Salvationist 25 March 2023

SALVATIONIST

WATER OF LIFE

INTRODUCING THE HELPING-HAND APPEAL

Where the living waters flow

THIS week marked World Water Day (22 March), which each year raises awareness of the billions of people who don’t have access to clean water. Supporting those communities is the focus of this year’s Helping-Hand Appeal, which you can donate to – and fundraise for – throughout the year.

The global water crisis and the climate crisis are intrinsically linked, with climate change exacerbating the problem for people around the world. As Christians, our responsibility to help people achieve fullness of life goes hand in hand with our mission to do so in a sustainable way. As we think of clean water and sanitation, we’re reminded of the state of the planet’s oceans, which have become disastrously polluted by humankind. We’re also inspired by the work of Hadleigh Temple to become an Eco Church, joining many corps seeking to care for creation where they are.

Our responsibilities to be stewards of this Earth, its resources and each other all stem from the same source: God’s lovea current that compels us to serve others and bring them spiritually to the place where the living waters flow. This week, pray that people not only have access to safe water, but are also inspired to seek out the water that only Jesus can provide.

IVAN RADFORD MANAGING EDITOR

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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

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Water is life

ONE hundred and seventy trillion! That is the estimated number of plastic particles currently afloat in our oceans, according to new research by the 5 Gyres Institute recently published in The Guardian

The paper states that there has been an immense increase in the volume of marine plastic pollution since 1979 and blames single-use plastics and microplastics for this. It also highlights that a clean-up of our oceans is not the solution; instead, it says what is needed is global commitment to limit the

REFLECT AND RESPOND

Read Genesis 1 and reflect on God’s creation of this beautiful world.

Write a prayer of repentance and ask for wisdom on what to do next. Through this, think about how you can commit to reducing your own waste.

Listen to Chris Tomlin’s song ‘God of Wonders’. Consider how the world was created as an extension of God’s glory and treating it with kindness sustains its ability to reflect God’s beauty.

production of single-use plastics to combat the problem right at the source.

Reading this may come as a shock, especially when initiatives such as supermarkets charging customers for plastic bag usage have been introduced. The issue, however, is much larger than we might first imagine and as Christians we may wonder what we can do to help.

Genesis 1 reminds us of the Creation story and how God lovingly called into being each part of the world, including our oceans. It was on the third day that God created the seas and on the fifth day he created creatures of the sea.

At the end of each day, we are told that God looked at the world and saw that it was good. God sees his creation as fantastic and loves it. The physical matter that makes up his creation matters to him. It is precious to him.

I was reminded of this through my Lenten devotions. For Lent this year I am reading Saying Yes to Life by Ruth Valerio. The book takes each part of the Creation story and grounds it in theological understanding and links it to effects of the climate crisis around the world, before reminding us of our responsibility as Christians to care for God’s world.

A particular passage that struck me was how precious water is in Kenya. The Kikuyu in Kenya use the phrase mai ni mwoyo, which means ‘water is life’. This phrase inspires proverbs and taboos against polluting water and maintaining

access to routes and fords to ensure travellers will not be deprived of any water source they may need.

Reading this challenged me to think about how I could safeguard water more by reducing my plastic pollution. Especially as less than half of what we chuck out is recycled. Because water is life, how could I treat it with respect?

Consequently, I have consciously invested in resources such as reusable water bottles, coffee cups and tote bags to prevent myself reaching for single-use plastics out of convenience. These actions advocate my appreciation of God’s creation and subsequently become part of my faith as acts of worship.

lf for onvenience. These e my nd my faith as acts , I will be inding ncourage you –when we feel our ns aren’t to what we can do is those in and ns to take action

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Going forward, I will be consciously reminding myself to waste less. I encourage you to do the same – and to remember that, when we feel our individual actions aren’t enough to help this issue, what we can do is pray! We can pray for those in charge and those in positions to take global action against plastic pollution. This is just as important as any actions taken to reduce our waste.

YELENA GRASE JURKENAS Addlestone Y

Continuing a series of topical reflections, Yelena Grase Jurkenas highlights the problem with plastic pollution

became a new person’

seconds with...

EXPLAINED

Karl Westwood

Bromley Temple

John Barker (Beccles) explains how a new friendship at work introduced him to Jesus

Soldiership

Home league

THE home league is an expression of women’s ministries that exists around the world. It was founded by Florence Booth in 1907, understanding that women had a significant influence within the home and their friendship groups. Traditionally, it is a group for women to meet for worship, education, fellowship and service.

While the home league is for all women connected to a corps, groups usually meet during the week, when working women can struggle to attend – this is where the perception that the home league is for older women stems from. Some corps also have a home league fellowship, which enables all women to connect in different ways, such as house groups or social events.

Women’s ministries, including the home league, forms part of the responsibility of the Family Ministries Department at THQ. The World President of Women’s Ministries at IHQ promotes a world view of women’s ministries across all territories. The home league has historically provided highly fertile ground for connecting with new people. However, some groups have seen a decline in numbers due to ageing congregations.

Today many groups are reimagining women’s ministries. While some believe the traditional home league is a thing of the past, others point to flourishing groups. Some corps are forming groups under new names, such as Let’s Connect, that maintain the home league’s core values and mission. Others are reclaiming the term by reinventing it as a cuttingedge community that meets specific needs in 2023.

Whether it’s a running group, book club or traditional meeting, the home league’s vital role is alive and well.

Is God calling you to reimagine women’s ministries?

Speak to your corps officer or email familyministries@salvationarmy.org.uk

IT was 1984 and I was living in Nottingham with my wife, Sandra, and my son, Bradleigh. We received a phone call from Sandra’s father, who was a watchmaker living in Suffolk, asking if we would like to move there, learn clockmaking and the jewellery business and become his partner. So, off to Suffolk we all went.

