THE SALVATION ARMY MAIDSTONE CORPS Summer 2014
Dear All,
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uring the last few days our Prime Minister has taken on European bureaucracy and failed to move them on the question of the leadership of that vast body. You may say ‘Full marks for trying’, however, it is time to move on and look to making his reforms in the future. One of the comments made by a smartly dressed younger European leader was that Mr. Cameron should ‘Wake up, and smell the coffee!’ Well, those of us who love the bean would reply ‘Amen to that!’ Though, it’s not unusual for noncoffee lovers to say that they don’t like the taste, but they love the smell of ground coffee, as do others who wouldn’t light up a pipe but who love the aroma of tobacco. ‘Wake up, and smell the coffee’ is a phrase that is commonly used to suggest that ‘things have moved on, changed has happened, so let’s get on with life as it now is.’ Smelling something new and fresh is a great way to turn the senses to focus on a totally different aspect of our beautiful world, like the aroma of freshly cut grass (apologies to hay fever sufferers) or a barbeque in summer. The senses so often help us to focus our attention on whatever is there in front of us and to forget, even temporarily, what might have previously filled our minds. John’s Gospel records that six days before the Passover feast Jesus went to stay at Bethany with his friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha. It wasn’t long before Mary found a jar of 2
perfume and, in love, poured its contents over Jesus’ feet, and we are told that ‘the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.’ What an extravagant, costly, act of love and recognition of what Jesus meant to Mary as she wiped his feet with her hair. However, in doing this she also stirred up the indignation of those who followed Jesus and they objected to her actions, failing to see what it represented and emphasising what could have been practically done for the poor. Jesus replied ‘You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.’ Could those disciples not even appreciate the beauty of the fragrance that filled the room, the house, the air? Beautiful things are sometimes missed because the focus is elsewhere. Jesus is sometimes missed because our minds are filled with other (important?) things, and we lose the opportunity just to enjoy the presence of the Rose of Sharon. He is beautiful, he is fragrant, he is a joy to behold, Jesus is here among us, and we would be blessed if just for moment we would ‘Wake up and smell that fragrance.’ God bless your summer with many beautiful aromas!
Yours in Christ, Grayson & Janice Williams— Majors
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E D I TO R I A L C O M M E N T “Are you a ‘Sat-Naver’ or a ‘Map Reader’, said the voice?” I panicked, “I don’t know – where am I going?” The confused state of mind woke me rapidly and I discovered I had fallen asleep with the radio earpiece in my ear as I was listening to the “Today” programme on Radio 4. I found the discussion between the two men fascinating, each claiming their own particular choice to be the best. The Sat-Naver felt it made driving easier, the Map-Reader felt it made driving interesting. The Sat-Naver told the story of a car-dealer, who offered a Mercedes with a comprehensive computer system at a considerably reduced rate, but went on to say that it was programmed in the Swedish language. Another story of where the driver was directed to a river. The Map-Reader talked of the joys of making discoveries about the area to which the driver is heading and the advantages of being able to find another route if there was a traffic jam. They each had a reason for their particular choice. I pondered on some personal experiences. As a passenger in a relative’s car in Yorkshire, some years ago in the early days of Sat-Nav, Michael knew a short-cut to his destination, which did not seem to please the Sat Nav voice. “At the next junction turn around when possible”, it constantly repeated and, was it our imagination, but it seemed to get more agitated each time. Another experience. Near to the house where I go for the village Bible Study, a fast flowing river streams across the road. In recent years the base has crumbled and when an ambulance got stuck the Council erected a ROAD CLOSED sign and also put blocks across the road at the stream, but the Sat Nav, still directs drivers there. 4
However, what is it about this edition of Grapevine that brings to my mind this memory of a few weeks ago? Simply that within these pages we have a number of reports of new experiences. Going along in the same old way will get you there, but making a personal effort to discover new things, new avenues of service is much more exciting, like the Map Reader! Isn’t it just wonderful to have reports from two of our juniors, Ben Atkinson and Bethany Hook., they have they have enjoyed their activity and want to share it with us. A special thank you to those who encourage our youngsters to put in writing what they feel. It has far reaching consequences. You may recall in a recent issue of Grapevine there was a request to know more about our differing titles, within the Army and what they meant. Keith agreed to do this and then felt it would be more useful to broaden it so that it would show how our Corps fits into the larger picture. Recently we had a wonderful series by Colonel Michael Pressland on our Doctrines and now we are making an attempt to show how these are put into practice. Finally, do take notice of the information about next year’s Congress. If you want to go give your name to Lorraine. Details will be worked out later, but remember it is easier to cancel if your circumstances change, than to get tickets at the last minute. Thank you for all your contributions – keep them coming, and God will bless all your efforts and prevent us getting a headache thinking what we can to fill these pages.
