Why I’m walking

IAM joining the No Faith in Fossil Fuels march because I believe that there is a better way and a brighter future possible for the planet, but this can only happen with a radical change in society and policy. As prophetic voices speak out against climate change, the Church and individual Christians must show support and join the movement in order for change to take place.

Caring for creation is a fundamental value in my Christian faith. Believing that God created the planet and all its inhabitants calls me to be a good steward of the Earth. It is also integral to the way that I live out these core beliefs and values in my everyday lifestyle.

Each training session of cadets at William Booth College has a sessional name. Mine is the Defenders of Justice. A verse that is often associated with this session is Micah 6:8, which calls us to ‘act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God’. There is nothing just or merciful about the climate crisis; it is one of the biggest injustices we face today, threatening the very people The Salvation Army seeks to serve worldwide. Each of us is called by this verse to be ‘defenders of justice’, and so we must speak out against the climate crisis.

The legacy of The Salvation Army is one of radical and revolutionary followers of Jesus who spoke powerfully and prophetically into society, in order to bring about justice and the Kingdom of God. Joining the No Faith in Fossil Fuels march is one way of doing just that: standing up for what we believe in and joining with God’s people and prophets in order to see his Kingdom realised.

As Christians, we are invited to partner God in building his Kingdom here on Earth. I firmly believe the Kingdom of God is a green Kingdom. A place with enough food for everyone to eat around the table, bountiful crops, safe and secure housing, equality and equity, thriving wildlife and biodiversity –fullness of life for all with Jesus. It almost sounds like Eden, God’s original intention for humanity.

By fighting against climate change, we partner God in building his Kingdom here on Earth. By ignoring the climate crisis, we risk destroying God’s beautiful creation. Our inaction speaks just as loudly as our action.

By walking, my hope is that the government and those in positions of power might listen and put into place the policy and legislation needed to secure a safe future – and, in doing so, build a safer and brighter future for all of God’s creation.

And so I walk. For my future, for the planet, for justice and, most importantly, for my God.

No Faith In Fossil Fuels

On Friday 21 April, Salvationists and other Christians met at St John’s Church, Waterloo, to pray for leaders to take action to tackle the climate crisis, then walked to parliament to call for the government to stop new investment in fossil fuels. Four days of wider protest activities around parliament, called The Big One and organised by Extinction Rebellion, are running until 24 April. This was written in advance of the event.

For more on the territory’s mission priority of caring for creation, visit salvationist.org.uk/ environmental-office

HAYES, HILLINGDON AND UXBRIDGE Ladies who attend the luncheon club have been busy knitting and sewing blankets for residents of the Michael Sobell Hospice Charity. They recently visited the care home and handed over the blankets and fidget armbands. – JA

Meeting

WOKING People who volunteer within the corps and community were invited to attend worship, where they received certificates and were thanked for the valuable work they do. One brought five friends, with all six of them attending for the first time. – MH

Ecumenical

MARKET RASEN The band and members of the corps joined the congregation of North Kelsey Methodist Church to celebrate their 126th anniversary. A full congregation enjoyed Army music and a Songs of Praise service before refreshments. – GB

PONTYPOOL More than 30 people from local churches and the community attended a St David’s Day buffet. After eating, people enjoyed an evening of Welsh entertainment, including a quiz and poetry. Junior soldier Joseph duetted the Welsh national anthem with his dad on trombone. Terry Parfitt gave a humorous talk on the history of Pontypool. One gentleman from the community events sang three songs. The corps thanks God for all the connections being made in the community. – JC

INTERNATIONAL High Council members summoned IHQ

A VITAL step in the preparations for the 2023 High Council has been made, with the 112 eligible officers sent an individual summons to attend.

Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest (IHQ) said: ‘This is a significant milestone in our preparations and we are delighted that all the members of the High Council requiring a visa have had these issued. We look forward to welcoming them to London.’

