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Salvationist 18 July 2026

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READY, STEADY...

BEING ACTIVE IN FAITH

Moving and living

DO you like to move it, move it? If you’ve encountered any of the Madagascar films, I’ll just pause for a second for you to stop dancing around the room.

As we move from Wimbledon and the World Cup into the Commonwealth Games, this summer of sport is full of people moving it for their country, their team and their own personal success. It’s a huge mission field of people seeking and celebrating a sense of belonging, purpose and identity – all of which reflect in some way the natural human desire to seek out God.

Acts 17:28 says: ‘In him we live and move and have our being.’ Moving, here, isn’t about boogieing on the dancefloor or competing in tournaments, but about our existence – nothing we are or do exists away from him.

That means our physical and spiritual wellbeing are both of interest to God. It also means that, when we live, move and meet with others, God is present too. The Message’s paraphrase of Acts 17:28 says: ‘We live and move in him, can’t get away from him!’ This summer of sport, as we use our bodies to participate in God’s activity in the world, pray that everyone we come into contact with experiences God’s closeness for themselves.

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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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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 Andrew Stone

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© 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

BIBLE STUDY
COMMONWEALTH GAMES OUTREACH
IVAN RADFORD Editor
SPORT FAITH LIFE
BODY, MIND AND SOUL
Picture: © Glasgow2026 / Craig Watson

Not blending in

As the game Meccha Chameleon sells more than 15 million copies, Stevie Hope considers the impact of being seen

HIDE-and-seek has been played since time immemorial. Today, it has assumed a new form thanks to indie video game Meccha Chameleon, which has been taking online spaces by storm. Released in June, it’s already sold more than 15 million copies. It’s being called one of 2026’s biggest viral sensations, in part thanks to a wave of short-form videos shared on social media as people show off their clever – or, more often, silly – hiding spots. Someone you know has probably either seen or played this game.

The setup is familiar: you are a ‘chameleon’, trying to hide from the ‘hunters’, who seek. The twist is that you can paint your character to blend in with the spaces you find yourself in.

Reflect and respond

Read 2 Peter 1:3–11. Do your actions and choices blend in with the scenery or help you stand out for Christ?

Take stock. What do you notice God doing within you?

Where do you see a place that needs living hope to be shared?

This is important, because the longer a hunter looks at you without seeing you, the more points you get; you want to disguise yourself so well that someone can look directly at you and not see you.

I wonder if you would rather be seen or be disguised. For Christians, to blend in is to be ineffective or unfruitful. But there’s reason behind that harsh wording: we are often the first – and sometimes only – Bibles that a non-believer will read. So, standing out and letting people see us is important.

But it’s not enough to simply stand out; as followers of the Way, our standing out should reflect the likeness of the One we belong to. There are many people who stand out more than most and do not reflect Jesus.

In 2 Peter 1:3–11, we get an idea of what this might look like for us: it says that we should strive to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love to our faith in Jesus (see vv5–7). These are fruit of the Spirit we should see in our lives if we are to stand out for Christ.

This might mean we don’t earn as many points in the world, or we find it harder to climb the leaderboard, but that’s OK as we’ve already won a prize. The reality is – if you’ve accepted Jesus

– you’re already washed clean. And, no matter what you’ve done or who you were, God has accepted you and is now at work in you. So why should you ever cover up your whiter-than-snow self? You have something to celebrate!

And this prize isn’t one for us to hoard. In our cluttered world, there’s so much to distract us – poverty, war, climate change – and it can be easy for people to feel overwhelmed and hopeless, looking for something but never seeing it. As people of Christ, and hosts of living hope, we have something to take into the cluttered mess. It’s no good to the world if we dare not venture into the places where people most need to know that God loves them and we love them.

You might still prefer to be disguised over being seen – I certainly know I do! But, with a hope and love like the one we’ve got to share, there’s something to be said for playing standout-and-seek instead!

Picture: lemorion_1224
STEVIE HOPE Assistant Editor Salvationist

By the water’s edge

1 In the Bible, ‘Melita’ is the early name for Malta, translating to ‘place of honey’. Who was shipwrecked here, as mentioned in Acts?

‘It feels like a universal language’
Jacob (Clapton) thanks God for using football to help him connect with people

2 Which river runs from the Sea of Galilee into the Dead Sea?

3 In 1885, the steam yacht SS Iole and other donated vessels were part of a Salvation Army initiative to convert sailors and distribute Bibles along the British coast. What was this called?

FOOTBALL has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. My favourite team is Derby County, mainly because my dad and grandad support them too! My parents tell me I was kicking a ball as soon as I could walk, and I went to my first training session when I was nearly four years old.

4 In which Old Testament book can we read about the parting of the Red Sea?

5 Matthew, Mark and John recount Jesus walking on water during a storm. On which sea did this take place?

6 What were discovered between 1946 and 1956 on the shore of a hypersaline lake between Jordan and Israel?

7 In 1937, Eric Ball was a guest at a Salvation Army music camp in the USA. He wrote and named which famous march after the aquatic surroundings?

8 Which Sunday school chorus is about Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James and John to become his disciples?

9 ‘Jesus taught by the seaside…’ Name Ray Steadman-Allen’s 1957 brass suite that includes these words. (Anagram: soothe Alfred.)

10 In 2 Kings 6, what did Elisha recover from a river?

11 ‘When Jesus Looked O’er Galilee’ tells of Jesus as a young boy realising his destiny. Which Army officer poet wrote the words?

Since then, football has taken me on an incredible journey. I played grassroots football before being scouted by Celtic at the age of six. Just a week later, Rangers invited me to join their pre-academy, where I spent more than two years training with both clubs. After that, I signed for Hibernian’s academy, playing a year above my age group before moving to London when my parents began officer training. Since then, I’ve had trials with Brighton and Hove Albion and played against teams including Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham with my current boys’ club. Some of my favourite football

memories include scoring 11 goals in a game for Rangers just before the Covid-19 pandemic and being a mascot at the Champions League semi-final between Tottenham and Ajax in front of more than 60,000 fans.

I believe God has given me the ability to play football, and I’m thankful for that gift. Football is something I love, and when I’m on the pitch I feel like I’m doing something God created me to enjoy. I try to let my faith influence how I play by being honest, showing respect and treating teammates, coaches and opponents fairly, whatever the result.

