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PUBLIC AFFAIRS UNIT – SPEAKING UP AND SPEAKING OUT
SEE PAGES 10 AND 11
QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
FAITH GROUPS WERE SIDELINED AT COP26, SAYS BISHOP OF NORWICH The bishop of Norwich, the Right Rev Graham Usher, has criticised the government for its lack of engagement with faith groups at the COP26 climate summit and urged it to make climate change a priority over the coming year. Bishop Usher, who is the lead bishop on the environment ... said ... ‘There was a powerful sense of solidarity across the faith groups and denominations at COP26. All faith traditions value the sanctity of creation, and before the summit many of us met at the Vatican to present our call to COP26 President Alok Sharma, where there was probably 85 per cent of the world’s population represented. ‘In Glasgow, it was disappointing to see no space for faith groups at the summit. The Anglican Communion delegation struggled to find spaces to meet. It was a great shame the British government didn’t put more emphasis on the role of faith communities.’ Bishop Usher applauded the efforts of Mr Sharma, however. He said: ‘I want to praise the commitment of Alok Sharma and his team, who have worked incredibly hard. The UK has the presidency of the COP for the next 12 months, and I would like to see them making use of this in the lead up to COP27 in Egypt.’ Church Times
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EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope – 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
NI SCHOOLS TEACHING TOO MUCH CHRISTIANITY, HIGH COURT HEARS
ELIMINATE POVERTY TO FIGHT CHILD LABOUR, SAYS POPE
Schools in Northern Ireland are teaching too much Christianity as part of religious education, the high court has heard. The law requiring faith-based Christian religious education (RE) and collective worship in schools in Northern Ireland has been challenged by a non-religious family in Belfast... The core syllabus for RE in Northern Ireland ... covers the revelation of God, the Christian Church and (Christian) morality. While a world religions section has been introduced for pupils aged 11 to 14 and schools are permitted to teach material outside of the core syllabus, it’s argued many schools teach from a weighted Christian perspective.
Extreme poverty, the lack of employment that can support a family and desperation are the major drivers of exploitative child labour, Pope Francis said. ‘If we want to stamp out the scourge of child labour, we must work together to eradicate poverty [and] to correct the distortions in the current economic system, which concentrates wealth in the hands of a few,’ he said ... during a meeting with people taking part in an international conference on Eradicating Child Labour, Building a Better Future. ‘We must combine our efforts to promote quality education that is free for everyone in every country, as well as a healthcare system that is equally accessible to everyone,’ he added.
Premier
The Tablet
‘TRUTH IS UNDER ATTACK,’ BBC CHIEF TELLS CHURCH SERVICE Truth is under attack like never before, BBC director general Tim Davie told a special church service in London, attended by the Duchess of Cornwall. Speaking at the annual commemorative service for journalists, held at St Bride’s, Fleet Street – the journalists’ church – Davie said: ‘In the disinformation age, truth is under assault like never before. Those who stand up for it most strongly have never been more targeted’... Davie explained: ‘We know that the physical risks faced by journalists no longer come solely from the front line. Reporters all around the world face escalating dangers, increasing levels of harassment and ever more subtle modes of intimidation’... Davie told the service ... that journalists share key beliefs ‘that truth is the foundation of democracy, that power must be held to account, that those who abuse that power must be exposed, and those who are the victims of that abuse must be given a voice’. Christian Today
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Salvationist 4 December 2021
THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies
CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK
CONTENTS
TELLING THE STORY THE singer-songwriter Adele has just released her latest album, 30. A large proportion of people buying it will do so through an audio streaming service such as Spotify, listening to it via the internet rather than buying a CD. However, one feature of streaming services annoys Adele – the shuffle option, which plays album tracks randomly. She asked Spotify to hide that feature so that people can listen to 30 in the right order. And Spotify did. Adele later tweeted: ‘We don’t create albums with so much care and thought into our track listing for no reason. Our art tells a story and our stories should be listened to as we intended. Thank you Spotify for listening.’ In response Spotify tweeted: ‘Anything for you.’ Whether it’s a novel or an album, following a story in the correct order makes sense of it. Seeing how characters and their experiences develop, putting events in context and building up to the part where everything falls into place helps us enjoy a story. It’s always best to resist the temptation to read the last chapter first! When it comes to the Christian story, there is also a sequence to follow. The big story is of creation, fall and redemption leading to ‘a new Heaven and a new Earth’ (Revelation 21:1). Within that are many other narratives that add detail to the big story. One of those is Advent. In the second of their seasonal reflections Ron Thomlinson and the Rev James Macfarlane consider the significance of the Advent narratives. Although these are familiar to most of us, they can come fresh each year, says James. That happens not only by reading them in the right order, but also by digging deeper into their meaning. The meaning of the story of Advent is lost on many people because commercialism has obscured it, says Jeff Morton in his viewpoint article. ‘The message that God is with us has been buried and lost among the tinsel, gifts and music,’ he says. He takes a closer look at some of the details of the Nativity story. Major Nigel Bovey helps us explore the deeper meaning of Advent in his Bible study on the opening verses of John’s Gospel. Unlike Matthew and Luke, John doesn’t tell the story of the first Christmas but, instead, reflects on its significance by referring back to the opening chapter of the big story: the creation of the universe. In that context Jesus is seen as the one who brings life and light into the world. The Christian story is not just what we read in the Bible. It continues to be written, and we all contribute to it through the words we speak and actions we take in bringing something of Heaven to Earth. This week’s Salvationist includes many examples of that. For instance, in another of our features on chaplaincy, we learn about the ministry of Army airport chaplains. Whether in brief encounters with passengers or ongoing support for staff members, they live out the faith story. As we read and reflect on the familiar Advent story again this year, may we gain new and deeper insights – for our own sakes and so that others might make sense of the story of Jesus and become part of it themselves.
