SALVATIONIST
Believe me...
CONTINUING our series exploring the territory’s values, in this week’s issue we will be looking at integrity. What does it look like? How do we demonstrate it?
We all like to be believed. It’s important that our words are accepted as truthful. Of course, just how likely we are to be believed will depend upon our history and other people’s experience of our telling the truth. It’s human nature to judge by actions rather than words alone. A brief review of politics – both here and in other countries – will offer examples of the challenges of being believed without evidence of a track record.
That’s not to say that we can’t start over, merely that it is harder to be believed.
If we are to communicate the gospel effectively, we must ensure that we are transparent, without duplicity. To quote a memorable and straighttalking advertising slogan, we must ensure that our lives do ‘exactly what it says on the tin’.
When this is the case, then our yes and our no should be sufficient, as Jesus teaches us in the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5:37).
May it be so.
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN
Editor
ON THE WEBSITE
Wales 150 Join in with days of prayer
Summer resources Now available to download
UPLIFTING OTHERS
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING
EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Stevie Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips, Joseph Halliday
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
CONTACT US 020 7367 4890
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
The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.
IF you’ve survived the summer’s football mania so far – well done!
We have now safely arrived at the strawberries, cream and tennis season and I, for one, shall not be moving from the grassy courts of Wimbledon for the next two weeks!
This year is expected to herald the grand farewell of British hero Andy Murray. If you’ve charted the highs and lows of Andy’s tennis career, you’ll know that the anguish and hope of the British Isles have rested firmly on the big fella’s shoulders since he made his professional debut in 2005.
We’ve watched as Andy has battled, won, been injured, recovered and done it all again. Striving throughout, he marked his performances with heart, determination and spirit, even as the pundits and press piled on the pressure so often reserved for when our nations’ football teams ‘disappoint’.
After Murray lost his first four Grand Slam finals, his critics were keen to remind their audiences of how many ‘years of hurt’ were continuing, as though it was Murray’s responsibility to return our Isles to their ‘former glory’.
However hard Murray must’ve found the criticism in the face of his hard work despite the pain, injury and mental toll that elite athleticism brings, he was able to dig deeper.
His first coach – his mum, Judy –
Strawberries, cream and perseverance
As Wimbledon begins, Claire Anderson reflects on finding strength in the face of adversity
said of him: ‘The … thing that spurred him on was when anybody suggested he couldn’t do anything… Every time he’s faced adversity, he’s come back stronger.’ Perseverance and refusing to bend to the critics meant Andy went on to pick up three Grand Slam singles titles and two Olympic gold medals, among other accolades.
purred
en
him
he couldn’t do
So often in our lives, our actions and decisions are moulded by critical words born from our own expectations or those of others. Doubt and negativity ease their way into our minds, where they niggle at us and distract us from who we are and what we believe and from reaching our full potential.
Romans 12:1 and 2 set the record straight – we are living, holy sacrifices to God who bring him pleasure. We are told, in no uncertain terms: ‘Do not allow this world to mould you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind’ (The Voice).
Your critics – inner or outer – will try to mould you, to make you feel or act less than all you can be, and all that God sees in you. Don’t let them. Keep persevering. Keep digging deeper into God, into his promises and into the knowledge that doing so will set you on the right path for what God ‘wills and … finds good, pleasing, and complete’ (Romans 12:2 VOICE).
You might not be a Grand Slam hopeful or need to conquer injury and the British media, but, in whatever battlefield of life you find yourself, how could you change the world by refusing to be moulded by it?
Reflect and respond
Consider how your inner and outer critics try to mould you.
What could you do to block these shots?
Rowan Williams, paraphrasing Catherine of Siena, has said: ‘Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.’ What could this mean to you in your context?
TESTIMONY
‘Here in the love of Christ I stand’
EXPLAINED
Integrity / / seconds with...
INTEGRITY is one of the UK and Ireland Territory’s six values, which also include boldness, compassion, passion, respect and mutual accountability. These were identified and listed in 2009 to describe how biblical principles could shape our behaviour.
Statement of intent
We will be honest and transparent in all our dealings with each other and those we serve, being open about our motives and agendas.
Desired behaviour
Behaviour that we want to move towards includes: Transparency, reliability, honesty, fairness, trustworthiness, authenticity, openness. Power used wisely for godly purposes.
Undesirable behaviour
nge
Behaviour that we want to move away from and challenge includes: Dishonesty, duplicity, covering up, misplaced loyalty. Selfishness.
Biblical background
Read the theological basis for integrity in John 1:47, James 5:12, James 2:17, Philippians 4:8 and 9 and James 3.
Keep an eye out for widgets like this in upcoming issues to discover the many ways these values tie into our everyday. Learn about all the values in the Living Out Our Salvation Army Values booklet at salvationist.org.uk/our-values
Paul
Demery (Skewen)
shares about the role of faith in his journey with God
IT was 48 years ago that I knelt at the mercy seat and prayed that simple prayer: ‘Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I was responding, or so I understood it at the time, to God prompting me through the altar call to make a decision for him.
Today, I am not so sure whether the decision was really down to me. Do we choose God, or does he choose us? You can find both strands of thought in the Bible, so perhaps the answer – strange as it may seem – is yes and yes.
It would be great to say that my life changed radically after that. But having been brought up in the Army, in many ways it was a continuation of the path I was already on. What did change, however, was that now I had a specific point in time l could look back on with an assurance of salvation.
A lot has happened to me in the past 48 years, but one constant thread running through it has been an awareness of being on a faith journey. Through all the ups and downs, God upheld and supported me even at times when I did not feel it. Faith means holding on with gritted teeth.
There’s an episode of The Crown where Prince Philip’s mother comes to live at Buckingham Palace. Clearly a woman with a strong faith, in one scene she pleads with her son: ‘Have a faith, Philip. It’s very important.’ Then she pauses and says: ‘No, it’s everything.’
parents, and I’m grateful to God for their love and encouragement throughout my life.
I am grateful too for the part that so many people in the corps have played in nurturing that faith from a young age. I’m grateful for every one of them and for the parts they played in my life and in my understanding of what it means to be a Christian. The last two and a half years have not been the easiest, but the help, support and encouragement of so many people have meant so much.
My testimony is simply this: Here in the love of Christ I stand, conscious of that love that wilt not let me go. Grateful to God for his saving grace. It is all of grace. Thanks be to God!
Have you got a testimony to share? Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.
