Music, fellowship and spiritual blessings

KING’S PARK CONFERENCE CENTRE

I JOINED 51 Salvationist musicians representing 41 corps at the Easter Music Course (EMC), writes Major Jane Kimberley. As a first-timer, any initial apprehension was soon lost in the warmth of welcome by both staff members and delegates.

Following the evening meal, it was time for rehearsals. I opted for the women’s voices and enjoyed being part of a large choral group. Our repertoire included the familiar ‘All That I Am’ and the more challenging ‘Nothin’ Gonna Stumble My Feet’. Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Creative Arts) Steph Lamplough (THQ), accompanied by pianist Sue Avison (Bristol Citadel), led us with expertise, enthusiasm and fun. We sang ‘Compelled by Love’ and, in a spontaneous testimony, Grey Pacheco (Regent Hall) spoke of how she had been powerfully challenged by the song.

In addition to the band and choral groups, a mixed voices group gave everyone an opportunity to sing. Sue Avison led the reflective ‘Do Not Be Afraid’ and ‘He Is the Lord’.

Captains Ian Standley and Callum McKenna (both WBC) and Captain Nicola Brooksbank (Southend Citadel with Southchurch) led daily, inspiring Bible studies around the theme Time, which made the Scripture come alive.

Guests included Kettering Citadel Band and Songster Leader Lee Fisher (Droitwich Spa), who led the mixed voices in his composition ‘Amazing God’ and explained his thoughts behind the music and lyrics. Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls (Willenhall) led a line dancing evening. A talent night included monologues, a penny whistle solo and a sneak preview of the Army’s newest musical Belongings

Each afternoon, time was given for recreation, during which some people have seen new people in the band, and they have been welcomed and made to feel part of the group. Pieces varied from the simple hymn tune arrangement of ‘Be Still and Know’ and the more progressive ‘Prelude on Anastasis’ and ‘Promises’ to traditional pieces, such as ‘Arise My Soul, Arise’. As the timbrellists participated in the review performance joined the timbrelists or the Drawing Closer group. Other optional activities included Dance-Fit with Steph in the morning.

At the conclusion of the five days, Captain Ian led worship, giving opportunity for testimony and prayer. It was a week filled with music, fellowship and spiritual blessings.

Excitement was very much evident as delegates arrived at EMC, reports Adrian Sutton (Newcastle City Temple). Old friendships were renewed and new delegates were met.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the week was the fellowship. Conversations, both jovial and serious, enabled everyone to encourage each other.

Band and vocal rehearsals took up the majority of the time. The band’s leadership by Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Brass and Choral) Paul Sharman (THQ) was an inspiration to all who attended. It was quite intense at times, but there was always fun and laughter as well. We on the last morning, the march ‘It’s New’ was rehearsed.

On the first night we had a quiz night. The talent night was thoroughly enjoyed. The Bible studies were inspiring. The theme for the week was Time and we were certainly encouraged and challenged by what was presented.

An evening concert by Kettering Citadel Band was not just an enjoyable and varied programme, but also provided us with a spiritual basis for the whole evening.

Thursday evening at EMC is always relaxed. This year we went line dancing and folk dressed similar to the way cowboys would dress, especially Paul and Ian, who appeared wearing blow-up horses.

Each year there is a review time where we perform the pieces we have been rehearsing. There was variety with both sections performing and we finished with the songs we learnt as mixed voices.

A good time was had by all, and we all look forward with anticipation to next year’s EMC.

Anniversary

Faith and togetherness

Doncaster

TERRITORIAL Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill led a weekend retreat to celebrate 131 years of the corps serving the community.

Band members from Castleford led the weekend into worship, followed by a questionnaire reflecting on what the corps wanted to ask God.

Saturday focused on togetherness, loving each other and bearing fruit for God’s glory. The TC spoke on the vine, and everyone thought about their purpose within the church.

Sunday began with rousing music, and the meeting included the enrolment of five junior soldiers and two senior soldiers. The TC taught from John 15 and reminded the congregation that they are nothing without Jesus.

The congregation prayed and, as the Holy Spirit moved, many approached the mercy seat wanting to become true disciples.

The weekend filled the corps with peace, calm and an overwhelming atmosphere of love. – LR

Anniversary

Event

Leaders encouraged to arise and shine

William Booth College

TAKING inspiration from Isaiah 60, territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill called the Territorial Leaders Conference to ‘arise and shine, for … the glory of the Lord rises upon you’.

Despite the obvious and draining challenges that leaders had been and were still facing, delegates were encouraged by the conference. Throughout the week there were opportunities to hear and see snapshots of the amazing work that God is doing across the territory.

