SALVATIONIST
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Lift your eyes
CONTEXT is crucial to understanding. The writer of Psalm 121, whether David or another person, was doing so from a place of insecurity; they were vulnerable, quite probably in a valley and more than likely somewhere near Jerusalem. Jerusalem, sitting at the top of Mount Zion, was also where God met with his people at the Temple, hence being the place from which help might come.
Of course, the wider context for all of us who would put their trust in God is that of lifting our eyes towards Heaven, from which comes our help. Whatever the context, whatever challenge we may be facing, in lifting our eyes we look beyond the issue at hand, discipline ourselves to change our perspective and remember that God is with us.
It is all too easy when things are tough to get bogged down in the detail, to become caught up in how we are going to deal with it on our own rather than claiming the promise of God to be with us and to look to him for help.
This Sunday is the International Day of Children and Young People, which is themed Look Up. This issue, written predominantly by young people, gives us new context to looking up.
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor
Children and Youth Download resources Me and My Playlist Young people’s top tracks
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Issue No 2009
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Joseph Halliday, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS From the 2011 New International Version (Anglicised), unless otherwise stated
FOUNDERS
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
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© The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
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Catherine and William Booth
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Fri 11 – Sun 13 July
The ICC Birmingham
What is it?
Together 2025 is a weekend of worship and celebration, including the ordination and commissioning of the Champions of the Mission session of cadets. This year’s theme is Mission 160: From Generation to Generation.
Why should you go?
Together 2025 will have something for all ages. There will be live music, mission resources, dance workshops, sports, art, prayer spaces and areas for fellowship and food. The Family Ministries, Music and Creative Arts and Children and Youth Departments will lead activities in the main sessions and around the venue.
There will be a children’s venue (ages 5 to 11) on Saturday afternoon and a youth hangout (ages 12 to 17) between the Sunday sessions. These will provide young people with space to engage with the weekend’s theme.
Penny, 11, from the West Midlands says: ‘I am looking forward to the kids’ activities on the Sunday. These were a lot of fun last year, playing games and doing crafts. I hope to see some of the friends I made.’
Who will be there?
International leaders General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham will be involved in teaching, leading and engaging in activities. The Canadian Staff Songsters will also join us, under the leadership of Cathie Koehnen. They have a heart for worship, evangelism and integrated mission through music.
Book your place
Tickets are available now – come and join us! Book your place at salvationist.org.uk/together
‘He’s always there for me’
Megan Aston (Darlaston) shares the story of how she got to know Jesus
MY mum left The Salvation Army about 30 years ago. About three years ago, she came back after receiving some bad news. She asked me to go with her, but I always had excuses to not go. It wasn’t until tickets came out for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour when I joked about attending. I said I would go to church with her so I could pray for the presale code, and I went with her that same night.
When I arrived home, the email with the code came through – unbelievable! Out of all my friends, I was the only one to get a presale code. I joked that
I nervously said yes. I had the best time ever, learnt so much and met some amazing people. During the week, I decided to give my life to Jesus, to declare him as my Lord and Saviour and to become a Christian. Just being surrounded by so much love, faith and belief helped me feel closer to Jesus. I have since learnt that, no matter what, he’s always there for me, and always forgives me.
I joined NeXus Youth Choir and connecting my hobby with Jesus felt amazing. It is so easy to feel God’s presence when we sing. That’s what
Rock Ferry Flourishing in faith
Grown by God
We moved here as the corps leaders in the summer of 2019. The corps was fairly traditional, with a band, songsters and a varied age range. Through different seasons over the past six years, we’ve seen that God has been transforming our fellowship.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, our corps struggled in some ways as individuals navigated their feelings and priorities around church and society. We could easily have been discouraged, but out of that emerged a time of transition and growth, which is all God’s doing. We’ve prayed, encouraged and journeyed alongside people, and God in his grace has sent more people to us.
We’ve had several families join after moving into the area – some of different nationalities – and we’re so blessed by that. It’s enriched us and added a diversity to our fellowship that we embrace.
