SALVATIONIST - Amazon S3 · SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN ... Jesus Christ Superstar, which begins in September. With years of …

SALVATIONISTESSENTIAL READING FOR EVERYONE LINKED TO THE SALVATION ARMYwww.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist7 July 2012No 1354Price 60p

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Prayer meeting goes internationalTHQPAGE 4

Songsters revisit NorwayNorway, Iceland and The Faeroes

PAGE 9

PLUS LOTS MORE!

PAGES 12 & 13

PAPERS

2 7 July 2012 SALVATIONIST www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: [email protected] Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationistA registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by benhamgoodheadprint Limited, Bicester, Oxon. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2012. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

EDITOR Major Stephen Poxon Tel: 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson Tel: 020 7367 4891 ASSISTANT EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley Tel: 020 7367 4892 ASSISTANT EDITOR Claire Anderson Tel: 020 7367 4894 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker Tel: 020 7367 4893 DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter Tel: 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza Tel: 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael Tel: 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino Tel: 020 7367 4881 ADVERTISING Tel: 020 7367 4883 Email: [email protected]

DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH Tel: 01933 445451 Fax: 01933 445415 Email: [email protected]

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner André Cox EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven

CHARITIES REPORT ‘RIDICULOUS GROWTH’ IN DEMAND FOR EMERGENCY FOOD PARCELSFalling incomes and welfare spending cuts have triggered an explosion in demand for emergency food parcels as Britain’s poorest families struggle to put a meal on the table, say charities…

The Salvation Army, whose churches issue food parcels on an informal basis, said its biggest distribution point, in Keighley, West Yorkshire, was so inundated this year it had to temporarily restrict food parcels to people referred by local charities and health professionals.The Guardian

LOOKING FORWARD TO FESTIVAL FUN AT LATITUDE

‘WE BOUGHT A ZOO’ DVDs TO WIN

PATCH’S PALS WITH PERCY THE PENGUIN

JESUS IS COMING: LOOK BUSY

However much we believe that we are saved by grace not works, the instinct to scramble ourselves into a presentable state before the Lord’s coming is deeply ingrained. It’s as if we fear the verse from Revelation actually reads: ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and conduct a white glove test on their kitchen surfaces.’Catherine Fox, writing in The Church of England Newspaper

NO HARDER JOB

I’m talking about the... pure, soul-splitting ache of parenting. And how the children around you seem to be equipped with energetic umbilicals that go straight into the heart of you, and draw out and drain every scintilla of available reserve. And you offer it willingly, because you love them (it’s a bit like being Jesus).Kevin Maher in The Times

CHARIOTS OF FIRE SPRINTER WHO REFUSED TO RUN HEATSEric Liddell, the Olympic gold medallist immortalised in the film Chariots Of Fire, would have been dismayed by the jingoistic and professionalised nature of modern athletics, his daughter has said…

The devout Christian refused to run in the heats for his preferred event, the 100 metres, because they were held on a Sunday.The Independent

THE SEARCH IS ON FOR A NEW JESUS

RECYCLES: SWINDON LIFEHOUSE’S EMPLOYMENT SCHEME

THAT HANDSHAKE: BETTER TO BITE A BULLET THAN STOP ONE

7 July 2012 20p/25c

War CryTHE yyyyyyFIGHTING FOR HEARTS AND SOULS

salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry Est 1879 No 7072

LOOKING FOR JESUS IT’S a TV talent show with a dif-

ference. Yeah, that’s what they all say. But this time it really is, because they’re looking for Jesus.

Tonight (Saturday 7 July), ITV1 launches Superstar. Andrew Lloyd Webber and a panel of judges will be looking for a singer to play the lead role in the arena tour of his musical Jesus Christ Superstar, which begins in September. With years of

writes RENÉE DAVIS D

Lord Lloyd-Webber seeks fresh talent

Turn to page 3

PUBLIC GETS TO CHOOSE NEW SUPERSTAR

ITV

FOR THOSE IN PERIL ON THE SEA Page 16

COMMENT

[email protected] SALVATIONIST 7 July 2012 3

Morse code of conduct

NEWSPages 4 – 10 & 21 RiponSleafordTHQOldhamRoundthorn UKTHalifaxDumfriesLeicesterSouth NewcastleCityTempleSherburnHillBridgwater ClevedonCradleyHeathWillenhallHarlowPerth SkewenBurtonuponTrentJarrowBlaydon Stanford-le-HopeLeekLavenhamDarlington StratfordNorwayIcelandandTheFaeroes NorthamptonCentralDunfermlineLongton DearneValleyYorkshireWintonMorecambe

THE YEAR OF JUBILEEA royal invitation Page 11

FEATURE Mission field: men Pages 12 & 13

FEATURE The young soldier Page 14

TOOLBOX FEATURE Tackling isolation and poverty Page 14

BIBLE STUDY Holiness: the unwanted heritage? Page 15

LETTERSPages 16 & 17

NEW COMMITMENTSPages 18 & 19

ANNOUNCEMENTSArmy people, engagements, tributes and caption competition resultsPages 20 & 21

ADVERTSPages 22 & 23

IT is a good thing I really do like to be beside the seaside, because my recent travels On His Majesty’s Service have taken me to Folkestone and Worthing –

not just because I like ice-cream and fish and chips, but because both corps kindly invited me along. If I have a gripe, it’s that the mushy peas served up with one’s fish and chips down south aren’t half as good as the mushy peas you’d get up north, but that’s a minor detail.

I can but hope the good folk of those corps enjoyed my company as much as I did theirs – although the irony of my invitation to address the Retired Musicians’ Fellowship in Worthing did not escape me. As arguably the least musical Salvationist there ever was, is and is to come, I approached the engagement feeling it was only a matter of time before

I would be exposed as a fraud. Grace, however, prevailed, and I survived.

Mention of Worthing leads me to tell you about a book I am reading – The Tapestry Of Toil by the Rev Desmond Morse-Boycott, who was a priest of the Church of England. Referring to his childhood, the good reverend speaks about a family servant being ‘replaced by a pretty, young Salvationist’. Curiosity has the better of me and I cannot resist asking if anyone knows who that was. The family home was in Montpelier Terrace, Worthing, if that helps.

This all leads me to direct your attention to the very modern version of William Booth’s ‘I’ll Fight’ speech that appears on page 14, which was sent to me by Rebecca Walford, 14, from Sutton.

Rebecca tells it as it is and although I can’t imagine everyone agreeing with every word of her passionate sentiments, there’s no disputing the fact that her writing throbs with a rare heartbeat. The Rev Morse-Boycott, you see, had a comfortable upbringing that included servants, stained-glass windows and Saturday concerts. Good for him, but let us never forget those for whom life is a cold and brutal thing – some of the people Rebecca reminds us of.

My clergyman friend was, I am realising, a fine churchman, who led with authority, intelligence, humanity and more than a little mischief. Not unlike, I have to say, Commissioner Arthur Thompson, who presides over the Musicians’ Fellowship. You can tell quite a lot about a leader by the way he or she brings a crowd to order; Commissioner Thompson did so excellently. (Holy autocracy, I think it’s called.)

May the Lord of Anglicans and Salvationists, musicians and marginalised, enable us each to minister with the grace of God, the charm of Christ and the sensitivity of the Spirit.

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

‘You can tell a true Christian from two attributes – holiness and merriment… In such a spirit I ply my craft… I try to be merry and religious, and show how fascinating religion is by translating it into understandable form… More flies are caught by honey than by vinegar.’

(The Rev Desmond Morse-Boycott)

4 7 July 2012 SALVATIONIST

NEWS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Prayer meeting goes internationalTHQ THQ staff in London and Chennai (India Central Terri-tory) shared an innovative and interactive prayer meeting through a live video link.

Special Events Manager Melvin Hart led the meeting and explained he thought it would be innovative to pray with India Central rather than just praying for the territory. The THQ prayer meeting is a weekly event, where a different territory is prayed for at each meeting.

