IF I am being honest, I am increasingly more aware of what I have forgotten than what I know. Over the years, I have been blessed with opportunities for learning. After a slow start at school, where I had a limited appetite to learn, I have applied myself in numerous settings for specific purposes and accumulated a number of qualifications. However, I am acutely aware that learning should never stop. There is always something else to understand better.
This week’s issue focuses on Education Sunday (10 September) and gives us some insight into the numerous ways and environments in which we can learn. It also acknowledges the challenges facing those who teach and helps us to understand how faith can help in a school environment.
I am grateful for the assurance that we find in John 14:26: ‘The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you’ (English Standard Version).
As the Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance all we know of Jesus, may we also take strength that there is always more to learn. Membership
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EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
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GOING back to school can be exciting or terrifying for young people. For many like me, it’s exam year, which means more stress is added, inside and outside school, for both students and families, who all want to start the year off confidently. It’s always difficult going back after six weeks of summer, with lie-ins and late nights, as suddenly we must be around 800 other people at 9am when we’ve just woken up.
The new school year also comes with new opportunities, such as joining the school orchestra or performing in a show. For many this is exciting and they can’t wait to join. But for those who feel alone or scared of meeting new people, going to a club can feel like the worst thing they could possibly do. My dad has always told me to look out for the lonely and spend time with those no one else does. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if someone looks down at you for being friends with the kid no one speaks to, because you could be making their day so much better just by being someone to talk to. In God’s eyes, we are all equal, and shouldn’t feel inferior or be treated
as lesser than another because we look or act differently.
Being a Christian at school can be a massive challenge and I have faced some difficulties with that, so I want everyone to know that God is always with them – no matter their age or background. The new term offers the chance to shine and share the love of God through everything you do, even through the subtle act of helping someone else carry their books.
I know that everyone going back to education – primary, secondary, college or university, students and teachers alike – would appreciate it if you prayed that the ease into this new academic year was smooth and stress-free. This year, I’d like to remind any parent that their child is trying their best and that, no matter what, they want you to support them through their highs and lows.
Even if you left school 40 years ago, you know that it can be hard, so a simple prayer and a ‘well done’ to a young person at your corps every so often can go a long way and give them the confidence boost they need to get through the upcoming year.
Read Proverbs 12:25: ‘Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.’ How can you make someone who is struggling feel happier this week?
Listen to the song ‘Stand in Your Love’ and reflect on the lyrics: ‘My fear doesn’t stand a chance,/ When I stand in your love.’ How can you encourage the young people around you to put their trust in Jesus?
Hermione (Southport) encourages us to start the new term trusting in God
IN March 2007, I was working as a volunteer at my children’s primary school to gain social experience. One day, pupils from a special educational needs school were invited to perform at the assembly. Their unconventional way of dancing and singing made many of the other students and teachers laugh, but I felt compassion for them.
When I got home, I prayed: ‘Lord, I heard the gospel through others, came to believe in you and was saved. How can these children understand the gospel and be saved?’ Then a voice like a thunderstorm came into my heart. He spoke only one sentence: ‘You shall do it!’
Who are you and what do you do?
I am a loved child of God who soldiers at Morley and works as the territorial outreach mission partner for Family Ministries, which includes working with Godly Play.
Why do you do what you do?
I have a God-given passion for wanting families to flourish as together they meet and know God and understand his great love for them.
What’s your favourite Bible verse or passage?
I have lots, but I start each morning by recalling Lamentations 3:22 and 23.
Which book – apart from the Bible – would you want on a desert island?
Anything by Max Lucado.
What’s your most-played song at the moment?
‘Oh, Love That Will Not Let Me Go’ by Robbie Seay Band.
What was the last website you visited? Wordle.
Which emoji sums you up best?
I decided that going to the school was the best way to obey the voice of the Lord, so I started doing what I could. I took my CV to the school and asked them to give me a job as a volunteer. But the school never got back to me. After six months of repeatedly trying, I no longer had the courage or hope to knock on the school’s door again, so instead I prayed.
‘Lord, I did all I could. Perhaps I misheard your voice? One last time,
misheard your voice? One last time, I will go to the school, and then I will stop knocking.’
On the very day I gave up all my own efforts, the Lord began to work
The deputy head teacher answered my call. She was in desperate need of help, and I immediately got a job as a volunteer. This was how I learnt from the Lord one of the important truths of my faith: it is only when I abide in Jesus, the Vine, that the words ‘you shall do it’ can be fulfilled.
I now know the Lord begins to work when my human efforts are completely laid down for his glory. He confirms this through his words in John 15:5: ‘I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing’ (King James Version). This has become central to my life and my work at school.
Over the past 16 years, I have also experienced more deeply how much God loves and protects people, including our school pupils, through his compassion. For a year or so now, the Lord has been doing something quite new with them. Our students have been coming to The Salvation Army and, under the guidance of the corps officers, running the Vine Café (see page 13). It is a precious café run by beautiful souls who make the place dance and sing,
page 13) It is a precious café run and sing , underlining the goodness of the Lord. Lord, you are worthy of praise and worship. Hallelujah!
Soonah Cribb (Bicester) shares how she learnt to lay down her human efforts and abide in God
WHEN choosing a book to read, you instantly have expectations of what it will offer. The title Learning Humility – with the subtitle A Year of Searching for a Vanishing Virtue – suggested to me that this book would offer hints and knowledge of how to develop and gain a deeper sense of humility. This expectation was backed up by some previous knowledge of Richard J Foster’s work.
