Salvationist 19 January 2019

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1688 Price 60p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 19 January 2019

COMBATING HOLIDAY HUNGER AT READING CENTR AL

T CONTENTS

Quotes from the media

3

News

4 to 9

Viewpoint Preoccupied with the present

10

by Professor Michael Wang

Reflection Doing the most good

11

by Lieutenant Erin Metcalf

Feature I Lunch club Bridging the gap

12 and 13

by Shanelle Manderson

Column from the college The Light has come!

14

by Cadet Faith Thompson

Reviews Home

15

Reviewed by Songster Leader Sue Blyth

The Beat Goes On! Music As A Corps Ministry Reviewed by Josh Turner and Beth Malovance

Bible study 16 and 17 Together stronger – use your gift to serve others

by Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Philippa Smale

Letters

18

Review 19 The Salvation Army Year Book 2019 Preview 19 Stephanie Lamplough looks ahead to this year’s Symphony Sounds concert New commitments

20

Announcements

21

Adverts

MOST issues of Salvationist include a page or two of new commitments – new soldiers, adherent members and junior soldiers. Along with their photos there’s often a brief account of how they came to make their commitment or what they hope to do in the future. It’s encouraging to see evidence of God moving in people’s lives and their response to him. You might be interested to know that during 2018 our new commitments pages featured 255 soldiers, 415 adherent members and 231 junior soldiers. That’s good news – and there are bound to be more new members out there who haven’t come to our attention.

New commitments are a sign of effectiveness in our mission and ministry, as are the people who attend worship or other activities and those who are helped through our practical service in corps, centres or in the community.

But numbers are not the only measure, and may not always be the best measure, of the real impact we are making. When it comes to assessing effectiveness we can point to a number of things: activity, outputs, outcomes and impact. I once heard it explained using the example of making cups of tea – possibly Army cups of tea! The activity is making the tea, the outputs are the number of cups made, the outcomes are the number of people that enjoy drinking the tea and the impact is the broader or longer-term benefits they get from it – perhaps the opportunity to chat with other people over a cuppa or the health improvements tea might bring.

It would be an interesting exercise to apply this approach to what we do in our corps and centres, as well as our individual lives. What outputs, outcomes and impacts do our activities produce?

Ideally all our activity should make a lasting impact. But because this is difficult to measure we often settle for less. Sometimes we even think that it’s the amount of activity we do that’s the most important thing. Lieutenant Erin Metcalf reflects on this in her article on page 11 where she asks, ‘Have we turned busyness into an idol?’ Being busy can be a kind of status symbol that boosts our ego, she says, but what’s more important is that we find our worth in a relationship with God. This thought is echoed by Professor Michael Wang, whose viewpoint on page 10 explores the value of Christian mindfulness. It’s about becoming aware of the presence of Christ in all we do and thereby deepening our relationship with him and being renewed.

I think these two contributors have got to the heart of the matter. If our activities are not only to produce good outputs and helpful outcomes but also transformative impacts, they need to be rooted in our relationship with God. With that in mind it’s good to know that this year’s territorial theme of Effectiveness is being interpreted as Fruitfulness. That’s a thoroughly biblical concept and it places the emphasis on our relationship with Christ as branches of the true vine. If all our new members – and everyone else – grasp that, then we’re much more likely to make the kind of impact that this world so desperately needs.

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me featuring Luke Greenwood

24

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

2

MAKING AN IMPACT?

Salvationist 19 January 2019

From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

‘

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

FAITH OPTION FOR ORGAN DONORS Organ donors are to be able to declare their faith on the NHS Organ Donor Register under plans unveiled by the health service. Designed to encourage more people of faith to register, new donors can state: ‘I would like NHS staff

to speak to my family and anyone else appropriate about how organ donation can go ahead in line with my faith or beliefs.’

The NHS has also released new faithspecific organ donor cards, including one featuring a cross and one that reads ‘organ donation is supported by my faith’.

The Tablet

AVERAGE UK HOUSEHOLD DEBT NOW STANDS AT RECORD £15,400 Britain’s household debt mountain has reached a new peak, with UK homes now owing an average of £15,385 to credit card firms, banks and other lenders, according to the TUC. The trade union body said household debt rose sharply in 2018…

The TUC said in its annual report on the nation’s finances that the amounts owed by British households rose to a combined £428 billion in the third quarter of 2018… The figures do not include outstanding mortgage debts but do include student loans…

Public spending cuts and years of wage stagnation are key reasons for the increase in unsecured debt, the TUC said, adding that working families are on average worse off today than before the financial crisis…

The TUC’s £15,385 debt figure does not include further debts incurred over Christmas, which would be expected to push the figure even higher.

The Guardian

PARENTS IN ESSEX WITHDRAW CHILDREN FROM RE LESSONS OVER OBJECTIONS TO ISLAM Parents in Essex are withdrawing their children from religious education lessons on Islam and stopping them from visiting mosques on school trips, a report for the council has found.

The trend has been uncovered in the area of Thurrock, a former stronghold for Ukip supporters, where a new report warns of ‘integration issues’ within the local community.

The report, from the standing advisory council for religious education (Sacre),

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 Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Major Tony Button – (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter – (tel) 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

CHRISTIAN AID COUNTS COST OF CLIMATE CHANGE EXTREME weather… cost the world nearly $100 billion (£79 billion) last year, as well as the human cost of thousands of lives lost, an analysis of the financial burden of climate change suggests.

The Christian Aid report, Counting the Cost, identifies ten weather ‘events’ that cost more than $1 billion each…

The most costly events were the hurricanes Florence and Michael, in the United States, which cost $17 billion and $15 billion each…

All of the disasters are linked to human-caused climate change, the report says. In a bleak conclusion, the authors warn that 2018 is ‘unlikely to be exceptional... In fact, it may soon seem a mild year.’

They say that forecasts for this year suggest that it is likely to be even hotter…

a body that advises on RE in schools, calls for the ‘nature and extent’ of withdrawals to be investigated.

It says: ‘Parents have objected to the teaching of Islam and withdrawn children from lessons and visits to places of worship. The outcome [is that] those children, who arguably are those that most need to be taught about Islam, are no longer being taught about it… Schools have a statutory duty to promote community cohesion.’

Dr Michael Mann, from Penn State University, said that the impacts of climate change were no longer subtle. ‘The unprecedented floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires and super storms we’ve seen in recent years – they are the face of climate change. The world’s weather is becoming more extreme before our eyes; the only thing that can stop this destructive trend from escalating is a rapid fall in carbon emissions.’

The Independent

Church Times

ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4895 (email) advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH (tel) 01933 445445 (option 1) (fax) 01933 445415 (email) subscriptions@sp-s.co.uk TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 0845 634 0101 Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed by Wyndeham Grange, Southwick. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland.

The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity.

The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

ISSN 2516-5909

SALVATIONIST ONLINE Find Salvationist on Facebook www.facebook.com/salvationistonline Find Salvationist on Twitter twitter.com/@SalvationistUK

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

Salvationist 19 January 2019

3

NEWS

Players from West Ham United Football Club donate toys to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal; they are pictured with territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill

The General leads commissioning celebrations SOUTH AFRICA THE visit of General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle to the Southern Africa Territory included deeply moving times of God-inspired celebration.

