SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army
No.1707 Price 60p
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 1 June 2019
Celebrating
volunteers
PLUS CARING FOR CREATION
T CONTENTS
Quotes from the media
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News
4 to 7
News feature Others in view at SATCoL conference
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Thinkaloud Some of Paul’s friends by John Coutts
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Viewpoint I World Environment Day 10 and 11 Caring for all creation by Carl Jobson
Feature I Volunteers’ Week 12 and 13 We couldn’t do what we do without volunteers by Claire Bonham
Feature I My dissertation explained Handling change
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by Major Lori Richards
Rear-mirror views End of an era
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by General John Larsson (Retired)
Bible study Just wait!
16 and 17
by Major Noreen Batt
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Lynda Levis
New commitments
18 and 19
Announcements
20 and 21
Adverts
WHEN the late John Habgood was Archbishop of York he visited a parish church and met a man whom he discovered had been the churchwarden for 35 years. ‘You must have seen a lot of changes during your time,’ said the Archbishop. ‘Yes,’ the man replied, ‘and I’ve opposed every one of them!’ Change can be difficult to face and hard to implement, so it needs to be handled carefully. I once attended a church leaders conference that included a seminar about handling change. The leader recommended two important principles to follow if anyone was planning new initiatives for their church. First, start by doing something extreme, then any other changes you propose won’t seem quite so bad. I wasn’t sure about that one and have never practised it. At least I don’t think I have; other people might think differently! The second principle is to make sure you carry on doing the regular, important things, such as pastoral care and practical support. This gives you credibility, showing that you care about people, and makes it more likely that they will accept change. That second point is highlighted in the article by Major Lori Richards on page 14. She recognises that change can be seen as positive or negative, and that in either case there can be tension and pain – especially when deeply held beliefs are challenged. She stresses the need to understand people, care for them and ‘prevent harm to those experiencing change’. Change is also the theme of Carl Jobson’s article on pages 10 and 11, where he considers the devastating impact of human activity on the global environment. In response to this, he says, we need to change our attitudes and actions. We’re being encouraged to do that by 16-year-old Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg, as well as by 93-year-old broadcaster David Attenborough. While we do well to listen to them, as Christians the biblical call to care for creation should claim our attention, says Carl. His challenging question is, ‘What would it mean to become a Salvation Army for all creation?’ The Army relies heavily on the contribution that volunteers make to its mission. Their work – in corps, centres and charity shops – helps to make a difference in people’s lives. But, as Claire Bonham reveals on pages 12 and 13, volunteering can also be a transformative experience for the volunteer. She says: ‘Volunteering often changes their lives as much as it does the people they support.’ Most of us recognise that personal, organisational and social change is sometimes necessary, even if it is uncomfortable. As Catherine Booth, whose funeral is the theme of General John Larsson’s article on page 15, said: ‘If we are to better the future we must disturb the present.’ Sometimes change needs to be made immediately because of imminent danger or difficulty. But more often time needs to be taken to consider it carefully. Major Noreen Batt’s Bible study on pages 16 and 17 emphasises the importance of waiting. That’s good advice. Change needs to be reflected on, the implications need to be considered, people need to be prepared and, most importantly, the will of God needs to be discerned. Change should always be handled with care.
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The Salvation Army and me
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featuring Andrew Doust SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
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HANDLE WITH CARE
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From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
‘YOU DON’T GET GRANDER THAN THIS’: WINCHESTER BIBLE TO GO ON DISPLAY Although it was never quite finished, the Winchester Bible finally weighed in at the medieval equivalent of 32kg. Now the largest and most beautiful of 12thcentury Bibles is to go on display following a five-year conservation project as part of a landmark exhibition at Winchester Cathedral... Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation takes visitors through more than 1,000 years of history, including the construction, destruction and remaking of one of the country’s greatest cathedrals over centuries of struggle and civil war. The Bible’s four volumes will be displayed alongside a digitised version that allows visitors to turn pages and zoom in on its exquisite artistry. ‘You don’t get grander than this,’ said Andrew Honey, a book conservator at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. The Guardian
GOVERNMENT TO OVERHAUL MEASURES OF POVERTY BY 2020 The way poverty is officially measured and defined in the UK is set for a major overhaul under government proposals which would take into account savings, assets and daily living costs when determining whether a household or individual is poor. The Department for Work and Pensions said it would publish experimental statistics in 2020 based on a measure put forward by the independent cross-party social metrics commission, with potential for the metric to be adopted as an official statistic. The metric does not record household income alone but for the first time accounts for a range of ‘inescapable costs’ that reduce people’s spending power, and the positive impact of people’s liquid assets on alleviating immediate poverty. The Guardian
SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey DTP DESIGNER Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
MARITAL STATUS BIGGER CONTRIBUTION TO HAPPINESS THAN SIX YEARS AGO Research by the Office for National Statistics revealed that marriage is one of the biggest links to life satisfaction. Although self-reported good health remains the biggest contributing factor to wellbeing, the importance of having a lifelong partner to contentment has increased. Compared with six years ago, those asked in this survey, [conducted] between October 2017 and September 2018, [said] marital status mattered more to people. Those who are separated from their partner or widowed were, expectedly, more likely to report lower life satisfaction, compared with people who are single.
ATTENBOROUGH BACKS FIGHT AGAINST PLASTIC Plastic pollution and rubbish are killing one person in the developing world every 30 seconds, a report backed by Sir David Attenborough suggests. Speaking at the launch of the report, No Time To Waste... Sir David warned that the tide of plastic pollution was an ‘unfolding catastrophe that has been overlooked for far too long’. It was time to act, ‘not only for the health of our planet, but for the wellbeing of people around the world’. The report, produced by the Christian charity Tearfund, is the first to assess the impact on human health of plastic pollution and rubbish. It estimates that between 400,000 and 1 million people die every year from illnesses and diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, malaria, and some cancers caused by living near uncollected waste and plastic pollution. The higher figure equates to one fatality every 30 seconds – in this amount of time in the UK, the report says, enough plastic waste is produced to fill two double-decker buses. Every 30 seconds, 30 busloads of plastic waste are burned or dumped in developing countries.
Being married made the average person 9.9 per cent happier than those who are widowed and 8.8 per cent happier than those separated from a partner.
The report was written in partnership with the conservation charity Fauna and Flora International, the Institute of Development Studies, and the charity WasteAid.
