Salvationist 14 November 2020

SALVATIONIST

No.1782 Price 70p

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 14 November 2020

Behind the scenes with the Video Production Unit

PLUS

WE ARE THE SALVATION ARMY – NEW LIFE AT BUCKINGHAM

PAGES 10 AND 11

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

NOT CLAPPING BUT PRAYING: TURN LOCKDOWN INTO A MONTH OF PRAYER, SAY ARCHBISHOPS

CHRISTIAN LEADERS TAKING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST GOVERNMENT OVER CHURCH CLOSURES

THE BIBLE HAS BEEN A LIFELINE FOR CHRISTIANS DURING PANDEMIC, STUDY REVEALS

The month-long lockdown... should become a month of prayer for the nation, senior church leaders said.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, together with the House of Bishops and the leaders of other denominations, are urging all Christians to pray each day for a specific group of people...

The idea was first mooted in a letter to all clergy, written by the two archbishops and the Bishop of London... This has now been fleshed out and... intentions for each day of the week have been suggested: Sunday: family, friends, and loved ones; Monday: schools and colleges, children, and young people; Tuesday: the elderly, those who are isolated and vulnerable; Wednesday: businesses, the workplace, and economic wellbeing; Thursday: the NHS and other key workers; Friday: national and local governments; Saturday: all who are grieving, those suffering with physical and mental health.

Specially written prayers and other resources will be shared on social media with the hashtag #PrayerForTheNation. The Church of England website will carry material to help those praying...

Archbishop Cottrell said: ‘Prayer changes things... by inviting God into the room. At this challenging time, when all of us are fearful and anxious, and when so many are suffering, it is the one thing we can all do.’

Dozens of Christian leaders from different denominations have signed a pre-action letter to the government calling for a rethink of church closures as part of the second national lockdown [in England]....

Places of worship will be closed except for funerals, to broadcast acts of worship, individual prayer, formal childcare or the running of essential public services.

Pastor Ade Omooba, one of 71 Christian leaders to sign the pre-action letter, said it was wrong to relegate churches to a ‘social service’...

‘Never in our history have our churches closed – not during wars, plagues or famines. Instead we have been places of respite and hope,’ he said.

A report... has highlighted the importance of the Bible in the everyday lives of churchgoers across the UK and Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than three in five regular church attenders (at least once a month) said that the Bible has been vital in helping them cope in challenging situations during the pandemic. The report also concluded that around three quarters of churchgoers say the Bible is important to them to have a personal relationship with God. The research, which was conducted

by Savanta ComRes and commissioned

by WordGo, a new digital offering by Bible Study Fellowship, explored the value placed on Scripture by practising Christians across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Christian Today

Keep The Faith

Church Times

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GIFT-GIVING ‘EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THIS YEAR’ AS PROSPECT OF CHRISTMAS AWAY FROM FAMILY LOOMS Just over half of UK adults feel it’s ‘even more important’ for them to send Christmas gifts to loved ones this year...

The study, conducted by Savanta ComRes, also highlighted that 43 per cent of UK adults are planning to spend Christmas without seeing their families in person this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The research was commissioned by international relief charity Samaritan’s Purse who run Operation Christmas Child.

Director of Operation Christmas Child Nick Cole said... ‘This Christmas... we can still show care for those we love in the act of gift-giving...’

Operation Christmas Child is still going ahead this year despite Covid restrictions.

The project has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts... worldwide for over 20 years to children who wouldn’t normally receive a gift...

‘For those who are living in difficult circumstances, [receiving a gift] can be a reminder that God loves them and they are not alone,’ Cole added.

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Staff are working from home and may not be contactable by phone or able to deal with non-electronic correspondence

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891

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Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

ISSN 2516-5909

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 14 November 2020

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

CONTENTS

KEEPING CONNECTED BACK in 2011 the Design Council, which advises the government on ways to improve our quality of life, ran a national challenge called Keeping Connected. It asked school students to come up with ideas to help older people get better connected to younger generations, their communities, their families and each other. The winning project, called Enrich, came from a school in Stoke Newington. It involved bringing older and younger people together on the school premises to take part in activities such as cooking, dancing and gardening.

If that challenge had been run today it’s unlikely that the Enrich project would have been suggested, let alone won. With the restrictions we are living under, bringing people together to do those kinds of activities is just not possible. Instead, the challenge’s runner-up probably would have been named the winner: the Brainy Tech project proposed by the Essa Academy in Bolton, which involved older people receiving IT lessons from pupils on how to connect with others via the internet, email and Skype.

Electronic ways of connecting have been a lifeline for people in recent months, enabling them to keep in touch with family and friends. We’ve also seen how many corps have been able to take their worship online and hold small group meetings and discussions on Zoom and Facebook Messenger.

On pages 10 and 11 Captain Vanessa Coleman tells us about life at Buckingham Corps before and during the lockdown. Theirs is ‘a child-majority congregation’ where being connected is vital. She highlights the meal they would share together every Sunday and says that during the pandemic they miss ‘the connection and depth’ it brought to their relationships. However, they have stayed connected by streaming their worship on Facebook.

In her article on page 19 Nicola Walmsley acknowledges that there are many who can’t access modern technology, but stresses the need to stay connected somehow. It’s been encouraging to see how corps have done this where the internet has not been an option – through socially distanced visits, phone calls, worship sheets, DVDs, newsletters and deliveries of Army papers. The sense of being a connected community is one of the blessings that Nicola has noticed during what she calls ‘a year of adversity’.

Our territorial leaders have also recognised the importance of keeping connected during the pandemic. On pages 12 to 14 we see how they have been supported by the Video Production Unit (VPU) in recording weekly video messages and leading online meetings and territorial events such as Commissioning and the recent congress.

VPU Manager Bridget O’Leary illustrates the value of all this when she says, ‘I hear our members have never felt so connected to their leaders.’

People are finding all sorts of ways to keep in touch during the pandemic. But this enables more than just emotional support or practical help, important though these are. Keeping connected with each other also helps us keep connected with God. He uses our human relationships to nurture and strengthen our relationship with him.

Prayer, witness, counsel, encouragement – all these bring us closer to God and help us grow in our faith.

Let’s never underestimate the value of keeping connected, and let’s use whatever means we can to make it happen.

Quotes from the media

2

Message from the Territorial Leader for Leader Development 4 News

5 and 6

Prayer matters

6

Interview 7 Supporting development worldwide Ben Gilbert talks to Francine O’Hanlon

Feature Living generously

8 and 9

We are The Salvation Army 10 and 11 We’re all children of God says Captain Vanessa Coleman

Interview Behind the streams

12 to 14

with Bridget O’Leary and Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

Testimony Giving everything to God

15

by Elaine Humphries

Bible study 16 and 17 Sorry, what did you say?

by Major Philippa Smale

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Lynda Levis

Reflection For the beauty of the Earth

18

by Trevor Caffull

Reflection Blooming in adversity

19

by Nicola Walmsley

New commitments

20

Book previews Words Of Life

21

by Major Christine Clement

The Story Of The First Christmas And After...

by Peter Woods

Announcements

22 and 23

Adverts

23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Mervyn Poore

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT

Doing what we can in God’s strength

Regent Hall Corps marches along Whitehall, Remembrance Sunday 2016

R

EMEMBRANCE Sunday is a day when we remember all those who have given their lives in conflict so that you and I might live in freedom.

This year some of those acts of remembrance were severely curtailed or perhaps didn’t happen at all. However, the national act of remembrance did take place at Whitehall, with my husband, Commissioner Anthony, representing The Salvation Army, taking part with other faith leaders. I was pleased about that because it was a reminder of the importance of faith in challenging times, and certainly of the ministry and work of the Army in these days.

Some of you will know that I’m a soldier at Regent Hall, and have been off and on since the age of 11. One of the privileges of Regent Hall is that, on Remembrance Sunday afternoon, the whole corps is able to march to Whitehall and hold an act of worship there. Sadly, that was not able to happen this year, but it’s quite a moving experience. There are crowds that applaud as we march by and they shout ‘Thank you, Salvation Army’ and ‘Well done’. It’s a real encouragement as people remember what happened in the past and how the Army has helped people in challenging times.

