Salvationist 23 November 2024

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

70p/80c 23 November 2024

SALVATIONIST FROM THE HEART PASSION IN ACTION

INTRODUCING THE MISSION CONFERENCE PAGE 5

The heart of the matter I WAS asked recently if I was enjoying my appointment. I was very pleased to be able to say that I am. I have enjoyed many varied appointments with very different perspectives and specific focuses, but all have had one common ultimate goal: to bring glory to God and either introduce people to Jesus or bring them closer to him. I am passionate about it. It doesn’t matter what my role is, this focus applies in all contexts. It is in my heart.

Passion is one of the territory’s six values and is defined as bringing ‘our best selves, our God-given energies and convictions to our work’, whatever that work may be.

This week’s issue explores examples of passion in action across the territory. We ask individuals why they do what they do. We hear about a new initiative to help our spiritual leaders to bring their best selves to their ministry. We hear about an upcoming conference designed to encourage those engaged in mission.

We reflect on the Great Commission to go and share the good news – to tell our stories.

What is your story? What is in your heart? What are you passionate about?

MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor

ON THE WEBSITE Visit salvationist.org.uk

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Everlasting Light Walking in darkness

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8 FIRED UP FOR MISSION

9 TALKING MUSIC AND FAITH

10+11 WHY I DO WHAT I DO

12+13 ICO TESTIMONIES

BIBLE STUDY

SALVATIONIST Issue No 1988

EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

FOUNDERS William and Catherine Booth

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

INTERNATIONAL LEADERS General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Stevie Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Louise Phillips, Joseph Halliday, Oyindamola Olagunju PROOFREADER Chris Horne CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

Journeying into Advent

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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

Salvationist 23 November 2024

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TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ 0845 634 0101 © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

ISSN 2516-5909.

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@SalvationistUKI @SalvationistUKI

TRENDING

Picture: Vicente Sargues / Shutterstock.com

Not waving but drowning As COP29 finishes, Major Heather Poxon reflects on the deadly flooding in Spain

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HIS week marked the end of COP29, the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference. Speaking to the world leaders gathered, UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres described 2024 as ‘a masterclass in climate destruction’.

We – you and I, that is – need to turn the tide, almost literally.

Mud-submerged corpses do not make for pleasant reading, yet that is the stark reality facing rescue agencies, families and communities in Valencia – to name just one of many recent flashpoints in Europe – after torrential rain led to flooding in Spain in recent weeks. More than 200 people died in the natural disaster, and communities are still responding to the aftermath. These are our neighbours, our brothers and sisters.

Reflect and respond Reflect on Micah 6:8. How and why are acting justly and walking humbly linked to caring for creation?

What changes are you willing to make to reduce your environmental footprint?

Is your corps registered in an eco-church scheme? Find out more at salvationist.org.uk/environment.

Join the territory’s network of environmental champions at salvationist.org.uk/environment.

It is very close to home, literally and metaphorically, for Salvationists in the UKI Territory.

As The Salvation Army engages in clean-up operations around the world following such unprecedented flooding, any analysis of the climate emergency calls for a personal and corporate response. William Booth famously wrote: ‘The tide is now flowing, I’m touching the wave,/ I hear the loud call of the mighty to save’ (SASB 509). I make no apology for adapting those soul-saving words to a different kind of emergency, but one which sits equally firmly within the Salvationist mandate of serving others without discrimination.

The data is writ large across the globe. The 2024 Lancet Countdown report says: ‘New records in fossil fuel-related emissions, promoted by persistent investments in fossil fuels, are reducing our chances of survival.

With the most disadvantaged worst affected, health inequities are growing.’

The environmental crisis represented by the floods in Valencia challenges us not only to study the scientific facts set before us – ‘Love the Lord your God with all your … mind’ (Matthew 22:37) – but also to take seriously issues of personal responsibility, such as our lifestyles.

Those who have ears to hear and eyes to read now have it impressed upon their hearts to respond. As Barack Obama told COP21 in 2015: ‘We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last to be able to do anything about it.’

The good news? The power to turn things around is still in our hands. Carbon emissions in the EU – a proven contributor to the problem – fell 8 per cent in 2023.

More of the same? Yes, please! But how?

That car journey – necessity or luxury?

Be honest! That flight, whether business or personal – necessity or planetpolluting luxury?

How we live has an increasingly direct impact on not only how others live, but also whether they live at all.

As Christians – stewards of God’s creation, according to Genesis 2:15 – we accept our God-given privilege of stewardship. Likewise, we understand our duty of care towards those with whom we share this common home.

A paraphrase of Micah 6:8 and the Pirkei Avot by Rabbi Rami Shapirov gently reminds us: ‘Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.’

In even only those two examples of Scripture, it is easy to define a theological foundation for environmental concern and, more to the point, a fitting response.

The Bible substantiates and endorses a call to action, and provides a template for us to tread softly – you and I, that is.

MAJOR HEATHER POXON Territorial Environmental Officer

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TESTIMONY

‘I have a passion for seconds with... praying I’ve never EXPLAINED experienced before’ Passion /ˈpaʃn/ ■ n.

PASSION is one of the UK and Ireland Territory’s six values, which also include boldness, compassion, respect, integrity and mutual accountability.

These were identified and listed in 2009 to describe how biblical principles could shape our behaviour.

Ian Brizell (Mold) shares how God spoke to him during Design for Life

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CO AC AL

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NTEGRITY MU T I TU EC

RECENTLY attended a Design for Life weekend at William Booth College.

It had the single biggest spiritual effect on my life since I first gave my heart to Christ 40 years ago. It has given me a passion for praying I’ve never experienced before.

Statement of intent As a Christian, I have always loved We will bring our best selves, our Godtalking about God and studying Scripture, given energies and our convictions to but taking time to commune with God in our work, service and learning, whether prayer has often been limited. as officers, members, employees In one session, one participant said or volunteers. that God sometimes woke her up at 3am to pray. I longed to have such passion Desired behaviour for prayer. I believed my prayers were Behaviour that we want to move boring and repetitive, so I shied away towards includes: Demonstrate from it. Bramwell Booth once said: ‘Prayer hope. Desire to say yes. Enthusiastic, without desire is like a bird without wings. committed and empowered to join in It cannot rise.’

God’s mission to the world. Reflective Later, after pouring out my heart to God practice and ongoing development at the mercy seat, I went to bed buzzing through learning. Radical discipleship. and so full of love for God. In the night, I awoke to use the bathroom and God Undesirable behaviour planted the woman’s words in my head.

