, all races and all cultures so those who need help are not afraid to enter. Those who want the fellowship and friendship of community events should feel assured of a warm welcome in a happy environment. At face-to-face level we can touch people’s lives, take time to find out about them and meet them on their own levels. If they feel secure in entering our buildings they will relax, and that is when their spiritual, emotional, social and community needs can be addressed and an introduction to the Lord made. Most people would rather be led than confronted. Trust is so important in our relationships with people, but it takes a long time to build. Our purpose as Christians is to share his love with all around us. It is a lifelong commission. We all have different capabilities. Some of us are equipped to go out and battle for the Lord, others are better equipped for the quiet confidencebuilding contact that is also needed. In other countries many Army centres have leisure facilities run as commercial enterprises. These are proving very
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It is not enough to stand on street corners
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successful in making links with people who would not normally go anywhere near a church. The people using the gym facilities find they are building relationships with Army personnel and forging links, so that when they are invited to special events such as carol services they are already open to the suggestion. Leisure activities are expected to play a larger part in our lifestyle as life expectancy increases and the working week becomes shorter. So, we have a complex designed to meet the needs of our community and they are coming through the doors for all kinds of events, some Christian and some community-based. We are effective in our befriending and evangelism. Now, how do we worship? Here too, if we are to be effective, there needs to be change. Even today there are discussions about uniform, forms of music and worship and issues such as the sacraments. Debate in this country and worldwide suggests the opportunity to participate in receiving the sacraments
may be part of our worship, say once a month, in a special service for those who wish to take part, not as part of our general holiness and salvation meetings. Our style of worship will be flexible, perhaps with a central service for all age groups and special worship meetings for children, teenagers, young adults and the older generation. There will be worship groups and singing groups and bands. Bands are a strong part of Army culture in the UK and I believe this will continue, but alongside worship groups. We may find the present structure of the songsters will soften into singing groups with wider scope. Music is an integral part of our worship and we need to provide music forms that appeal to all age groups. There are those in our congregations today who feel left out if they are not a songster or bandsman/woman and I believe that will change if we have the courage to be flexible. In the year 2020 technology will be playing a far greater part in our day-to-day lives. The use of the internet is increasing and by 2020 will be commonplace. It has already made our world a smaller place, providing another way for Christians to communicate worldwide. Technology can also play a great part in how we present our worship. Multimedia presentation will be a commonplace part of our worship in the future, enabling closer contacts across communities, races and cultures. The divide in Ulster between the Roman Catholics and Protestants
highlights the fact that we need to learn to work more closely with other denominations. In new towns in the UK there are often multi-denominational churches where all can come together and use one facility for worship, at different times or together. If we learn to be flexible and to move into and be part of the community then we will work closely with other churches in the area. Does this all sound an impossible dream? If we can learn to work together, making the best use of technology and being prepared to do some radical thinking, planning and praying, we will accomplish this dream. If we are bound by tradition and can see only the pitfalls and deterrents we will not meet the needs of the people of Britain in the year 2020. Nothing can be accomplished without open hearts and minds. Commissioner John Gowans, in his Mission 2000 statement to the soldiery of Australia, said: ‘Will you commit yourself to courageous re-evaluation, to renewal and revitalisation – for yourself and your own spiritual growth and development, for your ministry in the Army and its growth and development?’ I have a dream encapsulated by his chosen quotation, ‘Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already’ (Isaiah 43:19 Good News Bible). Is it happening where we are? Will it happen where we are? * The essays were submitted as part of a competition held by the Church Growth and Planned Giving Department titled ‘Do you see what I see?’ Jenny was a joint runner-up. Salvationist 18 January 2020
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FEATURE 20/20 Vision revisited
What I see today Captain Jenny Dibsdall comments on her thoughts from 1997
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It is down to each and every one of us to do our bit
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INCE writing that essay I have become an officer and am now retired. As I look around and read reports, I see there is so much that has been done to reach out into our communities, and in my service I tried to do my part. We live in a multicultural and multifaith world, and that brings prejudice and misunderstanding, but also blessing for those willing to step into the arena. I have had the privilege of praying with Muslim parents with a terminally ill teenage daughter, and of standing in a Salvation Army kitchen with arms around Sikh and Muslim co-workers as we prayed together for family members gravely ill in different hospitals. It can be done. It must be done. The Army continues to take on new roles in high-profile areas. In my last three years of active service I was tasked with helping build the
Waterways Chaplaincy. I was told by some it would never work but on retirement there were 20 chaplains. The current target is 200, and they are well on their way to reaching it. Disability from cancer surgery shortly after retirement means I needed a church I could walk to. Asked to take
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communion I agreed, but often hum the words ‘my life must be Christ’s broken bread’ (SASB 610) on my way to the altar. Couple that with the lyrics from another of Albert Orsborn’s songs – ‘Except I am moved with compassion,/ How dwelleth thy Spirit in me?’ (SASB 626) – and you have the essence of our Army. The Army is still burrowing its way into situations and issues, but it should not be down to the few. It is down to each and every one of us to do our bit. Reach out through whatever medium, and there is nothing better than one-to-one connections. Don’t be afraid of status, language barrier, culture or belief. It’s good to talk – and to listen.
