Salvationist 26 February 2022 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

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SALVATIONIST SUPPORTING SHOP STAFF THROUGH CITY CENTRE CHAPLAINCY

MATURING IN SERVICE PAGES 16 AND 17

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

DON’T LET KINDNESS ‘VANISH WITH THE PANDEMIC’ SAYS RETIRING ARCHBISHOP OF WALES The Archbishop of Wales thanked everyone for the kindness and compassion he says people have shown to each other during the pandemic, in his final video message before his retirement. Archbishop John Davies said he also hopes the goodwill will continue as [Covid-19] restrictions lift… Thanking people for their support to himself and to their churches and communities, he said… ‘One of the things that’s emerged from those challenging times has been a huge recognition that there is a lot of goodness and kindness and compassion and love around in our communities. ‘People have been so supportive of others in their times of need … loneliness … suffering and bereavement. And I hope … that when restrictions are relaxed and maybe when it’s all over … that sense of calling to be supportive, to be compassionate, to be kind won’t vanish with the pandemic – that would be such a great shame.’ Archbishop John also urged church members to embrace new challenges and opportunities and be prepared to change to be more accessible, welcoming and with refreshed teaching. ITV News

NEW HYMN COLLECTION REFLECTS CONTEMPORARY THEMES

LAMBETH TO HOUSE NEW UNIT TO EXPLAIN AND PROMOTE CHRISTIAN FAITH

An open search for new hymns on contemporary social issues has resulted in a new collection, Until Your Earth Is Whole, including a mixture of new music and existing hymn tunes, and by established and up-and-coming writers. The search was launched a year ago by Jubilate, the Song and Hymn Writers Foundation. It wanted to ‘joyfully broaden the repertoire’, particularly in more mainstream churches, and sought inspiration from writers who were ‘not just grappling with the issues but also offering a distinctive Christian perspective’... The result is a collection of 12 hymns… The project co-ordinator, Roger Peach, music director of St Andrew’s, Oxford, describes the collection as ‘encompassing heartfelt prayer, raw outpouring of lament and faith-filled hope for the future’... The nine issues that writers were asked to focus on included mental health, the refugee crisis, the environment and truth.

A new Centre for Cultural Witness, dedicated to exploring how the Church can communicate its ‘profound and transforming’ story to the public, is to be established on the site of Lambeth Palace this summer… Dr Graham Tomlin will … lead it. ‘We have a remarkable story in the Christian faith that has shaped cultures over centuries in profound ways,’ he said... ‘Yet, we need to find better ways to communicate that faith so that others can understand and believe it today.’ The Centre for Cultural Witness … will operate in partnership with theological faculties in the UK… A key aspect of its work will be a website ‘explaining Christian faith in accessible terms and how it might contribute, challenge and respond to contemporary cultural issues and themes’. The content will be produced by ‘both well-known names and younger, more diverse voices’.

Church Times

NO PLACE IN CHURCH FOR RACISM, SAYS ARCHBISHOP A prominent English archbishop used his homily on Racial Justice Sunday to state ‘everyone is welcome in the Church’… Archbishop of Southwark John Wilson [said] ‘we cannot be silent about the existence of racism and we cannot be silent about its causes’. The mass was organised with the Southwark Commission for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion, a … diocesan initiative to educate Catholics on racial justice issues and build up leadership from within BAME Catholic communities. Acting as a national focus for the English and Welsh Church’s 2022 Racial Justice Sunday theme, Image and Likeness of God, the mass … was attended by members of the ethnic chaplaincies of England and Wales… A recent report by the Runnymede Trust stated that systemic racism ... continues to impact BAME people across the UK. The Tablet

SALVATIONIST salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1847

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, 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.

Salvationist 26 February 2022

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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 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101

SHARING THE GOSPEL WHEN William Sangster, the great Methodist preacher, writer and theologian, was a minister in Scarborough in the 1930s, a man in his church took every opportunity to share the gospel. He was a barber and used a cut-throat razor, which was common in those days. On one occasion, with the customer lathered up for a shave, the barber held up the open razor and asked, ‘Are you prepared to meet your God?’ The terrified man got up and ran out. If that approach to evangelism was counterproductive almost a century ago, then how much more would it be today? Britain has been described as post-Christian, because only a minority of people accept or even know the Christian message, and as postmodern, because many reject absolute truth and morality, preferring what seems relevant or what feels right. At the same time, there is an underlying sense of spirituality and a desire for meaning. So, how do we share the gospel in this postChristian, postmodern yet spiritually sensitive culture? I was interested to read on our ‘Quotes from the media’ page about a new Centre for Cultural Witness, which aims to address that question. Dr Graham Tomlin said, ‘We have a remarkable story in the Christian faith that has shaped cultures over centuries in profound ways... Yet, we need to find better ways to communicate that faith so that others can understand and believe it today.’ An article in our series on chaplaincy in diverse settings shows how three city centre chaplains are attempting to communicate the faith – and it’s far from the confrontational approach of that Scarborough barber. As they engage with shop staff, their focus is on building relationships, listening, supporting people in times of need and, as Major Sue Camp-Richards says, ‘living the gospel’. Concluding his series about the four questions asked in The All Terrain Podcast, Matt Little considers people’s responses to the question: ‘How do we mature in service?’ In answering that question they also reveal attitudes and approaches needed for sharing their faith: a willingness to serve, an attitude of humility, the realisation that God is already at work in people’s lives, a willingness to enter into people’s culture and an openness to involving others even before they make any faith commitment. In his Bible study, Captain Callum McKenna looks at the first word represented by the acronym ‘Apest’: apostle. An apostle is one who is sent to communicate the gospel – a challenging task in our post-Christian, postmodern culture. He says it will mean learning ‘to communicate in the languages that our communities speak’, and adds that bearing witness ‘to new people, in new places, in new ways’ may be costly. Last autumn, Salvationists and people linked to the Army were invited to fill in a questionnaire about local mission flourishing. Captain Helen Froud reviews the responses of the 1,451 people who took part. I encourage you to read it carefully and consider what it says about sharing the gospel in your setting. Of course, sharing the gospel is just one of the Army’s five mission priorities featured in the survey. The others – nurturing disciples, serving others, caring for creation and seeking justice and reconciliation – involve actions as well as words. Both are needed, otherwise mission is lopsided and may fail to flourish. Words make sense of our actions, actions put our words into practice and both are expressions of loving God and loving others.

From the editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

News

4 to 6

Prayer matters

Self-Denial 2022 Costa Rica

Major Loraine Medina talks to Captain Jo Moir

Feature Loitering with intent

8 and 9

by Simon Hope

My journal 10 Releasing thoughts and emotions by Natalie Hanchett

Survey findings 11 to 14 What do you need for local mission to flourish? by Captain Helen Froud

Viewpoint What are you giving up?

by Major Ray Hobbins

All Terrain questions 16 and 17 How do we mature in service? by Matt Little

Bible study Apest: Apostles

18 and 19

by Captain Callum McKenna

Through the week with 18 and 19 Salvationist by Major Jane Kimberley

Preview Questions of our Times

by Major Nigel Bovey

Announcements Adverts

21 22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

featuring Caroline Irwin

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

Salvationist 26 February 2022

NEWS

Editor's note: Events reported were held in accordance with the Army’s Covid-19 safety guidance at the time.