Behaviour that we want to move I said to God: ‘If it’s 3am, I’ll away from and challenge includes: believe you’ve woken me Cynicism. Failure to listen to PASSION RE up to pray.’ I looked at and consider views and N S O my watch. It was experience of others.

P SI 3am! I prayed for This article demonstrates 30 minutes.

Biblical background The Salvation Army’s I woke up Read the key value of passion. again a little theological basis For more, visit later. I said for passion in salvationist. to God: ‘If Deuteronomy org.uk/ it’s 6am, I’ll 6:5, Matthew our-values believe you’ve 22:37–39, Luke or scan the QR code. woken me up 10:27, Ephesians again to pray.’

2:10, Ephesians 6:7, I looked at my 1 Samuel 14:7 and watch. It was 6am!

Revelation 3:15.

I prayed for 50 minutes.

I got in the shower singing Keep an eye out for widgets like praises and dancing. I thought of this in upcoming issues to discover the David bringing home the Ark of the many ways these values tie into our Covenant and dancing to God. I got everyday. Learn about all the values dressed and, because I didn’t have my in the Living Out Our Salvation Army latest Bible study notes, I opened my Values booklet at salvationist.org.uk/ Bible up at random – something I don’t our-values.

usually do. It opened at 2 Samuel 6, which speaks about David bringing home the Ark and dancing to God! I told the woman all that and her face lit up. She told me God had woken her up at 3am to pray for me. She wrote a note of encouragement and gave it to me.

In the weeks since, I’ve been getting up early to pray – it’s a time when I have no distractions. I am encouraged by Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:7: ‘When you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words’ (English Standard Version). God doesn’t care how ‘imperfect’ my prayers might seem to me.

Design for Life taught me to allow God to take control of my weakness. Prayer has become the foundation on which God is already opening up opportunities to be a light to those I meet every day.

• Find out more about the next Design for Life weekend at salvationist.org.uk/ designforlife.

Have you got a testimony to share?

Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

PREVIEW

Mission Conference

Reconnecting with our purpose Major Kerry Coke looks ahead to the Mission Conference in February 2025

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OTHING excites me more than being able to spend time in the company of local leaders on fire for Jesus and passionate about being part of God’s mission in the world. So I’m looking forward to February 2025, when people engaged in all kinds of mission will gather together for our first united Mission Conference.

This unique gathering will take place at the University of Warwick and will be themed Oikos, which means ‘household of faith’. The key text we will explore during the weekend is Ephesians 3:14–19, with a focus on discipleship. As churches, we can be busy running programmes and worrying about the ABCs of church life – attendance, buildings and cash – and lose sight of our main purpose: making disciples.

Nurturing disciples of Jesus is one of our five mission priorities, and this conference will enable us all to go deeper in exploring ways to do it better, learning from experts and from each other.

I am thrilled that we’re able to offer an opportunity to explore so many aspects of mission in one place. To make sure as many people as possible can attend, the conference will take place twice over four days: from 10am on Thursday 20 February to 9pm on Friday 21 February, and from

6pm on Friday 21 February to 4pm on Sunday 23 February.

There will be main sessions at the beginning and end of each day. The keynote speakers booked for these sessions include Secretary for Mission Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe, Rachel Jordan-Wolf from Hope Together, Adam Johnson from Natural Church Development, Rich Robinson from Movement Leaders Collective, Elizabeth Oldfield from Theos Think Tank, and Bishop Mike Royal, the general secretary of Churches Together in England. A music team will lead worship in each of these sessions.

Delegates will also be able to attend four elective sessions, as well as two introductory sessions giving insight into different specialisms and introducing them to new arenas of ministry.

Although not every aspect of mission will be covered at the conference, many will be. Expect exciting and challenging discussions in each area!

The conference is aimed at anyone involved in local leadership, so that includes corps officers, territorial envoys, pioneers, community mission facilitators, local officers, area officers and divisional mission officers.

Find out about…

Mission journals NCD APEST Justice and reconciliation Intergenerational ministry Intercultural ministry Whole-life disciple-making Whole-life worship Whole-life preaching Core Recovery church Local officer training Pioneering Local fundraising support Resources Caring for creation

Tickets cost £50 per person, per conference, and include meals and accommodation. To enable as many people to attend as possible, I encourage you to consider sharing a room with someone you know.

I hope that you will be able to join us for one of the conferences – or both!

– and return home with your head and heart jam-packed with Spirit-filled tools and initiatives to see the love of God proclaimed and demonstrated right where you are.

MAJOR KERRY COKE Assistant Secretary for Mission THQ

SAVE THE DATE WHAT Mission Conference WHEN 20–21 February or 21–23 February WHERE University of Warwick BOOK YOUR PLACE salvationist.org.uk/missionconference

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BIBLE STUDY

Passion for inclusion Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Officer Captain John Clifton reminds us of the Army’s calling to the marginalised LUKE 14:12–24

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HE parable of the great banquet offers a lesson about Jesus’ vision of inclusion. Initially, a select group receives the invitation but, after they decline, the invitation is extended to a far wider audience – including those on the margins of society. This reflects the ultimate offer of God’s grace, which is available to all. However, not everyone chooses to accept this grace. As we explore this passage, we see both the expansiveness of God’s invitation and the personal choice involved in responding to it.

PAUSE AND REFLECT Who today might not be accepting God’s grace?

As individuals and as a church, how can we respond to ensure the invitation is open and accessible?

In the ancient world, meals were significant markers of status and power.

Who you ate with mattered. It reflected your societal standing. In verses 12 to 14, Jesus inverts social expectations. By suggesting that the host should invite those who could never repay – ‘the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind’ (v13) – Jesus challenges not just social norms but also spiritual perceptions. He hints at a broader truth: the Kingdom of God isn’t based on merit but on God’s abundant grace. The emphasis here is on grace extended to the ‘least of these’ (Matthew 25:40), reflecting God’s inclusion of the marginalised.

Luke’s Gospel frequently emphasises this reversal of worldly values – the first shall be last, the exalted shall be humbled.

Jesus’ instructions foreshadow the open 6

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invitation of the banquet. The challenge for us is to examine how we extend grace in our lives.

PAUSE AND REFLECT Who in your community might be overlooked or excluded?

How can you model God’s heart by extending grace to those on the margins?