Quotes from the media News
4 to 7
Prayer matters
7
Advent reflection A familiar story
8
by Ron Thomlinson and the Rev James Macfarlane
Army snippets
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by General John Larsson (Retired)
Feature Seeking justice
10 and 11
by Captain Marion Rouffet
Feature Where faith takes flight
12 to 14
by Shanelle Manderson
Viewpoint Unwrapping the Incarnation
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by Jeff Morton
Bible study 16 and 17 The reason for the season by Major Nigel Bovey
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Lieut-Colonel Ray Oakley
Retired officers Christmas greetings
18 and 19
New commitments Adverts
From the editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
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20 21 and 23
Announcements
22
Quiz
24
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
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NEWS
INTERNATIONAL
REMEMBRANCE
World leaders join 30th anniversary celebrations RUSSIA GENERAL Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle were guest leaders as The Salvation Army celebrated the 30th anniversary of work restarting in Russia after the fall of the Communist regime. Officers, soldiers, friends and volunteers were delighted to have the opportunity to get together and celebrate the anniversary of The Salvation Army returning to Russia. The international leaders remained in London and shared online. A large-screen meeting space allowed the General and Commissioner Rosalie to present their Bible messages and words of encouragement. Every day, reports from the congress were shared online and through social networks, meaning that people across Russia and farther afield could keep up to date. After officers councils, a concert was held to glorify God for his care during the past 30 years. There were times of reminiscence but also a focus on present needs and consideration of where The Salvation Army might raise its flag in the future. The next day was devoted to the development of the Army’s mission in Russia. Three meetings focused on themes from the General’s Call to Mission and resonated with those present. At the Sunday morning meeting, Commissioner Rosalie shared a heartfelt testimony. She called on her listeners to put their hopes only in the Lord, who will always be with them. The General called on people to be in tune with the word of God, ready for any changes and open to the Holy Spirit. Times change, he admitted, and the way that things happen in the world may become hard to understand, but constant communication with God, prayers and service will advance the mission of The Salvation Army in Russia and around the world. Some people responded by taking their prayers to the mercy seat and others shared testimonies about God’s work in their lives. – AR 4
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Cirencester Band provides music for the service of remembrance at the Royal Agricultural University; corps leader Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard led the wreath-laying ceremony
BIRTHDAY
30
years of ministry in Russia SEE PAGE 4
3,000
poppies knitted and crocheted SEE PAGE 6
ROMFORD The friendship club met to commemorate Armistice Day and celebrate the birthday of 103-year-old member Rose Marler, who was born the day after the First World War ended. The meeting, conducted by club chairman Tom Hoyles, commenced with ‘Abide with Me’ and Rose reading Ode of Remembrance from Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen. A two-minute silence was preceded by the Last Post and followed by the Reveille, sounded by Bandsman John Sawyer, who brought the meeting to a close with a prayer. Birthday entertainment was provided by Ralph Berkley and Carl Pulman, who presented a programme of popular singalong songs. – RG
REMEMBRANCE
REMEMBRANCE Bill Taylor, 92, leads a time of remembrance at Herne Bay Corps, helping people to consider what it would be like to live in true peace
Ramsgate Corps presents a display for Remembrance Sunday arranged by members Nicole and Heather
GOSPORT Veterans who are members of the corps, including Helen Outteridge (not pictured), took part in a remembrance service, with ex-Royal Marine Reg Plowman laying a poppy wreath on the holiness table. Pictured are Sue Colson, John Coard, Derick Warren, Bob Edgar, Paul Attrell, Reg, Mike Rowsell and Francis Plowman. – KS
ST ALBANS Corps member Alison Perry was asked to sound the Last Post on Remembrance Sunday at the BT Centre on Newgate Street. She is pictured at the memorial alongside two wreath-layers who were there on behalf of the Royal Corps of Signals – one a veteran of the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, the other a piper with London Irish Rifles. – BH
FELIXSTOWE Celebration and reflection were the themes of an evening of Music for Remembrance by the band. As well as attracting a sizeable congregation, which included many visitors from the community, the event was live-streamed. The programme included classic marches and variations based on John Bunyan’s hymn ‘He Who Would Valiant Be’. The simple chorus arrangement of ‘Whisper a Prayer’ introduced a time for meditation and an act of remembrance. After a performance of ‘Under Two Flags’, those present moved into the virtual Red Shield Club in the community hall to share fellowship and refreshments. On Remembrance Sunday, the band provided music at the civic wreath-laying ceremony on the seafront. This was followed by an open-air meeting in the town centre to remind shoppers of the day’s significance. – DA
Salvationist wants to hear your news Corps press representatives can email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.
Salvationist 4 December 2021
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NEWS
REMEMBRANCE
Ipswich Citadel Band takes part in the annual civic remembrance service
REMEMBRANCE
STAPLE HILL Working with a local councillor, the Royal British Legion and other interested parties, The Salvation Army was asked to lead the community service of remembrance. The band headed up a parade that included veterans, cubs, scouts, guides, armed service personnel and cadets, and corps officer Major Colin Hylton-Jones conducted the service. In the evening, the band and songsters took part in a festival of remembrance at the hall. Almost all the pre-booked seats were filled. The evening reminded the congregation that everyone has a personal responsibility to maintain peace. – VW
CARDIFF CANTON The ladies fellowship was inspired by an online presentation of the knitted Bible project from Warrington Corps. A small idea to knit a few poppies soon led to a full project under the banner ‘Lest we forget’, with the initial aim of generating 1,000 poppies. Several months later more than 3,000 poppies had been knitted and crocheted by corps members, neighbours and friends from across the country. The team worked together to present a cascade of poppies from the cross and a rainbow of hope for the future during a meeting led by Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main. During the week surrounding Armistice Day the cascade of poppies was moved to the foyer, where it was on display to the public. The project has had a positive impact, with many connections made and relationships built with businesses and schools. – AW
PRESENTATION
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Ex-Royal Marine John Hopkins, a new attendee at St Mary Cray, blesses the corps by sounding the Last Post on a harmonica 6
Salvationist 4 December 2021
Divisional leaders Majors Ian and Jean Harris visit Yeovil to lead the retirement meeting of Major Paul Hardy after 34 years’ service
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REMEMBRANCE
ADVENT FOCUS
by Major Simon Clampton (Overseas Services Unit)
SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER – ‘THE BELLS RING OUT AT CHRISTMAS TIME THEIR MESSAGE LOUD AND CLEAR’ Lord, we pray for your blessing on all our carolling programmes. Be with each player, singer and collector. May those who hear the message clearly realise that you are the reason for the season as the Saviour of us all. Amen. CHESTER-LE-STREET During the Remembrance Sunday meeting corps officer Captain Cor van der Woude asked the congregation to reflect on the war zones people can have in their lives. An invitation was given to write these on paper and bring them before God. Those present made their way to the mercy seat to receive a paper poppy. – GC
SUNDAY 5 DECEMBER – ‘THEN LET US ALL WITH ONE ACCORD SING PRAISES TO OUR HEAVENLY LORD’ Heavenly Lord, whoever we are, wherever we may be, may we be united in your Spirit to praise you, as you are the only one worthy of praise, the Almighty, King of creation, the one who is first in our lives. Amen. MONDAY 6 DECEMBER – ‘WHEN WISE MEN CAME SEEKING FOR JESUS FROM FAR’ The Magi came seeking the place where you were to be born. In our lives, Lord, may we, too, have the wisdom to seek you with all our heart and help us to find you. Then we will truly know you and see you as you are. Amen. TUESDAY 7 DECEMBER – ‘BE NEAR ME, LORD JESUS; I ASK THEE TO STAY CLOSE BY ME FOR EVER, AND LOVE ME, I PRAY’ Lord, when we feel we are far from you, help us by your Spirit to know that your love surrounds us, that you are close by us right now and have promised never to leave us. Amen.
Cambridge Citadel Band plays at the Lion Yard shopping centre on Remembrance Sunday before a two-minute silence at 11am
WEDNESDAY 8 DECEMBER – ‘CHILD OF GLORY, SON OF MAN, THOU WHO WAST ERE TIME BEGAN’ Lord Jesus, we praise and glorify you as the first and last, the Alpha and Omega, the living Word there from the beginning. You are the same today as yesterday and will always be our glorious risen Saviour and great unchanging friend. Amen. THURSDAY 9 DECEMBER – ‘YE WHO NOW WILL BLESS THE POOR SHALL YOURSELVES FIND BLESSING’ Lord, may our faith in you be our motivation to help those who are in need. Move us by Christian compassion, and not just charitable social service, to put our faith into action through a practical outpouring of love for others. Bless us all in this, we pray. Amen.
