16 minute read
Quotes from the media
CHURCH SAYS SENDING MIGRANTS TO RWANDA BRINGS SHAME ON BRITAIN
The entire senior leadership of the Church of England has denounced the Rwanda migrant flights as an ‘immoral policy that shames Britain’.
An excoriating letter to The Times, signed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and all of the other 23 bishops sitting as Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords, states: ‘Whether or not the first deportation flight [left Britain] for Rwanda, this policy should shame us as a nation.’
It adds that ‘the shame is our own, because our Christian heritage should inspire us to treat asylum seekers with compassion, fairness and justice, as we have for centuries’…
The church letter, signed by the Most Rev Justin Welby and the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, as archbishops of Canterbury and York, and also by the bishops of London, Durham, Exeter, Birmingham and Manchester, warns that those being deported have not had a chance to appeal … and said no attempt had been made to ‘understand their predicament’.
‘They are the vulnerable that the Old Testament calls us to value,’ the letter adds, explaining that ‘evil trafficking’ must be fought by providing safe routes to the UK to ‘reduce dangerous journeys’. ‘But deportations, and the potential forced return of asylum seekers to their home countries, are not the way,’ it adds.
The Times
CHRISTIAN CHARITY ENCOURAGING UK CHURCH TO PRAY FOR OLDER PEOPLE AMIDST THE CRISIS WITH THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR
Pilgrims’ Friend Society is holding a series of events looking at friendship, dementia and loneliness in older age. With warnings of a fundamental crisis within the social care sector – alongside an increasing ageing population over the next decade – the charity is responding by bringing together Christian charities and experts to practically equip Christians and churches to be part of the solution.
Pilgrims’ Friend Society CEO Stephen Hammersley told Premier… ‘We’ve got a crisis of resourcing and that’s behind nearly all of the difficulties we find in adult social care…
Premier
RELIGIOUS LEADERS JOIN ECB TO SIGN UNITY STATEMENT
Religious leaders including the imam Mufti Yusif Akudi, Rabbi Nicky Liss, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols met at Lord’s on the first day of England’s Test match against New Zealand … to unveil a ‘unity statement’ with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The statement … referred to the laws of cricket, which affirm that the game ‘encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork [and] brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the spirit of cricket’.
Signatories expressed their ‘willingness to work together with the ECB and the wider game of cricket to achieve change and to demonstrate cricket’s ability to unite people and communities from different backgrounds’.
The Tablet
MPS DEBATE VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA FOLLOWING CHURCH MASSACRE ON PENTECOST SUNDAY
The House of Commons held a debate on the growing violence in Nigeria following the attack [on] a Catholic church on Pentecost Sunday.
Unknown assailants attacked the congregation with guns and explosives during mass on 5 June – it left 22 people dead and 50 recovering from injuries.
Christian MP Fiona Bruce tabled an urgent question in the House of Commons to ask the government about their role in helping religious groups in Nigeria…
Vicky Ford [Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean)] condemned the ‘heinous’ attack and stressed ‘the importance of those responsible being brought to justice’…
Ford continued… ‘We will continue to encourage the Nigerian government to take urgent action to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes of such violence.’
Premier
SALVATIONIST
salvationist.org.uk/media/magazine Issue No 1864
EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
CONTACT US
020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL Brian Peddle
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY
Major Mal Davies
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS
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CARING FOR THE WHOLE PERSON
AS I’m sure is the case for many of you, I’ve known quite a few police officers in my time. I’ve attended corps with soldiers who were either current or retired members of the service. I’ve played sport alongside them. I’ve liaised closely with them in various roles I’ve held.
While most were cheery, friendly types who enjoyed a laugh, one sticks in my memory for different reasons. He had worked his way up to senior detective and was in a unit investigating violent crimes, especially against women and children.
The longer he stayed in the unit, the more he shut down at home. While his wife knew he needed some ‘down’ time when he got home from work, that time became longer and longer until he would come home from work and barely talk to her for several hours before going to bed. Sadly, their marriage broke down – he was too independent and proud to attend marriage counselling – and he left his wife and two children.
In this week’s issue of Salvationist we hear from Major Peter – a retired officer and former police officer – about his current service as chaplain to police in Kent. He talks about supporting officers through the challenges they face, from negativity in the media to the deaths and suicides of colleagues.
Elsewhere, David Newstead concludes his series linking Christian faith to different aspects of life, this time considering psychology.
David writes: ‘Scripture encourages empathy, truthful understanding and caring relationships between persons.’ He adds that in The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine it says that Jesus ‘cared about every dimension of human life’, including the spiritual, emotional, social and physical.
Salvation Army officers also seek to minister to people in their entirety and this week’s issue includes a lengthy list of officers, many of whom are about to commence new appointments. I remember – as a corps officer – talking to my corps sergeantmajor about a soldier who had dropped in for a deep chat one day that had included tears and some spiritual testing. My CSM said, discerningly and empathetically: ‘That must have been hard to listen to.’ I said it was the fourth such chat I’d had that week with different people.
So please pray for our officers. They often carry emotional, mental and spiritual burdens that very few others know about.