In verses 16 to 20, the initial invitees to the banquet offer excuses: one has bought land, another oxen and a third is recently married. While these are not inherently sinful excuses, they reflect misplaced priorities – choosing personal concerns over the master’s invitation. This shows how easily we can be distracted by life’s demands. If our priorities are not aligned with his Kingdom, we can miss God’s invitation.

Often, we are distracted by subtle sin and seemingly legitimate concerns – work, relationships, possessions. In the parable, these distractions prevent the invitees from receiving the blessings of the banquet.

For Luke’s audience – and for us today – the parable warns us to consider what we are prioritising over our response to God. Are we self-excluding by allowing everyday concerns to cloud our vision of his Kingdom?

PAUSE AND REFLECT What distractions might cause people to miss God’s invitation?

In what areas of your life do you need to allow God’s grace to transform you?

In verses 21 to 24, the invitation is extended to those on the margins – ‘the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame’ (v21). This reflects God’s inclusive nature and how his grace reaches those most often excluded by society. Even after inviting the marginalised, the master sends his servants out further, ‘to the roads and country lanes’ (v23), compelling others to come. This reflects the relentless pursuit of God’s grace: he will continue inviting until everyone has had the chance to respond.

This is a vision of God’s Kingdom that transcends all social boundaries. This inclusivity is not merely an open-door policy; it is an active pursuit. God’s invitation reaches those on the fringes of society, both socially and spiritually.

For The Salvation Army, this speaks directly to our mission. We have a permanent calling to the unsaved and the marginalised. We are called not only to extend an invitation but also to go out and compel – engaging, walking alongside and inviting others into God’s grace.

PAUSE AND REFLECT Who might feel excluded from God’s invitation today?

Who might feel excluded from church communities today?

How can the Army live out its mission to the unsaved and the marginalised, ensuring the gospel invitation remains accessible?

Accepting this invitation, however, also comes with an important implication – it requires a willingness to be changed. Those who come to the banquet are invited as they are. However, they do not remain unchanged. Accepting the invitation means

As of 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 23 NOVEMBER: CARE FOR CREATION – PRAYING FOR COP29 – ACTION Lord, you call us to stand up, speak out and challenge injustice. You call us to a ministry of reconciliation, restoring relationships between people and you and this beautiful creation. Give us the courage to play our part and to respond to your calling.

by Major Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer)

allowing God’s grace to reshape our lives.

The banquet is not just a free meal; it symbolises participation in the Kingdom of God. To accept God’s invitation is to enter into a transformative relationship with him. It implies a willingness to leave behind the distractions and priorities that kept us away in the first place. As Jesus extends his invitation, he calls for a change of heart – a reordering of life’s values, so that God’s Kingdom comes first.

PAUSE AND REFLECT In what areas of your life might you need to allow God’s grace to transform you?

How can you help others understand that accepting God’s invitation means embracing his transformative power?

The parable of the great banquet offers us a deep understanding of God’s invitation – broad, inclusive and transformative. God invites all to his table, but he also calls us to respond. Jesus’ inclusion is not passive; it requires both extending the invitation and embracing the change that comes with responding to God’s grace.

As The Salvation Army, we are called to live out this vision – bringing the message of grace to the unsaved and the marginalised and walking alongside those who accept it as they experience God’s transforming power. May we reflect God’s generous invitation and his transformative grace as we live out our mission with passion and purpose.

CAPTAIN JOHN CLIFTON Corps Officer Blackpool Citadel and Blackpool South

SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER: SABBATH PRAYER – PRAYING FOR PEACE – REMEMBRANCE Holy Spirit, breath of life, we lament the way war damages this beautiful Earth, ravaging landscapes, destroying ecosystems and preventing crops from flourishing. Brood over the chaos again, we pray. Bring order and balance, and birth new life in barren places.

Lord, in your mercy, heal and restore.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team) MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – CORE RECOVERY – PILGRIMAGE RESOURCE The Core Recovery team have been exploring how pilgrimage can help people and communities to encounter God. We have begun to develop a Pilgrimage Package that any corps, centre or Lifehouse can use, to guide groups through the process of organising and leading a pilgrimage. Pray this fresh approach will help many people to discover the good news of Jesus.

by Major Jill Miller (Core Recovery Team) TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER: SERVING AND CARING – CORE RECOVERY – PILGRIMS TOGETHER Father, thank you for your guidance as the Core Recovery team recently shared in a pilgrimage together. As we move towards you as pilgrims, we praise you that we encounter your Spirit through sharing and silence, through prayer and celebration.

We ask your blessing on all who commit to sharing in future pilgrimages, and pray these journeys will draw us closer to one another and to you.

by Major Jill Miller (Core Recovery Team) WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER: GROWING IN FAITH – SOUTH EAST DIVISION – DIVISIONAL ADVENT RETREAT (29 NOVEMBER) Pray for the retreat and its leaders, Majors Mandy and Steve White (London DHQ). We pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and for restoration and empowering.

by Major Sue Pegram (Divisional Personnel Officer) THURSDAY 28 NOVEMBER: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – ZIMBABWE AND BOTSWANA TERRITORY We give thanks for the passion and dedication of Salvationists preaching the gospel, serving local communities and discipling children and young people. We pray for the word of God to be planted and for new expressions of the Army to spring up, that more and more people may come to know the saving power of Jesus. Bless the territorial leadership team, Commissioners Daniel and Tracey Kasuso and Colonels Rumbidzayi and Tineyi Mambo.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team) FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND DEBT ADVICE SERVICE – FREEDOM AND LIFE Pray for all those caught in debt, that their fears, embarrassment and especially their ‘aloneness’ will be removed; that our Debt Advice teams will bring them hope; that our corps will bring them friendship; and that God will bring them freedom and life in abundance.

by Steve Wright (Financial Inclusion) 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.

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REFLECTION

Burning with passion

Captain Chris Button reminds us that we all need to be fired up for the Great Commission

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HE great secret of the early Salvation Army’s success was its people. In the first 20 years of the Army’s existence, much of its innovation and growth wasn’t because of any central programme, but because of the work of its members. The totality of the Army’s mobilisation for mission was the Great Commission made manifest in the world.

Elizabeth Cottrill, for example, started the women’s rescue work in Whitechapel on her initiative, which then led to a huge amount of work being undertaken not only in England but also around the world to transform the lives of thousands of women. The legacy of that work continues today in the modern-day slavery teams fighting human trafficking.