Rock Ferry Corps invites people to remember loved ones on Armistice Day, with prayer stations and music to aid reflection
FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER – ‘JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME’ Lord, we rejoice that you came down from Heaven to us on Earth. Thank you that you became one of us to save us, as we can do nothing to save ourselves, and it is only by your grace through our faith that we can join with you in Heaven. Amen. O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources Salvationist 23 October 2021 Salvationist 2 October 2021
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ADVENT REFLECTION
A familiar story Ron Thomlinson and the Rev James Macfarlane continue a series of reflections for Advent
J
IM, anyone who has ever been press-ganged into reading a child their favourite book at bedtime knows they are on to a hiding to nothing should they dare try to skip even the shortest of sentences. The child will not be rushed. An infant’s knowledge of a story is so perfect it puts any prompt in the wings of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to shame. Isn’t it fascinating that, in childhood, as well as later in life, we so often return to the stories we know the best? We know the plot, the characters and how it will all end. So why do we reread books, see different productions of the same play, repeatedly watch our favourite films and still enjoy every word? As you know, Jim, my favourite stories are more in the ‘Do you remember when?’ genre. Despite having told and heard them so many times, I can still dissolve into thigh-slapping, tears-rolling, tablethumping laughter when the punchline comes. I never tire of them. The problem is other people. Some love to share my oft-heard tales. Others look at me like the expat coming into the clubroom with his boring old talk. But the Advent stories are in a different league. As with a child’s bedtime book, we dare not skip a word. We must not be in a hurry when reading because of some other pressing matter. Even though we already know what will happen, what magnetic force attracts us back to the Advent narratives each year and what power can they give us to cope with life in the here and now? Advent readings are neither entertainment nor children’s bedtime fare. Is it true that, like my anecdotes, we need to be an insider to appreciate Advent? Is it only for believers?
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Some years ago I became interested in legends, myths and fairytales. Discovering their truths showed me the power of a story to turn a life around. What can the Advent story do for me this year?
Ron, I have to bow to your expertise with bedtime stories but, as you rightly point out, adults also find profound satisfaction in books that are hallowed by familiarity. As with stories, so also with music. We love the familiar, returning to listen again and again. Mozart once described how he composed pieces. At first melodies and themes came to him at random but, under his creative impulse, he could hear the entire composition in his mind. There ceased to be a beginning, middle and an end. He could conceive the entire piece as an organic whole. Ordinary listeners can have the same experience, but on a smaller scale. The enjoyment of music is enhanced by what we have already heard and the anticipation of what is yet to come. We somehow hold these successive things together in unity. In such moments, we experience time in a different way. Looking at the clock in the doctor’s waiting room, we can count off every dragging minute, but when absorbed in art or music we are utterly unaware of the passing moments. We almost touch the rim of eternity. Can the Advent stories captivate us like this? I believe so. On an aesthetic
level they possess haunting beauty; a trained reader bringing before us the cadences of the Christmas narratives will charm any sensitive listener. As literature the narratives have universal appeal, but to faith a deeper dimension will be perceived. Our ordinary life that includes average men and women, boys and girls, cats and dogs – that concrete world is touched in these stories by the divine. Just as the child needs the reassurance of the familiar story, as adults we need the assurance of God’s grace in our messy lives. Why does the drunk stagger into the midnight service like a scared child entering a darkened room? Just for the faintest touch of that assurance, and sure enough it is there. That does something for me also. The shadows that ever haunt the corners of this life lose their power to frighten. We experience, as if for the first time, the ancient proclamation in Matthew 4:16: ‘The people living in darkness have seen a great light.’ On them, ‘a light has dawned’.
RON IS A CHRISTIAN WRITER IN THE NETHERLANDS AND JIM LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN DUNOON. THEY BECAME FRIENDS IN 1966 WHILE CADETS AT DENMARK HILL
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... shared by General John Larsson (Retired)
AN ARMY WITH MORE THAN ONE GENERAL? ALL divisional commanders were to be generals. So it seemed for a brief moment in the Army’s earliest days when, during the year 1878, The Christian Mission gradually transformed itself into The Salvation Army. In the first Orders and Regulations for The Salvation Army, published in October of that year – and, odd though it may seem, advertised in The Christian Mission Magazine – it was envisaged that corps in time would be grouped into
divisions headed by ‘generals of division’ appointed to visit, watch over and regulate several corps. Two years later, in an edict dated 18 September 1880, General William Booth announced that he was implementing the plan of dividing the Army into divisions headed by ‘district generals’. He also clarified that district generals would ordinarily take the rank of major and be known as ‘district officers’.
SENT TO DEVIL’S ISLAND ‘CO ‘COMMISSIONER Albin Peyron, territorial terr commander for France, spoke kindly but firmly to the sp young officer seated before yo him. hi ‘Péan,’ he said, ‘I am sending se you to Devil’s Island!’ For a moment everything sspun round for Captain Charles Péan as he grasped the P commissioner’s meaning. rles Péan ioner Cha s Devil’s Island! Every is m m o C about that living grave, Frenchman knew a the infamous penal settlement in French Guiana on the northeast coast of South America, where many were sent but few ever returned. Convicts were set free after they had served their sentence but were not allowed to return to France. The conditions for the ‘freed ones’, as they searched for work and food in the jungle lands, were worse than for those who remained in the prison camps, where they were at least fed. Commissioner Peyron was determined that the Armée du Salut should spearhead a plan for bringing them home to France and for the penal settlement to be closed. His chosen leader to make it happen was Captain Péan. He had proved himself in his appointments, and the commissioner remembered the tenacity he had shown when he wanted to become an officer, a quality he would need in abundance for the task ahead. Aged 18, Charles, who had no Army connections, had been converted at a camp meeting conducted by Commissioner Peyron in the south of France. Three days later he rang the bell at the training college in Paris and announced that he had come to be trained as an officer. The principal explained that cadets were not received in that unorthodox manner,
but had to become soldiers first and perhaps after some me months could become cadets. Charles would not be dissuaded. He told the principal that he was called by God, had cancelled his last year at an agricultural college and must be allowed to remain. The perplexed principal phoned Commissioner Peyron asking what she should do. ‘Let him stay for three months,’ replied the wise leader, ‘and see how he shapes.’ A uniform was found for him and he joined the cadets already in training, becoming a soldier three months later. When in 1928 Captain Péan sailed for Devil’s Island, it was the beginning of a campaign that would last for 25 years. He was horrified by the condition of the 9,000 men that he saw there, and on his return through his writing and speaking – he wrote three books and gave more than 600 lectures – he began a process of stirring the conscience of the nation to this moral stain on the honour of France. In 1933 Captain Péan was permitted to return with three officers to minister to the ‘freed ones’ – and for the next 20 years Salvation Army officers served in the colony, often under the most trying strains. So successful was Captain Péan in bringing about a turn of the tide in French popular and legislative opinion, that by 1936 the first of many ships bringing ‘freed ones’ to their homeland began to arrive, where they were welcomed, clothed and resettled by the Army. Two years later, by decree of the National Assembly of France, the penal colony was officially abolished. But then the Second World War intervened and it was not until 1953 that the remaining convicts returned home, accompanied by the last Army officers. ‘It was the happiest day of my life,’ declared Commissioner Charles Péan.