A video camera was set up in the meeting hall and a large screen displayed footage from Chennai. Territorial Commander Commissioner André Cox welcomed Chief Secretary Colonel Edwin Masih (India Central) and the staff sang ‘Sweet Hour Of Prayer’ together.

Colonel Masih said it was the first time he had shared prayers through interactive media and thanked the UKT for supporting India in prayer. He asked those present in London to pray for extension areas where new work has started, that divisions will financially support the new work, the new session of cadets and officers who are ill.

In an exchange of music, India Central offered ‘Showers Of Blessing’, sung in three languages, including English and Tamil. In response the staff in London offered the Founder’s song, ‘O Boundless Salvation!’

Prayers were then exchanged, with Colonel Masih concluding: ‘God bless the worldwide Salva-tion Army.’ – L. B.

Community projects on the increase RiponTHE corps opened an employ-ment and resource centre. This project will complement its existing community ministry. The corps already runs lunch clubs, a preschool, kids’ clubs, a teenage drop-in and ‘furniture ministry’ – providing affordable furniture to families in need. However, many families strug-gle to secure a regular income and so the project will operate as a weekly drop-in to provide help for jobseekers.

The project’s volunteers will assist with CVs and application forms and encourage and moti-vate service users. Employment prospects can be enhanced by encouraging service users to take up voluntary work or by referrals to key-skills training.

The picture shows (from left) corps officer Captain Steve Noble, volunteer Sarah Hollo-way, centre manager Pat Clark, volunteer Andrew Gent and team member John Bowman. – P. C.

Band brings blessing and inspirationSleafordAN audience filled Northgate Methodist church for Worthing Band’s programme, compèred by Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel Mike Caffull, a former Worthing bandsman. Items included ‘Proces-sion To Covenant’ and ‘A Psalm Of Praise’. Alan Moyse (cornet) played ‘Tucker’ and Duncan Heward sang ‘Glory To His Name’.

On Sunday morning the band divided to conduct worship in Sleaford and Lincoln. In the afternoon the band offered another programme at Lincoln, where items included ‘Treasures From Tchaikovsky’ and ‘Soli Deo Gloria’. Karen Heward (soprano cornet) played ‘Demelza’. Throughout the weekend the band’s singing was inspirational. – N. M/M. C.

Volunteers from Oldham Roundthorn charity shop attend the Voluntary Action Oldham awards evening; they received certificates in recognition of their contribution to the welfare and support of their community

SALVATIONIST 7 July 2012 5

NEWS

[email protected]

Salvationists spread the light UKTTHE Salvation Army has main-tained a prominent presence as the Olympic flame travels through the territory.

During the 70-day torch relay – which began on 19 May – the torch will travel within 10 miles of 95 per cent of the UK popula-tion. The More Than Gold team at THQ is encouraging corps and centres to use the torch relay as a way to remind their communities of the Army’s presence while demonstrating Christian love and hospitality. One way in which corps have been encouraged to do this is through the use of one of the Army’s emergency vehicles, which THQ has committed to providing. The fair trade company Traidcraft is providing free tea and coffee.

Special issues of The War Cry and Kids Alive! have been produced – and provided at no cost – and given away to the crowds that have gathered to watch the relay. The issues proved so popular that the origi-nal print run was exhausted, leading to a reprint.

For more details on the torch relay participants and route –

Captain Chris Baldwin (Falmouth) chats to one of the crowd

and to watch a live stream of the relay – visit www.london2012 .com/torch-relay

Updates on the Army’s Olympic and Paralympic-related work can be found online (see facebook.com/SASportforGood and twitter.com/SportforGood). – N. B.

Members of Sunderland Monkwearmouth Band with Bandmaster Nicholas Hall

Chief Secretary challenges congregationHalifaxCHIEF Secretary Colonel David Hinton and Sunderland Monk-wearmouth Band visited for the 130th corps anniversary.

The band presented a Satur-day evening festival and played a varied programme, including a transcription from the selection ‘Emblems’ and an arrangement of ‘Water Of Tyne’. Joe Beattie (cornet) played ‘Tucker’ and Eric Skipsey (soprano cornet) presented ‘The Higher Plane’. The band sang ‘O William’.

The CS led Sunday meetings, inspiring and challenging the congregation. – L. H.

Corps celebrates good neighboursDumfriesTHE corps joined with Dumfries Christian Network to celebrate the anniversary of the town’s Good Neighbours Programme. Civic leaders attended and Govan Band provided excellent accompaniment to a capacity congregation in the high school concert hall.

A Bible was presented to a student who was voted ‘queen of the south’ – an honorary title which is given to a young person in the town each year.

The band presented a varied pre-meeting programme and the evening ended with the march ‘Star Lake’. – W. P.

All aboard for first community fun day Leicester SouthMORE than 700 people – including the Mayor of Oadby and Wigston (Councillor Lynda Eaton) – attended the first community fun day run by the corps, which included welly-throwing, crockery-smashing, tin-toppling, splat the rat and a bouncy castle. Other activities included free steam train rides and an opportunity to explore a fire engine.

Visitors enjoyed the many stalls selling cakes, handicrafts, jewellery, plants and charity shop goods.

A great day was had by all and the weekend concluded with a ploughman’s lunch in glorious sunshine after the Sunday morning meeting. – J. D.


NEWS


Delegates from Cradley Heath, Willenhall and DHQ attended a Six Thinking Hats

course, where they enjoyed fellowship while learning how to think more effectively

Multiple musicals eveningClevedonTHE audience were left wanting more at the drama group’s presentation of An Evening At The Salvation Army Musicals. The group – called the King’s Messengers – performed comic sketches, moving drama and mime from several musicals with explanations of how they came to be written. The full house included many non- Salvationists. – J. P.

Glorious gamesBridgwaterTHE Madd (music, art, dance and drama) club presented the Olympic musical, The Glorious Games.

The performance reflected the history of the Games, from their origins in Ancient Greece to the hopes and dreams of present-day athletes. It is hoped the musical will help the children appreciate the 2012 Games.

The children sang, paraded flags from different countries and ended their performance with the entrance of the Olympic Torch. – N. D.

Sherburn Hill residents line the streets as the Olympic flame

passes through the town; corps folk provided refreshments to the

crowd and the band joined with Pittington Brass Band, providing

quality music for all to enjoy

Olympic flame welcomedNewcastle City TempleSALVATIONISTS gave the Olympic flame a warm welcome as it passed through Newcastle upon Tyne. More than 1,000 copies of special editions of The War Cry and Kids Alive! were given out, prompting corps officer Major Antony Mugford to comment: ‘The gospel message was really the focus of what we did and who knows what seeds have been sown as people read the excellent papers they were given!’

The team staffed the Army’s emergency vehicle (see picture) and served free tea and coffee to an appreciative crowd. – B. I.


NEWS

[email protected]

Olympic hosting opportunities for SalvationistsUKTSALVATIONISTS are being offered an exciting opportunity to host athletes’ families during the Olympic Games.

The Salvation Army has collaborated with the charity More Than Gold to run the Athlete Family Homestay Programme, which involves hosting a member of an athlete’s support team, such as a family member, coach or close personal friend.

A huge number of athletes are on relatively low incomes and even some of those from richer nations will struggle to afford London’s expensive accommodation costs. Therefore, this programme offers a lifeline for families to support the athletes at the pinnacle of their careers.

The main responsibilities of a host are to pick up and welcome guests from a hospitality centre provide bed and breakfast for eight days or more for up to two guests act as caring and helpful hosts drop guests off at a transportation hub each day.Having a close friend or family member of an Olympic or Paralympic athlete stay during the

Games will be an exciting opportunity, providing hosts with an added interest in the Games.This programme is open to everyone. Olympic venues are located throughout the UK so do not

be put off by your location.To find out more visit www.morethangold.org.uk/hospitality/host-an-athlete-s-family.html or

call the More Than Gold team at THQ on 020 7367 4792. – A. R.

Community ministry exploredPerthSALVATIONISTS from across Scotland met to focus on mission-relevant community ministry as part of the Mission Scotland strategy. The event emphasised mission opportunities and launched resources to aid community engagement.