At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, the 8

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resurrected Jesus speaks to his disciples and commands them to ‘go and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19).

A common phrase in church planting is that disciples make disciples. This is the underlying principle of the Great Commission: the disciples were to go out and make disciples. Then those disciples would go on and make more disciples in ever-increasing ripples and waves across the world.

The transforming power of Christ in people’s lives completely turned their worlds upside down – and they needed to let everyone else know what had happened. Their lives were changed for the better because they knew Jesus and passionately believed that everyone else could be changed for the better too.

Because of this, they naturally wanted

the people they knew and everyone else they came across to get to know Jesus.

It’s like when someone buys an air fryer. How do you know they bought one? Because they will tell you they bought one and how amazing it is. When we watch a film we love, find a new TV series we enjoy or start a new hobby that makes us happy, we want to share that passion with the people around us.

But how often do we do that with Jesus?

If Jesus has made a difference to our lives – hopefully, more of a difference than an air fryer or a TV show – why would we not want to share that with those around us who don’t know Jesus? The disciples knew something had changed in their lives and so, commissioned by Jesus, they went out to tell everybody. They gave their testimony and shared how their lives had been transformed by Jesus – not only their lives but the lives of their neighbours as well.

The greatest resource The Salvation Army has today remains its people. But that resource needs to be motivated and empowered to share the gospel with the people in their lives. The Great Commission is not only for officers or church leaders: it is for everyone who follows Jesus.

That means The Salvation Army’s success doesn’t depend on its officers or strategies, but on its members. On their willingness to give up their free time and to use their resources for the mission.

On their willingness to take personal responsibility for the salvation of their friends and family, neighbours and colleagues.

There are two questions that every member of the Army needs to ask themselves: If Jesus has transformed my life and made it better, isn’t that something I want to share? And what skills and experience do I have that could be offered to support the Army’s mission?

The Salvation Army needs you, where you are, to be burning with passion – to do what you can for the sake of the gospel. If every member signed up for the Great Commission, the world would really be changed.

CAPTAIN CHRIS BUTTON Corps Officer Stroud

INTERVIEW

Meet the music makers

Anais and Khaim Spencer (New Addington) talk to Lyn Woods about the Army’s carol concert at the Royal Albert Hall Tell us a bit about yourselves. How did you discover your musical talents?

Music has always been a big part of our lives, whether playing it, singing in the car or through church. As siblings, we’ve both played instruments and sung from a young age, and it feels like that’s all we’ve ever known – our whole family is musical in some way or other.

We both had lessons throughout our school years. Anais studied singing and piano and Khaim studied piano, drums and guitar. Our keen interest followed us right the way to university at Chichester. Anais has a BMus (Hons) in classical vocal performance and Khaim has a BA (Hons) in audio production and music technologies.

What do you do as performers?

Anais fronts a function band that performs at a variety of events all over the country. She also regularly leads worship for The Salvation Army and the wider Church. Khaim is involved in coordinating sung worship for his corps, as well as leading and playing at Army events and camps. Professionally, Khaim is building a portfolio of composition work, particularly in music for the moving image. We both write and record together too.

What do your friends say about you, your music and your faith?

For the most part, our friends are musicians too and we’ve shared our musical journey with many of them.

Those who aren’t musicians have always just been really encouraging to us. The opportunity to develop as musicians – which we’ve had

through our involvement in church – has enabled us to grow in our faith alongside many of our likeminded friends. Our friends who don’t have faith backgrounds have always been incredibly supportive and respectful of our perspective, and we’re really pleased that several of them will be attending the event to support us.

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We were very honoured to be asked to participate.

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What is your favourite part of Christmas?

We’ve really loved creating traditions with our family. For 10 years, part of our tradition involved participating in our corps pantomime, which was offered as a gift to the community. The whole corps got involved in some way or another, and it was really special.

Another family tradition we’ve grown to value is attending the Service of Lessons and Carols at Westminster Abbey. It always feels like the start of Christmas for us.

How do you share the reason for the season on your front line?

As we’ve graduated from university and started finding our way in the world of music, our lives have changed significantly over the past year or two. For both of us, it’s important to live with integrity and to be known as people who reflect – as best we can – Christlike values in the way that we conduct our lives.

How are you feeling ahead of the concert?

This is the first time we’ve been part of this event – although we’ve both attended as audience members in the past. We were very honoured to be asked to participate. The Royal Albert Hall has always been a very special venue for us. We’ve attended several concerts there and it holds many fond memories. We’re particularly excited to experience performing on this iconic stage. It remains to be seen how nervous we might be on the night, but we’re sure that there will be more than a few prayers offered!

Can you tell us anything about what you’ll be performing?

We’d love to tell you, but it’s a closely guarded secret to make it a nice surprise for our family and friends on the night!

LYN WOODS Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army is on Tuesday 3 December. Find out more and book tickets at salvationist.org.uk/celebratingchristmas-salvation-army.

Highlights from the concert will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Christmas Day at 7am.

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Why do you do what you do?

Members, local leaders, employees and officers answer the question

Corps Secretary Stephanie Stanger Kirkwall Being a local officer provides me a unique way of serving God, my church family and community, as well as supporting our corps officers. I carry out various tasks, but one sums up why I do what I do – updating our history book. We’ve been working in Orkney for 139 years, and the history books are full of poignant memories. Most importantly, they document God’s faithfulness and clearly show that God has a plan for this part of his church.

I’m inspired by how our corps has shared Jesus’ love in innovative ways that have impacted people’s lives. As I update our current book, I write with future generations in mind and pray they’ll be encouraged and challenged to keep sharing the gospel.

Corps Secretary Beverley Nichol Bedlington Having been a lifelong Salvationist, it’s been my purpose to serve the Lord to the best of my ability. Having recently undertaken the role of corps secretary, I’m serving him in a practical and spiritual role. This isn’t a duty but a privilege to be active for Christ.

Walking my Christian path is a continuous learning curve, and the Lord never ceases to amaze me. I do what I do because ‘he leadeth me’ (SASB 645). We may not always feel equipped for the tasks he asks us to do but, rather than calling the equipped, I do believe he equips the called.

Community Mission Facilitator Adam Howie Edinburgh Granton I would like to think that it comes from a belief in the example of the radical love of Christ, whose example calls us to seek justice, bring hope and serve those in need, whosoever they are!

Keep reading Discover more answers to this question online.

Visit salvationist.org.uk/why-i-do-what-i-do.