On reading the last page there was no sense of this expectation being satisfied. However, this is a beautifully presented book set out into easy-to-digest sections. After considering what challenge to work through over the next four seasons, Foster settles on growing into humility.
So he charts the year basing it on the 13 moons of the Lakota, a Native American people. The ancient names for the moons are fascinating, with names such as the Hard Moon, the Fat Moon and the Moon When the Trees Crack, and these alone give a point of interest that will carry you through the book.
With each moon is offered a virtue, again linked with the Lakota, which Richard discusses loosely. You feel like you are reading through his unedited journal notes, with gems of wisdom dropped into anecdotal chatter about his domestic conditions and his latest reading material.
Reading through his personal journey, he expresses and documents the ongoing injustices endured by Native Americans. I found myself swaying between interest and wonder as he details the historic stories and observation of nature, and apathy when he documents his domestic life. I hope this is not due to a lack of empathy on my part, but it was a juxtaposition that just didn’t gel for me.
As he journals, he mentions many books and references and, without having a deeper knowledge of the books he was referring to, it felt like I’d been given some interesting appetisers – and a good reading list, if only I had the time! – but not enough meat to digest.
Within the book you will find areas you could describe as philosophical and even political, but it rarely enters the theological, which for me was a disappointment.
PAGE 133
I think back to when I was a child of eight. We had wintered at an uncle’s cabin deep in the Rocky Mountains. I slept in front of the generous fireplace. As this was our only heat source through the night, we needed to keep it burning. In time I became the person who tended the fire through the night. Tonight, I am reminded that I need to be constantly tending the fire of my soul.
This nugget of wisdom is beautifully written, as Foster suggests that he should be ‘constantly tending the fire of my soul’.
How has your understanding of the world and God changed since you were a child? How are you tending the fire of your soul?
A simple prayer has been drifting in and out of my consciousness in recent days. I haven’t gotten the wording quite right and so decided that writing it out might help me articulate the inner yearnings.
Loving Lord Jesus, I humbly ask that you would... Purify my heart, Renew my mind, Sanctify my imagination, and Enlarge my soul. Amen.
I think it would be good to stay with this prayer for a while.
Foster writes this simple prayer, which he refers to more than once. It is worth repeating.
Read Romans 12:2. How often do you pray for God to renew your mind?
AUDREY Hepburn reportedly once said: ‘To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.’ The parable of the wheat and weeds captures something of that hope for the future. Farmers know that nurturing plants to the point of fruition cannot be rushed and that growing wheat, in particular, takes patience. It’s all about the timing.
When have you had to wait patiently for a situation to be resolved or reach a conclusion?
In Matthew 13, we read that Jesus has been teaching a large crowd of people, so large in fact that he taught them from a boat while they stood on the shore. As was often the case, Jesus taught through parables – symbolic stories drawing on real-life images that illustrated underlying truths.
Jesus begins with the parable of the sower, likening the seed to the message about God’s Kingdom and illustrating how people respond to it (see Matthew 13:1–23). Then Jesus goes on to tell another parable, changing the emphasis from the soil to the seed itself.
In this parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a farmer who sows good seed in his field. Under the cover of darkness, his devious enemy sows weeds among the wheat seeds. The Greek word used for weeds is zizania – poisonous plants that look
very much like wheat in the early stages of growth and can only be distinguished from wheat once the crop has ripened.
As soon as the offending weeds have sprouted, the farmer’s servants want to go out and pull them up. However, the landowner knew that to do this would be a mistake, as pulling the weeds could also result in uprooting the wheat. He tells the servants to wait for the harvest.
Has there been a time when you have wanted to act but God has told you to wait?
How easy do you find it to trust in God’s timing and not rely on your own?
Later, away from the busyness of the crowds, Jesus explains in some detail the meaning behind this parable (see vv36–43). He tells his disciples that the sower is the ‘Son of Man’ (v37) and that the good seed stands for ‘the people of the Kingdom’ (v38). Jesus’ hearers would have been familiar with the title ‘Son of Man’ – the promised Messiah – prophesied in Daniel 7.
In this parable, Jesus – the Messiah –places himself in stark contrast with the ‘enemy’ who has sown the pernicious weeds. In a society that relied on agriculture and the need for a successful harvest, the disciples would have been fully aware of the consequences of an act of sabotage like this.
In the Kingdom of God, there are equally fatal consequences when ‘people of the
Kingdom’ are contaminated by ‘people of the evil one … the Devil’ (vv38 and 39).
Are there ‘weeds’ in your life that act as stumbling blocks to living life as a person of the Kingdom of God?
As Jesus continues his explanation of this parable, he gives his disciples insights into eternal consequences. At the end of the age, his angels will reap the harvest and ‘weed out of his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil’ (v41).
The graphic image of the terrible fate that awaits those who reject the message of their Father God is in vivid contrast to the description of those who will experience life in ‘the Kingdom of their Father’ (vv42 and 43).
Whether your interpretation of this is literal or not, a clear difference is shown between the beautiful hope of eternity in the Kingdom of God for the righteous and the inevitable separation from God for those who do evil.
The idea of final judgement is a difficult one and there is much debate about how this might happen.
How do you resolve the tension between the God who is love and the God who judges?
As we come to the end of this parable, we might find it difficult to see the message of hope mentioned at the beginning of this study. However, there are two key points to note.