ARMY NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

Army calls for rethink on Levelling Up funds UK THE Salvation Army has welcomed plans in the government’s Levelling Up white paper to increase opportunities, raise wages and provide decent housing in the UK’s deprived communities. It called the Levelling Up scheme an opportunity to invest in the thousands of people who do not want a handout but a hand up. The Army has been calling for Levelling Up funding to be invested in developing local labour markets that rely on low-skilled and low-paid work or shrinking industries that trap entire communities in poverty. Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant said: ‘The people who come to our food banks, debt advice and employment services want to work but are often held back by things beyond their control. Poorly paid seasonal work, lack of access to affordable childcare or just no opportunity to retrain when a large local employer shuts, can trap people and entire areas in deprivation.’ Lieut-Colonel Dean added: ‘To achieve its bold goal to level up the country we urge the government to rethink how need is calculated to ensure that the remainder of the funding is focused on investment in areas with the highest levels of deprivation.’ The Salvation Army is also calling for the government to develop a new plan of investment to fund childcare, so that parents can access work and training opportunities, and invest in skills and employment support to help individuals out of low-skill, low-wage employment. – AR Salvationist wants to hear your news. Corps press representatives can email salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

Salvationist 26 February 2022

Leaders gather for historic summit USA FOR the first time in history, the international, national and territorial leadership teams from all four USA territories met for a leadership summit. During the two-day event in southern Florida, the leaders sought God’s guidance and vision for The Salvation Army in the USA. International leaders General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, alongside the Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham and the zonal leaders for the Americas and Caribbean, Commissioners Edward and Shelley Hill, were guest leaders. The summit began with worship at Fort Lauderdale Adult Rehabilitation Centre, where graduates’ achievements were acknowledged and celebrated. Worship then moved to Fort Lauderdale Corps, with contributions of dance, praise and song from different corps. Commissioner Rosalie shared her testimony, saying that her life experiences were summed up by the lyrics: ‘All my life, you have been faithful/ All my life, you have been so, so good.’ Recognising the contribution made by women in Army leadership she said: ‘I am humbled and privileged to work with inspiring and capable Salvationist women leaders every day.’ The General enrolled 20 soldiers and 8 junior soldiers. He challenged them to follow their covenant or promise and challenged everyone gathered to live out the mission of the Army: ‘The Salvation Army must listen to God’s call and answer: “Send me. Send me to my neighbour… Send me, if God wills, to the training college. Send me to the ends of the Earth if that is what he wants.”’ The General, Commissioner Rosalie and Commissioners Edward and Shelley also met with the National Advisory Board at its tri-annual board meeting. Along with USA National Commander Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, the General shared news of the growth and opportunities for the Army in the USA and around the world. The General concluded: ‘It was a privilege to join with leaders from all four USA territories and with members of the National Advisory Board to hear their concerns and share in fellowship. It really was a joy to meet with these devoted people in their own country.’ – AR

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IT WAS A PRIVILEGE TO JOIN WITH LEADERS TO HEAR THEIR CONCERNS AND SHARE IN FELLOWSHIP

ARMY NEWS

Corps and territorial leaders with singing trio the Priests

Fortress Radio to come under new management ANNIVERSARY

135 years of ministry LARNE TERRITORIAL leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill took part in the 135th corps anniversary weekend. An open day on Saturday afternoon, which was supported by the town’s museum and arts centre, included a display of historical artefacts and

UKI photographs. A buffet lunch was available, and the event was well supported by members of the public and the local churches. The mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, recognised that the Army’s mission was in line with the council’s value of ‘putting people first’ and thanked all those linked with the corps for their ongoing ministry to the town. The Sunday morning meeting was supported by Ballymena Corps and officers and staff

members from divisional headquarters. Commissioner Anthony spoke on Zechariah 8:1–8. In the evening the territorial leaders attended an ecumenical service of thanksgiving to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, during which the TC read 1 Kings 1:37–40 and corps officer Captain Annemarie Cole shared a prayer. Other guests included the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Rev John McDowell, who preached, and Roman Catholic singing trio the Priests. – PC

OUTREACH

PRESENTATION CROYDON CITADEL Jack Brayshaw chose the song ‘Simply Trusting Every Day’ as his testimony when he transferred to the band and songster reserve, having completed 68 years of service as a bandsman and songster – 61 years of which were at Shaw Corps. Jack was presented with certificates of appreciation by Songster Leader Janet Laird and Bandmaster Darrell Scholes, who are pictured with him and corps officers Lieut-Colonels Edgar and Sara Chagas. – JR

Welling corps members hand out newsletters and flyers for Messy Church and the coffee morning while fundraising at Morrisons

THE Salvation Army has accepted Fortress Radio’s invitation to take on the development and operation of the station later this year. The founders of Fortress Radio, Stuart Hall and Austin Burn, said they were pleased about the change of management because with the resources available to the Army the future of the station is secure. ‘We know The Salvation Army is committed to keeping volunteer support and listeners at the heart of programming, sharing our vision of an online radio station,’ they said. ‘We have been humbled by the support of our listeners, and it has been heart-warming to hear how God has used Fortress Radio to encourage, bless and challenge during unprecedented times. We give all the glory to God. We pray that God will continue to use the station to fulfil his plans.’ Fortress Radio was launched in March 2020, coinciding with the first coronavirus lockdown, and soon gained thousands of listeners via the internet. The station currently relies on volunteers and is funded by donations. The station’s main content is Salvation Army music and it broadcasts 24/7 at fortressradio.online. – JR Salvationist 26 February 2022

NEWS

DIVISIONAL PRAYER

by Prayer Co-ordinator Captain Sara Duffy (West Scotland)

FUNDRAISING WAKEFIELD Corps officer Major Barbara Lang clocked up nearly 1,000 miles across the Yorkshire South with Humber Division to raise money for the corps Youth Alpha project. Over two weeks she visited 30 corps, as well as Lifehouses and Salvation Army Trading Company donation centres, on foot and using public transport. A total of £750 was raised for the project, which will bring together young people of secondary school age. ‘We wanted to offer somewhere safe for youngsters to meet, play some games, enjoy some food, then watch a short video to prompt discussion on the deeper questions of life,’ said Major Barbara. – HW

MEETING RAMSGATE Corps officer Captain Carl Whitewood, along with leaders of the Jewish and Muslim communities and the mayor, Councillor Raushan Ara, led an outdoor service on Holocaust Memorial Day. Many members of the community came to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust and in genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. The service was live-streamed on the corps YouTube channel. – CW

SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY During the Covid-19 pandemic I really missed being able to go into corps and help set up prayer rooms and stations. I will always appreciate how I can go and do these things that I love, in order to help others to pray in different ways. ‘You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you’ ( Job 22:27 English Standard Version). SUNDAY 27 FEBRUARY Throughout the pandemic I have had the privilege to pray for a family going through some sad situations, but God has given me the chance to intercede on their behalf and I have seen answers to prayer. It’s not been easy, and it’s been a rollercoaster ride, but by being faithful in prayer God honours our requests. ‘Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer’ (Romans 12:12 ESV ). MONDAY 28 FEBRUARY Getting to know your neighbour can be an open door to prayer. During the pandemic I got to know our neighbours, which led to my praying for them after finding out situations that needed prayer, mainly bereavement. God uses the situation we are in at that time to do his work, even on our own doorstep. TUESDAY 1 MARCH Where do we go from here? As we move on from the pandemic and look to the future, I think we have the opportunity for new beginnings and to start new things. We need to spend time in prayer asking God what he wants us to do. ‘If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you’ ( John 15:7).

LENT: WEEK 1 – BEING INTENTIONAL by Lyndall Bywater (Prayer Network)

WEDNESDAY 2 MARCH – STARTING THE JOURNEY Loving God, as we step again into the age-old season of Lent, we commit ourselves to the deeper work of listening to you with our whole being: heart, mind, soul and senses. May we hear you as we have never heard you before. THURSDAY 3 MARCH – LISTENING WITH THE TRINITY God is Trinity, which means that listening to God isn’t like downloading a voice memo; it’s more like joining a conversation. Find a copy of Rublev’s famous icon, called The Trinity or The Hospitality of Abraham, and spend some time looking at it, imagining what it might be like to be at a table with God.