The culture of South Africa was represented throughout, right from when the international leaders arrived at their hotel to a colourful cultural celebration of the 11 tribes and languages that make up the nation.

Vibrant music from the Soweto Singing Group set the

tone for all the main sessions of the weekend, with contributions from Soweto Singing Company, Eastern Kwa Zulu Natal Songsters, Central Divisional Ladies Band and Central Divisional Band.

In the commissioning meeting the cadets sang their sessional song and shared testimonies with the theme I’m A Messenger Of The Gospel, speaking about their journey while at the training college.

The day concluded with contributions from Katlehong Timbrel Group, with worship led by Peart Memorial Worship Group. Soldiers, friends and officers old and new left the celebrations with a challenge in their hearts to give everything to God. – C. H.

BOURNE: The corps community band led traditional carol singing at the community carol service, hosted by the corps at the Bourne Corn Exchange. During the evening there was a video presentation of two new community projects taking place at the corps: Singing By Heart and The Music Man Project. A collection raised more than £500 for the two activities. – C. G.

EATON BRAY: The community band presented a Christmas carol concert in the packed village hall. Lucy Sallows sang ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘The Snowman’, four young cornetists displayed their developing talent and children from the Sunday school and Champions Club enacted a colourful and interesting nativity play. The event raised £557 for Keech Hospice Care. – R. C.

Volunteers assist corps officer Major Denise Wise in packing more than 110 food parcels at Abertillery donated throughout the year by corps members and nearby stores 4

Salvationist 19 January 2019

SUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTH: Nearly 300 people attended the annual music evening, which included a range of solos and contributions from the band and the East Herrington Primary Academy Choir. Age UK Director Tracy Buck, the deputy mayor of Sunderland city council, Councillor David Snowdon, and his wife, Councillor Diane Snowdon, attended the enjoyable and successful evening, which raised more than £3,700 for Age UK. – T. H.

Malvern’s craft class display knitted angels, produced together with friends of the corps, to hand out around the town at Christmas; each angel had a note wishing the recipient a happy Christmas from The Salvation Army

NORWICH CITADEL: The songsters’ annual candlelight carol service featured soloists Jayne Frost and Ruth Beattie, who sang ‘Ordinary Baby’ and ‘The Lord Is My Shepherd’, respectively, and Lisa Goodchild, who brought the cello solo ‘Who Is He?’ Major Barry Willson made the appeal on behalf of the city centre Soup Run and the Pottergate Advice and Refreshment Centre, and the capacity congregation contributed £2,423 towards the work of the centre.

The YP band contributed items and accompanied congregational carols. – B. C.

WHITBY: The Kidz Klub presented a modern version of the Nativity, based on Bible Society’s book A Well-good Christmas. Parents and friends enjoyed carols, group songs and individual items that also celebrated the fact that Jesus is alive today. – N. P.

Ipswich Citadel Band and pupils from The Suffolk Academy of Dance and Performing Arts present carols in the town centre

HINCKLEY: Enderby Brass Band presented an evening of Christmas music supported by the Hinckley Rock Choir. Many of their items were from their prize-winning programme at the recent Bolsover Contest, and Sarah Moore’s flugelhorn solo ‘Away In A Manger’ was one of the highlights. Andy Mayell brought a euphonium solo, entitled ‘Michelangelo’. The excellent evening was enjoyed by a capacity congregation. – B. A.

BELFAST CITADEL: The parent-and-toddler group held its Christmas service with the theme Christmas Unwrapped. Past and present members of the group were invited to the Sunday meeting, and many entered into the spirit of the occasion by wearing Christmas jumpers. The meeting included a craft activity for all ages. – N. M. Salvationist 19 January 2019

5

NEEDED BY 11 JAN NEWS

Guildford Band plays carols at the Royal Surrey County Hospital on Christmas Day, with Bandmaster James Haigh attending for the 30th consecutive time

GREENOCK: The 2nd Port Glasgow Boys’ Brigade and Greenock and Port Glasgow Bands united to provide music in the Cappielow Football Stadium for a carol service, in which David Harper, who grew up in Greenock, shared his testimony.

Having been involved with drugs for many years, it was through a Christian rehabilitation centre and the love of God that David became free of drugs. The event, which was organised by the Inverclyde Christian Initiative, raised more than £200 to help alleviate suffering in Syria. – C. J.

RISCA: The band, singing group and Godzone Puppets joined Iswlyn Lodge of Moose International for the 40th carol service they’ve shared together. In recognition and thanks, an engraved glass trophy was presented to Bandmaster Adrian Browning. – J. B.

Three-year-old Max Parry helps Merthyr Tydfil Fellowship Band raise £700 playing carols on Christmas Eve 6

Salvationist 19 January 2019

Assistant Secretary for Mission Major Elwyn Harries (THQ) shares the Christmas message using magic at Wood Green’s community Christmas celebration, attended by more than 70 people from the community centre and First Sunday church fellowship

Pupils of Hatherop Castle School donate gifts to the Cirencester Corps Christmas appeal

KIRKCALDY: The community carol service was held in a building adjacent to the future corps hall, helping to make people aware of the move to the area. The band and songsters were joined by vocal soloist Ian French (Edinburgh Gorgie). Councillor Judy Hamilton read from the Bible and announced that the event had raised £260 in aid of Maggie’s hospice. – D. A.

LEAMINGTON SPA: The Way Ahead Project presented a pantomime based on Cinderella. Staff and service users told stories, applicable to their characters, of how they or someone else had a life-changing experience because of the love and help they had received through the project. A large and appreciative audience included corps members and people from the community. – R. O.

Overnight at Edinburgh Gorgie, corps officer Major Vicki Gilden and 35 volunteers turn the hall into a ‘Santa’s grotto’, packing 580 bags with toys, toiletries and gifts for families in need in the area

Bolton Citadel corps officer Major Paul Westlake and Lieutenant Ryan Parkin (associate officer) present Sue Kent from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust with £769 raised at the corps carol service

Children from Latymer All Saints C of E Primary School, Edmonton, assist in packing food parcels for people in need

Members of the Young at Heart club at Bristol Kingswood enjoy their Christmas lunch

After a Christmas Day service in Lockerbie people who would otherwise be alone are served a three-course meal; each person also received a gift

BELFAST SYDENHAM: The band and songsters led An Evening of Christmas Music in the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

The large audience enjoyed a variety of items including solos by Gail Dickson (vocal) and Andrew Pentland (tuba). Corps officer Major Ian McBride told the congregation of the great support the Army receives from the community and how this helps to support many families who would otherwise be in need. – P. P.

NORWICH CITADEL: The band’s annual Joy to the World Christmas event was well attended and raised more than £1,000 for The Clare School, Norwich, which supports children with special and complex needs. After corps officer Major Mark Sawyer’s welcome, the band presented items including ‘Noel’ and ‘Sweet Little Jesus Boy’ featuring flugelhorn soloist Daniel Frost. – B. C.

