Salvationist 27 May 2023

SALVATIONIST

PENTECOST PRAYING FOR THY KINGDOM TO COME

The world for God

HOW big is your world? It’s a subjective question, of course, and perspective is critical in answering it. In this week’s issue we explore the opportunities for us to share the gospel in the light of Pentecost. Filled with the Holy Spirit, those early Christians took every opportunity to share the good news with anyone who would listen. Through the Spirit’s power there were no boundaries or assumptions about who to tell or concern as to whether they might listen. That was a matter for the Holy Spirit to deal with. They simply had to tell of what they knew.

There are literally billions of people who do not know Jesus and have no understanding of his desire to be in a loving relationship with them. In the context of Jesus’ mandate to ‘go and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19), this might seem somewhat overwhelming, but it starts with you and me and our willingness to live our lives in such a way as to offer others a Jesus perspective. A perspective of belonging. A perspective that gives God the opportunity to speak in and through us, and in which we can each say ‘thy Kingdom come’.

MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN

EDITOR

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Issue No 1911

EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey

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FRONT-PAGE PICTURE

Photo by Sarah Mensah

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Brian Peddle

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Major Julian Watchorn

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS

101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.

Part of your world

HERE we go again, another liveaction remake of a beloved childhood classic. The Little Mermaid comes to cinemas this weekend, retelling Disney’s 1989 animated version, which itself is loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of 1837. It’s a story worthy of revisiting – the tale of a young girl on a quest to explore another world, one she feels she cannot belong to. The main character, Ariel, desperately wants to escape her life under the sea and live above ground, to experience a different reality. Risking it all, she makes a dangerous bargain in an attempt to reach it. It’s a tale of resilience, mistakes, friendship and, ultimately, love and acceptance.

For some purists the idea of remaking the animated feature – which many of us grew up with – is very worrying. What will happen to the music? Will it lose its message? Will the remake take away from the original? But there is something powerful about going back to old stories and revisiting their truths in the light of today.

I have the honour of being the UK representative to The Salvation Army’s International Children and Youth Advisory Group. We meet with young

people from all over the world and talk about big issues, complex situations and important topics. As part of a recent meeting, we revisited an old Bible narrative, one I thought I was familiar with and had nothing more to learn from: the woman at the well (see John 4:1–38).

The woman was on the outside looking in, unable to be part of the world she wanted to connect with. Into this reality Jesus sought her out, telling her truths about her life and offering her hope and a future. As we considered this Scripture, I was struck by the way every member of this international group could relate to it somehow. My friends from Africa to South America all spoke about their concerns for those who feel they are outcasts in their different societies and cultures. I was reminded afresh of this narrative’s relevance.

What if, like the Samaritan woman, we feel we don’t belong? The grace shown to that woman at the well is offered to each one of us through Jesus. There is a Saviour who knows everything about us and yet still chooses to love us and longs to welcome us not just into a new world but into his Kingdom.

There are other people today who feel like they are on the outside looking in,

who are thirsty for hope and forgiveness but feel unable to belong. How can we, like Jesus, reach out to them, take a step towards their world and graciously, humbly offer them hope and grace in Jesus’ name?

and respond

What does it mean to belong?

Who in your society or community is looking in from the outside?

How could you reach out to them in grace and humility?

What was the last Bible story you revisited and thought you had nothing more to learn from?

MOIR Regent Hall

Picture: Giles Keyte /

Continuing a series of topical reflections, Grace Moir considers the challenges and possibilities of reimagining old stories for a new context

GRACE

Quiz Go and tell!

by Garry D Reed

‘God is sitting right beside you’

Follow

these maths calculations to discover a timely song

1 Start with the number of times Peter was told to forgive (see Matthew 18).

2 Subtract the number of books in the Bible.

3 Subtract the number of days Jesus fasted before he was tempted (see Matthew 4).

4 Take away the total number of years Moses lived (Deuteronomy 34).

5 Add the number of chapters in Luke’s Gospel.

6 Subtract the total number of Psalms.

7 Add the night on which the ship’s crew sensed they were approaching dry land in Acts 27.

8 Add one third of the number of baskets of leftovers at the feeding of the 5,000 (see Matthew 14).

9 Take away the number of doors on Noah’s ark (see Genesis 6).

Your final result will lead you to an Edward Burns song in the Salvation Army songbook. The first line is a message for every Christian!

Song: ‘We Have a Gospel to Proclaim’ (SASB 155)

Christine Scales (Balham) shares how the Lord is working in her life today

ABOUT 30 years ago I decided to go to a keep-fit class. There I met this lady and I could not stand her! She just kept on chatting! One day we were having a cup of tea together and she started talking about The Salvation Army. It had never happened before, but that conversation smacked me right in the face! At the time I was a Catholic, but I wanted to learn more about being a Salvationist.

One night later there was a ring at the door. It was a man from the Army. I asked him to come in and we talked about the Army. He invited me to the local corps for lunch. I went several times for lunch and one day I was asked to attend a church meeting. But I couldn’t as I was a Catholic. I lay awake at night thinking about it.

I then decided to become a Salvation Army soldier and it was the best thing

I have ever done. I feel so proud when I put my uniform on and I know that Jesus is with me. The advice I would give to young people in The Salvation Army today is to go to Sunday school and to listen to their teachers.

I feel God’s presence every day and it is wonderful. He is working in my life today: when I have a difficulty I sit down, close my eyes and speak to Jesus in prayer and ask for his help.

My relationship with God has changed over my life for the better. When I was Catholic, I would light a candle in church, thinking, ‘Why do I bother? Who listens and who cares?’ Now, because of what I have experienced at The Salvation Army, I know that God is with me all the time. I thank God every day for my life.

Why, why? I don and no on either kn

that I could p when are in sometimes ask m God there?

When I was a child, I was in a car accident and my skull was fractured. God could have taken me just like that, but he didn’t. I have often wondered, ‘Why, why, why?’ I don’t know why I survived, and no one else knows either. But God knows. I think the reason he allowed me to live is so that I could help other people. I talk to people about their problems and pray with them when they are in need. They will sometimes ask me, ‘Christine, is God really there?’ I always reply: ‘You can’t see him darling, but he is sitting right beside you.’