COMMUNITY BALLYMONEY Inspired by a War Cry article, corps members Dorothy and Ann wanted to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. They have been collecting seven items a week to give to the local food bank, which they will do for 10 weeks to total 70 items. This has inspired many of their friends to take on a similar challenge. – J-MC 6

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FRIDAY 4 MARCH – RHYTHMS A habit of listening to God requires an attentive, open-hearted posture, and that posture takes practice. Could you make a commitment to a rhythm of listening prayer throughout Lent, stopping several times each day to sit in stillness and silence, intentionally opening yourself to the voice and the presence of God? O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources

Salvationist 29 January 2022

In the fourth of five articles, Captain Jo Moir catches up with Major Loraine Medina to find out how people are coping with the impact of climate change

Captain Jo Moir picture: Andrew King Photography

N these weeks leading up to SelfDenial Sunday on 6 March, we’re hearing from people from around the world about how The Salvation Army is caring for creation and responding to climate change. This week Major Loraine Medina, the divisional commander of Costa Rica in the Latin America North Territory, highlights the Army’s work in that country. The country of Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability. It produces nearly 93 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources and nearly a third of its landmass is protected by conservation areas. But it’s also vulnerable to extreme climate events and sea level rise.

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK INVOLVE? My day-to-day work is to oversee 13 corps that we have in this division. We have different programmes. We have services for people experiencing homelessness and serve more than 200 meals a day from Monday to Friday. We’re always exploring having more services. I am a social worker by nature so, for me, service is a given. We are always trying to look for resources from the government and from donations to provide services for others.

WHAT ARE YOU SEEING IN COSTA RICA IN TERMS OF CLIMATE CHANGE? Well, the sad thing is that, with the Covid-19 pandemic, when we’re experiencing a hurricane or a flood, the situation gets worse because you want to have social distance and you don’t want to have people exposed to the virus. That’s a challenge that we face here. We have had two floods and a hurricane. To hand out cleaning supplies for people and to hand out meals – either prepared or baskets of food – that was a challenge.

We go out after there have been hurricanes and floods and help people HAVE THE HURRICANES BEEN MORE FREQUENT? Yes. But again, we are The Salvation Army, so we have to make things happen. We have to lead the way. And I think, in Costa Rica, we’ve been very good in trying to serve others. We are saved to serve so we’ve been trying to do that even through the Covid-19 pandemic. CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DIVISION’S HURRICANE MITIGATION PROJECT? We go out after there have been hurricanes and floods and help people. I come from an island so hurricanes for us are our daily bread. I know what

happens afterwards: you don’t have power, you don’t have water. Those are the things that we have to help the people to go through. That’s part of what we do. WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU AS A DIVISION? It’s a difficult time and we can get discouraged. We’re not used to seeing people over a computer – we are Hispanic! We like the touching, we like the gathering, we like all that. For us, as the body of Christ, that part has been very difficult. I think for the whole world this has been very difficult. Here, we have to pray for resources and the sensitivity of the government to see what we are doing, that they become sensitive and they become partners – not only with The Salvation Army but also other organisations. You can be praying to give us strength, for the officers, soldiers and volunteers that we have. This article is based on a video that can be viewed at youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo

CAPTAIN MOIR IS TERRITORIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Next week Victor Mondal in Bangladesh

Salvationist 26 February 2022

FEATURE I Chaplains in… city centres

Loitering with intent Continuing a series on Salvation Army chaplaincy in diverse settings, three city centre chaplains tell Simon Hope about their mission on the high street

T is easy to think of chaplains as simply representing a Christian voice in the city centre or high street. While this is undoubtedly a part of the role, those who live out this ministry often find it is far more about expressing Christ through the relationships they build than the words they say. Avoiding direct proselytising, they take the approach described by Sydney B Carter: ‘And the creed and the colour and the name won’t matter,/ I’ll be there’ (SASB 1013). City centre chaplaincy primarily exists to support people working on the high street. This includes staff members on the shop floors of popular retail chains, behind-the-scenes managers and owners of small independent boutiques. Chaplains provide an element of welfare support with a spiritual dimension. Major Samuel Edgar is a chaplain at the Bullring and Grand Central shopping centres in Birmingham. He puts it simply: ‘We visit people in their place of work to offer friendship and to listen. My associate chaplain, Pastor John Taiwo,

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calls it “loitering with intent”!’ In one sense, the community work that city centre chaplains do is a mirror image of the work done in corps. Both offer opportunities to give unconditional and non-judgemental support to those in need. The difference is that one brings people to the Church and the other brings Church to the people. However, city centre chaplaincy is not about evangelising in the usual sense. Taking a non-partisan position is key to being approachable to people of all faiths and none. This allows chaplains to instead focus on drawing alongside and journeying with people who are in need. Major Sue Camp-Richards, a chaplain on Sidwell Street in Exeter, is also keen on the phrase ‘loitering with intent’. ‘One of the key things,’ she explains, ‘is that you listen to what people are saying. And you don’t always agree, but you respect their views. So it’s important that you are going in there living the gospel.’

Major Ali Stone is the chaplain for John Lewis on Oxford Street, London. ‘It’s looking for opportunities to connect even in a fleeting moment,’ she says. ‘It’s making those connections matter and hopefully putting a smile on people’s faces.’ This beautiful diversity of the ministry often leads to unexpected interactions and city centre chaplains are regularly kept on their toes. One day, Major Samuel was approached by a young Spanish shop assistant. A nominal Catholic, she intended to marry her fiancé but could not get back to Spain to secure the appropriate documentation. She saw the chaplaincy as a place she could ask for help. ‘Well, of course, we can do anything!’ Samuel jokingly boasts. ‘I contacted my very good friend, the dean of the Roman Catholic cathedral in Birmingham, and I arranged for them to meet up with him. He was able to get the appropriate dispensation and now I’m glad to say they are happily married.’ A thriving city centre chaplaincy will often find people approaching it as a safe space to ask for help or ‘vent’ about something on their mind. ‘Some of the managers now see us as friends and confidants,’ Samuel adds.

It’s looking for opportunities to connect even in a fleeting moment Building these relationships means that, just as there are opportunities to laugh, there are opportunities to cry. Sue mentions an intimate moment she shared with a tailor shortly after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021: ‘I asked how he was, like you normally do, and then I asked how his family was. He sat and cried and cried and cried, and I stood and I cried too. He explained that his family was in Kabul. They were scared and frightened. He was scared and frightened. I didn’t know what to say and we just stayed there, him sobbing, me sobbing. I told him that all I could do was pray and we must have been there for about half an hour when a customer came in and, bless his heart, he quickly dried his eyes and thanked me – a very gracious gentleman. ‘It’s a very humbling experience. After the lockdowns I was nervous about going back. I was afraid they might be

upset that I was nowhere to be seen when they needed me. But I couldn’t have been more wrong! I walked into the shops and I think they would have hugged me if they could. ‘Yes, I think chaplaincy is important. You have a chaplain going into their place, whether it be a prison, school or wherever, and that can make more of an impact on one person than anything else.’ ‘I recently got a call from a John Lewis partner on a day I wasn’t in the store,’ Ali continues. ‘They asked if I could go over because they had someone feeling suicidal. They were dealing with the matter, but the fact that one manager asked for my help affirmed the validity of my role. I have discovered that “being” is often more powerful than “doing” anything.’ ‘And of course, it’s not only ministers,’ Samuel says. ‘I would stress that this is

something for officers and soldiers to be involved in. I really would recommend it as a very fulfilling means of service.’ ‘Retail chaplaincy is fairly new, but I have to say that I have found it tremendous – and not only for the free coffee and discounts,’ he laughs. ‘But for me it’s primarily so that the Army and local corps have a foothold in the city centre. I firmly believe that our uniform should be seen everywhere.’ O Find out if you can get involved in your area by contacting your local Churches Together group

SIMON IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST Salvationist 26 February 2022

Releasing thoughts and emotions To mark the publication of A Lent Journal, four people reveal how journaling helps them connect with God – this week, Territorial Community Engagement Lead Natalie Hanchett