Premier
Church Times
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ISSN 2516-5909
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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant
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NEWS
International leaders share with Salvationists and supporters USA SOUTHERN TERRITORY THE visit to the USA Southern Territory by the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham) and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham began in Birmingham, Alabama, with the international leaders participating in a quarterly meeting of The Salvation Army’s USA National Advisory Board. The meeting coincided with the Birmingham Area Command
Fellowship shared during Maidenhead Band’s visit GUERNSEY THE island community appreciated the visit of Maidenhead Band, which spent four days ministering and sharing in the mission of Guernsey Corps. The corps folk also enjoyed fellowship with the band. As well as Sunday meetings, which were lively, devotional and inspiring, the band participated in open-air witness and a march in St Peter Port where more than 200 invitations were given out and many contacts were made. The band presented an evening festival of music at the corps and, on Sunday afternoon, Guernsey Band joined with the visitors for 4
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Annual Dinner, attended by more than 500 supporters of The Salvation Army. At the Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi divisional soldiers rally at Jackson Citadel music and creative arts were
a united workshop. Times of fellowship were appreciated by members of both corps, where meals and conversations were shared and friendships made. The visitors enjoyed a tour of Guernsey and a trip to the Guernsey Occupation Museum where they learnt about the island’s history. – J. H. NORTHAMPTON: Songster weekend featured Milton Keynes Songsters, supported by the host sections. The host and visiting songsters presented songs in varying styles, before uniting for other items. A comedic interpretation of timbrel playing by four of the host corps men brought much laughter. The visiting songsters led Sunday morning worship and the weekend concluded with an afternoon of praise. – C. D.
mixed with prayer and testimony. The Chief and Commissioner Bronwyn enthusiastically enrolled 15 junior soldiers and 21 senior soldiers. Salvationists and friends from Georgia Division, along with
staff and officers from THQ and Evangeline Booth College, and cadets from both training sessions, attended the World for God meeting held in Atlanta. The Chief shared news of the ‘state of the Army’ across the 131 countries in which it officially works. The WSWM shared Scripture and, in her testimony, highlighted the vision and planning for greater ministries for and by women worldwide. A composite band, timbrel group and songsters blessed those present, and the Holy Spirit descended as the Chief spoke of capturing the ‘essence’ or ‘aroma’ of Christ in this challenging world, urging: ‘Be the flavour of God in the world!’ – C. P.
SNETTISHAM: The corps held its third annual Blow In open band practice. Salvationist and non-Salvationist musicians from the area gathered for the evening, which was led by Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (brass and choral) Paul Sharman (THQ). – M. J.
Corps members and friends enjoy an afternoon cream tea at Guildford as part of fundraising efforts for The Salvation Army’s Trek Cambodia event that Jani Rubery and corps officer Major Catherine Rand are undertaking later in the year
Steve Smith, Exeter city council
Corps receives commendation EXETER IN the same Guildhall Chambers where, in 1882, the officer at Exeter, Captain John Trenhail, received a prison sentence, the present Exeter Temple corps officer Major Gordon Fozzard and community co-ordinator Mary Wannell received a Lord Mayor of Exeter Commendation, on behalf of the corps, for service to the community. This includes continuing ministry to people in the city who are marginalised and experiencing homelessness. The lord mayor of Exeter, Councillor Rob Hannaford, apologised for the council’s policy of paying gangs to attack early-day Salvationists in the city. He explained the commendation was an acknowledgement of civic wrongs of the past. – N. B.
WINTON: Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls Songsters led a weekend of praise themed Onward And Upward. Songster Leader Martin Bennett spoke between items and Dianne Ridley blessed listeners with her vocal solos. – G. T. CLOWNE: Instead of the quarterly prayer breakfast, corps members went on a prayer walk from the hall to a new housing estate on the edge of the village. People prayed for the new residents and for firm relationships to develop to enable future visits by the band and encourage attendance at Army events. The corps minibus was used as a presence and to transport those with mobility issues. Residents welcomed the visit. – G. H.
GILLINGHAM: More than 60 women from nearby churches and corps met for a women’s breakfast. The Music Man Project Kent provided entertainment, and the women joined in songs, playing various percussion instruments. Later the Rev Cindy Kent delighted everyone with stories of her life in the music and broadcasting industries. Cindy is pictured with Corps Secretary Julie Millest, who organised the event, and corps officer Major Anna Giannarou. – J. M.
SHAW: Seventy people, many from nearby churches and surrounding corps, attended a home and family rally. Divisional Leader for Leader Development Major Kathryn Taylor spoke about the human trafficking problem and urged action and prayer. After the message the songsters sang ‘Written In Red’, reminding the congregation of the love of Jesus Christ. – S. T. Southend Southchurch Corps Sergeant-Major Les Thomas, Jean Thomas, Corps Secretary Ken Brooks, acting Corps Treasurer Betty Brooks and Retired Corps Treasurer Betty French receive long-service badges and certificates; Jill Girling received a certificate of appreciation for the many years she has run the Good Companions Club and her continuing service Salvationist 1 June 2019
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Bognor Regis Post
NEWS
Video Production Unit scoops award LONDON
Open house launch attracts many visitors BOGNOR REGIS MANY people attended the launch of the corps open house, a number of whom were visiting for the first time. The leaders of the new venture, Chris and Yvonne Lawton, welcomed people with a
coffee and chat, and Evie, the corps Pets As Therapy dog, helped to attract people inside. Local papers covered the launch of the project, and a woman has since attended after reading about it. The open house is held every Wednesday morning and is a good opportunity for outreach in the community; many meaningful conversations are held and people are helped. – A. H.
Relationships are built at Big Day Out SOUTH LONDON DIVISION MORE than 300 people from across the division visited Chessington World of Adventures Resort for the Big Day Out. The event allowed corps groups to enable children, young people and families to enjoy a day out together and build deeper relationships. A challenge was set to hunt out the DHQ team and, once found, to claim a sticker, which was to be added to the fruit challenge card that was given to everyone who attended. This helped the divisional team to build further relationships, and many corps were able to link this to the year’s focus on effectiveness and fruitfulness. – I. W.
Kettering Citadel Home League welcomes children from a nearby primary school for an afternoon informal question time 6
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THE Salvation Army’s Video Production Unit, based at THQ, ent ered S t ra w be r r y F i e l d Liverpool: The Story Behind The Song, directed by Neil MacInnes, into the Charity Film Awards 2019 and won the silver award. After a public voting round, totalling 50,000 votes, and the judges round, the team were declared finalists in the category for the largest charities. Neil attended the awards ceremony with Video Production Unit Manager Bridget O’Leary, Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant (THQ) and Jordan
Mark Symonds entertains friends and members of Bargoed at a relaxing and entertaining café church
Clark, the star of the film. Bridget said: ‘The most wonderful part of the evening was that we had Jordan as our guest. He was one of the participants and star of the suite of Strawberry Field films. Jordan held tightly on to that trophy, and he couldn’t have been more pleased with himself and the team.’ The team is grateful to all those who worked on the film – but especially to those who featured in it. Strawberry Field, the inspiration for the Beatles song, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, has been in the care of The Salvation Army since the 1930s as a place that supports vulnerable young people. – B. O.
Margaret Niel is honoured at Clowne as she retires after 27 years as corps press representative
PENTRE: Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill led the 140th corps anniversary celebrations, which included the premiere of a film
made by corps members about Kate Shepherd, who started the work of the Army in Pentre. Two of Kate’s great-grandchildren, Gareth Thoms and Keith
Williams (pictured with their wives), attended the premiere. The film captured Kate’s work in the early years and the work of the Army as it is today. – G. T.
HORDEN: The home and family rally took the form of an afternoon tea. The theme was The Rose; floral decorations completed the table’s overall presentation. Everyone enjoyed singing old-time tunes with relevant words, reading poems and taking part in crafts. Home League Secretary Mary Smith opened the afternoon, which was led by Assistant Home League Secretary Alison Geldard. – M. S.
