Guisborough Focus

Focus

couldn’t do without them!

Major Antony

writes…

Some old traditions never change. Christmas trees, Santa, turkeys - and Cliff Richard! We can’t have Christmas without them, seemingly. I heard that there might be a shortage of turkeys this year, and the radio presenter who suggested having beef instead was met with utter disbelief and an almost speechless rage from the other presenter who said: “You can’t have Christmas dinner without turkey! It’s traditional!”

Indeed so.

There are some things that are sacrosanct. I’m not sure what the English did before Prince Albert brought decorated trees over from Germany we hung up sprigs of holly I guess but now we

Same as Santa and Cliff Richard.

“It’s not Christmas until you’ve heard a Salvation Army band playing carols.” Yes! We hear that every year. I’ve also heard: “It’s not Christmas until you’ve heard Slade on the wireless and Cliff Richard!”

Well, the man who had hit records well before this 60 year old was born, and has had hits in every decade, has brought out another Christmas album and, I have to say, it’s actually very good! Along with his other festive tunes, these new songs have made our Cliff a Christmas tradition.

rapidly changing and uncertain world, some things don’t need to change. Certainly, the Old, Old Story hasn’t changed. It’s not traditional in the storybook sense, because it’s true; and it’s as up to date and revolutionary as ever.

The traditional story has as much to say to today’s unstable society as it ever did. If ever the world needed to hear a traditional message, it’s this one: ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2: 11, King James Version the traditional one!).

Some people don’t like tradition; they like to be edgy, innovative, revolutionary. But isn’t tradition just that because it’s tried, tested, valued and, basically, it works?

We’ve billed our carol service this year as Reassuringly Traditional. When you join us, you’ll know the carols, the readings will be familiar, and even though Cliff won’t be featured, we hope that it will indeed be a reminder that in a

A saviour that’s the answer to it all. The band plays music about him and so indeed does Cliff!

God bless you. Have a happy Christmas!

What’s On!

Major Fiona writes…

News from Sunday school

As we approach the end of another year we look forward to all that December will bring, but also look back to November which included a time of remembrance both at the memorial in Guisborough and the hall.

On 5 November we took a group of our young people to Newcastle upon Tyne for a creative arts day. There were several activities on offer, but we had signed them up for singing, as this was the first time they had gone anywhere like this and we wanted to keep them together.

would be so proud of them. Their behaviour was impeccable, and they made new friends and got to meet people who will be part of the new division when we move into the North East Division in January.

Over the course of the day, they learnt four songs, which were then presented during the mini concert at the end of the day.

The youngsters were amazing you

As a treat on the way home we stopped at McDonald’s for something to eat and, as it was bonfire night, they also got to see many of the firework displays as we were driving down the A19.

On Remembrance Day

Riley helped Jan Blott lay a wreath on behalf on The Salvation Army at the war memorial.

In the afternoon we held our Messy Church and still held a time of remembrance where the children brought poppies they had made to the front during the silence.

They were all very quiet as they placed their poppies very carefully, thinking of those who had fought previously for our freedom.

We are now busy preparing for Christmas, but you will have to wait to see what we have been doing!

There will be a Messy Church on 11 December and the young people will be taking part in the worship that follows this, so please come along and support on this day!

The Salvation Army Worship

News from Golden Years

November has seen a variety of things happening in Golden Years. We began with a Bonfire Special that is, a chance to come together and enjoy food associated with bonfire night. So, we sat down to jacket potatoes and, after some persuasion, cakes, cinder toffee, baked apples and, of course, tea and coffee.

We were fortunate to have Andrea Cassule come and talk about her work with The Salvation Army’s Antitrafficking and Modern Slavery team.

It was a really interesting afternoon, during which Joan Latheron and Jenny Ramirez brought their homemade cards which they sell to raise funds for the Army’s work combatting modern slavery. On the day they sold more than £50 worth of cards and have presented the corps with another £200 pounds for the Army’s work in this area, so a big ‘Thank you!’ to all three of them.

