Salvationist 18 September 2021

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No 1825 Price 70p

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 18 September 2021

Faith, fun and fellowship at divisional summer schools PLUS

EMPOWERING PEOPLE INTO EMPLOYMENT

SEE PAGES 12 TO 14

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

WORLD CHURCH LEADERS WARN CLIMATE CHANGE IS ‘MATTER OF SURVIVAL’ The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Pope and the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox church have issued their first joint statement, warning that climate change is an ‘urgent matter of survival’.

The world’s three most prominent church leaders, representing more than 1.5 billion Christians, declared that we must ‘repent of our generation’s sins’ and start to ‘eat, travel, spend, invest and live differently’, noting that we have ‘greedily consumed more of the Earth’s resources than the planet can endure’.

The Most Rev Justin Welby, Francis and His All Holiness Bartholomew I, the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, said that we have ‘maximised our own interest at the expense of future generations’ and said: ‘The climate crisis speaks volumes about who we are and how we view and treat God’s creation.’

They added: ‘We stand before a harsh justice: biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and climate change are the inevitable consequences of our actions.'

The Times

CHURCH OF ENGLAND PUBLISHES TOOLKIT ON HOW CHURCHES CAN WELCOME PEOPLE FROM AFGHANISTAN A toolkit, including prayer and theological resources, has been produced by the Church of England in response to churches and individuals concerned by the situation in Afghanistan asking what they can do to help.

Staff in the Church of England's national Mission and Public Affairs team say they have been overwhelmed with messages from those asking how they can practically and spiritually support those fleeing the Taliban takeover.

The material, available online, brings together links and information on how churches can help through giving, community sponsorship, prayer and advocacy.

The toolkit includes [an] explanation of the two main resettlement schemes and the asylum system along with suggestions on how Christians can speak out on behalf of those unable to do so.

Fourteen Christians have been arrested for taking part in a protest in St Paul’s Cathedral ... in which they called on the Church of England to disinvest from fossil fuels.

The individuals were members of Christian Climate Action (CCA), who before the protest had written to all the dioceses that still invested in fossil fuels, asking them to disinvest by the end of the year. This was in light of the most recent report on the state of the climate from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change...

Immediately after the distribution of holy communion at the 11.15 service, a group of CCA members processed to the altar and faced the congregation, holding banners with the words ‘No Faith in Fossil Fuels’ and ‘Churches Divest Now’...

The protesters inside gave a short talk, explaining why they were there, which received a round of applause.

Premier

Church Times

SPURGEON'S COLLEGE SPONSORS COMMUNITY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT More than 70 youngsters from the local community enjoyed a competitive and fun afternoon of football at the Preventing Knife Crime (PKC) Academy’s summer football tournament.

PKC is a football organisation based in Croydon, set up to make football accessible to all young people. The academy works to teach young people the transferable skills that they need to be successful in life through football, as well as giving them opportunities and keeping them healthy and active.

Its summer football tournament took place at the Selhurst sports arena...

Principal of Spurgeon’s College, the Rev Professor Philip McCormack said… ‘We were ... delighted to be able to sponsor the PKC Academy’s summer football tournament over the weekend. The tournament forms an important part of the academy’s wider mission to promote social mobility and nurture youth talent, particularly for underprivileged groups.’

Baptist Times

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

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2

FOURTEEN ARRESTED IN ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL AFTER FOSSIL-FUELS PROTEST

Salvationist 18 September 2021

ISSN 2516-5909

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

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

CONTENTS

OPENING THE DOORS THE working week became a lot more normal last week as many office workers recommenced their commutes. Several big cities reported that roads were as busy as they had been pre-pandemic. Transport for London said the Tube on Monday morning was the busiest it had been for 18 months and the number of bus trips between 8am and 9am that day increased by 71 per cent from the previous week. The government is advising businesses to open their doors again and urging workers to return. And although many will embrace ‘agile working’ – partly at home, partly in the office – there are still likely to be overcrowded trains and rush hour traffic jams, as in the good old days!

The doors of many Army summer schools and junior camps were also back open recently, and you can read about the events in this week’s issue. Last year almost all summer schools were held online, with youth and children’s leaders showing great imagination in providing meaningful and enjoyable programmes. No less imagination has been shown this summer, as staff and students reveal in their reports. The opportunity to gather in-person was invaluable. One student said: ‘It has been absolutely amazing to see and reconnect with people.’

People living with disabilities often find themselves excluded from activities that are open to others, including work. Ian and Sandra Atkinson tell us how they help to open doors to work through Empowerment Consultancy and Training, an organisation set up in the North East of England three years ago. They believe that what disables people are barriers in society, rather than any impairment, so they aim to address this by ‘mending the gaps in society and empowering people into employment’. Living with disabilities themselves, they are fully aware of these issues and well placed to help open doors and enable people to go through them.

For many Christians, parts of the Old Testament seem inaccessible or obscure.

Major John Waters’ series of articles has helped open the door and allow some light in. This week he considers the importance of reading Old Testament passages in context to understand them better.

Army leadership can also seem inaccessible to some people, as Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant acknowledges in his latest update on the territory’s Structure Co-ordination and Design Group. The good news is that there is an open door for you to have your say. Some people will be invited to forums that will take place in every division or be involved in leadership team discussions, and everyone will be able to take part in a survey. The aim is to discover what will enable mission to flourish where you are.

An important Army principle is that there is a welcome for all within our walls. As programmes recommence, and doors are once again opening for worship and service, perhaps it’s time to look at what barriers might still be there. They aren’t always physical – sometimes they come in the form of attitudes, words or practices. When people wanted to bring their children to Jesus, the disciples tried to put up barriers.

But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these’ (Mark 10:14). The same goes for people of all ages and backgrounds. Let’s make sure the doors are open and the barriers are broken for everyone.

Quotes from the media

2

News

4 to 7

Prayer matters

7

News feature

8 to 11

A summer of activity, fellowship and worship Feature

12 to 14

Overcoming obstacles, breaking barriers Ian and Sandra Atkinson talk to Simon Hope

Viewpoint

15

The Old Testament: Does it apply to us?

by Major John Waters

Bible study

16 and 17

Peace

by Lieutenant Shawn Moye

Through the week with Salvationist

16 and 17

by Major Lynda Levis

Viewpoint

18

Who is my neighbour?

by Trevor Caffull

Territorial structure update

19

Discerning the way forward

by Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant

New commitments Adverts

20 21 and 23

Announcements

22

Fundraising

24

Mount Toubkal Trek

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 18 September 2021

3

NEWS

EMERGENCY AID

EVENT

Army volunteers respond to major wildfires CALIFORNIA THE Salvation Army in the USA helped people affected by wildfires in northern California. A recordbreaking summer heatwave led to several large wildfires, with the most substantial – named the Dixie Fire – being the second-biggest ever recorded in the state.

The blaze, believed to have started on 14 July, burnt across more than half a million acres of predominantly forest. About 900 buildings were destroyed by the fire.

John Berglund, the Emergency Disaster Services director for the USA Western Territory, reported that the Dixie Fire mainly affected federal or state lands and forests, with ‘a number of smaller rural communities’ seeing ‘significant destruction’.

A volunteer-run service extension unit provided three meals a day to first responders and those forced from their homes.

As of 12 August the Army had served 30,793 drinks, 6,420 meals and 12,644 snacks. The main responses were to people seeking temporary shelter at Lassen Community College and Lassen High School in Susanville.

With generous donations from individuals, businesses and large corporations, the Army plans to continue helping people rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Support from the public and corporations, including significant donations from Walmart and The Home Depot Foundation, has also played a pivotal role in The Salvation Army’s ability to help. – AR Has your corps resumed its weekly programme or meetings? Salvationist wants to hear your news. Corps press representatives can email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Good quality pictures will be included.

