Salvationist 28 January 2023

SALVATIONIST

UNITY WITH DIVERSITY LEARNING TO LIVE WITH DIFFERENCE

Someone cares

‘DO you sometimes feel that no one truly knows you,/ And that no one understands or really cares?’ asked Gowans and Larsson’s reassuring song (SASB 10) from 1967. Its still-astonishing answer: God is close by and shares our burden. And yet the song goes further: it adds that God heals, helps and brings hope ‘through his people’. How many times have you felt that no one understands? And how many times have you felt God close beside you through the support of a fellow Salvationist?

After beginning the year with Covenant Sunday, reflecting on how we love God, in this issue we reflect on how we love others. Sometimes, we might not feel like we are humanly capable of expressing and sharing that boundless, Christlike love with everyone we meet. Sometimes, we might be tempted to judge people for their words, actions or the ways in which they disagree with us.

6+7

BIBLE STUDY

IVAN RADFORD MANAGING EDITOR

ON THE WEBSITE

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But God is with us in our disagreements, although we may not always want to welcome him into those moments. He shares our burden and offers us the grace and strength to acknowledge, respect and care for one another, even though we’re all different and do not always see eye to eye. By reflecting God’s love to each other, we can together reflect something of his Kingdom to the wider world. Together

Issue No 1894

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

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

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips

PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

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

FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Brian Peddle

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS

101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101 @SalvationistOnline

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.

Love unmasked

Continuing a new series of topical reflections, Lyn Woods considers what we can learn from The Masked Singer

HAVE you ever watched ITV’s The Masked Singer, in which celebrities in fully masked character costumes compete to be the last remaining person to be asked to ‘take it off!’ and reveal their true identity? In the current fourth season, which airs on ITV1 and ITVX on Saturdays, celebrities revealed so far include broadcaster Chris Kamara (a ghost) and singers Lulu (a piece of cake) and Martin and Shirley Kemp (a cat and a mouse).

I wonder whether the concept of the show reflects how we sometimes live as Christians. Putting on a mask and pretending to be something we are not, instead of living out God’s love authentically and integrally in everything we do. Or maybe we hide our faith behind a mask or have several masks portraying different versions of ourselves depending on where we are or who we are with.

God created us in his image and yet we are all so different. God is love and he requires us to love everyone, even our enemies, as Major Tim Johnson (Oxford) reminded us in last issue’s Bible study, taken from Luke 6. In 1 John 4:20 we are told: ‘Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother or sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.’ In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes: ‘If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong’ (13:1). He goes on to say: ‘These three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love’ (13:13).

How can we as Christians expect to nurture disciples of Jesus and share the good news with others if we have no real love or care for others? Is our mask merely a false outward pretence of our Christianity? Does our mask conceal our Christian beliefs and prevent others from seeing Jesus in us? What if our mask slips and reveals that we are not who we show ourselves outwardly to be?

Of course, there are times when we humanly feel less than able to demonstrate such love, but those are the times we need to call upon the Lord who gives strength in all things.

David prays in Psalm 139: ‘You have searched me, Lord, and you know me’ (v1). There is no deceiving the God who knows us intimately; we only attempt to deceive ourselves if we are not living lives that are genuinely pleasing to him or loving others in the ways God desires. Romans 12:9 and 10 state that our love must be sincere and that we must be devoted to one another in love.

Let us not wear a mask of love or a mask that hides our Christianity. God is asking us to ‘take it off!’ and be genuine in our love for others and in living out our lives as disciples of Christ.

REFLECT AND RESPOND

Prayerfully consider these song words and how we can genuinely demonstrate God’s love to others:

‘Let there be love shared among us,/ Let there be love in our eyes.’

(SASB 1007)

‘For his love remains the same,/ He knows you by your name,/ Don’t think because you failed him he despairs;/ For he gives to those who ask/ His grace for every task,/ God plans for you in love for he still cares.’

(SASB 490)

LYN WOODS Editorial Assistant Salvationist

‘We can’t escape his love, or take ourselves out of his care,/ So where could we hide from his love? His love is everywhere.’

(SASB 29)

Knitting performs in costume

Picture: Bandicoot TV / ITV Plc

Quiz

Look out!

by Garry

D

Reed

Answer these questions to discover a song with a message for the whole world

1 Start with the number of years the Israelites were in Egypt (see Exodus 12) and divide by 2.

2 Add the number of verses in Psalm 119.

3 Multiply the number of words in John 3:16 (King James Version) by the number of words Belshazzar saw on the wall at his feast (see Daniel 5). Add this to your previous total.

4 Multiply the number of disciples at the Transfiguration (see Matthew 17) by the number of pieces of silver for which Joseph was sold into slavery (see Genesis 37). Subtract this from your running total.

5 Add to that the number of people who entered Noah’s ark (see Genesis 7).

6 Add the number of churches mentioned in Revelation 1:11.

7 Find the square root of the number of verses in Philemon and add this to your current total.

8 Take away the number of anchors cast out of the ship when Paul was shipwrecked (see Acts 27).

9 Add the number of excuses mentioned for not attending the great supper in Luke 14.

10 Subtract the number of Old Testament books known collectively as the Pentateuch.

Your answer will lead you to Helen Howarth Lemmel’s song in the Salvation Army songbook.

Song: ‘Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus’ (SASB

‘I have found what I was looking for’

Sue Gibson (Reading West) shares her account of how she was saved

IWASN’T brought up as a Christian: it happened eight years ago, when I was 55, and I repented of my sins. My childhood was difficult. I have Muckle-Wells Syndrome, but it wasn’t recognised back then. The symptoms are arthritis, a burning, blotchy, red rash over the body and hearing loss. The doctor told my parents that I was putting on my limp for attention. Another said it was growing pains and I was forever having my legs put in plaster. I didn’t realise my hearing was poor and developed a complex because I thought everyone was whispering and didn’t want me to hear what they were saying. I became withdrawn and nervous at school.

spoke to the minister, who advised me to go to my doctor. The doctor sent me to a psychiatric hospital. I was terrified of everything: life, death, people and especially what I’d put my family through.

