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salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 26 June 2021
Service with a smile at Wisbech
PLUS
EXPLORING THE EDMONDS PAPERS
SEE PAGES 9 TO 11
QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
CHURCH OF ENGLAND INVESTIGATES FUND’S LINK TO SLAVE TRADE
BISHOP CAMPAIGNS ON WOMEN RELEASED FROM PRISON TO ‘NO FIXED ABODE’
CHRISTIAN DATING APP CONSIDERING OPTION TO ADD VACCINATION STATUS
The Church of England is investigating whether Queen Anne’s Bounty, an 18th-century endowment that has ... grown into a £9.2 billion investment fund, had links to the slave trade. The Church Commissioners for England, who manage the church’s assets, have identified the fund, which was first set aside in 1704 by Anne to support poor priests, as a possible ‘reputational risk’. Money from it was invested in annuities in the South Sea Company, which transported tens of thousands of slaves from Africa to South America. Queen Anne herself held more than a fifth of the company’s stock. The Church Commissioners’ annual report for 2020 ... showed that the value of the church’s investment fund had grown from £8.7 billion to £9.2 billion. The investment body was formed in 1948 when its two predecessor bodies, Queen Anne’s Bounty and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, formed in the 19th century, were merged... A spokesman for the commissioners said: ‘Like many organisations, we are looking into our past and have commissioned external research into the origins of our predecessor bodies. We are doing this work of our own volition to better understand where our funding came from and to see if our predecessor bodies had links to or received profits from the historic transatlantic slave trade.’
The Bishop of Gloucester, Rachel Treweek, has joined 60 MPs in writing a letter to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland calling for appropriate accommodation for vulnerable women being released from prison into homelessness. The letter, signed by cross-party MPs and peers ... warns that up to six in ten women were leaving jail without proper accommodation fixed for them, calling this a ‘significant barrier’ to rehabilitation and increasing the chances of reoffence. The Bishop of Gloucester commented: ‘It is shocking that thousands of women each year leave prison without anywhere safe and secure to live or the support they need. Without safe and supported housing, we cannot expect vulnerable women to turn their lives around.’
The dating app Christian Connection is considering whether its members would want to see other users’ vaccination status on their profile. Opinions range among users, with some thinking it would be a good way to stay safe from Covid-19 ... and others thinking it infringes their privacy. Secular dating apps have already teamed up with the government and the NHS ... and give in-app bonuses to those who say they are vaccinated recently. Tinder, Hinge, Bumble and Muslim dating site Muzmatch have all started collaborations with the vaccine campaign... The Department of Health and Social Care said providing vaccination status on these apps is optional, but added that data has shown that people are more likely to date someone who has had a Covid-19 jab.
Church of England Newspaper
Premier
Bishops have welcomed a High Court ruling that housing asylum seekers in a former military barracks near Folkestone is unlawful. The Home Office has placed hundreds of people who crossed the Channel to seek refuge in Britain at Napier Barracks, in Kent, since last summer. Conditions at the Ministry of Defence site are poor, however: dozens of migrants are living in ageing dormitories covered in peeling paint. There have been outbreaks of Covid-19, as well as a fire that, earlier this year, reportedly cut off electricity, heating and water for the hundreds ... there. In an open letter in February, 13 Church of England bishops joined dozens of other faith leaders in demanding the Home Office stop housing asylum seekers in military barracks... The High Court ruled in favour of six asylum seekers’ case against the Home Office. They had claimed that the department had placed them in ‘unsafe’ conditions at Napier Barracks.
The Times
Church Times
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EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891
BISHOPS WELCOME HIGH COURT RULING AGAINST HOUSING ASYLUM SEEKERS IN FORMER BARRACKS
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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
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Salvationist 26 June 2021
ISSN 2516-5909
THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies
CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK
CONTENTS
MAKING SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS MANY of us saw the distressing images broadcast recently when Danish footballer Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s Euro 2020 game against Finland. He suffered a cardiac arrest and medical staff had to give him CPR treatment while his team-mates tried to shield the sight from the crowd. Thankfully, Eriksen pulled through, but the BBC received a lot of criticism for continuing to show what was happening instead of cutting away to the studio. That wasn’t the only reaction to the incident, though. Thousands of people tweeted their support for the former Tottenham midfielder, many of them saying their prayers were with him. Marcus Rashford, the England striker, tweeted emojis of the Danish flag and hands joined in prayer. I doubt that many of those who said they were praying for him would claim to be religious people – yet they felt that was the most appropriate way to respond. It seems there is a great deal of spirituality in our society, even if it isn’t expressed in traditional ways. Various studies have shown this. A few years ago Professor David Voas claimed that about a third of the population had something called ‘fuzzy faith’. ‘They believe in “something out there”,’ he said, ‘and pay at least lip service to Christian values. They are neither frequent churchgoers nor self-consciously non-religious: what they show is fuzzy faith.’ In 2018 Tearfund sponsored a survey of 2,069 adults in the UK, which revealed that 51 per cent prayed and that even among those who claimed not to be religious, 20 per cent prayed. Of those who had prayed but had no religious affiliation, 55 per cent said they were most likely to pray in a crisis and 32 per cent said they believed that prayer made a difference. The fact that there are a lot of spiritually sensitive people who don’t attend church seems to have been confirmed during the past year as numerous churches, including Army corps, have had many more viewing their online meetings than would normally attend. Some of those viewers are likely to be people looking for answers. In the crisis that we’ve faced, they’ve sensed the need for something deeper and more secure in life. As we come out of the pandemic there is an opportunity for churches and corps to review what we do and how we do it. Perhaps one of the things we need to consider is how better to engage with people who have a ‘fuzzy faith’. We could devise programmes or events to try and attract them, but perhaps it would be better if we equipped ourselves to engage with them in our daily encounters at work or in our communities – and if they do then show an interest in attending, ensure that what they find within our corps walls is accessible and meaningful. Wouldn’t it be a tragedy if people seeking spiritual reality failed to find it if they showed up at our meetings? To connect with spiritual seekers our corps need to be places of wholehearted discipleship and passionate spirituality. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams once said we are ‘a society haunted by religion and not clear on what to do about it’. The question is: are we clear on what to do about it?
From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
Quotes from the media
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News
4 and 5
News feature Lifehouse resident speaks of joy after vaccination
6
Prayer matters
7
Reflection Guard your heart
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by Nicola Walmsley
Feature 9 to 11 The Henry Edmonds papers by Ruth Macdonald
We are The Salvation Army 12 and 13 We have 50/50 vision says Lieutenant Liam Beattie
New commitments
14
Light bites So easy to get lost
15
by Major Peter Mylechreest
Reflection Believing in miracles
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by Brian Colley
Bible study Life through the Spirit
16 and 17
by Major Darren Shaw
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley
Poetry corner
18
Territorial structure update
19
Adverts
20 and 21
Announcements
22 and 23
Fundraising
24
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
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NEWS
ARMY NEWS
MUSIC
Army calls for greater involvement in emergency response planning ENGLAND THE Salvation Army has called for an amendment to legislation to strengthen the role of the voluntary sector in preparing for and responding to emergencies. It believes that frontline charities should be more closely involved when plans are drawn up in advance to respond to major incidents such as floods, fires or pandemics. Territorial Emergency Response Officer Adrian Clee gave oral evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Risk Assessment and Risk Planning. ‘Often, how we deal with the humanitarian aspects to these incidents can end up being thrown together after an incident has actually occurred, even in areas, for instance, where flooding is a regular occurrence,’ he said. ‘Very often, when a major emergency occurs, the vital role that the voluntary sector can play in welfare support, humanitarian support, is very much an afterthought, rather than part of well-laid-down plans.’ Adrian was cautious about proposals for the creation of a national ‘civilian reservist cadre’ that could be called on when major incidents occur, which were floated in the government’s recently published foreign affairs and defence review. He said they failed to recognise the local volunteer organisations and networks that already exist in the communities that may be affected, and which already drew on dedicated, trained and vetted volunteers when needed. He instead urged the government to continue to support and fund the National Voluntary Sector Emergencies Partnership, of which The Salvation Army is a member, to maintain effective co-operation and dialogue between charitable organisations and government at a local and national level. He also called for a change to the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to include a legal duty for local government to consult and truly involve charity and voluntary organisations as part of its emergency incident planning. – AR Is your corps adapting to the coronavirus crisis through innovative ministry opportunities? Salvationist wants to hear from you. Send your news to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.