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Salvationist 18 September 2021

ENFIELD A series of summer activity sessions entitled ‘Go for Gold!’ was organised for children aged 5 to 11. Inspired by the Olympics and Paralympics, the four sessions explored sporty themes, including Teamwork, Overcoming Obstacles, Staying Strong and Finishing the Race. The children looked at the Bible story of the friends who lowered the paralysed man through the roof. The sessions included art, crafts, games and quizzes.

At the end of the sessions each child received a certificate and medal for taking part. Out of the 19 children who attended, 17 had no previous links to the corps. Feedback from children and parents was incredibly positive and the corps is now looking to use this as a springboard to develop Messy Church and weekly children’s activities. – SF

PRESENTATION

200

people gather for leaders’ retirement SEE PAGE 5

1,800

food parcels distributed SEE PAGE 5

60

Cameo group members meet in person SEE PAGE 7

Stanley Jarvis receives a certificate for serving 73 years as a bandsman and 46 years as a songster at Tadley

EVENT

EMERGENCY AID

Army’s earthquake response expands HAITI

Leaders retire after 70 years’ combined service HERTS AND ESSEX

NEWS IN BRIEF WELLING The corps represented the Army at BexFest, a two-day event showcasing local groups, businesses and talents.

Supported by St Mary Cray Corps, members gave out copies of War Cry and Kids Alive! and Messy Church packs. Several passers-by told stories about what The Salvation Army meant to them. One woman shared how she would not be alive without the Army, explaining how Salvationists found her mother in rubble after three days during the Blitz. Corps folk were blessed to hear how The Salvation Army has impacted so many lives. – KS MARKET RASEN The corps has spent the past 18 months preparing and distributing approximately 1,800 food parcels in the community. However, music-making being an active method of service, praise and devotion to God, the pandemic left many corps members feeling distanced, and they were pleased for Sunday worship and other activities to return to normality. – TC

ABOUT 200 people gathered at Hadleigh Farm Estate to mark the retirement of divisional leaders Majors Norman and Margaret Ord. The pair – who have served for 70 years between them – are set to retire in October. Guests were invited to a picnic, although inclement weather meant much of the day took place in a large barn.

The majors have been involved in all sorts of community work throughout their time as divisional leaders, including supporting a host of new initiatives at Hadleigh Farm Estate.

The day featured a service of thanksgiving led by Lieut-Colonels Bev and Drew McCombe (THQ) and included video messages from the couple’s parents.

The service welcomed new officers into the division and acknowledged Candidate Patsy Attwood, who begins training at William Booth College this month.

Music was provided by Chelmsford Band, and the service was followed by a barbecue.

Divisional mission enablers Majors Jo and Tim Justice helped organise the day with the DHQ team. Major Jo said the couple were delighted with the ‘Ord-chard’ – named after them to celebrate the fruitfulness of their ministry – where six fruit trees were planted.

Major Norman commented: ‘We were so glad to be able to meet with friends and colleagues from many different settings and celebrate with them the privilege of calling to ministry and leadership in The Salvation Army. Being able to host it at Hadleigh Farm was perfect for us, recognising the site as a place of significant community, ministry and mission. The day was a real blessing to us.’ – AR

OUTREACH

Guisborough Band returns to the high street during the bank holiday weekend, with 75 people listening, including passers-by

SALVATION Army personnel in Haiti continue to work with community leaders in nine of the worst-hit areas to ensure the most vulnerable people are supported in the aftermath of this traumatic disaster.

Communities in La Fosse, Caillot and La Colline will be provided with essential emergency supplies. As well as addressing practical needs, trained and experienced team members are offering emotional and spiritual care.

Global shipping and logistics services provider UPS has generously supported the relief efforts by freighting supplies from The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services warehouse in Florida to a distribution hub in Haiti. The pallets included 22,500 face masks, more than 100,000 disinfectant wipes and about 7,200 heavy-duty bin bags.

Every item will help vulnerable communities with the arduous task of cleaning and restoring houses and other premises hygienically and in a Covid-safe manner. The supplies have also replenished local stocks of hygiene kits and tarpaulins. – AR

CORPS FELIXSTOWE At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic Songster Leader Kevin Grey started a Messenger group to send members a thought and a song to listen to at least twice a week. He recently sent out his 200th message, encouraging people: ‘Lift our eyes to the hills knowing our help is coming from God. For God is the source of our strength, God is the strength of our life so what else could we do but lift our hands in total praise to God who has provided so much for us, and even when times are difficult God is still there to uphold us through the storm.’ The corps is thankful to Kevin for his many months of encouragement. – JF Salvationist 18 September 2021

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NEWS

OUTREACH

COMMUNITY

Teamwork sees young woman rehomed in hostel KINGS RIPTON COURT A YOUNG woman living in a caravan overrun with mice has been rehoused in the Lifehouse.

Chloe Eason, 19, was referred by Lesley McNocher, her support manager from the disability charity Papworth Trust.

Pat Wilkinson is an employment development co-ordinator for Employment Plus. She was helping Chloe look for work when the subject of her living conditions at the caravan was raised.

Chloe had been living in the caravan with her boyfriend. After they broke up and he left, she was asked to move out, as her boyfriend was the named tenant.

Pat said: ‘The caravan didn’t have any locks, Chloe was vulnerable and the caravan was unhygienic because of the mice. Chloe had no alternative accommodation to go to so I contacted the council housing team and explained her plight. Lesley spoke to Job Centre Plus to request an advance of benefit for Chloe, to help her move.’

The council housing team arranged for Chloe to be interviewed at Kings Ripton Court and she moved in on the same day.

Pat said: ‘I was overjoyed and so was Chloe. She was very pleased with her new home.’ – AR 6

WELLING The corps took part in the area’s monthly pop-up market, selling knitted and crocheted hats, scarves, blankets and children’s clothing. Corps members enjoyed the opportunity to be back out in the community and share with passers-by. The corps hopes to make the market a regular part of its monthly missional and ministerial programme. – KS

COMMUNITY

Editor’s note The report about Brighton Congress Hall in the 11 September Salvationist incorrectly stated that Majors Elizabeth and Mike Lloyd were presented with a garden bench as a farewell gift. It should have read: ‘As a farewell gift Majors Elizabeth and Mike presented a garden bench to be placed in the newly redesigned garden at the front of the hall. A presentation gift was also made from the corps to them and their daughter Katherine to thank them for their ministry.’ Salvationist apologises for the error.

EVENT GLOUCESTER The corps arranged Sunday afternoon picnics for corps folk to meet while socially distanced. One picnic, held in Barnwood Park, coincided with the upcoming birthday of Major Les Bates and homemade cakes were enjoyed by all. – AB

Like our page @SalvationistOnline to keep up to date

Co-op Community Co-ordinator Mary-Jane Storr gives Market Rasen corps leader Territorial Envoy Terence Carpenter and Charity Shop Manager Sarah Steer leftover cakes from a charity event to use in food parcels

Follow Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

EMERGENCY AID

Army responds to tropical storm Henri USA SALVATION Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) personnel dealt with the immediate needs of first responders and survivors affected by tropical storm Henri, which made landfall along the south coast of Rhode Island in August. The storm brought high winds, flooding and power cuts across the northeast of the country.

‘We are doing everything to respond efficiently and effectively,’ said EDS Co-ordinator Robert Myers III (USA Eastern Territory). ‘With the continued generosity of the public, the Army will remain on the ground serving those affected by the storm for however long our services are needed.’

