SALVATIONIST
WALKING TOGETHER JOURNEYING WITH FAMILIES
Welcome to the family
YOU could be forgiven for struggling to define what constitutes a family today. Traditional concepts are no longer the only norm. Indeed, the component parts can vary hugely in today’s society and are no longer bound by familial ties. Families can be brought together under a multitude of circumstances and be large or small, strong or barely held together.
People within a family can experience both positive and negative feelings towards their particular family group. Such feelings are often brought about by the values that are demonstrated within them. The central and strongest binding element to any family has to be love. Where there is love, genuine and unconditional, those within the group are able to feel a sense of safety and security and to grow as God intended them to.
Of course, as children of God, we all share the privilege of being part of God’s family – cherished, chosen to become more and more like our heavenly Father. As we celebrate the International Day of Families (15 May) in this week’s issue, and pause to acknowledge those families who experience poverty, inequality and other challenges, may we do so through the lens of a heavenly Father who loves each of us equally.
Visit salvationist.org.uk/ recommended-content
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Joseph Halliday, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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SCRIPTURE
FOUNDERS Catherine and William Booth
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS
1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ 0845 634 0101
© The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399. Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton.
WHY WE’RE BUILDING RESTORED BEACONS
Helping young people
Captain Luke Cozens encourages us to engage with the government’s consultation on growing up in the online world
IHAVE gotten into the habit of praying the Lord’s Prayer (almost) every day. The line ‘your Kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven’ (Matthew 6:10) is particularly meaningful to me. Our hope as Christians, as Salvationists, is for this world with all its joy, sorrow and complexity to become like Heaven, where Jesus reigns as King.
It’s a challenging prayer to pray because it means we have to do more than just serve people with their current needs – we have to ask why those needs are there in the first place. The Salvation Army is amazing at meeting needs – food banks, homework clubs, debt
Reflect and respond
Read Matthew 6:9–13. How does praying for God’s Kingdom to come shape the way you think about politics?
How do mobile phones and social media impact you, or the young people in your life and community?
What are the benefits and challenges posed by growing up in an online world?
Respond to the consultation at tsa.link/growing-up-onlineconsultation.
advice and more all serve people where they are – but sometimes it’s harder to take that next step. Why can’t people afford food? Why can’t children do their homework at home? Why are so many of our friends and neighbours in debt? As soon as we ask these questions, we end up in the messy world of systems, people and complex decisions that make up politics. But these systems need to change if Earth is going to be as it is in Heaven. Each food parcel makes a difference to someone’s life but, as long as the system stays the same, someone else will turn up needing one tomorrow.
That’s why we so desperately need Christians to be part of politics. That doesn’t mean you have to become an MP – although if you think you can, do it! – but there are hundreds of ways to become more involved in the politics of your country or local area. We need Christians who vote, are school governors, go to local planning meetings, sign petitions, write to their elected representatives, call in to talk shows or run for the parish council. Not to promote their own self-interest, but to promote the values of the Kingdom of God. If we want society to reflect God’s Kingdom, we need to be in the places where decisions are made.
The UK government is currently trying to work out what it can do to help young people as they grow up in an online world – and they want to hear from you. So much of our lives at the moment
is influenced by technology, including phones and social media, but it’s having a particular impact on the youngest of us. The government is exploring whether it should put an age limit on accessing social media, restrict addictive design features and risky functionalities, raise the digital age of consent, make the guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools statutory, and do more to support parents in helping their children navigate the online world.
The government has launched surveys for young people aged between 10 and 21, parents and carers of young people, and for anyone else in the country. Here is an opportunity, in just a few clicks, to join the conversation about something that has a massive impact on our young people and our society – to have your say and help speak out the values of God’s Kingdom.
The consultation is available at tsa. link/growing-up-online-consultation and will close on 26 May, with a response set to be published by the government this summer. If all of us engage, perhaps this can be a space where we help Earth become just a little bit more like Heaven.
CAPTAIN LUKE COZENS Justice and Reconciliation Officer THQ
MEANDMY PLAYLIS T
Jayden Guzha
Ipswich Citadel
‘Shackles (Praise You)’ by Mary Mary My mum always used to blast this around the house when I was younger.
‘Marching Onward’ by the Amsterdam Staff Band
We’ve been practising this in youth band for a while, and we got to play it out at Norwich Citadel when we were leading the morning meeting and in the open air as well. I just think it’s a good march.
‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ by Randy Newman
I’m a big Toy Story fan. I have been ever since I was a kid, and I still am to this day, to be fair.
‘Friend Like Me’ from Aladdin I really liked Aladdin . And this is sort of a jumpy, sort of energetic song.
‘Share My Yoke’ by the CMVS Staff Band
We started practising this piece at band practice a couple of months ago. The first time we played it at practice, it genuinely stuck with me. It’s conveying a message of support and companionship in times of struggle. And that emphasises Jesus’ presence. He’s always there no matter what situation you’re going through.
• Based on an episode of Salvationist Radio’s Me and My Playlist. The podcast features young people from across the territory as they share five tracks they love. Listen to more episodes at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
‘I
give thanks for God’s faithfulness’
Major Paul Latham reflects on how God has guided his ministry
HAVING reached the milestone of my 90th birthday, I want to reflect on some of God’s guidance in my life over many years and give thanks for his faithfulness. These days, retired to Perthshire, I am privileged to spend a fair bit of my time writing books on some of the plants and edible insects found in Africa, where my wife, Ena, and I spent most of our officership. This subject is close to my heart, and I hope this testimony helps others understand why.
I first experienced salvation at The Salvation Army in Crewe. The previous summer, I had gone to France with a friend I had met at the technical college where I studied botany and chemistry. My friend was a member of The Salvation Army and we visited several Salvation Army centres in France as we travelled. Returning to the UK, I was working on a farm in Cheshire, prior to studying for a degree in agriculture, and started attending the corps in Crewe. Having received Christ’s salvation in a meeting there, I felt very strongly that God wanted me to become an officer, even though I wasn’t sure what value my agriculture might be to the mission. I discussed my concerns with my corps officer, who encouraged me to continue my studies and see where God was leading me. With some initial doubt, I followed that advice.
Waiting upon him, God subsequently opened avenues of service for Ena and me to be appointed to Kenya and then Congo, working with farmers and young people, helping them gain skills vital to their daily living and even, in some cases, survival. We knew it was the work we should be doing as officers, and I hasten to add that, without Ena’s invaluable support, I doubt my ministry would have
been possible. As an African proverb reminded us, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ That has been our experience.
