Salvationist 7 January 2023

SALVATIONIST

Just the same

NEW year ... new us? Salvationist begins 2023 with a slightly different look and a slightly different order. You’ll now find inspiring testimonies on page 4 every week, something topical on page 3 and the contents page, well, here. This isn’t about doing something new for the sake of it. It’s about renewing what the magazine has always done: inform, encourage and nurture anyone and everyone connected with The Salvation Army.

Looking for updates on what the Army’s doing across the territory? You can still catch up with news, new commitments and more, from page 12 onwards. Seeking to dive deeper into Scripture? A longer weekly Bible study is on pages 6 and 7, accompanied by devotions from Prayer Matters

After months of planning between the team and outgoing editor Major Mal Davies, it feels apt that the fruits of this work should begin on Covenant Sunday weekend, when we each consider, in this modern, ever-changing world, the steadfast, unchanging promise of God’s relationship with us – and renew our commitment to journeying with him. Just as in previous years, Salvationist is here to go on that journey with you.

THE opening verse of Psalm 95 captures perfectly the theme of Covenant Sunday 2023. The joy so often expressed in our worship is rooted in God’s faithfulness to his people. He is the Rock, the sure foundation of our lives as we live and grow in relationship with him.

This is the third year of a designated Covenant Sunday in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. Following on from previous years’ themes of Going Forward Together and Being Together, Sunday 8 January brings a particular focus on Celebrating Life Together as God’s people.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill has released a message that ties in with this theme,

which you can read on pages 8 and 9. It recognises that times are tough, that many people are facing daily challenges and that the onset of a new year does not automatically remove the current hardships and unpredictability of life. Yet we are reassured that there is a certainty in our Father God’s covenant love for us. We are challenged to reflect that in our relationships with one another, and also to pray the beautiful prayer printed on the covenant cards (pictured below), which are available at your corps.

Other resources for this day can be found online at salvationist.org.uk to inspire people leading and sharing in worship. There are prayers, creative ideas and sermon notes on John 10:10 by

95:1)

Captain Callum McKenna (William Booth College). These provide an in-depth focus on the teaching of Jesus when he said in that verse: ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’

Where does Sunday 8 January find you? Sharing in worship at a corps or another Christian church? Circumstances may mean that you are at home or away from home. Maybe you join in online meetings these days. Wherever you are, I hope that you will take a moment to pray, to reflect, to make or renew your covenant of love to God, through Jesus Christ who offers life in all its fullness to all who receive his salvation.

May you know God’s richest blessings in 2023.

LIEUT-COLONEL JAYNE ROBERTS Secretary for Spiritual Life Development

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

(Psalm

“ ”

Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts introduces the theme of this year’s Covenant Sunday

EXPLAINED

Soldiership

ACROSS the globe there are 1,251,573 people who identify as Salvation Army soldiers!

In Army parlance, soldiership is a type of membership. These members are called soldiers.

The Salvation Army Year Book 2022 defines a soldier as ‘a converted person at least 14 years of age who has … been enrolled as a member of The Salvation Army after signing the Soldier’s Covenant’.

The Soldier’s Covenant includes a statement of belief in the Army’s 11 doctrines and a series of 10 promises that provide a framework for living a holy life.

Soldiership is a personal response to the conviction that God is calling the individual to live a particular lifestyle, and is not used to gatekeep access to activities. Many soldiers witness to this conviction by choosing to wear a uniform.

The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine emphasises that soldiership is simply a public declaration of ‘the life-changing encounter with Christ which has already taken place’, and likens it to water baptism. Moreover, it affirms that there are ‘many worthy ways of publicly witnessing’ to having new life in Christ.

In 2021, International Headquarters released Called to be a Soldier to ‘help us understand how Salvationist beliefs shape our actions’. This book is the go-to resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of soldiership and copies are available through your corps.

Could soldiership be right for you?

Speak to your corps officer or read more at salvationist.org.uk/membership.

‘God’s word will be fulfilled’

Captain Svetlana Bochkareva (Pesochin) has continued to serve in Kharkiv, Ukraine, during the conflict. She shared her story during the recent visit of General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle to the Eastern Europe Territory.

IHAVE been serving God as an officer for 14 years. From my experience, a person’s life can be divided into different time periods defined by certain circumstances. Each period brings a life lesson, or maybe a few.

In every period of my life, the Lord reveals a special word for me. For now, he has brought Isaiah 55:11: ‘So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.’

Now there is a war in Ukraine. A terrible period, even if you are not personally experiencing it. But these words of God tell me that this is still a time of grace. And God’s word will not return empty.

People are confused and many have lost everything. They look for someone or something to believe in, and we can offer the One who came to save them. Sometimes, when the rockets fly, it’s hard to know how to help. But God is showing me, and his

is me, his love continues to work through us.

On 24 Februar y 2022, the day the war began, I opened the ba sement of our corps building as a bomb

and for those who had already been bombed. People were afraid, distressed and crying. They needed shelter. We had a warm place to sleep, with water and food. The building quickly filled.

I knew that no amount of trying to calm people would help. Fear and horror filled their souls and consciousness. So, although I have hearing problems, I began to do what my spirit wanted: I began to sing Psalm 23, praising God.

I sang and prayed out loud all the time the bombing lasted. I hoped that fear and doubt did not show in my eyes and voice. I started ‘Amazing Grace’ and continued to sing the entire song, and I saw how people calmed down, despite the shaking building. Instead of focusing on the bombs, they focused on the love of God.