One of the stopping points on the march is the statue of Christian nurse Edith Cavell. She trained at the Royal London Hospital and her service was to soldiers on both sides, helping to save lives without discrimination. Sadly, in 1915, she was executed for helping Allied soldiers escape from occupied Belgium.

But what a woman, to play her part in 4

Salvationist 14 November 2020

such challenging days! It reminds me of our NHS staff today, as some of them work in dangerous circumstances. We thank God for them and pray for their protection.

One of the stories from Scripture that I really love is in Mark 14:3–9.

‘While he [Jesus] was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

‘Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. ‘“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.

Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”’

I love that story because she did what she could, and she was remembered because of it. In these days, that could be a message for us all. Whatever our circumstances, we’re invited to do what we can to help each other through these challenging times, to support those who are particularly on the front line, and to lift each other’s spirits just when we need it.

There are some important things that every Christian can do, and the first thing I would say is to pray – for each other, our families and our neighbourhoods. Pray for a vaccine that we might be able to have the treatment we need to win through this pandemic. Pray for those who are on the front line. Pray for your Salvation Army corps and those who are doing practical actions in these days, such as shopping for those who can’t get out. You might say, ‘We’ve been doing this for so long, we’re actually quite tired.’ But we’re called to do that a little bit longer. And I want to remind us all, including myself, that we don’t do it in our own strength. At times we might just do that – but we have a wonderful God who gives us his Holy Spirit for every circumstance. In the words of a song: ‘His strength is perfect when our strength is gone,/ He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on./ Raised in his power, the weak become strong./ His strength is perfect, his strength is perfect.’

May God bless you and carry you through these days and, as we look out for each other, we’ll be able to say to the Lord: ‘Yes, we’ve done what we can in these troubled times.’

GILL COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT O This

message is based on a video that can be viewed at facebook.com/ SalvationistOnline or youtube.com/ user/salvationarmyvideo

NEWS

Editor’s note: Some of these events took place before the current restrictions relating to the coronavirus pandemic

COMMUNITY

OUTREACH

WHITEHAVEN Volunteers helped to deliver ‘Harvest on Wheels’ to corps folk at their homes. The parcels included a pie and pea supper and a prayer station bag with a Harvest theme.

The meal was enjoyed by all and more than £240 was raised to support the corps. Corps officer Lieutenant Eveline Haines is pictured delivering pies to Brian and Brenda Humphreys. – DH

CORPS SOUTHWICK Southwick Community Project has been unable to run its breakfast club during the pandemic. However, with the support of a nearby Morrisons and the store’s community champion, Davinia, the project provided 50 families with breakfast bags containing cereal, milk, bread and biscuits. The bags were well received, with many of the families saying how grateful they were. The opportunity also enabled the project to make contact with new families. – JJ

COMMUNITY

STAPLE HILL Food bags including 330 apple crumbles made by corps folk were delivered to families for Harvest weekend. On Saturday evening everyone came together for a virtual Harvest Supper. Online worship on Sunday included the singing of traditional Harvest songs. All sections took part and the songsters’ message ‘Look At The World’ reminded viewers of God’s provision. Tinned items were donated to the food bank. – VW

FUNDRAISING STAPLE HILL More than 150 cream teas were delivered to corps folk in September, raising £1,400 for the Big Collection. – VW

CORPS

WINTON Many years ago the corps had a vision of how the empty ice cream factory next door could be used to help the community. This was fulfilled partly with the help of the Talbot Village Trust, negotiated by Major Stephen Russell and the late Envoy Derek Hancock. The trust recently donated £10,000 to the corps to fund community work in response to the pandemic.

The funds were used to create a phone support service for communicating with people who are self-isolating and to provide food parcels to people in the area, with priority given to those experiencing homelessness. The corps has also offered financial support to individuals adversely impacted by the lockdown. Pictured are receptionist Debbie Staple, community worker Pauline Hales and associate officer Captain Nicola Muir. – GT

SALISBURY Adhering to social distancing guidelines, corps folk joined together in October to celebrate Harvest at the first indoor meeting since the start of the pandemic. Using the theme Sowing Seeds Of Kindness, the fellowship reflected on all the good things God is doing during the crisis, and how being a good neighbour is valued by the community. Flowers gifted by Marks & Spencer were shared with neighbours to spread that message of kindness. – MD Salvationist 14 November 2020

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Prayer

NEWS

OUTREACH

FINANCIAL INCLUSION FOCUS

by Lorraine Cook (Financial Inclusion Development Manager, THQ)

SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER Loving God, you care deeply for all those who are struggling to make ends meet. You care for those facing the heavy burden of debt. Please change their difficult circumstances and give them hope for the future. Help them to work with our teams so that they can live a debt-free life. May they come to know freedom in Jesus through the witness of our Salvation Army. Amen.

SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING Coronavirus restrictions have brought a temporary halt to Band Secretary and Songster Fred Elston’s 15 years of service selling Army papers in Bitterne precinct. Aged 87, Fred is liked and respected by the community and is a loyal and valued member of the corps fellowship. Before the restrictions he regularly sat on his trusty folding stool armed with copies of War Cry and Kids Alive! showing exemplary witness and commitment. – BE

CORPS

SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER Lord, please help us as we seek to tackle the root causes of exclusion and the burden of debt in our communities. Give strength and success to our corps, centre managers and volunteers as they work with people on debt, budgeting and financial inclusion issues. We pray that each life would be changed. Please let them come to know freedom through you and the loving witness of our Salvation Army. Amen.

ENABLING MISSION FOCUS

by Majors Alan and Carol Young (Divisional Mission Enablers, East Scotland)

MONDAY 16 NOVEMBER – WHAT? What does partnership with God in mission involve? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what opportunities you or your corps have to bring light into darkness (Matthew 5:13–16), to love and serve (Matthew 20:25–28), to defend and declare God’s word (2 Timothy 1:8) and to build and fight (Nehemiah 4:16–18).

COMMUNITY WELLING Nearby resident Yvonne Feist donated her late husband’s Eb bass to the corps.

Knowing about the importance of music within The Salvation Army, she and the family were keen for the bass to be enjoyed and played once again. They contacted Cadets Heather and Jonathan Culshaw and, along with information about the instrument’s history – including time with Belvedere Concert Band – gave a cheque for £100 to cover the cost for it to be overhauled. – HC Is your corps adapting to the coronavirus crisis through innovative ministry opportunities? Salvationist wants to hear from you.

Send your news to salvationist@salvationarmy. org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

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TUESDAY 17 NOVEMBER – WHO? Praise God that he ‘wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth’ (1 Timothy 2:3 and 4). Pray today for people on your heart who need to hear this good news.

THE ORCHARD COMMUNITY BRADFORD Captain Alex Devine and Paul Devine (Abingdon) led Harvest celebrations in October.

Those attending the first Sunday worship since March focused on the faithfulness and goodness of God. Café church on Saturday provided an opportunity to share a meal together as well as celebrate God through music, multimedia and a thought-provoking message. Those unable to attend worship watched the meeting on Facebook, and resources were distributed to corps folk without internet access. A floral arrangement by Cadet Kit MaystonKing enhanced worship. – CC

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WEDNESDAY 18 NOVEMBER – WHY? Today we focus on our motivation for missional service. Are our actions fuelled by passion for Christ and compassion for others?

Make the words to this Tim Hughes song your prayer: ‘Consuming fire, fan into flame a passion for your name. Spirit of God, fall in this place. Lord, have your way with us.’

THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER – WHERE? Philip is a great example of a man who obeyed the prompting of the Spirit so that he could minister just where God needed him to be (Acts 8:26–40). Pray about new opportunities for mission that God may be calling you or your corps to move into. What is he calling you to be and do right where you are? Pray for discernment and faith to obey him.

FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER – WHEN? Wait upon God to seek his timetable and timescale for mission development in your corps or church. What are his priorities?