I became fascinated by the knowledge people possessed regarding the value of plants and insects surrounding them, and it became my conviction that such a wealth of comprehension should be recorded. So, since I retired in 1996, that recording is what I, together with a number of others, have been doing. The importance of using God-given resources cannot be overestimated.
I wish to place on record my warmest gratitude to the many people who continue to help with my projects. My prayer is that my contribution in this way will be useful.
Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
A love story that offers hope
Dementia Engagement and Development Manager Ali Thornton-Dean reviews Caring for Janet by Commissioner Robert Street
READING this book was not only a privilege and blessing, but also a reminder of how important and vital a role we play when caring for our loved ones living with dementia. Bob takes the reader on his and Janet’s journey through dementia with an honest and open narrative.
It felt like I was reading the greatest of love stories: through every page you cannot help but hear the love that Bob has for his beloved wife, Janet. Bob beautifully explains who Janet is, not was, and who she remains to be, despite the challenges of dementia and the changes this has brought to her life. Janet cared for Bob unswervingly for so many years, and Bob’s open and honest telling of how he now cares for Janet feels like the roles of their love and care for one another are beautifully entwined, despite the harsh realities that dementia can bring.
Bob brings the reality of dementia alive, highlighting his need for others to support him and Janet on their journey; if you are a caregiver, I pray you hear the thanksgiving that is given for you as you play a part in helping others survive the journey of dementia.
Whether you are a carer for someone you love living with dementia, or as yet an onlooker witnessing other people’s lives that have been changed by dementia, I recommend you read this cover to cover. It is full of insight into what person-centred care truly looks like, outlining the practicalities, including the financial elements. Bob helpfully takes the reader through the different stages of Janet’s dementia journey, from the first signs that something was changing to the later stages of living with dementia. This love story offers hope to all of us who care for others. It is a story in which we hear of a couple, in love with each other but in love with their Lord, Jesus Christ. Bob uses the words ‘we have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back’, and this theme is echoed throughout each and every page.
Bob uses his skill at writing to draw a picture of Janet, her gifts and skills, her life before and during dementia. You are able to build a picture of this loving wife and mother, a woman of God and faith who still remains who she was created to be, with a shift from being the ‘provider’ to the ‘provided for’ – in the words of Bob – and with her identity in Christ unchanged.
Bob is not only Janet’s husband and carer but also her greatest advocate. In recent years, within the world of dementia research and teaching, we have heard much of the term ‘living well with dementia’ and a shift is changing the currents of research to advocate for a ‘living positively’
approach. Caring for Janet has affirmed me in the way I cared for my own parents and brother, who lived with dementia before they died, with a living positively approach.
On behalf of all who will read this book and be encouraged, affirmed and challenged, I thank Bob for sharing his heart, his ministry and his and Janet’s story.
Each goodbye you hear through these pages – whether that be the last goodbye of being in worship together, the last goodbye of visiting the seaside or the last goodbye of hearing someone’s voice – is laced with the beauty of thanksgiving to God.
• Caring for Janet is available now, published by Shield Books.
Justified freely!
Captain Luke Cozens reminds us God’s grace is enough
ROMANS 3:21–31
IWAS incredibly confident as a teenager – I loved speaking in front of people, and I generally thought I knew best! Unfortunately, this also sometimes meant I thought I was better than others and didn’t always give them a chance to do things. God wants us to be confident in him – to be sure we’re saved and can do what he asks of us – but he wants us to have a confidence that welcomes others and doesn’t put ourselves above them.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Do you tend to be more confident or self-doubting?
When might your confidence become arrogance?
When might you need to be more confident in God?
In his letter to the Romans, Paul is trying to set out how God’s salvation works and how we can get this kind of confidence. He’s already explained that none of us gets it right – we all sin. Even Paul’s own people, who had been given God’s Law, haven’t got it right – the Law just showed how bad things were. But here he says there is a way for us to be right with God – to be ‘righteous’ (v20) –just like the Old Testament said we could (see vv21 and 22). Everyone who follows Jesus is right with God – he has nothing against us and we’re always welcome
with him. If you follow Jesus, there’s no way out of God’s good books!
The twist is that we can’t earn it for ourselves. Christianity doesn’t have a set of instructions for how to get into those good books – we’d only fail at them anyway. Instead, we are ‘justified freely by his grace’ (v24), which we have ‘received by faith’ (v25). Like a teacher who gives an A* – or a 9 in today’s GCSE grading – to anyone who asks, God gives us this status of righteousness. ‘Grace’ means it is given even though we haven’t earned it. Instead, Jesus has earned it for us, and anyone who is with Jesus gets Jesus’ righteousness too. That’s where faith comes in – the gift comes through being with Jesus: trusting him, following him, being one of his people.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Are you ever tempted to think that you’ve earned your righteousness?
Are you ever tempted to think you’re terrible or not worthy of good things?
In verses 25 and 26, we hit a challenge. So many of the films and TV shows I’ve watched recently have been about people getting away with things they shouldn’t have. The Big Short talks about bankers getting away with crashing the economy, Five Days at Memorial suggests a doctor got away with killing patients, and The Hack talks about journalists getting away with the hacking of people’s phones. We hate it when people get away with these things – it suggests
the people in charge don’t care about what is right.
God can’t just let us off for the sins we have done. Every unkind word and every selfish choice that we make damages other people and this world. If God just ignored that, then his own righteousness would be in question. There has to be some kind of consequence – some cost to be paid. However, God chose to pay that cost himself through Jesus. Anyone who wants to accuse God of not caring about sin just needs to look at the cross.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Are you ever too quick to dismiss the real consequences of your sins?
Are you ever drawn into feeling bad about them over and over again, long after God has forgiven you?
God’s righteousness is a gift, not something to be arrogant about. I remember a story I saw on Facebook where a 21-year-old explained how they had managed to buy a massive house at such a young age, only for someone to look up the details and point out their parents gave them the money – there’s no point boasting about something you didn’t earn for yourself.
In verses 27 to 31, Paul says the same is true for our salvation. Jesus earned it for us, so there’s no point boasting about it. Being saved doesn’t make us any better than anyone else. In fact, being a Christian means that we’ve openly admitted we’re not good enough – we need God to save us.