Violet E Clarke
EDITOR 5
HOLIDAYS Holidays are here again. So take a boat, a car, a train And seek the sea, or distant towns. The countryside or rolling downs. In search of rest or gay romance. Or scenes of beauty that entrance-. Adventures on the road; now choose. Hotel or cottage – tramp or cruise. The longed for break from dull routine. No more a robot or machineBut free, for one brief week or two – For all things you yearn to do. And who can tell? Perhaps you’ll meet. Your spell of leisure to complete. The good companion of your dreams. To share with you your joys and schemes. But don’t forget to leave behind. All the worries, in your mind. All resentment and distress. Fears and feuds and bitterness, Pack the pretty things you’ve got. Shoes and clothes – take the lot. Pack them all and turn the key. Then look in your heart to really see If some old grievance rambles there, Some old grudge, some clinging care If it does then turn it out. Such things you can do without. And here’s another hint for you. Don’t complain if skies aren’t blue. Frowns will spoil your looks you know Take the sunshine where you go. Scatter it around the place. Show the world a shining face. No use spoiling all the fun Whining, pining for the sun. Then away! The thrills begin When the wheels begin to spin. Take the holiday express All aboard for happiness.
Patience Strong
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THE PRAYING HANDS The "Praying Hands" are much, much more than just a work of art,
They are the "soul's creations" of a deeply thankful heart They are a Priceless Masterpiece that love alone could paint, And they reveal the selflessness of an unheralded saint These hands so scarred and toilworn, tell the story of a man Who sacrificed his talent in accordance with God's Plan For in God's Plan are many things man cannot understand, But we must trust God's judgement and be guided by His Hand Sometime He asks us to give up our dreams of happiness, Sometimes we must forego our hopes of fortune and success Not all of us can triumph or rise to heights of fame, And many times What Should Be Ours, goes to another Name But he who makes a sacrifice, so another may succeed, Is indeed a true disciple of our blessed Saviour's creed For when we "give ourselves away" in sacrifice and love, We are "laying up rich treasures" in God's kingdom up above And hidden in gnarled, toilworn hands in the truest Art of Living, Achieved alone by those who've learned the "Victory of Giving" For any sacrifice on earth, made in the dear Lord's name Assures the giver of a place in Heaven's Hall of Fame And who can say with certainty Where the Greatest Talent Lies, Or Who Will Be the Greatest In Our Heavenly Father's Eyes!
Helen Steiner Rice
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WORDS FROM THE WORD KNOW HIS PEACE Philippians 4: 4-9 (Vs7) How often is it said in just about every household ‘Oh for a bit of peace and quite,’ many, many times I’m sure. Especially when you were younger and the children were young, just as soon as you had packed them off to bed, you would say, “thank the Lord, now for a bit of peace and quiet.” Only to rush around making sure everything was ready for the morning - lunch boxes - shoes cleaned - clean clothes, socks laid out ready just to put on. You end up just as tense as when the children were up. Dads had a heavy day at work, telephone never stops - boss is wanting everything you can’t readily find, or wanting the report that you haven’t yet finished. You decide to take work home where you think you can do it in peace and quiet. You get home lock yourself in the spare room or wherever only to find that you have left the important file at work having put it down whilst you answered the phone just before leaving and didn’t pick it up again. Your all worked up again because it has to be finished by the next morning and the office is an hour away by train which only runs every three hours outside of rush hour. Or later on when you become grandparents - how lovely it is to have the grandchildren around, of course it is, even if they test your love to the limits by refusing to eat the special treat that you walked all the way to the only place in town to get it. Even when they test your patience by insisting on playing ball right in front of your very valuable vase, a heirloom from great great grandmas great granddad. 8
You pretend to love them even when they swing the cat around by its tail knowing that you really love animals and don’t like to see them ill-treated. But how wonderful it is when they leave and you declare - now for a bit of peace and quiet. But what do you do, you pick up your knitting only to find that those lovely grandchildren have managed to lose you about a dozen rows and in your haste to get them back on you find three of the rows that you managed knit whilst they were there are all wrong. How often have we said ‘Oh! for bit of peace and quiet,’ only to get ourselves in a state of tension, when that very opportunity arises. We all need a bit of peace or at least we think we do, but every time the opportunity arises we take into those moments our restless selves and before we know it we are all tense and churned up inside again. In the middle east the word Shalom is used almost daily as a greeting. A word that is often thought of as just a word that we find in the Bible or some sort of religious word. But out there, just as we say good morning or hello so they greet each other with the word Shalom. When you are introduced to someone - or welcomed into a home - or booking into a hotel, you are greeted with the word Shalom. When you hear it it is like a benediction - which it really is. But what a lovely greeting Shalom - PEACE, and I would suggest that you can find no lovelier use of it than when it is used in the phrase of Paul’s in verse 7. Christian congregations in every age have gone home with the sound of that verse ringing in their ears, lifting their spirits. Soldiers on the battle field - missionaries going to some distant lands, and martyrs face death on this promise. The peace of God, that’s God’s own peace, the peace belonging only to Him because only He can do what He promises. Peace, the serenity that comes from an invincible love.