‘You can’t see him but he is sit beside y Ha tes We y

Have you got a testimony to share?

We’d love to hear your faith journey! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy. org.uk

A deeper experience of worship

Nik King introduces the first ever SA Worship Conference

ARE you a passionate worshipper? Are you part of a worship team, looking to start one or wanting to explore potential giftings in this area? This November, the Music and Creative Arts Department (Maca) is hosting a conference for worship teams and musicians throughout the UKI Territory to cultivate a deeper experience of worship.

There has been a growing need for training and development among worship teams, both spiritually and practically, for a while and Maca is thrilled to offer an exciting event that will help worship teams grow in their craft, develop a deeper connection to God through worship and share in community with others who are passionate about sung worship.

The conference will focus on teaching, training and studying biblical teaching on worship, as well as spending time worshipping together and waiting on God. We expect the Holy Spirit to move among us and will be taking time to pray for one another.

Gifted musicians will lead seminars on songwriting, audio and visual media, and leading worship. Finally, we will give time for sharing experiences and stories with one another, building community with like-minded people.

We have some exciting guests joining us for the conference. Those who attended Roots will have heard of Geraldine Latty. Geraldine, her husband, Carey Luce, and their band will be sharing their expertise and experience, culminating with a worship time on the Saturday evening. Producer Les Moir – who has developed worship leaders including Matt Redman and Tim Hughes – will be speaking on the Sunday, plus Territorial Director of Community Services Tony Daniels and Mission and Ministry Formation Co-ordinator Captain Callum McKenna will share.

The event is open to worship leaders, worship teams, instrumentalists, singers – anyone passionate about sung worship. Why not sign up your whole worship team as an opportunity to learn, pray and build each other up together?

The conference will run from 18 to 19 November at William Booth College. Tickets cost £59 and include two meals and refreshments, with delegates responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Places are limited so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.

Keep an eye on facebook.com/music-and-creative-arts for more or email music@salvationarmy.org.uk with any questions. We look forward to worshipping with you!

SAVE THE DATE

WHAT: SA Worship Conference

WHEN: 18–19 November

WHERE: William Booth College

Music/Song)

NIK KING Assistant Director (Contemporary

Music and Creative Arts

BOOK YOUR PLACE: salvationist.org.uk/saworshipconference

I will pour out my Spirit

ACTS 2:1–41

THIS month, crowds gathered in London for the coronation celebrations, neighbourhoods shared in the Big Lunch 2023 and communities served each other through the Big Help Out. King Charles encouraged a spirit of celebration, sharing and serving.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Just imagine if we, as royal subjects of the King of kings, completely surrendered to the Spirit’s outpouring in his celebration. How might that affect our sharing of the good news about Jesus and serving other people in his name?

This Sunday, just seven weeks after Jesus’ resurrection and ten days after his ascension into Heaven, we celebrate the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost. Fifty days after Passover, ‘God-fearing Jews from every nation under Heaven’ (v5) gathered in Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost. There would have been vast crowds.

When the Holy Spirit came, he filled every disciple, empowering them to ‘speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them’ (v4). Hearing the disciples ‘declaring the wonders of God’ (v11), the crowd was bewildered, amazed and perplexed because they heard what was spoken in their native languages. Some asked: ‘What does this mean?’ (v12) and, in response, Peter leads an evangelistic encounter.

The Holy Spirit enables Peter not only to explain what they are experiencing but also outline God’s plan for salvation. Peter shares his testimony and responds to questions. In doing so, he

appeals to Scripture by referencing Joel’s prophecy (see Acts 2:17–21 and Joel 2:28–32).

Through Joel, God promised: ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people’ (Joel 2:28). Peter explains that this is what they are witnessing, as the Holy Spirit empowers the believers to praise God in various languages.

By comparing Joel’s prophetic writing to the people of Judah and Peter’s evangelistic encounter at Pentecost, we can identify key parallel themes and insights into God’s love and power through the outpouring of his Spirit for all people.

First, when we lose sight of our need for God, the Holy Spirit confronts and warns us. Joel’s prophecy to Judah was during a distressful time. He warned them that their sinful lifestyle, if unrepented, would inevitably bring God’s judgement. Similarly, Peter confronts the Jerusalem crowd: ‘You, with the help of wicked men, put [Jesus] to death by nailing him to the cross’ (v23) and, later, Peter warns and pleads with his listeners to: ‘save yourselves from this corrupt generation’ (v40).

In his book Questions of Life, Nicky Gumbel highlights that the Spirit will ‘convict us of our sin and our need for Jesus’. If we are receptive to the Spirit’s outpouring in our lives and corps, he will illuminate God’s word for our application. However, often when we are stubborn, God uses circumstances to confront and warn us. CS Lewis comments: ‘God whispers to us in our pleasures … but shouts to us in our pains.’

Second, God’s outpouring of his Spirit changes minds – repentance –and transforms behaviour. Joel was confrontational but he called people to change their minds. God promised that

‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’ (Joel 2:32). In our study passage, Peter repeats this conviction (see v21).

PAUSE AND REFLECT

In what areas of our lives is the Spirit confronting and warning us because of an ungodly thought pattern, behaviour or relationship?

Through Joel, God promised restoration and blessings if people turned back to him. Similarly, Peter calls for repentance and presents God’s hope and renewal. ‘What shall we do?’ the crowd enquires (v37). Peter answers: ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ’ (v38). Peter leads his hearers to examine their lives, turn from their sins, entrust their lives to God and receive his Holy Spirit. In the same way today, regeneration and transformation by the Spirit are available to all people.

In his book Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit, Charles Stanley reminds us that the Spirit enables people to believe, he indwells and puts his power and nature in us – cleansing, conforming and teaching us.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

In what areas of your life do you trust in your own strength, rather than the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and power?

Third, God’s outpouring of the Holy Spirit enables us to show and share the good news with boldness. Centuries after Joel’s prophecy, the fulfilment comes at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples. Peter’s preaching that day resulted in some

Captain Andrew Hammond asks what God’s promise might mean for us and our circles of influence

3,000 people turning to God in repentance and faith.

