Salvationist 23 March 2024

SALVATIONIST

PALM Sunday and Easter Day always strike me as such a stark dichotomy of responses to Jesus. To move in such a short space of time from adulation and praise to derision and scorn. Yet Jesus knew what he was heading towards. We read: ‘Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”’ (Matthew 20:17–19).

He entered Jerusalem boldly but humbly, fulfilling Scripture, knowing that he was about his Father’s business. He was a man on a mission. He knew that the palms of praise would turn to pangs of pain all too quickly, but still stepped forward. This was the final chapter, leading to the glorious finale of his earthly ministry.

This week’s issue gives us food for thought in our individual journeys towards Easter.

Sort your life out in seven days? Unlikely!

Claire Anderson thinks on the importance of working through our clutter

LEVEL with me. How often do you hold on to things that you no longer need? Not just those thermal PJs Auntie Anne bought you last Christmas, but the fallouts, failed friendships and missed opportunities or even slights from strangers you simply cannot let go.

Admittedly, I haven’t got this area cracked. But, even so, I was surprised to receive an email from Salvationist Managing Editor Ivan Radford titled: Sort your life out. Rude!

Thankfully, he was talking about the new series of the BBC’s Sort Your Life Out

Reflect and respond

Reflect on Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7. Consider how we’re called to cast our cares on the Lord.

List the things that are stopping you moving forward.

Choose one. Consider what it gave you and whether it can be restored, reused or let go.

Thank God for it. Be specific about why you’re grateful, then say aloud if you choose to let it go.

– currently airing on Tuesday evenings on BBC One – featuring Stacey Solomon and her merry band of cleaners, fixers and organisers.

The show follows the stories of people whose cluttered homes have overwhelmed them. All the contents of the house are moved into a warehouse where it’s easy to see everything. There, we learn how the home got into such a state and see the family start sifting through what should stay and what should go. All this is done in just a week. We could easily dismiss the show as an opportunity to judge people’s messes, rather than dealing with our own – see Luke 6:37–42 for practical wisdom on this – but we’re invited to understand the deeper reasons people have found themselves so stuck. There’s the young widower unable to go through boxes that represent a life he’d planned with his wife and children. There’s the middle-aged mum who can’t enter her living room, because it is crammed with bad memories.

The house clutter is astounding, but it’s a physical symptom of the underlying turmoil of people scrambling to recover from challenging life moments.

In each episode, there’s a tipping point where the homeowner stops fighting for their attachment to things they no longer need, and they find relief, joy and freedom in letting go.

It isn’t easy to struggle on with our pain, turmoil or regrets. When they play on repeat they strip us of the power to move forward and break the cycle of hurt and shame. While we might not have a clean-up crew to physically force us to see everything we’re holding on to, the Holy Spirit will help us pick out and lay bare everything that clutters our life and soul.

I don’t find it easy to let go of hurts and resentments – you’re more likely to see me deep-clean the stress away, rather than directly dealing with confrontation or tricky emotions. However, Sort Your Life Out has become a weekly reminder of what happens when we refuse to let things go. It’s a chance to stop, reflect on what we’re holding and purposefully lay it down at the foot of the cross. We were never meant to carry all these burdens – even if we’re determined to try.

The homes on the show are sorted in seven days. But this isn’t the end of the journey, simply the beginning of the real restoration. Are you ready to take that first step too?

CLAIRE ANDERSON Guisborough

Picture: BBC/Optomen Television/Neil Kent

Quiz

A good shepherd

by Garry D Reed

Can you answer these sheep-related questions?

‘Jesus makes all the difference’

Carolyne Qoriniasi (Longton) testifies to having a personal and dynamic relationship with Jesus

M1 What was lost in Matthew 12?

Y testimony is a reminder that being an officers’ kid and growing up in The Salvation Army don’t automatically guarantee a personal relationship with Jesus.

to understand his teachings, and to align my life with his purpose. As such, I am now applying to become a Salvation Army officer.

2 According to Psalm 95, what is under God’s care?

3 How many shepherds are mentioned in Micah 5?

4 What is the first thing Jesus refers to himself as in John 10?

5 According to John 21, who is Peter to care for?

6 Albert Orsborn and Ernest Rance collaborated on a song asking who to ‘hear my prayer’?

Before I met Jesus, my life seemed to be on the right track – at least on the surface. I followed the rules, attended church faithfully and participated in various Christian activities. Yet, deep down I felt adrift, like a ship without a captain, swaying with the currents of life without purpose or direction. The essence of personally knowing Jesus eluded me.

In essence, Jesus made all the difference. It’s Jesus who saves, who transforms and who gives life its true meaning. The Salvation Army, with all its programmes and activities, is a vessel through which I can worship and grow in my discipleship, but the focus is always Jesus.

7 ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ (SASB 62) is often sung to a tune named after which Aberdeenshire village?

8 According to Henry Baker’s musical paraphrase of Psalm 23 (SASB 61), who is ‘my Shepherd’?

‘Crimond’

6

It was not until my early twenties that I recommitted my life to Christ during an open-air service. I was convicted and made a decision to publicly declare my love for Jesus. As I stood with my comrades I felt a wave of God’s love that filled my heart. I was overcome with tears because I was able to confirm a sense of true belonging.

This moment profoundly changed my perspective. One of the key realisations for me was that being part of a church is essential, but being a disciple of Christ is paramount. It’s not about religious activities; it’s about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. I am reminded that: ‘Christ died on the cross on my behalf. It is like I died there with him. So I do not live my own life any more. Instead, Christ lives in me’ (Galatians 2:20 EasyEnglish Bible). The transformation in perspective was the cornerstone of my journey.

To new Christians and people exploring their faith, I would say this: don’t settle for mere religious activities. Seek to know Jesus personally, beyond the routines. Engage in corps activities, yes, but make the Army a place where your relationship with Jesus deepens and flourishes. He is the one who brings purpose, direction and a profound sense of fulfilment to our lives. The Army is a beautiful community, but Jesus is the anchor of our faith, the source of our salvation and the true focus of our worship.