FOCUS on illustration when I’m journaling. I’m generally quite a creative person so, for me, it’s very much about understanding what God is saying through pictures, rather than through words. Where I’ve got a blank page, I listen out for what might be popping into my head. God quite often puts a Scripture verse in my mind, so I open the Bible to read that through and see what images or words jump out to me afresh. I then illustrate those. To connect with God, I try to use the gifts and skills that he has given me. For you, that might be dance, music or art. Connecting with God through journaling could even involve photography, taking snaps on your phone camera while you’re out and reflecting on something God is saying to you. There are photo challenges online you can join in, which cover themes such as hope, peace or freedom. Whatever form your journaling takes, it can help you to feel free and find a way of understanding God and expressing your faith. I believe God has made me to be creative, and it’s in journaling and doodling that I use the gifts that he has

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given me. It is that one activity in which everything else can go out of my mind – it opens my mind up to absorb what God might have to say to me through Scripture. I look back on my illustrations, with their mixture of scriptural references, almost like milestones. At the time they expressed emotions I felt, celebrated something fun or processed sadness. That is important. We all need a way of releasing our thoughts and emotions. If I go through a difficult time but keep everything in my head, I find it’s a whole lot harder to work through. Quite often I share my illustrations on social media. I have a lot of friends who are Christians, but also some friends who aren’t, so a Bible verse or some words I’ve illustrated that I put on social media might jump out and resonate with somebody. They might open up an opportunity for conversation. Journaling can be an evangelistic tool as well as a personal tool for reflection and understanding. If I share what I’m struggling with, it might help someone else along the way too. While we all hopefully know what the Easter story is, reflecting on that through Lent each year can reveal something new. The focus it brings lends itself to journaling. The fixed number of days during Lent means you’re not setting yourself up to journal every day for the next five years! The beauty of journaling is that it is quite a free, expressive thing: you write down and draw whatever words or pictures pop into your head. I can be my own worst enemy sometimes, because I’m a perfectionist. I have had to learn that when I’m drawing, it might

not be flawless, but that’s fine. Feeling free to put down whatever random thoughts come into my head is a good thing – and those thoughts don’t have to be extensive, they can be just one word. People work in different ways. For me, drawing in my journal is my wind-down time when I can lay everything else aside. Some might have a set devotion time each morning, but I prefer to try to fit it in with the rhythm of everyday life. If you are journaling, you shouldn’t put undue pressure on yourself to write pages and pages. Sometimes you might not be able to write anything at all. But it’s important to take opportunities to journal when you have them. It’s about finding time, even if it’s just a couple of moments in the day, over a coffee or in between what you’re doing, to do something that might stimulate some ideas. The Bible always has something new to say to us if we immerse ourselves in it and listen to what God is saying. Lent Journal is available from sps-shop. com/books for £5 (plus postage and packaging) O A

SURVEY FINDINGS

What do you need for local mission to flourish? Captain Helen Froud, assistant director – research (THQ), introduces the Research and Development Unit’s review of contributions to the recent survey that asked: ‘What do you need for local mission to flourish and what is preventing it?’

THE PROJECT In the autumn of 2021 people across the territory were invited to take part in opportunities to identify what would help or prevent local mission flourishing. This was Stage 1 (Listening) of the territory’s Structure Co-ordination and Design project. Whether you were invited to a forum, provided a response via your corps leaders’ letter or took part in the survey online or through Salvationist, your responses have provided encouragement and insight to the current mood of the territory. Thank you for your help.

HOW WE ANALYSED YOUR RESPONSES

WHAT DO WE NOW KNOW?

Your responses came to us in two forms:

What follows over these four pages is what we’ve discovered in our analysis. These results provide encouragement – they gauge the levels of enthusiasm to see God’s mission flourish locally. But they also provide a wake-up call.

Qualitative data from forums, leaders’ letters, messages sent to transformation@salvationarmy.org.uk and free-text survey responses. These open channels were designed to attract free comment from across the territory by as many participants as possible.

Quantitative data from the survey. The closed-end nature of the questions allowed our Research and Development team to be sure about views held in the territory. So many people took part in the survey that the results are significant for the whole territory.

Each forum and leaders’ letter created about four pages of qualitative feedback – about 300 pages of qualitative information were coded. (Coding is the process by which we label and organise qualitative data to identify different themes and the relationships between them.) The early forums provided key insights, assumptions and views that were then used to form the closed-ended questions for the territory-wide survey so that we could understand if these were widely held views or not. The survey provided us with 86 possible data points for each respondent, producing many thousands of potential interpretations using the demographic information. Some comments were received into the transformation email inbox and were analysed according to their nature. Throughout the course of our information-gathering, we didn’t collect any personally identifiable data.

The forums and leaders’ letters provided strategic views. They agreed that what works particularly well in encouraging local mission is: O O O

Our culture in local mission expressions Our response to local needs, including local external partnerships Support from the next level up: leadership, resources and advice

There were many positive comments about the way in which local settings have started new partnerships, continued working within communities and adapted during the pandemic. There was positive recognition of local leadership, and pride in the quality of our safeguarding. We found warm support for further progress in inclusion for LGBTQ+ people across all age groups. There was acknowledgement of strong pastoral care at most levels and recognition of our good reputation in the public eye. Salvationist 26 February 2022

WHO RESPONDED?

Salvationist 26 February 2022

WHAT YOU SAID WORKS WELL O

O O O

O O

O O O

‘Collaboration with other services in the community is vitally important as it enables us to do greater things together with other agencies, churches, faith groups, etc.’ ‘Partnering with other faith groups and work together enables a bigger witness.’ ‘We really care for other people, especially their physical needs.’ ‘Educating our members/volunteers around issues, ie black history, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, so that they can connect with others with compassion.’ ‘Children’s ministries have developed amazing material (Starfish) that has helped us flourish.’ ‘Post-Covid-19 we are going back into our buildings, but reassessing our programmes and making time to consider and evaluate what is right for this time.’ ‘Encouraged by innovation during the pandemic. Would like to see this keep going.’ ‘Local leadership between corps and DHQ is supportive and constructive.’ ‘People within roles are working hard with ever-demanding expectations on them (DHQ staff).’

Conversely, there was agreement that the following issues provide the greatest frustrations preventing local mission flourishing: O O O O

Leadership, governance and bureaucracy Local capacity and resources Repeated failures of organisational change A risk-averse culture

There were negative views of leadership at the centre and of local administrative burdens. There were strong calls for more local autonomy, for the best skills and talent to be sent to local settings and criticism of some central support functions. There was also despair about how few people in local settings are available to take up future leadership positions and recognition of the need to close corps that are dwindling.

WHAT YOU SAID ISN’T WORKING WELL O O O O O O

O O O

‘Too many silos still after all this time, even more so after Fit for Mission. After discussions we have not changed.’ ‘Uncertainty around latest initiatives within the Army.’ ‘Decisions not at front line – too far removed.’ ‘Too big a gap between senior leadership and service delivery.’ ‘“Come and be like us” – not very good at accepting different people.’ ‘Culture of exclusion. Exclusivity of fellowship, ie LGBTQ+/lifestyle choices, pregnancy outside of marriage and being excluded from groups in corps, ie bands/songsters. Leads to losing people.’ ‘Being risk averse despite a value of boldness and “We can’t do that!” culture.’ ‘There are often too many hoops to jump through before anything is done. Decentralise some of the decision-making.’ ‘Seeing people as a resource for us to use rather than resourcing their own ministry out there in the world.’

Salvationist 26 February 2022

WHAT CAN WE CONCLUDE FROM THE RESULTS? The survey produced a wider range of concerns. Some questions produced almost complete consensus while others produced more entrenched or opposing views.

TOP 5 ‘AGREED’

TOP 5 ‘DISAGREED’

The top five statements you agreed on (more than 95 per cent agreement across all roles and age groups) were:

The top five statements that produced the greatest levels of disagreement across all roles and age groups were:

1. The Salvation Army must always help people without judging them (99 per cent). 2. Accountability is essential so headquarters must ensure The Salvation Army operates legally, efficiently and effectively (98 per cent). 3. Being hospitable to strangers is an essential characteristic of The Salvation Army (97 per cent). 4. Jesus is good news for the world and the world needs Jesus (95 per cent). 5. Local ownership is essential, so headquarters support to corps and centres must focus on what is needed for local mission to flourish (95 per cent).

