Salvationist 23 December 2023

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

70p/80c 23 December 2023

SALVATIONIST

Food for thought!

BRUSSEL sprouts, turkey, Christmas pudding. These are just some of the edible delights people associate with Christmas celebrations. Perhaps none of the above would be your food of choice.

Only this week I found myself in conversation as to what should or should not be found on a traditional Christmas dinner plate.

Of course, choice is the key word in this context: we are blessed to be able to choose what we want to eat and to share it with others.

Salvationist is doubly blessed in this Christmas edition to have messages from the General and the territorial commander, both of whom challenge us with messages to make us think – and to consider the Word made flesh in the baby Jesus.

Whatever we may choose to consume in the coming days, may we each ensure that we digest the significance of God’s provision for each of us – which he chose, not coincidentally, to place in a manger.

May God bless you abundantly as you receive him again this Christmas. May you know the comfort, joy and peace that he brings as you feed on his word.

MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor

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5 ARTISTS’ CORNER

8 GOODNESS REVEALED

10+11 9 THE TC’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

SALVATIONIST Issue No 1941 EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

FOUNDER William Booth

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 23 December 2023

CHRISTMAS POEMS

BACK-PAGE QUOTE New Living Translation SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton.

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@SalvationistUKI

THE GENERAL’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

God with us T HE scene was a familiar one. A street filled with festive lights and decorations, music playing and crowds of people moving along, taking note of all the Christmas details.

Right at the end was a house that was in relative darkness, with just a small box containing a Nativity scene set up on the front lawn. Most people did not even bother to check it out. Most simply considered the Christmas display was over before they reached that house.

But right there was a visual representation of the quiet heart of Christmas. Not a flashy display. Not a lot of lights and sounds. Just a quiet focus on the one who is born to be our Saviour.

I sometimes wonder whether it is easy for us to miss the quiet heart of Christmas. Even when we are looking at some of the Christmas story we may miss the central message of it all. Each of the Gospel writers presents Christmas in a different way. Some might say that only Matthew and Luke include the Christmas story. But I want to suggest to you that each of the Gospels brings its own special emphasis.

Mark – possibly the oldest of the Gospels – does not have any birth or infancy stories. Instead, Mark’s ‘Christmas’ is embedded in the opening words, ‘The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God’ (Mark 1:1 English Standard Version). Jesus is shown to be Son of God from the very beginning. That’s the good news.

John also does not contain birth or infancy stories, but shows the centre of Christmas originating in the heart of God. The word made flesh dwells among us – full of grace and truth.

Matthew opens with a long list of names in Jesus’ family tree. It’s easy to skip over this and miss its significance.

Included in it are five women who all showed remarkable faith, despite that society may have judged them harshly.

Tamar – who tricked her father-in-law into pregnancy; Rahab – a prostitute who helped the Israelite spies; Ruth – a despised foreigner; Bathsheba – an adulteress; and Mary – an unmarried mother. Each were part of Jesus’ family history. If Jesus will later be shown to identify with sinners, it’s because it’s ‘in his genes’. Jesus is connected with people like us who – despite sinfulness and frail humanity – show faith.

Matthew then makes the connection with Jesus being Immanuel – God with us, in our humanness. All of this happens before the traditional Christmas characters – the wise men – even appear. They come to find the one born to be King.

Luke has the angels announcing that Jesus is the Saviour, Christ the Lord. This is not given to the people who you would expect, but rather to shepherds – often considered to be religious outcasts because of the nature of their work. For such as these, living on the margins of society, Jesus comes as Saviour.

Each of the Gospels presents a different view of Christmas. It’s easy for us to become so engaged with the trappings of the Christmas story. That may include things that we have become accustomed to, that are not even mentioned in any of the Gospels.

Instead we can sometimes miss the quiet heart of Christmas as related in Scripture.

This year, perhaps we can focus again on what the Gospels actually tell us about the coming of Jesus. One who comes for those who are sinners and outcasts. One who comes to be King.

One who comes to be Immanuel – God with us. One who comes to be our Saviour. One who has existed from all eternity.

With all the other things that happen at this time of the year, may we focus our hearts and minds on the quiet heart of Christmas: the reality of who Jesus is.

The Son of God. The eternal Word made flesh. Our King. Immanuel. Our Saviour.

Christ the Lord.

With the songwriter, we say ‘O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel.’

May God bless you at this Christmastime and throughout the coming year.

LYNDON BUCKINGHAM GENERAL

Salvationist 23 December 2023

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Quiz A musical quiz-mas!

by Garry D Reed 1

Fill in the missing lyric: ‘Silent night! Holy night!/ Wondrous star, lend thy ____.’

2

Which Christmas favourite was the first song ever broadcast on radio?

3

Named after a Hampshire city, what is the traditional tune associated with ‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night’?

4

Which carol includes a southeast England county in the name?

5

Which carol includes a central England city in the name?

6

According to the carol, how far is it to Bethlehem?

7

‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ was written during which historical event?

8

Who wrote ‘Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus’ in 1744?

9

Which Salvation Army author wrote ‘O Come With Me to Bethlehem’?

10 Which songwriting General was born on Christmas Day in 1865?

11

Name the traditional German carol named after a principal seasonal decoration.

12 Eric Ball’s ‘The Kingdom Triumphant’ features which Advent carol?

ANSWERS 1 Light 2 ‘O Holy Night’ 3 ‘Winchester Old’ 4 ‘Sussex Carol’ 5 ‘Coventry Carol’ 6 Not very far 7 The Cuban missile crisis 8 Charles Wesley 9 Arch Wiggins 10 Evangeline Booth 11 ‘O Christmas Tree’ 12 ‘O Come, O Come, Immanuel’

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Salvationist 23 December 2023

TESTIMONY

‘God is sufficient’ Bandsman Derek Porter (Oakengates) shares how he continues to serve the Lord

I

WAS born into a Salvationist home in Skegness. When the Second World War came, our boarding house was filled with airmen.

At the age of six, my family moved to Sheffield as my mother needed surgery.

It was a tremendous change moving from a small village to a big city. As a teenage lad, my mother was aware of potential distractions, so we attended Sheffield Attercliffe, which had a strong youth expression. Becoming saved saw the start of my lifetime of service as a Salvation Army soldier – in the music sections and as a local officer, pubboomer and hospital and home visitor.

This was all inspired and backed by prayer.

When I was 17, a big upheaval came in my life with the death of my mother.

