Salvationist 19 September 2020 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

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Love in action at divisional summer schools PLUS

MAKING MUSIC TOGETHER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; VIRTUALLY

SEE PAGES 12 AND 13

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

ALMOST HALF OF BRITONS DRINKING MORE DUE TO COVID, SURVEY FINDS Britons have drunk more alcohol and smoked more cannabis due to loneliness, depression and anxiety during the pandemic, according to a leading study of drug-using behaviour. Almost half (48 per cent) of British respondents to the Global Drug Survey (GDS) disclosed they were drinking more alcohol than before the coronavirus outbreak, while 44 per cent of cannabis users reported increased use of the drug. The study found 40 per cent of drinkers had increased their alcohol intake due to stress about the pandemic, with 27 per cent doing so because they felt lonely and 29 per cent because they were depressed. Meanwhile, 37 per cent of all cannabis users said they had increased their use of the drug due to anxiety about Covid, with 30 per cent doing so because they felt lonely and the same proportion because they were depressed… The GDS special edition on Covid-19 was developed as part of a global effort to understand the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives, with a specific focus on the use of alcohol and other drugs, mental health and relationships. The survey, which received almost 60,000 responses worldwide, found sharp declines in the use of so-called party drugs… with people turning to alcohol and cannabis because those drugs were easier to obtain.

GOVERNMENT ‘MUST ACT’ ON SOCIAL MEDIA HATE The government must intervene when social media companies fall short when tackling racist, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic and anti-Hindu hate online, said the Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, convener of the Faith Impact Forum of the Church of Scotland. She has joined nine other leaders of faith groups in calling for new legislation to be introduced... The group say the public cannot rely on the ‘piecemeal’ approach by social media companies to online abuse… Dr Brown, minister of Dornoch Cathedral in the Highlands, said… ‘Christians believe that all people are made in God’s image and that means we cannot see anyone mistreated’… The interfaith group are calling on the UK government to bring forward the Online Harms legislation… The Online Harms White Paper sets out the government’s plans for a package of online safety measures to make companies more responsible for their users’ safety online. The Church of England Newspaper

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Salvationist 19 September 2020

Christian Today

More than 3,000 churches have calculated their carbon footprint with the new Energy Footprint Tool app. The Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Rev Nicholas Holtam, spoke of it… as ‘vital’ to helping the Church of England to reach its carbon-emissions target… App users are asked to add information about their utility bills in digital form, before submitting information about the dimensions of the church building. The app generates an energy-rating certificate and suggests how the rating could be improved. From next year, it will form part of parishes’ annual statistics return. Eventually, they will be asked to log in on an online dashboard to track their carbon footprint year on year. Church Times

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901

The Christian Institute has rejected calls to relax the rules on where people can get married. The Law Commission has said couples should be given ‘more freedom’ when it comes to the venue and what form the wedding will take. It called current laws governing how and where couples can marry ‘outdated and unnecessarily restrictive’. At present... most couples must have their weddings in a registered building – either a place of worship or a licensed secular venue. They cannot marry outdoors, even in the garden of a licensed venue. The Law Commission, which is consulting on the proposals, said the changes would make weddings ‘simpler’ and ‘less expensive’. Simon Calvert of The Christian Institute... thinks the changes, if introduced, will lead to ‘trivial wedding ceremonies’.

MORE THAN 3,000 CHURCHES USE NEW APP TO BECOME GREENER

The Guardian

Staff are working from home and may not be contactable by phone or able to deal with non-electronic correspondence

CHANGING RULES ON WEDDINGS WILL ‘TRIVIALISE’ MARRIAGE BOND

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

CONTENTS

LIVING WITH CHANGE THE ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, ‘You cannot step twice into the same river.’ Underlying that statement was his belief that all things are in a state of flux. On that theme, another saying that is often attributed to him is: ‘Change is the only constant in life.’ Or, as some have interpreted it: ‘Constant change is here to stay.’ While we may not agree with him that all things are in a state of flux, the idea of constant change resonates with us in a world characterised by speedy technological advance. For example, there is 100,000 times more processing power in an iPhone than there was in the computer that helped land Apollo 11 on the moon in 1969. This technological revolution has been a great asset during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing people to work from home, order food deliveries and access online activities, including worship. If life is hard now, just imagine what it would have been like if the pandemic had hit in the years before we had internet access. The Army has made good use of the internet during the lockdown. Faced with not being able to meet for summer schools this year, a number of divisions organised online activities. The news feature on pages 8 to 10 gives insights into these, showing how imaginative the leaders were and how enthusiastically the participants responded. Some were even able to get out and about to make an impact on their communities. Music groups have also harnessed technology, enabling them to play and sing together while being apart. It may seem effortless, but a lot of work goes into producing ‘virtual music’, as those featured on pages 12 and 13 explain. But it is worth all the effort, with groups able to reach and bless people around the world. It’s not all good news, however. While many people embrace change easily, others find it difficult. Fifty years ago Alvin Tofler and Adelaide Farrell wrote Future Shock, a book in which they looked at how rapid technological and social change affects people. They said that ‘too much change in too short a period of time’ leads to ‘stress and disorientation’. How do we cope with ‘future shock’, when technology, social attitudes and familiar practices alter? In his Bible study on pages 16 and 17 Major Cliff Allchin points to some of the events of the past 40 years that have shaped and shaken our lives and says we can find reassurance in the knowledge that God has a plan for us and is present with us. That thought brings us back to Heraclitus. As well as being known for his philosophy of change, he introduced the idea of logos, the ‘word’ or ‘reason’ that organises the world into a coherent whole, keeping everything in order. John’s Gospel uses the same word, although with a meaning more influenced by Hebrew than Greek thought, and says the Logos, the Word, ‘became flesh and made his dwelling among us’ ( John 1:14). Jesus became part of our world to reveal God’s love. That means we don’t need to agree with Heraclitus that change is the only constant in life. We can rely on the knowledge that, although the world may change, God’s love for us is also constant and unchanging.