1. I find it very difficult to share the good news of Jesus (60 per cent disagree). 2. We are very adaptable and willing to change (60 per cent disagree). 3. The pandemic has made it hard to be a fruitful disciple of Jesus (59 per cent disagree). 4. There is too much emphasis on serving others to the detriment of the other four mission priorities (49 per cent disagree, 34 per cent agree). 5. There is too much change at once in The Salvation Army (48 per cent disagree, 37 per cent agree).

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? The research is being actively used to inform the Structure Co-ordination and Design project, which has now entered its second stage, Design. The project seeks to enable local mission to flourish by ensuring local mission delivery is appropriately supported and oversighted, as well as released – that is, people are empowered to work in low-control environments where they can expect to find boundaries faithfully extended and accountability demonstrated. Divisional Design Groups and Service Design Groups are meeting to learn from each other and collaborate with key services to ensure support, oversight and release processes and structures are in place and to help co-design these where they could be improved upon. However, it’s important to remember that this will be an ongoing conversation so that our processes and structures always assist local mission delivery as our communities, centres and corps adapt and change over time. The best support, oversight and release, however, will not realise flourishing local mission without our local mission delivery. Please keep thinking and praying about what that looks like in a post-pandemic world. This report provides foundational evidence on which future proposals will be based. We live in challenging times of change, but knowing more about the views of the territory will be an immense help to both current and future work. O

To view the full report, please visit salvationarmy.org.uk/local-mission-flourish

Salvationist 26 February 2022

VIEW POINT

What are you giving up? Major Ray Hobbins considers how we respond to Lent

T some point in the next few days, I’m sure we will all be asked: ‘What are you giving up for Lent?’ This may be followed by the rhetorical question: ‘Cake, chocolate, TV?’ The same old clichés. Many Christians do commit to fasting or giving up particular luxuries for Lent to remember Jesus’ sacrifice during his journey into the desert. However, compared to our Lord’s 40 days in the wilderness – including a battle with Satan in which every temptation was skilfully put to him – giving up chocolate seems insignificant. Jesus, humanly speaking, gave up every right to satisfy himself in order to accomplish God’s will. Perhaps we should ask ourselves: Why am I giving something up? What purpose will it serve? When Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, he had God-given inspiration to do so – he obeyed his calling to do it. He not only obeyed the word that he heard, but also used it in his defence and in attack: ‘It is written... It is written… It is written…’ (Matthew 4:4–10). He left the wilderness with God’s purpose fulfilled.

What about our own response? Is it based on faith, fasting or fun? Is it a token Lent or a personal sacrifice that costs? In Amos 5 the prophet challenges the people with regard to their religious festivals and practices, informing them that the Lord finds what they are doing an abomination. He would rather see ‘justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ (v24). In other words, he would rather they gave up their outward religion for heartfelt action and worship. In the same way, would it be better for us to give up pride, prejudice or self-preservation for Lent? I have known situations in which people happily give up chocolate or something else, yet ignore someone for years because of a historical problem. It is better to break the mould and go to the other person seeking reconciliation, turning bitterness to sweetness, even if it will be more costly than a bar of chocolate. Romans 12:21 says: ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’ And in Matthew 5:23 and 24, Jesus says: ‘If you are offering your gift

at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.’ ‘But they were in the wrong, not me,’ we might say. That could well be the case, but the innocent person would still do well to endeavour to make things up before returning to the altar with a clean sheet. ‘But what if they don’t respond to me?’ we might ask. Well, if they don’t and you have done all you can in the right spirit of love and mercy, you can move on and offer your gift with a good conscience – yet still pray for them. Jesus, the perfect, innocent, sinless man, made the ultimate sacrifice for us sinners. He took the initiative for our sake, showing love, mercy and grace. Having received such, we ought to do likewise. If we do choose to give something up for Lent, whatever it is, we should do so in private. Jesus says: ‘When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you’ (Matthew 6:16–18). In other words, we should make our Lenten sacrifice a private transaction with the Almighty. Blessings will come to us and their fruit will bless those around us; our fasting will feed others and God will get the glory and praise.

MAJOR HOBBINS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ABERYSTWYTH Salvationist 26 February 2022

FEATURE I All Terrain questions

Matt Little concludes a series exploring the four questions used in The All Terrain Podcast

Salvationist 26 February 2022

Picture: Zanastardust, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How do we mature in service? The One Ring

T was with a mixture of awe and contentment that I left the cinema. I had waited two years for this moment. I had read the books, rewatched the first two films of the trilogy and just enjoyed every moment of the final film’s whopping three-and-a-half-hour run-time. I soon discovered that other people felt differently about The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, questioning various aspects of it. Why hadn’t it been a more reasonable length? Why hadn’t the story finished on a high, after the One Ring had been destroyed? And why had there been ‘about 15 endings’? My feeling was, and remains, that they had missed the point. Good stories always have some kind of inciting incident (change), which forces the protagonist on a journey that pushes them to their limits (suffering) until the dramatic tension is finally resolved in some moment of pay-off (joy). Unlike saccharine Hollywood endings, the best stories give us a glimpse into what our much-loved characters do next – how they cope when they return home and realise that life cannot go back to normal, because they have matured, become wiser or been transformed. Those ‘15 endings’ weren’t pointless footage: they were the perfect epilogue.

EPILOGUES IN THE GOSPELS Matthew and Mark were both fans of a big ending. After they reveal that Jesus has risen, their Gospel narratives move swiftly to the credits. Fair play to John, who provides a poignant epilogue in his Gospel’s last chapter, but Luke not only gives us the episode on the road to Emmaus, he also supplies us with a whole other book. Most scholars view his Gospel as the first instalment of a two-part story: Luke and Acts. Luke, in other words, is interested in what happened next. After the disciples witnessed the resurrected Christ, how did that impact their day-to-day lives? In Heart and Mind, Alexander John Shaia writes: ‘Luke teaches us that changing the world around us begins by embodying change in our everyday life. Answering the question “How do we mature in service?”, Luke offers us a picture of persistent, patient, small actions – a steady work of love, touching one heart [at a time].’ DOING THINGS YOU THINK YOU ARE ABOVE Gavin McKenna works with young people in gangs who are at risk of being involved in knife crime. In episode 16 of The All Terrain Podcast he refers to the time he spent at Teen Challenge, the addiction recovery ministry founded in New York City by the Rev David Wilkerson:

Gavin McKenna

Miriam Swanson

‘I served in that place for 18 months. I cleaned toilets, cleaned floors, cooked food, washed people’s clothes and made their beds. I did things that I thought I was above, but I served faithfully. And what serving did was teach me a lot about myself and the heart of God.’

‘Intercultural mission means a willingness to enter another person’s culture and space as much as you want them to enter your own,’ he says. ‘It’s a willingness to be mutually inconvenienced. When you do that and it works, at its best you start to create a bigger story than each of you started with.’

SEEING THE BROADER PICTURE Having served in Bangladesh, Kenya and Zambia, Captain Richard Bradbury and his family have faced a lot of change, moved through much suffering – their own and that of others – and received much joy. When asked ‘How do you mature in service?’ in episode 20 of the podcast, he responds: ‘Being overseas has made me realise it’s not really about what I can accomplish, but about how I live my life. Now, when I arrive at a place, I can see how God is already at work there. And, even in the worst of situations, I’m able to see the face of Jesus in the people that we’re working alongside and working with. Having a huge dose of humility has helped me to mature in service.’ This humility in looking out for how God is already at work has allowed Richard to learn from people of other faiths. ‘Many of our friends in Bangladesh were Muslims,’ he recalls, ‘and so we’ve explored our faith in relationship with people who think differently, who experience God in a different way. For me, that’s been such a rich experience. And those people of other faiths have helped me to mature.’ In episode 23 Intercultural Mission Enabler Major Jonny Smith espouses a similar open-mindedness to learn from those we serve.