20/20 Vision The 20/20 Vision was set out in January 1996, stating: Our vision is that, by the year 2020, we shall see a network of healthy, reproducing and mission-orientated corps, strategically placed within every viable community in the territory, each sharing with others, in a culturally relevant way, the eternal and abundant life Christ died to provide and commissioned his Church to proclaim… together with a similar network of social services delivery units, each meeting physical, emotional and spiritual needs in a holistic manner.
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FEATURE I Public affairs
Raising the profile Public affairs adviser Ian Geary, THQ, explains how an MP’s visit to a Lifehouse led to comments in the House of Commons
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HE words of Jesus in John 10:10 – ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’ – inform the mission of The Salvation Army. Sadly, many people in the UK and the Republic of Ireland do not experience this fullness of life. That is the reality for those who experience homelessness. The profile of rough sleeping has grown as, in our towns and cities, the signs of this harrowing social challenge have become only too visible. Throughout 2020 the Army will continue to call for firm government action to address the scandal of homelessness. It will be a central focus of the Public Affairs and Social Policy Unit’s campaigning work. We will mobilise Salvationists to press for further government investment in local authorities so they can be better equipped to combat homelessness. We campaign in this way because the Army is called to use its influence to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people in our society. There are many methods we use to make our voice heard. Through meetings in parliament or attendance at party conferences we seek to be innovative in building relationships and influencing decision makers. We also invite MPs to visit our services and corps. On these visits we give the MP a tour of our facilities and create the opportunity to meet service users and staff. Such a visit allows time to discuss policy developments that are of concern to the Army; when they see the Army’s work first-hand we can raise difficult issues with them and press for action. When Stephen Doughty, MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, visited Tǔ Gobaith Lifehouse in Cardiff city centre last
Service user Mark, Homelessness Services regional manager Yvonne Connolly and Stephen Doughty, MP March, homelessness and ways of helping people to rebuild their lives came under the spotlight. Stephen had mentioned to us a concern about alleged antisocial behaviour in the city centre. Tǔ Gobaith had been associated with this perceived behaviour, so we decided to organise a visit to explain that the issue went wider than the concerns associated with homelessness, and to demonstrate the value we add in solving challenges such as addiction. Furthermore, we wanted to highlight the work that we do in the community. Tǔ Gobaith is a 66-room centre where men and women who have been experiencing homelessness can stay and receive specialist support for between 6 and 12 months. The centre hosts a range of programmes including the Bridge Programme, which is the only abstinence-based treatment programme offering a trauma-informed, biopsychosocial model of care to people who are experiencing homelessness or who are vulnerably housed. Tǔ Gobaith’s award-winning Life College also offers a range of low level and structured diversionary activities, volunteering opportunities, and accredited and informal education options to all those who reside there. During his tour Stephen spoke to service users about homelessness and the reasons that had led to them being without a home. The MP also heard how the Lifehouse supports its residents to make a fresh start by building up their confidence through life skills training, adult education and counselling. Stephen said: ‘Homelessness has had
a very high profile in recent years and while we’re all probably aware that it is a complicated issue, few of us will know about the work that is done by organisations such as The Salvation Army to help people get their lives back on track. ‘This is why it was a privilege to visit Tǔ Gobaith Lifehouse and meet people there who have been experiencing homelessness on our capital city’s streets and hear from them first-hand about the support they’ve received from the dedicated and talented staff at this incredible centre.’ Mark, a Tǔ Gobaith resident, spoke to Stephen about his experiences at the Lifehouse: ‘When I was drinking, there was never a chance of me having a happy future – it couldn’t happen – but now life feels brilliant. I know how to deal with my emotions and I’m looking forward to the future, and that’s because of Tǔ Gobaith.’ We seek to build on such visits by asking the MP to raise our concerns in Westminster. For example, we may ask them to write to a minister on an issue or table a question in parliament that might inform our work. We were delighted when Stephen asked the minister for housing and homelessness a question in the House of Commons last October and directly referred to the ‘fantastic’ work of Tǔ Gobaith and his visit. To find out how the Public Affairs and Social Policy Unit can assist in organising a visit to your corps or centre, and how this can complement your mission, email Ian at ian.geary@ salvationarmy.org.uk