Six months later, this was followed by receiving call-up all-up papers for national service. rvice. Eventually, on returning g home, corps life resumed sumed and my friendships hips were restored. The e corps became my y social and spiritual al home. Prayer er continued to be the constant thread in my y life, and the Lord blessed d me through courtship, marriage and family, during which I have enjoyed good health.

On retirement from work, we settled near to family, ily, which brought ght us to Oakengates tes Corps

in March 2004. I was welcomed into the band and often participated in meetings. A new experience was joining the over-60 club, which I still enjoy today.

Advancing years have altered my outward service, but I can still listen, talk and encourage people. I try to bring joy to others, with or without my unique Yorkshire sense of humour!

I still collect for the Army at Christmas; at the beginning of December, I was out collecting for two hours in minus four degrees!

Whenever favourite choruses are requested, everyone knows that my choice will be: ‘Able to Save, Able to Keep’ (SASB 235). This was, and remains, my testimony, for throughout my working life and retirement, God has proved that he is sufficient.

I thank God for my m family, all of whom love and serve the Lord. My two se granddaughters are ar serving Salvation Army officers. The Th practical support offered to me and an my wife in our need for transport shows sho how God cares and inspires people to come alongside alongsid and help others.

From the t commitment I made as a child to my present 86 years, I have pres been motivated by duty, bee born out of love for God. bor Serving him through Se the Army has afforded th untold opportunities, un and wearing my a uniform has opened u many doors and avenues of service.

Have you got a testimony to share?

We’d love to hear your faith journey! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

ARTISTS’ CORNER

ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS In this occasional series, Salvationists share artwork inspired by their faith

What inspired it?

While drawing, I took inspiration and motivation from listening to Christmas worship music, especially Pentatonix’s hauntingly good version of ‘Mary, Did You Know?’

Its spine-tingling lyrics include:

What does the piece depict?

I chose to extract and recreate the images of Mary and the infant Jesus from Adoration of the Shepherds, an oil on canvas painting from 1622 by Dutch artist Gerard van Honthorst. My piece depicts Mary looking lovingly down on the newborn Jesus, who is glowing with a holy light.

Did you know that your baby boy Has come to make you new?

This child that you delivered Will soon deliver you.

Did you know that your baby boy Has walked where angels trod?

When you kiss your little baby You kiss the face of God.

How was it made?

I started by sketching the outline of the mother and child, converting it by eye using everyday pencils and paper – nothing fancy. I then moved on to adding colour in keeping with van Honthorst’s 17th-century style. I truly wondered whether I could do such a precious piece justice with simple materials.

Did you know that your baby boy Is Heaven’s perfect Lamb?

That sleeping child you’re holding is the great I Am.

by Lyn Woods (Beccles) It’s no coincidence that what struck me most from the painting was the light shining from the Christ child, illuminating all around him, as his very young mother, Mary, watches tenderly over him in awe.

Isaiah 9:6 and 7 say: ‘For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ (New Living Translation).

It had been clearly prophesied in Isaiah 9 and Micah 5 that a ruler of Israel, the lion of Judah, would come out of Bethlehem and that the darkness that had long been present would cease and give way to a great light.

We were given the greatest gift of all in Jesus – his promises are sure. This Christmas I pray that we all renew our commitment to Jesus, the reason for the season and for our every day: From Heaven you came, helpless babe, Entered our world, your glory veiled; Not to be served but to serve, And give your life that we might live.

This is our God, the Servant King, He calls us now to follow him, To bring our lives as a daily offering Of worship to the Servant King.

(SASB 165) Have you created something inspired by your faith that you’d like to share in Artists’ Corner?

Email salvationist@salvationarmy. org.uk to find out more.

BIBLE STUDY

Born a King Captain Rob Westwood-Payne shines a light on the clash between earthly power and divine purpose MATTHEW 2:1–18

C

HRISTMAS is here! The birth of Jesus is a moment of history that stands out. Woven with threads of divine significance, it’s a story that captures our imaginations and touches our hearts.

PAUSE AND REFLECT Does the story of wise men, a cruel king and a humble birth that changed the world for ever still capture your imagination?

Or have you heard it so often that it seems like old hat?

Imagine the scene in Matthew 2. A celestial event signals the birth of a king: ‘After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose”’ (vv1 and 2).

An unexpected way for God to guide the Magi!

PAUSE AND REFLECT Take a moment to think about times in your life when God’s guidance was unmistakable, even if it was unexpected.

Herod, a powerful and ruthless ruler, is naturally troubled by the news of a newborn king: ‘When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him’ (v3). This reaction reveals a clash between earthly power and divine purpose, something that is still taking place today.

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Salvationist 23 December 2023

PAUSE AND REFLECT Think about the ways in which earthly powers, whether political, societal or personal, may oppose God’s purposes in your life. How do you navigate these challenges?

Herod attempts to deceive the Magi into believing he is a worshipper while plotting harm to Jesus: ‘He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him”’ (v8).

In a world of diverse beliefs and practices, it can be hard to discern between genuine seekers of Christ and those who deceive with false intentions.

The Magi, upon finding Jesus, worship him and present gifts: ‘On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh’ (v11).

PAUSE AND REFLECT In what ways do you worship Jesus in your daily life? Are there gifts – tangible or intangible – that you feel led to offer to him?

The wise men receive divine guidance even in their dreams, protecting them from Herod’s evil intentions. God then guides Joseph in a dream to protect Jesus from Herod’s threat.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

PAUSE AND REFLECT Reflect on the people in your life who seek to know Christ. How can you discern their sincerity, and how can you encourage and support their faith journey?

The star guides the wise men to the very place where Jesus lay: ‘The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was’ (v9).

God’s guidance is persistent and, if we allow him, he can lead us to our destination.

PAUSE AND REFLECT When have you felt God’s persistent guidance in your life?

How did it affect your faith journey and your relationship with God?

Are there moments when you’ve felt a strong inner prompting from God? How did you respond and what were the results?

The final few verses of our study passage are challenging. I think I have preached on them only once at Christmas.

‘When Herod realised that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learnt from the Magi’ (v16).

The contrast between the Magi’s worship and Herod’s cruelty is stark. It serves as a reminder that the presence of Jesus often provokes a choice in people – to worship and follow him or to oppose him.

From January 2024, Prayer Matters will be following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission.