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Fakenham Fellowship Band enjoy their first rehearsal in 15 months in the Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve car park
COMMUNITY
STOWMARKET People have been invited for Covid-19 vaccinations by an NHS health team working out of the corps building. Corps officer Major James Lloyd said he was delighted that the hall would be used as a vaccination centre until September. To allow face-to-face worship to resume during this time, the corps will worship with the United Reformed Church. ‘We hope the centre will see the vaccination of 500 people a day and this will be a great thing. We need to be a lighthouse – a place of hope and healing… It’s only right that we offer our building, which we have been blessed with, to help in the fight against this deadly disease that has caused so much loss and devastation in our communities,’ said Major James. The corps officers are offering pastoral support to NHS staff, volunteers and members of the public, and several members of the corps are helping to direct traffic and patients. Pictured is volunteer Max Moye, who has been welcoming people. – TG
ANNIVERSARY
Corps celebrates 140 years of mission and ministry ALDERNEY THE 140th corps anniversary celebrations gave an opportunity of praise and thanksgiving for the past and present, and encouraged hope and trust in God for the future. Led by former corps officers Majors Claire and James Hill (Guernsey), the celebrations were held over the Pentecost weekend due to lockdowns and travel arrangements. Corps Sergeant-Major Charlie Greenslade, who currently leads the corps, was thanked for his 47 years of service in his local officer role, while recognising that he has served Christ in that capacity for much longer. Corps members and invited guests also enjoyed a celebration meal and fellowship. The corps has worked hard to keep its mission focused on the island community. As well as a Sunday morning meeting, the corps holds a weekly coffee morning, prayer group, prayer breakfast, Bible study, junior soldier class and a Jesus and Me club, which is provided by Salvationists and friends from the island’s school. – JH
COMMUNITY
Police acknowledge chaplain’s dedication NORTHUMBRIA
COMMUNITY
HOMELESSNESS chaplain Julie Judson was commended by Northumbria Police during Volunteers’ Week for her dedication across a range of roles. Julie is employed as a part-time chaplain at Swan Lodge Lifehouse, Sunderland, and its community project in Southwick. She scooped the partnership working award at the first Citizens in Policing awards. Julie is a well-known face in Sunderland in her capacity as a Salvation Army worker and church member. She supports families and individuals in crisis and volunteers with the Army’s emergency response team. Julie is also involved in the interdenominational Street Pastors ministry. Julie has built up a network of professional contacts over time, and many of them approach her for help and advice. During the coronavirus pandemic she has provided continual support and assistance where possible, despite restrictions and challenges. She has also been instrumental in bringing together several agencies to support vulnerable people. In addition to her voluntary roles, Julie goes above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing of frontline emergency workers. She often bakes treats for them as a way of expressing thanks for their hard work. – AR
Care home manager nominated for award Pre-loved school uniforms for more than 400 children CANNOCK FAMILIES have benefited from a scheme supplying pre-loved school uniforms for free. The partnership includes the corps, Staffordshire county council, supermarkets, the People Helping People fund and families who donated clothes no longer needed by their children. The market stocked everything from blazers, shirts, trousers and skirts to PE kits and shoes for children aged 3 to 16. The majority of children benefiting from the donated items were of primary school age. The market has been running during school breaks since August to help struggling families, and will next run at the corps from 16 August for two weeks. – AR
COVENTRY EMMA Bailie, the home manager at The Salvation Army’s Youell Court, has been nominated for the Care Home Registered Manager award at the 2020 Great British Care Awards. The awards span 21 categories recognising the work of care staff. The Care Home Registered Manager prize acknowledges ‘exceptional skills’ in managing a care home and ‘commitment’ to high levels of person-centred care. Emma, who has worked at Youell Court since January 2017, said she was in shock when she received the call from the awards body: ‘I felt so emotional. I would like to know who nominated me so I could say thank you.’ ‘The impact it has had on the staff members and residents is so touching,’ she added. ‘To know that our home and our team have been recognised is fantastic.’ Staff and residents from each nominated home were asked to perform a short routine to a pop song chosen by the awards body. All the
videos will be shown at the ceremony, which will take place this year after being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. ‘One of our care staff has a friend who runs a dance school in Coventry. She put together a little routine for us, she taught it to us in the car park, and we learnt it and put it together,’ explained Emma. ‘We dressed up in fancy dress, we had lots of practice and we had so much fun with our residents. ‘On one of the days, the residents watched us, judged us, told us what they thought of our performance, and gave us marks out of 10 – it was like Strictly Come Dancing!’ Youell Court is taking the routine one step further as it plans to challenge other Salvation Army care homes around the UK to do a routine with their staff members and residents. All the videos will then be compiled to create one big dance video. – AR Salvationist 26 June 2021
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NEWS FEATURE
Lifehouse resident speaks of joy after vaccination DUBLIN A RESIDENT of a Salvation Army homelessness centre has spoken of his joy after receiving a one-shot Covid-19 vaccine as part of the Health Service Executive (HSE) programme to reach vulnerable groups. ‘This day means an awful lot to me. We are on our way, we are nearly there,’ said Eddie Brennan, one of the residents of York House Lifehouse who received the Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccine. ‘There’s a good feeling around the place. After the tough year that we had, we really deserve it. It’s nice to be able to report a good homelessness story. The country is opening up and I want to be part of it.’ The Salvation Army provides more than 400 beds every night in Dublin, as well as a wide range of services to help people overcome the complex reasons for their homelessness, such as mental ill health, domestic violence, trauma or addiction. The service is facilitating the HSE’s vaccination programme for people experiencing homelessness in Dublin at another of its locations in the city centre. The clinic will provide vaccinations for 700 medically vulnerable people living in homelessness centres over a two-week period. ‘It has been a tough year and Covid-19 has affected a lot of our social and support activities,’ said Eddie. ‘The staff members at York House really tried hard to engage
York House Lifehouse
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Salvationist 26 June 2021
with people and keep us going during the pandemic, playing a game with one person, or going for a walk with another. You really appreciate the little things. ‘I have been a resident in York House for the past eight months and this is the closest I have got to a home in the five years that I have been homeless.’ York House Lifehouse operates 80 supported accommodation units for men over the age of 18. The Salvation Army continuously develops programmes that focus on life skills, meaningful activity,
capacity to change and cultivation of physical and mental health. In 2020, 15 York House residents moved on to independent living. ‘This is a good day. It is a step closer to normal,’ said Emeline Le Prince, service manager at York House. ‘Like most homelessness services, our main challenge has been to ensure that residents continue to receive the appropriate level of care and support, while managing the restrictions and the risks to health and mental health posed by the pandemic. ‘We have been creative in our approach to supporting our residents, ensuring that their needs are met as best as possible. ‘Our meeting rooms with professionals became virtual, while the outdoors, with walks in the city, became our venue of choice for our engagement with the residents.’ Frank Feighan, the minister of state for public health, wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, visited the vaccination centre and thanked the frontline workers of the Dublin Covid-19 Homeless Response Team, the HSE, the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive and voluntary service providers for their work during the pandemic. – AR
FAMILY MINISTRIES FOCUS by Director of Family Ministries Major David Betteridge SATURDAY 26 JUNE – DIVERSITY ‘Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other’ (Romans 12:10 God’s Word). It was Winston Churchill who said, ‘Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common… Celebrate it every day.’ No two families are the same and even in a family no two people are exactly alike. We all have our own identity and personality. This is the way God meant it to be. What he didn’t want was for those differences to be a source of division. Rather, he intended that we celebrate and value each other’s differences in the knowledge that together we are stronger and able to do so much more. Almighty God, we confess that in our brokenness as human beings we turn diversity into a source of alienation, injustice, oppression and war. Help us to recognise and celebrate our differences as your gift to the human family. Help us to be people of understanding, respect and love. Amen. SUNDAY 27 JUNE – INTERGENERATIONAL ‘One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts’ (Psalm 145:4). Being intergenerational is more than all ages meeting up and accommodating one another. It is about being together, sharing in a common experience, learning from each other and enjoying each other’s company and contributions, whatever the age or heritage. Family Ministries thrives in this environment. Father God, help us as individuals, and in all corps and settings, to truly value and encourage each and every generation. Help us to see and know that the Kingdom grows when we honour you, and as we honour each other. Amen. MONDAY 28 JUNE – CREATIVITY God has created each one of us with a unique personality. He has given each of us
talents and creative minds. The Bible tells us that ‘in the beginning God created the heavens and Earth’ (Genesis 1:1). God is a creator; he is the Creator. Again, the Bible tells us that he formed us in his image (see Genesis 1:27); that means that we must be creative too, and because we are all unique, we each express this creativity in different ways. Do we feel free to be the person God created us to be? Do we allow others to express their personalities without expecting them to conform to our preferences and prejudices? Creator God, we thank you for making such an amazing and beautiful world. Thank you too for creating each of us as a unique person. Help us to fully embrace who we are and use all our creative talents and abilities to honour you and so add to the beauty of this world. Help us to enjoy and allow the creative personalities of others to be expressed, so to enrich our own lives and the lives of others. Amen.
justice who always wants the best for us and rejoices when we live to please you in thought and deed. Amen.