I started my training but found Beccles to be quiet and I missed my friends back in Nottingham, so I joined Suffolk Constabulary as a special constable.

And so my journey to faith began. My sergeant was a man named Bram Bryant and he took me under his wing. As we walked the streets together in the small hours, he told me he was in The Salvation Army and that he loved the Lord. This went on for a few years and we became great friends.

‘Would you like to come to a carol concert at the Army?’ he offered. I jumped at it for some reason. We went and we enjoyed it so much that Sandra left the church she was attending and we settled into Beccles Corps. One

we settled into Beccles One Sunday morning I was drawn to the mercy seat with Bram, because I wanted God, and we prayed a prayer. I felt nothing and, as I returned to my seat, one of the officers said: ‘You’re not saved.’ Confused or what!

The following Sunday arrived. The bedroom door opened and my wife threw me a book k and said: ‘It’s time you finished it!’ The book was titled Is Anyyone There? by David Watson. ?

As soon as I started to read, the room filled with love and light and I burst into tears and sobbed uncontrollably. It was 6 March 1988 and I’d met with Jesus and was saved.

I became a new person, so much so that I instantly stopped swearing, smoking and drinking, which I did often. The following Wednesday, I was tearful in our shop when the door opened and in came an elderly woman with her daughter. The woman said: ‘We just had to come in here to tell you, you’ve been given a Spirit, he’s good and will never leave you.’ With that, they left, and I was filled with the Holy Spirit there and then. I had never seen the woman before, and I never saw her again.

My wife and I joined The Salvation Army and became soldiers. Is there anybody there? Sure – his name is Jesus and the rest, as they say, is history.

Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith journey! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

‘I

Wholly Holy

Majors Kerry and Nick Coke (THQ) introduce the theme of Together 2023, bringing together Commissioning, Congress and Symphony Sounds

THE past few months of planning, praying and preparing for Together 2023 have brought together an eclectic group of people with varied areas of mission but one goal and purpose: to create space for people from across the territory to worship, grow, celebrate and engage with the Holy Spirit.

The exciting three-day event in Croydon will run from 14 to 16 July and will take the theme Wholly Holy. A holistic approach to discipleship, worship and care for creation has been the focus of conversation.

Key to the planning has been the centrality of prayer. Our weekend will begin on Friday at Croydon Citadel, with space to stop and reflect before we walk and pray together through the streets of our host city until we reach Fairfield Halls. Soaking the weekend in prayer is not only for those who can be with us; there will be resources for Salvationists and friends to join us wherever they are in this important beginning to our weekend.

Friday night will feature a brand-new musical written by Stephanie Lamplough and Paul Sharman (Music and Creative Arts) called Belongings. Set in a Salvation Army charity shop, it brings to life the stories of the people who visit a place full of belongings and find a place to belong.

Saturday morning kicks off with a Parkrun for all the family. If you are attending the weekend, you can take part

in person in parks near Fairfield Halls. Or, wherever you are in the country, you can be part of the Big Step Challenge in your local park. Stay tuned for more details on how to sign up and get involved.

At Fairfield Halls, there will be something for everyone, both inside and outside: Bible studies, seminars, workshops, an art gallery, concerts from the International Staff Band and International Staff Songsters, and a festival feel in the open air, complete with food stalls, children’s activities and a focus on caring for creation. The day’s events will finish with a worship event in the concert hall.

Sunday morning will begin with prayer and then lead into the ordination and commissioning of the Reflectors of Holiness session. This pivotal part of our weekend enables us to focus on our own calling and return to the central theme and our key passage of Scripture, 1 Peter 1:15.

The weekend will conclude with a celebration meeting for all the family and the sending out, not only of the newly commissioned lieutenants, but also everyone present, as they return to communities across the territory, inspired, enabled and empowered to reflect the holiness of Jesus wherever he has placed them.

Tickets will be on sale from 31 March. For more information on the box office, accommodation, accessibility and the full programme details as they are released, keep an eye on salvationist. org.uk/together

SAVE THE DATE

WHEN: 14 to 16 July

WHERE: Fairfield Halls, Croydon BOOK YOUR TICKET: salvationist.org.uk/together

Pictures (Together 2022): Andrew King Photography

Fan the flame!

1 THESSALONIANS 5:12–24

IN three months, I will be celebrating 23 years of marriage. In those 23 years, we have lived in 8 houses, had 3 children, 7 rabbits, 6 guinea pigs and 1 dog. We have had good days and bad days, times of celebration and times of grief.

In the months leading up to us getting married, many of our friends wanted to give us advice. They wanted to help us. I must admit that some of the advice was helpful and some not.

The most memorable piece of advice came from my mother-in-law and has helped me every day since. She told me that many people say that marriage is all about give and take but, for her, that was not true. She encouraged and advised me to remember that marriage is all about giving – and nothing more. How wise she was – and still is! That piece of advice has shaped and guided me throughout my marriage.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?

Why?

The study passage we are considering is found towards the end of Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica. In so many ways, the body of believers there was a model church. They cherished God’s word. They were people of faith and hope. They exhibited missionary zeal. However, just like us, they were human and, at times, vulnerable in their personal relationships.

Paul seems to have noticed that

these followers of Jesus needed a little bit of help in this regard, so he writes to them with words of advice to guide them as they seek to serve God together. This advice is still helpful for us today.

Reading verses 12 to 14, we might assume that, at times, these Christians were tempted to be somewhat critical or, perhaps, occasionally unsupportive of their leaders. This is no way to repay those who ‘work hard among you’ and ‘care for you in the Lord’ (v12). Paul tells them that they should respect, value and live at peace with each other –including the leaders with whom they disagree.