PENRITH: Mission Brass once again provided ministry in music during the Penrith May Day Carnival and parade. Afterwards the band, its support team and corps folk met together for a fellowship meal. Many positive contacts were made. – C. D. BROMLEY TEMPLE: Applicants for officership and delegates from the divisional Growing Leaders 2019 course shared a day of worship, ministry and mission at the corps. Delegates participated in the two worship meetings supported by the corps music sections. Between the meetings delegates took part in open-air ministry, a time of discussion with corps officers Majors Alison and Iain Hudson and Editor of The Officer Major Martin Gossauer (IHQ), and engaged in conversations about leader development. God’s power and presence were felt throughout the day, and a number of people knelt at the mercy seat. – I. W.
On behalf of divisional headquarters, Teddington corps leader Divisional Envoy Roger Coates presents Corps Treasurer Jennifer Walker with a certificate of appreciation for more than 45 years of local officer leadership, in particular her work running the corps while it has been unofficered Salvationist 1 June 2019
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NEWS FEATURE I SATCoL conference
Others in view at SATCoL conference
HEATHROW THE annual conference of the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) focused on the theme Others, as delegates gathered to celebrate achievements and hear about plans for the future. Acting as host for the third year, Captain Jo Moir (WBC) welcomed delegates and guests, including territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill, before handing over to Managing Director Trevor Caffull to present ‘A year in review’. Captain Jo Moir
Trevor was keen to point out that staff and volunteers of SATCoL are engaged in service to others, in the work they do and by providing financial resources for The Salvation Army. Declaring, ‘It has been the most remarkable of the 14 years I have served as managing director,’ Trevor reviewed the first year of the five-year strategic plan and highlighted developments in each of the SATCoL divisions: charity shops, clothing collection and SP&S. He also revealed that SATCoL had exceeded its budget forecast, showing a profit of more than £14 million;, providing funds that would 8
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Managing Director Trevor Caffull
be passed over to The Salvation Army. He concluded: ‘The best you can do is to serve others.’ Just prior to his retirement, and in recognition of more than 48 years of service, including the past 7 as SP&S general manager, Ken Kendall received a Lifetime Achievement Award from SATCoL Chairman Lieut-Colonel Alan Read and a Certificate of Recognition from the TC.
Ken Kendall receives a Certificate of Recognition Chris Jestico, who revealed that in his first year as head of retail he had managed to visit all 228 shops, reported an ‘outstanding year’, pointing not only to the financial success but also to the fact that the 53 shops in Scotland had received accreditation from Zero Waste Scotland.
Tony Hoskin highlighted progress in the clothing collection division, which had received 230 million items during the year, and spoke of plans to increase the number of clothing banks and donation centres. Delegates were able to attend four group sessions during the afternoon. In one session they were introduced to the new SATCoL intranet resource, and in another they were encouraged to use social media to build relationships with shop customers, provide information and recruit volunteers. In sessions demonstrating the Army’s mission to others, Territorial Addiction Services Officer Lee Ball highlighted work with people experiencing addiction, and Strawberry Field Mission Development Officer Major Allister Versfeld spoke about the community project that’s scheduled to open later this year on the site of the former children’s home in Liverpool. In the final session of the conference the TC, referring to Jesus’ words, ‘Do to others what you would have them do to you’ (Matthew 7:12), recalled several examples of service to others to illustrate what SATCoL funding enables the Army to do. ‘We’re in this together,’ he said. ‘We all have daily opportunities to encourage and bless others.’ After the conference Captain Moir hosted the awards evening, which featured songs from the SATCoL Singers and a variety of awards presented by Lieut-Colonel Read, including Shop of the Year (Outwood), Volunteer of the Year (Paul Kelly) and a Dedicated Service Award (Linda Taylor). – J. R.
Thinkalou d b y John Coutts
SOME OF PAUL’S FRIENDS
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ET’S meet a few of Paul’s friends. It’s well worth the effort, even though they lived many centuries ago, because Paul of Tarsus is not always thought of as a friendly person. The playwright George Bernard Shaw even called him ‘the eternal enemy of Woman’. That was Shaw being silly, but others who condemn Paul as a misogynist point to texts like 1 Timothy 2:11: ‘Women should learn in silence and all humility’ (Good News Bible). In her pioneering pamphlet, Female Ministry, Catherine Booth argued that the apostle was against women gossiping during worship but in favour of them preaching and ‘prophesying’. This contrast would explain the puzzling advice that Paul gave to the Corinthians: that women who speak during worship should cover their heads ‘on account of the angels’ (1 Corinthians 11:10 GNB). On questions of gender, Paul shared the outlook of his own day, which he struggled to modify in the light of new understanding – that in Christ ‘there is neither male nor female’ (Galatians 3:28 Revised Standard Version). So let’s take a look at some of the many friends mentioned by Paul at the end of his great letter to the Romans. I’ve counted 18 men and 11 women mentioned in Romans 16:1–16. Statistically that puts men in the lead – but women still head the list. A TRUSTWORTHY MESSENGER First comes Phoebe, who is to carry the letter from Corinth to Rome. She lived at Cenchreae – the nearest seaport – and it’s likely that she was a travelling businesswoman as well as a diákonos in the church there. Scholars debate the precise meaning of the Greek word diákonos (the origin of our title ‘deacon’) but it’s clear that Phoebe was a responsible church leader – ‘a good friend to many people and also to me’ (v2 GNB). No wonder Paul tells the Romans to give her a warm welcome. Next comes a married couple: Prisca (or Priscilla) and Aquila. Paul says they had risked their lives (literally ‘their necks’) on his behalf, and that a church in Rome was meeting in their house. This prosperous pair feature elsewhere in the New Testament, but where did
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Catherine Booth argued that the apostle was against women gossiping during worship but in favour of them preaching
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they face death in order to help Paul? We just don’t know. MORE QUESTIONS Other friends in the list also raise tantalising questions. Could Rufus, the ‘outstanding worker’ (v13 GNB), really be one of the sons of the cross-bearing Simon of Cyrene mentioned in Mark 15:21? Our response can only be ‘possibly’ – but we know from verse 13 that Rufus’s mother had treated Paul like a son. Had she done his washing, I wonder? And was Ampliatus (v8) related to the Ampliati whose family tomb can be seen in the catacombs of Rome? This time the answer is ‘probably’. If so, he was higher up the social scale than Epaenetus (v5) whose name, which means ‘praiseworthy’, suggests that he was a slave. All the more wonderful then that Epaenetus was the first convert in the Roman province of Asia. In their search for Paul’s friends, translators have fascinating choices to make. The Good News Bible thinks that Herodion (v11) was a ‘fellow Jew’ but the New Revised Standard Version makes him a ‘relative’ – a member of Paul’s own family. Scholars also differ about that mysterious couple Andronicus and Junia who became Christians before Paul and had shared prison with him. They were ‘well known among the apostles’ (v7 GNT), which probably means ‘distinguished evangelists’. Junia could even be a man, Junias – as some translations have it – but it’s more likely that Paul is praising a husband and wife team, sharing in joint ministry. There’s still space to mention the believers who belonged to the family of
‘The Apostle Paul’ by Rembrandt Narcissus (v11). They may well have been slaves in the household of the notorious ex-slave who rose to run the Roman government under the emperor Claudius. If so, some of them may have perished in the terror that followed in the reign of Nero, along with their master, Narcissus, and Paul himself. THE SCRIBE DESERVES A MENTION Let’s end with a trick question: Who wrote the letter? One answer is ‘Tertius’ (meaning ‘Number Three’) who took down the entire work, perhaps at Paul’s dictation. Naturally he wants to finish with a personal flourish: ‘I, Tertius, the writer of this letter, send you Christian greetings’ (v22 GNB). But Paul comes back in the next verse with more, sending extra blessings – from Gaius, who hosted the church in Corinth, from Erastus, the city treasurer, and last, but by no means least, from Quartus. All we know about Quartus is that his name means ‘Number Four’. Such were some of Paul’s friends, glimpsed through the swirling mists of time. So was the apostle really an old grump – ‘the eternal enemy of Woman?’ Judge for yourself.