Today, God continues to pour out his Spirit, indwelling, empowering, motivating and mobilising Christians in the process. The Spirit may not have enabled everyone to speak in an unknown language, but he enables each of us to share the good news in ways that fit the way God has created and gifted us.

The coronation message encouraged neighbourly kindness, such as sharing meals and serving each other. Similarly, evangelistic encounters enabled by the Spirit are frequently within the contexts of hospitality and serving.

In his book Evangelism in a Skeptical World, Sam Chan stresses that the Bible records many fruitful evangelistic encounters that occurred within such circumstances and still do today.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

To whom is the Spirit prompting us to share the good news through neighbourly hospitality and service?

As we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, let us pray the words of General John Gowans:

Holy Spirit! Promised presence fall on me. Holy Spirit! Make me all I long to be.

Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit!

Give your power to me O Holy Spirit.

(SASB 316)

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

PENTECOST FOCUS

by Lyndall Bywater (Prayer Network)

SATURDAY 27 MAY – ACTS 10:38

For Peter, meeting the Holy Spirit must have been like meeting an old friend. The Spirit he was encountering did all the things his beloved Jesus had done; healing, blessing and setting people free. Lord, help us to remember that, when we’re filled with your Holy Spirit, we can do the very things Jesus did. Show us those moments today when you want to do miracles through us. Amen.

SUNDAY 28 MAY – ACTS 10:44

The early Church discovered that the Spirit loves to harmonise with the word. As they told the stories of Jesus and recounted his teachings, the Spirit would bring the words alive by filling their rooms and their hearts with the tangible presence of God. Holy Spirit, fill our meeting places as we gather for worship today, confirming the preaching of the word with your signs and wonders. Amen.

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

by Major Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer)

MONDAY 29 MAY – PSALM 24:1

‘The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, and all who live in it.’ Thank you, Lord, for this stunningly good and beautiful gift of creation. As we live, move, and have our being in the home you have provided, guard us from any assumption that it is ours to exploit. Amen.

TUESDAY 30 MAY – GENESIS 2:15

We are co-workers with you, Lord. Help us to tend this Earth and reap and share in the abundance of your provision. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 31 MAY – LEVITICUS 19:18

If my neighbour is whoever comes within my sphere of influence, Lord, help me to be mindful of my actions today, remembering their consequences on the lives of those neighbours I will never meet and the generations that follow me. Amen.

THURSDAY 1 JUNE – JOHN 3:16

Lord, help me to love the world as you love it. Amen.

FRIDAY 2 JUNE – EXODUS 23:10 AND 11

‘For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, but during the seventh year let the land lie unploughed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left.’ Lord, please help me curb my quest for more, so that others might have enough. Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.

CAPTAIN ANDREW HAMMOND Corps Officer

Raynes Park

Power to proclaim

In an extract from Holiness

‘They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit gave them power to proclaim his message.’

(Acts 2:4 JB Phillips)

DO we make use of the power God is willing to grant us? I am asking this Pentecost question because too often we let down our Lord and spurn the use of what he is ready to give us. I have in mind especially his wish to have us proclaim the gospel. A refusal to use the power on offer from the Lord could be a denial of Pentecost, a letting down of our Lord, of our fellow Christians, and even of the unbeliever. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit gave the believers power to proclaim his message. That same power is available today.

Power to proclaim

Acts 2 records the believers being gifted with the ability to speak in unlearned foreign languages, a phenomenon known as xenoglossia (from the Greek meaning ‘other languages’). This should not be confused with glossolalia, the ecstatic uttering of unintelligible sounds, referred to as speaking in tongues, and commented upon at length by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 to 14.

Nobody can escape a sense of regret as their life draws to an end. None of us is perfect. We all err and make mistakes.

For some, such regret might include a regretting of missed opportunities to speak up for the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes fear holds us back and leaves us silent. We become stricken with apprehension of what others may think or say of us. Fear, or social convention, can render us tongue-tied, even though we sing, in the words of Richard Slater (1854–1939):

Holy Spirit, come, O come, Let thy work in me be done! All that hinders shall be thrown aside; Make me fit to be thy dwelling.

(SASB 292)

‘Thy work’ includes the bestowing of power to proclaim his message. Opportunities might arise of doing so in a public setting, such as speaking in personal testimony during a worship service, or in entering upon a preaching ministry. Today the Church needs articulate, intelligent, well-read preachers. The power of preaching to a congregation remains undiminished. Where are today’s Peters, or Martin Luthers, or John Wesleys, or Billy Grahams? If you are called to preach, then preach you must, however inadequate or unqualified you feel. God will open doors for you and equip you if you are ready to obey.

Also, of course, we can speak for Christ in more private settings. Perhaps it could

be a quiet word with a colleague at your place of work; or with a neighbour near your home; or with a member of your family – a sibling, a parent, a child, or a grandchild. The airing of spiritual matters with our loved ones is a highly sensitive thing, but you will know when the Holy Spirit is gently urging you to do just that. He will guide you as to when and where and how.

Ablaze! General Shaw Clifton (Retired) encourages us to use the power the Lord offers us

Others who laughed

Acts 2:13 candidly records the mockery faced by the disciples on the day of Pentecost: ‘But there were others who laughed mockingly.’ Mockery is Satan’s subtle tool. Even at Pentecost it did not cease. The fear of mockery is another power with the potential to silence us.

Among my books is a copy of Samuel D Gordon’s 1903 Quiet Talks on Power. An American lay preacher and evangelist, Gordon produced 25 books of Quiet Talks. The 1903 volume was his first. In it he tells of a young woman he knew who taught children in a USA Sunday school. She had a class of boys, all from a socially disadvantaged part of town. Gordon enquired how her classes were going and she replied, ‘I am going to give them up.’ ‘Have they all become Christians then?’ he asked. ‘No,’ she said, ‘but I am feeling very discouraged and have to give up.’ Gordon then suggested she might invite the boys, one or two at a time, to her home for tea and in that setting find an opportunity to urge them to take Jesus as their Saviour. However, her reply was simply, ‘But, Mr Gordon, they would laugh at me!’

This young woman was unable to carry the risk of being laughed at, even if that meant that her spiritual

Spiritual food for thought

Publishing Secretary

Major Malcolm Martin reviews Holiness Ablaze!

influence and witness fell away. The fear of mockery needs Pentecostal power to overcome it.