To be honest, I am somewhat comforted that Paul needed to write these words to the Thessalonians. If you are anything like me, it’s not always easy to respect and value our spiritual leaders. Sometimes they make decisions I do not agree with, or simply do not see things as I do.

This is where my wise mother-in-law and Paul agree – relationship is all about giving. If our leaders are people who seek God, and in love give to us, then we must give back to them the qualities that Paul outlines.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Do your leaders know that you respect, value and love them?

How might you show them this in the next week?

Paul’s advice continues in verses 16 to 18: ‘Rejoice always, pray continually,

give thanks in all circumstances.’ Does rejoicing mean that we always go around with a smile on our face and an upbeat Tigger-style bounce in our step? Does Paul really mean pray every hour God sends? Does he really mean that we need to be grateful for absolutely everything, including those things that hurt, defeat or frustrate us?

As I look at these verses, I must look back to chapter 4 in this letter to better understand what he means. In verses 13 to 18, we find him encouraging the believers to live in hope of the Resurrection. Because Christ was raised to life, those who believe in him do not have to ‘grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope’ (v13). Paul outlines a yet-to-befulfilled divine timetable, that shows that God has everything in hand. Culminating in being ‘with the Lord for ever’ (v17), a believer’s future is not bleak: it is hope-filled.

Paul knows that life is not always easy, but he is a great example of how to live in hope (see Acts 16:16–40).

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How might we find ways to rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances?

In your fellowship with other Christians, how do you remember God’s goodness and celebrate this together?

Finally, we turn to verses 19 to 24 of our study passage. Here, Paul calls us to love each other, to live at peace and to show

Major Susan Woodgate reminds us that the Holy Spirit fuels our vision and mission

this world how to live this way. We do this not in our own power, but we live in the presence and by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. We are blood and fire people.

As God’s fire burns, it brings energy and light. It transforms and fuels our vision and mission. Paul warns the Thessalonians –and each of us – not to be people who put out such fire.

Imagine a camping trip. The crackling wood fire is burning, giving the muchneeded warmth, and is ready for cooking a nourishing meal. Then someone throws a bucket of water over it and puts the fire out. Or, less dramatically, someone sits close to the fire and, slowly but continually, splashes the fire with small amounts of water. In time, the wood gets wet, the flames dwindle and the fire goes out.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Are we holding on to what is good?

How can we enable God’s fire to keep burning?

Through our indifference and coldness, can we be guilty of quenching the fiery Spirit? In our fellowships, how might we repent of this and change so that we fan the flame (see 2 Timothy 1:6) rather than extinguish it?

Prayer Matters contains daily devotions covering specific areas in the territory, current worldwide situations and personal reflection and relationship with God. A PDF of the unedited booklet is available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

A PRAYER JOURNEY FOR LENT

by Captain Gary Lacey (Prayer Network)

SATURDAY 25 MARCH

‘The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites”’ (Deuteronomy 1:6 and 7). What situation in your life have you focused on for too long? Lord, strengthen me to have the courage to ‘break camp’, to move on and to claim new ground in my life. Amen.

SUNDAY 26 MARCH

Make the words of this song your prayer: ‘I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice/ To worship you, O my soul rejoice./ Take joy, my King, in what you hear,/ May it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear’ (SASB 369).

MONDAY 27 MARCH

‘Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion’ (Isaiah 30:18). Are we offering this same compassion to others? Lord, thank you that you are a God of justice. I receive your compassion and grace, and I want to show that same grace and compassion to all those I come across. Amen.

TUESDAY 28 MARCH

‘I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions’ (Isaiah 43:25). Do you sometimes feel like your sin is greater than God’s forgiveness? Lord, I stand before you right now and declare that even though my sins are great, your forgiveness is greater! Forgive me, Lord, and blot out my sins. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 29 MARCH

‘For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him’ (Psalm 62:5 English Standard Version). Is your life so busy that you cannot seem to find any room for silence? Lord, I long to hear you. In the silence your presence intensifies. Help me, Lord, to build times of quality silence into my lifestyle. Amen.

THURSDAY 30 MARCH

‘I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead’ (Philippians 3:10 and 11). What things in your life do you feel need to die so that you may find new life and direction? Father, I want to know your vision for my life. Amen.

FRIDAY 31 MARCH

‘“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart”’ (Joel 2:12). Thank you, Lord, because you are a God of second chances. ‘Even now’ I can come to you. This is the essence of the hope I have in you. Amen.

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 the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.

Praying for a new Division

Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant presents the March update from the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group

AS this issue of Salvationist goes to press, final preparations are being made for the transition of the Devon and Cornwall and Severn and Somerset Divisions to become the new South West Division. Salisbury Corps already joined the Central, Southern and Channel Islands Division in January, and this latest boundary update brings us to 16 divisions. We’re grateful to everyone who has been hard at work in the background and for the spirit of grace with which you’ve approached this transition.

We want to take this opportunity to surround the new division’s leaders –Majors Paul and Gillian Billard – with our prayers and support. We ask God to guide them as they encourage and enhance the interactions between local government/authority and ecumenical partners and the various expressions of Salvation Army mission in the division. Please bear with Majors Paul and Gillian as they begin implementation of changes, and continue to encourage them and uphold them in prayer moving forwards.

As we prepare for the final phases of boundary updates in July, the territory continues to move away from the service centre model introduced during Fit for Mission, placing a firm focus on closer working relationships between headquarters – territorial and divisional – and local mission expressions. Four of the original service centre buildings have closed, but DHQ teams continue to welcome and collaborate with locally based territorial oversight and support personnel within the division.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Last month, we shared an overview of the work that’s taking place ‘behind the scenes’ across our territorial services. Our Service Design Groups in Personnel, Communications, Mission, Business Administration and the Chief Secretary’s office continue to improve the support and oversight they offer to corps and other local mission expressions and are

determined that a more integrated and streamlined structure will follow.