Let the little ones come
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, we worked with schools to provide help for families. Since we reopened, our Sunday school has grown from one child to a group of about 15! We feel it’s important to do what we do well, and that’s with younger children in this season.
We regularly hold Messy Church, which attracts more than 40 children and their parents and carers. Local schools advertise this, and many families come back again and again. It’s not about numbers, though, it’s about the relationships and doing mission
with those God is sending, which also includes our growing team.
With more children coming we needed extra helpers, so God has expanded and developed our team. It’s all about teamwork here, including the support from the wider fellowship – they’re all amazing! There is such a sense of togetherness, and we were delighted to take the team to the Children and Youth Department’s Grow conference in March.
Honouring the faithful
We believe that God honours the faithfulness of the one who does when no one else is watching and who seeks no recognition or reward. He works in the secret place and honours people who genuinely care about the soul and discipleship of someone else.
We have a lady who was here when we had just one child in our church. She was willing to work with the one child, to come alongside her. It’s like the feeding of the 5,000: she humbly offered what she had, to see what God could do with it. He has certainly used it and multiplied it!
It’s wonderful that we now have children undertaking junior soldier classes for the first time in many years. In July last year, we had our first young people’s prizegiving in a long time. The children bring a whole lot of joy, vibrancy and excitement.
Unity in community
Jesus taught that we would be one, that we would be unified. When people work together in unity, when there is a sense of togetherness, the Kingdom starts to
flourish. We’re proof of that, and our church is evolving to reflect our wider community.
1 Corinthians 16:14 tells us: ‘Let all that you do be done in love’ (English Standard Version). That’s certainly something we are aiming for in all we do across the life of our church, that everything we do would be about God and his love. Any kind of fruit that we bear for the Kingdom is only possible because he loves us, and we share that love with other people.
Please pray for our work with young people and that people will continue working together for the Kingdom.
Fast Facts
DIVISION North West and Isle of Man CORPS LEADERS
Captains Alex and Sian Wood FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/rockferrysa
Recognised
Lieutenant Patsy Attwood faces up to an identity challenge
JOHN 20:19–31
WHEN watching a film or television programme, I often see actors pop up time and time again. They look familiar, but what are their names? What have they been in? Sometimes, the answer comes quickly. Other times, it takes until the end of the film or programme to work it out, or I have to give in and Google them.
That got me thinking about how we recognise people. Do we recognise them by their voice, what they wear, their haircut? We all have unique features –things that make us recognisable.
As Christians, we are called to bear witness to God and to share the good news with everyone we meet. We are called to ensure that our lives – the way we behave and treat people – model the actions of Jesus, so that we can be recognisable as believers.
Our study passage from the Gospel of John details Jesus’ appearances to his disciples after his resurrection, where he is recognised simply from his greeting: ‘Peace be with you!’ (v19). In that moment, the disciples’ despondency is lifted – maybe things seem a lot less hopeless.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How can you ensure that you are recognising Jesus in your everyday life?
Jesus pronounces four things in this passage. The first is: ‘Peace be with you.’ He repeats this three times, in verses 19,
21 and 26. The second is: ‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’ (v21).
The third is: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ (v22). The fourth is: ‘Stop doubting and believe’ (v27).
All these can help us to ensure that we are recognising Jesus daily.
With his pronouncement ‘peace be with you’, Jesus is assuring the group of hopeless and frightened disciples that he has not left them.
His words should be seen as an encouragement, a message of assurance of his presence with them – and, therefore, us too. These words are a reminder to ensure that we are constantly aware of Jesus’ presence with us every day of our lives. Knowing Jesus’ peace encourages us to make sure that we are seeking him out, being encouraged and being built up by his presence each day.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How can you be more intentional in seeking out God’s presence?
Then, Jesus explains that, just as he was sent, he is also sending us (see v21). Jesus has perfectly modelled what it means to be sent and how that is to be lived out. Therefore, we are sent people sent by God – the one who sent his Son into the world so that we ‘may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). This means that, along with being aware of and seeking out his presence, we are also discerning where he is calling us to go to share the good news with everyone we meet.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Where is God sending you to proclaim the good news that Jesus offers?