Salvationist Day 4 December Month 2020 2021
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FEATURE I Public Affairs Unit
Seeking justice Captain Marion Rouffet highlights the role of the Army’s Public Affairs Unit and the biblical basis for its work
T
HE Salvation Army’s engagement with public affairs is perhaps more easily understood as a concern with social justice and reconciliation, an area in which public policy meets our responsibility to speak up and speak out. Throughout the Old and New Testaments the call for us to do justice is clear. ‘Learn to do good,’ Isaiah instructs the people of his time. ‘Commit yourselves to seeking justice. Make right for the world’s most vulnerable – the oppressed, the orphaned, the widow’ (Isaiah 1:17 The Voice). Likewise, Father Michael Marsh, a priest in the American Episcopal Church, writes: ‘If you want to know where Jesus stands, what he stands for and with whom he stands, look for the places of brokenness and dis-ease; look for love, justice, compassion, peace; look for people who are hurting, marginalised, oppressed, devalued. That’s where we see Jesus drawing a line in the sand and taking a stand.’ Standing against injustice can be as simple as supporting a vulnerable
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Salvationist 4 December 2021
neighbour who is being taken advantage of or providing food for someone who cannot afford to buy what they need to live. As The Salvation Army we also have a responsibility to speak into public policy, locally and nationally, on behalf of those we serve. This is made clear in one of our territory’s mission priorities: ‘Seek justice and reconciliation.’ The work we do in corps and through Employment Plus, the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit and our Homelessness Services means that we can add our voice to local and national government decisions and change situations for the better for those with whom we work. These are areas where we can present the evidence of our daily work to support change. That is what the Public Affairs Unit (PAU) exists to do. Through building relationships with local authority figures, it assists corps in engaging in these conversations in their own contexts. Whether it be MPs, metro mayors or district, county or borough councillors, all have a part to play in making the decisions that impact people’s lives. As such, they have a responsibility to seek social justice, whatever their political persuasion. The shaping of public policy is a continuous series of value judgements. It is not difficult to understand, therefore, how inequality and social injustice exist
Houses of Parliament, London
in these processes. Sadly, certain groups, individuals and issues are under-represented at times and more likely to fall through the gaps in these imperfect systems. While it is easy to stand back and criticise decision makers from afar, it is much more effective to engage with them and offer a different perspective as we strive towards fullness of life for all with Jesus. While the question of justice will have different answers for different people, we can certainly highlight the things we see that others may not. As part of the body of Christ, we are called not just to faith but also to action. The Army therefore has a role to play in advocating for those who struggle to be seen and heard. We can do this locally and nationally by speaking to the people who make decisions that affect us all. As a movement we are non-partisan. However, as Christian activist and author Shane Claiborne says: ‘To be non-partisan doesn’t mean we’re non-political. We should refuse to get sucked into political camps and insist on pulling the best out of them all. That’s
Scottish parliament building at Holyrood, Edinburgh
The Army has a role to play in advocating for those who struggle to be seen and heard
what Jesus did – challenge the worst of each camp and pull out the best of each.’ Throughout the Gospels we see Jesus consistently challenging injustices and role-modelling reconciliation. We do not have to look far to find examples of him confronting the powerful and advocating for the oppressed. These countercultural Kingdom values are seen in
action in his encounters with Zacchaeus (see Luke 19:1–10) and the woman at the well (see John 4) as well as in the parable of the wedding feast: ‘Then Jesus turned to his host and said, “When you throw a banquet, don’t just invite your friends, relatives or rich neighbours – for it is likely they will return the favour. It is better to invite those who never get an invitation”’ (Luke 14:12 and 13 The Passion Translation). Some Christians have questioned the Church speaking into political decisions, suggesting it is a step beyond Jesus’ command to love the unlovable, feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, invite in the stranger, clothe the naked and visit the sick and those in prison. We are not Jesus, so why get involved at all? While it has become normal to think of politics as any issue on which people disagree, where one side is right and the other is wrong, let us remember that the basic tenets of our faith – grace and mercy, radical hospitality and love of neighbour – reach beyond politics and all have political ramifications. Speaking into political discourse should not be all that we do. However good our governments or great the policies that are made, they cannot do the work of community, love, reconciliation and restoration. Political advocacy does not remove the need for God’s transforming grace or sharing the journey, practically assisting and doing the hard work of love. It is no more or less important than these things. It is, however, part of them. As a movement, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to challenge when we observe injustice and encourage when we see things that are good. It is as much an element of ‘whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25:40) as giving a cup of water to someone who is thirsty or a meal to someone who is hungry. Our commitment to justice for those less heard must be more than just someone else’s job; it must be deep-rooted in our commitment to biblical living.
CAPTAIN ROUFFET IS CORPS OFFICER, MAIDSTONE, AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, THQ Salvationist 4 December 2021
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FEATURE I Chaplains in… airports
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Continuing a series on Salvation Army chaplaincy in diverse settings, airport chaplains speak to Shanelle Manderson about how they provide pastoral support and spiritual care
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N many secular iinstitutions around the country – from schools and universities to he healthcare, prisons and the military – chaplains c maintain a supportive presenc presence, providing pastoral care and a listening ear and responding appropriately to eac each person they encounter. In 2019, 297 millio million people passed through UK airports airports, with numbers only plummeting to 74 million m in 2020 due to coronavirus restr restrictions. Whether travellers are in nee need of a kind word, a pat on the shoulder shoulder, a lunch companion, a friendly chat or jus just directions to their gate, airport chapla chaplains are there to help. ‘One of the things I really like to do is stand at the airport airport’s main entrance to do the welcoming,’ enthuses Major Bryan Snell, who h has been a chaplain at Birmingham airp airport for more than 17 years. ‘I take ev every opportunity I can to talk about the thi things that are most important. I also we wear my Salvation Army uniform and m my lanyard says “chaplain”, so a lot of people want to know why I’m there and what a chaplain does.’ Bryan works alon alongside four other chaplains, including his wife, Major Alive, who voluntee volunteers once a week. Although he official officially retired 10 years ago, he enjoys the role so much that he still serves. ‘Meeting people, and having the opportunity to repre represent The Salvation Army and give witn witness to our faith, is a great privilege,’ he says. For Bryan, chapla chaplaincy involves a lot of multi-tasking but, u ultimately, it’s about coming alongside p people and being there for them in whatever way he can. With experie experience in street, police, prison and sea cadet settings, Bryan stresses that cha chaplains are always necessary, but that airport chaplains are particularly imp important: ‘If you can imagine a small tow town, everything that would happen there happens in an airport – people are born there, people die there there, people are taken ill there. There is als also a lot of emotion inv involved because peo people are saying goodbye, ssometimes to family they’re not going to see for a long time, and then in other p parts of the airport there’s a lot of joy b because people are seeing others for th the first time in months or years.