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Notice that when Paul writes of this peace he apparently uses a military metaphor, maybe because he was writing to veterans of the Roman armies. God’s peace he writes stands sentinel, it keeps guard over your hearts and minds. It would have awakened vivid memories of dark nights under the stars in far off lands, or in the freezing cold of the north when they had been on sentry duties. Whatever their memories the word would recall the strain of long hours of watching, of aching feet, of struggles against sleep and months of loneliness away from families and friends. If only we could be certain that there was someone who had us in their care, has that thought passed through your mind? During times of anxiety, troubles, tensions, danger - have you thought, ‘who is there to help me, who will watch over me until this experience passes?’ If only we had someone who would alert us at the first sign of danger, someone to stand sentinel over us. Well we do, Paul knew who it was and we can know who it is - its Jesus. We can get some idea of the meaning of that peace from our own experience of relationships. In our childhood when we were anxious, frightened or worried about things we didn’t understand, we would run to mother who would reassure us, who would explain the fear away. It wasn’t just the words she used, or the loving arm that she put around us. It was that in a real sense she gave us her peace. In just the same way we can know God’s peace in Christ Jesus. He is the very evidence of one who stands sentinel over us - whatever life may hold and at times that isn’t always very pretty or comfortable. Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, 10
and they can be very challenging and difficult at times - so His peace is always available to us, just as mothers was. So often we feel afraid or embarrassed to run to Him. Why? Is it because we can’t see Him, or because we can’t touch Him? Or is it because we don’t trust Him enough? Surely if we love Him we ought to be able to trust Him. Or is it because we have so often shut Him out of other parts of our lives when things have been OK that we fear He might reject us at times when we really need Him. Or is it because we are frightened to surrender fully to His will for our lives. Just as our parents peace was not available to us until we had to run trustingly to them, so God’s peace is only available to us when we turn to Him in faith trusting Him to keep His word. Look at Jesus as he walks through the sunlit cornfields, or stands by the lake shore. Look at Him as He cares for the poor and diseased, the handicapped, the dying, the bereaved. Look at His unfailing love as He deals with those who ill treat Him and cause Him pain and ultimately His death. There is plenty to remind us of the cruelty of this world, of the seedy side of life and the wickedness of humanity. Whatever maybe said of the Christian life and Christ Jesus our saviour, no one offers more joy and no one can offer such peace as Jesus. Not even the cruelties of this world can separate us from His compassion and love. His peace is beyond our uttermost understanding and we can experience it, which is what God is offering each of us. The peace that is beyond our utmost understanding will keep guard over our hearts, our thoughts and our feelings if we will only seek it. If you are in confusion, anxious, afraid, lonely, disappointed at the blow life has dealt you - you can know His peace right now. Because the God who loves you stands guard over you and wants you to share His peace.
David Wakefield 11
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t was a lovely sunny morning. But this Sunday was going to be a bit different. A group from the songsters were going to prison.
Maidstone Prison is a Category C Prison which holds Foreign National Prisoners who have between 3 and 27 months to serve. We met at the hall and walked up in two groups. After being checked in with our ID Dave took us through the doors into the main square of the prison. Dave with his 'Keys' let us through the locked doors and we made our way round to the Chapel. We all made comments on how quiet it was.You wouldn't have thought that we were in the middle of a town. As we made our way towards the Chapel we walked through the gardens which were beautiful. One of the gardens that was really lovely was the wild garden full of wild flowers with seating around which attracts lots of butterflies. It was so peaceful it would have been lovely just to sit and be quiet. Before our service there was a Catholic service taking place so we waited until this had finished. We made our way into the Chapel and sorted ourselves out. Stuart was very happy with the piano as it was a Baby Grand. The inmates then started to come into the Chapel. As they came in to join us, there was this feeling of joy. There was laughter, shaking of hands, hugs, pleasure to see each other and to come together to worship God. The Songsters opened the meeting by singing 'Let The Morning Bring'. Looking at the inmates whilst singing you could see the smile on their faces and that they wanted to be there to worship, and it wasn't just somewhere to go for an hour. 'Lord I Lift Your Name On High' was the first congregational song. Little did we know we were in for a surprise. As we started the song one of the inmates got up from his seat and sat at the set of drums that were in the corner. And what a surprise it was. He picked up the beat and played the drums as though he was a professional. 12
Ann Williams and Sharon Jones both testified. Ann basing her Testimony around the letters in the word testimony and Sharon speaking on how God has helped her. She incorporated the chorus 'It's No Longer I That Liveth, but Christ That Liveth In Me'. Our drummer was there again with the beat. The group of 15 songsters gave their all in singing 'Every Time I Feel The Spirit'. After singing hazel thought it would be a good idea to get everyone singing as they seemed to know some of the words. It's time to get your 'Bongos out ' and get on those drums she said, and that is what they did. There are no words that can describe what this was like. Inmates were clapping, singing, we had the drums and the joy in their faces was a memory in it's self. It was a proper celebration to The Lord. Jonathan Heward gave the message and we had a final song, ‘In Christ Alone'. The Songsters finished by singing, 'The Lord Bless Thee And Keep Me '. We were for a very short time able to speak to some of the inmates. They came up to us shook our hands and said how much they had been blessed. As I was standing there, it was moving to see some of the inmates kneel at the alter and pray before they had to leave. The passeth quickly and I don't think either us or the inmates wanted the time to end. For some of us the day started with a bit of apprehension and not really knowing what to expect. I think by the time we had concluded any anxiety that we may have had, was gone. We went to bring them a message. However I think we were the one's who received the blessing from the inmates. There are no words that can fully describe what we all felt and as we have all said it is a memory that will stay with us forever. We went in God’s name and he showed his spirit not only through us, but also through the inmates. Dave has been approached by the inmates saying when can we go back as they enjoyed the morning so much. As far as we are concerned, we would be happy to go back at any time.
