Salvationist 20 April 2024

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KEEPING CONNECTED FAITH IN A DIGITAL AGE

Is Is AI a tool to use?

Is social media my focus? Is live-streaming easy? Is living in an echo chamber healthy?

STANDING ALONGSIDE SURVIVORS HELPING-HAND APPEAL 2024

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army 70p/80c 20 April 2024 SALVATIONIST

Garbage in, garbage out

is a basic principle within the field of computing that holds true in most contexts: if you put garbage in, you should not be surprised when that is what you get out.

Technology today is moving at an incredible pace. Innovation seems to have no boundaries. At a recent conference I attended, the speaker suggested that it was almost impossible to predict how quickly current ideas will become reality as chatbots powered by artificial intelligence are able to work out how to do things efficiently and effectively much quicker than we are able to calculate. There have been major breakthroughs in many areas over recent years that would have been impossible without this kind of technology. This is both exciting and potentially alarming and requires considered thought in how we use it.

This issue of Salvationist is focused on technology and what it means for us as Christians. Of course, the adage of garbage in and garbage out is equally true in a spiritual context. Matthew 15:18 tells us: ‘What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart’ (English Standard Version). In all we do, online and offline, let’s seek to ensure that we continue to allow God to make us more like him.

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EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

MANAGING

EDITOR Ivan Radford

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Stevie Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden

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PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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© The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399. Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. SALVATIONIST Issue No 1957 Visit salvationist.org.uk 10 TOGETHER 2024: BEHIND THE SCENES Children and youth! Testimonies! Summer schools! Avatar: The Last Airbender!
For everyone linked to The Salvation Army 70p/80c 27 April 2024 SALVATIONIST NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE @SalvationistUKI EXPLORING AI 12 ECHO CHAMBERS 8 SOCIAL MEDIA: WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS? 9 DO U AV? 13
THERE
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor

Answering the big questions

As ITV’s The 1% Club continues, Major David Radford considers the tricky questions in life we can’t answer

THIS Saturday evening, ITV’s The 1% Club continues to ask people difficult questions. Presented by comedian Lee Mack, it claims – unlike other quiz shows – not to test general knowledge, but the use of brain power. The quiz’s logic-based questions entertain and challenge, as each episode the show sifts out from 100 contestants those with the sharpest minds – the elite 1 per cent of the UK’s population.

I’m one of the millions of viewers who try and make the weekly puzzle-journey. I can often answer the questions that the show says 90 per cent of the population should know, and some of the ones that

Reflect and respond

Reflect on Matthew 18:21–35. Is your thinking shaped by the conventions around you or by God’s Kingdom?

What big questions in life are you currently grappling with?

Read Proverbs 3:5 and 6. How much do you trust in the Lord rather than lean on your own understanding?

follow, but rarely do I make it beyond the question that at least 50 per cent of the population can answer.

The ability of other people to work out the answers in the time given is something I find amazing. To see solutions instantaneously is a mark of genius, at least to me. If only I had that kind of understanding.

Displaying knowledge by being able to answer questions or solve puzzles is great if you can do it, even some of the time. But being able to answer life’s deeper questions is a totally different challenge. Take, for example, the question Peter puts to Jesus in Matthew 18: ‘How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister?’ (v21).

The convention at the time was seven times, which in today’s society has become ‘three strikes and you’re out’. But Jesus says to Peter ‘not seven times, but seventy-seven times’ (v22), suggesting forgiveness should be unlimited, or well beyond any accepted convention.

However, this isn’t Jesus’ final answer. That can be found in the parable that follows, in which a servant is forgiven a huge debt by his master. On leaving his master’s presence, the servant goes up to another who owes him money and, instead of forgiving the debt, calls it in. When the man cannot pay, he sends him to a debtor’s prison. The master hears of

this and reverses his earlier decision: he sends the servant to the debtor’s prison as well, until he pays off the money owed. So what’s the answer? To forgive unlimited times or what? The clue is that the question is not about forgiveness at all. Rephrasing it can help. Maybe we should ask instead: ‘What should our response be to those who hurt us?’

Jesus, when he answers this 1 per cent question, equates forgiveness with mercy and mercy with forgiveness. The master in the story says: ‘Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ Jesus adds: ‘This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart’ (vv33–35).

In comparison to the 1 per cent questions we face in life, the top question in ITV’s quiz is intriguing but inconsequential. When considering your response to life’s unsolvable problems, what percentage of times do you turn to Jesus and let him rephrase the question?

Retired
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MAJOR DAVID RADFORD
Officer
TRENDING
Magnum Media / ITV plc
Picture:
‘I love God even more than I thought I could’
Yelena Jurkenas (Addlestone) shares how technology has helped her become closer to God

GROWING up in the 2000s, my life has been completely influenced by technology. You could say technology and I have grown up together.

to see others grow in faith because of the Bible verses I shared through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. This was a very special time. My faith grew at a great pace, building the foundations for where it is today.

I became a Christian when I was 15, after a Salvation Army summer camp where a moving talk on comparison resonated with me and allowed me to see Jesus and God in a new light. However, it took me a while to feel totally connected to God daily and feel at home, church-wise. Less than two years later, the Covid-19 lockdowns hit, and I felt God calling me to try something new to satisfy this yearning for a deeper relationship with him. I was already connected to New Life, the Addlestone Corps youth church. When it moved online to Zoom during the lockdowns, I increased my attendance from monthly to weekly. Through this, I began to connect with God on a deeper level. Over time I grew more confident, signing myself up to lead some

I am now a student at the University of York, currently on a work placement. Going to university was scary, because it meant going away from the corps I had come to know and seeking a church fellowship nearby. I soon discovered I had no reason to worry.

Technology has repeatedly brought me closer to God by connecting me to churches that encourage my faith, including in the city where I am now in my work placement. Before going to university, I felt prompted to send an email to the corps officers at York and they put me in touch with the lovely couple who look after students. This led to us meeting for coffee, an invitation to join student lunches and them welcoming me with open arms. I am so thankful for the technology that allowed me to send that email, because it led me to make some of the best friends and feel God’s love through their hospitality.

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Every morning I listen to The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, a podcast that goes through the Bible in a year. This small act sets my mind at peace and creates in me the right attitude for the day. It keeps me close to God while at work and beyond.

Thank you, God, for blessing me with technology that has allowed me to feel strongly connected to you. I have learnt to love you even more than I thought I could when I first became a Christian.

Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in
salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk
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TESTIMONY

Motion picture pioneers

George Tanton explores how The Salvation Army used new technology to share the gospel

IN the early years of motion pictures, The Salvation Army embraced this new technology with open arms. Thanks in part to the growing silent film industry in America, pictures such as 1907’s Ben Hur and 1909’s The Life of Moses provided church audiences with radical new presentations of biblical narratives.

In true pioneer fashion, the Army began incorporating the use of cinematographs into meetings and services. In February 1907 the Motherwell Times reported a ‘gospel by cinematograph’ meeting where the life of Christ was depicted on screen: ‘The Salvation Army has been ever known by its “keep out of the ruts” methods, and the local corps is not a whit behind in keeping up their reputation.’ According to the report, 1,400 people were present for this event, with the whole hall in floods of tears at the Crucifixion scene. One lady said ‘she had been more impressed by that one service than all the sermons she had previously heard’.

Early motion pictures also allowed crowded halls to witness the global disposition of the Army doing God’s work around the world. William Booth’s 1905 visit to the Holy Land was captured on early film and eagerly watched in Army circles.

‘The cinematograph views consisted of a most interesting series of scenes during General Booth’s tour in the Holy Land,’ reported the Motherwell Times in March 1906.

work across the Indian subcontinent, presented by Brigadier George Ewens. The Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton Herald reported that ‘the pictures gave a realistic and vivid idea of the ... people of India’.

Having served in the Indian Civil Service, Commissioner Frederick Booth-Tucker was particularly eager to use cinematography to highlight the Movement’s work in India. He presented exhibitions at the Victoria Jubilee Town Hall in Lahore and attracted many senior British and Indian bureaucrats. On 30 January 1907, the Lahore-based Civil and Military Gazette reported upon Commissioner Booth-Tucker’s cinematographic presentation on ‘Salvation Army Social Work’, which included ‘ordinary lantern slides of cosmopolitan pictures … succeeded by Indian cinematographic views, chiefly of Salvation pastoral colonies in Gujarat’. In March 1909, the newspaper reported on Commissioner Booth-Tucker’s 20th display, titled Love and Sorrow, in which ‘scenes were remarkably graphic and descriptive’, illustrating ‘the work of The Salvation Army in all quarters of the globe.’

Other early cinematographic presentations depicted the Army’s social work. During the Boer War, the Henley Advertiser reported on an exhibition at the Army hall on Greys Road that raised funds for the Movement’s missionary work and nursing brigade in South Africa. Similarly, in April 1907, Folkestone Corps hosted a cinematograph exhibition on the Army’s

In Australia, the Army pioneered this technology even further. Under the direction of the Founder’s third son, Herbert Booth, the Limelight Department was established in the late 1890s, leading to the production of the multimedia presentation Soldiers of the Cross in 1897, which is credited by some as one of the world’s first feature films. Focusing on early Christian martyrs, the production cast 150 Salvationists and premiered at Melbourne Town Hall in 1900.

In January 1901, the commercial arm

of the Limelight Department was registered as the Kinematographic Company. It produced more than 300 films, including nature and anthropology documentaries, and films depicting the Army’s social work, as well as the 1904 International Congress in London.

However, the Limelight Department’s work was short-lived: Commissioner James Hay was appointed to lead the Australasian Territory in September 1909 and ordered the film production unit to be disbanded and its reels destroyed. Writing in Aggressive Salvationism, Commissioner Hay said: ‘It should be noted that the cinema, as conducted by the Army, had led to a weakness and a lightness incompatible with true Salvationism.’

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ARMY HISTORY Salvationist 20 April 5

Revelation on the beach

Nathan Bright shares some lessons from a fishing expedition

JOHN 21:1–14

THERE is something about being around water that feels good for my soul, whether that’s running along the seafront, walking around our local rowing lake or just lazing by a pool.

As we look at our study passage, it is worth keeping the backdrop of the Sea of Galilee in view, for it would have held emotive memories of miracles and transformation for the disciples.

For some, it was where Jesus had called them to become fishers of men. It was where the Sermon on the Mount was voiced, so perhaps there were echoes of the Beatitudes ringing round, as well as that first recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. It was where Jesus had calmed a storm and, notably for Peter, where he had walked on water.

I wonder if it felt like a perfect place to process the events of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Galilee was somewhere the disciples were still able to connect with Jesus.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Which locations are helpful or important for your daily connection with God?

Are there places that remind you of your calling?

Are there places that remind you of God’s faithfulness?

We meet Peter at a vulnerable moment in his experience. Just as Jesus predicted, Peter had denied his master and friend. He had witnessed Jesus suffering the most inhumane treatment,

culminating in his death on the cross. Following his resurrection, Jesus had appeared behind locked doors to the disciples twice (see John 20:19–26). However, in John’s account of these appearances, there is no conversation with Peter.

Peter was most probably feeling a host of emotions – shame, guilt, loss, confusion, isolation.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What do you do when you feel like that?

What might that teach you about how you process things?

John 21:3 tells us what Peter did. He says to his companions: ‘I’m going out to fish.’

Was he being practical and thinking about the next meal? Was he looking to take a few hours to wallow in self-pity? Was he returning to a previous way of life, believing that he no longer deserved the life in all its fullness that Jesus had offered him? Perhaps it was all those things.

As Peter attempts to skulk off to the water, his friends and fellow disciples rally round and insist on accompanying him. Together, they set out and they begin fishing.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Can you think of a time when people gathered around you when you most needed it?

What can this teach us about community and the nature of being with one another?

The disciples spend all night fishing unsuccessfully, before Jesus appears and offers advice that ends with a haul of fish beyond their imaginations. What can we learn from this?

First, escapism doesn’t achieve what we hope. There could be an argument to say that, in setting sail, Peter is trying to escape reality. You might know what that is like. Peter’s actions aren’t inherently bad – unlike some methods of escapism – but returning to his way of life before Jesus doesn’t speak of the renewed identity and purpose that Jesus had given his disciples. What does this yield? Nothing! There is nothing wrong with a lack of productivity; it is the lack of perspective that is problematic. When things aren’t going well, we must not revert to what once was in our lives but continue to live in a way that reflects the work of Jesus. Notice how it is only when Jesus comes into view that the disciples discover what they are looking for.

Second, as always, Jesus goes beyond human expertise.