Each day of the week will have a theme, based on the five mission priorities: Monday, share the good news; Tuesday, serve others without discrimination; Wednesday, nurture disciples of Jesus; Thursday, prayers for the international Salvation Army; Friday, seek justice and reconciliation; Saturday, care for creation; and Sunday, Sabbath prayer.

Prayer Matters will continue be printed weekly in Salvationist from 6 January 2024 onwards. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet, including the devotions for 1 to 5 January 2024, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship.

ADVENT FOCUS

by Major Gary Lacey (Territorial Prayer Network Co-ordinator) PAUSE AND REFLECT Consider the choices you’ve made in response to Jesus. How can you grow in your devotion to him and be a light in the lives of those around you?

The story of Jesus’ birth, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, is not only a historical account but also a living testament to the clash between earthly powers and divine purposes. It reminds us of the guidance we receive from God in unexpected ways, and the choice we face when confronted with the presence of Jesus.

May this Christmas reflect our ongoing faith journey. May we seek and follow God’s guidance, discerning his will amid the noise of the world. May we also be vigilant against the earthly powers that oppose his work as we strive to worship Jesus with the same joy and devotion as the Magi.

PAUSE AND PRAY Dear Lord, we thank you for the story of the Magi who followed your guidance to find and worship Jesus.

Help us to discern your guidance in our lives and to respond with joy, worship and devotion. Protect us from the earthly powers that oppose your work and help us to be a light in the lives of those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

CAPTAIN ROB WESTWOOD-PAYNE Corps Officer Maidenhead

SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER – ‘HIS MOTHER MARY, KNEELING, UNTO THE LORD DID PRAY’ Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18. Father, bring us comfort and joy through prayer. Amen.

SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER – ‘TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY’ Read Psalm 30:5. Lord, your word says that ‘anger lasts only a moment … weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning’. I pray on Christmas Eve for those who are angry or weeping. May they find joy in the morning through the birth of your precious Son. Amen.

MONDAY 25 DECEMBER – ‘NOW TO THE LORD SING PRAISES’ Lord, may we celebrate and praise you with joy in our hearts and embrace others with the comfort you have given to us. Amen.

END OF YEAR FOCUS

by Major James Lloyd (Executive Secretary to Territorial Leadership) TUESDAY 26 DECEMBER – PSALM 51:10 Embarking on a new year, humbly seek God’s transformative touch. Invite his cleansing to wash away past burdens and his renewal to invigorate our journey.

WEDNESDAY 27 DECEMBER – ISAIAH 43:18 AND 19 Progress in our walk with God requires leaving the past behind and focusing on the journey ahead. Ask God to help you leave behind anything that does not belong in the year to come.

THURSDAY 28 DECEMBER – LAMENTATIONS 3:22 AND 23 Embracing God’s love and forgiveness is essential for our wellbeing and spiritual growth. Thank God that his mercies are new every morning.

FRIDAY 29 DECEMBER – 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 Lord, thank you that because of our rebirth in you, we can embrace our identity as redeemed individuals, empowered to walk in your light. Amen.

SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER – PHILIPPIANS 3:13 AND 14 We can release the past, yesterday’s chapter is closed. Pray for what lies ahead in 2024, as our future shines brightly with Christ.

SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER – REVELATION 21:5 AND 6 It is accomplished! You’ve been transformed. Embrace your newfound self in Christ and stride confidently, for triumph awaits you. Thank God that you have the opportunity to begin the new year renewed in Christ.

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 and the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.

REFLECTION

Goodness revealed Concluding a series of Advent reflections, Lieutenant Joel Watson reflects on Mary’s song

M

USIC is a wonderful tool in helping us to remember. Some songs and lyrics seem to stand the test of time and remain on our lips.

For example, Mary’s great song (see Luke 1:46–55), which we would do well to keep on our lips even these many years later.

We see in the Christmas story the comfort and joy of God experienced by Mary, from the angel Gabriel’s words of reassurance that she need not be afraid (see Luke 1:30) to the praise we can almost hear for ourselves in her song, as she realises the truth of God’s longstanding promise, which she will play a vital role in fulfilling.

Mary’s song reveals a wonderful insight into her thoughts and feelings at this significant time. It is a song of passion and enthusiasm, quite unlike the gentle and tender Mary that we often see portrayed in paintings; this is a strong, heartfelt hymn that speaks about the power structures of the world being pulled down, about the power of God and the powerlessness of humanity.

Scripture invites us to apply God’s word to our lives, and Mary’s song is one that had already been partly written, which she could step into. It echoes the hymn of praise that Hannah prayed in 1 Samuel 2, as she learnt she would have a child. It praises God for lifting up the lowly, for bringing life to those who feel most crushed or left out.

The nature of God is often found to

be so contrasting to the voices of the world. For example, grace goes against everything the world would have us believe, but that is exactly part of Jesus’ beauty. That our sovereign God would humble himself to come to us as a vulnerable baby to live like us and suffer as we suffer – and beyond! Our holy God is set apart yet also, in his great grace and deepest love, draws near to us.

And so, it is Mary – poor, plain and simple outcast Mary – who finds favour with God to bear his Son, and this is met with her anthem of praise. For Mary glimpses the truth that the world is yet to truly realise: that God is at work, that the Spirit of God is moving. His goodness is revealed, and God is made known – exposed that we might discover him. For in the Advent of Jesus, we can realise the great depths that Almighty God will go to show his love in action. Love coming to that which was his own (see John 1:11–14).

It is in Jesus that Heaven and Earth are brought together.

As Mary sings in the face of injustice and imbalance, she sings with conviction because God is faithful, among us and revealing to us continually the fullness of his glory. Mary’s song is about what God wants for his people, what he has done for his people and all that he will do.

Mary’s song still rings true. It is a song of hope knowing that there is more, that this world with all its brokenness and injustice is not all there is, because there

Comfort

JOY

AND

is freedom for anyone who will receive the Lord, because a Saviour is born and his name is Jesus.

And so all that’s left is to gather this all up in worship and join in the rejoicing song of Mary, glorifying the Lord, trusting in his promises and affirming who we know God to be: good, gracious, holy and compassionate. Since the beginning of time, God, whose very name and nature is love, had a great salvation plan for you and for me. A plan that we might be redeemed, forgiven and given true fullness of life.

These words written by John Gowans remind us: God is hidden no more, He has spoken his mind; Wrapped the gift of his love In the stuff of mankind.

Now his nature is known: God is love undefiled.

And his love is revealed In the face of a child.

Perhaps the image of the all-powerful God as a helpless baby is a challenge to us as we seek to live as disciples of Jesus.