The Salvation Army was well-positioned to respond to this emergency, with an in-depth understanding of the area’s needs. Incident command centres were established in Connecticut and Massachusetts and mobile feeding units were prepared, each of which could serve up to 1,500 people per day. They also acted as bases from which training personnel could offer emotional and spiritual care to survivors and first responders. Corps locations were also prepared to provide feeding and other support to those affected. – AR

Salvationist 18 September 2021

ARMY NEWS

Report reveals Covid-19 impact on human trafficking UKI A NEW report by The Salvation Army and partners shows how the pandemic has affected efforts to protect communities across the world at risk from human trafficking gangs and unsafe migration.

The Army joined academics to gather evidence on the impact of Covid-19 through surveys and interviews with key organisations in international networks of UK-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and faith groups engaged in combatting human trafficking and modern slavery.

Titled How Has the International Anti-Trafficking Response Adapted to Covid-19?, the report reveals concerns from NGOs operating around the world that more is needed to protect vulnerable communities as traffickers find new ways to exploit people. Testimonies from the front line include trafficking gangs going online to target children, stigmatisation and increased vulnerabilities for marginalised groups such as migrant workers and sex workers and many communities more susceptible to the false offers of criminal gangs preying on people in poverty and debt.

The report includes the following recommendations: responses to human trafficking and modern slavery should be strengthened and integrated into emergency responses to humanitarian crises, such as pandemics; messages need to be put out in local communities to reduce stigma among marginalised groups such as migrant workers and sex workers; more partnerships with private companies are needed to provide resources, such as phones and laptops, to deal with the crisis; anti-trafficking organisations need to work more closely with all faith-based groups in communities as the report showed how they were the primary responders to both human trafficking and Covid-19; and more research is needed on the role of organisations from all faiths and their work in antihuman trafficking work. This should include looking at the role of prayer in building individual and community resilience as well as effecting social and political changes. – AR

EVENT

After being closed for almost 18 months, Ipswich Citadel’s Cameo group meets in a Covid-secure way, with 60 members attending

HARVEST FOCUS

by Prayer Network Support Major Jill Miller SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – A HARVEST PRAYER God of Harvest, Gardener Supreme, you place us at the centre, feed us, equip us, and, having provided for us, look to a different harvest – a fruitfulness of lives in service to you and others. God of Harvest, feed us, prune us, harvest us that our lives might bring glory to you. Amen.

SUNDAY 19 SEPTEMBER – PRAISE AND WORSHIP ‘As long as the Earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease’ (Genesis 8:22). Father God, we celebrate your goodness and faithfulness to us as we give thanks for the harvest. As we sing in our hearts and praise you with our prayers, our whole being bursts with thanksgiving for the abundant provision of good things we enjoy.

HOMELESSNESS SERVICES UNIT FOCUS: NORTH EAST REGION MONDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

by Regional Chaplaincy Officer Major David Coates ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’ (Matthew 25:35 and 36). I pray, Lord, that you will bless the work and ministry of our chaplains in Lifehouses as they seek to share your love and the message of the gospel. Amen.

TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

by Major Ria Campbell (Chaplain, Lincoln Court Lifehouse) Lord, we see a lot of pain in the world. You have created each person with equal worth, and so we think of the marginalised in our society whom you call us to help: women impacted by illness, physical or mental; those who have suffered from violence and addiction; those who have been shunned; those who endure damaging physical and relational effects of abusive relationships or drug use.

May you quench the need of women longing for wisdom and a better life. Use us, Lord, and the resources we have, to be the salve that eases their pain. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

by Major Christine Comely (Chaplain, The Orchard, Bradford) ‘God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the message of good news to the poor, sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the burdened and battered free, to announce, “This is God’s year to act!”’ (Luke 4:18 and 19 The Message). May Jesus be seen in all we are and do.

THURSDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

by Paul Huggins (Chaplain, Charter Row Lifehouse, Sheffield) We all have a dodgy past. Some stuff is our own fault, caused by bad decisions and their consequences. At other times we are the victim of another person’s brokenness. The Bible is full of people in whose lives God sees past the brokenness – people like Peter, Mary Magdalene and Paul. Grace is how God sees past the brokenness and transforms us to be used by him. Let us today see past the brokenness and try to see what God sees.

FRIDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

by Julie Judson (Chaplain, Swan Lodge Lifehouse, Sunderland) Heavenly Father, Sunderland is a city of light. However, Lord, there are times in our lives when darkness surrounds us. My prayer for Sunderland is that, through the ministry of your children, your light will shine bright through the darkness; that people will seek your light and love and that, whatever problems life throws at us, you are with us all the way, holding our hand.

Come, Lord Jesus, pour out your Spirit, we pray. For you are the God of our city. Amen.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources Salvationist 18 September 2021

7

NEWS FEATURE

A summer of activity, fellowship and worship Delegates and staff members report from this year’s divisional summer schools and junior camps ANGLIA AFTER 18 months of being apart, the Anglia Youth Summer School week was special for staff and students alike as they reconnected with each other and with God, reports Hannah Carr (Norwich Citadel).

Participants engaged in vocal, media and sports activities and discussions, as well as live worship. Katie Pearson (Norwich Citadel) said her highlight was ‘coming together as a group to sing after not doing so for so long, plus being able to make new friends’. Also included in the week was a high ropes course, as well as a water fight or two!

The spiritual theme for the week was Journey, in reference to the story of the road to Emmaus (see Luke 24:13–35). Major Jonny Smith (THQ) broke the passage down and focused on a different theme each day, which was discussed further in cell groups.

The themes and discussions were brought together in a campfire worship session on Thursday evening, where everyone was encouraged to reflect on their journey so far and consider what God had in store for

them. Despite having to abandon the campfire due to wet weather, the evening had a real sense of God’s presence and direction for each person present, and was undoubtedly a spiritual highlight of the week. Oliver Hampton (Stowmarket) commented, ‘It was great to feel the presence of God in worship again, alongside like-minded friends, new and old!’

The week ended in a celebration picnic and the students demonstrated everything they had worked on to friends and family in a relaxed and comfortable setting. The week was a real privilege for all.

CENTRAL EAST Central East THIS year gave us an opportunity to do something ancient, but entirely new to us: pilgrimage! Over three days young people walked on three routes within the division, totalling more than 30 miles, writes Divisional Youth Specialist (DYS) Nathan Bright. Each of the routes provided natural spaces to explore and experience God. As we were with each other we learnt from one another, supported one another and attempted to notice God around us and

within us. We considered the fact that we follow in other people’s footsteps, which made us aware of the tracks we personally leave. We thought about the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom, then from freedom to discipleship – and we reflected on what might help us to press on with endurance.

This intentionally humble time together enabled us to see glimpses of God’s glory as the natural became supernatural and the ordinary extraordinary.

HERTS AND ESSEX

Anglia

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Salvationist 18 September 2021

THE division ran four camps at the Hadleigh Farm Estate: a kids camp, a youth summer camp and, in partnership with North London Division, two family camps, writes DYS Ben Still.

Kids camp was all about being ‘brave, strong, and courageous’ and how God can help us with our challenges. After months of Covid-19 restrictions, the children revelled in the freedom to play together and enjoy the surroundings, creating stuff with exploding art and wild foraged faces!

You don’t often hear ‘Jingle Bells’ in July,

Herts and Essex family camp

Herts and Essex kids camp

North East junior camp but the family camps took Christmas as their theme. Families and friends sang carols, decorated trees, made stockings and shared in the story of the Nativity. This was on top of mountain biking, kayaking and other activities, including visiting the rare breeds farm and castle.

People from across east London and Essex were represented at the event, many of whom might not otherwise have been able to have a holiday. It was an amazing time and many families are already getting excited about next year’s event, as well as how they can be more involved in The Salvation Army in their area.

