News

Symphony Sounds presents virtual performances

UKI

FOR the second year running the annual Symphony Sounds concert could not be held in Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Instead, the Music and Creative Arts (Maca) Unit broadcast Symphony Sounds 2021… Virtually! on YouTube.

Paul Sharman, Maca’s assistant director (brass and choral), began the 35-minute video by explaining that it would feature virtual performances produced by groups during the past year, before introducing the International Staff Band playing the march ‘Praise’.

Current and former members of the International Staff Songsters (ISS) and members of the Amsterdam, Canadian, Melbourne and USA Central Territory Staff Songsters combined to bring ‘Whole World in His Hands’. The beauty of that world and the majesty of its Creator were then depicted

in the song ‘Indescribable’ interpreted by the Maca dance group in a presentation that first featured in the online territorial congress last October.

Music in a reflective mood followed, with the song ‘Be at the Centre’ from the delegates of the Easter Music Course 2021 (pictured above), and the piece ‘You Encircle Me’ by members of the Territorial Youth Band 2021.

The cast of No Zoom at the Inn!, Maca’s virtual Nativity play, brought the lively song ‘Shine’ before the prayerful ‘When God Comes Near’ from the ISS.

General Brian Peddle introduced the next piece by referring to Luke 13:29, in which Jesus says that ‘people will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the Kingdom of God’. Fifteen staff and territorial bands from around the world then played ‘They Shall Come from the East’.

The Territorial Youth Choir 2021 concluded the varied and enjoyable programme with the up-tempo ‘Love Theory’. – JR

� Watch Symphony Sounds 2021… Virtually! at youtu.be/RitL2xT5wjw

_____________________________________________________

Officers honoured for ‘incredible support’

BEDFORDSHIRE

THE high sheriff of Bedfordshire, Eric Masih, presented awards to acknowledge the work of The Salvation Army in Dunstable and Luton during the coronavirus pandemic.

The high sheriff commended and recognised the care and dedication of Dunstable corps officers Majors Lindsay and Stephen Brevitt, thanking them and the corps for ‘the incredible support that you provide’.

The corps works in conjunction with the local Trussell Trust food bank, delivering food and prescription medication to people in isolation.

Luton Corps was twice awarded by the high sheriff for its community work during the pandemic, distributing more than 10,000 food parcels, Christmas gifts for children and hot meals, and for its outreach to older people, the lonely and vulnerable. More than 1,000 children received toys through the Salvation Army toy appeal, donated through an Amazon wish list.

Luton corps officer Major Ralph Walker was awarded the citizenship award for his work serving local people during the pandemic. – AR

_____________________________________________________

BOURNE: Corps folk were excited to be able to meet in person for the first time since March last year. Thirty members, with children, attended the socially distanced Pentecost Sunday meeting, which was held on the green adjoining the town’s Red Hall. It was so successful that the corps hopes it will be able to continue meeting for worship in this way, weather permitting, until the full congregation can meet in the hall. – CG

_____________________________________________________

TENBY: Corps officer Captain Linda Read presented CT John Johnson with a certificate of retirement, acknowledging his 19 years of service in Tenby and past long service as a local officer at Hillingdon. Major David Morgans was commissioned as corps treasurer in the same meeting. – LR

_____________________________________________________

SALISBURY: The corps was blessed to gather for Pentecost celebrations, which allowed some members of the congregation to meet for the first time in more than 12 months. Observing safety guidelines for worship, the fellowship enjoyed a relaxed time of sharing featuring children from two family bubbles, who introduced the theme Transformation by the Holy Spirit. The socially distanced corps musicians contributed to the celebrations with hymn tunes. In the evening the corps joined a city-wide prayer event on Zoom with more than 100 other participants. – MD

_____________________________________________________

RIPLEY: As of 21 May, the law requires all shops to charge 10p for plastic bags. The fashion and accessories shop Pretty Swish donates every 10p spent on bags to the corps. Pictured are corps officer Lieutenant Callum Thompson and Cheryl Harrison, who runs the shop with her mother, Val Jackson. – IB

_____________________________________________________

LUTON: The corps prepared its 13,000th food parcel for families in need as corps officer Major Ralph Walker warned that the ‘poor are getting poorer’. Major Ralph spoke to BBC Three Counties Radio in response to the Sunday Times Rich List, which revealed that more billionaires have been created during the pandemic than ever before in the list’s existence. ‘It is very frustrating to see that the gap between the rich and the poor is just getting bigger and bigger,’ he said. ‘Every day, we get calls from families who are really struggling and living in conditions that no human should have to live in… If these billionaires got together and combined half of their money, we could possibly try and end poverty and hunger as we know it.’ – AR

_____________________________________________________

REDRUTH: Churches in Cornwall were invited to send a non-plastic, weatherresistant handprint to make up a display outside the United Benefice of Carbis Bay. The display could be seen by national leaders as they travelled to the G7 summit. The waving hands are part of Tearfund’s campaign and symbolise everyone’s connection to each other, as well as signalling the desire for action to ensure a better, greener and more just future for all. – LG

_____________________________________________________

Virtual singing group supports people living with dementia

WREXHAM

CORPS folk have been helping people living with dementia by hosting virtual singing sessions during the coronavirus pandemic.