I always imagine the disciples react somewhat dismissively to his advice. Despite their current plight, they know how to catch fish. They would have tried all the tricks of the trade that night and so patronising suggestions – such as those in verse 6 – might have jarred their pride. However, they are humble enough to try it out. To their delight, it pays off.

Sometimes, what might feel like a basic, obvious command from Jesus is the one to follow, irrespective of whether we’ve tried it before or whether we think we know better. Jesus works in a realm that is beyond our human logic and understanding. We simply need to trust in him.

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BIBLE STUDY

Third, Peter doesn’t wait for a personal call. Throughout our study passage, Jesus speaks exclusively to the disciples as a group. Repeatedly, we read that Jesus spoke ‘to them’. Peter, however, doesn’t wait for a personal call. He hears Jesus and makes a personal response. When Peter recognises Jesus in verse 7, he jumps out of the boat. This action mirrors Peter’s experience in Matthew 14:29. Perhaps it symbolises Peter saying: ‘Lord, I’m sinking – save me!’ He is so keen to act for his Saviour.

We can sometimes find ourselves lost in the group when Jesus speaks. We can be slow to act unless he calls us by name. Peter demonstrates to us that even when Jesus talks to the collective, it is still up to us to respond personally.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Next time you want to escape, how can you remind yourself of Jesus?

How could you build humility to respond to Jesus’ profound promises?

When have you overlooked an opportunity to act in God’s name that wasn’t spoken directly to you?

In listening, responding and recognising Jesus, the disciples were able to sit down and eat breakfast with him as friends. Perhaps doing likewise might offer us the opportunity to spend some quality time with him too. him too

From January 2024, Prayer Matters is following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission. Each day has a theme, based on the five mission priorities. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship

SATURDAY 20 APRIL: CARE FOR CREATION – THE PRIVILEGE OF PETS

Many of us share our homes and lives with a beloved pet. They are our companions, comrades, confidants and sometimes even ministry partners. Thank you, Creator God, for the gift of our ‘other-than-human’ companions. Thank you for all they teach us about the One who created them. Help us to make their lives as full, safe and wonderful as we can, and to accept the lessons they teach us with awareness, grace and a grateful heart. by Major Vivienne Prescott (Forest of Dean)

SUNDAY 21 APRIL: SABBATH PRAYER – SABBATH FOR THE MIND

Everything we know, do, love, dislike, think and choose goes through our minds. No wonder the apostle Paul talks about our thoughts as a battlefield (see 2 Corinthians 10:4 and 5). Father, pour your quietude on our minds. Give us rest from the hustle and bustle that happens in our thoughts every day. Protect our minds as we rest, and help us to focus on you. by Major Gary Lacey (Territorial Prayer Co-ordinator)

MONDAY 22 APRIL: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – PIONEER FOCUS: SUPPORTING AND RELEASING

Pioneers often don’t feel at ease within the age-old structures of established church. Pray for those in divisional and territorial leadership, that they will know how best to support and release those who have the vision and skills to pioneer. Pray for strong relationships, so that the Army will be a safe place where innovative mission flourishes. by Dave Cotterill (Pioneer Development Worker)

TUESDAY 23 APRIL: SERVING AND CARING – EXPLORING LEADERSHIP DAY (27 APRIL)

Lord, we give thanks for those who will gather on Saturday to explore what kind of leadership you might be calling them to. Help them recognise their gifts, hear your specific call on their lives and take it up with courage and confidence. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL: GROWING IN FAITH – CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SCOTLAND DIVISION

Pray for a deepening sense of, and response to, the Holy Spirit’s presence. Pray the words of the prayer chorus ‘Set a Fire’: ‘Set a fire down in my soul, that I can’t contain and I can’t control. I want more of you, God.’ by Major Janet Robson (Divisional Commander)

THURSDAY 25 APRIL: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – BRAZIL TERRITORY

We pray for the Brazil Territory: for its leaders, Territorial Commander Colonel Wilson Strasse, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Colonel Nara Strasse, Chief Secretary Lieut-Colonel Manuel Márquez and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries LieutColonel Paulina Márquez. Pray that God will grant them wisdom and that God will send workers into the harvest mission fields. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

FRIDAY 26 APRIL: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND MODERN SLAVERY: INTERNATIONAL TEAM

This year’s Helping-Hand Appeal is supporting the work of the international team. Pray that, as they empower individuals, train staff and leaders, and support projects in challenging communities, they will be encouraged by the truth that we are world-changers.

by Major Estelle Blake and the Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Team

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?

Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and it will be upheld in prayer.

Ivan Radford considers how online echo chambers can shape the way we treat others

CAN you imagine a world where everyone had exactly the same opinion? Where everyone supported the same football team? Where everyone queued up for the same sandwich in the same shop at the same time of day? That would get boring after a while, right? Plus you’d have to wait for hours to get a sandwich.

Living in this digital age can become like that. We can become surrounded solely by people and things that reflect our opinions back at us. There’s a term for it you’ve probably heard before: echo chambers. ‘I know all about echo chambers,’ you might say to yourself. ‘I’m surrounded by people who know all about them.’ That’s the tricky thing:

probably heard before: algorithms. An algorithm is a computer code that carries out a specific process or rule. Almost all the content you consume digitally is selected for you by a series of algorithms, which are rooted in the same human trait: confirmation bias, the human habit of preferring things that support our existing opinions.

Whether you’re scrolling through Facebook, TikTok or search engine results, what you’re being shown is personalised to you. Browsing Netflix? Even the images for the titles are programmed to match your data profile. Because whether it’s a smartphone, an online retailer or a media company, their products are designed to keep you engaged – to keep you scrolling, clicking and buying. And people tend to do that more if they’re being reinforced by things that agree with them.

Technology itself isn’t a bad thing: it just has a way of highlighting and reflecting human flaws in new ways. The more we’re echoed back to ourselves, though, the less we might grow or develop, because we have less experience of listening to other people. Potential impacts of that can include pockets of misinformation – or, in extreme cases,

radicalisation into harmful views –polarised debates and a lack of compassion in our interactions. We can lose sight of the two-way nature of conversation, regardless of the topic.

‘I would never be argumentative,’ you might say to yourself. ‘I’m surrounded by people who all say the same things I do.’

That’s one of the reasons why the territory’s vision, mission and values are so important: they provide a united theological framework that signposts us back to the constant truth of God’s word. Our values include boldness and passion, but these go hand in hand with integrity and mutual accountability and are inseparable from compassion and respect.