Summer camp went retro this year, making the most of a Polaroid-style camera to capture ‘God moments’. Small groups of young people were encouraged to notice when they felt closest to God – perhaps through a conversation, relationship, the environment, music, an activity or a particular place – and then take an image as a reminder.

Using the Sarum prayer (‘God be in my head, and in my understanding…’) as a starting point, the young people also came up with their own monastic rhythm of life for the camp, including a ‘steaming cup of horizon’ in the morning – a hot drink while sitting, reflecting and looking out to the horizon – which we highly recommend!

NORTH EAST ENGLAND THE coronavirus pandemic hit the pause button on summer school in 2020, writes Abigail French (Stockton). This year the staff and 82 students were determined to travel at full speed to a week like no other – with lateral flow tests at the ready!

New students met and old ones exchanged hugs after being unable to see friends for many months. ‘It was so much fun to see everyone again and to catch up,’ said Hollie Sellers, part of the multimedia group.

The theme, Behind the Mask – Revealing the Real You, felt fitting. Main study allowed the students to explore their creative and musical abilities. For the first time in months, being part of a group that shared the same passions ignited the inner spark they had been missing. That spark continued to grow through the week, fuelled by worship and Bible study conversations.

Evening activities allowed students to compete in sports, quizzes and messy games.

The school took a ‘trip to America’ on Tuesday night and dined on a selection of burgers and doughnuts. On Friday’s formal night students dressed in suits and dresses to enjoy a three-course meal and more games.

Vocals, multimedia and a band joined

together for the final festival, as fireworks of talent burst into a colourful and artistic open-air concert in the grounds of Collingwood College.

‘After a year of not having summer school it has been absolutely amazing to see and reconnect with people that I haven’t seen in two years,’ said Ashley Dodds, a member of the vocal group. ‘Summer school was outstanding. It was much appreciated by everyone, and I can’t wait to go again next year!’

THIRTY children gathered for this year’s junior camp, and from the first day there was a lot of fun activity as they explored the theme Break Out, Break Free, writes Divisional Commander Major David Burns.

The children discovered through activities, teaching, crafts and games that God can do the impossible, Jesus is always with us and God has a plan for our lives. There was a swimming day, a movie night, an Animal Antics visit that showcased some exotic pets and a carnival day with inflatables. The children also raised £60 for the Christian charity Compassion UK to help support children in Haiti.

As well as the activities there were CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 X Salvationist 18 September 2021

9

NEWS FEATURE

North West W CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 moments of reflection and commitment, especially in the prayer groups and prayer stations. The prayers penned by the young people showed how God had moved among them.

On the final day they gathered outside with friends and family to share their experiences of the week through prayer, song and video. DYS Jason Tasker and the staff team were blessed and encouraged as they shared with the children throughout the week.

NORTH LONDON, SOUTH EAST AND SOUTH LONDON THE three divisions hosted a series of activity days, giving young people the opportunity to come together for the first time and enjoy fun and worship, DYS Rachel Gash (South London) reports. They were able to choose from several activities.

Summer School in a Day aimed to capture a festival feel, with worship taking place on a truck/stage. New Addington Youth led worship, with Anais Spencer taking to the stage. Sports, games, popcorn and candy floss featured as well.

London Treasure Hunt involved dodging the rain and following clues from London Bridge to St James’s Park.

Outdoor Activity Day included paddleboarding on Bewl Water. Each DYS managed to stand up on the paddleboard, 10

Salvationist 18 September 2021

London Treasure Hunt

but only one of them fell in the water!

Beach Day in Brighton enabled young people to enjoy the seaside, pier and a game of volleyball – some even braved the sea.

Campfire and Marshmallows, hosted by Addlestone Corps, provided team games, hot dogs, s’mores and worship around a campfire. Elizabeth Kitchenside spoke to the group and shared Proverbs 3:5 as a verse that ha helped her in recent months.

The overall aim for the week was to reconnect with our young people and give them the opportunity to connect with each other. Over the course of the summer there were many conversations and lots of fun and laughter, as well as prayer and worship. We pray that we can build on this in the months ahead.

NORTH WEST THIS year I went to my third summer school, which felt especially poignant considering the year we’d just had, and that it was DYS Jon Hampton’s last, writes Sam

Bishton (Openshaw).

The theme was Infinite, and we focused on the topic of God’s calling – exploring it through cell groups and brilliant talks from the staff. We looked at how God used such people as Gideon and Esther for his cause.

The options I picked were Worship and Drama/Media, in which we created a documentary-style exposé. The week was littered with fun activities, including Capture the Flag and a beach party-themed disco.

Thursday was worship night. We had an hour and a half to wander around prayer stations. My favourite was the Wall of Encouragement, where everyone had a piece of paper and could write words of encouragement on other people’s.

It was amazing to meet old friends and new people, and to be in a wonderful, encouraging, worshipful community for a week. The final celebration was brilliant, and we wish DYS Jon and his family all the best in their venture at William Booth College.

SEVERN AND SOMERSET IT was great to be able to hold junior camp in person and in a residential setting this year, Divisional Relationship Manager Andy Hurd reports.

Twenty children and eight adults came together at The Poplars under the theme The Wonder Zone, with the aim of discovering more about the world around us and God who created it.

Severn and Somerset summer school

During the week we explored four different themes in our main activity sessions – Light, The Universe, The Diversity of Creation and The Possibilities of Robots – alongside some outdoor experiments and a Messy Church-style science fair. All this allowed the children to discover more about themselves and their place in the world, while encouraging them to make the right choices and choose to live God’s way.

Other activities included a film evening, a talent night and disco, bouncy castles, an indoor campfire and team games, as well as worship and time for reflection.

There were also opportunities to spend the afternoon at a nearby swimming pool and go on a day trip to Eastnor Castle, where the children loved exploring the grounds and adventure playgrounds.

Everyone had a great week and we were blessed to see God working in the lives of our young people.

‘LIVE Like You’re Loved’, a song by Hawk Nelson, was the anthem of this year’s summer school, DYS Beth Gweshe reports.

Amid the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, young people in the division were able to enjoy worship, silent disco, a hike, inflatables, Bible study, a campfire, prayer spaces, Sing and Sign, crafts, media, baking, sport and life workshops – which included discussion of LGBTQ+, racial injustice and mental health issues.

The young people and the team built relationships as we learnt what it means to live out the transformation that Jesus can make in our hearts and about the freedom we have through him. What a gracious God we serve! A God who enabled our meeting and enables us to live like we’re loved.

YSCA

children together in a safe way and provide space for some of the younger ones to experience what happens at MaM. The theme was Journeys. We focused on three Old Testament characters who put their faith in God and stepped out to journey with him – sometimes into unknown lands, sometimes into unknown experiences, but always with the knowledge that God was with them.

We visited three corps across the division to run a day of activities that included worship, small-group teaching, puppets, multimedia, dance, crafts, sports, Godly Play and an afternoon of inflatables.

Despite the uncertainty of the times, God used the tour to bring new opportunities for his Kingdom. The team was blessed to learn that the children who had not attended a week’s residential before enjoyed themselves so much that they intend to come for the full week next year.

Southern

SOUTHERN Rather than a full residential week the summer children’s camp known as ‘MaM’ (Ministry and Mayhem) went on tour, writes Captain Victoria Crawford (Southampton Shirley). Our prayer was that we would provide an opportunity to gather the

All this allowed the children to discover more about themselves and their place in the world

YORKSHIRE NORTH WITH TEES AND YORKSHIRE SOUTH WITH HUMBER YOUNG people from the two divisions gathered for Yorkshire School of Creative Arts (YSCA) 2021, reports DYS Mark Elliott (Yorkshire South with Humber). Led by DYS Sarah Beecham (Yorkshire North with Tees) and me, the theme for the week was Reconnect, based on Colossians 2:6 and 7: ‘Continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.’

