Quotes from the media

DIVORCE AND THE CHURCH

FROM THE TIMES 22 OCTOBER 1922 [REPRINTED 22 OCTOBER 2022] Sir, The Dean of Durham has with admirable clearness stated a very difficult problem, which is a matter of growing importance among the people generally. During the last few years large numbers of persons who are in no way personally affected by the divorce laws have come to feel a deep concern for those who are, and there is growing sympathy with men and women whose lives are spoiled by unfaithful partners, and for whom there appears to be no hope of freedom and happiness within the Christian Church. The system of separation orders has become an instrument of shameless immorality, and the havoc wrought by it among great numbers of children is not the least harmful aspect of the matter. May I urge that having regard to the uncertainty of the traditional view and the undoubted variance in the record of our Lord’s words, it might prove of the greatest value to the Church if a small body of Christian men should be asked to make a thorough investigation of the following questions: (1) What is the right expression of Christian principle in the circumstances of the day? (2) Are two views of our Lord’s teaching reasonably permissible? (3) If so, would not the Churches do well to allow for both? (4) And cannot different parts of the Church, as, eg, in different countries, agree to vary the regulations?

I opened The Times the other morning to find the Archbishop of York saying that in these days ‘religion attracts – the Church repels’. On another page I found Lord Buckmaster’s temperate and yet terrible letter on some results of our present divorce laws. May there not be some connection between the two? I am confident that if it should be found possible to lighten the burden resting on large numbers of people, owing to the attitude of the Churches on this subject, one of the very really repelling influences to which Dr Lang referred would be removed. It should not be forgotten that digamy, the re-marriage of widows, involved in some passages of Church history a division of feeling very similar to that which agitates us today on the question of the remarriage of the ‘innocent party’.

Yours faithfully, W Bramwell Booth.

The Times

AS CHURCHES MOVE ONLINE, OLDER CONGREGANTS ARE BEING EXCLUDED

There are concerns that a move into the digital age is leaving older congregants behind…

Around 6 per cent of households don’t have access to the internet and 14 per cent of British adults use it rarely.

Most of the people who fall into those categories are over the age of 65.

However, the move online has also provided opportunities for evangelism. People who would not usually attend church are able to find answers to faith-related questions, or delve into sermons, without leaving their home.

Andy Wileman, Deputy Director of Older People’s Ministries at The Salvation Army tells Premier … that it is a two-sided coin.

He said… ‘Obviously, with many of our church congregations … being predominantly older people, there is a real sense that we need that balance.’

Premier

CHURCH OF ENGLAND LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO REACH YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE GOSPEL

The Church of England has joined forces with Christian charity Youthscape to help parishes connect with young people.

The £1.29m project is being rolled out to 450 churches across the country after being trialled in Blackburn, London and St Albans…

Church leaders will have access to a five-session training course by Youthscape to help volunteers and youth workers formulate plans to work with young people.

Premier

ORTHODOX CHURCH OF UKRAINE ALLOWS WORSHIPPERS TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS ON 25 DECEMBER

For centuries Ukrainians have celebrated Christmas on 7 January, the date on which Jesus was born, according to the Julian calendar.

But … the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is allowing its congregations for the first time to celebrate Christmas on 25 December…

The move … is part of a bigger national process of dismantling the symbols of Russia, the Soviet Union and Communism.

The Guardian

SALVATIONIST

salvationist.org.uk/magazine Issue No 1885

EDITOR Major Mal Davies

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips

PROOFREADER Chris Horne

Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.

CONTACT US

020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

ADVERTISING

advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66–78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 / subscriptions@satcol.org

@SalvationistOnline @SalvationistUK

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Brian Peddle

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Mal Davies

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS

101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101

Rescue the perishing

IN 1869, American hymn writer Fanny Crosby spoke at the New York City Bowery Mission one night about her faith and how God had sustained her, despite her being blind.

She concluded by saying that if any of the men present had ‘wandered’ from their homes and their mothers’ side and were lost and needed rescuing, they should come and talk to her and she would pray with them. One young man did just that … and was miraculously saved.

Crosby was so inspired by the moment that – as was her wont – she went home and wrote a hymn, later set to music by William Howard Doane, who collaborated with Crosby on more than 1,000 of her nearly 9,000 hymns. ‘Rescue the Perishing’ was then published in 1870 in Songs of Devotion.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen, Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save. Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Jesus is merciful,

Jesus will save. (SASB 927)

The song captures our gospel imperative to minister to others and to be active – not passive – in our missional activity in the world. The hymn reminds us that our ministry involves not just rescuing but also caring, and that while we are to lift people up, it’s Jesus who saves them.

This hymn came to mind as I reviewed articles in this week’s Salvationist.