JOHN IS A SOLDIER AT STIRLING CORPS Salvationist 1 June 2019
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VIEW POINT I World Environment Day
Caring for all creation
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... includes considering how we obey the first commandment given in Genesis to take care of the Earth (see Genesis 1:26–28 and 2:15)
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To mark World Environment Day on 5 June, Carl Jobson considers what it means to care for creation
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HE most shocking thing I’ve seen on TV this year wasn’t a twist in Line Of Duty or who ended up on the iron throne. It was the horrifying sight of walruses falling to their death from the top of a cliff – a cliff they had ended up on because the sea ice they would usually call home had retreated, and the land they had sought out instead was too tightly packed for them all to fit onto. This was part of David Attenborough’s latest series, Our Planet. The Netflix show contains all the stunning visuals and extraordinary footage that we have come to expect from Attenborough’s documentaries, which showcase the beauty and glory of our creator God as revealed in his creation. It also highlights the impact that human activity is having on animals and plants because of climate change, deforestation and overfishing. Programmes like these remind us of God’s majesty by taking us to parts of the world few of us are ever likely to see in person. They also highlight some of the ways that creation is groaning. We have seen many other examples of this recently – on the news, outside our schools and on our streets. Recently the United Nations released a report showing that nature is declining faster than ever before and around 25 per cent of animals and plants are now threatened with extinction because of our actions. This impacts a number of areas that affect the very life support system on which human and non-human life depends. At the same time Greta Thunberg has inspired millions through her School Strike
for Climate movement and her passionate call for action. This is something the Extinction Rebellion protesters have taken forward in a series of diverse and attentiongrabbing ways. This combination of activity has even contributed towards the UK and the Republic of Ireland each declaring climate emergencies in recent weeks. The question for us is, how do we respond to the examples of creation groaning that we are seeing unfold? We know that we have the ability to step up – to take action that helps reveal ourselves to creation as the ‘children of God’ (Romans 8:19). The effort made by many people to reduce their plastic consumption is one example of this, and there are many others. But we must not think that just having a reusable coffee cup or water bottle means that we can otherwise just carry on as normal. We need to consider how our actions, individually and collectively, are polluting our waters, contaminating our air, poisoning our fellow creatures and changing our climate. And then we need to respond – by worshipping the Creator and serving creation. Paul says that Christ, in whom ‘all things hold together’, came to ‘reconcile to himself all things’ (see Colossians 1:15–20). We need to consider how, in our efforts to join in with the mission of God, we are helping to restore and reconcile all things to him. What does this mean for our evangelism and our discipleship, our community engagement and our social action? What would it mean to become a Salvation Army for all creation? This will require a shift in thinking, but one that will, ultimately, help us come to a deeper understanding of all that God is. It will help us continue to be transformed into his new creation; we will be better able to humble ourselves, to enjoy and to look after all that he has provided for us. This is no easy task and it means reassessing what we expect from our lives and what God expects – not just once but time and time again. It means facing the hard choices about what we are willing to
reduce or let go of. This will be painful at times, but also will be joyful because it will allow us to pursue more fully a life with God and develop a greater harmony with creation. It is an opportunity for our own ongoing renewal as we strive to bring about the renewal of human and nonhuman creation. Climate change is a pressing issue for us. As part of our call to care for creation we need to consider how to take action quickly, for the good of the Earth and everything on it. But it is more than that. As we connect with creation we also connect with the Creator. It helps us see the divine in all things. As we continue to see how God can use us as individuals, as communities of believers and as a movement to help bring about God’s Kingdom here on Earth, I pray that we will each consider all that this means. It includes considering how we obey the first commandment given in Genesis to take care of the Earth (see Genesis 1:26–28 and 2:15). This is part of our worship and our service to our creator God. We can start to do this by taking opportunities to connect with nature and look after our patch of it. By considering the natural resources we are using and how we can minimise this usage. And by considering what God has to reveal to us about what a world restored will look like. Creation is groaning. How are we going to respond? O A simple worship resource has been produced for World Environment Day and is available by emailing environment@salvationarmy.org.uk or, if you have access, from the Environment section of ourhub.salvationarmy.org.uk
CARL IS TEAM LEADER OF THE RESOURCE HUB AT THQ AND A MEMBER OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE Salvationist 1 June 2019
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FEATURE I Volunteers’ Week
We couldn’t do what we do without volunteers Claire Bonham highlights the importance of volunteers and encourages us to celebrate their contribution Claire and the Anglo American team with residents and staff at Cambria House
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OLUNTEERS’ Week takes place from 1 to 7 June and is a great opportunity to celebrate the work of the thousands of people who freely give their time to the mission of The Salvation Army. In a year when we are focusing on effectiveness, it’s also a chance to acknowledge that The Salvation Army would find it difficult to function without volunteers. It is vital that we honour people who offer their time and talents freely. Many corps, charity shops and community programmes will rightly be taking this opportunity to thank them and celebrate them. In a letter of thanks to all our volunteers, Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill writes: ‘Whether you volunteer in one of our corps, Lifehouses, charity shops, employment services, our anti-trafficking programme or on our emergency response vehicles, and whether you volunteer every week or every now and again, we are grateful for everything you do.’ In a Salvationist interview in March last year, I mentioned my vision for developing and improving the volunteer experience. Since then we have made great progress in the way we support our volunteers: making improvements to recruitment, developing clearer volunteer roles and investing in volunteer management training.
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We have also made the volunteer section of the territory’s website easier to navigate. It explains what volunteering with The Salvation Army looks like and advertises vacancies, which makes it much easier for people who are looking for volunteering opportunities to know what is available near them. The website also allows people to apply online for roles that interest them, making the process less complicated for the volunteers and the corps officer or community manager who is recruiting. VOLUNTEERING CHANGES LIVES One of the ways in which we can best serve our volunteers is to acknowledge that volunteering often changes their lives as much as it does the people they support, and that each volunteer has something to contribute. We need to offer a range of opportunities so that anyone who wants to volunteer can do so – whether that is helping people build confidence by giving them a first chance to be in a working environment, giving them the opportunity to try something new, offering those who have been helped by The Salvation Army the chance to give something back or simply enabling company employees to build relationships with and get to know the people they live and work alongside.