Next, we are called to ‘receive the Holy Spirit’ (v22). It is through the receiving of God’s Spirit that we are strengthened and equipped to proclaim the good news. Receiving God’s Spirit changes us from the inside out. The Holy Spirit prompts us and encourages us to act in ways that are in line with God’s desire for us.
Jesus breathes on the disciples and they receive his Spirit. In doing so, they are equipped and motivated to go out into the world and continue the mission of God, as Jesus is about to return to Heaven. Receiving the Holy Spirit means that the disciples are enabled and called to forgive people of their sins (see v23). Jesus has modelled for us what true forgiveness looks like – his death and resurrection have made an atonement for us so that our relationship with God can be restored. The Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, encouraging us and prompting us to act according to God’s will for us.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How will you receive the Holy Spirit anew today?
Finally, Jesus invites us to ‘stop doubting and believe’ (v27). Throughout this passage, we are presented with two
Look up
Abi Miller encourages us to shift our focus and see things from God’s perspective
HAVE you ever noticed how often we find ourselves longing for something other than what we have right now?
We look forward to our next holiday but, once it comes, we miss the comfort of our own bed. We wish for the freedom of adulthood, only to later long for the carefree days of our youth. It feels like we’re always searching for happiness elsewhere.
But what if the answer isn’t in a new house, job or circumstance, but instead in looking to God for help and adopting his perspective?
So much of our dissatisfaction comes from comparing ourselves to others. We can see people with seemingly perfect lives – their careers, families or spiritual journeys – and feel as if we’re falling short. Maybe you’ve thought: ‘If I just had that one thing, I’d finally be happy.’ This way of thinking can slip into our faith too – comparing our relationship with God, or our role in the Church, to someone else’s instead of keeping the focus on our personal journey with him.
Esther 4:14 reminds us of God’s divine purpose for each of us: ‘And who knows but that you have come to
your royal position for such a time as this?’ Just as Esther was placed in her position for a reason, our current circumstances – our work, our families, our communities, our struggles – might be the very tools God is using to create something extraordinary.
How do we embrace this? How do we stop longing for a different story and trust God’s plan?
It starts with shifting our focus. Instead of dwelling on what we lack, we can pray for God’s guidance and ask him to help us see the blessings and opportunities around us. It’s about staying alert and learning to see the beauty and hope that God sees in each of us.
God calls us to trust his purpose and notice his presence in the ordinary moments of life. The real beauty often isn’t in grand achievements but in small, everyday blessings. When we take the time to see his hand at work –even in routine or frustrating situations – it can completely transform how we view life.
Doing God’s work begins with tuning into his perspective and letting it shape our actions. While we are part
of a broader community of believers, each of us has our own role to play. We’re called to be patient – not only with others, but also with the journey of faith itself. God’s timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own plans.
As a church family, if we prioritise God’s mission – to know, grow, and show his love – and stay rooted in Jesus, nothing can stand in our way. Yes, there will be times of stress, but focusing on this mission keeps us united and purposeful.
By shifting our perspective to see through God’s eyes – seeking his wisdom, love, and guidance in all we do – we can open new doors to unity, growth and boundless possibilities. When we choose to live with grace, compassion and unwavering faith, this vision can become our reality.
• Abi is a member of the Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Youth Forum. Find out more at salvationist.org.uk/ youthforum
ABI MILLER Paisley Citadel
Looking up for hope
Amelia Burr reflects on a recent Terrain weekend in Liverpool and how we move through suffering
FOR the city where I live, I wondered what else Liverpool could show and teach me, particularly in terms of suffering. Liverpool is a vibrant city, constantly full of life where no two people are the same. Diversity isn’t just a characteristic of the city; it is something that is celebrated. However, buried beneath the surface is a history where people suffered, cast away as ‘other’. Throughout a day spent in Liverpool with my Terrain cohort earlier this year, we were taken to sites that represent significant suffering that has taken place. We started at the Albert Docks, a location I have been to many times before. Beautiful views, shops, cafés, museums and artwork hide the fact that these docks were heavily used for the transatlantic slave trade. We then moved to Anfield stadium, a place that’s usually buzzing with excitement for a match or
a concert about to take place, where people come together to celebrate something they love. Yet it is also a reminder of the Hillsborough disaster and the 97 people who died. Finally, we entered Liverpool Cathedral, which has impressive architecture, stunning stained-glass windows and a cross –a reminder that Jesus suffered, was beaten and brought to nothing.