Paul says this also applies to his people. They can’t claim that they get right with God in a special way by following the Old Testament rules –they need Jesus too. That doesn’t mean we can ignore the Old Testament; it just shows that the Old Testament points to Jesus. Jesus is the only way for anyone to get right with God.
So what does all this mean? First, we should be confident. Nothing can take us away from God’s love or put us in his bad books. If you follow Jesus, you can be fully confident that you are good enough, that you can do anything God asks you to do, that no one can tell you you’re not worthy. But that doesn’t mean we can be arrogant or selfconfident. The kind of confidence we have has to be open to everyone – not ‘I’m better than you’ but ‘God gave me full confidence and you can have it too’!
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What would it look like for you to live with full confidence that you are right with God?
How can you encourage others to experience this salvation and confidence for themselves?
CAPTAIN LUKE COZENS Divisional Children’s Officer North East Division
To read the full, unedited Prayer Matters booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 16 MAY: CARING FOR CREATION – PRAYING WITH NATURE – WARMING Rising temperatures wake overwintering butterflies and welcome early summer species. As you notice butterflies or bees, reflect on the quiet, purposeful work they do. Let their lightness remind you transformation often unfolds in small, faithful steps. Pray this simple prayer: ‘God, make me attentive to the hidden ways you bring life.’ Ask for grace to carry goodness lightly into each place you go. by Major Gordon Cotterill (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)
SUNDAY 17 MAY: SABBATH PRAYER – WHAT IS THE SPIRIT SAYING TO THE CHURCH? Sometimes, it’s in the places where we’ve been disappointed or discouraged that we experience the presence of God, if we have courage to look. Has your church community experienced a loss, failure or disappointment recently? As you reflect and talk about it, do you sense the Spirit challenging you to do something new? Are there any ideas that might just be the Master-fisherman teaching you a new way to fish? by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)
MONDAY 18 MAY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – BH1 AT BOSCOMBE SALVATION ARMY
BH1 sees approximately 50 people every day. We offer a place for showering, laundry, a free breakfast, a low-cost two-course lunch and clothes. Some of our clients attend our Coffee, Cake and Faith group that meets every Thursday. Pray we’ll have opportunity to share our faith, and for the right staff and volunteers to support us in our mission.
by Annette Watts (Community Project Manager)
TUESDAY 19 MAY: SERVING AND CARING – ‘SPACE FOR GRACE’ WELLBEING RETREAT (19–21 MAY)
For those changing appointments, this guided retreat is time to reflect on what has been, the possible impacts of change, to learn tools to embrace and mitigate these impacts, and to plan for the future, knowing God holds it all, already bestowing grace and preparing the way. We pray those attending will be refreshed, restored and resourced, that they’ll meet with the One who calls them beloved children. by Major Vikki Burr (Coordinator for Regional Wellbeing Services)
WEDNESDAY 20 MAY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – PRAYER IN THE WORKPLACE
There can be many frustrations in the workplace. It can be tempting to react in negative ways, talking harshly to colleagues, cutting corners or trying to avoid tedious activities. Commit to praying for workplaces where tensions arise: for peace and tolerance between colleagues, for guidance in making decisions, and perseverance when work is hard. Pray Christians in the workplace will stretch out to help those who are finding work difficult. adapted from thykingdomcome.global
THURSDAY 21 MAY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – ZIMBABWE AND BOTSWANA TERRITORY
We pray for the Army’s work in this territory, which includes Madagascar, asking God’s richest blessings and provision over every aspect of work and worship. May the Spirit bring fresh anointing, that the word of God may be preached with boldness. Pray for territorial leadership: Commissioners Daniel and Tracey Kasuso and Colonels Tineyi and Rumbidzayi Mambo. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)
FRIDAY 22 MAY: GROWING IN FAITH – NORTH EAST DIVISION – FRUITFUL DISCIPLESHIP Pray we will see fruitfulness in nurturing discipleship in different ways, including the new divisional ‘Rise’ youth cells. Pray for leaders to be raised up who will roll up their sleeves, invest their gifts, and walk alongside others on the journey of faith. by Captain Naomi Clifton
(Divisional Leader and Divisional Personnel Officer)
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.
Supporting families
Assistant Director of Family Ministries
Deb Stanbury-Juster introduces the latest addition to the Happy Families resource
LAST year, Family Ministries launched Happy Families, a discussion card resource that helps explore modern family dynamics and unpack biases about family life. Now, an additional resource is continuing to tackle preconceptions about what a ‘conventional’ family looks like and help people to support families through the challenges and complexities of life.
‘The original resource helped create conversations about our assumptions and stereotypes,’ explains Deb. ‘The family cards represented different types of families, allowing users to explore and challenge their beliefs and assumptions.’
The new online expansion of the resource continues to equip people within The Salvation Army to offer meaningful support on a whole host of issues. These include missing persons, bereavement, disability, pregnancy and domestic abuse. Three new themes are also included: parenting, singleness and inclusion.
‘If you want information about a particular topic, such as domestic abuse, you can get information and two or three links to really good websites or resources that will further help you,’ explains Deb.
‘When we started thinking about
creating this online resource, we recognised, for instance, that singleness isn’t a problem to be solved but an experience. Likewise, we thought it was important to recognise that inclusion is really important for all sorts of reasons. Every family is different!’
With regards to the new parenting card, Deb considers the financial strains families and single parents are under in bringing up children in an increasingly uncertain world.
‘The strains were there even before current global affairs,’ she reflects. ‘Anything that causes the cost of living to rise is going to put added stress and pressure on families, for sure. Family poverty is still a massive issue in the UK and Ireland.’
Deb explains that the Family Support cards directly help The Salvation Army to come alongside families and individuals, living out the mission priorities of serving others without discrimination and seeking justice and reconciliation: ‘It is there for signposting to further support and resources. It’s reminding people that pastoral care is about journeying with others and listening when appropriate.’
‘All of us in our lives and in our families
experience obstacles,’ she says. ‘That might include having an issue around pregnancy, having a family member who has a disability, or experiencing baby loss. When we designed this resource, we tried to think about all those family life events. What if someone came to us with one of those problems? Where would we look to give them some really good support and advice? That’s what we’re offering!’
‘Because it’s an online resource, we can update it,’ she continues. ‘In time – if we think there are new family challenges that need to be added – we can get new cards created and put new information out there.’