Quotes from the media

Message from the Territorial Commander

News

5 and 6

Prayer matters

News feature 7 Family rolls up sleeves at food bank News feature Online and unlimited

8 to 10

Faith at work Showing love on the front line

by Stephanie Stanger

Feature 12 and 13 Singing like never before by Simon Hope

Preview 14 In Darkest England: 130 Years On previewed by Rebecca Goldsmith

Reflection Are we all in the same boat?

by Major Howard Webber

Bible study Watching for God’s plan

16 and 17

by Major Cliff Allchin

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Freda Benneyworth

Feature Going the distance

by Kelly Barton

Preview Rap Around The Gospel

by John Coutts

Preview Let us help you raise funds this Christmas

previewed by Angela Carlucci

Resources Messy Church

by Eley McAinsh

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

The Salvation Army and me

featuring Leeroy Gotami

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 19 September 2020

A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Put things right

HILE there are many unexpected blessings during the pandemic – and I think we have to count our blessings – there are many things that really frustrate us and get us down. Even before Covid-19 there were many things in life that were difficult and that we didn’t like. I have a long list of things that I detest. I’m not one who enjoys waiting, hanging around for things to happen. I’m certainly not one who enjoys losing. I don’t like people cutting me up when I’m driving my car, I don’t like bicycles on the pavement and I detest litter being left everywhere. I don’t like the video assistant referee (VAR) when my football team has put the ball in the net and then the referee discovers that somebody was a couple of millimetres offside – although I do love VAR when it works the other way around and a goal my team has let in is chalked off because of a similar offence! I don’t like adverts on the television. And it seems to me that so many of the things we buy are getting smaller and smaller – Weetabix, Mars bars and a whole bunch of other products. Gill thinks 4

Salvationist 19 September 2020

I’m becoming like Victor Meldrew from One Foot In The Grave! I’ve discovered that there are some things in the Old Testament that God lists as detestable, things which he really doesn’t like. They’re in Proverbs 6:16–19: ‘There are… seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.’ That last one struck me. As we move slowly, cautiously in a few places back to worship, there are some things that we have to remember. In last week’s message I said that when we come to worship we have to put things down and it is imperative that we are cleansed in order that we might be released from the sin that so easily tangles around us. A truth that goes with that is that our worship is authenticated by our love for each other. Jesus said: ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’ (John 13:35). It seems important that we hear what God might be saying to us about our preparation, not of our halls but our hearts. Jesus had some powerful words to say about how we should approach worship and about meeting together. In the Sermon on the Mount, he said: ‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment… Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and

there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift’ (Matthew 5:21–24). It’s an important principle of being a Christian community that if we’ve caused a brother or sister to have something against us, we put it right. Jesus is saying, before coming to the altar, before going to worship, first go and be reconciled with other people. In other words, don’t let your relationships with one another hijack your worship because you have not made the effort to put things right. If there are things that were not right among us at the start of the pandemic, put them right. If there are things that have gone wrong during the pandemic, put them right. As we enter into a new season, whether that actually involves physically meeting for worship or not, it’s time for some relationships to be put right. It’s the Jesus way. The future of the witness and power of your life, your corps, your church in this regard is in your hands. Now if Proverbs teaches us about the things that God detests, there are also positive words about the things that God really likes, again revealed in the Old Testament: ‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8). You will know if you need to do something along those lines. You will know whether you need to put something right and I urge you to do just that. Be bold – do it! That is an act of worship and, as a result, you’ll find deep joy and strength in these difficult days. May God bless you and help you, giving you wisdom, discernment and courage as we go forward together in Jesus’ name. ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER O This

message is based on a video that can be viewed at facebook.com/ SalvationistOnline or youtube.com/ user/salvationarmyvideo

NEWS

OUTREACH

COMMUNITY

Green shoots of hope in community gardens

Tablets boost homelessness work DUBLIN

UK DURING lockdown, many corps have put their green spaces to good use for the community as places to reflect, relax or grow their own produce. The gardens and allotment at Sale are tended by volunteers and have provided a safe, welcoming environment in recent months where people have been able to learn about growing plants and vegetables and sit and enjoy nature. Local residents are also offered a share in an allotment plot for free, on the understanding that 30 per cent of what they grow will be donated to struggling families or individuals. The Forest of Dean corps building is an old public house in the village of Broadwell. It has a little pub garden where seasonal veg and fruit are grown to use in the hub kitchen and to teach families how to cook healthily with their own produce in ‘plot to pot’ sessions. Meanwhile Penrith Corps has partnered Penrith Community Gardeners to grow flowers and vegetables in its gardens, which are also used as a space for people to consider their faith and life issues. Corps members and volunteers have cared for the garden during lockdown while following social distancing guidance. ‘For us, our garden is a reminder that nothing stops our Father God – it is a reflection of our church with its roots deep in him and a place of awesome transformation,’ said corps officer Major Carole Donaldson. – AR

OLDBURY As families have been unable to attend weekly activities and Messy Church, the decision was made to adapt the existing ministry to continue developing relationships. The children’s ministry team has been preparing and delivering Messy Church in a Bag packs to more than 90 children in the community. The most recent bag was themed God, I Know You’re There, focusing on returning to school. The visits to individual homes have given an opportunity for doorstep conversations and a chance to keep in touch. – CH-N

VIRGIN Media Ireland has donated 70 tablet computers to the Army’s homelessness services in Dublin to help families. The donation came about after Salvation Army support worker Eoghan Gilroy took part in an initiative called Open Call – which was organised by Trinity College Dublin and Young Social Innovators to highlight the impact of the coronavirus crisis on education. As a result, Virgin Media Ireland offered to help the Army by donating the tablets for young people in homelessness services. ‘It will make a big difference to the lives of children and young people in the families we work with,’ said Eoghan. – AR LEADGATE In February 2019, corps member Elizabeth Bailey set the corps the task of donating 2,020 items to the food bank by the end of 2020. However, Elizabeth recently announced that the set goal had been reached by the end of August – four months early. Thanks were given by staff members at the food bank. – DP

Aaron with corps officer Major Polis Pantelidis NUNHEAD Local resident Aaron has been presented with a Jack Petchey Achievement Award by Katie Worthington from Westminster House Youth Club. Aaron has raised more than £2,500 to support the weekly distribution of meals in the community by singing Elvis Presley songs around the neighbourhood. A special thank you goes to Michael Peacock for making it happen. – DC

SalvationistOnline @SalvationistUK

COMMUNITY

Is your corps adapting to the coronavirus crisis through innovative ministry opportunities? Salvationist wants to hear from you. Send your news to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

CHESTER-LE-STREET The corps has operated a food bank at the hall since the start of the pandemic. Food is kindly donated every week by Morrisons and the public. Councillor Tracie Smith, corps members and Jackie Pearson, a representative from the supermarket, prepare the parcels for distribution. Tracie and Jackie are pictured with corps officer Captain Cor van der Woude. – GC Salvationist 19 September 2020

NEWS

ARMY NEWS

Prayer

Army launches Welsh language policy THQ

MISSION FOCUS

by Captain Vanessa Coleman (Buckingham)

FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – LUKE 5:17 AND 18 The friends didn’t just tell Jesus about the paraplegic man – they brought him to Jesus. Think of the people you pray for regularly. God, show me how I can be instrumental in helping others encounter Jesus personally. Amen. SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER – LUKE 5:18 These men knew that the answer to their paraplegic friend’s need was to see Jesus. Who are the people God has put in your life that he wants you to take responsibility for bringing to Jesus? God, help me to be diligent and committed in praying for the salvation of those you place on my heart. Amen. SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER – LUKE 5:19 What are the roof tiles that get in the way of your loved ones, neighbours and community reaching Jesus? Holy Spirit, give me eyes to see the obstacles and perseverance to make holes in those roofs. Amen. MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER – LUKE 5:20 Jesus demonstrates that forgiveness comes in response to faith. Our mission can sometimes stop at physical demonstrations of the gospel, without also leading to inner transformation. God, raise my faith today to see people turn in repentance and seek your forgiveness. Amen.