When we start to think about suffering, two questions often come to mind. Why do people suffer? And how can God allow this suffering? Surely, an omnipotent God can stop it. We know that, as we live in a fallen world where humans have free will, this cannot be the case. However, we can wonder where God is within people’s suffering.
Throughout the weekend, at each location, we dived into Mark’s Gospel trying to answer the question: how do we move through suffering? I really had no idea how Mark, a book written almost 2,000 years ago, would resonate with events that have taken place in Liverpool. However, we looked at Mark not as a story, but as an example.
Mark 4:35–41 talks about how Jesus calmed the storm when the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee. The
What is Terrain?
Terrain is a course for 18 to 25-year-olds connected to The Salvation Army, combining online learning with residential weekends to explore who God is, who they are and what that could mean for the world. Apply for the 2025–2026 cohort at salvationist. org.uk/learning/terrain.
disciples were not expecting a storm so big that even experienced fishermen were afraid. They were also not expecting Jesus to sleep through it. However, with his power, Jesus calmed the storm.
Big storms can come unexpectedly, and it can sometimes feel like God is asleep, but God is always with us. He might not get rid of the storm, but he is there to guide us through it.
Mark also shows us Jesus’ power to set people free. In Mark 5:1–20, Jesus restored a demon-possessed man so disturbed by himself that he cut himself with rocks. Jesus did not judge this man or label him as different; he served and helped him.
It is dangerous to regard people as less than others and, as Christians, we should be the first people to support those seen as less. Sadly, however, this isn’t always the case as, like the people of his day, who saw this possessed man as unclean and asked Jesus to get rid of him, we can sometimes avoid certain people for the fear of being considered less than. It is clear, though, that in God’s eyes we are all his children and regarded as equal. This is seen by him sending his Son to die on the cross to save us from our sins – because freedom shouldn’t be a privilege, but a state we all live in.
Within all this, we must trust, listen, encounter and have the patience to know that God will show up in times of need. It wasn’t until I looked up that I noticed.
Maybe we are the ‘other’ as a Christian body. Is that such a bad thing? I quite like the idea of being the ‘other’. Jesus was the ‘other’ when he suffered on the cross. Shouldn’t we strive to be the same?
AMELIA BURR Preston
New horizons
Reuben and Moses share what they’ve learnt from moving with their families
How long have you been in Leipzig?
Two years.
What’s been the biggest change?
Mostly the language and culture. It’s very, very different.
What’s your favourite thing about Leipzig?
School, singing concerts, making friends here, exploring the city. It’s a lovely city.
What’s the best new experience you’ve had?
Singing in the school Christmas concert – find it on YouTube!
Is there anything you miss?
So many things! Cornish pasties, fish and chips, Irish fry-ups. Mostly food and more.
What’s school like?
I go to Leipzig International School, but you have to speak in German for the whole German lesson. That’s really hard.
Are Army meetings what you expected?
It’s more or less the same, but it’s different, especially in Saxony. Each area will be different, I assume. The main difference is the language and culture.
Has it been easy making friends in a new place?
Yes, I’ve always been good at making friends. I’ve been like ‘Hey! My German’s not that good but I’m going to try. Hi! My name’s Reuben!’ I’m a bit of an extrovert sometimes!
What have you learnt from living in Leipzig?
Give things a chance. I was a bit worried and unhappy when I moved here but, after some adjusting, I’m happy. Really happy.
