Cold feat
Torvill and Dean are ready to judge figure-skating newcomers in Dancing on Ice
Torvill and Dean are ready to judge figure-skating newcomers in Dancing on Ice
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity seeking to share the good news of Jesus and nurture committed followers of him. We also serve people without discrimination, care for creation and seek justice and reconciliation. We offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK. Go to salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church to find your nearest centre.
The Salvation Army first published a newspaper called the War Cry in London in December 1879, and we have continued to appear every week since then. Our name refers to our battle for people’s hearts and souls as we promote the positive impact of the Christian faith and The Salvation Army’s fight for greater social justice.
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Should the decorations be down by now? When to stop celebrating Christmas is a matter of debate and, of course, personal choice. But some traditionalists say the tree and tinsel should come down this weekend as the Christian Church celebrates Epiphany, which marks the visit of the Wise Men to Jesus.
Whenever the decorations are packed away, there is a real sense now that the festive period is behind us. Radio stations have stopped playing Christmas tunes, Wallace and Gromit have disappeared from BBC1’s continuity announcements and the leftover food is well past its best before date.
More than that, a brand new year has been ushered in with hopes, fears and resolutions – one of the most popular of which is to get fit. And in the War Cry this week we discover how an old church building has been converted into a gym by the vicar, the Rev Leigh Winsbury.
‘We have everything that you need to keep fit,’ he tells us. ‘There’s the cardio gear: a spin bike, a treadmill, a cross trainer and a rowing machine. We also have two multigyms, which have the central stack of weights. And we’ve got benches, dumbbells and a squat and press frame.’
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It may seem unusual for a vicar to provide a place for people to look after their physical condition rather than their spiritual health, but in Leigh’s thinking, they are connected.
‘I believe that God is interested in a person’s body, mind, emotions and spirit,’ he says. ‘Looking after ourselves matters because God designed us.’
To decide to get fitter, eat less or cut down on bad habits is a good idea at the start of a new year. And, because God cares for us in every aspect of our lives, he will help us make positive changes if we ask him and are willing to follow him.
Which is something we can celebrate right through the year.
you’ve read the
TV preview: Dancing on Ice Sundays ITV1 and ITVX
By Sarah Olowofoyeku
EastEnders star Charlie Brooks, former footballer Anton Ferdinand, the most successful male rower in Olympic history Sir Steve Redgrave and 2019 Love Island contestant Chris Taylor.
Having been in training for three months, the amateur figure skaters will hope to be on form as the shows begin. Each week they’ll be led through their steps and techniques by their partners, learning routines and trying to impress the panel of judges – Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse.
While the physical aspect of getting to grips with different dance moves and finding their feet on the ice is challenging enough, the celebrities must also deal with the mental pressures of competing. Sometimes that stress can come from commentary on social media or in the
announcement came after stories emerged from similar TV competitions of contestants who had complained of bullying.
One of the show’s veteran dancers, Vanessa Bauer, welcomed the announcement, telling The Sun that the hotline is ‘very necessary’.
She said: ‘We were all made aware … that there’s a helpline that we can call at any time of the day, every single day. So we are very well looked after at ITV. It is comforting to know.’
It is good to hear that people’s mental wellbeing has been taken into consideration, because, while they are a source of entertainment for millions of viewers each week, they are humans too.
And, while most humans will never end up on a TV show putting their new figure-skating skills on display for the masses, most humans will undergo times
Sir Steve Redgrave, Charlie Brooks and Anton Ferdinand are competing in this year’s series
In one story in the Bible, God meets with a man called Gideon who is experiencing some difficult times in his life. After the encounter, however, Gideon announces that ‘The Lord is peace’ (Judges 6:24 New International Version).
The Hebrew word used for peace in the original text of the story is ‘shalom’, which means much more than the absence of war or turmoil. It denotes the idea of wholeness in every aspect of our lives.
Such peace is not only what God wants for us; it’s also what he can help us to experience.
If we choose to partner with God, he will lead us through the steps to take care of our wellbeing. It won’t mean that we’ll glide effortlessly through life, but we will have a sense of wholeness that will keep us going even during times when we feel as if we’re skating on thin ice.
AA new year message
Commissioner Paul Main, co-leader of The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland
s we begin to embrace all that 2025 will hold for us, no doubt many people’s thoughts have turned to making new year’s resolutions. Some of the most popular new year’s resolutions are to lose weight, get fit, enjoy life more, get out of debt, learn something new, help others, get organised, quit smoking and give up alcohol.
Did you notice that these resolutions had nothing to do with a person’s spiritual health and spiritual life? Nor was God included in any of them.