THE Salvation Army has released a new policy about its commitment to the Welsh language and culture in all aspects of Army work in the territory where Welsh is spoken. Since the Movement’s beginning, the Army has encouraged the use of Welsh. In 1907 the Cardiff Evening Post quoted William Booth as saying: ‘[The Army] must be a movement that speaks in Welsh, sings in Welsh, prays in Welsh, fights in Welsh and conquers in Welsh.’ Recognising the bilingual nature of Wales, the Army supports the equal legal status of the Welsh language alongside English and views the use of Welsh as a means to support and deliver its mission across Wales. The policy, which was released in June, states that where it is helpful, the use of the Welsh language and culture will be welcomed and encouraged within worship services, community activities, workplaces and all other expressions of the Army in Wales. The red shield in Welsh and English will also be given equal prominence on Army buildings. When officers move to Wales, training in Welsh culture, legislation and basic Welsh-language skills will be provided, and officers, employees and volunteers will be encouraged to learn or use Welsh. Welsh speakers will be encouraged to wear a Cymraeg (Welsh) badge or lanyard and, where the Welsh language is used within Army settings and expressions, the Cymraeg logo will be displayed. In Wales, printed materials and all new or replacement signs, including temporary signage, will be bilingual. Advertising in Welsh-language media will be in Welsh or fully bilingual, as will recruitment advertisements for personnel based in Wales. As well as an annual Welsh magazine for free distribution across Wales, marketing, exhibition and fundraising resources will be available in Welsh and made relevant for Wales. The territory’s website will also promote relevant pages and information in Welsh. – AR

CORPS

TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER – LUKE 5:21–23 For Jesus, physical healing was an outward demonstration of an inward grace – forgiveness of sins. God, make me aware both of people’s inner needs and their physical circumstances as I live missionally. Amen. WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER – LUKE 5:24 AND 25 The man who was healed took every step as an opportunity to give God glory. Take notice of the steps you take today. How can you live a life of celebration and praise? Father, help me to be grateful for your goodness and power to act and move in this world. Amen. THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER – LUKE 5:26 Lord, I want to see amazing miracles in my community that would point people to acknowledge you and rejoice in your goodness. Amen.

PILL Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the corps was determined to continue its annual summer holiday club. With support from Churches Together, a weeklong virtual club took place. The theme was The Armour Of God and each day a video was posted on Facebook, including Bible stories, action songs, craft activities and prayers. Parents could collect a bag from the corps each day with all the materials required for the crafts, along with fun activities and a treat. A total of 158 bags were collected and, by the end of the week, the whole ‘armour of God’ could be made. – JA

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

Salvationist 22 August 2020 Salvationist Salvationist Date 18 Month July 2020 Year

00 5

NEWS FEATURE

Family rolls up sleeves at food bank FELTHAM JOHN King from Brixton, who spent lockdown volunteering at the corps food bank with his teenage children, described it as ‘incredibly moving’, writes Communications Officer Iwan Roberts (Newport Service Centre). John is a married 50-year-old electrician and trains people in the trade through the Army’s Employment Plus programme. When lockdown began, with his day-to-day work put on hold, he found himself helping to run the food bank. He soon roped in his teenage son and daughter – Sam and Jenna – and the trio have been regularly rolling up their sleeves in Bedfont Lane. ‘I’ve been involved in three food projects at Feltham and the first of those was the food bank, where we have been supplying food every Wednesday to countless families – I’ve lost track of how many people we’ve been supporting,’ said John. ‘Taking on the challenge of running a food bank has been amazing and I have been making sure we are stocked up and able to supply clients with enough food to last them and their families for a week. I have also packed up food bags, done some deliveries and helped the volunteer drivers load their cars – and, of course, made sure they had all the personal protective equipment they need.’ While helping out at Feltham, John has seen the impact of The Salvation Army’s

support for some of the oldest and youngest members of the community. ‘Delivering food to older people who were close to tears has had a big impact on me. I’m so thankful that we were able to help them in their time of need. ‘We’ve also made food parcels for 70 children from a local school who would have had free school meals, making sure they had breakfast and lunch for the week. Seeing their eyes light up when they got a glimpse of what’s in the food bags – things that most of us take for granted – has also been incredibly moving. ‘Being able to help and do something that is making a difference to people’s lives has left a lasting impression on me… I’ve made

friends with some very special people at Feltham and I will miss them when I return to my normal role.’ John’s contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed by those who’ve worked alongside him. Corps officer Captain Ellie Shakespeare explained: ‘John’s been at the heart of Feltham’s Covid-19 response, whether it’s been buying, sorting, packing or delivering food; cooking for victims of human trafficking; befriending clients and filling out forms or loading volunteer drivers’ cars… Whatever the task, his compassion and desire to make a difference have been evident. He has had a huge impact in the few short months that he’s been deployed here.’

Salvationist 19 September 2020

NEWS FEATURE

Online and unlimited UK

DUE to pandemic restrictions, divisional summer schools moved online this year with young people gathering together virtually for fun and discipleship. Using digital platforms, they were still able to enjoy games, activities, teaching and celebrations. Seven divisions share what they got up to.

ANGLIA AND CENTRAL EAST THIS year’s summer school was unlike any other, writes Divisional Youth Specialist (DYS) Ruth Beattie. Young people were invited to connect and Charge, which was the week’s theme.

We started each day in worship as we listened to and connected through music from a Spotify playlist put together by different students. DYS Nathan Bright (Central East) and I took everyone through different devotions in podcasts, exploring why we as individuals need to charge, how we stay in healthy conn connections, who is really in charge and how reall w we pass that charge on. We continued to W o delv delve deeper into thiss theme through daily cell the ll groups conducted on gro n Zoom, virtual social Zo al activities in the evenings, act gs, testimonies and evening tes ng prayers. The Well – a live pra broadcast with special guests bro looking at what ‘Sabbath’ and loo ‘Calling’ can mean in our lives ‘C – aalso helped unpack the overall theme. th week students were invited to During the w take part in different showcase activities and these were streamed as part of our final festival on Friday evening. It was a great week of connection and blessing. O The podcasts are available to download by going to listennotes.com and searching for ‘ACE SA’ HERTS AND ESSEX H THE division ran an online and paperT b based programme for all age groups. Each d day videos posted on social media channels re retold the story of the good Samaritan, w which helped delegates look at different as aspects of the parable around themes of Kindness, Diversity, Support and Worth. K D Daily activities supported the themes, in including games, crafts, fun lunches and material from Sacred Space, as well as m Zoom ‘campfire’ sessions in the evenings. Z

Salvationist 19 September 2020

There was also an opportunity for delegates to put the theme Support into practice by raising funds for E123 Welcomes Refugees – a community project run by a group of east London churches, including The Salvation Army. The project aims to house a refugee family in the coming months. The challenge, for those who chose to accept it, was to raise £10 on the day.