First, it was not the job of the servants to do the weeding. Instead, the harvesters were the angels. It can be tempting to cast ourselves in the role of judge, but the task of weeding out everything that causes sin belongs to God’s appointed messengers.
Second, although the servants wanted to pull up the weeds as soon as possible, the landowner knew he had to wait until the seed heads were fully ripe. In The Message paraphrase, this parable is aptly titled The Curtain of History.
Jesus teaches about judgement at ‘the end of the age’ and urges: ‘Whoever has ears, let them hear’ (v43).
In 1 Timothy 2:3 and 4, Paul reminds us: ‘God our Saviour … wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.’
This parable is about living in the Kingdom of God now and the promise of the Kingdom of God to come. The curtain of history will finally fall. Are we listening?
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How might you share the ‘good seed’ – the good news of Jesus?
How do you imagine shining like the sun in the Kingdom of God will be?
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
In September, we will be centring our prayers and themes on Jesus, Companion.
by Deborah Tubby (Community Manager, Harwich)
SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER – HOSPITALITY
‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in’ (Matthew 25:35). Jesus, thank you that you are a good host. Thank you for the hospitality that is shared at Heart, and through corps and centres across the territory in your name. Amen.
SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER – LOVE
Jesus, thank you that you love us completely. Help us to show that love to others. ‘You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing./ You say I am strong when I think I am weak./ You say I am held when I am falling short./ When I don’t belong, you say I am yours’ (Lauren Daigle, ‘You Say’).
MONDAY 11 SEPTEMBER – RESCUE
‘I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry’ (Psalm 40:1). Jesus, thank you that, through Heart, people can have a new start. Continue to lift people ‘out of the slimy pit’ (v2) through the work of The Salvation Army in Harwich and across the territory. You are the rock on which people can stand. Amen.
TUESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER – CHALLENGE
Thank you that, although you love us as we are, you love us too much to leave us there. Thank you that you have a purpose and a plan for us and that means us being challenged to move forward. Thank you that Heart can enable people to be supported to make a positive difference. Amen.
WEDNESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER – MATTHEW 11:29
Lord Jesus, help us remember that life in all its fullness can only be experienced when we live intimately in relationship with you. Lead us into a right appreciation of how we should live out what we believe, in the here and now. Amen.
THURSDAY 14 SEPTEMBER – MATTHEW 18:20
Loving Lord, in the moments when we feel far from you, help us to remember that your presence will always be visceral when we gather. Lead us into a true understanding of our relationships with others, in light of our relationship with you. Amen.
FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER – MATTHEW 28:20
Lord, when we are tempted to doubt you, help us comprehend the limitless nature of your promises. Lead us to an accurate perspective of ourselves and each other as your beloved creations, both on Earth and in Heaven. Amen.
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 the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.
TEACHING is a vocation of great joy and fulfilment, but it can also bring its fair share of challenges and frustrations.
Teachers can face difficulties in many different forms, from budget constraints, changes that are dictated by local or central government, regulatory inspections and accountability pressure to the increasing needs of children and their families, the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and emotional or physical burnout.
As a head teacher, I have the immense privilege of leading a learning community of pupils, parents and staff in working together to achieve personal development, educational progress and improved life opportunities.
Having a faith has sustained me throughout my teaching profession, and all its highs and lows, by giving me strength when I have been at my weakest, hope when I have felt despair and guidance when the way has been unclear. God has always provided his help and direction, which is something that I have come to depend upon and value even more keenly since becoming a head teacher.
My faith and beliefs have always been well known in all the schools I have worked at. When I have listened
to and followed God, he has given me many opportunities in which to fulfil his call to love others, to show Jesus in my words and actions, and to try and be a person of integrity.
It’s certainly not always easy or without cost, but I keep asking God for his help and keep committing my work and any impact I might have back to him.
Most recently, in my role as head teacher, this has been particularly borne out by my relationships with colleagues – in managing professional issues, helping people with personal problems and, hopefully, being a consistent and dependable leader. Some situations have been especially difficult, and I cannot imagine working through them without God to lean on.
I first look back at the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought even clearer into view for me the need for Christians to keep being involved in and influencing education. At that time, I saw with even more clarity the power of education in enriching young lives and how that was missed or diminished because of little or no access to school.
Difficulties faced by families, such as financial hardships brought on by the pandemic, presented afresh the need for people and organisations to
help each other, and for a greater justice to be sought in the way our society functions. Increased mental health problems, brought in part due to the periods of lockdown, have demonstrated the need for greater awareness, understanding, empathy and care.
I believe that Christians can play a significant role in the world of education and have a great ability to positively impact their school communities.
I hope that more Christians will enter the teaching profession and other school roles and be placed in all levels of responsibility, where they will be able to have a godly influence. I thank God for the opportunity he has given me to do this and trust that I will keep listening to and following him in my future as a teacher.
I hope that my own faith has been a source of encouragement for others and I ask you to pray for my staff and for all teachers, as further trying times lie ahead.
RICHARD MCINTOSH ChelmsfordILOVE a Sunday morning meeting but, sometimes, it’s not enough! Before I horribly offend my corps officers, I’d like to clarify: deep discipleship requires extracurricular activities. That’s why Open Learning exists –to help us develop our faith and increase our knowledge as part of our day-to-day lives.
Dive into the Psalms, grapple with virtue ethics or better understand another world religion... Open Learning has more than 100 correspondence courses to choose from, ranging in difficulty from starter to foundation to award.