Scotland Secretary Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns outlined the importance of mission through community outreach and Mo Smith from Re- generate Rise – a Christian organisation that reaches out to isolated older people – outlined her personal experiences of community ministry and described how God has used her organisation.

Workshops included inte-grated mission opportunities between corps and Lifehouses, street ministry and lunch club ministry. – D. B.

Leadership blessings recognisedSkewenDIVISIONAL leaders Majors Peter and Sandra Moran led their last meeting at Skewen before preparing to take up new appointments. Corps Sergeant-Major Bobby Brown thanked them for their leader-ship and wished them God’s blessing in their new appoint-ments.

Major Sandra Moran preached on Judges 7, which tells of Gideon and the Israelites fighting against the Midianites. She said God told Gideon to reduce his fighting force, so reminded everyone to not rely on numbers, but to rely on God, and to stand up for what they believe. – S. L.

Burton upon Trent corps folk consider spiritual disciplines and direction at a retreat led by Majors Ian and Tracey Mountford (Bristol Citadel)

Foodbank fellowshipHarlowHOME LEAGUE members donated food to the Harlow Foodbank, which has provided food to more than 4,995 people in the area. The project is part of the Michael Robinson Chari-table Trust and works in part-nership with churches, schools, supermarkets, businesses and frontline care agencies to provide the valuable community resource.

The corps works in partner-ship with the foodbank and acts as a satellite for distribution. Corps officer Major Paul Holif-ield said: ‘It gives us a wonder-ful opportunity to meet people who are finding things finan-

cially difficult and it enables us to meet their need by giving them food parcels. We give single, couples and family size

parcels and have special parcels for those living rough who do not have the facility to heat food.’ – A. R.


NEWS


Family picnic funBlaydonAS part of the 150th anniversary of the famous Blaydon Races – a road race from Newcastle upon Tyne to Blaydon – the corps served drinks and met with people from the community at a family picnic. The corps is well recognised in Blaydon through its children’s activi-ties, schools work and Messy Church. Many people stopped to talk, to take Salvation Army publications and to try on the fashionable headgear (see picture)! – A. D.

Floral festivalJarrowTHE Annual Flower Festival – themed Bible Mothers And Mothers Of Influence – featured arrangements depicting Eve, Naomi, Rachel, Queen Eliza-beth, Mother Teresa, Susanna Wesley and Catherine Booth.

Sunderland Citadel Band visited for a music evening, which featured vocal and eupho-nium solos, a timbrel march and a song from the female voices. The band played ‘Rally Round The Banner’. Aux-Captains Brian and Sylvia Wright led Sunday meetings and 15 churches joined in the Sunday evening songs of praise meeting. – J. P.

Lavenham holds a three-day exhibition displaying the corps history; as a centrepiece, Maureen Wilding created a regal floral arrangement

Young men from Stratford’s weekly football project take part in the Match For A Day 24-hour fundraiser to support sports-based charities

Darlington Cameo leader Jean Wharton presents a cheque for £325 to Clive Beecham from the Grace Project, which helps Salvation Army schools in Ghana

Thirty-six people participate in Leek’s open songster practice; many of the group had never sung in a choir before but learnt four songs, which they sang during Sunday worship

Hour of prayerStanford-le-HopeTHE corps participated in the divisional prayer relay by holding a midday hour of prayer. A slide show produced by Fresh Expres-sions proved to be very helpful in providing pointers for prayer.

Everyone present had the opportunity to write in a prayer card allowing people to know that they had been prayed for. – S. K.


NEWS

[email protected]

Songsters revisit NorwayNorway, Iceland and The FaeroesEIGHTEEN years after their last campaign in Norway, 25 song-sters from Bedlington revisited the country to proclaim the gospel in and around Oslo.

The songsters, accompa-nied by corps officers Majors Karen and Peter Clark, thrilled audiences in Tistedal, Fredrik-stad and Sarpsborg, and partici-pated in divisional meetings on Sunday.

They shared in a fellowship meeting with the host corps, Moss, and played a brief, hotly contested cricket match against the corps.

The songsters’ ministry at a shopping centre in Fredrikstad was a particular highlight, as many people stopped to hear the gospel presented in music and in a different language.

They sang ‘There’s Gonna Be A Revival’ – a recurring theme of the weekend, echoing the General’s message during the UKT’s ‘I’ll Fight’ Congress. Other songs included ‘Sing For Joy’ and ‘Spirit Of The Living God’.

The visit provided an opportunity for many of the songsters to renew acquain-tances with friends, including Lieut-Colonel Roger Rasmus-sen who, along with his late wife Lieut-Colonel Norunn Rasmus-sen, was the corps officer at Bedlington in the Seventies. The songsters accompanied the colonel to the graveside of his wife and sang ‘Heaven Came Down And Glory Filled My Soul’. – G. C.

During its annual visit to Lavenham, Norton Band presents an open-air meeting in the market square. Later the musicians visited a housing complex to play to Salvationists

Band illustrates its pastLongtonA LARGE and receptive audience enjoyed a fine programme by Coventry City Band for Longton’s 128th corps anniversary. Majors Connie and Malcolm High hosted the evening.

Soloists were Huw Ellis (cornet), Catherine Wallis (tenor horn), Marc Jones (euphonium) and Gemma Potter (bass trombone, pictured). Band Sergeant Claire Whitmore gave a creative and inter-active talk emphasising the change from the past to the future. – C. B.

corps, work among young people has been beset with diffi-culties so the corps folk were encouraged to see how the youth work has progressed. – G. S.

Young people make musicNorthampton CentralAT the annual YP weekend, the young people treated an audi-ence to an evening of music. The primary children, a newly formed junior singing group and massed voices (see picture) presented vocal items, Jake Brady offered a trombone solo and corps officers Majors Linda and Paul Hoad presented prizes.

Major Sylvia Bird and a group of puppeteers from Wath-upon-Dearne led Sunday meetings and

introduced a novel yet refresh-ing angle on well-known Bible stories, blessing the young and old alike.

As with many town centre

Weeklong celebrationsDunfermlineA WEEK of celebrations to mark the 125th corps anniver-sary began with an exhibition at the Carnegie Library showcas-ing the history of The Salvation Army. A massed band heralded the exhibition by playing on the high street. Sixty people viewed the weeklong exhibition and many contacts were made.

The following Saturday, an evening festival at a high school featured the East Scotland Divi-sional Youth Chorus.

Commissioners Robin and Shona Forsyth led the anni-

versary weekend, with a chal-lenging and timely message on Sunday morning. Corps officer Lieutenant Colin Scott, Commis-

sioner Shona Forsyth, Lieutenant Leanne Scott and Commissioner Robin Forsyth are pictured with the anniversary cake. – C. S.


NEWS


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Three-peak challenge aids orphanageYorkshire A TEAM comprising members of four corps conquered the Three Peaks Challenge,

raising £700 for a children’s orphanage in Ethiopia.Captain Stephen Noble (Ripon) brought together

the team for the three-day event to climb Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Despite the physical challenge, much laughter and words of encouragement were shared and friendships formed. – S. N.

Coffee shop gathering attracts newcomersDearne ValleyTWENTY-FIVE people, includ-ing many who are unchurched, congregated for The Gathering – a new monthly worship event – in Costa Coffee, led by planting team leaders Lieutenant Cath-erine Dodd and Captains Chris and Adrian Lee. They encour-aged the group to think about identity and enjoyed live music. The Gathering is the latest step in establishing Army work and regular Sunday worship in the area.

The guests were also intro-duced to the G21 (God in the 21st century) programme, an interactive support network for mind, body and soul.

The planting programme has worked in the Cortonwood area for two years, develop-ing a community programme and has established a weekly school’s ministry and Toddler-song sessions at the children’s centre. – C. D.

THE YEAR OF JUBILEE

WARM greetings to you all. As I sit in my new office and reflect on the first few weeks since the Territorial

Commander and I arrived back in the UK, with all the kindness shown to us, I am thankful to God to have the opportunity to serve in this great territory! What we have seen and heard in these early days has really inspired us.