Worship did not stop. We studied the Bible and prayed. We took care of the children. We listened to the children’s stories, telling us about those killed. We hugged the children and cried with them. We told them about the God who loves them and that God would help them return to this place and rebuild their lives.

told that them return to thi lives

Faith a talk abo and the terrible they are throu sometimes ma want to scream in listen a ‘G is fulf il

Faith and courage are needed when people talk about their grief and the terrible things they are going through. Their words sometimes made me want to scream in despair. But you listen and repeat to yourself, ‘God’s word is being fulfilled.’ And thank God there is still time for grace.

Go still t grace on a orig pub others globa

Based on an article originally published at others.org.au/ global-focus

soldiership/

Once and for all

DEAR friends, a new year always holds great potential and most of us will spend some time thinking about the uncharted landscape ahead. We ponder new year resolutions, we consider ‘beginning again’ – a new start or a clean page. In some instances, there are even things we want to leave behind and something rises within us suggesting that a refocused human effort will make a difference. Each year the voices come: ‘clean up your act’; ‘you can do better’; ‘get a grip’; ‘don’t be so disorganised’; ‘focus on the right things’. It isn’t always easy to get off to a good start!

As I’ve been thinking of all that effort and trying harder, I am reminded of Old Testament narratives of people constantly making gigantic efforts to secure a right relationship with God. Like them, we try harder, we strive and we practise our religion, hoping all will be well.

If this sounds like you and this is how you are feeling as you welcome 2023, I have some good news which is linked to how we start this new year and how we do things right.

I want to introduce you to the ‘once and for all God’ (Romans 6:10: ‘The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God’). For some it might be a new perspective, but it has history. God’s provision for us began with a new covenant commencing with the cross. This is a focus on what God has done for us and not on our striving and effort. It is a new beginning that is birthed in the dynamic of personal surrender.

So, step into this new year with confidence, not that which comes from your human effort but rather from walking with the ‘once and for all God’ who says ‘my grace is sufficient for you’.

Hebrews 9:28 states: ‘Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many.’ That includes us. John 1:29 reads: ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ That is my sin and your sin.

In the truth that Christ died once and for all, there is also the truth that he lives, and because he lives we can also live. Walking with God daily, let us confront the temporal and spiritual in such a way that no matter what

comes, the truth of God’s action on our behalf remains rock solid. That means, whatever comes – if economies fail, if health becomes challenging, if our plans are disrupted, and even if what we fear most becomes a reality – we are safe in his hands, fully aware of his provision.

In the arena of surrender there hangs a banner, reading: ‘God is with us and he is faithful.’ On that basis we can approach every day of this new year as ‘more than conquerors’ (Romans 8:37), and in the knowledge that Christ has ‘overcome the world’ (John 16:33), because his grace is sufficient and he is faithful.

Romans 5:8 encapsulates this: ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ It is done! For once and for all time … and that changes everything.

May God richly bless you throughout 2023.

PEDDLE General BR

Hebrews 9:28

Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many.

BRIAN

Love God, love others

LUKE 10:25–37

MANY years ago, when we were travelling from northern Scotland to London on a cold, snowy January night, our car broke down. The AA breakdown service eventually arrived. The mechanic diagnosed that we needed a new part for our old Ford Cortina. He said that it would need to be sourced and that this would take some time.

It was such a cold night. The mechanic noticed that I was sitting on the back seat feeding my baby son. He took pity on us, put us in his van and drove us to his home. On arrival, I met his poor, unsuspecting wife, who was in the midst of doing the ironing. However, she immediately welcomed us. She invited us to sit by the roaring fire, made us comfortable, and gave us food and drink.

For us, the AA responder was a perfect example of what is widely known as a ‘good Samaritan’. We were so thankful that he went the extra mile and offered service way beyond our expectation.

The parable of the good Samaritan, found in Luke 10, is arguably the best-known of Jesus’ teachings. Many of us could easily retell the story without any problem at all. However, even with the most familiar Bible passages, such as this story, I have found that fresh understanding of Scripture often comes the more you read it.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

To what extent can you identify with this parable?

Which of the characters do you see yourself as – questioner, victim, passer-by or Samaritan?

It would be so easy for us as Christians – and certainly as Salvationists – to jump quickly to aligning ourselves with the good Samaritan. After all, helping those in need is our corporate heritage. If you identify as a questioner who is trying to make sense of it all, what a great question to ask Jesus: ‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?’ (v25).

Typically, rather than spoon-feeding an answer, Jesus seeks to help the man understand. Jesus asks: ‘What is written in the Law? … How do you read it?’ (v26).

For the enquirer, who is described as ‘an expert in the Law’, the answer should have been surprisingly simple and straightforward. It is found in the Law of Moses. In Deuteronomy 6:5 we read: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’ In Leviticus 19 we read a number of statutes that relate to people’s behaviour towards each other and God’s specific instruction to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (v18).

PAUSE AND REFLECT

To what extent do we set limits on whom we consider to be our neighbour?

Look up Matthew 22:34–40. Notice the subtle differences between this account and Luke’s rendition. Most noticeable is the fact that, according to Matthew, it is Jesus – and not the lawyer – who outlines the ‘greatest’ commandment: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ (v37). It is Jesus who also spells out the need to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (v39).

In response to the lawyer’s question about the identity of his neighbour, Jesus tells a story that includes a figure whom pious Jews consider to be heretical – John 4:9 records that ‘Jews do not associate with Samaritans’.

