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

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