An injection was found that controlled the symptoms of Muckle-Wells, but my mind was not well. I had been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for 15 years. I started praying but I felt as if God was shutting me out.

rew up of as a ond-class ple

I grew up thinking of myself as a second-class citizen and became a ‘people pleaser’, relying on others telling me what to do. In 1979 I got married, which I never expected to happen. There were some happy times, but also much tension. I thought that any problems were my fault.

I had three children whom I adored and, when they grew up, I found a new job. I met a man who complimented me, and I fell for him and even left the family home when he suggested it. This man turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing and had a very dark side to him.

The affair was over before it started, and I became a broken mess. One Sunday I walked into the local church and

ng me what to do. In 1979 married, which I never ected to There e times, ught that blems were fault ad ored and, when w up, I found a new met a man who plimented lef t ly home when uggested man to a sheep’s hing a ver y dark him e over arted, I ame a s. ked l

By this time I was living on my own. My mental health was checked on regularly by a nurse, who told me of a church that her mother went to. I learnt that Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of our sins. I repented and a huge weight lifted from me. I started reading the Bible and I’m now learning how to live a victorious Christian life. I have found what I was searching for all along: the Lord God our Saviour.

from me I started the Bible and I’m now how to live a life. I was Saviour

Praying against persecution

George Tanton explores how The Salvation Army around the world has faced persecution

In the Soviet Union, the operations of the KGB drove The Salvation Army underground. This was evident in June 1950 in Czechoslovakia, when Salvation Army meetings were dissolved and properties were confiscated by the state, and several officers were imprisoned. In 1951 the Communist authorities in northern China imposed a ban on Army operations.

‘ISTILL believe in God in spite of having spent three years among people who do not accept the fact of God,’ cried LieutCommissioner Herbert Lord, after he had been released from a prison camp in North Korea, as reported on 24 April 1953 in the Belfast Telegraph . Captured by Communist forces during the Korean War, Commissioner Lord endured suffering because of his Christian faith.

Religious oppression is historically nothing new for the global Salvation Army. The Movement faced a series of setbacks in many of the countries it operated in during the 20th century, experiencing state oppression and religious intolerance. The Salvation Army was treated with suspicion in Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy. After the Second World War, the East German authorities clamped down on the Army’s activities under the guise that it represented a quasimilitary opposition to the state.

In 1954, the Salvation Army year book expressed how Kenyan Salvationists ‘courageously stood firm in their faith, fearlessly continuing a Christian witness in face of threats to property and life’.

In June 1978, during the Rhodesian Bush War, two Salvationists –Lieutenant Diane Thompson and soldier Sharon Swindells – were killed during an attack at a Salvation Army school. Despite the grief at his daughter’s death, Mr Thompson was quoted in the 24 June 1978 issue of the War Cry: ‘We have no hatred or bitterness towards the people who killed her. Our daughter would have forgiven them – and we must try to do the same.’

In Matthew 5:44, Jesus said to his followers: ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’ Jesus presents us with the greatest example of someone who forgave his enemies and even prayed for those who crucified him. On the cross, he cried out to God: ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’ (Luke 23:34).

Christians today around the world are still persecuted for their

beliefs. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI asserted that Christians were the most persecuted religious group in the contemporary world. This claim has been backed up by the likes of Open Doors, a Christian charity and advocacy group. This month it published its World Watch List 2023, a ranking of the countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution around the world.

‘In this country, the idea of persecuted Christians is not fashionable. Christians are considered the comfortable, welloff people who go to nice parish churches. However, this is not the global picture,’ comments Ben Cohen, head of media and PR at Open Doors UK.

‘In countries that are ruled by an oppressive regime, any organisation that has a missionary heart, such as The Salvation Army, will always face persecution,’ he adds.

As recently as 27 November 2020, four Salvationists were killed during an attack on a Salvation Army outpost in a remote village on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia.

How can Salvationists today support those who are persecuted because of their Christian beliefs?

‘Prayer,’ suggests Ben. ‘When Open Doors goes to countries where Christians are being persecuted, they always ask that the global Church continues praying for them to keep them strong and steadfast in their faith in Christ.’

GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Herbert Lord

Judging others

Major Vikki Burr considers the value of the ‘golden rule’

LUKE 6:37–42

OPEN the newspaper, turn on the TV to watch the news, switch on the radio and very soon you will read, see or hear someone blaming someone else for the state of their life. We find judgement being passed on behaviour, choice of language, and even whether a T-shirt carries the correct logo with the correct words in the correct colour. There will always be somebody stating an opinion about, offering a comment on or judging another person.

Do we join in the second we open the newspaper, turn on the news or switch on the radio? Whether we speak it out or not, isn’t it true that we, too, have an opinion, a comment to make or a judgement to pass?

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?

Have you ever heard of the ‘golden rule’? It is this: ‘Do to others what you want them to do to you.’ Many faiths and belief systems have a version of it.

In our study passage, Jesus unpacks this principle and ensures his listeners get the point. You don’t like being judged? Then, don’t judge others. Want to be forgiven? Then, forgive. The more you do this, the more you receive.

Many of us will have knocked over a pot on a desk while wanting to squeeze just one more pencil or paperclip in. This is what verse 38 is encouraging us to do – to use all our resources and energy to

squeeze it all out for the sake of another. This creates a wonderful to-ing and fro-ing of kindness and understanding – a reciprocal process, flowing back and forth.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Can you recall a time when you gave something – whether in time, energy, money or emotion – and felt you received more, or something unexpected, in return?

The golden rule isn’t just about how we interact as individuals but also about what type of society we want to live in. Jesus says that a student is not above their teacher. In other words, a student needs to look to, listen to and learn from their teacher. Equally, the teacher needs to remember that the student will, in the end, become like them. If the teacher is stern, domineering or opinionated, so, in time, the student will be likewise. Parents will know the experience of telling off their child for unacceptable behaviour only to realise that they learnt it from watching them.

Each one of us is surrounded by people who look to us, notice us and are influenced by us. Their behaviours and attitudes can be, and are being, influenced by their interactions with us. We all know that smiling – as well as yawning – is contagious. In the same way, we need to be aware of who we are following and to whom we are looking to for guidance and advice. How are those around us influencing us? Which teacher are we emulating?