‘Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,’ Romans 12:3 reminds us. Respecting others is rooted in humility. It’s a cornerstone of equality, inclusion and diversity, and it leads to deeper relationships with other people. Through these connections – through listening respectfully to the experiences and perspectives of other people, who have also been created in the image of God – we can build a richer, fuller understanding of God for ourselves. God’s love then shines all the brighter in our interactions as we ‘live in harmony with one another’ (Romans 12:16).

It can be so easy to separate our faith from the world around us and keep the two in different bubbles. But we’re not called to do that. 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us: ‘Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’ Living out our mission and values applies to every part of our daily lives – including how we navigate the digital structures of a modern world. What content do algorithms currently recommend to you? How intentionally do you listen to other people? How can you show God’s love in your interactions?

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REFLECTION
j reflec wa b SSENDLOB PMOC A S S I ON PASSION RESPECT INTEGRITY MU T U LA YTILIBATNUOCCA For more, visit salvationist. org.uk/ our-values or scan the QR code. This article demonstrates The Salvation Army’s key value of respect.

In constant communication

SOCIAL media creates connections. It can build a space to share and support each other and to show friends and family what you’re doing or where you are. But we can become focused on living our lives in constant communication with the world, anxiously waiting for the next reply, the next ‘like’, the latest celebrity story or viral video.

How many of our days start by checking social media, before taking a break at lunch and having a quick look, replying to a notification that comes through later, then checking to see how many views our story has, before going to bed and having one last scroll? The digital age we live in makes it so easy to be contactable 24/7, but it also throws so many distractions at us – even as I write this, I am finding myself becoming distracted!

“ We can end up trying to build our lives and experiences to be more Instagrammable rather than trying to live more like Jesus. ”

God designed us to live in constant communication with him, not our social media feeds (see Acts 17:26 and 27). There are many ways social media can cloud our expectations. As I reflect on my own relationship with social media, I can easily fall into judgement or longing for what other people have, wishing I had their experiences, becoming jealous that I wasn’t there or asking how they got to do that rather than being happy for their experiences.

Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16: ‘Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time;

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Calum Montgomery reflects on spiritual focus in a social media age

hank matter what This is he way God wants you who to Jesus o live’ The Message

thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live’ (The Message). Social media doesn’t always make that easy. We can end up trying to build our lives and experiences to be more Instagrammable rather than trying to live more like Jesus. We only want to post the perfect moment; we want to show the world our best bits, so the blurry photo of a boring afternoon doesn’t get posted. But God wants your blurry, boring afternoons. He asks for our praise in those moments. God calls us to ‘pray all the time’, to be in constant communication with God and live our lives with him by our side.

Psalm 145:18 says: ‘You draw near to those who call out to you, listening closely, especially when their hearts are true’ (The Passion Translation). Just as we wait for the next ‘bing!’ from our phone, God is wanting us to draw close to him. He longs for us to turn to him so he can help, forgive and heal us (see Isaiah 30:18). We need to try and live with God, waiting expectantly for his word, waiting to hear his voice and then acting on it – if we are focused on waiting for the next DM (direct message), we can miss God calling our name.

By no means is any of this saying we need to delete all social media because it distracts us from God. It’s just something as Christians we need to be aware of. Social media can be an incredible tool for ministry. It widens our potential church family from those in our church to the whole world; we are able to be inspired by others who share God’s work in their areas on the other side of the planet. It also provides us with a really easy way to share the good news by sharing or posting the simple message that our God loves and wants to be in relationship with all his children. As I reflect on my attitude and approach to social media, I’d challenge you to do the same. Simply ask: ‘Where is my focus?’

REFLECTION
CALUM MONTGOMERY Sale
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WIRES trail across the walls. Headphone-clad technicians concentrate intently on their area of work. Laptops tap to the sound of comment management on YouTube. Runners respond to requests for kit.

It takes huge technical skill to bring the annual territorial celebration, Together, to fruition and to live-stream the Sunday’s Commissioning meetings into homes and corps.

Now in its third year, plans are being finalised for Together 2024 in Newport, Wales (13–14 July). As with any major territorial event there is a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes, from arranging guests, sorting accommodation and allocating tickets. And, most importantly, spending time discerning God’s will and vision through prayer. But it’s the live-streaming that always astounds me.

Co-ordinating cameras, cadets, musicians and screens is no small feat. Mixed in with the necessity of being open to changes based on responses to God’s work in our meetings means it takes a village of experts and skilled

technicians to pull it together.

Alongside the 5 cameras and 12 monitors, there are 15 people in the live-streaming team, including backstage support, although that number changes every year depending on the set-up. With this constant stream of activity and intense concentration, the biggest challenge is timing. When a meeting is over-running, but God is moving in that space, they need to be flexible and open to the Spirit.

Yet the irrepressible humour and grace of the team don’t waver. Faced with unexpected challenges they keep calm and, yes, joyful. For those who follow Jesus, there is a sense of ministry and worship, coupled with the professional ability to be present in the moment while also staying focused on the job at hand.

The work begins long before the livestream begins, with extensive sound checks and rehearsals to monitor brightness levels and sound balances. This year’s event will bring new technical challenges. Together 2024 will be focusing on the 150th anniversary of The Salvation Army in Wales, themed Dyma

“ It takes a village to pull it together. ”

Gariad, and the livestream will be faithful to those who need a Welsh translation of the content.

Other new elements of the weekend will include a pre-Together concert on Friday 12 July at 6pm at Newport Cathedral, featuring the International Staff Band and Songsters – tickets are limited so keep your eyes peeled for more details!

There is also an Engagement Space planned on the Saturday at the main venue, the ICC Wales, from 1pm to 5pm. It will bring all the elements of previous Togethers into one place – music sections, family spaces, art, worship, Bible teaching. Attendees will be fully ‘Together’ this year! On Saturday evening, the big celebration event at 8pm will include a massed group of musicians from across Wales and beyond.

Sunday’s Commissioning meetings will, of course, be live-streamed at 10.30am and 3pm. They will contain many familiar elements, as well as new ideas, as everyone gathers to celebrate and seek inspiration for ministry.

At any Together event, there’s a great moment when you hear the words ‘and we’re live’ and you feel really connected to the wider Army – and relieved that it’s all working!

As you join us in person or watch from your home or corps, I invite you to thank God for the amazing team behind the scenes. You might never see them, but their dedication, patience and skill help us be together, wherever we are.

