24 September 2022 - Salvos Magazine

A good night’s sleep

FAITH TALK

Take this cup

MY STORY

A day in the life of ...

The art of drinking coffee

How a cuppa with friends can bring joy to your day

“I have measured out mylife with coffee spoons.” – T.S. Eliot Poet/writer

What is The Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.

Vision Statement

Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus by:

• Caring for people

• Creating faith pathways

• Building healthy communities

• Working for justice

The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders, past, present, and future. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and well-being of people of all ages, particularly children.

Salvos

Founders William and Catherine Booth

General Brian Peddle

Territorial Leaders

Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson

Secretary for Communications and Editor-In-Chief

Lieut-Colonel Neil Venables

Publications Manager Cheryl Tinker

Assistant Editor Faye Michelson

Graphic Designer Ryan Harrison

Editorial phone (03) 8541 4562

Enquiry email salvosmagazine@salvationarmy.org.au

All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58

Press date 12 September 2022

Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Robert Donaldson at Focus Print Group, South Granville, NSW.

Faith Talk [10] Take this cup

Feature [4] More than coffee is on the menu at these cafes

My Story [12]

A day in the life of ...

Catch up for a cuppa?

For many of us, our cuppa of choice is coffee – latte, cappuccino, flat white, short black macchiato –and choosing how we have our shots of caffeine can be a serious business.

When we meet up for a coffee, though, it’s often what comes with it that’s most important (and I don’t just mean the yoyo biscuits or caramel slices).

A coffee date is a time of connection. It can be a welcome break from a hectic schedule or a precious time of conversation in an otherwise empty day. It’s an invitation to share a slice of our lives with someone who is interested in us.

This issue of Salvos Magazine looks at how different people connect with their communities.

Read about the 12 keen fishermen roughing it on K’gari (Fraser Island), how the Salvos in Tasmania connect with people experiencing homelessness and how many Salvo churches operate cafes in their communities. Good coffee is not the only thing on their menus – so are friendship and hospitality.

Being connected into a caring community transforms lives. If you would like to connect with The Salvation Army, you can find your nearest corps (church) at salvationarmy.org.au/locations.

Simone Worthing Assistant Editor

The Salvation Army is about giving hope where it’s needed most.

More than coffee is on the menu at these cafes

In cafes all over Australia you’ll see it –people catching up over a cappuccino … or latte … or flat white. The coffee, whatever the type is great, of course, but it’s what comes with the coffee that’s important. The conversation, the connection and the caring.

You’ll find many Salvo churches around Australia have cafes in all sorts of forms –pop-up, permanent, regular and occasional – all different, but all offering the same warm hospitality and friendship, as well as good coffee.

EASTLAKES SALVOS

A 21-year plan came to fruition for Eastlakes Salvos earlier this year when it established a thriving community cafe. When the church moved into its current building in the Newcastle southern suburb of Belmont more than two decades ago, plans included a community cafe. Several attempts were made over the years to get a cafe up and running, but nothing eventuated – until this year.

In mid-January, the church prayer group gathered to specifically pray about the cafe concept. A group member mentioned a local woman who might be interested in helping and invited her to be part of their plans. The next day, Rani rocked up to discuss how she might assist. She had experience running a cafe and was keen to bring her skills to support the church.

Cafe 360 was born and now provides a welcoming place for the community to gather, as well as good coffee and food.

“Rani was very much about bringing people together,” says Terri Muendel, Eastlakes Corps Officer (pastor). “She loves Jesus, justice and our community.”

Rani even brought a whole team of volunteers with her. Cafe 360 operates three days a week, catering to various groups – parents and children who come to the church for ‘Mainly Music’, community members who access emergency relief and the community pantry, and people with disabilities.

Terri spoke with two women recently who said they had never felt anything like the atmosphere at Cafe 360. They were surprised it was a church, but Terri explained that church is people, not stained-glass windows.

“Our street number is 360,” Terri says. “We want to be champions of justice and hospitality – God is going to do good stuff here.”

Catching up over a cuppa has long been a way for Salvos to connect with the community.

Words Jessica Morris and Cliff Worthing

Cafe 360 volunteer barista at work.

ULVERSTONE SALVOS

In Ulverstone, in Tasmania’s north-west, the Salvos’ Lifetime program has quickly become a safe place for people looking to belong.