On pages 10 and 11 you can read about Core Recovery church. Simon Hope writes that it can be understood as being based on ‘a trauma-informed church model’ where there is space for ‘healing and transformation for neighbours, friends and family members who are living with addiction and trauma’.

It’s exciting church! If we’re genuine about wanting ‘fullness of life for all with Jesus’, then we have to consider that ‘all’ seriously and ensure that we provide church in a way that ‘all’ can encounter Jesus and know that healing and wholeness are possible.

A different sort of rescue is reported on pages 12 and 13 in an article on a ministry in Norway involving sailing – an Army ministry there, in different formats, for more than a century.

Frode Woldsund, regional leader for The Salvation Army’s substance abuse care, tells of how one day a week the Army teaches sailing to people ‘with substance abuse challenges, or with a background of mental health difficulties, who will get new opportunities and good experiences’.

Financier and Salvation Army board member Trygve Hegnar offered to sponsor the project with a huge donation and says, ‘It is easy to understand that people need a good environment like the sea, and that they feel good on board.’ As a sailor himself, he understands the therapeutic effect the ocean can have on a person.

On pages 8 and 9 we have testimonies from three officers at the International College for Officers. Major Kenel Jean, of the Caribbean Territory, tells of a life-threatening incident with an attacker with a knife. He says he was spared because ‘God had saved my life’.

While we’re involved in rescuing others, let’s not forget that we ourselves have been rescued. This issue of Salvationist reminds us, page after page, that Jesus is indeed merciful and that Jesus continues to save.

MAJOR MAL DAVIES

Editor Salvationist

CONTENTS

Quotes from the media 2

News 4 to 6

Prayer matters 6

Interview 7

Time, talents and treasure

Denise Wilkinson talks to Lyn Woods

ICO testimonies 8 and 9

God’s way with me

Feature 10 and 11

Journeying towards Jesus

by Simon Hope

Feature 12 and 13

Saving lives on the sea

by Marit Dehli-Johannesen

Reflection 14

A rink to the past

by Clare Falvey

Review 15

The Heart of God

reviewed by Major Mal Davies

Review 15

A New Day

reviewed by Major Mal Davies

Bible study 16 and 17

Every day I will praise you

by Major Paula Knight

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley

Announcements 18

Adverts 19

Christmas card competition 20

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

EVENT

National tour brings encouragement

SCOTLAND

EUROPE Zone leaders Commissioners Jonny and Eva Kleman began their tour of the nation at the most northerly expression of The Salvation Army in the territory. The commissioners spent time in conversation with Majors Bev and David Womersley (Lerwick) and divisional leaders Major Gillian Jackson and Major Steve Dutfield (North Scotland), listening to the story of the re-opening of the work in Shetland just over a year ago. The visit included an opportunity to see the Army’s polytunnel and shed, a flourishing venture birthed out of a desire to engage with the community by providing produce and, importantly, the opportunity for prayer.

A busy Friday began with a visit to Bellshill. The commissioners met with corps officer Major Miriam Wing and centre staff to discuss community mission. New programme initiatives were reviewed and the commissioners joined in the Friday Club social group for older people, led by Liz Price.

The commissioners visited Glasgow City Centre. Here, corps officer Lieutenant Scott Garman and associate officer Lieutenant Mhairi Smeaton shared the transition story of this growing corps as it adapts to meet the needs of the community. Intercultural worship lies at its heart, with a congregation including Salvationists from the USA, Hong Kong and Ukraine. A packed weekly corps programme, including activity in the developing community garden, makes this expression of the Army exciting and relevant.

After having lunch in the corps café, Commissioners Jonny and Eva went to West Scotland DHQ for a review of activity with Divisional Mission Enablers Major Fiona Partland and Major Dean Logan.

A visit to Govan began the afternoon activity. The Open Door project provides hot food and friendship to people experiencing poverty or homelessness. Its origins were explained by co-ordinator Helena Cochrane and the commissioners asked questions and encouraged the staff and volunteers.

The zonal leaders finished the fruitful day by returning to Bellshill to visit the new youth club.

On Saturday, Commissioners Jonny and Eva travelled to Berwick, meeting staff members, volunteers and customers at Harvestfield, one of the territory’s largest corps furniture stores. As well as selling furniture and clothes, there is a café, Grace Space and opportunities offered for conversation, reflection and prayer. The commissioners spent time with corps officers Captain Timon and Lieutenant Novella Stettler and the staff and listened to their hopes and plans for the future.

From there, they travelled to Edinburgh, to spend time at Davidson House Care Home. Chaplain Major Sandra Frost showed them around, highlighting the recent building improvements and introducing them to staff members and residents. They spent time with resident Jim, who greets people in reception and takes round the sweet and fruit trolley each day. Jim’s story is an inspiring one that demonstrates the transforming power of love and care in a Christian setting and community.