TUESDAY 29 JUNE – JUSTICE ‘There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right’ (Psalm 106:3 New Living Translation). Every year the Family Ministries Unit works in partnership with The Salvation Army International Development UK to create resources for and implement the HelpingHand Appeal, which raises funds for many different projects around the world moving towards addressing the need for social justice. The appeal for this year is called Feeding Hope and seeks to support The Salvation Army’s food security programmes in Zimbabwe and around the world. These programmes provide training and build confidence so that individual families from one generation to another can thrive, ultimately benefiting the whole community. O Lord, we pray that you will bless this year’s appeal and all those involved in raising funds for it. May they have a sense of joy as they seek to do what is right. We ask that you also bless those who will benefit from the projects it will support, give them all that they need to feel secure and to thrive for generations to come. Thank you for being a God of
by Assistant Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Major Christine Kingscott
WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE – CHRIST-CENTRED ‘He is also the head of the church… He is the beginning, the first to come back to life so that he would have first place in everything’ (Colossians 1:18 GW ). Is Christ the centre of our lives and the life of our church community? Lord Jesus Christ, help us every day to put you at the centre of it all. Help us to show hospitality without prejudice, embracing diversity and celebrating with others of all backgrounds and generations. O Lord, you have created each one of us with a unique personality. Help us to use it to please you, always desiring to do what is right and just in this world, through the grace and strength that you give us day by day. Amen.
FOLLOWING GOD’S CALL
THURSDAY 1 JULY ‘If doors should close then other doors will open,/ The word of God can never be contained./ His love cannot be finally frustrated,/ By narrow minds or prison doors restrained’ (SASB 649). Gracious Heavenly Father, we pray for wisdom and discernment when following your call on our lives. Help us to know your truth and love and to be bearers of your grace. Amen. FRIDAY 2 JULY ‘If tears should fall, if I am called to suffer,/ If all I love men should deface, defame,/ I’ll not deny the One that I have followed,/ Nor be ashamed to bear my Master’s name’ (SASB 649). Merciful and powerful God, when you called us to follow, you did not promise life would be easy. You gave us your Holy Spirit to comfort, strengthen and guide us through the dark and difficult times. Amen.
O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources
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RE R EFL FLEC FLEC CTI TION TION ON REFLECTION
Nicola Walmsley refflects on Proverbs 4:23 HAT is itt with you and all the hearts?’ I was recently asked. This wa was after three family members and a frien nd had heart attackss or heart procedures du uring the Covid-19 9 pandemic. I can onlyy sayy th hes e e were re due to circumstances of lif ife. Butt I also feltt th t at God wanted to draw atte at ten entio i n to our hearts, so I began reflec ecti ting g. The hear art is necesssary for living – vital for life. A health hy heart is central to good living ng.. Do you hav ave a he h althy heart? I strron o gly advise a thorrough heart checkkk-up if yo ou are unsure. The Bible e uses the e heart as a symbol ol of our inw nwar a d motives, thoughts and feelings s. Accordin ing g to the New Bible Dictiona ar y : ‘Cha aractter, personality, will, mind arre modern termss wh whic ich h al alll refl f ect something of the meaning n of “h hea eart”” in its bibliccal usage.’ And the Bible tellss us in Prove erbss 4:23 that we need to mak ake the hea alth of our heart a priority and guard itt ‘ab bove everythin ng else’. God sayys to Samuel: ‘The Lord does not lookk at the things pe eople look at. People loo ook at the outwa ard app pearance, e, but the Lord looks at the e heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7). God iss concerne ed wi w th h the inside, with the con ondition of ourr hearts – whether the ey are hard or so oft ft, god dly or ungodly. A soft heart is neccesssary if we wantt the Holy Spirit to o lead d us in godly wayys. Psalm 139 says: s: ‘Search me, God, and d know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See e if there is any of offfensive way in me, and lead me in the way a everlasting’ (vv23 and 24). God’s word warns us to guard against the hardening of our hearts: ‘Blessed is the on ne who always trembles before God d, but whoever hardens their heart fallss into trouble’ (Prroverbs 28:14). And it ad dvisses us agains st allowing a root of bitte erness to grow: ‘Make every effort to live in peace with evveryone and to be holyy; without holinesss no one wi willll see the Lord. See to it th hat no one fa fallllss short of th he grace of God and that no bitter 8
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root grows up to cause trouble and defile many’ (Hebrews 12:14 and 15). If we keep our hearts soft and seek to be led by the Holy Spirit, the fruit of our lips is a good indicator of the state of our hearts. Jesus says: ‘Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree ee is recognised by its fruit. You brood of viper erss, how o can you who are evil say anything goo od? For the h mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good thingss outt of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil sttored d up in him’ (Matthew 12:33–35). How is your heart today? Is it soft an nd he healthy or have you hardened your heart be eca caus use of sin, hurt, choices, circumstance es or disappointments? Have you allowed ed a bitter root to grow? Does your speech h ove v rflow with praise and thanksgiving from m yo your heart or is it angr y? ? Does it gossip, crriticise se, accuse, grumblle and slander othe ers rs? ? I believe the Holy Spirit will reveal the sta ate of your heart. If it is unhealthy, my prayer is that you will check your heart and seek God’s facc e in repe entant prayer and be healed in the mig ghty name of Jesus. God is concerned with hearts. He iss an ama azing heart surgeon. With him you don’t need a second opinion because he is the bes est! t! Not othi hing ng is too di diffic icul ultt fo or God – and what se eems imp possible to us is never imposssib ible forr him. I pray that you u wo would d allow God to bring healing an nd life to your heart. May it be beauti tifu full an and bring praise to God. He can start that work in you today. ‘Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near’ (Isaiah 55:6).