What do you have a real sense of urgency about? Pray for courage to act and patience to wait.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources

l on

INTERVIEW

In a new series exploring the UKI Territory’s international development work, International Projects Office Team Leader Ben Gilbert discusses mission support with Project Adviser Francine O’Hanlon

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NTERNATIONAL development projects handled by the UKI Territory are divided up into several themes. The first few are specific to longer-term community development: clean water, income generation, food security, gender justice and anti-trafficking. Then there is emergency response, where the Army responds to disasters that might occur in other countries. The International Projects Office also covers international mission support, which is work with the territory’s mission partners. Finally, it deals with small projects and corps-tocorps transactions, where one-off donations from a corps or individual in this territory support a small project or an individual corps in another territory.

People can keep up to date with this international development work through social media channels. The office also releases a magazine twice a year, Develop, which highlights stories of the work being done by the different teams.

There is also the Develop podcast, which runs each month and includes a conversation with someone from a territory with which our office is working. And there is a website with useful resources.

A great way to get involved is through raising money for some of the work the office does, such as the helping-hand campaign and appeal that runs every year.

This year it is called Unseen Promise and focuses on anti-trafficking. In January next year it will be called Feeding Hope with a focus on food security.

Francine O’Hanlon looks after international mission support projects.

They represent probably the largest contribution from the UKI Territory for any one development area: more than half a million pounds a year. I discussed these projects with her.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT MISSION SUPPORT? Mission support is primarily to fund the infrastructure for The Salvation Army in territories that may not have the financial means to fund it with their own locally raised resources. It normally includes building maintenance, computer equipment, training of staff and officers, purchases of land and buildings and so on. They’re not the most exciting projects, but essential for the wider work of The Salvation Army to take place.

Fr a

nc i ne O’ H a n

Supporting development worldwide

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR OUR TERRITORY TO INVEST ITS MONEY, TIME AND RESOURCES IN MISSION SUPPORT? It is absolutely essential if we are keen to do community-based programmes such as water, anti-trafficking and food security. These community development programmes rely on The Salvation Army having a presence and facilities, as well as personnel who can implement the projects. This applies to emergency responses too. Mission support funds all the non-glamorous stuff, which we don’t often like to write to supporters about.

But if we didn’t have it we wouldn’t be able to do any of the other important work that the Army does. It’s behind the scenes and supporting projects in the background. It actually makes up almost half the total of the international project funds we send from the UKI Territory.

Next week…

Ben asks Violet Ruria about clean water projects.

O Episodes of the Develop podcast are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and Google Podcasts O Find more information and resources at salvationarmy.org.uk/internationaldevelopment

WHERE ARE WE CURRENTLY FUNDING MISSION SUPPORT PROJECTS? Mission support is centred around the international mission partners, which are designated by International Headquarters. The UKI Territory’s current mission partners are Pakistan, Ghana, South America East (Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay), Estonia, which is part of the Finland and Estonia Territory, and Greenland, which is part of the Denmark and Greenland Territory.

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FEATURE I Stewardship

Living generously

Salvationist looks at five stewardship principles affirmed in a new Army report authorised by the Territorial Operations Board

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S disciples, we serve a God whose generosity knows no bounds, who gives us ‘immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine’ (Ephesians 3:20). The right response to such a loving and generous God is to model generosity – joyfully and liberally giving time, skills, money and other resources to God’s mission.

To help the Army fulfil this ethic – living generous lives in view of a generous God – a work group was tasked by the Territorial Operations Board to develop a set of overarching fiscal stewardship principles that would help guide decision-making across the territory.

In consultation with divisional leaders and large budget holders of centralised services, the Stewardship Principles Development Group have affirmed five principles in their report, Fiscal Stewardship Principles.

Implementing these principles, centrally and locally, will help ensure that the Army wisely uses the money it receives from Salvationists, from the 8

Salvationist 14 November 2020

public and through government and local authority contracts, as well as nurturing a culture that is transparent and accountable.

The Army recognises that implementing these overarching principles across the territory will be a journey where everyone learns along the way. Everything will not be perfect from day one, but if these principles are firmly held to, and love, grace and patience with each other are exercised, there will be forward movement.

‘For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man’ (2 Corinthians 8:21).

GOD OWNS IT ALL AS STEWARDS WE DO NOT HAVE ENTITLEMENT, ONLY RESPONSIBILITIES All we are and all we have are gifts from God (see Psalm 24:1). Therefore the Army needs to be a responsible steward of God’s provision, faithfully using God’s resources to do God’s work for his purpose, with careful management of everything entrusted to its care. We also need to recognise that every decision we make is spiritual. The way we choose to use our resources can be an indicator of our spiritual health.

The Army not only needs to be a good steward of finances, but also of other resources entrusted to it – including employees, volunteers, officers and property.

KINGDOM VALUES WE WILL STRIVE FOR THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR, ACTING WITH HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND TRANSPARENCY In response to Jesus’ teachings, stewarding resources should embody justice, love and the safeguarding of creation. Adopting this principle may often be countercultural, but the Army’s primary consideration must be that its decisions fulfil Kingdom values.

This dovetails with the Army’s value of respect for people and the planet.

The Army recognises that people are valuable to the Kingdom of God and are its biggest resource. It is committed to ensuring that officers and employees receive fair pay and fair reward for what they do.

As a steward of creation, the Army will also strive continually to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and supply chain, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions, waste produced and physical resources used.

The Army has an ethical procurement policy in place, and an environmental committee that is working to help protect the environment, and many corps and centres already take this responsibility seriously.

This stewardship principle aligns with the value of having integrity in everything the Army does and will help ensure that public funds and monies donated are used for the purposes for which they were given.

ESSENTIAL PRIORITIES WE WILL LIVE WITHIN OUR RESOURCES AND MUST PLAN FOR THE FUTURE God promises us an abundant life but that should not encourage us to live beyond our means (see 1 Timothy 6:6–10). Having a financial plan is biblical and helps protect us for the future.

Careful stewardship of reserves in past years has seen the Army through the worst of various financial crises. During the coronavirus pandemic these reserves are at risk and it will require good stewardship to ensure they are replenished – a priority that means some things will be put on hold.

Strategic planning rather than ad-hoc decision-making is far more likely to have effective mission outcomes. Therefore, the Army will ensure its expenditure is less than its income, have a five-year plan that complies with the Army’s reserves policy and base budgets on available resources rather than previously approved budgets.

MISSION EFFECTIVENESS RESOURCES MUST BE DIRECTED TO PLACES WHERE THEY WILL HAVE THE GREATEST IMPACT Innovation is a hallmark of the Army, along with an ability to dream, pray and propose new initiatives for increased fruitfulness.

However, at a time when there is not enough money to support all requests for mission support, it is important to measure the Kingdom impact of every

initiative. In other words, any request for mission support must be based on mission fruitfulness. Long-lasting impact requires a long-term focus on building deeper relationships. The question must be asked: Is there evidence of enduring relational change in people, including a deepening personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

The Army’s five marks of mission will help to determine which activities are most fruitful, as will Fit for Mission recommendations to reduce or end resourcing where missional impact is not evident, and to increase investment in innovative mission opportunities at fresh expressions or existing corps and centres.

Equally, the Army recognises the need for regular reviews of support functions such as THQ, DHQ and service centres to measure frontline effectiveness and ensure they are supporting mission.

It is also important to maximise the mission and income potential of the Army’s property portfolio. In some cases, this may mean selling surplus stock or exploring commercial opportunities to net higher returns.

REQUIRED ACCOUNTABILITY RESPONSIBILITY FOR FISCAL STEWARDSHIP AND DECISIONMAKING WILL BE DELEGATED TO THE MOST LOCAL LEVEL POSSIBLE In our role as stewards of God’s resources, we become accountable to God, one another and ourselves for how

we have used the resources entrusted to us. Adopting the principle in Matthew 25 that those who have been faithful with a few things will be put in charge of many things (see v23), the Army needs to allow local centres to make strategic decisions for fruitful mission. This will require a change of culture and an adjustment to how the Army budgets and allocates resources.

It includes accountability for what personnel at local level fail to do and means there must be no assumption that overspends will be written off from central funds.

Also, requests for mission support will be considered on the basis of the worshipping community’s generosity – not only financial, but in terms of their time and talents.

At a local level, the Army wants to encourage Kingdom economics in the sharing of resources, whereby all expressions of mission, especially those that have been blessed with resources, will contribute to others less blessed.

