Letters

A SONG A DAY

ALMOST three years ago, prompted by God, I began to read one song a day from the Salvation Army songbook. What a treasury we have! It is an inspiration, from songs of praise and commitment to prayer growth and challenge, to name but a few. Often the words have been just what I needed on that particular day.

Having reached the end of the songbook, I’m going to start again, knowing that God will speak to me through the inspired words and Bible references. I invite others to consider sharing this experience. You will not be disappointed!

Pat Charlesworth Major Whitby

STAYING IN TUNIC

I READ in Salvationist (12 March) that a new minute has been issued on uniform wearing. I fully accept that in life everything moves on but I was very saddened to hear of the change. As a lifelong Salvationist, the wearing of tunics (formal jackets) has been a very outward sign of inner beliefs, and for this reason I believe the tunic should still be paramount in our proclamation to the public.

If we look at the worldwide situation, there is not an army that has not got its own identifying uniform, so why should we shun the wearing of uniform when we are in God’s Army? Many people you see coming to Sunday meetings may have their uniforms on underneath, but they are scarfed and coated up to make sure nobody knows they are Salvationists. It’s in these matters I believe we are not giving God all that we know he deserves.

We should wear our uniform and be proud of it. On many occasions I still wear my Army cap while driving and I am sure it makes people think. Long may we be active as a beacon in the night.

Raymond Jackson Dunstable

A TALE OF TWO FAMILIES

THROUGH my family, I have knowledge of Army history that reveals a contrast between two families of which I am a part. Elsie Parry, my paternal aunt, was ‘Ewen’ before marriage. Her father, Ben Ewen, was converted at an Army meeting and, despite being deformed as a result of polio, he became a successful businessman and was a generous donor to the Army. Evangeline Booth gave a signed photo of herself to Elsie, as a token of thanks for conveying her around the UK in an open-top vehicle, provided by Ben. The photo bears the inscription: ‘Elsie Parry, with affectionate appreciation, Evangeline Booth, June 1938.’ The yellow, red and blue pennant that was attached to the vehicle is in my possession.

Sadly, Elsie did not remain in the Army, and these items came to me through my paternal grandmother. Elsie’s older sister, Doris, also did not remain in the Army, although she once served as the songster organist at Salisbury Corps. I find it sad that, apart from a cousin residing in Switzerland, there are no relations on my father’s side with whom I am in touch.

I married into a family who are descendants from the Lockyer family from Whiteparish. In contrast to my family, they were not wealthy, but were devout Christians, worshipping at a Primitive Methodist church. Some of that family joined the Army and attended Salisbury Corps. Alice Lockyer was one such, and she married Charles Bennett, also from Whiteparish. It is believed that Charles joined The Salvation Army due to the influence of the Lockyer family.

Charles became a Salvation Army Assurance agent, which took him away from Whiteparish, eventually to Bournemouth, where he linked up with Winton Corps. He later became the corps treasurer. The family are still active in that corps and have had great influence extending over five generations.

Patricia Bennett Thame

A CHANGING SOCIETY

I RECENTLY started volunteering at my local Army corps in Canterbury. I’m not a Salvationist but, as a disciple of Jesus, I strongly identify with The Salvation Army’s core values. I think the article ‘Living out our Salvation Army values’ (Salvationist 2 April) was well presented and refreshingly honest about where the Army currently is and where it aspires to be.

I hope there will be an opportunity for all Army officers, members, volunteers and attendees to discuss and reflect on this vision, so with God’s help we can all move forward together.

Our society has gone through, and is going through, enormous changes. Christian beliefs, values and traditions are being challenged and attacked as never before. The article rightly highlights the fact that the Army needs to respond to racism in our world. One of the greatest changes in our society, however, has been the tolerance and now outright embracing of sexual immorality.

My opinion is that The Salvation Army needs to challenge with love and truth what are ungodly lifestyles in a non-judgemental way as we show the love of Jesus to others. Jesus forgave, but he also warned us about the consequences of deliberate sinning and continuing in ungodly behaviour.

Alex Ewing Canterbury

READING CENTRAL Anstey Road, Reading RG1 7JR Saturday 21 May 7pm

INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND

Tickets: £10

Sunday 22 May 10am and 12.30pm Please contact CSM Carol Clarke on 07787 516998 Email carolanne57@hotmail.com

LISTINGS

RUSHDEN Salvo Brass. Friday 6 May, 7.45pm. Tickets £5. FOR SALE 30-piece boxed breakfast/dinner service commemorating 1878–1978 Salvation Army centenary. Offers to mbrice1@talktalk.net. ARMY BONNET available for free on request from Mrs Margaret Foster, 71 Crowland Road, Hartlepool TS25 2JN. Tel: 01429 293088.

PERSONAL

AS THEY RETIRE Majors Jennie and John McCombe thank everyone who has supported them on their journey. Greetings can be sent by 6 May to nicky.twyman@salvationarmy.org.uk or Nicky Twyman, William Booth College, Champion Park, London SE5 8BQ.

EASTBOURNE CITADEL

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May

The visit of the INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS

Saturday festival 7pm Ticket price £12.50, available by telephone on 01323 430619 or email your request to eastbourne@salvationarmy.org.uk Sunday 10.30am meeting and 3pm festival

More details to follow

What does The Salvation Army stand for? Last year, the territory’s leadership published a new framework defining six of its key values. In study guide Big Questions for Small Groups: Our Values, authors associated with The Salvation Army unpick the practical applications of:

Boldness Compassion Passion Respect Integrity Mutual accountability

Buy your print copy of BQSG: Our Values for £3 from

sps-shop.com

or as a Kindle ebook for £2 from amazon.co.uk. RUSHDEN Church Street NN10 9YT

Sunday 22 May 10.30am

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

for Major Richard Crowe Led by DC Colonel Sylvia Hinton

Please send greetings and messages to Gillian Crowe gill.crowe10@gmail.com

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