15 minute read
Quotes from the media
FOLLOW THE DUCHY OF CORNWALL’S LEAD AND CREATE BETTER HOUSING, SAYS WELBY
The Archbishop of Canterbury has praised a community housing development on Duchy of Cornwall land at Nansledan, in Newquay. The project was devised by Prince Charles, the Duke of Cornwall, to pioneer best housing practice...
Nansledan is a community of about 4,000 homes, with employment space for a similar number of jobs, integrated within the development so that local goods and services can be accessed within a five-minute walk of every home. Almost one third is affordable housing, which is indistinguishable from open market homes. The development also incorporates community facilities, including a primary school, nursery, play areas and green space...
Archbishop Welby said that it had been wonderful to see not just new housing ‘but homes that provide jobs, build strong community and work in harmony with the natural environment’.
Church Times
DIVERSITY IS ‘POSITIVE GIFT’ SAYS CHRISTIANS AWARE CONFERENCE
Diversity is a ‘positive gift’ to be welcomed, delegates at a Christians Aware conference on the issue were told...
The educational and religious charity ... works with other faiths and the secular world on the promotion of justice and peace.
Conference chair, Bishop John Perumbalath of Bradwell ... called for humility in engagement with other faiths in order to transcend religious divisions.
‘We live in a world where diversity is a problem to be solved rather than an issue to embrace as a positive gift,’ he said. He called for a move beyond dialogue and to work together on issues of the common good...
Professor Anthony Reddie, director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture at Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford, and a leading black theology scholar, addressed transcending cultural divisions and called on the gathering to face the issue of racism in Britain.
The Tablet
SCOTTISH GOV APPOINTS FIRST NATIONAL ADVISER ON SPIRITUAL CARE
The Scottish government has appointed its first national adviser and operational lead on spiritual care.
Mark Evans will be responsible for ... the development of spiritual care policies as well as making sure the same standards of spiritual care are followed in all national health boards.
He currently works as strategic lead for spiritual care and bereavement at NHS Fife and is the head of the Diaconate Council of the Church of Scotland... [Evans] said his main priority is to develop a national strategy and policy for spiritual care and health care chaplaincy for NHS Scotland ... [that] ‘will cover everything from recruitment to education, to training to service delivery’.
He also said he wants to work on ‘setting up ... a multidisciplinary national board made up from key stakeholders, which will give operational and strategic oversight to development of spiritual care in NHS Scotland’.
Premier
The UK’s asylum system will become less, not more fair under proposed legislation, the Bishop of Durham has warned.
Speaking in the Lords, Bishop Paul Butler said he supported the aims of the Nationality and Borders Bill in seeking to stop criminal gangs and increase fairness in the asylum system but said that in its current form, the legislation would have the opposite effect...
The bishop said there was ‘no evidence’ to support the assumption that fewer people would attempt to come to the UK if the system is made harder.
Christian Today
SALVATIONIST
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1843
EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, Major Margaret Bovey
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
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SHARING THE JOY
A STUDY among older people in Japan has been looking at the health benefits of laughing with other people. Researchers asked more than 12,500 people aged 65 or older to indicate how often they laughed and whether they did it on their own or with others. Their health was then monitored over a six-year period. Previous research has shown that laughter is good for our health, but this study revealed that regularly laughing with friends and family is even better. Commenting on the Japanese research, Professor Sophie Scott of University College London told The Times: ‘It seems that there is something about sharing laughter that really is very, very beneficial.’
While laughter can be a superficial thing, it can also be an expression of deeper joy. For instance, Francis of Assisi was known for his sense of humour as well as his spirituality, and John Bunyan, who wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, was said to laugh too loudly. Joy, which is a fruit of the Spirit, can be expressed in uproarious laughter as well as a deep sense of contentment and peace.
‘How do we receive joy?’ is the third question explored in Matt Little’s series of articles based on The All Terrain Podcast. He looks at how guests on the podcast have answered it. Dr Krish Kandiah, for example, says relationships are an important way of receiving joy, a response that ties in with that Japanese research. Matt relates this to the experience of the early Church in Ephesus and to today’s Salvation Army. He highlights General Brian Peddle’s response when asked if there is still joy in The Salvation Army: ‘I would say unequivocally yes!’ And the General gives examples of the joy he has seen in the Army around the world.
Relationships may be a significant factor in receiving and expressing joy, but they can also be difficult. In her Bible study Major Liz Chape considers some of the challenges as she looks at the call to ‘love one another’ (1 John 3:11). ‘Why do we find some people easier to love than others?’ is one of the questions she asks us to think about. She says that Jesus’ love for us is the example to follow when it comes to loving others.