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Recruiting Sergeant Collette Gaudion Guernsey I do what I do for the joy of leading people – young or older – to faith in Jesus, for the knowledge of the forgiveness and love of God, and for the reassurance that God is always there. ‘I Want to Tell What God Has Done’ (SASB 852) is exactly what I want to do. From experience I know that he can take your life as he did mine and make it anew.

Junior Soldiers Sergeant Bev Appleby Stockton As an educationalist, Proverbs 22:6 has always been my goal, to nurture and inspire children to be the best versions of themselves. Having the opportunity to do that as a junior soldiers sergeant is a real privilege.

I was apprehensive about taking on the role – I felt I may have been too out of touch. But God moves in mysterious ways and those he calls, he equips.

I have discovered it is a journey in which we explore together what being a junior soldier is all about. The children teach me far more than I teach them.

Our children and young people are an integral part of our church family, and I am grateful I can play a small part in helping to build the Kingdom.

I pray that what they learn will equip them in all their lives as junior soldiers of Jesus.

Divisional Ecumenical Officer Captain Tracy Collis North West and Isle of Man My passion for ecumenical ministry comes from Jesus’ call that we should be one and work together for the benefit of the Kingdom (see John 17:21–24). When I experience other Christian traditions, it enhances my understanding of the many aspects of God’s character.

Joan Foster Histon I’ve been privileged to be involved in a prayer card ministry for some years, sending messages of blessing and encouragement to people associated with our church.

Although I don’t get out much, I can reach out to others believing that prayer changes things. In turn, I’m blessed when recipients respond, confirming that God is at work in their lives, and that they are feeling his love.

KA! JAM Coordinator Ibukun Baku THQ

Food Bank Coordinator Rosie Clark Scunthorpe

When the Holy Spirit filled me, my life changed. I had no doubt that I was loved and accepted by God – not because of anything I did but because of all that Jesus did. And I want our children and young people to experience this for themselves.

I’m blessed to work with such a great team and consider it a privilege that we play a part in sharing the gospel. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do!

My passion stems back to my German grandma, a beautiful Christian who opened a soup kitchen when things were hard. This was the same period as William Booth starting our Movement here. In my small corner, God has placed me to feed his people. I am blessed to work with volunteers who have the same passion, to give and not to count the cost. ‘Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me’ (SASB 944).

Winton Young People’s Band I like playing in the band because...

Jack It gives me a new skill!

Esme It makes me happy!

Ava They teach me a skill and an interest in music!

Archie I can see it makes people happy!

Millie It’s fun and I like learning my instrument!

Young People’s Sergeant-Major Sharon Nirmala Dublin City As a YPSM, I combine leadership, service and faith to positively influence young people in our church. My role involves mentoring fellow soldiers, organising programmes for youth and supporting worship.

Driven by the Army’s motto of ‘blood and fire’, I’m passionate about spreading the gospel to young people.

This position has allowed me to develop leadership skills, deepen my faith and represent the Army’s values.

Tutor Captain Jennifer Gosling William Booth College Throughout my life I’ve been blessed by many people investing in me as a person and as a leader. I have a passion for learning and development, and I love seeing people flourish.

This appointment provides an avenue for me to invest in people who are on spiritual leadership journeys. God always has something new to teach us, and I’m excited about the things I’m learning and the fact that I can help others discover what God wants to develop in them, too.

Volunteer Leader Janet Devine Heckmondwike I do what I do quite simply because I care. When our officers left during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was a case of do we want to stay open or do we want to close. Everyone wanted us to stay open, galvanising us into action. We currently have about 15 members, with half involved in leading worship. I am also passionate about our Christmas toy and food parcels for local families in need, and Friday Friends, our community drop-in. I firmly support the Army’s motto of love God, love others. It’s about love in action!

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God’s way with me Three delegates from the 259th session at the International College for Officers share their testimonies CAPTAIN NATHALIE RIARD Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory I WAS born in Switzerland, in a small village in the countryside, and I grew up in a Christian family. I had a happy childhood, and Jesus has been part of my life since I was very young. I have the grace to be able to say that I have never doubted God’s presence and the certainty that through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection I am saved.

My family are not Salvationists, but God made it possible that my parents attended The Salvation Army for a few years. I found my place there, and even my husband!

At 22, I signed up as a soldier and my husband and I were both very much involved in ministry at our corps. Nothing predisposed us to become officers. My husband doesn’t like public speaking, and I’d grown up in an environment where women weren’t encouraged to study because they were expected to stay at home and look after the children.

Yet I must admit that the idea of becoming an officer sometimes crossed my mind and I wasn’t closed to the idea.

It would take too long to tell you all the

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details but, in the end, we said ‘yes’ to the call to become officers and we were commissioned in June 2015. For nine years now, we’ve been serving the Lord with the gifts he’s given us, my husband involved in social work and me as corps officer.

Alongside my ministry as an officer, I’m the happy mother of four beautiful children. I love reading, learning, deepening my understanding of subjects, and I also enjoy going for walks in the mountains.

With this background, God created another opportunity for me to be here in the UK at the ICO and the foundational roots of my church.

What a privilege to experience this time apart at the ICO! It’s like living in a protected bubble for six weeks. A bubble of kindness, reflection, growth, heart-tohearts with God and deep communion with colleagues from all over the world who become loved ones.

I am certain that with this incredible experience God will open new avenues of ministry. I pray that this time at the ICO will drive me to always keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, to fight the good fight, to finish the race and keep the faith. I pray the same for our Salvation Army!

MAJOR KAREN ALVERIO USA Eastern Territory I CURRENTLY have the privilege of serving as an administrator at The Salvation Army’s Philadelphia Adult Rehabilitation Center. I get to share the love of Jesus every day and offer hope to those who feel hopeless.

There have been many times in my life when it felt as though God had been distant from me, as though he was either too busy to pay attention to my life, or I somehow wasn’t significant enough to matter. When I had just turned 12, my oldest brother was killed in a car accident at the untimely age of 17. The hurt, trauma and chaos this brought to my family’s life was like nothing I could have fathomed.

Yet, God is so good that he puts people on our paths that help us to stay the course! Over the next few years, my heart was mending. He placed my husband in my life when I was least expecting him. We attended a young adult retreat and knew that the Lord was calling us to serve as officers – ministers of the gospel!

We had gone on to the College for Officer Training in Suffern, New York,

and were commissioned in the Crossbearers session in 2002. We were passionate and on fire to serve the Lord!