CARL’S STORY After going through a difficult time in his life and experiencing homelessness, Carl moved into The Salvation Army’s Willow House in Reading. While living there, he worked hard on turning his life around, which led to his moving into his own accommodation. He has now become a popular volunteer at Willow House, where his own experiences and friendly personality help him support others to move forwards. Carl is now seeking employment and is attending the Train to Gain course in the kitchen at Willow House, which he enjoys. He knows that the skills he learns will help him rebuild his life and is excited about where the future will lead. Gary Stocking-Williams, who works at Willow House, says that Carl has impressed staff during the course and has been offered paid work covering shifts in the kitchen. He says: ‘I speak for everyone here when I say we are very fortunate to have Carl helping out. He should be proud of what he has achieved, and I am sure he will go on to achieve even more in his life.’ BEING GOOD NEIGHBOURS Recently, a group of senior executives from the multinational mining company Anglo American volunteered their time at Cambria House in London to meet with residents and continue their aim of being good neighbours in the London Borough of Camden. This was the second time they had visited the Lifehouse, and their hope was to get to know the residents and their stories to gain a better understanding of homelessness and how it affects people. It is important that volunteers in this kind of situation don’t come expecting to ‘do something’ for residents but with an attitude of openness and willingness to engage – to be with the residents and spend time together in a shared endeavour where everyone is equal and has something valuable to contribute. Residents and volunteers joined together to paint some inspirational quotes on the walls of Cambria House to inspire residents as they go about their
day-to-day lives. Some of the quotes were chosen by residents, and one was written by Adrian, a resident who is about to move into his own house. The volunteers and residents completed six quotes in all, and managed to make quite a neat job of it! They signed off their work by each adding a thumbprint in paint next to their quote. The reward for their efforts was a choice of three delicious curries or hot dogs provided by the Anglo American catering team. Sheldon, one of the Anglo American team, was surprised by a chance encounter with one of the residents. He was waiting in reception and saw a resident he recognised – they used to be best friends at school. Sheldon said: ‘It really moved me to see him there. We lost touch, and it just goes to show how two people’s lives can go in completely different directions through different circumstances.’
We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. But it’s far more than needing people to run our programmes and making our work more effective. Our volunteers come for a wide range of reasons: from needing an opportunity to gain confidence, grow their skills and rebuild their lives, to wanting to give something back to their community. What’s clear is that they give us as much as, if not more than, we offer them, by generously gifting their time, talents and aspirations to serve the mission of The Salvation Army. Let us take time to celebrate that this week. CLAIRE IS VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT THQ
Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for, we are the change that we seek
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FEATURE My dissertation explained
Handling change In this monthly series we ask SISTAD* students to tell us about their degree dissertations. Major Lori Richards’ dissertation for her BA (Honours) Pastoral Care with Psychology was called, ‘How are individuals in local church affected by changing practice?’
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HANGE can be good, bad or just another thing on the to-do list. It all depends on how we look at it. If we see a particular change as a good thing we are happy to go along with it, but if we see it as too difficult or challenging then we can be hard to convince and may even resist it. In recent years we have been a part of some huge organisational changes that many of us did not find easy. But while changes in work patterns can be challenging they do not affect us quite as deeply as when our beliefs are on the line. One of the most significant discussions in church leadership today is about the number of people lost during times of change. There are congregations in The Salvation Army facing change from established practice to new mission focus, but some of our oldest and most faithful people are lost in the surge towards attracting new members and new mission effectiveness. We need to ask why change is so hard, and seek to understand the reasons conflicts arise. We must be aware of the pain and distress that change can cause – especially when some people identify strongly with the old practices. There is a school of thought that says losing members during times of change is inevitable, and sometimes necessary, but I feel that as a caring organisation we need to understand the damage that can be done, and work to prevent harm to those experiencing change. My research looked at how corps members viewed change. What surprised me most in interviews with members of two transitioning corps was the stress and pain they were feeling: they were angry, sad and confused. Some felt they had betrayed their roots; others were worried that what they knew would be lost. When people’s beliefs are challenged they can experience anxiety, guilt, confusion, blame and resentment. 14
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For some, the only way to regain stability during this crisis of faith is to reject or ignore the change. My greatest concern was to see our spiritual warfare theology used as a weapon to fight changes. In my study, participants attributed blame for the changes to others or circumstances out of their control. Some blamed leaders – treating them as outsiders imposing change – and believed that leaders did not own the same beliefs and values. In my experience the personal significance of tradition has been overlooked and regarded simply as nostalgia or immature faith by those leading change. Most transitions that I have witnessed have come with a degree of conflict – battles in which there were no real winners. Leaders have been damaged by seemingly aggressive corps that would not accept the changes they proposed, and congregations have been damaged by seemingly uncaring leaders. If we are to stop the conflicts and loss of membership during times of change, we need to understand the effect it has on individuals. My study showed that faith, rather than being something to hold on to in times of trouble, had become a barrier to change. In fact, the more passionate the belief and the stronger the consensus in a group, the greater the
barrier to change became. Many people saw the changes that took place not as new ways of doing mission but as a challenge to what they believed. This was seen clearly in those for whom the changes were too far from what they accepted as truth. Transition can be successful if changes can be grounded in the core beliefs of the group. If the group owns the changes and can reconcile them with their beliefs, then conflict can be avoided. So how can we implement mission changes without causing distress? Changing mission needs to be balanced with good pastoral care, clear communication and theological grounding of the reasons for change. It is important to help those facing a challenge to their belief system to find the scriptural truth in the change. To support those who are facing transition, and to stop those faithful saints from being lost, we need to understand where we have come from as well as keeping our eyes fixed on the way ahead. We must find a way of helping people affected by changing mission to ground the changes in their understanding, so as to avoid them seeing the change as an attack or a test of faith. Using the language they know to implement mission-focused programmes helps with this. For changing mission to flourish we must celebrate the old, raise the ‘Ebenezer’ (see 1 Samuel 7:12) and march on together into what is new. *SISTAD is the territory’s School for In-Service Training and Development, which presents courses for officers and employees; visit salvationarmy.org.uk /SISTAD for details MAJOR RICHARDS IS CORPS OFFICER, DEVONPORT MORICE TOWN
REAR-M MIR RROR
END OF AN ERA General John Larsson (Retired) continues to share glimpses from the 13 astonishing years that shaped The Salvation Army – 1878-1890
