Whittlesey Caring through creativity at The Studio

FAST FACTS

DIVISION: East of England

CORPS OFFICER: Major Lorraine Chaundy

FIND US

ONLINE: salvationarmy. org.uk/whittlesey

CRAFTED IN GOD’S TIME AND WAYS

It’s by God’s design that I was appointed to The Studio in Whittlesey. My background as a graphic designer and lecturer, and my own personal post-pandemic plight, left me perfectly positioned in December 2022 to take on the re-opening of the Army’s mission here in a new way . It was his plan for this place.

Community Ministry Through Art

When I arrived, I really was starting with a blank canvas. Only three congregation members remained and through poor health they could no longer physically attend. My priority was to get to know the local community and find out what was needed.

The more people I spoke to, the more it was re-affirmed that ministry and wellbeing through art, for all ages, was essential to the heart of this place.

Journaling For Jesus

On Sundays I prepare a Scripture passage or song lyrics. We read and study them, chat about them, apply them and then journal about it. As we learn and craft, we are challenging ourselves and we have something visual to show for it.

Art For Everyone

I openly invite folk to come in and find out about the Bible and church. In the school holidays I’ve started Christianthemed art activities for children and creative learning sessions for adults, which aim to help people understand the good news of the gospel in an artistic way. Even those who feel they aren’t good at art can produce some amazing results.

Mosaic To Macram In Mission

We use a lot of traditional craft methods, such as origami, macramé, quilting and sewing. We’ve had crochet and watercolour painting classes. They are things you can do and concentrate on that take your mind off the stressful things in life. We also do funky art journaling, and we use lots of recycled items. Our building has its own unique mosaic crafted on the front for all to see.

Creating In His Image

Our creator God made us in his image and likeness, and we’re supposed to create. People shouldn’t write off the paintbrush and the art on a page, because it’s a wonderful way to learn about yourself and to de-stress. There’s a lot of scientific research around art, which is a reason why the use of art therapy is rising in the care and counselling professions.

Praying For Prosperity

Although The Studio is growing, ongoing prayer is needed for its mission. I have a couple of volunteers now and another one who is interested. I’d like to recruit some more and have a bit of a team. We also pray for continued wisdom in conversations because it can get very deep quite quickly with some things. We talk about grief, autism, domestic violence, drinking and other addictions, diets and the cost of living. We could be doing absolutely any art or craft activity – watercolours, quilling, sewing or painting – and we have these great conversations that show genuine care for each other.

The Studio is a place of refuge, a place to create, to take your mind off the stresses of life, a place to learn a new skill, a place to meet friends, a place to be listened to and accepted, a place where you discover the light that Jesus can bring to life.

Salvationists join stand for climate justice

LONDON

ON Friday 21 April, 1,400 Christians from across denominations united for a No Faith in Fossil Fuels service and march.

A variety of speakers addressed the congregation at St John’s Church, Waterloo, including Patricia Pagulayan from the Philippines, who gave a moving account of the impact of climate change, former Archbishop of York Lord Sentamu, who gave a rallying call for justice, and Cadet Lizzy Kitchenside.

Lizzy said: ‘We cannot claim to love God and love others and ignore this crisis. Climate change affects the very people that God tells us we are to serve.’

Two children led prayers, including Rosa, the daughter of Territorial Youth Specialist Jo Taylor.

The congregation processed with banners and placards to parliament, led by an Army band. The route passed the headquarters of Shell before crossing Westminster Bridge, with participants singing ‘Amazing Grace’.

At Parliament Square, Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill prayed through a megaphone:

‘Loving Creator God, we pray for you to continue to raise up a generation of leaders in this and other nations with the courage to take responsibility for our rapidly changing climate and the part we have played in it. We intercede for all our politicians and leaders, especially here in Westminster. Cause them to act in the best interests of all nations today and all peoples in the future, in order to avoid further catastrophic changes.’

As the TC prayed, thousands of protesters gathered nearby for an Extinction Rebellion rally, listening on.

One bystander reflected: ‘This is your moment, Salvation Army. You are made for this. You’re organised, you’re mobile, you have the band, the songs and the message for our times. Thank you for leading us.’