• Explore and download the Happy Families and Family Support cards at tsa.link/family-ministries-resources
GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist
Speaking out
Frankie Jackson considers the biblical call to support survivors of domestic abuse
IF you’re anything like me, there are parts of Scripture that you can be tempted to rush through or gloss over, because they’re complex, harder to study, digest and sit in the uncomfortableness of. Judges 19 is like that for me. It’s a chapter that I didn’t study properly until I took the time to understand the work and vision of the Christian charity Restored.
In Judges 19, we read of a woman who was maltreated and eventually sexually abused and murdered in the street by a gang of men. The story ends with God’s people coming together in outrage and anguish, saying: ‘Just imagine! We must do something! So speak up!’ (Judges 19:30). We can be inclined to think that such acts of violence are confined to the Old Testament, in a time and culture different from ours and yet, the research says otherwise.
Help is available
This page and Judges 19:25–29 contain potentially distressing content relating to violence against women and girls, and domestic abuse. If you have been affected by any of these issues, contact the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (UK) or 1800 341 900 (Ireland) for confidential, non-judgemental support and information. If you are in danger, call 999.
Regarding domestic abuse specifically, research that Restored conducted with Coventry University and the University of Leicester found that one in four churchgoers had experienced an act of domestic abuse in their current relationship. Other research tells us that, in the year ending March 2025, the police recorded a domestic abuse offence every 40 seconds. Therefore, it’s evident that in worshipping communities – including within The Salvation Army – and in wider society, domestic abuse remains devastatingly prevalent, and it’s not something we can afford to pass over or ignore.
This is why the work of Restored is so vital. They are responding to the call of Judges 19:30 in our modern context – to speak up and to do something, as they support survivors of domestic abuse and equip churches to do the same.
Restored supports survivors through an online network for Christian women who have experienced domestic abuse, where they can connect with one another through peer support groups, drop-ins, recovery courses and an annual retreat. Restored has also developed training and resources for churches to help them respond to domestic abuse and support survivors, safely and appropriately. A network of churches called Restored Beacons has grown, where churches receive training and are equipped to support survivors of domestic abuse in their congregations and communities, and join with Restored in standing against domestic abuse.
In contrast to the violence of Judges 19 is the beauty of the nature and character of God, who sees each of us. In Genesis 16:13, Hagar ‘gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me”’ (Genesis 16:13).
We, as the people of God, have the opportunity to reflect the nature and character of God, to truly see people and to extend hope to those who have experienced cruel treatment, abuse and violence.
There are currently 17 Restored Beacon churches across different denominations, with many more in the process of being developed. Within the UK and Ireland Territory, we are privileged to have a formalised and established partnership with Restored, which includes six Salvation Army expressions that have become Restored Beacons. We believe that God’s Church, rooted in Christ, is the hope of the world and that, as churches step up and speak out, we’ll see change come. This is hugely important in our vision of fullness of life for all with Jesus.
Restored’s recent impact report (2015–2025) states: ‘Our hope is that one day, every survivor who comes to us for help can be referred to a church in their local community that will be ready to support them.’
We join with that prayer and invite you to consider whether exploring becoming a Restored Beacon could be the next step for your corps or local expression of The Salvation Army.
For anyone wanting to find out more or explore this further, please contact familyministries@salvationarmy.org.uk To find out more about the work of Restored, visit restored-uk.org
FRANKIE JACKSON Beacon Church Development Lead Family Ministries
‘Seeds
of faith are being sown’
Outreach Mission Partner Rachel Gotobed (Family Ministries) shares about the ministry of parent-and-toddler groups
Why are parent-and-toddler groups important?
The beauty of parent-and-toddler groups is that they can be whatever you need them to be, and you can adapt to best suit your setting. They’re a way of engaging with families that suits your community’s needs and your physical environment. Parent-and-toddler groups have a huge engagement: Talking Toddlers research commissioned by Hope Together, the Church of England and the Evangelical Alliance shows that 76 per cent of families with under-fives have a connection with a local church at some point, predominantly through parentand-toddler groups. The Salvation Army’s data shows that, after Sunday worship, people link up with The Salvation Army through attending parent-and-toddler groups more than any other activity.
How are parent-andtoddler groups adapting to families’ needs?
Parent-and-toddler groups today are adapting to the changing nature of government provision around early years education – for some families, provision is from two years old and onwards. Corps recognise that they’ve got a shorter time to build relationships with these young families. People who have been on a journey and run successful parent-and-toddler groups for many years are looking at other ways they can engage with families. Our recently relaunched Baby Song resource
enables corps to build rich relationships because it usually involves a smaller group. Craft-based sessions and messy play are some of the other options corps are also using, along with Jump IN!, our Bible-based curriculum resource.
How do you help corps continue those relationships once a child starts nursery?
When I talk to corps who are looking to start a parent-and-toddler group, I talk to them about progression. For example, have they already got a Messy Church? Seeds of faith are being sown in the lives of the children and adults in the parentand-toddler groups, but we also need to look at ways of enabling those families to keep in touch – we need to be intentional about that.
How do you equip and support parent-and-toddler group leaders and teams?
We have a territorial network for parentand-toddler groups and each division has nominated one or two people to be representatives on it. We meet three times a year and we share information with them, but it’s also important for us to hear from them what we can do to help groups. Another way we hope to equip parentand-toddler groups is through our new Get Set! conferences. The first will take place on Saturday 5 September at William Booth College – a mirror conference is planned for 17 April 2027 at Sale Corps. We really want to celebrate the leaders,
volunteers, helpers, everybody who is part of parent-and-toddler groups. Historically it’s not always been seen as the integral piece of missional work that it is. Hopefully, we’ll gather those faithful champions of parent-and-toddler groups together and show them how much they are valued and appreciated.
We also want to help and encourage those people to think about how we build deeper relationships with the families. How do we keep in touch with them? How do we make sure that parent-and-toddler groups aren’t standalone activities, but very much embedded into the whole church?
What will happen at the conference?
It’s a one-day conference. We recognise that for some people travel is limited and expensive. We’re asking people to save the date and keep an eye out for further details. We’re organising a keynote speaker and several workshops. We’ll also be launching a new resource called Get Set!, a set of good practice guidelines for parent-andtoddler groups that goes back to basics, but also includes the foundations: why you are doing it; how it fits in with the mission of your corps; the practical stuff of how you do it, including safeguarding, safe mission and other necessary things; and keeping in touch. Like all our resources, it will be free to download.