At this time of year, Christians around the world find themselves reflecting on the journey of the past 12 months. Alongside the new year’s declarations of resolutions and personal goals, we also take time to renew our faith, realign our purpose and seek God’s guidance for the year ahead.
These days offer a unique opportunity for reflection. As we look back, it’s important to acknowledge both the blessings and the challenges. The Bible encourages us to remember God’s faithfulness: ‘Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me’ (Isaiah 46:9 New International Version). Reflecting on the past year allows us to see God’s hand in our lives, even in the midst of difficulties and problems. It’s a time to give thanks for God’s guidance, provision and unwavering love.
The arrival of a new year symbolises a fresh start. It’s a chance to leave behind old habits and embrace new, godly ways of living. The apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of transformation: ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ (Romans 12:2).
As we step into the new year, let’s focus on spiritual growth and health. That might include setting goals to read the Bible, pray more, attend church more regularly or increase our involvement in serving our local community. These resolutions can help us to draw closer to God and better reflect his love to those around us.
In planning for the new year, asking for God’s guidance is vital. In the Bible, Proverbs 3:5 and 6 advises us: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ Through prayer and reading the Bible, we can know and understand what God wants for our lives – the fullness of life that he desires for each of us.
This process requires patience and faith, but the assurance that God is directing our steps brings peace and fulfilment. Make it a priority to spend time in prayer, asking for wisdom and direction in every aspect of life.
Entering the new year with thanksgiving impacts how we see and approach life. Philippians 4:6 and 7 encourages us: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ Being thankful shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, bringing a sense of contentment and joy and allowing us to acknowledge God’s blessings and faithfulness.
If we look out for each other, our communities will be transformed
The new year is also a time to strengthen our relationships. Another Bible passage says: ‘Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good’ (Hebrews 10:24 Good News Bible). Many consider this an impossible task, but if we all make a commitment to look out for each other, treating our neighbours as we would want to be treated ourselves, then in a short time our communities will be transformed and reflect the unity and love that Christ calls us to live. Why not consider how you can contribute to your community, whether through volunteering, being a good neighbour or simply offering a listening ear.
The new year is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a season of great opportunity to find life in all its fullness. By reflecting on the past year, embracing new beginnings, seeking God’s guidance, living with thanksgiving and building a stronger community, we can enter the new year with hope and purpose. Why not determine this year to discover Christ, and commit yourself to deepening your relationship with him and sharing his love with the world around you.
As you begin this new year, I pray that you will know God with you in every aspect of your life – that you will find strength through faith in Jesus Christ, and that your transformed life will make a difference to those around you. Happy new year!
Interview by Claire Brine
New year, new you. That’s the mindset of many optimists who plan to use the next 12 months for a spot of self-improvement. Among the people who have ‘getting fit and healthy’ on the agenda, a common first step is deciding to take regular exercise. But what’s less usual, perhaps, is joining a gym that’s located in a medieval church building.
In 2023, while the Rev Leigh Winsbury was praying about the future of his parish in Hatherleigh, Devon, an idea came to him. He decided to open a gym in an unused building attached to the church.
‘We had recently put on a big abseiling event in the community, which had been brilliant – so I asked God what we should do next,’ says Leigh, vicar of St John the Baptist Church in Hatherleigh. ‘And the idea to start a gym just dropped into my head.
‘I thought: “Yeah, we’ve got a building in disrepair. It’s not doing anything. So why not?” I also felt that opening a gym would be a way of meeting new people, those who don’t come to church. So I got stuck in and did it.’
For six months, Leigh and his mates worked together on Saturday mornings to create the town’s new gym in a building that locals believe used to be a monks’ residence.
‘I’d asked my mates in the pub if they thought we could take this project on,
and they were keen to help,’ says Leigh. ‘Some of them are decent builders, who do that sort of thing for a living. So we worked on doing the building up and were able to get it stocked fairly quickly, finding most of the gym equipment that we needed on Facebook Marketplace. I think a lot of people who’d bought gym stuff during Covid had become fed up of looking at it at home, so they sold it to us quite cheaply.’
In October 2023, the gym was ready to open. Just over a year later, it has about 80 members.
‘It’s quite a small centre,’ Leigh explains. ‘But we have everything that you need to keep fit. There’s the cardio gear: a spin bike, a treadmill, a cross trainer and a rowing machine. We also have two multigyms, which have the central stack of weights. And we’ve got benches, dumbbells, and a squat and press frame.
‘There are bigger gyms which are around a 20-minute drive away, but our church gym is good for local people who don’t have a car, or for those who don’t want to pay a lot in membership fees. Our members pay just £10 a month.’