OVER the past few years we have been developing a programme of ‘under canvas’ camps at Hadleigh Farm for families, children and young people, writes DYS Ben Still. When these, along with other mass gatherings, were unable to take place, we thought about how we could bring the division together in some other way. And so Summer Camp Unlimited was born! It was very much intended as an all-age event rather than one broken down into age categories as our camps usually are. The programme of activities, reflections and online gatherings was set around real locations on Hadleigh Farm Estate and gave individuals, families and communities the opportunity to focus on what it means to ‘love your neighbour’ and live this out. People from across the division and beyond took part – including some in Newcastle, France and South Africa – and shared what they got up to on social media. It was not the same as being in a field together, but it was a good experience. We’ll certainly be reviewing it closely to see what we can learn. O Watch the daily reflection videos at facebook.com/summercampunltd O The week’s activities and resources can be downloaded from salvationarmy.org.uk/ herts-and-essex

SOUTH AND MID WALES CREATIVE Arts Week couldn’t be the same this year, but we tried to recreate some of the favourite elements to support our young people, reports DYS George Martin. Twenty delegates signed up and received packs with activities, challenges and resources to help them connect with God, each other and their surroundings. Each day started with worship and small groups using Zoom, with teaching based on Matthew 22:37–40 about loving God and loving your neighbour. Everyone was given the opportunity to send in videos in response to questions around these verses. Online workshops in the afternoons

ranged from baking to ukulele and included a rendition of Rend Collective’s ‘My Lighthouse’ by those who took part in the choral workshop. Evenings included a virtual escape room competition, movie with pizzas, and Tea, Toast and Testimony sessions via Zoom, where we reflected on the day and shared wins, blessings and lessons learnt. Welsh government guidelines allowed up to 30 people to gather outdoors with social distancing, so we were able to meet physically in a field near Abergavenny to finish our time together. It was brilliant for everyone to hang out and spend time with each other. Another great thing to come out of this yyear’s Creative Arts Week is the desire of yyoung people to have monthly small meetings online. m SOUTHERN S THE division organised two different T online events for youth in the region – o MaM Camp (Ministry and Mayhem) and M SSCA (Summer School of Christian Arts), S Online a slimmed-down version of the O usual summer camp. u THE MaM Camp staff team worked hard T to provide a variety of opportunities for the children in the division, reports th Captain Vicky Crawford p (Southampton Shirley). (So The challenges of T living and working liv within a pandemic wi affected the numbers aff able ab to attend due to childcare issues, but a ch proportion of the pr camp’s usual delegates ca took to part. Those able to engage made m an amazing effort to take on the cchallenges. Our daily Zoom worship Z ssessions were great fun aand made for some interesting i antics, including an indoor i

Salvationist 19 September 2020

scavenger hunt, hands-free biscuit eating and a quick-fire round of Simon Says. The individual projects children worked on provided us with fantastic material for our final celebration, including amazing stopmotion creations and live dance and puppet performances, as well as some excellent multimedia contributions, resulting in an incredible ‘Pass the Ball’ challenge. The theme of the week was Children Of God and the way in which the children g g with the Bible engaged

presentations gave us opportunities to reflect on God’s love for us as part of his family. We finished each day with our usual quiet celebration time, reflecting on God’s message to us for the day. WE organised SSCA through Facebook and Zoom, reports DYS Mike French. Although engaging young people has been increasingly challenging throughout the pandemic, with many young people coming off mainstream social media and contact routes, we had positive engagement with a smaller group through SSCA Online. A member of the team uploaded a short Thought For The Day each morning on the divisional youth Facebook page. We held worship via Facebook, which was hosted live but with pre-recorded sung worship. It also included a message, prayers and interviews with some inspirational people.

Salvationist 19 September 2020

A Zoom ‘common n room’ provided a room spac space for youngg peo m people and the team to ggather and sharee con conversation. We als held a quiz also nig via Zoom. night Delegates were few fewer in number th at our usual than ph physical camp, but during the week an and since, other people have viewed the worship and daily thoughts. We knew from the beginning that what our young people wanted most was to physically gather together, which we could not do, but for those who did engage, SSCA Online was a positive experience. YORKSHIRE SOUTH WITH HUMBER AND YORKSHIRE NORTH WITH TEES THROUGHOUT lockdown we’ve streamed weekly online worship evenings st and trivia nights, report DYS Mark Elliott an (Yorkshire South with Humber) and DYS (Y Sarah Beecham (Yorkshire North with Tees). Sa We’ve enjoyed silly quiz rounds, shared hi highlights from past summer schools and youth band and youth chorus concerts, as yo well w as listened to worship songs, Scripture readings, live interviews and short devotions re

created by youth groups and leaders. As lockdown guidance had begun to ease by the time our summer school would have started, we made the decision to meet physically and share in fellowship and serve in the community by running a Mission Week. This took place across both divisions with the priority of sharing God’s love through our actions. Teams got stuck in to decorating, gardening and litter-picking. It was also great to see the young people in person. As we continue to adapt to new coronavirus guidance measures we are looking forward to being creative and finding new ways to share in fellowship and worship with one another.

FAITH AT WORK

Showing love on the front line Corps Secretary Stephanie Stanger (Kirkwall) writes about the challenges of being a whole-life disciple

HEN I was six I became a Christian. I understood then what I understand now: Jesus loves me and I need to show that love in my life. If the fact that Jesus loves me doesn’t impact how I live, then it might appear to others that his love is nothing special, and I know that’s not true. Whole-life discipleship boiled down to its very core is showing the impact of Jesus’ love in our lives to those around us. It’s going the extra mile, it’s biting your tongue, it’s edging out of your comfort zone, it’s being a nonconformist and it’s stepping up to do what needs to be done. Most of all it’s about loving people: people with whom you disagree, people you find difficult, people who have different values from you and, dare I say it, people you struggle to like. There are few of us who are not disagreeable, difficult or unlikeable at some point, and yet we are loved from

on high with an unconditional and limitless love. To truly have an attitude of whole-life discipleship in our day-to-day we need to remember that God wants everyone to experience his love and that we can be instrumental in showing it. I believe we all have an individual front line in life. In April last year I decided to have a break from teaching and I now work for a charity supporting people living with dementia. With a new workplace comes the challenge of getting to know a new boss, new colleagues and a new environment. Insecurities surface: will they like me, will I fit in, will they think I’m strange? Alongside this challenge comes the opportunity to show Jesus and his love to a new group of people. In all honesty, I’ve never found it hard to tell people that I’m a Christian and what I believe. The hard bit is challenging what they perceive a Christian should be and living