Moving from Scotland to England aged nine wasn’t easy. Leaving family, friends and football behind was difficult, especially after signing for Hibs. But my faith helped me trust God and remember that he has a plan for my life, even when I don’t fully understand it.

One of the biggest ways I’ve seen God at work through football is by helping me settle wherever I go. My schooling journey hasn’t always been easy, but football has helped me make friends and find my place. When I joined a new secondary school halfway through Year 8, I scored a hat-trick in a school match on my third day. That definitely helped me settle in! Football feels like a universal language, and I’m grateful God has used it to help me connect with people.

A recent highlight was playing at Bromley Temple Football Fellowship. I’d never shared a football pitch with so many nice people. Players were playing competitively without any negativity. It showed me what sport can look like when people put their faith into practice. I hope that, both on and off the pitch, I can be a positive example of Jesus to others.

Have you got a testimony to share?

We’d love to hear what you are thankful to God for! Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Staple Hill Local, lively and loving

Church for everyone

We’ve been the corps leaders at Staple Hill for the past 12 years. The corps is ideally located on the high street and within a residential area. We strive to be inclusive, intergenerational and relevant to today. We describe ourselves as local, lively and loving. Our mission is summed up by Matthew 5:14–16: ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.’

Our programme is structured around the Army’s five mission priorities, and we regularly set, review and renew our mission goals, encouraging the whole corps to be part of the mission conversation.

Nurture disciples of Jesus

One of our main focuses is nurturing disciples. Central to this are our eight weekly discipleship groups, which follow up on our Sunday teaching. Some meet online, some in person at people’s homes and some at the hall.

We believe that discipleship is essential, so we prioritised it and have grown

Fast facts

DIVISION South West

CORPS LEADERS Majors Colin and Nicola Hylton-Jones FIND US ONLINE salvationarmy.org. uk/bristol-staple-hill

through it. Small groups enable everyone to feel part of what’s going on and supported. Currently just over 100 people attend our midweek Bible study groups.

In addition, our Children’s Church and Youth Group meet on Sunday, often using our planned preaching themes. We intentionally support and encourage our children and young people, and it has been good to see them grow spiritually.

In recent years we have planted three different congregations: Messy Church and Thursday Church, which meet monthly, and an online congregation. Additionally, we have a summer congregation who attend our monthly outreach meetings in the local park.

Share the good news

Throughout the year we facilitate large outreach events. However, we recognise that the most effective form of evangelism is through personal invitation. We encourage our congregation to engage in friendship with the people they meet in their everyday front lines. Some of our greatest evangelists are those who have recently joined the church.

Our mission is supported by a committed group of musicians. This includes our singing company, young people’s band, songsters and band. Our band is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year!

Serve others without discrimination

We are committed to serving the community with a vibrant and diverse midweek programme. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the corps received a

community award and commendation from the council. Part of the citation read: ‘The Salvation Army really captures the soul of Staple Hill, by its place of worship and its contribution to charities, in particular the vulnerable, elderly and infirm.’

Most of our community work is supported by corps volunteers, and it is good to hear spiritual conversations and invitations throughout our midweek programme.

Seek justice and reconciliation

We work hard to ensure our building, programme and conversations are encouraging and open to all, which is evidenced by the many different people who attend our church and our community activities. Going forward, we are identifying different areas where a greater understanding would help and are engaging with the Let’s Talk… initiative.

Care for creation

We’re a bronze award Eco Church and Fairtrade church. To achieve this, we have had solar panels fitted, upgraded most of our lighting and recycle as much as we can. Last year we had a meat-free week and are more careful in our choice of craft materials for activities. We have a small area of outside land and have planted a wild garden, which includes bird and bug boxes. We are actively looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment.

• Find out more about becoming an Eco Church at salvationist.org.uk/ environment

Set your hope on Jesus

Major Jennifer Gosling reminds us that doing for God flows out of being with God

1 PETER 1:13–22

HAVE you ever stripped your bed in the morning – daydreaming about the lovely moment later on when you get to sink into freshly laundered sheets – only to discover upon crawling back at a very late hour that you forgot to make it again? It’s a life lesson many of us have learnt: to make good choices in the present, in the light of a future hope and joy.

Peter’s first letter addresses a scattered Christian population that is encountering suffering and difficulty. He tells them to set their hope on Jesus and his return, to make good choices and, in the light of this future hope, to live a holy life now. This is what 1 Peter is all about. And, while there is an element of instruction to it, it is as much an invitation to a way of life that is shaped by Jesus. The Greek word used here for ‘hope’ is elpizō. It is not a ‘wishes and dreams’ kind of hope; instead, it refers to a strong and confident expectation that God can be trusted to keep his word, which is enough to influence the way we act.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Is your hope in Jesus a strong and confident expectation?

How does this shape the way you live your life now?

Our study passage begins with ‘therefore’, so it is important we consider what the ‘therefore’ is there for. In the opening of the letter, Peter reminds the

reader that they are ‘chosen’, recipients of ‘new birth into a living hope’, assured of a heavenly ‘inheritance’ and ‘shielded by God’s power’ and have received the salvation of their souls (1 Peter 1:2–9). What a hope and a gift!

Peter says: ‘Therefore … set your hope … on Jesus… So be holy in all you do’ (vv13–15). Live your life with this future hope in mind. Living a holy life is a response to God’s redemption and salvation; our hope impacts our holiness.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What are your thoughts and beliefs about holiness?

What do you feel about the command to ‘be holy, because I am holy’, which was given in Leviticus 19:2?

Our holiness is rooted in the holiness of God the Father as people made in his image, in our identity in Christ. It is worked out in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Principally, holiness is not the result of our own efforts. Instead, it flows out of our relationship with a holy God whose character we aim to reflect. We are holy because we walk closely with God, not because we work for God. The ‘doing for God’ flows out of the ‘being with God’. In his book Practicing the Way, John Mark Comer advocates that we: ‘Be with Jesus; become like him; do as he did.’

Peter frames his letter in familial terms, where we are God’s ‘obedient children’ (v14) and he is our just and impartial Father (see v17). In this context, the

greatest compliment we could receive is for someone to tell us: ‘You are just like your Father!’