The pilgrimage was a statement of enacted hope in a fragmented world, and challenged all those present to do more to care for God’s creation. – NC

Read a full report and see more photos from the pilgrimage online at salvationist.org.uk/ nofaithinfossilfuels

WOKINGHAM The weekly A Place to Meet group gives opportunities to share in board games and crafts with a godly focus. Guests are invited to give talks or learn new skills.

Horticultural guild member Pauline McBride gave a flowerarranging demonstration before everyone present made their own display. It was great fun and lovely to do over a cup of tea and cake. – JH

Fundraising

Emergency Aid

SUFFOLK Volunteers are celebrating 45 years of supporting emergency services in the county with a dedicated emergency vehicle. Across the country, the Army provides refreshments and emotional support to fire and rescue staff and local communities. In Suffolk, this began in 1978 when co-ordinator Mike Baker set up a group of volunteers. The relationship between Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and The Salvation Army continues to grow and plans for the redevelopment of Stowmarket Fire Station included a dedicated bay for the emergency vehicle. – AR

Outreach

BRIDGWATER After only six months of being back up and running, the Babysong group is growing under the leadership of Cradle Roll Sergeant Dawn Hutter. Six children were added to the cradle roll and welcomed by corps officer Lieutenant Heather Culshaw. – HC

Outreach

Fundraising

DUNSTABLE Almost 100 people attended a charity dinner and auction at Central Bedfordshire College, organised by corps Debt Advice Co-ordinator Fiona Simpson. The event raised £3,400 for the Debt Advice Service. Auction lots included a dinner at Marco Pierre White’s London Steakhouse and a boxing glove signed by Frank Bruno. A former service user shared their gratitude to the service for helping them turn their life around. – JB

Music

BATH CITADEL Spring was in the air during the visit of the South Western Fellowship Band. After the opening march ‘Temple 85’, the band presented such classics as ‘The Call of the Righteous’ and ‘Guardian of My Soul’. Absent band members who were unwell were prayerfully remembered. Instrumental items were interspersed with vocal solos from Naomi Blowers, including ‘It Is Well with My Soul’. Reg Wiles presented the euphonium solo ‘The Better World’ and Major Pamela Wood delivered a message. It was a programme of enjoyment, inspiration and blessing. – KT

Anniversary

Anniversary

HAVERHILL The corps celebrated its 130th anniversary with a visit from Waterbeach Band and Songsters. The worship hall filled to capacity for the afternoon’s Songs of Praise. Waterbeach gifted an anniversary cake, which was cut by number one on the roll Lynn Bond. A shared roast lunch and tours of the new community project, The Link, were also popular. – AD

BLACKPOOL CITADEL The parentand-toddler group has grown, with many families appreciating the warm and friendly space to play. Parents and carers are regularly attending meetings and a couple of families have also begun attending Messy Church. – NC

Fundraising

SALISBURY Volunteer bike technician Stephen Vokuhl, who helped establish the corps Recycles project, has prepared 300 bikes for sale in 15 months, raising £22,500 for the corps. Employment Plus Development Co-ordinator Cara Upham has mentored Stephen through this process. ‘We are hoping to place him in paid employment soon at a bike shop or repair centre,’ she said. – MD

RUTHERGLEN Celebrations commenced for the 134th corps anniversary on Saturday with a visit from Govan Songsters. The capacity congregation included many attending for the first time. Songster Lauren Hay brought ‘I’m Not That Girl’ from Wicked and Major Tracy Bearcroft (Govan) presented ‘Queen of the Night’ from The Magic Flute. Corps officer Major Catherine Wyles led Sunday worship and dedicated a child who had initially attended the parent-andtoddler group and then commenced worshipping at the corps. – DM

Cost Of Living

THIRSK North Yorkshire pioneer leaders Majors Paula and Ian Haylett have established a community wardrobe at Thirsk Methodist Church, offering good quality new and second-hand clothing for as little as 50p to help struggling families. – AR

Liverpool Stoneycroft

FIROUZ

Shrifi was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Sam Tomlin. Firouz spoke movingly about his deep faith in Jesus and the welcome he has had since attending the corps. They are pictured with Corps Secretary Joan Petrie.

Sunderland Millfield

Arm Da Sp Sy Chatham

NORA Dorward was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Linda Billard. Nora started attending activities in the weekly community programme and found friendship.

