PART OF THE FAMILY
BUILDING AN INTERGENERATIONAL ARMY
For everyone linked to The Salvation Army 70p/80c 4 May 2024
SALVATIONIST
PARENTING FOR FAITH PAGE 9
FOR those unfamiliar with the Hawaiian language, or indeed the Disney film Lilo & Stitch, ‘Ohana means family, and family means that nobody gets left behind’. An admirable sentiment, I am sure you would agree. It refers not only to blood relatives but a wider sense of responsibility for one another.
This week’s issue acknowledges the International Day of Families (15 May) and therefore explores something of the diversity of relationships that we might experience. As a Church and society, we are becoming increasingly aware of our need to be inclusive and subsequently experience something of the blessing that comes from understanding and embracing the perspectives of others.
Paul reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians of God’s perspective on belonging: ‘Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family’ (Ephesians 2:18 and 19 New Living Translation).
We are each part of the family of God. We don’t need to speak Hawaiian to make sure that, as we learn to understand one another, nobody gets left behind.
Bank holiday listening Browse our podcast library
Candidates Sunday Find resources
To subscribe, speak to your corps leader or visit sps-shop.com
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING
EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Stevie Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips, Joseph Halliday
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 (main) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk
DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66–78 Denington Road, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 / subscriptions@satcol.org
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS
1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ 0845 634 0101
Salvationist 4 May 2024 2
ON THE WEBSITE
@SalvationistUKI
©
Salvation Army United Kingdom
Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909. The
charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399. Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. SALVATIONIST Issue No 1959 Visit salvationist.org.uk 6+7 BIBLE STUDY Candidates Sunday Perspectives on officership Inspiring envoys!
NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE @SalvationistUKI MESSY CHURCH TURNS 20! 12 HAPPY FAMILIES 8 INTERGENERATIONAL OFFICERS 10+11 SPOTLIGHT ON NORTH WALSHAM 13
The
and
Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The
Ohana
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor
Words with friends
Stevie Hope considers the points we can take away from Scrabble Together
ITHINK games are great! From Monopoly and Mastermind to Fall Guys and Fortnite, I love an opportunity to get friends and family together and simply have some fun. That said, I’m not the biggest fan of competition. So, when a new teamworkbased version of Scrabble recently made news headlines, I was rather excited.
Mattel presents the new version of the game as collaborative and designed to be ‘inclusive for all players’. The company’s research found that fewer people from younger generations are drawn in by the original game’s competitive nature. Scrabble Together capitalises on this by taking the incentive away from individual scores and emphasising common goals.
Ironically, this focus on co-operation
and respond
What are your dearly valued things?
Take time to actively appreciate a less-than-favourite thing that is valued by someone else.
Read 1 Corinthians 1:10–13. How could investing in one another overcome division?
has divided people. But fans of the original game don’t have to worry: the board is double-sided, so you can still play the classic version by flipping it over.
It’s interesting how the different versions of the same game tap into the different things we each value. If you value the thrill of finding the perfect tile placement to claw back that onepoint lead, you’re going to be drawn to a competitive goal. If you value the thrill of finally getting to whip out that clever – albeit low-scoring – word you’d never use in day-to-day life, then being competitive is only getting in the way.
Of course, this isn’t just about fun and games. In the same way that different generations may be drawn to different versions of Scrabble, they’re also often drawn to different ways of knowing God.
How many times, for example, have you begrudgingly sat through a song in a Sunday meeting that’s not to your taste? Perhaps you struggle to connect with worship through a hymn with a stiff beat, or a contemporary song where the same line is repeated many times.
It’s pretty much guaranteed that, in some way, we’ll each differ in perspective from someone who is 15 years older or younger than ourselves. So, what do we do when the things we value dearly – the things that connect us to our Maker –struggle to coexist with those of others?
We might feel an urge to rage-quit from the game – to flip the board in anger, if you will. But we know this isn’t the answer.
In fact, if we’re to nurture a Christcentred community and see fullness of life for all with Jesus, it’s not enough to simply put up with other people. We need to actively show them respect by making time to value and mutually invest in one another and the things we each bring.
God reminds us through Ecclesiastes 3 that every thing has a time: destroying and building, crying and laughing, Scrabble classic and Scrabble Together, Fanny Crosby hymns and Rend Collective hits – those last ones might be paraphrasing. When we start investing time in other people, we can learn from them. Whichever generation you belong to, rather than flipping the board in anger, why not flip it over to bridge a gap and connect with someone else? After all, we’re most fully the family of God when playing together.
STEVIE HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist
Salvationist 4 May 2024 3
TRENDING
Reflect
George Kirk Carmarthen seconds with...
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m 85-year-old George Kirk. For the past 10 years I have been a herald and I occasionally lead the Sunday service when the officers are away.
Why do you do what you do?
To promote the gospel and share my testimony.
What was the last website you visited?
Medium.com – to gather information on the Tamarisk tree (which Abraham planted).
What do you do in your spare time? I play indoor short mat bowls.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To come to faith sooner.
What’s your favourite Bible verse or passage?
Ezekiel 36:26 and 27. ‘I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.’
Before my wife, Janet, was promoted to Glory in early 2023, we wrote a book together, A New Heart – available from amazon.co.uk, search for ‘A New Heart George Kirk’. Looking back over our 60 years of marriage, we saw God changing our and other people’s lives in miraculous ways. It’s our testimony.
‘I live with the legacy of Hope daily’
Andrew Wileman (Winton) shares how his faith is linked to family
ICONSIDER it a blessing to be born into a Salvation Army family. I grew up at Sheffield Citadel as a fourthgeneration member of that corps, and have been involved with the Army all my life. I have attended Winton with my family for the past 27 years and I am the assistant director of Older People’s Services. I have worked at THQ since 2011.
I knowingly gave my life to Christ at the age of 17. Life experiences – particularly in my family life, as a son, brother, husband and dad – have significantly impacted my faith since I became a Christian all those years ago. I’ve learnt it is one thing to view God as a Father and quite another to see God through the eyes of being a father. I know what it is to see myself in my children and get joy from their happiness. I know what it is to want to protect them, yet realise I have to let them learn from their mistakes. Every day I gain another insight of what God must feel. I can’t help loving my family, imperfections and all. I would die for them. I understand more about God, who did all that just for me.
mily, or d, orts ght rs. red o than are rfect y
In my work, I travel and meet all sorts of people. God is challenging me right now about how older Salvationists have so much to say to younger members. You aren’t required to have life figured out or have an unshakeable faith to pass on wisdom to those younger than you. My testimony says those who are coming behind me don’t need a perfect example, because Christ is who they seek to follow, not me.