For me, life without faith is almost inconceivable. But not just faith in general, faith in the person of Jesus. We sing, ‘Jesus, thou art everything to me’ (SASB 502). It’s a song that we used at my mum’s funeral in 2020, when only a handful could gather and singing in person was not allowed. I pay tribute to the part that my mother and father played in my faith. It’s a great gift to have supportive
yg g and e even eans ther kingham man , in one with ith n en g in o the in rtive
Conscience
Continuing a series sharing some of Catherine
Booth’s writings
CONSCIENCE is that faculty of the soul which pronounces on the character of our actions (see Romans 2:15).
The office which conscience sustains to the soul is to determine or pronounce upon the moral quality of our actions, to say whether this or that is good or bad. Conscience is an independent witness standing between God and man; it is in man, but for God, and it cannot be bribed or silenced.
Now it is a question of vital importance to our spiritual life, whether the gospel is intended to deliver us from this reigning power of conscience and make us independent of its verdict, or whether it is intended to purify and enlighten conscience and to endow us with power to live in obedience to its voice.
Examine a few passages on this point. See first what is done with conscience in regeneration. Hebrews 9:14: ‘How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?’ (King James Version). See also Hebrews 10:22. Secondly, let us see the office which conscience sustains in regenerate men. 1 Timothy 1:19: ‘Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck’ (KJV). Romans 9:1: ‘I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost’ (KJV). See 1 Timothy 3:9 and Acts 23:1. We have also set forth the consequences of allowing conscience to become defiled. 1 Timothy 4:2: ‘Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience
seared with a hot iron’ (KJV). See also Titus 1:15.
The apostles clearly show that true Christianity no more dispenses with conscience than it does with the great moral law by which conscience is set, and to which it is amenable. Hence Paul tells us that he exercised himself always to have a conscience void of offence.
Having a conscience void of offence implies a purged conscience, made clean. Conscience must be made clean, before it can be kept clean. The residuum of all sin settles on the conscience, and as all have sinned there can be no consciences clean by nature. The only way by which consciences can be purified is by purging from guilt and making them ready for new service. ‘Purge your conscience from dead works’ (Hebrews 9:14 KJV) – from all pollution, uncleanness, sterility. Conscience is not only polluted by sin, but outraged, incensed, made angry; it needs to be pacified as well as purged, and this can only be done by the blood of the atonement.
To keep a conscience void of offence requires unremitting effort and determination; a bringing up, so to speak, of all the other powers and faculties of the being. ‘Herein do I exercise myself,’ said Paul (Acts 24:16 KJV) – the whole man, soul, mind, body.
Here is need for ‘exercise’ indeed. This signifies no child’s play, no mere effervescing emotion, expending itself in sentimental songs or idle speculations. Here is the ‘fight of faith’ (1 Timothy 6:12 KJV), the faith of the saints, which can dare and do and suffer anything rather than defile its garments.
To keep a conscience void of offence ithbjtifthhlbig
requires the subjection of the whole being to the will.
As conscience is the reigning power of the soul, the will is the executive, and in order to keep a pure conscience the will must act out its teaching. When Satan takes us up to ‘an exceeding high mountain’ (Matthew 4:8 KJV) and says that all these things will he give us if we will do this or that, the will must say no, and repel the tempter. This is just the point where human nature has failed from the beginning. Our first parents fell here. Their consciences were on the right side, but their will yielded to the persuasions of the enemy.
To keep a pure conscience requires great vigilance, lest by surprise or inattention we defile it. It also requires patience.
Patience will wait till God, by time and providence, justifies our course. Paul said it was a small matter with him to be judged of man’s judgement. Why?
Because his conscience acquitted –justified – and God witnessed that he was right. Such a soul can go on with all the world up in arms against it. This is just what the martyrs did, nothing more, nothing less.
Last of all, a pure conscience is its own reward. No matter who condemns, if it approves there is peace and sunshine in the soul. And whatever our trials or persecutions we can draw near to God without wavering, for ‘if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God’ (1 John 3:21 KJV).
Based on The Highway of Our God, published in 1954.
Encourage one another
Major Andrew Vertigan reminds us that small actions, deeds or words can lift someone up
ACTS 4:1–37
HAVE you ever woken up, looked at the sky and thought ‘what a beautiful day to be alive’? The sky is blue, the sun is shining, creation is resplendent in colour, and you think to yourself: ‘Today is going to be a good day!’ Then, you might listen to the news or read social media updates or meet people and, all too quickly, you feel dispirited and discouraged.
It can be very easy to be discouraged in today’s world. But does this offer us an opportunity as the Church to offer and model a different way? As a Christian and as a leader myself, it’s vital that I model what I believe: love God, love others.
When I received the invitation to write about encouragement in this Bible study, I smiled to myself. Let me explain why. At the beginning of each year, I ask God for a verse to focus on. You will understand why I smiled when I tell you that God gave me 1 Thessalonians 5:11: ‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.’
PAUSE AND REFLECT
To what extent are you building up and encouraging others? How is this evident?
Ask the Holy Spirit to lay on your heart someone you could encourage today.
I think it’s fair to say that those who know me would say I’m a half-full kind of person. Increasingly, God is challenging me to be an encourager of others. A small action, deed or word can lift people up.
The Scripture we are considering is simply full of encouragement. It’s a powerful demonstration of the people of Jesus, full of and empowered by the Holy Spirit, on a mission. I challenge you to read these verses and not be encouraged by what is possible when we totally rely on the Spirit of God! As I read verse 4, some words jump out at me: ‘But many who heard the message believed.’ I wonder if this is a challenge to us today.
Have we forgotten that the gospel is transformational and deeply attractive to those who have not heard it? The name of Jesus is life-giving. We then read that it is by the name of Jesus Christ that a man is healed (see vv8–10).
In his recently written book, On Mission with Jesus, Bishop Graham Cray unpacks a review of the past 20 years of the fresh expressions of Church. In it he concludes: ‘Together as the Church we are the body of Christ, a community of missionary disciples… If we are committed to the Church being “a community of disciples on mission with Jesus”, how could that become a reality?’
He goes on to say that this becomes a reality by congregations following a pattern or rhythm of life and witness , made up of mission-shaped habits.
In our study passage, we begin to see a new normal – a different way of living
being modelled. Those first Christians so relied on the calling of Jesus on their lives, that all who saw them could not help but be challenged and encouraged by these so-called ‘unschooled, ordinary men’ (v13).
These first believers knew their own personal limitations. In the face of persecution, attack and criticism, such was their reliance on God that they knew, time and time again, all they could do was cry out to him. We see this in verse 30: ‘Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ Their prayer was answered, their faith increased, and the Holy Spirit enabled them. In verse 31, we then read that: ‘After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.’