GETTING OUT OF YOUR DEPTH Miriam Swanson works with university students. In episode 13 she explains that the best way for students to mature as disciples of Jesus is to get stuck in and serve – even if they’re not sure what they believe. ‘Serving is the way of discipleship. We’ve got to allow people to serve even when they’re questioning. If you want students to understand that they are the Church – they don’t [just] go to Church – then you can’t just have them as seat fillers on a Sunday and then not see them for a week and think that you’ve done your bit.’ This poses a challenge to any of us who lead within The Salvation Army. We must remember that, even after three years of journeying with Jesus and hearing him open up the Scriptures daily, his disciples were still working out what they believed. Soldiership should not be a barrier to people serving. For example, the Army has allowed open music sections for years, enabling attenders to get involved regardless of their professed position on faith or Salvation Army doctrines. But neither should opportunities for service be limited only to these traditional routes. So, here’s a challenge: let’s be inclusive. If someone says ‘I don’t know for sure what I believe right now’, let’s be prompted to include them more intentionally, let them in, give them

New episodes of The All Terrain Podcast are released on the last Friday of the month on Apple Podcasts, Podbean and Spotify. Episode 25 is out now and features Dr Naar M’fundisi-Holloway, action researcher in THQ’s Research and Development Unit. Sketch notes and group questions that support each episode can be downloaded from the podcast’s webpage at salvationarmy.org.uk/ youth-and-children.

responsibility, ask for their help and let them participate and become fully immersed in the community of believers. Let’s not look at someone’s doubt or lack of expertise, but their potential to serve and their opportunity to grow in faith. AN ONGOING JOURNEY How do we mature in service? However we answer that question, we must bear in mind that we’ll never fully arrive. Matthew 23:8 reminds those with spiritual responsibility for others that ‘you have one teacher, and you are all students’ (New Revised Standard Version). In addition, we may find ourselves journeying the four paths of change, suffering, joy and service many times over the course of our lives. So, let’s keep growing. Lord, give us the humility, openmindedness, passion and courage to grow as we journey with you. Amen?

MATT WORSHIPS AT SUTTON AND WRITES THE ALL TERRAIN PODCAST SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Salvationist 26 February 2022

BIBLE STUDY

Apest: Apostles Captain Callum McKenna highlights what it means to be ‘sent’ with God’s message

JOHN 20:21 MATTHEW 28:19 AND 20

HERE’S a whole genre of historical fiction that I’ve recently become fascinated with called ‘alternative history’. It started a little while back when I got hooked on the BBC One drama SS-GB. The premise of the story imagines what might have happened if, during the Second World War, the UK had come under Nazi occupation. Each episode explores how history could then have taken a different turn. QUESTION you think back over your life, what key decisions have shaped the course of your future?

O When

What would have happened if the

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Jane Kimberley

Salvationist 26 February 2022

disciples made different choices in the days following Christ’s resurrection and ascension? We read, in Matthew 28:19, Jesus commanding them to: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations.’ Luke’s commissioning story in Acts 1 records Jesus, similarly, exhorting the disciples to be ‘witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth’ (v8). It’s a big ask from Jesus. He’s sending his disciples to the edge of the known world, beyond their comfort zones, to places they’d never dreamt of going, where people speak different languages and have vastly different cultures. He’s entrusting them with the task of bearing witness to his resurrection and making disciples of people who view the world very differently. How would history have turned out if the disciples had made different choices

in the Church’s early days? What would have happened if they hadn’t viewed Jesus’ command as being literal? What would today’s Church look like if, instead of moving out from Jerusalem to the ends of the Earth, the disciples insisted on staying in the comfort and familiarity of Jerusalem? Of course, the first disciples were willing to push out from Jerusalem. In fact, this arguably gives them the title ‘apostles’, which comes from the Greek apostolos, meaning ‘the sent one’. Apostles are those who are sent forth with God’s message of salvation for the whole world. We’d be naive, however, to think that this was just about geography and taking the gospel to other locations. So much of our own culture is alien to the gospel and apostles are also required to bear witness to the transforming resurrection of Jesus in these places.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Those first disciples of the Lord/ Received the promise of his word/ And in their lives such power did dwell/ To speed the message they should tell/ To all mankind, that Jesus lives,/ And grace to each believer gives;/ May that same grace inspire today/ To live for Christ, the life and way. (SASB 680)

Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ ( John 20:21)

Revival is our present need,/ And can be ours if we will heed/ That promise ratified by grace,/ Declared in Christ for every race;/ For power from God is very sure/ To men of faith who will endure,/ And love will triumph over sin/ To bring God’s glorious Kingdom in. (SASB 680)

Prayer Lord Jesus, as you sent out your first disciples to proclaim your gospel, you promised you would always be with them. Help me to realise that, when sharing your good news, I am never alone.

QUESTION O Which parts of our culture seem foreign to the gospel? I remember a slightly awkward holiday encounter in France a few years ago with a police officer at an airport. Flustered and struggling to remember any GCSE French, I just spoke louder and more slowly in English, hoping in vain that the bemused Frenchman would understand me. Increasing the volume made no difference to him being able to understand me. It’s the same for the Church. We can’t simply keep repeating our message more loudly and more slowly in the hope that the world will understand. Instead, like the first apostles, we should take the time to learn to communicate in languages that our communities speak. Salvationists, of course, have a great

tradition of this. Our heritage is one that left behind the comfort of cathedrals for disused skating rinks and the open air, swapping hymns for songs set to popular tunes and rolling up our sleeves to get involved with the realities of life. There’s a cost, however, to being sent. The first disciples discovered that being sent means not staying where you are. Similarly, if we are to bear witness to new people, in new places, in new ways, then we’re going to have to leave behind some of our home comforts and preferences. QUESTIONS examples can you think of from your corps where you have tried new things to communicate the gospel to new people or in new places? O How did it go? O What did you have to let go to do it?

In the commissioning story of John’s Gospel, Jesus makes clear the cost of being sent. He shows the disciples the cost of his commissioning – the wounds in his hands and side – before saying: ‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’ (John 20:21). We are called to be apostles, sent by – and like – Jesus to foreign frontiers in our communities. When we arrive, we will discover that God is already there.

O What

CAPTAIN MCKENNA IS TUTOR AND PASTORAL SUPPORT OFFICER, WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.’ (Acts 1:8)

The powers of evil long have sought/ To ruin man in deed and thought;/ His longings for the true and good/ Have been frustrated, though he would/ Desire to conquer; yet we know/ God wills, indeed, this should be so./ The promise now we may receive;/ ’Tis sure for all who dare believe. (SASB 680)

He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’ (Mark 16:15)

Our deeds must ever match our creed,/ Then God our way will truly lead/ As when those first disciples heard/ And boldly trusted God’s great word./ If we believed as they believed,/ Great grace would hallow every deed,/ Light would be ours his truth to know/ And send us forth his love to show. (SASB 680)

Salvationist 26 February 2022

PREVIEW

Questions of our times Major Nigel Bovey tells Salvationist about a new series of webinars hosted by the Christian Evidence Society

RE we alone in the universe? Astronomer and astrophysicist Dr Jennifer Wiseman, who has worked on some of the world’s largest space telescopes, gives her views on the question as part of a series of webinars this March. The second edition of Questions of Our Times, Following the Science includes four free-to-view webinars that open up the challenges of robots and AI, whether we are here by accident, the search for life in the universe and the place of science in human life. The webinars will be held over Zoom and begin on 1 March with the Rev Dr Alister McGrath, the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at the University of Oxford. He will explore the relationship between science and faith. Questions of Our Times is presented by the Christian Evidence Society, an interdenominational Christian trust that makes the case for faith in the modern world. Former War Cry editor Major Nigel Bovey, who is the society’s vice-chair, will host all four webinars. He also hosted the first series of webinars last year, which included Dr Rowan Williams as a guest. ‘In terms of people speaking knowledgeably about their specialist subjects, the series has a hint of Mastermind,’ says Nigel. ‘However, the style is more chat show – without the book plugs or film clips. ‘The first series offered lively conversation followed by audience questions. Formatwise, this will be the same, but each guest brings their own insight, knowledge and personality to the conversation, so in that sense everything will be different.’ Nigel, who has long had a keen interest in how science and faith relate, understands the importance of the debate: ‘I’m not a scientist but, during my time as War Cry editor, I interviewed some 80 toplevel scientists and philosophers who are Christians. I learnt a lot about science and how it relates to Christian thinking.