My family has seen great lows and highs in the past year. The promotion to Glory of my beautiful father was followed weeks later by the wedding of my daughter. In a recent conversation, a friend told me a funeral is perhaps not so different from a wedding, as ‘both are love stories’. I love my daughter like I know my own father loved me, which reflects the love of God, who is love in his
very essence.
I’m actually a proud dad to four children. However, in 2000, our first daughter, Hope, sadly died aged 6 months, after being born with a terminal illness of the brain. That was a desperately challenging time that led to deep questions about my faith and the capacity of a loving God to let this happen. Hope was definitely the right name for her. Hope comes in knowing God is always with us. God gave my wife and I strength when we needed it most, in the depths of despair. We live with the legacy of Hope daily and use our experiences to help other families.
Andy co-presents No Age Limit on Salvationist Radio. Listen at 5pm on the fourth Sunday of each month. Visit salvationist.org.uk/radio for more.
TESTIMONY
4
Salvationist 4 May 2024
Being an Intergenerational Church by Suzi Farrant and Darren Philip
Continuing an occasional series, Lieutenant Kat Whitmore considers
a
book for reflection and discussion re
INTERGENERATIONAL relationships have been instrumental for me in my faith formation and life within the churchcommunity of The Salvation Army. Aged six, there was ‘the mint man’ – a man in his 60s whose real name we didn’t know – who welcomed us children each Sunday with a giant paper bag of mint imperials. At 14, a Bible study group made up of all ages taught me that we all grapple with similar questions despite varied life experiences. At 18, I sent a message of encouragement to a woman whose son was disengaged from church and I was amazed to discover that my words could bring hope. Throughout my twenties and thirties, a couple 40 years ahead of me in life patiently listened and gave guidance as I got to grips with adulthood, marriage, ministry and, well, life!
In Being an Intergenerational Church, Suzi Farrant and Darren Philip share a vision of church where people of all generations are brought together in mutual relationship ‘in order to live out being the body of Christ to each other and the greater community’. They suggest that age-segregated structures and activities are not God’s best for the Church and that an intergenerational approach is a true embodiment of God’s Kingdom, God’s family.
They write about the purpose and development of Sunday schools and youth groups, challenging us to consider why we separate people into age-related activities and the views we may hold of different generations, for example as ‘teachers’ and ‘learners’. The book isn’t just about Sundays, though. It’s about an approach to the whole of church life that values all members of a community and allows them to fully participate.
In the book, along with learning from the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, there is a wealth of theological reflection and a number of stories illustrating the power of an intergenerational approach. There are questions to reflect on and also ideas around how to become more intergenerational in practice.
For anyone who senses that God’s heart is for all people to be valued and able to participate in the life of the Church, this book is a must-read. If you’re wondering how you can encourage people to share their testimonies or practise gratitude, how to involve children in decision-making or how to discern God’s vision as a whole-church family, then this is a great place to start!
LIEUTENANT
KAT WHITMORE Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary THQ
CLOSE-UP READING
PAGE XIX
True intergenerationality will affect our worship, our learning, our decision-making, our mission and outreach, our service to the community and much more.
REFLECT AND DISCUSS
Consider the aspects listed here within your own corps. To what extent are they done intergenerationally?
CLOSE-UP READING
PAGE 74
[Paul] doesn’t just speak of the presence of each part, but of the participation of each part too: he speaks of hearing and smelling, not just of ears and noses. So it is, says Paul, with the church – the presence of everyone is important, but so is their participation.
REFLECT AND DISCUSS
Read about the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12. Who is present in your corps? Who is unable to participate? What might you do about that?
CLOSE-UP READING
PAGE 159
Grace isn’t just given to people that understand, to adults able of advanced cognitive thought. It is given to all humanity in the person of Christ. In the same way the Holy Spirit is given and available to all… This means that a child has everything that the most mature follower of Jesus has, the full presence of Christ by his Spirit, and they are therefore a powerful gift to the church, able to exercise the gifts of the Spirit.
REFLECT AND DISCUSS
What is your response to that statement? Do your practices reflect this?
In your corps, are children seen as a gift to the church and are they encouraged to exercise the gifts of the Spirit?
Salvationist 4 May 2024 5
BOOK CLUB
Waiting for the gift
Captain Ruth Hammond explores how the disciples were prepared for the coming of the Holy Spirit
ACTS 1:1–11
HOW good are you at waiting?
I guess it depends on what you are waiting for, what impact it might have, how prepared you are, how long you have to wait and to what degree you have been blessed with the gift of patience.
I recall counting down the days to the due date of my first child with a building sense of anticipation and excitement, as well as the immense frustration when she decided she wanted a couple more weeks before making her appearance. Sometimes having a known end point to your waiting can be helpful. But we don’t always get that, do we?
I like to put myself in the shoes of the people I read about in the Bible. In our study passage, we join the disciples just after Jesus’ death and resurrection. It must be a very strange time for them, having no idea about what their future holds. But they have had three years of front-row seats to Jesus’ miracles and radical teachings, planting seeds of knowledge and understanding. Even if they haven’t always understood it at the time, that experience is the firm foundation they need going forward. They have seen their master crucified and resurrected, but Jesus ensures there is no doubt left in their minds that he is alive. They witness ‘many convincing proofs’ (v3), including spending time with him, and being able to touch him and eat with him (see Luke 24:38–42). Jesus spends 40 days speaking to them about the Kingdom of God, opening their
eyes and solidifying their understanding of what God are all about.
He makes sure they are ready for everything he has planned for them.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Can you identify times when God has prepared you for something?
How and when did that happen and how did it impact your life?
Now prepared, the disciples receive Jesus’ command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised… You will be baptised with the Holy Spirit’ (vv4 and 5).
Jesus’ words would prompt the disciples to recall what he previously said about the Holy Spirit: a good gift given by a loving Father (see Luke 11:13); a giver of words to speak (see Matthew 10:20); an advocate, the Spirit of truth living with you and in you (see John 14:16 and 17); a teacher (see John 14:26); and a guide (see John 16:13).