Based at William Booth College, course material is being written all the time and Open Learning Programme Co-ordinator Major Emma Knights (pictured below) is eager to introduce the new ministry skills courses, which are particularly relevant to empowering local leadership at unofficered corps.
‘At a time where people are stepping into a range of different roles within spiritual leadership, they can sometimes feel unequipped,’ she explains. ‘These courses are a great way to support them to gain knowledge and confidence!’
Interestingly, however, the courses are markedly underused by Salvationists. Of the more than 200 Open Learning students, the majority are prisoners. Funded by the Prison Ministries Unit, this exciting – albeit perhaps unexpected – ministry has provided people the opportunity to take their prisons. Some of them have even begun preaching in prison
students have come from outside the Army, despite the material being written for Salvationists by Salvationists.
‘In the lockdowns, demand exploded,’ Emma explains. ‘People who weren’t worshipping at the Army found us online because they wanted in-depth Bible studies.’
While courses usually cost between £10 and £80, Emma quickly adds that corps officers and leaders can access them free of charge to use as group study resources. Every course is available digitally and physically, and accessible copies are available on coloured paper, in larger print and more.
While she likes them all, Emma points to a couple of her favourite courses: ‘I love F2 Is This Your Life?. It’s a really nice course to get your teeth into and discover more about yourself and others. I’m quite a feminist theologian, so one of my other favourites is F5 Women in the Story of God’s People, which highlights people that you might not always hear preached about.’
‘I’m really passionate about getting out there and helping people see the opportunities that are available for them,’ she enthuses. ‘I get to see people develop and grow and become confident. It’s very exciting and I love it very much.’
So, whether you’re looking to expand your prospects, deepen your faith, or you simply find yourself with some time on your hands, why not dip your toes into something new with an Open Learning course?
God
3 COURSES TO CHECK OUT
S1 You are My God helps you grow in the Christian faith through a study of five psalms.
F12 Leading Worship for Beginners introduces the essential elements required for leading a worship service.
A4 Listening to God’s Word helps you explore what each study passage intended to say to its original readers, hear how it continues to speak today and reflect on an appropriate response.
Visit salvationist.org. uk/distance-learning, email openlearning@ salvationarmy.org.uk or scan the QR code for the full brochure.
SIMON HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist
In fact, a lot of
the Prison Ministries Unit has th the first steps back into education across 50 prisons. Some of th have even pris chapels. In
What is Starfish?
Starfish is a Salvation Army mentoring programme for children and young people in primary and secondary schools between 9 and 16 years of age. It is offered to schools free of charge.
What does the mentoring programme teach?
School is a significant space, where lifelong friendships are made, where confidence and self-esteem are built or shattered and where life skills are refined. Starfish is focused on boosting emotional health and wellbeing, including personal development and life skills.
The mentoring programme can particularly benefit young people whose rate of learning and/or level of motivation
is suffering because of behavioural, social or emotional issues, those who are at risk of exclusion, those struggling with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic or those who need confidential support for personal issues of any kind.
Working within a school’s student wellbeing support, Starfish provides committed and trusted adults to work with young people who need some additional support, without which they would be at risk of not meeting their full potential.
Where is Starfish active?
There are 21 corps across 11 divisions engaging with schools through Starfish. They include York, Forest of
Whitleigh and Abergavenny. Joining them soon is the fresh expression at Ebbsfleet. With 30 more Starfish mentors joining the 55 existing ones in November, the programme will then be active in 17 primary schools and 10 secondary schools.
Although Starfish has been around for several years, it has been developed further over the past two years by the Children and Youth Department, so that corps and centres can provide their local schools with a free service that will have a real impact on the lives of children and young people.
At Chatham, for example, because of our relationship with the school, we were able to provide Christmas parcels to 50 families and sent 5 children, who perhaps wouldn’t get a holiday normally, to the divisional summer camp.
If you’re passionate about taking your ministry into schools and making a difference in the lives of young people, then Starfish is for you!
Who can become a mentor?
The beauty of Starfish is that you don’t have to be a youth or children’s worker. If you’ve got two hours to spare a week, an hour for preparation and an hour to spend with a young person, if you can sit and listen and respond to the feelings of a young person, you could be a mentor.
What do teachers say about it?
One teacher gave this feedback: ‘After seeing the confidence these children have gained through the mentoring programme, I would confidently recommend this programme to any school.’
How can corps get involved?
Find out more by watching a video at youtu.be/eY6OWrV4ieo, emailing childrenyouth@salvationarmy.org.uk or connecting with the department at facebook.com/ChildrenYouthSA
The Small Fish Podcast
A series of 14 five-minute episodes to help children transition from primary to secondary school, as they become small fish in a big pond. The episodes help young people work through important questions and potential sources of anxiety, such as getting lost or coping with homework.
Visit salvationist.org.uk/ thesmallfishpodcast.
Bounce
A ball-based wellbeing resource that gets children talking, listening and, of course, bouncing! Based on the five ways to wellbeing, the game uses letter cards to facilitate conversation and build relationships, helping reluctant talkers to share how they feel.
Visit salvationist.org.uk/bounce.
In partnership with the Army’s Addiction Services, this free online course equips leaders to help young people feel more resilient and able to cope with life. Contact the Children and Youth team to sign up for the next Mindset course, which takes place in January 2024.
Visit salvationist.org.uk/childrenand-youth.