NICOL LA IS S COMM MUN UNITY MISSION FACILIITA T TOR, BARROW OW-IN-FURNESS
Above everything else guard your heart, because from it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23 International Standard Version)
FEATURE I International Heritage Centre
The Henry Edmonds papers
Major Henry Edmonds, 1880s
Ruth Macdonald shares some discoveries she uncovered in the archives
I
T is not uncommon for archives and record offices to have quite extensive cataloguing backlogs. Although we at the International Heritage Centre have made enormous progress in cataloguing our collections over the past decade, we have some way to go before everything that has been given to us over the years is fully catalogued. Recently I was cataloguing a box of personal papers that had been given to
The Salvation Army in 1934. They were the papers of a man called Henry Edmonds (1861–1940), who first came into contact with The Christian Mission as a teenager in Portsmouth. He heard Catherine Booth preach in 1876 and was so inspired by her account of the Mission’s work that he began attending meetings and assisting with open-air meetings in the slums. That same year, Henry was introduced to William Booth as a promising young worker. Booth invited him to join the growing Mission’s small headquarters staff in London, an invitation he gladly accepted. After a short spell of office work, Edmonds became an evangelist with the Mission and, when the Mission
transformed into The Salvation Army in 1878, an officer. His first appointments were in Soho and Poplar before he was sent farther afield to open new stations in Sheffield, the Midlands and Salisbury. This led to service as aide-de-camp to General William Booth from 1878 to 1881. He was the first person to hold this post. At this time, being aide-de-camp involved travelling the country ‘searching out the land’ and making arrangements for commencing Salvation Army work in new areas. Notably, Edmonds was tasked with laying the groundwork for the introduction of The Salvation Army to the north of Ireland in 1880. However, it was 1881 that saw Edmonds receive what was probably the defining appointment of his Army career, which he would hold for most of the following decade. In August 1881 he took charge of The Salvation Army’s incipient work in Scotland. With only a year’s interruption in 1884 – when he served as The Salvation Army’s chancellor of the exchequer – Edmonds led the Army in Scotland until a breakdown in health forced him to step down in late 1888. He never returned to full-time Salvation Army work but maintained a lifelong interest in the organisation and kept up many of the friendships he made as an officer. The papers that we hold comprise a typescript copy of his memoirs, which he wrote for the interest of his family and friends, some accompanying photographs, and a series of cuttings from his personal wet copy letter books, which he kept as a record of his outgoing correspondence while in command of the Army in Scotland. Alongside these was a file of correspondence dating from the 1930s, which reveals how these documents came to be in the possession of The Salvation Army. In February 1934 Colonel Robert Sandall, who had started compiling the first volume of the official history of The Salvation Army, wrote to Edmonds asking to visit him and discuss the ‘inside affairs’ of The Christian Mission and the early Salvation Army. So began several years of communication that resulted in the transfer of the memoirs, photographs and letter book cuttings to the International Headquarters Literary Department for safekeeping. Given the significance of Edmonds’ appointment during the period covered by the letter books and the few other surviving original sources about the Salvationist 26 June 2021
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Henry and Jennie Edmonds with Scottish staff, c1887 Army’s progress in Scotland during that first decade, I decided to catalogue each letter individually. With the contents described in some detail, specific events and individuals mentioned will turn up in a free text search of our catalogue. The majority of the letters are from Edmonds to members of the Booth family. More than 40 were sent to Bramwell, who was the chief of the staff at that time. Others are to Bramwell’s parents, William and Catherine, and his brother, Herbert, who was a close friend of Edmonds. There are also letters to other senior officers, as well as to supporters and benefactors of The Salvation Army in Scotland. Colonel Sandall wrote to Edmonds looking for insight into the ‘inside affairs’ of the Army and the letters certainly deliver that, although perhaps not always in ways Sandall might have expected. For instance, Edmonds’ letters to Catherine Booth – whom he addressed as ‘dearest Mother’ – relate how in 1882 she urged him to look out for a suitable life ‘compartner’. Later, in 1885, they discuss his love for his future wife, Jennie. Other letters to Bramwell hint that Edmonds himself played matchmaker for some of his fellow officers. The letters also reveal the impact on Edmonds’ health of sustained and intensive work in 10
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straitened circumstances, as well as the strain put on his personal friendships with the Booth family by the demands of their extraordinary shared vocation. However, there is plenty more official content in the letters too. One aspect they are particularly eloquent on is the way in which the early Salvation Army raised funds and developed relationships with benefactors. There are descriptions of special fundraising meetings, records of numerous approaches to people with wealth and influence, and even a proposal for the publication of a book on health to raise money for a home of rest for officers. However, an intriguing financial quandary arose out of Edmonds’ marriage in 1886 to Jennie Freeman, daughter of the late businessman Albert Freeman, who had been an important early backer of The Christian Mission. Although Jennie, who was a ward of the Court of Chancery after her father’s death, chose to become a Salvation Army officer as soon as she came of age, public awareness of her family’s wealth apparently became an impediment to fundraising efforts in Scotland. There is also evidence in the letters that the newlywed couple and Jennie’s mother were regularly asked by headquarters to contribute substantial sums to Army campaigns. They appear
to have assented willingly whenever they could, but the requests often went beyond what they were able to contribute. Another prominent benefactor who features in Edmonds’ correspondence as well as in his memoirs is Elizabeth Orr Bell of Harviestoun Castle. It just so happened that, while I was cataloguing the Edmonds papers, I made another chance discovery among some as yet uncatalogued photographs. I was able to put this into context and catalogue it, thanks in part to the information in Edmonds’ papers. The discovery was a cabinet card showing an architect’s impression of a building I didn’t recognise. Looking closely, I noticed a signature and date on the drawing: Beresford Pite, 1891. From Edmonds’ memoirs, I learnt that 1891 was the year Bell died and left a vast legacy of between £60,000 and £70,000 to The Salvation Army. With this information, I tracked down some articles in newspapers and magazines from the time about the legacy and its proposed use. The design on the cabinet card was for a grand new International Headquarters. William Booth hoped to be able to bring all the administrative departments of the rapidly growing Movement together under one roof alongside a massive worship space
Wedding of Henry Edmonds and Jennie Freeman, 1886
Unrealised design for an International Headquarters on the bank of the Thames
able to accommodate meetings of thousands of Salvationists. Edmonds’ letters show that William had this dream as early as 1887 but, with the illness and death of Catherine, it was set aside. Bell’s bequest revived the dream temporarily and the project appears to have got as far as having a design drawn up by the architect Arthur Beresford Pite. However, for reasons unknown, the building was never realised. As yet, I have not found any concrete evidence of what Bell’s enormous bequest was
Elizabeth Orr Bell, 1891
A selection of items from the Henry Edmonds papers
ultimately used for, but it is thought that at least part of it was used to buy outright the site of IHQ on Queen Victoria Street. The catalogue for the Edmonds papers is not yet online as we are still cataloguing the much larger Editorial and Literary Department collection, of which they form only a small part. However, the catalogue can be searched by International Heritage Centre staff on your behalf and made available for research in the reading room.
O Keep
up with the International Heritage Centre blog at salvationarmy.org.uk/ about-us/international-heritage-centre
O More
information about Henry Edmonds and the history of the Army in Scotland can be found in All Glory tae God, available from sps-shop.com priced £3.50 (plus postage and packing)
RUTH IS ARCHIVIST AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE Salvationist 26 June 2021
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There are hundreds of corps and centres up and down the UKI Territory, but what makes them The Salvation Army? In this series, Salvationist discovers just that
We have 50/50 vision says Wisbech corps officer Lieutenant Liam Beattie
S
OMEBODY asked me recently: ‘What makes you The Salvation Army?’ Was it our brass band? Was it our Sunday meetings? Maybe it was our weekly programme. Sadly, there has been little opportunity to do any of those recently. One attribute that does make us The Salvation Army, however, is our missional outreach. Here in Wisbech we have had the immense privilege of serving people experiencing homelessness and the most vulnerable members of our community through our new initiative: 50/50 Vision. We love the ethos of heart to God and hand to man and, with our literal hands extended, we serve hot takeaway meals, desserts and drinks to people in need. 12
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This wonderful opportunity came to fruition through prayer and asking for God’s guidance. We noticed that, sometime earlier in the year, a local volunteer group called 50 Backpacks had ceased their outreach. Due to various complications they were unable to continue, and this was a crushing blow to the community. The need was evident and we prayerfully considered what we could do to meet it. After thoughtful consideration we decided to reach out to the leader of 50 Backpacks, Simon Crowson – locally known as Spike. After careful planning, a few DBS checks, some food hygiene certificates, lots of prayer and a risk assessment, 50/50 Vision was born. When we launched on 29 March, nine clients came to our doors. Within a couple of weeks, we were helping 30 to 35 people each session – about 80 individuals – who were experiencing homelessness or otherwise vulnerable. As it stands, we operate six days a week and serve from 6pm to 7pm. We feel privileged and blessed in doing what we can to serve our community, and it is even more encouraging that people see The Salvation Army as a safe place. I am often reminded of the parable of the great banquet (see Luke 14:15–24). Jesus encourages us to serve those who come looking for a meal. I am struck by the word ‘banquet’. What does it mean precisely? For me, it means the best of the best – the best in quality and in preparations. A banquet symbolises prestige and consideration for others. I am especially encouraged by Jesus’ teaching about this parable, which reminds us that all are worthy of a seat at the table. All are worthy of the very best investment and, in the context of 50/50 Vision, all are worthy of our very best care, food and love.