“Lifetime had been running at Ulverstone Salvos for many years,” explains Corps Officer (pastor) Andrew Webb. “Before COVID-19, it was for lunch, but we now run it as a morning tea. We aim to provide a safe and friendly space for people in our commu nity to connect and share with each other.”

Every two weeks, the small team at Ulverstone opens its doors on Victoria Street and displays an enticing range of slices, cakes and coffee to guests. They also provide speakers, musi cal performances and trivia to keep things interesting. Topics range from healthy living to understanding computer scams.

With up to 30 people attending each time, the message is clear: people are ready to reengage with the community after the

COVID-19 lockdowns and hunger for companionship.

“As with many things, restarting after COVID was carefully considered. We knew many people had lost their regular social activities and were becoming a bit isolated,” Andrew says. “Community is very important in Ulverstone, so we sought to fill that need. We often have attendees contributing jokes, poems and even a solo or two.”

The team at Ulverstone is passionate about working with their local Thrift Shop, Bridge Alcohol and Other Drugs program, commu nity services and home care. And, naturally, they are happy to extend invitations to Lifetime morning tea to community members who come through those services.

“We believe God’s Spirit is active in the broader community of Ulverstone, and we simply partner in the work,” Andrew said. “Already we have seen people curious to explore faith conversations and participate in other church gatherings.”

International Coffee Day takes place on 1 October every year.

Scan here for more information on Salvation Army Services.

Aux-Lieutenant Bernie Lawson promoting Cafe 360.

Enjoying good coffee and conversation at Ulverstone Corps’ Lifetime morning tea.

A good night’s sleep

Words Jessica Morris

A night on Tasmania’s streets can be cold, wet and uncomfortable, but this is a daily reality for more than 300 people experienc ing primary homelessness across the state. However, the tide is turning after the 13th annual Salvos SleepOut, with four locations across the state raising more than $120,000 for The Salvation Army’s Street2Home community outreach programs across Tasmania.

cold ground – students, community members and politicians all received first-hand experience of the reality of homelessness.

“The Salvos SleepOut raises vital funds to keep the Street2Home program running in both Hobart and Launceston,” says Amelia Natoli, Public Relations Manager for Tasmania. “It is also an important opportunity to help educate the public about the challenges people experiencing homelessness face and the work the Salvos do.”

This year signals the first time the Salvos SleepOut was held in Launceston, where a Primary Homelessness Support Worker was employed to run the Street2Home program in the state’s north last November. The team in Launceston saw 25 people participate in the sleepout at the Penny Royal Adventures site.

“Penny Royal Adventures was a great location for staff from the JAC Group to be suspended while sleeping thanks to Spidertech!” says Aux-Lieutenant Roderick Brown, Launceston Corps Officer (pastor). “Both the JAC Group and Penny Royal showed great collaboration and willingness to be part of the event.”

More than 100 people participated and 80 people slept out when Hobart, Glenorchy, Kingston and Launceston hosted individual events on Thursday 25 August as part of the biggest Salvos SleepOut to date. In addition, Scotch Oakburn College and Calvin Christian School hosted sleepouts in the week before or after the event. And through local tours, guest speakers and expert panels – not to mention a windy night spent on the

Roderick says the motivation for participating came from the prevalence of rough sleepers in the area, many of whom the Salvos interact with daily.

All up, contributors from Launceston raised a significant part of the state tally, with the JAC group raising $26,000 alone. Local Federal Member Bridget Archer took part, while Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson, unable to

Tasmanians sleep out to raise awareness of homelessness

Kingsborough-Huon Corps Officer Captain Roz Edwards (left) and Divisional Commander Captain Kim Haworth at the Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club for the Salvos SleepOut.

participate due to parliamentary sitting dates, arrived to help pack up the following day.

Glenorchy Corps participated in the sleepout for the third year in a row and participants spent the night sleeping in front of the Glenorchy City Council Chambers, which backs onto The Salvation Army Street Mission Centre.

Joined by Mayor Bec Thomas and Deputy Mayor Steven King for the night, the Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Hon. Barbara Baker AC, also participated in a tour of the area, where Corps Officer Captain Jeff Milkins highlighted where many sleep rough.