HINCKLEY: Some of the people invited to the Christmas Day lunch also attended the morning meeting. Afterwards 70 people enjoyed the traditional three-course festive meal before entertainment and party games in the main hall. – B. A. O Two

well-attended carol services, at Norwich Citadel raised £1,900 to support the Army’s work in Estonia

Salvationist 19 January 2019

7

NEWS

Corps celebrates anniversary LOCKERBIE TERRITORIAL Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

and Territorial Leader for Leader Development Commissioner Gill Cotterill were welcomed as leaders for the 25th corps anniversary by corps officers Captains Andrina and Chris Downie.

BRISTOL: Hundreds of people braved poor weather to attend St Mary Redcliffe church for Christmas With The Salvation Army hosted by Bristol Easton.

David Garmston from BBC Points West compèred the programme, which featured solos from Nicholas Lester (vocal) accompanied by Allan Schiller (piano).

Readings were given by Jonty Messer (ITV West Country) and Lucy Tegg (BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Somerset). Proceeds from the event will help the Army to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Bristol area. – A. S.

A ‘Christianity Explored’ course at North Walsham is attended by people between the ages of 13 and 99

8

Salvationist 19 January 2019

Former corps officers, soldiers, friends and guests enjoyed a meeting that included an item by the band especially written for the occasion by Lynda Hall entitled ‘Lockerbie 25’. The songsters sang ‘The Holy Child’.

Commissioner Gill dedicated a framed picture of the Army crest made by Songster Leader Brenda Kemp to commemorate the occasion. Brenda also joined adherent member Jack Laird in answering questions about their Christian experiences and their hopes for the future.

The TC gave thanks for all that had been achieved in the town during the past years, and thanked other church members present for their support, especially in the days following the Pan Am air disaster.

He commended all those in the town who ‘held up the light of Christ in the community’. – A. D. Corps folk from Norwich Citadel assisted the Toys and Tins appeal, held by Anglia Division and BBC Radio Norfolk. The Norfolk appeal distributed gifts to nearly 3,000 children and parcels to more than 2,500 adults in need

O

STAPLE HILL: Boscombe Timbrelists joined the corps in an evening of Christmas celebration. Video readings brought the Christmas story throughout the programme and the YP band played ‘Who Is He?’ during the nativity play. After the final congregational carol the band and Boscombe Timbrelists presented ‘Celebrate The Season’. – V. W.

MACDUFF: When Fraserburgh Band and Timbrelists held the first Army carol service in the town for many years, more than 60 people attended. Talitha Brown was the vocal soloist for the event, and Majors Bruce and Isobel Smith (Findochty and Buckie) used drama to challenge people to focus on the real reason for Christmas. – B. S.

Hostel scheme goes ahead ILFORD PROJECT Malachi, a scheme aimed at people experiencing homelessness, is moving ahead as finance is being boosted by cash from Redbridge council.

The partnership between The Salvation Army, spearheaded by Ilford Corps, and the council is

supported by a multifaith sponsoring committee and will supply pop-up hostel accommodation in recycled shipping containers.

It is hoped the new hostel will open by the summer, and, until then, the night shelter at the corps will remain open. Since last October, at least ten people experiencing homelessness died in the borough, eight of whom had no recourse to public funds. – A. W.

GLASGOW AIRPORT: Guests, staff and passengers gathered for the eighth annual Glasgow Airport Sings Christmas. Guest vocal soloist Songster Leader Matt Ramsay (Govan), Greenock Band and young people from Govan supported the event, and Forecourt Manager Carol Grey brought readings. Airport staff raised £7,600 for charities Reaching Out Across Renfrew and Funding Neuro, firefighter Mark Pettigrew and Glasgow Airport Helping Hands collected more than 4,500 cans of food for Govan Corps food bank, and the administration department donated a car-load of quality gifts. – K. B. HOXTON: In 2005 Gordon Warwick Haines, a magistrate with links to The Salvation Army, initiated a Christmas gift campaign, to which the Livery Companies of London brought gifts for less fortunate people. The corps continues to receive and distribute gifts, helping thousands of families, children and adults in need. Gordon was inspired by the Army’s annual toy services he attended in his youth. – S. S.

CIRENCESTER: The vicar of Bibury, the Rev Tim Hastie-Smith, asked the band to accompany carol singers for favourite carols and readings. Starting in Bibury they went to The Catherine Wheel inn at the other end of the village, stopped at The Village Pub in Barnsley – where patrons stepped outside and joined the singing – before a final service at Barnsley House hotel. – M. G.

Guisborough Band plays to more than 350 people at its fourth Carols Around The Christmas Tree

CLOWNE: Despite wet and windy weather, more that 70 residents of The Edge, a recently built housing estate, gathered to sing carols and share hot drinks and mince pies with the band. This is an annual event building on relationships made during prayer walking the site as it developed. – M. N. Salvationist 19 January 2019

9

VIEW POINT

PREOCCUPIED WITH THE PRESENT Professor Michael Wang claims that practising mindfulness helps us become better disciples of Jesus

M

INDFULNESS has become fashionable in the UK over recent years, with widespread use in mental health services, and mindfulness meditation sessions being introduced into many school timetables.

Mindfulness is often presented as stemming from the Buddhist or Hindu traditions and, as such, is understandably met with a degree of suspicion in some Christian quarters.

However, the essential principles of mindfulness have been a longstanding feature of the Christian tradition. For example, Jesus said: ‘So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’ (Matthew 6:31–33). And mindfulness meditation has been practised and promoted by Christians since at least medieval times by people such as Brother Lawrence and Ignatius of Loyola.

BEING IN THE MOMENT What exactly is mindfulness? Essentially it is the practice of ‘being in the moment’. It is arguably a characteristic of human nature to worry about the future and to regret the past. The net result is that we ignore the present and

10

Salvationist 19 January 2019

our lives are dominated by emotionally negative preoccupations. And yet we exist in the present, and this preoccupation with the other two time frames not only may cause time to pass rapidly and uneasily, it also impairs the quality of our lives, in many cases leading to emotional and mental health disturbance.

The antidote is to increase our preoccupation with the present. This is one way of viewing Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:25–34. But it also requires faith and trust in God’s care and purposes for each of us. Jesus also said: ‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10 Revised Standard Version) and perhaps living in the present is part of what he meant.

Because it is so ingrained in our nature not to live in the present, we can use mental exercises to improve our ability to counter this. These may involve focusing on bodily sensations, such as our breathing or heartbeat, or particular aspects of our environment, such as plants and the elements.

THE PRESENCE OF JESUS I would argue that, for the Christian, mindfulness needs to centre on an awareness of the presence of Jesus in everything we do, especially in the mundane tasks, such as cleaning our teeth, washing the dishes or driving the car. In this way our relationship is truly enhanced, since we seek to include our Lord’s presence in every aspect of our lives. Indeed, it can be argued that this is what true worship is about – dedicating every moment of life to the Lord by living it with an awareness of his presence, with pervasive thankfulness for all that he gives us from one moment to the next.

SANCTIFICATION Mindfulness is also a key aspect of sanctification. Paul says: ‘Be transformed by the renewal of your mind’ (Romans 12:2 RSV). How might this occur? I would suggest it is not by the physical effort we put into changing our behaviour but by a change in our heart and mind. We begin by recognising our failure and leave it at the foot of the cross. In our broken state we then seek a change in our mindset and focus on the presence of Jesus, living from one moment to the next, which is Christian mindfulness.