Other articles – including one on Godly Play, our Bible study on Isaiah 61, a reflection on Psalm 25 – and images of new members making commitments will balance the emotional ledger, as they encourage us and raise a smile. Perhaps, however, the best response to the ups and downs of life is found in the lyrics of ‘What a Faithful God’, cited by Major Sheryl Clarke on the back page.
‘I find rest in your presence and fullness of joy... Through the storm you’re my beacon… In the shelter of your wings’ (SASB 378).
Together we sing – and we believe through all the various circumstances of life – ‘What a faithful God have I,/ Faithful in every way.’
CONTENTS
Quotes from the media 2
News 4 to 9
Prayer matters 9
Viewpoint
Exploring faith and psychology
by David Newstead
10
Appointments list 11 to 15
Feature 16 and 17
Loitering with pastoral intent
by Simon Hope
Bible study 18 and 19 Fulfilment brings freedom and favour
by Major Graham Mizon
Through the week with Salvationist 18 and 19
by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley
Feature 20
Adults at play
by Major Elizabeth Turner
Read with us 21
Called to Be a Soldier: Chapter 8
Reflection 21
Learning lessons
by Brian Colley
Preview 22
Creating a sports mission legacy
by Maria Carter
New commitments 23
Territorial structure update 24
by Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant
Announcements 25
Adverts 26 and 27
The Salvation Army and me 28
featuring Major Sheryl Clarke
MAJOR MAL DAVIES
Editor-in-Chief THQ
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
MEETING
Territorial leaders visit at Pentecost
WOKING
THE visit of Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill on Pentecost Sunday, which coincided with Platinum Jubilee celebrations, began with a video portrayal of the Queen’s life to the song ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’. After the territorial leaders were welcomed, the congregation sang ‘Send the Fire’. During a time of prayer the fire alarm sounded and smoke filled the building. All was well, however, and the meeting continued.
The band played ‘The Fruit of the Spirit’ and the songsters sang ‘He Who Lights the Stars’. No 1 on the roll Gill Gregory and the newest soldier, Community Manager Amanda McLoughlin, gave their testimonies on the theme The Spirit in My Life. The TC brought a Pentecostthemed message on the need for transformation and to allow the Holy Spirit to be completely at home in people’s lives. The meeting ended with the playing of the national anthem.
Volunteers from the community helped provide lunch, and they received an invitation to attend worship. The territorial leaders took part in a questionand-answer session, responding in an able and thorough manner.
The corps folk felt blessed to have received wonderful teaching from the visiting leaders and shared fellowship on such a great Pentecost weekend. – MH HADLEIGH FARM The Estate celebrated the Platinum Jubilee with a crowd of more than 1,800 locals. With a joyous atmosphere, people of all ages watched Trooping the Colour on a large screen in the park, before entertainment from The Music Man Project. Fairground stalls were free for all to participate in, and the Salvation Army Hub Café sold Jubilee cakes, puddings and trifles. – WW
EVENT
LARNE The corps drop-in took the form of a big Platinum Jubilee lunch. The hall was decorated with bunting and balloons, and about 30 adults and 10 children, including clergy from neighbouring churches, took part in quizzes, games, singing and taking selfies with ‘the Queen’. – PC EVENT
ANNIVERSARY EVENT
EDINBURGH CITY The 140th corps anniversary year celebrations launched with a combined Platinum Jubilee and anniversary party. The Sound of Seventeen Big Band and Edinburgh Telephone Choir provided live music and about 200 people attended over the course of the afternoon, enjoying party food, ice creams, children’s crafts, a ‘win a corgi’ competition and a royal photo booth. A stall raised money for the Helping-Hand Appeal. – JG
EVENT
BOGNOR REGIS Corps officers Majors Matt and Sarah Butler erected a marquee at the town carnival, which attracted many people, including the mayor, Councillor John Barrett. Corps folk distributed Army papers and organised children’s activities. It was an enjoyable day and the corps made many new contacts in the community. A BadenPowell section led by corps member Jenny Ansell won first prize for its carnival float. – AH LLANELLI To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, corps charity shop staff created a beautiful window display. Manager Tony Chappell and Assistant Manager Alison Hodge, along with all the volunteers, wanted to show their grateful thanks for Her Majesty’s service and dedication. – TC
DEREHAM Fifty-two guests attended a Platinum Jubilee tea organised by a team of three corps members. It began with the singing of the national anthem and a thanksgiving prayer for the Queen. There was a royal quiz and children were given royalthemed crafts to do. – DB
FUNDRAISING EVENT BIRTHDAY
Parkhead Songster Leader Karen Dunn and her nephew and niece, Ruaidhri and Orla, run the Race for Life in Glasgow, raising more than £400 for Cancer Research
EVENT
LEIGH-ON-SEA Lieut-Colonel George Pilkington led the Pentecost Sunday morning meeting, which included the cutting of a Platinum Jubilee cake by Vera Dolby, one of the senior members of the corps. Celebrations took place in the hall lounge and garden after the meeting. Those attending brought a picnic lunch and enjoyed drinks, ice-cream, games, quizzes, and pelting Lieut-Colonel George with wet sponges while he was in the stocks! – PJ READING LOWER EARLEY The corps celebrated the birthday of the church on Pentecost Sunday along with the 100th birthday of No 1 on the roll Bernard Sparks the same weekend. Birthday celebrations began outside his house with an earlymorning rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ from the band, followed by an afternoon surprise party with family and friends. On Sunday the corps family presented him with a plant for his garden and more cake. – RC