“Being a street mission, we’ve got a pretty good idea of what primary homelessness looks like here,” Jeff says. “It’s not just about money. It’s about awareness and getting this issue front and centre to the people who can make decisions about it in government and have an impact on it.”

In Hobart, a solid turnout of 30 people slept in front of the Hotel Grand Chancellor, the original location of the annual event. Participants visited The Salvation Army Housing Campbell Street, the Street Teams

and Hobart Corps, where they learned about the Street2Home program and other supports offered by The Salvation Army.

They attended a discussion about home lessness in the region with Cr Bill Harvey, representing the Lord Mayor; Ben Moroney, Homelessness and Housing Manager for The Salvation Army Street2Home program; and Divisional Commander Captain Kim Haworth. They were joined overnight by the Hon. Rob Valentine MLC, who has taken part since the first event in Hobart over a decade ago.

In Kingston, Captain Roz Edwards helped lead the sleepout in collaboration with the Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club, where partici pants packed bags for people sleeping rough and participated in a community barbecue.

To donate to the Salvos SleepOut, visit salvossleepouttas.salvationarmy.org.au

Scan here for more information on Homelessness.

The Woolworths Group Finance Shared Services team get rugged up for the SleepOut at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart.

On the road to employment in Swan View

Many high school students struggle to thrive in a traditional schooling environment. For some, finding alternative education feels impossi ble as they battle life stresses such as family and domestic violence, mental health issues, housing challenges or a lack of resources.

Now, in partnership with the Department of Education and The Salvation Army Youth Services in Western Australia, Swan View Corps has hired two youth workers to assist young people on the road to employment.

“God made a way for this program to commence through the support of the Department of Education WA, the local Member of Parliament, Lotteries West, the Western Australia Division of The Salvation Army, two great youth workers and a team of dedicated volunteers at the Swan View Corps,” says Corps Officer (pastor) Major Naava Brooks.

The partnership began in December 2020 when Bernie, a participation coordinator for

the Department of Education, approached Swan View Corps asking for volunteers to take young people to their placements.

The team at Swan View saw the opportunity for a more collaborative approach. After attending a series of consultation meetings with The Salvation Army Youth Services, local groups and council members, they realised that trained youth workers were needed to fully support young people seeking employment, so a pilot project was formed.

In April 2021, the local Member of Parliament, Michelle Roberts, agreed to donate a bus – fondly known as the Jedi Bus – for youth workers to safely transport the teens. And when Lottery West granted fund ing to employ two part-time youth workers for 12 months, the rubber hit the road.

The workers were hired in January, and the Salvos agreed to help with ancillary resources. In addition, the corps uses Red Shield Appeal funds for the program, with

Department of Education representatives join members of Swan View Corps, The Salvation Army Youth Services WA, representatives of the Motivation Foundation and MP Michelle Roberts at the launch of the pilot program.

volunteers preparing hand-packed lunches for every participant. The program formally began in February and has already supported more than 25 teens through transport, mentoring, referral support and meals.

“The youth workers travel around the local district in the Jedi Bus, collecting young people who have been referred to the program by participation coordinators from the Department of Education,” Naava says. “They take the time to meet the family and provide material assistance and referrals as needed. They have also been able to deliver food parcels to many of these families and help them to connect with Doorways for further assistance.”

Some days the workers help teens with tasks like applying for a tax file number. On other days, they provide referrals for crisis accommodation, co-case collabora tion and advocacy. And then there are the

Volunteers from Swan View corps make up meal packs for the students.

social benefits of the program, where young people are given a safe space to talk, social ise through holiday activities, and become appearance-ready for work.

“The youth workers have become part of a trusted network that these young people turn to,” says Naava. “We pray that we can keep this awesome work going next year!”

– Jessica Morris

Gone fishin’ ... for 10 years!

Last month 12 adventurers set out in a 4WD, armed with their fishing rods, for a week of camping, fishing and conversation. It was the 10-year anniversary of K’gari (Fraser Island) fishing trip, organised by Salvo Officer (pastor) Bryce Davies, Faith Communities Development Coordinator in Queensland.

Eighty-seven-year-old John provided wisdom to the group in entertaining ways, as well as wading into the pounding surf in pursuit of fish for dinner. Josh, who travelled from Sydney to be a part of the trip, says he was “just glad to be there with everyone” because he is usually socially isolated. Andy, one of the ‘regulars’, has health issues that require a carer to accompany him.