In my experience, his Spirit can then renew our mind if we choose to dwell in his presence. It is his supernatural grace which causes this renewal, not because of any effort we might make.

Thus we cannot take the credit for any change that occurs – and God is glorified in our progressive perfection.

For further reading: The Practice Of The Presence Of God by Brother Lawrence, The Spiritual Exercises Of St Ignatius Of Loyola and Being Mindful, Being Christian: A Guide To Mindful Discipleship by Joanna Collicutt, Jennifer Brickman and Roger Bretherton

O

This article first appeared in Training Brief (christiantraining.org.uk/ training-brief)

O

MICHAEL IS PROFESSOR OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TI ON N REFLECTION TION

Doing the most good ‘Have we turned busyness into an idol?’ asks Lieutenant Erin Metcalf

I

T is 2 am and I am wide awake. I don’t remember waking up, but I am fully alert – heart racing and every cell in my body tingling. I’m sure it’s fear that has roused me, but not fear of an intruder or an ominous presence; no, it is an internal fear.

I begin to mentally unpack the emotion. Family – OK. House – safe and secure. Pet – quiet. Nothing urgent outstanding. And then it hits me – a swinging wrecking ball of truth: I’m not doing enough.

As the minutes tick by, my mind sinks deeper into the abyss of comparison.

Colleague A has several employees and appears to be running a lot of programmes. Colleague B is asked regularly to speak at different events.

Colleague C mentioned returning, after vacation, to 300 emails. I have 300 unopened emails, too – coupons from retail stores and online ministry sites.

My mind keeps sinking, comparing myself with other women and men who are always busy, parents who are on committees and participate in extracurricular activities alongside their children. I replay conversations in my mind and wonder if my busy is equivalent to their busy.

Am I busy? I chauffeur my children around to various activities. I visit people

as often as I can. I have paperwork deadlines and ministry goals and Sunday mornings and special events and new programme dreams and… I sigh in relief. Good. I am busy. I am important. I close my eyes.

What is it about being busy that makes us feel important? When we can produce a ‘to do’ list as long as our arm, why does that bolster our ego?

Often, the response to invitations is, ‘I’d love to, but I can’t – I’m too busy.’

I’ve said it myself, often genuinely upset that my commitments keep me from doing things I love to do. But it would be dishonest to deny that, at times, saying ‘I’m just too busy’ gives me a sense of importance.

Somehow those words give me status. They demonstrate that I am needed, sought after and useful. There is work that can be done only by me and me alone.

We all want to be important. But can our worth be measured by how much we accomplish in a day? Has busyness become a status symbol? When the number of tasks and events and hobbies and social outings and projects we tackle in a week generates bragging rights, perhaps there is something wrong.

Maybe we need to take a step back.

‘

Perhaps we ought to look more closely at those who are brave enough to say no

’

My days are full and being busy is just part of life. But do I buy into the dangerous idea that because I have so much to do I have somehow elevated my status within society? Even more so, do I make my role as a busy person into an idol?

Don’t be fooled – this is not just a world problem. We in the Church are also susceptible to equating those who are busy with those who are doing the most for the Kingdom. This is dangerous. We admire the doers, the ones who say yes. Perhaps we ought to look more closely at those who are brave enough to say no. If being busy is the new status symbol, and as Christians we are called to move away from a life of idolatry and status, maybe we need to move away from busyness too.

Jesus intentionally built rest, solitude and time spent in prayer into his ministry. The Bible does not show us a busy Jesus, a busy God – rest and Sabbath are woven throughout. Psalm 127:2 reminds us: ‘It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night… for God gives rest to his loved ones’ (New Living Translation).

Walking away from the status symbol of being busy is hard because it forces us to stop and think about what really matters – and what really matters is not usually what people see. The thrill of ‘busy’ is that it makes us look good. It shouts: ‘Look at me, I’m important!’ But our worth is not measured by our busyness.

God continually calls us into deeper relationship with him. That is where we find our worth. The status symbol of being busy is an idol, an idol that will keep us from the God of rest and peace.

This article first appeared in the Canadian Salvationist

O

LIEUTENANT METCALF IS CORPS OFFICER, NIAGARA ORCHARD COMMUNITY CHURCH, CANADA AND BERMUDA TERRITORY Salvationist 19 January 2019

11

FEATURE Lunch club

BRIDGING THE GAP Shanelle Manderson finds out about a new lunch club for schoolchildren that’s combating holiday hunger

D

ID you know that more than three million children in the UK are at risk of hunger during the school holidays? Many children from lowincome families are entitled to free school meals during term time, but what happens during the school holidays?

For many, the food runs out.

In a bid to tackle holiday hunger in their community, Reading Central Corps partnered the Christian charity Transforming Lives for Good (TLG) Make Lunch to run Make Lunch Reading, a lunch club providing free hot and healthy meals once a week during the school holidays and twice a week in the Christmas and new year break.

The need for the sessions was brought to light by nearby schools, as Community Development Manager Matthew Stone explains: ‘Every Christmas our corps provides food hampers to individuals and families in the community who find Christmas difficult for whatever reason. We’ve distributed 2,200 hampers since Christmas 2016.

‘When Corps Secretary Jan Scott and

12

Salvationist 19 January 2019

I were debriefing on the 2017 Christmas appeal with a cluster of schools, we asked whether there was anything more that we might be able to do to support them in their work with children and their families. They told us that the school holiday hunger gap was an issue of real concern and asked if we’d heard about TLG Make Lunch, who help churches to support disadvantaged children in their communities.’

The corps and TLG Make Lunch identified that there are 5,400 children in Reading receiving school meals.

‘That number failed to recognise those eligible but not receiving lunches and those recognised as living in poverty who don’t meet the necessary criteria,’ says Matthew. ‘And although we initially decided that the lunch club would cater for 60 people – approximately 15 families – after a significant response we decided we would feed as many as came forward needing help.’

There are now 114 individuals registered – 35 adults and 79 children – and the number continues to grow.

Food wholesalers Brakes supports the club with £50 a session as part of the relationship with TLG Make Lunch, and donations from the nearby branch, along with corps fundraising and generous donations, help to cater for meals.

Each holiday club has had a different theme tied in with the food, games and activities. Last year a day at the beach and circus-orientated sessions featured over the six-week holiday and half-term.

The latest was centred on celebrating the new year. Families recycled Christmas wrapping paper and sweet wrappers to decorate a large cut-out of the numbers 2, 0, 1 and 9 as well as making pasta shakers (musical instruments), which the children played as they learnt and sang an edited version of ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

‘It’s fantastic! The kids absolutely love it here,’ says Jane*, a mum of three. ‘My partner and I have gone without before, so the kids can eat. Sometimes it can be difficult but this club has been great.’

‘‘

My son has so much fun playing games and I know he’s going to get a hot meal in a safe environment

Asha* agrees: ‘My son has so much fun playing games and I know he’s going to get a hot meal in a safe environment. It’s great to talk to other parents too; everyone is lovely and friendly. I’m thankful for the support.’