Have you got a testimony to share?

Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

My understanding of attending church transformed – it wasn’t just a weekly gathering; it became a place where I could worship and commune with the Lord who saved me. Corps activities were no longer mere routines; they became opportunities to deepen my relationship with Jesus and connect with others who were on similar journeys.

My commitment to discipleship took centre stage. I became intentional about reading the Bible, cultivating a healthy prayer life and engaging in fasting. These practices were not mere obligations; they were ways to draw closer to Jesus,

Pain Before Redemption

by Bram Mockett (Romford)

In this occasional series, Salvationists share artwork inspired by their faith

What does Pain Before Redemption depict?

It’s painted in bright oranges and yellows with a dark crown of thorns at the centre. A pathway leads through the thorns towards a large empty cross that shines with light.

How was it made?

I painted this over a few days using watercolours. It was originally made in 2022 to be part of an annual Easter art exhibition organised by the corps.

What inspired it?

I try to approach Easter afresh each year. It helps that I’ve always had a vivid imagination – much to my parents’ dismay sometimes. Seeing the season anew helps to remind me why we reach out to all the people who don’t really know anything about the Easter story. I always find that thinking about it in this way gives me a new insight into how I see and experience things.

In this painting, for example, you have to go through the pain of the thorns to reach the redemption of the cross and, in a way, this is a reflection of life, which is partly like that. Life is not always easy. You’ll always have obstacles in your way that you have to overcome. Jesus brings the peace that helps you do that.

Have you created something inspired by your faith that you’d like to share in Artists’ Corner?

Email salvationist@salvationarmy. org.uk to find out more.

In the middle

Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns reminds us that Jesus chose the path to suffering and death

LUKE 22:26–49

NO one likes to be caught in the middle – of a quarrel, of the road, of a sleepless night or on the fence you find yourself sitting on. In the game Piggy in the Middle, the ball is always in the hands of others.

When placed in the middle, we often have two options or paths before us. In Gethsemane, the middle place could be described as your will or mine – ‘yet not my will, but yours be done’ (Luke 22:42). Luke describes the ‘anguish’ of Jesus (v44). It might be that you have experienced such times as you wrestled with God’s will for you.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Can you recall a time where you found yourself in that ‘middle place’, when an important choice had to be made?

How did you feel?

Gospel writers Luke and John inform us that Jesus’ cross was erected on Golgotha (see Luke 23:33; John 19:17 and 18) and was placed as the middle one of three crosses. Two criminals died with Jesus, one on his right and the other on his left. The innocent victim, Jesus, was placed in the middle.

The two criminals were divided by their respective attitudes, and thus their ultimate destinies. One criminal was defiant and belligerent. He mocked and insulted Jesus. The other was contrite

and repentant. Jesus listened to both and responded to the penitent criminal, telling him that he would be with him in Paradise.

It is said of the criminals that one was saved so that all might know that none need perish. The other criminal perished, so that none need presume.

The cross of Jesus stands in the middle of humanity, pulling everything together in reconciling love and grace. The divisive and destructive powers of evil that result in suffering and separation are defeated by the love of God.

In the Temple, the curtain that divided the Holy of Holies from the other courts, where unholy people met, was split down the middle as Jesus died (see Luke 23:45). The tearing of the curtain was a sign that the division between God and humanity was over. As the material ripped apart, it became clear that God never stopped loving us. Evil did its worst. No amount of evil that we might inflict on one another or on ourselves can separate us from God’s love (see Romans 8:35–39).

When Jesus was hung on a cross to suffer and die, the disciples could not understand what was happening. This was not what they expected – the middle, less obvious way.

The Jews, God’s chosen people, saw only one way for God to work his salvation plan – a victorious, allconquering Messiah who, by conventional or supernatural means, would overthrow the ruling and oppressive Roman authorities. With a show of God’s mighty strength and

power, the Messiah would be the conquering hero that would elevate the Jews to their rightful place – the top. When that possibility was taken away and this Messiah died on a Roman cross, everything collapsed and hope vanished, even for Jesus’ followers.

Jesus, however, was on a different path. He understood that, during the Holy Week that lay ahead, the most important response he could make was to do his Father’s will. He knew that there was more than one way for God’s Kingdom to come, and that often the will of God lies outside the parameters of people’s plans.

Many people want to live their lives their way. It’s the only way they are prepared to accept. It takes wisdom to trust God and to accept the truth of Scripture: ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways’ (Isaiah 55:8).

Followers of Jesus are called to lay down their lives and forsake the ‘my way’ of selfish ambition, accepting that, in the words of Stanley Ditmer: ‘His way is best, you see;/ I’m in his hands’ (SASB 848).

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Why might we choose our way instead of God’s way?

When is that choice most difficult?

In challenging circumstances, it can be difficult to trust God for what we cannot see or understand. When events are out of our control, and tough choices and

decisions must be made, we struggle to discern God’s ‘good, pleasing and perfect will’ for us (Romans 12:2). Sometimes this means letting go and sacrificing our preferences to do what we know God requires of us. We must die to self rather than seek to be in the limelight, to be noticed and elevated above others or to always be right.

This is the path to God’s will – the middle way. No guarantee is given that things will turn out as we might wish. However, it is the path where God is working with our very best interests in mind (see Romans 8:28). This is the way of the cross. This is what Jesus meant when he said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’ (Matthew 16:24).

St Teresa of Avila said: ‘If you seek to carry no other crosses but those whose reason you understand, perfection is not for you.’ Rather, taking the path of the cross allows us to become our true selves.

By dying in the middle, Jesus did not only win a victory: he was the victory. Jesus’ promise to the repentant criminal was: ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:43). Everything comes together in Christ.