This isn’t the parable of the packed lunch, it’s the parable of the great banquet, and those within our care deserve nothing less than our very best. None of this would be possible without the love and dedication of the team, all of whom serve important elements in an efficient programme. We are immensely thankful for our volunteers and their tireless dedication to serving others in the community. We are very blessed to have them. Aside from myself, the evenings are overseen by Corps Assistant Adrian Casey and Spike, the project leader. Alongside them, we have had Kristyna, our corps cleaner, who has helped the project with access to our food storage, and CS Paul Brearley, who has diligently supported with financial matters and orders. In short, our biggest prayer to enable effective mission has been about people, and God has been faithful in answering that prayer. Working together, the ministry can function effectively and we thank God entirely for that. So, when I think back to that question – what makes you The Salvation Army? – for me, it is the privilege of meeting the needs of the community and the blessing of serving God’s people. Though we are only a few months into this initiative, we have been astounded by the response. The public have been generous in their support and we feel encouraged that the project has blessed people. We always remain open to what God might say in how we take the outreach forward. Although how we do it has changed drastically during this pandemic, the deep-rooted meaning of mission will always remain the same: to meet people where they are and serve them as we’re called to do. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The leadership team
Spike (left) helps out in the kitchen
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NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance, following a risk assessment and approval from divisional leaders.
SLOUGH Linda Oremosu was enrolled as a soldier during Pentecost celebrations. Pictured with Linda are YPSM Meryl Lillis and corps officers Lieutenants Roelof and Tanyia Vermeulen. – TV CHIPPENHAM Claire Robinson was enrolled as a soldier on Pentecost Sunday by corps officer Captain Sandra Hall. After Claire’s children became involved in Messy Church and junior church at the corps they encouraged her to come along to Sunday meetings. Although Claire has been an adherent for some time, she wanted to make this further commitment in her journey with Christ. Claire is pictured with Captains Chris and Sandra Hall. – SH
CIRENCESTER Margaret Glover was enrolled as a soldier by corps leader Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard at a socially distanced ceremony. Margaret, who was previously an adherent, gave her testimony and a quartet sang one of her favourite songs, ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’. Pictured with Margaret are Deputy Songster Leader Mark Walters and Territorial Envoy Kim. – MG
PENGE Corps folk, family and friends from all over the UK joined together on Zoom for Jasmine Snell’s enrolment as a soldier. The meeting was led by Majors Hilary and Stephen Naylor (Hull Icehouse). It included contributions from a number of people who have supported Jasmine in the different corps led by her parents, corps officers Majors Janice and Jason Snell. – JS
WELLING The corps was delighted to welcome Adam and Sam Smith as adherents. Adam and Sam first connected with the corps as a result of Mencap’s Safe Places scheme and over time Sam became a volunteer. During lockdown they requested the corps weekly worship pack, which led them to make their commitment to the corps official. Adam and Sam were welcomed at the corps food bank, which they support. They spoke of their joy at finding a place where they can be themselves and are excited about the future and helping other people find what they have found. At the ceremony they were surprised to see Adam’s brother, Nick, who came to celebrate with them. Nick is a social media influencer who has supported the corps Christmas appeal and at Easter. Nick also helped source two fridge freezers, which will enable the food bank to support more families. Pictured are Adam, Nick and Sam. – KS 14
Salvationist 26 June 2021
LIGHT BITES
So easy to get In an excerpt from his book Light Bites Major Peter Mylechreest reminds us that it’s good to be found
‘G
ET lost!’ she shouted angrily. But sadly, being ‘lost’ is a state that many people find themselves in, although this is not always visible to onlookers. Maybe we’ve lost: z Direction We might think that position, possessions or pills will somehow make everything right. They won’t. z The plott Maybe we don’t think it matters what we do or believe, so long as it temporarily fills the void. That’s an illusion. z Faith Perhaps in humankind, or maybe we have written off faith in God as some outdated fairy tale. That’s plain silly. z Hope Perhaps in our situation, ourselves or the possibility of change. To imagine that there’s no future for us is disastrous. z Love Maybe we’re embittered and distorted by painful relationships in our past. That’s terribly sad.
Some people tell themselves that they cannot possibly be lostt, like one youngster who went missing on a an outing to the beach. After frantic sea arching by his parents he was eventually found. When in a mixture of relief and cconcern the mother remonstrated with the child, he replied, ‘Jason not lost, Mummy lost!’ Others realise that they are lost – either because they do not know God or, having once known him, have turned away to pursue a self-centred life. Like sheep they have gone astray and are in danger. Fortunately the Bible tells us that ‘the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). Through the message of Christ we are all called to turn away from wrong attitudes and activities, and in faith put our lives in the hands of the Good Shepherd who, having found us, saves us. But we must be willing and able to hear this message. ‘The message about Christ’s death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God’s power’ (1 Corinthians 1:18 Good News Bible). It’s good to be found! It brings a sense of
security knowing we have been sought out because we matter to someone. Whether the cause of our feeling lost is that we easily get distracted, or we deliberately take ourselves out of the ‘fold’, the patient Lord is happy to welcome us home. z Light Bites: Spiritual Food in Small Portions is available from sps-shop.com priced £4.99 (plus postage and packing) and as a Kindle ebook from amazon.co. uk at the same price z Second Helpings: More Spiritual Food in Small Portions, also written by Peter, is available from sps-shop.com priced £5.99 (plus postage and packing) MAJOR MYLECHREEST LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN LONDON AND IS THQ CHAPLAIN
REFL REFL RE FLEC ECTI TION TI REFLECTION EC ON
Brian Colleyy ((Clowne)) continues a series of reflections on verses from Psalms Come m and hear, all you u who fear God d; let me telll you whatt he has done for me (Psa (P salm lm 66: 6:16 16)) NE of the grreate eatest st miracles reco ord rded in the Old Tes esttame ment nt is wh when en God open op ened ed up th the e Re Red d Se Sea a to to ena abl b e th the e flee fl ee eing ing ch chilildr dren en off Israell to essca cape pe the he pursuing Egy gypt pttia ian n ar army my y. Th That at is remembered re ed in th this is psa salm lm and God od’ss greatness is praised. Bu B t the ps psal a mi al mist stt also so spe p ak aks ab bou outt wh what at see eem ms to him an equa eq uallllyy grea at mi mira ra acl cle: e: his own salvation. He wants others to t hear ab bout it, sa ayi ying ng he wililll tte he ell what God has done for him personal ally ly.
Mo o re m odern writerr s have w ri ritt tten tt en, en both in poetry and p ro rose se,, ab se abou o t be ein ing g amazed t ha hatt Go God d co coul u d be b ot othe here red re d enou en u gh to sh s ow his lov ove e fo forr th hem em indi divi vidu dual a ly. This is gre reat at G od d, wh who o iss c apabll e of brr in ingi g ng g abo bout utt t he impo im p oss ssib ible, ca ares re s ab abou outt every one off hiss c hi h ldren – and sent Jesus to die e for un nwo wort r hy sinne e rs rs, wi with th every p rs pe rson o fit itti ting ng into t th that category. Paul remi re mind nd ded d us in his l et e terr to the he c hurch att Rome thatt ‘alll have sinne e d and d fallll short of the glory of God, and all are re just ju stif ifie ied d fr free eely l by hi h s grace through h the re e de demp m tion n t ha hatt ca c me byy Christ Jesus’’ (Ro Roma mans ns 3:2 :23 3 an and d 24 24). So o me p eo eopl ple e be beliliev eve e miracll es are a th thin ing g of t he h pas a t. They are looking
ffor fo or God to do some m th me thin ng ma m gica call to make ma ke thing gs h ha app app p en in a a ph phys phys ysic i al ic s ens se nse e in t he world ld, ld d, wh when spiiri ritu tual ally theyy hav ave e on only to meet et J es e us to be amazed and experience a re am e al mir ira acle le for themselves. God do o es n ot do clever magic t riickks; he performs miracles at alll levels. Th T ose who ha ave b ee een saved want to o te tellll oth ther e s ab abou o t th the e ch chan ange g it hass m ea eant nt to th them e at every op p po portun u ity.. T he h y belilieve in his m ra mi racl c es. cl All thatt you need is a miracle, And all th that at you need can n be b yours,, All th that at you need is available The Th e mo mome ment ntt you ou tur urn n to to the e Lor ord. d (SASB 406 06 6)
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BIBLE STUDY
Life through the Spirit Major Darren Shaw zeroes in on the changes the Holy Spirit brings ROMANS 8:1–17
I
AM a big fan of science fiction. I recently read a novel in which the protagonist travels to a distant star in search of a way to prevent an extinction-level event on Earth. While there, he meets his alien counterpart, who is performing the same mission for his own world. As the travellers work together, it becomes apparent that their habitats are dangerously incompatible. They cannot share the same environment without dying. Meanwhile, back in the real world, Paul describes the war that rages inside us between two incompatible ways of living – one is toxic and deadly, the other pure and life-giving. Paul describes these lifestyles with the word ‘realm’: ‘For when we were in the
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley
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realm of the flesh’ (Romans 7:5). Personal survival depends on the seemingly impossible transition from one realm – or sphere of influence – to the other. In verse 19, Paul gives a summary of this irreconcilable conflict that plagues humankind: ‘For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do.’ In verse 24, he recognises that without rescue humankind is lost: ‘Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?’ In Romans 8, Paul reveals how the possibility of rescue depends on the combined missions of God’s Son and God’s Spirit.