up to what I know God wants of me. Lockdown changed my front line and I found it tough. Living and working in one place was a real struggle and I had to challenge my attitude more often than I would have liked, particularly when I felt my work was suffering due to being away from the office. Trying to be Christlike when I felt ready to explode because I couldn’t run something by a colleague to get a piece of work finished, or couldn’t handle yet another video call, was a trial, to say the least. Arguably, one of the most challenging verses in the Bible is Romans 12:2: ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect’ (English Standard Version). How can I show that I live to a different standard when the values of the world are so fluid and, frankly, dark? It sounds basic but I find three things are essential to equipping myself to live a life of discipleship. Top of the list are Bible study and prayer, both alone and with others. If my life isn’t rooted in my personal relationship with Jesus, I cannot expect to be able to show his love and light effectively. Second, I have been blessed to come from a family where being saved and having a personal relationship with Jesus is not unusual. This brings with it the backing of Christian parents who will – rightly – take me to task if I step out of line. Finally, worshipping as part of my corps family on a Sunday fuels me for the week ahead. I have missed this enormously through lockdown, yet God is using the online meetings, prayer meetings and Bible studies, prepared by our corps officers, Lieutenants John and Rebecca Mitchinson, in amazing ways. We are seeing people engage with matters of faith in new ways and I am utterly convinced that people across the world will come to faith because of what they have read or watched during the pandemic. Exciting things were happening at Kirkwall before the pandemic and are continuing to happen. We are in a place where we are expectant, waiting to see where God will lead us next, both as individuals and collectively. It really is a case of watch this space! Salvationist 19 September 2020

FEATURE I Virtual music groups

Singing like never before Simon Hope hears from people across the territory who have taken part in the virtual music movement

HE coronavirus lockdown has transformed the way many people worship. Facing the challenge of distance and separation, Salvation Army groups have taken to virtual spaces, flooding social media with expressions of love for God through music. ‘We’re privileged to worship the Almighty God,’ shares gap year intern Hannah Potter (Addlestone), ‘so we wanted to enable sung worship. Our timing is not always together, and few of us can read music, but it’s not a performance – we’re leading people in worship of our God.’ Virtual music has become popular partly because it brings a sense of togetherness. ‘It’s a novel way of contributing to worship,’ says Songster Leader Jayne Moore (Belfast Citadel). ‘Each song

Salvationist 19 September 2020

enables people to claim God’s promises in these difficult days.’ While recording virtual music seemed challenging at first, Recruiting Sergeant and Songster Minn Moore (Belfast Citadel) settled into the process quickly: ‘I didn’t think I could manage both the iPad and phone. And who was going to hear me singing? It was a bit daunting, but as I recorded I got excited and was glad to have done it.’ ‘I found it a strange experience,’ adds Songster Marie Darrah (Belfast Citadel). ‘But when the video was released I was pleasantly surprised.’ Part of the beauty of providing virtual performances is their accessibility to anyone, anywhere. ‘What’s been surprising is how our music has blessed people around the world,’ says Bandmaster Gavin Lamplough (Birmingham Citadel).

‘Friends who don’t attend a place of worship have seen our music online. Jesus took our offerings and used them.’ So how do these videos come together? It seems as though groups have gathered on a platform like Zoom and played along with each other – as if they were in the same room. However, it is not as simple as it appears, warns Gavin. ‘If you’ve ever tried this you’ll quickly realise it’s impossible,’ he explains. ‘The delay might only be a fraction but it’s enough to make ensemble playing impractical.’ The solution? Film each ‘small tile’ separately. So the next question arises: how does everyone keep in tune and in time? The first step is a backing track. A backing track is a simplified version of the song, with just enough information to play or sing along to – often simply piano and voice – giving a framework in which to record. Including a cue for participants to clap at the beginning can help synchronise the audio and video later on. ‘It’s clumsy and isn’t used in the final mix, but it’s important to get this first track right,’ explains Hannah. Individuals use this to record themselves, and using the backing track means everyone can perform the same music, in tune and in time. However, as the track is only a temporary framework, it should not be audible in the participant’s video. This means using one device to play the backing track through headphones and a second device – often a mobile phone – to record the performance. ‘Some people have microphones, but a whole range of home tech has proved sufficient for International Staff Songsters (ISS) recordings,’ assures ISS Executive Officer Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts. ‘It’s normal to be nervous and it can take several attempts

I’d love to put together the outtakes... There’s been lots of laughter!

– especially if family members or pets pop in unexpectedly!’ ‘I’d love to put together the outtakes,’ Hannah enthuses. ‘Over the weeks, cats have appeared, dogs have barked, doors have slammed, cameras have fallen. There’s been lots of laughter!’ Finished recordings are sent to an appointed editor. While many email services do not allow large files, alternatives include services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and WeTransfer. Whether using paid-for editing software such as Premiere Pro or free applications such as DaVinci Resolve, editors bring individual clips together into one. This can be a time-consuming process, but there are packages that do much of this automatically, and a range of plug-ins can save time and effort. Hannah – Addlestone’s appointed editor – has been using Adobe Premiere Pro. ‘It’s a brilliant program, but I don’t use it to its full potential,’ she admits. ‘I’m learning as we go! Video editing hasn’t been easy; it’s brought stress and frustration and many late nights. But I’ve come to realise that God doesn’t ask for

VIRTUAL MUSIC CHECKLIST Penny suggests these steps before recording yourself: O Use

the backing track in landscape from the waist up, facing the camera O Check what is behind you: avoid logos (other than Army branding), slogans and anything political O Avoid wearing stripes or luminous colours O Avoid glare on glasses where possible O If two or more people are taking part in the same household, film separately O Press record and have fun! O Film

perfection. It’s been one of the greatest blessings during lockdown, giving me time to reflect on and appreciate the lyrics of songs.’ ‘Apart from the technical aspects, it’s important to think about the flow through the video,’ Penny Babb (ISS tech support team) observes. ‘Think about how to keep the viewer interested while bringing out something of the music’s message. It’s worth breaking down the structure of the song and thinking about the story you’re telling.’ For more control, audio can be edited separately with software such as Adobe Audition or Audacity, using the previously mentioned hand clap to synchronise the clips. Here, each track can be adjusted, panning voices left or right depending on where people are positioned, adding reverb, muting mistakes and using filters to keep the occasional top soprano in check. ‘Each track has been recorded on a different device in a different acoustic environment, so having a little bit of control should benefit the overall sound,’ explains Bandmaster Gavin. ‘It’s a long

process and, in a band like ours with nearly 50 players, it takes around 30 to 40 hours to complete a three-minute piece. But ultimately, it’s spreading the gospel through music. It doesn’t really matter how long it takes as long as it’s God-honouring.’ To any corps considering virtual music, Bandmaster Gavin encourages them to go for it: ‘It doesn’t have to be a big project. Why not start with a five-piece ensemble or vocal quartet? Perhaps begin with just audio.’ Corps will naturally take different approaches depending on their situation – Addlestone worship band started with no experience and no budget, while Belfast Citadel Songsters already had a bank of backing tracks. ‘Jesus has worked through our offering of worship,’ says Hannah. ‘And our prayer is that Jesus will be found in every element: recording, editing, watching and receiving.’ O See examples of virtual worship by visiting youtu.be/3dbgaezpZeQ, youtu.be/xpBr0I5ywwI and youtu.be/MWpwCE94L3w Salvationist 19 September 2020