Tania Goodwin 13
Ady, Cherri and Megan Clee
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ometimes people come into our midst with a vast experience of service in the Army and make a valuable contribution to our Corps and the wider Army of which we are not always aware. Fortunately Grapevine gives us an opportunity to discover such a family in Ady and Cherri Clee (and Megan). Both of them have Salvationist parents and Ady’s grandparents were Officers. He was born in Bath before spending a couple of years in Egypt where his father worked in the British Embassy. When he was still very young the family moved to Coventry where he grew up and was a member of Coventry City Corps. At 16 Ady joined the Royal Marines Band Service at Deal, followed by service in the Commando Training Centre Band at Lympstone in Devon and H.M.S Raleigh near Plymouth, where he linked up with Plymouth Congress Hall Corps and met Cherri. Returning from an engagement on Horse Guards Parade London in 1994 the Marines Band was involved in a serious coach accident. One of the band members was killed and Ady was badly injured. His injuries eventually necessitated him leaving the Royal Marines after 13 years service in 1996 and he started work with The Salvation Army as Divisional Fundraiser at South Western DHQ in Exeter. Cherri was born in Plymouth and was bought up in a Salvationist family. She has a lovely singing voice and at 16 she was made the Singing Company leader at Plymouth Congress Hall. When she was 19 she married Ady and also became the South Western Division Youth Chorus leader. In 1996 they moved to Exmouth where they soldiered at Exeter Temple Corps and Cherri studied for four years at Exeter University St Lukes School of Education and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (with Education) Degree. The couple were asked to be part of the South Western Summer school staff in 1998 and are still part of the team 16 years later with Ady acting as Assistant Director and Cherri leading the Vocal Stream. In 2000 Ady and Cherri moved to Fareham in Hampshire where Ady reprised his role as the Divisional Fundraiser this time for Southern DHQ, Cherri started her teaching career in a Primary School in a deprived area of Gosport. Following this Cherri went on to work at a well regarded Special School for 6 years- a job which she really loved, before returning to the Gosport school as the part of the senior leadership team. The couple soldiered at Portsmouth Citadel Corps and greatly enjoyed being part of the fellowship and the sections. Cherri served as the Singing Company leader. In 2002 The Army centralised its fundraising and after a brief time on the Fundraising Department at THQ, Ady became the Community Programme Director for the Haven 14
Community Project at Portsmouth Citadel. The Haven is one of the Army’s largest Community Programmes with 38 staff and around 120 volunteers covering a wide range of services including a Furniture Project, a 56 place Nursery rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, and a Good Neighbours scheme looking after around 200 housebound older people across the City. Ady led this project for 9 years during which time it was awarded the ‘Queens Award for Voluntary Service’ which is the highest award a charity can receive in this County and is the equivalent of an M.B.E but for an organisation. As a result of the award Ady and Cherri were invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party and were personally introduced to the Queen. Cherri and Ady have a delightful young Daughter Megan who is 7 years old and who has a practical turn of mind. She tells me that she loves making things, and is very definite about her favourite things. Among the long list is walking, Tomato Soup and the film ‘Frozen’, her best friend Darcy (their dog) and collecting spoons! Ady’s next move in August 2011 was to take up the newly created role of Divisional Director for Community Services in our own London South East Division. This role is wide ranging covering oversight of a multitude of Community services at Corps level, but also responsibility for Prison Ministries, Emergency Response, Anti Trafficking work, development of Financial Inclusion, Befriending and Employment Plus services, the Fellowship for Endeavour and building strong links with Local and County Authorities. Ady is also a member of the Candidates Board and the Officer Appointment Board. Key aspects of the role are resourcing frontline work, ensuring strong Mission focus, promoting the highest of standards across all of our Community work and identifying new opportunities to further develop our caring ministries. Cherri and Megan remained in Fareham while Cherri sought a teaching post in Kent with Ady renting a room in Teston and travelling home at weekends. Cherri was able to secure a job as Assistant Head Teacher at Thames View School in Rainham and the family moved to Maidstone at Easter in 2012, live in Allington and have settled in well. Cherri is now the Assistant Singing Company Leader, Ady plays Tuba in the band and Megan is soon to become a Junior Soldier. With their families in Northamptonshire and the West Country, and four God Children and their families spread across Southern England, they often have to travel away at weekends, but are at the Corps as much as they possibly can be.