LIEUTENANT JOEL WATSON LIEUTE Corps Officer Teddington and Twickenham

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!

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Salvationist 23 December 2023

Poetry Corner A Starry Night (verse 3) Then the Kings came from afar Guided by the star; It was shining where the baby lay.

And to that stable bare They brought gifts so rare For a boy was born King of all the world.

BRENDA KEMP LOCKERBIE

Silent Night?

Silent night? Holy night?

Uneasy calm, falsely bright, Hidden away are doubt and fear, Dread at facing this time of year; Come with heavenly peace, Lord, Come with heavenly peace.

MARY TYLER KNOTTINGLEY

Praying for Angels Night, black as the darkest ink, Shrouds my mind with its mantle of fleeting shapes.

Its twisting shadows advance upon me.

I cannot escape its creeping hand.

The sun, my only hope of light, Has long disappeared below the horizon.

I am alone in a world of murkiness.

I cannot escape the night.

O Lord, send your angels to me Just as you did on that bleak, black Christmas night.

Like a shepherd I keep watch through the night hours And long for the morning dawn.

Lord, let their brightness dispel the gloom The hours of darkness brings.

Let them sing ‘Glory in the Highest’.

And proclaim Heaven’s peace to me.

Night, as black as the darkest ink Shrouds my mind with its confusion.

Yet the shepherds were told that You had come, cradle in a feeding trough, To bring the light of God into every life.

Lord bring that light to me For I am alone in a world of uncertainty, And long to escape the night.

MAJOR DAVID RADFORD

Family Birth There’s great excitement in the air When a baby’s to be born.

We feel that with this brand new life A great new age could dawn.

Christmas Carolling (by one who knows) But it’s not my turn for carolling, I went out yesterday And my hands and toes and nose got froze And my lips turned rather grey.

If the birth is in our family We want to feel involved It can be a time to reconcile, Any differences resolved.

And my slide got stuck in second - I could hardly play a note.

And icicles three decked me water key And the wind cut through me coat.

One birth in which we all can share, That’s unlike any other, Is that of Jesus Christ because He’s everybody’s brother.

And my part was very boring - just a bit of pull and push And each car that went by did its utmost to try To fill up me wellies with slush.

He came down as the son of God So willingly to Earth, To reconcile us back to him And give our lives true worth.

Mind the scenery was lovely ’neath the snowcloud covered skies But all that white was far too bright And pain shot through me eyes.

This one life brings new life to all Of peace, hope, love and joy.

So let’s remember all he’s done As we greet God’s baby boy!

CHERYL YATES SOUTHPORT

Jesus the People’s Saviour (to ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’) Jesus the people’s Saviour, had a truly wondrous love He thought so much about us, he came down here from above.

God sent him down to save us, hoping we’d believe in him We’d give our hearts to Jesus, and would turn away from sin.

Then one happy Christmas Day, Jesus came to Earth Wise men came to seek him and worshipped at his birth.

The sight of the bright shop windows did nothing but tantalise And that smell I could smell I could easily tell Was the aroma of hot mince pies.

And I wished we’d been stopping for coffee then at least I’ve have had a sit down It would warm me inside, put some oomph in my slide And they’d hear me all over the town.

At least we could stop for a breather. Me lips had near given up the ghost For I’d been on the go for an hour or so And I’d played a lot longer than most.

Either that, or I’d been a collector and stood in the shopping arcade I’d smile nice and sweet when folk trod on me feet And ignore the band when they played.

And the people in the cafés said ‘It’s nice to hear the band’ If they’d been out there in the cold market square It wouldn’t seem nearly so grand.

Let’s all adore the Saviour, reborn in our hearts today We’ll trust in him completely and will follow all the way!

And, ‘It wouldn’t be Christmas without them’ people said and ‘They bring us good cheer And remind us Christ’s birth was good news for this Earth.’

It was worth it, I’ll go, you stay here.

WESLEY PAXTON LOCKERBIE

MARILYN HARVEY ALTON

Salvationist 23 December 2023

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THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

This thing…

‘L

ET’S go to Bethlehem,’ the shepherds say one to another after the angel of the Lord has interrupted their usual nightly sheep watching. ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened’ (Luke 2:15). It’s possibly one of the most understated comments in all Scripture!

‘This thing’?! They’ve just been told, surprising and shocking as it may have seemed, that: ‘Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger’ (Luke 2:11 and 12). After the angels leave, they arrive at the above conclusion: let’s go and see this thing!

Now, to be fair to the shepherds, and the fact that often some things get lost in translation, I can’t believe that when they refer to ‘this thing’, they mean the baby! More likely they mean ‘this event’.

And what an event it was! ‘The Saviour promised long’, to quote a much-loved carol. ‘Light of the world, you stepped down into darkness’, to quote a more recent account. The shepherds did not hang around – Luke explains that they hurried off and they soon found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who as we all know was lying in a manger with no crib for a bed.

I am old enough to easily remember in excess of 60 Christmases – but it has taken me until this Christmas to realise something very significant and striking about ‘this thing’.

Some years ago, following in the footsteps of the shepherds, I had the privilege to visit Bethlehem. I learnt on that visit to the Holy Land that ‘Bet’ means ‘house of’ – so Bethany means ‘house of the poor’ or ‘house of figs’, Bethsaida means ‘house of fishing’ and Bethlehem means ‘house of bread’ (lechem is the Hebrew word for bread).

How interesting that, in the life and teaching of Jesus, bread should feature so prominently. So much symbolism and significance flow from it. ‘Give us today our daily bread’ (Matthew 6:11).

‘Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a

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Salvationist 23 December 2023

crowd?’ (Matthew 15:33). ‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish’ (Matthew 14:17). ‘While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: “Take and eat; this is my body”’ (Matthew 26:26). ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’ (John 6:35). ‘I am the living bread that came down from Heaven’ (John 6:51).

‘The two told what had happened on the [way to Emmaus], and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread’ (Luke 24:35).

This is what Christmas is truly about!

Not a sentimental jingle through wonderland but this great thing that Christ is born for you: good news!

Life-giving bread for everyone! As a consequence of ‘this thing’, you live – without him you perish.

Queen Marie Antoinette’s alleged retort after being told that the French peasants were revolting because they had no bread – ‘Let them eat cake’ – does not hold! There is no alternative!

Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world, is the Bread of Life.