“It was one of the toughest weeks for me, testing all my fears, but thanks to all the boys on the trip who made it easy for me to have a holiday I will never forget,” he says.

The group sharing fellowship and fishing.

Bryce said it was a great week of mateship, creating memories to last a lifetime, and also a time to develop faith and relationships.

Bryce says having the time and space over seven days really created a bond between the group.

“It’s inspirational to see guys like Andy, Josh and John grinning from ear to ear,” he says. – Cliff Worthing

Take this cup

The spiritual importance of coffee

Words Anthony Castle

There is a ritual that begins each day. I take water, bring it to the boil, and choose two white cups to place on the counter. I pour milk and froth it, until it thickens and warms, and use the boiled water to heat the two cups. I grind the beans into the filter basket, lock it into a press and breathe the steam as I lean forward to pull the shot into the warm cup below. A liquid flows from the press into the base of cup, caramel at first, and as I release the pressure the shot begins to blonde. I pour the warmed milk. Place the hot cup into its saucer. I am making coffee.

course). Coffee has been used in churches ever since, even featuring in communion rituals when wine wasn’t available.

Rituals rely on foods that create heightened states in individuals. Traditional communion uses the carbohydrates of bread, and the sugar and alcohol of wine. In the case of a cup of coffee, the caffeine has a similar effect. The heightened state can focus an individual’s prayer, reflection and creativity, but in most instances these rituals are shared. Whether it’s communion or a cappuccino, the cup that is taken is for more than one. The ritual is important, sacred, and not just because of the caffeine kick. It’s sacred because it’s shared.

I have started the day by making two cups of coffee for more than a decade, and the elements of the ritual are exact. The water is filtered, boiled once. The milk is 60 degrees, no more. The coffee is roasted nearby, sourced from a farmers’ market. The muscle memory of the coffee press is precise, with just the right degree of pressure needed for a shot that is unbroken, crowned with crema. The first cup is for my partner, the second is my own. The ritual is almost sacred to me.

Coffee has long been seen to have a sacred, spiritual importance. One account has coffee first discovered by abbots, its caffeine used to focus prayer in monasteries. While some Catholics in the 17th century believed that coffee sourced its power from evil forces, Pope Clement VIII decreed the beverage to be rather good (after having tried some, of

In the Church, a cup of coffee is taken as a gesture of hospitality. It’s restorative for those who are cold, weary. It’s a warm measure of dignity for many who find themselves in need. It’s also an offer to spend time, an invitation to be together. Coffee makes community.

I make coffee for any number of reasons. I make it to wake up, to focus on my work, to be creative. More often than not, I make it for someone, for my partner, for friends, for strangers. The ritual is sacred to me, but it’s not just for me. The ritual of making coffee is about making community, and while there’s no doubt the caffeine is rather good, it’s the together ness where we find the real sense of the sacred.

Scan here for more on the need for community.

A day in the life of ... Vernessa Heta

Providing care and support for residents in aged care

Vernessa Heta is passionate about provid ing high-quality care to residents of The Salvation Army Aged Care Services. Salvos writer Jessica Morris recently caught up with Vernessa in her role as the Senior Care Coordinator for Salvation Army Aged Care in Abbotsford (Vic.)

Jessica Morris: Can you tell us about yourself?

Vanessa Heta: Tena koutou katoa (Greetings to you all). Ko Vernessa Heta taku ingoa (My name is Vernessa Heta). Ko Ngapuhi te iwi (My tribal people are Ngapuhi). No Moerewa, peowhairangi Aotearoa toku kainga (I come from Moerewa in the Bay of Islands New Zealand). No reira tena koutou katoa (Once again, greetings to you all). Nga mihi (With thanks). This is my pepeha – a short history of my heritage. Family is very important to me – they are the foundation of who I am and what I value. I have 11 siblings, 38 nieces and nephews and many more great-nieces and nephews. I came to Australia in 1990, moving from Brisbane to Melbourne.

JM: When did you start working with The Salvation Army?

VH: I started at the Salvos in 1991 – 31 years ago, as a student at what was then The Gill Memorial Home for Men, a homeless shelter in the Melbourne CBD. I loved it so much that I got a job after my placement and have never left. One year on my birthday some of the clients organised a Harley ride for me around Melbourne! I also met my life partner Barb through my work at The Gill and the RecLink group. We have two beautiful fur babies,

Oke (named after a beach near my home in Aotearoa) and Buddy, both cavoodles.