We give thanks for their dedicated service to Education, the Corps and the wider Division and I am sure that our prayers will be with them as they seek to serve others in their daily lives. 15
THIS month’s viewpoint from a member of the Band: CAROLE DODD
BAND PIECE — ‘The Light of the World' (Aurelia) by Dean Goffin. It is a musical meditation inspired by the painting by William Holman Hunt based on Revelation 3:20 – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Two of the tunes featured within this piece are “O Jesus Thou art standing outside the fast closed door” STB No. 299 and “behold me standing at the door” STB No. 229. Both of these have very beautiful words and tunes. The original painting is hung at Keble College in Oxford and a later painted life-size version can be seen at St. Pauls Cathedral in London. I went to see the picture a few years ago and found this very moving experience, it is certainly worth a visit to St. Pauls to see it.
SONGSTER PIECE - ‘Candle of the Lord’, Joy Webb. My choice is a little harder to make because I love so many and I am a great fan of Joy Webb.
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The Chorus says:I am, the candle of the Lord. And truth and love more powerful than sword! O fan the flame, its single gleam diffuse And let my spirit by the light that you can use I am, the candle of the Lord Light me. In my opinion these are great words and a tune – a real blessing to listen to.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG - 'Song Number 33’ Salvation Army Songbook — Thomas Obediah Chisholm This without any doubt. Verse 1 says:Great is they faithfulness. O God my father, There is no shadow of turning with thee; Thou changest not, thy compassions they fall not; As thou hast been thou forever wilt be. Within the chorus it goes on to say “All I have needed thy hand has provided.” Just wonderful words.
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International Congress 2015 The Congress runs from 1 – 5 July next year. During this time a number of events will take place in and around London. At present it is only possible to book for all of the seven main sessions of the Congress in total. If you wish to do this then refer directly on line to www.boundless2015.org where you will be able to register and obtain tickets. So far as the Corps is concerned I will only endeavour to make bookings for the Saturday(4th) evening session and the final Sunday(5th) morning meetings. I say endeavour, because I have been advised by the Congress Office that until the number of tickets being sold for the complete seven sessions is known they won’t know how many tickets will be available to people wishing to attend individual sessions. The date for this release is January 2015. Consequently they are unable to make advance reservations for individual sessions (including Saturday and Sunday) prior to this date. Even then we cannot be certain of obtaining tickets. If you do wish to attend either or both of the Saturday/Sunday meetings please hand your name to Lorraine Munn in the Corps office. I will then attempt to make bookings and transport arrangements when appropriate. One final thought. If you are making your own arrangements to purchase tickets for the seven sessions but would like transport to the O2 on Saturday/Sunday please let Lorraine know so that we can include you.
Keith Thomas
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My experience at the Massed Chatham YP band By Ben Atkinson
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he afternoon was organised by Ryan Cripps as an YP band workshop. It started at 1 p.m. and we practiced nine songs, led by Paul Sharman who is the deputy bandmaster for Regent Hall, the event had a total of 37 young people from Chatham, Margate, Ramsgate, Sittingbourne Canterbury and Maidstone. After around 3 hours of practice, we had tea and got changed in to our uniforms and waited for the festival to start. The festival in the evening contained music from Chatham songsters and music the band had practiced in the afternoon and was compered by Col. Ray SteadmanAllan. The band music consisted of songs like Kids Alive, More Than, Samba-Fruit of the Spirit and more. My favourite bit was just the overall experience of playing in a big band as it was the first time I’ve played In front of a congregation.