• To find out more about Get Set! or talk about parent-and-toddler ministry, email familyministries@salvationarmy.org.uk
Keighley Cowdenbeath
Swindon Gorse Hill
Keighley
Having been part of a parent-and-toddler group when my children were young, I know how valuable these spaces can be. Our Hope parent-and-toddler group offers a warm, welcoming environment where families can find friendship, support and a sense of belonging. We seek to share God’s love through conversation, practical help, working with other agencies, creative activities and singing. Our group brings together families from a range of backgrounds, including people seeking asylum, creating a safe community where relationships can grow. At Christmas, several families joined us for our Countdown to Christmas service, and we hope to welcome them again this year.
Children and Family Worker Esther Moore
Southampton Sholing
Our parent-and-toddler group started last November and grew from families engaging in Baby Sensory sessions and a pop-up pantry that we host, as well as new families regularly attending gathered worship. We have seen lots of families in the first couple of terms, but have now settled into an established group we are getting to know well. As we grow in relational community, opportunities to share our faith and invitations to other activities are becoming regular and we’ve been encouraged by some of the parents sharing that they have joined our online worship.
Lieutenant Matthew Stone
Peterborough Citadel
Tiddleypeeps was launched after the Covid-19 pandemic, recognising that many young children had missed vital opportunities for social interaction during periods of isolation. Our group has gone from strength to strength and has been a wonderful way of sharing God’s love in a practical way – welcoming families, building friendships and strengthening our connection with the community. Community Services Coordinator Beverley Marston
Abertillery
Allsorts is a vibrant part of our church activities and a well-established part of the community. We have so many children that we have a waiting list for places, which is fabulous! The team are dedicated to their mission with the children and parents, and are actively involved with organising events that bring them into the church. Major Ann Pugh
Cowdenbeath
We recommenced Sally-Ann Tots on Wednesdays two years ago, after feedback from the community. We have just added a further parent-and-toddler group to our programme on Tuesdays as our group was growing. We have also registered to be part of the Cowdenbeath community gala parade this year. We are so thankful to God for his many blessings to us through our parent-andtoddler groups and are excited to see where he leads us.
Lieutenant Isabel Flanagan
Swindon Gorse Hill
Our parent-and-toddler group has been running since 1991 and provides a warm, safe space for children to develop essential social, emotional and cognitive skills through play with other children. The sessions allow us opportunities to connect with parents and carers in a relaxed atmosphere, enabling us to provide invaluable parental support, reduce isolation and offer a time to chat with other members who may be facing similar challenges.
Parent-and-Toddler Leader Jackie Holmes
Leigh-on-Sea
The parent-and-toddler group was founded after talking to some of our preschool families about what they would like to see at the corps. The families told us that when they dropped their children off for preschool, younger siblings wanted to stay and play. Since its first week, the group has become an important part of our programme: we regularly see between 20 and 30 families come into our building to share together with other parents. For many this group provides important socialisation for children and parents. One parent told us that coming to the group had been good for her wellbeing but also that her daughter’s confidence has improved.
Captain Clare Davis
Merthyr Tydfil
Our Little Lambs group plays a meaningful role in both our corps and the community. It helps build strong connections with young families, creating a welcoming environment where parents feel supported and children begin to form positive early associations with church life. The group offers a safe and friendly space for toddlers to learn, play and socialise, while also providing parents and caregivers with valuable support networks. It often serves as a first point of contact, opening doors for deeper relationships and ongoing engagement. Overall, it nurtures a sense of belonging that benefits everyone involved.
Parent-and-Toddler Leader Beci Brill
A place for parenting to flourish
Director of Family Ministries Major David Betteridge and Steve Bunting from the charity Kids Matter talk about working together
How has partnering come about?
David Following a conversation with Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main, Kids Matter connected with the Family Ministries Department to share more about their work with disadvantaged families. As we explored their parenting programmes and core values, it quickly became clear that there is a strong alignment in our vision and approach.
Over the years, many corps have delivered a variety of parenting programmes. More recently, Family Ministries has also built a positive partnership with the Bible Reading Fellowship, promoting the Parenting for Faith resources, which have been warmly received. Our commitment is to support parenting initiatives that serve both families intentionally raising children in the faith and those seeking practical help.
We are particularly passionate about reaching families connected to our churches who may feel on the margins or are facing challenges. Kids Matter has come to our attention as we pursue new ways to support these families – offering practical help, building meaningful relationships, and gently creating space for them to explore what faith might look like within their family life.
Steve We’re excited because our heart beats at the same rhythm as The Salvation Army’s. We long for churches to be places of restoration, hope and belonging and places where families can feel connected and be transformed. Kids Matter is rooted in the Church, because that’s where families find a community in which they will flourish.
How does the programme work?
Steve It’s an early intervention programme based around three Cs: confidence, from parents meeting with other parents and realising their
challenges are shared; competence, from group discussions facilitated using engaging, accessible and evidenceinformed materials; and being rooted in community. We only run our programme through churches because these are places where families receive wraparound care, and some prisons.
Our long-term vision is that they come to know Jesus. We want them to feel loved and cared for first. Parenting is hard for everybody, but parenting in poverty or disadvantage is infinitely harder and it affects children. The main umbrella that protects a child is their relationship with their parents or guardians. By equipping them to parent confidently, with more skills at hand and in community, children will experience better relationships, which will impact generations to come.
David It’s an affordable and accessible six-week programme, delivered locally by people from within the church community.
How does Kids Matter’s mission align with the Army’s?
Steve We serve with the unconditional love and grace of God as a pattern for our behaviour, with a bias to the poor and marginalised. Kids Matter is designed for
families who are growing up in poverty. Our vision is to see every child in need raised in a strong family where no child is written off simply because of the circumstances they are in. We can’t solve everything, but what we can do is equip primary caregivers to love their child in ways that will hold them through the storms of life.
David At the centre of everything we do is a commitment to share the good news. Our love for others is grounded in the belief that every person is created in God’s image and worthy of dignity and care. We are called to reach out with God’s love, meeting people where they are and walking alongside them. Our hope is that, through this love, others will encounter it for themselves and experience the transforming difference it can make in their lives.
What’s the next step for anyone interested?
David We are looking for corps and local expressions to pilot the Kids Matter programme. The Family Ministries Department is committed to supporting you on this journey in any way we can. To find out more, contact us at familyministries@salvationarmy.org.uk
A little music
Divisional Intergenerational Worker Shelley Gallagher talks to Stevie Hope about getting involved in Baby Song
What is Baby Song?