I would love to be able to talk to and meet personally with each of you. Realistically, in view of the numbers of soldiers and friends in this territory, this may not be possible. I hope and trust many of you are regular readers of Salvationist; therefore I will take this opportunity to share with you my thoughts and impressions on a subject that might capture your imagination.

During our first few days in office, as we were settling in and enjoying new places and new faces, we were told that we had received an invitation to attend the Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace. What a way to start this chapter of our lives – to be invited to see the

Queen in this special year of the Jubilee! Even when we were handed the envelope we knew this was something special. The invitation itself was so beautifully written: ‘The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by Her Majesty to invite Commissioner André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox to a Garden Party’.

When we arrived at the Palace and saw everyone beautifully dressed for the occasion, it was clear that many had taken the invitation seriously and had indeed accepted readily. It appeared everything went according to plan. There was good food, good company, good music and even the sun was shining!

What an experience – to be in the garden at Buckingham Palace, in the presence of the Queen, knowing that she was celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this year! What a lady! No one present seemed disappointed.

The starting point of this great occasion was the invitation. It was not possible to be admitted without one. This caused me to reflect on our invitation to become children of God and follow Jesus. This spiritual invitation is written with the blood of Jesus, which was shed on the cross as he died for us. Many of us have received this very important invitation and have accepted it – praise the Lord! His invitation is for everyone and not just a chosen few.

Having ourselves accepted the invitation and met with Jesus at the cross, enjoyed and experienced the forgiveness he offers, we are told to go and be his witnesses, the bearers of the same invitation to others. In a way, we are to take on the role of the ‘Lord Chamberlain’, encouraging others to accept an invitation from the King of kings. We need to take this responsibility seriously. If those who have gone before us had not boldly extended the invitation then we may not have had the opportunity to respond.

May we know a real sense of joy and privilege as we experience God’s forgiveness and as we walk daily with the Lord. Our sins are forgiven and one day we will see our King, face to face.

We know where we may go in times of trouble. We know the One who has made it possible for us to live victorious lives. Surely this is something worth getting excited about! Surely this is news that we want to share with others!

As we think about our role in extending to others the best invitation in the world, may Paul’s words in Romans 1:16 encourage us: ‘It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary

message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him’ (The Message).

My prayer is that by the power of his Spirit, God will enable us all to be infectious and convincing witnesses. Will you join me in making this our prayer, as an Army and as individuals?

A royalinvitation

by Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Silvia Cox

SALVATIONIST 7 July 2012 [email protected]

‘Our sins are forgiven and one day we will see our

King, face to face. We know where we may go in times of trouble. We know the One who has made it possible for us to live victorious lives’


‘B ORING, irrelevant, hypocritical and for women!’ That’s how my neighbour Jose described the Church when I surveyed him

about patterns of church attendance. It set my mind racing – I have heard the irrelevant, boring and hypocritical bits before, but for women? That was new.

I decided to test his claim with some young people I know, all in their mid-to-late twenties, male and female. None attend church, but they have no anti-church predispositions. All of them agreed the Church was ‘for women’.

As I thought about their responses, I realised that a sense of commitment is the major reason I attend my corps – rather than the corps having captured my passion and imagination. Perhaps there is something about the Church that is simply not working for whole groups of men who feel similar dispassion.

Now, if this is true for those who don’t attend church and it is also true for me, I reasoned there must be others who feel the same. So began a period of research

– I read scholarly articles, sociological journals, church statistical information and church-growth literature. I ran focus groups, conducted interviews and undertook surveys. To my surprise, this phenomenon is much more widespread than I had imagined. Research reveals that 38 per cent of those who attend a corps are men, and even fewer actively participate in the life of their corps. Separate studies in 1991 and 2002 indicated that men who

feel out of place at church maintain an inner faith and were active participants in church life sometime in the past. So what happened?

These and a number of other academic studies point to three factors at work.

First, the traditional division of labour along gender lines has meant, historically, that men compose a greater part of the workplace than women. Therefore,

men have been time poor, with many competing demands upon their time. For some, attending a church is not something they are opposed to, but they

feel unable to make it a priority in an already busy schedule.

Secondly, the nature of a person’s vocation also affects how likely they are to attend church. In a 1991 study, Gee Ellen observed that those in the people-orientated professions are much more likely to attend church than those in the product-orientated professions. The Church seems to engage in activities where

– I read scholarly articles, sociologicaljournals, church statistical information and church-growth literature. I ran focus groups, conducted interviews and undertook surveys. To my surprise, this phenomenon is much more widespread than I had imagined. Research reveals that 38 per cent of those who attend a corps are men, and even fewer actively participate in the life of their corps. Separate studies in 1991 and 2002 indicated that men who

feel out of place at church maintain an inner faith and were active participants in church life sometime in the past. So what happened?

These and a number of other academic studies point to threefactors at work.

First, the traditional division of labour along gender lines has meant, historically, that men compose a greater part of the workplace than women. Therefore,

men have been time poor, with many competing demands upon their time. For some, attending a church isnot something they are opposedto, but they

feel unable to make it a priority in an already busy schedule.

Secondly, the nature of a person’s vocation also affects how likely they are to attend church.In a 1991study, Gee Ellen observed that those in the people-orientated professions aremuch more likely to attend church than those in theproduct-orientated professions. The Church seems to engage in activities where

MISSIONThinking like a missionary is the key

to balancing the Church’s gender scales, writes Major John Farquharson

‘Perhaps there is something about the Church that

is simply not working for whole groups of men who feel similar

dispassion’

FIELD: MEN


people skills and orientation are reinforced. Historically, it just happens that many more women are employed in the people-orientated professions than men. This is changing, however.

Thirdly, the Church has become increasingly feminine in the way it performs its ministry. While there are many men who are comfortable with the way the Church has evolved, those who feel disconnected are increasing in number. They often feel that their needs are not considered in the traditional corps structure and are not able to contribute as much as women. While this may be mere perception, it is important to take into consideration; their perception is their reality.

Most churches are great places where verbal, sensitive and studious men can meet God. Yet while this is attractive to some men, it is anathema to others. The image of Christ that has become widespread is that of the gentle, caring, sensitive man. Many call this ‘the theology of the lamb’; Jesus is presented as the Lamb of God. It is an image where softness,

meekness, grace and mercy are reinforced. People are encouraged

to ‘enter a relationship’ with Christ. For many

men – and women – this language

has become a major turn-off. The theology of the lamb also means that boys are quick to distance themselves

from Sunday schools and other similar church activities

to assert their budding

masculine identities. The

church dropout rate among teens is extremely high.

An image that is often missing is

that of the Lion of God.

Jesus was courageous, bold and willing to accost evil. He proclaimed a vision that would confront and change the world. He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice of his life. He called others to follow a hero who would change the world. The early Salvation Army was dominated by such a spirit of boldness.

Jesus is completely balanced as both lion and lamb. It is only when one side is emphasised to the detriment of the other that the balance is distorted and the gospel – as well as the perception of church – becomes one-sided.

‘Why should we bother?’ you might ask. It’s the men’s problem, not mine, right? That attitude might be OK, were it not for the missionary calling upon which The Salvation Army is based.

We have a mandate to bring Christ to the world. This mandate requires us to become missionary in our thinking. Missionaries learn to think around the cultural barriers to the spread of the gospel. They think, ‘What is it that stops the subculture I am trying to reach from taking hold of the gospel and becoming active in mission and ministry?’ Then the missionary tries to tear down those barriers.

The apostle Paul expressed it in this way: ‘Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, non-religious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralised – whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ – but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view’ (1 Corinthians 9:19–22 The Message). Likewise, we ought to do everything we can to win all who we can. If men are the ‘subculture’ exhibiting barriers to receiving the gospel, it is our job as Salvationists to actively think about how to eliminate those obstructions.

Recently, a conference was held at Geelong to do so – to discuss ways to reach more men with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The conference was not seeking

to find easy answers such as men’s programmes and ministries

or conventions. As useful as these

are, the key to reaching men is to think and act like missionaries. To seek to call men to a bold mission that will change the world.