The list of officers summoned to attend the High Council is available online at sar.my/highcouncil. – MF

Anniversary

PONTYPOOL A weekend celebrating 142 years of service began with an open day and coffee morning. Displays shared the corps history and its current service. Two prayer stations asked people to consider the corps identity and their dreams for the future.

Divisional Mission Enablers Majors Kim and Stephen Wilson led the Sunday meetings. One first-time attendee knelt at the mercy seat and has since attended regularly. Afternoon praise followed a roast dinner cooked by corps officer Captain Andrew Warriner. Adherent Terry Parfitt gave his testimony about how giving his life to the Lord had changed him, with three more people sharing testimonies. It was an encouraging, Spirit-filled weekend. – JC

Music

STAPLEFORD An evening of music remembered Retired Bandmaster Charles Dove, who was promoted to Glory in the 1970s. Long Eaton Band – led by Charles’s grandson, Christopher – joined the event. All the music was written by Charles and a collection raised £500 for The Salvation Army’s relief work in Ukraine. – FT

World leaders join Easter celebrations

BOSCOMBE

GENERAL Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle – accompanied by aide to the General, Captain Charles Chalrimawia – were the special guests for this year’s Easter Convention.

The celebrations commenced on Maundy Thursday with a music meditation presented by Boscombe Band and Songsters.

The congregation was invited to reflect through various pieces, including the presentation of Eric Ball’s ‘The Eternal Presence’ by the band and ‘Prayer of Gethsemane’ by the songsters.

The General and Commissioner Rosalie led Good Friday worship with support in the morning from Boscombe’s YP music sections. This included the YP band playing the festival arrangement of ‘At the Cross’.

The evening saw corps from the area unite in collective worship, including combined band and songsters.

On Saturday, corps volunteers and young adults from singing group Una Voce, with support from the General and Commissioner Rosalie, gathered together for an outreach event.

Families were encouraged to explore the miracle of Easter with crafts and activities. Corps officer Major Jane Alton commented on the poignancy of Una Voce singing ‘We Are Not Ashamed’ with such conviction.

The group, led by Karl Westwood, were in concert in the evening with praise, worship and testimony, including a massed item with the Southern Youth Chorus.

Commissioner Rosalie preached, calling everyone present to pause and celebrate on ‘Silent Saturday’.

The music sections supported the morning meeting on Easter Day, including a lively rendition of ‘My Redeemer Lives’ by the singing company.

The General used Lauren Daigle’s ‘Still Rolling Stones’ as an opening to a powerful message in which he reminded us that Jesus still rolls stones, even today. This prompted a number of seekers and a real stirring of the Holy Spirit among the congregation.

The day continued with a march of witness and outdoor service held at Bournemouth Pier with united corps. The Easter celebration concluded with Encounter, a contemporary worship gathering. – JT

STREET Corps leader Territorial Envoy Louise Melia, Corps Secretary Helen Stevens and Jacob and Noah gave out 200 hot cross buns and Easter cards on Maundy Thursday. The buns were donated by local bakers Burns the Bread, and the cards included a short Easter message and an invitation to the corps Easter meetings. – JM

CIRENCESTER A Creative Easter family meeting on Palm Sunday told the Easter story from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to his resurrection. Individuals and groups brought readings and songs before everyone joined in ‘The Lord of the Dance’. After refreshments there were quizzes, arts and crafts, including the construction of an Easter garden by Sunday club members. – MG

PRESCOT Businesswoman Becky Martindale donated 220 Easter eggs after challenging attendees of the fitness group she runs to collect them. Corps officer Major Bryn Hargreaves said: ‘Easter eggs are a wonderful opportunity to share with children the good news of Jesus through the Easter story, and who doesn’t like receiving an Easter egg!’ – AR