Salvationist 26 February 2022

‘I recall watching an episode of one of Professor Brian Cox’s marvellous TV programmes about the universe, which opened with the statement: “God did not create the universe; science did.” There was no explanation or investigation into that claim. Recently, in a pastoral conversation, a young man told me: “I don’t believe in God; I believe in science.” Part of the reason for interviewing so many professors and doctors from a wide range of scientific disciplines was that I wanted to challenge the idea that God and science is an either/or binary choice. For me, God and science are complementary. ‘I’ll never forget my first scientist interview. It was with John Polkinghorne. He asked me to imagine a boiling kettle, then said: “Why is the kettle boiling?” “To make a cup of tea?” I ventured. I was half right. “Yes, the kettle is boiling to make a cup of tea to accompany our chocolate cake, but it is also because the water has reached boiling point as a result of the right amount of applied heat.” ‘Being a doctor of physics and a doctor of divinity, he was twice right. In other words, science and religion offer different but complementary narratives about the world around us.’ Nigel explains what he hopes attendees at the webinars will learn from the four guest speakers: ‘As well as being more informed about the specific topics, I’d like to think attendees will recognise that having a meaningful Christian faith does not mean having to commit intellectual suicide. I also hope the conversations with our guests will suggest that there is evidence for God, and that God evidences himself through many different avenues, including science.’

O The hour-long webinars start at 8pm.

Limited free tickets are available to reserve at christian-evidence.eventbrite.com

UP FOR DISCUSSION…

1 March Should we always follow the science? with the Rev Dr Alister McGrath, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University

8 March Will a robot steal my job? with Dr Mary-Ellen Foster, senior lecturer in the School of Computing Science at the University of Glasgow, who works in the area of socially aware human-robot interaction

15 March Are we here by accident? with Dr Barbara Drossel, professor of theoretical physics at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany

22 March Are we alone in the universe? with Dr Jennifer Wiseman, director of the dialogue on science, ethics and religion for the American Association for the Advancement of Science

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff Effective 1 May O Lieut-Colonels Jacques and Claude-Evelyne Donzé, officers of the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory, are appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, France and Belgium Territory, with the rank of colonel O Lieut-Colonels Francis and Juliet Nyakusamwa, officers of the Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory, with the rank of colonel O Majors Daniel and Heidi Imboden, officers of the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel APPOINTED Effective 1 July O Major Mark Rose, Divisional Commander, East Midlands O Major Lindy Rose, Divisional Leader for Leader Development, East Midlands WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O Majors Mavis and Raymond Atkinson (9 March) Diamond O Frederick and Margaret Mann, Norwich Citadel (17 February)

RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS O Lieut-Colonel Ronald Smith (80 on 8 March) O Major Alan Austin (80 on 8 March) O Major Muriel Calder (80 on 8 March) PROMOTED TO GLORY B/Reservist Ken Woodhouse, Norwich Citadel O BM Trevor James, Clevedon O Bandsman Deryck Poole, Chesterton, on 5 February O Major Paul Johnson, THQ, from King’s College Hospital on 14 February O Major Muriel Thompson from The Hawthorns, Buxton, on 14 February O

BEREAVED Denise Young, Stapleford, of her stepmother Patricia Grinsted O Diane Russell, Cwm, of her mother Margaret Holifield O Thomas Gibb, Chester-le-Street, of his sister Margaret Ross O Daisy Usher, Staple Hill, of her sister Joan Charlton O Eileen Woodhouse, Norwich Citadel, of her husband B/Reservist Ken Woodhouse, Major Kathryn Woodhouse, Lowestoft Citadel, and Andy Woodhouse, Norwich Citadel, of their father O Carl James and Bandsman/CSM Phil James, Clevedon, of their father BM Trevor James O Christine Chadwick, Newcastle-underLyme, and Marvin Poole of their father Bandsman Deryck Poole O Major Julie Johnson, WBC, of her husband Major Paul Johnson, Mark Johnson and Helen Dymott, Staines, of their father, Richard Johnson of his brother O

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Mozambique, Tue 1 Mar – Mon 7 O Latin America North Territory, Wed 9 – Tue 15 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O Sunbury Court (leaders orientation), Sun 6 Mar THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Sunderland Monkwearmouth, Sat 26 Feb – Sun 27 O South Eastern Baptist Association Ministers’ Conference, Tue 1 Mar – Wed 2* O Bexleyheath (opening of refurbished hall), Sat 5 – Sun 6 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Northampton, Sat 26 Feb – Sun 27** O Peterhead, Sat 5 Mar – Sun 6 *Commissioner Anthony Cotterill only **Colonel Jenine Main only

EDITORIAL APPOINTMENTS On 14 July Major Mal Davies will become Editor of Salvationist in addition to his roles as Assistant Secretary for Communications, Editor-in-Chief and Publishing Secretary. He will replace LieutColonel Jonathan Roberts who is to become Territorial Ecumenical Officer when Major David Evans enters retirement. The role of Assistant Editor-in-Chief, currently held by Lieut-Colonel Roberts, will be taken on by Major Andrew Stone in addition to his role as War Cry Editor.

TRIBUTES JEAN HIND, CARLISLE BORN in 1933, Jean attended the Army in Carlisle all her life. She joined the songsters shortly after her enrolment as a senior soldier in 1948 and was commended for 70 years of service to that section on her transfer to the songster reserve in 2018. During her years of service in numerous roles, Jean was particularly active in YP work, wanting to nurture faith in young lives. She had an incredible memory for detail and for family relationships, keeping in touch with many of those children as they went on to have families of their own. Jean was a much-loved sister and auntie and an adventurous traveller right up until her last months. Although she loved Army tradition, she was always keen to learn new things and discovered more of the Army world through online worship via a tablet during the Covid-19 lockdowns. She is greatly missed. – MS Editor’s note In the 19 February issue of Salvationist, it was incorrectly stated that Majors Mark and Lindy Rose were appointed as Divisional Commander and Divisional Leader for Leader Development in the North London Division. They are in fact appointed to those roles in the East Midlands Division. Salvationist apologises for this error. Salvationist 26 February 2022

ADVERTS SOUTHEND CITADEL

PROPERTY TRUSTEE

42 Clarence Street

VOLUNTARY ROLE

Saturday 12 March 7pm

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS IN CONCERT

The Salvation Army is both a church and a charity. All charities are led by trustees, who are responsible for governance matters, such as financial management. The territorial commander, chief secretary and other senior officers are all trustees; they are joined by some independent persons who are chosen for their expertise and commitment to The Salvation Army. You may be aware that The Salvation Army has a very significant property portfolio, including commercial buildings, residential properties, church buildings, charity shops, Lifehouses and older people’s care homes. It also owns saha – the Salvation Army Housing Association – as a subsidiary. Therefore, one of the areas the leadership of The Salvation Army seeks independent expertise is in relation to property matters.