Participants shared practical ideas. One such idea was a ‘men’s huddle’ – at the conclusion of a worship service, the

preacher calls all the men forward and talks to them about action points from the sermon and offers some extra encouragement and key points of action.

Other ideas for making corps more male-friendly included selecting songs with less-feminine lyrics, altering decor, editing the format of Sunday school to better accommodate active young boys and calling men to action in addition to a relationship with Jesus.

Whether these are useful solutions (and how they might be arranged) is yet to be seen, but such practical, missionary-style brainstorming is a solid first step.

There is a place for men in the life of each corps. But it does mean being willing to have the present disturbed a little in order to build a more balanced future.

Reprinted with permission from Australia Southern Territory’s On Fire magazine

Major Farquharson is Training Programme Co-ordinator for Non-English-speaking-background cadets, Australia Southern

Most churches are great places where verbal, sensitive and studious men can meet God. Yet while this is attractive to some men, it is anathema to others. The image of Christ that has becomewidespread is that of the gentle, caring, sensitive man. Many call this ‘the theology of the lamb’; Jesus is presented as the Lamb of God. It is an image where softness,

meekness, grace and mercy arereinforced. People are encouraged

to ‘enter a relationship’ with Christ. For many

men – and women– this language

has become a major turn-off. The theology of the lamb also means that boys are quick to distance themselves

from Sunday schoolsand other similarchurch activities

to assert their budding

masculine identities. The

church dropout rate among teens is extremely high.

An image that is often missing is

that of the Lion of God.

perception of church – becomes one-sided.

‘Why should we bother?’ you might ask. It’s the men’s problem, not mine, right? That attitude might be OK, were it not for themissionary calling uponwhich The Salvation Army is based.

We have a mandate to bring Christ to the world. This mandate requires us to become missionary in ourthinking. Missionaries learn to think around the cultural barriers to the spread of the gospel. They think, ‘What is it that stops the subculture I am trying to reach from takinghold of the gospel and becoming active inmission and ministry?’ Then the missionary tries to tear down those barriers.

The apostle Paul expressed it in this way: ‘Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, non-religious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralised – whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ – but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view’ (1 Corinthians 9:19–22 The Message). Likewise, we ought to do everything we can to win all who we can. If men are the ‘subculture’ exhibiting barriers to receiving the gospel, it is our job as Salvationists to actively think about how to eliminate those obstructions.

Recently, a conference was held at Geelong to do so – to discuss ways to reach more men with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The conference was not seeking

to find easy answers such as men’s programmes and ministries

or conventions. As useful as these

The Salvation Army in the UK works alongside Christian Vision for Men (CVM). Anyone interested in exploring opportunities for men’s ministry should contact Major John Smith (Adult and Family Ministries Officer, THQ) on 020 7367 4956/4950 or CVM on 01246 452483 and by post at The Hub, Unit 2, Dunston Road, Chesterfield S41 8XA

‘There is a place for men in the life of each corps.

But it does mean being willing to

have the present disturbed a little in order to build

a more balanced future’


FEATURE


Tackling isolation andpovertyMajor Jane Kimberley visits Woodford to see how thecorps is reaching its community

Issue: When appointed to Woodford in 2009, Lieutenant Rob

Davis and his wife Clare, who will be commissioned as an

officer in July, wanted to preach the gospel to the community in

a non-threatening way. Residents around the hall include London

commuters, young families, single people and newcomers. Some

face social isolation and struggle to make ends meet.

Response: Corps activities were advertised in the area. The

corps officer, supported by Major Howard Webber (Mission

Partner, Evangelism, THQ), promoted the Jesus Film Project –

whereby DVDs of the Jesus film are distributed and invitations

are made to discuss its contents at a later time – to people in the

community.

The corps already ran a parent-and-toddler group but in

February 2011 launched Jammies toddler church. The group

meets for 15 minutes during which the gospel is introduced

through songs, stories and crafts. The project was supported by

Edify (THQ Children’s Ministries Unit’s training programme)

and the Mission Development Fund (DHQ). The choice of the

name Jammies was intended to link in with the Jam Zone kids’

club which already ran on Thursday evenings. Last year for a

short period an additional activity called Jam Zone Extra was

started to encourage children to become junior soldiers. The

corps supported all these ventures with prayer.

Result: Coffee morning and lunch club numbers increased and

people from the community responded as volunteers. A team

from the community cooks meals for the lunch club. One person

contacted through the Jesus Project regularly attends Sunday

worship. One volunteer, who has since died, helped by handing

out Bibles to Sunday worshippers and decorated rooms at the

hall. Another tends the hall garden.

The corps, in co-operation with the membership warehouse

club Costco Wholesale, receives a food donation each week.

This helps to support the lunch club and coffee morning and

enables food parcels to be distributed to families in need.

Jammies toddler church continues to attract parents and

toddlers. Jam Zone membership dipped when some children

moved on, but increased when leaflets were distributed at a

school. During the past three years, new people have attended the

meetings. Two new junior soldiers were enrolled – the first in 32

years at the corps – and seven adherent members were welcomed

into the fellowship. The corps has also helped a number of

children to attend the divisional camp.

The young soldierAs The Salvation Army endeavours to maintain the ideals of William Booth’s ‘I’ll Fight’ speech, Rebecca Walford puts a very modern spin on his sentiments

YOU can see it in classrooms and on the streets. It takes many forms: Girls, as a gender, being told they aren’t good enough,

young men being attacked for how they dress, how they are perceived to be.

Whether it’s a little girl excluded on account of the colour of her skin or a teenage boy being thrown down the stairs because people say he’s gay. It is discrimination and it is not acceptable.

Men who stand up for women’s rights; who stop lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people being pushed

around just for being who they are, and end up being hurt themselves.

Girls who stand up to boys touching them when they don’t want them to; who stand up when boys say they’re worthless or pointless, and end up being called ‘man haters’ or ‘dykes’ for upholding their rights and the rights of their friends.

While girls cry because of false and inaccurate perceptions, as they do now, I’ll fight.

While little boys are subjected to racist slurs, as they are now, I’ll fight.

While men meander down the street,

singing songs that decry religion, as they do now, I’ll fight.

While there is racism and sexism; while there are children who are told, subliminally, that who and what they are isn’t good enough; while there remains one person who treats another as inferior, I’ll fight.

Even when no one else will; when the world is afraid to confront sexual harassment, I will fight.

Will you?

Rebecca, 14, worships at Sutton

TOOLBOX

BIBLE STUDY

THE Salvation Army has always believed that it is the privilege of every Christian to be holy. Our origins lie in the Wesleyan

Holiness Movement of the nineteenth century, so-called for its characteristic insistence that the gospel promised personal transformation as well as forgiveness.

William and Catherine Booth and other early leaders of The Salvation Army believed passionately in holiness. They experienced God’s love as a heavenly glory that invaded their souls, bringing ‘a Heaven within’ their hearts. For them, holiness was a distinctive banner of our teaching, even the one element that justified our continued existence as a distinctive and separate body.

Today, holiness remains at the centre of our understanding of the Christian faith. According to the memorable restatement of our mission by General John Gowans, The Salvation Army exists ‘to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity’.

Yet holiness often seems to be an unwanted privilege – the inheritance no one actually wants. Rather like a Christmas present from a distant relative, it is dutifully acknowledged,

only to be laid aside as soon as decently possible. Hosts of a recent international youth event report that holiness teaching was an absolute novelty to many delegates.

The problem is that holiness is misunderstood. Many – including Christians – think that holiness means giving up everything that’s fun in life. ‘Saints’ are seen as killjoys who don’t know how to enjoy themselves. Holiness is identified with following a series of rules and prohibitions designed to make life miserable, dreary and dull.

That is, of course, a radical misunderstanding of the nature of holiness. Holiness is not, in the first instance, a human achievement. Rather, it is a divine attribute of the Creator in whose faithful love there are no shadows of duplicity or self-interest. Humans are – or, more properly, can become – holy only in a derivative sense, as they ‘get close’ to God and his holiness ‘rubs off’ on them.