The Holy Spirit who bestowed the power to preach upon the disciples in Jerusalem at Pentecost is still alive and will give you and me the same power to proclaim Christ to a dying world. For some reading this it could be that you are being called to devote your entire abilities and your entire span of years to proclaim Christ.

Richard Slater, quoted earlier, wrote:

Make me, Holy Spirit, strong to fight

For the Lord who died for me; Help me point the lost to Calvary’s height

Where for sinners there is mercy. (SASB 292)

For group discussion

What regrets do you most decidedly wish not to have at the end of your days?

Read again the account of the young lady Sunday school teacher. What would you have said to her by way of guidance?

THE Twenty Talks book series by General Shaw Clifton (Retired) has consistently offered readers fresh insights and considerable spiritual food for thought. This latest volume blends thoughtful teaching from Scripture with helpful illustrations, drawn from personal ministry and The Song Book of The Salvation Army. The Talks are delivered in the author’s characteristic conversational style, helping to make complex concepts accessible.

Each chapter is rooted in key scriptural texts exploring the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Understandably some texts are used repeatedly – particularly Acts 2 and Galatians 5 – but on each occasion the passages are explored from a particular angle – or in combination with complementary texts –that emphasises a slightly different theme.

They focus particularly on the powerful presence of the Spirit as the foundation of holiness, both for the individual believer and the body of Christ. Indeed, about half offer teaching on how the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is essential for growth in Christlikeness, fostering the development of spiritual fruit and binding believers together in the unity of peace. Readers are repeatedly encouraged to reflect upon how their lives might be better orientated towards the holy love of God, with one Talk quoting Bramwell Booth’s assertion that ‘the great gift of the Holy Spirit is the gift of love’.

A minor personal niggle in a few places was the use of an older edition of the New International Version, which lacks the inclusive language approach adopted by recent versions in recognition that the original Greek terms were probably understood more broadly.

As with previous titles in the series, the Talks are adaptable to a variety of situations – preachers will find helpful prompts, study groups can use the suggested questions, while individuals can reflect on their own experience of purity and power as the outcomes of Pentecost.

The why of worship

Captain Callum McKenna encourages us to consider how worship helps us share the gospel

THERE’S a story of a newly married couple who were preparing their first traditional roast beef dinner together. When the husband cut off the ends of the roast before putting it in the oven, his wife was perplexed and asked why. ‘That’s how my mum always did it,’ he answered.

A few weeks later, they visited his mum, who also cut off the ends of the roast before putting it in the oven. When they asked why, she replied, ‘That’s how my dad always did it.’ Later that year, they visited the husband’s grandfather, and asked why he cut off the ends of the roast. ‘Because it wouldn’t fit in the oven!’ he explained.

As generations pass, it can become easy to fall into the habit of doing things without understanding why – and, when we lose sight of why, our actions lose some of their meaning.

Upon his – perhaps reluctant – arrival in London in 1865, William Booth was moved by two plights he encountered. The first was abject poverty, as thousands of people crammed into the slums of the East End. The second was that Christianity appeared to make absolutely no difference to their lives.

In 1868, Booth published a piece of research in which he argued that in Bethnal Green – an area in the East End with a population of 180,000 – only 2,000 people attended church on a Sunday morning, while about 20,000 attended public houses.

This reality incensed him and Booth was scathing of the churches of the day for practising their worship in ways that failed to connect with working-class culture. Booth’s overwhelming theological conviction was that salvation was boundless and that, as such, the church urgently needed to find ways to relate to those who were not engaging with its established means and methods.

In other words, for Booth, the priority was missional effectiveness rather than maintaining established practices. If the ‘smells and bells’ of middle-class Anglicanism didn’t float the boats of the

“

This principle of adapting methods and means to communicate effectively in different cultural settings is a New Testament missional principle. All throughout the Book of Acts, we see the first apostles learning to speak new languages – both linguistically and culturally – to express the gospel.

The challenge for the contemporary Salvation Army comes as we consider the question: In what ways does our worshipping life today connect with those in our surrounding communities?

”

It’s easy, with the passing of time, for the ‘stuff’ of our worship – songs, instruments, style – to become the thing that we hold on to tightly, without realising it’s no longer connecting with the people we’re trying to reach. The principle of early Salvationism is that ‘mission matters most’ – when it comes to the style of worship, at least. While we could discuss this statement much further, it gives us a nudge to be prepared to let go of our own preferences in worship for the greater missional good.

Think back to your church service last Sunday. What aspects might have connected well – or not so well – with people to whom Christianity currently makes no sense?

Based on an article originally published on salvationist.ca and saworshipmagazine.com

CAP

masses who were drowning in a sea of poverty, vice and ignorance, then Booth was all for dispensing with them. This is partly why early Salvationists held worship in skating rinks, dance halls, theatres – sites of working-class culture – instead of churches and chapels. It’s why they ditched hymns and organs and replaced them with popular instruments and songs set to the tunes of secular music – try singing ‘here’s to rum and whisky, drink them down, drink them down’ to the tune we associate with ‘Storm the Forts of Darkness’ and you’ll know what I mean.

Army hosts Thy Kingdom Come launch

REGENT HALL

THY Kingdom Come 2023 began on Ascension Day with a service of worship and prayer, reports Territorial Ecumenical Officer Lieut-Colonel

Jonathan Roberts

Starting in 2016 as a Church of England initiative inviting Christians to pray between Ascension Day and Pentecost for people to come to know Jesus, Thy Kingdom Come has grown into a global ecumenical movement. This year’s launch broke new ground by taking place in a Salvation Army venue for the first time and being watched online by viewers in 170 countries.

Lady T and the Rev Barry Hill guided the evening through, which began with a video greeting from the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby. Referring to the first disciples, he said: ‘During these days of Thy Kingdom Come we especially pray for the empowering of the Holy Spirit, so that we might be as faithful and as effective witnesses to Christ as they were.’

The corps music sections, which had provided pre-service pieces, contributed to worship with the band accompanying congregational singing and the songsters bringing the devotional song ‘It Is You’.