Paul writes: ‘My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power’ (1 Corinthians 2:4). Was he recognising that all that we do and are is about the name of Jesus and the empowerment of the Spirit?
I wonder if we have become too selfreliant and forgotten that we need the Spirit of God. Is it possible that we have lost sight of Jesus too?
In our study passage, we have a demonstration of the power of transformation and of the body of Christ living a countercultural lifestyle. We are called to live life differently as followers
of Jesus. This in and of itself is a great encouragement. As Cray concludes: ‘Ultimately it is new habits which change the default setting as they establish the new normal.’
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Read verses 32 to 35 again.
The Salvation Army is a holiness movement. As Salvationists, in what way is our lifestyle distinct from those in the world around us?
How might other people encounter us as a Church that builds one another up and encourages?
How might we be perceived as discouragers?
As I reflected on my verse for this year, I decided that I would take this literally and drop a note to various people on each of the 366 days of the year. My intention is to encourage them by letting them know that someone is thinking of them. It’s a small gesture but I pray it may mean a lot. I sense we need to pick up the spirit of encouragement. What do you think? How might you make a difference?
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 6 JULY: CARE FOR CREATION – THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF SPACE EXPLORATION
Lord God, as technology gives us ever greater possibilities for travelling into space and using the resources we find there, help us not to lose sight of our responsibility to be wise, trustworthy stewards of what you have made.
by Major John Ager and Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
SUNDAY 7 JULY: SABBATH PRAYER – FAREWELL SUNDAY
We pray today for officers who are moving to new appointments and for their last Sunday worshipping with a community of believers they’ve got to know over the past few years. Amid possible sadness and apprehension about the future, we pray that there will be many moments of joy and gratitude, opportunities to remember the goodness of God and the treasures they’ve unearthed during their time in this appointment.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
MONDAY 8 JULY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – WEST MIDLANDS DIVISION
Pray for the division, which is in transition following the arrival of new divisional leaders at the start of July. Pray that the transition will be smooth for all concerned, and that the new leaders, Major Adrian and Captain Clare Allman, will settle quickly into their roles.
by Major Brian Slinn (Divisional Commander, West Midlands Division)
TUESDAY 9 JULY: SERVING AND CARING – HOMELESSNESS SERVICES
Pray that we will all be more intentional about working together, that different mission expressions of The Salvation Army will be united. Pray for opportunities for Salvationists to do their seemingly small part in our centres to help fight homelessness.
by Major Danièle Norton (Chaplain, Homelessness Services)
WEDNESDAY 10 JULY: GROWING IN FAITH – COVENANT DAY AT WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE
Covenant Day is the time in which cadets enter into the Officer’s Covenant with God, ‘to love and serve him supremely all my days’. Please pray that God’s Spirit will empower and transform these moments of faith into years of grace.
by Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne (Principal, William Booth College)
THURSDAY 11 JULY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – DENMARK AND GREENLAND TERRITORY
We pray for the territory; for territorial leaders Lieut-Colonels Jan and Kjersti Risan, and Chief Secretary Major Joan Münch. We pray for corps and centres around the territory as they seek to offer hospitality, meet need and share Jesus Christ. May the Spirit of God bring transformation into the lives of many.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler
Room Team)
FRIDAY 12 JULY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – TOGETHER 2024
Happening in Newport this weekend, we pray that the Spirit of God will envelop the whole event. Pray for those who will lead, speak, preach and participate, that they will inspire and enthuse those who are present. Pray that The Salvation Army will be blessed through this event, and that people will hear God’s call to prayer and action for their local communities. by Major
Gary Lacey
(Territorial Prayer Co-ordinator)
MAJOR ANDREW VERTIGAN Territorial Pioneer and Fresh Expression Enabler THQ
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.
Even when no one is watching
Deputy headteacher Andrew Mair considers the value of unseen integrity
INTEGRITY is the unwavering commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. This powerful principle serves as a moral compass guiding our actions and decisions.
Integrity is not merely a virtue; it is a way of life that reflects the core of our character, and it holds profound importance in shaping our personal lives and professional endeavours. The Bible also emphasises the significance of integrity (see Proverbs 10:9 and Psalm 25:21).
When we act with integrity, we uphold our principles and values consistently, even in the absence of external scrutiny. By demonstrating that our actions align with our beliefs we showcase our commitment to the truth and ethical conduct. Integrity reflects our innermost convictions and indicates the strength of our moral fibre. It also plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives in five ways.
First, it is the cornerstone of trust and respect in
“ Integrity is a way of life that reflects the core of our character. ”
all relationships. When we consistently do the right thing, even when no one is watching, we earn the trust of others. People feel secure knowing they can rely on us, fostering stronger bonds and deeper connections. Trust becomes the bedrock of these connections, creating open communication and mutual support.
Second, it challenges us to confront our weaknesses and make choices that align with our principles. By doing so, we develop inner strength, resilience and a sense of moral duty, leading to personal growth and self-improvement. This leads to inner peace and contentment. Knowing that we consistently do what is right brings a profound sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.
Third, integrity is highly regarded and sought after by employers. Demonstrating integrity enhances our professional reputation and opens doors to new opportunities for career advancement. Promoting integrity in the workplace also fosters an ethical work culture where employees feel valued, respected and motivated to perform at their best.
Fourth, it guides our decision-making, leading us to choose what is right and just, even when it may
be challenging or unpopular. It helps us navigate through ethical dilemmas with clarity and confidence.
Finally, integrity sets an example for others to follow. By embodying this principle, we inspire those around us to embrace similar values, contributing to a more ethical and respectful community. This is essential for cultivating a society founded on trust, respect and moral values. When individuals prioritise integrity, society benefits from reduced deceit, fraud and dishonesty. This contributes to a more harmonious and compassionate community.
Integrity is a timeless virtue that guides us towards doing what is right, irrespective of external influences. Encouraging the adoption of integrity in our personal lives and workplaces leads to personal growth, stronger relationships and a more ethical and prosperous society.
For the betterment of ourselves and our world, let us commit to living with integrity and inspiring others to do the same.
ANDREW MAIR Sunderland Millfield
Drive like you mean it
The
Rev James Macfarlane and Ron Thomlinson exchange notes about integrity on display
RON, I almost had a Damascus Road experience a few months ago. Driving from my local supermarket, I approached a roundabout. Having the right of way I moved on, but a driver at the next entry point jumped the gun and shot across my path. Further on, the vehicle had to slow down, which enabled me to read a text on the rear window: ‘Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.’ Is there a theological hotline to complain about bad driving and rear window Bible stickers? Aggressive driving is bad enough, but to combine it with religious texts is surely adding insult to injury. What sort of credible testimony is that!