anybody within this airport, no matter what race, colour or creed.’ The Salvation Army has a contract with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which means Chris and David are also involved in people’s repatriation. ‘We get official documentation for UK citizens who have found themselves in difficult circumstances overseas being repatriated into the country,’ explains Chris. ‘In fact, we recently had a gentleman who left Scotland in 1976, when he was four years of age, who was being repatriated. He’d never been back to Scotland and has no family here but got into trouble with the authorities in Australia. This gentleman has serious medical difficulties and mental health problems, so we were able to get him into a hotel for 70 days. I’m in the process of trying to get a placement within the community for him to live and Major Chris Connelly
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‘Birmingham airport is a busy place and one of the biggest employers in the West Midlands, so it’s essential that there are chaplains available.’ Indeed, airport chaplains support staff members as well as passengers. ‘At the height of summer there are 9,000 staff members and in the cool season there are roughly 4,000,’ says Glasgow Airport Chaplain Major Chris Connelly, a retired officer who works with Assistant Chaplain Major David Wing, corps officer at Bellshill. ‘We deal with the spiritual and emotional issues of staff, as well as just talking to them day-to-day to see how they’re doing.’ Chris says the most rewarding element of his role is gaining the trust and respect of those he’s caring for. ‘It takes time,’ he says. ‘In about two years we’ve been able to make some great contacts, particularly with those who have a fair amount of responsibility in the airport. We’ll check up on them and see how they’re coping. Equally, we’ll speak to the people behind the scenes, such as the cleaners, who do a phenomenal job. This airport would never be able to function without them. ‘There are occasions when staff members just need to vent but they trust us enough to be able to do that, knowing that whatever they say to us stays with us. It’s extremely worthwhile and meaningful to be able to offer that kind of service to Majors Bryan and Alive Snell
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Major Linda Perkin get him some of the proper medical attention that he deserves. It’s quite a responsibility.’ The airport has a multifaith prayer room that houses literature – Bibles, Korans and other books – and prayer mats, so there is something for everyone. The majors hold services upon request and, although they’re not allowed to be overtly Christian, they do not hide the fact that they are Christian ministers. ‘We take the opportunity to express our faith when the time needs it,’ says Chris. Major Linda Perkin, who is part of the chaplaincy team at Gatwick airport, spends much of her time walking around the airside area, popping into airport shops and hotels, talking to staff and passengers and visiting the special assistance section, where people who need help physically wait for someone to take them to the plane. ‘People in the airport can feel quite lonely, so having someone to talk to can be good,’ she explains. ‘Staff members typically work alone or in twos and sometimes passengers carry things they want to offload or have fears and anxieties that I can help to dissolve.’ Linda says the most challenging element of her role is not always being accepted. ‘Sometimes people can shut you out and it can be a battle to make them see that you’re just a normal person and you want to come alongside them and be of help.’ 14
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Major David Wing Linda is also involved in a new network with Border Force, developed within the past year. Border Force is responsible for securing the UK border by carrying out immigration and customs controls for people and goods entering the UK. Once a month staff members have a wellbeing day that Linda attends, where they have access to leaflets on mental health and other things to keep them healthy and well, as well as an opportunity to speak with Linda. ‘Some of what is shared is quite detailed. For others, it’s just stuff that they want to get off their chest,’ she says. ‘Being able to have conversations that are meaningful and helpful, not only for others but also for me as a Christian, is very fulfilling. If I can bring something of my faith and my personal walk with the Lord into a conversation, I will.’ Most days a service takes place in the airport chapel, led by members of the chaplaincy team. However, since the beginning of the pandemic many services have taken place online via Zoom. Linda’s services include a thought from Scripture, a prayer and some music. She recalls one: ‘There was a chap who came in quite upset. He didn’t say very much but I had an email from him a couple of weeks afterwards.’ The email read: ‘Hello, I was flying out of Gatwick on Tuesday morning, headed for Italy, and as I walked towards the bag drop area in the North Terminal I heard an announcement over the PA
system about the service at 11.30am. I decided to attend. I’m not quite sure why, but I sort of felt that my having chosen to pop in wasn’t just a coincidence. ‘I can’t say that I came out feeling as though a miraculous recovery had just occurred, but I did leave feeling loved, and the Christian message was ringing loud and clear in my ears as I made my way through security and then to my flight. ‘I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank the lovely Major Linda Perkin of The Salvation Army for her short yet beautiful service and for her wonderful words of kindness and support. It was something that will remain with me and that I shall remember for a long time. As I shall be travelling through the North Terminal again in the near future, I hope to be able to repeat the experience. For the time being, I just felt the need to say a sincere thank you and I hope to see you again soon.’ ‘It’s nice to be able to help people like that,’ reflects Linda. ‘To see how the small help that we as chaplains give can be so meaningful for an individual makes our work worthwhile. It doesn’t cost a lot to help someone, and it’s really appreciated.’
SHANELLE IS A FORMER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT WITH SALVATIONIST
VIEW POINT
Unwrapping the Incarnation
Jeff Morton wonders whether the significance of Jesus’ birth has been lost in the commercialism of Christmas
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O sooner has Halloween tat been removed from supermarket shelves than music associated with Christmas starts to play and the money-making frenzy begins again. This commercialism can obscure the truth behind the celebration, that God the creator visited this world in order to save it: ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us’ (John 1:14). The message that God is with us has been buried and lost among the tinsel, gifts and music. If the message had been listened to, our world would not be in such a mess. The selfishness of humanity has caused the planet to become so polluted that it may never recover. The problem for Christians is that the Christmas festivities indulged in by most of the wealthy parts of the world have nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus. For many it is just an excuse for making merry and exchanging gifts that commercialism has persuaded them to buy. The resulting social pressure drives people of limited means to go into debt. Our difficulty is that the Advent of God has been obscured by time. The accounts of his birth in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke were written down 60 to 80 years after the events to confirm Jesus’ divinity to followers who were new to the faith. According to some scholars, this meant the accounts were subject to distortion. Regardless, I prefer the more perceptive statements of John. The accounts of Matthew and Luke were written from differing perspectives.
Matthew commences his Gospel with the genealogy of Joseph, showing him descended from King David to accord with prophecy that the Messiah would emerge from this lineage. The weakness of this is that Joseph is not Jesus’ father. He is born of God’s Spirit in the womb of Mary, who is stated to be a virgin. Luke, who writes from a historical perspective, says the birth took place in Bethlehem because the Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be carried out. If Luke is correct, this took place in AD6 under the direction of Quirinius, the governor of Syria. It required citizens to return to their place of birth, which meant Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem. For Matthew, this fulfilled a prophecy that the Messiah would enter the world at this location (see Micah 5:2). Luke 2:7 records that there was no room at the inn for Mary to give birth to Jesus, so she ‘placed him in a manger’. The inn was probably not a commercial operation. Houses in this period had a guest room where visitors would stay – usually on the first floor, as the ground floor was used as a stable for the owner’s animals. Luke implies that Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem a day or two before the census but, because of the number of guests, the room was full. They were found a place on the ground floor – so Jesus was born in a stable. The detailed circumstances of the birth are not recorded in either Gospel, but Mary must have had a midwife to
assist with the birth. There is a tradition, based on the apocryphal Gospel of James, that a relative of Joseph named Salome was the midwife at the birth. Many biblical scholars believe that the Nativity took place in the spring. This is based on the fact that the shepherds mentioned by Luke had flocks out on the hillside. At some time, according to Matthew, a group of astrologers – the Magi – arrived from the east and gave the child gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. This has perhaps caused modern commercial interests to embark on the idea that we should all give gifts to recognise the occasion, despite the fact that in our secular world many have more faith in Father Christmas than in the creator of the universe who entered our world. We in the northern hemisphere only celebrate this event in winter because the Church, after becoming the official religion of the Roman empire under Emperor Constantine, incorporated pagan festivals surrounding the winter solstice in order that people would have an easy transition to the faith. Have we allowed the significance of the Incarnation to be lost to the commercial exploitation of Christmas? We need to make sure the entry of God into the world is not just incidental to the events of the season.