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This Salvation Army We have been blessed over recent months and years to welcome into our fellowship a number of friends from non Salvation Army backgrounds. Naturally the background to our movement, the way it is formed and administered together with some of our practices and procedures doubtless raises questions, possibly not only to them, but also to some more long standing soldiers and adherents. The purpose of this short series of articles is intended to consider the Army ‘in the round’ and explain some of these issues in simple terms. It is not intended to go into a discourse on beliefs and doctrine. That is perhaps a matter for another author! Background Firstly, a little potted history. The Salvation Army is a Christian denomination church structured in a quasi military fashion. Founded in London’s East End in 1865 by a one time Methodist minister William Booth and his wife Catherine it was originally known as the East London Christian Mission. At that time, the aim of the Booths was to bring salvation to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their spiritual and physical needs. These aims continue into the present day as we well know and serve within our own community here at the Corps. The name Salvation Army arose from an occasion when Booth was dictating a letter to his secretary including the words “ we are a volunteer army”. His son, Bramwell, overhearing, interjected saying “ Volunteer! I’m not a volunteer, I’m a regular”! At this Booth struck out the word volunteer and substituted it with salvation. So the Salvation Army was born and with it came its development along military lines. William 20
Booth became the General, his ministers were given ranks as officers and other members became soldiers. The Army quickly grew and began to extend its operation and influence to countries overseas. Firstly in in 1880 to Australia, Ireland and the USA, until we are now operating in nearly 127 countries and provides services in 175 different languages. Structure For administrative purposes the Army is divided into geographical Territories which are then sub divided into Divisions. In larger areas, regional and area commands are present as sub divisions of Divisions. Each Territory is administered from its own Territorial Headquarters (THQ) and led by a Territorial Commander (TC) who receives orders from International Headquarters (IHQ) in London. We in Maidstone are part of the UK Territory based in London and our Division is London South East Division, administered from Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) being based at Armstrong Road here in Maidstone . A Territory is normally led by a Commissioner or in the case of smaller territories a Colonel whilst a Division may be led by a Lt Colonel or Major, again depending on size. So far as we are concerned our Territorial Commander (TC) is Commissioner Clive Adams and our current Divisional Commander (DC) is Lt. Colonel Sandra Moran. Sandra will be retiring towards the end of July and succeeded by Lt. Colonel Ray Irving. You will have gathered by now that the Army is awash with ranks, titles and abbreviations, but don’t worry, all may be revealed in future articles! KEITH THOMAS 21
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2013 AD
have just re-read George’s article in the last Grapevine which concluded by saying ‘but what of Mary’s year...watch this space!’ Well here it is, ‘the space’ duly filled up. I remember my Father who was still fairly active in the Lord’s service at around 90 saying ‘no discharge in this war!’ Thankfully George and I have both proved this to be correct, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Following on from my last appointment, nine years as Corps Officer at Catford, I retired, and with George we came to live in Holborough Lakes, just a few miles from Maidstone. Catford was a wonderful experience, and I must admit it took me a little while to adjust to a new life, after the multiculturalism, of an inner city corps. However, I was sure that the Lord had something ‘in store’ for me. Well in my conversations with Him, the hardest thing He told me was to ‘wait patiently for Him’...and so I did! I decided to retire at 60 in 2009, (oh now you know my age), as George had already been working several years in retirement, and it seemed the right thing to do, to enable us to perhaps work together in ministry and have a little more time for the family living in Bromley/ New York/Sweden and Gloucester and of course each other. Well that is just what happened, I became the Associate Officer at Strood corps, George played in the band, and for a period during those three years we took on the responsibility of the corps until a new corps officer was appointed. So Lord, January 2013 and here I am again knocking at your door of service. Now if you read George’s article last month you will know that January 2013 saw the commencement of his new adventure at IHQ, supposedly for one year, and here we are in June 2014...what a long ‘year’ but oh what an amazing journey, just remembered, this is 22
my story! Now I knew that there was a possibility of managing St.Christopher’s Holiday flats at Westgate-on-Sea but it was now January and no word, as yet, had been received. So I gladly accepted the ministry offered to me to lead worship on Sundays and ‘be useful’ in any other ways at Caterham corps. Mothers Day at Caterham was my first Sunday. Driving to Caterham on a Sunday morning, meeting at Maidstone in the evening, it seemed life would be settled for a while. How well do we know the Lords plans for us...not at all, but we trust Him implicitly! (Don’t we?) So when asked ‘How about looking after St. Christophers for the summer months?’ ‘Yes, would love to’ was my answer; mere details can be sorted!! We went to live at St. Ch’s Salvation Army holidays flats (Salvation Army’s best kept secret) on 5th April 2013, the beginning of a wonderful summer which concluded on 25th November! St. Ch’s is right on the sea front at Westgate-on-Sea, Kent. Lovely Victorian house, been in the Army’s possession for 85 years providing a place for holidays, now divided into five lovely selfcontained holiday flats. So the pattern of my week (are you still with me, don’t nod off yet!) George would be up early to catch the train from Westgate to Blackfriars four days a week. My role as Manager commenced at 9am. (Six Days a week!) Lovely office at the front of the building overlooking the sea. Julie the administrator would come in for four of those days, she was brilliant, knew everything about the business. Guests would come and go, sometimes with buckets and spades, sometimes walking out with flippers on, ready for a dip in the sea, which of course was just across the road, sometimes going off for family bike rides like a well known family from Maidstone Corps (small prize for the first one who knows which family!) What a joy it was in the evening to sit outside and watch the beautiful Turner sunsets! Sunday was quite a different pattern. Up early, left St. Ch’s at 23
