I’VE never been a runner. Or a gym bunny. My feet hurt and I get bored. I’ve always been more into competitive sports –tennis, football, fencing, snooker – with an aim and focus.
This week’s Salvationist is all about sport: how people use it to connect with others, share the good news and build church through community, and how people benefit from it personally in their own physical and spiritual wellbeing.
As humans, we could win trophies for our ability to separate those two things – in fact, for separating our faith from every part of our lives. What we should be, though, are trophies of grace, entering every scenario as followers of Jesus first and foremost.
Romans 12:1 says: ‘Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.’ Mark 12:30 says: ‘Love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy’ (The Message). Nothing we do is outside God’s reach or love. That includes sport, whether we’re exercising, taking part, cheering on or supporting each other.
If we intentionally seek God on and off the pitch, we can each find aim and focus in how we use our bodies and minds. We can say: ‘I run with purpose in every step’ (1 Corinthians 9:26 New Living Translation). Well, maybe not the running part.
IVAN RADFORD Managing Editor
On the march! Saddling up for
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.
THE CHAPLAIN IN THE STANDS
SPORT FAITH LIFE WEEKEND
A WILD SWIMMING JOURNEY
FOUNDERS Catherine
Booth
TRENDING Henry Pollock at Adelaide Oval, wearing the opposition’s jersey
Together in unity
As the British and Irish Lions continue their Australia tour, Major Andrew Vertigan celebrates their example of unity
LIONS are not known for being cuddly! I was on safari as part of a rugby tour in South Africa some years ago and the tour guide was clear: if you see a lion come your way, don’t move, keep your arms in the jeep and let them deal with him! When we did stumble on a magnificent lion coming towards us, I didn’t move: I froze! He was massive. Beautiful, but massive.
As I write this, the British and Irish Lions rugby union team are on tour preparing for their next test match against Australia – the Lions alternate their tours between New Zealand, Australia and South Africa every four years. In 1950, the tradition of BIL the lion was started. BIL is the mascot of the
Reflect and respond
Read Psalm 133:1. What do you understand by ‘good’, ‘pleasant’ and ‘unity’?
Reflect on Ephesians 4:2 and 3. Are you making every effort to keep the unity of Spirit? Are you disrupting the bond of peace? How can you be humble, gentle and patient in your relationships with others this week?
British and Irish Lions – he is the biggest ever cuddly toy lion you can imagine.
BIL is present everywhere the Lions go on their tour. In some ways, BIL is getting more coverage than the players. Why? Because it’s the role of the youngest tourist to guard him with his life and this task has fallen to England’s breakthrough player of the year, Henry Pollock. Pollock is not allowed to let BIL out of his sight.
Pollock is the embodiment of every rugby supporter’s thoughts, whether positive or negative. The media love his attitude, his seeming arrogance yet potential brilliance. For one so young, he has taken rugby by storm this year. Rightly, in my opinion, he has been selected on form, but here lies one of the biggest challenges facing the selection team: supporters in the other three home nations may well think they have players who are better!
The challenge facing team coach Andy Farrell is to select approximately 38 players for the tour from the four home nations. Every rugby supporter seems to have an opinion, not only of those who are selected but also of those who are not. If you’re Welsh, this tour has gone down in history because only two Welsh players were selected, whereas Scotland – who often have had very few tourists – have eight players this time.
The challenge is to build harmony and
camaraderie. It is said that individualists don’t really fit into the team culture of the Lions. The coach needs and wants team players who can build ‘togetherness’ and a sense of unity in a limited window of time. The best tourists are not necessarily the most gifted players but the ones who understand that team unity off the field will translate into a win on the field.
There are lots of parallels here to church. The four home nations becoming one is a great experience that all players involved in talk about for years to come. I can’t help but reflect on Psalm 133:1: ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’ Unity in diversity brings about beautiful results. In Ephesians 4, the writer suggests that unity and diversity in the body of Christ bring about fullness in Jesus – the church realising its full potential!
So, while I’m hoping that the Lions achieve their goal of unity in diversity and win the test series, I wonder how you, your church and community are demonstrating unity. There’s a beautiful, but massive prayer challenge for us each.