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FEATURE I Universal Basic Income
A benefit to everyone Policy analyst Annie Dell, THQ, explains the outcome of a recent debate about the pros and cons of an alternative benefits system
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N the latter part of 2019, Raynes Park corps officer Major Nick Coke invited members of THQ’s Public Affairs and Social Policy Unit to join a collaborative debate with his Bible study group. The debate focused on the merits of an idea known as Universal Basic Income (UBI). UBI is a theoretical replacement for the UK’s current benefits system, such as universal credit. In the new system, every individual – including children – would receive a basic amount of money from the government, no matter what their income is. This would mean that everyone has enough money to access necessities such as housing, food and basic amenities. The world of employment is changing, rapidly. A quarter of today’s jobs in the financial services did not exist ten years ago. One study in the USA argues that 85 per cent of the jobs that will exist by 2030 have not yet been invented. Jobs are becoming more flexible, and people are increasingly expected to be professionally and financially adaptable to the impact of shifts in the way we work, such as automation, increased periods of unemployment and multiple career changes. According to an analysis by the Office for National Statistics, about one and a half million jobs in England are at high risk of becoming automated in some way. As the world of employment evolves, society’s needs will evolve too. The purpose of UBI would be to reduce or even prevent poverty, increasing equality across society. There is no set definition of what it actually looks like in practice. For example, payment rates might differ depending on the model implemented. Instead, UBI is loosely defined through five key principles: 16
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1. It is periodic, being paid at regular intervals as opposed to a one-off grant 2. It is a cash payment, which allows people to decide what they do with the money without any restrictions 3. It is paid individually and not by household 4. It is universal, so that everyone gets paid the same amount, no matter what their financial situation is 5. It is unconditional, being paid to a person regardless of whether they are in work or looking for work The idea of UBI is becoming increasingly popular. Research from the University of Bath found that half of Britons would like to see some form of universal support given out regardless of employment status. There are arguments of strong merit both for UBI and against it. The Public Affairs and Social Policy Unit was interested to hear a range of views from across the country, which resulted in the recently held debate. The debate raised many points relating to the theory behind UBI and the barriers to implementing an entirely new benefits system. The group spent a considerable amount of time bringing biblical principles about wealth and community into the dialogue. The consensus was that, while there are strong arguments in favour of UBI, it is important to recognise that a new financial system is not a one-stop fix, which some believe it to be. Money will not solve all problems, and the group felt that UBI would not tackle the deep social issues – family breakdown, loneliness, substance misuse and issues that arise from adverse childhood
experiences – that face many of the people The Salvation Army helps. Debating theory can be difficult, but the group discussion was a great first step. There was ample discussion about whether a UBI system would encourage people to move into higher-paying jobs by freeing them up to re-train, or whether it would become a disincentive to work. Both sides made strong arguments, but in the end it is just a theory, and the debate could never truly predict the outcome of the alternative system. Finally, the debate considered how a UBI system would be paid for, but suggested that this was something that would need to be discussed further in the future. While UBI would replace our current benefits system, including universal credit, there is no certainty that this would totally offset the costs of implementing it. Research from parliament shows that the net annual cost of UBI could be anywhere between £8 billion and £304 billion depending on the amounts given to each individual. Looking to other nations can give us an insight into how UBI could turn out. The Netherlands and Italy have both launched trials and the Kenyan government is paying adults in one village $22 a month for 12 years to find out whether a regular payment can help lift them out of poverty. The Public Affairs and Social Policy Unit continues to consider the best way to further engage in the UBI debate. O Get in touch and have your say on the subject by emailing the Public Affairs and Social Policy Unit: public. affairs@salvationarmy.org.uk
NEW COMMITMENTS
OLDBURY: Many family members and friends came to support as 13 junior soldiers were enrolled by Lieut-Colonels Lynn and Mike Highton: Meena, Lexi Farmer, Azaria Omaboe, Freya Farmer, Isabelle, Aurora, Isabella Hill, Mitchelle, Madison, Bethany Smith, Zuriel Omaboe, Zac Highton-Nicholls and Ellie May (not pictured). They are pictured with YPSM Claire Highton-Nicholls and Abbie and O’tega who were welcomed as adherent members. – L. H-N.