But, even if a driver puts reading the Highway Code on a par with reading the Bible, would the improved driving technique make the stickers any more effective?
In Salvationist (5 February 2022), Jeff Morton wrote a thoughtful piece about the effectiveness of texts on church noticeboards. His point was that a text from a culture of two millennia ago is projected into modern secular high-tech society without any attempt at bridging the historical gap. Every preacher is educated to understand that the gap between society as it was then and how it is now is colossal. A large part of a sermon is aimed at bridging that gap, making the text understandable to the modern mindset. Those who do it know how tough that job is.
So what impact is our havoc-wreaking driver going to have where that setting and ambience don’t exist?
Jim, I wonder if there is an angel whose job it is to record believers’ traffic offences and put points on their eternal driving licences. On arrival at the pearly gates, these lawbreakers would be required to take a driving awareness
course before being allowed to take charge of an electric chariot on the golden highways. Perhaps there is a hotline after all!
I spent the final 10 years of my working life on the road.
I have so often wanted to accept the invitations on white vans to ring a particular company to complain about its chauffeur’s driving.
Especially infuriating were occasions when vehicles proclaiming to be ‘road maintenance’ were driven recklessly. Such hypocrisy.
An idea once launched in the Netherlands was that those of us with Army cars would have our chariots adorned with large Salvation Army stickers. Some said no because such stickers brought too much responsibility.
The stickers never appeared. It’s not a good thing to behave badly in traffic with an Army sticker or a Bible text in full view.
Should you ever discover that theological hotline to complain about poor Christian drivers, Army emblems, Bible texts and rear window stickers, please send me the number.
• Jim lives in retirement in Dunoon and Ron is a Christian writer in the Netherlands. They became friends in 1966 while cadets at Denmark Hill.
Acting with integrity
Director of Audit and Assurance Daniel Wills talks to Salvationist about holding The Salvation Army to account
Integrity includes transparency, fairness and using power wisely. How does the Audit Department fit in with that?
There are external legal and regulatory requirements and the Salvation Army Trustee Company (SATCo) agrees internal policies for the organisation. The Audit Department checks people are following these requirements, for example, looking after money responsibly.
How are those checks carried out?
We have two main work streams. First, frontline services, such as corps – we do compliance reviews to check policy, laws and contractual requirements are followed. Second, individual areas, such as HR – this is essentially checking managers and staff behave with integrity. We then report our findings and make recommendations. We also look after whistleblowing, which is important. If someone knows or suspects something isn’t right they need to speak up about their concerns so that we can make sure we are acting with integrity. We also carry out counter-fraud investigations. It’s all about making sure the Army acts with integrity.
Is the Army’s bar for integrity higher than in other places?
Most organisations would use legal requirements as their baseline, but the Army may go beyond those. Christian values and ethical standards are part of its character.
S S I
What happens if you find a problem?
What’s the biggest challenge in your work?
The Army is a large, geographically spread organisation that has many different activities.
How does the Army maintain integrity at every level?
It operates a three lines of defence model. The first line is management, the people doing the activities and the people managing them or checking their work. The second is expert support, the people who provide advice to managers. And the third is internal auditing, which is independent and objective – we are not involved in the service delivery. We’re not here to catch people out, but to provide assurance to the SATCo board.
Is integrity integral to auditing itself?
Absolutely. Our work is always evidence-based. As well as being honest, diligent and responsible, we need to be credible. There’s that saying: it takes a lifetime to build a reputation, but five minutes to ruin it. But your reputation is what other people perceive you to be. Integrity is also about character, because your character is who you are.
How do you maintain integrity in your own work?
For more, visit salvationist.org. uk/our-values or scan the QR code. This article demonstrates The Salvation Army’s key value of integrity.
We try to identify any underlying root causes and then work with managers to resolve problems. Sometimes things happen – part of integrity is making sure they don’t happen again.
We have to meet international requirements and a code of conduct set by the Institute of Internal Auditors. There are also checks built into the auditing process. An auditor’s work is checked by a senior staff member. No report from my team goes out without me having reviewed it. And an external firm reviews how we operate at least every five years. We also use post-audit questionnaires to improve what we do.
How do you avoid conflicts of interest?
Culturally we are part of the Army, but we try to keep separate from its operations. If an auditor knows someone, for example, another person does the audit. We’re also not allowed to audit complex activities in which we are not sufficiently competent – we may then bring in external expertise.
How often do problems come up?
I have been doing this for 20 years in a range of settings and there have been problems and things that needed to be worked on. The key thing is there’s always room for improvement: auditing isn’t a policing, box-ticking exercise. We’re here to provide assurance and add value. There can be several factors to any issue – is it a problem with policy, procedure, supervision, training or reporting? We do a root cause analysis, but we are not judge and jury. We collect evidence, establish facts and report them.
Is integrity a binary thing or a sliding scale?
I think it is often binary, but it can be more complex than yes and no. For example, did you wash your hands after going to the bathroom? But also, how well did you wash your hands?
Do people take auditing personally?
People in the Army are open to it, which is good. We try to be constructive, not obstructive. We all collectively want the best for the organisation: for it to be the best that it can be.
Plain speaking
Assistant Secretary for Communications (Internal)
Major Julian Watchorn talks to Managing Editor Ivan Radford about communicating with integrity
Integrity involves being transparent about our motives. What role does internal communications play in that?
We communicate what’s happening in the Army and why. If we’re not communicating that, we’re not being transparent. Our internal and external communications should always align, because we have integrity and transparency as a Movement. That means we need to be prepared to ask ourselves difficult questions and be honest when we get something wrong.
As a territory, it strikes me that our motive is our vision, mission and values.
Yes, and we are committed to sharing reports of how they are being shown by corps and centres across the territory, so it’s not just theoretical. We want people to be inspired, equipped and encouraged to live them out. It’s our privilege to communicate that effectively and be a conduit for discussion and dialogue.
A key part of journalism is being accurate. How does the Publishing Department maintain that aspect of integrity?
Our work must have integrity, spiritually and factually. We are currently developing a strategy for internal communications with members that will give us a touchstone to keep coming back to and measuring our work against.
How does feedback from members feed into that?
A key part of our strategy is two-way communication with members. The testimony page in Salvationist helps with that. As a wider Army, I think there’s an increased desire to listen to and be engaged with members. It’s reflected in events such as the recent Belonging and Believing weekend. The territory
is on a journey, and we want to be transparent in communicating that journey as it continues.