However, Peter also alerts us to ‘the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors’, and that we can no longer be redeemed by the old ways, through silver or gold, but only through the blood of Jesus (see vv18 and 19).

There is a story of a man who always sliced the ends off a joint of beef before roasting it in the oven. One day his mum came for a meal and asked why he did that. The man responded, saying that this was what he watched her do every time she roasted beef, so now he does it too. His mum informed him that she cut the ends off her beef because it didn’t fit in her roasting tin!

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Do you have any inherited patterns, behaviours or attitudes that do not serve a helpful purpose? Do they hinder your walk with God?

Are there generational cycles that are more of this world than of the next?

Do they therefore need to be broken and redeemed?

It is the Holy Spirit who brings about our transformation. However, we also have a part to play by having ‘minds that are alert and fully sober’ (v13). This means not allowing anything to infiltrate our thought life that causes us to be careless in our thinking or prevents us from making

healthy judgements about how we live. ‘Gird up the loins of your mind’ is how the King James Version expresses this. This is about preparation, intentionality and readiness for action.

Joan of Arc is attributed with saying: ‘All battles are first won or lost in the mind.’ Holiness is a choice we make, moment by moment, and Peter says to ‘live out your time … in reverent fear’ (v17). This is not about living in fear, rather about taking our relationship with God seriously. The Salvation Army’s ninth doctrine states: ‘We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.’ This is made possible through ‘regeneration by the Holy Spirit’, as outlined in doctrine seven.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

If you were to reflect on your physical, emotional, spiritual and thought life, and consider this in the light of Christ’s return, what one specific change could you make this week?

Perhaps you would like to pray this prayer from ‘Gracious Spirit, Dwell With Me’ (SASB 300): ‘Holy Spirit, dwell with me; I myself would holy be, separate from sin, I would choose and cherish all things good; and whatever I can be give to him who gave me thee.’

To read the full, unedited Prayer Matters booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship

SATURDAY 18 JULY: CARE FOR CREATION – TRANSPORT

Transport accounts for around one quarter of global carbon dioxide emissions from energy, contributing to an ever-warming world. The UK and Ireland Territory clocks up almost 5 million miles a year on mission and business travel; 80 per cent comes from road travel. Lord, help us consider the environmental costs of our travel and make cleaner, healthier choices.

by Major Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer)

SUNDAY 19 JULY: SABBATH PRAYER – DEEPER LISTENING – DEEPER TRUST

The Book of Job resists simple explanations for suffering and pain, refusing easy answers. Instead, Job encounters God in mystery and wonder. God, teach us to sit with complexity and trust your faithful presence, even when clarity does not come. Where in your life do simple answers feel insufficient? Stay with that place; meet God there without resolving it too quickly. by Major Gordon Cotterill (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)

MONDAY 20 JULY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – NORTH SCOTLAND DIVISION

Thank God for the mighty moving of his Spirit. It’s a joy to see and hear all the wonderful ministry opportunities happening in so many places, and of folk coming to know and serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

by Major David Womersley (Shetland)

TUESDAY 21 JULY: SERVING AND CARING – OFFICERS WELCOMED INTO NEW APPOINTMENTS

Pray for officers moving into new roles, and for corps, communities and teams as they receive new officers. May all be ready and eager to make connections and build strong relationships. Protect them from rushing ahead of you; protect them from holding back from the new opportunities this season brings. by Major Carol Young

WEDNESDAY 22 JULY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

Pray for survivors of domestic abuse. Healing is often a long and difficult journey. Pray that those who’ve experienced fear will find safety, that those burdened by shame will rediscover dignity and worth, and that those facing despair will receive renewed hope. Ask God to surround survivors with wise support, loving community and opportunities to flourish, reminding them that they are deeply loved and never alone. by Captain Amanda Sewell (Dublin City)

THURSDAY 23 JULY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – JAPAN TERRITORY

Give thanks for the work in Japan. Pray that the spiritual lives of those worshipping with the Army will go deeper, and that their love for Jesus will go from strength to strength. We pray for all who work to support what is happening at local levels, and particularly for territorial leaders Colonels Tamotsu and Kazue Nishimura. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)

FRIDAY 24 JULY: GROWING IN FAITH – TERRITORIAL MUSIC SCHOOL (25 JULY TO 1 AUGUST)

Lord, we thank you for the opportunities a week like this brings for staff and students. There will be rejoicing, rich fellowship and deep searching as we encounter you in new ways and witness you at work. We offer it all as an act of worship and pray that everything that takes place will bring glory to you. by Captains Jonny and Kat Whitmore (Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretaries)

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.

Body, mind and soul

Major Alison Hudson reflects on how caring for our bodies is a meaningful expression of our spiritual life

EVERY so often you encounter a thought so simple yet so profound that it stays with you long after you read it. That was my experience when I came across Barbara Brown Taylor’s words from her book, An Altar in the World: the body ‘is my soul’s address’. It made me think about the body I inhabit, how I treat and care for it and how I help it to glorify God.

More recently, I have found myself wondering what it means to bring my ‘best self’ to God. My first thoughts turned to the familiar spiritual disciplines: what I read, how I pray and the ways in which I worship. Yet I came to realise that bringing my best self to God involves more than these practices alone. I am better able to offer myself fully when I am rested, when I make space for the things that bring me joy, and when I allow myself to be refreshed and renewed. In caring for my body and wellbeing, I am caring for the place where my soul resides.

It’s important to pay attention to our bodies, because they can tell us things. We might be driven to do good works, but neglect basic selfcare. We might complain that we can’t sense God but also be clearly exhausted – most of the time our bodies are the first to know when we need to attend to something.

How we care for our bodies is different for each one of us and will depend on our unique circumstances. What is the same for all of us, though, is that in some unexplainable way God inhabits our bodies, making them a place where we can meet and know him. It is through our bodies that we participate in God’s activity in the world.

There will be things we don’t like about our bodies, but they are made in the image of God’s own goodness and are worthy of care and blessing (see Genesis 1:27–31).

The Bible affirms the significance of the body as a place where the presence of God can be known and experienced. David, the psalmist, celebrates the fact that his body is fearfully and wonderfully made

(see Psalm 139:14) and uses this awareness as an occasion to worship. He describes his desire for God in bodily terms – as hunger and thirst that he experiences in his body. The Incarnation itself was Christ’s choice to inhabit a body: this supremely spiritual being, who has existed for all eternity far beyond the physical, material world as we know it, chose to take the journey into human flesh, to become limited as we are by space and time and to become vulnerable as all bodies are.