Now read the study passage and jot down the contrasting characteristics of each of these realms, side by side. Having listed the properties of each realm, it’s easier to see how toxic the realm of the flesh is and how the Spirit helps us escape it. However, before we look more closely at the role of the Spirit, let’s take note of the realm in which Christ does his work.
QUESTION O Read verse 9. What might we call the two ‘realms’ to which Paul is alluding?
Christ’s work was done in the flesh to release us to live according to the Spirit. In contrast to some Greek schools of thought, Paul, as a Jew,
QUESTIONS O Read verses 3 and 4. Which realm did Christ enter? O What did he achieve there? O In light of these verses, would you define sin as a spiritual problem?
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
No condemnation now I dread;/ Jesus, and all in him, is mine./ Alive in him, my living head,/ And clothed in righteousness divine,/ Bold I approach the eternal throne/ And claim the crown, through Christ, my own. (SASB 241)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1 and 2)
In Christ alone – who took on flesh,/ Fullness of God in helpless babe!/ This gift of love and righteousness,/ Scorned by the ones he came to save:/ Till on that cross as Jesus died,/ The wrath of God was satisfied,/ For every sin on him was laid;/ Here in the death of Christ I live. (SASB 861)
would have regarded the physical world as ‘good’. (Note the repeated comment in Genesis 1 that, after each stage of Creation, ‘God saw that it was good’.) Therefore, when Paul distinguishes between ‘flesh’ and ‘spirit’, he is not implying that the material world is inherently bad and the immaterial is inherently good. Rather, in verses 5 to 8, he is talking about two incompatible mindsets: the unspiritual that is rebellious towards God and focuses on the earthly and corruptible, and the spiritual that looks towards the heavenly and eternal and is pleasing to God (see Romans 7:14). Read verses 1 to 13 again and mark every occasion ‘the Spirit’ is mentioned, listing everything that the Spirit does. Zeroing-in on the Spirit’s actions
helps us to see how thoroughly he reverses the deadly properties of the realm of the flesh and enables our escape to the realm of the Spirit. We see, for instance, that the Spirit gives us ‘life and peace’ (v6) in place of death and hostility, freedom in place of slavery, and a mind governed by eternal perspectives and desires. Ultimately, the Spirit will even release the mortality of our bodies and raise us from death. The Spirit removes us from the realm in which sin operates to a realm over which the Law has no power. The Spirit gives us life, but not as we knew it, by enabling us to live in a wholly different sphere. In other words, the Spirit makes us spiritual (see 1 Corinthians 15:42–55). While we can’t achieve this for ourselves, we still have a role to play.
QUESTIONS O Read verses 12 and 13. How do we partner the Spirit in our transition from unspiritual to spiritual? O Read verses 14 to 17. What does the Spirit do to make our transfer from one realm to the other complete? The Spirit confers our adoption as fully fledged members of God’s family. The Spirit confirms our status as rightful heirs of an eternal inheritance. Through the mission of the Son and the Spirit, an extinction event has been averted.
MAJOR SHAW IS CORPS OFFICER, SCUNTHORPE
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
What the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son … in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:3 and 4)
No more we tremble at the If the Spirit of him who grave;/ For he who died our raised Jesus from the dead is souls to save/ Will raise our living in you, he who raised bodies too./ What though Christ from the dead will this earthly house shall fail,/ also give life to your mortal The Saviour’s power will bodies because of his Spirit yet prevail/ And who lives in you. build it up anew. (Romans 8:11) Prayer (SASB 229) Father God, when we compare our sinfulness with the purity of Jesus, we wonder that he should give his life so that we might be counted blameless and be adopted as your children. Thank you for your Spirit, our constant guide and strength.
SATURDAY I once was an outcast, a stranger on Earth,/ A sinner by choice, and an alien by birth;/ But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down,/ An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown. (SASB 877)
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He Knows You by Your Nam me
I Ne eed d Him
So ome meon one on e iss rig ight ht bes esid de yo you, u u, Ha as be een the here re e fro rom m yo your ur birth th;; G id Gu idin ing in g ea each daily each aiily foo ots t te tep Of you ourr liliffe fe on th this iss Ear a th h, Kn now owss ju j stt wha hatt iss on yo ourr hea eart rt,, rt Weep We e s wi with th you o , sh shar ares e you es ourr pa pain,, Walk Wa lkss wi lk with th you thrrou ough gh h the he har ard dshi dshi ds h pss, H lp He lpss yo you u yo your urr str tren en ngt gth h re r ga gain in.
When Wh en I nee eed d hi h m, he’ e’ss alwa ways ys there he ere. If I’m dro rown nin ng in des espa p irr pa I re reac acch ou out, t butt no one’ t, ne’ e s th t erre, e Th hen he ho old ds me and sayys, ‘I ca care re e.’’
S ar Sh ares es all you ourr jo joys ys and tri rium um mph phss Know Kn o s yo ow your ur hea e rt r ’s dee e pe pest st nee ed, d Rejo Re joic ices ess whe hen n yo you u co conq nque nq uerr ue Ea ach c tri rial al, an and d su ucc ccee eed. ee d. Clos Cl osser tha han n an anyy fr frie ie end who ho You Yo u sh har a e wi with th eve very ry day ay;; N mat No atte te er wh w at you go th t ro roug ugh, ug h h, He’l’lll ne He neve verr go awa ve way. y. That Th att som a omeb eb bod dy is Jes esus us He’l’lll lo He ove you to th t e en end, d,, H s gr Hi gra e and stre grac reng re ng n gth h are witith h yo y u, u O the On hem m yo you can n de de nd. depend To him i you u’re not a nu umb m er, Not No ot cl c oned e to look the ed e sam ame, Y u ar Yo are un u ique e, he mad ade e you, you, yo He e kno nows now ws you by your u nam ur ame. e.