PREVIEW

Inspiring words and action Rebecca Goldsmith looks ahead to the release of a major new Salvation Army book

N October it will be 130 years since the publication of William Booth’s In Darkest England And The Way Out. Regular readers of Salvationist may recall an article in March 2019 in which we launched an appeal for writing dedicated to the spirit and vision of Booth’s book. The original call for submissions put no limit on the type or style of writing that could be submitted; we asked only that the piece was inspired by In Darkest England or, more widely, the Army’s social work. In Darkest England And The Way Out, published in 1890, was the blueprint of Booth’s vision for social action. The ‘scheme’, as it became known, proposed to combat the plight of the ‘destitute classes’ by housing those who were experiencing homelessness and training those who were unemployed, providing them a means to have a livelihood free from p poverty. y

Salvationist 19 September 2020

It outlined a vision for three selfsustaining communities: the City Colony, the Farm Colony and the Colony Over Sea, which would ‘act as harbours of refuge for all and any who have been shipwrecked in life, character or circumstances’. It went on to define practical ideas for housing women, children and out-of-work men, assisting released prisoners and sheltering alcoholics. Since that call for writing inspired by Booth’s work, we received many submissions from far and wide. The original Salvationist article was reprinted by other territories, and submissions arrived highlighting the impact of In Darkest England in Europe, the United States, Africa and South America – demonstrating the ongoing influence and importance of Booth’s scheme. The starting point for this initiative was first and foremost to celebrate William work. Booth’s important w submissions When the submissi work began deadline closed wo reading and in earnest on readin submissions, and collating the submis England: 130 In Darkest England formed. Years On was form As well as giving space to The new voices within T Salvation Army, this project had to explore the ffact that, Army’s while much of the A current social work can find its roots in the Darkest England work is scheme, how that w whom, has done, and with who therefore asked changed. We theref Territorial departments at Terr submit Headquarters to su articles that give an insight mechanisms into the modern me of the Army’s social work, areas of particularly in the ar addiction, homelessness, add modern slavery employment, moder trafficking. and human traffickin accounts for Although this accou only a small range of the work w wo rk The Salvation Army does, Booth A rmy do

wrote directly about these issues. Modern slavery and human trafficking may appear to be modern phenomena, yet the core issues of human exploitation – particularly labour exploitation – were very much in Booth’s mind. We have also been blessed to receive articles for inclusion from those with expert knowledge in their field. Gordon Taylor, Salvation Army historian and author of The Life And Legacy Of William Booth, has written a chapter giving historical context to Booth’s writing process, including the turbulent personal circumstances that coincided with the publication of In Darkest England. A chapter from Roger J Green OF, Professor Emeritus of Biblical and Theological Studies at Gordon College in the USA, explores the theology behind In Darkest England and offers a glimpse into the inner workings of William Booth’s faith that inspired such an outward expression in action. Secretary for Communications LieutColonel Dean Pallant contributes a chapter reflecting on the impact of Booth’s grand plan in the developing world and the history of the Army’s international expansion. In Darkest England: 130 Years On also includes a number of submissions that range in style: poetry, personal testimony, articles exploring history – at home and abroad – fiction and directions and notes for an Army-inspired walk around Whitechapel. We are very grateful to all those who kindly took the time to compose a written work and share it with us, and we are sorry that not all submissions can be included in the final publication. Those whose pieces have been chosen for inclusion have been contacted. This 130th anniversary book will be a tribute to the Founder’s original text, which helped shape the Army’s work and continues to inspire Salvationists to engage in faith-based social action. Darkest England: 130 Years On will be published in early October and will be available from SP&S priced £8 (plus postage and packing) and as an ebook from amazon.co.uk priced £7

O In

REBECCA IS BOOK EDITOR AT THQ

REFL REF RE FLEC FLEC ECTI CTI TION TION N REFLECTION

Major Howard Webber encourages us to trust Jesus amid the storm

Are we all in the same boat?

‘W

E’RE all in the same boat’ is the claim made by many about the coronavirus pandemic in these past few months. But is that true? We are definitely in the same storm – we are all affected by what is happening – but are we really in the same boat? In Mark’s account of Jesus calming the storm (4:35–41) he tells us something that neither Matthew nor Luke mention in their accounts: ‘There were also other boats with him’ (v36). Why did those people launch their boats? Jesus didn’t appear to command them to take to sea and cross to the other side as he did his disciples. We are told nothing further about those boats or what became of them. Were they swamped by tumultuous waves? Did they sink? Did they make it back to shore? We’re certainly not told that any of them arrived safely on the other side. Whatever their fate, of one thing we are certain: the boat carrying Jesus did make it. When Jesus said, ‘Let us go over to the other side’ (v35), there really was no question that they would not arrive there, just so long as Jesus was in the boat. However, it’s not easy when what you are experiencing is frightening, when your life is falling apart, when things you value are stripped away and when you can’t see where it is all leading but the real danger of being sunk without trace and losing everything is clear.

Our boats in this situation are very different. While some of us have experienced the worst that this storm can throw at us, for others the experience has been milder. For many this storm has meant the loss of loved ones or pain and suffering from the virus. For others it’s meant the loss of jobs and income, isolation, the inability to meet up with friends or family and all sorts of stress, fear and uncertainty. The storm may not now be as strong as it was, but there is little sign of life returning to the calmness and order we once knew. Although we are all affected, some of us are far more affected than others. ‘Where is the Lord in all this?’ we may well ask. We are probably not too judgmental towards those fearful disciples who woke the sleeping Saviour so aggressively with, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ (v38). But did anyone ever care more for them than Jesus? He surely knew what lay ahead before they all got into the boat. He led them into that storm. Was it to show them that, even in the worst of circumstances, all will eventually be well if they have him on board? Or, as he slept on the cushion, that they could know peace in even the most violent of storms? Jesus revealed his power over the elements by calming the tempest, but had he not done so and had the waves gone on to break up the boat, would he not have saved his disciples and got them to where he planned?

When Paul experienced a wild storm off Malta that lasted more than a fortnight, all the cargo was jettisoned overboard before the ship eventually broke up (see Acts 27:18–41). Yet everyone aboard survived. The Lord was with Paul and had told him in the midst of the storm that he would stand before Caesar. However perilous, frightening and destructive the storm, Paul knew he would come through and get to where God would have him be. Saint Pio of Pietrelcina said: ‘Stay in the boat in which our Lord has placed you, and let the storm come. You will not perish. It appears to you that Jesus is sleeping, but let it be so. Don’t you know that if he sleeps, his heart vigilantly watches over you?’ That thought is echoed by an anonymous writer in the devotional book God Calling, edited by Arthur James Russell: ‘Life with me [God] is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties.’ In one storm after another, Job, that ‘blameless and upright’ man of God (Job 1:8), was stripped of all that was dear to him with no explanation. Yet he said of God, ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him’ (13:15 King James Version). You and I, like John Newton, will experience ‘many dangers, toils and snares’ (SASB 453), but with Jesus aboard God’s grace will surely lead us home. MAJOR WEBBER LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BOURNEMOUTH Salvationist 19 September 2020

BIBLE STUDY

Watching for God’s plan Major Cliff Allchin considers the call of Jeremiah

JEREMIAH 1

N the 1960s Bob Dylan sang ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’’. I don’t think, though, that he could have realised just how prophetic his words would turn out to be. Over the past 40 years, there has been the miners’ strike, the invention of personal computers and mobile phones, the construction of the Channel tunnel, Chernobyl, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the break-up of the Soviet Union, Nelson Mandela’s walk to freedom, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, 9/11 and 7/7, multiple tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes, Aids, Sars, E. coli and Covid-19. QUESTION O What do you think is the greatest change in society during the past four decades?

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Freda Benneyworth

Jeremiah’s prophecies span 40 years but to understand those difficult times and his messages to the people of Jerusalem, we begin with the source of his ministry – God’s call and Jeremiah’s first visions. When we consider God’s calling of Jeremiah, we notice the prominence of the pronoun ‘I’. God speaks to Jeremiah: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations’ (v5). God also tells him: ‘I am with you… I have put my words in your mouth… I appoint you’ (vv8–10). Our God is personal, intimate and desires to have a relationship with us. He is awesome. The psalmist reminds us: ‘You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb’ (see Psalm 139:13). We have been sanctified and given a divine appointment. Later in Jeremiah, we read: ‘I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper

you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ (29:11). Each Christian has a purpose within God’s plan and design. Often, we have to work within a general pattern not really knowing or understanding the overall plan, yet trusting the Lord’s purpose as we love him, serve him and care for humanity. QUESTIONS O Do you recognise God’s individual plan for your life? O Do you recognise his overall plan? It is not uncommon to hear people testify that they said no to the Lord. It mirrors responses in Scripture. Moses, for instance, offered up five excuses, including finding someone else and being unable to speak in public. Jeremiah offers just one excuse for his own unworthiness: ‘I am too young’

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Lord, your summons echoes true/ When you but call my name./ Let me turn and follow you/ And never be the same./ In your company I’ll go/ Where your love and footsteps show;/ Thus I’ll move and live and grow/ In you and you in me. (SASB 695)

‘Alas, Sovereign Lord,’ I said, ‘I do not know how to speak; I am too young.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord. ( Jeremiah 1:6–8)

Just as I am, thine own to be,/ Friend of the young who lovest me,/ To consecrate myself to thee,/ O Jesus Christ, I come./ Just as I am, young, strong and free,/ To be the best that I can be/ For truth and righteousness and thee,/ Lord of my life, I come. (SASB 598)

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(v6). The Lord encourages and equips him, assuring Jeremiah of his presence. This is a recurring message: see Jeremiah 15:20, 30:11, 42:11 and 46:28. QUESTION O What comfort does the Lord’s presence bring to our circumstances? When we share our weaknesses with God, he equips us. Jeremiah’s youthful vulnerability is answered with an anointing, as the Lord reaches out and touches his mouth. Furthermore, the Lord gives visions to Jeremiah. The first, a branch of an almond tree, seems to be almost like a rangefinder. An almond tree seems innocuous at first but has hidden depths. Fifteen years ago, I recorded a discussion I had with the Lord. I wanted to know God’s thoughts on the direction the corps should take. The Lord said to me,

‘Almond blossom.’ I asked, ‘What do you mean, almond blossom?’ And he replied, ‘Go and look it up!’ So I did. Thankfully, there are not many references to almond blossom in the Bible. First, in Numbers 17:8, Aaron’s rod budded, blossomed and produced almonds. Second, in Ecclesiastes 12:5, it is perhaps an image of silver hair in old age. The third is this mention in Jeremiah. It is a pun on the word ‘almond’: the Hebrew word for ‘almond tree’ is shaqed, derived from shaqad, which also means ‘watching’. To a Jew, an almond tree symbolises watchfulness and promise due to its early flowering. Had Jeremiah spoken English, the Lord might have shown him a watch, as if to say ‘Jeremiah, are you watching? What do you see? Can you see a watch?’ The Lord needs to know that he has Jeremiah’s full attention before he

reveals his life’s mission: to prepare God’s people for the boiling pot that will hit them from the north – God’s judgment upon them for their wickedness, sin, apostasy and faithlessness. QUESTIONS it possible to see God’s loving kindness when his words are of judgment and condemnation? O As we experience one of the greatest challenges of the past 40 years, what is the Lord asking us to see? O Is

MAJOR ALLCHIN IS CORPS OFFICER, LEEDS CENTRAL

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Thou hast called me from the byway/ To proclaim thy wondrous love;/ Thou hast placed me on the highway/ That to all men I may prove/ There is mission in my living,/ There is meaning in my word;/ Saviour, in my daily striving/ May this message yet be heard. (SASB 682)

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

Unto thee, O Saviour-King,/ Our allegiance now we bring,/ Body, soul and spirit, all/ In obedience to thy call./ Naught have we thou didst not give,/ By thy life and grace we live,/ Selfish aims do we forsake,/ Service with our Lord to take. (SASB 686)

Prayer Young or older, your call still comes and we feel our inadequacy for the task. Yet you see what we can be through your grace and strength. Help us to listen, help us to go and, by your power and presence, use us for your purpose and glory.

Salvationist 19 September 2020

FEATURE I Fundraising

Going the distance Kelly Barton steps up to the challenge of running this year’s Virtual London Marathon

UNNING 26.2 miles would seem a daunting task to most, but not to Kelly Barton. The volunteer co-ordinator at Strawberry Field, who has been blind since birth, will be doing just that by taking part in the Virtual London Marathon to raise vital funds for The Salvation Army. Kelly lives with her 14-year-old son in Southport and will be running to raise funds for Strawberry Field’s Steps to Work programme, which supports young adults with learning disabilities and other barriers to employment to gain work. This year’s London Marathon was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Kelly’s dream of running it will become a reality when she takes to the streets on Sunday 4 October in the marathon’s new ‘virtual’ format. ‘Some young people can face many barriers when it comes to gaining employment and I am someone who understands just how hard that can be,’ she explains. ‘I’m living proof that there should be no barriers to employment at all and everyone should be encouraged to see their potential and reach for their dreams. That’s the reason I’m really passionate about the work Strawberry Field does and why I want to raise money for the work taking place there. I know that the Steps to Work programme can, and will, change young lives.’ With an initial target of £2,000, the 43-year-old will start the famous run at Southport Corps and will finish at the famous red gates of Strawberry Field in Woolton, Liverpool. Participants with a visual impairment

Salvationist 19 September 2020

can run with a guide runner who assists them through either being tethered to them or, in Kelly’s case, holding their arm just below the elbow. Kelly’s guide runner is Mike Leatherbarrow, who can adhere to social distancing guidelines while carrying out this vital role because he’s Kelly’s partner and therefore in her support bubble. ‘It’s an amazing feeling to be able to run and to run fast,’ Kelly enthuses. ‘All my life I’ve gone around slowly and with such care; I’ve never had running experience before, but now I am supported by Mike who gives me the confidence to run and, although it was daunting at first, I’ll never stop. ‘When you can’t see, you have to walk really carefully and I have a cane so I’m in control. But with a guide runner you have to put all your trust in them. Mike describes what is going on around me, and he’ll let me know the sites that we’ll pass, so I really won’t be missing out on anything.’ Kelly has taken part in several runs since taking up the sport at the age of

40. She took part in the London Marathon two years ago, but had to walk a large portion of the course. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, and to prepare for this year’s run, she took part in Southport’s weekly 5k Parkrun, but hasn’t been able to train much during the lockdown. ‘Guide running was banned due to social distancing rules, so this new way of taking part in the London Marathon will be a definite test, made harder without the crowds of London to keep me going, but I am ready to embrace the challenge to raise money for such a worthwhile cause,’ she says. ‘If me taking part in the marathon gets just one person running or encourages people to think that they can get a job or that they can do anything then it would make me so happy; I want people to know that they can do it!’

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To find out more and see if you can take part in the marathon or another fundraising event visit salvationarmy.org.uk/fundraise-us

PREVIEW

Why should the Devil have all the best rap? John Coutts challenges us to have a go at a popular form of verse

HE good news about Jesus Christ speaks to every age, but our Lord’s words – and the words of those who followed him – often need helpful introduction to cross the gap that lies between their world and ours. Across the centuries, believers have tried to present the gospel message in many ways and many languages. Artists have created icons and stained glass windows, actors have staged biblical dramas and minstrels have used the melodies of their own time. Pioneer Salvationists did likewise when they adopted the brass band – the popular music of their day – as an aid to evangelism. In reply to accusations of irreverence, William Booth did not reply, ‘Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?’ but you suspect he would have agreed with the thought. The most popular verse form of the present day is rap, a type of poetry whose roots lie deep in traditional African storytelling. It sprang up in America and has since spread swiftly round the world. Rap varies widely in form, but one basic structure is a rhyming, or nearly rhyming, couplet with four heavy stresses and an unlimited number of unstressed syllables. Now the Sermon on the Mount – is the place to start If you want to love your neighbour – from the bottom of your heart.

Much contemporary rap contains heavily sexual and misogynistic content. So, like every artistic medium, it needs to get its sins forgiven; why should the Devil have all the best rap? I have been experimenting with rap poetry for nearly 20 years, mainly but not exclusively with young people. The result is Rap Around The Gospel, a photocopiable resource in A4 format, available as a paper copy or a downloadable PDF. The book presents the gospel story, from Christmas to Pentecost, in 13 biblical raps plus three ‘join-in poems’, matching the plain and powerful words of Scripture with a lively rhythmic commentary. Rap Around The Gospel is speech-based, which means that musical backing is optional but very welcome. It relies on a fairly strict and simple four-stress line, so that you do not have to be an experienced rapper to present it. But simple stuff, if I say so myself, can still pack a punch. Here’s the background to the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector (see Luke 19:1–10) with stressed syllables marked in bold to help the presenter: Now here’s how it was – in the olden days! The Roman is boss – and the Jew obeys. But the cheating taxman – sits in the middle, He rakes in the money – and fixes a fiddle. He’s a renegade Jew – and he’s on the make, He’s a stooge of the Romans – he’s on the take, He’s a crook with moneybags – filth on legs. Zack the taxman? – He’s the dregs! Just where should the swind-ling taxman go? Down to hell – let him fry below! Let’s face it: to many of our fellow citizens, the gospel is ‘yesterday’s paper, telling yesterday’s news’, but the judicious use of rap can help us show that it is contemporary and cool. Items from Rap Around The Gospel have already gone down well in schools, churches, youth clubs and prisons. So here’s my challenge. Send me your email and I will send you a PDF copy on approval. Print, try out and adapt any of the scripts in any way you like. If you feel inspired, add percussion and musical backing. And do send me feedback about what works and what doesn’t. If you would like to keep the book, then please pay for it. If not, simply delete. What have we got to lose? Rap Around The Gospel, with all scripts copiable for •non-commercial use, is available for £8 as a PDF or £12 as a paper copy (including postage). For further information email johnjcoutts@gmail.com JOHN IS A SOLDIER AT STIRLING Salvationist 19 September 2020

PREVIEW

Let us help you raise funds this Christmas THE Community and Events Fundraising Unit is busy gearing up for the big season. It will soon provide new and exciting fundraising resources, which you can use to help make a vital impact this Christmas. So watch this space and keep an eye on the Community and Events

Fundraising webpage: salvationarmy. org.uk/other-ways-fundraise/ fundraise-christmas O If you have any questions in the

meantime, contact the team on 020 7367 4819 or at challenge@ salvationarmy.org.uk

sing Community and Events Fundrai from ond (sec i lucc Car ela Manager Ang right) and the team

RESOURCES I Messy Church

We wish you a Messy Christmas Eley McAinsh, Press and Media Officer at BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) introduces Christmas Messy Church resources MESSY NATIVITY Jane Leadbetter’s book gives all the information and resources needed for a church to embark on its own Messy Nativity project, describing the two main features of the Messy Nativity Advent Project as previously carried out in Liverpool: 1. The nativity set travels around town through the season of Advent and ends up back at church on Christmas Eve for an all-age service or event 2. The sheep trail: hunt for the knitted sheep in designated stores around town O Messy Nativity

is available from brfonline.org.uk priced £4.99 (plus postage and packing) 20

Salvationist 19 September Septe t mbe mberr 2020 2020

MESSY CHRISTMAS PACK The Messy Christmas Pack is a resource to support Messy Churches through Advent, over Christmas and towards Epiphany. It includes two resources to help Messy Church leaders run festive sessions with ease, along with a special gift to bring Messy Church families together this Christmas. As well as a copy of the book Messy Nativity, the pack contains a copy of the book Messy Christmas, which includes three complete Messy Church sessions for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Messy Christmas also has a wealth of creative activities and crafts to extend the range of excitingly messy activities. Sections include creative Christmas prayers, global action suggestions, games and competitions, Christmas food crafts and many other ideas to take you into the new year. The pack also includes ten copies of Christmas Family Time, an affirming gift for Messy Churches to give to families to use at home over the Christmas holiday period. This mini book aims to transfer the core values of Messy Church to the home and family context, encouraging

creative, families to talk together and be creative hospitable, Christ-centred and celebratory. It includes activities for all ages. You may be considering a Messy Christmas at home this year. If this is the case, there are adaptations of activities to do at home available from the Messy Christmas Pack page on the BRF website. O The Messy Christmas Pack is available

from brfonline.org.uk priced £33.28 (including postage and packing)