13 minute read
Quotes from the media
CHRISTIAN GROUP SOUNDS CAUTION OVER GOVERNMENT SCHEME TO HOUSE UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
A Christian campaign group has called for caution as a government scheme rolls out allowing Britons to shelter Ukrainian refugees in their own homes.
Care (Christian Action, Research, and Education) welcomed the intention behind the Homes for Ukraine scheme … but warned that there was ‘potential for abuse’.
The warning was issued on … the same day as a government website was to go live allowing people to express their interest in becoming a sponsor…
Care’s human trafficking lead, Lauren Agnew, said that proper vetting must be in place so that refugees do not fall victim to modern slavery.
‘The Homes for Ukraine scheme is well-motivated and could benefit a great number of individuals but the logistics of it must be weighed carefully…
‘Recent statistics from the National Crime Agency estimate there are at least 6,000 to 8,000 modern slavery offenders in the UK,’ she continued.
Christian Today
SALVATIONIST
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1851
EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, George Tanton, 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.
UK WAGES FALL AT FASTEST RATE SINCE 2014 AS COST-OF-LIVING SQUEEZE BITES
Average wages in Britain have fallen at the fastest rate since 2014 as annual pay growth fails to keep pace with rising inflation amid Britain’s cost of living crisis…
Against a backdrop of soaring energy bills and the rising cost of the weekly shop, the latest snapshot showed a steady recovery in the jobs market … was offset by high rates of inflation that experts warned would be worsened by surging energy prices…
Frances O’Grady, the general secretary of the [Trades Union Congress], said the government needed to … support workers amid the worst hit to living standards in decades.
The Guardian
COMMUNITIES ENCOURAGED TO CHRONICLE NATURE IN THEIR CHURCHYARDS
Children and adults are being invited into churchyards to help chronicle their nature and wildlife.
An event called Churches Count on Nature is being promoted as a way to reach out to the community as well as to understand the natural world better… [The Right] Rev Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich and lead Church of England bishop for the environment, encouraged churches to start preparing.
He said: ‘Churchyards and gardens are an incredible home of biodiversity…
Premier
HALF OF UK LOW-PAID WORKERS GIVEN LESS THAN A WEEK’S NOTICE OF SHIFTS
Half of low-paid workers in the UK are given less than a week’s notice of their shifts, according to a study highlighting an ‘insecurity premium’ for employees paid close to the minimum wage…
In research highlighting the pressure on low-paid staff, the study from a poll of 2,000 adults found cleaners, couriers and some NHS staff were more likely to be affected by insecurity. In contrast, about 32 per cent of all UK workers in full or part-time jobs are given less than a week’s notice of their shifts…
Almost half of shift workers lose out on £30 or more a month because of last-minute changes, according to the study, leading almost a third to increase their reliance on credit cards and borrowing to make ends meet.
The Guardian
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GENERAL Brian Peddle
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY
Major Mal Davies
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OPEN TO TEACHING
IN January 1984 my brother, Geoff, commenced his first job. He had completed his degree as a science and physics teacher and had obtained a teaching job at a nearby boys’ school. I, on the other hand, was due to begin my university studies in March and had many weeks left to gloriously do nothing. As he started to head out on his first morning – wearing his new suit and tie – I wished him luck and began singing: ‘Hey, teacher, leave them kids alone.’ He laughed and headed for his car. As he walked through the house I sang louder, ‘All in all you’re just another brick in the wall.’ I smiled to myself and kept eating my breakfast.
Pink Floyd had released ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ five years earlier as part of their rock opera The Wall. It seemed a fitting song to sing that morning. As I looked through the articles in this week’s Salvationist, I kept thinking about teaching. This wasn’t a huge leap of logic as Major Ian Mountford has written a Bible study on the final part of the Apest fivefold ministry, focusing on those gifted in teaching.
He opens – to reveal my source – with a quote from ‘Another Brick in the Wall’. He also talks of learning as a lifelong process and how God equips and enables those called to teach. He writes: ‘Teacher or not, each of us – through our words, actions and attitudes – is an example from whom, for good or bad, others learn.’
I also thought of teaching as I read Rebecca Goldsmith’s Mother’s Day-inspired ‘Reflection’ on page 11, in which she talks about the challenges of being a parent. As a parent of two children myself, I well know the countless hours of teaching that parents provide to their children.