The zonal leaders concluded their tour of Scotland by leading Sunday worship at Kirkcaldy. Their visit was one of support and encouragement, which was appreciated by everyone present. – CB ANNIVERSARY

WORKSOP A weekend celebrating 141 years of ministry began with An Evening with Richard Phillips. The hall was full for an enthralling evening of music, song and reflection. Captain Margaret Gargett led the Sunday meeting, reminding the corps of the constancy of God. This culminated in the celebratory cutting of the cake by the newest senior and junior soldiers, Pat Long and Nathaniel. – VO

EVENT

WORTHING The 10th anniversary of the Welcome Friends befriending scheme was celebrated with an afternoon tea. It was attended by the mayor, Councillor Henna Chowdhury, befriending volunteers past and present, and groups and individuals who have supported the scheme. Staff members Jill White, Sarah Evans and Debbie Vyse highlighted how the scheme tackles social isolation among older people through regular home visits and phone calls. Young people from the corps helped serve the tea, which included a celebration cake created by Sue Rudge of Sugar and Spice, who have been consistent Welcome Friends supporters. – PK

ECUMENICAL EVENT

Summit highlights mission in new communities

REGENT HALL

ALMOST 100 people from various denominations attended the New Housing Summit to consider how churches can minister to people in new housing areas. The day brought together pioneer practitioners and those who work with regional church enablers, planners, developers and housing associations.

Majors Ian and Paula Haylett (Thirsk), who were part of the group that planned the summit, are pioneering a Fresh Expression on a new housing estate. Major Paula led the day with Methodist Matt Finch and Baptist Penny Marsh, who are pictured.

The keynote speaker, Bishop of Chelmsford Dr Guli Francis Dehqani, outlined the Church of England’s new housing strategy, which includes building houses on Church-owned land and appointing chaplains for every 100 residents. Kevin McGeough from Ebbsfleet Development Corporation stressed the need for churches to work with developers and residents to create ‘community’ in new housing areas.

Reflecting on the day, Major Paula said: ‘It was a stimulus for the Church to acknowledge the many missional opportunities and challenges presented by new housing areas, and to consider how we might respond within our own organisations.’ – JR

Kids step out in adventure

EAST SCOTLAND

DEEP in the woods of Fordell Firs, 48 kids from the division embarked on an adventure. They braved new experiences, made new friends and learnt more about God’s great personality.

They bravely asked God to help grow his fruits in their lives and did all this while climbing trees, flying through the air on a zipline, sledging down grassy hills and conquering deep, dark caves.

Facing their fears and trying new things, they made some great friendships along the way. The division hopes the children found a piece of God-shaped treasure deep in the woods of Fordell Firs. – HW

ECUMENICAL

BOGNOR REGIS The corps hosted a townwide 24/7 week of prayer. The lounge was transformed into a prayer room, where more than 50 people from 11 churches committed to unbroken prayer. Prayers varied with people writing, drawing and speaking prayer in creative and powerful ways. One lady who visited the prayer room said she had started praying daily for the first time since visiting. – AH

HOMELESSNESS

LONDON The latest quarterly figures from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (Chain) show a rise of 24 per cent in the number of rough sleepers compared with the same time last year. Director of Homelessness Services Nick Redmore said: ‘This is a very worrying surge in people forced to sleep on the streets. The Salvation Army is concerned that, as winter approaches, these numbers are going to grow. The cost of living crisis means that more people are struggling to pay for basics, which includes rent so more people could be faced with homelessness, which can in time also mean an increase in rough sleeping.’ – AR EVENT

CHESSINGTON About 500 people of all ages from corps and mission expressions in the South London Division shared in a day out at Chessington World of Adventures. The day provided opportunities to enjoy and value fellowship and build relationships. Young people worked through a challenge booklet to earn rewards for their children’s and youth ministries by spotting DHQ team members carrying inflatable giraffes. – IW

PRESENTATION

WOOD GREEN The corps presented a flower bouquet and certificate of appreciation each to Eva Everett for 16 years’ service, Mazie Blake for 20 years’ service, Cynthia Lewis for 40 years’ service and Thelma Cunningham for 69 years’ service. Eva and Mazie, pictured, were able to attend the Sunday gathering and Cynthia and Thelma received a visit from corps officers Majors Paul and Paula Knight on the same day. – PK

COMMUNITY

SWINDON CITADEL Since the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, the twice-weekly events for pre-school children – Play and Pray and Sing and Praise – have resumed. They continue to be well attended by many appreciative families. After a successful trial over Easter and summer, the school holiday breakfast club was also available during the autumn half-term. – KS