MAJOR ANDREW VERTIGAN Corps Leader York
Picture: David Davies, Alamy
‘God
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen I grew up with Queen as a child quite heavily. One of the first albums my dad bought when CDs became a thing was Queen’s Greatest Hits
‘Breathe’ by the New York Staff Band I played this in the West Midlands Youth Band. It’s an amazing piece of music and the words to it as well – with how hectic my life is, with bands and work and uni and Army, I should probably breathe!
‘Five Colours in Her Hair’ by McFly Another that was in the car on repeat. Through that I became obsessed with McFly.
‘All My Love’ by Coldplay I did a band devotion on this. It’s a beautiful track. When I listen to music, I don’t really listen to words, I just listen to the bass line and drum beat. But with ‘All My Love’, I was listening to the words as much as the tune. They talk about a deep, unwavering love.
‘O Church Arise’ by Keith and Kristyn Getty
It’s one of the congregational songs that sends like shivers through me. It’s not written for The Salvation Army but the words in there are what our mission is. It speaks to me about how through Christ we have the tools to do everything. Whatever we go through is God’s plan, and it’s for us. Like, no matter how good or bad it is, it’s to shape us into the person he wants us to be.
l Based on an episode of Salvationist Radio’s Me and My Playlist. The podcast features young people from across the territory as they share five tracks they love. Listen to more episodes at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
is
always there’
Jillian Gemmell (Govan) shares how sport has been part of her faith journey
IWAS a junior soldier when growing up but it was when I started attending summer camps, around the age of 15 or 16, that I understood more and it became more than just going through the motions. Some people will talk about a big moment in their faith journey, but for me it’s been a gradual process of knowing that God’s always there.
That knowledge probably led me to apply for my job of divisional youth worker for the Central and Southern Scotland Division. I have a calling for working with young people, to make sure every young person has an avenue to faith. We have a Transformers group that is new in our division this year and to see the development of young people through that is great.
In my job, I often see that you lose people at this age if there isn’t something for them. Now, I see how sport can play a part in that. I’m director of the division’s summer camp and sport is one of the most popular options that young people choose. It is a way to include people who don’t have musical interests or abilities, for example.
you wouldn’t always relate to sport.
When I was younger, I didn’t relate sport to anything other than sport. It wasn’t until I was a volunteer at summer camps before my current role that I started to see how sport could be used in a faith context. I’m looking forward to the Commonwealth Games next year and seeing what we can do to tie in with that.
I’ve always loved football but about four years ago, I broke my ankle, which meant I couldn’t run. Matt from my corps is involved with Walking Football Scotland and he recommended it to me.
Walking football is harder than it sounds! It’s designed for people who aren’t able to play traditional football and aims to bring people together. Playing with Rossvale Walking Football Scotland team is the one thing in my life that is with friends who are not connected to church. It’s something I enjoy and I’m able to be a Christian in that environment, in how I treat other people and deal with situations. The other players know I go to church and that I work for The Salvation Army. Being part of this community has also given me the opportunity to support
Daniel Wallis Leek
Changing ends
George Tanton explores The Salvation Army’s historical relationship with football
FOOTBALL is used by The Salvation Army today as a valuable resource in its ministry, for example its annual homelessness football tournament, the Partnership Trophy. However, the Army did not always perceive the national game in a positive light: at one point, it was seen as antithetical to its mission.
Following the professionalisation of English football in 1885, the sport became a national obsession, especially among the working classes. For the Church in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this prompted fears of becoming less relevant to the lives of people who seemingly preferred the terraces to the pews.
The Salvation Army saw football as an opportunity for sin. In 1890, William Booth issued a decree forbidding Salvationists from watching or participating in football. In 1896, during a speech in Exeter, Booth suggested that – as the East and South Devon Advertiser put it – ‘kicking the Devil is a much more delightful occupation than kicking a football’.
In a 1908 interview, Booth expressed: ‘Football I have never played, and have never had any desire to play.’
He added: ‘It may be helpful in getting the body into a healthy condition. Health is … something we owe to God ... the care of the body which he has given us.’
He condemned, however, devoting any time to football on the Sabbath: ‘I am not only personally opposed to the playing of football on Sunday, but I consider it a deadly sin.’
The Movement’s stance towards the national game was frequently reported in the regional and local press. Much of the Army’s criticism was heaped on what it perceived as the brutalisation of its spectators; the game seemingly attracted bad actors through its association with swearing, hooliganism, gambling and drinking. In February 1890,
the Edinburgh Evening News printed a quotation from the War Cry stating that a Salvationist ‘must keep himself clear of this thing, just as he would of a prize-fight, billiard matches, card-playing, horse races, or theatres’.