8 am to travel to Caterham to lead the morning meeting...yes, still doing that, and this would continue until well into July when they were expecting an officer to be appointed. Perhaps a visit or two before returning to Westgate, stopping en route at our house and picking up the post, before returning to St. Ch’s in the evening. Great days! I was quite taken aback when someone said to me, ‘oh, how did you get landed with St. Christophers. Being the calm person I am (sometimes!) I left them in no doubt that being the manager of St. Christophers for the extended summer period was a great privilege, and, as I reflected at the end of my time there, it afforded to both myself and George great opportunities for ministry, something which of course is afforded to all believers, if they take the opportunity. What a privilege to come alongside parents, whose son was nearing the end of his life, although he was just in his forties. They booked into St. Ch’s to enable them to spend as much time with their son, who lived not too far away. I was with them both when the news came through that their son had gone to be with the Lord. I met a couple when I was walking along the sand to Margate one afternoon. They were from Colarado, visiting England to avail themselves of a delicate and major operation. Soon I was telling them the reason for my being in that part of Kent, and the story unfolded, both mine and theirs. They came to the open day we had towards the end of the summer. The conversations, interest in the Salvation Army, and the prayers, brought to them a friendship which they so desperately needed at that point in their lives. For a brother and sister separated by various circumstances, St. Ch’s became a ‘house of healing’ as they shared with each other some of their hurts from the past. A retired officer and her friend booked into St. Ch’s one year after the Promotion to Glory (the death) of her husband. A difficult time for her, and yet as we shared, and prayed together, the healing began to take place that week. The fellowship at Margate corps was lovely...visiting a few folks whom I had got to know years ago, when my parents retired to 24
Margate and spent 16 wonderful years there, so returning to the corps and the area, was like returning home. In July our four children, spouses and grand-children were able to have a few days with us at St. Ch’s; no more rooms available so most of them slept in sleeping bags etc in the huge lounge. You can imagine the evening meals on the beach, using the long seawalls as tables! In November, 2013 The Salvation Army sold St. Christophers to the Royal School for the Deaf. No more holidays by the sea for many, many people. We prepared for that day, albeit a sad day in many ways. We had an open day, and more than 100 people came. We served cream teas, and tours round the building. We had a separate day for staff, past and present to say thankyou for their part in St.Christophers story. The telephone rang on that morning; it was Commissioner Marian Howe. Her mother had been in charge of St. Christophers 85 years previous. She told me of a family her mother had taken care of when they were released as Prisoners of War from Auschwitz and had been sent to England for recuperation and convalescing. They bore the obvious signs of having been POW. They were offered hospitality, in every sense, and soon began to smile again. So the story is now complete. St. Christophers...stretching out with God’s love down through the years from beginning to end...or is it? Like many others, I am sad that St. Christophers, as we knew, it is no longer there, after 85 years of ministry in different ways. How privileged George and I were to be part of its story (I was 8 on my first visit!) However, the blessings and opportunities which were ours, and for those who spent time at St. Christophers throughout the years, cannot be underestimated, and the many, many more stories which will live on in the hearts and lives of hundreds of people. Maybe I’ll write a book one day...when I retire!!! Mary Scott 25
ULTIMATE CHURCH I
W
ow what a week nearly 500 children through our doors. What an opportunity for us to speak about our God and what the Salvation Army stands for not only the social work but that we are a church.
There were nine zones for them to go through: Worship where we looked at the things that aid us in our worship the Bible , the Song Book , the Cross, the Crest, the Music , the Mercy Seat, and to finish it off a good sing of the chorus My God is a great big God. What a song to send them out with. The Symbol Zone where they cracked codes and became spies, then they learnt about the red shield, the flag and the crest. It was lovely to see them putting the worship zone and the symbol zones together. The next two zones where often joined in part as these were the Uniform and History Zones. They had fun in these zones where one young man married William Shakespeare to Catherine of Aragon until he was put right then it became William Shakespeare Booth. The marching of the Salvation Army in their uniforms beating the drums and the Skeleton Army throwing balls at them what fun. Upstairs to the International zone and the community where they learnt about the army home and away. As well as the International and Community zones there was also the Music zone upstairs. This was where they learnt about different brass instruments but also how The Salvation Army uses music through brass bands, singing and also through guitars. They were surprised that we use different types of music especially the rock groups. This lead onto the Homeless Zone where they had fun deciding what made a home. Some thought that it wasn’t a home without a television where others thought that love was the most important. They learnt how to make a bed on the streets and why they don’t take the boots off or zip up their sleeping bags. The last zone was the Bible Zone where they looked at different Bibles and learnt the story of the Good Samaritan. They learnt who their neighbours were. One young lady impressed me when she shared that all the characters in the story were neighbours so they all deserved to be loved and to be taught right from wrong including the robbers. Then what an amazing week we may have reached 500 people but what about the people that they talk to. Now to pray for all of these people.