In the e Silence C n be Ca b sun ung g to the tun une e ‘B ‘Bet etha ha any ny’’
When Wh en n I nee ed hi him, m, he’ e s al alwa w ys str wa tron ong. g Iff I’m m too o wea ak to car arry ry on, n, H hollds me fo He forr just just ju s as lo ong g As it ta t ke kess to rig ight htt wha h hat’t’ss wr wron ong. g g. When W Wh hen I nee eed d hi him, m, he sp pea eaks ks to me e With Wi th com mpa passs ssio ssio on, simpl impl plic icitity, ic y y, Calm Ca lmss my lm m fea ears rs and anx nxie i ty ie t When en n I’m ’m faccin ng ad adve vers ve rs sitity. y. y. Wh hen e I nee eed d hi him m, he kn know owss my nee ed, d I do don’ n t ha n’ ave e to expl exxpl plai lai ain n orr ple lead ad.. ad In n goo ood d an and d ba bad d ttiime m s, s he wi willll lead, H can He n mee eett my y eve ery nee eed d. LEMOYN LE YNE YN E BOWY WYER ER ER
AMA AM AN NDA-JAYNE L ANCELEY Y
In the sililen ence ce of th his mom omen entt, en t, L rd Lo d, I br b in ing g my myse s lf to yo se you, S ea Sp eaki king ng to yo y u in the h stitillllllne ness ss,, Aski As k ng for a str ki tren engt gtth re g ene n we wed, d d, K ow Kn win ing g th that a I oftte en n fai aill yo y u, u, Hopi Ho p ng I wililll ne pi neve verr fa fallllll,, C av Cr avin ing g fo forr yo your ur love ove to guiide me, Seek Se ekin ing g fo forr yo our voi oice ice to ca alll. IIn n the e sililen encce off th en thes e e mo es ome ment nts, s, Lo ord rd,, I as askk to be yo your ur fri rien end, d, K ow Kn owin ing in g I ca can n al alwa w ys fin wa i d yo you, u, u, Ho opi ping ng you wililll co omp pre r he hend n . nd Life’s fru rust stra ra atition onss br on b in ing g co conf nfus nf u io us ion, n,, Hect He ctic ic tim imes e lea es ead d me to sttra r y From your presen en nce e and aff f ec ectitition o ; on B in Br ng me me back to you I pray. ra ay. In n the sillen ence ce now I ask yo ou u S ayy witith me and St d nev ever e leave;; er Fiind F nd in me the str tren e gt en g h to fol ollo low, lo w And An d my m wea eake kene ed he heartt re hear relieve. e Make Ma k me mo ke ore e lik i e yo you u my Sav avio iour io urr, Lett me Le me see e your our lo love ve e for or me; e;; Ever Ev eryt er ythin yt hiing ng I glad ladly la dly gi give ve,, itt Will be yo Will Wi y ur urss ette errna alllly. ly. y. M RK MA RK AYLIN YLIN YL ING G
Life Found at th he Well I went to the well at the noon n of the da day day Not expecting to find someone sat in n my way. But there was a man – a teacher, a Jew – I wasn’t too sure of just what I should do. He spo poke to me gentlly, y wit ith h wo word r s th thatt were kind, d Hiss ey Hi eyes es see eem med to me o see intto my my hea artt and an d mi mind nd. nd He saw all the e hurt – the th he pa pain ain n and d the he tears – tear te He e saw w iso sola lat ation tio , th he sh hame am me of of past ast as years.
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Salvationist 26 June 2021
He spoke of the wate ter sse ter te ent nt down from above That could quench all my thirstiness, fill me with love. I asked for that water that always would fill, But he spoke of the ones who ho o had ad treated me ill. H lif He ifte t d my te my gaze e fr from om m a life iffe off reg egre gre ret et To wors To orrsh ship and d won onde der de er at the he man a I ha had me et. Filllled Fi d witth ne ew pu purp rp pos o e, e, and nd the e jar ar le eft beh ehin ind, d d, I ra an to tel ell ot othe othe hers r of th rs the e jo oy th they ey cou co ou ulld fi find nd..
From that momentt onw wa arrds ds I would ever retel elll Of the life-gi givving Sav avio iour ur I found a att the he welll. M JOR CA MA CATH CATH HER ERIN NE W WY YLE LES
TERRITORIAL STRUCTURE UPDATE
Improving processes and structures Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant presents the June update on the work of the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group
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HE Structure Co-ordination and Design Group (SCDG) first met in February and is tasked with helping the territory improve its processes and structures. The past few weeks have been spent listening and consulting. Since we began our work in February, the SCDG has started to develop a framework and tools to help the project achieve the desired outcomes of: O Transformation Increasing the capacity of locally based Salvation Army work to contribute to the five marks of mission: share the good news; nurture disciples of Jesus; care for creation; serve others without discrimination; and seek justice and reconciliation. O Integration Building strong and effective collaboration between all aspects of The Salvation Army’s work in a geographical area. O Streamlining Designing appropriate, effective, efficient and sustainable structures and processes that enable local mission to flourish.
WHAT ARE WE HEARING? We are committed to working in a collaborative manner. This takes time, but we are learning from every discussion and adjusting our plans accordingly. Thank you to those who wrote after the first update (Salvationist 15 May). Every perspective is welcome. Please email transformation@salvationarmy.org.uk with comments, questions or advice. We’ve heard from the Territorial Advisory Council (TAC) – a group of local officers and Salvationists from all the divisions across the territory. They meet several times a year to advise the territorial commander on a wide range of issues. We met online and the conversation was insightful, encouraging and constructive. The TAC stressed the importance of involving local officers and the need for good communications as well as quality pastoral support for corps officers and local officers. The TAC emphasised the need for training to help people understand that change is a constant – the Army needs to learn from best practice and encourage evolutionary change. The TAC also stressed the importance of children and young people being prioritised. A few weeks later the Territorial Leaders
Conference (TLC) met online. The TLC comprises all divisional leaders plus senior staff based at THQ and William Booth College. Like the TAC, the TLC members received pre-reading, listened to a presentation and then met in small groups before giving feedback in a plenary session. All the feedback from TAC and TLC was then considered by the Cabinet, which is overseeing this work. We have heard concerns about the risks of attempting sweeping structural changes while we’re still coming through a pandemic. Therefore we will learn from the North West Division and the Wales Division and gradually implement changes to divisional boundaries. We’ve also heard about the need to streamline processes to reduce duplication and delay and make them more responsive to the needs of local mission units. Our current structures are not sustainable, so some change is unavoidable, but change must be managed carefully and sensitively by listening to each other. We are living in extraordinary times. We are experiencing the greatest disruption to corps life since the start of the Army 156 years ago. Even during the world wars people continued to meet for worship and fellowship. We’ve heard these concerns, and the priority must be to enable corps and all local expressions of the Army to adapt to post-pandemic realities. Immediately recovering from the pandemic cannot be taken for granted. To support and encourage this work, three initiatives are planned during the summer and autumn of this year: 1. PRAYER: A TIME TO DISCERN Many people are sensing that the next few months will be a season of opportunity for the Army and believe we need to make time to pray and discern God’s direction. Life is never returning to what it was in February 2020. Therefore, the territorial leaders are calling on all parts of The Salvation Army to spend time in prayer and listening to God’s leading during the summer and autumn. You’ll hear more about this soon. 2. FORUMS: A TIME TO DISCUSS, LISTEN AND ENGAGE The pandemic has created many
opportunities for God’s mission to flourish despite all the challenges. We thank God for signs of new life and we want to see more of it. However, it is also a busy time with many distractions and uncertainties. It will be easy to lose focus, miss the Holy Spirit’s leading and wander off in the wrong direction. The Cabinet believes that this is the right time to hold a series of forums across the territory. People of all backgrounds and ages, and from every division and service, will meet with a facilitator. We are planning for about 25 forums. At each one, a group of 24 people will be invited to explore what is needed for our Army to flourish using the Faith Based Facilitation process. Every forum will focus on the same three questions and the results will be shared with the territory in due course. The information will also be used by divisional leadership teams in their planning. The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that we’ve changed the terminology slightly. In the first update ‘local mission delivery’ was used, but a few people pointed out this sounded like Tesco or Sainsbury’s delivering the weekly groceries! Fair point. Our mission is not just about delivering a programme, it’s about helping people to flourish. Therefore, the forums will be talking about what is needed for ‘local mission flourishing’. The first forum will be held in the new North West Division. 3. SURVEYS: EVERYONE CAN PARTICIPATE Not everyone can attend a forum, but we are also having a survey so that anyone linked to The Salvation Army can have their say. We are still working on the details, so there will be more about this in the next monthly update. That’s all for this month. There is a lot going on right now. Distractions and diversions abound. I invite you to pray that none of us will lose focus on what is essential for God’s Kingdom to grow and flourish through the work of The Salvation Army. LIEUT-COLONEL PALLANT IS SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS, THQ Salvationist 26 June 2021
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- Leader’s guide - Games - Crafts - Teaching materials - Printable resources
Salvationist 26 June 2021