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Who do you interact with on a daily or weekly basis? Consider what influence you have with them.

How do you behave and interact with them?

Is there anything you need to change?

The fact that the golden rule is an almost universal maxim shows that, as humans, we are all trying to figure out how best to get along with each other. However, Jesus doesn’t leave us floundering. He not only models the answer through his life but also gives us direction through his teaching.

He tells us – his hearers – to look to themselves. Are they perfect? Do they sometimes get it wrong and make mistakes? Do they always mean to? No – then what is true for them is true for everyone. Rather than berating each other – judging one another – we should offer support to each other.

True, metaphorically the blind cannot lead the blind, but we each have different blind spots. We all carry unconscious biases and prejudices. We might prefer one person to another. We might think that one form of ministry is more important than another. In reality, everyone is equal and needed.

Accepting the reality of our personal blind spots, and making allowances for them in other people, enables us to support each other, so that we develop and move forward together.

Ultimately, this is not a passage about judgement, blame or pointing out wrongdoing, but, as is so often the case with Jesus, it is about generosity, compassion and love.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

When you show kindness through your words or actions, how does that make you feel?

How can you show love and kindness this week?

Do you know what your blind spot might be?

Is there someone you could discuss this with?

Are you ready to let someone support you when you need it?

The golden rule is great, but I think the words of the prayer attributed to St Francis of Assisi – and captured in the song ‘Make Me a Channel of Your Peace’ (SASB 608) sum it up even better:

O Master, grant that I may never seek So much to be consoled as to console, To be understood, as to understand, To be loved, as to love with all my soul.

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

ECUMENICAL FOCUS

by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts (Territorial Ecumenical Officer)

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY

The New Testament word koinonia describes the fellowship we share with God and his people. Paul says that if there is ‘any common sharing [koinonia] in the Spirit … then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind’ (Philippians 2:1 and 2). Make this your prayer today.

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY

Koinonia can also refer to working together. Paul writes: ‘I always pray with joy because of your partnership [koinonia] in the gospel from the first day until now’ (Philippians 1:4 and 5). Lord, as we share with others in Kingdom work, may we humbly and willingly give of our best, making it a partnership filled with joy. Amen.

HELPING-HAND APPEAL FOCUS

by Hayley Still (UK Engagement Co-ordinator, International Projects)

MONDAY 30 JANUARY

771 million people do not have clean water close to their homes. Behind this overwhelming statistic are individuals working hard to provide for themselves and their families, despite being forced to use a resource that is life-threatening rather than life-giving. Pray for improved access to clean water, and for an end to preventable waterborne diseases and deaths.

TUESDAY 31 JANUARY

The Army works alongside communities around the world to improve access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation. Protecting natural springs, constructing sand dams and installing boreholes are some of the solutions. Give thanks for technical innovations that help people access safe water.

WEDNESDAY 1 FEBRUARY

In Malawi, the Army has connected with remote villages in the district of Karonga. People walk for hours to collect untreated water from their nearest stream. Lord, give us the courage and perseverance to reach out even when it is inconvenient, challenging and disruptive. Amen.

THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY

The burden of collecting water often falls upon women and girls. For many, the journey is long and leaves them vulnerable to violence and sexual assault. With water sources installed in central locations, women can collect water in peace and safety. Pray for healing for those who have experienced violence and give thanks that access to clean water has improved safety.

FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY

31 per cent of schools do not have clean water. Schools use presentations and peer group discussion to transform attitudes around sanitation and hygiene. Pray for young people as they act as agents of change for themselves, their families and their wider communities.

PRAYER REQUESTS

MAJOR VIKKI BURR Head of Operations Well Being Department, THQ

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.

Living with difference

IN Romans 12:16 we glimpse a vision of the Kingdom of God. Musical harmonies are created when notes are played creatively in relationship with one another, creating a sound that is fuller and more beautiful than any note on its own. As an image of God’s people, harmony speaks of a church that reveals the richness of life in God’s Kingdom and where diversity and difference are recognised and valued.

We are all uniquely created by God and have received the gift of free will. We make choices every day; some are insignificant but others will shape our lives, our relationships and our lives with God. Other people make different choices. This is not necessarily a problem; it is how we deal with the difference that is important, otherwise there can be toxic consequences.

As Christians we all have our ‘line in the sand’. We know these things are important to us and the acceptable limits of our own and other people’s beliefs and actions. We also know that other people may think and behave differently from us, and so there is not just one line in the sand, but multiple lines that cross and intermingle, and living and serving alongside those who draw the line in a different place can be challenging.

So how can Christians live in harmony, while at the same time acknowledging – but not minimising or trivialising – our

diversity? How do we serve God in partnership with our faithful and sincere Christian friends when we disagree about important issues at a deep level?

The history of the Church shows that, ever since the debate in the book of Acts (see Acts 10, 11 and 15) about including the Gentiles in the fledgling community, faithful, committed, Spirit-led Christians have not agreed on every matter. Nor have we always negotiated our differences with grace and honesty. Yet when we learn to live in harmony despite our differences, we model attractive and countercultural relationships that speak to the world of Jesus.

How can we learn to disagree well, in a spirit that honours both truth and grace, so that we can live together in unity, if not unanimity? Good disagreement is not a search for agreement, nor is it winning the argument. It begins when we are determined to preserve our relationships with those with whom we disagree, recognising each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, despite our differences. It requires a commitment to be curious about other people’s perspectives, to listen carefully with a loving heart and a mind that is open to new possibilities, even when we are totally convinced that we are right. It allows us to build relationships of trust with other people, even when we disagree profoundly.

Lieut-Colonel

Good disagreement is not an optional extra for Christians. It is required by our faith. No matter what we disagree about, or with whom we disagree, we must do it in a godly way. It can be exhausting as we listen carefully to other people while at the same time ensuring that we express our own views appropriately, especially if the subject is important to our own life of faith. Good disagreement is what we are called to do. It isn’t easy and most of us fail, sometimes spectacularly, at times.

In Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future, Pope Francis suggests that as Christians think and pray together it is possible to learn to appreciate aspects of truth in views that are different from our own and to find a way forward that transcends those things that would divide us. He believes that when differences are expressed and explored with openness and in depth it is possible to discover a harmony that is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is not consensus or compromise, but is rich, complex and unexpected, holding on to the sharp notes of its differences. Perhaps this is the harmony of Romans 12:16; the harmony that is a mark of love, and of Christian living.

LIEUT-COLONEL

DR KAREN SHAKESPEARE Chair of the International Theological Council and Tutor William Booth College

Karen Shakespeare considers how harmony reveals the richness of God’s Kingdom

‘Live in harmony with one another.’

(Romans 12:16)

Sexuality in Singapore reflect on their experiences

CHALLENGING OUR ASSUMPTIONS

OUR purpose was clear, writes

Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts

(THQ): ‘We must bring our biblically informed faith perspective, sit under its authority and seek the wisdom of God as we engage in the various topics, as well as seeking to better inform our pastoral responses’ (General Brian Peddle’s keynote address).

As I reflect on all the listening, thinking, participation, exploring and prayer that took place during the event I can say that I was certainly informed and encouraged. It was a safe space, a grace-filled fellowship where my assumptions were challenged.

Distinctive positions assumed to be held by specific regions of our international Army were contradicted. For example, on the day when the subject was same-sex relationships, it was an African officer, Lieut-Colonel Dr Bishow Samhika, who gave a detailed study of Acts chapters 10 and 15, ‘Peter, Cornelius and the believers’. We listened and sat under the authority of Scripture and were reminded that something once unthinkable to the Jewish Christians, the inclusion of Gentiles, became the way forward as boundaries were redefined through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

In my small group, one might assume there would be conflict and struggle in our conversations. Yet from the first of our 10 sessions, there was respectful listening, encouraging responses and healthy curiosity about each other’s lives and work.

As UKI delegates, Bethany and I carried the hopes of many in the territory, that the primary focus of the event would be on seeking a consensus for the international Salvation Army to affirm full membership for LGBTQ+ people and celebrate same-sex relationships/marriages in territories where it is legal to do so.

I was also keenly aware that I represented a territory where there are people who think differently around LGBTQ+ issues. I sought to articulate the challenge that every Christian faces, as we read and interpret Scripture for ourselves and for those whom we may lead and teach.

As Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare said in her paper Living with Difference: ‘Every reading of the Bible is an interpretation and faithful committed Christian scholars sometimes come to very different conclusions when exploring texts. These different conclusions challenge the belief that there can be a “single, controlling interpretation in the text which can then be simply applied to our own context” (Runcorn 2016:68).’

I am grateful for the privilege of participating in the symposium. I hope that in due course IHQ will publish the papers that were so helpful when presented in Singapore. I hope the work will continue, through local respectful conversations exploring the complexities of faith and human sexuality.

IT’S NOT ABOUT ‘MY ARMY’ BUT AN ARMY THAT REFLECTS GOD’S KINGDOM

THE symposium’s theme was I am a Child of God, writes Bethany Gibson (Regent Hall), which made me remember a tweet from the Archbishop of Canterbury: ‘The Christian belief that we are all made in the image of God means that the person I disagree with may have something to teach me.’

I want to acknowledge that I have an affirming theology and long for same-sex marriages to be celebrated within our Church. Of the 99 delegates at the symposium, I knew this view would be held by a minority. I also knew that, if I shared my personal views, I needed to let people know that it was one of a range of views within the UKI Territory. I arrived with a lot of anxiety about what I should share.

I was blessed to spend up to three hours each day in a small group with Salvationists from other territories. The trust established in the group enabled me to share my personal views and experience of supporting people who are sexuality diverse. I felt heard and respected. I witnessed people graciously wrestling with each topic as they processed their own theological understanding. I believe that by the end of the week views were expanded.

When we discussed what being a child of God meant, we found that we had different foundational theology. Some believed humans are born children of God, whereas others believed we only become children of God when we are saved.

Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare’s words helped me process such conversations. She quoted theologian Rupertus Meldenius: ‘On the essentials, unity; on the non-essentials, freedom; in everything, love.’

This helped me reframe what it means to be ‘One Army’, which many think is about uniformity instead of unity. While I have an affirming theology, I have to accept not everyone does and the reasons for this are complex. I need to work harder to listen to other voices. Good disagreement seeks to preserve relationships and gain understanding, not win arguments or convert opposition.

It can’t just be about seeking justice – as our territory’s mission priority states, it’s also about reconciliation. It’s not about creating ‘my Army’ but an Army that reflects the nature of God and his Kingdom, something that will always be beyond my understanding.

The symposium humbled me to recognise the messiness of faith and church life, it inspired me to be confident yet sensitive when I share my perspective and challenged me to trust God to reveal what loving him and loving others looks like for each Salvationist and context.

Two UKI delegates who attended last summer’s IHQ Symposium on Human

m humbled me to essiness of faith

t me yet sensitive me to trust hat others looks vationist

Equipped to understand

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main introduces the 2023 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Resource Calendar

IT gives me great pleasure to introduce the 2023 Equality Diversity and Inclusion Resource Calendar. We’ve had similar calendars previously and I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to this year’s edition.

People are at the heart of our mission and this calendar will help equip us to understand more about the diversity of people who make up the communities we serve and our Salvation Army. Expanding our knowledge is a lifelong journey and it is especially important to understand more about the people we serve, live, pray and work alongside. For this reason, the calendar includes information about different religions and beliefs as well as information about international and national events, which are important to different groups of people. I hope this will give us all greater awareness of how increasing our understanding of diversity and difference is central to helping

us Love God, Love Others.

At the start of each quarter of the year, resources will be available that we hope will encourage people to identify new ways of engaging people in mission. Some of the resources are produced by groups outside The Salvation Army. We are not endorsing everything those organisations do or say – but we can learn from people who hold different views and opinions to ours.

It is important to acknowledge we are on a journey in terms of understanding and supporting people. There is much for us all to learn. If you have any comments about this calendar – and, particularly, suggestions on improvements for the 2024 edition – please email equalityandinclusion@salvationarmy.org.uk

I encourage individuals and teams to engage with the calendar and the accompanying resources and develop a culture of welcome and belonging for all people in all parts of The Salvation Army.