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ILLIAM and Catherine Booth were so bound together in the founding of The Salvation Army that when Catherine was promoted to Glory on Saturday 4 October 1890 it was the end of an era. After suffering with cancer for two years, she died at the age of 61. Only one of the co-founders now remained. Catherine held a special place in the hearts of Salvationists and was admired by many members of the public. Ambitious plans were therefore laid for the funeral so that as many mourners as possible would be able to pay tribute. But even the largest venues proved insufficient. Clapton Congress Hall was cleared of chairs and her coffin with a glass window for viewing was placed centrally. The inscription on the coffin read simply… Catherine Booth The Mother of The Salvation Army Born 17th January 1829 Died 4th October 1890 ‘More than conqueror’ From eight in the morning until ten at night, queues formed outside as thousands waited to see her for one last time. ‘On they came,’ describes Frederick Booth-Tucker, ‘a never-ending stream, old and young, rich and ragged, well and weakly.’ A tottering old woman stood so long looking down into Mrs Booth’s face that she was gently asked to move on. ‘Let others move on,’ she said. ‘I’ve come 60 miles to see her again. She was the means of saving my two sons.’ After five days, when 50,000 persons had filed through, the coffin was transported to Olympia for the funeral
service. The journey from East to West London was made before daybreak to avoid crowds forming to view the cortège. Olympia, an exhibition centre, was London’s largest building. On Monday 13 October people began queueing from 3 am, waiting for the hall to open for the 6 pm funeral service. When 36,000 people had passed through the turnstiles the hall was declared full. Thousands were left standing outside. Commissioner George Scott Railton led the funeral services. There was no amplification in those days, so the service was conducted by means of large signs, exhibited from the platform, which corresponded with information given in the printed programme. As a sign called on the congregation to stand and sing, the sound of 36,000 voices intoning ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’ echoed to the rafters. An appeal at the end of the service resulted in many standing to their feet. The funeral procession the next day, from International Headquarters in Queen Victoria Street to Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington, revealed a tremendous exhibition of popular feeling. Fifty thousand Salvationists wanted to march, but as this was a logistical impossibility only four thousand officers were given that privilege, while tens of thousands of uniformed Salvationists formed kerbside honour guards along the four-mile route. Catherine Booth’s body was borne on an open hearse. General Booth stood bare-headed in an open carriage for the four-hour journey, acknowledging the sympathy of the immense crowds that thronged the streets. Bramwell and Herbert Booth followed on horseback. The Household Troops Band played the
funeral march ‘Promoted To Glory’, which Herbert Booth had composed for the occasion – now song 547 in the Army songbook. The veteran superintendent of the City of London Police declared that he had not seen anything like it since the funeral of the Duke of Wellington, nearly half a century earlier. At Abney Park Cemetery a tiered platform that could hold 1,500 had been constructed by the graveside. When the last of 10,000 ticket-holders had entered, the gates were closed. The thousands who could not get in stood in silence outside. William Booth began his address by regretting that not all would be able to hear him, but ‘sorrow doesn’t feel like shouting’. He ended by speaking about Catherine’s three greatest qualities. ‘She was good… she was love… she was a warrior.’ When Commissioner Railton pronounced the words of committal: ‘As it has pleased Almighty God to promote our dear Mother from her place in The Salvation Army to the mansion prepared for her above,’ every heart went out to William Booth. He was surrounded by loved ones and a devoted Salvationist family, but he nevertheless stood alone as never before. An era had closed. From now on he would have to continue the fight of faith without his beloved Catherine at his side. The British statesman and biographer Roy Hattersley has called Catherine Booth ‘one of the most extraordinary women of the 19th century’. Incisive thinker, fearless preacher, compassionate carer, frontline warrior – but most of all, ‘The Mother of The Salvation Army’. Salvationist 1 June 2019
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BIBLE STUDY
Just wait! Major Noreen Batt encourages us to discover what God has in store STUDY PASSAGE: ACTS 1:1–11
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ITTING at the family meal table as children, one of us would always ask: ‘What’s for pudding, mum?’ The answer invariably came back: ‘Wait and see!’ I am sure we believed there was a wait-and-see pudding we never actually tasted! It can be the hardest thing to wait – for an interview, for plants to grow, for test results, by the bedside of a loved one on their final journey without you. Knowing it is part of the rhythm of life does not always make the waiting any easier. But imagine if there was never any waiting. Imagine if life was so constant and instant that there were no breathing spaces and no wondering oases.
QUESTION O What are some of the joys and challenges of times of waiting in everyday life?
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Lynda Levis
As God has woven waiting into the rhythm of creation and daily life, so he has always invited us to wait and see who he really is and what he is doing. Through the Scriptures, the disciples of Jesus will have heard the Lord God say: ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10), ‘Watch for the new thing I am going to do’ (Isaiah 43:19 Good News Bible) and ‘Those who wait upon God get fresh strength’ (Isaiah 40:31 The Message). QUESTIONS O What creative things have happened when you have waited for God? O What have you learnt about waiting for him? Throughout their journey with Jesus, the disciples had listened and watched as he took time out to pray and be with his Father, as he tarried before going to heal Lazarus, as he invited them to wait
with him in Gethsemane and as he lived life to a different rhythm from anyone else they had known. During the 40 days since the Resurrection, they had begun to adjust to a different way of knowing Jesus. He wasn’t with them constantly, as he had always been, but had come and gone enough to assure them that he really was alive. Did they know he wasn’t playing hide-and-seek but was preparing them for new things that were going to happen in the Kingdom of God? The risen Christ shared a meal with them and invited his followers to ‘wait for the gift my Father promised… the Holy Spirit’ (vv4 and 5). How extraordinary that, in the intimacy of a shared meal, whether outdoors or in, Jesus affirms the promise that echoes through the ages as the Lord God declared: ‘I will give you a new heart... I will put my Spirit in you’ (Ezekiel 36:26 and 27).
SUNDAY
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TUESDAY
‘I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you for ever – the Spirit of truth.’ ( John 14:16 and 17)
Holy Spirit, truth divine,/ Dawn upon this soul of mine;/ Word of God and inward light,/ Wake my spirit, clear my sight. (SASB 285)
‘The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.’ ( John 14:26)
Prayer
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Father, thank you for the promise of your presence and your power. Help us to trust your word and to wait with faith and patience for the fulfilment of each promise that is given to us. May we be obedient to you and fulfil your will for us.
QUESTION O What do you think the disciples understood by being ‘baptised with the Holy Spirit’? What do we understand by that promise? Jesus commanded his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for this momentous gift. They were not to search for him in special times or places, but to wait for his time and his place. We may wonder why Jesus didn’t give them the gift there and then. In the room in Jerusalem on the night of his resurrection, Jesus had breathed his Holy Spirit upon them (see John 20:22). Jesus knew that he didn’t need to be there in person when the Holy Spirit was given in power. The disciples were on a journey of faith that had been birthed because they could see him and touch him. However, they would need to join that vast multitude of people who would never see Jesus with their eyes, but
who could still believe and receive with their hearts. Even after Jesus was taken from their sight for the very last time the waiting wasn’t over. They had been given an awesome vision of whom they were to become – people of the Kingdom, people of heavenly power, people who would reach every corner of the world with the living message of Jesus Christ. QUESTION How do you feel about belonging to such a people?
strategies to ensure it would happen? Would they wait? Perhaps that’s the very same choice that faces us when it comes down to it. Are we willing to wait for Almighty God, as we’ve come to know him in Jesus Christ, to pour the Holy Spirit into our hearts and minds, or will we settle with the life we’re familiar with? Will we run in fear or hatch our human plans to bring in the Kingdom? Will we wait? Just wait and see what God can do!
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QUESTION How are we responding to Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit?