Interdenominational partnerships, sharing all the flavours of unity, demonstrated that Christians are better together. This theme was prevalent again as delegates heard about faith partnerships in the Army’s work with families, the amazing work in schools with the Starfish mentoring programme, the incredible work of SATCoL in enabling mission and providing resources, and life-transforming testimonies of people God is sending to the Army.

Delegates were inspired by hearing how divisions had stepped out in faith, making difficult decisions, and seen God’s blessing upon new initiatives. They were encouraged to hear of God’s miraculous provision, time and time again, when his faithful people had stopped to listen to his voice and the new thing that he was asking them to do.

Reflecting on being an Army without walls, delegates heard exciting stories of people who were uplifted and enabled by their inclusion in Core Recovery Church and the value of coming and being together in Cynefin communities in Wales.

There was necessary consideration of the Army’s resources and processes but all in the context of what was possible rather than what was not.

Returning to the theme of Rising Up, Colonels Paul and Jenine Main (THQ) concluded the conference by sending delegates out empowered as Resurrection people, calling the Holy Spirit to rain down his abundant blessing as they returned to the mission he had called them to. – JW

Cost Of Living

WATFORD The corps celebrated 140 years serving the town. More than 100 schoolchildren, their parents and local dignitaries joined corps officer Captain Mark Scoulding at a community allotment project to mark the anniversary, which included celebrations marking the corps as the Army’s first Silver award Eco Church. Pictured are mayor Peter Taylor and Captain Mark cutting a cake baked for the anniversary. The mayor said: ‘They have made a huge difference here. At the moment, they are doing a lot in relation to sustainability and food, and work really closely with a number of local primary schools to help families during the cost of living crisis.’ Plans for the future include launching a tuk-tuk coffee cart and converting the hall into a coffee house. – AR

SOUTHWICK The affordable food club the Bread and Butter Thing, run from the Austin House family centre, has served 4,500 bags of food to people struggling with the cost of living crisis. Operating every Friday, members have purchased the equivalent of 47,400 meals’ worth of food since the club opened in December. Austin House also runs the Victory Programme, which teaches people how to cook nutritious meals on a budget, hosts a warm space, and runs parent-and-toddler groups and afterschool and breakfast clubs for children. – AR

Community

LEIGH-ON-SEA The local U3A group visited as many churches as possible to see what goes on and what they do in the community. The group received information on the history of The Salvation Army and how it developed at Leigh-on-Sea, together with information regarding corps activities. – PJ

Learning, worship and fellowship

WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

CADETS from across Europe gathered for shared worship, learning and fellowship. Worship included music and testimonies with prayer shared in native tongues, while visiting speakers challenged the cadets to consider the style they practise in prayer, their identity in Christ and the challenge of re-evangelising Europe for Jesus in these times.

Further opportunities for sharing came through a prayer walk along the Thames, as well as a marketplace, where each territory had a stall to promote culture and cuisine.

Cadet Paul Sass said: ‘Meeting with cadets from across Europe was an immense blessing and privilege. Finding out what life, officer training and Christian witness are like in all parts of the Europe Zone helped us appreciate the wealth and breadth of our shared experience within the body of Christ.’

Cadet Renno Rannamäe (Finland and Estonia Territory) reflected: ‘The cadets who had come together from Europe were very diverse and I was very encouraged by how united we can be in the name of Jesus, even when context where we serve are so different.’

Cadet Trude Petersen-Scott (Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory) commented: ‘I now feel more equipped to take on the last months of studies before the commissioning.

‘It was a big blessing to share experiences, eat, laugh and worship together. I am very thankful to everyone who made this week possible. May God bless the cadets and the mission in Europe!’ – AR

Event

WATERBEACH Open since January, the hall has provided a weekly warm space for people struggling with the cost of living crisis and those who want to meet others and enjoy fellowship over tea and biscuits. Great conversations take place over table tennis, board games, knitting, quizzes and puzzles. The corps wants people to feel welcome, loved and valued and will continue to be open. – DC-H

Cost Of Living

BRISTON The gardening club is growing fresh fruit and vegetables for the corps food bank. David Kibble-White undertook the task of turning unused ground at the rear of the hall into a vegetable garden for the project. – AP

Hunt for ‘hidden homeless’ urgent, says Army UK

THE Salvation Army has welcomed new government research into the true scale of ‘hidden homelessness’, after lobbying for better data on all forms of homelessness.

A report by the Office for National Statistics suggests that women, young people and ethnic minority groups are more likely to be ‘hidden homeless’, which means they are not recorded as being without a home. However, it’s not currently possible to know how many people in the UK are affected.