Our bodies are an integral part of who we are. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:7, we carry the treasure of Christ’s presence in these ‘earthen vessels’ (King James Version). Therefore, caring for our bodies is not a distraction from our spiritual life, but an expression of it. May we attend to them as wisely and lovingly as we can –whether that means getting enough rest, making time for renewal, or perhaps even taking the practical step of booking that long-overdue appointment with the doctor. And may our bodies, sustained and cared for, be used in the service of God and for his glory.

Daily stretches

Read 1 Kings 19:1–9, which describes Elijah’s journey into God’s presence. What attention does God give to Elijah’s physical condition? Why do you think God does this?

Read Luke 7:36–50, which describes a woman anointing Jesus. How does your inner life find expression in your physical body?

Steps towards hope

George Tanton hears how a new gym at Lyndon House Lifehouse is improving residents’ wellbeing

SALVATION Gym at Lyndon House Lifehouse in Ipswich is helping to change lives. Thanks to long-term funding, the new facility gives the 39 residents a safe and supportive space to strengthen their bodies while revitalising their minds.

For resident Andrew, the gym is a lifeline. Working to rebuild his life after serving time in prison, Andrew has been at Lyndon House for several months. He’s navigating the daily challenges of staying on track, maintaining his mental health and avoiding the patterns that led him into trouble in the past. Shortly after his release, he was helped to access a local gym, and this small intervention became a cornerstone of his recovery.

‘Going to the gym gave me somewhere to be,’ he explains. ‘It kept me on the straight and narrow.’

The routine of regular exercise gave Andrew structure, purpose and a way to manage his mental health. Like many, he found that after a workout – even on difficult days – his mood would lift. The natural release of endorphins helped him feel calmer, more positive and more in control.

However, after three months, Andrew’s funded gym membership ended. The annual cost of more than £300 was

out of reach while living on universal credit. Without access to the gym, Andrew’s routine began to unravel.

‘I just stayed at home,’ he relates. ‘Within a few weeks, it really affected me and my mental health started deteriorating. I didn’t have somewhere I could go to feel good and happy about myself. I’d just sit in my room for weeks and would only come out for food.’

Months later, Andrew heard about plans for the gym facility at Lyndon House. The completed space includes a treadmill, spin bike and rowing machine. When Andrew saw it for himself, he was overjoyed.

‘Now I’ve seen it and how kitted out it is, I’m really excited to start using it,’ he says. ‘When you start to see changes, you feel so happy.’

Daiva Zubaviciute is programme manager at Lyndon House and led the gym project as part of a level 5 management apprenticeship. She enthuses how getting the gym up and running was a collective effort: ‘A lot of teamwork went in this – staff members and residents helped us decorate and paint. We had a residents’ meeting where they told us what gym equipment they would like and what colour scheme they wanted. This is a big achievement. Residents are going to enjoy this, it will be great for their wellbeing, mental health and healthy living.’

Shaun Buckman is a support worker at Lyndon House. A qualified gym instructor and boxing coach, he plans to lead classes and training sessions in the new facility.

‘People don’t often talk about the physical effects of homelessness upon the body,’ he says. ‘The gym is where residents can work on their physical strength and on their mental strength as well. They can condition and improve their bodies and learn how to make a routine for themselves.’

People experiencing homelessness are sadly vulnerable to physical and mental health complications, including musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, foot problems and respiratory health conditions. Long periods spent living with poor diet, constant exposure to stressful situations and severe weather conditions can take a huge toll on the body and mind.

‘When our spirits are broken, we lose hope,’ says Shaun. ‘When we lose hope, we feel abandoned and lost. But God never leaves us. He has provided us a coach, a teacher and a mentor through Jesus. Isaiah 40:31 says: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”’

Common purpose

Ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Salvationist hears about the Army’s involvement in a united Christian response

IN under a week’s time, 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will be journeying to Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games are a 10-day celebration of sporting excellence. From 23 July to 2 August, they will span four venues and 10 sporting disciplines, including six para-sports, with 250 medals up for grabs. They will pioneer a leaner, more sustainable model for this major tournament. This approach is rooted in community, inviting people to be part of something bigger and brilliant.

“ We’re praying that people come to faith during the Games. ”

Roughly 8 in 10 people are involved in or support a sport in Scotland, which makes the Games a key opportunity for evangelism. The Salvation Army is part of a wider race towards that opportunity, including Glasgow City Mission, Glasgow Street Pastors and Sports Chaplaincy UK.

Glasgow City Centre Corps will be a hub for Glasgow Churches Together. Throughout the Games, the hall will be open from 10am to 6pm with refreshments and opportunities to rest, recharge and socialise.

The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd’s Renfrew Donation Centre will be providing volunteers to help at the hall.

‘We have a huge team here,’ explains manager Harry McCafferty. ‘If you include the paid staff and the volunteers, we have about 95 people! As well as helping with refreshments, we’ll be able to provide clothing, because people coming might not have the right items for the weather.’

‘It’s targeted at athletes if they haven’t got the right clothes or need somewhere to meet their family,’ says corps leader Captain Ian Arthur. ‘I have experience as a sports chaplain, which will be helpful. Sports Chaplaincy UK delivers chaplaincy to the Games, but the chaplaincy teams will be able to bring any athletes here if they need a quiet space.’

‘It’s a good opportunity to have the doors open,’ he continues. ‘We’re also wanting to reach out to the community.’

Representatives from Employment Plus will be present too, with other

Army services signposted to. The corps has also applied for a licence to show the Games, as they’re not available to watch on free-to-air TV.

There will be people from Good News for Everyone giving out Bibles, and Glasgow Street Pastors will be using the hall as a base.

‘While normally Glasgow Street Pastors patrol on a Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 4am, we are extending our shifts to cover afternoons and early evenings,’ says Elizabeth Lacey from Govan Corps, who is the coordinator for Glasgow Street Pastors. ‘Our teams will be armed with maps, ponchos, phone chargers, a friendly smile and the desire to show the love of God to everyone they meet.’

Glasgow City Centre Corps is near the SEC (Scottish Event Campus) and the Ovo Hydro arena, where the opening ceremony is.