Anita Cripps 26
ULTIMATE CHURCH II Maidstone Salvation Army Ultimate Church Visit May 19th—22nd 2014
Children from North Borough and East Borough schools, Loose Swiss Cub Scouts and from Maidstone Salvation Army Messy Church and Sunday School visited the first ever Ultimate Church Visit that Maidstone Salvation Army held from May 19th—22nd. It gave the children a chance to learn more about the Church. Firstly, as the children entered the Church they were given name tags with their coloured groups on them. When they entered the big hall, Captain Lynne explained the rules. They were given little booklets to fill in during the visit and were then told where to go. There were 9 zones in total. They were as follows: Bible Zone, Worship Zone, Symbol Zone, International Zone, Community Zone, Homeless Zone, Music Zone, History Zone and Uniform Zone Here are 2 of the Zone descriptions. "My favourite Zone was the homeless zone." Quoted Abigail Hook (7). In the homeless zone the children learnt about homeless people. They were asked what they thought a home was and made a bed out of cardboard, newspaper, bubble wrap and bin liners. In the International zone, the children were given passports to fill in. 27
They watched videos of how the Salvation Army helps people all around the world. When some children entered the room they were surprised at the decorated room. Finally, the children gathered in the hall for a quiz about what they had learnt in the different zones. They then sang 'Our God is a great big God' Gillian Mudie quoted that she thought that the visit was "very good." Captain Lynne Clifton said "The Ultimate Church Visit was a fabulous and fun way for us to serve a local cub pack and 2 of our local schools as well as the young people of our Corps. God really blessed and used the week in a powerful way. We are now looking forward to the opportunities that are being presented to us to work even more closely with the schools in our area." So there you have it another exciting activity that the Salvation Army has held. It was enjoyable for all.
Report by Bethany Hook (Age 10) 28
Notices given out in Churches (watch your spelling). Next week we will be serving hot gods for lunch. We are grateful to those who clean up the Church grounds and the Vicar….. Applications are now being accepted for 2 year old nursery workers… Diana and Don requests your presents at their wedding. Lent is a period of preparing for Holy Weed and Easter. Bless the Lord. Oh! My soul and forget all His benefits. Thank you dead friends for all your help, but more helpers are needed so please sign up on the information sheep. Boastful Woman to an American Visitor:- “My family can trace it’s ancestry to William the Conqueror”. Wearied American:- “You’ll be telling me next that your ancestors were with Noah in the Ark”. “Certainly not! My people had their own boat!” Teacher give me an example of how heat expands things and cold contracts them. Schoolboy – Long days in the Summer; short days in the Winter.
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“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10 v. 14 & 15 1. The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am his And he is mine forever. 2. Where streams of living water flow My ransomed soul he leadeth, And where the verdant pastures grow With food celestial feedeth. 3. Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love he sought me, And on his shoulder gently laid And home rejoicing brought me. Henry William Blake S.A.S.B. 53 v 1. 2. & 3.
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Our Weekly Services
Contact Information
You are welcome to join with us for worship & praise:
Maidstone Salvation Army 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone ME14 1ED
Sunday Worship: Family Service (Sunday School) Prayer Meeting Evening Service Youth Group
10.15 10.45 17.15 18.00 19.30
1st & 3rd Monday in month (to be confirmed) The Living Word Bible Fellowship 19.30 Tuesday: Ladies Meeting (Home League)
13.30
Wednesday: The Parkwood Fellowship Ladies Meeting (held at the Rosemary Graham Centre Sommer Walk, Parkwood). 14.00 Wednesday: Held Fortnightly, please contact the office for the next date Cameo & Crafts 10.00 3rd Wednesday: Ladies Fellowship
20.00
Thursday: The Over 60’s Club
13.30
Corps Officers: Majors Grayson & Janice Williams Captain Lynne Clifton Administrator: Mrs Lorraine Munn Address as above. Telephone: 01622 681808 Email: Maidstone@salvationarmy.org.uk Weekly Community Events: Monday & Friday SAM’s Tots (Salvation Army Maidstone) Parent & Toddler Group 10.00 For information on other mid-week activities please telephone the administrator on the above number. Please telephone 01622 681808 for further information and/or to check
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Closing date for next issue is 23rd Sept, 2014 to be sent to the Editor or Philip Hales at email: philiphales@blueyonder.co.uk 32