JEFF SOLDIERS AT BATH CITADEL Salvationist 4 December 2021
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BIBLE STUDY
The reason for the season Major Nigel Bovey examines how we see and understand the light of Jesus
JOHN 1:1–9
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N contrast to the Synoptic Gospels, which focus on what Jesus said and did, John’s Gospel focuses on who Jesus is. In setting the context, John chooses not a historical event or a family tree but delves back before the creation of the universe and of time: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God’ (v1). John revisits the notion of Christ’s eternal, pre-existent nature in Revelation 13:8, where he describes Jesus as ‘the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world’. One memorable Christmas slogan runs: ‘Jesus is the reason for the season.’ Slick wordplay apart, it is packed with theological insight. The Greek word for ‘word’ is logos, from which we get ‘logic’, ‘logical’ and
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Lieut-Colonel Ray Oakley
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‘logistics’. In trying to make sense of the world, ancient Greek philosophers used logos to describe the underlying forces and principles that give the world relationship, regularity and rhythm. In modern philosophy, logic is the study of valid reasoning, where validity is arrived at through a strict process of connection and deduction. Jesus is ‘the reason’, because Jesus is the logical, deductive outcome of God’s reasoning. Even before he created a perfect world, God knew that it would be broken and, therefore, logically deduced that it would need someone to fix it. That someone is the output of God’s logic: Jesus, the Logos. How often have we opened our mouth before engaging our brain or wished we had thought before we had spoken? The neurological fact is that, although we might not always speak what’s on our mind, without the engagement of our
brain we cannot speak. Words are expressions of thought. God’s remedy for a broken world goes beyond his thinking up a solution. God sees the pain that sin brings and tells a sin-sick world what he has in mind. God sees sin and speaks Jesus. QUESTION O How much more is Jesus than an imaginary friend? The beginning of John’s Gospel highlights another aspect of Jesus’ divinity – creator of the universe. ‘Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life …’ (vv3 and 4). The theme recurs throughout the Gospel. In John 11 he recounts Jesus exercising life-giving power when he raises Lazarus from the dead. John records Jesus telling a grieving
SUNDAY
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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. ( John 1:1 and 2)
At the name of Jesus/ Every knee shall bow,/ Every tongue confess him/ King of Glory now;/ ’Tis the Father’s pleasure/ We should call him Lord,/ Who from the beginning/ Was the mighty Word. (SASB 74)
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ( John 1:3–5)
Martha: ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die’ (v25). John later reports Jesus telling the disciples: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ (John 14:6). John also recounts four of Jesus’ postresurrection appearances – the most in any Gospel – to at least eight named people (see 20:11 to 21:2). The relationship between logos and life is clearly seen in the Creation narrative in Genesis 1, where ‘and God said’ is repeatedly followed by ‘and it was so’. It is as though the breath that God exhales when speaking is directly inspiring life into being. In explaining Jesus in the context of the Old Testament, the writer to the Hebrews endorses Logos – God’s Son – as the life-giver ‘through whom also he made the universe’ (1:2).
QUESTION different is your life because of Jesus?
O How
In verse 4 of the introduction to his Gospel, John completes a triad – the Logos who gives life also brings light: ‘In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.’ John goes on to record Jesus’ claim and promise: ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’ (8:12). In Genesis 1:3, the first creative act is that of light. As physical life depends on sunlight, so spiritual life depends on being enlightened by the Son. In verse 5 of his introduction, John notes that in Jesus, the Logos, ‘the light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’. The Greek word for ‘overcome’,
katalambano – ‘to lay hold of’ – is translated here as meaning either that darkness has not defeated the light or that darkness has not understood the light. In effect, both are true. Despite millennia of dark and evil opposition, the light of Jesus is still bringing people to eternal life. To gain eternal life, however, we need a measure of understanding as to who Jesus is. To use the old gospel saying, we need to see the light. How do you need Jesus to enlighten you?
MAJOR BOVEY IS THE AUTHOR OF BROWSING THE BIBLE AND KEYS OF THE KINGDOM
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At his voice creation/ Sprang at once to sight,/ All the angel faces,/ All the hosts of light,/ Thrones and dominations,/ Stars upon their way,/ All the heavenly orders/ In their great array. (SASB 74)
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. ( John 1:6–8)
Humbled for a season,/ To receive a name/ From the lips of sinners/ Unto whom he came,/ Faithfully he bore it/ Spotless to the last,/ Brought it back victorious/ When from death he passed. (SASB 74)
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. ( John 1:9)
Prayer Heavenly Father, help us share the message that true light has come into the world in the person of Jesus. May we reflect that light as the Holy Spirit changes us to be more like Jesus.
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Retired officers Major Betty Bennett sends her love to all her comrades this Christmas.
Majors Edwin and Pam Brown wish you all every blessing for Christmas and new year, with Christian love.
Major Cyril Chadwick would like to wish all his friends a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.
Major Pat Charlesworth wishes all her friends and colleagues a blessed and peaceful Christmas. May memories cheer your hearts.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and every good wish for 2022. Majors Christine and James Cunningham
Majors Brian and Yvonne Findlay pray God’s richest blessing on friends and colleague officers this Christmas and new year.
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Christmas greetings May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Majors Kath and Mel Jones
Majors Gerald and Mildred Peacock wish all friends a happy Christmas and a blessed new year.
Merry, happy, joyous, blessed, peaceful Christmas greetings sent to you now and for the new year from Major Christine Marriott.
Major John Roberts sends Christmas greetings and best wishes for the coming year.
May God bless you with his grace, peace and joy at Christmas and through the new year. In gratitude for former colleagues and dear friends. Colonel Ina Marvell
Majors Doug and Eileen Shankster wish all friends a happy Christmas and every blessing for the new year.
Wishing all our friends joy in the Lord’s presence and peace in his promise. Happy Christmas. Major Jean McCrossan and Major Brenda Jeffery
Commissioners John and Norma Swinfen would like to wish all their family and friends a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2022.
Shalom to one and all for Christmas and the new year. Lieut-Colonels Joan and Ray Kirby
Christmas greetings and best wishes to all our friends and colleagues. Wishing you every blessing for a happy new year. Majors Derek and Helen Tyrrell
Sending prayerful good wishes for Christmas and the new year to friends and colleagues near and far. Commissioner Lydie Ord
Major Nanella Weir sends Christmas greetings to all her friends and blessings for 2022.