Encouraged by her Auntie Ann, a soldier at the corps, Nora started to come to worship on Sundays and wanted to express her faith by becoming an adherent. – LB

Arm Da Sp Sy Margate

Arm Da Sp Sy Gravesend

– JK

JEREMIAS, Lia, Laura, Melissa, Sara, Elisabeth, Kathrin, Karolina and Ivan were enrolled as junior soldiers by Pioneer Leader Patrik Bado. All nine read the Junior Soldier’s Promise together. – JK

Major Elizabeth Ross

ELIZABETH was born in Belfast and was the third of six children, all of whom attended Salvation Army Sunday school. Elizabeth grew up with a mother who sat her children at her feet and taught them about the love of the Lord. Elizabeth developed a very strong faith and as a child she would line up her teddy bears to hold open-air meetings with them.

As a young woman, Elizabeth transferred from the Ballymacarrett Dee Street Corps to the smaller Ballynafeigh Corps. She talked of feeling she could be more useful to the Lord in this setting, helping the young people who needed her most. While conducting an open-air meeting, Elizabeth met Victor, who later became her husband.

After their marriage in 1965, Elizabeth and Victor had their first son, Stephen. Soon after this, they felt the calling to become officers and left Belfast to enter the International Training College in 1969, joining as members of the Victorious session.

Their first official appointment was in Ballymena in 1971, then Newry with Bessbrook Outpost. Their marching orders took them to Enniskillen in 1973, where their son, Phillip, was born. They moved to Buckhaven in Scotland in 1976 and their daughter, Joy, was born soon after. They remained in Scotland for the rest of their ministry, serving at Maddiston, Leith with Portobello, Musselburgh, Peterhead and finally Port Glasgow, where they retired as majors.

Elizabeth’s incredible faith inspired many people throughout her life and she never wavered in her dedication to God. She lived her life with love, devotion and compassion, never forgetting her promise to love and care for others. Elizabeth will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, particularly her husband Victor, her children, Stephen, Phillip and Joy, her grandchildren, Hope, David and Matthew, and her siblings, Albert, Robina and William. – JC

Major Jean Harry

JEAN Hedges was born in Addlestone in 1940. Her parents served in the corps where her grandfather was corps sergeant-major and, in time, Jean became an active bandswoman and songster. After working in childcare in local boarding schools, in 1959 Jean entered the International Training College in the Greathearts session and was commissioned in 1960 to the Salvation Army children’s home in Southport.

She married Captain Ken Harry in 1961 and they served together in 16 corps over the next 33 years, including Bargoed, Heckmondwike, Camborne, Tunstall, Bedlington and Portsmouth Citadel, retiring from Dudley in 1993 after Ken suffered a stroke.

Moving in retirement back to Portsmouth, Jean took her place in the songsters alongside her children, Marc and Ruth, and became Cameo leader. She then moved to Lincoln in 2010 to be nearer her other daughter, Eira, again becoming Cameo leader and serving on the pastoral care council.

Jean was well known for her handicrafts, including embroidery, macramé, plastic canvas and painting, and she often demonstrated these at divisional events around the country. Although her health deteriorated in recent years, Jean was still active in the corps until the last year or so and is much missed by family and friends. – MH

Please note members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

JIM spent his entire life at Tunbridge Wells Corps, the last few years as number one on the roll.

During his three and a half decades as songster leader, from 1953 to 1988, the brigade took part in numerous activities at home and abroad. These included engagements up and down the country, including large-scale events at the Royal Albert Hall, Clapton Congress Hall, Westminster Central Hall, the Commonwealth Institute, Wembley Arena, an extended weekend in Rotterdam and the recording of two albums.

Over this period, Jim came to know most of the great Salvation Army musicians and composers of the day, some of whom he developed lasting friendships with. Noted for his dependability, in all areas of life Jim was a quiet, unassuming gentleman, loved and respected throughout the Army world and beyond. He is survived by his wife, three children and four grandchildren. – IR

Ray Hucker Abertillery

RAY was in his 92nd year when he was promoted to Glory, having attended a corps meeting just over a week previously. He grew up in the corps at Abertillery and became a bandsman. National service for Ray was spent in the Life Guards. He returned to Abertillery to marry June and they had a daughter, Carolyn, who completed the family.