LIEUT-COLONEL ALAN BURNS Retired Officer Highcliffe

From January 2024, Prayer Matters is following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission. Each day has a theme, based on the five mission priorities. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship

SATURDAY 23 MARCH – CARE FOR CREATION: JUSTICE

Lord, we are called to an uncompromising rebellion against those things that are causing suffering, pain and poverty. Give us the courage to speak up and speak out, in your name, for your world. Make us warriors at this time of global crisis. Help us to find our voice.

by Major Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer)

SUNDAY 24 MARCH – SABBATH PRAYER: PALM SUNDAY

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, he found himself enveloped in celebration and devotion as the crowd offered down their clothes. Clothes in those days were handmade, unique and precious; in laying them down, they laid down something of themselves. Habits of prayer, hope, kindness and unity bring great joy to God’s heart and help to build God’s Kingdom, but the faithful response God loves most is when we bring our unique, precious selves.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

MONDAY 25 MARCH – SHARING THE GOOD NEWS: JOHN 14:6

Lord Jesus, you are the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, and you have said that no one comes to the Father except through you. Forgive us when we have bypassed you, settling for religion rather than proclaiming the amazingly good news of your gospel of grace. Give us boldness to speak about you, our Saviour. by Captains Christianne and Tim Swansbury (Rotherham)

TUESDAY 26 MARCH – SERVING AND CARING: JOHN 14:6

Saviour Jesus, you came to us full of grace and truth and made your dwelling among us. Give us courage to follow your example by going to those who need to know you, your grace and your truth. Give us compassion to speak and serve in your name. by Captains Christianne and Tim Swansbury (Rotherham)

WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH – GROWING IN FAITH: JOHN 14:6

King Jesus, we declare that you are the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in you will never die. We believe this! Help us, Jesus, in our unbelief, and help us to grow in faith and fullness of life with you. by Captains Christianne and Tim Swansbury (Rotherham)

THURSDAY 28 MARCH – INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY: SWEDEN AND LATVIA TERRITORY

We give thanks for The Salvation Army in Sweden and Latvia, for Territorial Commander Colonel Bo Jeppsson and for Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Colonel Christina Jeppsson. We give thanks for the recent celebrations in Latvia marking 100 years since the beginning of the Army’s work there. We pray the Movement will go from strength to strength. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

FRIDAY 29 MARCH – JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION: GOOD FRIDAY

Let’s acknowledge how Jesus’ death on the cross is a transformative, cosmic moment in the history of creation. Let’s praise God for Jesus’ willingness to go to the cross to defeat evil, and bring justice and reconciliation.

by Major Nick Coke (Territorial Co-ordinator for Justice and Reconciliation)

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?

Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and it will be upheld in prayer.

Major Althea Bawden reflects on a worshipful response to the coming of the King

Let’s ourselvesbring

I’M not old enough to remember the Beatles. However, I do like their music.

On 18 August 1964, the Beatles boarded a plane in London and flew to San Francisco to begin their first coast-to-coast tour of North America. The Fab Four expected to perform before more people over the 31 days than any other act in music history. What they didn’t expect was Beatlemania.

When the musicians arrived, they were greeted at the airport by 5,000 screaming fans. At their hotel they were greeted by 4,000 more. And that was just the beginning.

People worshipped the Beatles, even though they were just human beings and didn’t really deserve that kind of adoration. In the months that followed, they were confronted by mobs raging with excitement. At their concerts, the music was drowned out by screaming fans.

Everyone longs to worship something, to have a hero to look up to. That was true even in Jesus’ time.

Mark 11 describes a worship scene that resembled Beatlemania – except Jesus deserved the praise.

If you had been in Jerusalem at the time, how would you have worshipped Jesus? How do you worship him today?

Derby Central Songsters were on an Easter tour in the USA in 2001, and we visited the Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centre in Washington to sing in the Palm Sunday morning service. There was an opportunity for people living at the centre to give their testimony, and there was no silence. The response was spontaneous, and people queued up to share.

They shared how Jesus had transformed their lives in the most glorious ways. Jesus had saved them from addiction to alcohol and drugs, from crime, and from sexual exploitation. There was not a dry eye as we wept tears of joy. I was privileged and humbled to hear them witness to God’s transforming love in their lives.

I can imagine them being part of

the crowd in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, throwing their garments down on the dusty road and shouting: ‘Hosanna! Jesus saves us!’ Clothes give many of us confidence or a sense of identity. The garments that the people were wearing in the crowd were handmade, unique and precious to them, but they were prepared to throw them down to make a red carpet for Jesus. The pilgrims in Jerusalem believed he had come to save them and, when the crowd saw Jesus coming, they wanted to acknowledge that he was King.

In The Passion Translation we read: ‘Many people carpeted the road in front of him with their cloaks and prayer shawls, while others gathered palm branches and spread them before him’ (Mark 11:8).

The garment here is a tallit or a prayer shawl, a seamless garment with four corners, with a tassel attached to each of the four corners to remind the Jewish people of all the commands of God. On the collar, the Hebrew letters spell ‘Lord of Lords and King of Kings’

as a symbolic reminder of the promised Messiah.

By laying a tallit down, the people were acknowledging Jesus as God’s promised Messiah.

What would you throw down? What would you sacrifice?

As we journey into Holy Week, Jesus is asking us to sacrifice those things that have become precious to us. Jesus is asking us to sacrifice those habits we are not willing to change or give up.

The challenge is to continue with the good habits that we have developed this Lent – praying, reading our Bibles, spending less time on social media, spending more time with family and friends, showing kindness.

As we worship Christ as King, Jesus reveals to us the example of servanthood – suffering and self-giving. He points to the radical and countercultural nature of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Are you ready to not only spread your cloak on the road in front of Jesus – doing the showy and flamboyant thing – but also during trouble and adversity?