The Samaritan, an outcast and outsider, shows selfless compassion and mercy to the man in need. Look at the way the Samaritan cares for the victim of the robbers in verses 33 to 35 of our study passage. He comes alongside the man and gives him practical help. His is the example to follow. We should not be like the ones who pass by on the other side.

PAUSE

AND REFLECT

When did you last intentionally go out of your way to behave as a ‘good Samaritan’?

How did that make you feel?

Have you ever ‘passed by on the other side’? Why?

There might be times when we have a similar experience to the innkeeper and are given responsibility and resources to care for others – ‘neighbours’ who need help and healing.

Apart from Jesus, there is one remaining character we might identify with. Perhaps this is the character Jesus really wants us to understand.

PAUSE

AND REFLECT

How do you think the victim felt when the priest and Levite ignored him?

What did the victim do to deserve the attention of the Samaritan?

Commissioner Gill Cotterill encourages us to follow the good Samaritan’s example

Perhaps the deeper truth of the account is that the man who is attacked, beaten up, wounded and left half-dead is a person just like us – a victim in need of personal care in order to be healed, a person who needs to be saved and lifted up.

The prophet Isaiah describes the ‘suffering servant’ – Jesus – as one who was ‘despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain’ (Isaiah 53:3).

In boundless love and grace, Jesus identifies with us. He pays the penalty for our sin, dying on the cross that we might be forgiven and healed, receive peace and know life in all its fullness.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

The climax of the passage is when the penny drops for the expert in the Law, as he discovers the answer to his question through the actions of the good Samaritan.

Finally, in verse 37, Jesus gives a concluding word and command to the questioner and to us, as we seek to love God and love others: ‘Go and do likewise.’

Prayer Matters contains daily devotions covering specific areas in the territory, current worldwide situations and personal reflection and relationship with God. A PDF of the unedited booklet is available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

NEW YEAR FOCUS

by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)

SATURDAY 7 JANUARY

Covenant Sunday is an opportunity for personal and corporate rededication. May we respond gladly to God’s invitation to celebrate life together as his people: ‘Walk with me and work with me... Learn the unforced rhythms of grace’ (Matthew 11:28 The Message).

SUNDAY 8 JANUARY – COVENANT SUNDAY May the theme Celebrating Life Together – Living in God’s Covenant encourage us to pray for those with whom we worship. Let us ask God to strengthen, inspire and equip us as we dedicate ourselves anew to his service.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND FOCUS by Major Pauline Milner (Prayer Network)

MONDAY 9 JANUARY – DUBLIN SOCIAL CENTRES

Father, we lift before you Dublin’s residential centres and family hubs. Thank you that the Army can offer a lifeline to vulnerable people. We pray for the fundraising team and support staff. Encourage them in their work. Inspire the chaplains as they share the gospel. May those who attend kids’ clubs and Recovery Church encounter Jesus. Amen.

TUESDAY 10 JANUARY – DUBLIN CITY

Father God, we pray the corps will be a beacon of light, on fire with your Holy Spirit, saving and transforming lives. Help us to change the perception of the Church in Ireland by offering a loving, forgiving and welcoming community. We pray for those who have not returned since the Covid-19 pandemic and prodigals in the city. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 11 JANUARY – DUBLIN SOUTH

The corps is recovering slowly post-pandemic, and there are busy toddler and family midweek groups. Lord Jesus, we pray for a clear vision for your Kingdom work. Help us build a vibrant worshipping community where those who have turned away from the established Church can encounter you in a new, fresh way. Amen.

THURSDAY 12 JANUARY – LIMERICK FRESH EXPRESSION

St Mary’s Park Estate has the highest incidence of social deprivation in Ireland. Major Imogen Stewart’s networking and presence have strengthened the Army’s ministry here. Lord Jesus, please bless and encourage this tender flock. We ask boldly that you would raise up ‘a helper’ to help develop the church. Amen.

FRIDAY 13 JANUARY – GALWAY FRESH EXPRESSION

Galway is starting something from nothing, with the catalyst of one African Salvationist. There has been some interest on Facebook regarding the Army. Father, thank you for this kindling of Kingdom life. Please bless and encourage the believers and send helpers to strengthen them. Amen.

COMMISSIONER GILL COTTERILL Territorial Leader for Leader Development

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 we’ll pass on your requests to the Territorial Prayer Network.

Do we deserve the mercy and grace of God?

Renewed certainty

IAM very pleased to wish you all a very happy new year, knowing that at long last 2022, with all its unexpected twists and turns, joys and sorrows, frustrations and opportunities, is consigned to history – even though the legacy of 2022 and all that happened in it will be with us well into 2023 and far beyond.

Having said that, I am old enough – if not wise enough – to appreciate that, for too many people, the prospect of this new year becoming anywhere close to being ‘happy’ 24/7 is somewhat unlikely. The year ahead, let’s be frank, will not be straightforward, predictable and trouble-free.

If only there was something that we could be sure of in these early days of the new year! Something that would begin to make sense of the inevitable twists and turns, joys and sorrows, frustrations and opportunities that I suspect will emerge as they did in 2022, and all the years before it.

Well there is something, as well as someone, we can be certain will uphold us and guide us through another year. This weekend corps and fellowships up and down the territory mark Covenant Sunday. Covenant is ‘the something’ that brings cast-iron certainty in a time when everything seems uncertain, unpredictable, gloomy, tough beyond words and totally chaotic.