A gospel choir, the Spirituals, led two sequences of worship, interspersing their own harmonic singing with congregational songs and spoken prayer. In the first sequence, five senior church leaders – including Chief Secretary

Colonel Paul Main – read prayers based on parts of the Lord’s Prayer. Later, prayers were offered for people in workplaces, persecuted Christians around the world and young people.

During the period of Thy Kingdom Come, Christians are encouraged to pray every day for five people they know to find faith in Jesus. There was an opportunity to do this silently during the service. Everyone was given a leather shoelace and encouraged to tie five knots in it as they prayed. The shoelace could then become a wristband, reminding them to continue ‘praying for five’.

Thy Kingdom Come prayer journals were also available, featuring reflections by contributors from several churches, including Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill. Videos linked to the prayer journal’s themes were to be put online, and one of these was shown during the service. It featured Captain Jo Moir (THQ) and Captain Callum McKenna (William Booth College), who spoke about the Army’s mission in relation to the TC’s prayer journal theme, The God Who Saves.

Rev Barry interviewed two people about their experiences of sharing their faith. Sim, a young Christian, spoke about inviting friends to church and the challenges and rewards of witnessing. Jonathan Beecham, a youth pastor, urged everyone to empower young people and encourage them to be bold in their faith.

The Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, based his brief sermon on the account of the Ascension in Luke 24, in which Jesus greets his disciples with ‘peace be with you’ (v36). Archbishop Angaelos said that peace is our gift to the world, but we cannot give it if we have not received it. It comes to us when we receive the Kingdom of God, he said.

He concluded: ‘As we look forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit, we pray that his Kingdom will come, and that his joy, his love, his hope and his life will reign.’

Final prayers were offered, in which the congregation responded to each section with the words ‘come, Holy Spirit’, before the evening concluded with the enthusiastic singing of ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘Thine Be the Glory’.

The significant involvement of the Army in this year’s Thy Kingdom Come is a sign of the Movement’s commitment to ecumenical engagement across the territory. Salvationists take opportunities to worship, witness and work with Christians of other churches – for example, in Churches Together groups, united services, missional partnerships and chaplaincies. The Army’s contribution is highly valued, the work and lives of corps are enriched and the Kingdom of God is revealed.

The service is available to watch online at youtu.be/YwTsf1Wwe6M

Immeasurably more

CENTRAL HALL WESTMINSTER

CALLED from every corner of the globe, 109 of the 112 members of the 2023 High Council gathered in Westminster, reports Editor Major Julian Watchorn

They celebrated and gave thanks for the leadership of General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, and prepared to elect, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the 22nd General of The Salvation Army. As the International Staff Band played ‘They Shall Come from the East’, each Council member entered the auditorium to present themselves before the General. Members of Southwark Corps shared Revelation 7:9–17 and Revelation 5:1–14.

The High Council members stood as the General charged them to carry out their duties. Affirming them as vessels of God’s purpose, he stated that they had a sacred engagement and urged them to seek the will of God and be humble and courageous. He emphasised that this was not about being equal to a task but rather about being available to God. Quoting Isaiah 41:10, he told them not to be afraid for God has promised to be with them. He then prayed they would come together in unity and holiness.

The lyrics of ‘Way Maker’ formed the basis of a prayer time led by International Headquarters staff members.

In a vibrant display of worship, African Praise Fellowship Zimbabwe sang and played joyful renditions of ‘God Be with You Till We Meet Again’ and ‘Onward, Christian Soldiers’ with voice, tambourines and hosho, received appreciatively by the congregation.

Members of the International Children and Youth Advisory Group outlined their priorities for the Army they dreamed to see, encouraging everyone to create a space where these things are possible.

Konverse Dance Crews from Barking Corps performed two numbers in stark contrast: a gentle reminder of the beautiful name of Jesus, before a more upbeat dance to ‘I Fell in Love with God’.

The ISB played ‘Called to Serve’, a piece written for the occasion by Kevin Larsson featuring the tune ‘I’ll Not Turn Back’.

After further singing, a video focused on the General’s call to the Army to ‘Be Ready – Be Engaged – Take Responsibility’.

The General and Commissioner Rosalie’s daughters, Stephanie Forystek and Major Krista Andrews, spoke with warmth and affection of their experience of having parents who are dedicated servants of God and The Salvation Army.

The International Staff Songsters sang ‘He Will Hold Me Fast’, a reminder of the faithfulness of God.

Commissioner Rosalie spoke of God’s faithfulness throughout her officership. She gave thanks for family, including her husband, and others. She declared that retirement was simply getting ready for what God had planned next.

Reflections and tributes from colleagues described them as humble, approachable, engaging, visionary and innovative. They were thanked for being the light that helped others to see Jesus.

In his message, the General referred to John 3:16, reminding everyone that God so loved the world that he gave Jesus, bringing Calvary into view for the whosoever. Referencing Romans 5:6, he emphasised that while we were still sinners Christ died for us – but that this was not the end of the story, and that we need to be a post Pentecostal people.

Reiterating his call to the wider Army, he urged everyone to be watchful for the signs, for Christ will come again, and that everyone needed to live now in that context. In conclusion, he invited all present to stand under the banner of the God who can do ‘immeasurably more’ (Ephesians 3:20) and is with us all.

The congregation placed prayers for the High Council in golden bowls, echoing the reading from Revelation 5, which were to be shared with the Council at Sunbury Court later in the week.

After a final rallying cry to storm the forts of darkness, the General and Commissioner Rosalie left the auditorium with their family as the benediction was sung: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you.’

To watch a recording of the meeting, and for updates from the High Council, go to sar.my/highcouncil

Pictures: Andrew King Photography

Members of the 2023 High Council

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle and General Brian Peddle

Strategic underachievement and flourishing mission

Majors Mike and Lisa Lloyd-Jones share the May update from the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group

IN January 2023, as part of the process and structural changes in the territory, we were appointed to create and lead a new Central, Southern and Channel Islands Division – a division stretching across six counties and three islands. We felt completely overwhelmed – how could such a spread of geographical distance, regional diversity and experience make any sense!

WORKING IT OUT

Early on, we began to think through and map out the journey ahead. Our driving force was that simple internal structural changes would release local mission to flourish and we set about prioritising relationships.