The disciples would recall the change seen in people’s lives marked by baptism with water by John. They would probably have heard about Jesus’ own baptism by John. Being baptised with the Holy Spirit – being gifted this advocate living within them – would therefore be something quite amazing and wonderful. To top it all off, it would be happening in just a few days – the wait would not be long.
On hearing these words from Jesus, I picture a sense of excitement starting to bubble up in the disciples. What they previously thought was the end is now
certainly not the end. There is something more to come and it is coming soon.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What is the most amazing gift you have received from someone?
How did it make you feel?
How do God’s gifts and the feeling of receiving them compare?
Knowing that something amazing is coming their way, the disciples understandably still have questions. They gather around Jesus, wanting to know: ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ (v6). They are excited by this idea, but the way they ask shows they still don’t fully understand God’s plan of restoration, which involves humanity – and creation as a whole – living in peace and perfection, not just one group of people. Jesus explains to them that only the Father knows when this will happen. With no timetable given, the disciples must continue to wait.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Waiting often comes with questions, particularly when there are unknowns about what is coming. How good are you at taking those questions to God and resting in his answers?
Jesus brings their focus back to the here and now, to what they are soon to experience. The Holy Spirit will give them
Salvationist 4 May 2024 6
BIBLE STUDY
power and a job to do. Soon they will take on the responsibility of being witnesses to Jesus, to keep his words alive and spread the good news to the ends of the earth.
The scene ends with the disciples looking intently to the sky, as Jesus is taken up into Heaven to be with his Father. The disciples are left still trying to process all they have been told, and probably wanting answers to many more questions. Two of God’s messengers snap them back to reality, assuring them that Jesus will be coming back and is not finished with them yet.
But for now, they must wait.
In their waiting, Jesus has already prepared them. He has spoken of what is to come and promised that it’s good and exciting.
In their waiting, there are questions, but all that is held in God’s hands and that is where their trust must stay.
When we experience times of waiting, may we also rest in the knowledge that God is with us every step of the way. Where necessary, he is preparing us. When our hearts and minds are full of questions, he is revealing what we need to know and holding us close.
As of January 2024, Prayer Matters is following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission. Each day has a theme, based on the five mission priorities. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 4 MAY: CARE FOR CREATION – A MISSION PRIORITY
In a world where it’s all too easy to forget the needs of the natural world, we give thanks for the decision to name caring for creation one of the territory’s mission priorities. Pray that God will help us live out the commitment we have made. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
SUNDAY 5 MAY: SABBATH PRAYER – ASCENSION
This Sunday begins the week in which Ascension Day is celebrated, 40 days after Easter. We remember that Jesus appeared to his disciples many times after his resurrection to give them his final instructions, including to go and make disciples. Luke’s Gospel says that Jesus was blessing his disciples even as he left them. Father God, thank you for the gift of Sabbath time to reflect on following your commands in our own discipleship. by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)
MONDAY 6 MAY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – CENTRAL, SOUTHERN AND CHANNEL ISLANDS DIVISION
This division covers Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, the Channel Islands, Dorset, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Oxfordshire, plus Salisbury. With such a large area, we need to work towards an area structure. Our heart is that mission should flourish locally. Pray for us as we help corps and centres to develop local mission strategies. Pray particularly for our strategic mission on Portsea Island.
by Major Mike Lloyd-Jones (Divisional Commander)
TUESDAY 7 MAY: SERVING AND CARING – CANDIDATES SUNDAY (12 MAY)
Our Scripture for Candidates Sunday this year is Romans 12:1, which talks about offering ourselves wholly to God. For some, this will mean considering officership, territorial envoyship, pioneering or other spiritual leadership roles. We pray they will be intentional about making a step of faith.
by Major Mark Sawyer (Territorial Candidates Director)
WEDNESDAY 8 MAY: GROWING IN FAITH – CANDIDATES SUNDAY (12 MAY)
The Candidates Unit has been encouraging officers to have intentional conversations with people in their congregations about whether God might be calling them into leadership. We pray they will have the courage to open up those conversations, inviting people to explore the purpose of God for their lives and challenging them to brave, bold obedience.
by Major Mark Sawyer (Territorial Candidates Director)
THURSDAY 9 MAY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – INDIA CENTRAL TERRITORY
We pray for Territorial Commander Colonel Yaqoob Masih, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Colonel Sumitra Masih, Chief Secretary Lieut-Colonel Masilamony Stalin and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Lieut-Colonel YS Kezial Stalin. We give thanks for the Salvationists making Christ known in this territory and pray God will shine through their lives.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 10 MAY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – FAMILY TRACING SERVICE
Lord, we lift before you all those separated from their families, either by choice, necessity or circumstances. We pray they will have the courage to speak with us, will trust us and feel safe in our hands. Help us to reflect compassion and kindness in every interaction.
by
Karen Wallace (Team
Leader, Family Tracing Service)
CAPTAIN RUTH HAMMOND Corps Officer Ivybridge
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?
Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and it will be upheld in prayer.
All part of God’s family
George Tanton explores how the Happy Families resource sheds light on what family means today
SINCE the end of last century, there has been a gradual change in how the nuclear family is perceived in our society. This shift has also been reflected in attitudes within churchgoing circles, including in The Salvation Army. Happy Families, launched at Together 2023, is a discussion card resource that helps foster intergenerational understanding around modern family dynamics.
or adopted siblings or disabilities.
Challenging traditional ideas around what a modern family unit looks like is a crucial element of Happy Families
Major David Betteridge, director of the Family Ministries Department, says: ‘We wanted to explain how families today look very different from how they used to, and how they vary considerably.’
Loosely based on the classic Victorian game of the same name, Happy Families is firmly rooted in the concept of intergenerational ministry – nurturing Christ-centred community by intentionally engaging two or more generations to be mutually invested in serving, sharing, worshipping and learning.
Outreach Mission Partner Rachel Gotobed (Family Ministries) highlights how intergenerational ministry brings people together: ‘It enables people to be intentional in getting to know one another, live together and worship together. In understanding each other better, it also breaks down preconceived and unconscious biases.’
Liz Hall, deputy director of Family Ministries, explains that Happy Families developed out of pastoral care, and a desire to counter such biases around complex and varied family situations. These could include same-sex couples, unmarried parents, one-parent households, mixed-race families
‘We think this is a very important conversation,’ Liz affirms. ‘While the Army has international and territorial positional statements around different aspects of inclusion, sometimes when different people walk into our halls, it can challenge the status quo of what people think a family is.’