Local employment ended when Ray was transferred to Stafford and lost touch with The Salvation Army. Upon retirement, the family moved back to the Abertillery area, and Ray resumed contact with his roots in the Army. Unfortunately, he was unable to play in the band owing to breathing difficulties, but he sang in the singing group and the male voice party.

Breathing was becoming difficult in the latter years, although he still attended meetings when he could. Ray was a big man, not only in stature, but in spirit as well. – AB

Army People Engagements

International appointments

The following appointment, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff

Effective 1 May

COMMISSIONERS JOASH AND FLORENCE MALABI (retired) are to assume pro-tem leadership of Kenya West Territory

Redesignation of divisional leadership appointments

Effective 20 April

MAJOR GILLIAN BURNS, Divisional Leader and Divisional Personnel Officer, North East Division

MAJOR STEVE DUTFIELD, Divisional Leader and Divisional Personnel Officer, North Scotland Division

LIEUT-COLONEL KARIN RAMOS, Divisional Leader and Divisional Personnel Officer, West Midlands Division

MAJOR LINDY ROSE , Divisional Leader and Divisional Personnel Officer, East Midlands Division

COLONEL CHRIS WEBB, Divisional Leader and Divisional Personnel Officer, Ireland Division

MAJOR GILLIAN BILLARD, Divisional Leader and Assistant Divisional Commander, South West Division

MAJOR LINDA HERBERT, Divisional Leader and Assistant Divisional Commander, South East Division

MAJOR LISA LLOYD-JONES, Divisional Leader and Assistant Divisional Commander, Central, Southern and Channel Islands Division

MAJOR KATHRYN TAYLOR , Divisional Mission Officer, North West and Isle of Man Division

Effective 1 July

MAJOR AMANDA WHITE , Divisional Leader and Assistant Divisional Commander, London Division

Local officers appointed

SCL TEGAN BUTCHER , Stapleford

Dedicated to God

ISOBEL EVA YATES, daughter of Amy and Andy Yates, at Bromley Temple by Major Alison Hudson

JAMES DANIEL FINCH , son of Dan Finch and Lydia Finch, at Bromley Temple by Major Alison Hudson

BETHANY ROSA SMITH , daughter of Kate and Bandsman Warwick Smith, at Reading Central by Lieutenant Matthew Stone

Retired officers’

Birthdays

COLONEL DEREK ELVIN, 85 on 15 May

MAJOR RUTH ROBERTS, 80 on 18 May

MAJOR EILEEN COOK , 80 on 19 May

Promoted to Glory

MAJOR ALBERT PELL from Basildon University Hospital on 22 April

MAJOR COLIN CAMPBELL , Prison Ministries Officer, from St James’s University Hospital on 22 April

MAJOR MARIE BATE from her home on 23 April

Bereaved

DAVID SNOWLING , Ipswich Citadel, of his sister Margaret Jay

MAJOR JACQUILINE PELL of her husband Major Albert Pell, Major Catherine Pell of her brother, Clifton Pell, Hadleigh Temple, Nicholas Pell, Major Annette Rieder-Pell, Greece, and Major David Pell, Walthamstow, of their father

MAJOR RIA CAMPBELL , Prison Ministries Officer, of her husband Major Colin Campbell

MAJOR ALLEN BATE of his wife Major Marie Bate, Richard Bate, Alistair Bate, Portsmouth Citadel, Anthony Bate and Russell Bate of their mother

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Thu 18 May – Date TBC High Council

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Thu 11 May William Booth College (Teaching Sessions)

Thu 18 May – Date TBC High Council

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Sat 13 May – Sun 14 May Kettering Citadel

Notices

Dying Matters Week

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

Local elections

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

National Sports Sunday

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

Pentecost resources

A range of resources are available to help celebrate the birth of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost (Sunday 28 May), including resources for ministry with families and schools, and ideas to support corporate worship. Download them on salvationist.org.uk

Sounds

Sunday Worship podcast

Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays on Salvationist Radio? Catch up with our weekly podcast of Sunday Worship highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am. Listen at salvationist.org.uk/radio

COEDPOETH, PARK ROAD LL11 3SE

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May

Centenary

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

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

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

WELLINGBOROUGH, SALEM LANE NN8 4JT SAVE THE DATE

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November

International Staff Songsters

Further details from songsterleader@gmail.com

SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY OPTIONS in the UK and overseas holyhols.co.uk

‘by Christians for Christians’

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