We will continue to update you on their progress and that of our other Service Design Groups as we work to continuously improve all we do to support local mission flourishing.

WHAT ABOUT MISSION?

The Structure Co-ordination and Design Group (SCDG) want to thank you for your ongoing interest in our work and for your passion to see the Army’s mission flourish across the territory. We all want a flourishing Army and want to work hard to make it happen.

The SCDG’s focus has been primarily on ‘support and oversight’ and tasked with getting headquarters working so that local units (corps, centres, etc) can get on with mission. In the background, a number of initiatives are under way – outside the SCDG remit – to focus on ‘local mission delivery’ rather than ‘support and oversight’.

We are seeing evidence of Kingdom growth across the territory – it is good in parts but there is more to do. As Commissioner Harry Read said years ago: ‘If it’s not happening where you are, it’s not happening.’

Local mission delivery is absolutely essential and our colleagues will update you on their progress.

Meanwhile, please be reassured we share your longing for a flourishing Army – we all need to play our part in this.

Please do continue to share your feedback with us in the usual way, via transformation@salvationarmy.org.uk, so that we can continue to learn, improve and adapt all we are doing.

THE DESIRED OUTCOMES OF THE STRUCTURE CO-ORDINATION AND DESIGN GROUP

Transformation Increase capacity of locally based Salvation Army work to contribute to the territory’s five mission priorities: share the good news; nurture disciples of Jesus; care for creation; serve others without discrimination; seek justice and reconciliation.

Integration Build strong and effective collaboration between all aspects of Army work in a geographical area.

Streamlining Design appropriate, effective, efficient and sustainable structures and processes that enable local mission to flourish.

DIVISIONS AS OF 1 JULY 2023

Living water

Hayley Still introduces the 2023 Helping-Hand Appeal

WHAT do you do when you are thirsty? For many of us, the answer is simple: we turn on the tap and out streams a seemingly unlimited supply of clean, safe water. But this is not the case for everyone.

Water scarcity is a growing issue with 1.42 billion people – including 450 million children – living in areas of high or extremely high water vulnerability.

Around the world, The Salvation Army is present in many communities where people feel the impacts of water scarcity daily. One such place is the Karonga district in northern Malawi. Here, The Salvation Army has worked alongside community members to find a solution to the water and sanitation crisis. As a result, a large-scale water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) project has been established.

One element of this far-reaching,

integrated project is the construction of boreholes. Without a borehole, women and girls have to wake early to collect water from the nearest stream or river – a water source that’s shared with animals and easily becomes contaminated. A local borehole means that they can draw clean water more quickly and efficiently. This has not only led to a reduction in cholera, diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases, but it has also had positive impacts on the lives of women and girls.

They previously had to walk through wooded areas, thick with trees and bushes, to collect water – the threat of violence and sexual assault was ever present along the route. Additionally, the high demand for the water, which was collected by scooping from shallow pools in the riverbed, meant that it often became busy and they had to get up

“ The provision of a single clean water source has been transformative.”

early to beat the queues.

An accessible borehole, constructed in an open space alongside the houses, means that women and girls need no longer wake up early and gather water in fear. The borehole is centrally located and only a short walk from home for lots of them. The time that has been freed up simply through the installation of this local supply means women can

MARY’S STORY

Mary is a 15-year-old student at Lupaso School. She shared the difference that new school toilets have made:

‘A while back, the toilets at school were not adequate, and it was impacting our learning. We could travel home to use the toilet, but this meant we would miss class to do so. My village is quite far from school. With support from The Salvation Army, things have changed completely. The school now has private rooms that we can use during our period. This means we don’t have to waste time going home to get clean, and we don’t miss classes anymore. Before, we would often get sick from different illnesses. Now, we wash our hands regularly and follow personal hygiene measures. We students are agents of change at school and at home!’

This is a truly integrated project, not only because of the variety of activities involved, but also because of the way it impacts all aspects of people’s lives.

Alongside communities, schools are a central component. Without handwashing or drinking water facilities, children easily became sick – schools are an opportune environment for illnesses to thrive and spread. A lack of toilet facilities added to the poor hygiene practices – children and other community members had no choice but to defecate outside.

work on income-generating activities and girls can spend more time in school. Each borehole, however, serves a lot of people. The provision of a single clean water source has been transformative, but it remains a long distance away for many. Additional boreholes are needed to reduce the strain on the single borehole and reduce journey times for those living further away.

Furthermore, without safe and private toilet facilities, girls were forced to go home when they got their period. This meant they regularly missed classes and ultimately fell behind in their education.

In response to these challenges, the schools and communities partnered The Salvation Army to construct toilet facilities – separate blocks for boys and girls – with private cubicles, handwashing facilities and a room in which girls can manage their menstrual hygiene –essentially a space where they can

HOW CAN I HELP?

£15 could give a person clean water for life through access to a sand dam £45 could provide training in the maintenance of boreholes

£470 could construct a toilet in a school

£1,450 could install a shallow well alongside a sand dam Donate at salvationist.org.uk/helpinghand

WHAT CAN I DO?

During 2023, Salvation Army corps and groups across the UK and Ireland will raise money for international clean water projects through the Helping-Hand Appeal. Order a free fundraising pack by calling 020 7367 4777 or download all the resources from salvationist.org. uk/helpinghand

SPEND A PENNY, GIVE A POUND

One way to support Helping-Hand 2023 is by taking on the Spend a Penny, Give a Pound challenge. It’s simple: over the course of one day – or longer, if you choose – donate £1 for each time you use the loo!

clean themselves before returning to class.