The department’s annual conference is for anyone who recognises the importance of the Army’s presence in schools. Teachers, volunteers, governors and students will talk about how it is and how it could be. It will equip you to explore mission opportunities and tell new stories of hope and transformation. It will take place on 16 March 2024 in Warwick.
Book tickets at salvationist.org.uk/ cy-schoolswork-conference
of mentees said Starfish helped boost their confidence
of mentees said Starfish helped them get on better at schoolStarfish mentor (Divisional Youth Specialist for Wales) with a mentee
LYN WOODS Editorial Assistant Salvationist
TWO years after its inception, the Racial Inclusion Working Group has met for the last time in its current format. Acknowledging that small steps have been taken, no one denies that there is still much to be done before we see full racial inclusion within The Salvation Army.
In its final meeting, the group reflected on the journey that started during the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2021. Hoping to make a difference within six months, the reality was very different. Fulfilling the recommendations made by the Territorial Advisory Council has taken much longer.
When this very diverse group first met, it was saddened to hear so many stories of racial exclusion within The Salvation Army. Members of the group were pleased to have a voice to speak into this situation. There was a great desire to look through Kingdom lenses to ensure that ‘every nation, tribe, people and language’ were welcome (Revelation 7:9). The group was very aware that not all people within this Movement acknowledge that racial exclusion exists, and the white British members of the group were regularly challenged to think
The new team that has been appointed hold these roles as additional appointments.
Lieutenant Nazia Yousaf (Stockport Heaton Norris)
Lieut-Colonels Edgar and Sara Chagas (Croydon Citadel)
Major Mark Waghorn (Dublin City)
Captain Adrian Allen (Stotfold)
Captains Lizette and Paul Williams (Felixstowe)
Captain Kay Blues (Livingston)
Captain Wan Gi Lee (St Albans)
Major Marjory Parrott (Swadlincote)
of the white unconscious bias that is evident in many areas of the Movement. The non-white members spoke of how challenging it is to try to make a difference in a setting that is still majority white.
The group acknowledged the fact that Equalityand Diversity Manager Jennifer Laurent-Smart (THQ) and Intercultural Mission Officer Major Jonny Smith (THQ), both of whom are members of the group, have been championing this agenda for a long time. The challenge remains to see the work continue and ensure learning and collaboration enables all people seeking justice in this area to bring their gifts and passion to work together.
It has been very encouraging to see some significant changes noticeably in Salvation Army publications and media, in events and programmes around the territory, in the official recognition of African Praise Fellowship Zimbabwe, and a noticeable move towards more inclusive thinking. However, it would be so easy for this to slip off the agenda and, as a Christian Church, there is still room for progress to be made in our processes, actions and inclusivity at every level. Racial inclusion needs to be embedded in the culture of all we are and all we do.
It has been a delight to see how people have become more courageous to speak out and to speak up, and this is to be encouraged in all settings whenever racial exclusion or discrimination is noticed in conversation or actions. We need to call people out and not just let it pass!
As nervous as the Racial Inclusion Working Group is to disband, it is greatly encouraged to know that the volunteer role of Inclusion Mission Advocate is now being rolled out across the territory and is having a small take-up; it is hoped this will gain momentum. It is also thrilled to know that the Mission Service at THQ has appointed 10 intercultural mission officers across the territory, under the direction of Major Jonny Smith.
In building the Kingdom of God here on this Earth, we recognise that we all have a beautiful part to play in this. As we journey forward together, as one body, we pray for immeasurably more, so much so that we see more and more glimpses of the Kingdom, around the UK and Ireland Territory, and the world.
Interested in becoming an Inclusion
Mission Advocate? Contact racial. inclusion@salvationarmy.org.uk for more information.
SPOTLIGHT ON…
DIVISION: Central, Southern and Channel Islands
CORPS OFFICERS: Lieutenants Jamie and Ray Slater
FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/ BicesterSalvationArmy
We’re originally from Canada and we’ve been in the UK since 1999, previously serving at Dorchester and Swanage. We were posted to Bicester during the Covid-19 lockdowns and, although it was a difficult time, it gave the corps the opportunity to seek direction on where it was going.
We wanted the Lord to show us and he did. When we were able to start meeting again in person, there was a real change of direction for Sunday worship, and the fellowship has expanded from four members, at our installation as the corps officers, to nearly thirty. God is blessing the ministry and growing the congregation. We have families and young people attending and our weekly Bible study is attended by half the congregation.
I met a woman of incredibly deep faith named Soonah – now an adherent – who, prior to the pandemic, was meeting people for prayer. She asked me directly what I wanted for our church. I told her of the wonderful facilities and industrial kitchen and how it had always been our vision to have a café for young people with special educational needs – a vision rooted in personal experiences of the problems of securing work placements for teenagers and adults with special educational needs, and in the generosity of a caring Salvationist, Nigel, who changed our eldest daughter’s life through his bakery.
I told Soonah that we wanted to find a
group of people that we could work with to do this, and she smiled and said: ‘I’m a teaching assistant for special educational needs in the school that is a 10-minute walk from here.’ She set up a meeting for us with the woman who oversaw the older group of pupils with special educational needs. We shared our vision with her that summer and she’d also had difficulty in getting students into work placements. In October 2021 we opened the Vine Café.