Popular theologian and writer Henri Nouwen explained the concept of a covenant in Bread for the Journey as an agreement in relationship:

‘When God makes a covenant with us, God says: “I will love you with an everlasting love. I will be faithful to you, even when you run away from me, reject me or betray me.” In our society we don’t speak much about covenants; we speak about contracts. When we make a contract with a person, we say: “I will fulfil my part as long as you fulfil yours. When you don’t live up to your promises, I no longer have to live up to mine.”

‘Contracts are often broken because the partners are unwilling or unable to be faithful to their terms. But God didn’t make a contract with us; God made a covenant with us, and God wants our relationships with one another to reflect that covenant. That’s why marriage, friendship, life in community are all ways

to give visibility to God’s faithfulness in our lives together.’

As we come to Covenant Sunday we will, of course, reflect upon the covenant of relationship that God has made with us. The Old and New Testaments – old and new covenants – are peppered with the reminder that Father God is a covenantmaking God. In other words, he gives himself to us in love, in relationship.

Deuteronomy 7:9 says: ‘So I want you to realise that the Lord your God is God. He is the faithful God. He keeps his covenant for all time to come. He keeps it with those who love him and obey his commandments. He shows them his love’ (New International Reader’s Version).

Psalm 103:17 and 18 say: ‘But the Lord’s love for those who have respect for him lasts for ever and ever. Their children’s children will know that he always does what is right. He always loves those who keep his covenant. He always does what is right for those who remember to obey his commands’ (NIRV).

Hebrews 13:20 and 21 say: ‘Our Lord Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep. The God who gives peace brought him back from the dead. He did it because of the blood of the eternal covenant. Now may God supply you with everything good. Then you can do what he wants. May he do in us what is pleasing to him. We can do it only with the help of Jesus Christ. Give him glory for ever and ever’ (NIRV).

Covenant Sunday allows us holy space to reflect upon the wonderful covenants of divine love that God has made with ordinary people such as you and me – but it also allows us to renew our part in the covenantal relationship with him.

We are drawn into a loving relationship with our covenant-making God. As we renew and refresh our covenants with him, may we celebrate together what God has done, is doing and will do in and through us, as we enjoy life in all its fullness with the one who calls us to love him and love others.

In the light of such assurance of God’s love for you personally, I dare to genuinely wish you a happy, prosperous and God-blessed new year as you walk with him and as we, in his name, lovingly serve the communities where we are.

Based on a video available to watch at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo

The Old and New Testaments are peppered with the reminder that Father God is a covenantmaking God.

“ ”

ACOUPLE of years ago, my wife, Rachel, and I were prompted to create a rule of life together that would shape our priorities and discipleship as a married couple. We committed to grace, boldness, rest and hospitality, both personally and together. Each of these points was elaborated on with measurable goals that we committed to living out.

Rules of life are used in monastic and new monastic movements to give spiritual rhythms and patterns for living. Many people, including Rachel and I, have adopted this practice.

What is a rule of life? It sets out the spiritual principles that guide a community of believers, with a commitment to prayer, discipleship, seeking God’s love and sharing it with others. Rules of life have been described using different terms, including ‘a framework for spiritual life’, ‘radical discipleship’, ‘a disciplined lifestyle’ and ‘a holistic approach to the spiritual life’. They cover beliefs, actions and lifestyle practices, as well as a commitment to the mission of God in the world.

Does this sound familiar to you?

To me, these terms resonate with the language often used when talking about the Soldier’s Covenant. This started my interest in researching a little more and discovering the similarities and differences between new monastic rules of life and the Soldier’s Covenant. Looking at the founding motivation of monasticism, new monasticism and The Salvation Army, there is a clear desire among them all for faithful holy living

Rules of life

Captain Tom Dunham considers the spiritual rhythms of soldiership

and mission to others in response to a changing culture. The rules of life and the Soldier’s Covenant are frameworks for living out this calling.

There are several differences between them. First, many rules of life are specific, giving strong guidance to daily and weekly rhythms. For example, prayer at a set time each morning. While the Soldier’s Covenant covers a broad range of areas in life, the details are less specific, leaving space for individuals, or corps to find their own spiritual rhythms.

Second, the Soldier’s Covenant is international, uniting soldiers worldwide who live in different cultures, while the rules of life within new monastic communities are often created by the faith community and can easily be adapted as God leads. The Soldier’s Covenant leaves room for individuals and corps to find their own rhythms and expressions but it perhaps poses a question about whether there would ever be a need for local or territorial variations.

Third, rules of life are meant to be lived out within a faith community. While everyone within a new monastic community commits themselves to the rules of life, a distinct difference with the Soldier’s Covenant is that not everyone within a corps is called to commit to it. We have adherents and other members within our corps communities who are as committed to their discipleship as soldiers are. Care is needed that one is not elevated over the other and that soldiership is not equated to membership. Indeed, there are some challenges around soldiership if it is simply considered as a rite of passage or a gateway to fulfilling certain roles within a corps, rather than being fundamentally a relationship with the living God and a fulfilment of a calling.

In the same way that the new monastic movement has reimagined the disciplined life of the ancient monastic tradition, I feel that there is opportunity for the Army to reimagine and be faithful to its calling. Part of that is the call to the sacred covenant of soldiership. Maybe the challenge is for each soldier, individually and together within corps, to regularly revisit the Soldier’s Covenant and consider how God may be prompting them to put healthy spiritual rhythms and practices in place. Covenant Sunday is a natural time to do it.

CAPTAIN TOM DUNHAM Corps Officer Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh P

World leaders celebrate opening borders

JAPAN

GENERAL Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle visited after the country’s border reopened. The General’s party were welcomed to the West Division united meeting in Osaka with a presentation by colleagues unable to attend in person.