After the events of the past 18 months, the young people were challenged to take time to reconnect with themselves, each other and, most importantly, God. Over the course of the week, they took part in main studies and options. They engaged in Bible studies and worship, as well as evening activities – including a silent disco beach party and a masked singer karaoke night.

At the end of the week the young people and staff streamed an evening of worship with family and friends. This was a great opportunity to showcase a little of what had taken place at YSCA 2021 and to ultimately give all the praise and thanks to God. The final celebration can be viewed online at ysca.co.uk/live.

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FEATURE I Empowerment Consultancy and Training

Overcoming obstacles, breaking barriers ‘T Enabled members Ian and Sandra Atkinson talk to Simon Hope about disability awareness in the workplace

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Salvationist 18 September 2021

HE Lord does not look at the things people look at.

People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7). These words have spoken into lives for thousands of years and continue to influence people today. In a world of intolerance and diversity this short verse is an important reminder to uncover the potential within.

Ian and Sandra Atkinson are Enabled members who attend Gateshead Corps.

Advocating for wider awareness of the everyday challenges facing people living with disabilities, Ian, Sandra and the team at Empowerment Consultancy and Training are living out this verse by mending the gaps in society and empowering people into employment across North East England. Part of their unique strength comes from their ability to draw on experiences from their life journeys.

Living with cerebral palsy, Ian started working in the voluntary sector in 1999,

with a particular focus on disability. His initial five years working as a volunteer opened up many opportunities to learn workplace skills and offered situations through which he learnt a lot about himself and the impairments of others.

Continuing to develop himself over the following years, Ian now has a wealth of experience in advocacy and inclusion and a passion for disability equality. This combination of gifting and enthusiasm led to the founding of Empowerment Consultancy and Training with long-time friend Darren Taylor.

Developing arthritis as a teenager, Sandra was medically retired because of the challenges she faced. She struggled with deteriorating physical and mental health for years before volunteering with Arthritis Care (now Versus Arthritis).

There she learnt about the social model of disability and discovered a new way of understanding her place in society.

Not long after, Sandra attended university and achieved a degree in

One day we won’t have ‘abled’ and ‘disabled’ – we’ll just have ‘people’ psychology. Wanting to return to volunteering, she started working with the same organisation as Ian and, 18 years later, they are happily married.

While she has not returned to paid employment, she continues to play her part at Empowerment Consultancy and Training however her health allows.

When deciding how to use his skills to influence the workplace, Ian teamed up with Darren, who has a background as a wellness coach, to form Empowerment Consultancy and Training. They soon realised that setting up a community interest company (CIC) would be more appropriate than a charity.

‘In light of my background in charity,’ Ian explains, ‘I still wanted to support the disability community. But the way the charity model is funded makes it very difficult to survive. As a business, I think people take us a lot more seriously.’

Founding the company in 2018, the team has been providing practical

equality training for employers and employees across the North East ever since.

‘We did a little project with local authorities and police promoting awareness and support for victims of disability hate crime,’ continues Ian. ‘We’ve also done a lot of work with universities, supporting social work education.’

Sandra adds: ‘We teach student social workers about communication skills and disability equality, which led to a project with the Open University called Mend the Gap.’ The team developed this course as a new way of teaching student social workers.

‘I think that’s what gave us the inroads to our current work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP),’ says Ian. ‘They attended a session because we’d identified gaps between social work and

The social model of disability This alternative way of seeing the world flips the idea of disability on its head. The social model suggests that an impairment does not disable someone. Instead, barriers in society are what disable a person: these institutional obstacles make independence and equality more difficult.

Examples include: O Physical barriers, such as a lack of accessible entrances and toilets O Social barriers, such as assumptions about what a person can or cannot do O Communicative barriers, such as the lack of provision of accessible information for people with sensory impairments

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 X

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People may do things in different ways, but we’re not all that different in the end W CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Ian and Sandra on their wedding day

Enabled summer school

Mend the Gap session

Mend the Gap session 14

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the job market for disabled people.’

Sandra outlines how the course fills in cracks in provision by involving and empowering the community: ‘One of the great things about Mend the Gap is that we don’t see people as professionals or service users. Everybody is equal within that room. It means we can discuss things with a mutual understanding of where everyone is coming from.

‘The DWP came one week. I know some people in the room that really have a problem with them but, because of the way we managed it, everybody could feel comfortable to put their points forward.

‘Not long after that, the DWP got in touch to suggest a partnership. They knew that Empowerment Consultancy and Training had a specific service that not many other people were providing – utilising experts with experience. They knew that there was a great need for people with lived experiences.’

Having lived through many of the highs and lows of the people they work with, Ian, Sandra and the team are uniquely placed to empower others on their journey to employment.

It is thanks to a contract from the DWP that the company ran Employment through Empowerment, a new project specifically aimed at preparing people for employment by building confidence and interpersonal skills.

The project helps anyone who is facing obstacles in society that impede their ability to enter the working world.

This has included people living with physical impairments alongside people experiencing less tangible challenges, such as learning difficulties, autism, ADHD and dyslexia.

‘We didn’t have much of that experience previously,’ Sandra admits.

‘But a lot of people with autism have been particularly pleased with what we have done to help them. Ian just has a way of working with people that makes them feel at ease.’

A big part of the project has been teaching people to look past labels.

Throughout the project there have been several service users who do not identify as disabled. And the labels of mental health, physical health and learning disabilities have traditionally been separated. Employment through

Empowerment sees these distinct groups and unites them as one diverse body of people with experiences from many walks of life.

‘We’ve brought them all together, which has worked great,’ Ian enthuses.

‘I’m that positive around disability because you learn more from each other. Just like Mend the Gap, when we do group exercises we want everyone to feel involved and realise that they are equal partners. We have specific questions we need to discuss, but I like to have it loose so people can bring their own experiences and questions.’

One challenge that many service users face is learning to tell their stories in a positive way. Sandra explains how many people worry about asking for things that will help them overcome barriers or explaining their impairment for fear of how employers, colleagues or friends might respond.

‘I’ve never really gone back to paid employment,’ she explains. ‘I’ve been in and out of hospitals a lot and I’ve had to take medications that can make my concentration poor. It would take a very different type of society before I could be employed. For example, I might be able to do something for one day, then I might be unable to do it for the next week. Not many people want that type of thing when they’re paying for your employment.’

‘One day we won’t have “abled” and “disabled” – we’ll just have “people”!’ she remarks. ‘Until then, we have to push our differences out there, because we need the rights. I’ve always wanted disability issues to be more at the forefront, and they are starting to get there. We want to get the message out that people may do things in different ways, but we’re not all that different in the end. It’s all about getting rid of all those barriers.’

‘Disability hasn’t stopped us,’ affirms Ian. ‘It’s a part of life that we have to overcome and learn to live with, but we never let it hold us back.’

SIMON IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST

VIEW POINT

The Old Testament Does it apply to us?

Major John Waters continues a series exploring how to understand the Old Testament from a Christian perspective

S

O far in this series we have looked at the development of human understanding of God in the Old Testament and examined the purpose of the writers. Another way to approach it is to consider the context and ask whether a particular text applies to all people for ever or only to the time and place in which it is set.

This is especially a concern when we read the prophetic books. These undoubtedly include inspiring passages and insights – many of which are eternally true – but we always need to remember that essentially the prophets spoke to their own immediate situations and applied God’s appropriate message to their contemporaries.

In recent times a passage from Jeremiah has been popular: a letter he wrote to the exiles in Babylon. ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”’ (Jeremiah 29:11). But it would perhaps be less popular if we were to consider the context in which this promise was given.