Baby Song offers an exciting opportunity for local Salvation Army expressions to connect with parents, carers and their little ones through music and movement. It was developed by the Army in Scandinavia during the 1990s, and now it’s been adapted across the world!
Why is Baby Song important?
Parent-and-toddler groups can often be quite lively and new families may want something calmer. I think it’s really important because you get to connect with parents and families who have new babies and may be feeling isolated. Baby Song offers an opportunity to build those relationships and really show young families that they can feel loved and cared for by the group, by the leaders and also by God.
What happens in a Baby Song session?
Parents and carers sit with their babies and go through songs and actions. There is a welcome song and a goodbye song, there is a specific song for bringing out instruments and one for putting them back, there are action songs and there are calmer songs, lullabies and nursery rhymes. I ran a session and there
was a song where we just waved scarves over the babies and made it really calming.
Does Baby Song have to be run as part of another group or is it standalone?
They are standalone sessions that can be run on a course basis or week by week. People come along, do the session and then have some time for a chat and refreshments. But I know people have adapted it for what works for their context.
How does your role tie in with Baby Song?
Baby Song is a Family Ministries Department resource. I’ve trained as the Baby Song trainer for the South East Division, and there’s a network of trainers now available across the territory. If you’re interested in running Baby Song, email Family Ministries and they’ll be happy to talk with you about how it would fit into your mission. A Baby Song trainer will then be assigned to do the training. We really want to make it intentional. In the training, we go through how a session runs and the background of Baby Song and why it’s important. There’s lots of research on singing to babies, and we talk about that, as well as the practicalities and looking at songs.
Is there a faith aspect to the songs?
Yes, there is! Most of the Baby Song songs are openly Christian, intentionally sharing God’s love and care with everyone in the group. The Baby Song guide has a list of suggested songs under eight headings: welcome songs; rhymes and finger play songs; action, movement and instrument songs; other Christian songs; other traditional songs and nursery rhymes; songs of faith and lullabies; other faith songs; and home time songs. Family Ministries and Music and Creative Arts have just released new songs and videos, which make it more accessible and easier to run.
Do you have a favourite song?
I love the welcome song, which welcomes every person by name – child and adult. There’s also another song called ‘I Lift You Up High’. Even though it has no Christian words, it helps the parents share with their child how much they are loved. We can be reminded, too, that God holds us close to him and loves us!
• Are you interested in Baby Song? Find out more at tsa.link/ babysong or start a conversation by emailing familyministries@ salvationarmy.org.uk
STEVIE HOPE Assistant Editor Salvationist
London Marathon participants turn training gear into good LONDON ENVIRONMENT
THE Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) was at the start line of this year’s London Marathon to transform discarded clothing into vital funding for the most vulnerable people across the UK.
SATCoL’s partnership with London Marathon Events, now in its third year, gives pre-loved training gear a second life, thanks to the trading company’s expertise and infrastructure in textile reuse and recycling.
The garments were collected by a 147-strong team of helpers and sorted at The Salvation Army’s Midlands-based Processing Centre, before redistribution. All items were resold, reused and recycled or disposed of responsibly to help raise funds for The Salvation Army’s work.
SATCoL collected 17.5 tonnes of clothing, bringing the total over the three years of the partnership to 47.5 tonnes. That is the equivalent of saving 230 tonnes of avoided emissions, which is the same amount of emissions generated from 120 cars travelling for a year.
Garry Smith, Director of Mission at SATCoL, said: ‘This partnership allows us to divert thousands of items away from waste streams and into good uses for people and communities across the UK.’ – AR
SCUNTHORPE Yorkshire Fellowship Band gave a wellpresented and thought-provoking concert at the corps. Bandsman Laurence Bradley was surprised to be invited to play the hymn tune ‘Sandon’ and the march ‘To Regions Fair’ on a loaned sousaphone to mark his birthday. – EH
OUTREACH
through ill health.
readings
EVENT
POOLE One year ago, the Rooted in Friendship gardening club started at the corps. A vision of Rose Sydenham, the club now attracts about 45 members and is flourishing! To celebrate the anniversary, a flower show was held with entries judged by David Bassil and there was a visit from the mayor, Councillor Mark Howell. – KG
ANNIVERSARY
HILLINGDON BOROUGH The Mothers and Daughters choir from Llanelli Corps visited to celebrate the second corps anniversary. Led by Jacqui Wain, their singing brought great joy and blessing throughout the weekend, which was also a celebration of Home and Family Ministries. On Saturday, following a cream tea, lovingly prepared by Eileen Thompson and her team, we were treated to a feast of Songs from the Stage. On Sunday morning, inspiring worship was led by Major Sylvia Watts, followed by Sunday lunch, again the work of Eileen and her team. The weekend’s events continued with Praise, Gospel and Worship with the choir. The activities concluded with refreshments, during which a special anniversary cake made by Denise Salisbury was cut by Keith Tapper and Heather Steady. – JB
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
CLACTON For their monthly meeting, the youth fellowship spent an evening learning about the food bank. They visited Asda, where they were split into three teams and tasked with finding out how many items they could buy with £20 for the food bank. The girls managed to buy 53 items for £19.90. The group then took the items to the food bank and helped to put the new stock on the shelves. – VR
MUSIC
CLOWNE The warm spring weather enabled an ensemble from the band to visit a family shut in
A series of well-known hymns and
from the Psalms, together with prayers, were well received by the family and neighbours on the estate. – GH
ANNIVERSARY