The corps previously ran dementia-friendly activities, including the monthly Singing By Heart sessions and a Forget Me Not memory café, which had to close as lockdown came into effect.

Community Manager Karen Edwards said: ‘We really started to miss the interactions with this group of people. They regularly brought so much joy into our week.’

Determined to continue its support, the corps used grant money to buy equipment to deliver the sessions online.

‘We trialled it with one home, offering a monthly session,’ explained Karen. ‘This soon increased to fortnightly as their residents were really enjoying it. The songs definitely ignite memories for them, which they love to share. We have yet to complete a session as planned due to the conversations and laughter that take place in between each song!

‘It’s really good to see them interacting with each other and with us. The corps is once again filled with joy and laughter.’ – AR

_____________________________________________________

ARMÁDA SPÁSY CHATHAM: Following a three-month Zoom discipleship course and a written test on Basic Christianity and Faith, Edgar, Samuel, Roman, Rikardo, Simeon David, Tibor, Jan and Josef received certificates. During lockdown the youth met twice weekly on Zoom. They testified to their faith growing during this time. Their leaders, Radoslav (also pictured) and Valerie, have devoted much time to pastoral care and discipleship. – KB

_____________________________________________________

CARDIFF EAST: The corps food bank received its 100th food drop-off from the generous customers and staff of the city’s Co-op Food stores. The partnership began in May 2020 in response to the coronavirus outbreak and has since helped thousands of families. Divisional Commander Major George Baker said: ‘The Salvation Army is at the heart of the community in Cardiff, supporting people in need and offering practical assistance and friendship. The donations from Co-op Food have provided much-needed essentials to households affected by the pandemic.’ – AR

_____________________________________________________

KILMARNOCK: Corps officers Captains Emma and Les Heal continue to distribute bread, cakes, fruit and other foodstuffs through the weekly drop-in. The community project has continued throughout the pandemic as a take-away service from the front entrance. The items, donated by Costco, are normally served from the rear of the officers’ vehicle, leading to friendly quips of ‘Del Boy’ from some regulars. The officers and volunteers who serve at the drop-in have been humbled by the appreciation expressed by those they have helped, not only for the practical assistance but the warmth and friendliness of the spiritual and personal support given. Captains Emma and Les are pictured with regular drop-in visitor Charlie. – EF

_____________________________________________________

WALTHAMSTOW: Professional British racing driver Oliver Webb launched a ‘Beat the Champ’ racing simulator challenge at The Mall Walthamstow to raise funds for the corps and the charity Branches. The challenge ran for two weeks over the half-term holiday and the driver who completed four laps in the fastest time received a prize, including VIP passes to the British Tour Car Championship and the opportunity to meet Oliver. Corps officer Major Julie Pell told LondonTV: ‘We are extremely grateful to The Mall for its support. This will make a huge difference as we continue to provide practical support to local residents who are facing crisis.’ – AR

_____________________________________________________

FATHER GOD FOCUS by Major Pauline Milner

SATURDAY 19 JUNE – EL-SHADDAI: ‘LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’ (GENESIS 17:1 and 2; 49:22–26) Father God, the all-sufficient one, the all-bountiful source of every blessing, we proclaim that you are more than enough! We rest in that knowledge today and in your absolute power to triumph over every obstacle, injustice and circumstance.

SUNDAY 20 JUNE – ABBA, FATHER: (MARK 14:36) On this Father’s Day many will honour wonderful relationships with earthly fathers. But for some those relationships have been less than wonderful and for others there has been no relationship at all. Yet, through faith in Jesus, we gain a perfect Heavenly Father. Abba Father, we thank you that you love us, provide for us, protect us, lift us up and call us your precious children.

SILVER LININGS FOCUS by Assistant Director (Older People’s Ministries) Andrew Wileman

MONDAY 21 JUNE – DEMENTIA AND RESIDENTIAL CARE Lord, we pray for people living with dementia and for their loved ones. We think of their daily struggles: not remembering can bring fear and anxiety; their families are already grieving. We pray for the families at the end of their tether and who face the painful decision of whether their loved one should go into a care home.

TUESDAY 22 JUNE – LONELINESS Lord, we pray for older people who are lonely. Many are imprisoned within their home, watching through the window the life that once they were part of. We pray for The Salvation Army’s befriending groups, and that those who volunteer in this service will remind those who are lonely that they are loved and precious in your sight.

WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE – MINISTRY Lord, today we thank you for those older people who are a positive influence on others. We thank you for older Salvationists who choose to be a source of encouragement to those who need it, and we thank you for those who choose to take active roles within Salvation Army corps or who, in some small way, make those around them feel better for having met them. Their ministry is valued.

THURSDAY 24 JUNE – GRIEF Lord, we pray today for older people who mourn the loss of their spouse. We thank you for the happy times they shared together. We recognise how lost and bereft they must feel now. Enfold them in your love. We ask that you send them the right people to comfort them and that, through the process of time, the memories of their loved one will be joyful.

FAMILY MINISTRIES FOCUS by Director of Family Ministries Major David Betteridge

FRIDAY 25 JUNE – HOSPITALITY ‘Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God’ (Romans 15:7 English Standard Version). Lord Jesus, you came into the world seeking hospitality, but you were given a manger and a cross. Because of these you offer a hospitality in which the entire world can be at home with you and know salvation. Help us to be more like you. Amen.

* A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources