Territorial commander's new year message

Happy Epiphany!

A message from Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

BY the time you read this issue of Salvationist it is possible that the 12 days of Christmas will still be in full swing, if only in theory – but very soon after moving into 2022 we leave Christmas behind and enter the Christian season of Epiphany. Consequently, I am tempted to greet people with ‘Happy Epiphany!’ rather than ‘Happy new year’.

This is for two reasons. First, because for so many people the past couple of years have been anything but happy as plans and hopes have been dashed time and time again due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Second, because we have all discovered that it is wise to live in the moment and enjoy the blessings of today rather than second-guess what the circumstances might be throughout a whole period of 12 months.

Having said that, Epiphany is not just a one-day wonder marked on 6 January. In some traditions Epiphany takes us to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, so this holy season can last anything between 29 and 64 days, depending on when Easter is celebrated. However, I believe it is possible to confidently hope, wish and pray that this new season is a blessed and happy time for you – in other words, that Epiphany lives up to its name.

The word ‘epiphany’ means ‘to show’, ‘to make known’ or ‘to reveal’. In western churches Epiphany marks and remembers the coming of the wise men to Bethlehem, their bowing down in worship and of course their presenting of gifts to the Christ child. By doing so these mysterious travellers ‘reveal’ Jesus to the world as Lord and King. The second verse of ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’ testifies to this truth:

Born a King on Bethlehem plain, Gold I bring to crown him again, King for ever, ceasing never Over us all to reign.

(SASB 129)

An epiphanic experience is not a million miles away from the ‘eureka’ moment, which describes the ecstasy and joy that comes when there is a dawning of clarity and understanding as truth is revealed, especially after a period of searching or contemplation and reflection. Additionally, it isn’t such a big jump from epiphany and eureka to kairos, which is the next step beyond realisation. The kairos moment is about knowing the right time to act and move forward.

Everyone knows that as individuals, as families, as communities and certainly as The Salvation Army we have been through such turmoil throughout 2020 and 2021. In many places we were stopped in our tracks, some for longer than others, as we then responded to the call of God to step up and be The Salvation Army in the new world that we all now inhabit. From the very first days of lockdown, we have talked consistently about not going back but always going forward. We still need to grapple with that and seek what God is revealing to us – then be bold enough to act.

There is a well-known verse from Proverbs in the King James Version that says, ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish’ (29:18). I understand that a more accurate translation from the Hebrew would render this, ‘Where there is no revelation, the people run wild.’ The ‘running wild’ phrase uses the same words that describe the behaviour of the children of Israel while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments from God. They took all their gold and made a golden calf to worship. They were doing their own thing – they were doing the wrong thing. They needed fresh revelation, and so do we.

I have been encouraged to see and learn of so many expressions of Salvationism up and down the territory purposefully waiting on God and seeking epiphany: ‘Lord, what is it that you are revealing to us?’ ‘Lord, what is it you need us to be and do?’ ‘What do we need to stop doing and what do we need to start doing to see your Kingdom come with power?’ ‘Lord, here I am wholly available to you. What have you to say to me?’

That’s why I am greeting people with ‘Happy Epiphany!’ – I am hoping the response from many will be: ‘Eureka, I’ve got it!’

I am trusting that leads to many kairos moments – knowing the time to act is upon us, as individuals, families, corps and as a God-led Salvation Army heading into 2022.

God bless you!

ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Editor's note: Events reported took place before the current Covid-19 restrictions.

COMMUNITY

New hub at the heart of the community

LEICESTER SOUTH

THE Salvation Army has opened a new charity shop and coffee shop community hub that will fund local projects.

The newly refurbished Loaf and Bloom Coffee Shop serves hot drinks and food and is a safe place to relax. Catering Manager Mike and his team of volunteers provide a listening ear and a friendly environment for people to catch up with friends or work remotely.

Like other corps, Leicester South supported its community during the Covid-19 lockdowns and the new community hub will help strengthen that role. The corps officers and community team have been working hard to create a welcoming hub.

Centre Manager Andrew Richardson said he hoped the new facilities would help the community return to normal: ‘Over the past 18 months our food bank has given out 26,000 meals and provided affordable clothes. We helped one family who had nothing but the clothes they were wearing. They moved into a hostel and we gave them clothes, books and something to do.

‘The community hub will mean something good will come out of something bad.’

Shop Manager Charly said: ‘We have lots of good quality stuff at reasonable prices and all the money we raise will stay in Leicester South. Our first day was a great success. We had customers waiting outside for us to open. All comments were very positive. We are so pleased the customers enjoyed their experience.’ – AR CLOWNE Ian and Janet Sharp were recognised for their long service. After serving for almost 40 years as hall cleaner and being furloughed during the pandemic, Janet made the decision to retire. She faithfully kept the building clean each week, alongside other tasks. Ian gave almost 30 years’ service as Salvation Army Boys’ Adventure Corps (Sabac) leader at Clowne, before deciding to retire. Since Sabac concluded in most other parts of the territory a number of years ago, Ian could be the last and longestserving commissioned Sabac leader in the territory and has influenced several generations. Janet and Ian have also given 55 years’ service to the songsters and the band respectively. They were presented with long service bars. – EH

PRESENTATION

CHRISTMAS C

Members of Leek Band play carols at the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights Peterborough Citadel's corps treasurer, Bandsman David Ledger, receives written tributes and a gift as he retires from the band after 59 years’ service; he is pictured with Martyn Hobbs, Bandmaster Andrew Blyth and David Craik

EVENT

CIRENCESTER The Gap Sunday club for young people held a light party. They danced with lit-up balloons and played a game to see how many lights they could collect. Through the fun and singing, they thought about Jesus being the light of the world and how they could shine their lights for other people to see. They drew chalk pictures and made lanterns, CD spinners and coloured posters to help them remember what they learnt. – MG KNOTTINGLEY During a Star of Hope carol service, people wrote the names of loved ones they had lost on star-shaped gift tags and hung them on illuminated branches. This was especially appreciated by those who had been unable to hold a normal funeral due to Covid19 restrictions. The congregation included members of the Anglican Church and United Reformed Church. – MT PRESENTATION

Divisional Leader for Leader Development Major Lynn Gibbs presents Doncaster corps member Gail White with a second Silver Star following the commissioning of her daughter, Lieutenant Stephanie White (Waterbeach); her daughter, Lieutenant Victoria Herbert (Winchester), was commissioned in 2020

COMMUNITY

RISCA Two members of the Welsh parliament, Peredur Owen Griffiths and Delyth Jewell, visited the food bank and gave donations to help continue the work. Bandmaster Adrian Browning, the senior volunteer, gave a tour of the food bank and the warehouse. The politicians were amazed by how much the food bank is needed within the community. – JB