GET SINGING

Interested in forming a Singing by Heart group? Find out more about how to get started by visiting salvationist.org.uk/resources.

DID you know that there are almost 100 Singing by Heart groups across the territory, who use it to enhance their community outreach? Outreach

Mission Partner Dan Elson (Music and Creative Arts) says the initiative – which developed in collaboration between the Older People’s Ministries and Music and Creative Arts teams – is a way to engage in worship and that prayers and Scripture are as integral to the programme as the singing.

Volume 2, which was released last September, comprises a mixture of secular and religious songs, each introduced by a relevant Scripture verse and concluded with a prayer.

Although Singing by Heart is dementia-friendly, it is not limited to use with people living with dementia. Sessions are designed to encourage communication, recollection of memories and fun for all taking part. It is also hoped that friends, relatives and caregivers will find the sessions beneficial as a time to relax, make friends and share experiences.

We caught up with a range of corps to find out how they are benefiting from the initiative.

Willenhall

Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls holds monthly Singing by Heart sessions at the corps and at two local care homes with attendances averaging between 18 and 25 people. In the care homes, corps folk sit alongside the residents to encourage them to join in. TE Lee accompanies the group on piano and has recently had the husband of a new church member volunteer to play drums, which adds another dimension and gives the gentleman his own place to serve and support. The group play a couple of games to promote gentle movement and use musical instruments. There’s tea and cake and those who come along to support enjoy a time of fellowship.

TE Lee says: ‘It has been great to see how new people who came to help have grown in confidence and now enjoy it as much as the participants. All who attend leave with a smile and comment on the fact that the laughter and fun have done them good.

‘We get referrals from our local GP surgery since registering with the social prescribing team. Our local dementia team have shown an interest and we have a police community support officer who thoroughly enjoys coming along and supporting the sessions. A nearby supermarket has sponsored the sessions and provides us with refreshments, and the community champion is always in attendance to make tea and coffee.

LYN WOODS Editorial Assistant Salvationist

‘The format never changes, so it takes little if any preparation, but the outcomes are always different depending on the songs used that week, the mood of the participants and the way the session goes. When singing certain hymns, there have been some deeply moving moments. And we’ve had participants and family members attend meetings and activities at the corps. It’s mission!’

Yeovil

Majors Cheryl and Neil Davies run a fortnightly group in a local care home averaging a dozen attendees and featuring songs accompanied by Major Neil on guitar, Bible verses and prayer.

‘Seeing the joy on the residents’ faces is priceless and their individual responses, whether it be clapping, tapping, dancing or something else, show that they are present in the moment and engaging on a level that may be hidden but not lost,’ says Major Cheryl. ‘It’s become such an important part of our ministry. Staff, residents and family are so appreciative. Participants get so much out of it, they are not forgotten, and it’s just so worthwhile connecting with them.’

HARROW

Major Jo Simpson hosts a twice-monthly group at a local Baptist church, which is central, accessible, and on a bus route.

‘God placed this on my heart as we emerged from the Covid-19 lockdowns,’ says Major Jo. The group averages six attendees and is slowly growing. Each session starts with tea and coffee and a colour game, which combines movement, memory and co-ordination. It continues with songs, a tongue twister, Scripture and prayer. ‘It’s worship – you can tell from the joy on their faces!’

As well as making connections with the community, including the council and Age UK, the Singing by Heart sessions have not only brought participants in but also a host of willing volunteers and some generous donations, which have been used towards printing the singing books and providing ongoing refreshments.

Bridgwater

Having successfully run a group at her home corps for two years before entering the training college in 2019, Lieutenant Heather Culshaw decided to do it again. With her fantastic team of volunteers, and support from the songsters, three groups operate – one at the corps and two in local care homes with attendances ranging from 10 to 30 participants. Song-related props – including bubbles, brollies and even a beach ball – are used regularly and add extra fun and familiarity to the sessions.

‘It’s all about integration and inclusion and new ways of doing missional outreach,’ says Lieutenant Heather, who loves seeing everyone come alive through the singing and really enjoy themselves. ‘It’s important that it’s interactive and to keep the session moving to hold people’s interest and keep them alert and engaged.’

Joy and dedication

INDIA CENTRAL

TERRITORIAL Commander Colonel Yaqoob Masih welcomed General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle at a meeting for the wider territorial leadership team in Vijayawada.

The General spoke of the significance of the South Asia Zone in the international Salvation Army and the importance of the six Indian territories.

Thousands of people came from across the territory for a public meeting in Bapatla the following day. The young people joyfully received the international leaders with song and a Kolattam dance. Hundreds of people rededicated their lives to Jesus.

A youth congress on Friday opened with a traditional dance performed by young people from Tenali Division. Private Secretary to the General Captain Charles Chalrimawia shared his testimony. He emphasised that God needs young and talented people to share the love and light of Jesus.