The global leaders travelled to Tokyo to lead an executive officers’ lunch. At Territorial Officers’ Councils, the General urged those present to renew their Officer’s Covenant.

Lauren Horii lifted up Jesus’ name at an evening gospel concert at the Japan Education Hall. Cadet Shinya Yoshida testified about how he recovered from drug addiction and the General challenged the congregation to seek God’s presence.

Salvationists later gathered at Kyoritsu Auditorium for a holiness meeting. The Japan Staff Band gave its first full performance after three years of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The General was visibly thrilled to enrol Chinatsu Kobayashi as a soldier.

Children’s TV character Shimo Bear appeared on stage to introduce Commissioner Rosalie’s testimony. The General then called Salvationists to stand up as a holy people of God. – AR

ECUMENICAL

Conversations with the Catholic Church

WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

TWELVE people met to resume informal conversations between the Catholic Church and The Salvation Army. The aim was to listen, reflect and learn around the theme Discipleship for Mission. Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy co-chaired the lively conversations along with Commissioner Jane Paone (IHQ) in an atmosphere of respect and trust. Papers were presented by delegates on subjects such as how mission flows from discipleship and what mission looks like today.

The group joined in worship at Regent Hall on Sunday morning. For the final morning, they visited IHQ, where the Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham greeted the delegates and listened to a summary and highlights from each member.

It was proposed that these conversations continue in Rome in November 2023 with the theme Missional Discipleship: Hope in a Change of Epoque. – JP

MUSIC

COMMUNITY

DROITWICH SPA The corps knitting group (pictured) presented handmade hats and other items to Pauline Cookson to pass on with prayers to the neonatal unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Pauline became aware of the need for such items after her great-granddaughter spent time at the hospital. – MM

A capacity audience welcomed the International Staff Band for a visit postponed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Major Paul Kingscott, the ISB’s executive officer, led the Sunday meeting, in which Staff Bandsman Matthew Frost gave a testimony and the singing company performed. Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb presented Bandsman George Cowper with a certificate, acknowledging 80 years of unbroken service as a musician. George is pictured with Songster Leader Caitlin Hedley and Bandsman Andrew Hedley. – GC

CHESTER-LE-STREET

‘Keep

GATESHEAD The seniors group celebrated Christmas with a meal and a party, with some members going to a pantomime. The group, which is led by community manager Ann Humes, brings people together and helps tackle loneliness and isolation. – AR

PERTH Corps folk supported the local Churches Together group and council in arranging the city’s Advent torchlight procession. The event included a lantern-making workshop, the switching on of two Nativity scenes at St Ninian’s Cathedral and St John’s Kirk, and a torchlight procession led by Perth and District Pipe Band. More than 200 people enjoyed carol singing accompanied by Perthshire Brass. The divisional emergency van then served warm refreshments. – AH

WARRINGTON The mayor of Warrington, Councillor Jean Flaherty, joined a capacity crowd for an evening of brass music, singing and dance. The evening opened with a dance by student Hannike Martens, accompanied by Unity Brass, and included euphonium solos and duets from Darren Willis and Harry Stubbs (both Derby Central). Gospel singer Jenni James, from Audacious Church, presented carols and Major Chris Davidson (Rhyl) reminded the audience that Jesus should remain the focus of the season. The evening raised more than £700 for the Army’s work in the town. – RW

SLEAFORD

BIRMINGHAM CITADEL A festive fun afternoon organised by 11-yearold Molly included a Christmas quiz and a bake sale. Music from the YP sections included ‘Yes, Jesus Loves Me’ arranged by 10-year-old Jacob and cornet trio

in Step’ from Josie, Jonathan and Oliver. The event raised nearly £600 for the corps community sponsorship scheme. – RO

WILLIAMSTOWN Corps folk took Christmas carols out to members of the fellowship unable to attend due to ill health. The singing was well received by those who listened. – EB

PERTH The carol service included guests Perthshire Brass and Jollity Express Makaton Choir. Depute provost of Perth and Kinross, Councillor Andrew Parrott, highlighted the continued strength and partnership between the council and the Army. It was a true community event. – AH

Toys donated in response to the Christmas Present Appeal were displayed during the family gift service. Volunteers from Interflora helped corps members sort and wrap the presents for distribution to more than 50 families in need. – NM

COLCHESTER CITADEL While the band were carolling in the city centre, they were surprised to be visited by Eurovision star Sam Ryder. He gave a short performance and then directed listeners towards the band members collecting for the Christmas appeal, and made a donation himself. – AL

Colchester Citadel Band play at the city’s Churches Together carol service

Teddington lunch club enjoy their Christmas dinner and final lunch of 2022

PARKHEAD The Celtic FC Foundation donated toys and Kirkintilloch Band raised £300 towards the Christmas Present Appeal. The Tollcross Bikers, pictured with Corps Secretary Flora Muir, and the congregation from Kenmure Parish Church also donated toys to help give children a present on Christmas Day. – AD

Twickenham corps folk join in Isleworth’s Carols in the Square

BRIDGWATER Children enjoyed extra treats, a bouncy castle and chocolate lollies at the Babysong Christmas party. Each child chose their favourite nursery rhyme to sing, and the party finished with some Christmas songs. – HC