SKEWEN On Holy Tuesday, Morriston Songsters performed a Holy Week meditation. Commencing with ‘Remember Me’, the evening included well-known Easter songs such as ‘God So Loved the World’ and ‘The Christ of Calvary’. The service was interspersed with Bible readings and prayer and included a message given by Major Sylvia Watts (Gorseinon), who spoke on Isaiah 43:1. Major Sylvia emphasised there is no need to be afraid as Jesus gave his life to redeem humanity. The meeting concluded with ‘Compelled by Love’ and ‘Amazing Love’. – SL

CIRENCESTER On Good Friday, corps members attended a Churches Together service at St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. The congregation marched to the town centre led by a cross and the corps drum played by Corps Treasurer Mark Walters. They gathered in the marketplace for an open-air meeting, with music by the band and a message from corps leader Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard. On Easter Day, band members played music in the marketplace and gave chocolates to passers-by. – MG

Territorial leaders celebrate Easter STORNOWAY

THE corps welcomed territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill to share in Easter celebrations.

On Maundy Thursday, Commissioner Gill gave the message at a joint service with St Peter’s Church. On Good Friday the territorial leaders recorded an Easter message for radio station Isles FM.

Following this, the corps – together with St Peter’s Church and Our Holy Redeemer Church – led an ecumenical march of witness through the town. Holy Saturday saw a number of the congregation take part in a prayer walk across the Lews Castle grounds, followed by a lunch at the Woodland Centre, focusing on portions of Scripture.

The corps started Easter Day at the Iolaire Memorial for a sunrise service overlooking the sea. Back at the hall, the meeting included music from the band, prayer and testimony alongside worship led by the territorial leaders. The corps thanked the commissioners for the time spent with them in the Outer Hebrides. – FT

STOWMARKET A coffee morning and Easter bonnet parade raised more than £200 for the Big Collection. The judges found it difficult deciding the winner from the many entries. Cameo member Jill Puzey won the adult group and Liah won the junior group. They are pictured with Anne Daborn. – MB

NORTH WALSHAM The young people celebrated Easter alongside residents from Furze Hill House. Activities included a meditation and supper at the hall for Maundy Thursday and a party at the care home, where 28 young people joined residents in crafts, face painting and an Easter egg hunt. The weekend concluded with an Easter Day breakfast and meeting at the hall, followed by a service at Furze Hill House led by corps leader Territorial Envoy Ruth Morey. The residents enjoyed singing, dancing and playing instruments alongside the band. Territorial Envoy Ruth is pictured with resident Eileen. – RM

BATH CITADEL Major Christine Kingscott and Major Paul Kingscott (THQ) led the Easter Day meeting. Major Christine reminded the children present that, enjoyable as Easter eggs may be, there is a deeper reason for the celebration: the Resurrection. Major Paul expanded upon the question given to the women, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead?’ (Luke 24:5), applying it to those seeking Jesus today. The final song ‘In Christ Alone’ (SASB 861) was sung with reverence and joy. – KT

HAMILTON The corps hosted the Churches Together Holy Week services for the first time. Two church choirs participated on different nights as well as the band and songsters. A large crowd gathered each evening and extra chairs were needed as the week progressed. Saturday saw folk gather for Hopes and Dreams, the corps dementia church. The guest preacher for Easter Day was the Rev Susan Sutherland, the sister of corps officer Captain Wendy Leisk. – WL

Reading Central Hoyland Common

ALLAN, Temi, Joel, David and Mispah (front row) Nana and Anauel (back row) were enrolled as junior soldiers by Divisional Commander Major Mike Lloyd-Jones. Anauel and Joel were invited along to the Army by their friends. In turn they invited David and Mispah, who then brought their mum. Temi and Allan were supported by their family, and all now regularly attend as members of the congregation. Children’s Ministry Leader Rachael Garnham led the junior soldiers’ classes. At the end of the course, as the children knelt at the mercy seat, they used gift labels to write prayers of dedication – giving themselves with love to Jesus. The corps gives God the glory for this evidence of fruitfulness. – BM