Since the gym opened its doors, it
has attracted regular members of Leigh’s congregation and those who have never stepped foot inside the church before. Leigh is keen to give everyone a warm welcome.
Looking after ourselves matters because God designed us
‘I’ve been able to build relationships with people I might not have met otherwise,’ he explains. ‘When people sign up to the gym, I’ll meet them for an induction session, so they get to know me a bit. They get to see that their local vicar is a “normal” person, with interests outside the church.’
As well as enjoying using the gym equipment himself, Leigh values the way in which a physical workout clears his head and enriches his faith in God.
‘I believe that God is interested in a person’s body, mind, emotions and spirit,’ he says. ‘Looking after ourselves matters because God designed us. At the gym
we have a key Bible verse carved on to a wooden panel on the door, which says: “I praise you God for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” It’s important for people to see that message when they’re coming in and out.’
Though not everyone who works out in the Hatherleigh gym has begun attending services at the church, Leigh makes it known that he is happy to provide spiritual support to anyone, whether they share his Christian faith or not.
‘People in the town are always asking me to pray for them,’ says Leigh. ‘I bump into them at the gym or on the street, they tell me what’s going on in their lives and ask me to pray about it. I say that I will – but I also add that they can pray too, because God listens to them as well.’
Looking to the year ahead, Leigh is open to whatever God may want to do in the parish next.
‘I don’t have any plans up my sleeve at the moment,’ he says. ‘But our focus is on strengthening the church, as we have new people coming in. It’s important to keep looking for things to come up and being obedient when God drops ideas in your head.’
Every week the War Cry carries interviews with people who talk about how the Christian faith has affected their lives. Here are some of the people we have spoken to whose work puts them in the public eye
‘God is all-seeing, all-forgiving. His presence is everywhere and comforts me when in doubt, overwhelmed or under pressure. God brings the assurance that there’s always a light at the end of any tunnel.’
‘
‘I think of God as being all-powerful and being my Father in Heaven. I tend to lean on him, I thank him when things go well, and I ask him what to do when things are not going well.’
‘Since becoming a Christian, I feel liberated. I have peace and joy every day. I don’t fear anything. People talk about wanting a blessed life – and the only way to find such a life is by knowing God. He means everything to me.’
‘I trust in God’s plan, that he wants the best for me. I just make sure I stay rooted in him, in prayer and in giving thanks.’
‘The truth of the Bible is that God is faithful and provides for us, but we need to understand that sometimes our prayers aren’t answered in the way we would expect. In those instances, we have to trust that God knows much more than we can see and that he loves us.’
Joanna Adeyinka-Burford –CBeebies presenter
‘I came to realise that my faith was about serving and giving. I saw that God was someone to hold myself accountable to as I asked myself questions such as, “How am I living? What am I doing? Am I doing what I should be?” I wanted to make my life count.’
‘There’s something about Jesus that draws him to the last, the lost and the least. He asks: “I was hungry and thirsty, did you feed me? Did you give me a drink? I was sick and in prison, did you come and visit me? I was naked, did you give me any clothing?” It seems to me that Jesus had an eye for those who were most vulnerable.’
‘I started to see that God was bigger than I realised. I saw him as omnipotent and omnipresent. To this day I still think of him as an overarching God, something far bigger than a person could be.’
‘I reconnected with my faith before I got married to my wife, Chloe. We were about to embark on an amazing journey as husband and wife, starting a family, setting up life together and having our faith at the centre of that. Those Christian principles are incredibly important to our family.’
The War Cry invites readers to send in requests for prayer, including the first names of individuals and details of their circumstances, for publication. Send your Prayerlink requests to warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk or to War Cry, 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ. Mark your correspondence ‘Confidential’.
There is no set formula to becoming a Christian, but many people have found saying this prayer to be a helpful first step to a relationship with God
Lord Jesus Christ,
I am truly sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong.
Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.
Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Holy Spirit. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me for ever.
Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen
Nigel Bovey gives chapter and verse on each book of the Scriptures
When, in a pub argument or academic discussion, somebody claims ‘The Bible says…’, it is tempting to think that the Bible is one book. One volume, yes. One book with one author, no.
The Bible is a library of 66 separate books, divided into two sections – the Old Testament, with 39 books, and the New Testament with 27 books.
The Old Testament is an archive of the early nation of Israel. It was written by a number of authors between 1200BC and 165BC. It contains many literary categories and styles: history, biography, poetry, lyric, heroics, allegory, prophecy, genealogy, romance and mysticism included.
Covering a period from the creation of the world to the sixth century BC, the Old Testament can be thought of as a five-act play, each part being marked by a significant journey.