It’s also important for us to engage with feedback so that we can discern the most appropriate way to improve what we do. The other week, we received an email from someone asking how often we use the word ‘salvation’ in Salvationist, which was a good challenge to receive. And we have just conducted a survey with users of salvationist.org.uk to learn about their needs and expectations.
Salvationist the magazine focuses on different themes and areas of the Army’s work each week. How would you describe that process?
Prayerful. We seek to be sensitive, intentional and proactive in discerning what to communicate and the most effective timing. We listen to what is happening locally and collaborate with teams from territorial headquarters and William Booth College. We were inspired to focus on prayer, for example, by prayer ministry at corps.
We also seek to bring the territory together around events such as Together 2024. We hold all this lightly and wrap our work in prayer to be Spirit-led. We also regularly publish other articles that don’t tie in with those themes, and highlight local mission flourishing in our Spotlight series.
How do the publishing team put the mission priorities into practice?
War Cry and Kids Alive! are tools to share the good news, along with salvationist. org.uk, where Becoming a Christian is one of its most-visited webpages.
To care for creation, we print our publications on sustainably sourced paper and make them available digitally
– although we’re mindful that computers aren’t carbon-neutral either.
To seek justice and reconciliation, we inform people about territorial campaigns and enable prophetic voices to speak into those – we believe God is speaking to us through young people, particularly the Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Youth Forum, and we want to raise up those voices.
To serve others without discrimination, we hope to enable people to engage with their own prejudices – we all have them, positive and negative. We also want to be diverse and accessible in our representation of Army membership.
To nurture disciples, we publish Bible studies and reflections that help people question and grow in their faith, and signpost to useful materials. The Salvationist website has lots of discipleship resources. Kids Alive! runs KA! Jam and Shield Books aids spiritual development, for example through the Big Questions for Small Groups series.
In a world of misinformation and uncertainty, there is also integrity in printing spiritual truth. People in today’s world struggle to know what’s true, and we have an opportunity and a duty to share the good news and ground people biblically. Salvationist’s topical Trending reflections are a good example of making sure that people do not separate out church on a Sunday from the rest of the week –having integrity means faith should be a visible golden thread through everything in our lives.
Truth be told!
UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
THE 2024 Riverbank territorial women’s conference sought to explore Jesus’ words from John 8:32, writes Outreach Mission Partner Rachel Gotobed (Family Ministries)
Major David Betteridge (Director of Family Ministries) and Liz Hall (Deputy Director of Family Ministries) hosted. During the first main session, David set the scene, challenging everyone to find freedom in God’s truth that they are accepted, secure and significant.
Guest speaker the Rev Dr Helen Paynter revealed scriptural truth about Esther and Phoebe – women who were valued by God and given essential roles within his work. Assistant Secretary for Mission Major Kerry Coke (THQ) encouraged delegates to accept the offer of God’s truth to find everything needed for fullness of life.
Worship leader and songwriter Lucy Grimble, supported by her band, led inspiring worship that sensitively enriched the truth being spoken and enabled women to respond throughout the weekend.
“ Accept the offer of God’s truth to find everything needed for fullness of life. ”
Saturday night’s @Riverbank took the form of a magazine-style panel show. Prior to sharing their testimonies, comedian and magician Steve Legg engaged and amazed the audience and professional singer and actor Ruth Betteridge invoked the joy of theatreland with songs from musicals and operas.
The weekend was enriched with a variety of engaging workshops and seminars which – along with highlights from the main sessions – were illustrated in a graphic recording by Ann HowlettFoster (Cambridge Citadel).
Mabel Robin
David’s very brave and honest message on the theme for the weekend was very powerful and thought-provoking.
Julie Taylor
Thank you for the sponsored spaces for refugee women. The five ladies from Ukraine had an incredible time. One sent me a note that says: ‘You have opened the door for a new interesting life for me. Now I will consciously read the Bible and it will become my guiding star. You know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’
Liz Carpagnano
This was my first time at this conference, and it was amazing. I’m hoping to bring
more from Ringwood Corps next year. One highlight for me was the transparency of the speakers and the affirmation for my own challenging experiences in life, where the truth really did set me free. The impact for me was the presence of the Holy Spirit, which was overwhelming and beautiful.
Tracy Blower
This was my first year at this event and I was quite apprehensive. From the moment I arrived, I knew I made the right decision. I loved every moment and, through listening to all the speakers and the music ministry, I learnt lots. I feel truly blessed and I know that God has got me on the right path for continuing my journey in my faith.
Ruth BetteridgeLucy Grimble and the band
The Rev Dr Helen Paynter
Dawn Coleman
My highlight of the weekend was feeling accepted and that I belong just the way I am. It made me feel that I am enough, and I am ready to tell more of my story so that I can live as the person God intends me to be.
Tania Smith
I went home with new songs in my heart, new truths in my head, delicious food in my tummy, new books in my bag and my body battery on 100 per cent. I was prayed for, cared for and enjoyed the weekend so much! I can’t wait to bring more people next year!
LucyKate Newland
I really loved it as it was such a Spiritfilled event. All the teaching was amazing, as was the worship.
Leonna Wilde
Riverbank was simply amazing. It has helped me start my emotional journey to becoming a better me.
Christine Crewes
The Holy Spirit was with us throughout the weekend, encouraging us as women that, if God is with us, then we can.
Julie Ellitson
I felt God’s affirmation over me. I am a child of God! Yes, I am!
Sharon Wilkes
I realised that God never stopped a woman from doing his work. He encouraged women like Phoebe to just get on with the job.
Tina Rankin
I felt comfortable and was able to start the healing process that I have longed for. I didn’t feel any pressure, I felt supported but not crowded.
Ruth Dykes
I found peace and refreshment. I’m thankful for the reminder to live in the truth and turn my back on the Devil’s lies!
The @Riverbank panel
Picture: Ann Howlett-Foster
Murton Sharing Jesus daily
Growing in grace
I’ve been the corps leader here for the past four years and the Lord is continually opening doors. The previous leader, Divisional Envoy Iris Jones, was an inspirational lady who led the corps for around 30 years. When I was a young boy, Iris and the corps sergeant-major came to my grandma’s house and invited me to the Army. I’ve never looked back, and I’ve grown in grace here ever since. In 2015, Iris went on to receive the Army’s highest award, being admitted to the Order of the Founder. At that time I was corps sergeant-major and it was a real honour to witness Iris being recognised for her ministry.
Our focus on saving souls remains at our heart. Our mission statement is to ‘serve our community with the desire to bring people to Jesus’. Everything we do is focused on him and is intentionally God-glorifying.