‘Football is discouraged because it is tainted with commercialism or professionalism, besides tending to bring out the brutal qualities in man,’ declared Staff-Captain Tucker in relation to Salvation Army officers in the 14 May 1920 issue of the Western Evening Herald
A similar assertion was voiced by Commissioner Samuel Hurren during his visit to the Leicester Division in 1925.
‘Come out from your godless and blasphemous football, with its buying and selling of players,’ he was quoted in the Leicester Evening Mail.
In 1933, Adjutant Alfred Gilliard – the then editor of The War Cry – reinforced the Army’s position towards ‘undue concentration upon sport’ in The Officer’s Review. He asserted: ‘It is entirely unproductive so far as social service is considered and leads many away from spiritual light.’
Gilliard stressed that gambling was a byproduct of football, adding: ‘Anything remotely allied to this enormous evil is, by that association alone, brought under condemnation.’
Despite this ban, local expressions saw it as an opportunity to raise funds. Some clubs even collected, or authorised collection, at match days, for the SelfDenial Fund, including West Ham United in 1905, Burnley in 1906 and Bradford City in 1908.
According to the Bradford Daily Telegraph, a number of uniformed Salvationists were on duty, with the
motto ‘all who want Bradford to win drop in a copper’.
In 1925, the Leicester Evening Mail published the view of Leicester City secretary Peter Hodge that, if the Movement embraced the national game, it would present them with greater opportunities to evangelise. Hodge contended that ‘the more [the Army] entered into sport the wider their religion became’.
Hodge concluded: ‘Sport can live where there is Christianity and Christianity can live where there is pure sport.’
Writing in the Army’s 2008 year book, Major Stephen Yoder signalled that the Army was now on the same team: ‘Sport is a universal language… The possibilities for outreach, evangelism, characterbuilding programmes and fellowship through sports ministry are limited only by the creative approach of Salvationists.’
Two years earlier, a Sports Ministry Desk was created at IHQ to facilitate sports as a mission opportunity.
‘Our challenge is to acknowledge the sports activities which create the most excitement,’ wrote Yoder, ‘and then dare to believe that God can and will use that passion and energy for Kingdom-building.’
GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist
FA Cup final, 1901
Blessed are the pure in hear t
Captain Clare Kinsey reminds us that childlike faith and focus can help us see God
MATTHEW 5:8
IAM personally very blessed in my current appointment to spend a lot of time with adults and children who live with some form of neurodiversity. In our interactions together, I often find myself marvelling at how the people I work with see the world, often with such innocence or intrigue that I cannot help but smile. Even a simple thing like rolling a ball or tube around on the floor can take complete and unwavering focus. Interestingly, when I read Matthew 5:8 – ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God’ – my mind immediately focused on such people.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What does ‘pure in heart’ mean to you?
If we look in different translations of Scripture, we find that many people have tried to work this out. For example, the International Children’s Bible says: ‘Those who are pure in their thinking are happy.’ Does being happy therefore mean that your heart is pure? In comparison, The Message paraphrases this verse: ‘You’re blessed when you get your inside world – your mind and heart – put right.’ So, does everything being right in your world mean that you have a pure heart?
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What or who comes first to your mind when you think of the phrase ‘pure in heart’?
If you consider just the word ‘pure’, what do you think of?
To truly understand what ‘pure in heart’ means, we must look at this phrase in the context of the entire verse: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’
Here, ‘seeing God’ does not mean the physical act of seeing God with our eyes. Rather it’s a spiritual awareness in our soul of God’s presence in our lives. Purity of heart comes from having our sole focus on God.
In a world with so many complications and distractions in our lives, how do we have a pure heart? The answer can be found in Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:14 – ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children’ (New Living Translation).
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What helps you remain open and receptive to God?
What helps you to be eager to learn with a childlike faith?
It is with childlike faith that our focus remains on Jesus and we can ‘see’ God. Those who have spent time with young children will know that it’s often very difficult to get a child to forget something exciting, even with many attempts at distraction.