This model of ‘contagious’ holiness, proposed in the Old Testament priestly writings (Leviticus 6:27; Exodus 29:37; 30:29; 2 Chronicles 8:11), is what lies behind the famous exchange between Catherine and William, in which she was persuaded to claim

holiness. The altar is holy and what is placed upon it as a gift consecrated to God becomes holy.

In that sense, because they belong to God, all Christians are holy. That is why the apostle Paul, when writing to the first Christian churches, typically addressed their members as ‘saints’ (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Philippians 1:1). Through faith in Jesus, Christians belong to God, who is holy, and are made holy.

That is grammatically an indicative statement. It describes an existing state of affairs. Christians are holy because they belong to God, who is holy. But holiness is also presented to us as an imperative. The God who rescued us from death and sin at great personal cost (1 Peter 1:15–19) calls us to be holy because he is holy.

I suspect it is that imperative which so often skews our understanding and distorts our practice of holiness. We forget that action flows from being; what we do from what we are. We reduce holiness to a list of prohibited activities, and from this blinkered vision issues a lifestyle marked by a rather dreary respectability.

We need to rediscover the awareness that holiness is less a tribute demanded than a gift offered. As the first Salvationists realised, holiness is essentially about being like Jesus. It is God who transforms us into the likeness of his Son. Christians reflect Jesus’ vibrant, energetic, joyful holiness because the Holy Spirit transplants his life into their hearts, reshaping their personalities to reflect traits of his character: his awareness of God’s love for him as his Son and the resulting self-assurance (Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:15); his own devotion to the God he knew as Father and his resulting freedom to give himself to others without reserve or fear.

One of our choruses declares that we aspire ‘to be like Jesus’. That is not just a fond hope or a silly pipe dream. It is what God invites us to aspire to and it is what God wants to give us.

It is possible because, as General Shaw Clifton writes, Jesus ‘gives himself to us through his Holy Spirit’ and lives his life in us. And that is an inheritance to be treasured.

Major Cavanagh is General Secretary, Italy and Greece

Holiness: theunwantedheritage?The first of a three-part series by Major David Cavanagh



LETTERS


I WAS most interested in the Comment (Salvationist 16 June) and the story of the tough Marine whose life had been transformed by coming to Christ but who felt there was still a void that the Church could not fill. He was reminiscing about a place where he could sit, laugh, tell stories and let his hair down. He felt he had lost the place to admit his faults and talk about the battles in his life openly and freely. He missed his pub.

I agree with the statement: ‘The bar flourishes not because most people are alcoholics, but because God has put into the human heart the desire to know and be known, to love and to be loved.’ These thoughts truly reverberate with me; however, the Marine and I come from opposite sides of the bar. He was a customer and I was a pub manager.

My personal story is similar to many of Salvationist’s readers. I was raised in The Salvation Army. I was a songster who married a bandsman. Unfortunately the marriage broke down and from there on my life took a completely different path. I went from selling The War Cry in the pubs to running a pub.

I was truly successful and went from being a trainee to general manager in about two years and was headhunted by

various companies. One company asked me to do a training session on what I did when I first took over a new unit (pub). They were asking why I was so successful in my pubs – pubs that had either been struggling to make budgets or had some other problems, relating to shortages of cash or stock. While preparing for the training session, it suddenly dawned on me that the reason I was so successful in running pubs and hospitality venues was that I turned them into corps!

I provided diverse reasons for people to visit my pub. I held lunches for elderly folk, sports nights, nights specifically for young mums and even had mornings when the young mums could bring along their toddlers. But what made all this work? Well, I built appropriate relationships with everyone who came to my pub. I was interested in their lives, their daily stresses and strains, or, as the Marine put it, I gave them a place to admit their faults and talk about their battles – and all this was done in a non-threatening environment.

However, my life as a pub manager was not all give. The people I was privileged to share time with also helped me in many ways. No more so than in my walk with God. One night when I was so close to being a victim of a mugging, three of my regulars – who came in for a cup of tea

Pub parallels and corps values most days, had difficult lives and didn’t have much, to the point that they could make a cup of tea last nearly two hours – appeared out of nowhere and saved me from a beating at the very least and chased away my attackers. I discovered that they actually lived in disused garages behind the pub. This allowed me to provide more practical help to try and make their lives a little easier.

My life has moved on greatly since that night but it began my return to God – although it took about ten years for me to say yes to God for the call he made on my life.

Today, I am a cadet at college, coming to the end of my first year. These are purely my own observations but I can honestly say that if God guides me to touch the lives of as many people as I did in my pub management days I shall have a very busy officership indeed. And as a true Proclaimer of the Resurrection I hope to carry out the instructions given to us in Psalm 96: ‘Proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples’ (NIV).Kay Blues,Cadet,William Booth College

Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email [email protected]

Continue to campaignAS Salvationists we are followers of Jesus and are commanded to support the lost and weak. We are an active church with a heart for social action and must avoid becoming middle-class theologians.

As part of my contribution to society I use the 38 Degrees organisation (see www.38degrees.org.uk) to support various campaigns. I was wondering whether we might be able to encourage our own Army membership to use this co-ordinated organisation that speaks directly to Government about policy.

There are many areas that could be seen as worth expending energy on, but a few include many human rights issues that affect the UK (including father/grandparent access to children in separated relationships, standards of care in elderly care homes and sex-for-sale advertising in media).

I hope many fellow Salvationists will join me in becoming more active in campaigning on issues that affect people in need in our community.Gareth Joice,Romford

Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Marion Drew responds: The purpose of the Social Justice Network is to help the

United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland fulfil its vision ‘to fight for social justice’. The Salvation Army builds transformative relationships with people in need. It also seeks to challenge the unjust structures that prevent people living life to the full. It seeks to raise awareness of the part we play in sustaining unjust structures.

The network will fight for social justice by raising awareness of injustice, acting to combat injustice and praying for those in power. To increase its impact, the network will focus on a small number of priorities at any one time.

Anyone who belongs to or works for The Salvation Army is welcome to join. The network connects its members by means of a Facebook group. To join, search for ‘Social Justice Network UKI’ on Facebook and ask to join.

If you are not a Facebook user or have concerns about Facebook, email [email protected] and we will send you some easy-to-follow guidelines. If you don’t have access to the internet we suggest you team up with someone who has access and work together on the network’s priorities.

ALOVE are organising social justice campaigning for young people and the Children’s Ministries Unit can arrange for children to undertake social action projects in their community.

LETTERS


Thanks for the memoriesTHANK YOU for your editorials but especially that of 2 June about Commissioner Keith Banks and his continuing service together with your comment about the (continuing) leafy scenery of King’s Lynn where I now soldier.

I was privileged to first meet Commissioner Banks when he came to our corps at Shepherds Bush as a prospective candidate. I have been able to follow his career and journeys around the world and rejoice in singing his compositions, which are in abundance in our music today.

Also, I have been interested in the old photographs of Salvationists in the

Wonderful tribute!ON a visit to my doctor he told me that he and his wife had recently taken their four children to London for a midweek break. After passing St Paul’s Cathedral they came across International Headquarters, whereupon my doctor told the children that one of his patients ‘belongs to The Salvation Army’. He was very impressed indeed with the glass building and understood totally the notion of transparency – to be clear and easily discerned.

The new mercy seat presented by General Shaw Clifton and family in memory of Commissioner Helen Clifton (as reported in Salvationist 2 June) is to be placed in the main meeting room, the venue for weekly prayers. What a wonderful tribute to

Commissioner Clifton! At the dedication meeting Commissioner Sue Swanson prayed that the mercy seat would serve as a reminder that ‘we are not a business but a people of God’.