Many of our corps folk are relatively new, having joined within the past 10 years. Most joined through our live online, twice-daily Facebook devotions. Our young people’s leader, Annette, connected with the corps through the online devotions during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Now we have around 40 people each day tuning in and adding comments. God has sent the right people to the corps to build his Kingdom.
Discipling and discerning
We have two meetings on Sundays. Sunday school is part of our evening
worship. Once a month we hold family worship, which is a lovely time of fellowship and getting to know each other. Seeing children and parents growing in Christ is beautiful. These are real breakthroughs and I’ve never seen such joy.
We’re constantly looking for new ideas for growth and building on the past. New members are our faith goal, and we are praying for a recruiting sergeant. The corps is growing in faith and in size and we are blessed to be extending our building this year.
In addition to worship and daily devotions, we have a weekly luncheon club followed by a themed time of fellowship. We hold an Alpha course and soldiership classes weekly. We recently held a night of prayer and have completed the Raise course for our children’s ministry. We are starting a Recovery course next. Often, we find that people will come in because they don’t want to be alone and will come to know Jesus through that.
Open all hours
On Fridays and Saturdays, I take Jesus to the pubs in Murton and the surrounding villages. The opportunities this provides for conversations, encouragement and support are amazing and people want to help with whatever we’re doing.
We have six open-air meetings scheduled for this year and we recently gathered for training to learn how we can best connect with people spiritually
through this ministry. Parks and shopping centres are excellent locations because there are always folk who are interested in hearing about the greatest story ever told.
I’m a big believer in keeping church doors open to everyone, meeting people just as Jesus did, building relationships and journeying with them. Faith might start with a cup of tea and a chat, and we should never underestimate what God can do.
Fast Facts
DIVISION: North East
CORPS LEADER: Territorial Envoy Mark Simpson
FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/ 1005001604280425
ARMY NEWS
Living with difference
UKI
THE territory’s Moral and Social Issues Council (Masic) hosted a webinar to consider how to live well together within The Salvation Army while holding a range of views on same-sex relationships.
The webinar, titled Living Well Together: Same-Sex Relationships and The Salvation Army, featured a diverse panel with a range of perspectives. It was part of a series of Masic webinars exploring topics such as refugees, the environment and racism.
Major Nick Coke, chair of Masic, introduced the webinar, explaining that it was not seeking to work out a theology of same-sex relationships, but to ask how Salvationists can live well together while holding different views.
Participants included the Rev Andrew Goddard, a member of the Church of England Evangelical Council, Faye Williams (Southampton Sholing), who hopes that the Army can be a safe space for LGBTQ+ young people, as it was for her, Matt Perkins (Children and Youth Department), who played a key role in the development of An Introduction to Pastorally Supporting LGBTQ+ Young People, and Lieutenant Nazia Yousaf (Stockport Heaton Norris), an officer of the Pakistan Territory.
Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare, the chair of the International Theological Council, hosted the discussion.
The conversation was informed by more than 50 questions submitted by people in advance. Lieut-Colonel Karen structured the talk by using three broad questions: ‘What?’, considering each participant’s views and experiences, ‘So what?’, exploring theological reflections on staying united amid differing views, and ‘Now what?’, asking what practical actions could be taken away from the conversation.
The respectful conversation included passionate comments on how people had benefited from talking with people of differing perspectives, on the need for the Church to provide teaching and facilitate conversations in this area, on the powerful impact of being loved and supported even by people who hold contrasting views, and on the importance of being authentic and providing better pastoral support to young people in today’s world.
Materials from the Church of England’s Living in Love and Faith project were shared, which presented a variety of theological viewpoints on sexuality.
The conversation touched upon differing expectations and understandings of holy living, upon Church unity and being part of the body of Christ, and on people’s identity being defined by more than just their sexuality.
It also highlighted the importance of not being afraid to have respectful conversations about difficult topics, of creating safe spaces for listening and learning from one another, as well as having guidance to talk theologically through different viewpoints.
Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts concluded the webinar by praying a blessing on the participants and all the people watching. – AR
• Speak with your corps leaders and divisional headquarters about ways the conversation could continue locally, including use of IHQ’s Let’s Talk About Same-Sex Relationships and Children and Youth’s An Introduction to Pastorally Supporting LGBTQ+ Young People
COMMUNITY
DARLASTON The corps took part in D-Day commemorations at the town cenotaph before hosting 120 people for a community afternoon. Corps leader Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls shared the history of the Army in Darlaston since 1882, taking opportunity to tell of the Movement’s ongoing work in the community. The congregation then had opportunities for photographs in old bonnets and uniforms, while an impromptu timbrel routine to ‘Star Lake’ was enjoyed in an afternoon filled with community spirit. – LH-N
EVENT
WOOD GREEN The free legal advice clinic at the corps celebrated its 10th anniversary with an informal lunch and anniversary cake. Students studying law at Middlesex University can volunteer at the clinic as part of their degree. Pictured left to right are corps officer Major Paul Knight, university lecturer Lughaidh Kerin, clinic co-ordinator Clare Manuel, volunteer legal adviser Sarah Linscott, corps officer Major Paula Knight and volunteer legal advisor David Stone. – PK
OLDBURY To commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the corps and military charity Stepway spent the day serving free drinks and light refreshments to commuters. Pictured are Captain Kathryn Reynolds with corps members Paul and Vivian Robinson and Stepway’s regional co-ordinator Neil Binder, a former Royal Navy serviceman, talking with members of the public. – RR
MUSIC
BRIDGWATER Since January, the corps has led fortnightly Music Man sessions. Due to the number of attendees, more instruments have been purchased and the group is continuing to grow! Volunteer Lynda Taylor described the room as ‘overflowing with happiness’. The group will soon perform at their first ever fundraising concert. – HC
WESTMINSTER Majors Matt and Sarah Butler (Bognor Regis) addressed all-party parliamentary group Christians in Parliament at the House of Commons about their Open House Warm Space. Organised by the ChurchWorks Commission, the event included representatives from other churches, alongside 15 parliamentarians, discussing support for vulnerable children and families, health and wellbeing in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, and responses to the cost of living crisis. – AR
OUTREACH
LURGAN Salvationists attended the Lurgan Show, an agricultural show situated in the second largest park in Ireland. The band played a selection of hymn tunes, marches and contemporary worship songs and volunteers – including the Salvation Army Bear – gave out information packages and puzzles. – CB
COMMUNITY
NORTH WALSHAM The Morriston NHS Emergency Choir held a concert with the band at St Nicholas’ Church. The concert was part of a tour of Norfolk to support the work of the Army. It raised funds for the Churches Together community fridge, which is hosted at the corps. An extra pleasure was the brilliant following of the songs by a BSL sign language interpreter for the deaf community of North Walsham, which regularly uses the hall for its café.