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE AWARDED O Andrew Wileman (Winton and Assistant Director of Older People’s Services, THQ) has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to the community in his home town of Bournemouth LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O SL Karl Westwood, Bromley Temple WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Majors Beryl and Norman Armistead (8 July) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Aux-Captain Neil McLachlan (85 on 1 July) O Major June Hatcliffe (85 on 2 July) PROMOTED TO GLORY O John Sykes, Guisborough O Eunice Roberts, Nuneaton
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 7 Jul O WBC (Commissioning Day), Sat 10 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O IHQ (Called to Be a Soldier launch)*, Thu 1 Jul O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 7 O WBC (Commissioning Day), Sat 10 O WBC (Farewell Sunday), Sun 11 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O WAG Weekend Online**, Sun 27 Jun O Croydon Citadel (online meeting), Sun 27 O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 7 Jul O WBC (Commissioning Day), Sat 10 O WBC (Farewell Sunday), Sun 11
*Commissioner Gillian Cotterill only **Colonel Jenine Main only
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Salvationist 26 June 2021
BEREAVED O Jenny Sykes, Guisborough, of her husband John O Major John Travers of his sister Eunice Roberts O SL Sian Clack, Perth, Australia, and Major Michele Emery of their mother Jean Mallett
TRIBUTES KATH SMITH, BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL KATH became involved with The Salvation Army during her childhood and was a lifelong soldier. She was a songster and home league leader for many years, and was actively involved in running the charity shop and collecting and processing donations. She ran the lunch club and spent many Christmas Days at the corps, cooking for and entertaining those who would otherwise be on their own. Kath also arranged coach holidays, taking a number of the young people to the Army week at Butlins for many years. When she moved into a retirement flat she continued to serve, and often arranged for the band to attend and hold concerts for the residents in their communal lounge. The Salvation Army was central to Kath’s life and serving the Lord was her lifetime mission. She is sadly missed by many people. – CM AUDREY KRELLE, PRESCOT A LIFELONG soldier at the corps, Audrey demonstrated a quiet faith. For many years she was the corps and songster pianist and counted it a privilege to use this talent in the Lord’s service. She also held the position of cradle roll sergeant for a number of years, a ministry that she took very seriously. A humble and unassuming person, Audrey was selfless in everything she did, always putting everyone else’s needs before her own, whether they were family, close friends or neighbours. Even when the effects of dementia began to take over her life and she had to move into a care home, she always
had a ready smile for everyone. She is greatly missed by all those who knew her, but especially by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she was so proud of and loved very much. – HN BRENDA TAYLOR, SHEFFIELD LANGSETT ROAD BRENDA was one of three Salvationist sisters, two of whom are still actively involved in the Army. She was born in Sheffield but moved to Alfreton when she married. She sadly lost her husband, Tom, after only 10 years of marriage. Brenda worked as a nurse for much of her life – in children’s wards and in general medicine. For many years she was a ward sister. She was also a member of the Army’s Nurses Fellowship (later Salvation Army Medical Fellowship). Brenda was an active member of the corps despite having to travel 40 miles each way from her home to the hall. She held appointments as primary sergeant and corps secretary and was a songster for more than 50 years until illness prevented her from attending the corps just prior to the coronavirus pandemic. A lovely tribute was paid at her funeral by her good friend, Rod, who told those attending how she loved life and helped others to see the good in people. – GP JEAN WRIGHT, SHEFFIELD LANGSETT ROAD THE word ‘joy’ is the best way Jean could be remembered. Not only was her demeanour one of good humour, contentment and happiness, but she also exemplified the old chorus: ‘J-O-Y… Jesus first, yourself last and others in between!’ Jean was born in Stocksbridge, South Yorkshire, and was a lifelong Salvationist. She married Eddy, and they enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage. Jean was involved in Army musicals, the annual sale of work and any activity that the corps arranged. Her work managing building society branches also helped provide the skills to manage Sheffield Langsett Road Corps when it was unofficered. She would organise meeting
leaders, lead meetings herself and take on the management of corps finances. She was also a songster and ran the corps community café. Jean was promoted to Glory on the same day Prince Philip died, and there are many similarities between them – not least their willingness to be supportive and to be background people. – GP TREVOR STEVENTON, HIGH WYCOMBE TREVOR was born in Maidenhead in 1930. A third-generation Salvationist, he showed a precocious talent as a young musician. In 1950 he succeeded his father as bandmaster. In 1955 Trevor married Hilary, and they transferred to High Wycombe with their two children in 1965. His appointment as bandmaster marked the beginning of dedicated service to young people, with whom he had a close affinity. Eventually there were more than 40 children in the band. In 1977 they played on the BBC Radio series, Banners and Bonnets. The march ‘High Wycombe Young People’ was written for the band by his good friend, Eiliv Herikstad. Trevor also served as corps pianist for many years and sold Army papers in the town. When the senior band was without leadership in 2011, Trevor became acting bandmaster until failing health brought an end to his dedicated service to our Lord Jesus. – CP ROBERT FOSTER, LEIGHTON BUZZARD BORN in Hartlepool in 1925, Robert’s commitment to corps and community were outward expressions of his love of Jesus. With Jennie – his wife of over 71 years – he served at Hartlepool, Hull East, Penge and Leighton Buzzard. Completing an apprenticeship at Hartlepool docks, Robert built and repaired ships. During the war he served in the ATC. He used his athletic ability as a runner, delivering messages between war offices for the ARP. Active in junior and senior sections, Robert became an accomplished cornetist and served as bandmaster and welcome sergeant. He used his strong
tenor voice in the songsters, Hartlepool quartet party, Pensa Sound Group and duets with Jennie. Robert lived out his faith, displaying Christlike qualities. His children, Robert, Stephen and Jean, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are grateful for support, prayers and memories from those around the world impacted by his example. Missed by many, his legacy endures. Well done, good and faithful servant! – JQ MAJOR ROBERT DALZIEL MAJOR Robert Dalziel was promoted to Glory on 12 March, aged 93, having served for 68 years as a Salvation Army officer. He was the loving husband of Cynthia, a devoted father of six, grandfather of twelve and great-grandfather of sixteen. We thank God for the faithfulness that marked Robert’s life and for the influence of godly parents. Robert was brought up in a Salvationist family, part of Barrhead Corps, as the eldest of five children, two of whom responded to God’s call to become an officer – Robert and his sister, Jean. After leaving school at 14, Robert worked for the Co-op, the railways, the Royal Engineers for a short spell and then Galbraith grocers, before entering the International Training College in 1951. A member of the Intercessors session, he was commissioned as an officer in 1952. In 1954 Robert married Eleanor Margaret, known as Peggy. They spent their active service as officers in the South America East, British and Mexico Territories, where they served as corps officers, as well as in social services and as divisional leaders. Robert was also directly involved in disaster relief work in Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico and Britain, before retiring in 1994. Following the promotion to Glory of Peggy in 1996, he was blessed in meeting Lieut-Colonel Cynthia White. They married in 1997 and enjoyed a long, loving and active retirement. Robert positively touched the lives of many people of all ages, even in his twilight years, through his confident, quiet and unwavering faith. He is greatly missed by all his family and many friends, whose assurance and comfort is that he is with his Maker, whom he served fruitfully throughout his life. – WD
CYRIL MORSE, NORTH WALSHAM CYRIL grew up with Salvationist parents at Walsall Corps where, in 1959, he became a bandsman and songster. In 1963, aged 21, he emigrated to the USA and was conscripted into the National Guard. He returned in 1967 and joined North Walsham Corps, where he met Gwen, whom he married in 1969. He was an excellent percussionist and, as a bass singer, could reach amazingly low notes. He was also songster leader for several years. His bravery and selflessness were shown when he refused investigation of suspected cancer of his oesophagus, as he was caring for Gwen, who was very ill. When they did investigate it was too late for anything to be done. He left a daughter, Joann, and a son, Garry. Cyril was strong in his faith, ready to meet the Lord and be reunited with Gwen, whom he lost in January. – JB ROSEMARY CURLE, GLOUCESTER BORN in Bexhill-onSea, Rosemary was evacuated to Littleport, where she attended the Army with her cousins and grandparents. She worked in the Mothers’ Hospital in Clapton, looking after newborns. There she met chef Pete. They married in 1962 and later moved to Braintree, where she served as a songster and their twins, Caroline and Andrew, were born. Moving to Aylesbury in 1969, she served as corps secretary, young people’s sergeant-major, bandswoman and pianist. Moving to Gloucester in 1975, she enjoyed singing as an alto in the songsters. Progressive ill health prevented her from standing for too long. She left the songsters reluctantly but helped start the parent-and-toddler group and assisted in two Army charity shops. Caring and loving, Rosemary took pride in her family’s achievements, especially seeing her grandchildren, Nathan and Peter, attend university. Rosemary is missed by all who knew her, especially Pete, Caroline, Andrew, Nathan and Peter. We thank God for her Christian life. – AB Salvationist 26 June 2021
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