BEDLINGTON: Sadie Thompson linked up with the Army through one of the corps programmes. After being welcomed as an adherent member in March, she decided to make a further commitment and was supported by many when corps officer Major Sheryl Clarke enrolled her as a soldier. Sadie loves that everyone makes her feel welcome and like part of a family. Sadie and Major Sheryl are pictured with Colour Sergeant John Nichol and Recruiting Sergeant Olive Lightley. – S. C.
PETERHEAD: Corps officer Lieutenant Helen Dickson welcomed Lydia Mcgillivray and Anne Mennie as adherent members. Also pictured is Lieutenant Barry Dickson. – B. D.
SNETTISHAM: Peter Parker was enrolled as a soldier by CSM Alison Kirby. He testified that he had resisted God’s call to soldiership for a number of years, but now is so glad that he has made a commitment. Friends and family travelled from across the UK to support him. Holding the flag is John Asbridge. – A. K.
ROMFORD: After attending for more than a year, Margaret Cleverdon was welcomed by corps officer Captain Julia Cozens as an adherent member. Margaret was supported by her daughter as she shared her desire to belong. – R. G.
PLYMOUTH CONGRESS HALL: Having been away from the city and the Army for a number of years, Keith and Cynthia Stone were welcomed back as adherent members by divisional mission enabler Major Robert Elliott. – R. A.
GRIMSBY: John and Jean Hodgson and Joy Shaw were the first adherent members welcomed since the corps moved into temporary premises while the hall is being renovated. They testified to the joy they found in worshipping with the corps family, and read verses from Psalm 103. They are pictured with corps officer Major Kenny Gardner. – K. G.
RUTHERGLEN: Evelyn Burke was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Catherine Wyles. Evelyn started attending worship two years ago. She began to be aware of God’s presence in her life after joining the Bible study, and expressed her desire to become an adherent member. – D. M. Salvationist 18 January 2020
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BIBLE STUDY
The power of little Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant explores the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast
STUDY PASSAGE: LUKE 13:18–21
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MISUNDERSTOOD Jesus’ teaching for many years. I thought Christianity’s main message was that God sent Jesus to Earth to die for my sins so I can go to Heaven. From the start of his earthly ministry, Jesus proclaimed a radically different message: ‘The time has come... The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’ (Mark 1:15). During his lifetime and ever since, people have struggled to understand what Jesus meant when he talked about the ‘Kingdom of God’. In 1st-century Palestine, many assumed Jesus had come to overthrow the Roman Empire and restore the political nation of Israel. They were disappointed. Others, like me, assumed Jesus’
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Philippa Smale
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Salvationist 18 January 2020
ministry was mainly about getting to Heaven. However, if we focus on the life to come, we miss the amazing reality of God’s Kingdom being here and now. I should have grasped the breadth and immediacy of Jesus’ message when I prayed the Lord’s Prayer: ‘Your Kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven’ (Matthew 6:10). In our study passage, Jesus makes this point. The Kingdom of God is here and involves a totally new way of understanding life – both in this world and the next. QUESTION Why do many people misunderstand the gospel of Jesus?