Ten days into our first appointment, we were blessed with the arrival of our precious daughter, Jasmine! Tragically, after a few short months, my husband and I – along with our son – found ourselves hopelessly hanging on to one another in the middle of a hospital floor as our baby girl had drawn her last breath.

The amount of hurt, pain, shock and unbelief was indescribable. I suspect that many reading my testimony can relate in some capacity. Upon reflecting these past few weeks, I recognise that, as I was going through life, numb to the world and disappointed and distant from the Lord, I know without a doubt that it was only because of fellow believers that I am able to find joy in the journey today.

Never underestimate your contribution to bringing your brothers and sisters to the throne of grace when they do not have the strength to place themselves there!

This time at the ICO has given me the space to reflect upon so many aspects of my life and my contribution to the lives of others in the Kingdom of God.

CAPTAIN JEAN DAMASCENE MUDENGE Rwanda and Burundi Territory I CURRENTLY serve as the corps officer of Kinigi Corps in northern Rwanda in a pro tem appointment after being the district officer for the Burundi District.

Unfortunately, I was transferred from that appointment due to the closure of the border between Rwanda and Burundi because of political tensions.

I am honoured to share my testimony regarding my journey as an officer and my time at the International College for Officers. Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of the challenges posed by the border closure that led to my transfer.

During this time, I often felt uncertain and overwhelmed, questioning whether God was listening. However, this situation opened new doors for ministry, and I am committed to fostering cooperation and support, ensuring our mission thrives amid adversity.

God allowed me this incredible opportunity to come to the ICO at just the right time. The mission of the college, nurturing personal holiness and spiritual leadership, resonates profoundly with my calling as an officer. Throughout

my time at the ICO, I have engaged in personal prayer, strengthening my relationship with God and deepening my understanding of his purpose for my life.

These moments of reflection have been invaluable.

At this moment, I feel fulfilled, using my time as planned. The diverse lectures at the college have expanded my knowledge significantly. Each speaker has brought unique insights that have challenged me to think critically about my role in The Salvation Army. This has enhanced my leadership capabilities and encouraged a renewed sense of mission.

Connecting with officers from various continents has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience.

Sharing experiences and perspectives have fostered camaraderie and mutual learning. My visits to east London, where William and Catherine Booth established the Army, and Abney Park and IHQ have deepened my understanding of our heritage and reinforced my commitment.

In conclusion, my time at the ICO has been pivotal. I am grateful for the nurturing environment that has challenged me to grow spiritually and as a leader. I look forward to applying the lessons I’ve learnt to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve.

WHAT IS THE ICO?

Located at Sunbury Court, the ICO exists to further officers’ personal and leadership development. It provides an environment for them to flourish spiritually through teaching, prayer, worship and fellowship.

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ARMY UPDATES

INTERNATIONAL

90 years of mission DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO THE Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Edward Hill, and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Congo Territory during a visit to Kinshasa.

Celebrations began on Saturday with a women’s rally at Central Hall Corps. In front of an audience of more than 3,500, Commissioner Shelley spoke from Galatians 5:22 and 23 and challenged them to grow spiritual fruit.

Saturday’s men’s fellowship rally took place at the William Booth University Amphitheatre, with more than 1,000 attending. Commissioner Edward shared how God can change sadness into celebration and unworthiness into worthiness.

Sunday worship began with more than 7,000 people participating in a traditional march of witness. This was followed by a holiness meeting, in which the ambassador to the United Kingdom, the governor of Kinshasa, and groups and representatives from civil society took part. The Chief of the Staff encouraged the audience to be ‘true soldiers of Jesus Christ’, which is evidenced by having a good testimony, love for one another, being strong in the faith and spreading the good news.

On Monday, 358 people attended territorial officers councils. In the afternoon, youth and music festivals concluded the anniversary celebrations. – AR

REMEMBRANCE

BIRMINGHAM CITADEL The band took its place in the city’s Remembrance Sunday service. Corps officer Major Ian Standley laid a wreath on behalf of The Salvation Army and the divisional emergency vehicle provided hot drinks to both participants and onlookers. – RO

LEIGH-ON-SEA The band and Southend Citadel Band joined at the cenotaph for the annual Remembrance Sunday service.

In the afternoon, the two bands united again at St Clements Church for an act of remembrance. – RD/CD

COMMUNITY HOVE Corps Secretary Roger Wolstencroft had a vision last year on Remembrance Sunday of a wall of poppies outside the hall. He asked Valerie and the knitting group if they would make this a reality for 2024. With their help, the poppy wall was completed and put on display outside the building. – LH CHATTERIS In partnership with the local branch of the Royal British Legion, the corps hosted a concert in aid of the Poppy Appeal, featuring music from Cambridge Citadel Band and the local community choir. – IT CHALK FARM Staff from the B&Q branches in Cricklewood and Camden spent the day refurbishing the garden terrace, providing gardening tools, new seating, plants and horticultural advice for people to enjoy a green space. Pictured are corps officer Major Michael Kinnear and Barry Harman. – MJ 14

Salvationist 23 November 2024

WELLING The corps marked Remembrance Sunday by standing outside the hall on the high street to participate in the silence. Corps folk used the day to contemplate the need for everlasting peace around the world. – KS

ARMY NEWS

New support for spiritual leaders THQ THE UKI Territory has introduced Accompanied Development, a new initiative to support officers, envoys and employed spiritual leaders in their ministry.

Accompanied Development enables spiritual leaders to invest in their own development through one-onone conversations with a qualified professional with relevant experience. The components currently available are Coaching and Pastoral Supervision, with Mentoring and Spiritual Direction to follow soon.

It is designed to give spiritual leaders time and space to step back, reflect, reframe and be objective in how they approach their ministry.

Reflective practice is an essential component of most professions that involve intensive interaction with people. By creating a supportive, safe, environment, individuals will be able to focus on God’s presence in the busyness of their ministry, enabling them to refocus and reconnect with the passion that led them to respond to God’s call.

‘It’s about people – it is doing our best by being our best,’ says Major Jean Loxley, senior projects officer at William Booth College.

It is a cultural change. The expectation of those engaged in spiritual leadership has, and for some still is, one of obedience based on chain of command, placing pressure to perform and not fail. With little room for vulnerability or recognising the personal impact of leading others, there has been the potential for individuals to struggle with challenges in isolation.