MAJOR ALTHEA BAWDEN Assistant Principal William Booth College

Holy Week from home

Salvationist introduces prayer points from Journey with Jesus

THE Journey with Jesus prayer stations have been created to help people encounter God this Holy Week. Consider following these prompts in your personal prayer time and devotions wherever you are.

Jesus enters Jerusalem

Read Matthew 21:8–10

Reflect The people waved palm leaves to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. How are we welcoming Jesus into our lives daily? How are we welcoming others?

Pray Jesus invites each one of us to faithfully follow him. Respond to his invitation and write down a word that describes who Jesus is to you. Pray that he will help you faithfully follow him.

Jesus cleanses the Temple

Read Matthew 21:12 and 13

Reflect Jesus was angry because the ‘house of prayer’ was being used for trade, profit and personal gain, with people being cheated out of their money. What would make Jesus overturn tables in the Church today?

Pray As you pray this prayer, wash your hands as a symbolic act of devotion. Lord, cleanse my heart and mind. Sanctify my motives, may they be pure and righteous. Anoint my lips to challenge the things that would anger you today. Turn over the tables in my heart. Turn over the tables in your Church. Cleanse my worship to you. Amen.

Jesus loved, Jesus betrayed

Read John 12:3 and Matthew 26:14–16

Reflect While Mary expressed her love for Jesus, Judas was secretly plotting to betray him for money. Sometimes our hearts ‘betray Jesus’ in the choices we make, thoughts we think and words we say. Ask God to bring some of these things to mind.

Pray Write a prayer of love and devotion to Jesus. Pray that he would help you to be faithful to him.

Jesus and the disciples

Read John 13:2–5 and Matthew 26:26–29

Reflect It was usually a servant’s task to wash people’s feet when they entered a house, so Jesus’ act of service was surprising to the disciples. They may have even felt embarrassed. Think about who God is asking you to serve today.

Pray Write or draw an expression of thankfulness to God for giving his only Son to die for you.

Jesus in Gethsemane

Read Matthew 26:36–46

Reflect Jesus needed the prayerful support of his closest friends. Write down the name of someone who needs prayer right now and let them know you are praying for them.

Pray Jesus knelt in the garden with his face to the ground. If you are able, kneel or sit and consider in what area of your life you need to say to God: ‘Your will be done.’ Write down what is challenging you at the moment.

Jesus suffers and dies

Read John 19:1–6 and Matthew 27:51–54

Reflect Jesus’ suffering means there is no pain in this world that he cannot identify with. He suffered not because he had sinned, but because we have. Contemplate what his sacrifice means for you.

Pray Look at some newspaper headlines and articles and take time to pray for the situations you see. Write prayers for areas of the world in which you know people are suffering deeply right now.

Jesus is risen

Read John 20:1, 2 and 18

Reflect Sit, kneel or stand and think of the empty cross. Imagine you are Mary. You saw Jesus on the cross but now he is no longer in the tomb! How does that make you feel? What does his resurrection mean to you today? Take a strip of cloth and tie it somewhere as a daily reminder that Jesus is no longer dead.

Pray Take time to simply ‘be’ in Jesus’ presence. Praise him for his sacrifice and the hope of eternal life.

Download the full Journey with Jesus prayer stations resource and more at salvationist.org.uk/ resources/easter.

Honest, reflective, insightful

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

WITH ‘excitement’, ‘curiosity’ and ‘hope’, delegates gathered in the presence of God for Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation, shares Editorial Assistant Stevie Hope. These feelings – gathered through a poll on arrival – formed a word cloud that spoke to the array of expectations brought to the weekend.

Friday’s opening worship emphasised the aim of the ensuing days: listening. Territorial Leader Commissioner Paul Main used Ephesians 2:1–22 to assert that we belong together and are better together. Secretary for Mission LieutColonel Drew McCombe, the chair of the Membership Working Group, recognised our differing experiences and convictions, urging us to actively listen, empathise and find common ground.

Saturday began with reflection led by Lizzy Thornton-Dean (Sale), who asked us to think about people who feel that they have been excluded or don’t belong. Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare outlined the differences between poor disagreement, agreeing to disagree and good disagreement, emphasising that we have to be able to talk about our differences in our corps and fellowships.

Major Stephen Oliver (William Booth College) took us through a brief history of membership in the Army. Lieutenant Nazia Yousaf (Stockport Heaton Norris) invited us to consider whether we think of membership in the Army as primarily about how we behave or whether we are saved.

Lieut-Colonel Drew unpacked the headline results of last year’s membership survey (Salvationist 2 March), emphasising

that this was not the final report, but would feed into the Membership Working Group’s recommendations to UKI leadership this summer.

Delegates could choose two of six elective sessions, which unpacked membership from several angles, giving time to listen, share and gently – but earnestly – critique what it means to be a member of the Army and God’s Kingdom.

International Liaison Officer for Dialogue on Human Sexuality Colonel Julie Forrest presented some thoughts on the Army’s International Symposium on Human Sexuality in 2022. The main takeaway, she suggested, was that we need to keep talking about and praying into all aspects of human sexuality.

Majors Ann and Donald Montgomery (Sale) led evening worship with a focus on lamenting times when people have not been included for a range of reasons. Major Donald recognised that the time for burying and ignoring such things has passed, and he discouraged us from lamenting alone, asking us to bring our thoughts together in deep prayer.

Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team) rounded off the evening with deep prayer and reflection. She asked us: What are we hearing from God? How will we respond?

Led by the Children and Youth team, Sunday morning’s insight into what belonging means for young members could have filled a weekend all by itself. Children shared perspectives that were insightful and innovative, and several young people brought powerful personal testimonies, some encouraging, others

heartbreaking. Commissioner Paul responded genuinely and emotionally, apologising for times when hurt had been caused.

A leadership Q&A followed, covering a range of themes, including the relationship between employees and church members, the diversity of views across the territory, ecumenism and governance. Responding to questions on the Army’s international position on LGBTQ+ topics, everyone was reminded that Salvationists within this territory are not of one mind and continued conversation was encouraged, with understanding and compassion.