Tickets for Together 2024 are now on sale. It costs £10 per adult per day and is free for under-17s. Visit salvationist.org.uk/together to book your place.

Salvationist 20 April 2024 10
Major Jo Moir takes us behind the scenes of live-streaming Together 2024 And ... we’re live!
THQ

Putting people first

Online Content Editor Bethany Gibson talks to Salvationist about salvationist.org.uk and Salvationist Radio

The website launched almost two years ago. How’s it going?

Our aim was to be the go-to place for people linked to The Salvation Army and anyone who wants to explore faith with us. People have embraced that and use it for resources, information, articles and events. A big shout-out to Carl Jobson and the Resources Hub, as well as Lisa Little and the Territorial Events Unit, for all they do.

What kind of people use the site?

There’s a diverse range, which is exciting. The main demographic tends to be aged 25 to 44, but lots of older people use it as well. Our peak times of year tend to be around Together in July and also the build-up to Christmas. The number of users has grown by 70 per cent in the past year and we’re seeing high engagement rates, with people spending significant time on the site.

What are the most popular webpages?

The homepage and the resources and appointments sections. A big surprise recently has been the Becoming a Christian page – lots of people search the internet and discover it. It has some foundational information about what we believe, as well as a prayer of commitment by Nicky Gumbel that’s printed in the War Cry

How do you see salvationist.org.uk playing a missional role?

The website, like the Salvationist magazine and Salvationist Radio, plays a key role in helping people feel connected to something bigger than their local Army expression. It’s inherently missional, not just a broadcasting tool. There’s more we can do, but we’re trying to be intentional in reflecting and serving the beautiful diversity of the UKI Territory.

We want to make sure we publish content from and for people at different stages in their faith journeys and with different perspectives. This content plays a dynamic role in telling the Salvation Army story and developing our understanding of our God-given vision, mission and values. The potential and responsibility are huge!

What kind of work is going on behind the scenes?

We’re always working to keep on top of compliance and data protection, for example tracking user activity can help us better understand our users but we need to do that ethically and transparently. We’re also working with an accessibility agency to make sure we’re as accessible as possible, for example helping people who use screen readers.

How are you ensuring older users are included too?

It’s important we don’t treat age groups with a one-size-fits-all approach: some older people are very digitally literate and others are unable or prefer not to use the internet. I recently led a session with the retired officers group in London about the website, which was a great learning experience.

What are your goals for the future?

We want to serve our users and put their needs and preferences at the centre. Before we launched, we created a user feedback group. The group initially met quarterly and has recently been integral to the creation of a strategic road map for the site. Each goal has users at the heart, such as enhancing user experience and fostering a community-centric platform.

We always welcome feedback at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk, and

there will be a survey for people to take part in soon.

Salvationist Radio is just over a year old. How has that grown?

We’re really pleased with how Salvationist Radio is developing, with a broad range of programming, from Morning Praise with Kids Alive! to Sing to the Lord with the ISS. We have also partnered with Older People’s Ministries to produce No Age Limit – we’re mindful that the radio can be an especially valuable medium for older people. For some people who can’t attend a corps in person, Sunday Worship is their connection with the Army – they’re part of our congregation

Who listens to Salvationist Radio?

Most listeners are from the UKI Territory, but we have listeners from the Americas, Australia and beyond! It helps that people can listen to it anywhere, through the app, at salvationist.org.uk/radio or with Alexa smart speakers.

What’s the most popular programme or podcast?

Me and My Playlist, which is exciting as it’s a podcast that gives young people a platform. Radio listening tends to peak on Sundays and usually during Sunday Wake-Up with Lyndall Bywater from 7am to 9am.

What’s coming up on Salvationist Radio?

More collaboration! We work closely with the Salvationist editorial team, so for example at the end of April, Sunday Worship will tie in with the magazine’s children and youth special. We both also work together with the Resources team in how we approach Lent, Easter and Christmas, which is really special.

Salvationist 20 April 2024 11
INTERVIEW

AI Opportunities and challenges

Captain Mark Scoulding considers how we might use artificial intelligence in mission and ministry

WE use artificial intelligence all the time, whether we realise it or not. When you use your supermarket loyalty card and your favourite brands pop up when you shop online, that’s AI. When you take a picture of a loved one and their photos are collated into an album on your smartphone, that’s AI.

How can The Salvation Army use this tool to further God’s Kingdom? I did a little research. (Full disclosure: I have no training. I’m also not offering answers, just questions to get you thinking.)

The first thing I looked at was how AI might be used in spiritual ministry. I downloaded a program called Dall-E, which generates pictures from text prompts. I asked it to generate impressionist-style paintings based on Mark 14:22–24, the Last Supper. The images (see above) are beautiful, but what are they? Faithful interpretations of Scripture? Amalgamations of existing imagery associated with the text? Or something else?

For me, a key consideration is bias. When I typed in the text, I didn’t specify the race or gender of the disciples, but the program generated them all as white men. Is that something it gleaned from images that already exist?

I think we need to grapple with a serious question. Does, or can, the Holy Spirit work through this technology, extending God’s Kingdom and enabling us to fulfil our calling?

The next thing I explored was how AI might theoretically be used for social media. I downloaded the chatbot ChatGPT and prompted it to ask me about what we do, how we do it and why we do it. I then asked it to create text for an Instagram post about our Christmas present appeal.

It was an iterative process: I didn’t like the wording, so I asked it to tweak that. I also had to edit the imagery. So does using a chatbot actually equate to saving time and energy? And what safeguards would need to be put in place to ensure that content generated would be in line with our values?

Finally, how might AI be used to measure our ministry’s impact? As a former public affairs officer, I know the importance of data and using it well. But as a corps officer, I know how difficult it can be to gather it. Could AI help?

I asked ChatGPT to generate a five-question survey. Again, I needed the chatbot to amend words, but it saved me some time and generated a presentation about the appeal. I circulated this presentation and got amazing feedback. It led to all sorts of conversations by helping us tell a story about what we do and why we do it. Did the chatbot enable me to build expertise here? Or did it enable me to become reliant on technology I don’t fully understand? The data and narrative it assembled: were they reliable and did they really measure our ministry’s

impact? And in such hypothetical scenarios, what checks and balances would need to be put into place to ensure the credibility of the Army –and God – is protected? What challenges and opportunities do you think AI presents? William Booth perhaps would have asked another question: why let the Devil have all the best tech?