We also had a visit from Ray Clarke from the North Yorkshire Moors Association. Ray gave a very interesting talk about different aspects of the moors and different tracks and walking routes. (I think the highlight for some was when he recalled going walking and, forgetting he had left his phone at home, ended up sleeping out all night and being in trouble with his wife when she eventually found him the next day!)

And finally, at the end of the month we will be sharing in our annual carol service before we close for the Christmas period.

Territorial update

The Structure Coordination and Design Group (SCDG) has been working with the Cabinet and divisional leaders to implement the SCDG ‘Findings and Proposals Report’ (see https://www.salvationist.org.uk/arti cles/new-proposals-announcedstrengthening our future). DHQ employees have been consulted about the proposed changes and provided valuable feedback, which is helping shape local divisional outcomes. We’d like to thank our employees and DHQ officers for their involvement, feedback and professionalism during this process. The process has now concluded and meetings have taken place with employees to discuss individual impacts.

On 9 January 2023, 10 DHQs will start forming their new divisions, working towards streamlined processes and ways of ensuring support and oversight releases local mission expressions to flourish in helping communities find fulness of life in Jesus.

What’s next?

The territory is moving away from the Service Centre model introduced during Fit for Mission. Instead, the focus will be on a closer working relationship between headquarters territorial and divisional and local mission expressions. Of the seven service centres originally set up, only the Leeds, Birmingham and Glasgow sites have leases remaining. These buildings currently host DHQs the

remaining buildings have closed and teams dispersed to other sites.

During the pandemic many teams providing support, such as property, communications, finance, etc, worked more remotely and have since adopted agile working practices as they carry on providing vital support to local mission expressions.

What’s changing at DHQ?

At corps level, it’s unlikely changes will be noticed initially we’ve consistently resisted the temptation to go for ‘big bang’ change and we are committed to continuous improvement. There are some encouraging indicators of substantial change. For instance, the current DHQ officer staffing plans project a reduction in the number of fulltime officers based on DHQ by more than 20 per cent by July 2023 (from 82 to 64). There will be an increase in part-time officers on DHQ, who will be practitioners so they will also have responsibilities in corps and other local mission expressions. We hope this will build greater learning and collaboration across the division and DHQ.

Not all DHQs will be structured or staffed identically. Employee job profiles will be consistent, but there’s more flexibility in determining officer responsibilities. Each DHQ team will work out together how to cover an agreed set of key tasks and responsibilities. Once they have been approved by the Chief Secretary, divisional officers will receive personalised briefs of appointment (BOA) outlining their role, which might vary slightly to a colleague in another division

with the same title. This is a new way of working, but it is a desire to ensure DHQs are responsive to their local context and are using the gifts and experiences of their officers. This is an intentional move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach to DHQs. Larger divisions mean it’s vital that corps and other local mission expressions draw the support they need from the full DHQ team rather than only the divisional leaders (DLs) The DLs will be prioritising strategic leadership and integrating The Salvation Army in the division as well as gathering a DHQ team who build webs of relationships with local mission expressions. The DLs will bring together the different streams of Army ministry in the division.

What are the new roles?

‘Divisional officer’ is the generic term for officers who are part of a divisional team with responsibility for ‘support and oversight’ for local mission expressions. This could include responsibilities for an area of the division or for a specific function such as mission, personnel, safeguarding, ecumenical, children and youth, etc. This might be a fulltime appointment, or part time for a practitioner with credibility and experience in a specific ‘support and oversight’ process. Some divisions are opting for ‘Divisional Area Officers’ who provide both personnel and mission support and oversight in a specific geographical care. Other divisions have decided to retain the functional approach with a ‘Divisional Mission Officer’ or ‘Divisional Personnel Officer’.

Corps whose officer(s) are also based on DHQ for more than one day a week will be proportionately reimbursed for the relevant total officers’ costs (including allowance, quarters, car, etc). This will help corps finances and may enable some ‘backfilling’ of the time the corps officer is spending on ‘support and oversight’ work for headquarters. Updated contact details for your divisional team as it begins work in its new boundaries will be available on the divisional page on www.salvationarmy.org.uk. Until then, please continue to use the current contact details.