Providing facilities is just part of the process. Attitude shifts and behavioural changes take time. Awareness-raising initiatives such as dance and drama presentations are helping to highlight the importance of hygiene and sanitation in a fun and engaging way.

Young people are at the heart of this project. As Mary says, students are agents of change, not only at school but at home too. They are transforming attitudes and behaviours to keep themselves, their friends and their families safe, and to ensure that all people can reach their potential.

SELF-DENIAL AND HELPING-HAND EXPLAINED

International Projects Office Team Leader Benjamin Gilbert explains the differences and links between the Army’s two major international appeals

When was the Helping-Hand Appeal started?

The Helping-Hand Appeal was the inspiration of Colonel Olive Booth during the Second World War. Shortly afterwards, the worldwide home league began donating money to a variety of Salvation Army projects, particularly those reaching community needs. In the UK, the Helping-Hand Appeal is run annually in collaboration between the Family Ministries Department and International Development UK.

How are the funds used?

The Helping-Hand Appeal funding is used internationally for community-based projects, such as work involving anti-trafficking, clean water, food security and gender justice. The money is used specifically for things such as drilling boreholes, agricultural training, awareness raising and vocational skills training. The Helping-Hand Appeal rotates around these community-based themes each year. During 2023, the focus is on clean water.

How are the two appeals linked?

HAYLEY STILL UK Engagement Co-ordinator International Development

In many territories, The Salvation Army uses a church-based model when implementing its community programmes. A clean water or food security project will often closely involve a corps officer and corps volunteers. For example, a corps building might be used to conduct training or facilitate the distribution of seeds in a project. This ensures that relationships between a corps and its wider community can be built and sustained well after the project has ended. The Self-Denial Appeal helps to keep the physical infrastructure of The Salvation Army going and the Helping-Hand Appeal enables corps to engage in community needs far beyond what their own resources would allow. Both appeals are mutually dependent on each other – so please give generously to both!

Read the full article online at salvationist.org.uk/appealsexplained

Hadleigh Temple Planting for the planet

FAST FACTS

DIVISION: East of England

CORPS OFFICERS: Majors Marian and Steve Fripp

FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/hadleightemple

ECO CHURCH? IT’S HOW WE WORK!

Our bandleader, Marion Still, started us on our Eco Church (ecochurch.arocha. org.uk) journey. She registered us and got us thinking about environmental matters. We are working towards bronze award status and it’s become part of the way we think, work and shop. We conscientiously recycle our glass, paper, cardboard and plastics via the council’s doorstep collection. We’re careful to buy suitably resourced tea, coffee and sugar. We try to use recycled and recyclable materials in our parent-and-toddler group, Messy Church and YP worship crafts. Our corps charity shop is a good way of re-using items and interacting with the community too.

In our building we have replaced most of our lighting with LED units and installed new, efficient boilers. Several corps members, and us as the corps officers, drive electric or hybrid cars to

NEW BEGINNINGS ROOTED IN REMEMBRANCE

Steve and I have been the corps officers here for five years and some of that time was during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the lockdowns, we kept in touch with our corps by sending occasional small gift bags, including one containing sunflower seeds that encouraged people to see whose grew the most.

People were deeply affected by the restrictions on attendance at funerals, so we held a memorial service and planted a tree of remembrance in the corps grounds. We had two further trees planted to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and our Beavers and Cubs have also planted many new trees on Hadleigh Farm Estate.

LINKING WITH HADLEIGH FARM

Every year our corps is given a huge outdoor Christmas tree by a local firm. Last year, we disposed of it in ecofriendly ways. The trunk was recycled for use by Captain Wendy Watkins (Hadleigh Farm) and the leafy branches went to the goats in the farm’s rare breeds centre to eat.

Several corps members are employees of Hadleigh Farm Estate and, as a mission team with the estate, we have regular focus meetings to plan, reflect and pray together because we are keen to show the Army serving the local community. During the summer we helped with holiday activities for children and invited Cadet Hannah Stannard, who was on placement at Southend Southchurch.

These overlaps continually provide opportunities to invite people to worship and activities held by each expression.

PLANTING FUTURE PLANS

A group of corps members are developing our grounds to support

wildlife, including creating pollinatorfriendly flowerbeds, a bug hotel and nesting boxes and food for birds. We also plan to take part in No Mow May to help provide a friendly habitat for small creatures. In our corps newsletter, there are regular ‘bee bites’ – hints and tips on small changes we can all make to live more sustainably so that everyone can join in.

BUILDING COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS

We are blessed to receive great support from Morrisons community champions in Hadleigh and Canvey Island. We advertise on their community notice boards and support their community projects. They collect fantastic donations for our food bank every week.

It really is an exciting journey in mission, as it involves making many new friends in our community – people of all ages who are making the weekly activities part of their routine and those who enquire with interest about getting involved when they read or hear about us.

Young families especially appreciate having somewhere to help cultivate their children’s attention in environmental interests and we have the privilege and pleasure of pointing them to our loving Creator, who is at the centre of it all.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ECO CHURCH?

Caring for creation is one of the territory’s five mission priorities. Find out more by emailing environment@salvationarmy.org. uk or visiting salvationist.org. uk/environmentaloffice

An encouraging visit

THE NETHERLANDS

THE Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, and World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham visited for the installation of the new territorial commander of The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory.

The visit began on Saturday morning at the corps in Almere with a meeting for active and retired officers. Commissioner Bente Gundersen was installed as territorial commander at an afternoon service. In her sermon she used the words of Jesus in John 1:38, speaking of how Jesus invites us to see and stay with him.