How long have you been in Dar es Salaam?
Almost a year and a half.
What’s been the biggest change?
We often have power cuts, which means no running water too. We have emergency drinking water but it’s so hot, which can be a challenge.
What’s your favourite thing about Dar es Salaam?
We live next to the Indian Ocean and there are long golden sandy beaches, which we love!
What’s the best new experience you’ve had?
To experience how people do things in a new country and how local people make fires!
Is there anything you miss?
Friends and family.
What’s school like?
I go to an international school so the lessons are in English but we learn Swahili three times a week.
Are Army meetings what you expected?
I didn’t know what to expect but they are long (more than three hours) and tiring because of the heat.
Has it been easy making friends in a new place? Yes, there are lots of officers’ kids on the compound and it was easy making friends at school as so many people were also new.
What have you learnt from living in Dar es Salaam? The traffic is crazy and tiring! Some things take a bit longer, so we have to be patient sometimes.
Psalm 121 reminds us to lift our eyes and hearts. It reassures us that ‘the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore’ (v8). We are not meant to journey through life alone – by looking up to God and at each other, we reconnect with our Creator and with the people around us.
TANZANIA
GERMANY
Reuben Moses and the Masai
It’s fun to see friends, to sing songs to Jesus and do fun activities!
Junia
I enjoy attending the residential camps, as I have a great relationship with most of the staff and other young people. I have made lots of friends.
Rachel
You get to meet new people from outside of your corps and praise God together in different ways.
Abi
It is where I and many other young people have met some of their closest friends and made unforgettable memories.
Breanna
You can meet with people your own age and you can learn how to praise God in new ways.
Miriam
The staff and young people are so friendly and caring. I always look forward to these events because they are very fun, and I’ve made so many amazing memories.
Chelsey
Going to youth group has allowed me to develop my faith, build friendships and do things I wouldn’t normally do. The staff are very friendly, and I can openly talk to them without feeling judged.
Ethan
Some of my favourite memories have been with the camps and sleepovers. All in all, I wouldn’t be who I am today without the amazing work by Jillian, Hannah and the rest of the leaders.
Daniel
Friends are made from everywhere and friendships that will last years. Going to the events means that we all have something to talk about, no one left out, all having a great time.
Lewis
It’s lots of fun… I love the story time and learning more about God… and the singing too!
As I’ve grown more involved with the Army, I meet new people with the events I go to. This then creates a friendship that will last for years and going to these different events shows how everyone cares for one another.
Holly
I get to know lots of new people from the area and at camp get to spend time with different types of people.
Allie
Caris
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
The Belfast Sydenham youth sections led a meeting themed You Can Meet God Anywhere. The YP band opened with a prelude. Prayer was led by Darcy, followed by a cornet solo by Jacob. Connor read from the Bible and Rebekah gave a vocal solo with ‘Goodness of God’. The visiting band brought an arrangement of ‘My Redeemer Lives’ and Ava, Eilidh and Joanna gave meaningful testimonies of their trust in God and what he means to them. The visiting singing company provided two songs, and the message was delivered by Major Keira Wood (Belfast Sydenham) before a meditative piece by the visiting band. The meeting showed the breadth of the young people’s skills and talents and the depth of their spirituality. The corps was blessed by the visit. – CB
EVENT
TUNSTALL Mother’s Day was celebrated by giving primroses and verses to all the ladies in the meeting. Corps Secretary Josephine Cooper and her team of helpers provided a delicious afternoon tea complete with china tea service. – ML
COMMUNITY
The corps has been supporting community group Hull4Ukraine. The group’s director, John Holmes, spoke to the Cameo group, and a collection raised £202 for their work. The corps also donated toiletries, food and other items.
EVENT
Young adults take steps to work
STRAWBERRY FIELD
THIRTY-EIGHT young adults with learning difficulties and barriers to employment graduated from Strawberry Field’s employability programme, combining classroom-based learning with real life work experience.
The ceremony celebrated how far each has come to enter the job market when previously this may have seemed out of their reach.