I suspect that we apply this promise in a very different way than the context permits. For one thing, Jeremiah did not suggest it would be fulfilled at once but 70 years later. That number is figurative, approximating to at least an average person’s lifespan. It is clear that most of the exiles would not see its fulfilment.

Any experience of hope and peace would come to them in the challenging circumstance of enforced exile.

This may not be what we have in mind when applying that text to ourselves but, in any case, the context suggests a much deeper understanding. The exiles

had to relinquish their own plans to escape Babylon and return home in order to give hope and a future to younger generations, some of whom were not yet born.

The promise was made on the condition of a kind of vicarious suffering.

There is also the context of meaning.

Revenge is often justified by reference to the law of Exodus 21:23 and 24: ‘If there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’

But this rule is in fact the reverse of an injunction to inflict hurt; the rule was established to restrict uninhibited and excessive violence. If injury was caused, the victim was only permitted to exact the equivalent penalty. It was not lawful, for example, to kill someone who had merely robbed you. As Gilbert and Sullivan put it in their opera The Mikado, ‘let the punishment fit the crime’. The law did not commend violence but sought to regulate and contain it in a more just framework.

It is necessary to try and discover the meaning of a piece of Scripture for the time to which it first applied if we are to learn how it might affect our behaviour today.

Apart from the immediate setting of a text, a significant influence on its value is the wider context of the whole Old Testament. Whether Abraham was right in his view that the sacrifice of Isaac was prompted by God has to be decided not only by a study of Genesis but by whether it is consistent with what is said elsewhere – and there are

examples in which child sacrifice is expressly forbidden. Where there are serious discrepancies, and especially when there is difficulty in reconciling or even explaining them, we should at least be cautious in using one view or the other as a definitive guide. Do other texts support or deny the interpretation being made? Ignoring the context in which a text is found is likely to distort the significance of that passage of Scripture for ourselves.

All this may make us feel that the Old Testament has too many problems for us Christians. But help is at hand, and my final article will explore a positive method of interpretation that offers more clarity.

MAJOR WATERS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BIDDULPH MOOR

Next week What would Jesus do?

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BIBLE STUDY

Peace Lieutenant Shawn Moye reminds us that peace is evidence that we are abiding in Christ JOHN 15:1–10

O Is

M

RS Large, the mother of a family of elephants, is one of the characters in the children’s book Five Minutes’ Peace by Jill Murphy. Mrs Large tries to take a relaxing bath and have five minutes of peace away from her children – but they have other ideas and interrupt her. They all end up in the bath together.

I am sure that many parents can relate to desperately seeking just a few moments of peace and quiet away from their children and failing miserably. For lots of people, finding peace in a chaotic world almost feels like the holy grail – unattainable.

QUESTIONS O How easy is it to have five minutes’ peace?

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

by Major Lynda Levis

this experience of peace short-lived or long-lasting?

O What does ‘peace’ mean in this context?

Throughout the book of Acts, we see the Holy Spirit equipping and enabling the disciples to demonstrate the love of God for all people through the many signs and wonders that they carry out in the name of Jesus. In Galatians 5:22 and 23, Paul writes about how the Holy Spirit grows fruit in authentic followers of Jesus. In last week’s Bible study, we focused on joy. In this study, we focus on peace.

Peace is not about only having uninterrupted ‘me’ time, as Mrs Large was hoping for. It is also about our character. We are reminded that peace is one of the qualities that express the Godward aspect of Christian life that is achieved when we abide in Christ.

QUESTIONS O What is your understanding of abiding in Christ?

O What practices do you follow to enable you to abide in Christ?

John 15 highlights the connection we have with Christ and how this leads to us being fruitful. To witness the growth of fruit takes time and devotion. As with any relationship, our relationship with Christ must be nurtured by spending time with him.

The word ‘abide’ is used 11 times in John 15:1–11 (New Revised Standard Version). American pastor Warren Wiersbe explains in his commentary that it means ‘to keep in fellowship with Christ so that his life can work in and through us to produce fruit’. This becomes an intentional act, with the demand that we worship, meditate on God’s word and pray. One of the apps

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ ( John 14:27)

’Mid all the traffic of the ways,/ Turmoils without, within,/ Make in my heart a quiet place/ And come and dwell therein.

(SASB 777)

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

(2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Prayer Lord, may we see peace not as the absence of anything, but as the positive proof of your presence within – a presence that calms us into stillness.

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Salvationist 18 September 2021

that I have found most useful in nurturing my spiritual life and starting the day with God has been Lectio 365, created by the 24–7 Prayer movement.

At the start of each day, a statement of intention is used: ‘As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly; to re-centre my scattered senses upon the presence of God.’ To be in a position of being fruitful we have to re-centre ourselves. When we are off-centre, or eccentric, we are unbalanced. Imagine an axle of a wheel being off-centre while driving. That would be one bumpy and uncomfortable ride! Our experience could also be the same if we do not authentically centre our whole being on Jesus and, because of our love of Jesus and our heavenly Father, follow his teachings in all aspects of our lives.

If we keep his commandments, Jesus promises in our study passage that we

will continue to abide in his love and this will produce deeply rooted joy (see vv10 and 11).

Paul writes: ‘The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:7). The peace of God does not mean the absence of trials and difficult times but that we will have a quiet confidence within, regardless of circumstances, people or things.

The peace of God that we experience is not to be kept to ourselves. In our homes, communities and spheres of influence, we are to be peacemakers (see Matthew 5:9). Then we will truly be known as children of God. As a fruit of the Spirit, peace is evidence that we are abiding in Christ, that our lives are balanced and that we are centred on him. If we risk life without Christ then, in the words of the Rend

Collective song ‘Desert Soul’, we are ‘dry bones’ and a ‘desert soul’.

Let us intentionally position ourselves with Christ and abide, so that we can experience life as God intended – full of love, joy and peace.

QUESTION O What will you do to experience God’s peace this week?

LIEUTENANT MOYE IS CORPS OFFICER, HARWICH

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Lead us forward into freedom,/ From despair your world release,/ That, redeemed from war and hatred,/ All may come and go in peace./ Show us how through care and goodness/ Fear will die and hope increase.

(SASB 1000)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:6 and 7)

Peace in our time, O Lord,/ To all the peoples – peace!/ Peace that shall build a glad new world/ And make for life’s increase./ O living Christ, who still/ Dost all our burdens share,/ Come now and dwell within the hearts/ Of all men everywhere.

(SASB 1010)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

(Isaiah 26:3)

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VIEW POINT

Who is my neighbour?

Trevor Caffull considers what it means to love others

T

HE story of the good Samaritan (see Luke 10:25–37) is one of the best known in the Bible. It is not a true story, but a parable that Jesus told to illustrate his answer to a question he received from an expert in the Law. The man was trying to catch Jesus out on a definition of loving your neighbour.

Jesus told the story to illustrate that we do not need to be of the same race or creed, or even friends with somebody, in order to be their neighbour. Being a good neighbour means loving everyone – including our enemies.

The Salvation Army in this territory has recently made a statement about its God-given identity, as outlined in the 4 September Salvationist. Who we are and what we do can be described in four words: ‘Love God, Love Others.’ These echo the Old Testament verses that Jesus quoted just before the parable of the good Samaritan: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ (Luke 10:27).

Being a good neighbour is a tenet of The Salvation Army’s belief system – helping people in need, whoever they are. This came to the forefront of my mind recently as I heard and saw the news coverage of three tragedies in three different sets of circumstances in three parts of the world.

The conflict in Afghanistan, even to the most informed students of the politics of that region, is very worrying.

The speed with which the Taliban gained control of the country was shocking, and the sudden emergence of fear was obvious from the pictures we saw on our televisions.