Read the full report at salvationarmy.org.uk/about-us/ policies O For material on Generous Discipleship go to enablingmission. org.uk/generous-discipleship-home O Articles on the five marks of mission were published in Salvationist from 25 April to 23 May. For PDFs of back issues go to issuu.com/ salvationarmyuk O

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There are hundreds of corps and centres up and down the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, but what makes them The Salvation Army?

In this series, Salvationist discovers just that

We’re all children of God says Buckingham corps officer Captain Vanessa Coleman*

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HEN my husband, Captain Xander, and I took up our appointments at Buckingham four years ago we were greeted by a small, older congregation. We had a mandate from DHQ to start over and see what new life God wanted to grow here, so we had to ask ourselves lots of questions: What does it mean to be a church? What’s worth hanging on to?

What isn’t? What does it mean to be The Salvation Army?

Our first two years – praying, meeting together, building relationships, laying the groundwork, reaching out and listening to our community – felt very slow and we didn’t have much to show for it. But through shaping and reshaping, lots of trial and error, reforming and regrouping and working out what we were doing, important work took place, which had us primed to blossom into life.

None of it is new or exciting in terms of strategy, and it all looks very ordinary from the outside. Our Sunday morning meetings, junior soldiers, parent-and-

toddler group, mums group, home league and community care ministries have all been done before, but they’re the things our community needed.

God is at work in beautiful ways.

On the days when I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, the beautiful people that surround me have reminded me why I do what I do and why I want to keep on

It really is God leading the way, and we’re just along for the ride. doing it. They’ve taught me the gospel all over again, reminded me why Jesus is worth pursuing with everything I have.

They’ve told me – with passion and tears in their eyes – what life was like before, what Jesus has done for them and why there’s no going back, no compromise.

Our Sundays can be chaotic and exhausting. We found ourselves with a child-majority congregation – it’s the

* This article represents events as they were before coronavirus safety restrictions.

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adults who go out to the smaller room during the meeting. We are passionate about discipling these kids and their families, helping them encounter God, breaking generational cycles of dysfunction and growing them into Jesus’ likeness.

We use the same basic questions in our Bible study for adults every Sunday to open up God’s word. Rather than teaching what it means, we learn from each other and hear how God speaks to and through each of us. It’s not one voice at the front giving the ‘right answers’. We all grow to know God’s heart better as the Holy Spirit makes the old stories come alive through a beautiful mix of new perspectives, mature spirituality and formal knowledge.

One of the things I love most about Jesus is how adamant he is that the Kingdom of Heaven is for children. We often act like God is for when people are a bit bigger, thinking they’ll get it more when they’re older, but the truth is that there’s no junior Holy Spirit. God is

at work in these kids’ lives here and now. They are passionate about fighting for good, love, justice, hope and for God’s Kingdom. His Kingdom is for them too. The key is that we have to be like them and approach God like them.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like children sat cross-legged on a carpet wondering, as they play with bits of felt.

We love Godly Play for helping our children and grown-ups encounter God in profound and accessible ways. We do church this way because we don’t just want to occupy our young people and keep them quiet for a couple of hours on a Sunday morning while the grownups do the ‘important stuff’. They’re not just in holding bays until they’re old enough to be interesting. God is at work in them, teaching us through them.

Sunday mornings therefore don’t look like any other Sunday meeting I’ve ever been to. It’s noisy, and frequently I wonder if anything of value is going in for anyone. Are the adults just busy trying to stop tiny Spider-Man figures from shooting webs at each other, preventing children from running out the back door, and breaking up worship ribbon sword fights? We do a lot of disciplining and modelling and trying to capture back wandering attention.

Do we all long to go deeper in worship and have some undistracted time in

prayer? Undoubtedly – and we make space for that at other times and in other ways. But are we all learning more about the Kingdom like this? Without a shadow of a doubt! I’m learning a lot about entering the Kingdom like a child.

One of the best soundbites I took away from church planting training with Forge was: ‘Meeting without eating is cheating.’ We take that seriously and eat a sit-down meal, around one table, every Sunday. It’s getting harder and harder to fit us all in now that there are about 30 of us, but it’s non-negotiable.

No one is willing to give it up. We’re learning how to use cutlery, chat over the dinner table, eat vegetables, sit and wait for other people to finish, count how many of us there are and how many plates we’ll need to lay. We practise keeping our cool with each other, we eat a lot of birthday cakes and we are blessed with some of the

most generous-hearted, giving people, who are passionate about celebrating each other.

I think our cross at the front of the hall gives a true reflection of the kind of church family we are: messy, colourful, loud and gathering to centre on Jesus.

Our outside space is a gift from God, a real pressure-release valve after trying to keep focused and engaged all morning. We spend a lot of time learning how to climb trees, how not to hurt each other, what to do when we have – we get through a lot of accident forms – and how to do conflict well.

We are holding on by the skin of our teeth trying to keep up with what God is doing here. It changes week by week as more people join us, offer their giftings and share life’s ups and downs. It really is God leading the way, and we’re just along for the ride. On the way, God is saving me all over again.

Since lockdown, many of our previous non-negotiables are no longer viable.

We mourn the loss of eating together weekly and the connection and depth it brought to our relationships. We’re now streaming our worship on Facebook and reaching people in our community through targeted adverts. This is getting good engagement. We have also met in person in our garden, using creative problem-solving and pavement chalk to keep our little ones happy and safe in family bubbles, and dancing instead of singing. This has led to some deep conversations including one exchange with a man who works in Tesco and enjoys listening to the worship he hears over the wall during his cigarette break.

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INTERVIEW

Behind the streams The making of the territory’s online ministry Salvationist talks to the people behind the camera for Commissioning 2020 and the territorial leaders’ weekly video messages

I

N recent months corps across the territory have taken their ministry online. The territorial leaders have done the same, presenting weekly video messages since 20 March. The Video Production Unit (VPU) has recorded these, as well as a number of major online events, including Commissioning and the Light, Life and Love congress.

VPU Manager Bridget O’Leary and Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill take us behind the scenes to reveal the making of this online ministry.

Commissioning was the largest and most complicated film we have ever done 12

Salvationist 14 November 2020

BRIDGET How do you produce the weekly video messages?

We have taken over the meeting hall at THQ, where most of the filming takes place. We set up camera, lights and sound before the territorial leaders arrive so we can get straight on with the filming. After the filming, the footage is sent off for editing. Ben Alison, a newer member of the team, has taken it on as his project and consistently makes sure it’s delivered on time. Another team member, usually Sheron Gill, will transcribe and place the subtitles.

When do you record them?

The videos are released on a Friday, and the first message was filmed on a Thursday, which meant the team had to work into the night to prepare the video.

The response has been fantastic – people are watching from across the globe

Since then we’ve filmed on Wednesdays, but we still have the odd late night when we’re up against the clock.

What has the response been like?

The response has been fantastic.

People are watching from across the globe and I hear our members have never felt so connected to their leaders.

What about territorial events, such as the Easter and Pentecost meetings and the congress?

The territorial leaders planned the Easter and Pentecost meetings and led them from the meeting hall at THQ. We gathered self-shot Bible readings and prayers from around the territory, and some items were recorded by musicians locally too. The same happened for the congress, although a session planning team was involved in that and the Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham spoke in the meetings. As with the weekly messages, everything was prerecorded and edited, with transcripts turned into subtitles. There were many people involved from right across the territory, which made it more complicated but also more interesting and worthwhile.

How did the Commissioning plans come together?

As July approached it was clear that the lockdown would not ease in time and the way Commissioning would go ahead had to change. Captain Stephen Oliver at William Booth College approached us to ask for support, as there were a handful of elements that he wanted to prerecord. It all sounded so simple at the time but, as the days marched on, it became clear our contribution would be significant. Stephen put a lot of faith in our ideas and methods. He trusted the process and gave VPU the artistic licence to work quite freely.

As a team – and I include Stephen in that – we wanted to produce something really special for the cadets. We were also aware of the significance of the event, not just that we were sending out our new officers but also that the Army

could do with a real boost at that time.

We wanted to produce a proper Army event that folk could feel part of. From what I’ve heard I think we achieved that.

Were there additional challenges in live-streaming it?