David also asserts that the resource helps people recognise that all families are equal: ‘Just because a family is different, does not make them less valid than others. It’s about caring for them, and you care for them by valuing them and giving them dignity.’
Deborah Stanbury-Juster, assistant director of Family Ministries, considers how traditional concepts of the nuclear family, especially of the post-war generation and later, can be misleading. Compared to today, the public and private life of a family were kept separate.
‘There were gay relationships in those times or grandparents raising a grandchild as their own, but these things were hidden or ignored. Often these things were not spoken about,’ she says. ‘The face of a family in past years wasn’t always the honest truth, whereas now people are more truthful about family and what it looks like.’
Included in the Happy Families deck are ‘family life’ cards, which relate to specific family situations or life events –for example, divorce, domestic abuse, pregnancy or bereavement. These cards
promote discussion of how congregations can support families going through these.
The cards are also designed to purposefully challenge preconceptions, such as those around a parent struggling with addiction or a parent who is in prison.
David explains: ‘They ask questions like “How do we feel about a family who comes to church whose son is struggling with addiction?” Even with the best will in the world, people are people, and they might look at a family like that and think there must be something wrong with the way the kids were brought up.’
‘A lot of hurt is hidden from people, because these families feel unaccepted,’ he asserts.
Happy Families is not designed with any particular focus or demographic in mind, but instead incorporates everyone.
‘Whatever our family look like, whoever we are as individuals, we are all parts of God’s creation and we all have equal value,’ says David. ‘Ultimately, when all the cards go back in the box, it signifies that we all belong to the family of God.’
• For more information or to order Happy Families, visit salvationist.org.uk/ resources/happy-families or email familyministries@salvationarmy.org.uk
GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist
Salvationist 4 May 2024 8
‘You find yourself seeing God in different ways’
Parenting for Faith founder Rachel Turner talks to Salvationist about parenting and faith
How did Parenting for Faith start?
Around 2005, I was working in children’s ministry and God brought me to Deuteronomy 6, where it talks about how we’re to impress these things on our children, talk about them when we sit at home, when we walk along the road... I realised I, as a church worker, was in none of those places, that I should be supporting parents in their discipleship of their children. I began to create resources and BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) found me. Funding came along and it all eventually became Parenting for Faith, part of BRF Ministries.
How do you work with the Army’s Family Ministries Department?
I love them! They don’t see the family as separate from the whole family unit of a corps: they want to see family flourishing within that family. Sometimes they drag me to meetings – I spoke at the Riverbank Women’s Conference in 2022 and 2023. Right now, we’re working on the intergenerational ministry that the Army is boldly and uniquely positioned to step into.
Do people sometimes think of parenting for faith as separate to parenting in general?
Yes. If you think that it’s about doing Sunday school at home, then it becomes about an activity or teaching. Some people really flourish in that, so I’m not saying don’t do that, but for others that can be an intimidating new skill to learn. Parenting for Faith’s resources do help with key skills, such as framing or scaffolding. But you are the expert in your child. They will be influenced more by you than by me in a church setting. You’re already listening to them and giving them advice. Parenting for faith is the same thing, but doing it with God. It’s about how you help your child to meet and know God. It’s those ordinary conversations walking down the road, telling stories about how you first met Jesus, and discussing Scripture you’re not sure you agree with. It’s woven into the ordinary everyday, helping your child grow to who they’re called to be.
What are the most common challenges you come across?
When people aren’t sure how to approach it. You want to be perfect and give the right answers – you might worry that, if you let your teenager say what they are struggling with, you’re facilitating doubt. That can stop those questions bubbling up and then talking about them authentically. Getting focused on an activity, like reading the Bible, can leave you focused on what battles you’re having with your child, rather than thinking, ‘I want them to love Scripture. How can we as a family experience Scripture as important to our everyday?’
What tips would you give to a parent starting on that journey?
Faith is a private thing that happens inside us, so open those windows and say, ‘This is what it looks like.’ For example, before breakfast, if you listen to worship music, let them see that’s
how you engage with worship. If you’ve never told your child one of your best places for praying is in the shower, for example, that can be helpful for them to know. Them knowing that you can be imperfectly authentic and be on a good journey with God is important.
The other thing is helping your child pray in a way that makes sense to them: knowing they don’t have to say anything, but can just hang out with God. Let them know that they can chat to God about the little stuff – their favourite sports team, the plot of the latest Bluey episode. God would love to hear those details! That’s how they build trust with God for the big stuff.
What role do grandparents play in a child’s faith?
They play a massive role in the development of children and teenagers. Grandparenting for faith is very important –everything I’ve said for parents also applies to grandparents! If you’re a grandparent who’s far away, or you don’t see your grandchildren very often, that doesn’t preclude you from having a big impact.
The impact and learning also go both ways, don’t they?
Yes! I think one of the greatest joys of parenting is you get to see someone you love get connected to a God who loves them more than we ever could. But they are also disciples and are equal to us in their journeys. They are equal to us in the Kingdom. You find yourself seeing God in different ways because of how your child sees God. I remember working with some children and they were chatting to God, asking questions like, ‘How was your day? Do you like pizza?’ I realised most of my conversations with God were selfish. They genuinely wanted to get to know God. I was so challenged by that.
• For Parenting for Faith materials, podcasts, books, videos and courses, visit parentingforfaith.org.uk
Salvationist 4 May 2024 9
INTERVIEW
Part of something bigger
Salvationist catches up with the territory’s new team of divisional intergenerational officers and workers
MAJOR JO THOMPSON
Central, Southern and Channel Islands Division
How does intergenerational ministry benefit The Salvation Army?
Mutual investment in the lives of all members – connecting, caring and conversing with one another – enables the Church to thrive. It creates a feeling of accountability, where no one person is more important than another. There is great value in journeying through faith and navigating the joys and challenges life brings. For The Salvation Army, it creates and nurtures faith-based relationships across generations, bringing a sense of belonging for all and enabling mission to flourish. I see evidence and glimpses of this wherever I go, through activities such as Drawing Closer or band and choir rehearsals. I have witnessed teenagers in conversation with older people after Sunday worship, both mutually invested in each other’s
café church asking and answering questions, prayer partner initiatives and Singing by Heart groups with two or three generations represented.
What do you hope to achieve in your role?