Lieut-Colonel Drew said that, while this listening phase of the project was coming to end, belonging@salvationarmy. org.uk remained open to ensure the full breadth of voices could continue to be heard following the weekend.

Whole-church worship led by the Family Ministries team wrapped up the weekend, reminding us that everyone belongs to the family of God, not because of – or despite – anything we’ve done, but because of who God is.

Seated around tables during the two-and-a-half days, we had plentiful opportunities to meet new people and share experiences, and conversations continued informally between sessions. Regular time for worship, including a music group led by Nik King (Music and Creative Arts), brought God to the centre of our interactions and empowered us to shout out our praise to God – literally for some of the young people! Meanwhile, graphic recorder Ann Howlett-Foster (Cambridge Citadel) beautifully brought the messaging together visually.

Speaking with people after the final session, emotions ranged from hope to frustration, with some expectations exceeded and others unmet. But perhaps this is a fitting outcome for what is an ongoing conversation about belonging, committing and serving the Kingdom of God through The Salvation Army.

• Materials from the weekend will be available at a future date at salvationist. org.uk/bigconversation2024

Derby South Forging forward in mission

Dawn Wicks

Revival and renewal

I’ve been employed as corps mission development leader since May 2022. Divisional Headquarters felt that God still had a work to do in this area and, with their support, I undertook the Forge training programme for cultivating mission. Our corps is a small centre in the suburb of Allenton, with a congregation of around a dozen. Last summer we resumed collective worship after a gap of eight years.

This May, we celebrate 90 years of the corps being open. If you have fond memories of Derby Allenton or Derby Temple – which combined to make Derby South – share these with us by emailing dawn.wicks@salvationarmy. org.uk

Connected and collaborating

We link in with Derby Central, and their corps officers, Majors Elaine and Mark Holder, are very supportive. They used our hall for songster and band practices while their building was being refurbished. If there’s a need across the city, we’re united in that. Locally, myself and corps leaders from nearby Burton-on-Trent, Stapleford, Swadlincote, Long Eaton and Derby Central meet regularly for fellowship and support – our own geographical Army hub. I also attend Churches Together meetings and we work collaboratively to provide food parcels.

Our weekly programme includes Sallie’s Tots and a coffee morning warm space where we offer a cooked lunch.

Sunday worship includes traditional and modern music, and I try and cater for everybody because some folk attend other churches and some are new to church. We always have refreshments and fellowship afterwards.

We’ve begun linking up with schools too. One donated Harvest items to us, and I attended their assembly. A couple of the classes came and sang to our coffee morning in the week before Christmas. Another school donated items for Christmas food parcels and toy parcels, and we’re hoping to build on those relationships.

Reducing and reusing

We’re registered with A Rocha UK and are working towards our first Eco Church award. We’ve issued a community survey to find out what people need from us environmentally and overall.

We have a coat rail that people can donate to and take from, and we regularly accept unsold bakery donations from Sainsbury’s, to save them from being wasted.

We take in donations of toys and other items to use in the hall for toddlers or craftwork. Sometimes there are things we can’t find a home for, and we share those with other corps or community groups. Some items we advertise online, which means less going to landfill and acts as a means of raising funds. My volunteer, Angela, is amazing at that.

Although we don’t have a green space at the corps, we have a little

outside area where we can put some plants and a bug hotel.

Powered by prayer

We’re blessed to have an amazing group of prayer warriors. Every month I send them an email with a couple of prayer points and details of what has been happening, what’s gone well, what’s not going so well. It’s reassuring to know that I’ve got them behind me and God beside and ahead of me.

Fast Facts

DIVISION: East Midlands

CORPS MISSION DEVELOPMENT

LEADER: Dawn Wicks

FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/ DerbySouthSA

INTERNATIONAL

Celebrating 100 years

KENYA WEST

GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham led the territory’s celebrations of the centenary of East Africa Territory. Guests included the territorial leaders of the Uganda Territory, Colonels Chatonda and Joyce Theu, and the chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries of the Rwanda and Burundi Territory, Majors Emmanuel and Dancille Ndagijimana.

Basing her opening sermon on Psalm 100, Commissioner Bronwyn encouraged the congregation to give thanks to God, and General Buckingham thanked God for his faithfulness in Kenya West. The General urged the congregants to open their hearts and hands to God, asking for guidance in the continuity of God’s Kingdom.

The following day, retired officers and cadets gathered and Commissioner Bronwyn encouraged them to remain

INTERNATIONAL

IHQ Under the direction of the General, the International Appointment Board has agreed that all Zonal Secretaries will be designated as International Secretaries. The change in designation is a recognition that both members of the married couple carry equal rank, responsibility and influence at International Headquarters and in the respective zone of their responsibility. – AR

refreshed and to lead those bestowed to them in love.

Rallies for men, women and young people were also enjoyed. Through the words of Hebrews, General Buckingham encouraged men to throw off anything that causes them to stumble, asking them to be men of honour and truth, with pure hearts that serve God wholeheartedly. Commissioner Bronwyn asked women to allow God to take care of their issues and invited them to be transformed and to live a Christlike life. The General urged the youth to live holy lives, reminding them that God has a purpose for them.

During the celebrations, the international leaders saluted more than 20,000 soldiers, who marched through the streets and gathered for a holiness meeting. While installing the new territorial leaders – Colonels Geoff and Kalie Webb – the General commended them as people who promote holiness and love Jesus.