The VPU was supported by others for live-streaming the event. The IHQ team, led by David Giles, brought in the expertise and many others got involved, whether that was operating the camera on the day, mixing music for one of the items or recording the dedication song.

We were pleased with the way we were able to present that.

How did you record the dedication song?

We could have easily done it as a Zoom-style choir, but Neil MacInnes, our creative director, visualised something much better. He was

adamant that we shouldn’t just keep within the boundaries of government guidelines but should work with them to our advantage and do something really special.

So we had the cadets spread out across the college grounds and hired a drone for aerial shots. The song ‘To You’ by Yvonne Field was beautifully recorded by Gary Rose (IHQ) and Cadet Martyn Bellshaw, and we played the music back for the cadets to mime to. However, we hadn’t banked on the drone being so noisy and the cadets couldn’t hear a thing! Our editor, Jon, did the painstaking work of making sure they were in sync and crafting the final piece.

Commissioning was by far the largest and most complicated delivery of films we have ever done. I am really proud of the VPU team and those who joined us to make what seemed impossible possible.

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There are not too many outtakes – we try to do the messages in one take Will what you’ve learnt during the pandemic affect the way VPU works in the future?

We have learnt so much during lockdown and since. The team has adapted incredibly well. We’ve directed filming over Skype calls when we couldn’t visit, we produced a TV advert in just two weeks, we have consistently put out a weekly message and produced online territorial events. All that while making short films for the Army’s social services! As a manager, I can’t say enough how grateful I am to have such a dedicated and talented team.

COMMISSIONER ANTHONY Why did you and Commissioner Gill decide to start recording the video messages?

It seemed a very quick way to send out a word of encouragement to the territory at the start of the lockdown and to put down an early marker that, while we were heading into lockdown, we were not heading into retreat. On the contrary, we would look for opportunities to serve in the name of Jesus.

We did not intend to do messages every week, but the response to the first one was such that there was strong encouragement to follow it up, and that has continued.

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What is involved from your side of it?

As a territory we are greatly blessed by the VPU. Gill and I simply have to turn up and say something. Of course, that is easier said than done – but we have needed to prepare messages every week for the last 36 years. What a privilege! So, it involves seeking God and discerning what is appropriate to say in encouragement, in blessing and in challenge, deciding what Scripture to share and if there is a song that backs the Scripture or anything to further illustrate the message. This is what corps officers and others are doing all the time.

Has it posed any difficulties?

We have had to make sure there is adequate preparation time before filming. Of course, it is difficult to address people that you cannot see.

There is no immediate feedback – we can’t tell whether people are with us or

not. No one laughs at what we think might be funny, although they might laugh at some of the outtakes. In truth, there are not too many of those and we try to do the messages in one take. The video team are not only professional and have creative ideas, they are great people to be with. Gill and I are so grateful to them.

What has the response been like?

Honestly, the response has been unexpected. The messages are directed at the UKI Territory – officers, soldiers, employees and attenders – and the messages seem to be viewed up to 5,000 times each week. There are people from around the world who also watch. Recently I had an email from a former Salvationist in Canada who has started watching. He said that tuning in has helped him regain his love for the Army, but more so his faith in God. That makes it worthwhile.

TESTIMONY

Giving everything to God In the first of her two-part testimony, Elaine Humphries (Cardiff Canton) writes about her journey back to the Army and God

I

HAVE been a Christian for almost 50 years. I was brought up in The Salvation Army, but I left at the age of 19. Since then I have attended many different churches. However, my faith waned as I saw people falling down in the Holy Spirit, which made me quite fearful of it happening to me. So I would not open myself up to God in church.

I regularly prayed and read my Bible, but I didn’t witness – and was even embarrassed by Christians who did.

However, all that changed in August last year when I bumped into an old friend, Peter. Through him, I started volunteering at a Salvation Army charity shop.

A few weeks later, as I was waking up one morning, I heard God’s audible voice: ‘You’ve got to go to the Army.’

The next Sunday I attended Cardiff Canton Corps. At that point it was a complete mystery why God wanted me to go there.

I continued to attend every Sunday.

Every time, as I entered the hall and saw the soldiers in their uniforms, it would be like a knife digging into me.

I soon realised that it was God telling me that he wanted me to become a soldier.

However, at that time I did not feel that I could sign the soldier’s covenant.

In December Satan started attacking me with doubts about the validity of the Creation story in the Bible. But that all changed in January this year when the corps officer stood up at the beginning of the meeting to say that God had told him to change the theme of the meeting. Every song and Bible reading was about God’s creation. After the meeting, I asked a soldier to kneel at the mercy seat with me. Everyone stayed and prayed for me. Their prayers must have been powerful. When I got home, the Holy Spirit came upon me showing me how much love there was.

I felt that I had a power I had never experienced before.

During the following week, however, there seemed to be some sort of blockage that I really couldn’t explain.

Then, on the Saturday evening, I was listening to an online sermon by John Piper entitled ‘How to experience the outpouring of God’s love’. He spoke about how we need to experience the love of God, and that it needs to be something that you don’t just know in your head but experience in your heart.

In the meeting the next morning I knelt at the mercy seat. God truly touched me and I felt an overwhelming sense of his love in a way I had never experienced before.

My Christian life and witness blossomed from that point.

I didn’t just have the desire to witness, but I was actually excited about doing so.

Over the next couple of months Satan continued attacking me. I would have regrets and doubts. Also, he brought back to my memory people that I had forgotten even existed, reminding me of how they had treated me.

This became frustrating – but at the same time I knew that if Satan was attacking me, The Salvation Army must be where God wanted me to be. In the end, I learnt to pray for those who had treated me badly.

A couple of months later God kept showing me Matthew 19:21, where Jesus says: ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor.’ I suspected that God wanted me to sell my stamp collection, but I didn’t want to believe it. During the following weeks it became clear that God did want me to donate my stamp collection to charity.

One Sunday morning I went to the mercy seat and surrendered my all to

God – my possessions, money, time and hobbies. The next day I donated my stamp collection to the charity shop.

After I left, I felt a great sense of freedom.

God was really at the centre of my life now, and was continually working in it.

Hobbies and interests that had ruled my life became unimportant – in fact, their attractiveness waned. I started to feel that God had something bigger for me to do, but at that time I had no idea what it was.

Then lockdown came…

t Elaine continues her story next week.

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BIBLE STUDY

Sorry, what did you say?

Major Philippa Smale weighs the benefits of forgiveness

PSALM 32

A

N elderly woman in a care home pointed out another resident, who incessantly moved around the room muttering, ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.’ The resident seemed to be convinced that she had done something terrible for which she had never been forgiven. She was living with dementia and it appeared that a feeling of guilt consumed her.

Psalm 32:1 tells us: ‘Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.’

We can be absolutely sure that there is nothing we’ve done that is beyond God’s forgiveness.

While working in the Czech Republic I met a client in a Salvation Army hostel who had been in prison for grievous bodily harm. He was convinced that God wouldn’t forgive him for what he’d

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day

by Major Lynda Levis

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done. I asked another client, who had been in prison for a similar offence and had become a Christian, to talk to him.

He told him: ‘There’s nothing you’ve done that is worse than what I’ve done.

God forgave me and he can forgive you too.’ Eventually, he led the man to faith in Christ.

QUESTIONS O Do you know people who think that God cannot possibly forgive them?

O What do you say to them?

The psalmist writes: ‘Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin’ (v5).

An important part of receiving forgiveness from God is confession – acknowledging that we are sinners in

need of forgiveness. It’s no use saying, ‘It’s not my fault. Blame him!’ Or, ‘If you knew what she’s done to me, you wouldn’t blame me for what I’ve done!

I was justified.’

God knows everything about us. He knows exactly what we’ve done. He’s not interested in our self-justification or rationalisation or in us shifting the blame. He sees what we’ve done and knows the reasons. We cannot hide from God. Words aren’t enough – especially if people feel they have been coerced into confessing. If repentance isn’t genuine, people do not experience forgiveness.

QUESTION O If you don’t feel sorry or understand that you need to be forgiven, do you think that an apology has any worth?

Why?

