Shetland Crofting for Christ

Fast Facts

DIVISION: North Scotland

CORPS OFFICER: Majors Bev and David Womersley

FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/ shetland salvationarmy

STEWARDS OF GOD’S GIFTS

WE have been at Shetland for just under two years and it really is a unique set-up. God led the Army to place us here after the corps at Lerwick closed. We don’t have a building or an established congregation, yet we feel immensely privileged to minister to the island community in a new and environmentally friendly way. We quickly realised that we just needed to be open to using the gifts he has blessed us with. Having previously had an allotment, this soon became our focus for prayer.

Prayer And Produce

When we arrived, we were literally starting from scratch, but God’s handprint was all over it. Prayer and produce were the words that kept coming to us and so we explored what these meant. A local crofter and his wife, who were complete strangers, approached us and kindly offered us land and to build us a polytunnel and provide the necessary items to get us started. We were blown away by that. We now work in partnership with them and, in blessing us, they tell us that they have also been blessed by seeing all the work being done for God’s Kingdom. This weekend is the first anniversary of the opening of that polytunnel and there are plans for a second.

Pallets And Planting

The produce we grow from the donations of seeds and plants is for the benefit of the community. This year we’ve introduced an area of raised beds that schools, a local church and others are overseeing with the support of Major Dave. On Saturdays in our fridge there are home bakes available, and in the shed food produce and items made using leftover pallet wood are all available. Everything is on a donation basis, nothing is priced. Dave has been making planter boxes and these have been used to encourage families who might not have a garden or an allotment plot, so they can sow a few carrots or onions and watch them grow. Woodcraft items are sold locally to raise funds for our mission. We have a prayer table and library in the shed too and we’re looking to add extra facilities. It’s evolving all the time.

Eco And Ecumenical Endeavours

Being positioned at the southern end of the island – where there are fewer church expressions compared to the town – has opened different opportunities. We have the best of both worlds now. We join on Sunday afternoons for worship with a charity group in town and Major Bev supports many other areas of work in the community, making and maintaining connections.

We are registered with EcoCongregation Scotland and last year their chaplain, the Rev David Coleman, spent an afternoon with us at the polytunnel. We are awaiting confirmation of our bronze award for our ongoing sustainability initiatives and skills. We also work closely with groups from areas such as Orkney and Aberdeen.

New Wine In New Wine Skins

Our mission was never to replicate or continue what had traditionally taken place at Lerwick Corps. When the division were praying for guidance on the Army’s future ministry on Shetland, it was felt that it needed to be totally new and fresh. Our God is definitely one of surprises and creativity – we can vouch for that!

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ECO CHURCH?

Caring for creation is one of the territory’s five mission priorities. Find out more by emailing environment@salvationarmy. org.uk or visiting salvationist. org.uk/environmentaloffice

Easter

Easter

Cwm Band hold a short service on the mountain above the village on Easter Day, after assisting Churches Together in Ebbw Vale on Good Friday

Easter

LURGAN Cadets Rachel Abbott, Dave and Beth Perkins with baby Levi, Elizabeth Kitchenside and Luke Furlong campaigned in the town over Easter. Energy, joy, friendliness and commitment to their calling radiated from them. They proclaimed the Easter message with a clear, relevant and challenging approach. The corps is stronger in their faith because of this Easter campaign. He is risen, indeed! – JP

CARDIFF ELY Twenty children attended a treasure hunt on Holy Saturday. Together with their families, they looked for clues in neighbouring streets and the corps hall before enjoying hot dogs and Easter egg prizes. Families responded to an invitation to Messy Church the following day and expressed interest in the corps relaunching Kids Club. – JS

Easter

SWINDON CITADEL The corps was missional in its focus during Easter. A Palm Sunday Messy Church saw many families join in the fun. Songster Leader Andrew Wicker led a Holy Week music meditation and, after a thought-provoking Good Friday service, the band and members of the congregation took to the streets for a short time of music and song. Easter Day began with breakfast, after which the band performed ‘Christ the Lord Is Risen Again!’ to people passing by the hall. The hall was almost full as people celebrated the risen Lord. – SR

Easter

EXETER TEMPLE The band took part in the well-attended Good Friday ecumenical service at the cathedral. They also witnessed by playing on

Easter

DUNSTABLE Lieut-Colonels Jayne and Jonathan Roberts (THQ) led Holy Week services, which started on Maundy Thursday with a meditation. The band accompanied a Churches Together open-air meeting on Good Friday. More than 40 people attended the Sonrise service on Dunstable Downs on Easter Day. Back at the hall, corps officer Major Steve Brevitt reminded the congregation of the question posed to the women at the tomb: ‘Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?’ Lieut-Colonel Jonathan led the week’s final meeting, encouraging the congregation that Resurrection power is available to all. – JB