He then shared a prayer list for the Army in Kenya West and around the world. Hundreds of soldiers flocked to the mercy seat and the General prayed for them. – LO/IC

MEETING

CARDIFF CANTON A Welshthemed meeting linked in with St David’s Day and the 150th anniversary celebrations of The Salvation Army in Wales. Welsh language and music were used throughout, and the weekly craft group provided a knitted display and gift pack for each member of the congregation. – DW

COMMUNITY

NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE Employment

Plus is expanding across the North East, with new provision at drop-in sessions at the corps on Friday mornings. The service provides tailored employability support, which includes help writing CVs, job applications and training opportunities such as digital skills workshops. Pictured are Employment Plus Co-ordinator Sue Park and corps officer Major Liz Hancock. – AR

EVENT

NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH

MEMORIAL COMPLEX More than 200 people visited the centre as part of the city’s Light Night activities. Candlelit tours of the William Booth Birthplace Museum were fully booked, and artist Anna Roebuck held a crafts workshop making lotus flower peace mandalas and lanterns. Nottingham Primary Academy Choir, the Ukeladies Choir from Nottingham Girls’ High School, and Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls Band provided musical accompaniment as guests enjoyed refreshments. – IY

Installation of new leaders MOLDOVA

LEADERS from the Eastern Europe Territory gathered in Chisinau for the visit of the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Edward Hill, and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill. Their visit began with the installation of territorial leaders Colonels Richard and Ann Borrett.

During the meeting, the Moldova Worship Band provided music, and a singing group sang ‘I am Gonna See a Victory’ in Ukrainian.

Acknowledging the warm welcome, and offering words of encouragement to the congregation, Commissioner Edward conducted the installation ceremony of the territorial leaders. Commissioner Shelley read a letter from General

COMMUNITY

On Sunday, the commissioners led worship at Ialoveni Corps, and Commissioner Shelley reminded the congregation to set their eyes on Jesus, before Commissioner Edward spoke on Psalm 25:4–11.

At the beginning of the subsequent Territorial Executive conference, the Chief of the Staff explained the challenges facing the global Salvation Army.

Later, the commissioners and territorial leaders visited Ungheni Corps, where they considered the different programmes being operated, including work with Ukrainian refugees now residing in the country. – AR/EG

ANNIVERSARY

Lyndon Buckingham and, in a moving time of prayer, divisional leaders and executives from territorial headquarters surrounded the new leaders as she prayed. Colonel Ann testified to the faithfulness of God throughout her life and ministry, and Colonel Richard expressed his ‘joyful expectation’ of what God will do in the territory.

IPSWICH CITADEL A concert by the London Central Fellowship Band and the Anglia Fellowship Band celebrated the 140th corps anniversary. Each band performed separately before uniting with the congregation for the finale: ‘Happy Song’. The event was so well attended that extra seats had to be brought in! – DC

WISBECH Former England goalkeeper David James visited to donate food to people experiencing homelessness. He spent time speaking to staff and volunteers and is pictured with leadership team member and Liverpool FC fan Jon Pearce. – AR

STRAWBERRY Field scooped two prizes at the 2023 Liverpool City Region Tourism awards. The site was awarded the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, with judges commenting: ‘This attraction was a rare find, a destination that houses not just a great tourist attraction but also engages their community and offers a place of sanctuary in its indoor and outdoor spaces. A special place and a truly deserving winner.’ Amber Kinrade, a graduate from Strawberry Field’s Steps to Work programme who is now part of the Imagine More Café team, was highly commended in the Tourism Young Person of the Year category. The judges remarked that she had ‘a smile that could light up the room’. Amber is pictured holding her certificate alongside Strawberry Field Mission Director Major Kathy Versfeld. – MH

HAZEL Wolstencroft was presented with a certificate on her retirement as corps secretary after 34 years in the role. She is pictured with corps officer Major Mandy Sands, who thanked Hazel for her years of valuable service. – LH

LLANELLI ON Covenant Sunday, Bandmaster

CORPS officer Captain Karen Symonds and Corps Sergeant-Major Stephen Hopkins led a surprise thanksgiving meeting for Major Christine Hird’s many years of service. Tributes were expressed in gratitude and love for Christine, who is heading to pastures new near her family in Scotland, after soldiering at the corps for many years. She testified how, upon retirement with her beloved late husband, David, they felt that God had placed them in a loving, friendly corps to serve him and play an active role as soldiers. Christine spoke of a life lived in God’s service, loving and caring for each individual she came into contact with, to lead them to Christ so that they may be saved. Afterwards friends, family and corps folk joined in a thanksgiving buffet and cake made by fellow retired officers, Majors Denise and Martyn Clements. – AC

Fred Williams was acknowledged and thanked for his 50 years’ service in the role. Even though our band has never been very large, Fred has faithfully led and encouraged each member, past and present, in their service to the Lord through their music-making. He has passed on the baton to Andrea Arden. We also recognised and thanked Fred’s wife, Grace, for her dedication as she transferred to the songster reserve after 72 years of faithful service. – JS

TOWN mayor, Councillor Francis Oppler, presented certificates to Music Man Project students for taking part in their first concert at the corps. Disability Engagement Officer Jo-Anne Graham (THQ) was on hand to encourage students and support team workers. The Music Man Project group meets fortnightly, making a difference in people’s lives. They are looking forward to taking part and singing at the Music Man Project concert at the Royal Albert Hall in April. The mayor is pictured with recipients Manny and Gary Lillywhite. – AH

RHYL

HOVE

BOGNOR REGIS

DIANNE Brooks and Judith Husbands were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Ralph Walker. Dianne and Judith have been part of the corps for almost two years. After becoming adherents, they felt that their true calling was to serve God as soldiers of the Army. They are so special and very much central to God’s family at the corps. – RW

CONSETT

AMELIA was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer

Lieutenant Wendy Verheij on Covenant Sunday. Divisional Children’s Officer Lieutenant Luke Cozens attended in support of Amelia and presented her with a children’s Bible. Also pictured is Ann Kirkup, who guided Amelia through preparation classes, and Bernard Snook, who is holding the flag. – WV