Our Divisional Design Group (DDG) made recommendations for how local mission could flourish and we worked through these. We substituted divisional roles such as mission officer, personnel officer, etc, with divisional area officers (DAOs) and grouped mission expressions into areas to tackle the challenging geography. By July we will have two full-time DAOs and four practitioner DAOs, who are corps officers taking on this additional appointment. We will benefit from the practitioners’ current local mission experience, providing validity and insight for working alongside other mission expressions, as well as the practitioners gaining diversity and additional capability.

Localising DAOs, we can serve, support, resource and release local mission to flourish more easily. A closer working relationship allows for better communication and mutual accountability between headquarters and mission expressions and, most importantly, provides better insight into the challenges people face locally along with the opportunities being presented. Divisional leaders can’t be everywhere at once, so hands-on support and encouragement is vital. Additionally, ecumenical and safeguarding leads and candidates officers will be localised to share the load across the division.

Our divisional operations managers (DOMs) have begun picking up administrative tasks – ie property, finance and HR – and become the voice for our local mission expressions. This has relieved the burden from DAOs so they can focus on people and mission, not being bogged down in administration – a key goal for the structural change process. Our admin support team and DOMs continually show great professionalism and commitment.

Naturally, some of our corps are concerned about the capacity of practitioners, but we will work to ensure mission continues to flourish. We will learn and improve as we move ahead.

STRATEGIC UNDERACHIEVING

We are currently understaffed as we released an area officer to a division that needed support sooner and encouraged another to take a sabbatical ahead of the General Farewell. It was important for them to be released and we planned for this in our programme of ‘strategic underachieving’.

It was vital for us to prioritise tasks quickly, with permission to say ‘no’ or ‘we’ll get to that later’, recognising that this will help us flourish later on. We need to prioritise areas of work that are essential to ongoing support to mission expressions and officers in the next few months.

Not everything has been plain-sailing. There have been challenges as partners have struggled to flex processes and structures to support a large division, and we haven’t always known who to turn to or where to find information. Doubling the size of the division has brought practical challenges such as increasing the workload of meetings, inevitably slowing down taskcompletion. Our DDG reminded us to focus on simplicity and this has helped us tackle issues. We’re in the second iteration of our Divisional Operations Board, creating a simplified, accessible process that serves local mission

delivery. Recently, a corps project needed a quick decision and sign-off; our newer processes have allowed us to meet that need promptly, moving that project closer to flourishing. We’re learning every day how to do things better!

COMMUNICATION IS KEY!

We have invested considerable time visiting all our spiritual leaders – only a handful of visits remain. Conversations have been pastoral for those bewildered by change, others brought challenge, insight, assurance and further drove development, refining and shaping ideas and plans.

Business days and retreats have allowed for time with officers and we have led meetings and worship in corps, keeping people informed of progress. We regularly share short update and reflection videos for mission expressions to use, and respond to comments, questions and concerns on our frequently updated divisional Facebook page. Consequently, we’ve had unanticipated levels of support and recognition that this is a ‘work in progress’ and continuous improvement is the key.

Our journey is complex, messy and occasionally strained, but we’re working hard at fulfilling the challenge of support, oversight and release with a deep sense of purpose as we strive to honour God.

Everything we do is covered by prayer – it’s challenging when we have to prayerfully consider the viability of mission expressions, but we’re equally prayerful and keep our eyes open for opportunities to pioneer and refresh local mission. Our divisional prayer co-ordinators bring intentionality to our prayer and remind us that, overall, this is about God’s work and our work is best when we are a praying people.

Govan Opening doors and hearts

FAST FACTS

DIVISION: West Scotland

CORPS OFFICERS: Majors Mark and Tracy Bearcroft

FIND US

ONLINE: facebook.com/ govansalvationarmy

INSIGHTFUL AND INCLUSIVE

The observations of a stranger about 15 years ago led the corps to realise that it needed to reach out to its community and invite them in. Once they opened the doors to their neighbours there was massive positive change. Now, we are finding that the newest corps folk and young people are leading the way in inviting others to join, and the fellowship has grown into a wonderful, diverse family.

We’ve been stationed here as corps officers for six years and, in that time, have strived to continue and expand upon the work started from this insight. We’ve been blessed with so many new commitments, particularly since the hall reopened after its refurbishment, but we’re not complacent. We’re monitoring just how inclusive we remain and how to balance that inclusivity with the corps identity as part of the wider Salvation Army.

GROWTH, GIFTS AND GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

Caring for a church that now has about 230 people connected to it has its challenges and requires sharing responsibility. Last year we held a ‘gifts day’ where people were encouraged to learn about their individual spiritual gifts and how they might use these to grow the Kingdom and support each other.

The corps has been working on its mission journal and has identified areas where it can do ministry more effectively. Discipling others has emerged as a priority and the mission team continues

to make this a focus – there’s always room for listening, learning and improvement.

REFURBED FOR REVIVAL

The hall was constructed in 1903 and needed a serious revamp to continue to be fit for purpose, with the facilities needed to match the growth of the church fellowship and expanded community programme and outreach ministry. Although the refurbished hall has been used for a couple of years, the official relaunch was delayed until very recently. We pray that the investment by the Army into the refurbishment will pay dividends for the Kingdom through the ministry of the musical tots group, soup kitchen, weekly Open Door project and other provisions.

CONTINUITY IN CONNECTIVITY

The Covid-19 pandemic was a difficult time for everyone and the corps had to revise its ministry – staying active throughout. It was important to continue the mission of loving God and loving others. The corps had access to a van, which we used to serve hundreds of meals to people in need. We worked with local housing, the youth programme and a nearby hospice.

Meetings went online and continue to be shared digitally with followers around the world. Many people later returned to the corps in person because of this ministry. Since then, we have kept in contact with all those we connected with and, importantly, made hundreds of new friends. God has richly blessed Govan Corps – now everybody knows who we are and where we are!

EVENT

New hall opens

NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE

TERRITORIAL leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill officially opened the new hall.

Guests gathered for the dedication service and flag raising. The commissioners cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque to declare the building open.