The 2023 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Resource Calendar is available on OurHub for anyone with a UKI Salvation Army email address. To request a copy of the calendar or for more information, email equalityandinclusion@salvationarmy.org.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Resource Calendar 2023

WHAT IS IN THE CALENDAR?

The calendar contains public holidays for the UK and Ireland Territory and information on national and international awareness days and events. It also includes special days associated with major religions as well as some specific Salvation Army events and an explanation of what they mean for people who are not familiar with The Salvation Army.

Each month has a different equality, diversity and inclusion focus. Data is provided to help illustrate the very real challenges some groups of people face. Where the calendar uses external data sources, it retains the original language and terminology used to refer to groups of people by that data source.

While the principles of equality legislation have shaped the focus for some months, it is appreciated that inclusion is as much about creating a welcoming and inclusive culture as it is about understanding the needs of different groups. We all have a role to play in championing equality, diversity and inclusion within our business service, centres or corps. To support this each month includes a reflective question, marked with a ‘Q’, designed to help you to consider your own actions and the role you can play in improving our equality, diversity and inclusion practices.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CALENDAR?

To increase awareness about particular national, diversity, cultural and religious days or events.

To provide information about major events and observances for people who may not be familiar with The Salvation Army’s faith.

To raise awareness about diversity and the protected characteristics that are protected by law.

To enable a better understanding of intersectionality and the multiple ways people can experience exclusion or disadvantage.

To provide suggestions or a reference point for corps or centres to frame inclusion activities and better meet people’s needs.

To support mission by helping people to be more aware of equality, diversity and inclusion and the issues that members of the community may face.

COLONEL PAUL MAIN Chief Secretary THQ

To enable deeper reflection on hospitality and welcome for everyone.

Not everyone’s cup of tea

EVERY month I go to an event called Suburban Disco. There are a lot of Christians who think that going to discos is worshipping the Devil. I was told, and I think, that nightclubs are ungodly. I never go to those, but what is stopping other Christians? Jesus went to where non-believers go. Discos are not everyone’s cup of tea and God accepts that. I enjoy going to this disco because it’s got a

friendly atmosphere and I like having a dance. On a couple of occasions God gave me an opportunity to invite people to our meeting and carol service. Let us remember whatever isn’t our cup of tea doesn’t mean we have to judge others by it. God gives us a choice of things we do and he wants us mingling with non-Christians, otherwise they’ll never get saved.

Gwyn Morgan Penarth

distance. Also, as the services are recorded, they can be watched at a time that is convenient to anyone. I therefore encourage all corps to live-stream or record Sunday services where and when practical.

Peter O’Loughlin Gosport

THANK YOU

FRIENDS REUNITED

SPEAK TO GOD, SPEAK TO OTHERS

AS a child I remember that five minutes before the service a Bible was placed on the lectern at the front of the church. This was the signal to be quiet and prepare for worship. Now as I enter the hall I pass under a reminder of what I am there for and what I should do in the light of this: ‘Be thoughtful, be silent, be reverent, this is God’s house. Before the service, speak to God. During the service, let God speak to you. After the service, speak to each other.’ Although meeting with others is important, perhaps we need

this reminder of the value of silence to speak to God and listen to him. It may even be that, having spoken to God and listened to him, our speaking with others may be all the better as we think of the things that really matter.

Bob George Tiverton

KEEP ON STREAMING

SEVERAL corps continue to provide online Sunday worship and this is really welcome. Many individuals are simply unable to attend a corps in person due to personal circumstances such as illness, disability, caring responsibilities, employment shift patterns or geographical

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? Get in touch with the Salvationist editorial team at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk or comment on Facebook @SalvationistOnline

IT is with a heavy heart I write after learning of the closure of King’s Lynn Corps. So many souls saved to serve, including four generations of my own family, were brought up through its ranks. Our music sections practised weekly for open-air meetings, not forgetting playing carols including for the Queen when she visited Sandringham. As children we had Sunday school with prizegivings and beach picnics. I realise we cannot stop the clock and neither should we want to press rewind; people’s hearts and lives change with time and many moved away to serve God elsewhere. But memories are stored in our hearts. As a long-serving bandmaster’s daughter, I say thank you to God for King’s Lynn Corps.

Ruth Hayward Norwich

PROUD AND BLESSED

HERALDS who sell the War Cry have a unique opportunity to testify to our Christian faith and beliefs. I have had this privilege for several years and have built up a rapport with many ‘customers’ and am told of circumstances where The Salvation Army has attended in times of crises, some more recent and others from wartime years. I am proud and blessed and give the glory to God for Christians all over the world who live, and have lived, a life of self-sacrifice for the sake of our Lord.

Hereward Hanson Sunderland

IN March 2021 I was adding historical photos to the Douglas Corps Facebook page. After posting about 20, corps officer Captain Rachael Nieuwoudt suggested I start a history Facebook page dedicated to the Army on the Isle of Man. There are now over 400 images on the page, along with a few videos. It already has more than 250 members. The platform has reconnected many people across the UK, America and New Zealand. Some include great-grandchildren of previous corps officers. It has been a pleasant surprise and shows the benefit of online ministry. We would love you to share your memories with us: facebook.com/ groups/481001546483381

Colin Ring Douglas

ON CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY:

YOUR VIEWS

Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters for publication in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 150 words.

‘Watched this earlier today, really enjoyed the whole event.’ Don Dawes

‘I really enjoyed the Ukraine segment.’

Margaret Jane

Dumfries A haven of hope

FAST FACTS

DIVISION: West Scotland

CORPS OFFICER: Major Terri Holdroyd

NEW LOCATION, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

For many years the corps was located on the outskirts of town, on a road near a river that frequently flooded. The building was old and had accessibility issues and no longer met requirements. This all changed when we recently relocated to a shopfront building in the town centre. Now that we are central and fully accessible, we are seeing a lot of new people coming in and old connections returning, and we can offer a new and more inclusive programme.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND GROWTH

We have a Thursday coffee and chat drop-in with trained listeners to help with wellbeing, especially for those who are or have been isolated, and to facilitate conversations with folk who are quiet or uncertain. We have a Singing by Heart group – at present we have older people and younger people with mental health issues and special needs and this programme is meeting the needs of the whole person in body, mind, emotions and spirit. We welcome people of all faiths and none and our community programme is sandwiched between prayer, so that everyone is wrapped in the presence of God. We hope to expand the corps community programme further and develop cell church and village house groups.