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

I have no claim on grace;/ I have no right to plead;/ I stand before my maker’s face/ Condemned in thought and deed./ But since there died a Lamb/ Who, guiltless, my guilt bore,/ I lay fast hold on Jesus’ name,/ And sin is mine no more.

(SASB 463)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

(Romans 8:1 and 2)

No condemnation now I dread;/ Jesus, and all in him, is mine./ Alive in him, my living head,/ And clothed in righteousness divine,/ Bold I approach the eternal throne/ And claim the crown, through Christ, my own.

(SASB 241)

Salvationist 14 November 2020

God’s unfailing love leads us to another facet of forgiveness. We are told to forgive other people, genuinely and wholeheartedly. It’s what God expects in response to his love. Forgiveness isn’t solely to do with the other person. When we say ‘I forgive you’, it heals something within us. It gets rid of resentment and bitterness. Sometimes, the person we are forgiving may never know we have forgiven them. That doesn’t matter. What matters is what’s happening within us.

If we truly want to know God as a hiding place and hear the songs of deliverance the psalmist mentions, we have to sincerely acknowledge our sin.

God promises us something immensely valuable. He says: ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you’ (v8).

If we are willing, we can learn what God wants to teach us. It is not something he will ever force us to do – we have free will. Unlike wild horses or stubborn mules, which have ‘no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle’ (v9), we have to take responsibility for our actions and attitudes.

QUESTIONS O Recall a time when you have forgiven someone but not told them. How did it make you feel?

O How do you feel when someone refuses to forgive you?

QUESTION O Why, when God tries to correct us, do we resist his teaching?

Forgiveness can sometimes be a journey – we might have to make the choice to forgive many times over.

A woman who had escaped an abusive relationship told me: ‘Some days, I can forgive my ex-husband for what he did.

Then it all comes rushing back, all the hurt, pain and humiliation, and forgiveness just flies out the window.

I have to start all over again.’ She knew she was on a journey, which did eventually come to a good end.

Being forgiven and forgiving others brings us to a place of rejoicing because it is part of being made right with God. As the psalmist says: ‘Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!’ (v11).

MAJOR SMALE IS CORPS OFFICER, CARDIFF ELY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

(1 John 1:9)

Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me,/ Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me,/ His precious blood he gave to redeem,/ Now I belong to him.

(SASB 874)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am a new creation,/ No more in condemnation,/ Here in the grace of God I stand./ My heart is overflowing,/ My love just keeps on growing,/ Here in the grace of God I stand./ And I will praise you Lord,/ Yes, I will praise you Lord,/ And I will sing of all that you have done./ A joy that knows no limit,/ A lightness in my spirit,/ Here in the grace of God I stand.

(SASB 367)

Prayer Lord, we are blessed because of you. You take us as we are and offer us the privilege of becoming your children – loved, forgiven and restored. Thank you for your amazing, unending grace that makes us new.

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REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON

For the beauty of the Earth Trevor Caffull creates a holiday word-picture postcard

T

HIS year’s late summer holiday for me and my wife, Deb, was not the much-anticipated visit to Tenerife – which was cancelled twice and probably will be a third time – but a week in Bournemouth, followed by a week in St Ives, Cornwall.

Bournemouth is an area I know well because my parents live in retirement down there – they increasingly need our support, so we normally visit often. Deb and I always try to make it a time for us as well as for them, and have become very accustomed to walking and running the long, flat and – in parts – beautiful eight-mile stretch of uninterrupted promenade between Hengistbury Head (east of Bournemouth) and Sandbanks (west of Bournemouth). It’s a lovely place and, not surprisingly, all my best running times have been achieved there.

It was, however, our week in Cornwall that really grabbed us – so much so that we have already booked to go back and celebrate our wedding anniversary there next year. I know St Ives pretty well, having holidayed there on and off since

my early teens, but every time I visit I’m still astounded by the beauty of the place and find new parts of Cornwall I’ve never visited before.

Lizard Point is the most southerly tip of mainland UK. It’s a well-known beauty spot, so I’m not sure why we have never gone there before. On this visit, while the rest of the country basked in a week-long Indian summer, St Ives was shrouded in a coastal fog for two consecutive days.

Drive a few miles down the road, though, and you would be back under bright blue sunshine skies. So we did – and headed for Lizard Point.

One of Deb’s ultimate ambitions is to walk the entire South West Coast Path.

It’s more than 500 miles long, so it could take some time, but we’ve done a few bits of it and at Lizard Point we added another eight miles or so. ‘Breathtaking’ is the best word I can use to describe the scenery. It is interesting too, with the sights including a lighthouse, coastal monitoring station, old disused lifeboat launch and a new technologically enhanced lifeboat launch. But oh, those views!

Not for the first time I found myself reflecting on why we are so often determined to head overseas for our holidays when we have such wonderful

locations on our own shores. I guess the good old British weather is part of the answer to that, although on the whole we were pretty fortunate.

It’s not surprising that the beauty of the world around us often inspires song and hymn writers to create yet more beauty in their use of language and word pictures.

The exquisitely named Folliott Sandford Pierpoint, who lived from 1835 to 1917, contributed one of my favourite hymns to church hymnology. He was brought up in Bath and subsequently lived in Devon, so it seems likely that he was inspired by similar beauty. His words came to me as I looked out over Lizard Point: For the beauty of the Earth, For the beauty of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies, Father, unto thee we raise This our sacrifice of praise.

For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale and tree and flower, Sun and moon and stars of light, Father, unto thee we raise This our sacrifice of praise.

(SASB 14) It was wonderful to visit Cornwall again, but the beauty of our own country also reminded me that none of us lives very far from places that are truly a gift – we just have to make the effort to find them. In these days when we continue to remain at home so much, it’s well worth finding those places of natural beauty and reflecting on how blessed we are.

TREVOR IS SATCOL MANAGING DIRECTOR AND A SOLDIER AT KETTERING CITADEL

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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

Blooming in adversity Nicola Walmsley considers the blessings experienced during a year of hardship

M

Y garden is filled with beautiful flowers but the little orange Welsh poppy is the only one of its kind out there, grown from a seed in a crack in the dry stone wall where, apart from wild ferns, most things don’t manage to survive. These delightful plants grow and flourish in adverse conditions, with little or no soil and irrigation. They remind me of something Mulan’s father says in Disney’s Mulan: ‘The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.’

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted many things that may not otherwise have been noticed, or that perhaps would have lain dormant – some good, some not so good. Take human nature for instance. Negative traits that remain hidden until faced with adversity – selfishness, greed, thoughtlessness and carelessness – became apparent when some people panic-bought more toilet roll than was necessary, depriving others of that essential item. Positive things that may have remained unnoticed without the lockdown include increased expressions of thankfulness and concern for the well-being of others.

One of the things I have noticed is strength in community. I recently read

Celebrating Life by Jonathan Sacks, and in the chapter titled ‘Community’ he writes about a man he knew who was attacked and beaten up in the street by a group of youths as he came home from the synagogue. Jonathan phoned him up, expecting to find him in a state of shock. But, to his amazement, the man said: ‘The police have just come round to take details. I told them what happened, but I had to add something. I said, “I know this is going to sound strange, but I’d like to thank my attackers. They showed me the friends I didn’t know I had.”’

The man’s neighbour had heard about the incident and the news spread at synagogue prayers the next day. He was ‘besieged by well-wishers’ bringing food, calling by or ringing to see how he was and praying for his recovery. Jonathan says: ‘It should not have surprised him.

He had done this many times for other people when they were going through a crisis of their own, but it was the first time he had been on the receiving end and he suddenly realised how strong were the bonds of support that surrounded him.

That is what community is. It is society on a human scale, where they notice when you are missing and take the trouble to find out why. It is where you are there for other people and they are there for you. It is where your griefs are halved, and your celebrations doubled by being shared.’

I thought this was a fitting story to show how even in adversity beauty can blossom, especially in a community with strong bonds. So too in families where love binds them together, through the good times and the adverse times. This is a precious thing that is of great value through all the seasons of our lives.

Hebrews 10:25 says: ‘Let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us encourage one another with words of hope’ (New International Reader’s Version). Although many of us are not able to gather together physically, we can still experience community by other means. Until we are able to meet it is

vital that we retain this contact. Modern technology enables this, for those who have access to it, but even the age-old art of letter-writing has proven a lifeline.