JM: Can you give us an overview of your role working in aged care?

VH: Typically, my day includes meeting with clients and their families to develop care plans that support their ability to maximise their independence and stay in their homes as long as possible. I ensure we have workers providing the support, and also support-care workers to make sure they have what they need. I also liaise with other providers to ensure care is coordinated across services; and, of course, the thing we all love – docu menting what we do so that there is a clear set of agreed goals and support for each client, ensuring continuity of care regardless of who is in the job.

JM: How has COVID-19 affected your work?

VH: Obviously, COVID-19 threw a curve ball for all of us. We weren’t always able to work from home as we needed to continue to provide support to a really vulnerable community. Despite our fears and uncer tainty, I am so proud of our people who showed up every day to provide care and support for our clients. It was also a time of fear and isolation for our clients, so our continued connection with them was critical for them to navigate the pandemic. We had to learn and adapt quickly. I now have a lot more knowledge and experience of PPE [personal protective equipment] than I ever thought I would! How well we adapted and supported each other through this time is demonstrated by the fact that we were able

to continue providing a high level of service during the tough lockdowns. It was so weird driving to clients along deserted streets – it felt so surreal.

Rides and Around the Bay in a Day. I also love following the All Blacks, watching movies and hanging out at the beach with family.

JM: Why do you enjoy working with The Salvation Army?

VH: During my 30 years of work at the Salvos, I have had various roles, including recreation worker, case manager, housing worker, outreach worker and community aged care. What’s kept me at the Salvos for so long is because I really connect with the vision and mission, including providing dignity, respect and compassion to people from all walks of life. Most importantly, I enjoy doing this work alongside people who also share these values and are people-focused, fun, supportive and caring.

JM: What do you do in your spare time?

VH: My favourite thing is bike riding, and I have ridden on three Great Victorian Bike

Scan here for more information on The Salvation Army Aged Care Services.

What’s kept me at the Salvos for so long is because I really connect with the vision and mission, including providing dignity, respect and compassion to people from all walks of life.

Vernessa Heta, Senior Care Cooordinator for Salvation Army Aged Care in Abbotsford (Vic.), is passionate about providing high quality care for residents.

Easy tiramisu

Ingredients

3 tsp instant coffee or a shot of espresso coffee, 2 tbsp boiling water, 75 ml cold water, 250g mascarpone, 85 ml condensed milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 4-6 sponge fingers, 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Method

• Mix the coffee granules with 2 tbsp boiling water in a large jug and stir to combine. Add 75ml cold water, pour into a shallow dish and set aside.

• Make the cream layer by beating the mascarpone, condensed milk and vanilla extract until thick and smooth.

• Break the sponge fingers into two or three pieces and dip into the coffee mixture. Put a few pieces of the sponge in the bottom of two sundae glasses and top with the cream. Repeat layers. Sift over the cocoa and chill for at least one hour before serving.

Quick quiz

1. What are the two main types of coffee beans?

2. How many calories does a cup of black coffee have?

3. What percentage of coffees ordered in Australia are takeaways?

4. What disease-fighting antioxidant in coffee gives it its bitter flavour?

5. Which famous 18th century composer wrote the Coffee Cantata?

Bible byte

On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

Matthew chapter 5, verse 6 English Standard Version

Have a laugh

Wordsearch

I R E S H F X Z

U N R B P A X S J R T A O E T M Q S P C

Y S I F O P C C O O W B B A F V A K K O

E E Z R U X U G F E V Z U I G F N L G C

Y E K R S E A C P R M Y A X C A A A P C

V H B G Q O K H C E K A B M S A L C A G

N Z I A H C O M O I D K B P M U G F E F

Z M J E E E V R X G N A Y A I R F P I D

H B E A N S E U P M G O R U T E L O Z T

Y L W N Z G L E Z X K A S T I S Y L G D

K Y C T N C T V D T X O L N R E I X C N

L E C U Q T P Q E O V R E B P I O R V E

I I L E A S A E G H O Z X Y E P A U A L

M P L L L F E I I S B T L O Q A M F P B