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The disciples had a choice. Perhaps that’s why Jesus instructed them to wait. Would they wait around for the promise to be fulfilled, or would they return to life as they had known it? Would they turn tail and run for fear of the immensity of the promise? Would they hatch their own plans to fulfil the vision they had been presented with and create
MAJOR BATT IS DIVISIONAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT, NORTH-WEST ENGLAND AND NORTH WALES
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Holy Spirit, dwell with me;/ I myself would holy be,/ Separate from sin, I would/ Choose and cherish all things good;/ And whatever I can be/ Give to him who gave me thee. (SASB 300)
Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.’ (Acts 2:38 and 39)
Spirit of the living God,/ Fall afresh on me;/ Spirit of the living God,/ Fall afresh on me./ Fill me anew, fill me anew./ Spirit of the Lord/ Fall afresh on me. (SASB 313)
‘And afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.’ ( Joel 2:28 and 29)
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NEW COMMITMENTS
BELLSHILL: Corps officers Majors Chris and Lynda Connelly enrolled Miriam Mathie as a soldier. – T. M.
DEREHAM: Divisional leaders Majors Derek and Susan Jones enrolled Beth Lewis and Matthew and William Barnes as junior soldiers. The children read out their promises. – D. B.
Some photos removed
ARBROATH: Corps officer Major Helen Young welcomed Elwyn Walker, Ineke Cargill, Donna Gordon, Sheena Reid, Josephine Farrant, Josh Gordon and Doreen Walker as adherent members and enrolled Helen Robertson as a soldier. Elwyn and Doreen linked up with the Army through the corps fiddle band. Elwyn is the corps gardener and Doreen enjoys the church fellowship, taking particular interest in the young mums and babies. Ineke has been associated with the corps for a number of years. Mother and son Donna and Josh reconnected with the corps three years ago. Donna volunteers at the toddler group. Josh is very excited to belong to The Salvation Army and wear his badge to school. Sheena linked up with the corps through the parent-and-toddler group. Josephine has been connected to The Salvation Army since childhood. Helen has been a faithful attendee at meetings for many years. She also helps organise the home league and World Day of Prayer meetings. They are all pictured with Majors Brian and Yvonne Findlay. – H. Y.
PERTH: Bianca Brown was welcomed as an adherent member on Candidates Sunday by corps leaders Territorial Envoys Bert and Pat Kidd. – R. C.
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EAST KILBRIDE: Karli Hunter, Kayden Hunter, Alexander Logan and Samuel Baker were enrolled as junior soldiers. They are pictured with CSM Mame Wallace, associate officer Captain Stephen Baker and Anne McGlinchey. – J. B.
MACCLESFIELD: First drawn to The Salvation Army as a child, through the influence of Salvationist grandparents at Manchester Star Hall, Hilary Taylor wanted to be a ‘Sally Army lady’ from a young age. Many things happened in her life that prevented this from happening, but that desire has been rekindled since she began attending the corps last year. She has now become an adherent member and looks forward to what the future might hold. In her testimony she thanked the corps for their warm welcome and spoke of how the words of the song ‘Because He Lives’ were important to her. Hilary was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Gareth Dickens. – G. D.
BURTON-ON-TRENT: Corps officers Majors Julian and Julie Rowley welcomed five new adherent members. Lisa Sheriff’s husband became an adherent member some years ago, but drifted away from the Army. Recently they started attending again and became fully involved in the life of the corps, resulting in Lisa wanting to follow Jesus more closely. Kath Gee, Anna Johnstone and Helen and Jeff Wilkinson linked up with the corps through participation in outings arranged by the fellowship group, and now regularly attend Sunday meetings. Helen and Jeff have also become involved in the luncheon club and Evergreens. They are all pictured with Recruiting Sergeant Eddie Edmands. – K. A.
LUTON: Lillian Mathias was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Maxine Walker. Lillian has a real heart for following Jesus, and has been a blessing to the corps. – R. W.
CANNOCK: On the same date her grandad had been enrolled 73 years ago Nellie Stokes was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Captain Lydia Bartlett; Nellie’s grandad read from the Scriptures. – G. S.
BRISTOL CITADEL: Four adherent members were welcomed by corps officer Captain Gavin Friday, with many family and friends in attendance. Kathryn Smart was drawn to the corps when she saw how her daughter was accepted in the worship services. Jamie Smith wanted to find a new place of worship and was attracted by the social action of the Army. Clare Wadsworth returned to the corps after an invitation to sign at a junior soldier enrolment. Scott Smith became involved through his daughter’s enrolment as a junior soldier, and now sees the corps as part of his family. Also pictured is Captain Alison Friday. – G. F.
WORCESTER: Kutenda Mrewa and Olivia Bullock were enrolled as junior soldiers by Olivia’s grandad, Major Brian Slinn (Divisional Commander, East Midlands). Kutenda and Olivia sang ‘I Am Not Ashamed’ with the young people, reminding everyone of Romans 1:16. They are pictured with corps officer Major Diane Henderson and Major Liv Raegevik Slinn. – A. W.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS: Having been dedicated to God just over a year earlier, Richard Kent continued to explore his faith and felt it was the right time to become a junior soldier. Enrolled by corps officer Captain Zoe Smith during the YP annual, Richard shared his belief in Jesus and asked the congregation to pray that he would keep away from bad things that could influence his life. Richard is pictured with Captain Zoe, Junior Soldiers Sergeant Christine Wickham and YPSM Lynda Spinney. – Z. S. Salvationist 1 June 2019
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 25 July O Captains Rezo and Sophia Bakhtadze, Divisional Support Officers, West Scotland Division LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CCMS Tarnia Manley and CS Donna Montague, Tiverton O CRS Margaret Neil and CPR Graham Holland, Clowne O OSCS Pat Griffiths, Merthyr Tydfil WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O B/Reservist Alcwyn and S/Reservist Grace Myers, Chelmsford (5 June) Diamond O Bandsman Jack and Songster Margaret Wheatley, Carlisle (6 June) DEDICATED TO GOD O Edward John William, son of David King and Sarah Rickard, at Bourne by Captain Wendy Brown O Gabriel, Michael and Angel, sons and daughter of Juliet Kika, at Wood Green by Major Paula Knight
RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Lieut-Colonel Maurice Cooper (90 on 8 June) O Major Janet East (80 on 8 June) O Aux-Captain Victoria McLachlan (80 on 10 June) BEREAVED O Major Jacqueline Wright, Ireland DHQ, of her mother Florence McCullough O Captain Lorraine Cole, Clevedon, Adrian Cole, BM Mark Cole and Katherine Smith, all Bristol Bedminster, of their father John O Major Gareth Heward, Gloucester, Bandsman/Songster Duncan Heward, Worthing, Craig Heward, Leeds Bramley, and Nicola Russell of their father Kenneth O John Moore, Noel Moore and Olivia Donald, all Belfast Citadel, of their brother Ronnie PROMOTED TO GLORY O Fran Reid, Exeter Temple O Antony Maddocks, Exeter Temple O Derek Rew, Exeter Temple O Major Audrey Whitehead from Bradbury Care Home, Southend-onSea, on 19 May O James Bird, Guisborough
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Birmingham (Symphony Sounds), Sat 1 Jun O Birmingham Citadel, Sun 2 O Pewsey (Robert Pilon concert), Sat 8 O Indonesia Territory, Wed 12 – Sun 16 O Canada and Bermuda Territory (congress and commissioning), Mon 17 – Mon 24 O Croydon Citadel (150th corps anniversary), Sat Sun 30 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O USA Eastern Territory (commissioning), Wed 12 Jun – Tu 18 O Devon and Cornwall Division (fiesta), Sat Sun 30 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Birmingham (Symphony Sounds), Sat 1 Jun O Birmingham (Music and Creative Arts Leaders Councils), Sun 2 O St Albans (135th corps anniversary), Sat Sun 9 O Sunbury Court (Brengle Institute retreat), Tu 11 O Stirling (Into Officership seminar), Th 13 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O Birmingham (Symphony Sounds), Sat 1 Jun O Birmingham (Music and Creative Arts Leaders Councils), Sun 2 O Luton (20th corps anniversary), Sun 23 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND O Birmingham (Symphony Sounds), Sat 1 Jun O Birmingham (Music and Creative Arts Leaders Councils), Sun 2 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS O Birmingham (Symphony Sounds), Sat 1 Jun O Birmingham (Music and Creative Arts Leaders Councils), Sun 2