I want to encourage people to see beyond age-specific styles of ministry and embrace the benefits of whole-church approaches. Many congregations, although not all, are smaller than they were, and age-specific ministry – like Sunday school – is no longer viable. This provides an ideal opportunity to re-evaluate things and encourage relationship building and activities that are not age-restricted.
‘Intergenerational’ can sound confusing, and labels can be perceived as ‘just another programme’ or a new style of worship. But it has always been integral to the Church. I also hope to eradicate myths by helping people understand that it’s about any generations coming together, whether that be 50 and 80-year-olds or 4 and 24-year-olds.
lives, children and adults in understand that it’s about generations coming or 4 and 24-year-olds
What does family mean to you?
My mind immediately jumps to stereotypical images of a mum, dad and two young children. But family is about the people who are part of our lives. Family is the friends we get to do life with, the people we live with, the people in our church. Family means being part of something bigger and having a responsibility to care for others. Family is the support network we trust and the ties that hold us all together.
What does mean to mind of a mum, dad and the who are part of our lives. is the friends we to do life with, the we live with, the in our church. means part of and a to care for others. is the network we trust and the ties that hold us all together
INTERVIEW
Salvationist 4 May 2024 10
MAJOR ANN STEWART
North Scotland Division
How does intergenerational ministry benefit The Salvation Army?
All-age worship is sometimes thought to be like an adult Sunday school, but that’s not really what whole-church intergenerational worship is about. It’s about worshipping together rather than separately. Sunday school only came about in the 1700s, and we lost that family worship where you learn together. Even if there are things children don’t understand, there are some bits that they can and they have insights that we don’t. And if they have parents or guardians with them, they could chat together about it and ask questions about it so they can learn together. When Moses got to the Promised Land, there weren’t separate queues for mums, dads and children!
What do you hope to achieve in your role?
I’m hoping to see more families and multiple generations worshipping together. Whether
SHELLEY GALLAGHER South East Division
How does intergenerational ministry benefit The Salvation Army?
that’s on Sundays or at Messy Church, more families and generations worshipping together, learning from each other and everybody having a voice. Because North Scotland is predominantly a division of older people, I’m encouraging investing in Messy Church and intergenerational worship –rather than starting children’s clubs –because when parents aren’t involved, children are more likely to leave.
What does family mean to you?
Family is multi-generational and it’s not necessarily biological. In my role, I visit parent-and-toddler groups, Messy Churches, home leagues and Cameo groups to come alongside corps and group leaders, encouraging them to flourish and grow with enthusiasm for new intergenerational possibilities in what they’re doing. I miss having my own congregation as a corps officer, but because it’s a smaller division I can go back to corps regularly, so they’ve got to know me. I see them as my extended family.
To learn more about intergenerational ministry, contact your divisional intergenerational worker or email familyministries@ salvationarmy.org.uk
When people of two or more generations come together and everyone is intentionally mutually invested in, we will all benefit from feeling valued, loved and that we have a place in the body of Christ. I could give a long list of emerging or thriving intergenerational ministry in the division. For example, parent-and-toddler groups where generations are building relationships with each other, or when children from a corps preschool are meeting with older members of a corps to read together and form relationships with them. Elsewhere, Lego church is bringing families in to build Lego and relationships, or an open house is inviting people to chat and do crafts together, regardless of age or situation. There are also children and youth welcoming church members as they arrive for Sunday meetings and older people offering refreshments to people of all ages who attend the meeting. It’s everyone sharing in their faith journey and supporting each other.
What do you hope to achieve in your role?
At the moment, it’s about building relationships. I want to come alongside corps and journey together as they explore what intergenerational ministry could and does look like for them. It’s also about sharing resources that have already been produced, such as Jump In!, Get Owt! and Drawing Closer.
What does family mean to you?
I’m very blessed to have been brought up in a family where we were loved unconditionally and valued for who we were. I was made to feel that I belong. Within the family of God, that isn’t any different – it’s about feeling loved and valued, knowing we are made in God’s image. I feel like ‘Big Family of God’ is my theme song in this role. It talks about how we may like many different things, or look different: ‘But God loves everyone he’s made/ God loves each of us, in a special way…/ We’re part of the big family of God!’
Salvationist 4 May 2024 11
Learning together
Messy
Church leaders share the benefits and joys of all-age worship
IN 2004, an Anglican church near Portsmouth, frustrated at hardly reaching any children and families with God’s story, knew they had to do something different. Led by Lucy Moore, they created a way of being church that is Christ-centred, for all ages to be together, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. Lucy worked for Christian charity BRF Ministries, which, in 2008, became the home of Messy Church, helping to train and resource churches to start their own.
Messy Church spread across denominations and, post-Covid-19 pandemic, more than 300 new registrations have been made in its UK directory. This level of growth is also happening internationally.
‘Messy Church is now 20!’ comment Messy Church’s Ministry Lead Aike Kennett-Brown, Training and Development Lead Jane Butler and Coordinator Sally O’Hare. ‘We give thanks and praise for these encouraging signs of the growth of God’s Kingdom globally and for faithful Messy Church leaders, past and present, who give their time, talents and energy to encourage people of all ages to be followers of Christ.’
MAJOR SUSAN DEAN
CHAPLAIN AT GEORGE WILLIAMS HOUSE
Our Messy Church usually comprises a Bible story and an activity such as drawing or crafting. I get to spend quality time with the children, while talking about Jesus. Some children are with us just for a short while, so it’s important that they hear about the Bible. The best part is everyone can get involved.
To another corps or centre thinking of trying Messy Church, I would say ‘do it’. It’s not complicated: plain and simple is the best way. Do whatever you feel is right for your setting. It gets children and adults together as they share in learning, fun and food.
RYAN WILEMAN
PIONEER AT WESTFIELD COMMUNITY CENTRE
We run a monthly Messy Church with our local Anglican church, as an after-school club in our local primary school. We also run seasonal Messy Churches in the community centre, around different festivals such as Christmas and Easter. Both are well attended.
It’s a fun way of introducing children and families to Christian stories through crafts, games and food. The activities are great, but the meaningful conversations and relationships they spark are the main joy. Children and their families are asking questions and exploring the meaning of the stories in their own way – for me this is how faith exploration should be.
If you have people willing to run Messy Church where you are and you think you can make it work, go for it! See it as its own thing and not a conduit to people coming to your other services. For the people who attend Messy Church, that is their church, so treat it with that care and value.