Taking place at the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, the event saw each graduate receive a certificate presented to them by Julia Baird, honorary president of Strawberry Field, in front of proud family, friends and the vice lord-lieutenant for Merseyside, Dr Ruth Hussey. All graduates completed an eight-week work readiness course followed by up to three work placements with employers including John Lewis, Morrisons, Novotel and Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Representatives of the employers were also in attendance.
Major Kathleen Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field, said: ‘During their time here they have blossomed and grown and we look forward to seeing them flourish as they continue on their journeys to paid work and better futures. We look forward to developing our programmes and partnerships to keep our iconic gates open for good.’
The next cohort of Steps to Work trainees will begin this month. For more information or to apply for a place in a future cohort visit strawberryfield.salvationarmy. org.uk. – AR
OUTREACH
WELLING The corps gave out more than 150 gift bags containing Easter stories, activity books and chocolates. The young people were really excited to take part. Later, a message arrived thanking the corps for making Easter special. – KS
ADDICTION
ATHERTON The Recovery Hub has celebrated one year of supporting people on their journey to recovery from active addiction. The drop-in, launched by the corps in association with Wigan council, has supported more than 40 people in its first year. Corps officer Captain Darron Boulton said: ‘Demand was so high that we now run the hub twice a week.’ – AR
TRACY Fenwick was enrolled as a soldier by corps leaders Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford. Tracy attended Sunday school at the corps and loved her time there, joining all the young people’s sections. When she was 18, she drifted away due to other commitments and then moved away. She joined a local church, but felt something was missing. Tracy always maintained her faith but realised she was missing the Army. She eventually returned to Guisborough and was invited by a friend to reattend. Tracy felt so at home at the corps and became an adherent, but felt something was holding her back from becoming a soldier. After a Remembrance service at the corps, her husband asked her why she was not a soldier, and she realised that the time was right. Also pictured is Corps Sergeant-Major Geoff Blott holding the flag. – SS
LOGAN Haseldine was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Territorial Envoy Alison Parker. Logan began attending two years ago and testified how getting involved in the corps and charity shop made him realise that faith is not about believing when life is easy but trusting God through the challenges that come our way. This encouraged him to go deeper in his faith and he felt becoming an adherent was the next step. – AP
SITTINGBOURNE
SARAH Pott was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Major Derek Jones. Sarah returned after many years away when she received an invitation to a reunion event to celebrate the 140th corps anniversary. Sarah spoke of the warm welcome she received and of her joy at being part of the corps family again. The congregation sang ‘Abide with Me’ (SASB 529), which was chosen by Sarah. – SJ
RUTH, Pauline and Margaret were welcomed as adherents by corps leaders Captains Dawn and Glenn Roden. Ruth, Pauline and Margaret attend Connect each Wednesday at the corps. Also pictured is Connect group leader Alyson Hicks. – GR
was enrolled
a
FAKENHAM
ISLA
as
junior soldier by Major Sandra Ford as part of YP Sunday at the corps. – GR
ENFIELD
Local officers appointed
CORPS SERGEANT-MAJOR
ALEXANDER SCOTT, Kilmarnock
Wedding anniversaries
Blue Sapphire (65 years)
JANET AND SID GREGORY, Staines, on 26 March
Diamond (60 years)
LIEUT-COLONELS DAVID AND VALERIE JONES on 8 May
Dedicated to God
CHLOE MAY COLE and SAMUEL PHILIP COLE, children of Captains Annemarie and Philip Cole, at Dundonald by Major Elaine Cavanagh
AMBER FRANCESCA
DOWNEY, daughter of Ashleigh and Kai Downey, at Shiremoor by Captain Faith Scales
FREDDIE GRAYSON KEITH
MILLS, son of Dana McMillan and Stephen Mills, at Shiremoor by Captain Faith Scales
ISABELLE ALICE BARBER , daughter of Annalise and Scott Barber, at Shiremoor by Captain Faith Scales
Promoted to Glory
RETIRED BANDMASTER
FRED APLIN, Teignmouth
GORDON HAIR , Doncaster
Bereaved