So here is the significant and striking truth that has stared me in the face for more than 60 years, but I never appreciated: Jesus was placed in a manger! My schoolboy French helps me out here. The verb manger in French is ‘to eat’! A manger is a feeding box or trough.

Here’s the deep meaning of Christmas: Jesus, given to feed us.

Jesus, delivered to give us life, to sustain us, to enable us to flourish and to know life in all its fullness. The Saviour of the world born in the place known as the house of bread and, as the Bread of Life, laid and presented in, of all things, a manger!

The shepherds hurried to experience ‘this thing’ and repeatedly so should we – to worship and adore, of course, but also to feast and be filled by the One who is our pattern for living, the One who we desire to be like. General Albert Orsborn left us some wonderful lines in

the songs he penned. Song number 610 says: My life must be Christ’s broken bread, My love his outpoured wine, A cup o’erfilled, a table spread Beneath his name and sign, That other souls, refreshed and fed, May share his life through mine.

Could it be that, as we celebrate Christmas, we have a renewed experience of Christ as the Bread of Life? Crucially, let us remember that Christ now desires to share his life ‘through mine’ and, as a glorious consequence, other people may also be refreshed and fed by Christ’s broken bread: our lives.

Now there’s a thing!

Grateful for occasional opportunities to share messages with you in our time as territorial leaders, Commissioner Gill joins me in thanking Salvationist readers for your prayers and encouragement. We wish you all a very fulfilling Christmas and a blessed commencement to 2024!

COMMISSIONER C ANTHONY COTTERILL Territorial Commander

Salvationist 23 December 2023

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SPOTLIGHT ON…

New Malden Nurturing disciples TRUST IN TRANSITION We came to the UK in the summer of 2019 as overseas officers from our home territory of Korea. Within months of our arrival the Covid-19 pandemic began. It wasn’t the start to our overseas ministry we had imagined because we all spent so much time in our home, and it didn’t feel like we were in another country. But we trusted God’s timing.

The corps here started in 1998. About one third of the town’s population are Korean, and we realised soon after our arrival that many of them felt lonely and were needing something. We embarked upon our ministry from our home, the quarters, and it’s grown from there.

OPEN HOME, OPEN HEARTS The corps had prayed earnestly for its own building in this community. God led them to use a section of Wimbledon Corps hall, three miles away. This agreement has continued since 2005.

We currently hold our Friday night prayers and Sunday worship, with a congregation of 40 to 50 people, at the hall and continue to run the rest of our programme, in small numbers, from the quarters. Our home groups include early morning prayers, Bible study, discipleship and home league.

It’s not always been easy to host church from our family’s home, but our congregation lives in this area, making it easier for them to visit us.

Other recent work by the corps has included providing meals to people experiencing homelessness, hosting a car boot sale to fundraise in support of

25th corps anniversary

Ukraine and celebrating our 25th corps anniversary with an outdoor service.

ONGOING OUTREACH The next challenge will be to reach out more widely to people in the Wimbledon area. Although this is difficult for us due to cultural and language barriers, we need to begin to approach that community and form relationships with them to spread the message of Jesus.

We continually focus our congregation on encountering and experiencing Jesus Christ personally. We want people to grow in Christ and be his true disciples.

We want them to share their experiences of Jesus Christ in their lives.

During the lockdowns, people were able to use the time they would have spent commuting to work to learn more of God and Jesus. We saw that as a beautiful benefit amidst such loss and devastation.

FAST FACTS DIVISION: London CORPS OFFICERS: Major Jae Soo Cha and Major Jung Hee Hwang FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/tsanewmalden

THE WORK CONTINUES Next year we are due to return to our home territory in Korea, just as mission is starting to recover. We will return with mixed emotions but reflecting positively on our time in the UK. These past few years have provided our congregation with a more intimate opportunity to get to know God deeply and to learn how to be more like Jesus. Now they must keep working at it.

Even though we, as overseas officers, had a very different experience to what we expected, we are happy that God has plans for our congregation.

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Salvationist 23 December 2023

ARMY UPDATES

CHRISTMAS

C CHRISTMAS

Carols and candles for peace WESTMINSTER HALL TERRITORIAL leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main joined MPs, peers, staff members and guests for the 2023 parliamentary carol service.

An ensemble from the International Staff Band presented ‘To Celebrate His Birth’ and ‘A Starry Night’, before Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons the Rev Tricia Hillas welcomed everyone present.

In between the congregational singing, representatives of parliamentary Workplace Equality Networks lit candles for peace.

The speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP, and the Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, read poems. MP staff representative Jenny Symmons read from Isaiah 9 and Commissioner Anthony read from Luke 2.

The Parliament Choir sang ‘Carol of the Bells’ and Commissioner Gill prayed for God to bring hope and salvation this Christmas.

The Rev Tricia gave a Christmas blessing, before the band concluded the service with ‘Christmas Joy’. – AR

Kids Alive! unveils Christmas card competition winner THQ THE winner of this year’s Kids Alive! Christmas Card Competition has been announced.

The contest asked readers to design a card to use on the e-card platform Don’t Send Me a Card, an environmentally friendly way to send seasonal greetings while supporting the work of The Salvation Army.

The overall winner was Hadrian, 5, whose bright, bold and fabulously festive card design called for peace in the world (see above). The runners-up were Laila, year 10, Zara, age 11, and Grace, year 7.

The other winners included Shasmeen, 6, in the under-7s category, Anna, 9, in the 7–9 category, Beth, 11, in the 10–12 category and Fahmida, year 9, in the 13-plus category.

They all received vouchers for The Entertainer and Hadrian’s card was the front cover of the Kids Alive!

16 December issue. – AR O To send an e-card, visit dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/ charities/the-salvation-army/christmas-2.

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C CHRISTMAS REGENT HALL The band accompanied carols at the treelighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square. The lord mayor of Westminster, Councillor Patricia McAllister, the mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the Norwegian Ambassador to Britain, Tore Hattrem, and the British Ambassador to Norway, Jan Thompson, were all present.

A choir from St Martin-in-the-Fields also participated in the celebrations. – AR

KILMARNOCK The corps participated in a new initiative, the Christmas Trail, to coincide with the Christmas lights switch-on. Families followed the trail to eight churches, which each portrayed a different aspect of the Christmas story, with opportunity to dress up, assemble crafts and play musical instruments. Children were awarded a stamp on their card at each church and received a prize at the end. Corps officer Captain Emma Heal was delighted to hear several parents comment: ‘It’s great to see the children having so much fun in church!’ – EF Salvationist 23 December 2023

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ARMY UPDATES

HELPING-HAND

CARLISLE Members of the Ladies Fellowship and friends took part in a walk around the city to highlight the Clean Water project as part of the Helping-Hand Appeal. The ladies and their friends and families walked through the city meeting the public and raising awareness of the project. The message was particularly strengthened due to the constant downpour of rain! The walkers returned to the hall, where corps members had gathered for a coffee morning to raise funds for the appeal.