This initiative aims to release individuals to talk freely and without fear of prejudice. It creates the space to process experiences and apply learning to reset a balance of body, mind, heart and spirit.

It is a demonstration of the territory’s continued commitment to wellbeing and flows out of the Valuing People Principles introduced in 2021.

Where possible, individuals will be connected with supervisors from within the organisation for confidential support. Where this is not possible, funding has been made available for external support within agreed terms and conditions. Funding is also available for an annual focused retreat.

This provision is in addition to the support offered to spiritual leaders through their line managers.

The initiative is collaborative, with oversight from the Secretary for Spiritual Life Development. The concept, set-up, network of supervisors and professional context emanates from the Wellbeing Department and is facilitated and supported by William Booth College’s Learning and Development team.

As well as the benefits to individuals, it is the hope that this investment of time and resource will see Kingdom gains and spiritual flourishing. – JW • Find out more at wbclearningdevelopment.org/ accompanied-development.

INTERNATIONAL

General makes historic visit to Poland WARSAW THE first visit by a Salvation Army General to Poland brought much encouragement to Salvationists and friends of the Movement, who welcomed General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham.

In a private meeting, the international leaders heard first-hand reports from survivors of the war in Ukraine.

The Salvation Army in Poland, led by Majors Anna-Lena and Christian Paulsson, has responded valiantly in recent years, supporting millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge in the country.

Captain Oleg Samoilenko, originally from Ukraine and now serving in Poland, shared powerful testimony. Two refugees from Ukraine shared their experiences with the General, Commissioner Buckingham and territorial leaders Colonels Dean and Eirwen Pallant, thanking the Army for the support and love given.

On the Monday evening, Salvationists from across Poland came to Warsaw for a celebration meeting. Young people from the corps in Warsaw presented a dance with lights on their costumes. The General challenged the congregation to shine like stars and reflect Jesus’ love and light. – AR

FUNDRAISING

WICKFORD A Concert for Romania raised £555 for projects in the country. The programme featured guest musicians The Musicateers, and Lieutenant Gillian McCredie (Grays) who contributed four songs, including a new arrangement by Matt Spencer of ‘In the Secret’. The band and choir presented ‘Fill the World with Music’ and ‘I Speak Jesus’. The event also featured a video interview with Majors Ionuts and Roxana Sandhu, the divisional leaders for Romania, by Major Brian Miller. – SW Salvationist 23 November 2024

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ARMY UPDATES

BRIEF UPDATES SITTINGBOURNE A collection raised enough money to purchase and maintain a defibrillator, which the corps believe will serve the community around the hall. – DJ PONTEFRACT Harvest celebrations at the corps were very well attended and followed by a buffet tea.

Donated produce was given to the local food bank. During the meeting, Susan and Andrew Lubelski were welcomed as adherents and Maureen Stones was recognised for the 30 years she had worked in the parent-and-toddler group. – AB DARLINGTON A near-capacity audience greeted the North East Divisional Fellowship Band on its first visit to the corps. People attended who had never been to an Army event before and were blessed and impressed by what they heard.

Guest cornet soloist Joe Beattie (Sunderland Monkwearmouth) wowed the crowd with ‘A Happy Day’ and the band sang ‘What a Wonderful World’. ‘Fantasia for Children’ and ‘Groove Hosanna’ kept the mood light, but there were also poignant moments in the presentation of Scripture by Major Maurice Hunt and the playing of ‘Thy Tenderest Blessing’. – DD WELLING A jewellery-making workshop for people attending the community pantry and community lunch group was a wonderful opportunity to build relationships.

Everyone had so much fun and many planned to give their creations as Christmas gifts. – KS NORWICH CITADEL As part of Norwich Citadel’s band weekend, Chelmsford Band presented a varied programme at a Saturday night festival. A retiring collection raised money for the Army’s community work. The corps band led the Sunday morning meeting and included thoughtful contributions from members. – MW

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Salvationist 23 November 2024

ARMY NEWS

ANNIVERSARY

Resourcing mission in Scotland SCOTLAND AS the UKI Territory moves forward in implementing the principle of continuous development, aspects of its work have been under review. This includes the Scotland Office, which is part of the Chief Secretary’s Office.

A review of the work of the Scotland Office has highlighted a number of ongoing contextual factors for the Army’s work in Scotland. After prayerful consideration, the conclusion is that, while the territory seeks to integrate and streamline all aspects of Army ministry, those factors necessitate a THQ presence in Scotland to facilitate and support aspects of mission that cross divisional boundaries. This is particularly important in the areas of ecumenism, parliamentary involvement, safeguarding and interacting with senior church leaders.

Territorial leadership expresses its sincere appreciation to the previous Scotland secretaries – Lieut-Colonels Robert McIntyre, Alan Burns, Carol Bailey and Colonel Sylvia Hinton – for their sterling work over the years.

Their contribution to the lives of Salvationists in Scotland is immeasurable.

New roles have therefore been established on an all-Scotland basis and will be effective from 1 December.

The new roles are: executive secretary to territorial leadership (Scotland), ecumenical and parliamentary officer (Scotland), business support administrator (Scotland).

All these roles will be home-based, and the physical provision of a Scotland Office will be discontinued.

On the same date, the Scotland Council will be replaced with the All-Scotland Mission Focus Group, the purpose of the group being to encourage and facilitate crossdivisional mission as appropriate.

These changes are undertaken in a spirit of good stewardship, and a desire to best resource and support mission within Scotland. – AR

SITTINGBOURNE The corps celebrated 140 years in the town. The hall was packed as many people returned to share in the weekend. Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill led worship and Major Alan Norton (Slough) sang songs from The Witness and testified to the positive impact that the corps had had on his life. Renowned music leader David Coleman also returned from Milan to be with us. Previous corps officer Major Howard Webber wrote a song for the weekend and Bandmaster Derick Kane (Bexleyheath) wrote a piece that included tunes chosen by the numbers one to four on the roll. People submitted words that summarise the corps and a word cloud was created with the most popular. Number one on the roll, Jim Morgan, cut a cake to celebrate, and rich fellowship and worship marked a memorable weekend. – DJ

OUTREACH SUNDERLAND Austin House Family Centre held an Enabled programme taster day for the North East Division. It provided opportunities for people with disabilities, their families and carers to learn new skills, including mime, cake decorating and playing instruments. ‘Our church community itself is not complete without people with disabilities,’ said Disability Engagement Advisor Jo-Anne Graham (THQ). ‘We want people to feel like they really belong by participating in our ministry and flourishing in our church communities.’ – AR

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

BALHAM The Sunday school had great fun in its first week. The members made lighthouses and learnt about light instead of darkness at Halloween. – MB

NEW COMMITMENTS

HINCKLEY

NICKY Matts was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Carol Evans. Nicky testified to not remembering a time when she didn’t believe in God and how he placed the right people in her life at the right time. She told of her biggest test of faith when her life partner, John, became ill and died, saying: ‘John approached this time with such a deep trust and belief in Heaven that made all the difference and got me through.’ Nicky has no doubt that soldiership is God’s calling upon her life. Her hope is God will use her as an influence and encouragement to others.