When on holiday recently, my daughter knew we were going to buy an ice cream that day. However, we had said we would get one later. Even with many distractions that included the beach, rides and chips, she kept on returning to the question: ‘When will we get an ice cream?’ Even with so much going on around her and plenty to see, her sole
focus was getting that ice cream. This is a simple explanation that doesn’t do justification to the text, but it’s with a similar thought that we need to come to God.
I imagine that, when Jesus said ‘let the children come to me’, he was asking everyone to come to him with a pure, simple and focused faith in him and with no distractions getting in the way.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How might we sometimes complicate our faith?
What things threaten to pull us away from focusing on God and his will for our lives?
In Proverbs 4:23, we are advised: ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’ In the light of those distracting things we identified earlier, how might we best respond to such wise words?
In Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs for Everyone, theologian John Goldingay suggests: ‘A disciple is someone who accepts someone’s discipline… Learning involves submitting yourself to someone else’s discipline.’
Keeping focused on guarding your heart and keeping it pure, so that you can align yourself with God’s will, takes discipline. Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount suggest that, in order to see God, we need to keep a pure heart. It takes work daily, if we are to keep ourselves from distraction and not be caught up in thoughts and tasks that might otherwise claim priority in our lives.
Perhaps you find it difficult to put
some things below your relationship with God. We are, however, blessed that God places people and situations in our lives to help us keep our hearts pure. Paul writes: ‘We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up’ (Romans 15:1 and 2).
There may be times when we struggle to see God because so much is getting in the way, but someone or something intervenes, and we are able to align ourselves once again to his will.
King David lost focus on God and became distracted. He failed to be pure in heart (see 2 Samuel 11). Later, he sought God’s forgiveness and prayed: ‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me’ (Psalm 51:10).
As you consider your own heart, you may find it helpful to use these lyrics by Brian Doerksen:
Purify my heart, Cleanse me from within and make me holy. Purify my heart, Cleanse me from my sin, deep within.
Refiner’s fire, My heart’s one desire is to be holy, Set apart for you, Lord. I choose to be holy, Set apart for you, my Master, Ready to do your will.
(SASB 517)
A shortened version of Prayer Matters will continue to be published weekly in Salvationist in 2025. To read the full, unedited booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 26 JULY: CARE FOR CREATION – INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
For centuries, Indigenous peoples have read the signs of the times and been sensitive to the rhythms of nature, exercising deep respect for non-human creation and the mutual dependence that exists. Forgive us, Lord, for colonialism, which saw this as unholy. Give us humility to recognise our need for their wisdom when it comes to caring for creation.
by
Major Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer)
SUNDAY 27 JULY: SABBATH PRAYER – WELCOME SUNDAY
As officers take up new appointments, pray they will sense the moving of the Spirit right from the beginning of their ministry in new places. Pray God will help them find people to collaborate with in mission and action, and friends to help them relax and enjoy life. Pray too they will find people to give them prayer support. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
MONDAY 28 JULY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – TERRITORIAL MUSIC SCHOOL
‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid’ (Matthew 5:14 New Revised Standard Version). We pray that Territorial Music School shines with that same undeniable, unwavering light, deeply inspiring to all it touches. by Chris Shanks (Territorial Music School staff team)
TUESDAY 29 JULY: SERVING AND CARING – TERRITORIAL MUSIC SCHOOL
Pray God will give the staff team energy, patience and the right words at the right time, that we will show God to the students through our actions, that we will have the tools we need to deal with situations during the week, that God will use us to encourage and support each other and the delegates. by Cheryl Northwood and Hilary Bromage (Territorial Music School staff team)
WEDNESDAY 30 JULY: GROWING IN FAITH – TERRITORIAL MUSIC SCHOOL
Pray for those decisions and commitments that will be made during this week, and the fruit they will bear all around the territory afterwards. Pray that the unique culture that participants of TMS experience will transfer into all expressions of worship in the territory. by Captain Callum McKenna and Nick Brill (Territorial Music School staff team)
THURSDAY 31 JULY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA AND HUNGARY TERRITORY
Give thanks for the work in this territory and pray its mission will go from strength to strength. Pray for boldness in witness, wisdom in strategy and adventurousness in faith. Pray for the territorial leadership team: Commissioners Henrik and Lisbeth Andersen and Lieut-Colonels Daniel and Heidi Imboden. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 1 AUGUST: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – THE BLESSING OF HOLIDAYS
Thank you that the education rhythm includes breaks – time to slow down, for different experiences and less pressure. Teach us all to rest, knowing the world keeps turning when we stop, because you are in control. Some families will struggle this summer, worried about food, money or expectations. Help people discover joy from simple things, from being together and finding community – and may we be ready to serve where you need us.