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Jesus is recorded using the phrase ‘the Kingdom of God’ 49 times in the
Gospels. Luke contains 31 of them. Jesus asks himself two questions about the Kingdom of God: ‘What is the Kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches… It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about thirty kilograms of flour until it worked all through the dough’ (vv18–21). The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast reveal a surprising truth: the powerless are very important in the Kingdom of God. Jesus told the story to help people recognise that little, seemingly insignificant things – like a seed and some yeast – can have massive influence in life on Earth. This is still a radical idea today: the weak are strong; the poor are rich; the small are
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Then Jesus asked, ‘What is the Kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.’ (Luke 13:18 and 19)
God is at work in us his purpose to perform,/ Building a Kingdom of power not of words,/ Where things impossible, by faith shall be made possible;/ Let’s give the glory to him now. (SASB 389)
Again he asked, ‘What shall I compare the Kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about thirty kilograms of flour until it worked all through the dough.’ (Luke 13:20 and 21)
big; there is power in little. The values in the Kingdom of God subvert the power structures of the world. What does this mean for us today? I guess few Salvationist readers think they are privileged and powerful. As I have got older, I have realised how many advantages I have been given compared with, for example, a woman living in a remote part of rural Africa or Asia who has never been to school. She might be a very faithful, wise and mature follower of Jesus but her voice is rarely heard. Everyone reading these words has at least one privilege – the ability to read. When we recognise that the small are big and the big are small we see the power of God in surprising places. Often, people rejected by society reveal the Kingdom of God.
QUESTIONS How are you privileged? O How can you learn from the experience of people who are less privileged than you? O
In our digitally noisy 21st-century world, it is easy to be distracted by big, powerful people. We need to fight against our desires to be seduced by power, celebrity and wealth. A few years ago, I read a biography of Pope Francis. I was impressed by his habit, when he was a cardinal in Argentina, of turning down invitations to fancy dinners in Buenos Aires. Instead, he made time on a Saturday afternoon to go to the market and listen to the traders. In the Kingdom of God, mustard seeds and yeast are more often found in the market than the mansion.
QUESTION How can you make space in your busy life to listen and learn from people who are ignored and rejected?
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A prayer: Lord of all, you chose to be born into poverty, in a place without privilege. During your ministry, you made friends with the powerless. May we have ears to hear and eyes to see the value in all people as we participate in building your Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.
LIEUT-COLONEL PALLANT IS SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS, THQ
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Build your Church, Lord, make us strong, Lord,/ Join our hearts, Lord, through your Son;/ Make us one, Lord, in your Body,/ In the Kingdom of your Son. (SASB 813)
‘As you go, proclaim this message: “The Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” Heal those who are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.’ (Matthew 10:7 and 8)
He said: ‘Freely, freely, you have received,/ Freely, freely give;/ Go in my name, and because you believe/ Others will know that I live.’ (SASB 459)
‘Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name, your K
Prayer
Yours is the Kingdom, Lord, and the power and the glory, for ever and ever. With your power working in us, may we help to bring people into the knowledge of your Kingdom. May it grow and flourish and spread in their hearts.
ingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.’ (Matthew 6:9 and 10)
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE AWARDED O Rtd BM Jeffrey Baker, Consett, awarded the British Empire Medal O Grace Friar, Berwick, awarded the British Empire Medal LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O BM Mark Feltwell, Cameo Leader Tracy Styles, YPSM Janet Sinclair, Corps Mission Secretary John Bullock and SL Ruth Bullock, all Worcester O CPR Jim Brown, North Walsham WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Diamond O Bandsman/Songster Bryan and Songster Barbara Lucas, Leek (26 December) DEDICATED TO GOD O Jaisley William, daughter of William and Janet Garcia, at Enfield by Major Allison Gaudion RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Lieut-Colonel Robert Halliday (80 on 29 January) O Mrs Major Georgina Atkinson (106 on 31 January) O Major Joan Pye (80 on 1 February)
Mrs Brigadier Daisy Burgess (95 on 2 February) O Major Ralph Stewart (80 on 2 February) O