LEICESTER SOUTH The corps marked the conclusion of its 20th anniversary year with a special weekend led by Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main. Over the past 12 months, the corps has hosted nine celebratory events, including a community fun day, a Christmas tree festival, open rehearsals and a prayer marathon – each reflecting its vibrant life and outreach. The anniversary year culminated in a festival featuring contributions from the band, songsters and singing company, alongside ministry that encouraged all present to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus – honouring the past while looking ahead with faith and purpose. All the celebratory events were organised by Cheryl Northwood and thanks were expressed from all the corps for her hard work over the past year. Cheryl and the territorial leaders are pictured with corps leaders Majors Louise and Paul Wood. – CN/LW
FUNDRAISING
Will, Leah, Shanice and Ellie took a leap of faith as they skydived to raise funds for the Army’s Survivor Support Fund. Despite nerves on the day, they enjoyed sunshine and clear views, even as far as France. The team exceeded their fundraising target and raised £3,104, including Gift Aid. Shanice said: ‘It was genuinely the best experience I have had to date and I instantly wanted to do it again! We would all recommend it to anyone, even if they are scared, and we are so grateful to everyone who donated to this amazing cause or sent a kind message!’ – AR
EASTER
CARNFORTH AND MORECAMBE Throughout Holy Week, the Bay Area Salvation Army ran an open reflective space for prayer every day. This enabled people to come and use the prayer stations and have a space to reflect on the importance of the week. A total of 110 people came into the hall and used the space to consider the various aspects of the Easter story. This concluded with a Good Friday service in the square, followed by fellowship at the hall. – FT
EVENT
SWINDON CITADEL This year, the corps has started to hold its café church monthly. It has seen a rise in attendance, as an accessible place for people to invite friends and family. Several people have made the café church their church, some with previous links to the corps, some from other activities at the corps and others who are new to the Army. At April’s café church, a time of vibrant fellowship, community and worship, where people shared in God-focused conversations and simple testimonies, made for a wonderful, Spirit-filled time of church done differently. – SR
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
LEIGH-ON-SEA As part of celebrating the International Day of Children and Young People, our young people, under the leadership of Amy Fraser, led the meeting on the theme The Importance of Children and Young People. Many took part by giving testimonies, choosing favourite songs and leading the congregation in prayer. Everyone was reminded in Amy’s message that, no matter our age, we all have a place in the Church. The congregation was richly blessed by the young people’s ministry, and it is hoped that they will lead a future meeting. – RD/CD
STOTFOLD Milton Keynes Central, Bedford Congress Hall and Stotfold Bands delivered a concert under the direction of David Daws in aid of The Salvation Army’s anti-trafficking and modern slavery work. Guest soloist International Staff Bandsman Andrew Hedley played euphonium solo ‘Travelling Along’ and an arrangement of Joy Webb’s ‘There will Be God’. David Daws on trombone, with Andrew Hedley and Michaela Daws on piano, blessed us with an arrangement of ‘Candle of the Lord’. David, accompanied by Michaela also played ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and ‘Lord, with My All I Part’. Major Estelle Blake (THQ) spoke of the work of the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Department. The collection amounted to £1,000. – HT
MUSIC
BEDFORD CONGRESS HALL
THE corps celebrated Easter Day by enrolling Akani Ntuen and Bernice Ironbar as soldiers and welcoming Aniebiet Ntuen, Justina Ekuase and Richard Ironbar as adherents. All testified to God’s amazing grace and the feeling of belonging to the family as why they knew this was God’s will for their lives. – JM
ILFORD
ON Easter Day, Rogerio Andrade, Benedicta An-Mwaaba and Tina Nascimento de Brito were enrolled as soldiers and Taynara, Tiago and Laura were enrolled as junior soldiers. Tina linked up with the church through the coffee morning. Rogerio is the community manager at Stratford Corps. Benedicta, from Ghana, linked up with the corps while studying in the UK, and volunteers at our Saturday brunch. – RG
MIDDLESBROUGH
KIRKCALDY
ON Easter Day morning, following a fellowship breakfast, Martin Ferguson and Cheryl and Samuel Donnelly were enrolled as soldiers by corps leader Captain Andrew Manley. Separately, they began attending the church through the Big Breakfast warm welcome space in 2024. Following invitations to our Sunday worship, they began to join the fellowship on a weekly basis, as well as our Thursday Bible study. They say they were made to feel welcome and loved and felt that they belonged. They connected with the forgiveness offered by Jesus and the Army’s work on social justice. Martin shared his testimony based on Colossians 3 and Cheryl and Samuel chose meaningful hymns. Recruiting Sergeant Major Mary McDonald (also pictured) shared the Bible reading during their enrolment. At the end of the ceremony, Corps Secretary Joan West and Major Jane Kemp prayed with the new soldiers as the congregation sang ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want’ (SASB 62). Captain Andrew encouraged them not only to clothe themselves in their new uniforms but also to hear Paul’s instructions to the Colossians to clothe themselves in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Following the signing of the Soldier’s Covenant, the corps warmly welcomed Martin, Cheryl and Samuel. – AM
OVER Palm Sunday and Easter Day, the corps was delighted to welcome with enthusiasm Jessica, Success, Bright, Ian, Jemimah, Unique and Beulah, who were enrolled as junior soldiers, Awase, who was enrolled as a soldier, and Daniel, Adewale, Selasi, Christy and Maggie, who were welcomed as adherents. The new members testified to feeling at home within the corps family. As a fellowship, we recognised God’s blessings in our growth and were challenged to see what further growth God has planned for us before next Easter. – NK
SONGSTER Leader Bill Taylor retired after more than 15 years of leadership. Corps leader Major Carole Tucker presented Bill with a certificate, a Bible and a voucher. His wife, Kath, was also given a gift for her help and support over the years. – MD
BANDSMAN Tom Hoyles has retired from playing with the band after being part of it since 1968, a total of 58 years. We recognised and thanked Tom for his commitment over these years and his service to God, and thanked God for the gift God has given to him. Tom’s wife, Barbara, was thanked for her patience, and for being there for Tom, as she continued –and continues – to support him. Barbara and Tom are pictured with corps leader Captain Jo Allcock, and band leaders Bram and Adam. – JA