CAPTAIN CLARE KINSEY Corps Leader Bristol South
by Captain Kat Whitmore (Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary)
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.
‘We’re trophies of grace’
Sports Mission Specialist Rob Moye (THQ) talks about sports mission
What do you do as a sports mission specialist?
I’m an enabler. When I came into this role, it was a blank canvas. We were being reactive to sport and not proactive. The dream was how to join in with God. We know he’s at work in the world and he’s already there. How do we use sport in our different contexts? Whenever we do sport, how do we help people not to leave their faith behind? How can we help people be salt and light in a sporting context in their communities? I had an image of me at the end of a diving board and seeing the words ‘this is where mission begins’. For me, the question was: how can I paint that picture for other people?
How are sport and faith connected?
God’s given us a body and it’s up to us how we use that body well to make a difference. As I go for a walk, for example, may God bring people in my path. May I be an encouragement to people as I run and not just run past them. It’s about active participation, journeying with people – it’s about being intentional in who we are and what we do. I played football for years, and people knew I was the chaplain and I went to church but I didn’t wait for them to talk to me about it.
What does sports mission look like?
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, I’ve had many people come to me and say, ‘God is calling me to the outdoors.’ We’re seeing God at work in lots of sporting contexts, for example through Surf Church in St Ives, in a Salvation Army boxing gym in York, through Parkrun, including at Together 2025. Lieutenant Lizzie Kitchenside (Harold Hill) has
identified an opportunity to encourage spiritual leaders by gathering together, playing football and eating together afterwards.
We use an educational model at the moment called I Do, We Do, You Do. A corps contacts me with a vision involving sports. I help them, but I don’t just walk away: we do it together, so they can then do it. We have to do things as a team and be encouragers. That’s an opportunity we have through sport. It’s not about winning, but about joining in with communities and being church. It’s going out of our way to cheer people on.
What does that look like for us as individuals?
Commissioner Jenine Main has talked about it before and I’ve quoted it loads, but as Christians we should be trophies of grace. We’re called to live out Romans 12:1 in our everyday, to be athletes of faith, looking for the opportunities to be salt and light in our contexts.
How has Sport Faith Life played a part in the growth of sports mission?
The event is now in its fifth year. It brings together like-minded practitioners: people who love Jesus, love sport and want to make a difference in other people’s lives.
It’s such a varied mix of people: some work for the Church, but others work in banks or are teachers. We play sport, we talk life, but we’re intentional about how we express our faith.
It’s also ecumenically broad. When we started Sport Faith Life, it was just a Salvation Army event. I did the next one and started becoming friends with people outside our church. I’m friends
with an Australian evangelist called Marty, who said to me, ‘Rob, think Kingdom. Don’t think denomination. God smiles when the churches work together.’
Where do you see sports mission going?
That’s the exciting question! Somebody asked me if I still enjoy what I do, and I do, because I believe God’s called me to do this – to be an expression of God’s love and compassion in the community called sport.
More and more people are catching that vision for themselves. God’s calling them to the gym, to the pool… My responsibility is to run alongside them, because God’s on the move!
We have a sports resource coming out this autumn called One Body, to help people explore what it means to live a church-without-walls life through sport. Jesus isn’t confined to four walls. His Kingdom is coming on beaches, in gyms and at parks across the UK and Ireland! You can find out more about One Body at salvationist.org.uk/one-body
‘Football needs Jesus’
George Tanton speaks with Lieutenant Luke Furlong about life as a sports chaplain
FOOTBALL can be an unforgiving environment, both on and off the pitch. It can be divisive, confrontational and at times cynically commercialised. However, for Newport (Isle of Wight) Football Club, sitting in Division One of the Velocity Wessex Football League – the 10th level of the English football pyramid – the game is deeply embedded in community.
‘It’s a proper local club,’ Lieutenant Luke Furlong (Isle of Wight), Newport’s club chaplain, asserts proudly. ‘The club chairman works in Morrisons!’