‘One of our adherents is planning to be volunteering as a steward at Scotstoun Stadium, where the track and field events are taking place,’ highlights Ian. Parkhead Corps, which is near to the velodrome and swimming pool, will also be engaging with the Games, along with other parts of the Army, including the charity shop at 91

Ovo Hydro arena
Picture: © Craig Watson / craigwatson.co.uk

Dumbarton Road.

Amid all this, another key player is warming up to take part: Shieldy, The Salvation Army’s mascot, who might well become friends with Finnie, the official mascot for the Games.

‘Shieldy will be going to town!’ announces Commissioner Ivor Telfer, who is the support officer to the Commonwealth Games and has helped coordinate the Army and wider Churches Together response. ‘We’ll be taking Shieldy out on the streets, along with water, leaflets and the 18 July edition of Kids Alive!, which features the Commonwealth Games. We’ll be going to all the Games locations. We’ll have opportunities to chat and really be visible.’

‘The extent of The Salvation Army’s work is a great secret to most people,’ Ivor continues. ‘The Salvation Army is present in the majority of the Commonwealth. At the hall, we will have a 30-minute video showing the Army’s work playing on one of the TVs.’

Working with Churches Together, The Salvation Army has also helped provide sermons and children’s stories and prayers for churches to use.

‘We’re praying that people come to faith during the Games, and see

the Church as being more relevant than they ever thought,’ says Ivor.

This passionate display of united Christian response has been made possible through teamwork.

‘It’s going to be an event with a lot of moving parts,’ says Harry. ‘We’re just going to be available to do what’s needed.’

‘We are praying that God will give each of us the right words for the appointments he is preparing for us,’ says Elizabeth. ‘Our foundational text for the Games is 1 Peter 3:15 and 16: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit would lead us as we walk and guide us as we talk and that all the honour and glory would go to God.’

Like the Games themselves, the result is a lean, ready-to-adapt approach that’s rooted in community, offering everyone an invitation to be part of something bigger and brilliant: the Kingdom of God.

Pray for the Games

Glasgow Street Pastors invite everyone to set an alarm and pray at 20.26 (8.26pm) every day from 23 July to 2 August.

Pray for service to the Games, for the churches and volunteers creating spaces of rest, joy, welcome and support.

Pray for the visibility of the Church during the Games, that our faith in Christ would be seen and heard.

Pray for the legacy of sports ministry after the Games.

There will also be four prayer gatherings outside the key sporting venues:

Ovo Hydro arena 2.30pm, 25 July

Tollcross Pool 5.30pm, 27 July

Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome 5.30pm, 29 July

Scotstoun Stadium 5.30pm, 31 July

Picture:

Running towards others

Vicky Hendry (Stowmarket) talks to Lyn Woods about building relationships through Café on the Rec and Junior Parkrun

What is Parkrun?

Parkrun is a global organisation that provides a free weekly timed run. The Café on the Rec in Stowmarket supports the local Junior Parkrun there on Sunday mornings and they are grateful for what we do in providing a space for people to stay and chat, to share together after a run. Every Parkrun has a run event director, and I’m one of a team of about seven run directors, who take it in turns to cover weekly runs.

How did Café on the Rec and Junior Parkrun come about?

I was part of the Junior Parkrun community in Bury St Edmunds, which we tagged on to at the end of the Covid-19 lockdowns. There was talk of Stowmarket starting their own Junior Parkrun and I volunteered to be part of the team. Around that time, Stowmarket Corps were getting the lease and putting things together for the café on the recreation ground. I was able to speak to the people coordinating the café and talked about how we could use it as an amazing opportunity to serve the community.

How long have you been volunteering with Café on the Rec and Junior Parkrun?

I’ve been there since the start of Junior Parkrun in Stowmarket. We’ve been going for four years – we celebrated our fourth birthday in May!

How often does Junior Parkrun take place?

Weekly, every Sunday morning. I really feel I’ve been called to be part of this community and, for me, this is church.

How is God using Parkrun and the café?

When we first started, we had 30 to 50 children attending, aged four and over. We’ve always provided refreshments, drinks, biscuits and ice poles. Now we average between 80 to 100 children each week, come rain or shine. Having the café facility is an amazing opportunity to build

community. It’s a place for parents to come and grab a drink while their children are running, and a space for everyone to gather afterwards and not rush off.

Why are you passionate about sports mission?

Sport is a great platform to meet people where they are. Often when you’re sat down it can feel formal or as though there’s an agenda. Or, when you’re face to face with someone, it can feel forced. When you’re running, and chatting next to each other, you don’t have to look someone in the eye as you talk about your week and share perhaps a frustration or a win, or whatever it is that’s going on in your life.

How do the children and their families benefit?

The Café on the Rec is run by The Salvation Army. We don’t trade on a Sunday; we’re here to serve. This is us giving back to the community and providing something for them for free. People are welcome to leave a donation, but that’s up to them. It opens many doors for conversations.

What are the wins for Jesus in combining faith with sport? Looking beyond short-term wins, we’re meeting people where they are in

the community. We’re there to serve with a listening ear and to build those relationships. Sometimes we hear about situations and we’re able to offer a word of comfort or a promise to pray for them. Most people go through trials and triumphs in life, and they might remember that The Salvation Army is there on the Rec and come and talk to us. In times of need, people turn to people. I would hope and pray that us being there might be a bridge that someone needs one day.

Church without walls

To find out more about the Café on the Rec and how sport can be a tool for outreach and discipleship, use the One Body resource at tsa.link/ onebody. For support or help with sports ministry, email sportsmission@salvationarmy. org.uk

A weekend of fresh challenges

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM

gave me the opportunity to hear fresh challenges from God for my own faith journey, one that is naturally intertwined with both my love of sport and career within it. It was also an opportunity to hear testimonies of God at work in sport through The Salvation Army and other missional movements.

Having attended the London and South East divisional summer school and continuing to serve as a leader at divisional children’s camps, I had the privilege of getting to know Divisional Children’s Worker Charlotte Tanner and her story of using her football as a platform for ministry. She encouraged me to attend, sharing the impact the weekend has had on her over the years. With the location only a short distance from Loughborough, where I have just finished two years of studying, Charlotte’s invitation gave me the encouragement I needed to sign up.