We also have a new donation centre, which opened with a blessing and cutting of a ribbon. The opening day

went very well and saw a steady stream of visitors and interesting conversations. It’s positioned on a main road leading in and out of rural Dumfries, so we get to meet people from the surrounding villages, and it has parking, which really helps. We also have a SATCoL shop on the high street, where I spend one day a week. The shop has developed its own community of folk and the opening of the new centre created lots of big conversations there. Both shops need more volunteers, although they are growing.

OUR PASSION IS SHARING THE GOOD NEWS WITH OTHERS

People ask us questions about faith and Christianity, and we have welcomed three new people into our fellowship on Sundays. We have people who used to

attend the youth club in the 1980s and 1990s joining us at the drop-ins, so the work that previous generations of Salvationists did here is still bearing fruit.

OUR VISION IS FOR A HARVEST OF SOULS

The main vision is that people will come in and feel God’s presence and allow God to work a transformation of lifestyle, so they are healed in body, mind and spirit. Now that we’re in the town centre, and the county of Dumfries and Galloway is becoming more of a holiday destination, we get a lot of tourists. We say: ‘They’ll come on the Robbie Burns trail, but they’ll leave on the Jesus way.’ That’s our ultimate mission: a harvest of souls across the UK.

Major Terri Holdroyd (right)

INTERNATIONAL

International leaders join celebrations

SOUTH AMERICA EAST

GENERAL

Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle joined hundreds of Salvationists from Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay for the territorial congress.

In his message the General challenged the congregation to draw closer to God, to see things more clearly and to allow God to reveal to them their own condition. The Sunday morning meeting was centred around the commissioning of the five cadets of the Reflectors of Holiness session and Sunday afternoon was dedicated to a youth meeting, where teenagers spent time with the world leaders. The congress closed with the presentation of appointments to the new

INTERNATIONAL

KENYA The Kenya Trust, a small charity dedicated to supporting the Army’s social programmes and music ministry in the country, is organised by a team of six Salvationists from Birmingham Citadel, Bristol Easton, Potton, Bedford Congress Hall and Staines. Since its inception in 2003, the Trust has sent more than 3,000 musical instruments to Kenyan schools and education centres. In consultation and co-operation with Kenya East THQ, the Kenya Trust was asked to take on a project to improve two Salvation Army schools in Muthanthara, central Kenya. It has committed to raising funds to build two blocks of pit latrines for Muthanthara Primary School and to fund the construction and furnishing of two classrooms for the Muthanthara Secondary School. Construction began on the latrine blocks in October 2022 and work began on the first classroom in November 2022. The Trust is now raising funds for the second classroom. – PN

lieutenants and of summer appointments to the cadets. Commissioner Rosalie called on those present to ‘pay attention to the way they live’.

On Monday morning, the international leaders visited territorial headquarters and greeted employees. Later, they were received at the British Embassy with the territorial leaders where they shared

COMMUNITY

with Ambassador Kirsty Hayes about the Army’s work in the territory.

A fellowship lunch opened the officers’ councils and everyone enjoyed camaraderie and gratitude for the work of the Army throughout the world. The General reminded attendees of the great challenge they have as officers: to be servant leaders. – AR

ANNIVERSARY

EVA BURROWS LIFEHOUSE Trinity has donated gifts to the 1st Stop Project since the tender age of nine. She used her own money for these donations. Now aged 14 and a member of the Sea Cadets, she has roped her pals into donating too. The centre is exremely grateful.– JT

COMMUNITY

DERBY CENTRAL The corps packed an additional 100 toy parcels compared to the previous Christmas, thanks to the kind generosity of the community. Working with social services and other charities, a total of 810 parcels were given out to children who would not otherwise have received a gift at Christmas. – AR

MORRISTON Celebrating the 136th corps anniversary on Covenant Sunday, previous corps officers Majors Robert and Rita Pearce (THQ) led worship on the theme Focus on the Past, Present and Future. Corps members shared thoughts on the past and the majors reminisced about their period of ministry at the corps including memories of people, events and times of spiritual blessing and growth. In the Present-themed section, Jonathan Mead was commissioned as deputy songster leader. Focusing on the future, the territorial commander’s video message for Covenant Sunday was shared and followed by moments of reflection and dedication. A time of fellowship and refreshments followed, including the cutting of an anniversary cake made by corps member Rhoda Quinuyen. – SR

Army services undergo review

THQ

THE Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a report of services provided to recovering survivors of modern slavery by The Salvation Army and its partners through the government’s Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract.

The Army has welcomed this additional layer of scrutiny, which builds on the existing monitoring systems it had in place to ensure it continues to offer the best support possible for the people in its care.

‘We are encouraged by the confirmation from the CQC report of good practice within our services, meeting and often exceeding contractual standards and the quality of services and commitment of staff as they go above and beyond when working with survivors to provide tailored support based on each individual’s needs,’ the Salvation Army statement said.

‘The areas identified for improvement and recommendations cover issues that have already been identified by The Salvation Army and our partners. In most cases, we have already taken action to address these areas but welcome this report as an additional tool to aid us in continuously improving outcomes for survivors of modern slavery.