I would call 2020 a year of adversity – a year that had such promise but quickly and unexpectedly changed into a year of anxiety, caution, uncertainty, grief and isolation. However, in all the adversity, God has remained the same: faithful, compassionate, abundant in grace and providing the peace that passes all understanding and mercies that are new every morning. In this testing time he has produced some beautiful fruits in our communities, with wonderful memories and rare happenings that otherwise would have been missed in the usual business of life.

This is a year that some may never want to remember or mention again.

Some cannot wait for 2021 to arrive. For me, however, 2020 has been a rare and beautiful season of God appointments, opportunities and memories that I never want to forget. For even in the midst of adversity, I have seen the hand of God at work, and his blessing.

I am thankful for the family God has given me and for the extended family of God’s Kingdom, who have been such a blessing through all the adversity experienced this year.

NICOLA IS THE COMMUNITY MISSION FACILITATOR, BARROW-INFURNESS Salvationist 14 November 2020

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NEW COMMITMENTS

STOCKPORT CITADEL Recruiting Sergeant Wendy Willis welcomed Jane Harper and Olwyn Wych as adherent members. The socially distanced ceremony took place at the hall, with photos shared in the Harvest Zoom meeting. Olwyn, who has attended for many years, described the church family as a rock that supports her in her faith. Jane, who has been attending since losing family, said she had found great support from the meetings and fellowship in her new Salvation Army family. They were both keen to take this step in their journeys.

Holding the flag is CSM Patricia Harvey. – JA

HAWICK Nadine Kelly was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Captain Caroline Brophy-Parkin. Nadine had completed her recruitment classes before the coronavirus lockdown earlier this year and, as time progressed, it was decided that she should be enrolled in a socially distanced ceremony. Corps members were disappointed that they could not be present, but photographs were shared with them. Nadine has attended the corps from a young age and has professed her faith in Jesus. She is pictured with her grandmother, Wilma Kelly. – CB-P

REDRUTH Martin Brown first attended the parent-and-toddler group many years ago. He was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Lisa Goble. He chose the song ‘In Christ Alone’ (SASB 861) and paid tribute to those who inspired him. Words of encouragement from corps members were also read out. – LG

SHOTTS Rita was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Amy-Jo Battersby. Having linked up with the Army through a coffee morning, Rita normally attends with her daughter, Jacqui. While fully observing government safety guidance, Rita signed the soldier’s covenant and testified to her transformation through the Holy Spirit as a result of finding a worshipping community that she can call her family. The corps placed cake on each chair for those gathered to take away in celebration of the special occasion. – A-JB

Editor’s note: These reports are from meetings that took place before the current safety restrictions relating to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Salvationist 14 November 2020

PREVIEWS

New perspectives Salvationist introduces two publications that look upon God’s love with fresh eyes Words Of Life (January–April 2021)

‘LOVE and marriage… you can’t have one without the other’ suggest the lyrics for a song that became popular back in 1955. Aspects of love and loving relationships recorded in various Bible books are highlighted in the latest edition of Words Of Life. known perhaps is Hosea – a powerful image of how God keeps on loving Best know that is persistently unfaithful to him. In Song of Songs, a collection of a nation tha love songs between a man and a woman expresses something of the love of everyone. Readers can also delight in Ruth’s moving story.

God for eve In the New Testament, readings from the Gospels of Matthew and John reveal heart of love. Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians seek to help believers Jesus’ hear Christ-centred, blameless, loving lives. lead Christguest writer of the Easter series is from Norway and writers from various The gues countries contribute most of the Sunday readings. On Saturdays the focus other count Sermon on the Mount and the Lord’s Prayer. is on the Se This is the fifth and final edition of Words Of Life under the authorship of Major Christine Clement before she enters retirement.

Cl IHQ Literary Litera Secretary Paul Mortlock writes in the introduction: ‘The theme for this edition of Words Of Life was set before Covid-19 made its uninvited impact on our lives. lives It has proved to be a challenging book to create in many ways, bringing to m mind Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33).

‘Trouble in our lives may vary in form and degree due to influences such as culture or geography.

A few troubles that spring to mind, some being a direct ge result of the coronavirus pandemic, include bereavement, redundancy, bankruptcy, hunger, injustice, war and even problems in love and marriage.

However, th the subsequent words of Jesus in that verse from John’s Gospel completely change our focus: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Now that is something in which to place our trust – but how difficult to put into action!’ some Of Life is available from SP&S priced £4.99 (plus postage and packing)

O Words

The Story Of The First Christmas And After...

by Peter Woods THIS slim volume tells the Christmas story through the eyes of the characters involved: the innkeeper, Joseph, Mary, a shepherd, an astrologer and Simeon.

The author says: ‘I have endeavoured to highlight the human characteristics of the he main characters in the Christmas story, without in any way distorting the New Testament accounts of what happened on that memorable day. In emphasising the e human elements of the story I am hoping that these accounts will make the events s of that day more relevant for those without a faith or new to the faith. By the same token, I hope that what I have written, based on the little archaeological, biblical and nd historical evidence we have, will provide a new and meaningful perspective to established and committed Christians.’

Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal.

Story Of The First Christmas And After… is available for a minimum donation n of £5. Send a cheque payable to The Salvation Army with your order to Myra and Peter Woods, Lyngate Lodge, Lyngate Road, North Walsham NR28 0NE

O The

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O RS Joanne James, Sale O BM Jonathan Evans, Sale O CMS Edward Reece, Sale O Dep SL and YPBL Alistair Campbell, Sale O Worship Band Ldr Annabelle Ellison, Sale O Asst Worship Band Ldr Nick Crowhurst, Sale O Youth Team Ldr Neil Ward, Sale O Youth Team Ldr Sarah Ward, Sale O Cradle Roll Sgt Stephanie Gauntlett, Sale O CMS Fraser Hunter, Perth O HLS Sandra Smith, Perth O Prayer Co-ordinator Georgina Steven, Perth RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Robert Draper (90 on 22 November) O Major John Luce (80 on 28 November) PROMOTED TO GLORY O BM Ken Kilgour, Basingstoke O Bandsman Eric Collett, Chelmsford O Ernest Robson, Hexham O Violet Green, Clowne O June Jarvis, Chelmsford, on 14 October O Daphne Howe, Chatteris, from Swan House on 15 October BEREAVED O Dep BM Trevor Middleton, Norwich Mile Cross, of his sister Janice O Marilyn Kilgour, Basingstoke, of her husband BM Ken Kilgour, Louise Spence and Ray Kilgour of their father O Audrey Krelle, Prescot, of her son Andrew Krelle, Major Hilary Naylor, Hull Icehouse, Raymond Krelle, Ian Krelle, Barry Krelle and Katherine Sharrock of their brother O Elsie Longbottom, Ken Longbottom, and Graham Longbottom, all Clowne, of their sister Violet Green, Michelle O’Hare of her mother Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

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Salvationist 14 November 2020

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 November O Major Christine Clement out of Harrow in 1982 and last appointment IHQ O Major Heather Godwin (nĂŠe Capewell) out of Cheltenham in 2003 and last appointment Devon and Cornwall DHQ ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

WHAT’S ON ALL TERRAIN PODCAST Matt White hosts the latest All Terrain Podcast in which General Brian Peddle is asked to make four choices and answer four questions.

O This and previous episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Podbean

TRIBUTES STAN SHEPHERD, SALE STAN was born into a Salvationist family in 1925 and attended Star Hall Corps in Manchester. He served as a Royal Marine in France, taking part in the D-Day landings.

Returning in 1945, Stan married Joan.

They enjoyed 67 years together and had two children, Paul and Anne, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Stan returned to faith when Sale Corps opened in 1991, becoming a soldier and assistant over-60 club secretary. Stan loved the Army and regularly attended Sunday meetings and the Young in Heart club. An outgoing and entertaining character, he organised many outings and activities and enjoyed singing with the Young in Heart choir and performing timbrel routines.

Due to ill health, Stan was unable to attend but enjoyed meetings online at his daughter’s home, where he spent the last year of his life. Stan was a huge personality and is greatly missed by all his family and the corps. – AW

DANNY OZANNE, DONCASTER DANNY was born in 1928 in Rushden, Northamptonshire.