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NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance, following a risk assessment.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS John Farnes, Mark Doyle and Alec Taylor were enrolled as soldiers on Harvest Sunday. Several years ago John was passing the hall and popped into the weekly sale with his late wife, Valda. They began to attend worship and were welcomed as adherents. Mark attended the lunch club after being invited by someone who lives in his complex. He became an adherent and, after the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, felt led to become a soldier. Alec started attending three years ago and considered soldiership before the lockdowns. All three expressed their love of God and gratitude for the welcome and support they received from the corps. They are pictured with corps officers Captains Graeme and Zoe Smith. BURNLEY Johan Kreuiter was welcomed as an adherent after worshipping at the corps for several months. He thanked the corps members for their acceptance and support during a difficult time. He testified that he felt the Lord’s leading in making The Salvation Army his spiritual home. He is pictured with corps officer Major Lorraine O’Neill. – LO
David Hall was welcomed as an adherent after attending the corps for many years following the closure of his previous church. During the pandemic lockdowns his eyesight deteriorated and he is now registered as blind. The love, care and support shown to him by corps members led him to become an adherent. David has a quiet but strong faith and continues to be involved in church activities beyond the Army.
Roger Varley was supposed to be enrolled as a soldier on Harvest Sunday, but he was in hospital due to ill health. He was delighted, however, to be enrolled the following day. Roger began attending weekday activities after being told about them by someone in town when he was new to the area. He has invited several people from his sheltered housing community to the church and community programme. Despite his poor health, he is grateful to God for the way he is supported and prayed for by the corps. – GS 20
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UPPER NORWOOD David Johnson expressed his commitment to follow Jesus by becoming an adherent. David, who was an English teacher for almost 30 years, was delighted to formally join the church. He first came to Christ in 1990 through an Edinburgh Fringe project run by the Church Mission Society. More recently, David undertook a PhD in Shakespeare and law while supporting his wife, Cadet Diane, who is in her second year of training at William Booth College. David said: ‘I have been truly amazed by the way Salvationists live their faith rather than revisit it on a Sunday.’ David and Cadet Diane are pictured with corps officer Major Phil Layton. – RC
TO LET SHEFFIELD Christian bed and breakfast located in S2 3QL. Clean, non-smoking, 8am prayers. Hosts Jenny and David (Covid-19 tested). Low season £40 pp B&B (B&B and dinner £60 pp). One or two nights. Full English, vegetarian and vegan choices. Check in 3pm. Check out 10am. Ground floor. Next to Norfolk Park and Park Grange Croft tram stop. Free parking. Text Jenny for availability: 07955 222 055. SHETLAND ISLES Fancy visiting and exploring the beautiful Shetland Isles? We have a double guest room ready and waiting for you to use. Contact Majors Bev and Dave Womersley at shetland@salvationarmy.org.uk for more information.
RISCA (Commercial Street NP11 6BA)
Saturday 5 March 2022 7.15pm Sunday 6 March 2022 10.30am and 1.30pm
ANNUAL SPRING FESTIVAL with the visit of
CHARLIE GREEN (Droitwich Spa) former contestant on Britain’s Got Talent Admission by ticket only: £6 per person or £12 for a family of four
All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion. For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.
Commonwealth Games 2022 A planning team of representatives from The Salvation Army, Church of England, Sports Chaplaincy UK and Scripture Union are creating resources to prepare, train, educate and empower churches for sports mission before, during and after the Commonwealth Games, which take place in Birmingham from 28 July to 8 August 2022. O A monthly
prayer meeting by Zoom starts on 6 December at 9am. Zoom meeting ID: 820 1001 3652. Passcode: 475284 O Sport
Faith and Life training takes place on 8 December at 7pm for an hour. Zoom meeting ID: 853 6655 6959. Password: 000447 For more information, go to sportschaplaincy.org.uk/ commonwealthgames or contact Sports Mission Enabler Rob Moye: robert.moye@salvationarmy.org.uk.
ART RESOURCE: DRAWING CLOSER This new resource from the Music and Creative Arts Unit and Family Ministries Unit encourages participants to explore the psalms through their own creativity. Drawing Closer works well as a stand-alone programme, with existing groups of all ages or as a tool for personal reflection. Some people may be inspired to begin straight away, for others there are colouring, Bible verse and doodling sheets of the psalm, meaning anyone can use art to connect with God. Each of the six sessions includes a thought and a prayer. To download the resource go to salvationarmy.org.uk/ resources/worship-resources/drawing-closer
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE
TRIBUTES
LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O Adherents Sec Edra Cooper, Dereham
MAJOR ALFRED GURR ALFRED George Gurr was born on WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES 10 September 1931 in Emerald (55th) Bessbrook, Northern O Majors Brian and Hesley Johnson Ireland. When he (17 December) was five, he and his Golden parents, Alfred and Florrie, moved to O Majors David and Margaret Scott Maidstone in Kent, his father’s former (11 December) home. The family began attending the corps there and Alfred became a junior DEDICATED TO GOD and then a senior soldier. O Lilly Ava, daughter of Kirk and Lucy Alfred became a solicitor’s articled clerk Smith, at Reading Central by Major and had a promising legal career ahead Adrian Maddern of him. But in 1951, at the tender age of O Freddie James, son of Bandsman Ben and Lindsay Clayton, at Leeds Central by 19, he entered the International Training College as part of the Intercessors Major Valerie Spivey session. There he met Lucy, who was in the same session. They married on PROMOTED TO GLORY O Rtd BM Robert Harding, Darlington 30 October 1954 at the corps in Laindon, Essex, where Lucy’s family soldiered. O S/Reservist Christine Andrews, Cwmbran The first of their children, Linda, was born in 1955 while they were stationed O Iris Lindsay, Waterbeach, on 1 October at Skegness. She was followed by O Maureen Fullman, Skewen, on Rosemary, born in 1958 when they 15 November O Irene Cosgrove, Govan, on 19 November were at Liverpool Garston, Andrea, born in 1960 in Penzance, and Alistair, O Rtd CSM Tom Saunders, Plymouth born in 1969 while they were stationed Congress Hall, on 22 October at Bradford Great Horton. Alfred’s other appointments included BEREAVED York Holgate, Hull Newland, Morden, O Graham Andrews, Cwmbran, of his Streatham Vale, Wolverhampton, wife S/Reservist Christine Andrews, Worksop, Sunderland Millfield, Blackburn Bandswoman Wendy Andrews and Citadel, Clacton Citadel, Sittingbourne SCL Rachel Horne, both Cwmbran, and Folkestone. He also spent a of their mother O S/Sgt/Bandsman Alf Fullman, Skewen, different but happy period serving with the Red Shield Defence Services in of his wife Maureen Fullman, Andrew Germany, firstly in Soltau and then Fullman and Nigel Fullman of their Mansergh Barracks, Gütersloh. His mother final appointments in the UK were to O Major Helen Young, Arbroath, of her Blackheath, Chatham with Upchurch mother Irene Cosgrove Outpost and Canterbury DHQ. He retired O Heather Saunders, Plymouth Congress in 1996. Hall, of her husband Rtd CSM Tom In November 2020, Alfred entered Saunders, Sharon Saunders, Plymouth Hanningfield care home in Sittingbourne, Congress Hall, and Sarah Williams, where he was wonderfully cared for Bristol Citadel, of their father
ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Hednesford, Sun 5 Dec O Longton, Sun 5 O Palace of Westminster (parliamentary carol service), Tue 7 O Royal Albert Hall (territorial carol concert), Wed 8 O Riverside Complex (HSU carol service), Tue 14 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Palace of Westminster (parliamentary carol service), Tue 7 Dec O Royal Albert Hall (territorial carol concert), Wed 8
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by staff until his promotion to Glory on 15 October 2021. Major Alf will be remembered for his strong principles, musicianship, forthright preaching and above all his deep love and concern for people. The many comments on his Facebook page bear testimony to his influence on the lives of so many people. – LH MAJOR RENEE OZANNE RENEE was born in Gateshead on 14 January 1923. Her parents, Ann and William Harlow, were assurance officers who served mainly in the north of England. They also held appointments in Cardiff and Southend before retiring in Gillingham. Renee entered the International Training College in 1949 as a cadet of the Standard Bearers session. After an initial appointment in Hereford, she was stationed at King’s Cross, where she met Lieutenant Stanley Ozanne, who was at a neighbouring corps. They married in 1953 and had three children, Len, Jean and Ken, while serving in many appointments in southern England, Belfast and London, before a long stint in East Anglia. They retired from Bracknell in 1995, settling in Hove to be near Jean and her family. Stan was promoted to Glory in 2008 and Renee then lived in sheltered housing before moving into Villa Adastra. As her health deteriorated, she moved into a nursing home. She was promoted to Glory peacefully on 12 October. Renee’s service was that of a true pastor, with her service centred on the care of the families around her. She never put herself first. She and Stan were very much a partnership, sharing their ministry as they shared their lives. Although she considered herself to be ‘unremarkable’, it is worth remembering that, in a time before many married women worked, Renee worked fulltime and cared for her family. While some churches resisted the ordination of women, Renee served her Lord in a way that left no one doubting the validity of her calling. Although sermons were preached, they were also lived out in the day-to-day acts of service that were her life. Renee is much missed by her family and friends, but is now at rest. – KO
ANSWERS TO THE CHRISTMAS QUIZ (PAGE 24) 1. b. 1959 (1957 was her first live TV message, 1967 was her first in colour) a. Henry John Gauntlett a. Seven swans a-swimming b. Matthew and Luke c. Celebrating Christmas b. Martin Luther b. ‘Long Long Ago’ a. 4 December b. Chalk Farm c. The Cuban missile crisis a. St Helena c. Wilfred Kitching c. The wise men visiting Jesus b. ‘Infant Holy’ a. Orange b. ‘O Holy Night!’ a. William the Conqueror in 1066 c. Hertfordshire b. Indian Ocean c. Evangeline Booth in 1865
DEREK BENNETT, NEWBIGGIN-BYTHE-SEA BORN in 1931, Derek was invited to the Army by a schoolfriend. He learnt the cornet and gave his heart to Jesus, joining the YP band, singing company and later the senior band. He met Sylvia in the junior corps and they married in 1954. Twins Eva and Ina were born in 1955, followed by Ann in 1957 and Lyn in 1964. Derek worked in the mines for more than 40 years. In retirement he and Sylvia enjoyed travelling and seeing their nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Derek’s love for music came second to his love for the Lord. He held many local officer positions, including singing company leader and bandmaster, retiring in 2013. He was active in the sections until March 2020. Derek struggled with health in recent months. He passed peacefully with Sylvia and his girls at his side, knowing he was meeting the Lord he had served for 81 years. – SR
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
RUTH HOUGHTON RUTH was born in Liverpool and moved to Birmingham in the early 1950s. She was the eldest sister of a large family, with six brothers and two sisters. When she married her husband, George, she became stepmother to his son and daughter and they also had a girl of their own. Every Sunday after church, Ruth’s daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, Stella, would visit for lunch. Ruth would always lay the table with her finest tablecloth, crockery and cutlery. Ruth attended Birmingham Sparkhill and sold the War Cry for many years. On one occasion, she met the lord mayor of Birmingham, who kindly let her wear his chain of office. She was always willing to help others out and frequently supplied cooked meals. She even fed the stray kittens that came into the garden where she lived. Ruth attended many events over the years, including Stella’s christening and baptism. – SC
Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.
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Salvationist 4 December 2021
23
CHRISTMAS QUIZ Testt your k T knowledge l d off th the h ffestive ti season with ith h tthis hi quiz i b by S Simon i H Hope and dG Garry R Reed d Which issue of Kids Alive! is published as the Christmas special this year? a. 4 December b. 11 December c. 18 December
1
When was the Queen’s first pre-recorded Christmas Day message? a. 1957 b. 1959 c. 1967
8
Who wrote ‘Irby’, the tune to which ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ is normally sung? a. Henry John Gauntlett b. Hector Berlioz c. Felix Mendelssohn
Which Army band has traditionally played on the BBC’s Christmas Blue Peter? a. Regent Hall b. Chalk Farm c. Hendon
9
3
On the seventh day of Christmas, what did my true love give to me? a. Seven swans a-swimming b. Seven maids a-milking c. Seven pipers piping
10
Which two Gospels describe Jesus as being born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary? a. Mark and John b. Matthew and Luke c. Mark and Luke
4
The song ‘Mary Had a Baby’ is thought to have originated from which island? a. St Helena b. Jamaica c. Hawaii
11
The Army’s annual carol concert at the Royal Albert Hall is called what? a. A Salvation Army Christmas b. Carols with The Salvation Army c. Celebrating Christmas
5
Which General wrote the tune for ‘The Stable Door’? a. Bramwell Booth b. George Carpenter c. Wilfred Kitching
12
6
The lyrics for ‘Away in a Manger’ are often attributed to who? a. William Blake b. Martin Luther c. Christina Rossetti
13
What does Epiphany (6 January) celebrate? a. The angels visiting Jesus b. The shepherds visiting Jesus c. The wise men visiting Jesus
20
Chas and Dave released a Christmas single with Cambridge Heath Band in 1986. What was it called? a. Rocking Carol b. Long Long Ago c. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
14
Which of these Christmas songs did Joy Webb not compose? a. ‘Noel’ b. ‘Infant Holy’ c. ‘Such a Tiny Child’
O Answers on page 23
2
7
‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ was inspired by which event? a. The American Civil War b. The Second World War c. The Cuban missile crisis
Which fruit is traditionally used for a Christingle? a. Orange b. Grapefruit c. Kumquat
15
Which Christmas song was the first ever broadcast on radio? a. ‘God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen’ b. ‘O Holy Night!’ c. ‘I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day’
16
Which king was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day? a. William the Conqueror in 1066 b. Henry VIII in 1509 c. Charles II in 1660
17
In which English county would you find the hamlet of Cold Christmas? a. Suffolk b. Devon c. Hertfordshire
18
There are two islands named ‘Christmas’. One is in the Pacific Ocean, where is the other? a. South Atlantic b. Indian Ocean c. Baltic Sea
19
Which General Booth was born on Christmas Day? a. William Booth in 1829 b. Bramwell Booth in 1856 c. Evangeline Booth in 1865