WEST SCOTLAND People from across the division met in Sherbrooke Mosspark Parish Church for the first divisional carol concert in three years. Featuring the West Scotland Youth Band and Youth Chorus the evening was filled with opportunities to reflect on God’s gift of Jesus to the world. Govan Songster Leader Matt Ramsay delighted the congregation with powerful renditions of ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘We Are the Reason’. Erlend Smith from Glasgow City Centre presented an original look at the Gospel birth narratives as seen through the eyes of a busy Gabriel. Divisional Commander Major Ray Brown delivered an epilogue and a collection raised money towards the All-Scotland Summer School for young people. – PB

NEWS IN BRIEF

CLOWNE Families at Messy Christmas had a great time sharing food and making crafts. Creations included Rice Krispies Christmas characters, Nativity headbands and wooden spoon angels. In all the busyness and stress of preparing for Christmas, those present remembered to take time to relax and focus on Jesus, God’s greatest gift. – GH

RUTHERGLEN The Jam Club held its second Christmas open night with parents and grandparents sharing in games and carols with the children that come to the midweek ‘Sunday’ school. The band accompanied carols and pass the parcel and corps officer Major Catherine Wyles presented the Nativity story. The evening ended with hot chocolate, cream and marshmallows. – CW

ABERTILLERY During the town’s annual Winterfest, Charity Shop Manager Sarah Abbott opened the store and a total of £1,200 was raised for corps funds. The family of soldier Nora Blanchard also helped put up and dismantle Santa’s grotto for the event. – AB

WOKING Corps folk, with the help of the general public, provided more than 300 toys to the Christmas Present Appeal. The Trussell Trust, which uses the hall twice a week, donated a food parcel for every family who received gifts. Military personnel from the British Army Training Centre at Pirbright also donated Christmas gifts. – MH

PENRITH The corps was awarded funding from the Holiday Activity and Food Programme at Cumbria council, which it put towards food supplies for young families. More than 300 children were supported. – AR

WEST MIDLANDS The Salvation Army mobilised across Birmingham and the West Midlands to donate 4,500 new toys and 550 festive food hampers to support families in need over Christmas. Many corps buildings across the region have also opened warm spaces, so people have somewhere to go to keep warm this winter. – AR

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD Carols by Candlelight, organised by the songsters, raised more than £3,000 for the charity Action Foundation, which supports refugees and asylum seekers. Compèred by BBC Look North presenter Jeff Brown, the songsters were joined by vocalist Moira Wilson (Govan), the Allegri Quartet and the Kalanikethan Indian Dancers. Mark Hall, trustee of Action Foundation, delivered a thoughtprovoking Christmas message. – AM

KETTERING CITADEL Supported by the Rev David Walsh and with the permission of the police, the band brought carols and prayers to residents of a nearby block of flats where a mother and her two children were killed. Conversations were had with residents and police officers, who were moved by the visit. Corps officer Major Nigel Govier shared: ‘When I asked the band to do this, I said it’s not the most pleasant place to do carols but it is the most needed. The flats are 400 yards from our hall and we need to show our support to a hurting community.’ – AR

WELLING The corps linked up with 1st Welling Beavers, who held a campaign to collect food for the corps food bank and Christmas appeal. The children handed over nine large boxes of donations. The corps was touched by the amazing wave of generosity sparked by this small group of young children. – KS

EXETER TEMPLE Exeter Temple Praise included favourite carols by the band and songsters, new piece ‘Following the Star’, composed by Bandsman Ivan Andrews, and a vocal solo of ‘O Holy Night’ by Songster and Bandswoman Victoria Norton. Musicians presented Bible readings, Major Margaret Bovey read the poem ‘What Are We Waiting For?’ by Major Nigel Bovey and Major Lawrie Brown brought a message. The afternoon concluded with food and fellowship. – JW

CHATTERIS

RUBY first became a Salvation Army soldier 80 years ago, during the Second World War. After a few years away from the Army, she has rededicated herself to the Lord she loves. In so doing she publicly witnessed to her faith in Jesus by re-signing the Soldier’s Covenant and wearing her uniform. Ruby is pictured with Anese Tomkinson, who led the rededication service. – IT

CHRIS and Veronica Thomas were welcomed as adherents by corps officers Captains Dylan and Rachael Nieuwoudt. Chris and Veronica encountered the Army for the first time while the band was out carolling in 2021. After a friendly invitation to the Christmas Day service, they made the corps their spiritual home. – DN

HOYLAND COMMON

CORPS members celebrated the welcoming of three adherents and enrolment of six soldiers by corps officers Majors Adrian and Chris Lee. In a truly international ceremony, Divisional Commander Major Jane Cowell presented the certificates, read Scripture and welcomed the new members from India, Nigeria, El Salvador and Huddersfield into the corps family. ‘We have been so blessed by the diversity, love and depth of spirituality that God has brought through this new growth,’ said Major Adrian. – AR

MAUREEN Kirk was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Territorial Envoy Bev Waring. Maureen had been a junior soldier at the corps years ago and still attended meetings. She has now taken the step of adherency to draw herself closer to the Lord. Maureen and Territorial Envoy Bev are pictured with Corps Secretary John Wheatley. – KP

READING WEST

LUCAS was enrolled as a junior soldier by Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill during the postponed 135th corps anniversary celebrations. Lucas is one of three brothers who are YP members at the corps. He read out the junior soldier’s promise and signed it at the mercy seat. – FT

SUE Gibson was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Lieutenant Portia Stirling-Mack, giving a powerful and emotional testimony. Sue had her share of struggles growing up but spoke about living a life of victory after finding God and accepting his forgiveness. She is already a valued member of the corps and continues to grow in Christ. Pictured with Sue are Lieutenant Portia, Bandmaster / Songster Leader Elaine Westcott and Elaine’s husband, Derek. – PS-M

DOUGLAS

HUDDERSFIELD

STAPLEFORD

LEEROY GOTAMI BIRMINGHAM CITADEL

LEEROY was born in Zimbabwe and lived with his grandparents, attending Glen View Citadel. He learnt to play a brass instrument and played in the band.