BEREAVED O Irene Lloyd, of her husband Major Robert Lloyd, Major James Lloyd, Stowmarket, Commissioner Jolene Hodder and Major Robert Lloyd, both USA Western Territory, of their father O Major Joan Bavis of her husband Major Cameron Bavish O Sheila Bowen-Coulthurst, Burton-onTrent, of her husband Robert O Major Danièle Norton, HSU North East Region, of her father Major Jean Polrot PROMOTED TO GLORY O Brenda Smith, Sleaford O Major Sarah Bell from Forth Valley Royal Hospital on 28 December O Major Cameron Bavis from Woodleigh Christian Care Home on 3 January O Rtd CSM/CPR John Hockley, Gravesend O Campbell Rees, Rugby O Songster Jacqueline Bryant, Abertillery O Songster Faith Mallett, Bristol Easton O Mary Armstrong, Newcastle City Temple
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O India Northern Territory, Mon 20 Jan – Sun 26 O India Western Territory, Mon 27 – Mon 3 Feb O ICO, Th 13 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (lecture), Tu 21 Jan Korea Territory (installation of territorial leaders), Th 6 Feb – Sun 9 O Brazil Territory (welcome to cadets), Th 13 – Mon 17
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THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Dublin City (opening of new building), Sat Sun 19 Jan O Territorial envoys annual seminar, Wed 22 O Clitheroe, Sat 25 O Anglia Division, Th Fr 31 O WBC (public welcome to the principal), Sun 2 Feb O WBC (first year cadets teaching module), Tu 4* O Aberdeen (Scotland Council), Th 6 O Basingstoke, Sat 8 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O Regent Hall (ISS 40th anniversary launch), Sat 18 Jan O Swanwick (prayer gathering weekend), Fri 24 – Sun 26 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND O Regent Hall (ISS 40th anniversary launch), Sat 18 Jan O Hendon, Sun 19 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS O Regent Hall (ISS 40th anniversary launch), Sat 18 Jan O Regent Hall, Sun 19 O Sunderland Millfield, Sat Sun 9 Feb *Commissioner Gillian only
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OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 January O Major Colin Farmer out of Eccles in 1991 and last appointment Greenock O Major Graham Mizon out of Oldham Citadel in 1978 and last appointment Mission Service, THQ O Commissioner Ivor Telfer and Commissioner Carol Telfer (née Anderson) out of Clydebank in 1984 and last appointment Pakistan Territory ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander
TRIBUTES LESLIE ALLCHIN, GRAVESEND A FOURTH-generation Salvationist, Les was born in 1927. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade but taught others at the Merchant Navy training college in Denton. He previously worked at one of the local factories, where he met Irene, whom he later married. They had six children. Les became No 1 on the roll at the corps, and would often write in the newsletter his reminiscences of the past. He held several local officer positions, most notably songster leader for nearly 30 years. He also loved his banding and would regularly play, even in his nineties. Les was always ready with a word of testimony or prayer and loved to encourage young leaders. He continued to share his testimony even to the last months of his life by singing the song that he used to perform as a solo: ‘The Wonder Of His Grace’. – C. A.
GILLIAN KERSHAW, ROCHDALE BORN in Rotherham, Gillian moved to Rochdale with her parents shortly afterwards, beginning a lifetime of service at the corps. Over the years she served in the band and songsters, as recruiting sergeant and finally as corps treasurer.
In 1998 Gillian was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This could have defined her final years but her warm personality and flashing smile brought joy to all she met. Gillian’s final three years were spent on missionary service in a care home, where her ministry brought happiness to staff and residents alike. Her faith in her Lord and Saviour secure, she managed to attend the corps each Sunday to the delight of the membership. An inspiration to all and always happy when telling people about Jesus, Gillian is now dancing with the angels. Alan, Stephanie and James are blessed to have called her wife and mum. – A. K.
Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes. 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
PETER RADFORD, GUERNSEY PETER was born in Jersey. His mother was from Alderney and his father was from Guernsey so he was a true Channel Islander. As a young child he moved to Guernsey with his family and, during the occupation of the island, was evacuated to Stapley. Upon his return home Peter took up employment in the growing industry and then in hotel work. As well as his day-to-day duties, he became well known for his photography and photographed many weddings and important occasions. On one occasion during a cruise, he took a photo of the Rolling Stones on Mick Jagger’s camera. Peter loved God and loved being a Salvationist. He was a drummer in L’Islet Fortress Band for many years. Peter served God in many practical ways. He is remembered for the blessed times he would sing his testimony during meetings. – J. H.
Did you know Salvationist is now online? WE UPDATE OUR WEBSITE WEEKLY, GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO O Read through archived issues O Catch up on the news you missed O Read the Editor’s comment and our article of the week O Share archived issues with others Like our page at facebook.com/ salvationistonline to keep up to date Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK
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