The Salvation Army does not operate in Afghanistan and, in any case, it would simply be too dangerous to have operations on the ground there. But it seems likely that there will be many thousands of people seeking refuge as they flee from their country – and The Salvation Army will be their neighbour.

Another world headline in the same week was the earthquake in Haiti, where 18

Salvationist 18 September 2021

A needs assessment visit in Aquin, Haiti

upwards of 2,000 people are known to have died in the devastation. The Salvation Army in Haiti, part of the Caribbean Territory, responded and, in London, a project was put together at International Headquarters to provide initial funds for food, drinking water and hygiene items. The people of Haiti will have desperate needs, and The Salvation Army will be their neighbour.

Nearer to home was the dreadful mass shooting in Plymouth. Again, The Salvation Army was on hand to provide support. Major Stephen White, the divisional commander for Devon and Cornwall, said: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Plymouth.

Local Salvation Army officers are available for pastoral support at our partner church based at St Mark’s, Ford.

They are also providing hot drinks, food and a friendly ear for the emergency services dealing with this difficult incident.’ Families and communities in Plymouth will still be mourning, and The Salvation Army will be their neighbour.

Three examples over the past few weeks of the troubled world in which we live – but also three examples of The Salvation Army’s response to that question: ‘Who is my neighbour?’

This is the organisation to which we

belong and, while our personal efforts don’t directly deal with relief work in Haiti or Afghan refugees, our work connects us all with these situations indirectly. These are yet more examples, extensions maybe, of a response to William Booth’s legendary telegram that simply said: ‘Others.’

Who is my neighbour? We all have to find our own answer to that question.

But I would suggest that a sensible and compassionate response might be ‘whoever needs my help’. There’s an old Army fundraising strapline: ‘Where there’s a need, there’s The Salvation Army.’ Thank God for that!

When I needed a neighbour, Were you there, were you there?

When I needed a neighbour, were you there?

And the creed and the colour and the name won’t matter, Were you there?

(SASB 1013)

TREVOR IS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SATCOL AND IS A SOLDIER AT KETTERING CITADEL

TERRITORIAL STRUCTURE UPDATE

Discerning the way forward Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant presents the September update* on the work of the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group

‘T

HEY don’t know what’s going on at the front line!’ I have heard people say this about Salvation Army leaders all my life. I grew up in a wonderful corps with people who enjoyed spending time together. These loyal, faithful Salvationists loved talking about what should be done to improve the Army – and headquarters was always part of the problem! I’d often hear people say headquarters was inefficient and that ‘they’ lived in ‘ivory towers’.

‘Nothing changes,’ I hear you say.

Well, it needs to, and autumn 2021 is an opportunity for you to be part of the solution. ‘They’ at headquarters need to hear from you!

You might remember contributing to the Great Mission Conversation in 2014 as part of Fit for Mission. Although these discussions happened more than seven years ago, there is helpful information from those about our priorities, values and distinctives. However, we have experienced a global pandemic since then and many other changes to our Army and society. Before developing any plans or proposals for change it is very important to hear from you. We’re asking a simple question: ‘What needs to happen for the Army’s mission to flourish where you are?’

In recent weeks, the territory has released new vision and mission statements, which were outlined in the 4 September Salvationist. We have five mission priorities, but what is it that needs to change so that people flourish and experience fullness of life with Jesus?

In addition to a call to prayer, three initiatives are planned during the autumn to bring people together across the territory to help us discern the way forward.

O Forums Twenty-five forums will be held before the end of November.

Each will consist of 24 invited participants who will, with faith-based facilitators, spend a day thinking, talking and exploring what is needed for local mission to flourish. There

will be a forum held in each division and five held at THQ, in the Chief Secretary’s Office and the Mission, Personnel, Business Administration and Communications Services. All parts of THQ must focus on helping local mission flourish.

O A survey We’re developing the survey questions and will test them against the outcomes of the first few forums. We want the survey to help us understand what is needed for the local Army to flourish. Everyone linked to the Army is encouraged to complete the survey, which will go live in late October and close on 30 November.

O Leadership team discussions This is an opportunity for corps and centres to discuss what they need for mission to flourish in their settings. While headquarters needs to provide appropriate support, there is much that can and needs to happen locally for mission to flourish. A proposed agenda and guidelines have been prepared and will be distributed by DHQ or line managers. The deadline is 30 November for feedback to be received at THQ or emailed to transformation@salvationarmy.org.uk.

In December we’ll analyse the information and in the first quarter of 2022 we will give you feedback on what we have heard. Specific plans will be drawn up by Divisional Design Groups and Service Design Groups, who will use your feedback to shape their proposals. If any of these proposals involve changes to employees, we will then enter a consultation process.

We know this is taking a lot of time and some people are understandably frustrated. There are concerns that decisions have already been taken and that this is a fait accompli. I can assure you this is not the case and we are sincerely praying and hoping that people will take every opportunity to participate.

We are praying that everyone will think about local mission flourishing.

This is not a new idea. One former

THE DESIRED OUTCOMES OF THE STRUCTURE CO-ORDINATION AND DESIGN GROUP Transformation Increase the capacity of locally based Salvation Army work to contribute to the territory’s five mission priorities: share the good news; nurture disciples of Jesus; care for creation; serve others without discrimination; seek justice and reconciliation.

Integration Build strong and effective collaboration between all aspects of Salvation Army work in a geographical area.

Streamlining Design appropriate, effective, efficient and sustainable structures and processes that enable local mission to flourish.

Salvation Army leader used to say: ‘If it is not happening where you are, it is not happening.’ It is still true. We must focus on strengthening corps and centres and community engagement across the territory. Headquarters exist to support local mission units – not the other way around! Please don’t miss the opportunity to tell ‘them’ what is needed for the Army to flourish where you are.

In addition to the forums, survey and leadership team discussions, you can email transformation@salvationarmy.org.uk with comments, questions or advice.

LIEUT-COLONEL PALLANT IS SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS, THQ *Previous updates were published in the 15 May, 26 June and 31 July issues of Salvationist.

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NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note Meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance, following a risk assessment.

PAIGNTON Sixty-seven years after her enrolment as a junior soldier, Pamela Mainwaring was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Bernard Stevenson.

Pamela always kept the promise she made as a teenager but, due to several moves within the UK and abroad, she was seldom within reach of a corps, so often worshipped at local churches. Returning to Paignton she made her way to the corps on several occasions but lacked the courage to go in. One day at the library she recognised a childhood friend, Major Pam Honeyball, who invited her to the corps.

Pamela accepted the invitation and has attended ever since. Pictured with Pamela is Captain Bernard and Corps Secretary Lieut-Colonel Ray Irving, who is holding the flag. – AI

FALMOUTH TEMPLE David and Esme Willoughby were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Captain Nicola Hammond. They started engaging with the corps community three years ago and said the church’s inclusive, stylistic approach enabled them to integrate and feel warmly welcomed.

David testified: ‘God’s love is brilliant. Be bold, be strong. Even if you fall, he will pick you up.’ Esme shared that Jesus is teaching them how to live life.