Relating to others is at the heart of making mission flourish, suggests Lieutenant Wan Gi Lee. He shows how one-to-one connections with people in his corps at St Albans have helped them discover their potential for serving God and how links with another organisation have enabled the corps to reach out to people in the community. No doubt there have been challenges, but also much joy.
As part of our series on chaplaincy in diverse settings, Territorial Envoy Lynette Skutt gives insights into her role as a community chaplain in Liverpool. There are many people who miss the opportunity to share joy because they are alone, so an important part of Lynette’s role is to connect with others and help overcome their isolation and loneliness. This took on extra significance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
If joy is found in relationships, then there is a task for us when we become aware of people who are on their own. We can reach out in love and share joy. It might even involve a bit of laughter, which is bound to do them – and us – a lot of good.
From the editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
CONTENTS
Quotes from the media 2
News 4 to 7
Prayer matters 7
On my bookshelf 8
Inspiring and informative
by Lyn Woods
Feature 9
Connecting the community
by Shanelle Manderson
All Terrain questions 10 and 11
How do we receive joy?
by Matt Little
Viewpoint 12 and 13
How do we make local mission flourish?
by Lieutenant Wan Gi Lee
Reflection 14
Living with Covid-19
by Major Mel Jones
Viewpoint 15
Have we lost something precious?
by Bandmaster Adrian Lyons
Bible study 16 and 17
How deep is your love?
by Major Liz Chape
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17
by Major Howard Webber
New commitments 18
Testimony 19 ‘There is nothing the Lord cannot do!’
by Jim Gillard
Territorial structure update 20
Adverts 21 and 23
Announcements 22 and 23
Fundraising 24
Mount Toubkal Trek
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
Editor's note: Events reported were held in accordance with Army safety guidance at the time.
PRESENTATION
Salvationists recognised in new year honours
UK
THE work of The Salvation Army during the Covid-19 pandemic has been recognised in the new year’s honours list, and several Salvationists have been honoured for their charitable work.
Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant was appointed MBE in recognition of The Salvation Army’s work across the United Kingdom during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Julius Wolff-Ingham, the territory’s head of marketing and fundraising was appointed OBE for services to charitable fundraising. As well as his role within the Army, Julius is a trustee of the Royal British Legion Poppy Factory and the Southbank Sinfonia Foundation and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
Kim Rogers, a family worker at Oldham Fitton Hill, was awarded the British Empire Medal for her work with Reel CIC, which provides activities designed to empower people to find their purposeful life. This year, Reel CIC collaborated with the corps to set up the Meet, Cook and Eat Project, which helped encourage people to cook healthy meals while staying connected.
Margaret Sidell (Barton-uponHumber), who has led the corps food bank for the past 12 years, was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to the community, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Russell Rook was appointed OBE for services to social action over many years, including his time working for The Salvation Army. Most recently as founding partner for the Good Faith Partnership, Russell supported corps and other churches through the YourNeighbour initiative.
Phil and Wendy Wall, found ers of WeSeeHope, were each appointed MBE. The couple founded the international dev elopment charity in 2000 and have helped more than 675,000 vulnerable children in southern and eastern Africa with com munity-led prog rammes. Their interest in supporting children in Africa was partly sparked by a visit to a Salvation Army orphanage in Johannesburg.
Chris Hickford, who soldiers at Raynes Park with Russell, Phil and Wendy, was appointed MBE in recognition of his work with vulnerable young people. Chris is the founder and chief executive of the Surrey-based Eikon Charity and has dedicated his life to children and young people since his first volunteer youth worker role in the mid-1980s. – AR CHRISTMAS C
Toys and Tins appeal expands reach
NORFOLK
THE Toys and Tins Appeal generated help for 20 per cent more families in 2021 than in the previous year.
For the past three decades, the appeal has helped vulnerable children and families in Norfolk who might otherwise go without during the festive season. Members of the public donate gifts, food and toys, which are then packed and distributed by Army volunteers.
As well as physical donations, more than £5,000 was donated via a JustGiving page. Supporters could also buy gifts on an Amazon wishlist.
Figures for 2021 reveal nearly 2,500 families across Norfolk were helped and more than 4,000 children had a gift to open on Christmas morning.
Divisional Commander Major Howard Russell wanted volunteers and those who donated to know that their efforts made a massive difference to many lives.
He said: ‘I’m sure most people will agree that when giving a gift, seeing the excitement, joy – perhaps even the tears – that someone cared for them is the greatest gift of all. I thank God for you all and pray God’s blessing on you for the year ahead.’
Major Rosemarie Williams, appeal co-ordinator, said working with the Toys and Tins team was a real privilege.