KAREN GOOD
CONTRACT MANAGER AT EVA BURROWS 1ST STOP PROJECT
We’ve been doing Messy Church for four years now and it’s become a lot more focused. Our chaplain, Julie, really wanted to bring kids and families together. A lot of people come through our doors and if we can teach them about Christ, that’s fantastic. We have about four well-attended sessions per year, including at Christmas, Easter and Harvest. The tables have different activities on them because everyone learns in different ways. The kids ask questions, but the parents also ask questions because they’re learning too.
Our families can be here for as short a time as 14 days and, once a family leaves, we have another in. Messy Church can be a comfortable, relaxed way for people to get back into church after difficult times. Leaving our services can be a stressful time, but Messy Church also provides an opportunity for families to come back and feel connected.
Bringing a lot of people together in a fast-turnover service, it’s good to journey alongside them and see the connections between them. It’s joyful and there’s a real sense of purpose.
Salvationist 4 May 2024 12
North Walsham Intentionally intergenerational
Rock of all ages
North Walsham is a rural town in Norfolk, where I’ve been the corps leader and chaplain at Furze Hill House Care Home for 14 months. Our fellowship has a traditional core of senior members, but we are starting to diversify. The new adherents are introducing new people to the fellowship. We have a busy programme and a charity shop run by volunteers. My main focus has been to fuse the disparate activities into one cohesive expression, which has already delivered some significant benefits. Our focus is on creating and enhancing relationships of mutual respect and support between generations.
We’re blessed to have a wonderful suite of buildings within the grounds of the care home. It’s currently deployed as a dementia café for two days a week, with more than 30 people coming in each day for support, lunch and entertainment. We hope to expand and create a whole village for intergenerational activities, where everybody can feel welcome and take part.
Breaking generational boundaries
These all-age relationships link past and future, keeping stories alive. There’s a general perception in society that when you’re young you want to mix with young people and when you’re old you’re of little value. In bringing people together for a common purpose and challenging ageism, young people benefit from the wisdom of the older generation and older people see the enthusiasm and hope of the younger people.
We regularly take our parent-andtoddler group into the care home. Older generations can be vulnerable and can face social isolation, which can impact their wellbeing, and it’s heartwarming to see them happily playing games with the children. It ignites so many memories for them, and they give the youngsters so much praise. It’s a lovely environment for encouraging self-esteem.
Not every child in the group has grandparents or the opportunity to
interact with older people. In sharing this way, they learn valuable life lessons and that old people are very much part of society, still have worth and are not to be feared. It’s encouraging to note that parents keep asking when we’re going back to see the residents – they love having that connection.
This is not a new concept. Intergenerational ministry is founded on Scripture. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people were called to teach the next generation (see Deuteronomy 4:9 and 10).
Language, lunch and larders
Responding to local needs, we have introduced a café for the deaf community and our weekly coffee morning includes space for sign language users. We completed a six-week basic sign language course for the community, and it was great to see younger and older people learning together.
We arrange monthly get-togethers for men living with depression and anxiety, where they can feel safe to chat about problems.
We have just launched a ‘community fridge’ for redistributing food that would otherwise go to landfill. This is a collaborative exercise with other churches and members of the public, who help collect from local stores.
If this all sounds very busy, it is! We feel very much an expression of what the Army was called to be. We have Sunday morning worship and Songs of Praise meetings, alongside chaplaincy responsibilities, prayers and social events bringing together the resources of both corps and care home.
Church has never been about four walls and a roof. Church is community. It’s family.
Fast Facts
DIVISION: East of England
CORPS LEADER: Territorial Envoy Ruth Morey FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/ 100064772437001
Salvationist 4 May 2024 13
SPOTLIGHT ON…
An inspiring, inclusive night
ROYAL ALBERT HALL
The Music Man Project is a record-breaking, fully inclusive and accessible music service for people with disabilities. Talented musicians from Salvation Army groups in Bognor Regis, Clitheroe, Hampshire and Scotland joined regional groups to perform as Music Man UK, which saw more than 250 people with disabilities perform alongside the band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood, massed choirs and singer Michael Ball.
Guests in the audience included Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main, Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest, Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest, Secretary for Mission Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe and Secretary for Personnel Lieut-Colonel Beverley McCombe.
Territorial Envoy Brenda Wise (Clitheroe) said: ‘It is important for us to give opportunities to people who are otherwise held back by society and struggle to find places to belong. This opportunity to perform at such an establishment as the Royal Albert Hall demonstrates how The Salvation Army is inclusive for all and the Music Man Project helps to raise awareness and celebrate what people with barriers to life can achieve.
‘It didn’t matter if performers had a musical background or not; everyone was different in their abilities, and we
saw all come alive while performing and their eyes lit up, it was really special to see. We want to send a heartfelt thanks to Michael Ball, his involvement gave everyone a unique opportunity to take on a challenge they could have never imagined being involved in before.’
Sarah’s daughter, Gabrielle, attends the Music Man sessions at Bognor Regis Corps and was among the performers. Sarah said Music Man has been life-changing: ‘As a parent of a child with quite profound learning disabilities you get very used to hearing the negatives, what she’s not able to achieve. Music Man is such a positive experience which celebrates everything she does, however small the achievements sometimes are.
Disability Engagement Adviser Jo-Anne Graham (THQ) commented: ‘The concert was a roaring success and a magical demonstration of what inclusion is. A huge event like this can really change people’s perceptions about what people with a disability can achieve. The Music Man students rehearsed for over a year for this concert and our regional directors, volunteers, officers and staff worked tirelessly to help prepare them.
RESPECT
For more, visit salvationist. org.uk/ our-values or scan the QR code. This article demonstrates The Salvation Army’s key value of respect.
‘A year on and Gabrielle amazes me every session. She is engaged and happy and learning new things all the time. She has never signed but has begun to do so. She delights in her achievements as does the whole group. She has made friends, is included and respected. It means the world.
‘Music Is Magic was a triumph for Gabrielle and probably one of the biggest challenges she has faced. We are all so proud of her.’
‘Michael Ball is patron of the Music Man Project charity, he devoted his time to help promote the event and made a guest appearance singing “You Can Make a Difference”. But on the night, the real stars were the amazing students, who really gave it their all. They sang, danced and played their hearts out. The venue was packed and it was an absolute joy to watch.