The ceremony included music from the band and songsters, including a new march for the occasion by Steve Gibson and a new song by Stephen Poxon and Andrew Mair, plus a solo from vocalist Hayley Stubbs (Derby Central).

Also in attendance were divisional leaders Majors David and Gillian Burns, Lieut-Colonel Alan Read (THQ) and Lieut-Colonel Janet Read and the deputy lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Nigel Jamie Martin, Chi Onwurah MP, along with councillors Ian Tokell and Sylvia Copley.

The TC prayed God’s blessing on the corps, its members and the community.

Corps officer Major Liz Hancock said: ‘It’s good that we are finally here as it’s been a long time coming! What we’re really excited about now we’re officially open is getting on with the mission and ministry. Already we’ve seen a 40 per cent increase in Sunday worship with people coming from the community.’ – AR

ECUMENICAL

NORWICH MILE CROSS Bandmaster Malcolm Berry represented the corps at a military veterans’ joint service at St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich. He sounded the Last Post following the procession and laying of wreaths. Retired British Army general Lord Richard Dannatt, pictured with Malcolm, gave a prayer for peace, while the lord lieutenant of Norfolk, Lady Dannatt, read from Isaiah. The service was organised by charity Outside the Wire and a special mention was made of the support The Salvation Army has given to those serving in the armed forces. – PR

WOODBRIDGE As part of the 140th corps anniversary celebrations, retired teacher and historian Roy Tricker gave a talk about his British Empire Medal for services to heritage and history in Suffolk. One of his former pupils, corps member Morvyn Finch, helped organise the evening. – AH

Corps opens new chapter

GOVAN

THE corps family gathered together to celebrate the opening of the refurbished hall.

From the youngest member at 6 months to the oldest at 98, hundreds of Salvationists and local residents marked a new chapter in the life of their congregation alongside corps officers Majors Mark and Tracy Bearcroft.

Teddington and Twickenham say farewell to Cadets John and Theresa Raffan as they complete their placement

EVENT HORDEN The corps has teamed up with Bella Marie Training Academy in nearby Seaham to offer haircuts and hot shaves by trainee students at its community drop-in. As the cost of food and energy soars, haircuts are often one of the first things people give up. Angela Denton, Community Mission Facilitator at the corps, said: ‘We were approached by the college about them providing free haircuts and thought it was a brilliant idea.’ – AR

Being at the heart of the community since 1881, the corps continues to provide practical support to the community.

The ribbon was cut by Arron, the newest junior soldier at the corps, and Margaret, who is number one on the roll.

Margaret said: ‘It’s an honour to open this wonderful new building – and we pray that it will serve the mission of The Salvation Army in Govan for many years.’

Helping lead the celebrations were Lieut-Colonels Dean and Eirwen Pallant (THQ) and divisional leaders Majors Ray and Pat Brown. – MD

CORONATION

CORONATION

BRADFORD CITADEL People of all ages celebrated the coronation through music, crafts and prayer stations. They made royal biscuits, crowns and bookmarks to explore what it means to serve like a king, and reflected on what influence they could have on the world through pebble prayers. – CW

CORONATION

CANTERBURY The day after the coronation, the band was invited to play in the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral as part of the Big Lunch. They were greeted and welcomed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who spoke about his experience at Westminster Abbey the day before. The precincts were full of people who were appreciative of the music played. – KC

CORONATION

STOCKTON Sunday coronation celebrations included a Proms family service and praise led by the band. The corps family, all dressed in red, white and blue, were reminded that, when they follow the teachings of Jesus, they are classed as royal children and crowned with glory and honour. The meeting included making a Union Jack prayer chain while the congregation prayed for peace, integrity of world leaders and prosperity over the country. – SD

CORONATION

CORONATION

Oakengates over-60 club enjoys a coronation picnic lunch and recognises the retirement of corps officer Major Carole Loveridge

SHREWSBURY A coronation tea party relaunched the luncheon club after the Covid-19 lockdowns. Six new volunteers cooked and 21 people attended. It is hoped that the group will be a blessing and provide opportunities for outreach to the community. – AH

Cardiff Canton’s Wednesday Walk-In enjoys a coronationthemed lunch

Residents and staff members at Villa Adastra care home enjoy a coronation tea party

NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS

BOSCOMBE

CORPS officers Majors Julia and Robert Jepson welcomed Marlene Lees as an adherent and enrolled Wendy Oldfield as a soldier. Marlene expressed her love for Jesus and his healing power in her life. Wendy gave an encouraging testimony of how the influence of Jesus has always been with her and her family and led her to be totally committed to him as a Salvationist. – RJ

MARKET RASEN

STEVEN Kwok was welcomed as an adherent by corps officers Majors David and Jane Alton. He made a commitment to Jesus in Glasgow and linked up with the Army before moving to Bournemouth. – JA

WOKING

AMELIE was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps leader Territorial Envoy Terence Carpenter. Amelie said she loved learning about the Bible, God and Jesus and joining with corps members for worship and praise. She is grateful for the love shown by members of the fellowship and is thankful that God brought her to the Army. She is pictured with Territorial Envoy Terence, acting YPSM Marilyn Hutchinson, Programme Co-ordinator Ida Franklin and Colour Sergeant John Franklin. – GB

HUCKNALL

JEAN Lovatt and Valerie Richards were welcomed as adherents.