ANNIVERSARY
Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee, Lavenham home league and friends hold an indoor street party
Keith Phipps MBE toasts the Queen at Swindon Gorse Hill’s Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea EVENT
POTTON Celebration of the Platinum Jubilee began with a community walk and a get-together to light a beacon. The monthly coffee morning took a Jubilee theme and the corps hosted a well-supported afternoon tea for the community. Corps officer Major Christine McCutcheon and the Rev Alex Wheatley led a Churches Together service before the weekend concluded with The Big Lunch in a gazebo on the church field, which was attended by 120 people. – CM
CIRENCESTER The band and members of the worship group provided accompaniment for the Churches Together united service for Pentecost. Corps leader Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard took part in a service addressed by Street Pastors founder the Rev Canon Les Isaac. In the afternoon, the band played in the Abbey Grounds bandstand as part of the town’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. – MG POOLE The fellowship celebrated the 144th corps anniversary during Pentecost weekend. This included a great British quiz on Saturday evening and a meal on Sunday. The grandmother of one of the parent-andtoddler children made a celebratory cake, and guests for the weekend were former corps officers Majors Roger and Noreen Batt (Wales DHQ), pictured with corps officers Majors Kim and Nigel Gotobed. – NG
CLOWNE Forty-five people from the community joined the corps in a Platinum Jubilee Big Lunch held in the hall. The event was free to attend, and donations towards the costs were gratefully received. – GH
MUSIC EVENT
NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE Chester-le-Street and other corps supported the band and songsters in presenting a programme of music in the main shopping centre in Newcastle for the Platinum Jubilee. A two-hour programme took place in the Eldon Centre on the two bank holidays and received an amazing reception from the public. – BI
EVENT
ST AUSTELL Between 50 and 60 people accepted the invitation to a Platinum Jubilee cream tea. Others also attended during Sunday’s street party. – RD
EVENT
CANTERBURY People who attend programmes at the corps met for a tea party. Those gathered represented all ages, and every group contributed in some way. The newly formed craft group made the bunting. A quiz featured questions from each decade of the Queen’s reign, and the night concluded with a medley of tunes from the band, prompting flag waving and a lively hornpipe dance! – KC
EVENT
SKEWEN The corps shared fellowship with residents from Bethlehem Road in celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A traditional tea was enjoyed by all, with many taking part in a Jubilee-themed quiz and sharing a cake donated by a nearby Tesco. – SL
EVENT
WOOD GREEN Assistant Over-60 Secretary Pat Middleton dressed up as the Queen and surprised the seniors group at their celebration of the Platinum Jubilee. Jean Darby baked cupcakes and corps officer Major Paul Knight compiled a royal-themed quiz. The afternoon ended with flag waving and a rousing rendition of ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. – PK MARKET RASEN About 50 people – including corps members, lunch club members and volunteers – enjoyed a Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea party that included a wonderful selection of cakes baked by Corps Treasurer Ida Franklin. A quiz about the Queen led to much discussion and memory searching, and the whole event was a wonderful success. Helpers received three cheers for their efforts, and the afternoon was rounded off by singing the national anthem. – GB
EVENT
ENFIELD To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, members of Connect, the corps older people’s programme, enjoyed a day of activities. They entered the hall on a red carpet and were greeted with tea, coffee and Jubileethemed cakes. Crafts, quizzes and conversations preceded a roast beef and Yorkshire pudding lunch. Later the group enjoyed sing-a-longs, charades, a royal pass-the-parcel and a game of ‘crown pinata’. There was also time for reflection on Her Majesty’s service to the country before the celebration concluded with afternoon tea. – SF
EVENT
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EVENT
WATCHET Platinum Jubilee celebrations began with a coffee morning on Friday, which involved new families participating in singing. On Saturday, corps folk shared more than 700 cakes they had made with the community. Ruth Herington served the cakes while others took them to people around the town. Sunday saw the community gather for a civic service in a local church. The weekend resulted in new people seeking and one young man committing his life to God. – SS
POOLE The catering team began Platinum Jubilee celebrations by preparing a meal for the Wednesday group. This led to other activities, including the parent-and-toddler group celebrating with a picnic ‘at home’ in the community hall. – NG
EVENT
EVENT
RAYLEIGH Platinum Jubilee celebrations started with a traditional afternoon tea. Around 40 people enjoyed the festive food and a great British cuppa! A slide show of the Queen was shown on the big screen, with plenty of bunting for the occasion. Members of the community, including residents from King George’s Court retirement home, enjoyed the event together with corps folk. Earlier in the day the band played in the town as part of the celebration. – HA