Later I met with a lady named Janet, who founded the local food bank and who had attended the Army more than a decade earlier, and invited her to the corps. We talked about the café and how we felt that it was where God wanted it to be. All that was needed was money to for aprons, cool-touch panini makers, safety knives, food trolleys and a much-needed bean-to-cup coffee machine. I told her how we were really praying about it. She said she knew somebody who liked to fund local events, and she set up a meeting. We kept praying and within a couple of weeks we received £3,000, followed by a further £1,200 that Christmas. Janet is now a soldier with us!
I designed laminated pictorial menus, one for drinks and one for food. The students use a marker to tick for tea, milk, sugar or whatever’s needed and the same with food. We have had students who are non-verbal, who use Makaton or tablets to communicate, students who have Down’s Syndrome, and one student with visual impairments. We do recipes in braille and have talking scales.
This led to bringing the younger students to have a snack or lunch –because they’d never been able to order from a menu themselves before.
Journeying alongside the students has been an absolute blessing. Two of the four graduating students this year have gone on to study catering and their families say this is because of their experiences at the Vine.
We are here to share the love of Jesus and be a transforming influence in our community – that’s the heart of who we are. We believe that every day is an opportunity to grow in our connection with God and others and to love God and others. We are committed to creating opportunities that foster these values of growth and love – growing together through studying God’s word, active ministry in our community and enjoying the fellowship and accountability of a loving church family.
THERAPY dog Brengle has welcomed cocker spaniel puppy Bonnie as a new apprentice to continue the corps ministry supporting the wellbeing of students at Teesside University.
The golden retriever’s owner, corps officer Captain Naomi Kelly, is part of the chaplaincy service at the university campus, which is next door to Middlesbrough Citadel.
She said: ‘Brengle has become such a vital part of our ministry, opening up so many doors for The Salvation Army to support people and start conversations. Our lovely Bonnie is the second wave of that part of ministry.
‘I’m a chaplain at the university and usually go in on a Friday for a couple of hours. Brengle helps people to feel relaxed, to open up and talk about stress, mental health, faith, whatever may be bothering them. The students really love him and I’m looking forward to introducing Bonnie to everyone when she has done her training.’
Brengle gained fame in the town earlier this year after being awarded an honorary ‘dog-torate’ from Teesside University in recognition of his contribution to student welfare. – AR
WILLENHALL The corps hosted a pop-up children’s choir as a way of connecting with the community during the summer holidays. Children were invited to come to two workshops, culminating in a mini concert. Song choices included ‘Standing in the Light of Your Love’ and ‘I Know Who I Am’. Friends from neighbouring corps and a local church helped the YP team pull the initiative together. It was a great success and well attended by family, friends and corps members. – LH-N
BRIDGWATER To offer wider membership and participation, the home league relaunched itself as a Cameo group. As part of the inaugural meeting, members created pin badges and brooches based on Scripture and Salvation Army colours. The group has already welcomed new people and is planning events for September to encourage more to join this time of fellowship. – HC
WELLING A family fun day celebrated the joy of creativity and the reality that we are all made in the image of a creative God. Families decorated biscuits, created cardboard gardens from old boxes, made multicoloured crayons out of old, broken ones, created art for the worship hall, and crafted planet tea lights using ping pong balls. Friends from St Mary Cray Corps led a praise party and the day ended with pasta, garlic bread, salad and cake. The team behind the day was overwhelmed to receive thank-you messages from the families who enjoyed the day. Everyone left with a gift, a Kids Alive! or War Cry and some fruit. The corps prays it will be a stepping stone to a new avenue of family ministry. – KS
BRIDGWATER Despite rain, more than 130 people attended a barbecue and band afternoon. Following delicious food, those attending were treated to a Spirit-filled evening of music provided by the songsters and the South Western Fellowship Band. The band’s very first practice took place at the corps almost 15 years earlier. – HC
CARLISLE As partner denominations in Cumbria’s God for All covenant, the corps welcomed the Right Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, Bishop of Penrith, to lead Sunday worship. The Bishop’s message from Acts 2 reminded people that unity doesn’t require everyone to be the same, but give and take on all sides makes everyone open to explore the richness of different traditions. Rob is pictured with corps officer Captain Stephen Scoulding. – MS
SUDBURY The corps uniform bank offered free school uniforms to families in need of support. The corps also supports adults and children who need clothing through the year, with referrals from the food bank. – AR
BRIDGWATER After speaking as a guest at a home league meeting, resident poet Bandsman Bryan Norman was encouraged to publish a collection of his poems. The book contains poems and limericks on a mixture of topics and is available for £5 by contacting corps officer Lieutenant Jonathan Culshaw. Bryan has raised £300 for the corps so far. – HC
RAYLEIGH The centenary weekend commenced with a rousing festival that featured the band alongside former band members, worship group and timbrelists, as well as guests Hadleigh Temple Songsters. The hall was full to capacity, including Chair of Rayleigh town council Danielle Belton, Chair of Rochford district council Jack Lawmon and territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill. Commissioners Anthony and Gill led worship on Sunday, encouraging the corps to continue God’s work. This was followed by a corps lunch and the cutting of a centenary cake. Also in attendance were previous corps officers and Divisional Commander Major Howard Russell. Pictured are number one on the roll, 91-year-old Ann Warr, and Lilly, the youngest member of the corps, with corps officer Major Heather Alston. – HA
NORTH EAST ENGLAND The Army’s emergency response vehicle supported firefighters during a recent spate of fires, providing hot drinks, food and a listening ear. Julie Judson, chaplain for Swan Lodge Lifehouse in Sunderland and for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: ‘It’s a privilege to offer our support, and emergency crews always appreciate our response. Many say to us that we are the vehicle they look for first when on scene.’ – AR
Salvationist wants to hear your updates Corps press representatives can email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures may be included.