KAY SAINT, Teignmouth, and Graham Aplin of their father Retired Bandmaster Fred Aplin
PAMELA HAIR , Doncaster, of her husband Gordon Hair, Catherine Jones and Stephen Hair of their father
Long service
30 years
MAJOR NASREEN DAWSON, Blackburn
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Thu 24 Apr – Mon 28 Apr Ghana Territory* Mon 5 May – Fri 9 May European Zonal Conference
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill Mon 5 May – Fri 9 May European Zonal Conference
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Fri 27 Apr Basingstoke (Installation of Central, Southern and Channel Islands Divisional Leaders) Mon 5 May – Fri 9 May European Zonal Conference
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest Mon 5 May – Fri 9 May European Zonal Conference
*Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham only
NOTICES
Salvationist price increase
After careful consideration, the price of Salvationist magazine will rise from 70/80c to £1/€1 a week from the 10 May 2025 issue. This is the first increase since October 2019, when the price rose from 60p to 70p/80c. Production costs have not stood still in the past six years, which has made this price rise unavoidable. We value you as part of our readership and look forward to journeying with you as we continue to explore faith and belonging together. If you have any questions or comments, you want to share your testimony or you’d like to tell us about what’s happening where you are, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
Candidates Sunday: Voices and Choices
This Candidates Sunday (4 May), join an hour of online worship and prayer at 4pm on Zoom, including inspiring stories from officers and territorial envoys on how they say yes to God’s promise to live a life in all its fullness. For details, email vocation@salvationarmy.org.uk
Addictions training for corps
Join specialists in a series of online training sessions for people in corps settings to increase their understanding of addiction and how to give effective support. The next will take place from 9.30am to 11.30am on 29 April and focus on attachment. For more information, email addictionservice@salvationarmy.org.uk
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. For the International Day of Children and Young People, the message is from Calum Montgomery (Sale). Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
No Age Limit
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 for an hour of music, chat and testimony. This month’s episode features guest Commissioner Robert Street. Listen live on Sunday 27 April at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 2 May at 11am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Me and My Playlist
This Salvationist Radio show sees a young person linked to The Salvation Army share five tracks they love. This month’s episode features Grace (Bristol Citadel). Listen to the podcast and Spotify playlist each month.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
ADVERTS
TO LET
ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hill-walking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available. Tel 02920 759314 or email jonesda19@outlook.com.
TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email jonesda19@outlook.com.
CLASSIFIED
BATH CITADEL
CAMEO Monday 12 May 2pm
Gordon Lewis, author ‘The Happy Family’ about the Fry family, first Salvation Army band.
SOUTHSEA, PO5 2SN CENTRAL SOUTHERN YOUTH BAND
Sunday 11 May
11am Morning worship 3.30pm Praise and Worship Concert with Southsea Songsters
SKEGNESS CORPS, 42 HIGH STREET PE25 3NW
CREAM TEAS FOR £10!
Why not come to Skegness Corps for your corps outing?
We will host a cream tea for your party at £10 a head! Contact us on skegness@salvationarmy.org.uk
• Community engagement
• Corporate worship
• Sport and wellbeing
salvationist.org.uk/resources
BELLSHILL CORPS, GLADSTONE STREET ML4 1AT THE INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS
Saturday 17 May, 7pm
Festival of Music at Uddingston Old Parish Church, G71 7HF
Tickets: £10 from bellshillsasongsters@gmail.com
Sunday 18 May
10.30am Morning worship 2pm Festival of praise
WESTON-SUPER-MARE CORPS, CARLTON STREET BS23 1UA THE HOUSEHOLD TROOPS BAND
Saturday 21 June, 6.30pm
Tickets £10, reserve online or may be available on the door Sunday 22 June, 10.30am Morning worship 2.45pm Open-air
Tickets can be reserved at linktr.ee/westonsupermaresa Email westonsupermare@salvationarmy.org.uk
ADVERTISING RATES