From the moment the weekend began, there was a genuine sense of welcome and fellowship. It was inspiring to meet people from

activity and exercise in so many ways to serve God’s Kingdom. Our initial conversations invited us to share both the blessings and challenges of ministry.

Recently, I began working for Worcester Warriors rugby club within the analysis department, which takes the form of my university placement year. Having had the opportunity to serve in so many ways and build a great community at my church in Loughborough, the blessing – and challenge – that I shared was the chance to find a similar community and continue to serve, despite my change in location and circumstances.

I felt challenged particularly when we discussed using our bodies as worship. As a student, but also through my role in elite sport, a lot of the ‘value’ I bring is based on performance or achievement. However, the weekend reminded me that, while sport often measures success by results and performance, God measures me by something entirely different.

The whole weekend struck a great balance between activity, teaching

make the most of the excellent facilities, enjoy a range of activities together that built connections and friendships, and hear inspiring testimonies from those using sport and exercise in different ministry contexts.

To finish, we were able to share a barbecue, spend some time in worship, and watch a World Cup match on the Saturday evening, before some more time of worship and reflection on Sunday morning. I left encouraged by all that God is doing through The Salvation Army and other movements in a sporting context and challenged to be more intentional in using the opportunities he has given me.

Just as I took a personal invitation to attend, I hope that sharing my experience encourages others to come along to the next weekend and explore how God can use their passion for sport for his Kingdom.

• To find out more about Sport Faith Life, visit salvationist.org. uk/sport-faith-and-life or email sportsmission@salvationarmy.org.uk

Policy change honours territorial envoy service

AT the ordination and commissioning of officers during Together 26, Territorial Leader Commissioner Paul Main announced: ‘This year we have the amazing privilege of recognising, because of a change of policy within our territory, the years of service that territorial envoys have given.’

This change in policy affirms and aims to encourage the spiritual ministry and leadership of territorial envoys, who have each entered into a commitment of dedicated vocation to God for a minimum of three years.

The move is also part of a wider aim of making officership more accessible, as different routes of officer training are enabled, and as increasing flexibility within officership becomes possible.

The Salvation Army has a rank system for officers: people who serve for up to five years are lieutenants; people who serve from five years up to fifteen years are captains; and people who serve from fifteen years are majors. Territorial envoys who become cadets in training for officership are now commissioned to the appropriate rank, taking into account the years of service they have given as territorial envoys to the mission of The Salvation Army.

The change took effect ahead of the ordination and commissioning of the Keepers of the Covenant in July, when Majors Martyn and Susan Jackson were commissioned following more than 20 years of territorial envoyship.

The new policy means that people currently serving as officers, who have previously served as territorial envoys, will receive their next rank as either captains or majors, also taking into account their territorial envoy service. – BB

HOMELESSNESS

FOUNDERS HOUSE Lifehouse resident Goran – who previously experienced homelessness – is rebuilding his life through transforming a shared outdoor space into a garden. Also a keen cook, Goran makes soup weekly for residents. Service Manager Matt Chisem said: ‘We are very thankful to Goran for giving his time and skills to build something that will benefit residents and staff for years to come.’ – AR

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

BELFAST

NORTH Children and youth were celebrated as Julie Fenton – from Child Evangelism Fellowship of Ireland – helped us learn to trust and turn to the Lord. We were also told the story of Helen Cadbury and The Pocket Testament League ministry she was involved in and, of course, we had Cadbury’s chocolate. A great morning was had together. – LK

ANNIVERSARY

TAUNTON Celebrating 140 years of ministry and service, corps leader Captain Jon Culshaw led morning worship on the theme Past, Present and Future. Previous officers, divisional leaders and friends joined the celebrations and shared a faith lunch. In the afternoon, Exeter Temple Band played for Celebration Songs of Praise in Vivary Park, led by Major Carl Di-Palma (Exeter Temple). It was very well attended, and the children enjoyed the arts and crafts tent led by Divisional Children’s Specialist Charlotte Reid. – JC

COMMUNITY

ABERYSTWYTH A tea party during Volunteers’ Week recognised the sterling work of our charity shop volunteers. Most of the volunteers were able to attend and enjoyed sandwiches, freshly baked scones and cakes prepared by corps leader Territorial Envoy Donna Sass. Fellowship and stories were shared, including some recent shop exploits, and much laughter! – PS

MUSIC

CLYDEBANK AND PAISLEY CITADEL Birmingham Citadel Band joined Paisley Citadel and Clydebank Corps to present a weekend of music. The excellent playing was enhanced by the imaginative portrayal of the gospel, taking Ray SteadmanAllen’s ‘The Holy War’ and using images, Scripture and secular music to retell the story. On Sunday, the band divided to take services in both towns, before reuniting to play in a local park. ‘What a wonderful moment,’ said one lady as she stopped with her child to hear the music. It was a weekend filled with wonderful moments. – CW

EVENT

CLACTON-ON-SEA A community open day and rededication of the recently refurbished buildings saw more than 50 members of the public, corps members and invited councillors attend to learn about the services provided to the community. On Sunday morning, a congregation of 100 – including representatives from Territorial Headquarters and the architects and contractors who worked on the 11-month refurbishment project – attended a service of thanksgiving and rededication. Corps leader Major Katerina Lennox is pictured with chair of Tendring district council Councillor Ann Oxley and Community Manager Tracy Dobbs. – VR

EVENT

COVENTRY CITY A School Assembly Big Sing event attracted a large congregation, including several first-time visitors. Attendees had previously selected favourite school assembly songs, which were featured in a lively top 10 countdown. Compère Corps Sergeant-Major Mark Street, a primary school headmaster, included time to remember school days and provided a thought about kindness. Songs accompanied by the band included ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’ and ‘One More Step Along the Road I Go’, and the songsters contributed ‘This Little Light of Mine’. The afternoon concluded enthusiastically with the most chosen song: ‘Sing Hosanna!’. – SW

COMMUNITY

GOLDTHORPE Around 50 people attended a Meet Thy Neighbour event supported by Wombwell with Barnsley Corps. Some good links were made with other community groups, and partnerships are developing. Corps leader Territorial Envoy Alison Sykes said: ‘The idea was to celebrate the diversity of our community and show that everyone is welcome in our churches no matter who you are or where you come from.’ – AR