Interestingly, Major Howard Webber picks up on this in his ‘Viewpoint’ article. Speaking about punishment and different generations, he writes: ‘May we parents never underestimate the influence and consequences of our example, for good or bad, on our offspring.’
Elsewhere, Joy Wilkinson talks about adopting Anna, a girl she met at a school for the blind in Thailand, where Joy was volunteering. Both Joy and Anna are visually impaired and Joy talks about how Anna, once in the UK, learnt English and braille. Apart from Joy helping Anna with these, imagine just the day-to-day lessons about life in another culture and how to navigate safely through each day’s challenges.
Finally, I also noted the excerpt from Major Peter Mylechreest’s Light Bites discussing imagination and creativity. These are possibly the hardest things to teach – perhaps it is more a question of fostering these gifts that God has given a person.
Each of us has been taught and each of us teaches. I think of the people who taught me – and those who continue to teach me – and I think of those I’ve taught, whether intentionally or unknowingly.
Ultimately, of course, I think of the Holy Spirit, the greatest teacher of all. In John 14, Jesus is speaking to the disciples and says that ‘the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you’ (John 14:26).
From the editor-in-chief Major Mal Davies
Editor’s note Not long before going to press we learnt of the promotion to Glory of General John Larsson (Retired). Many people in the UKI Territory will have personal recollections of serving with and under him. While this issue contains a brief report, more coverage will follow in next week’s issue. We thank God for his life and uphold Commissioner Freda Larsson and the family in prayer.
CONTENTS
Quotes from the media 2
News 4 to 7
Prayer matters 7
On my bookshelf 8
Focusing on God
by Anita Gellatly
Viewpoint 9
Do we get what we deserve?
by Major Howard Webber
Feature 10
What a difference music makes!
by Joy Wilkinson
Reflection 11
Digging in
by Rebecca Goldsmith
Feature 12 to 14
A ministry of give and take
Letters 15
Bible study 16 and 17
Apest: Teacher
by Major Ian Mountford
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17
by Major Melvyn Knott
Fundraising 18
Kiltwalk 2022
Light Bites 18
Imagine that!
by Major Peter Mylechreest
New commitments 19
Territorial structure update 20
Identifying key processes and structures
by Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant
Adverts 21
Announcements 22 and 23
The Salvation Army and me 24
featuring Paul Fowler
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
General John Larsson promoted to Glory
GENERAL John Larsson, The Salvation Army’s 17th international leader, was promoted to Glory from his home in Bromley, London, on 18 March.
Retired General John Larsson’s impact upon this world has been immeasurable and the Army thanks God for every opportunity for ministry the Lord enabled him to share.
General Brian Peddle paid tribute, saying: ‘Shaking hands with General John Larsson was like shaking hands with The Salvation Army itself. That is who he was to me.
‘We mourn his passing, but we celebrate the gifts he shared with us, his leadership, his music, his Christian character and his example to us all.’
The global Salvation Army family holds Commissioner Freda Larsson and the family in their prayers at this time. – AR
ARMY NEWS
Army welcomes Homes for Ukraine scheme
THQ
THE Salvation Army has wel comed the UK government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Individuals, charities, community groups and businesses can now record their interest in the scheme, which allows people to bring Ukrainians displaced by the conflict to safety – including those with no family ties to the UK. Phase 1 allows sponsors in the UK to nominate a named Ukrainian or a named Ukrainian family to stay with them in their home or in a separate property.
The resettlement of refugees is not simply giving someone a place to live. Newcomers will require support with registering for benefits, schools, GPs and dentists, orientation to a new community, access to practical items such as clothes and children’s items and more.
Territorial Commander Com mis sioner Anthony Cotterill said: ‘We warmly welcome the UK Humanitarian Sponsorship scheme. It is urgently needed to help people fleeing war and destruction in Ukraine.
‘The Salvation Army in the UK and Republic of Ireland will continue to work with governments and other partners at home and abroad to help people displaced by the war in Ukraine find the shelter, work and support they urgently need.’ – AR More information is available at homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk ECUMENICAL
Churches Together in England pray for Russia and Ukraine
SWANWICK
CHURCHES Together in England has released a statement praying for Russia and Ukraine and calling for the cessation of hostilities.