CIRENCESTER Songster Leader Helen Grace attended an assembly at Chesterton Primary School to receive a card made by the children in thanks for help the corps gave – and continues to give – to the school. – MG
EDMONTON Corps officers
Captains Glenn and Dawn Roden, who are first responders with the emergency response vehicle based at Leytonstone fire station, engaged with the public at Stoke Newington fire station’s open day. – GR
CLOWNE Corps folk hosted a quiz night with a supper of hot dogs and chips. Fifty-three participants competed across 10 rounds, raising money for corps funds. With many new faces, it was a great night of community outreach delivering the gospel in a non-confrontational, social way. – GH
SKEWEN Major Joy Caddy led a morning meeting on the theme of Bow Down. She reminded those present that there will be a judgement day, but they should have no fear in kneeling before God, because they have Christ. The challenge was given to take time to bow before him in worship every day. – SL
ESSEX Burnham-on-Crouch’s firefighters raised £800 at the Dengie Emergency Services and Country Show for The Salvation Army as a thank-you for its support at incidents across the county. They presented the cheque to Divisional Emergency Response Officer Major Tracey Mountford (Chelmsford). – TM
SWAN LODGE
RESIDENTS at the Lifehouse brightened up the foyer by designing a mural based on William Booth’s In Darkest England and The Way Out
Painted by local artist Frank Styles, it is inspired by the origin stories of The Salvation Army. It features swans flying above the sea and nearby Roker lighthouse, with members of staff in a boat pulling people aboard.
Service Manager Christine Ritchie said: ‘In many ways things haven’t changed since the original drawing. The picture shows staff, The Salvation Army, pulling people onto a boat, helping them up, which is something we are still doing to this day.’
The mural also features staff members, including Christine, who had no idea they would be portrayed until the unveiling. – AR
SHEFFIELD CITADEL The band’s open rehearsal left a lasting impression on the 70-plus individuals who attended. Each piece was selected by a member of the band and came to life under the leadership of Bandmaster Darren Willis (Derby Central). It was an opportunity for the band to minister through music, bring people together, reconnect with friends and share a love of Christ. – RT
RIPON Corps folk celebrated Yorkshire Day with a community event of homemade refreshments, entertainment from a local singer/songwriter, a Yorkshire quiz and stalls to browse. There was a good turnout, including people not seen in the hall before. The corps prays that the good conversations on the day will lead to increased footfall at the corps programme. – PC
DERBY SOUTH The churches in Allenton and Alvaston go ‘on tour’ during the summer holidays with six different churches hosting united services through the six weeks. Themed Community: Feeding and Sharing, the corps meeting was well attended. The band was made up of supporters from local corps and £180 was raised to share between the food bank the churches support and the Army’s work with survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. – DW
CHIPPENHAM A nearby Morrisons store held a Fill a Parking Space event, where local food banks and initiatives represented their groups. Despite inclement weather, volunteers from the town food bank – co-ordinated and managed by the corps – received six large trays of items to use in food parcels. – JD
SHERINGHAM Enthusiastic flag-waving concluded a wellattended open-air meeting on the promenade. Tourists joined residents of all ages to enjoy congregational singing, listen to the sections’ music ministry and hear a Bible message. This long-standing witness is appreciated by those who regularly return, even on chilly evenings. – MG
PAT Machin was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Huw Dutfield. Pat attended a quiz night at the corps, which led him to worship on Sundays along with his wife, Beth. Pictured with Pat and Captain Huw are Adherents Secretary Frank Taylor and Bandmaster Neil Wright. – FT
TEDDINGTON
RACHEL Ingram was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Joel Watson. Rachel, who was welcomed as an adherent at Easter, testified to how God has continued to work in her life for many years. The corps celebrated Rachel’s covenant with God. Also pictured is Colour Sergeant Barry Herdman. – EW
SELINA Hirst was enrolled as a soldier by the then corps officer Captain Mark Cozens. Selina spoke of how she had found her spiritual home from her first visit to the corps and felt God calling her to make a commitment to become a soldier. She is looking forward to seeing where God leads her and her son, Harrison, in the future. – MS
RICHARD Parnell was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard. He brought with him a picture frame so that he could display his adherent certificate on his wall at home. Richard started attending meetings as a result of outreach activities at the hall, which were held in partnership with Hope Cirencester. Richard was pleased to give his testimony and offer a prayer. – MG
MAUREEN Moore was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Jo Walters. Maureen has been attending the corps for years, following an invitation from her friends Avril and Gerald, and has never looked back. It was a long-awaited moment for Maureen and in her testimony, she thanked the corps folk for making her feel welcome. The first time she walked into the hall she knew this was where she was going to worship and, although different to what she was used to, she soon adapted. Ankur, Neelam and Sandeep were also welcomed from the India Northern Territory. – CP
Diamond (60 years)
BETTE AND JOHN DENHAM, Croydon Citadel, on 7 September
CLIVE AND LAURINA SMITH, Reading Lower Earley, on 21 September
ELSIE AND B/S/RESERVIST MIKE DYER , Staple Hill, on 21 September
Emerald (55 years)
MAJORS TREVOR AND VERONICA HOWES on 21 September
MAJORS ROB AND VIOLET SMART on 21 September
LILLY-ANN ROBINSON, daughter of Alexander and Tracey Robinson, at Beccles by Corps Assistant Harry Woods
CAPTAIN CHRISTINA MACKAY, 80 on 23 September
RTD HLS JOYCE LEAR , Staple Hill
EILEEN SAVAGE, Cramlington, on 4 July
RITA BRENNAN, Sale, on 23 August