He joined his parents in the UK aged 12 and had already decided on a career in music. He was in the YP and senior sections at the corps, the divisional sections, attended summer schools and undertook school music tours around Europe. He had a talent for songwriting and singing, publishing on YouTube. He worked with Simon Gough in Canada as part of the Music Editorial Department’s mentoring programme.

Leeroy was studying at university and was promoted to Glory aged 22, one week before his final dissertation was due. He was very popular and hundreds attended his thanksgiving service from across the UK.

Tears may dry but memories live for ever. Always missed by his parents, Langton and Pamela, and sister, Lynn. – LG

GEORGE PAMPLIN SITTINGBOURNE

GEORGE was born in Sittingbourne in 1922 and, apart from his wartime service in the RAF, spent his whole life there.

He progressed through the YP band and into the senior band and was number one on the roll at the time of his promotion to Glory, just 21 days short of his 100th birthday.

His service as corps secretary for more than 49 years was exemplary and he was a true Christian ‘gentle’ man in every sense of the word.

George was widowed following the death of Grace in 1987, after 43 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Maureen and Trevor and was dearly loved by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Although George was unable to attend the corps in the past few years, his faith shone through in the care home where he resided. George is now with the Lord and Saviour he served. – MI

EDITH ANDREWS DROITWICH SPA

EDITH was born in Abertillery in 1921 to Salvationist parents. Her father was a miner by trade but, due to the perilous state of the community at the time, the family moved to Newton Abbot. Edith met her husband, Vincent, at the outbreak of the Second World War and they were married in 1941 and started their family in 1945.

Over the years, Edith held various positions of responsibility at Newton Abbot Corps. Following Vincent’s death, Edith moved to Droitwich Spa. Edith was a true Christian, whose love for the Lord shone through everything she did. There will be many people who would testify to the love and support they received from ‘Aunty Edie’ throughout their childhood and beyond.

She is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, or, as she once said with her trademark humour and twinkle in her eye, ‘too many relatives’. – CP

JOHN SCOTT SHERBURN HILL

AT a young age, John was encouraged to attend Sunday school at Spennymoor by his Salvationist neighbours. He joined the YP sections. As a teenager he became a senior soldier, bandsman and songster.

He was a corps cadet and at a corps cadet house party he met Joyce, who became his wife in 1969. They had two children, Graeme and Joanne.

John held positions of assistant corps sergeant-major, band sergeant and YP band leader. When Spennymoor closed the family worshipped at an Independent Methodist church, where John became assistant choir master and blessed many with his vocal solos. John returned to the Army at Shildon and then transferred to Sherburn Hill, taking part in the sections.

John lived his testimony quietly, witnessing to extended family and workmates. He was an encourager and is remembered for this. He will be greatly missed by everyone. John is now with his Lord. – OJ

RON ABLEWHITE STOWMARKET

AFTER spending his early years at Dedham Heath Methodist Church, Ron joined Manningtree Corps in 1939. He was commissioned as a bandsman and songster in 1940.

During the Second World War, Ron was involved in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944. Being in a tank, Ron landed on Gold Beach and witnessed much of the carnage unfolding.

Ron was commissioned as bandmaster in 1957 and served in that position for four years. He moved to Eastbourne in 1962 and held the positions of corps press officer and corps treasurer.

To be closer to his family, Ron and his wife moved to Stowmarket in 1968 and held positions of band secretary and corps treasurer.

For much of his life, Ron worked as a carpenter and was awarded the British Empire Medal for his work on St Edmundsbury Cathedral. He was a quiet, unassuming man and will be greatly missed. – MB

BRIAN PACKER NEWTON ABBOT

BRIAN returned to The Salvation Army following the death of his mother. For many years, he played cornet as a valued member of the South Western Divisional Fellowship Band, travelling around the county and to Bristol for rehearsals and concerts.

Brian worked as a polisher at Centrax in Newton Abbot and, after being made redundant, travelled away from the area in his camper van for work.

It was during a work trip to Andover that Brian met his wife, Val, who moved with him to Chudleigh Knighton, where they were happily married for many years until her death five years ago. He cared for her with love and affection in difficult times.

Brian was known for his love of gardening and as a man with a great sense of humour.

He was committed, loyal, loving and a good and faithful servant who will be sadly missed. – NB

ARMY PEOPLE

Local officers appointed

COLOUR SGT STEPHEN JACQUES, Govan

JSS LAUREN HAY, Govan

BM BETHANY WILLIAMS, Govan

CSM GILBERT CHAMUNORWA , Bath Citadel

Dedicated to God

ISLA ROSE RICHARDSON, daughter of CSM David and Emily Richardson, by Major Liz Hancock at Newcastle City Temple

Retired officers’ birthdays

LIEUT-COLONEL MIRIAM PULL , 95 on 3 January

MAJOR BETTY JONES, 90 on 11 January

COLONEL JOHN FLETT, 85 on 16 January

LIEUT-COLONEL JOAN KIRBY, 85 on 17 January

MAJOR MARGARET BAKER , 80 on 21 January

Promoted to Glory

DANIEL LAMBERT, Hexham

DAVE ELLIOTT, Gloucester

CCMS FREDA BRUCE, Kirkwall

ELIZABETH GELL , Doncaster

LEN BURT, Wrexham, on 4 December

CPR BRIAN EDWARDS, Southampton Sholing, on 7 December

ENID FUNNELL , Ipswich Citadel, on 18 December

Bereaved

MICHELLE ELLIOTT, Gloucester, of her husband Dave Elliott, Lynn Essex and Carol Malleson, both Gloucester, of their father