LONDONDERRY

JAMES was welcomed as an adherent during café church by corps officer Lieutenant Sharon Stevens. James has been volunteering with the corps drop-in for many years and recently started joining in worship and the weekly Bible study. He wanted to make more of a commitment to the fellowship and make the corps his church. James was supported by friends from nearby Limavady Corps, where he volunteers in the charity shop. – SS

SCARBOROUGH

JIM Carmichael was enrolled as a soldier by corps officers

Captain Angela and Major Steve Noble. After talking to a soldier selling the War Cry, a ‘lightbulb’ moment guided Jim to a meeting. He instantly felt at home and has not looked back since. He said the power of prayer enabled him to give his testimony and recite Psalm 23 from memory on Covenant Sunday. Jim loved soldiership classes and now enjoys increased involvement in corps life. Successful completion of a quit-smoking programme has improved his health, and he has found the power of forgiveness and an inner peace that he says has ‘changed me for the better’. Jim declared: ‘It’s brilliant to be a soldier.’ – MT

FAKENHAM

STEPHANIE Birch was welcomed as an adherent by previous corps officers Captains Adrian and Gemma Allen (Stotfold). Stephanie began attending the Friendship group and on her first day said that she did not want anything to do with God. As time went on, she felt she wanted to start attending Sunday meetings and eventually knelt at the mercy seat and gave her heart to the Lord. They are pictured with corps leader Territorial Envoy Alison Parker, with Robin Vertigan holding the flag. – AP

LIEUT-COLONEL CHRISTOPHER PARKER

CHRISTOPHER was born in Morecambe in 1931 to Brigadiers Dorothy and Theodore Parker during the Great Depression, and grew up through the Second World War, a time which would impact him greatly as he lived in different cities around the UK. After two years of national service in the RAF, Christopher eventually moved to Boscombe Corps, where his parents were corps officers. He became band secretary, euphonium soloist and then deputy bandmaster. Christopher married Shirley Henning in 1957.

From a young age, Christopher’s passion was art and he established himself professionally in the field. His artwork became a feature of the Easter Conventions led by General Albert Orsborn at Boscombe. It was through General Orsborn that he received his calling to officership and to go to Brazil.

In 1966, Christopher and Shirley joined the Messengers of the Faith session with their daughters Sara, Philippa and Rachel. A year after their appointment to Camberwell Corps, they sailed to Brazil, where they spent nearly 20 years, with a brief appointment in between at Sholing Corps. In Brazil, Christopher served as a corps officer for pioneering outposts, secretary for finance, editor of the War Cry and secretary for youth, candidates and music, where he established the National Band. He later became a divisional commander and training principal.

In 1988, Christopher was appointed officer commanding in Portugal, being instrumental in opening the Army’s work in the Algarve and establishing a rescue centre for vulnerable children. In 1996 they retired to Bournemouth, where they became active members of Poole Corps for more than 25 years.

Despite his musical and artistic talent, Christopher was better known for his pastoral counselling and listening ear. He had an enormous influence on his three daughters, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Christopher was an encourager and touched many lives around the world. – SC-B

MARY MORROW MOTHERWELL

MARY was born in 1934 to Salvationist parents at Shotton, Co Durham. She moved to London and soldiered at Wood Green and Clapton Congress Hall. When her family moved to Nuneaton, she joined them and, during a visit from Motherwell Band, she met her future husband, David Morrow. They married in 1959 and made their home in Motherwell.

Mary shared her beautiful voice as a member of the songster brigade and as a soloist. She was an accomplished timbrelist and over the years held various roles within the corps. Mary showed a great joy in all she did and was always ready with a kind encouraging word. The love of Jesus she knew in her own life was evident in all she did.

Mary had three children, David, Colin and Susan, and was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. – JR

BRIAN BROWN MARGATE

BORN on 2 March 1933 into a Salvationist family in Louth, Brian played the cornet from an early age. He joined the Band of the Grenadier Guards for his national service and soldiered at Clapton Congress Hall, where he met Pearl, his wife of 66 years.

Brian worked for the Salvation Army Assurance Society before moving to Grimsby. He became a domestic appliance engineer then a peripatetic brass teacher, where he formed a very successful and popular school band.

Bandmaster at Grimsby for approximately 30 years, Brian was a great encourager to everyone, particularly the young people. He helped lead the torchbearer youth club and campaigns to Scotland, Guernsey and Clapton Congress Hall, including a week playing concerts while sleeping on a barge.

Brian and Pearl eventually moved to Margate to be nearer family and Brian joined the corps and fellowship bands, playing his cornet once again. – LC/CW

BARRY HOLLAMBY READING CENTRAL

BARRY was a gifted musician. As a euphonium player, he spent six years in the Band of the Scots Guards. Barry married Sheila in 1959 and they were a devoted Salvationist couple. Barry transferred from Kingston Corps, where he had served as deputy bandmaster, to Reading Central.

He was a faithful Christian and used his God-given talents to witness within several other local bands. Barry was hugely valued and is remembered with gratitude for his quiet acts of kindness providing car lifts, putting his engineering skills to fixing things, and offering encouragement to young and old. He had a wide variety of interests including sailing, golf, snooker and painting. Barry is missed by his two sons, Kim and Ian, his grandchildren and his many friends. They celebrate a life well lived. – AM

LESLIE PIPER LEICESTER SOUTH

LESLIE was born in Spennymoor in 1942, the first son of loving parents Leslie and Olive. He became well known as a trombonist of rare excellence, with a gorgeous sound and superb technique, appearing as a soloist throughout the UK.

Les married Jacqueline in 1971 and was appointed bandmaster of Leicester Castle Band in 1974. There he completed 30 years of dedicated service in this position, passing on his own very high standards of musicianship and Christianity to the musicians under his leadership. Les was a thoughtful, encouraging and widely respected brass teacher. He was also dedicated to youth music-making in The Salvation Army, leading bands at residential music schools every summer for more than 20 years.