Kettering Citadel

IAIN Nunley was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Nigel Govier. In his testimony, Iain spoke about the influence his little brother’s enrolment as a junior soldier had on his return to the corps. Iain had been attending another church and was part of the youth group there. When Iain’s mum returned to soldiership, Iain started attending the corps regularly and then asked to become a soldier. – NG

LINDA Bashforth and Helen Arthur were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Territorial Envoy Bev Waring. Linda attended the bereavement group that began after the Covid-19 lockdowns and then started to attend Sunday worship. Helen had previously attended the Army and has continued to attend since moving to the area. Both ladies expressed a desire to become adherents. – KP

Sheffield Langsett Road

RICHARD Hart was welcomed as an adherent. Richard had previous links with the Army and connected with the Salisbury fellowship after a period away from the area when he attended another church.

Richard is pictured with Recruiting Sergeant Major Christine Parkin who guided him through this new commitment on his own personal faith journey. – MD

Salisbury

BINOY and Sheena and their two boys, Christy and Jonathan, were welcomed as members by Lieut-Colonel Goff Payne after receiving their transfer papers from Vazhuthacaud Corps in southern India. Sheena first came to England as a specialist nurse and works at a Sheffield hospital. Binoy and the boys followed on last year and all are settling in nicely. Christy is a junior soldier and Jonathan is undertaking junior soldier classes. – AT

Edinburgh Gorgie

EVAN Seo was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Marian Parker, supported by the leadership team. Evan, from South Korea, is a master’s student at university. The congregation was moved as Evan testified to his encounter with God leading to this occasion. – LC

LIEUT-COLONEL ROY GIRLING

ROY John Girling was born on 21 March 1927 in Stowmarket, Suffolk. The younger of two brothers in a Salvationist family, Roy became a senior soldier and bandsman. Following national service in the Royal Navy, Roy responded to the call to officership, entering the International Training College as a member of the Ambassadors session. Commissioned in 1951, Roy was appointed to Enfield and in 1954 he married Captain Doreen Wright. They served together at a number of corps, the last one being Staines. During these years their daughters, Janine and Karen, were born.

In 1971, Roy was appointed divisional youth secretary for Manchester Division then assistant national youth secretary. Appointments as divisional commander followed in the Manchester, Durham and Tees, and West London Divisions. It was during the last of these that, sadly, Doreen was promoted to Glory.

The following year, Roy was appointed to the Chief Secretary’s office as secretary for special services. In November 1989 he married Major Jill Buchanan and they entered retirement in June 1992. In May 1994 Roy and Jill moved to Southend-on-Sea. Roy found further fulfilment in God’s service, including 20 years as a local preacher for the Methodist Church, where his ministry was greatly appreciated.

Joining a bowls club, he proved himself a very good player and his Christian witness earned him the respect of his fellow club members, becoming the club’s welfare officer.

Meanwhile Roy and Jill soldiered at Southend Southchurch, where Roy played euphonium in the four-strong band and was corps and songster pianist. In December 2022 they moved to Manchester to be near family. Sadly, Roy was taken ill and promoted to Glory from his home on 22 January. Greatly missed by family and friends, they thank God for the enrichment and joy Roy brought to their lives. – JG

Hilda Fleming Boscombe

BORN in 1924 to a loving Salvationist family in Chatham, Kent, Hilda Golding joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service aged 17. Based at HMS Pembroke, she met Harry Fleming, a bandsman in the Seaman’s Band, and she introduced him to The Salvation Army.

In due course, Hilda and Harry married and were called to officership, becoming cadets in the Standard Bearers session at the International Training College. As Salvation Army assurance officers, | and playing active roles at each of their appointments, they moved with daughters, Hilary and Heather, to Wood Green, Nottingham, Dartford, Bexleyheath and then Boscombe, where, after leaving the work, they settled and Hilda trained as a nurse.