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Salvationist 18 September 2021

BALLYMONEY Simon Ross was welcomed as an adherent. Simon and his wife, Sarah – who is already a soldier – moved to Northern Ireland in 2019 and started attending the corps. Simon said that he felt blessed to be taking this step of making The Salvation Army his spiritual home. He is pictured with Sarah and corps officers Major Jane-Marie and Captain Tim Cook. – J-MC

Marcia Hammond was welcomed as an adherent by Lieutenant Rebekah Clark (St Austell). Marcia testified to the blessing of being born into a family that loves Jesus and to her own loving relationship with him. She also spoke about her passion for Scripture, singing for God’s glory, international mission and learning to grow in Christlikeness. She is pictured with corps officers Captains Andrew and Nicola Hammond and Lieutenant Rebekah. – AH

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REGENT HALL BRASS ARTS FESTIVAL 2021 Thursday 30 September at 7.30pm RAF Central Band Brass Ensemble and Seraphim Consort Free admission – collection – no tickets required Friday 1 October at 1pm Fulham Band – John Ward conductor Chris Avison trumpet (principal Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra) Bruce Broughton special guest A programme featuring the music of Bruce Broughton Free admission – collection – no tickets required Friday 1 October at 3pm Royal Academy of Music presents Bone-afide Trombone Quartet Free admission – collection – no tickets required

Friday 1 October at 7.45pm Foden’s Band – Russell Gray conductor Tickets £18 from priorbooking. com/u/fodensband Saturday 2 October at 7.30pm Guards Brass Mike McGowan conductor Musicians from the Bands of the Household Division Free admission – collection – no tickets required Sunday 3 October at 3pm Regent Hall Band of The Salvation Army Paul Sharman bandmaster Free admission – collection – no tickets required

Regent Hall (The Salvation Army) 275 Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ For further details – stephenmaw@aol.com 07973 173 583

Frontline Live: Homelessness Football Trophy 2021 Thursday 23 September, 2 – 2.45pm Join us on the day of our annual Partnership Trophy for an insight into the achievements of residents of our Lifehouses, both on and off the pitch, and the wider work we do to support people experiencing homelessness. You will hear the inspirational stories of those playing on the day and the staff who journey alongside them.

Visit salvationarmy.org.uk/frontline-live for more information and to stream the event.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O BM Ashley Durrant, Guisborough WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Bandsman Daniel and Joan Crombie, Brighton Congress Hall (9 September) Emerald (55th) O Sheila and Tony Northwood, Leicester South (8 October) Golden O Songster Hazel and Tim Scott, Staple Hill (25 September) O Diane and Bandsman Eddie Wilbraham, Teddington (16 October) DEDICATED TO GOD O Emilia Alison, daughter of Charlotte and Luke Stone, at Regent Hall by Major Alison Stone RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Alan Hickman (80 on 26 September) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Major Robert Draper from Brooklands Nursing Home on 3 September O Pam Newbury, Trowbridge, on 4 September

ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Denmark Hill (new THQ groundbreaking ceremony), Wed 22 Sep O Manchester (HSU Partnership Trophy), Thu 23* O WBC (welcome weekend), Sat 25 – Sun 26 O WBC (Territorial Leaders Conference), Sun 26 – Wed 29 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Kirkcaldy (opening of new hall), Sat 18 Sep – Sun 19 O Denmark Hill (new THQ groundbreaking ceremony), Wed 22 O WBC (welcome weekend), Sat 25 – Sun 26 O WBC (Territorial Leaders Conference), Sun 26 – Wed 29 O Ruwadzano Retreat, Fri 1 Oct – Sun 3** *TC only ** Territorial Secretary for Leader Development only

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Salvationist 18 September 2021

BEREAVED O Carolyn Ellis, Burton-on-Trent, of her sister Sandra Lloyd

TRIBUTES

BRAM AND JOYCE SELFE, BRISTOL EASTON BRAM Selfe was born in 1928 and Joyce Wallace in 1934. They grew up and met at Bristol Bedminster Corps and became lifelong sweethearts. They married in March 1956.

Bram served in the armed forces in Cyprus as a teacher. He was a prominent leader in the scouting movement. Within the corps he was YP bandleader and corps sergeant-major for many years, and Joyce served as YP treasurer.

They had two sons, Andrew and Stephen, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In the 1980s Bram and Joyce moved to Bristol Easton, where they soldiered until their promotions to Glory. Joyce had suffered with dementia and lived apart from Bram for seven months. After Bram’s sudden promotion to Glory in April, Joyce followed six weeks later.

Now they are back together in the loving arms of their Lord, without confusion or pain. – SS KENNETH TALBOT, IPSWICH CITADEL KEN was born in London in 1932 but spent his younger years in Ireland.

Returning to England, he attended The Salvation Army as a youngster but then drifted away.

In 1949 he joined the Royal Navy, where he served for 12 years. After leaving the navy he found it hard to settle into civilian life until he joined the Post Office where, for 18 years, he delivered post around Ipswich.

In the 1990s Ken and his wife, Evelyn, went to a Christmas event at The Salvation Army, which led to him becoming a soldier in 1999. As corps literature secretary he spent many happy Sundays chatting to people as they collected their papers. He also had a starring role as Santa in the carol service each Christmas.

In spite of his failing health he remained a faithful soldier and an inspiration to all who knew him. – DC MARGARET WEBB, CHESTER-LESTREET MARGARET was born into an Army family, her parents being committed Christians and soldiers at Chester-le-Street. Along with her sister, Mildred, she attended Sunday school and became a singing company member. It was here that she developed and used her beautiful singing voice.

Later Margaret became singing company sergeant, a songster and a member of the home league. She met her late husband, John, at the corps and they married and were blessed with two children.

Margaret was a valuable support to John when he became bandmaster and was a proud bandmaster’s wife. She was loved and respected in the corps and was well known as a soloist in local churches. Margaret had a great sense of humour and was a perfectionist in all that she did for the Lord.

During the last pastoral visit she had, she said that she was looking forward to singing in the heavenly choir. – GC

Did you know Salvationist is also online?

WE UPDATE OUR WEBSITE WEEKLY, GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO O Read through the latest issue from 3pm on Thursdays O Catch up on the news you missed O Read the editor’s comment and our article of the week O Share archived issues

ADVERTS TO LET ALTEA, SPAIN. Modern two-bedroom, twobathroom heated apartment, pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hillwalking.

Warm winter area. Airport transfers available.

Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

TOPSHAM, DEVON. Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby.

Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

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

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

1

£6.40

£9.00

26 – 35 WORDS £11.60

3

£15.45

£21.70

£27.80

Extra words over 35 – 26p per word

STUDYING IN YORK? Are you coming to study in this great city?

Be sure to link up to the corps, where a warm welcome awaits you.

Meals arranged and student / young adult fellowship (Covid-19 allowing!)

For further details: Cynthia Smith 07961 586465

CLASSIFIEDS: Non-corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

1

£9.00

£12.50

26 – 35 WORDS £14.00

3

£22.50

£31.25

£35.00

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

SINGLE COLUMN 1 ISSUE

SINGLE COLUMN 3 ISSUES

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28 mm

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61 mm

£26.00

£65.00

£52.00

£130.00

94 mm

£55.00

£137.50

£110.00

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127 mm

£65.00

£155.00

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

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ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. ALL ADVERTS CARRIED IN SALVATIONIST ARE SUBJECT TO HOUSE STYLE AND ARE CARRIED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITOR. For further information call 020 7367 4883 or email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

Referenced more than 100 times in the New Testament, the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven played a key part in Jesus’ ministry. He spoke about the subject more than forgiveness, faith or worship.

Major Nigel Bovey unlocks the topic in his latest book Keys of the Kingdom. Drawing on 40 years’ experience of ministry, he distils the essential message of 52 occasions where Jesus – or occasionally John the Baptist – talks about the Kingdom.

With prayer points and helpful discussion questions, the book is great for generating individual discussion or group study.

Buy your copy for £5 at sps-shop.com/books or by calling 01933 445 445.

Alternatively, purchase a Kindle ebook on amazon. co.uk for £4.

Salvationist 18 September 2021

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The Salvation Army acts as an agent for Global Adventure Challenges. Global Adventure holds an Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL number 6506) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Registered charity No. 214779, and in Scotland SC009359 Social Trust: Registered charity No: 215174, and in Scotland SC037691 | Republic of Ireland: Registered charity No: CHY6399