MILDRED BARKER, Barton-on-Humber, on 26 August
PAMELA SMITH, Welling, on 27 August
PHILIP HENDY, Hadleigh Temple, on 28 August
BANDSMAN ROB LEAR , Gwen Lear and Dennis Lear, all Staple Hill, of their mother Rtd HLS Joyce Lear
LIEUT-COLONEL SYLVIA DALZIEL of her sisters Eileen
Savage and Rita Brennan
MAJOR STUART BARKER , Leeds Central, and Bandsman
Stephen Barker, Hanover, Germany, of their mother
Mildred Barker
MAJOR AMANDA WHITE, London DHQ, of -her mother
Pamela Smith
JANET HARRISON, Hadleigh Temple, of her husband
Philip Hendy, CSM Ruth Campbell, Chelmsford, and Fiona Hendy of their father
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Fri 22 Sep – Mon 25 Sep Southern Africa Territory (140th Celebration Congress)
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill
Mon 18 Sep – Tue 19 Sep IHQ Officer Councils and Senior Leaders Day
Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Territorial Leader for Leader Development
Commissioner Gill Cotterill
Sat 23 Sep – Sun 24 Sep William Booth College (Welcome Weekend)
Sun 24 Sep William Booth College (Inauguration of the London Division and installation of the Divisional Commander and Assistant Divisional Commander)
Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main
Sat 23 Sep – Sun 24 Sep William Booth College (Welcome Weekend) Sun 24 Sep William Booth College (Inauguration of the London Division and installation of the Divisional Commander and Assistant Divisional Commander)
Poetry Corner
Salvationist is bringing back Poetry Corner for Harvest! If you have a Harvest-inspired poem you would like to share, email it to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration by 22 September.
The Membership Working Group wants to understand how people in this territory feel about belonging and membership in the Army – and they want to hear from everyone. For more information and to take part in the online survey, visit salvationist.org.uk/ membership-working-group. The deadline for survey responses is 15 November.
For Education Sunday, Salvationist Radio’s Sunday Worship is led by Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretaries Lieutenants Jonny and Kat Whitmore. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of Sunday Worship 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, via the app or through Alexa smart speakers.
This podcast from the Children and Youth Department is for children leaving primary school for secondary school – addressing questions children ask and offering support during this transitional period.
Listen to all 14 five-minute episodes at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
Coming to Cardiff to study? Students are very welcome at Cardiff Canton. Please get in touch – we would love to welcome you to join with us as part of our church family and community.
For more information visit facebook.com/groups/138697646168727
Email Student Rep Steph Price: stephemmaprice@gmail.com
If you or someone you know is coming to the University of Exeter and would like information about the city, the local Salvation Army, or the student home group call 07827 035265 or 01392 216553
salvationarmy.org.uk/exeter-temple
STAPLEFORD NG9 8ET
Saturday 23 September, 6.30pm
Visit of
Tickets £6 from Frank: 07572 776355
Supporting the Big Collection
This key role in our growing digital faith and membership team is perfect for someone with passion for digital evangelism, discipleship and Christian community. We’re looking for a creative digital communicator who can help take our vision to the next level as we seek to engage our church members and encourage people to explore faith.
Key responsibilities:
Lead on the day-to-day management and creation of content across salvationist.org.uk and associated social media; assist the online content editor to develop and implement a digital strategy; be the first point of contact for website content enquiries and proactively support internal teams, editing and proofreading copy as required that’s search engine and user experience optimised (SEO and UX); deputise for the online content editor as required; deliver web training as required to help ensure all content follows house style and best practice; plan and develop inspiring social media content, identify target audiences and develop creative ideas.
You will be able to demonstrate:
Salary
£34,763 per annum
Working hours
35 hours per week
Contract
Permanent Details
25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan; employee assistance programme
Closing date
24 September
Interviews
9 October
Experience creating, editing and producing engaging and creative content across digital channels, including photography, video editing and graphic design; experience with content management systems, ideally Drupal; experience managing social media channels and community engagement and using analytics and user feedback to produce insightful measurement and evaluation; good understanding of SEO and UX, and of brand, reputation management and compliance in a digital context; excellent written communication skills; strong organisational skills; attention to detail; effective time management; the ability to work on an individual basis and as part of a team and to work flexibly (occasionally out of hours); willingness to travel to locations and events across the UK and Ireland. This role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate must be a committed and practising Christian. Employees are expected to attend the office a minimum of 40 per cent over the course of the month.
For full details and to apply, visit: careers.salvationarmy.org.uk
Appointment subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS Check. CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.
WELLINGBOROUGH CORPS, SALEM LANE NN8 4JT
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November
Visit of
Saturday festival at 7pm
Tickets £10, £5 for children aged 5 to 12 (cheque or cash only)
Tickets from Songster Leader Hilary Letts Email songsterleader@gmail.com
Sunday meetings at 10.30am and 3pm
GUILDFORD, WOODBRIDGE ROAD GU1 4QQ
Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November
Saturday 7pm
Band festival
Sunday 10.30am
Worship meeting led by Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns
For more information and to register interest, please email guildford@salvationarmy.org.uk