Hilda was devastated losing Harry in 2008 and Hilary in 2013. However, her faith stayed strong. A true Salvationist, Hilda was loving, kind and selfless and always looked for the good in others. Promoted to Glory on 15 February 2022, she is very greatly missed. – HP

Army People

International appointments

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

Effective 1 August

COLONEL EVIE DIAZ , officer of the USA Central Territory, is appointed as Territorial Commander of that territory, with the rank of commissioner

LIEUT-COLONELS JOHN AND LANI

CHAMNESS, officers of the USA Western Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Canada and Bermuda Territory, with the rank of colonel

Local officers appointed

SL JULIE TAYLOR , Hamilton

Dedicated to God

CHEUKWUECHEZONM SAMUEL NJIDEOFOR , son of Echezona and Faith Njideofor, at Gainsborough by Major Colin Bradshaw

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR ANN ANDREWS, 85 on 1 May

MAJOR SIDNEY WILLIAMS, 95 on 4 May

MAJOR BERYL ARMISTEAD, 85 on 4 May

MAJOR BARRY GUY, 85 on 6 May

Promoted to Glory

BANDSMAN GERALD PARSONS, Cardiff Canton, on 21 August 2022

BANDSMAN DAVID HARRISON , Hadleigh Temple, on 4 March

JOHN HYND, Birmingham Citadel, on 18 March

Bereaved

S/RESERVIST AUDREY HARRISON , Hadleigh Temple, of her husband Bandsman David Harrison, Janet Harrison, Hadleigh Temple, and Jackie Brazier of their father

JOANNE HYND, Birmingham Citadel, of her husband John Hynd

Official Gazette

Long service

30 years

MAJOR ANDREA VERTIGAN , Mission Service, THQ and WBC

COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL Territorial Commander

Engagements

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Fri 28 Apr ICO (farewell meeting)

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Sat 22 Apr – Sun 23 Apr Newcastle City Temple

Wed 26 Apr William Booth College (spiritual day)

Tue 2 May – Fri 5 May William Booth College (Territorial Leaders’ Conference)

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Sat 22 Apr – Sun 23 Apr Bolton Citadel (mini-retreat)

Tue 2 May – Fri 5 May William Booth College (Territorial Leaders’ Conference)

Notices

Salvation Army uniform recycling scheme

A new recycling scheme for pre-loved Salvation Army uniforms has been launched. The Uniform Take Back Scheme receives old formal uniform items so they can be recycled or re-used. Find out more, and learn about the territory’s mission priority to care for creation, at salvationist.org.uk/ uniformtakeback

Dementia awareness

Join the Older People’s Ministries team on Zoom to learn more about dementia on Wednesday 26 April (7pm – 9pm). The first hour is an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends Session and the second focuses on dementia in a ministry context and how to support people living with dementia and their carers. Email olderpeoplesministries@salvationarmy. org.uk for further information.

Dying Matters Week

Without communication and understanding, death and terminal illness can be a lonely and stressful experience. Dying Matters Week (8 to 14 May) can help to encourage all communities to talk together about death, dying and grief. For missional, practical and pastorally focused support, download the Journeying Home resource on salvationist.org.uk

Local elections

Many areas of England and Northern Ireland have local elections in May. If you’re keen to engage with your local candidates, or they’re looking to engage with you, the Public Affairs Unit can provide guidance and support. Email public.affairs@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 07825 265105.

Sounds

Me and My Playlist

Join Khaim Spencer and Rachel Gash for the latest edition of this Salvationist Radio podcast, which sees a young person linked to the Army share five tracks they love. Listen live on the third Sunday of each month at 4pm. Listen at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Fully Scored

Ninety-six-year-old Major George Whittingham talks to Matthew Frost about a different era of Salvation Army music-making, recounting stories from life in the 1940s. Composer Sam Creamer then discusses ‘So Glad!’ with Matthew.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, PodBean and Acast.