‘A massive thank you and congratulations to Music Man Project UK founder David Stanley, Jenny Hitchcock and Sarah Mann for making this outstanding concert possible.’ – AR
• To find out more about the Music Man Project or how to set up a group in your local area, email enabled@salvationarmy.org. uk or call 020 7601 7026.
Salvationist 4 May 2024 14
MUSIC Man groups from Salvation Army corps across the UK performed with music royalty at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
MUSIC IS MAGIC REPORT SSENDLOB PMOC A S S
ON PASSION
INTEGRITY
U LA YTILIBATNUOCCA
I
MU T
EASTER
CLOWNE Messy Easter involved making crafts and sharing food, as well as learning about Holy Week. Activities included making Easter bonnets and cards, a pop-up chick, an Easter garden, a minute-to-win-it ball pool game and creating a beautiful Holy Week handprint banner. The afternoon concluded with a floating flower prayer focus thanking God for families. – GH
BRIEF UPDATES
SELBY The quiet reflectiveness of a Maundy Thursday meal, with time spent alone in a recreated Garden of Gethsemane, was in sharp contrast to the chatter of an Easter breakfast! – RK
RHYL The Step Project (Support That Empowers People) – a community initiative based at the corps – has relaunched with a new name and logo after a successful first year, with the aim of improving the lives of people living in temporary accommodation in the area. The renamed service will better reflect the support to bring people back into the community. – AR
EASTER EASTER
ASHBROOK The first Muddy Church at the corps saw families sharing in an Easter trail, which looked at different themes through activities and crafts. An intergenerational group sang together at an indoor campfire and reflected on Peter’s encounter with the resurrected Jesus. The week concluded with an indoor garden party that was particularly well received by those who attend the biweekly Music Memories and Dementia Café hosted by the Forget Me Notes. – AH
CIRENCESTER A Maundy Thursday meditation took place at the hall. On Good Friday, Corps Mission Secretary Corinne Walters gave a reading at a Churches Together service in the Methodist church. Corps folk publicly witnessed in a procession to the marketplace, stopping for prayers and readings. On Easter Day, the band witnessed in the town. – MG
EVENT
HADLEIGH TEMPLE The home league enjoyed a talk on the history of archery by corps member John Willson, a retired coach of the Team GB Olympic archery team. John brought a display of weapons and armour as well as the Olympic torch he carried in 2012. Members took turns at shooting arrows, including 99-year-old Joyce Cammell (pictured). – MC
DUNSTABLE A Maundy Thursday drop-in event included meditation and prayer. Corps folk participated in the Good Friday Churches Together witness in the shopping centre. A Sonrise service on Dunstable Downs was attended by more than 60 people. During the Easter service, corps officer Lieutenant Jacqueline Coates spoke about the deeper meaning of Easter, including accepting Jesus as Saviour. – JB
FUNDRAISING
UK Footballing legend Les Ferdinand has joined Team Sally Army for the London to Brighton cycle challenge. The event, which takes place on 16 June, will see Les raise funds for The Salvation Army’s work tackling homelessness and supporting survivors of modern slavery. To sign up and cycle alongside him, visit salvationarmy. org.uk/cycle/london-brightoncycle-ride-2024. – AR
Salvationist 4 May 2024 15
ARMY UPDATES
MODERN SLAVERY
Uniting against slavery
HULL
THE University of Hull and The Salvation Army have announced a new partnership to improve support for survivors of modern slavery, prevent re-trafficking and help survivors reintegrate and move forward with their lives.
A shared PhD research project will examine the reintegration of people who have experienced modern slavery and human trafficking back into communities.
The announcement comes as the Nationality and Borders Act (2022) and Illegal Migration Act (2023), have changed the UK’s response to modern slavery. The House of Lords is currently reviewing the effectiveness of the Modern Slavery Act (2015). This is welcomed by the Army and the University’s Wilberforce Institute for the study of slavery and emancipation.
The organisations are jointly calling for businesses to consider supply chains, improvements to the resourcing of the anti-slavery commissioner, and improved systems of identification and support.
As the first milestone in the new partnership, a spring forum at Regent Hall brought together training, guidance and input from researchers, practitioners and survivors with lived experience. – AR
EASTER
BUCKIE AND FINDOCHTY Easter at the two corps was full of God’s love and unity. Maundy Thursday started with an ecumenical breakfast, sharing in fellowship, thought and song. An evening reflection service captured Maundy Thursday through Scripture, singing, drama and a shared meal. Good Friday began with a reflection on the cross and an ecumenical breakfast with about 60 people from local churches attending. An evening meeting brought hope of what was to come. On Saturday evening, the hall was buzzing as the film Amazing Love was shown, and fellowship was enjoyed along with a roast dinner. Easter Day started with a sunrise service, followed by breakfast and a united service. The weekend concluded with a celebration evening meeting. – TR
85 people attended Messy Church on Palm Sunday. On Tuesday, the band and songsters presented an evening of music. Wednesday’s Walk Through Easter reflected on the Easter events. The Good Friday meeting featured a moving and challenging recreation of Jesus’ body laid in the tomb. Easter Day included a re-enactment of the rolling of the stone to reveal the empty tomb, with a large congregation celebrating the risen Lord. – VW
and
Friday
A great time of celebration on
included music and activities during a united church service. The community choir and recently formed timbrel group took part and young people presented an effective drama item, before fellowship and refreshments were shared by all. – CM
Salvationist 4 May 2024 16
STAPLE HILL Holy Week activities drew people into a meaningful Easter experience. About
Territorial Envoy Paul Swain (Macclesfield) brings Easter to life at a Churches Together event
ARMY UPDATES
BURTON-ON-TRENT Easter celebrations began with a Good
meditation, where corps folk considered God’s love through video
music.