Les is fondly remembered as a fine musician, a loving husband, a kind dad, a superb uncle and grandad and a true Christian – a marvellous influence on so many people. – AP

ARMY PEOPLE

Local officers appointed

CSM LESLEY HALE, Chester-le-Street

CSM KAREN TINSLEY, Hove

CS ROGER WOLSTENCROFT, Hove

BM ANDREA ARDEN, Rhyl

S/SGT STEPHANIE MEAD, Morriston

B/LIBRARIAN CHRIS RENOUF, Morriston

Wedding anniversaries

Diamond (60 years)

FAY AND ROBERT GARDINER, Bellshill, on 28 March

RTD BM ALLAN AND RTD YPSM

ELIZABETH JONES, Histon, on 30 March

Dedicated to God

LENNOX ALFRED, son of Bandsman Craig and Gina Hughes, at Birmingham Citadel by Captain Clare Allman

Promoted to Glory

THOMAS JONES, Derby Central

LIEUT-COLONEL MARY COOK from Eagle Lodge care home on 7 March

S/RESERVIST PEGGY FINCHAM, Croydon Citadel, on 11 March

Bereaved

ANDREE JONES, Derby Central, of her husband Thomas Jones, Thomas Jones, Kettering Citadel, Timothy Jones and Andrew Jones, Derby Central, of their father

MAJOR JUDITH NKOUNKOU of her mother

Jessie Stock

COLONEL MELVIN FINCHAM, IHQ, Bandsman Stuart Fincham, Croydon

Citadel, and Paul Fincham of their mother

S/Reservist Peggy Fincham

ENGAGEMENTS

Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main

Sun 24 Mar Bangor (morning)

Sun 24 Mar Belfast Temple (Divisional Celebration)

Wed 27 Mar IHQ (Holy Week Reflection)

Fri 29 Mar – Sun 31 Mar Sunderland Millfield

Fri 5 Apr WBC (Territorial Advisory Council)*

Fri 5 Apr – Sun 7 April Toronto, Canada (A Choral Convocation)**

*Commissioner Jenine Main only

** Commissioner Paul Main only

NOTICES

Easter Top 10

Salvationist Radio will present a chart show of the top 10 Easter hymns, as voted by you. Have your say by 24 March at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Ecotheology: Have your say!

A document is being compiled reflecting the territory’s theology on the environment. Fill in the survey by 31 March: surveymonkey.com/r/ecotheologyresource

Domestic abuse: Speak out!

Take part in this survey by the Family Ministries Department to make a real impact on the future of The Salvation Army’s response to domestic abuse. Get involved by 30 April: salvationist.org.uk/domesticabusesurvey

Easter reports wanted

Salvationist is keen to receive photos and reports of corps Easter activities and ministries from across the territory. Please email these to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

Apply for a PhD researching human trafficking and modern slavery

Apply by 25 March for a fully funded PhD scholarship investigating the long-term reintegration of survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. For more information, email atms@salvationarmy.org.uk

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

Territorial Director of Community Services Tony Daniels (THQ) is leading this year’s Palm Sunday worship. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

No Age Limit

Salvationist Radio’s show reminds listeners that there is no age limit to what we can do for God or what God can do for us. This month, Andy and Ali from Older People’s Ministries are joined by Captains Alice and Richard Nunn (Jersey) for an hour of music, chat and testimony. Listen live on Sunday 24 March at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Thursday 28 March at 11am.

Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Easter on Salvationist Radio

Join us for worship at 11am and 6pm on Good Friday with Chief Secretary Colonal Peter Forrest and 11am and 6pm on Easter Day with Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest. Good Friday and Easter Day meditations are available from this weekend to aid devotions. All this, plus the full Easter schedule, will be available at salvationist.org.uk/radio

ADVERTS

EASTER

Tuesday 26 March, 7pm Meditation with the band and songsters

Thursday 28 March, 7pm Major Robert Elliott

Good Friday 29 March, 7pm Sunday 31 March, 10.30am Meetings led by divisional leaders Majors Paul and Gillian Billard

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in our Community Hall, Lucky Lane Sunday in the Cygnet Theatre opposite corps hall, Friars Walk EX2 4AZ

DUDLEY TOWN HALL, ST JAMES’S ROAD DY1 1HP

Saturday 15 June, 7pm (doors open 6.15pm)

AN EVENING WITH THE STARS

The world-famous Cory Band with international vocal soloist Charlie Green

Tickets: £21, available from Richard Campbell on 07387 308718

POOLE SALVATION ARMY, 2 NEW ORCHARD BH15 1LY

Sunday 31 March, 2.30pm led by Lieut-Colonel Marion Drew RETIREMENT CELEBRATION FOR MAJORS KIM AND NIGEL GOTOBED

Video greetings and messages to Major Lisa Lloyd-Jones lisa.lloyd-jones@salvationarmy.org.uk

BELLSHILL, GLADSTONE STREET ML4 1AT

EASTER

with the Amsterdam Staff Band (BM Olaf Ritman)

29 March, 7pm: Good Friday

30 March, 7pm: Easter Concert, Uddingston Old Parish Church G71 7HF 31 March, 10.30am: Easter Sunday

Concert tickets £10 from seaty.co.uk/asb

MADDISTON CORPS, MAIN STREET, MADDISTON FK2 0LU

Saturday 13 April, 3pm

VALEDICTORY SERVICE

Messages of appreciation by email to css-dhq@salvationarmy.org.uk by mail to Central and Southern Scotland DHQ, 4 Buchanan Court, Stepps, G33 6HZ

TO LET

SHERINGHAM, NORFOLK

Comfortable, convenient, flint holiday cottage, close to beach, shops and amenities. Wi-Fi. Sleeps 2-5. Salvationist visitors very welcome. Tel 01223 834476 or email sue.hunting@ntlworld.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

‘I want your will to be done, not mine.’

Matthew 26:39