I remember when the then Majors Shaw and Helen Clifton were divisional leaders in Durham and Tees and led our holiness meeting. No one knelt at the mercy seat during the meeting but a young woman knelt there as people were beginning to leave the hall. Quick as a flash, Major Helen came back into the hall and sat praying until the young woman got up to leave. I will always remember that moment and know that the mercy seat now installed at IHQ will enable many to meet with God within a place that carries a clear message of the gospel and is totally transparent inside and out.Kate Cousins,Cleveland

Forces and came across the two accompanying pictures. One (above) shows Singapore Corps broadcasting a songs of praise service from Radio SEAC circa 1945 and has at least two, if not three, future commissioners including Stanley CottrilI standing leading the singers, Wainwright (seated centre front) and Hunt (first left in back

row). (I am the only one, other than an engineer in the back row, with a tie!)

The other picture shows a band led by Major Douglas Kiff in Singapore, circa 1980. The last time I saw Doug was when he left on a troopship from there in late 1945 or early 1946.Henry Goodall,Wisbech


NEW COMMITMENTS


Iris BelshamValerie Martin Soldiers

SOHAMMAJOR Cliff Allchin (DHQ) enrolled Iris and Valerie as soldiers – the first at the corps in 23 years. In many years’ service as an adherent member, Iris cared for people by leading the home league and lunch club. She felt that the time was right to take a further step. Valerie was first invited to the lunch club and then encouraged by Iris to attend home league and Sunday meetings. – E. K.

Catherine BarlowSoldier

Jennie Bennett (not pictured)Adherent member

Robyn BarlowEdward BarlowJunior soldiers

BIRKENHEADCATHERINE went to the Army as a child and years later attended church with her children. She testified to having always loved the Lord and felt drawn back to the corps. Robyn and Edward, who sing with the singing company and are learning to play brass instruments, could not wait to become junior soldiers.

Jennie attended worship for many years and decided to take a further step in her faith journey.

Corps officer Major Sheila Loman enrolled Catherine as a soldier and Robyn and Edward as junior soldiers and welcomed Jennie as an adherent member. – S. L.

Josh DaviesSoldier

HARPENDENADHERENT member Josh wanted to make a further commitment. He said that he would try to be a good Christian example to younger corps members. Corps officer Captain Ralph Walker enrolled Josh as a soldier. – R. W.

Pam BouchierElaine Rigby

Mark BraeLinda BraeAdherent members

LOUTHPAM joined the corps 12 years ago when attending with a relative. Elaine has worshipped at the corps for six years with her husband. Pam and Elaine felt the time was right to acknowledge The Salvation Army as their church.

Mark and Linda found information about the corps in The War Cry. They went to the carol service last year and have regularly attended worship since. They married at the corps in February.

Pam, Elaine, Mark and Linda were welcomed as adherent members by corps leaders Territorial Envoys Barbara and Bernard Snook. – B. S.

Isabella OhamejeJunior soldier

BOSCOMBEISABELLA attends the corps with her mother, who was recently enrolled as a soldier. Corps officer Major Peter Mylechreest enrolled Isabella as a junior soldier. – R. C.

Ken GolbyMaureen GolbySoldiers

LEEKKEN and Maureen felt compelled to return to the Army after a long absence. In 2011 they became adherent members and now play an active role in the corps. They testified to the satisfaction they now feel in life and thanked the corps folk for their friendship and support. Ken said the words of ‘Amazing Grace’ summed up his testimony.

Corps officer Major Sandra Collins enrolled Ken and Maureen as soldiers. – B. L.

Hilda Bryant Adherent member

EXETERAT the age of five Hilda was made to go to the Church of England by her grandmother but soon chose to join her mother who attended a mission hall. Married to a soldier, Hilda moved home many times but did not go to church. When she returned to the city she started to attend Sunday and home league meetings at the corps and assisted with the luncheon club.

Corps officer Colonel Graeme Harding welcomed Hilda as an adherent member. – A. C.

Lindsay ReeceChristine HardwickAdherent members

CRADLEY HEATHCORPS officer Captain Liz Hancock welcomed Lindsay and Christine as adherent members at the home league fellowship meeting.

Some years ago the two friends were introduced to the Army through the home league fellowship and the home league. For the past two years they have regularly attended Sunday worship and experienced the warmth and friendliness of the fellowship. – L. H.


NEW COMMITMENTS

[email protected]

Tony JarvisAdherent member

CHELMSFORDFAMILY and friends gathered as corps officer Major Derek Jones welcomed Tony as an adherent member. Tony has attended the meetings for many years with his wife. He assists with driving the minibus and is heavily involved in scouting activities. – D. J.

Peter Manwaring Adherent member

BARNETAT 97 years old, Peter – a former Baptist – decided to make a new commitment. He has attended the meetings for many years and greatly contributes to corps life. He faithfully attends the over-60 and luncheon clubs.

Corps officer Captain Julia Adcock welcomed Peter as an adherent member. – J. A.

Bob PhillipsAdherent member

SOUTHSEAPORTSMOUTH and Southsea community centres helped Bob settle in Portsmouth after moving from Florida. Since April he has regularly attended the meetings and made the decision to become an adherent member. He was welcomed by associate officer Captain Lynne Shaw. – T. M.

Helga WellborneSoldier

DROITWICH SPAHELGA worked at the preschool and then attended Sunday worship at the corps where she is part of the children’s ministry team. In making her commitment she joins her children who are junior soldiers.

Corps officer Captain Jenny Forman enrolled Helga as a soldier. – S. F.

Imogen Dunn Junior soldier

SHILDONSEVEN-YEAR-OLD Imogen belongs to a Salvationist family. She decided to ask Jesus to be her special friend.

Corps officer Major Linda Watson enrolled Imogen as a junior soldier. – L. W.

Victoria McDermottAdherent member

GOSPORTVICTORIA requires specialised residential care but on her visits home attends the corps. She finds great joy in singing worship songs and draws strength for life from prayer. After her welcome as an adherent member by corps officer Major Steph Fallows, Victoria joined with the singing group to sing ‘People Need The Lord’. – P. F.

Megan WatkinsSoldier

Phoebe Gould

Reggie RobertsonChelsea Lindsey

Keith (Junior) LawrenceElisha Tottman

Jake CuffFinlay CuffJunior soldiers

HASTINGS TEMPLEMEGAN’S family and friends joined the corps family to witness her enrolment as a soldier by corps officer Major Angela Bailey.

During a membership course, Megan became convinced that God required her to become a soldier. She testified that Romans 12 had challenged her journey of faith and she desires to live her life 24-7 for God. She already uses her beautiful voice to serve God in the corps and the Downs Farm Plant, often leading worship there. Megan has a strong faith and is not afraid to witness to friends at school.

A capacity congregation attended the lively YP annual meetings – led by Captains Jo and Stephen Baker (Hastings Citadel) – when seven new junior soldiers were enrolled. Each child received a Hands On Bible to encourage them in their Christian journey and to help them keep the junior soldier’s promise.

Jake, Finlay and Elisha joined the corps as infants, while Junior, Phoebe, Reggie and Chelsea have joined the corps with their families in more recent years. During the meeting Elisha, Finlay and Chelsea assisted with an illustration and Junior chose his favourite song – ‘Nothing’s Too Big’. Finlay spoke about whose shoes he would like to walk in – Louis Pasteur’s! The new junior soldiers were enrolled by Major Bailey. – C. C.


ANNOUNCEMENTSFelixstowe (85 on 14 July).

Retirement address: Majors Robert and Zena

Peppiatt, Cardiff.

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Graham Homes, Boston.


ARMY PEOPLECOMMISSIONED

Div Envoy Stephen Hopkins, South and Mid

Wales.

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

CS Lindsey Clayton, Leeds Central; SL Jonathan

Ross, Doncaster; HLS Major Lyn Groves,

Hadleigh Temple.

MARRIAGE

Gareth Halfpenny to Rachael Clayden at

Letchworth by Major Keith Manning.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Diamond: David and Mrs Milly Hobday, Hemel

Hempstead (26 July).

Golden: Majors Frank and Mavis Pascoe

(21 July); Brian and Rtd CS Mrs Sonia

Parkhouse, Reading Central (21 July).