The congregation also heard from Marshall Prem, accountant at territorial headquarters, about his miraculous experience of healing and his decision to serve in full-time ministry.

The officers’ councils in Tenali saw active and retired officers hear about the work of the international Army.

More than 4,000 women gathered at Central Corps for a day featuring performances from across the Eluru and Hyderabad Divisions and from the female officers of THQ. Commissioner Rosalie shared a powerful Bible message.

While in Eluru, the General met with officers to answer questions on the book Called to Be a Soldier.

The international leaders concluded their visit with a holiness meeting at Vepery Corps. Commissioner Rosalie expressed gratitude for the days spent in the territory. In Spirit-filled moments of dedication, many people knelt at the mercy seat, submitting their lives to Jesus. – ES

Army News

General’s Council renames commands

Ihq

THE General’s Council has renamed a number of commands as territories, with effect from the start of this month.

For many years The Salvation Army Year Book has referred to these commands as ‘small territories’. General Brian Peddle, with the help of the General’s Council, has agreed to make that recognition formal and discontinue the use of the term ‘command’.

The commands that are now referred to as territories comprise Angola, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Macau, Italy and Greece, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, Russia, Rwanda and Burundi, and Spain and Portugal. Areas currently referred to as ‘regions’ will continue to be referred to as regions.

The General said: ‘This is a significant moment in Army history as it recognises the commitment to God’s mission by Salvationists in places that may not be as large numerically. International Headquarters remains committed to supporting our work across 133 countries and now 58 territories.’ – AR

Fundraising Event

SKEWEN Lynette Williams raised £2,558 for Latch Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity by shaving her head. Emily, Lynette’s granddaughter, recently had a bone marrow transplant and is still receiving treatment. Due to chemotherapy, Emily lost all her hair. Lynette told Emily that she would have her hair shaved to be the same as her. – SL

STAPLE HILL More than 80 people attended a Hong Kong banquet hosted by five Salvationist families who recently joined the fellowship from Hong Kong. In the afternoon, they held a cooking masterclass. Eighteen-year-old Joshua Chow shared visuals from Wan Chai Corps and talked about their worship and social work. Funds raised were donated to a youth retreat to be held in Chepstow this month. – VW

Event

LEIGH-ON-SEA Smiley Centre for Children, a preschool set up by the corps in 1973, celebrated its 50th birthday. Former leader of the school Margaret Parkhill visited the corps to mark the occasion. She explained: ‘It has remained popular, and I think that speaks volumes about the devotion of the leadership and the staff.’ Corps officer Captain Rob Davis said that he values the relationship between the corps and the preschool. Pictured are reunited former teachers of the school. – AR

Fundraising

SKEWEN A tabletop sale was arranged by Lynette Williams with assistance from her regular helpers, Angela, Lynette, Margery and Pam. More than £177 was raised for corps funds. – SL

Community

LARNE During the Valentine’s Day meeting, focused on John 3:16, the congregation produced a collage showing different people and places of the world. The pictures, cut from old holiday brochures donated by a travel agent, portrayed different cultures, locations and people, emphasising that God’s love is available to everyone. The collage is on display in a hall window. – PC

Event

CHRISTCHURCH Corps members and friends joined for a pancake party on Shrove Tuesday, consuming more than 80 pancakes made by corps officer Major Teresa Everett. Pancake-themed games saw one person toss a pancake 67 times in one minute, two gentlemen play pancake tennis and several people enter a ‘picture pancake’ competition. The enjoyable evening concluded with Lenten prayers. – TE

Event

Music

SKEGNESS A singalong concert by Swineshead Silver Band raised £220 in support of corps work. The event was sponsored by a Salvationist who plays with the band. – S-JG

Community

HEDNESFORD/CANNOCK Nearly three years ago Cannock Corps adopted a Pre-Loved (school) Uniform Market (Plum) from a local ecumenical church. The project has become an invaluable service for many families in the district, especially during the cost of living crisis. During the February half-term the project was held at Hednesford Corps as a united venture. A total of 106 children received school uniform items. Many children also took a copy of Kids Alive!. As a result, people enquired about parent-and-toddler groups and Sunday worship activities. – RC

IHQ Café 101 is hosting an International Women’s Day exhibition showcasing the stories of women linked to the Army who have overcome difficulty with faith and determination. It is inspired by words attributed to Catherine Booth: ‘The waters are rising, but so am I; I am not going under, but over.’ See it on weekdays 8am to 4pm until 23 March or online at salvationarmy.org/ihq/iwd23exhibition. – AR