Assistant Director of Homelessness Services (North) Malcolm Page said: ‘Rough sleeping is the most visible type of homelessness, but there are thousands more without a home, including children, who are missing from official records, so missing out on support.’ – AR

Music

MAIDSTONE The Last Night of the Proms concert brought together Essex choir the Bluebirds and the band. Bandmaster Stuart Atkinson compéred the evening, and the audience and musicians became a community enthusiastically playing and singing music in God’s presence, especially during the flag-waving finale. Pieces included ‘Farandole’, ‘Guardian of My Soul’ and ‘Joyous Proclamation’. – GP

Chesterfield Kirkcaldy

Macclesfield

ALISON Inglis was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Andrew Manley. Alison joined in worship online during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Alison gave her testimony, speaking of her belief in Jesus as her Lord and Saviour, her faith journey over recent years and how she had found her place at the corps. – AM

Castleford

EILEEN Higgins was welcomed as an adherent by corps leaders Territorial Envoys Alice and Paul Swain. Eileen shared how she has seen God’s hand in her life and, since giving her life to Jesus, has found true freedom and peace. She talked about the love that was shown to her by people in the corps. It was a time of great celebration. – AS

STIRLING

NELSON Yesudhasan was enrolled as a soldier by Major Denis Lomax (DHQ). Nelson has a Salvationist heritage; his grandfather was an officer in India. Nelson was impressed by the warmth of welcome and fellowship offered to him when he discovered the corps. He testified to this being a definite response to a divine calling to soldiership. Pictured with Major Denis and Nelson is Corps Sergeant-Major Margaret Cunningham. – AC

CHIARA Collishaw, Marek Cybulski and Alan Horton were welcomed as adherents by corps officers Captains Kevin and Wendy Brown. Chiara, having returned to the Army, shared Jeremiah 29:11, saying that she knew it was God’s plan for her to return and become part of the fellowship. Marek, having attended for more than 10 years, testified to being brought up as a Polish Catholic and spoke about finding his place in the corps family. Alan chose the song ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ for his testimony. All three have become an integral part of the fellowship, using their various skills to support the work of the corps. – WB

Major Geoff Ashdown

MAJOR Geoff Ashdown entered the International Training College in 1966 from Wood Green Corps. His background was not Salvation Army, but he found the organisation via the cubs and scouts through a couple of school friends, Max Weaver and Ricky Curry.

His first appointment was to Benfleet. In 1969 he married Ann, whom he met at Wood Green, and they were appointed to Dagenham Corps for a year before joining NHQ in the property department.

They both had a short spell as corps officers at Wood Green before Geoff joined the IHQ property department as a surveyor – a qualification he had obtained before entering the training college. Geoff then returned to NHQ as an assistant national property secretary.

In 1991 Geoff and Ann were called back into pastoral ministry, first to Romford and Harold Hill for seven years, then Southend Citadel. In 2004, Ann was promoted to Glory. Geoff’s final appointment was to Waltham Abbey in 2006 before retiring in 2010. Geoff could never fully retire so went to serve as a pastoral support officer at Hadleigh Temple for a number of years.

As well as his passion for pastoral work, Geoff had a keen interest in banding and was executive officer for the Household Troops Band and toured with Hendon Band. In retirement he became band sergeant at Southend Citadel.

Geoff continued to visit, help and be everything he could to anyone who needed him, right to the very end. His sense of humour, Bible knowledge and thoughtful words permeated throughout his ministry. He leaves his two daughters, Liz and Louise, his sister, Pat, and their families. – BM

Alec Glass Ayr

ALEC became a soldier at Oxford Corps and, although a quiet unassuming man, he soon became immersed in corps life. He was the face of The Salvation Army on the streets, selling the papers and becoming involved in a homelessness shelter. He was one who would make first contact with people welcoming them.

These were attributes he continued to display on returning home to Scotland and Ayr Corps, where he was a songster, sold the papers on the streets and volunteered with Café Hope, an addiction support group.

Following a period of ill health, Alec’s promotion to Glory has left a hole in the family and corps. Well done, good and faithful servant. – LW

Bryn Sutton Cardiff Canton

BRYN came into faith in 1943 through the love and dedication of officers at Splott Goodwill Centre in Cardiff. His early call to officership came in 1948 at 18 years old.

Over many years, doors opened and closed, and Bryn was unable to enter the International Training College.

However, Bryn served tirelessly as a local officer in varied positions at Cardiff Canton and Coventry City until, in 1992, with his wife, Myrtle, they became full-time divisional envoys, leading three corps. His early call had been fulfilled. His retirement in Cardiff allowed him to continue ministry at various corps around the South and Mid Wales Division.