More than £1,200 has been raised. – WJ

HELPING-HAND

HELPING-HAND

BOSCOMBE Supporting the HelpingHand Appeal is a natural and integral aspect of the Friendship Circle (home league) weekly worship and fellowship.

The group’s commitment to HelpingHand owes more to intentional support than it does to a raft of fundraising initiatives. Additional activities, such as bric-a-brac sales, supplement the weekly giving and ensure that this aspect of mission and ministry remains current in the minds of members. Woe betide any visiting speaker or corps officer who forgets a Helping-Hand collection in their meeting! – DA

HELPING-HAND FELIXSTOWE The Helping-Hand Appeal has long been a passion of the corps.

While events and donations decreased following the Covid-19 pandemic, corps members give to a weekly collection after Friends Together meetings. This is orchestrated by Retired Home League Secretary Maureen Cates, who also uses the time to share information and education about Helping-Hand projects with people who are unaware of the appeal. – AR

HADLEIGH TEMPLE Christine Horton has raised £500 for the Helping-Hand Appeal this year. She has supported for 25 years, selling cards and books every week and holding occasional jewellery sales. She also runs the home league fellowship and has produced the home league newsletter for 23 years. – MC

HOMELESSNESS

Shelterbags keep rough sleepers warm BRADFORD THE Orchard Lifehouse teamed up with non-profit organisation Sheltersuit UK to distribute waterproof survival bags to rough sleepers.

These Shelterbags are insulated bags with large, tented hoods and built-in mattresses.

Programme Manager Oli BurbageHall said: ‘We know that people who are sleeping on the streets are more likely to suffer from poor physical health due to exposure to the elements and from sleeping on hard wet surfaces, so these Shelterbags will provide some comfort to those that are not able to find a bed for the night.’ – AR

FUNDRAISING

HELPING-HAND EASTBOURNE CITADEL The corps has raised £3,300 for the HelpingHand Appeal this year, thanks to its very generous membership. A regular attendance of 24 to 30 people give to an offering and weekly bring-and-buy stalls sell sweets and marmalade, which also raise a considerable amount. – MW 14

Salvationist 23 December 2023

During 2023, Salvation Army corps and groups across the UK and Ireland have raised money for international clean water projects through the Helping-Hand Appeal.

Find out more about the appeal at salvationist.org.uk/helpinghand.

REDRUTH Patrick Burcombe raised more than £100 by growing a moustache for the charity Movember, which focuses on men’s health issues. As part of the team Smash Da Tash, nearly £400 was raised. – LG

C CHRISTMAS

FURZE HILL HOUSE Residents and staff members created a Nativity scene from household items, including carpet rolls, cardboard boxes, tablecloths, tea towels, a chef’s jacket, copper kettle, crock pot and vase. The crib was an old washing basket filled with straw and sackcloth.

The residents thoroughly enjoyed their creative re-telling of the Christmas story. – RM

C CHRISTMAS

The 59 Bikers Club donate toys to Feltham Corps in response to the Christmas Present Appeal

C CHRISTMAS

C CHRISTMAS

HULL ICEHOUSE People wore Christmas jumpers to add some fun to the annual toy service. The toys will be delivered to Hull Citadel to be joined with theirs and distributed to people who need them. – SP

C CHRISTMAS Teddington Band spread Christmas joy at the town’s lights switch-on

C CHRISTMAS

TWICKENHAM Christmas Messy Church was all about the reason for the season: Jesus! Crafts included sheep poo, angels, mangers and star decorations. Bethlehem was built using Lego and there was a stable-themed photo booth. – EW RISCA The band and songsters participated alongside the Risca and Ty Sign Primary School choirs in the annual community carol service at Risca Primary School. Majors Kim and Steve Wilson (Wales DHQ) compèred the programme and told the story of the birth of Jesus, reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. – JB

Members of Clowne’s Tuesday Home Fellowship and corps officer Captain Elaine Huddlestone enjoy a festive day out

IPSWICH CITADEL The annual Christmas fair raised more than £800 for local charities. The mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Lynne Mortimer, opened the event and Felixstowe Harmonies provided entertainment. – DC

BRIEF UPDATES SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING More than 150 people attended the Christmas fair, which raised funds for community events and appeals through the sale of seasonal bargains, toys, games and refreshments. – JH/RF MOLD Several families enjoyed the first Messy Church held at the coffee shop and charity shop. The festive event included crafts, games and songs centred around the Christmas story. It was followed by hot dogs and burgers. One boy declared it was ‘a great morning’ and said he looked forward to coming again. – MH SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD A record number of people attended Christmas Messy Church in a vibrant intergenerational gathering that included a message from Divisional Children’s Officer Lieutenant Luke Cozens. Some were at the Army for the first time, including a number who have joined the parent-and-toddler group. – AM SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING A representative from Southampton City and Region Action to Combat Hardship (Scratch) attended the toy service to receive the many gifts of children’s toys. Last year Scratch provided 2,762 local children with gifts, a 21 per cent increase on the previous year, with more referrals expected again this year. – JH/RF SALISBURY Members of the 14th Regiment Royal Artillery helped the corps offer comfort and joy to families with presents collected from personnel and their families and friends. Delivered by Bombardiers Joe Smith and Robin Duncan, the gifts will support more than 100 families and people living alone over the Christmas period. – MD

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NEW COMMITMENTS

BECCLES

CAROL and Paul Gardiner were enrolled as soldiers by Corps Assistant Harry Woods. Carol and Paul have been attending the corps for just under a year and were welcomed as adherents earlier this year. Carol and Paul testified to God’s transformation of their lives and the joy found in knowing and serving him. Carol chose ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ (SASB 795) and Paul chose ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ (SASB 63). More than 80 people attended the meeting, including some of Carol and Paul’s family. Carol and Paul are involved in many corps groups and bring great joy to the fellowship. Lunch and a cake were enjoyed after the meeting.