Many of the family referrals came from social and family workers as the club was promoted through social media, emails, leaflets and flyers to different groups: nearby churches, social services, schools and referral services like Berkshire Women’s Aid, Reading Refugee Support Group and Parents and Children Together (Pact).

‘Staff from these groups were talking to parents and saying, “We know you’re struggling. This is available to you; please do not feel bad about going. It’s being put on for free because we want to help you. Nobody is going to judge you”,’ says core team leader of the club Carol Atkins.

‘Once families are here, we do our best to make them feel welcome and we’ve had a high number of people coming back. Once they come, they feel happy and welcome. It’s getting them to come in the first place that’s tricky.’

’’

Being the first initiative of its kind for the two organisations in the area, the appeal for the club created a lot of buzz.

It featured on BBC Berkshire and Thames Valley TV and in online publication Get Reading. As news spread, as well as encouraging those in need of the service to come along, the appeal also attracted a number of volunteers eager to help.

‘The project has had a really good response from the community with 41 volunteers coming forward, the majority being new to volunteering with the Army,’ says Matthew. ‘People from schools, social services, other churches and people who found out about the club from social media decided they wanted to be a part of it, so it’s been exciting to work alongside people of faith and no faith to make this school holidays family lunch club come to life.’

There are twelve volunteers per session split into four teams: admin and welcome, kitchen, children and families.

‘It’s very much a gift-based ministry,’ says Carol. ‘I always say to the volunteers, “Where do you want to be?

What are the things you are good at?

What do you enjoy doing?”, because, if

they enjoy it, they’ll want to come back.

There are some people who are very happy in the kitchen, for example, but would struggle with people.’

And the opportunity to help and support has been hugely rewarding as volunteer Diana Bates explains: ‘Helping others is love in action and, as a Christian family, we came together – my husband and my two daughters – to three sessions over the summer.

‘My girls were really reluctant at first but now they love it. Once they had a job to do – making tea or coffee – they were ready to go. They even wanted to volunteer at the next session but no more help was needed and they were really disappointed.’

Following the BBC coverage, two councils on the south coast have asked their nearby Salvation Army corps to run school holiday lunch clubs in their areas.

‘It’s all great,’ says Matthew. ‘Our lunch club has proven to be a really positive opportunity to engage and build relationships with individuals and families in our community who we haven’t had the opportunity to meet with before.

‘I hope other corps are able to reap the benefits of tackling the school holiday hunger gap in their areas. It’s been encouraging to hear of corps already running similar programmes and activities within their communities.’ *Names have been changed to protect privacy Salvationist 19 January 2019

13

THE LIGHT HAS COME! COLUMN FROM THE COLLEGE

Salvationist asked some cadets to share their experiences of William Booth College; this month, Cadet Faith Thompson reflects on her first Christmas at the college

T

HROUGHOUT the Advent and Christmas season God constantly reminded me of one phrase: ‘The Light has come!’ From outreach on my personal initiative project, to a carol service at Cambria House Lifehouse, God made this phrase active within my life. Everywhere I went, in every meeting and every carolling engagement, this short line was made to stand out in my mind.

My first Christmas as a cadet at William Booth College began when I put up my tree. I decided to make my own and asked my fellow cadets for any spare copies of Salvationist and the War Cry so I could decorate our new home with a paper tree. It did begin to feel a lot like Christmas! Similarly, the staff and volunteers did an amazing job filling the college with real, ‘snow-covered’ Christmas trees.

Within our small community at the college we were invited to take part in designing an Advent window display to count down to Christmas. It was like a giant Advent calendar with the college as the backdrop.

Each day a new window would be put up and it was the challenge of the college children, and sometimes cadets, to search for the new window of the day.

As I looked out of my window on day nine and saw an image projected onto the wall of the next house, I was again reminded of ‘light shining in the darkness’, a personal reminder from God of his message for me.

One of the highlights for me was the opportunity for quiet reflection during morning worship or, as they were known to us, Advent prayers. It would have been easy to be rushing around, trying to meet essay deadlines, planning the next carolling trip, wrapping presents and making sure we had everything 14

Salvationist 19 January 2019

sorted ready for the holidays. Yet those morning times of worship were really special. It was w an a hour to be still, to reflect, to t be with God and to take in i the importance of the season.

It gave me an s amazing sense of peace, a alongside my friends, to a take ta in what God wanted me to focus on at Christmas.

Though the message was for T all, I felt God’s personal conversation with me in those moments.

Similar to many corps, the cadets had a number of carolling engagements. We supported corps and centres across London in the lead-up to Christmas.

Starting on Oxford Street, the college band visited a number of places throughout the carolling season, including Westminster Cathedral, Grove Chapel, Sloane Square and Goose Green. We were also invited to play carols in the wards at nearby King’s College Hospital, much to the delight of patients and staff. One night a small group of us went to the train station across the road from WBC to play carols while members of college staff

handed out mince pies to passing commuters.

The cadets had the opportunity to host two carol services in parks near the college: Ruskin Park and Camberwell Green. These were fantastic events where people from across the communities got together to sing carols, hear some of the Christmas message and be part of a Christmas service in their area.

Back at college we had the pleasure of hosting the retired officers carol service in our assembly hall, which was a lovely morning of carols and items from the college singing group, band and timbrel group. Captain Jo Moir gave a short message based around the TV drama Call The Midwife, which included riding through the crowd on a bike!

There were opportunities to fundraise for our college International Project, which this year focuses on the Others programme – an initiative started to help women in the poorest areas of the world learn a trade and sell their products fairly and sustainably. We had a Christmas jumper day as well as a number of Christmas stalls with gifts handmade by cadets and their families.

Though Christmas was different for many of us here at the college, I felt the overwhelming presence of God’s love and guidance during Advent. It may not have been as chaotic as I am used to at this time of year, but God allowed me to have time, to really dig deep into his personal message for me: ‘The Light has come!’ Now it’s time to go and show it.

+ REVIEWS

SONGS THAT LEAD BACK HOME Songster Leader Sue Blyth (Peterborough Citadel) reviews the CD Home by FourHymn

W

HAT is home to you? Is it the house where you now live, the place you were brought up or even the church where, for the first time, you recognised your faith and what it meant? Many people will say that ‘home is where the heart is’. This is certainly what FourHymn would like us to consider as we listen to their second album: the idea that we can wander, trying to discover what God has in store and follow his leading, but eventually we will return to him and who he is. In the words of one of the tracks, ‘I’ll come back to you, you’re my home.’

If you haven’t heard FourHymn, where have you been! I have been privileged

to know each of these young men as they have grown and developed in faith, and in our house, certainly, we are excited to hear them in action and see their faith expressed in this way. They are a busy bunch and regularly tour the territory with their excellent band, and this CD is a reflection of what you will hear when you see them live. Karl, Joe, Nick and Nathanael attend Regent Hall and their desire is to express their love for the Saviour in this special ministry.

The album includes some original songs written by the members of FourHymn alongside some more established contemporary songs.

All have Scripture references and would be useful to aid small-group worship and prayer time.

This is easy listening, and the four

voices sit so beautifully together that you are quickly drawn into the spirit of worship. Each of them takes a solo at various times in beautiful ballads and more upbeat gospel tunes. At a time when vocal music in our church really needs to be energised and relevant to our world, this album does just that.