On Sunday morning, Commissioners Bente, Bronwyn and Lyndon and Colonels

Donna and Stuart Evans visited the corps in Harderwijk.

After the installation of two new aux-captains, the Chief spoke of God’s greatness. The commissioners visited several Army locations in Amsterdam, including the Majoor Bosshardthuis. Commissioner Lyndon expressed his admiration for the work of Lieut-Colonel Alida Bosshardt –known in The Netherlands as ‘the Major’. The trip continued with a visit to the Meeting Point, a walk-in support centre for sex workers in the red-light district, followed by a boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam.

On the final day they visited territorial headquarters. The territory was spiritually encouraged and inspired by the visit. – AR

ECUMENICAL

ECUMENICAL

EVENT

CIRENCESTER In addition to the Self-Denial altar service, a family service included Songs of Praise Around the World, featuring songs related to each of the continents in which the Army operates. The band and songsters contributed items and the young people presented information about each continent and built models of landmarks to illustrate it. Each song was introduced by someone with a connection to the continent it represented and included choruses in Malay and Shona. – MG

TENBY The corps held its first World Day of Prayer since before the Covid-19 pandemic. The building was full, with people attending from the five churches in the area and representatives from each taking part. There was a lovely relaxed and warm feeling among the group and plenty of laughter and chatting while cake and drinks were being served. – LR

SALISBURY ‘Sally Army

Strider’ Mel Davies is running the London Marathon for the corps. She became interested after seeing the Re-Cycles project on the forecourt and chatting to volunteers. Her boss, Bishop Stephen Lake (pictured) is publicising her efforts through his office’s social media and online presence. – MD

STRATFORD Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Jonathan Ashworth, MP, praised the Employment Plus scheme during a visit. He spoke to people who have been helped and met corps officers Captains Jonathan and Lee Raggett and Nick Read, who leads employment services for The Salvation Army across the UK. – AR

EXETER TEMPLE The first Temple Praise of 2023 brought Salvationists and friends old and new from across the South West together. All the solo items were provided by members of the corps, alongside a quartet of the songsters and the band. Andrea Walton gave a thought using puppets, reminding everyone present that they are children of God and can be witnesses for Jesus in every aspect of their lives. – PW

MODERN SLAVERY Army responds to migration bill THQ

THE Salvation Army is ‘extremely concerned’ that the UK government’s Illegal Migration Bill will have a devastating impact on victims of modern slavery.

The Army has held the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract for more than a decade and through it provides specialist support to adult survivors in England and Wales.

At present, all victims are entitled to specialist support, regardless of their background. However, the Army has warned that the new bill, aimed at tackling the number of small boat crossings in the Channel, would remove that right for those who have been tricked, traded and trapped through no fault of their own. Under the bill, support for many survivors would become dependent upon their co-operation with the criminal justice system.

‘Illegal immigration is a weapon used to exploit people for profit and it’s essential that the government tackles the inhumane use of small boats by criminal gangs,’ said Major Kathy Betteridge, director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery. ‘However, automatically detaining and then removing people as they arrive will deliver vulnerable people back into the hands of the criminal gangs.’

‘We have serious concerns that, without major amendments, this bill will have the unintended consequence of undermining the rights of survivors of modern slavery and make it harder for genuine victims to access support,’ Major Kathy added.

The Army is calling for the bill’s provisions relating to modern slavery to be removed.

Find out more at bit.ly/ ProtectSurvivorsRights

Privileged Bodies reaffirm loyalty to King Charles

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

KING Charles received the Privileged Bodies for a ceremony in which they pledged their loyalty to His Majesty.

The tradition, which dates back to the 17th century, sees representatives of 27 culturally significant organisations from across the UK present their loyal addresses to the monarch. The ceremony most recently took place in 2012, to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill was part of the Free Churches Group delegation (pictured). Each of the Privileged Bodies delivered an address, paying tribute to

Queen Elizabeth II and to the King.

‘Much has changed since the Privileged Bodies and Corporations of the United Kingdom last gathered over a decade ago,’ said King Charles in a speech.

‘Whether in the fields of education, science or the arts, or whether as representatives of the faith communities or of civic organisations, you advance our knowledge and our understanding of how we relate to each other and the world about us. You underpin the very foundations upon which our country is built and help to construct a framework of excellence and achievement within which

our civil society functions and our national narrative can be formed.

‘In doing so, you are admired around the world for your contributions to public life. You remind us of an essential truth – that a nation’s wealth and strength can be found, beyond the size of its economy or its place in the geopolitical landscape, in the values that it embodies – mutual respect, diversity, tolerance, fairness and friendship.’

The TC spoke with the King at the reception afterwards, assuring him of the prayers of Salvationists, to which he replied: ‘That’s good – I need that!’ – AR

BARKING Vocal group Una Voce helped kick off the 150th corps anniversary celebrations under the theme Get Out of the Boat. The choir brought testimony, led congregational singing and ministered in song to a packed hall of 150 people. Divisional Youth Officer Captain Ben Ellis (Ireland) shared a message based on Matthew 14:22–36. The meeting was the first in a string of special Sundays to mark the anniversary year. – SW

Reinvigoration and blessing

WALLSEND The corps celebrated the first anniversary of its Messy Church. YPSM Gemma Parkin pioneered the initiative and ran a series of monthly events to connect families who attend weekday activities with worship and Bible stories. The sessions have attracted many families who have since become involved in the holiday club, Christmas activities and more. – LC

FUNDRAISING

CARLISLE Last year, soldiers Lynsey and Marilyn Galloway raised funds for the Ukraine appeal by making and selling felt hearts. In recent months they have been making and selling teddies, two of which are on display in the hall alongside a Ukrainian flag as a reminder of the need for continued prayer for those affected by the war. – MS

INDIA EASTERN

AFFORDED the status of state guests by the government of Mizoram, General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle were greeted by civic officials and soldiers at the airport.