Carol, Paul and Harry are pictured with Sandra and John Barker, who have supported the couple throughout their soldiership studies, and Suku Welsford holding the flag. – LW

COVENTRY CITY

BRISTOL KINGSWOOD

TOM and Valerie Thrift were welcomed as adherents by Major Agnes Wallis. Valerie had been a junior soldier at the corps prior to the family relocating and reconnected with the corps following a bereavement. Tom and Valerie both have a strong faith and expressed a desire to become adherents, having been welcomed into the fellowship and feeling they had found their spiritual home. They look forward to opportunities to share their faith through their daily activities, which include occasionally presenting a radio programme in Greece, where they share their time in retirement, and through wearing their adherent badges. – MW

SALE

WELLING

TRACY Davoll was enrolled as a soldier by corps officers Majors Ann and Donald Montgomery. Tracy has been attending the Army for many years along with her husband and daughter. In her testimony she shared that, having attended a recent Alpha course, being invited to help with the Kids Alive Brass Group and having accompanied them to Together 2022, she felt her relationship with God deepen and realised soldiership was the next step for her. Also pictured is Colour Sergeant Ian Whiteside. – AM 16

SPANDANA Boyalapally was enrolled as a soldier by Major Brian Slinn. Spandana came to the UK from India in late 2022. She passed the corps one Sunday and was drawn in by the sound of one of her favourite hymns.

Previous corps officers Majors Andrew and Valerie Spivey (Sheffield Citadel) took Spandana through soldiership classes.

Spandana is pictured with Major Brian Slinn and Major Liv Raegevik-Slinn. – JF

Salvationist 23 December 2023

LYNN Allwright was welcomed as an adherent at the weekly coffee morning so that she could share the occasion with her friends. Lynn began attending after being invited to the coffee morning by an old school friend. Lynn shared how she was delighted to be back at church after many years of not attending and how she especially enjoys singing in worship. – KS

TRIBUTES

BRENDA HUSSEY STAPLE HILL BRENDA was born in 1931 in a small village in Monmouthshire called Shirenewton, near Chepstow.

She was brought up as an Anglican and was confirmed into the Church.

At the age of 16, Brenda moved to Cardiff to study nursing. After two years she moved to Hammersmith to study at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School to become a state registered nurse. Brenda married her husband, John, in 1956, and along with their two sons, Andrew and David, they moved to south Gloucestershire, where Sarah was born.

John passed away in 1985. In the 1990s Brenda attended Staple Hill Corps and became an adherent in 1997. Brenda became actively engaged in the community care group, the over-60 club and the lunch club.

Brenda was a very caring lady and a great supporter of the corps. – VW

BRIAN HUGGINS SHEFFIELD CITADEL BRIAN was introduced to The Salvation Army at an early age by his elder sister, Dorothy, at Streatham Vale. He soon found a love for Jesus and the Church, becoming a junior soldier and learning a brass instrument. Brian was enrolled as a soldier at the Royal Albert Hall by General Wilfred Kitching during a congress weekend.

Following his marriage to Ruth, they moved to the Sheffield area and became involved at Sheffield Citadel. Brian loved playing his bass in the band and singing in the songsters. He often stood to sing his testimony ‘I’m a child of a King’. The family moved to the Woodhouse area for a while and attended the corps there, before moving back to Sheffield Citadel.

Brian knew his Lord, shared his faith right up to the end, and believed in the promise of Heaven. He will be missed by his loving family, friends and corps family. – VS

CAROL GIBSON HIGH WYCOMBE CAROL Gibson, née Newbury, was born on 12 December 1940 at home during an air raid.

The family attended the local Methodist church, but later started taking the bus to Slough Corps.

In 1959 Carol entered the training college and was part of the Soldiers of Christ session. Carol began her ministry at Dunstable and when she married Alan they were stationed in Gilfach Goch.

Carol served faithfully for many years, and over the years was home league secretary, songster, envoy, recruiting sergeant, over-60 club secretary and corps registrar.

For the past 25 years, Carol designed and produced the corps magazine every month.

Her warmth, dry humour and unassuming manner shone, and she leaves a huge hole in the corps. As well as her faith, Carol’s family meant everything to her and she leaves behind four children, eleven grandchildren, a step-grandchild and two great-grandchildren. – TT

VERNON COSENS SALISBURY FROM a Salvationist family in Croydon, Vernon and his identical twin brother did national service near Salisbury, where they linked up with the corps – and found Salvationist wives!

Vernon and Joan soon settled in Salisbury, where Vernon became totally involved as a bandsman, songster and YP band leader. He taught his own children and many other young people to play brass instruments. With a keen sense of humour, he was much respected in the city by work colleagues and his musical and social connections, all of which were represented at his thanksgiving service.

One colleague said Vernon was relied on at work as ‘a safe pair of hands’.

Vernon’s faith was exemplified by his quiet consistency and steadfast Christian lifestyle.

Vernon’s wife of 67 years and his family and friends praise God for his long life, well lived, and his enduring influence for good.

Servant of God, well done! – GWP

MARGARET THOMAS BATH CITADEL BORN in Bridgwater in 1936, Meg’s father, Frank, was corps sergeant-major and she became colour sergeant.

When Brigadiers Thomas were appointed corps officers, she married their son, Keith.

Meg and Keith were committed Salvationists at Bath for 60 years. As the new hall opened in 1964, Meg became assistant young people’s sergeant-major and singing company leader.

Meg was an accomplished pianist and created beautiful flower arrangements. She loved children. At her funeral were former singing company members and her chosen prayer child, Chris, played a trumpet solo at her request.

Meg thought of others, welcomed visitors and made birthday cards for all corps members. A woman of integrity, she worked as a legal secretary and was well respected.

Meg had great faith and knew where she was going. Her only concern was for Keith and sister Christine, but she declared: ‘I know the Lord will take care of them.’

We salute a faithful Salvationist. – DW

STUART HARVEY ALTON BROUGHT up in a Christian family, Stuart’s father was a farmhand and they moved from farm to farm. They joined Farnham Corps and subsequently transferred to Alton, where Stuart made lifelong friends in the torchbearer youth club.

Music played a large part in Stuart’s life, having played in the band for 64 years before Parkinson’s disease and dementia robbed him of his ability to play bass trombone. He was an instrument repairer and well known in the Army brass world.

Stuart married Marilyn in 1972 and they had two daughters. For 20 years he arranged Carols in the Close with the family band, and proceeds were donated to charities.