Jean linked up with the corps through the coffee mornings and over-60 club. Valerie came through coffee mornings and was given an invitation to Sunday worship. They are pictured with corps officer Captain Gayner Ward. – CW

FLO McBride and Ricky Terry were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Margaret House. In the same meeting, Neil Boxall was enrolled as a soldier by Captain Jan Howlin (Wokingham). Captain Jan was community services manager at the corps 14 years ago when Neil first found his way into the centre. In his testimony he thanked the corps members for their help, encouragement and friendship. Major Ted Benneyworth held the flag, having led Neil through his soldiership classes. Joy was evident on Neil’s face as he promised to take on the commitment of being a faithful follower and disciple of Jesus. Flo, Ricky, Neil, Captain Jan and Major Margaret are pictured with corps officer Major David House. – MH

ARMY PEOPLE

Wedding anniversaries

Diamond (60 years)

BM ALAN AND CT PAT BOWD, Abertillery, 1 June

MAJORS MURIEL AND THOMAS CALDER, 1 June

Emerald (55 years)

MAJORS CLIFF AND JEAN BRADBURY, 8 June

LIEUT-COLONEL MARGARET AND MAJOR GRENVILLE BURN, 8 June

LIEUT-COLONELS MARGARET AND TREVOR DAVIS, 8 June

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR JOAN TAYLOR, 85 on 5 June

MAJOR MARY PRATT, 85 on 7 June

MAJOR YVONNE JONES, 80 on 8 June

MAJOR GWENDA CROSSLAND, 85 on 8 June

Promoted to Glory

RTD CS JACK MOORE, Belfast Citadel

ALBERT BRAKE, Shrewsbury, on 19 April

COLONEL SHEILA GRIFFITHS from St Christopher’s Hospice, Sydenham, on 7 May

COLONEL KATHLEEN GUY from Princess Royal University Hospital on 8 May

COMMISSIONER LOUISE HOLLAND from Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on 8 May

DIVISIONAL ENVOY NORA JONES from Blaendyffrn Hall Nursing Home on 11 May

MAJOR HILDA FIELDING from her home on 14 May

MAJOR VICTOR ROSS from Larkfield View Care Home on 15 May

Bereaved

BARBARA MOORE, Belfast Citadel, Valerie Thompson, Kirkwall, and Brian Moore of their father Rtd CS Jack Moore

OLIVE BRAKE, Shrewsbury, of her husband Albert Brake, John Brake and Sandra Pomeroy, Shrewsbury, of their father

GRAHAM GRIFFITHS, Penge, of his stepmother Colonel Sheila Griffiths

BRAMWELL HOLLAND, Whittlesey, and Miriam Haines of their stepmother Commissioner Louise Holland

ENGAGEMENTS

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Mon 22 May – Date TBC Sunbury Court (High Council)

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Mon 22 May – Date TBC Sunbury Court (High Council)

Sat 3 Jun – Sun 4 Jun Wrexham

Mon 5 Jun – Tue 6 Jun SATCoL Conference

Fri 9 Jun – Sun 11 Jun Denmark and Greenland Territory

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Sat 27 May Dumfries (official opening) *

Sun 28 May Dumfries with Lockerbie (joint meeting)

Sat 3 Jun – Sun 4 Jun Merthyr Tydfil (145th corps anniversary)

Mon 5 Jun – Tue 6 Jun SATCoL Conference

Thu 8 Jun 1st year officer seminar (leading closing worship)

Sat 10 Jun - Sun 11 Jun Portsmouth Citadel (150th anniversary)

* Colonel Jenine Main only

NOTICES

Great Big Green Week

Running from 10 to 18 June, this is an opportunity for people across the UK to get together and call on decision-makers to take action on climate change and nature. For ideas and resources to help you take part and hold an event, go to greatbiggreenweek.com

Environment Sunday

Environment Sunday is on 4 June, prior to World Environment Day on 5 June. Corps and centres can access care for creation-related resources to support teaching, creative worship or prayer and action at salvationist.org.uk

Plant seeds for bees

Why not create a safe haven for pollinators following World Bee Day (20 May) by setting aside a third of your outdoor community or living space? You can request a free pack of bee-friendly seeds to plant by emailing resources@salvationarmy.org.uk (first come, first served) until 5 June.

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays on Salvationist Radio? Catch up with our weekly podcast of Sunday Worship highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

Listen at salvationist.org.uk/radio

BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL, 1–6 PARK CRESCENT TERRACE BN2 3HD

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June

140TH CORPS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Led by Commissioners Charles and Denise Swansbury

For details contact Bram Warren on 01273 883658 or email bramwellwarren3@gmail.com

PORTSMOUTH CITADEL, LAKE ROAD PO1 4HA

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS

Saturday 10 June

2.30pm: Outdoor ministry, 4pm: Tea, 6.30pm: Thanksgiving concert

Sunday 11 June

10am: Celebration worship, 3pm: Messy Church celebration party

Weekend led by Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

All welcome to all events – we’d love to see you!

For any queries and for confirmation of attendance please contact dotkennett43@gmail.com or 07906 078972

EXETER TEMPLE

Saturday 17 June, 7pm

Exeter Temple Band and Songsters

FESTIVAL OF MUSIC FOR THE BIBLE SOCIETY

Holy Trinity Church, Exmouth, 2 Rolle Road EX8 2AB Entrance donation £8

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RECRUITING NOW GENEROUS DISCIPLESHIP ADVISERS (PART-TIME AND RELIEF) REGIONAL

Generous Discipleship advisers are committed Salvationists who believe in, aspire to and are obedient to the biblical call to be generous disciples of Christ.

We look to encourage all who worship or work within The Salvation Army to understand how we can be generous stewards of our world and resources by reflecting the generosity that God has shown to us.

Working alongside other team members and responsible to the Generous Discipleship team leader, you will be required to: liaise with divisions and corps; advise, assist and equip mission through generous living and giving; prepare, deliver and communicate biblical teaching on all areas of generosity within personal giving and stewardship; and build effective relationships with corps and divisions who are under your care.

Good communication and IT skills are required along with a sound biblical knowledge. You will have a minimum of 3 GCSE or equivalent qualifications, be able to travel and stay away from home to assist with divisional and weekend corps events. Regarding location, both the relief adviser and part-time roles can be based anywhere within the United Kingdom.

The role of the part-time post is to support the Generous Discipleship team leader. The post holder will be required to travel across all corps and divisions within the UKI Territory, as required.

Relief Generous Discipleship advisers will be required to travel to allocated corps (and if required, divisions). Please note there is an occupational requirement in this role that you need to be a practising uniformed Salvationist.

Salary Part-time: £22,131.02

per annum

Relief role: £15.20 per hour

Working hours

Part-time – 28 hours per week

Relief – as and when required

Contract

Part-time or relief roles available

Details for part-time role 25 days’ annual leave and bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; an employee assistance programme

Closing date 10 June 9am

Interview date

To be confirmed

For further details and to apply please visit: careers.salvationarmy.org.uk

Appointment subject to satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK. CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.

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

Acts 2:17

‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people.’