DEDICATED TO GOD

Darcy Mae, daughter of Naomii Nutt, Chantelle,

granddaughter of Derek and Angie Weekes, both at

Chatham by Major Alec Still; Esther Joy, daughter

of CYS James Brightwell and Hannah Stannett, at

Shipley by Major Maureen Melton; Madeleine

Rose, daughter of Stephen and Hannah Squires, at

Newbury by Major Barbara Warner.

BEREAVED

Major Christopher Sandford, Caterham, Avril

Edgar, Bexleyheath, Kevin Sandford, Bedford

Congress Hall, Kay Ingram, Ringwood, of their

father Charles Sandford, Major John Sandford of

his brother; Major Helena Boyd of her mother

Agnes; Major Anna Benson of her brother James;

Heather Jones, Horsham, of her husband RS

Donald Jones; Michael Carvell, Swindon Citadel,

of his wife Margaret.

RETIRED OFFICERS

Birthday congratulations: Major Jack Lawrance,

PLEASE note that soldiers’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 120 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND:

Canada (International Conference of Leaders),

Sat 7 Jul - Sat 14; USA Eastern, Th 26 - Mon 30

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF

(COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON)

AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON:


Sat 7 Jul - Sun 15; ICO, Tu 24

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

(COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX)

AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX

Westminster Central Hall (Commissioning), Sat 7

Jul; Canada (International Conference of

Leaders), Sun 8 - Sat 14; Sunbury Court

(Territorial Music School), Sun 22

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID

HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON:

Westminster Central Hall (Commissioning), Sat 7

Jul; William Booth College (Farewell Sunday),

Sun 8; The Hexagon, Reading (Territorial Music

School final festival), Sat 28; London South-East

(installation of divisional leaders), Sun 29; Star

College, Cheltenham (SAFE School of Music

and Drama), Fri 3 Aug

Commissioner William Cochrane: Canada

(International Conference of Leaders), Fri 6 Jul -

Sun 15

Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring:


Fri 6 Jul - Sun 15; Mongolia, Wed 18 - Fri 20;

Korea, Sat 21 - Mon 23

Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder:


Fri 6 Jul - Sun 15

Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina:


Fri 6 Jul - Th 12

Commissioners Robert and Janet Street:


Sat 7 Jul - Sun 15

International Staff Band: Westminster Central

Hall (Commissioning), Sat 7 Jul

International Staff Songsters: South America

East, Fri 20 Jul - Th 26; USA Eastern, Fri 27 -

Tu 31

OFFICIAL GAZETTEUK Territory

MARRIAGE

Lieutenant Ashley Prodgers, Addlestone, to

Teya Tikaradze on 23 June.

ANDRÉ COX,

Commissioner,

Territorial Commander

TRIBUTESMRS ELSIE TAYLOR, DERBY CENTRALBORN in Nottingham to Salvationist parents, Elsie was athletic, a great swim-mer and was often re-proved for swinging on the

bars of street lamps! Elsie became a soldier and songster, but her main ministry was as corps cadet guardian.

She met Ralph – the love of her life – in her late teens. They felt led to start a church in the area where they lived, which quickly outgrew their home. Once it was established they felt their task fulfilled and returned to the Army.

Poor health made Elsie’s last years diffi-cult, but prayer and Scripture at the end of a visit were always important.

Members of the church that Ralph and Elsie established attended her service of thanksgiving. – F. B.

MRS ETHEL SUFFIELD, BROMSGROVETHE first soldier to be enrolled after the corps re-opened in 1983, Ethel was intro-duced to the Army by her grandmother at Aberdare before moving to Bromsgrove as a teenager. Very gifted musically, she led the singing group for many years and was over-60 club secretary.

Ethel had a very real War Cry pub minis-try; she took time to talk to people of all ages and listen to their problems, and was often asked to sing.

In later years active involvement became prayerful support. Full of grace and wisdom, Ethel is remembered for her lovely smile, great sense of humour and kind Christian caring.

Her husband John and three sons – David, John and Peter – miss her greatly. – S. K.

RETIRED SONGSTER LEADER/DIVISIONAL BANDMASTER JIM WOODS, SUNDERLAND MILLFIELDJIM was born in Sunder-

land to Salvationist parents and his gift of music was evident from an early age. As a pianist, cornet soloist, composer and music arranger, he found great fulfilment in serving the Lord through the Army.

For more than 40 years Jim faithfully served in a variety of local officer positions, as divisional bandmaster and – for 20 years – as a staff member at the Northern School of Music.

In 1984 Jim conducted the choir at the Billy Graham Crusade in Sunderland – a memory he treasured.

A retired accountant, Jim shared 55 years of marriage with his wife Joan and had four children and grandchildren.

He was promoted to Glory following a prolonged illness. – E. F.

NEWS


Brian and Joan Camplin (Morecambe) staff the corps stall at Bare during the annual celebration; the independent principality of Bare exists for one day only and residents flood the village to celebrate the special day

[email protected]

On 9 June Salvationist asked readers for captions for this picture of corps officer Captain Colin Bain receiving a soaking during Coventry City’s Youth Summer Fayre. Here is a selection of the best suggestions:

I always wanted to get the captain back for that hour-long sermon! – Hilary Marten, Adelaide, Australia

Now the water shortage is over, we can really get our money’s worth! – Steve Woodward, Strood

Who would wish to be sent to Coventry… – Major Malcolm High, Stoke-on-Trent

No, I meant I like the pop group Wet, Wet, Wet! – Paula Shea, Whitby

Captain Bain’s sneezing problem continues to give cause for concern – Adrian Moye, Stowmarket

Captain Bain meets his Waterloo – Allan Good, Ipswich

CAPTION COMPETITION

AFC Winton, the Bournemouth-based Salvation Army football team, came top of the South West Evangelical Alliance division one; Bandmaster Norry Smith was voted manager of the season

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SALVATIONIST 7 JULY 2012 [email protected]

BOOK OF THE WEEKMajor Philippa Smale reviews Imagine Church: Releasing Whole-Life Disciples by Neil Hudson

Neil Hudson, who has been a church leader for more than 25 years, now works on the Imagine Project at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. The project is designed to encourage churches to help whole-life disciples make a difference wherever they are.

The important question which the author addresses is: ‘How can an ordinary church become a community of people who help one another live out their whole life – at home, work, church, in the neighbourhood – as followers of Jesus in his mission to the world?’

In a very interesting breakdown of the 168 hours available in a week, Hudson looks at the fact that if 48 hours are spent sleeping that leaves 120 hours for other things. Then, he goes on, most people can give a maximum of ten hours a week to church activities (unless they are employed by a church or have a lot of time for voluntary work). That leaves 110 hours a week for work, family and leisure. He says: ‘This 110-hour space is our primary arena for mission and discipleship; the ten-hour space is the primary context in which we can not only worship and pray to God together, but equip and inspire one another for ongoing mission.’

The book is an inspiration for people to use the hours God has given them for his work – in every sphere of life. The author encourages readers to look at where they are on the front line of ministry and see how effective they are in that mission context. And that front line is what might be termed everyday life – the 110-hour life.

He realises that if churches want to embrace the idea of whole-life discipleship, they will have to make changes to what they do and how people think about their faith and work for the Lord. This may look like an uphill task but, as Hudson says: ‘The goal of all

this is the releasing of the people of God to embrace all that God can do in and through them on their front lines.’

Published by Inter-Varsity Press, Imagine Church: Releasing Whole-Life Disciples costs £9.99 and is available from good bookstores and from www.amazon.co.uk

QUOTESalvation, our surrender to the Lordship of Christ, involves change. Some of this happens supernaturally through the work of the Spirit, but some changes can only happen in the context of relationships with others. Our life as church together should be one of the primary arenas whereby we are shaped into our new life as disciples of Jesus.

Neil Hudson (taken from Imagine Church)

BIBLE VERSESA new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

(John 13:34 and 35 New International Version)

PRAYERDear Lord, shape us into the disciples you want us to be so that people will look at us and know that we follow you. Amen.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Sunset over Guernsey. Picture: DONALD BIBEY

Documents

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