Bryn was greatly loved and respected by his family and all who knew him, through his deep and strong faith in the Lord he loved. A true and faithful servant of God, he is sadly missed by his wife, two daughters and their families. – MS

Sheena Bradbury Perth

SHEENA was born in Bellshill in 1942 and married her husband, Brian, in 1980. In 2000, together they became soldiers at Perth Corps.

‘Love God, Love Others!’ Sheena certainly lived out that particular mission statement to the letter, during her 22 years of active and loyal service to God, as a soldier and as a local officer. No matter what the nationality, ethnicity, religion or opinion of any person she met, Sheena treated them equally, with grace and a sense of humour. They all felt the love of God from their interactions with her.

Sheena, you have run this race and have reached the goal that we all yearn to achieve. Saying farewell is not an easy task because it brings much sadness. It is your faith that rescues us from our sadness because you are now with the risen and living Saviour. Hallelujah and amen. – BTB

Kristina Mathieson Perth

KRISTINA Mathieson was born in the Færoe Islands in 1922, the third of ten children. At the age of 18 she became one of the first Salvationists in the newly opened Tórshavn Corps.

In 1948, Kristina moved to Edinburgh to learn the English language. Initially employed as a housekeeper, her employers took her with them to Fair Isle, where she met her future husband, who was the lighthouse keeper. They married, had three daughters and lived together in or around a total number of eight lighthouses in Scotland.

Kristina maintained her Christian service with The Salvation Army whenever possible. Widowed in 1993, she continued to play an active part in the Army at Thurso, Inverness and Perth.

In later years, Kristina moved to a care home where she celebrated her 100th birthday in December 2022. – GA

Army People Engagements

Appointed

International appointments

The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff

Effective 1 September

LIEUT-COLONELS JABULANI AND FIKILE KHOZA, officers of the Southern Africa Territory, are appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Mozambique Territory, with the rank of colonel

MAJORS THEMBA AND NOKUTHULA MAHLOBO, officers of the Southern Africa Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries of that territory with the rank of lieut-colonel

Local officers appointed

CSM JOHN SENIOR, Devonport Morice Town

Dedicated to God

MAISIE GRACE, daughter of Rachel Cracknell and Nathan Logansmith, at Felixstowe by Major Sandra Cracknell

Promoted to Glory

BRIAN INNES, Winton

FREDA WILLIAMS, Dudley

JANET ROUTLEDGE, Carlisle

CYRIL STALKER, Carlisle

CAROL GIBSON, High Wycombe, on 2 April

MAJOR KATRINA NASH on 27 April from Queen’s Medical Centre

BANDSMAN/SONGSTER CHRISTOPHER CARMEN, Sherburn Hill, on 2 May

MAJOR KEN MONK on 3 May from Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Bereaved

SONGSTER JEAN CARMEN, Sherburn Hill, of her husband

Bandsman/Songster Christopher Carmen, Michael Carmen, Neville Carmen and Andrea Carmen of their father

CSM LINDA ELLIOT, Carlisle, of her father Cyril Stalker

ANNE INNES, Winton, of her husband Brian Innes, Carol Innes, Robert Innes and Janet Meades of their father

MAJOR JACQUILINE PELL of her husband Major Albert Pell, Clifton Pell, Hadleigh Temple, Nicholas Pell, Major Annette Rieder-Pell, Greece, Major David Pell, Walthamstow, of their father, Major Catherine Pell and Emily Pell, Hadleigh Temple, of their brother

CAPTAIN PENNY PALMER-TAYLOR of her father Peter Ryder

SHIELA STALKER and Bandsman Philip Routledge, Carlisle, of their mother Janet Routledge

CARL MONK, Staines, and Kathryn Butcher of their father

Major Ken Monk

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Sat 20 May Central Hall Westminster (Welcome to the High Council and farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle)

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Sat 20 May Central Hall Westminster (Welcome to the High Council and farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle)

Mon 22 May – Date TBC Sunbury Court (High Council)

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Sat 20 May Central Hall Westminster (Welcome to the High Council and farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle)

Mon 22 May – Date TBC Sunbury Court (High Council)

Sat 3 Jun – Sun 4 Jun Wrexham

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Sat 20 May Central Hall Westminster (Welcome to the High Council and farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle)

Thu 25 May – Fri 26 May Launde Abbey (Going Deeper)*

Sat 27 May Dumfries (official opening) *

Sun 28 May Dumfries with Lockerbie (joint meeting)

Sat 3 Jun – Sun 4 Jun Merthyr Tydfil (145th corps anniversary)