One of the songs says, ‘If you’ve been walking the same old road for miles and miles,/ If you’ve been hearing the same old voice tell the same old lies,/ If you’re trying to fill the same old holes inside,/ There’s a better life.’ Listen to this album, be reassured by the words you hear and let FourHymn lead you back to God. Back home.

Home is available from SP&S priced £9.99 (plus postage and packing)

O

NOT JUST ANOTHER BOOK ABOUT BANDING Josh Turner and Beth Malovance (USA Central Territory) write about Harold Burgmayer’s book The Beat Goes On! Music As A Corps Ministry

D

ESIGNED to be a comprehensive overview of corps music ministry, this is far from just another book about banding. Divided into five parts, it has a much wider scope…

O ‘Music Ministers’ addresses the relationship of officers to their musicians. These chapters address the planning and implementing of weekly music programmes and worship services, including the fundamentals of song leading.

O ‘Youth Music Ministry’ seeks to equip and encourage the training of youth choruses and youth bands.

O ‘Adult Music Ministry’ systematically unravels the mystery of learning to read a music score and takes a thorough look at leadership of bands and songsters.

O ‘Worship Leadership’ will profit

pianists, worship team members and song leaders – whether novices or seasoned veterans – with insights on music and chord selection.

O ‘The Conductor’s Toolbox’ concentrates on communicating through effective conducting patterns and gestures, as well as facilitating successful rehearsals.

This extensive resource is not meant to be read cover-to-cover.

Emerging and present leaders may choose to focus on their interests first, and then explore the chapters outside their expertise.

Most chapters begin with specific aims, include a situational story and conclude with a resource list for further reading. Sets of questions in each chapter allow for further personal reflection or group discussion.

Non-musicians can glean much, especially relating to worship design, song leading and improving their leadership.

Cartoons, photos, graphs, music

examples and sidebar definitions aid the understanding of concepts. Cross references create opportunities to dig deeper through the online appendix and audio resources, where the reader can quickly reference supporting materials or audio demonstrations of music examples while studying a chapter.

For smaller corps wanting to develop music ministry, ‘Making Things Happen At Your Corps’ is a good starting place. In larger corps, where music leaders desire to be more effective in their ministry, there is help to address a specific topic or question. It might be helpful to go through some of the leadership and Sunday worship planning chapters as a ministry team, before venturing into the four conducting chapters, which will benefit music leaders at all levels.

The Beat Goes On! is available from salvationarmy.christianbook.com priced US$24.99 (plus shipping and handling)

O

Salvationist 19 January 2019

15

BIBLE STUDY

TOGETHER STRONGER USE YOUR GIFT TO SERVE OTHERS QUESTION Our suffering may be subtler than it was for the Christians in Peter’s day. Do we suffer more from apathy and claims of lack of relevance?

Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe encourages us to get involved

O

STUDY PASSAGE: 1 PETER 4:1–11

T

HE slogan for the Welsh football team going to the European finals in 2016 was ‘Together Stronger’, and rock band the Manic Street Preachers promoted it in song. In the lyrics – describing the long struggle of the Welsh team to get to the final stages of a major competition – a tribute is made to former Wales manager, the late Gary Speed. He played his part through his own personal struggles, using his gift to pave the way for the Welsh team to get there. ‘Together stronger, we’ll win if we unite’ is the concluding line.

The context of 1 Peter 4 is that the Christian community was facing major persecution, in particular malicious slander. To put it bluntly, it was a struggle to remain in the faith and keep the community of believers together.

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

by Major Philippa Smale

16

Salvationist 19 January 2019

Even if we suffer from apathy and claims of irrelevance, we must endure.

This year in our territory, we will look at the ‘E’ in TIDE, which stands for ‘Effectiveness’. So, what can we learn

from this passage about how we can be effective?

The first thing Peter points us to is the example of Christ. If we are to be effective, then we must follow Jesus in his attitude or conviction towards suffering and those things that would oppose us. Peter says that whoever suffers in the body has finished with sin.

QUESTION What does this mean?

O

It could mean either that suffering is the great purifier or that anyone who has endured the effects of suffering will not be tempted back into sinful ways and, therefore, that temptation has no power over them.

However, the more accurate meaning is that we who call ourselves Christ’s followers are identified with him in his suffering and we will share in his risen life and ultimate victory over sin.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body has finished with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1 and 2)

When thou the work of faith hast wrought,/ I here shall in thine image shine,/ Nor sin in deed or word or thought;/ Let men exclaim and fiends repine,/ They cannot break the firm decree;/ All things are possible to me.

(SASB 485)

The end of all things is near.

Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

(1 Peter 4:7 and 8)

To be more effective we, individually, need to know to whom we belong and allow the rule of God continually to shape and drive us. While we have an individual relationship, God has also placed us together in his body. Peter encourages: ‘Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins’ (v8).

Love is best expressed towards others, and we certainly need to recover and reactivate the latent potential of the body of Christ. The wider New Testament teaches us that we all have gifts of the Holy Spirit and we all get to participate in service to the glory of God. In our corps and centres we need to act on our belief that we are the priesthood of all believers. Everyone needs to play their part.

To be really effective we need to give The Salvation Army back to its people.

All get to play and participate. We all need each other. God forbid that we just

become spectators or consumers! We cannot afford to be so removed from what God is doing in the world.

I suspect that you, like me, have often been commended for the wonderful work The Salvation Army does.

QUESTION How does this make you feel?

O

We need to bless and serve our communities according to our context, and hospitality is an important value to practise towards each other and our communities. This is the context of Peter encouraging us to use our gifts to serve others.

QUESTIONS What is your gift?

O How will you seek to play your part?

O

Sometimes, I have felt a little guilty that we might be living on past glories.

We need to live every moment of every day as disciples of Jesus, embodying the love and grace of God wherever we are and whatever we are engaged in.

We need to begin to see engaging in mission as looking for those opportunities to identify where God is at work and become the voice.

If we are to counter the 21st-century form of subtle persecution called the lack of relevance, we need to engage with life as it is in our neighbourhoods.

The answers to these questions will determine our effectiveness now and in the future. So, come on Salvation Army!

Together, we are stronger and we can be more effective.

LIEUT-COLONEL McCOMBE IS ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MISSION

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling,/ Who is careless of our loneliness and pain,/ Through the ministry of men he gives his healing,/ In their dedicated hands brings hope again.

(SASB 10)

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

(1 Peter 4:9 and 10)

All there is of me, Lord,/ All there is of me,/ Time and talents, day by day,/ All I bring to thee;/ All there is of me, Lord,/ All there is of me,/ On thine altar here I lay/ All there is of me.

(SASB 569)

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

(1 Peter 4:11)

Prayer Father God, help us to dedicate ourselves to your service and to the service of others. We pray that people will come to know you as their Father and Jesus as their saviour because we reach out to them in your strength.

Salvationist 19 January 2019

17

LETTERS

FFM QUESTIONS NOT POSED I CONCUR wholeheartedly with the comments made by Russell Chalmers in his letter (Salvationist 15 December).