The organisation, which includes The Salvation Army, met at The Hayes Conference Centre this month. The Ukraine-Russia crisis was an urgent priority, with the following statement issued:
‘As 300 delegates from 52 national member churches, numerous Christian organisations and ecumenical bodies from across England, we call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of invading forces and the observance of the Geneva Conventions.
‘In this holy season of Lent, we call upon churches everywhere to campaign for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine, and to proclaim the dignity of every human life, whatever its nationality. We welcome and commend the extraordinary efforts of countries neighbouring Ukraine in receiving refugees from the war and call on the UK and the whole of Europe to follow their example. We support every measure to protect the most vulnerable.
‘We commit ourselves to pray for the nations of Russia and Ukraine, our own government and people, and for all who find themselves refugees, or bereaved, wounded or destitute. May Christ have mercy upon our world.’ – AR
CORPS PRESENTATION
Chatteris corps folk welcome the new corps minibus, which will also be used for the luncheon club; the bus was blessed by Major Nigel Govier (Kettering Citadel)
TUNSTALL The corps bid corps officers Majors Elaine and Fred Eardley farewell and a happy retirement after almost 25 years of service. During that time they have served in corps, divisional and headquarters appointments and also undertaken international service in Africa. They are pictured with Major John Waters, who presented them with retirement certificates and reflected on his first encounter with them at Upper Norwood Corps, where they were sent as cadets for their summer placements. – ML
EVENT
COMMUNITY
SHOEBURYNESS As part of the celebrations marking Southend receiving city status, corps officers Captains Clare and Rob Davis were invited by Southend city council to represent the corps community work at a reception with HRH the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The captains spoke to the royal guests and informed them of the work that the corps performs in the area. – RD/CD
COMMUNITY
RIPLEY The mayor of Ripley council and his consort attended the launch of the corps community café and drop-in coffee morning. This will run in conjunction with the food bank to support the community and those in receipt of food parcels. Pictured with them are Corps Secretary Ian Brown, corps officer Lieutenant Callum Thompson, corps members Iris Brown and Pat Beauchamp and Corps SergeantMajor Peter Raggett. – IB KNOTTINGLEY The Yorkshire Enabled group’s Christmas Fellowship Day was postponed until the end of February due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Illness was still affecting some members, but 24 of them met for a day of Christmas-themed quizzes and activities, led by Majors Paul and Sandra Fisher. Christmas jumpers, gifts, favourite carols and Christmas readings all featured during the day. – MT
MUSIC
HULL CITADEL The band, with support from musicians at Hull Icehouse, Barton-upon-Humber and Gainsborough, recorded Easter Sunday songs and other Easter music, including ‘The Living Saviour’. The recording will be posted on YouTube and the band and corps Facebook pages on Easter Day. – MK
MEETING BIRTHDAY
GUISBOROUGH Led by corps officer Major Antony Mugford, nearly 150 people gathered at the Market Cross for an open-air meeting of prayers and hymns for peace in response to the Ukraine-Russia crisis. A collection raised £1,160. – SS
OUTREACH
No 1 on the roll Mrs Edith Rees is presented with flowers and cards by Merthyr Tydfil CSM Lynne Brill to celebrate her 100th birthday
PRESENTATION
PRESENTATION
CSM Pauline Robson receives a certificate of recognition from Newcastle City Temple corps officer Major Liz Hancock for 10 years’ service as she retires from the position Adherent Steve Devine cooks more than 100 pancakes for a free lunch at Heckmondwike Soldiers Janet Sharp and Carol Stevenson receive gifts and prayers as they stand down from 15 years’ service with Clowne’s parent-andtoddler group
EVENT
READING CENTRAL Major Graham Daniels (THQ) and Major Judith Daniels (WBC) led the YP annual celebrations. The event was themed around Caring for Our Creation – linked with Kids Alive! – and Book Day, which gave the children an opportunity to dress up as their favourite book characters. Prayers were led by the youth group, focusing on the UkraineRussia crisis. During the half-term break the corps also welcomed more than 100 children and adults to Lunch Bunch, an initiative for families to enjoy food, make friends and have fun together. – BM