Nicky knelt at the mercy seat to sign the Soldier’s Covenant in the presence of her family and friends and the corps. Pictured with Nicky and Carol is Recruiting Sergeant Major Mavis Pascoe. – CE

WIGAN

KERRYN Lewis, Hannah Lewis and Sara Skett were welcomed as adherents

by Major Marian Henderson. Hannah and Sara read the opening prayer and all three chose songs for the meeting, which included ‘I’m Living My Life for Jesus’ (SASB 858) and ‘Lord, the Light of Your Love Is Shining’ (SASB 261). Kerryn and Hannah both enjoy playing in the band. We are thankful to God for their new commitments. Also pictured are corps officers Majors Alison and Mark Lewis. – ML

RINGWOOD

CHRISTINE Gomm and Susan Tucker were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Emanuele Carpagnano.

Chris has been attending for more than a year and spoke of being a junior soldier at Southampton Sholing. After attending various churches throughout her life, she felt it was like ‘coming home’ when she first stepped into our corps fellowship. Susan has attended for a number of years and felt that this was the right step in her spiritual journey. They are both regulars at our weekly Bible discovery group. Prayer Coordinator Major Pat Risdale prayed for Chris and Susan and they were welcomed by the corps family. Chris, Susan and Major Emanuele are pictured with Liz Carpagnano. – EC

ST HELENS

CALVIN and Wendy Gover were enrolled as soldiers and David and Sandra Wolten and Vivien Scarfe were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Lyn Hargreaves. The special day looked at God’s goodness and provision and members young and old took part in a Scripture presentation of Genesis 2, creating objects from playdough. It was a real celebration of lives touched by God in so many ways. Also pictured is Corps Sergeant-Major Flo Pennington. – LH

FELIXSTOWE

STREET

BARRY and Pam Tolcher were re-enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Lieutenant John Melia.

After spending some time away at a church closer to where they lived, they returned to the corps after the Covid-19 pandemic and wished to recommit. Barry testified to the constant presence of God and for many answers to prayer. Also pictured are Corps Sergeant-Major LieutColonel Wendy Leavey and Glenys Redwood. – HS

PAT Gage was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Paul Williams.

While Pat has been actively involved in the corps for many years, only recently did she consider it right to become a soldier. Also pictured is Retired Home League Secretary Maureen Cates, who assisted Pat during her preparations for soldiership. – DA

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 23 November 2024

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

Wedding anniversaries Diamond (60 years) MARGARET AND STUART SOUTHCOTT, Woodhouse, on 3 November

Dedicated to God REUBEN JACK SMARDON, son of Adam and Bethany Smardon, at Bristol Citadel by Captain Rebecca Mitchinson

Promoted to Glory JEAN GRIMSHAW, Wombwell with Barnsley MARGARET GEDDES, Cumbernauld, on 5 November MAJOR JOHN BOYD from University Hospital Lewisham on 6 November MAJOR OLIVE LOMAX from Forth Valley Royal Hospital on 7 November DOROTHY DRAPER, Penzance, on 10 November

Bereaved MAJOR DIANE BOYD of her husband Major John Boyd RETIRED YOUNG PEOPLE’S BAND LEADER CHARLES CRAIG, Margate, of his sister Thelma MAJOR BRAMWELL HAYES, Burgess Hill, of his mother Dorothy Draper MAJOR DENIS LOMAX of his wife Major Olive Lomax, Jonathan Lomax, Regent Hall, and Rebecca Lomax, Bo’ness, of their mother MAJOR BARBARA LYNE of her sister Ann Sinclair 18

ENGAGEMENTS Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Sun 24 Nov High Wycombe Mon 2 Dec Glebe Court Tue 3 Dec Royal Albert Hall (Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army)

Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest Sat 23 Nov – Thu 28 Nov North Scotland Division Tue 3 Dec Royal Albert Hall (Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army)

NOTICES

Poetry Corner Salvationist is bringing back Poetry Corner for Christmas! If you have a Christmas-inspired poem you would like to share, email it to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration by 9 December.

Artists’ Corner Have you created a painting, drawing or something artistic inspired by your faith that you’d like to share in Artists’ Corner? We’d love to hear from you: email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk to find out more.

In memory: Online wall of remembrance The Salvation Army has introduced an online wall of remembrance that allows people to share memories and photos of loved ones when they don’t always know what to say. This virtual wall is free to use and a donation to the Army is optional. Access the page at thesalvationarmy.dedicationpage.org.

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is from Assistant Secretary for Mission Mitch Menagh. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

No Age Limit Salvationist Radio’s show reminds listeners that there is no age limit to what we can do for God or what God can do for us. Join Andy and Ali from Older People’s Ministries for an hour of music, chat and testimony. This month features guest Joy Naylor. Listen live on Sunday 24 November at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 29 November at 11am.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

Fully Scored This month’s episode featured Michael Clack, well known as a bandmaster, educator, pianist and organist. Divisional Music Director Eric Dina (Northeast Ohio, USA Eastern Territory) talks about one of James Curnow’s ‘Variations on “Terra Beata”’. And Lieut-Colonel Paul Kingscott (THQ) is the highestranking officer to have inhabited Arid Island. What album will he take with him to keep him occupied?

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts.

Morning Praise with Kids Alive!

Get your day started with half an hour of music, prayer, a thought and lots of giggles! Listen on Saturdays from 7.30am to 8am. Can’t tune in on Saturday morning? The broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 9am and Mondays at 7.30am.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

Sunday Wake-Up with Lyndall Bywater Ease yourself into the day with a relaxed mix of music, chat and a few inspirational moments to stir your soul. Listen from 7am to 9am on Sundays • Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

ADVERTS

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Salvationist Day Month 2024

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SALVATIONIST