‘We are also encouraged that more recent CQC inspections, undertaken in the past six months and not included in the published report, have identified that our partners have taken on board and implemented learnings arising from these inspections, which are now embedded in their practice.’ – AR

Virgin

EVENT

WALTHAM ABBEY The Chums and Chats group and crafts group celebrated Christmas in January when they met for a meal at the Angel public house. During the major renovations at the hall over the past three months the landlady allowed the corps to use the facilities so that groups could still meet. – SK

MORRISTON The band and songsters carolled in supermarkets, care homes, churches and surrounding villages. Even during the cost-of-living crisis the public generously supported the Christmas appeal. After two years of restrictions the sections returned to St Mary’s Church in Clydach, where they presented festive music and the Christmas story in support of the local work of Christian Aid. – SR

EVENT

MAIDSTONE Since May 2022, the Walk on Water group has met on the lake. Unfortunately, the lake was frozen so the planned Nativity play on the lake took place beside it. An impromptu Nativity scene formed around the crib, which had been launched on to the water. It was incredibly cold, but members of the watersports centre enjoyed the service with their friends and families, and others stopped by to listen and watch. At the hall, an innovative carol service saw corps folk dressing up as characters in the Christmas story, while the congregation all became angels for the evening. – GP

CHIPPENHAM The mayor and deputy mayor of Chippenham, Councillor Liz Alstrom and Councillor Declan Baseley, helped volunteers pack gifts for 300 children and young people.

Media staff members – pictured with Anna, the lunch club cook – helped serve meals at the Cameo Christmas lunch. Many groups, stores, residential homes and organisations supported the Christmas appeal by collecting toys, gifts and food. The overwhelming response meant 212 families were helped, with 187 hampers given out and toys given to 330 children. – JD

A no-rehearsal Nativity play at Cambridge Heath Corps sees everyone participate in the Christmas story

The Music Man Project performs an afternoon of festive fun at Maidstone Corps

NEWS IN BRIEF

HYTHE The band’s annual carol service at Lympne Castle attracted more than 600 people, who sang and remembered the true significance of Christmas. The corps also hosted a parent-and-toddler group Christmas party, which included crafts, songs and videos. – SS-C

RAMSGATE More than 140 people – including members of the Ukrainian refugee community in Thanet – gathered for a Ukrainian Christmas. Children presented songs, carols and poetry alongside short speeches and Ukrainian Christmas food was brought by the many families. Event organiser Nadia Grigorieva said: ‘The people of Ramsgate have been so kind and generous, so we wanted to say thank you. We have so many people to thank, including corps officer Captain Carl Whitewood and friends at The Salvation Army who have given us so much help and opened their buildings to us for meetings, social events and classes.’ – CW

MUSIC

BELFAST TEMPLE More than 50 musicians from across Northern Ireland joined together to play through classical music at the corps. The musical repertoire featured Vaughan Williams’ ‘Randolph’, Mendelssohn’s ‘War March of the and Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, as well as Wagner’s ‘Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral’. Guest soloist Neil Gallie (principal trombone of the Ulster Orchestra) performed Franck’s ‘Panis Angelicus’ and Guilmant’s ‘Morceau Symphonique’. It was a relaxed evening of fellowship and many expressed that it was lovely to meet, play music and share together – something that members from different bands seldom get the opportunity to do. – LB

Salvationist wants to hear your updates

Corps press representatives can email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk. Good

BOGNOR REGIS A ukulele band, including three corps members, entertained Open House attendees. At the pop-up Nativity, the congregation was delighted to watch corps officer Major Sarah Butler and Riley playing the bells. The corps also hosted a Royal Air Forces Association carol service, which included the RAFA choir, Bible readings and carols supported by the band and pianist. – AH

ISLE OF WIGHT Corps officer Captain Lillian Bean led a Norwegian-style Christmas service called Juletrefest, which saw the congregation hold hands and sing carols while walking around a Christmas tree. On top of this, a Nativity escape room quiz saw people deciphering codes. – IR

CIRENCESTER In addition to a Nativity play, the children presented action carols and drama pieces during the family carol service. A joint presentation by the children and songsters of ‘How Quietly’ and the band learners joining the band to play ‘Jingle Bells’ were especially appreciated. – MG

KNOTTINGLEY Members of other churches joined Carols for Christmas Eve at the corps, which focused on the star’s role in the Christmas story. Indoor sparklers featured during the morning and members of the congregation sang carols outside the hall to passers-by. – MT

SCARBOROUGH The Sunflower Café and Hub is providing a home from home and practical support –such as language lessons and training – for Ukrainian refugees. It is open to all members of the community in a bid to help integration after the town and surrounding area welcomed more than 120 Ukrainian refugees in the past year. – AR

NEWBURY Fundraising efforts surpassed expectations and presents were distributed to more than 200 children –including 81 Ukrainian refugees – and 57 vulnerable adults. Surplus gifts were passed on to a local charity. – AM

WATERBEACH About 60 pupils from year 6 at Waterbeach Community Primary School spent time learning about Christmas traditions around the world. Many questions were answered as the pupils looked at an exhibition of nearly 300 Nativity scenes. Corps folk also led a Messy Church at the school. – DC-H

BANGOR

SURROUNDED by friends and family, Susan Bourke was enrolled as a soldier. Susan testified to the journey she had taken from attending midweek activities to becoming an adherent and then deciding to become a soldier. She spoke of the influence of her mum during childhood and the joy she found in the corps. Pictured are Susan and corps officers Majors Linda and Scott Cunliffe. – LC

CLOWNE

DIVISIONAL Mission Enablers Majors Mark and Sarah Price led worship and took the opportunity to welcome Paul Culley and Kemi Hammond as adherents, after Paul and Kemi had chosen to make Clowne their spiritual home. Major Mark is pictured with Paul, Kemi and their daughter, Autumn. – GH

PENRITH

BIRMINGHAM CITADEL

CORPS officer Major Carole Donaldson was delighted to welcome Peter Plumridge as an adherent and presented him with a Bible. Peter spoke of how the words from the carol ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ helped him realise he wanted to give his life to God. – CD

GAEL, Lillian and Katy were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Captain Clare Allman. After reading the junior soldier’s promise they knelt at the mercy seat and signed a copy of it. Each gave their testimony. Katy said that God is her friend and makes her feel safe. Lillian said she wants a connection with God and her Christian journey is like a flower, as it grows from a seed into a beautiful bloom. Gael asked his mum what being a junior soldier would be like and, when she explained, it helped him make the decision. Pictured with the junior soldiers and Captain Clare is Assistant YPSM Edward Dixon. – RO