THE Palm Sunday meeting was led by Assistant Secretary for Mission Mitch Menagh, during which he conducted the retirement ceremony of Major Sandra Frost. She was presented with a certificate of retirement on behalf of the territorial leaders, after 41 years and 10 months as an active officer. Following the meeting, the corps joined together with Major Sandra’s friends and family to celebrate. Pictured with Major Sandra are Divisional Commander Major Janet Robson, corps leader Major Helen Schofield and Mitch. – SJ
an adherent, received Young Achiever of the Year at the Kensington and Chelsea Mayor’s awards. The mayor, Councillor Tom Bennett, presented the award at the town hall. In the past 12 months, Mason has sought to put realistic goals in place to enable him to get his life sorted and contribute to society. He has volunteered as part of the corps Sanctuary Project and is now being invested in as a young leader. People value and appreciate Mason in so many ways. His mum and nan, also an adherent member, were guests for the ceremony, along with acting ministry team leader and community centre manager Stuart McTurk. Mason is pictured with Stuart. – AR
NELSON
GOVAN
ROMFORD
HOME League Secretary Pamela Nurse was presented with a long-service award for 54 years as an active member of the songsters. Pamela is pictured with corps leader Major David Woodman. – DW CARDIFF CANTO N
MASON,
NOTTING HILL
Local officers appointed
DEPUTY SONGSTER
LEADER HARRIET
FORWOOD-ANDREWS, Cardiff Ely
CHILDREN’S ADVOCATE AND CRADLE ROLL
SERGEANT
GEORGINA MOORES, Cardiff Ely
CORPS TREASURER
JOSHUA ALABI, Gainsborough
CRADLE ROLL
SERGEANT
ANNABELLE DUNN, Parkhead
YOUNG PEOPLE’S
SERGEANT KAREN DUNN, Parkhead
Wedding anniversaries
Blue Sapphire (65 years)
COLONELS DEREK AND MARY ELVIN on 20 May
MAJORS JOHN AND JULIA PARTRIDGE on 20 May
LIEUT-COLONELS
DAVID AND DORIEL PHILLIPS on 20 May
Diamond (60 years)
MAJORS ALISTAIR AND ROSEMARY DAWSON on 28 May Emerald (55 years)
MAJORS CHRISTINE AND GEOFF PARKIN on 22 May
MAJORS PATRICIA AND STUART RISDALE on 29 May
Golden (50 years)
TERRITORIAL
ENVOYS DENISE AND WILLIAM McMURRAY on 7 May
MAJORS ERNEST AND JUNE HUBY on 8 May
MAJORS ELIZABETH AND MICHAEL LLOYD on 8 May
MAJORS GRAHAM AND JULIE HOUSE on 22 May
Accepted as candidates for officer training
KIRA GREEN, Shildon
NICKY STEPHENS, Gillingham
Promotions
To major
CAPTAIN CHRISTINE BAKER , Winchester
CAPTAIN CAROLINE BROPHY-PARKIN, Hawick
CAPTAIN ANNEMARIE COLE , Cwm
CAPTAIN PHILIP COLE , Cwm
CAPTAIN MICHAEL HUTCHINGS, Southport and Mission Service, THQ
CAPTAIN SHAWN MOYE, Poplar and Stepney
CAPTAIN RAY SLATER , Bicester
CAPTAIN MAISIE VEACOCK , Oldham Roundthorn
CAPTAIN LEANNE WALLIS, Leek
CAPTAIN WENDY WATKINS, Hadleigh Hub
CAPTAIN ANGELA WILSON, Waterbeach To captain
LIEUTENANT JOHN MELIA , Street
LIEUTENANT
CORINNE SEABRIDGE, West Midlands DHQ
LIEUTENANT JAMIE JONES, Carmarthen and Tenby
LIEUTENANT ALICE SWAIN, Macclesfield
LIEUTENANT STUART TURNBULL , Worcester
Retirements from active service
Effective 1 May
MAJOR ANNETTE
BOOTH out of Bristol Knowle West in 2009 and last appointment Bootle
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Wed 20 May – Mon 25 May France
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill Fri 29 May – Mon 1 Jun Tenby (140th corps anniversary)
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest Fri 15 May Ireland (divisional review) Sun 17 May Bangor Mon 18 May William Booth College (Together in Worship)
NOTICES
Get OWT! A Place to Belong
Get OWT! is a family-orientated programme that uses nature to nurture little ones. A new series, themed A Place to Belong, is now available and explores the Earth as a place where we belong and can feel at home. Find out more at tsa.link/getowt
Dance Fit Tots: Let’s Praise
Dance Fit Tots is a parent-and-toddler resource full of singing, listening and, of course, dancing! It has everything you need to enable parents and children to interact, dance and worship together. Volume 3, Let’s Praise, is available to download from salvationist.org.uk and to stream on Spotify. Find out more at tsa.link/dancefittots
Thy Kingdom
Come
In the lead up to Pentecost, this ecumenical prayer movement invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. Join the prayer wave from 14 to 24 May and visit tsa.link/thykingdomcome for more information.
Storytelling competition
Salvationist is teaming up with Kids Alive! for our first ever joint writing competition! We want to hear your versions of Bible stories, retold however you want to retell them! That might be a favourite parable or a Bible story you think more people should know about – we only ask you keep it faithful to Scripture and that you avoid writing about Christmas or Easter. Entries will be printed in the 27 June issues of Salvationist and Kids Alive! to mark National Writing Day on 24 June. This competition is open to all ages – just email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk or kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk by 8 June. We can’t wait to read what you write!
Apply for the Terrain discipleship programme
Young people aged 18 to 25 connected to The Salvation Army are encouraged to apply for the latest intake for the Terrain programme. Over the course of a year, Terrainees will explore the Gospels, gain an insight into Jesus’ life, and benefit from study, reflection and one-to-one spiritual mentoring. Find out more and apply via tsa.link/terrain
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week Territorial Ecumenical Officer Major Paul Robinson speaks on Ascension Day (14 May). Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Faith in Sport
Join Sports Mission Specialist Rob Moye (THQ) as he meets people who connect their passion for Jesus with their love of sport. This episode features Tony Daniels (THQ) and Lola.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
SUPERB LOCATION ON NORTH NORFOLK COAST
DISCOUNTS FOR SALVATION ARMY MEMBERS! GREAT REVIEWS!
SANDBANK LUXURY CARAVAN
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PERSONAL
MAJOR JUNE RORIE, Paul, Fiona and family wish to say a sincere thank you for your prayers, cards and messages, following the promotion to Glory of Major James Rorie. God bless you all.
All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion. For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk
STAINES, WOODTHORPE ROAD, ASHFORD TW15 3JY CENTRAL SOUTHERN AREA FELLOWSHIP BAND 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Saturday 25 July from 2pm to 6pm Celebration and thanksgiving meeting followed by tea. Former members and friends are invited to attend or send a message. Contact the band secretary on 07951291315 or colinfindlay@btinternet.com
SNETTISHAM CORPS, 6 ALMA ROAD, PE31 7NY
130TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
led by Colin Hanover
Saturday 22 August
10am to 2pm Exhibition of Snettisham Corps past and present 6pm Corps social evening
Sunday 23 August 11am Worship meeting
4pm Songs of Praise at Hunstanton Bandstand, led by Hunstanton Churches Together and Snettisham Band
If you have photos or memories to share in the exhibition, email snettisham.corps@outlook.com
salvationist.org.uk