EASTER

DERBY CENTRAL Holy Saturday saw children and adults revisit parts of the Easter story through crafts. Activities included two depictions of the tomb, one a collage and the other made from biscuits and chocolate. Hot cross buns were provided and each child went home with a bag full of Easter things they had made. – EH

EASTER

Birthday

Perth corps folk prepare Easter blessings bags for Skinnergate Lifehouse residents and staff members

HECKMONDWIKE Arnold Walker celebrated his 100th birthday. Friends from the corps and members of Batley Band visited him at Linson Court care home. Arnold, a former bandsman, enjoyed keeping time with the band and joined in with the singing of some of his favourite songs. A great achievement! – JD

CLOWNE Families at Messy Easter enjoyed making crafts, sharing food and focusing on the message of The Awesome Easter Surprise. The children made newspaper pots in which to plant bulbs and tissue paper stained glass crosses. The awesome power of God was portrayed in prayer art. Many new families joined to celebrate the true meaning of Easter. – GH

SKEWEN On Maundy Thursday corps folk celebrated the last supper, sharing in bread and fruit juice and thinking about Jesus washing the feet of Peter. On Good Friday the cross in the hall was draped in purple cloth. Corps officer Major Carol Back spoke about the cross of rebellion, repentance and redemption. In the evening corps officer Major Doug Back thought about the last words spoken on the cross. On Easter Day the purple cloth was replaced with white and the bare windowsills filled with flowers. The congregation reflected on how Jesus lights up the darkness. After the meeting corps folk shared in fellowship, hot cross buns and hot drinks. In the evening Major Carol reminded all present that they must die to live. Everyone received a hand-knitted basket containing an Easter egg. – SL

MATTHEW, Antoni, Danny, Ellie and Ethan were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officers Captain Jan and Major Keith Sebbage. Families and friends gathered to witness the five young people make the Junior Soldier’s Promise. Pictured left to right are Captain Jan, YPSM Emma Dove, Corps Secretary Louise Hazzledine, Matthew, Antoni, YP worker Maureen Theobald, Danny, Peter Cursley, Ellie, Major Keith and Ethan. – KS

Gainsborough

FABIAN Bott was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Colin Bradshaw. This step in Fabian’s Christian pathway marks the third generation of Fabian’s family making a commitment: his grandma, Lorraine, was the first to become a soldier, then his mum, Zoe, became a soldier and later corps treasurer. Fabian plays euphonium in the band and, during the meeting, played a solo. – PH

Leeds West Hunslet

Shirebrook

LISA Fairhurst was welcomed as an adherent by corps officers Captains David and Lorna White. Lisa had been attending the corps for 18 months and came through outreach in the market square. After many conversations and questions, Lisa came along one Sunday and found her spiritual home, a church family and peace through Christ’s blessings. Lisa is a valued member of the church and always has a smile for everyone. – LW

WHAT DOES BEING A SOLDIER OR ADHERENT MEAN?

Find out more about membership in The Salvation Army and the different ways in which you can make a spiritual commitment at salvationist.org.uk/ membership.

Chatham

DURING the 150th corps anniversary General Brian Peddle presented Group Scout Leader Rob Christie with a certificate of appreciation, acknowledging his 25 years of service in many different ways, including in technology and children’s work.

Teddington

DIVISIONAL Commander Major Mark Herbert expressed thanks for 27 years of service given by Corps Secretary Andrew Pennington. He said that Andrew had set a standard for how professionally the corps secretary’s work is done and thanked him for his faithfulness in service. Major Mark commented on how much Andrew’s interesting prayers over the offerings would be missed. General Brian Peddle presented Andrew with a certificate of retirement and the congregation sang ‘What a Work the Lord Has Done’. – IP

Chesterfield

JENNIFER Walker received a certificate of retirement from corps officer Lieutenant Joel Watson. Jennifer has served in local leadership positions for over 49 years. Although she has now retired from leadership roles, the corps thanks God that she continues to be involved in mission and ministry. Jennifer is well known within the community and the corps is grateful for all she has done for so many years. – EW

Droitwich Spa

MAJORS Les and Ruth Taylor and Beryl and Bill Snook received certificates of recognition thanking them for their service on the corps council, and Bill for his service on the pastoral care council and as corps sergeant-major for the past three years. – CD-P

CAROLYN Gomersall received a certificate and an Easter egg from the Community Voluntary Support group in recognition of all the great work she does in the corps and for the community. Carolyn was one of 10 people selected to win an award after an Easter shout-out for people to be nominated for shining a light in the community. – MM

Announcements

Army People

Marriages

LIEUTENANT REBEKAH CLARK , Associate Officer Cannock and Hednesford, TO MATTHEW FROST on 15 April

