LETTERS
A THEATRICAL RESOLUTION
EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE I AM a long-term Rotary member and, over the years, I have had connections with many charitable organisations, including The Salvation Army. In earlier times, like many others, I knew of the Army only through collections made in a pub. However, when I came to work with the Army over Christmas a few years ago, I was mightily impressed. We helped put together parcels for people in need. Of course, lots of other organisations do similar work but the Army was so effective. There were a huge number of contributions from local supermarkets etc, but it was handled with smooth, quiet efficiency to the benefit of a lot of people in need in our community. This I have found to be the hallmark of Salvation Army activities; quiet efficiency to benefit those in need. One may be assured that any funds contributed to the organisation will be used in the most effective way possible. I commend The Salvation Army to all. Barry Tate Stockton-on-Tees
WATER GOOD OPPORTUNITY! FOLLOWING the article on waterways chaplaincy (Salvationist 28 November) and the subsequent comment in the 12 December issue, readers may be interested to learn that the Churches Network for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma (CNGTR) is offering monthly online webinars for people interested in learning more about ministry to people with an itinerant heritage, commencing 15 January. This follows a commitment by the General Synod of the Church of England to appoint GTR chaplains in each diocese, but the webinars are open and free to Christians of any denomination. CNGTR does not itself appoint chaplains; the webinars are intended to equip individuals. To register your interest email CNGTR chair the Rev Martin Burrell at mburrell51@googlemail.com. David Blowers Major Margate
UNDER normal circumstances the panto season turns the UK into a country of theatre lovers. The book Still Standing: The Savage Years by Paul O’Grady gives a useful backstage insight into pantomime culture. Another comedian, Bobby Ball, was no stranger to the panto stage. He came into a knowledge of the Lord through a theatre chaplain, and his conversion had a dramatic effect on his personal conduct. The work of Theatre Chaplaincy UK is more important than ever in these difficult days for theatre. One part of the organisation’s litany reads: ‘Bless all who work in the sacred spaces of stage and studio.’ How can the stage be a sacred space? A play can tackle social issues more effectively than any lecture. The Sherman Theatre in Cardiff staged the Welsh language play Y Tad (The Father), which deals with elder abuse. The theatre also tries to showcase new talent: it was a refreshing opportunity to watch a young cast present Blue Stockings, which deals with gender discrimination – historic and contemporary. One young actor told me it was a sobering experience to deliver demeaning and chauvinistic sentiments on stage. On another occasion the final year students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama presented an innovative production of The Magic Flute, set in 1950s automobile culture. There are several areas of the brain responsible for creativity – it has surely been bestowed upon human beings by the Creator. If you’ve never been to a live play, make it your resolution in 2021 to do so. Kevin Chubb Barry
A WORD OF THANKS FOR Salvationists, and all churchgoers, these past few months have been difficult. Our way of life has been affected and social activities have largely been cancelled. For many, the saddest thing has been the lack of opportunity for Sunday meetings. Many corps have tried to find ways around this by meeting in small groups, restarting meetings when allowed, or having talks and meeting plans circulated on paper and online. Adaptation has been the order of the day. Many have been impressed and blessed by YouTube and other web-based worship from Army corps and centres in Britain and overseas – Regent Hall, Liverpool Walton, Sale, Chelmsford and Norridge Citadel (USA Central Territory) to name just a few. Other corps have made innovative use of Zoom and similar platforms, and these have been very well received. The effort these corps have made in such difficult circumstances must be applauded. Along with a number of our congregation – and members of other churches – who have not had the chance to meet for worship in person or virtually, we have found the Cambridge Corps weekly meeting (Camsa Connect) extremely encouraging; a real source of spiritual uplift. Some have watched on the internet, some via DVD. All have reported how beneficial these meetings are. With a clear Christian message and occasional sense of humour, Cambridge’s involvement of corps folk who are young and young at heart each Sunday morning has made us feel almost like being at an Army meeting. A special thank you to all officers and soldiers who work tirelessly to provide online worship – your efforts are not in vain! Garry and Yvonne Reed Barnstaple Salvationist 9 January 2021
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