Yeovil

GAYNOR Grant was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Cheryl Davies. Gaynor spoke about the period in her life when she drifted away from her faith. After moving into sheltered housing, she noticed a resident in Salvation Army uniform and asked if she could go to church with them. Gaynor testified to the warmth of welcome she received from that very first visit. One Sunday, Gaynor testified how God was speaking to her throughout the meeting in a way she had never experienced before and knew this was where God wanted her to be. Gaynor’s family supported her as she made her commitment. – CD

Stowmarket

LEAH was enrolled as a junior soldier by her uncle, Captain Rob Westwood-Payne (Maidenhead). After reading the Junior Soldier’s Promise, Leah knelt at the mercy seat and signed a copy. When asked why she wanted to be a junior soldier, Leah replied: ‘To please my family and please God.’ – MB

Southsea

Coventry City

KELLY Mluko was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Valerie Spivey. Kelly, who has attended from a young age, testified to the care of God shown through the corps family. She shared that, during difficult times, she questioned God and struggled to pray. Kelly was thankful to everyone for their prayers and support and has grown in her relationship with the Lord to this point of commitment. Kelly and Major Valerie are pictured with Flag Sergeant Richard Thomson. – VS

Risca

SUSAN Strong was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Kingsley Layton. Her family and friends came to witness the next step in her journey of faith. In her testimony Sue explained how an invitation from a corps member and the love of her church family had inspired her to do the same for others. Sue is pictured with Major Kingsley and flag bearer Steven Zidani. – JB

SHEILA Russell and Angela Duffy were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Alan Young. Sheila came to Cameo club following an invitation and started attending worship. Angela moved to the area looking for a new church. Following contact through the corps War Cry ministry, Angela began attending. Both ladies are an integral part of the corps family. They are pictured with Majors Alan and Carol Young and Adherents Secretary Major Joyce Dixon. – AY

Edward Greener Consett

EDDIE was born and raised in Annfield Plain, Co Durham, during the early 1940s. In his formative years he attended Leadgate Corps with his mother and two brothers, and the three boys were members of the YP band.

In his youth, Eddie played for a number of colliery bands in the Durham area. During this period, it was the witness and testimony of a bandsman from Tow Law Corps that reawakened his love for the Saviour. This led to Eddie re-dedicating his life to the Lord, whom he served wholeheartedly at Consett Corps.

Eddie was a familiar figure in the Consett area due to his steadfast work within the YP corps. Many young people received encouragement from Eddie, and through them he leaves behind a great legacy.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Mildred, and extended family of children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. – HM

Brian Edwards Southampton Sholing

BRIAN was born in Oxford to Salvationist parents and was a junior soldier, singing company and junior band member. In his teens he became a corps cadet and senior soldier, transferring to the senior sections. After leaving school, Brian worked for Oxford University Press, although his apprenticeship was interrupted by two years’ national service in Germany.

He married Sheila in September 1959 and, two years later, they moved to Southampton for Brian’s work. As his family grew, Brian enjoyed being a dad to Glynis and Gavin as well as a grandad and great-grandad. Brian’s life as a Salvationist at Southampton Sholing most recently saw him serve as band sergeant and corps press representative. Last year his 70 years as a bandsman were recognised and celebrated.

Brian’s testimony was that he was in God’s hands and those who miss him know that Brian is now at peace within those hands. – MS

Florence Brotherhood Swadlincote

FLOSS was born on 26 September 1935 in Church Gresley, Swadlincote, where she lived all her life. She was happily married to Bramwell for almost 40 years, until his death in 1997, and they had two sons.

Although her husband was a Salvationist, Floss only started attending later in life. She became an adherent and was a firm fixture in the singing group. Floss also helped as the ‘tea lady’ after the Sunday meeting and would pop into the drop-in café and the thrift store during the week.

Floss was a very popular lady and people always loved to see her. She loved helping people and the fact that her funeral service was filled to overflowing is testament to her positive impact on so many people’s lives.

Although she is still missed, Floss is out of pain and reunited with her beloved Bramwell and her Lord. – MP

Please note members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included.

Wedding anniversaries

Diamond MAJORS JOAN AND JOHN SWAN on 16 March

S/RESERVIST HILARY AND BANDSMAN MICHAEL DICKENS, Staple Hill, on 29 March

Emerald

GEORGE AND JEAN LEDNER , Hoyland Common, on 29 March

MAJORS DAVID AND SYLVIA BIRD on 30 March

Golden

MAJORS CHRISTINE AND IAN KENNEDY on 31 March

BRYAN AND RTD CT SYLVIA MACKERETH , Gateshead, on 31 March

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR PATRICIA EVANS, 90 on 19 March