* Colonel Jenine Main only

Notices

Thy Kingdom Come

This global ecumenical prayer movement runs from Ascension to Pentecost (18 to 28 May), inviting Christians to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. Take part and download a free prayer journal with contributors including Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill from thykingdomcome.global

Pentecost resources

A range of resources are available to help celebrate the birth of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost (28 May), including resources for ministry with families and schools, and ideas to support corporate worship. Download them on salvationist.org.uk

Great Big Green Week

Running from 10 to 18 June, it is an opportunity for people across the UK to get together and call on decision-makers to take action on climate change and nature. For ideas and resources to help you take part and hold an event, go to greatbiggreenweek.com

Sounds

Fully Scored

Bandmaster of Chicago Staff Band Brett Tolcher talks about his life and work as territorial music and creative arts ministries secretary. Paul Hindmarsh talks about Wilfred Heaton’s ‘Praise’ and Divisional Music Director Alexis Dill explains which album she’d take for a stay on Fully Scored’s Arid Island.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and PodBean

WELLINGBOROUGH, SALEM LANE NN8 4JT

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November

International Staff Songsters

Further details from songsterleader@gmail.com

All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion.

For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Retirement Of Major Linda Read

Sunday 25 June, 10.30am at St Mary’s Church House (in the grounds of St. Mary’s Church), High Street, Tenby SA70 8LN

Led by Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Letters of greeting can be sent to Corps Sergeant-Major Mrs Irene Johnson

The Salvation Army, Upper Park Road, Tenby SA70 7LT

RECRUITING NOW

DIVISIONAL CHILDREN’S WORKER

SOUTH EAST DIVISION

Based at West Malling, Kent, covering Kent, Surrey and Sussex

We are looking to recruit a divisional children’s worker to develop and deliver children’s work strategy and enable corps and centres to raise leaders and children who are disciples of Jesus in our tradition of social change and justice.

Key responsibilities:

Equipping and inspiring children to become passionate followers of Jesus

Equipping and empowering youth and children’s leaders of all ages to enhance their communities and our world

Equipping and inspiring youth and children’s leaders to engage with children and the issues which affect them

Growing the Army’s work with children through effective communication

Enabling children to experience fullness of life with Jesus in broader contexts through creative events and residential opportunities

Contributing into the planning and review process for the programmes and activities across the division

The successful candidate(s) will be able to demonstrate:

A degree with relevant children’s work qualification and/or excellent knowledge and experience in the discipleship of children, leadership and mission

Proven experience of Salvation Army children’s programmes and structures and knowledge of designing, implementing, and improving programmes

Good communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships with colleagues, programme participants and stakeholders

A full UK driving licence

This role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate must be a committed and practising Christian and will be in sympathy with the doctrines of – and supportive of the purposes, aims and objectives of – The Salvation Army.

Salary £29,588 per annum

Working hours

Minimum of 35 hours per week

Contract

Permanent

Details

25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan; an employee assistance programme

Closing date

Sunday 11 June

Interview date

Monday 26 June mccabe-travel.co.uk

RECRUITING NOW

DIVISIONAL INTERGENERATIONAL WORKER

SOUTH EAST DIVISION

Based at West Malling, Kent, covering Kent, Surrey and Sussex

We are looking to recruit a divisional intergenerational worker to provide practical knowledge and expertise in the development and delivery of intergenerational mission and ministry, including specific responsibility to equip, enable and empower local corps and centres around their education and practice.

You will function as part of the divisional headquarters team and work collaboratively with local teams including family, children and youth workers (volunteer and paid) and local leaders to increase participation of children, youth, adults, and families through a being-with and being-for way of mission, with a view to each recognising their value and place in the family of God within the life of The Salvation Army.

The successful candidate(s) will be able to demonstrate:

A degree with relevant children, youth or families work qualification and/or excellent knowledge and experience in the development of intergenerational ministry

Proven experience and knowledge of Salvation Army children and family programmes that specifically support parenting for faith

Practical experience of developing intergenerational community-based outreach projects

The ability to communicate the work of the Army and Christian faith in a relevant way

A full UK driving licence

This role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate must be a committed and practising Christian and in sympathy with the doctrines of – and supportive of the purposes, aims and objectives of – The Salvation Army. Please refer to the job profile for more detailed requirements and responsibilities.

Salary £29,588 per annum

Working hours

Minimum of 35 hours per week

Contract

Permanent

Details

25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan; an employee assistance programme

Closing date

Sunday 11 June

Interview date

Monday 26 June

For further details and to apply please visit: careers.salvationarmy.org.ukFor further details and to apply please visit: careers.salvationarmy.org.uk