Tickets: gallery £12 and ground floor £10 both reserved (refundable if cancelled due to Covid-19) For tickets or other information email southend2022issvisit@btinternet.com or telephone Keith on 01702 585323 Sunday morning meeting 10.30am. Afternoon concert 3pm. Free

A vacancy for an independent trustee with property expertise has recently arisen. This role is not responsible for day-to-day management of the property function, rather it is needed to ensure that SATCo (The Salvation Army Trustee Company) has sufficient expertise to provide effective support and challenge to the executive property team. This is a very exciting time to take up such a role, with a number of significant transactions being undertaken, and the opportunity to help The Salvation Army increase its mission and maximise its assets.

Mulfords Hill RG26 3LJ

Strictly speaking the trustees are directors of a corporate trustee, SATCo. The board meets about six times a year, usually on a Friday, and comprises five non-executive directors and ten senior Salvation Army officers. Non-executive directors are expected to be appointed for one term of five years. The role is unpaid but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Calling all former bandsmen, bandswomen, songsters and soldiers of Tadley

The successful candidate will be a Christian with senior-level property experience (ideally committee/board level) and the following demonstrable skills are required:

TADLEY

O Knowledge of the property industry sufficient to be able to advise the board on a wide range of property matters

Saturday 9, Sunday 10 July

125th CORPS ANNIVERSARY Led by Majors Claire and Jamie Hill We are forming a reunion band and songsters to take part. Rehearsals on Saturday afternoon 9 July. If you would like to be part of this then please email stewart.madden@ salvationarmy.org.uk or call 0118 9815013

O Skills to challenge in a constructive and insightful manner O Independent and balanced judgement O Knowledge of risk management and statutory compliance obligations O Understanding of risks, such as safeguarding, long-term revenue generation and fraud The Salvation Army is keen to promote a culture of inclusion. We welcome applications from people of different backgrounds and experiences. To apply for this voluntary role, please email your CV by 19 March to elisabeth.elsey@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Looking for a new resource to reawaken your passion for God this Lent? Shield Books has just released A Lent Journal to help you engage with God throughout the six-week period. Packed with hymns and Scripture, the 40-day journal includes: O Lyrics

to worship soundtracks, such as ‘Here Is Love, Vast as the Ocean’ O Thematically linked Bible verses O Suggested Gospel passages to inspire further reading O Plenty of space for your own doodles or reflections Offering a succinct snapshot of Scripture, A Lent Journal can equip you to encounter God afresh.

Buy your copy today for £5 (plus postage and packaging) by visiting sps-shop.com/books

Salvationist 26 February 2022

TO LET

ADVERTS

AUDIO CONTENT EDITOR TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS, LONDON SE1

An exciting new opportunity is available for someone who wants to influence communications and mission both internally and externally for The Salvation Army.

SALARY £32,557 per annum

The audio content editor will create and co-ordinate audio content for a new website (salvationist.org.uk) as well as oversee the day-to-day running of a Salvation Army online radio station.

WORKING HOURS Minimum 35 hours per week

Launching this spring, salvationist.org.uk will be the go-to digital platform for people linked to The Salvation Army. The site will also offer devotions, articles, news and resources. Audio content is becoming increasingly important to the Salvationist community, with faith podcasts and online worship becoming a part of daily Christian life. The successful candidate will help to realise the potential of audio content for The Salvation Army and also oversee the development of an online radio station within the new website. Working with teams across the organisation, the audio content editor will support territorial communications strategies and campaigns by producing content that appeals to Salvationists of different ages and backgrounds. While the role has no direct reports, the audio content editor will lead a team of passionate volunteers and will also liaise closely with a range of Salvation Army units and leaders to ensure broad coverage of Army mission activities. The audio content editor will answer directly to the online content editor and also to the assistant secretary for communications (internal).

CONTRACT Permanent position DETAILS 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; an employee assistance programme CLOSING DATE Monday 28 February INTERVIEW DATE To be confirmed This position is based at Territorial Headquarters at 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN, however flexible working is available.

If you wish to help The Salvation Army further its digital footprint across the UK, Ireland and beyond, this exciting missional opportunity could be just what you are looking for.

For further details and to apply please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/jobs Appointment subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK and DBS/PVG disclosure. CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.

QUESTIONS OF OUR TIMES The Christian Evidence Society is hosting four free Zoom conversations hosted by the society’s vice-chair and former editor of War Cry, Major Nigel Bovey. The hour-long webinars will start at 8pm and there will be an opportunity for viewers’ questions. 1 March Should we always follow the science? with the Rev Dr Alister McGrath 8 March Will a robot steal my job? with Dr Mary-Ellen Foster

MAJORCA Beautiful, well-equipped apartment. Two double bedrooms (sleeps two to six). Walk-in shower, second toilet. Near seafront, amenities. Large balcony, lovely view, quiet area. Competitive prices. Email carol@ckendall.co.uk or tel 07308 506064.

MGS works professionally providing O COUNSELLING O THERAPY O MEDIATION MGS works with relationships and other life experiences MGS is conﬁdential, experienced and free Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the MGS team Tel 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@yahoo.com (Based in Worthing – MGS works throughout the UK)

EXETER TEMPLE Friars’ Walk Sunday 6 March 3.30pm

TEMPLE PRAISE Exeter Temple Band, Songsters and soloists Followed by refreshments Park at ‘Cathedral and Quay’ EX1 1DE Exit at the top and turn right BLACKBURN Saturday 19 March Blackburn Band

140th ANNIVERSARY REUNION CONCERT 2pm Open rehearsal 4.30pm Refreshments 6pm Music festival Free admission but please let us know so we have music and/or refreshments ready for you ericmillest@aol.com 07876 747398

15 March Are we here by accident? with Dr Barbara Drossel 22 March Are we alone in the universe? with Dr Jennifer Wiseman

Reserve your seat at christian-evidence.eventbrite.com

Salvationist 26 February 2022

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I will sing the wondrous story Of the Christ who died for me

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves. This week… CAROLINE IRWIN Reading Lower Earley How did you first come into contact with the Army? My parents were Salvationists, so I was brought to the Army as a baby. What made you want to become a soldier? Like many Salvationists my age, I attended a youth rally. I responded to an altar call and, from that moment, I felt a real change in my faith with God. Becoming a soldier seemed like the next step. What is your day job? I work in student support at a university. We work with students with disabilities, long-term medical conditions and specific learning difficulties, making adjustments around teaching and learning that enable them to study successfully. What is the most interesting thing about your job – and the most frustrating? The most interesting thing is meeting new people all the time and having a small input into their success at university. The most frustrating thing is the amount of work we have to do in the time available. What one thing would you change about the Army? I would make it less of a hierarchy. What is your favourite kind of holiday? I love the beach – St Ives in Cornwall or Avon Beach in Dorset. I like a little bit of sightseeing abroad as well.

(SASB 855)

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? Anne Boleyn. It would be interesting to know what she was really thinking. If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? ‘Just keep swimming’ from Finding Nemo. If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Kindness – it’s a really underrated quality. What is your favourite food? Hummus, preferably with warm, white pitta bread. What do you do in your spare time? Music has always been a big part of my life. I sing with the songsters and with a choral society. I also like storytelling in all its forms – so books, films and theatre. If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be? Court shoes and 1950s dresses. What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? Take a Chance on Me by Abba.

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What is your favourite Bible verse? Zephaniah 3:17: ‘The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing’ (New International Version, 2001). I like the image of God rejoicing over us with his singing. What is your favourite hymn or worship song? At the moment, ‘I Will Sing the Wondrous Story’ (SASB 855). I’m also enjoying the song ‘He Will Hold Me Fast’. Is there something you’ve never understood? How anyone can be cruel to any other living thing. If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be? Greed. If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? The actor Henry Cavill – he’s such a beautiful-looking human being! Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island? John Grisham’s The Innocent Man. It’s a true story and the only book I’ve read cover to cover and then read again. It’s compelling and shocking in turn. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? ‘Everything can’t be “just so” in life, Caroline.’ Something interesting people might want to know about you is… Although I’m not great in the kitchen, I’m pretty good at making pancakes!

Salvationist 26 February 2022

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