MAJOR DOUGLAS SHANKSTER , 80 on 23 March

MAJOR EVANGELINE BROWN , 85 on 25 March

MAJOR ANTHONY FILBY, 80 on 29 March

Promoted to Glory

BANDSMAN STANLEY

HARRIS, Risca

TONY SHIPP, Waterbeach

KENNETH LLOYD, Worthing

RTD SL JIM RICHARDSON , Tunbridge Wells

KRISTINA MATHIESON , Perth, on 22 February

CHILDREN’S ADVOCATE

SHEENA BRADBURY, Perth, on 25 February

BANDSMAN RAY HUCKER , Abertillery, on 26 February

TED WHITE , Bromley Temple, on 26 February

MAJOR ELIZABETH ROSS from her home on 5 March

MAJOR LILIAN HAWKEN from Eden Grange care home, Battersea, on 6 March

Bereaved

MAJOR ANN PUGH , Abertillery, of her sister Mary

MAJOR MICHAEL LLOYD, Worthing, of his father Kenneth Lloyd

SONGSTER AMARIS RICHARDSON , Tunbridge Wells, of her husband Rtd SL Jim Richardson, Yoma Martin , Woking, Ian Richardson and Jeremy Richardson of their father

DAVID WHITE , Port Macquarie, Australia Territory, Ian White and Liz Pafford of their father Ted White

ICO delegates

The 253rd session begins on 22 March

CAPTAIN ASHLEY BARKMEYER , Australia

MAJOR BELINDA DAVIS, Australia

MAJOR KYLIE PALSTRA , Australia

MAJOR KATHLEEN INGRAM , Canada and Bermuda

CAPTAIN CHAVANNES CHARLES, Caribbean

CAPTAIN CHRISTELLE TOUKANOU, Congo Brazzaville

MAJOR EBENEZER ADDISON , Ghana

MAJOR BENSON LAL , India Northern

MAJOR MANNU MASIH , India Northern

MAJOR SUSHIL MASIH , India Northern

CAPTAIN SUJATA BALANGA , India Northern

CAPTAIN NEELU RAJU, India Northern

MAJOR SHANTI SALOM , India Northern

CAPTAIN DAMAR

HARYMUKTI , Indonesia

MAJOR NI KOMANG A WIBOWO, Indonesia

MAJOR SAMUEL WALZER , Italy and Greece

MAJOR AGNES KILONZO, Kenya East

MAJOR GEORGE WAGAYA , Kenya West

CAPTAIN ANDRÉ MERE

BARA TOGO, Mali

MAJOR BRENTON MILLAR , New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa

MAJOR CHARITY DIM , Nigeria

LIEUT-COLONEL NIGHAT IMRAN , Pakistan

MAJOR BUSHRA SULEMAN , Pakistan

MAJOR GRACE ALI , Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

MAJOR JERRYME DECENA , Philippines

MAJOR ANNA KOTRIKADZE , Sweden and Latvia

MAJOR JON-ANDERS

MARTHINUSSEN , Sweden and Latvia

MAJOR CHRISTIAN

DUMMERMUTH , Switzerland, Austria and Hungary

CAPTAIN PETER

KAJUMBULA , Uganda

MAJOR LEANNE CORDNER , United Kingdom and Ireland

MAJOR MELANIE SMITH , United Kingdom and Ireland

MAJOR STEPHANIE SENN , USA Central

MAJOR DEMETRIUS

STANFORD, USA Eastern

CAPTAIN JOSEPH

CRAWFORD, USA Southern

MAJOR CLAYFORD

MATEPETA , Zambia

CAPTAIN MIYANDA

NANGWALA , Zambia

Engagements

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Thu 23 Mar ICO welcome meeting

Tue 28 Mar ICO lecture

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Thu 23 Mar ICO welcome meeting

Sat 25 Mar – Sun 26 Mar

Doncaster

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main Sat 25 Mar Regent Hall (ISB and New York Staff Band Live in London)

Sun 26 Mar William Booth College (Musicians’ Day with ISB, ISS and New York Staff Band)

Notices

Easter poetry wanted! Salvationist is bringing back Poetry Corner for its Easter issue. If you have an Easterinspired poem to share, please email it to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk by 24 March for consideration.

Holy Week resources

A prayer stations resource, Journey with Jesus, is available to provide an opportunity for people to encounter God in a different way through Holy Week (2–8 April). The seven stations can be adapted for different contexts and are available at salvationist.org.uk along with other Easter resources.

Sounds

Me and My Playlist

Join Ruth Beattie and Hannah Carr for the first edition of this Salvationist Radio show, which sees a young person linked to the Army share five tracks they love. Listen on the third Sunday of each month at 4pm.

Listen on salvationist.org.uk/ radio

BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL, 1-6 PARK CRESCENT TERRACE BN2 3HD

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June

140TH CORPS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Led by Commissioners Charles and Denise Swansbury

For details contact Bram Warren on 01273 883658 or email bramwellwarren3@gmail.com

To Let

ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hill-walking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available.

Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.