A third-generation Salvationist, he was the eldest son of Brigadier and Mrs Daniel Ozanne.

He had five siblings: Stan, Maurice, Marie, Peter and Paul.

Danny served as a Salvation Army officer for 10 years. He then joined the prison service and retired from HMP Northeye, where he was governor, in 1988.

He married Joan and had two children, Marie and David, and five grandchildren.

A committed member of Doncaster Corps, this warm and much loved man is greatly missed by all. – JO MAJOR ANN CORRIGAN ANN was born in 1937, one of eight children. She left school aged 14 and went to work in a linen mill.

Ann was introduced to The Salvation Army by a work colleague who extended an invitation to attend Shankill Corps in Belfast, where she immediately fell in love with all things Army.

Ann was totally committed, becoming a soldier, corps cadet, company guard, songster and pub boomer. She also introduced her family to the Army.

When Ann received the call to officership she readily said yes. She entered the International Training College as a member of the Witnesses to the Faith Session in 1965 and was commissioned in 1967.

Her first appointment was at Edinburgh Vennel women’s hostel, followed by many other appointments within Social Services throughout the UK. She loved the people she looked after in all her appointments.

With an evident love for God and impact on so many lives, Ann’s life was summed up by the motto ‘heart to God, hand to man’.

She is sorely missed by all her family and remembered for her love and many selfless acts. – SS

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE LOCKDOWN IN ENGLAND A four-week lockdown across England is now in effect, while different restrictions apply in other parts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The aim is to reduce the spread of the virus by limiting social contact. At the same time, many people are turning to the Army for help. If government regulations and Salvation Army guidance are being followed, local leaders are best placed to make decisions about a specific activity in consultation with their respective line managers.

Places of worship Places of worship are closed until 2 December, except for individual prayer, broadcasting acts of worship, formal childcare (or where part of a school), essential voluntary and public services, such as blood donation or food banks, and funerals. Weddings are not permitted to take place except in exceptional circumstances.

Issued by Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant and correct as of 3 pm on 9 November

and support groups, but most youth clubs and groups will need to cease for this period.

There is considerable opportunity for officers, employees and volunteers of The Salvation Army to do work that cannot be done from home such as essential pastoral visits and delivery of essential supplies. Great care should be taken to observe social distancing and prevent the spread of the virus.

CHRISTMAS TOY APPEALS The challenges of doing a Toy Appeal during the pandemic are recognised but planning should continue. Corps and divisions can continue to encourage in-person donations of toys and food items, providing this complies with the government guidance and travel restrictions for their nation and area. More information will be available soon.

Furlough Where workplaces are now required to close as part of the lockdown in England, staff will either be required to work from home or placed on the extended furlough scheme.

THE ENTERTAINER BIG TOY APPEAL The Salvation Army is once again partnering The Entertainer, the high street toy retailer, to support corps efforts to collect Christmas gifts for children who need them most.

Corps in Scotland, Wales, the Ireland Division and the Isle of Man will still be able to collect toys from their partnered Entertainer store.

The Big Toy Appeal in England will be running exclusively online as Entertainer stores have had to close in accordance with the latest lockdown measures. More information will be available soon.

CHARITY SHOPS In England, charity shops are not considered essential retail so are closed during the lockdown. In Scotland, shops at Tier 4 will need to close. In Wales, charity shops were closed until 9 November as part of the ‘firebreak’ but were due to reopen when restrictions were lifted. In Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man there are no restrictions and charity shops can remain open.

Funerals Funerals can only be attended by a maximum of 30 people, ie close family and friends.

Anyone working at or leading the funeral is not included in this number.

ARMY PAPERS The sale of Army papers on the streets and in pubs should be suspended in England as it is not an ‘essential public service’. Heralds in other UK nations should follow government guidance applicable in their area.

Essential voluntary and public services Exempted activities are defined as ‘essential voluntary and public services’. This includes ‘support groups’ such as AA or ante-natal groups. This does not include parent-andtoddler groups.

Early years settings, however, can remain open. Some youth services may also be able to continue, such as one-to-one youth work

CAROLLING AND COLLECTING THQ is seeking clarification on carolling and collecting activities in December. As soon as we can give reliable information we will do so.

MUSIC-MAKING In line with current restrictions in Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, groups of musicians are not permitted. In Scotland, groups are not permitted in areas within Tier 3 and up. Groups are permitted in areas within Tiers 0, 1 and 2, provided they adhere to safety measures.

In England, all amateur performing arts activity must stop until lockdown restrictions are lifted, which includes group rehearsals and performances.

ADVERTISING RATES LISTINGS: Single line advert – £5 CLASSIFIEDS: Corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

1

£6.40

£9.00

26 – 35 WORDS £11.60

3

£15.45

£21.70

£27.80

Extra words over 35 – 26p per word CLASSIFIEDS: Non-corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

26 – 35 WORDS

1

£9.00

£12.50

£14.00

3

£22.50

£31.25

£35.00

Extra words over 35 – 30p per word BOXED ADVERTISEMENTS: Single column – 32.5 mm (w) Double column – 69.5 mm (w) SIZE

SINGLE COLUMN 1 ISSUE

SINGLE COLUMN 3 ISSUES

DOUBLE COLUMN 1 ISSUE

28 mm

£15.00

£36.00

£30.00

DOUBLE COLUMN 3 ISSUES £72.00

61 mm

£26.00

£65.00

£52.00

£130.00

94 mm

£55.00

£137.50

£110.00

£250.00

127 mm

£65.00

£155.00

£130.00

£315.00

PAGE ADVERTISEMENTS: Quarter page – 127mm (h) X 88 mm (w) Half page – 127 mm (h) X 181 mm (w) Full page – 258 mm (h) X 181 mm (w) SIZE

1 ISSUE

3 ISSUES

QUARTER PAGE

£180.00

£450.00

HALF PAGE

£340.00

£850.00

FULL PAGE

£675.00

£1,687.00

ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. ALL ADVERTS CARRIED IN SALVATIONIST ARE SUBJECT TO HOUSE STYLE AND ARE CARRIED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITOR. ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

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‘‘‘ All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army.

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

CSM MERVYN POORE Lockerbie How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I’m a fifth-generation Salvationist.

Apparently I went on my first music weekend campaign to the Channel Islands in a carrycot when I was six weeks old.

What made you want to become a soldier?

If I’m being honest, because it was the next step expected. The experience became a reality about 18 years later.

What was your job before retirement?

For 44 years I was a civil servant and spent the last 25 with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas).

What is the most interesting thing about retirement – and the most frustrating?

The most interesting is having choices – no longer being told what to do or where to be. The most frustrating is never being sure what day it is.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

Job titles that you need to ask about to understand what they mean.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Visiting the Swiss Alps. The scenery cannot be beaten.

What is your favourite food?

Suet pudding with golden syrup.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am a model railway enthusiast and have taken over the garage with my latest effort.

God will make a way Where there seems to be no way.

He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.

’’’

(SASB B 492)

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?

Thomas Edison. I would like to find out how he managed to patent so many inventions despite only formally attending school for three months of his life.

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?

Moses. I would ask him how he managed to cope with people who just kept on complaining and doing their own thing every time he turned his back.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

He was daft enough to do it and daft enough to tell everyone about it.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

At the moment it is ‘God Will Make A Way’ (SASB 492). It gives me hope and reassurance in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

The triple jump. I was area schools champion but now would probably need to stop for a rest mid run-up!

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

Escape To Victory. I’d take on the goalkeeping role played by Sylvester Stallone. I would get to meet some of the best players ever to set foot on a football pitch.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?

Tulips From Amsterdam by Max Bygraves, played on an old, wind-up record player.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ (John 14:27). I was listening to a sermon on this verse when I experienced that real peace and my life changed.

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

Politics.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

A group of us at school were fans of the pop group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich. On the day we decided to use them as our nicknames I was the last to arrive, so was left with Dozy.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Say the right thing, at the right time and in the right way.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

Life. Over the past ten years three consultants have told me that I am lucky to still be here.

Something interesting people might want to know about you is…

I was once mentioned in a News Of The World article.