• Based on a presentation to Masic, of which Captain Mark Scoulding is a member.

What is Masic?

The Moral and Social Issues Council provides an ethical perspective and advice to territorial leadership, and helps Salvationists in this territory engage in moral and social issues in their communities. The council is chaired by Major Nick Coke (THQ) and its members are appointed by the chief secretary. For more, visit salvationist.org.uk/masic or email masic@salvationarmy.org.uk

Salvationist 20 April 2024 12
REFLECTION

Engaged in worship

Penny Babb presents the benefits of a flexible AV set-up

IHAVE been operating the audiovisual (AV) equipment at Regent Hall for the best part of 30 years, since we introduced a projector in the mid-90s. We started off just by displaying the words to songs. Today we could be working with videos, soundtracks, quizzes, sermon notes and more. Over that time, I’ve seen how technology has freed up worship for people.

Moving towards PowerPoint presentations and away from relying on physical songbooks really enabled people to better express themselves while worshipping, and meant we could include additional material more smoothly. But we still found PowerPoint very limiting and many years ago moved to software designed with worship in mind.

There are a variety of software packages you can use these days. We use ProPresenter. It gives us a database of songs and slides that we can pull from at any point in a meeting, which allows us to be entirely flexible – we’re not limited by a fixed meeting plan. We can bring in any song very quickly, so leaders can absolutely go wherever the Spirit leads.

There are ways to do this with PowerPoint. For example, if you have an organised catalogue of slides for songs you regularly use, you could freeze the screen, find the song and copy those slides into the current presentation. We got this process down to under a minute!

But the beauty of our new system is that this idea is built-in, so anyone can do it. We’ve had people of all ages covering the AV because it’s so straightforward. It’s a great opportunity for all kinds of people to be involved in contributing to the meeting.

Personally, I find it a real service. You’re giving your time and dedication to support ministry in a way that enriches people. And I don’t find it a distraction or barrier to worship at all, because being engaged and immersed is essential to doing it well.

The most important role for an AV operator is remaining in tune with what’s going on and anticipating where things are going. You need a sense of where the leaders or worship team might be going, so you have to connect with how the message and the music are being presented. I certainly find that being involved with the AV helps me

5 top tips

PREPARE Take time to familiarise yourself with the meeting plan and any slides.

INCLUDE Where possible, ensure everything is accessible to people with audio and visual impairments.

COMMUNICATE Talk to contributors to check for cues and last-minute changes.

LISTEN Pay attention so you always have a sense of what’s going on.

ANTICIPATE Move through slides with the rhythm of the meeting to avoid distractions.

“ AV should not distract from worship but enhance it. ”

understand the structure of the message better, because I’m actively thinking about what people are saying.

Importantly, the role of an operator is about helping the congregation to immerse themselves in the meeting in the same way. Their experience is key. How do they see it? How are they understanding it? You don’t want to be simply reacting. You want to move between slides and resources in a seamless way that flows. AV should not distract from worship but enhance it.

It’s powerful to see the part we play in immersing everyone in the message and freeing them up to worship.

Salvationist 20 April 2024 13

Lessons for the future

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

SOME remember school fondly. Many do not. It was with both experiences in mind that the Children and Youth Department’s CY Schoolswork Conference met for the day, reports Captain Mhairi Smeaton (Associate Officer, Glasgow City Centre)

About 100 delegates – including children’s and youth workers, Salvationists who work in schools and corps leaders – were welcomed by hosts Grace Moir (Regent Hall) and Youth Specialist (Leader Development) Matt Perkins, and the delightful Courtney provided the perspective of an eight-year-old with all the opportunities and challenges that come with currently attending school. Bouncing on to the platform, Courtney was insightful, articulate and undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of her.

Our first speaker of the day, Sue Blyth (Peterborough Citadel), is the head teacher of the happiest school in Britain. Within seconds of listening to her, it was clear that this woman was called to ministry as an educator – particularly to advocacy for the children in her school – as she spoke of the trials in the school system.

Intercultural Mission Enabler Major Jonny Smith (THQ) was next up. He spoke passionately of a life that is available in fullness through Christ. As a school governor, he reflected on how children need good role models who present attainable, realistic goals, and speak to the familial breakdown that so many children experience.

Youth Specialist (Discipleship) Jo Taylor looked at 1 Samuel 4:12–22. In that passage of Scripture, God’s glory left Israel when the Ark of the Covenant – the heart of Israel – was captured. Perhaps schools have lost their glory because the hearts of children have been discarded in favour of creating children who fit into the world’s mould of how they should look and test.

Keynote speaker the Rev Steve Chalke exhorted The Salvation Army to continue in the dynamism that God has set us apart and anointed us for. This includes our part in the education

system, where hope can be fragile.

The education system in this country can often seem to let down many children, and research has shown that lots of people in prison were previously excluded from school.

As someone who is familiar with lobbying on behalf of schools, Steve challenged the Army to get a national strategy together to bring hope to our schools. He spoke about how the labels we give children in the education system must change: not ‘excluded’ or ‘differently able’, but simply ‘children’, with educators afforded the privilege of teaching them in the ways that they learn.

The day also included stories of withness and ways to be present in schools. Those gathered at the conference were passionate and were encouraged and challenged by all

the speakers, who cared dearly about children’s wellbeing. We were led in worship by Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretaries Lieutenants Jonny and Kat Whitmore and Children’s Specialist (Discipleship) Austen Hardwick.

The Spirit was tangible in guiding, nurturing and harvesting the things of the Father’s heart that he is calling us to, individually and corporately: to hold up the hands of educators (see Exodus 17:10–13), through prayer and giving our time. In this way, we can help them be victorious in the battle they are facing on behalf of all God’s children.

• From Bounce and Mindset to Starfish mentoring, find out about the Children and Youth team’s resources and work to support children and young people at salvationist.org.uk/childrenandyouth

CY SCHOOLSWORK CONFERENCE REPORT
Salvationist 20 April 2024 14

EASTER

Amsterdam Staff Band share love, faith and hope

BELLSHILL

THE Amsterdam Staff Band led an Easter weekend of powerful and impactful ministry.