– JB
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
WILLENHALL The corps hosted 90 schoolchildren to learn about the work of the Army. After a presentation, the children split into groups for activities. Corps volunteers supported the children as they explored historical Salvation Army uniforms. A highlight for many was the opportunity to play a timbrel and to film a short piece for a school project. The children also learnt about how Christians are motivated by Jesus’ teachings. – LH-N
COMMUNITY
WELLING The corps joined forces with Discover Welling to host a swap shop as part of the Great Big Green Week. People brought unused and unwanted items and went away with books, toys, clothes, cooking utensils and more. It provided a lovely opportunity to meet new people. – KS
ECUMENICAL
LEIGH-ON-SEA The corps hosted the Love Southend Churches Together meeting, focusing on education. Speakers included Chrissy Burgess, a chair of governors in a local school, David Stanley from the Music Man Project, and Territorial Community Engagement Lead Debbie Charles. Corps officer Captain Clare Davis discussed plans to start the Starfish mentoring programme in nearby schools. Baptist minister Gavin Dixon finished with a prayer. – RD/CD
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
LONDONDERRY The corps enjoyed a different kind of Sunday as they gathered in a local park for their monthly Kids Alive on Sunday meeting to listen to stories and reflect upon God’s love. Families joined in with sensory crafts, a mindfulness nature trail, games and a picnic. It was great to see so many families come along. – SS
RISCA The band was privileged to attend the D-Day service at the cenotaph in Pontymister. Bandsman Harry Browning sounded the Last Post and Reveille. – JB
HUDDERSFIELD
NONSO Chukwama was enrolled as a soldier and Lizzie Heyward was welcomed as an adherent by corps officers Majors Adrian and Christine Lee. Nonso and Lizzie completed many weeks of classes. In his testimony, Nonso stated that he had ‘come alive to the real presence and meaning of Christ in his life and the desire to serve him’. Lizzie confirmed she had found a home in the Army’s real love and genuine care for people. – AL
LEICESTER SOUTH
THERE was rejoicing at the corps when Jordan Richardson, who was brought up in the Army, took a step forward and decided to ‘join up’. He was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Carl Huggins. Jordan’s father is pictured holding the flag. – BB
STOCKPORT HEATON NORRIS
DARLINGTON
STAINES
SAMUEL, Jessica and Suzanna were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Lieutenant Nazia Yousaf, supported by Young People’s Sergeant-Major Margaret Tucker, Christine Smith and David Smith holding the flag. – NY
CORPS officer Major Val Mylechreest enrolled 10 junior soldiers following a series of courses led by Cath Pender. Pictured with Val and Cath are Ife, Rupert, Toby, Maisie, Amelie and Tobi (front row) and Oba, Ruby, Victor and Blake (back row). – MJ
ARMY PEOPLE
Appointed
Effective 1 June
MAJOR IAIN STEWART, additional appointment, Divisional Ecumenical Officer, North Scotland Division Effective 18 July
MAJOR GRANVILLE MYERS, in retirement (14 hours a week), Corps Support Officer, Merthyr Tydfil
MAJOR KATH MYERS, in retirement (14 hours a week), Corps Support Officer, Merthyr Tydfil
MAJOR CATHERINE SMITH, additional appointment, Training Co-ordinator (Practice Based Learning), William Booth College Effective 25 July
MAJOR JACQUIE HANOVER, in retirement (21 hours a week), Rayleigh
ICO delegates
The 258th session begins on 10 July
MAJOR DONNA TODD, Australia
MAJOR EVA WELANDER , Denmark and Greenland
LIEUT-COLONEL ANANDA RANI
MARPU, India Central
CAPTAIN BALJINDER KAUR , India Northern
CAPTAIN DOLLY JAME PRUMLA , India South Eastern
CAPTAIN GIRISH S DAS, India South Western
MAJOR DEVDAN KALKUMBE , India Western
MAJOR NI KETUT EKARINI LATUPUTTY, Indonesia
MAJOR DAVID ODANGA , Kenya West
CAPTAIN CHOONG-SIL PARK, Korea
CAPTAIN CHOL WOO PARK , Korea
CAPTAIN EDICSON SÁNCHEZ , Latin America North
MAJOR YENELI ALVAREZ SAN PEDRO, Latin America North
CAPTAIN JORGE CONTRERAS, Latin America North
CAPTAIN STEPHEN GAYE, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea
MAJOR STELLA MSIKITA , Malawi
MAJOR MIREYA CENTENO, Mexico
CAPTAIN ELENA VENEGAS, Mexico
MAJOR ISAAC OLVERA , Mexico
MAJOR ANITA KAMPERMANKOOPAL , The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia
MAJOR ’ANA VAEA , New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa
MAJOR WOUTER JOHANNES VAN
GOOSWILLIGEN, Norway, Iceland and The Færoes
MAJOR ALVIN JOHN, Pakistan
CAPTAIN YASMIN ALLAH LOK , Pakistan
LIEUT-COLONEL ANNABELLE
MEANA , Philippines
MAJOR ZOCHHINGPUII, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand
MAJOR ANALIA LIEBL DE TASORI, South America East
MAJOR DANIEL NAHUELFIL , South America East
MAJOR JENNIFFER BELTRÁN, Spain and Portugal
MAJOR CHRISHANTHI KALINGA
KUMARAVEL , Sri Lanka
MAJOR JAMES MAGESA , Tanzania
CAPTAIN PENINAH KULOBA , Uganda
MAJOR IAN EMERY, United Kingdom and Ireland
CAPTAIN ENRIQUE COREANO, USA Central
MAJOR NATALIE JACKSON, USA Southern
MAJOR RUTENDO MASANGO, USA Western
MAJOR MAVIS MAGURANYANGA , Zimbabwe and Botswana Translators
MAJOR SEBASTIAN LEONARDI, USA Eastern
MAJOR PAULINE GRUERCAULFIELD, Canada and Bermuda
MAJOR CLIFFORD SCOTT, Latin America North / USA Central
MAJOR WENDY JOHNSTONE, Canada and Bermuda
Long service
25 years
MAJOR DAVID ALTON, Boscombe
MAJOR JANE ALTON, Boscombe
MAJOR MICHAEL BARWISE , Dereham
MAJOR COLIN BRADSHAW, Gainsborough
MAJOR DENISE BRADSHAW, Gainsborough
MAJOR KEITH BURR , Mission Service, THQ
MAJOR STEVE DUTFIELD, North Scotland DHQ
MAJOR JENNY FORMAN, Coventry City
MAJOR GORDON FOZZARD, Chaplain, Dublin Homelessness Services
MAJOR LYN HARGREAVES, Prescot
MAJOR CARL HUGGINS, Leicester South and Chaplain, HMP Fosse Way
MAJOR PAUL KNIGHT, Wood Green
MAJOR MARIA KONTI-GALINOU, Nunhead
MAJOR POLIS PANTELIDIS, Nunhead
MAJOR LYNNE SHAW, Communications Service, THQ
MAJOR JANICE SNELL , Penge
MAJOR JASON SNELL , Penge
ENGAGEMENTS
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries
Commissioner Shelley Hill
Thu 11 Jul Sunbury Court (ICO Welcome Meeting)
Tue 16 Jul Sunbury Court (ICO lecture)
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Sun 7 Jul Westminster Abbey (Annual Civic Service)
Wed 10 Jul William Booth College (Covenant Day)
Thu 11 Jul Sunbury Court (ICO Welcome Meeting)
Fri 12 Jul Newport Cathedral (150 Years of The Salvation Army in Wales)
Sat 13 Jul – Sun 14 Jul ICC Wales (Together 2024)
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development
Colonel Julie Forrest
Wed 10 Jul William Booth College (Covenant Day)
Fri 12 Jul Newport Cathedral (150 Years of The Salvation Army in Wales)
Sat 13 Jul – Sun 14 Jul ICC Wales (Together 2024)
NOTICES
Wales 150 Days of Prayer
On 18 June, the Wales Division started 150 days of prayer to mark the 150th anniversary of The Salvation Army in Wales. Follow along with each day’s prayer focus at salvationist.org.uk/wales150
Community stands
Running a stand at a local event can be a great way to reach out and connect with your community. Download a guide filled with ideas and tips at salvationist.org.uk/resources
Do you have enough Harvest envelopes?