COMMUNITY

DUNSTABLE A coffee morning to celebrate Volunteers’ Week recognised all the time and expertise that they offer. Corps leader Captain Jacqueline Coates thanked them and presented each with a small gift and a letter from the territorial leaders. – RC

FUNDRAISING

SUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTH Music Editorial Manager Andrew Blyth (THQ) was the special guest for a recent Choir of Light weekend. A Music for a Summer’s Evening concert on the Saturday evening raised £350 to help young people – including children from Ukrainian families – attend Salvation Army summer schools. Music was provided by cornet soloist Joseph Beattie, the Choir of Light and the band. The Choir of Light comprises songsters, other church members, family and friends and is entering its fifth year. – BW

FUNDRAISING

BATH CITADEL Fundraising towards new windows for the building continues to be successful, with monthly coffee mornings hosted by corps members. This month, it was held at the Harvest Coffee Shop in Chippenham, and it was well attended! – SL

MUSIC

COVENTRY CITY A brass quartet from the corps provided music for a short service at the Whitefriars building to support Christians who were visiting sites of religious significance along the River Sherbourne. After being a Carmelite monastery, the building was used as the city ‘poor house’. Following the Second World War, it became an Army Lifehouse until a purpose-built centre was opened in 1973. During the service, songs reflected the previous use of the building, including ‘Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You’ (SASB 1005) and ‘When I Needed a Neighbour’ (SASB 1013). – SW

COMMUNITY

LONDON Approximately 60 people from the Ukrainian community supported by Sunderland Monkwearmouth Corps enjoyed sightseeing that included a visit to London Zoo – with tickets funded by the corps – and viewings of The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera. Refugee Support Coordinator and Translator Olena Myronova said: ‘This journey gave our community not only unforgettable experiences, but also a small piece of happiness, hope and unity.’ – AR

COMMUNITY

WOOD GREEN A new pop-up charity retail space opened at the corps, helping connect the church with its community in a fresh way. It is hoped that people will come in, bag a bargain, feel welcomed and glimpse something of Jesus. Money raised will support ongoing corps community work and the building project. – IB

BIRTHDAY

WORTHING The church was delighted to celebrate corps member Lawrie South’s 100th birthday with him and his wife, Glenda. The day before, Lawrie conducted the band as they played the march ‘Cairo Red Shield’. Lawrie served as a paratrooper during the Second World War and was a member of the Cairo Red Shield Band, which was an opportunity to witness to his Christian faith. – PK

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

COWDENBEATH Sally-Ann Tots parent-and-toddler group took part in the community gala parade held by the Cowdenbeath Gala Events committee. Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere. As the theme of the day was the Commonwealth Games, each child on the float was awarded a medal for participation. The corps is so grateful for everyone who worked behind the scenes with all the decorations. – IF

SHREWSBURY The corps celebrated 140 years of ministry in the town with a visit from Hednesford Band and Songsters. The hall was filled with new and old friends sharing fellowship together. The then corps leader Territorial Envoy Andrea Hopkins reminded the congregation that everyone has a part to play in the future of the corps. During the service, eight-year-old Janessa read from the Bible with confidence and, later, Retired Corps Treasurer Olive Brake cut a celebration cake. – AH

COMMUNITY

GUISBOROUGH The corps runs a craft and cake group to provide opportunities for people to connect. It is open every Thursday afternoon and led by corps volunteers Kath and Maureen. Member Sue has made quilts for military veterans and knitted hats for premature babies. Joan’s speciality is cards, which she sells to raise money for the Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit. The craft group is making further connections in the community, recently welcoming a class of primary school children who sewed hearts to hang up at home, keep in their pockets for when they feel sad or give to somebody who was kind to them. – AR

ANNIVERSARY

COLCHESTER CITADEL

DURING our Pentecost Sunday service, Mark and Peggy, and Brenda and Noel – pictured with their children – were welcomed as adherents by corps leaders Majors Filipa and Luis Viriato. Also pictured is Adherents Secretary Tony Thompson. – MW

THE corps were delighted to celebrate Pentecost with corps leader Captain Katy Shubotham welcoming Melanie Fleetwood as an adherent. Melanie thanked the corps for welcoming her and letting her belong. The young people welcomed her with a song and a member of the leadership team prayed with her as she made her commitment. – KS

PENTECOST Sunday saw the enrolment of six new soldiers: Ranuka Fernando, Craig Leigh, Liam Dickinson, Josie Hall and Mitch and Dawn Self. They were supported by family and friends, some attending the Army for the first time. Each soldier gave their testimony, describing how they came to the decision to commit and why the Lord and the Army are important in their lives. Corps leader Major Gary Rockey-Clewlow talked about God’s plan for our lives and the importance of trusting him. – VB

ASSISTANT Charity Shop Manager Leah Newnham and volunteer Ann Evans were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Territorial Envoy Sam Jones at a meeting held in the charity shop. Both ladies have come into a relationship with God through their time in the charity shop. They are incredible women who show the quiet strength of their faith through their love and service to family and those around them. While neither of them would want to stand in front of a crowd of people, they are gently loving people into the Kingdom of God by consistently caring for them. We give thanks to God for their journeys and ask that you keep them in your prayers as they continue to grow in faith. – SJ

WE celebrated with seven-year-old Tobias as he was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps leader Lieutenant Amy Bayliss-Fox. When asked why he wanted to become a junior soldier, his answer was ‘God wants me to’. Also pictured is Major Lynne Collins, who completed the Activate programme with him. – AB-F

Find out more about formalising your membership of The Salvation Army and ways in which you can make a spiritual commitment at salvationist.org.uk/membership