Stuart had a simple, deep faith that influenced every aspect of his life. His gentle nature endeared him to all who knew him. Stuart was promoted to Glory from the nursing home where he spent the last seven weeks of his life. – MH Salvationist 23 December 2023

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

Local officers appointed B/SGT DEBORAH ABBOTT, Winton

ENGAGEMENTS Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill Wed 27 Dec – Tue 2 Jan USA Western Territory

B/LIBRARIAN KEVIN ABBOTT, Winton SL PAULINE BARTLETT, Winton BM LYNDON BEXON, Winton ASST B/LIBRARIAN MATTHEW DEAR, Winton B/SGT JONATHAN SHAVE, Winton B/SEC CAROL WALKLEY, Winton ASST SCL HANNAH WILEMAN, Winton

Wedding anniversaries Diamond (60 years) MAJORS MICHAEL AND SHEILA WARDEN on 1 January 2024

NOTICES

Covenant Sunday 2024 Covenant Sunday (7 January) will be themed Living in God’s Covenant – Our Faithful Response. It provides an opportunity to respond to God’s invitation of living in a committed, faithful relationship with him. Resources are available at salvationist.org.uk/resources/covenant-sunday-2024.

Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation Following the territorial survey that concluded in November, continue to explore belonging, discipleship and membership at this free all-age weekend at Warwick University (1 to 3 March 2024), which will include initial findings from the survey.

Find out more at salvationist.org.uk/belonging-and-believing.

Golden (50 years) BRIAN AND DELRYSE OAKLEY, Felixstowe, on 5 January 2024

Retired officers’ birthdays

Salvationist: See you in January!

The Salvationist team wishes you all a blessed Christmas and a happy new year.

Please note that this is the last issue of the magazine for 2023: there will be no issue on 30 December. The next edition will be published on Saturday 6 January 2024.

MAJOR JEAN JAMES, 95 on 2 January 2024 MAJOR JOHN SMITHERS-SPINNEY, 95 on 3 January 2024

Promoted to Glory MAIR RADDON, Llanelli MARGARET FULLER, Romford DEREK GRINTER, Droitwich Spa, on 5 December

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship On Christmas Eve, Sunday Worship will be led by Lieutenant Joel Watson (Teddington and Twickenham). On Christmas Day, it will be led by Territorial Leader for Leader Development Commissioner Gill Cotterill. On New Year’s Eve, it will be led by Major Jo Moir (THQ). Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of Sunday Worship highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

RTD BM LESLIE PIPER, Leicester South, on 6 December

O Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

JOY BRAMWELL-DAVIES, Winton, on 8 December

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Bereaved

Reflect on the words of Christmas carols in this Advent devotional podcast, inspired by the book of the same name. Carols featured include ‘See, Amid the Winter’s Snow’, ‘Little Donkey’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ and ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’.

MAJOR IONA RAINER of her sister Mair Raddon

O Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts.

GEOFF FULLER, Romford, of his wife Margaret Fuller, Liz Hall, Romford, of her mother

No Age Limit

MAJOR HELEN URMSTON, Weymouth with Portland, Fiona Jacques and Sharon Orton of their father Derek Grinter JACQUI PIPER, Leicester South, of her husband Rtd BM Leslie Piper, Bandsman Andrew Piper and Nicholas Piper, both Leicester South, of their father CAPTAIN NICOLA MUIR of her mother Joy Bramwell-Davies 18

Salvationist 23 December 2023

Salvationist Radio’s show reminds listeners that there is no age limit to what we can do for God or what God can do for us. Join Andy and Ali from Older People’s Ministries with guest Major Anne Read for an hour of music, chat and testimony. Listen live on Sunday 24 December at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 29 December at 11am.

O Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

Christmas Top 10 Following your votes, Salvationist Radio has revealed its festive charts for 2023, featuring the top 10 brass band, choral and contemporary worship Christmas tracks.

Listen to the results at 2pm (brass band), 3pm (vocal) and 8pm (contemporary worship) on 24 December. For more information about Salvationist Radio’s Christmas schedule, visit salvationist.org.uk/radio.

PRESENTATIONS

CROYDON CITADEL

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

THE Well Homeless Project won an award at the London Faith and Belief Community awards in the Health and Wellbeing category. Dr David Dangoor CBE, chair of the Greater London lord lieutenant’s Council on Faith, presented the award to Community Services Director Chris Waldock and corps officer Lieut-Colonel Edgar Chagas. Divisional Commander Major Steve White and Territorial Ecumenical Officer Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts were in attendance. The Well supports people who have been living on the street or who are in precarious accommodation. It provides a full catering service as well as clothing, sleeping bags and postal services. Local community partners enable The Well to offer help with physical and mental health, accommodation, employment, access to public funds and benefits. – JR

DURING the 140th corps anniversary celebrations, Community Manager Christine Woods was presented with a retirement certificate and gifts by territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill, who appointed Christine during their leadership of the corps 24 years earlier. – KW

CLOWNE

BOGNOR REGIS

BANDSMAN Jim Niel received a long-service certificate and badge for 70 years as a bandsman – from 1953 to 1963 at Sunderland Monkwearmouth, 1963 to 1975 at Thornton Heath and 1975 to the present day at Clowne. Jim is shown with Bandmaster Dean Coates and corps officer Captain Elaine Huddlestone. – GH

OAKENGATES

RAF chaplain and corps officer Major Sarah Butler presented Salvationist and war veteran Lewis Curl with a certificate acknowledging his service in the Second World War. Lewis, aged 98, volunteered in 1942 at the age of 17 and served on HMS Belfast on D-Day at Normandy and as a coder in the Royal Navy aboard other ships, including HMS Swiftsure and HMS Barfleur. The son of Salvation Army officers, Lewis testified that his faith was his saving grace in many dangerous situations. It was fitting that at the town’s Remembrance Sunday gathering, crowds applauded him as he passed by in the parade. Lewis and his 98-year-old wife, Iris, collect for the Royal British Legion poppy appeal every year. – AH

DURING Band Sunday, Bandmaster Andrew Collier presented Bandsman Derek Porter with a certificate of recognition for 70 years’ service as a bandsman. Much of this was spent at Attercliffe before retiring to Oakengates 20 years ago. It was a real family occasion, with Derek’s wife, Doreen, and his two sons, Mark Porter (Doncaster) and Deputy Bandmaster John Porter, present. The corps salutes Derek for his service, not only as a bandsman, but as a true follower of Christ. – TP Salvationist 23 December 2023

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They will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us’ Matthew 1:23