FELTHAM

FRIENDS, family and visitors gathered to witness Brenda Head welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Lieutenant James Pegg. Brenda has been coming to the corps, initially through the Cameo club, for just over two years. She testified that her faith had grown and she had made lots of friends. Brenda enjoys helping whoever and wherever she can and feels welcomed and accepted by all. – JB

THE corps celebrated the 29 years of faithful service given by Colour Sergeant Bernard Pell as he retired from the role. The corps thanked him for a job well done and a retirement deserved. Bernard is pictured with corps officer Captain Vicky Owen and incoming Colour Sergeant David Keers. – VO

BURTON-ON-TRENT

JUNIOR soldier Bertie was highly commended at the Kirklees Recycling Hero awards for collecting school uniforms to help reduce landfill waste and help families who are struggling with uniform costs. Working with his school council and teachers, Bertie set up donation boxes for uniforms that were sorted and distributed by the corps and the charity Uniform Exchange. Bertie said: ‘It’s important that we protect our planet by not sending uniforms to landfill that could be reused and recycled.’ Bertie is pictured with the mayor, Councillor Masood Ahmed. – AR

A CELEBRATION meeting marked two retirements: Eddie Edmands from his position as recruiting sergeant after 67 years of local officer leadership in various corps; and Christine Mortimer from her role as songster leader after almost 31 years. On the same evening, Eileen Badassie was welcomed as a soldier transferring from Enfield, Christine was commissioned as corps sergeant-major and Hazel Dukes was welcomed as community choir leader. They are pictured with corps officer Major Conny Vogler. – CM

CHIPPENHAM

JUNIOR soldiers Rebecca, Nikita and Noah were presented with bronze awards by divisional leaders Majors Gill and Paul Billard and acting Junior Soldiers Sergeant Diane Lloyd. The junior soldiers, though few in number, are a very active and valuable part of the corps family. – JD

FOLLOWING six years of service as assistant manager at South Street charity shop, the corps publicly thanked Fiona MacLeod for her service and presented her with a retirement gift. Fiona is pictured with Corps Community Co-ordinator Gillian Allan and Charity Shop Manager Pat Buchan. – AH

MIRFIELD

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR JOHN MOTT, 90 on 8 February

MAJOR MAGGIE SINGLETON, 90 on 9 February

MAJOR EILEEN COOK, 95 on 9 February

MAJOR DOROTHY THOMPSON, 80 on 11 February

Promoted to Glory

RTD SL BRIAN CHARLES, Waltham Abbey

MATTHEW SCHROETER , Waltham Abbey

DEREK BREVITT, Hednesford, on 13 January

MAJOR BRIAN JOHNSON from his home on 16 January

Bereaved

MAJOR NORMAN ARMISTEAD and Lieut-Colonel David Armistead of their sister Mary Lightowler

AUDREY CHARLES, Waltham

Abbey, of her husband Rtd SL Brian Charles

ANGELA SCHROETER , Waltham Abbey, of her son Matthew Schroeter, Keith Schroeter of his brother

JANE BREVITT, Hednesford, of her husband Derek Brevitt, Teresa Stokes, Rachel Knight and Naomi Brevitt, all Hednesford, of their father

MAJOR HESLEY JOHNSON of her husband Major Brian Johnson, the Rev Lee Johnson and Kerry Haslam, Ripley, of their father

OFFICIAL GAZETTE

Long service

25 years

MAJOR GAIL WHITE, Clydebank

MAJOR PETER WHITE, Clydebank

COMMISSIONER

ANTHONY COTTERILL

Territorial Commander

ENGAGEMENTS

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Tue 24 Jan – Sun 29 Jan India Central Territory

Mon 30 Jan – Tue 7 Feb India Eastern Territory

Sun 12 Feb – Mon 13 Feb International College for Officers

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Sun 12 Feb Bristol Kingswood

Sun 12 Feb – Mon 13 Feb Forest of Dean

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Sun 29 Jan Winton (retirement of Captain Nicola Muir)

NOTICES

Cost of living crisis: A call to prayer

Christians Against Poverty invite you to join online or in person on Wednesday 8 February at 7pm at Westminster Chapel for the ecumenical prayer event Lament to Hope to consider how God is calling the Church to prayer and action. On the same day the chapel is also holding three ‘listening and prayer’ sessions at 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm. For details go to capuk.org/calltoprayer

Join the crescendo: Music and Creative Arts leaders forums

Boost your skills for 2023 and develop as a music and creative arts leader at online leaders forums this January, February and March. For more information and dates, email music@salvationarmy.org.uk

New primary school resources to explore homelessness

Exploring Homelessness is an assembly and Key Stage 2 lesson to help children understand who is affected and why, to challenge stereotypes and to introduce some of the ways the Army helps people. Find out more at salvationist.org.uk/resources

SOUNDS

Salvationist Radio

Update for Fortress Radio listeners

Salvationist Radio will launch at the end of February. From 30 January you won’t be able to listen to Fortress Radio via the apps, podcasts or Amazon Alexa devices while we redevelop these services – you can continue to listen to the station via the Fortress Radio website: fortressradio.online

Visit salvationist.org.uk/radio for further information.

Fully Scored

Season 4 of the Music Editorial podcast begins with Dudley Bright, former principal trombone of the LSO, who tells host Matthew Frost about his life and compositions. Derick Kane joins Matthew to talk through ‘Arise, My Soul, Arise’, ISB principal horn Andrew Dickinson takes part in Arid Island Album, plus new segment Sparsely Scored.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, PodBean and Acast.

SKEGNESS, 42 HIGH STREET PE25 3NW

Saturday 18 February, 4pm

FUNDRAISING CONCERT

with Swineshead Silver Band Director of Music John Lyon

Sing along with the band

Free entry – proceeds of retiring collection for the work of The Salvation Army in Skegness

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TO LET

MAJORCA Beautiful, well-equipped apartment. Two double bedrooms (sleeps a total of two to six). Walk-in shower, second toilet. Near seafront amenities. Large balcony, lovely view, quiet area. Competitive prices. Email carol@ckendall.co.uk or tel 01274 678 889 / 07308 506064.

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As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ’ John 13:34