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OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory LONG SERVICE 35 years O Major Margaret Hardy, Personnel Service, THQ ANTHONY COTTERILL, Commissioner, Territorial Commander
TRIBUTES PAM LINDSAY, SOUTHAMPTON SHIRLEY PAM grew up on the Isle of Wight attending Newport Corps. After marriage to Ray, they moved to the mainland, soldiering at Southampton Citadel before transferring to Shirley, where Pam was a songster and company guard. She was commissioned singing company leader in 1965, a position she held for five years, and subsequently was commissioned as songster leader twice. In these roles she aimed for a high standard for the sake of the Kingdom and the spiritual impact music had on the congregation. There are many people who have cause to be grateful for Pam’s generosity, whether it was buying a uniform for someone who couldn’t afford one or giving regular financial support to Salvation Army hospitals overseas. A marked deterioration in health in latter years made attendance at meetings impossible, but Pam would affirm her faith and her prayer time had not diminished. – D. W. MAJOR BRIAN STUBBINGTON AFTER his birth in 1932 to Salvationist parents, Brian was dedicated to God at Southampton Citadel. There he served the Lord for many years as an enthusiastic bandsman and, with his ability in management, became the band and corps organising secretary. National Service in the Armed Forces took him to Egypt, and at this time he
married Joan, his lifelong partner. They were blessed with three sons, Trevor, Timothy and Nicholas. Their lives took a fresh turn when they were called into officership at nearly 40 years of age, but they trusted in the Lord’s guidance to face the challenges. Their first appointment was at Mashbury, where they had a small but efficient band, which Brian loved. Other appointments in the East London Division followed, then they served in corps such as St Helier, Paignton, Gillingham and Yeovil. In all his appointments Brian loved to give of his practical skills in whatever way possible with great energy and determination. However, ill health made the last years of service difficult for them both. Retirement in 1997 gave some respite, but Brian was soon working in the interest of his retired officer comrades. Failing health again became apparent, and the promotion to Glory of Joan in 2017 was a great loss to him as he faced many months of pain until he received the Lord’s call. – A. B.
LORNA CRIPPS, CLACTON LORNA found her spiritual home at Bishop’s Stortford Corps at a young age. She joined the home league and songsters at the age of 16, was actively involved with the singing company and served as YPSM. Lorna met Norman, and they were married in 1972, moving to Clacton in 1978. In 1983 the family moved to Lowestoft, where they lived until returning to Clacton in 1991. The couple remained active members and loved being involved in the corps. If anyone was looking for Lorna, and she was not at home, she would most likely be at the Army hall. Lorna used to tell her daughter that being involved in the Army isn’t a joke – it’s all or nothing for Jesus! – V. R.
WILLIAM HUXLEY, CLACTON WILL and his late wife, Barbara, became members of Clacton Corps in 1994. As a former Anglican minister with deep biblical knowledge and a gift for preaching, Will was often called upon to lead meetings in the absence of the corps officers. Will became a valued member of the songsters in the tenor section. He also had a background in banking and took on the position of corps treasurer until finances became computerised. In 1999 Will became recruiting sergeant, and for more than 11 years prepared many new soldiers and adherent members for service in the corps. Will was a well-known face in Pier Avenue, where for 14 years he regularly sold the War Cry; he also led many services in care homes with the league of mercy team. – V. R.
Soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.
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Salvationist 1 June 2019
22-23
‘ Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army! We’ve asked various people to tell us about themselves. This week… ANDREW DOUST Gloucester
Christ alone, Cornerstone, Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love, Through the storm he is Lord, Lord of all!
’
(‘Cornerstone’ by Eric Liljero, Reuben Morgan, Edward Mote, Jonas Myrin, Hillsong)
If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? Ensure a work-life balance. Make time for family and holidays.
How did you first come into contact with the Army? I have been part of the Army since birth as my parents are officers (now retired).
What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? Decathlon – I’d love to have a go at different track and field disciplines.
What made you want to become a Salvationist? First and foremost, The Salvation Army is my church and I agree with the soldier’s covenant.
What is your favourite Bible verse? ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths’ (Proverbs 3:5 and 6 English Standard Version). It was quoted regularly by my grandparents and has been a foundation of my faith.
What is your day job? I work for a learning disability charity as a registered manager, providing support to adults with learning disabilities in supported living services. What is the most interesting thing about your job – and the most frustrating? I get to work with amazing people and positively impact the lives of vulnerable adults – every day is different. The most frustrating thing is the challenge of getting the right staff. Recruiting support workers to the health and social care sector is a massively difficult challenge. What one thing would you change about the Army? The uniform rules. What is your favourite kind of holiday? A family holiday somewhere where we can swim – it doesn’t matter where. If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? Bobby Moore. I’d love to chat about what it was like to play in the World Cup Final and lift the trophy.
Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Paul, who visited Ephesus and saw the awesome amphitheatre; I’d like to know what it was like to be there when it was full of people and how he felt when spreading the gospel there. What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘Cornerstone’ by Hillsong. My daughter, Isabelle, was born 11 weeks premature. While she was in the neonatal intensive
care unit, I was going through the challenge of balancing work and knowing she was unwell. This was the song I turned to regularly to praise and worship. Is there something you’ve never understood? I’ve never understood the obsession with celebrities and their lives. Did you have a nickname growing up? At school it was Dousty, then at university it was Poundstretcher – I’m a bit thrifty. If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? Jürgen Klopp. I’m a massive Liverpool fan and I’d love to see a day in the life of the Liverpool Football Club manager. Do you have any hidden talents? I can juggle a little with three balls. Which book would you want on a desert island? Mud, Sweat And Tears by Bear Grylls. It is an incredible read. What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess? My wedding ring. I thought I’d lost it when on holiday once and I’ve never felt so uneasy and anxious. Thankfully, it was found in my room after I’d checked out. What it represents is so important; I’d be totally gutted if I lost it. Something interesting you might not know about me is… I had thoughts of living – and working for The Salvation Army – in the USA. Had I not torn my cruciate ligament when on an Army summer camp that needed reconstruction surgery back in the UK, I might now be living in California.