During the visit, the General held a press conference for local state media, which was widely publicised. Councils on Wednesday gave spiritual blessing to officers and cadets, and the dedication of three new prayer halls was of great encouragement.

Separate congress meetings were held for women, men, and corps cadets and young people. At the women’s congress, Commissioner Rosalie was greeted with traditional dances, while during the joint men’s fellowship and local officers’ congress the General was given the distinction of participating in a ceremony normally reserved for national chiefs and warriors.

During the congress for corps cadets and young people, Salvationists displayed their talents through sketches, music performances and timbrel displays. The General and Commissioner Rosalie awarded 483 merit badges to those who had completed six years as corps cadets.

The Holy Spirit’s presence was evident in the youth meeting on Friday as many people knelt at the mercy seat. The holiness and salvation meetings on Sunday saw thousands of people in attendance, hundreds of whom responded to the call to rededicate their lives to God. – DT

WILLENHALL About 80 people attended a free community lunchtime concert, with music provided by Stephanie Lamplough (Music and Creative Arts). The concerts have been a great success and new people are returning each time and bringing new friends. – LH-N

A well-attended murder mystery evening at Dunstable raises £114 for the Big Collection

CHRISTCHURCH A new activity day brought together groups and clubs that met before the Covid-19 pandemic. New people attended and those who used to attend returned for crafts, games, colouring, hand and head massages, manicures and chatting. There was a buzz, with many excited for the next time they meet. – TE

LIVERPOOL STONEYCROFT

LEIGH-ON-SEA

THOMAS Slader was welcomed as an adherent. Thomas thanked friends and relatives for their support in what he described as a big step in his faith journey. Stuart Croot and Major Norman Ord prayed for Thomas who is pictured with corps officers Captains Robert and Clare Davis and Adherents Secretary Thelma Beacham. – PJ

WOKING

CALTON and Ruramai

Chahwanda were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Captain Sam Tomlin. It was a joyful occasion with a fellowship meal after the meeting. Calton was also commissioned as welcome sergeant. All three are pictured with Major Mark SpencerArneaud (Liverpool HSU) and Corps Secretary Joan Petrie. – ST

ADDLESTONE

CORPS officer Major Margaret House welcomed three adherents. Denise Allison began attending with a friend after the Covid-19 pandemic. Kip Abbott began attending the meetings after the loss of her husband a few years ago and invited her sister-in-law, Gillian Scully. Kip and Gillian attend worship every week as well as the Friendship Club. Kip also attends a house Bible study group. They are pictured with corps officer Major David House. – MH

ANN Bull was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Ian Loxley. Ann made contact with the corps during the Covid-19 lockdowns. In her testimony, she spoke of finding and accepting God at the Grand Canyon and how miracles in the Bible have given her so much hope and belief. ‘I feel accepted just as I am,’ she added, highlighting the relaxed, friendly and inclusive atmosphere at the corps. – IL

WHAT DOES BEING A SOLDIER OR ADHERENT MEAN?

Find out more about membership of The Salvation Army and the different ways in which you can make a spiritual commitment at salvationist.org.uk/membership

SANDRA Wilson and Felicity Parry were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Lieutenant Sarah O’Grady. Sandra testified to being brought up knowing her grandmother had been an officer and always accepted the Army as her church to the point where she was ready to take the final step. Felicity came to the corps with her family just prior to the first Covid-19 lockdown and kept in touch. When meetings resumed, she attended regularly and this year she took on the leadership of the parent-and-toddler group. Also pictured are flagbearer Iain Hards and Corps Treasurer Charles Green. – CG

BECCLES

WORTHING

OPENSHAW

MICHAEL Gordon and Will Wenlock were welcomed as adherents by corps officers Captains Jane and Jon Bishton. Michael thanked God that Jesus accepts him as he is. He said Jesus sees him as ‘flawsome’ – flawed but awesome! In his testimony, Will spoke of being aware of God’s presence throughout his life. More recently he has found God’s inner strength from the words of Psalm 121. Sadie was enrolled as a junior soldier as she wanted to be braver and become closer to God. – JB

CLOWNE

DIVISIONAL Area Officers Majors Mark and Sarah Price enrolled Freddie as a junior soldier, following in the footsteps of his sister, Ona. Freddie is shown with Major Sarah and Peta Coates of Winners Junior Church group. – GH

A SPECIAL celebration meeting marked the enrolment of Daniel Bannister, Felicity Hale, Julie Sadler, Will Colvin, Frank Ffitch and Chris Buckwell as soldiers and the welcome of Ian Blanchard as an adherent. The meeting was led by corps officer Major Pam Knuckey, supported by corps Spiritual Life Development Secretary Commissioner Gill Downer. Daniel was brought up in the corps and now leads the livestream team. Ian and Felicity started attending after the Covid-19 lockdowns, when they were looking for a local church. Julie, Will, Frank and Chris have all attended and served at the corps in different capacities for several years. Ian and Daniel shared their testimonies of the spiritual journey that had led them to make their commitments. Holding the flag is Major Darrell Thomas. – PK

TRACEY Robinson was welcomed as an adherent by corps assistant Harry Woods. Tracey chose ‘Amazing Grace’ as her testimony. – LW

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

Appointed

Effective 20 February

MAJOR PAUL WESTLAKE , Portsmouth Citadel (21 hours per week)

Effective 23 February

MAJOR GRAHAM BARRATT, Safe Mission Support (North England)

TERRITORIAL ENVOY

STEWART MADDEN , additional appointment, Newbury

Effective 13 April

CAPTAIN JAN HOWLIN , additional appointment, Divisional Area Officer, Central, Southern and Channel Islands