A near-capacity congregation shared in a Good Friday service on the theme Such Love, with the band playing ‘To Thy Cross I Come, Lord’, ‘Agnus Dei’ and trombone solo ‘Sacred Hour’, presented by Edwin Outhuijse. Personal testimony from a bandsman and ‘Wondrous Cross’ from the songsters preceded Executive Officer Commissioner Alistair Venter’s (The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory) thought, focusing on Jesus’ unconditional love.

On the Saturday the band conducted open-air ministry at Loch Lomond Shores, with hundreds of people listening. In an evening concert, soloists Daniel Rosenquist (soprano cornet) and Pelle van der Zee (flugelhorn) played ‘I Will Guide Thee’ and ‘For the Beauty of the Earth’ respectively.

On Easter Day morning, extra seats were needed for a packed celebration. The band played ‘The Power of the Cross’ and ‘Speak, Lord’, and the YP band, singing company and songsters contributed. Under the theme of Such Hope, Commissioner Alistair encouraged the congregation to explore what Jesus’ resurrection meant for their lives, reminding those present that hope is found in Christ alone.

The weekend concluded with a march of witness. – MS

EASTER

EASTER

DARLASTON/WILLENHALL The two corps hosted cadets and tutors from William Booth College, who led the Easter weekend. Congregations from both corps were challenged to see the bigger picture of the whole Bible and God’s restoration plan through the Resurrection narrative. Many special, reflective moments were shared in vibrant and uplifting times of worship. Pictured are Cadets Ed Borrett, Sophie Borrett, Megan D’Silva, Cat Brown and Johnathan Brown with tutors Captains Petr Janousek and Miroslava Janouskova. – LH-N

WELLING The corps held a Maundy Thursday meal. Each person was greeted, gifted a booklet and given the opportunity to be prayed with and receive a hand massage. The corps were amazed that everyone accepted the gift of prayer. After the meal, they reflected on the joy of praying with so many people who are not in a relationship with Jesus. The corps decided to make the offer of prayer a part of its usual greetings to people attending corps activities. – KS

COMMUNITY

THQ Andrew Wileman (Older People’s Services) spoke to TWR-UK about a recent report by Age UK, which found that 4.7 million people aged over 65 lack skills to successfully use the internet. He emphasised that, while certain ways of life are becoming normal for many younger and middle-aged people, everyone has a part to play in striving for intergenerational harmony. He said: ‘If we leave behind people through technology for technology’s sake, we run the risk of undermining the great value that older people can bring to society, church and everything else they play such an important role in.’ The full interview is available at youtu.be/2sLPvWJ-Ons. – AR

CORPS

BOSCOMBE More than 160 people have been using WhatsApp groups as part of the corps Year of Discipleship involving the 365-day devotional book Knowing You, Jesus. ‘WhatsApp allows instant and easy sharing of thoughts,’ said one. ‘It’s good to know we are all connected as one big family without being in the same area,’ said another. One newer attendee said: ‘If I record something the reading made me think about, I’m more likely to catch up on it. I don’t know a lot of people yet, so it’s also a way of getting to meet a few more people. The group is a safe space where I can say what I think. We are a family that always remind each other of the word of God.’ – AR

Salvationist 20 April 2024 15 ARMY UPDATES
ARMY UPDATES
IPSWICH CITADEL Throughout Holy Week, an illuminated cross outside the hall reminded passers-by of the real meaning of Easter. After the Easter Day morning meeting, the band played outside to passing traffic and nearby residents. – DC

BRIEF UPDATES

KNOTTINGLEY People from four churches came together for a Good Friday reflection. Music and periods of reflective silence aided worship, and the morning concluded with refreshments and fellowship. – MT

HULL Hull Citadel and Hull Icehouse united with members from three other churches for Good Friday. The sections from both corps combined to bring items, and during a reflection those present put fingerprints on a cross. Following the benediction, fellowship was enjoyed over refreshments. – MK

WILLENHALL About 100 people attended a lunchtime concert by Charlie Green. As well as foot-tapping classics and singalongs, he presented a powerful sung testimony. These regular concerts are opportunities for social gathering and for corps members to invite friends. They have proved a great success and the corps has seen new people attending other corps activities as a result. – LH-N

TWICKENHAM The corps held community stay-and-play sessions throughout the Easter holidays, providing a safe and enjoyable place for children and adults. – EW

CHATTERIS The band led community singing on the Churches Together Good Friday walk of witness. A combined Churches Together service followed, during which Corps Sergeant-Major Anese Tomkinson delivered a message titled The Man in the Middle. – IT

BOSCOMBE The Easter programme started with a screening of Jesus Christ Superstar on Palm Sunday. A musical meditation on Maundy Thursday preceded Good Friday worship, led by cadets from William Booth College. The evening meeting evoked the response of a seeker, and Ruth Wright’s solo allowed for reflection before a minute of darkness. Family outreach on Saturday shared the Easter message through crafts and a story trail. An opportunity to deepen relationships as part of the corps Year of Discipleship included a chat show with the cadets and corps member Alison Newland. Musical sections supported the Easter Day morning meeting, with a powerful message from Cadet Georgia Marriott-Lodge. The weekend ended with a march of witness and open-air meeting proclaiming Jesus is, indeed, risen! – JT

EVENT

WILLENHALL The corps held its first intercultural celebration day, giving the whole congregation an opportunity to worship in the style of their home countries. The rapidly growing congregation includes people from more than 10 countries. Corps member Eunice Kabibi co-ordinated the event and preached. International Salvationists wore their respective uniforms and others wore their country’s traditional dress. Songs were sung in Hindi and tambourines and hosho were played. The meeting culminated in the joining of languages to raise the roof with ‘O Boundless Salvation!’ before an international lunch. – LH-N

Members of Leighton Buzzard show their love for Jesus’ sacrifice on Easter Day by placing hearts on a cross

SALISBURY The band and corps members joined other Christians for a Good Friday walk of witness, leading the procession between stops from the cathedral to the city square. Ministers read Scripture and offered prayers. On Saturday, 66 people attended a free family event at the corps for an afternoon of fun and fellowship – a new venture that was very well received. – MD

ARMY UPDATES Salvationist 20 April 2024 16
EASTER Cwm Band members battle the wind to celebrate Easter morning at an empty cross overlooking the valley before returning to the hall for breakfast and worship EASTER EASTER

MARTYN McGovern was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Jonathan Heward. Martyn began attending worship and the weekly community living room after moving to the area a year ago. The corps celebrated Martyn’s commitment as an adherent, and the miraculous sense of belonging we can find within church families. – JH