NUNHEAD
WOODHOUSE
ABERGAVENNY
NEWTOWN

Accepted as candidates for officer training

BEN BROAD, Cambridge Citadel

ARRAN BURR , Addlestone

SCOTT JENNINGS, Regent Hall

EVANGELINE KINGSLEY-GRACE, Parkhead

NICK SCOTT, Margate

VICKI TATE, Herne Bay

SAMUEL TAYLOR , Liverpool Stoneycroft

CRAIG WALSH, Wrexham

MARY WALSH, Wrexham

Local officers appointed

YOUNG PEOPLE’S BAND

LEADER NATHAN TIMMINS, Cardiff Canton

SONGSTER LEADER ALISON LLOYD, Carlisle

CORPS SECRETARY LINDA BAIN, Maidenhead

ORGANISING SECRETARY JENNY

RENOUF, Maidenhead

BAND SECRETARY CORAL LAZENBURY, Maidenhead

ASSISTANT YOUNG PEOPLE’S SINGING COMPANY LEADER

ANYA BRAIN, Maidenhead

DEPUTY BANDMASTER JOSHUA SIGGINS, North Walsham

CORPS SECRETARY VICKY SIGGINS, North Walsham

CORPS SERGEANT-MAJOR

PAULINE DRAKES, Scunthorpe

HOSPITALITY SERGEANT INGRID ROBERTS, Whitehaven

DEPUTY SAFEGUARDING LEAD LIZZIE LAW, Batley

Wedding anniversaries

Blue Sapphire (65 years)

MAJORS BERYL AND NORMAN

ARMISTEAD on 8 July

Emerald (55 years)

COMMISSIONERS JOAN AND MIKE PARKER on 17 July

Golden (50 years)

MAJORS CATHERINE AND KEVIN RAND on 10 July

MAJORS ANNE AND JOHN READ on 17 July

MAJORS DARRELL AND KATRINA THOMAS on 17 July

MAJORS LINDA AND RAY CHARLTON on 31 July

Dedicated to God

SUSANNA ROSE JEFFERSON, daughter of Michael and Selina Jefferson, at Batley by Major Carolyn Wilson

BELLA SIMPSON, daughter of Garry and Lauren, at Cowdenbeath by Lieutenant Isabel Flanagan

Promoted to Glory

CHRISTINE VERTIGAN, Fakenham

MICHAEL HAGGAR , Ipswich Citadel

SONGSTER MAVIS LYNCH, Hereford, on 21 June

MAJOR HESLEY JOHNSON from Royal Derby Hospital on 26 June

Bereaved

QUARTERMASTER ROBIN

VERTIGAN, Fakenham, of his wife Christine Vertigan, Adrian Vertigan and Keith Vertigan of their mother

JOANNE LYNCH, Hereford, of her mother Songster Mavis Lynch

KERRY HASLAM, Ripley, and Rev Lee Johnson of their mother

Major Hesley Johnson

Retirements from active service

Effective 1 July

COMMISSIONER CEDRIC HILLS out of Harpenden in 1986 and last appointment IHQ

COMMISSIONER LYN HILLS (née Brown) out of Harpenden in 1986 and last appointment IHQ

MAJOR DENISE MCGARVEY out of Harlow in 1984 and last appointment Nottingham Meadows

MAJOR CAROLE TUCKER (née Young) out of Kirkcaldy Sinclairtown in 2004 and last appointment Nelson

MAJOR KIM WILSON (née Boscott) out of Coventry Foleshill in 1991 and last appointment DMO, Wales DHQ

MAJOR STEPHEN WILSON out of Coventry Foleshill in 1991 and last appointment DCO and DMO, Wales DHQ

MAJOR ALAN YOUNG out of Bath Temple in 1982 and last appointment Bath Fresh Expressions and DMO, South West DHQ

MAJOR CAROL YOUNG (née Mackinder) out of Bath Temple in 1982 and last appointment Bath Fresh Expressions and DMO, South West DHQ

ENGAGEMENTS

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill

Wed 22 Jul – Sun 26 Jul Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea (Territorial Congress)

Territorial Leaders Commissioners

Jenine and Paul Main

Wed 22 Jul East Midlands Division

Sun 26 Jul William Booth College (Territorial Music School)

Sat 1 Aug William Booth College (Territorial Music School Final Festival)

Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader

Development Colonel Julie Forrest

Wed 29 Jul William Booth College (Territorial Music School Midweek Festival)

Sat 1 Aug William Booth College (Territorial Music School Final Festival)

NOTICES

Together: See you next year!

Together 27 will take place at the ICC Birmingham from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 July 2027. Save the date in your calendar and stay tuned for further information early next year. Be part of the story: catch up with highlights, videos and memories from Together 26 at salvationist.org.uk/ together and @salvationistuki on Facebook and Instagram!

One Body

This video-based resource from Sports Mission helps people explore how faith, sport and community can come together in transformative ways. Through inspiring stories, practical teaching and ready-to-use discussion materials, One Body helps lead people into a deeper understanding of what it means to live a church-without-walls life through physical activity, and discover that Jesus isn’t confined to four walls. Download it at tsa.link/onebody

Make the most of a summer of sport

With a huge summer of sport ahead, salvationist.org.uk has everything you need for local outreach, mission and ministry. Visit tsa.link/faith-in-sport-resources to access ideas for watch parties, pop-up mission and to listen to the Faith in Sport podcast.

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. In the fourth of a five-week series, Refugee Response Manager Ben Still (THQ) considers the theme Bold Hospitality. 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.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts

GREAT YARMOUTH CORPS, TOLHOUSE STREET NR30 2SQ

140TH CORPS ANNIVERSARY

Come and join us in celebrating 140 years of witness and service!

Saturday 8 August

7pm 140th corps anniversary celebration concert with Great Yarmouth Brass

Sunday 9 August

10.30am Worship meeting followed by lunch 2pm Songs of Praise led by Major Fred Thompson

A warm welcome awaits you!

ADVERTISING RATES

ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT

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Large box (1/8th page) 89mm x 62mm £65 £170

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Half page 181mm x 127mm £340 £850

Full back page 181mm x 258mm £675 £1,650

ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

TO LET

ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hill-walking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available. Tel 02920 759314 or email jonesda19@outlook.com.

TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email jonesda19@outlook.com.

PERSONAL

MAJOR JENNIE MCCOMBE and family wish to thank you all for your prayers, messages and cards following the promotion to Glory of Major John McCombe. We have been deeply moved by your love and support. May God bless you.

EDINBURGH GORGIE CORPS, 431 GORGIE ROAD EH11 2RT 135TH

ANNIVERSARY

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August

Saturday 10am–3pm Open Day Sunday 3pm–4.30pm Festival

Messages or history contributions can be sent to edinburgh.gorgie@salvationarmy.org.uk

• Community engagement

• Corporate worship

• Sport and wellbeing salvationist.org.uk/resources

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Salvationist 18 July 2026 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland - Issuu