What about other roles? Particular focus has been placed on the request for an increase in the people involved in youth, children and family ministries, and for more support to help corps with administration. Increasing resources invested in both areas has been agreed in principle and there’s ongoing work to see how much is affordable. Decisions will be taken in the budget process for 2023/24 and we will provide an update as soon as we are able.

This is a new step for the territory and we’re committed to asking for and receiving feedback as we learn and make continuous improvements moving forwards. Please continue to share your feedback by emailing transformation@salvationarmy.org.uk and to pray for our divisions as they prepare for change. We ask that God transforms our hearts, minds and ministry.

Reflections on Remembrance Sunday

Stephen Mugford

help but feel pride for what I was doing. I was physically showing my respect and admiration for all of those who have laid down their lives for us to live in the freedom that we have now (as well as marching to the drum of the guards’ band).

On Sunday 13 November, I was lucky enough to march down Whitehall with other members of The Salvation Army in remembrance of those soldiers who have given their lives fighting for the freedom of our country and other countries around the world.

I have always loved watching the National Service of Remembrance every year on TV, watching the Queen (now the King) laying a wreath on behalf of the nation, listening to massed bands playing the different marches, and secretly wishing I owned one of their bass drums!

So, when I was offered the chance to march with the Army, I didn’t hesitate to say ‘Yes!’ And when we began to march - after nearly three hours’ standing - I couldn’t

It was both surprising and humbling that as we marched, members of the public on either side were shouting ‘Go on, Salvation Army!’ and ‘Thank you, Sally Army!’

I believe that we should never stop remembering those who have sacrificed their lives because without them we wouldn’t have the freedom we have now. Just as we always remember the sacrifice that Jesus gave when he was crucified on the cross.

Prayer list

1 December Kerry Day Riley 21 December Allison and Roger Manley George 2 December Ashley and Tracy Durrant 22 December Susan Marshall 3 December Bryan and Joan Durrant 23 December Peter and Rita McClusky 4 December Alyson and Martin Eddon Holly 24 December Alan Mitchell 5 December Maxine and Richard Flanary 25 December Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford 6 December Jean and Les Hansson 26 December Stephen Mugford 7 December Kevin and Michelle Hart Alfie, Harvey and Ebony 27 December Jean Noddings 8 December Majors John and June Hatfield 28 December Alistair and Emma Oswin Harry 9 December Mary Hedditch 29 December Dawn and Gary Parkin Bill, Tom and Joe 10 December Brian Heseltine 30 December Val Plows 11 December Mandy and Matt Hester Ben, Daniel, John, Charlie, Luke and Nicola

31 December Helen Pucik 12 December June Hewitt 1 January 2023

Leon and Rebecca Pucik Eli and Sienna 13 December Dave and Margaret Hughes 2 January Richard Purvies 14 December Alix and Jordan JacksonBailey Nevaeh

3 January Jenny Ramirez 15 December Anita and Doug Johnson 4 January Kirsty and Paul Riordon Erin, Eve and George 16 December Brian and Joan Latheron 5 January Gordon and Margaret Shaw 17 December Joan Laviolette 6 January Paul Simpson Chloe 18 December Amanda and Tony Long Frazer 7 January Pat and Richard Simpson 19 December Richard and Tina Leeson 8 January Denise and Steve Simpson 20 December Albert Mack It's not always easy to begin our reflections, so Marie Upton has written a short prayer which you may find helpful. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for all the people named on the prayer list for December and for all the good things that you do for them. Lord, we especially bring __________________ before you in prayer. We ask that they will experience the fullness of your love, joy and peace and, indeed, all the fruits of your Holy Spirit in their lives today. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen

Reproduced with kind permission of Andy Robb visit: https://www.facebook.com/derektheclericsquirkyworld/ for more of Derek’s musings or download his first ebook from https://amzn.to/3I3IVja

CONTACTS

Church leaders: Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford 01287 632921 (home) 01287 636192 (office)

Church leadership team: Geoff Blott 01287 637332

Charity Shop: 01287 637636

Focus newsletter: Claire Cartwright claire.anderson@ salvationarmy.org.uk