OSCS ALEX BRUCE, Kirkwall, of his wife

CCMS Freda Bruce, Paul Bruce, Denise Jackson, Sharon Johnston and Johnny Bruce, all Kirkwall, of their mother

LIEUT-COLONEL MAURICE COOPER of his brother Douglas Cooper

ICO delegates

The 252nd session begins on 11 January

CAPTAIN LONGUI EMANUEL , Angola

MAJOR DARREN DWYER , Australia

MAJOR DEON OLIVER, Australia

MAJOR DALIA SARKAR , Bangladesh

MAJOR QUELSIMAR DE LIMA GARCIA , Brazil

MAJOR DWAYNE LEDREW, Canada and Bermuda

CAPTAIN CHRISNER NORRILUS, Caribbean

MAJOR ALDENE MEO, Caribbean

MAJOR DAVID DARCHIASHVILI, Eastern Europe

CAPTAIN MARIE LANGE-DRUART, France and Belgium

MAJOR MINNY CHAN (HEUNG YING TSUI), Hong Kong and Macau

MAJOR RAMROPUINGHAKI RENTHLEI, India Eastern

MAJOR ZORAMMUANI, India Eastern

MAJOR ROBERT MASIH, India Northern

MAJOR MUTHURAJ CHELLIAH, India South Eastern

LIEUT-COLONEL JACOB J JOSEPH, India South Western

MAJOR JYOTI DEVDAN KALKUMBE, India Western

MAJOR SUHAS VANJARE, India Western

MAJOR JONGGI SIBARANI, Indonesia

CAPTAIN JEVRY AMBITAN, Indonesia

MAJOR LEONARD NYONGESA , Kenya West

MAJOR DAVID CAMPOS, Latin America North

CAPTAIN EDWIN MANTU SNOGBA , Liberia and Sierra Leone

CAPTAIN SUSAN ADAMS, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa

COLONEL JANE BRAKSTAD WATERS, Norway, Iceland and the Færoes

CAPTAIN FOUZIA MUBARIK , Pakistan

MAJOR KAMRAN NABEEL , Pakistan

MAJOR MIANA GOINA , Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

MAJOR LALBIAKDIKA , Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar

MAJOR LALCHUAILOVA , Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar

MAJOR GRISELDA RUTH ALDANA DIAZ , South America West

MAJOR VELANI BUTHELEZI, Southern Africa

CAPTAIN SARAH ILSTERS, Sweden and Latvia

MAJOR ASTRID INNIGER , Switzerland, Austria and Hungary

CAPTAIN SARAH NANJALA WAFULA , Uganda

MAJOR CLAIRE HILL , United Kingdom and Ireland

MAJOR MARCUS MYLECHREEST, United Kingdom and Ireland

MAJOR JOLENE HULL , USA Central

CAPTAIN XAVIER MONTENEGRO, USA Central

MAJOR LYDIA BERBERENA GASTON, USA Eastern

MAJOR JUANITA STANFORD, USA Eastern

MAJOR PAULA HENDERSON, USA Southern

MAJOR BETHANY HAWKS, USA Southern

CAPTAIN ANDREA BLEDSOE HOOVER, USA Southern

CAPTAIN PETER PEMBERTON, USA Western

CAPTAIN MIYANDA NANGWALA , Zambia

ENGAGEMENTS

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Sat 14 – Mon 23 Jan India South Eastern Territory

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Thu 12 Jan ICO welcome meeting

Tue 17 Jan ICO lecture Sat 21 – Tue 24 Jan The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gill Cotterill

Wed 11 Jan WBC (spiritual day) Thu 12 Jan ICO welcome meeting

Sun 15 Jan WBC (territorial appointments conference)

Chief Secretary

Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Sun 15 Jan WBC (territorial appointments conference)

Fri 20 – Sun 22 Jan

Encounter Prayer Gathering

SOUNDS

This episode’s guest is Major Gordon Cotterill. Together with his wife, Kate, he finds fulfilment seeking what God wants at Sutton Corps. He enjoys being part of a church that explores inclusion and diversity in the way it reaches out to its community.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and PodBean

The All Terrain Podcast

SITTINGBOURNE, SHORTLANDS ROAD ME10 3JT

Saturday 28 January, 3pm

for Major Linda Perkin

Led by Majors Mark and Linda Herbert followed by a buffet meal and musical programme by Southend Citadel Songsters at 6.30pm

Letters of greeting can be sent to susan.jones@salvationarmy.org.uk

BRISTOL EASTON, HASSELL DRIVE BS2 0AN

Saturday 28 January, 7pm

THE INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND

Tickets £10 (no booking fee) from eventbrite.co.uk/e/479839401567

Sunday 29 January, 10.30am and 2.15pm Contact Hilary on 07504 217151

LISTINGS

MRS BRIGADIER EVA TAYLOR (VALIANT) wrote A Pattern for Living, 365 poems of faith and positivity, now printed in her ‘centenary’ year. Selections and full version: please contact daughter Phyl on 01263 820160 or ap.styles@mybroadbandmail.com for prices and dispatch, to start 2023 in step with the Lord.