She added: ‘We thank God for allowing us to play just a small part.’ – AR
BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL Corps officer Captain Kate Gregory suggested the band play outside the corps café and invited customers to sing along. Some went out to the street with carol sheets and requested favourite carols, and motorists stopping for traffic lights across the road cheered. – BW
CHRISTMAS C CHRISTMAS C
Birmingham Citadel Band bring joy to the city centre
HAYLE The corps teamed up with Hayle Rugby Club to provide a community Christmas lunch for vulnerable and older people and those who live on their own. Volunteers associated with the club, including three chefs, helped make the day a happy occasion of fellowship and fun. The meal was preceded by a carol service accompanied by Redruth Band. – CL
CHRISTMAS C
WATERBEACH The Christmas Eve carol service on the village green was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. Nevertheless, newly commissioned Deputy Bandmaster Dot Condon-Howard and the former deputy bandmaster, Keith Taylor, witnessed through music and brought some Christmas cheer by playing carols in Keith’s garden. People stopped, listened, shared in conversation and commented on how much they enjoyed the carols. – SW SHOEBURYNESS To launch the toy appeal, the corps held an outdoor carol service in the car park with the help of Friars Primary School choir. More than 100 people gathered to donate toys to the appeal and heard the message that Jesus came for everyone. – RD
GATESHEAD The corps held a Breakfast with Mrs Claus, supported by the supermarket Aldi. The event brought together families from the community, alongside the Little Treasures toddler group, for the first time. – AH
BIRMINGHAM CITADEL In partnership with Oldbury church and Aston 614 youth centre, approximately 450 food parcels were provided shortly before Christmas. These were complemented by 1,000 toy parcels. The goods were distributed through social services agencies, family support teams, the police, GP surgeries, health visitors, schools, hostels and safe houses. – AR
SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING The annual Festival of Trees and Father Christmas grotto events took place on two Saturdays in December, with 286 youngsters attending with their families. On Christmas Eve corps folk and the community gathered to sing carols in the hall. On Christmas Day, Community Secretary Jan Davey organised the preparation and delivery of 30 meals to people in need. The band also carolled around the area, visiting care homes where two corps members reside and playing outside the homes of members, including those unable to attend worship and one who had been released from the hospice for a few hours. Local knowledge guided the band to the home of an older woman with terminal cancer, where they played ‘Away in a Manger’, before singing the last verse and saying a prayer. – BE
CHRISTMAS C
SWINDON CITADEL The first of two successful new events was a neighbourhood carol singalong organised by Corps Sergeant-Major Jane Carter, which attracted roughly 80 residents. The cancellation of the annual community carol service due to Covid-19 led to the second new event: the band shared the message of Christmas with pedestrians and drivers passing by the hall. Following the Christmas Day morning meeting the band completed its December engagements with its traditional visit to Great Western Hospital. – KS
WATERBEACH Home League Secretary Miriam Day raised £1,500 by selling her baked goods to people in the village during the Covid-19 pandemic. This has enabled the corps to get a much-needed new dishwasher. – SW WELLING Corps folk celebrated Covenant Sunday by creating a prayer tree decorated with the names of people connected to the corps. The tree will be a focal point for prayers in the coming year and the corps folk believe they will see the tree grow as their worshipping community expands. A new round of soldiership classes started for people who joined the corps last year. – KS SELBY Crowds gathered in the car park for an open-air Christingle, sharing in carols, readings and hot soup. The service was led by corps officers Captains Jeremy and Wendy Ferguson-Smith and included an explanation of the Christingle and how it reflects God’s love for the world in the gift of Jesus. Knitted angels, created by members of the weekly craft and chatter group, were distributed across the estate. – RK
STAPLE HILL Members of the luncheon and friendship clubs met together for a carol service and a Christmas meal, which included a Christmas message shared by corps officer Major Colin Hylton-Jones. The rest of the Christmas programme took place outdoors, due to Covid19 restrictions. The band visited corps folk to play music outside their homes. The corps carol service took place in a nearby shopping centre and, on Christmas Eve, about 350 people from the community joined corps folk for carols at the Christmas tree in the precinct. – VS
BLACKPOOL CITADEL The corps provided a record number of children with Christmas presents in December, giving welcome relief to struggling families. More than 2,000 children had a Christmas to remember thanks to generous donations from the community to the present appeal. This was up from 2020’s figure of 1,700, as more families were pushed into poverty due to job losses, reduced income and the rising cost of living. The number of referrals in 2021 almost tripled compared to that of the pre-pandemic Christmas of 2019 when 750 children were supported. – AR MEETING CHRISTMAS