Like Russell I have considerable experience in the management of change at high level in two large UK organisations, and similar experience in the management of change in the Magistrates Courts Service. It therefore appears to me that two important questions need to be answered when an organisation decides it needs to undergo a major change of direction or restructuring.

First, why is it necessary? And, second, what will be the expected benefits and outcomes from the changes? In my view the Fit For Mission initiative did not pose either of these questions. What the documents contained was a plethora of worthy good intentions for improving service delivery and mission, but without identifying what measurable benefits or outcomes would or should be expected, and how they would be evaluated.

What was not openly stated by territorial leadership was that the Army in the United Kingdom needed to change dramatically or it would have serious consequences for its future viability.

One of the positive pillars of the FFM initiative was the stated commitment to openness, transparency and a bottom up approach to consultation and involvement. Sadly these fine intentions do not seem to have been put into

practice because, as a lay member, I was not aware that a meaningful review was taking place, nor was I given the opportunity to contribute to this review if I so desired.

The central pillar of good governance is that all members should have a voice in the decision-making processes, whether of a company, an organisation or a church. The FFM initiative indicated that in future there would be a different way of leading, ‘from the ground up rather than the top down’.

I think we have a long way to go. I believe it was Albert Einstein who said: ‘We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.’

David Newstead, Birmingham

MONEY BEFORE FAITH? I TOTALLY agree with Jane Chapman’s letter (Salvationist 22 December). After the previous Christmas appeal I wrote a letter to the General expressing exactly the same views.

In return I received a reply from an officer at THQ telling me that they did not dare to mention the real meaning of Christmas on appeal material as it could upset some of their large sponsors, who might withdraw their donation.

So, is it all about money rather than faith?

Dennis Cozens, Sheringham

APPRECIATION FROM INSIDE I WOULD like to acknowledge the ministry that Salvation Army music sections undertook this Christmas at various prisons in the territory. The opportunities for the Army to contribute sharing the Christmas message in situations that are restricted, and therefore entail a great deal of organisation, inconvenience and, at times, some apprehension, is not taken for granted and needs to be acknowledged.

On behalf of Salvationists who minister within our prison establishments I thank all our musicians for their commitment to sharing the good news in alien situations. This service is much appreciated by prisoners and staff.

Much of this impact goes unnoticed, which brings me to ask that if any readers did engage in a carolling opportunity in any prison establishment over the recent Christmas period please let me know by emailing the Prison Ministries Unit (prison.ministries@salvationarmy.org.uk) at THQ. On behalf of myself and all who minister within our prison establishments, thank you and happy new year!

David Emery, Major, Prison Ministries Off icer, THQ

ADVERTISING THE NATIVITY IN response to the letter from Jane Chapman (Salvationist 22 December) headed ‘Can we put Christ back in Christmas?’ I include a photograph of the window display, over the Christmas period, at the Nicely Saved charity shop in Stapleford.

This is just to give Jane and others some reassurance that the Nativity story is being upheld in at least one charity shop.

Frank Taylor, Stapleford 18

Salvationist 19 January 2019

PREVIEW

MUSIC-MAKING AND FELLOWSHIP Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Creative Arts) Stephanie Lamplough looks ahead to this year’s Symphony Sounds concert

B

IRMINGHAM’S Symphony Hall will once again host this year’s Symphony Sounds. Since Symphony Hall opened in 1991 it has been acclaimed by critics, performers and the public as one of the finest concert halls in the world. It is situated in the heart of Birmingham and seats more than 2,000 people.

On Saturday 1 June everyone is

invited to join us from 1 pm when corps and divisional groups will perform in the informal foyer concerts. Visitors can catch up with old friends from across the territory and take time to get to know the Music and Creative Arts (MACA) team, who will be on hand at the MACA stand

to talk about all the great resources we now offer. SP&S and Besson will also be there.

The Symphony Sounds concert will begin at 6.30 pm in the main concert hall and is designed to offer something for everyone. As ever, concertgoers can enjoy the highest quality of Salvation Army music from the International Staff Band and International Staff Songsters, who will be joined this year by Bellshill Band, massed singing companies and the male vocal group FourHymn.

Have you been to a Symphony Sounds concert recently? If not we suggest you join us this year for a whole day of music-making and fellowship.

We are sure you won’t be disappointed!

O

+ REVIEW

SNAPSHOTS OF A WORLDWIDE MINISTRY

P

ROVIDING a complete overview of Salvation Army ministry right around the world, The Salvation Army Year Book 2019 is a 376-page publication that incorporates details of the Movement’s work and ministry in 131 countries, with facts and statistics supported by reports, articles, coloured maps and photographs.

The Year Book includes information from more than 50 Salvation Army territories, commands and regions, covering every aspect of ministry from schools and hospitals to drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes and transitional housing projects for people experiencing homelessness. As well as statistical data charting numerical growth, there are chronologies, historical information and a helpful Salvation Army glossary.

Editor Major Angela Strickland says: ‘One part of the Year Book that I really enjoyed doing this year was putting together the articles... [they] have so much information about specific things that we’re doing in The Salvation Army.

I think it’s important to get those stories and those messages out there.’

This year’s special articles include ‘Equipping A Modern Army’, by

‘

As well as statistical data charting numerical growth, there are chronologies, historical information and a helpful Salvation Army glossary

’

In his foreword General Brian Peddle writes: ‘This book… is an incredible narrative that is saturated with the miracle of the divine dynamic. Peruse it and be blessed. Pray through it and watch God’s continued blessing unfold, and believe as I do that God is willing to do more, and will do a new thing among us.’

International Secretary for Business Administration Commissioner Merle Heatwole. There are also features on child protection and advances in anti-human trafficking work in Brazil.

‘Soul-saving Snapshots’ includes short reports of effective ministries in Madagascar, Hungary, Australia and Cuba.

The Salvation Army Year Book 2019 is available from SP&S priced £7.99 (plus postage and packing). The Kindle edition can be purchased by visiting amazon.co.uk

O

For more details about the Year Book, visit sar.my/yearbook

O

Salvationist 19 January 2019

19

NEW COMMITMENTS

SALE: Lieut-Colonel Val Jones and Major Yvonne Field enrolled Sue Pamp as a soldier. Sue was drawn to the corps, where she found a warm welcome and fellowship. – E. Y.

PAISLEY: Frank Watson was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Cora Joy Tucker. Frank started attending Sunday meetings through joining the fellowship band for practices. Although he was brought up in the Roman Catholic Church, his father had been a bandsman at Springburn Corps and this helped Frank decide that the Army was where he wanted to worship. In his testimony Frank described some of the difficulties he had overcome in his life. During the meeting the band played one of his favourite pieces of music: ‘Be Still’. Also pictured is flag bearer Gibb Nelson.– C. T.

SHOEBURYNESS: Corps officer Captain Clare Davis enrolled Benjamin Rogers as a junior soldier on Commitment Sunday. Benjamin chose some of his favourite songs and asked his prayer partner, Ian Alston, to stand with him on the platform during the enrolment. He is pictured with his grandma, Primary Leader Barbara Pavelin, and his parents, Andrew and Amanda. – R. D./C. D.

CARLISLE: John Brown was enrolled as a soldier and his wife, Isabel, was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Captain Stephen Scoulding. As committed Christians, and having lived in a number of places, John and Isabel have always been active in their local church, and now, having returned to Carlisle in retirement, have renewed their links with the corps.