Easter Day
EASTER EASTER EASTER
FATIMA Rodriguez was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer
Major Carol Young on Palm Sunday. Originally from Bolivia, Fatima moved to Portsmouth at a difficult time in her life and linked up with the corps through an invitation from a friend. Already a committed Christian, Fatima felt welcomed and supported by the corps family and believes strongly that God has called her to serve him as a soldier. She is fully involved in corps life, including a successful English conversation group for asylum seekers and refugees. Fatima’s family and friends joined the congregation to support her on this significant occasion. Also pictured is corps officer Major Alan Young. – AY
Wallace was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain John Clifton on Palm Sunday, supported by Recruiting Sergeant David Pressley. As a six-year-old boy, Peter’s mother found him at the end of his road conducting the band and then leading a march. Years later, at a family friend’s funeral, Peter felt he should attend an Army meeting. He entered the hall and immediately felt welcomed into the corps family. Listening to the sermon one Sunday, he responded to the invitation for everyone – not just children – to attend Messy Church. – TM
PRINZWILL Tafor was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Maisie Veacock. He has worshipped at the corps for six years and testified to the power of God’s presence in his life, the influence of the Christ-centred fellowship and worship, and the welcome he received when he first started attending. Also pictured are Prinzwill’s daughter and Recruiting Sergeant Wendy Willis. – PH
ANGELA Grainger was enrolled as a soldier by Divisional Commander Major Alec Still. Angela spoke of her spiritual journey so far. Her enrolment took place on the same weekend as a day retreat led by Major Alec and attended by more than 70 people. Holding the flag is Royce Andrews. – JD
Salvationist 4 May 2024 17 NEW COMMITMENTS
SOUTHSEA
PETER
BLACKPOOL CITADEL
AMANDA Redman was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer
Lieutenant Clare Kinsey, having been connected to the corps for many years. – SN
BRISTOL SOUTH
STOCKPORT CITADEL
DONCASTER
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE
Wedding anniversaries
Diamond (60 years)
LIEUT-COLONELS DAVID AND MYRA LAMBERT-GORWYN on 16 May
Dedicated to God
RIVAH GWESHE , daughter of Becca Ellis and Reward Gweshe, at Bath Citadel by Major Julie Kidd
Promoted to Glory
BOBBY MILSOM, Staple Hill
MAURICE PUGH , Sale, on 2 February
SINCLAIR MacKAY, Paisley Citadel, on 10 April
ROBIN HOOD, Oxford, on 18 April
MAJOR LIBBET BOOTH from her home on 21 April
VALERIE CUFF, Staple Hill, on 21 April
MAJOR NOEL TONER from Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital on 22 April
Bereaved
BAND RESERVIST BILL MILSOM and Shirley Nokes, both Staple Hill, of their brother Bobby Milsom
PAULA PUGH, Sale, of her husband Maurice Pugh
CHRISTINE MacKAY, Paisley Citadel, of her husband Sinclair MacKay
RETIRED SONGSTER LEADER
JENNIFER HOOD, Oxford, of her husband Robin Hood, Songster Leader Elaine Heaven, Oxford, Songster Leader Gill Watts, Luton, of their father and Mavis Bradley, Hythe, of her brother
MAJOR JORGEN BOOTH of his wife Major Libbet Booth
Promotions
To major – effective 20 April
CAPTAIN MARK COZENS, Hadleigh Temple
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Sun 12 May ICO Spiritual Day
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill Fri 17 May ICO Farewell Meeting
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Sat 18 May – Sun 19 May Derby Central
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest Sat 4 May Regent Hall (Musical Theatre Day Evening Concert) Wed 8 May ICO*
*Colonel Julie Forrest only
NOTICES
Together 2024: Life Stories art exhibition
Take part in a new project to share your life story in a creative way by doodling, painting or sketching in a secondhand book. The work you create will be part of the art exhibition at Together 2024. Find out how you and your corps can get involved by emailing music@salvationarmy.org.uk
Living Well Together Webinar: Same-Sex Relationships and
The Salvation Army
Register for the latest webinar from the Moral and Social Issues Council, taking place at 7.30pm on 20 May. This panel conversation will seek to help Salvationists in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory think about how we can live with differing theological perspectives on same-sex relationships. Find out more and register at salvationist.org.uk/living-well-together
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Captain Rob Westwood-Payne (Maidenhead) leads this week’s Sunday Worship. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Sing to the Lord with the ISS
Enjoy favourite recordings from the International Staff Songsters chosen by a special guest. Can’t tune in at 5pm on Sunday? The episode is repeated in full on Tuesday 7 May at 10am and on Saturday 11 May at 3pm.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
The All Terrain Podcast
In this month’s episode, host Jo Taylor (Children and Youth Department) is joined by the Right Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover. Download accompanying sketch notes at salvationist.org.uk/all-terrain-podcast
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
Salvationist 4 May 2024 18
TO LET
ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hill-walking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.
TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.
ADVERTISING RATES
Classified listing Up to 25 words£9£20
Classified listing Up to 50 words£18£40
Small box (1/32nd page) 30mm x 43mm£15£40
Medium box (1/16th page) 30mm x 89mm£35£85
Large box (1/8th page) 62mm x 89mm£65£170
Quarter page 89mm x 127mm£170£440
Half page 127mm x 181mm£340£850
Full back page 181mm x 258mm£675£1,650
ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.
CHESTER CITY CORPS
CHESHIRE POLICE BAND
Under the leadership of Mr Paul Andrews
Saturday 6 July, 7pm United Reformed Church, Hoole Road, Chester CH2 3NT Tickets £10 | Concessions £7.50 | Under-10s free 01244 316791 or chester@salvationarmy.org.uk
SOUTH BAND (FORMERLY STOCKHOLM VII)
Saturday 11 May, 7pm (admission £7 – children free)
Sunday 12 May, 10am (admission free)
Further details 01536 513883 or kettering@salvationarmy.org.uk
MAIDENHEAD CORPS
STOCKHOLM SOUTH BAND CONCERT
Friday 10 May, 8pm
St Mary’s Church, 14 High Street, Maidenhead SL6 1YY
Tickets available at ticketsource. co.uk/maidenhead-salvation-army or (if available) on the door
CHARMING HOLIDAY COTTAGE BY THE SEA, LOOE, CORNWALL
Seafront parking, stairlift avail if req’d, sleeps 2 to 8, pets welcome, open all year. For a free colour brochure by post/email call 0800 334 5609 anytime or email us at cornishdreamslooe@gmail.com
ADVERTS KETTERING
ROAD, KETTERING NN16 8JU
CITADEL, 66 ROCKINGHAM
STOCKHOLM
salvationist.org.uk/events • Online discussions • Music and creative arts • Inspiring conferences • Territorial networks Dates worth remembering. The salvationist.org.uk events hub is the go-to place for upcoming events and gatherings.
ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT TYPESIZE1 ISSUE3 ISSUES
‘From him the whole body ... grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.’
Ephesians 4:16
SALVATIONIST