Journey one: In response to God’s calling (see Genesis chapter 12), Abraham –who would become the founder of the Hebrew people – moves from Ur of the Chaldees (modern-day Iraq) to Canaan (modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Israel).
Journey two: Because of famine in Canaan, Joseph invites his father Jacob and family to move to Egypt (see Genesis 47:11).
Journey three: Persecuted by a new Pharaoh, the Hebrew people leave Egypt under the leadership of Moses and head towards the ‘promised land’ of Canaan. The escape is known as the Exodus and is related in the Book of Exodus.
Journey four: Invaded and ransacked by Babylon (modern-day Iraq), citizens of the nation of Judah are taken hundreds of miles east into captivity (see 2 Kings 24:10 to 25:11). Their time in a foreign land is known as the Exile.
Journey five: The exiled Jews return from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple (see Ezra 1:1 to 6:19).
Written between AD50 and AD100, the New Testament comprises accounts of the life, teachings and works of Jesus (the Gospels), a chronicle of the growth of the early Church (the Acts of the Apostles), letters from leaders to church congregations and individuals (the Epistles) and prophecy (Revelation).
When blended together, the two Testaments distil the message that God loves the world he created and that – through the life, death, resurrection and promised return of his Son, Jesus Christ – he has provided a way by which the sin-filled world can be reconciled to him.
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Which author and TV presenter hosts the podcast The Rest is Entertainment with Marina Hyde?
Which book by Samantha Harvey won last year’s Booker prize?
The Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens are boroughs in which US city?
Who was British prime minister from 1951 to 1955?
Who played head teacher Steve Savage in the most recent series of the TV drama Waterloo Road?
Who had a No 1 hit in 1987 with their song ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’?
TV preview: Joanna Page’s Wild Life Mondays BBC2 and iPlayer
By Claire Brine
Don’t talk to them. Don’t give them names. Don’t cuddle them. In the TV series Joanna Page’s Wild Life, these are some of the rules that the actress must try to follow as she undertakes her latest role – that of a volunteer at Wildlife Aid, an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Surrey.
From day one, there’s a lot to learn. After being taught to keep her contact with the animals to a minimum so that they are able to maintain their natural instincts, Joanna is taken into the fox pen to tend to some cubs. The enclosure stinks – a lot. And Alice, who is leading Joanna’s induction, needs to make sure that she can handle working in such a stench.
Later Joanna is given the job of mucking out one of the hedgehogs. She’s keen to handle the animals for the very first time, but she also recognises that such tasks carry a responsibility.
‘I’m nervous and frightened about the unexpected,’ she says. ‘I’m scared about getting things wrong.’
Her feelings are likely to be ones that we can relate to – especially when we find ourselves facing the unfamiliar. Sometimes when we are embarking on something new and different, our fear of making a mistake can be overwhelming. It may even prompt us to quit before we have started to try.
A sense of inadequacy is what some people feel when they’re considering following God. They may be anxious about what the life of a Christian involves, wondering: Is it going to be too demanding? What if I make mistakes?
The truth is, no one is perfect. We all face testing times. And we all mess up. But God understands our struggles. He loves us in spite of our failings – and when we say sorry for the things we get wrong, he promises to forgive us and help us to become better people.
One Bible writer who called himself ‘the worst sinner of all’ (1 Timothy 1:15 Contemporary English Version) also talked about trusting in a ‘merciful God, who always gives us comfort’ (2 Corinthians 1:3).
Whatever unfamiliar situations we find ourselves in, we can always expect God to help us when we turn to him.
As 2025 commences, we take a look back with these quick quiz questions on topics covered in the War Cry in 2024. Why not have a go and see how many you can answer correctly by yourself? Or try it out with friends and family
As the second series of The Traitors began on BBC1, we interviewed Amos Ogunkoya, one of the previous year’s contestants. Who hosts the show?
We reported on volunteers rebuilding a Lego model of Durham Cathedral. From which country does Lego originate?
Which film won best picture at last year’s Academy awards?
In April, we featured Netflix nature documentary Our Living World. What is the largest rainforest on Earth? 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 7 10 11
As the RHS Chelsea Flower Show began to bloom, we interviewed the Rev Lucy Winkett, rector of St James’s Piccadilly, about the church’s garden entry. What is the common name for the plant Lavandula?
January marked the 100th anniversary of The Shipping Forecast. Which radio station regularly broadcasts the forecast?
In our Team Talk column, we noted an episode in which Paul McCartney spoke about the possible inspiration for the lyrics of ‘Yesterday’, a song which he recorded in 1965 as a member of which group?
We reported on the start of the men’s Six Nations championship in February. Which team went on to win the tournament?