CAPTAIN MARTIN DAVISON, additional appointment, Divisional Area Officer, Central, Southern and Channel Islands

MAJORS ADRIAN AND BETH MADDERN , additional appointments, Divisional Area Officers, Central, Southern and Channel Islands

Effective 27 April

LIEUTENANT SHARON STEVENS, Londonderry

Effective 11 May

TERRITORIAL ENVOY ANDREW

HOWE, Chaplain to Ashbrook and Edinburgh Granton Corps Community Project

Local officers appointed

CSM TONY AITKEN , Stapleford

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

LEADER RACHAEL GARNHAM , Reading Central

Dedicated to God

ISABELLA YAN JIA , daughter of Linda and Stuart, at Kilburn by Lieutenant Jen Barker

WESLEY IKECHUKWU, son of Eve and Hugo Ogbolu, at Notting Hill by Lieutenant Jen Barker

EMMANUEL GEORGE

MOSHE NEEVE-ZOREA , son of Florence Neeve and Simon Zorea, at Canterbury by Captains Chris and Lucy Still

Wedding anniversaries

Emerald DAVID AND SANDRA MILES, Ramsgate, on 30 March

Golden

MAJORS CYNTHIA AND JOHN FRIDAY on 7 April

MAJORS ANN AND DAVID

RADFORD on 7 April

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR SYLVIA RANDLE , 80 on 2 April

MAJOR KATHLEEN ELKIN , 80 on 6 April

MAJOR ANN TIPPING , 80 on 7 April

Promoted to Glory

CHRISTINE CHADWICK , Paignton

DEREK GIRLING , Stowmarket, on 16 February

MARJORIE BAILEY, Birkenhead, on 4 March

Bereaved

KEITH CHADWICK , Paignton, of his wife Christine Chadwick, Philip Chadwick , Paignton, and Stuart Chadwick of their mother

MAJOR ALWYN HOCKLEY of her father Derek Girling

MAJOR DAVID BAILEY, Stuart Bailey and Nick Bailey of their mother

Marjorie Bailey

Official gazette Long service 25 years

MAJOR KATHY BETTERIDGE , Mission Service, THQ COMMISSIONER

ANTHONY COTTERILL Territorial Commander

ENGAGEMENTS

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Tue 28 Mar ICO lecture

Thu 6 Apr – Mon 10 Apr Belfast Sydenham

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Sat 25 Mar – Sun 26 Mar Doncaster

Mon 3 Apr IHQ (Holy Week Prayers)

Thu 6 Apr – Sun 9 Apr Stornoway

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Sat 25 Mar Regent Hall (ISB and New York Staff Band Live in London)

Sun 26 Mar William Booth College (Musicians’ Day with ISB, ISS and New York Staff Band)

Fri 7 Apr – Sun 9 Apr Reading Central

NOTICES

Earth Hour

Take part in this year’s Earth Hour on 25 March at 8.30pm – switch off your lights and spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet. For ideas on how you can get involved, visit earthhour.org or find out more about our territorial mission priority of caring for creation at salvationist.org.uk/environmentaloffice

Connect

Planning for home league or other midweek groups? Connect is now available as a downloadable resource on salvationist.org.uk . New sessions include Spring Forward! and Pentecost Confusion! For further information please email familyministries@salvationarmy.org.uk

Easter Charts: Vote for your Top 10!

This Easter, Salvationist Radio will be presenting a special chart show, featuring the Top 10 brass band, vocal and contemporary Christian music songs, as voted for by you! Have your say by visiting salvationist.org.uk/radio

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship podcast

Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays on Salvationist Radio? Catch up with our weekly podcast of Sunday Worship highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

Listen at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Fully Scored

This episode starts with a trip to the Netherlands, as Matthew Frost interviews Amsterdam Staff Bandmaster Olaf Ritman. Salvation Army music aficionado Ron Holz (USA Southern Territory) delves into Peter Graham’s ‘Shine as the Light’. And, before Olaf returns for Bandmastermind, World of Sound’s Melissa Dee reveals the album she would choose to have with her if she found herself marooned on an arid island.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, PodBean and Acast

BOSCOMBE, 76 PALMERSTON ROAD, BOURNEMOUTH BH1 4HT

Friday 7 to Sunday 9 April

EASTER CELEBRATION WEEKEND

Special guests General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Good Friday – Services, 11am and 7pm

Easter Saturday – Concert by Una Voce, 7pm

Tickets: £5 (children free)

To reserve tickets, please email boscombe@salvationarmy.org.uk

Easter Sunday – Services, 10.45am and 6pm

For more details of the weekend’s events, please visit salvationarmy.org.uk/boscombe

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, BAYHALL ROAD TN2 4UT

Saturday 22 April

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS

Vocal workshop, 4pm

Open to concert ticket holders (reservation required)

Concert, 7pm

Tickets: £12 (under-12s free) from Eventbrite (fees apply) iss-tunbridgewells.eventbrite.com

Sunday 23 April Family worship, 10.15am

Open-air meeting, 12.30pm (Millennium Clock, Five Ways) Free Praise Festival, 3pm

SHERINGHAM CORPS, CREMER STREET NR26 8DZ

Saturday 13 May, 7.30pm

JONATHAN VEIRA LIVE

An audience with Jonathan Veira –an evening of contemporary music, opera and chat. Adept at keyboard and guitar, he will delight you.

Tickets £12

Available from eventbrite.co.uk/e/552654553647 (or search eventbrite.co.uk for ‘Jonathan Veira live’) or from the SA hall on 01263 826059

ADVERTISING RATES

ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT

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ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

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the water

I give t hem will never thirst .

’

4:14