Wedding anniversaries

Diamond (60 years)

MAJORS HELENA AND ROBERT BOYD on 11 May

Golden (50 years)

ANN AND GRAHAM ROGERS, Wellingborough, on 19 May

Dedicated to God

GEORGIA IRENE DICKIE , daughter of Craig and Kirsty Dickie, at Parkhead by Major Alex Still

RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS

MAJOR MOLLY WARD, 90 on 10 May

MAJOR CONNIE HIGH , 90 on 10 May

MAJOR CLIFF ASHWORTH , 80 on 11 May

Promoted to Glory

SHIELA MIDDLETON , Hexham, on 14 April

AUDREY JAMES, Sittingbourne, on 17 April

MARY MARSHALL , Gateshead

MARGARET NUNN , Edinburgh Gorgie

SONGSTER JEAN (MICKIE) KEMP, Sittingbourne, on 19 March

AUDREY WATSON , Consett, on 30 March

LIEUT-COLONEL ANITA CROUCHER , from West Suffolk Hospital on 12 April

Bereaved

MAJOR JULIE BEARCROFT, Hartlepool, of her mother

Shiela Middleton

MAJOR PHILIP JAMES, North East DHQ, of his mother

Audrey James

MAJORS JACK AND JEAN MIDDLETON of their daughter Fiona Middleton

SONGSTER VALERIE WEBB AND MICHAEL WEBB, Sittingbourne, of their son Jonathon Webb, Major Maxine Walker, Luton, and YPSM Janine Barney, Sittingbourne, of their brother, Alfie and Isaac Webb, Sittingbourne, of their father

LIEUT-COLONEL IVAN CROUCHER of his wife

Lieut-Colonel Anita Croucher, Andrew Croucher, Isle of Wight, and Adrian Croucher, Stowmarket, of their mother

Engagements

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Tue 2 May – Fri 5 May William Booth College

(Territorial Leaders’ Conference)

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Tue 2 May – Fri 5 May William Booth College

(Territorial Leaders’ Conference)

Sat 13 May – Sun 14 May Kettering Citadel

Notices

Salvation Army uniform recycling scheme

A new recycling scheme for pre-loved Salvation Army uniforms has been launched. The Uniform Take Back Scheme receives old formal uniform items so they can be recycled or re-used. Find out more, and learn about the territory’s mission priority to care for creation, at salvationist.org.uk/uniformtakeback

Dying Matters Week

Without communication and understanding, death and terminal illness can be a lonely and stressful experience. Dying Matters Week (8 to 14 May) can help to encourage all communities to talk together about death, dying and grief. For missional, practical and pastorally focused support, download the Journeying Home resource on salvationist.org.uk

Local elections

Many areas of England and Northern Ireland have local elections in May. If you’re keen to engage with your local candidates, or they’re looking to engage with you, the Public Affairs Unit can provide guidance and support. Email public. affairs@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 07825 265105.

National Sports Sunday

Use the power of sport to unlock new possibilities for mission with the millions of people who regularly take part in sport each week, including parents, trainers, fans and volunteers. National Sports Sunday (14 May) offers resources and ideas to pray for and engage with people in your community. For more information, email Rob Moye at rob.moye@salvationarmy.org.uk

Sounds

Sunday Worship podcast

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 Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

Listen at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May

Centenary

Coedpoeth Corps in the Wales Division will be celebrating 100 years of ministry in the local area.

We would love to hear any stories that readers, their friends or relatives may have of their involvement with the corps at any point in our history.

Please contact Corps Sergeant-Major Vernon Smallwood at vernon.smallwood@sky.com with any information, or alternatively call the corps office on 01978 757509

GOVAN CORPS, 44 GOLSPIE STREET G51 3EW

Sunday 25 June, 4.30pm

Preliminary announcement

Valedictory Service For The West Scotland Division

Incorporating the retirement from active service of Majors Pat and Ray Brown and Major Dean Logan

Conducted by Commissioner Keith Banks and featuring the Divisional Youth Band and Youth Chorus

Messages of appreciation by email to westscotland@salvationarmy.org.uk or by mail to West Scotland DHQ, 4 Buchanan Court, Stepps G33 6HZ

BECCLES CORPS, 68–72 BLYBURGATE NR34 9TQ

140th Anniversary A Weekend Of Celebration

Friday 16 June, 7.30pm

Anglia Fellowship Band concert with guest soloist ISS Juliet Parker St Michael’s Parish Church

Saturday 17 June, 12pm

March and open-air with Norwich Citadel Band Beccles town centre

Sunday 18 June 10.30am

Service of celebration

Tickets are available via BecclesCorps140years.eventbrite.co.uk or contact corps for Friday. Each ticket costs £14.25 and includes buffet and drink