They are grateful for the support given by the corps during periods of ill health and the song used in the meeting, ‘Count Your Blessings’, was appropriate for the occasion. – M. S. 20

Salvationist 19 January 2019

STAINES: Corps officers Majors Gillian and Paul Billard enrolled Rose Bird and Carol Meakes as soldiers in the first meeting of the new year.

Carol testified to having been a Christian all her life but not attending church every Sunday. It was after a friend invited her to the corps sewing group that she linked up with the Army. Rose also testified to the joy she found since linking up with the corps, and that she loves to sing and dance in praise of the Lord. – M. J.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE THE following appointment and promotion, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff Effective 14 January O Lieut-Colonel Evie Diaz, officer of the USA Central Territory currently serving as Assistant Chief Secretary (Administration) at International Headquarters, is appointed as Chief Secretary, International Headquarters.

She succeeds Colonel Mark Watts who is taking up appointment responsibilities in his home territory.

She will take up her new appointment responsibilities with the rank of colonel LOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED O BM Phillip Baker, Consett MARRIAGE O Edward Borrett to Sophie Denton at Doncaster by Major Teresa Harris WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Golden O Lieut-Colonels Michael and Ruth Williams (27 January) DEDICATED TO GOD O Mabel, daughter of Kenneth and Precious Chikowore, at Reading Central by Major Richard Welch RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Tom Calder (80 on 29 January) O Mrs Major Georgina Atkinson (105 on 31 January) O Major Kathleen Wisbey (80 on 4 February)

Major Bernice Aspin (80 on 10 February) O Major Gunborg Young (85 on 10 February) O

BEREAVED O Irene Cosgrove, Govan, of her husband Archie, Major Helen Young, Arbroath, Fiona Slack, Alan Cosgrove and Janice Walker of their father O Major Ian Loxley, Addlestone, and Keith Loxley of their mother Mrs Lieut-Colonel Margaret Loxley O Anne Foster, Sunderland Millfield, of her husband Derek O Captain Susan Whitla, Portadown, of her father Sony Venner O Major Bernie Westwood, Barking, of her sister Elaine Hargreaves PROMOTED TO GLORY O Joan Martin, Newcastle City Temple O Mrs Lieut-Colonel Margaret Loxley from Luton and Dunstable University Hospital on 5 January O Rtd HLS/Songster Olive White, Poole

TRIBUTES LIEUT-COLONEL JANET PALLANT JANET was born in Edinburgh in 1928.

She qualified as a state registered nurse before leaving Edinburgh Congress Hall for the International Training College, and became a cadet in the Intercessors Session.

Commissioned in 1952, Janet’s first appointment was to Elmswood Maternity Home in Liverpool, and

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE: O ICO, Sun 10

O

ICO,Th 7 Feb

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM: O ICO (farewell to session), Fri 15 Feb THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL: O Croydon Citadel (150th corps anniversary), Sat Sun 20 Jan O William Booth College (lecture), Tu 22* O William Booth College (TE annual seminar), Fri 25 O Swanwick (prayer gathering weekend), Sat Sun 27 O Swanwick (pioneer gathering), Mon 4 Feb O Leicestershire (Central East divisional retreat), Mon 11 – Wed 13 O Hoddesdon (divisional leaders consultation day), Fri 15 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES): O Scotland council, Th 7 Feb *Territorial Leader for Leader Development only

then to Crossways in north London.

Janet met Cadet Stephen Pallant at the training college and, when he turned 23 years old, permission was granted for them to get married in 1954.

During the subsequent 45 years of their service, they – with their children Gillian, Fiona, Heather, Catherine and Graeme – spent exactly half of those years as corps officers, serving at Old Ford, Clapham, Stoke Newington, Borough, Walthamstow Central, Bristol Easton Road, Westonsuper-Mare, Bristol Staple Hill, Bristol Citadel and Regent Hall. The rest of their active service was spent at divisional appointments at Preston, Leeds and South London and territorial headquarters appointments in Zimbabwe, Scotland and London.

As well as a dedicated and faithful Salvation Army officer, Janet was a wonderful mum, grandma and greatgrandma to five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She enjoyed, in particular, her family holidays to Cornwall.

Janet was proud to be Scottish, and enjoyed walking and singing – pursuits she was able to enjoy to the end.

Thanks be to God. – S. P.

RON BAKER, SALE RON was welcomed as an adherent member at Sale in 1992, and by November of the same year he was enrolled as a soldier, wearing his uniform for the first time. This enabled him to go out with the band every Sunday, collecting donations and witnessing to people about his love for God. He studied at the Royal Agricultural University and used his training to help Salvationists, particularly in Uganda, teaching them how to farm their land.

He started Bible classes at Sale and many members of the congregation today who attended those classes thank God for his ministry.

Ron was a man of God and is sadly missed. – A. C. Soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words.

Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

Salvationist 19 January 2019

21

ADVERTISEMENTS

Salvationist 19 January 2019

22-23

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

We’ve asked some of them to tell us about themselves.

This week…

LUKE GREENWOOD Worthing When did you first come into contact with the Army?

When I was about one week old and probably lying in a pram.

What made you want to become a soldier?

I felt it was the right time in my life to take the next step on my journey with God.

I wanted to become a soldier because I felt it was the right time in my life to take the next step on my journey with God

’

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

Star Wars. I’d be Chewbacca because he’s a pretty cool character.

Which Bible character would you like to meet, and what would you ask?

I’d ask Joshua how hard the trumpets really had to blow to bring down the walls of Jericho.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

I’d like to meet football manager Bobby Robson because he’s a legend of the mighty Ipswich Town, and was a genuine and amazing man.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

It is the band piece ‘Prelude On “Lavenham”’. The words have such a strong meaning to me and have helped me when I have struggled or when God’s plan isn’t clear to me.

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

Take every opportunity you can, and don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Yes, it was Greeny. Very original isn’t it!

What is your day job?

I have an apprenticeship in the performing arts department of a college and then I have to decide where God wants me to go after this academic year.

What is the most interesting thing about your work?

The most interesting thing is getting to help students to reach goals every day. … and the most frustrating?

When the students don’t listen to my advice and carry on anyway!

What one thing would you change about the Army?

The mindset of The Salvation Army and Salvationists. We need to be accepting and open-minded to see change and to adapt the Army for our church to grow and develop in a positive way.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

A holiday where the sun shines and there’s a pool to jump into.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

One that was edible and would be able to keep me alive.

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

‘The Final Countdown’ by Europe. It would be quite striking and a good tune to walk into a room with.

What is your favourite food?

A very cheesy macaroni and cheese.

What do you do in your spare time?

Lots of music.

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

Embarrassingly it was probably Take That’s The Circus. I thought I was cool!

What is your favourite Bible verse?

Jeremiah 29:11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ It confirms that God has a plan and a path for us, and if we trust and focus on him, he will lead us through the tough times.

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

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Something interesting you might want to know about me is…

I have broken my collarbone twice and there’s an abnormal lump where it never fully healed properly. Here’s a picture of the X-ray, proving something isn’t right!