Harvest-giving envelopes will be sent to corps during the summer. To update how many envelopes your corps receives, please email resources@salvationarmy.org.uk
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Major Kingsley Layton (Risca) leads Sunday Worship this weekend. 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 9 July at 10am and on Saturday 13 July at 3pm.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
MAJOR DAVID LANCELEY
MAJOR David Lanceley was born in Hackney in 1947 and grew up in The Salvation Army. He moved to Dagenham then Feltham with his family. At Feltham he met his wife, Sharron, and they were married in 1973. They entered the training college in 1974 in the Overcomers session. Several corps appointments followed at Pyle and Kenfig Hill, Swansea Central, Maesteg and Cardiff Cathays, where their son, Tristan, was born in 1983. Next were St Peter Port, Petersfield, Newport Isle of Wight and Portsmouth North. David was appointed to the Salvation Army General Insurance Corporation in 1995 and then to the Legacy Administration Unit at THQ, where he worked until retirement. In retirement, he worked at William Booth College until ill health prevented him. David was quiet but an inspiration to many. He loved visiting National Trust sites and flower arranging. He will be missed very much by Sharron, Tristan, Mandy and his wider family and friends. – A-JL
JAMES BAGNALL SOUTHPORT
BORN in 1940 to officer parents, Jim spent his childhood at their various appointments, including Leek, Skewen, Maesteg, Cottenham, Bootle and Southport.
Jim married Dorothy in 1962 and they settled in Bootle, where Jim served as singing company leader, deputy bandmaster and songster leader. In 1979, with their boys Andrew and Michael, Jim and Dorothy transferred to Southport, where Jim took his place in the band and songsters, serving as band sergeant. They moved back to Bootle in 2003, where Jim was commissioned as bandmaster in 2005, a position he held for eight years.
In later life, Jim and Dorothy returned to Southport, where Jim again took his place as a valued member of the band. Jim will be sadly missed by Dorothy, their boys, the extended family and their many friends. – PW
BRIGADIER DAISY BURGESS
DAISY was born in Dereham, Norfolk, on 2 February 1925. She was one of three children. She left her hometown and went into officer training in 1943, becoming a member of the Liberty session of cadets.
Following her commissioning in 1944, Daisy served at 11 corps before marrying Captain Douglas in 1956, where together they served at many more corps.
They were promoted to brigadiers while at Stockport Heaton Norris and finally retired from Fleetwood in 1981.
They then returned to Southport to live, where their only daughter, Ruth, worked as a nurse. Daisy and Douglas then became live-in house managers of a local Abbeyfield retirement home, spending many more years caring and cooking for all the residents every day.
Douglas was promoted to Glory in June 2007 and Ruth in May 2016, and Daisy cared for them both right until the end. Daisy herself continued to minister in various ways right up until her passing on 5 June 2024, being one of the last surviving brigadiers in the UK and Ireland Territory.
She lived a wonderful example of how to be a good Christian and will be greatly missed by her granddaughter, Sharron, whom she was extremely close to, and her many friends.
‘Servant of God – well done!’ – SD
Please note members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Officers’ tributes should be no longer than 300 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
JUNE COLLING SUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTH
BORN in 1934 to Salvationist parents, June Willis spent her early years at Sunderland Citadel before moving to Monkwearmouth.
She married Allan Colling in 1956 and they were a devoted couple until Allan was promoted to Glory in 2007. June was known for her beautiful smile and kind, encouraging, caring nature. With a passion for singing, June held the positions of singing company leader and home league singers leader. She had a lovely soprano voice and frequently featured as a soloist.
As a dedicated member of the songsters, June often used the song ‘Someone Cares’ as a solo for the brigade. Her caring nature carried through to the home league, where she held the position of secretary.
June leaves behind her two children, Kevin and Glenda, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. – BW
VALERIE CUFF STAPLE HILL
VALERIE was born in Wisbech in 1936. The family moved to St Albans, where her brother, Derek, and sister, Christine, were born. Valerie grew up there in the Army, becoming primary sergeant.
In 1958, she married Ken, who joined the corps at St Albans from Dorchester. They had two children, Susan and Andrew, and a granddaughter, Lucy. Andrew passed away in 2010. Valerie and Ken attended Luton Temple and Citadel and Bath Citadel, before finally settling at Staple Hill, where Valerie served for 50 years. She led the ladies fellowship and undertook flower arranging for many years. Ken was promoted to Glory in 2009. In 2020 Valerie moved to a residential home in Exeter to be near her daughter and son-in-law, but even there Valerie talked about the Army she loved. Valerie was promoted to Glory on Saturday 20 April 2024 aged 87. Well done true and faithful servant. – BB
Faith that doesn’t show itself ... is no faith at all.
James
2:17 The Living Bible