We reported on World Book Day in March, which encourages children to read. Who wrote the picture book The Gruffalo?
When the British Museum hosted an exhibition about Michelangelo in the summer, lead curator Sarah Vowles spoke about what inspired the Renaissance artist. Which biblical shepherd turned king did the artist depict in a sculpture located in Florence?
In July, the back page of the War Cry featured a quote by Boyzone member Shane Lynch. In which decade did the boy band have a No 1 hit with their album Said and Done?
In July, we interviewed Midlandsbased motorcycling minister the Rev Nigel Rostock about his experiences on the road. What is the nickname of the Gravelly Hill interchange on the M6?
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of a toy made of 26 coloured blocks that has more than 43 quintillion possibilities with only 1 being correct. What toy?
Which comedy drama starred David Mitchell as a puzzle writer who impersonates his twin brother, a police detective?
As the 2024 Paris Olympics approached, we explored the legacy of runner Eric Liddell, who had won gold when the city previously 19 17 20 15 16 18 12 13 14
In our War Cry September, we reported on a new single released by Coldplay which included a reference to Psalm 23. What is the song?
When Paddington in Peru was released in cinemas, we wrote about the Brown family’s search for Paddington’s aunt abroad. Who created the film’s characters in his 1958 book A Bear Called Paddington?
We also carried a report on two Nasa astronauts who joined online church services from space – but in which year did Nasa first land men on the moon?
We interviewed Jade and John Reynolds about their faith and book on disability. The couple had become stars on which short-form video platform founded by Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Yiming?
We reported on Gladiator II when the film was released in cinemas in November. Who starred in the lead role?
1. Ruin (5)
5. Uncontrolled fear (5)
8. Glowing fuel (5)
9. Round fruit (5)
10. Group of eight (5)
11. Angry (5)
12. Cook slowly (4)
15. Water-boiling vessel (6)
17. Cut off (5)
18. Run quickly (6)
20. Judge (4)
25. Student (5)
26. Clutch (5)
27. Happen (5)
28. Live (5)
29. Apportion (5)
30. Detested (5)
DOWN
1. Weighing device (6)
2. Fight against (6)
3. Bloodsucker (5)
4. Loathe (5)
5. Thrive (7)
6. Numbskull (6)
7. Oxen (6)
13. Zenith (3)
14. Spray (3)
15. Important (3)
16. Falsehood (3)
17. A cutting (7)
18. Mark of shame (6)
19. Selling of goods (6)
21. Draw out (6)
22. Damaged (6)
23. Of the eye (5)
24. Fabric (5)
30ml vegetable oil
300g onions, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
½ tsp chilli powder
2tsp ground coriander
2tsp ground turmeric
1 lemon, zest and juice
400g can chopped tomatoes
250g butternut squash, peeled and cubed
250g carrots, peeled and cubed
250g swede, peeled and cubed
200ml vegetable stock
15g brown sugar
200g chickpeas, drained
40g dried apricots, roughly chopped
25g sultanas
15g fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Salt and black pepper
4 bread rolls, to serve
INGREDIENTS
For the pastry
250g wholemeal flour
125g margarine
80g icing sugar
1 egg
For the filling
300g white breadcrumbs
375g golden syrup
2 balls stem ginger in syrup, finely chopped
1 egg
½ orange, juice and zest
50ml ginger syrup
50g black treacle
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 160C/ Gas Mark 3.
Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for 5-10 minutes, until they begin to soften.
Add the spices and lemon zest, then stir well and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, squash, carrots and swede to the pan and stir well.
Pour in the stock and lemon juice, then add the brown sugar, chickpeas, apricots and sultanas. Pour over enough water to cover the ingredients, then bring to the boil.
Remove from the heat and transfer into a tagine or casserole dish. Stir in half the parsley and cover with the lid. Place in the oven for 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
Remove from the oven. Stir well and season with salt and pepper, then garnish with the remaining parsley. Serve with the bread rolls.
Preheat the oven to 170C/Gas Mark 3.
To make the pastry, whizz the flour, margarine and icing sugar in a blender or food processor until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg and pulse a few times to form a pastry. Turn out on a work surface and knead a couple of times to bring it together.
Roll out the pastry dough and line a baking tin with it. Use a fork to slightly prick the base, then bake blind for 15-20 minutes, until the pastry is set and lightly coloured.
To make the filling, add the breadcrumbs, golden syrup, egg, stem ginger, orange juice and zest and ginger syrup to a bowl and mix well. Add the black treacle and combine again.
Pour the filling into the pastry case and bake for 20 minutes or until set, then serve.
f or e ve r
Hebrews 13:8 (New International Version)