EUNICE Ratcliffe was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Andrew Jarrold. Eunice and Captain Andrew are pictured with Adherents Secretary Major Julia Partridge, who supported her. – DC

MAUREEN Smith was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Lieutenant Susan Shorland-Compton. Maureen testified to feeling very welcome and at home. After losing a dear friend who came with her initially, the love and support she has found at the corps have kept her going. – SS-C

REBECCA Watt was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Catherine Wyles. ‘God has guided me here, where I need to be at this point in my life,’ she testified. ‘I am for ever grateful to everyone who welcomed me into the church family with open arms and made me feel at home straight away.’ Rebecca looks forward to creating more special memories in the corps. – DM

ASTON Laity and Karen Parkes were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Nicola Hylton-Jones. Aston, who is a lifeguard, and Karen, who is a student nurse, testified to their desire to be effective Christians. They both look forward to God showing them the way he wants their lives to go. Also pictured is corps officer Major Colin Hylton-Jones. – HB

WHAT DOES BEING A SOLDIER OR ADHERENT MEAN?

Find out more about membership of The Salvation Army and the different ways in which you can make a spiritual commitment at salvationist.org.uk/ membership.

Salvationist 20 April 2024 17 NEW COMMITMENTS
SHOEBURYNESS
RUTHERGLEN IPSWICH CITADEL
HYTHE
STAPLE HILL

ARMY PEOPLE

Appointed

Effective 12 April

MAJOR MARTIN HILL , officer in retirement, Chaplain, Edinburgh Homelessness Services (10 hours a week)

Effective 15 April

MAJOR JULIE KIDD, officer in retirement, Boston – Pastoral Co-ordinator and Community (8 hours a week)

MAJOR DAVID RADFORD, officer in retirement, Boston – Administration and Pastoral Support (8 hours a week)

Effective 1 July

MAJOR JANINE LEWIS, Personal Assistant for Women’s Ministries, IHQ

Effective 18 July

CAPTAIN ELIZABETH DAVIES, Divisional Support Officer, Central and Southern Scotland Division

MAJOR PAULA HUBBARD, Chaplain, Glebe Court

Local officers appointed

CT MAJOR DEREK JONES, Sittingbourne B/SEC GARETH PENNINGTON, Sittingbourne

DEP SL GRACE MOUNT, Sittingbourne

Wedding anniversaries

Golden (50 years)

MAJORS ANNE AND PAUL McNALLY on 27 April

SONGSTER CHRISTINE AND BANDSMAN/ SONGSTER RONALD GLEGHORN, Exmouth, on 18 May

Promoted to Glory

IRIS EDMUNDS, Newcastle City Temple S/RESERVIST JEAN HOLMES, Eastbourne Citadel

BARBARA LANG, Staines, on 4 April

MAJOR MARGARET TUCKER from Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, on 8 April

FRANK MILLER , Edinburgh City, from his home on 9 April

Bereaved

MAJOR BRYAN LANG , Aylesbury, and Beryl Lang , Staines, of their mother Barbara Lang

MAJOR FRANCES SLADE and CT Duncan Miller, Edinburgh City, of their father Frank Miller

KWAME TUCKER , Stockport Heaton Norris, of his mother Major Margaret Tucker

RTD CT STUART HOLMES, Eastbourne Citadel, of his wife S/Reservist Jean Holmes

ENGAGEMENTS

General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Fri 12 Apr – Mon 22 Apr Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory

Sat 27 Apr – Sun 28 Apr Isle of Man

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill

Tue 23 Apr ICO Lecture

Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main

Tue 23 Apr Tavistock Square (An Evening with the Free Churches Group)

Fri 26 Apr – Sat 27 Apr Isle of Man

Sun 28 Apr – Wed 1 May Barnstaple (South West Divisional Retreat)

Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest

Tue 23 Apr – Thu 25 Apr High Leigh conference centre (Central, Southern and Channel Islands Divisional Retreat)

NOTICES

Domestic abuse survey

Family Ministries invites anyone connected to the Army to share their thoughts on domestic abuse in an anonymous new survey. The survey closes on 30 April. Visit salvationist.org.uk/domesticabusesurvey or email amy.quinn-graham@salvationarmy.org.uk for more information.

Help for engaging local politicians

Local elections take place next month in parts of England and Wales. If you’re keen to engage with local politicians or have been approached by one, please contact the Public Affairs Unit at public.affairs@salvationarmy.org.uk, who can support you with raising awareness of the issues that matter in your area. Guidance and support on the political landscape, elections, building relationships and campaigning are also available.

Retired officers’ birthdays

Salvationist has been alerted to concerns regarding the publishing of retired officer birthdays. As Salvationist is now available online, anyone could access this information. We never want to expose our beloved retireds to fraudsters so we have taken the decision to no longer publish the birthdays in the magazine. Salvationist apologises for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause.

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

Cadet Dave Perkins leads this week’s Sunday Worship. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Fully Scored

Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Lieutenant Jonny Whitmore joins host Matthew Frost backstage at Lighthouse in Poole, before the final concert of Territorial Youth Band. Lieutenant Jonny was a student on the first ever TYB course. He talks about music-making, his faith and his calling to full-time ministry, before answering quickfire questions from TYB students. Bandmaster Gavin Lamplough (Birmingham Citadel) looks at ‘For Our Transgressions’ and International Staff Bandsman Nick Brill heads to the Arid Island.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts

Salvationist 20 April 2024 18
ANNOUNCEMENTS

DUDLEY TOWN HALL, ST JAMES’S ROAD DY1 1HP

Saturday 15 June, 7pm (doors open 6.15pm)

AN EVENING WITH THE STARS

The world-famous Cory Band with international vocal soloist Charlie Green

Tickets: £21, available from Richard Campbell on 07387 308718

ADVERTISING RATES

(FORMERLY STOCKHOLM VII)

Saturday 11 May 7pm (admission £7 – children free) Sunday 12 May 10am (admission free)

Further details 01536 513883 or kettering@salvationarmy.org.uk

HARLOW CORPS, TENDRING ROAD, CM18 6RN 67TH CORPS

ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

Saturday 27 April 6.30pm

Festival with Chelmsford Band

Sunday 28 April 10.30am

Worship with Chelmsford ensemble

All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion.

For more details email advertising@ salvationarmy.org.uk

ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

ADVERTS
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1 CORINTHIANS 10:31
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