Luke is certain that he is God’s instrument at the club, bringing the gospel to players, club officials and supporters alike. Match day, in particular, provides an opportunity for Luke to get among the fans – the ‘Newport ultras’, he jokes – and be a listening ear to those in need.
‘The language in the terraces can be a bit fruity,’ he shares, ‘but it has never got to the point where I have to step in as peacemaker! I am mindful that, when people go to football, the problems in their lives don’t just suddenly leave them. It is my job to meet people at life’s intersections and journey with them where they’re at. I see the club as very much part of my congregation.’
Luke became club chaplain in July 2024, following his appointment to Isle of Wight Corps. A lifelong football fan, Luke decided to watch a game and was surprised to see members of his corps cheering on ‘the Port’. Following conversations with club management, Luke was officially announced as the club chaplain.
‘While I view the world through my Christian lens, sports chaplaincy is very much about the care and spiritual support of everyone, regardless of their faith and background,’ Luke explains. ‘I am available for the staff, the players, the supporters, anyone.
‘I think the club sees me as their church, and people just open up to me about stuff. One of the stewards has recently been navigating a difficult
season in their life, including a major health scare. He felt I was a trusted person and was comfortable enough to confide in me.’
Another beautiful aspect of football chaplaincy for Luke is bumping into staff, players and supporters in supermarkets and having those impromptu conversations.
‘It’s not moving mountains in comparison to some stuff out there,’ he says, ‘but it’s another point of connection. For example, a fan on the last day of the season talked to me about how we see the world as we get older. He was starting to wonder and think about how there was more to life.’
Once a month in the match day programme, Luke writes Chaplain’s Corner, a column in which he addresses a topical issue through a broadly faith-based perspective. While not a conventional way of teaching people about Jesus, the column addresses Christian messaging around Christmas, Good Friday and Easter.
‘The match day programme is a perfect opportunity to speak into situations that can perhaps be quite challenging,’ Luke says. ‘At the start of the season I wrote about encouraging one another and how we can intentionally look out for each other. For instance, it is important to understand that referees are human. I know the players read the column too.’
Luke is adamant that God is at work at Newport (IOW) FC. He is emboldened by the seeds of faith being sown at the club, whether in the quiet conversations or in the noise and commotion of the home end.
‘God is lacing up his boots in the changing room,’ he quips with a smile. ‘He is playing the false nine on the pitch. He is standing in the terraces. I know that football can completely polarise people, but it can also bring people together. Football has so much potential to bring people together from all walks of life. The world needs Jesus – and, ultimately, football needs Jesus.’
‘God uses us, even when we’re sweaty and out of breath’
The Rev Natalie Andrews talks about wild swimming, faith and sharing Jesus with others
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Natalie. I’m a vicar in Littleport, north of Ely in Cambridgeshire, and I’ve been there for two years. For three years from 2020, I was leading the national sport and wellbeing project for the Church of England and we were working with eight pilot dioceses, looking at how we can use sport as an evangelistic and discipleship vehicle. How can we connect with that massive community of people?
What’s your favourite sport?
I’ve always loved running.
Who’s your sporting hero?
Adam Peaty, the swimmer. He’s a Christian and he’s gone through an awful lot. He’s shown resilience and how his faith has helped him through.
Do you have a memorable sporting moment?
I think back to when the England women’s team won the Euros. I was working at Church House Westminster at the time and I nipped down to Trafalgar Square where they all came after they won. It was so joyous. What I loved was that all families were involved: it had a different feel to it. Men’s football is great, but there’s also been some really dark things – for example, hooliganism – and the women brought a different perspective. I think we need both, but I really enjoyed the Euros.
What gets you up in the morning?
My faith in Jesus. If I compare my life before I became a Christian –I became a Christian when I was 20 –the decisions you make and the things that you do before are just different. Having that purpose to serve Jesus
every day is what gets me up. We all have a purpose, to be followers of Jesus, but he gives each one of us a specific thing that he calls us to do. That calling for me is more and more around sharing the good news of Jesus. I think that’s why I love sport, because it helps you connect with such a variety of people, and I get to share Jesus in that space.
How have you connected your faith with sport?
I remember when I was running at night-time. I didn’t bring my head torch and so I kind of ran alongside somebody who got their head torch out, and all of a sudden he shouted: ‘Let there be light!’ He wasn’t a Christian. Then he started talking about when he was a child and used to get taken to church. I always pray wherever I go: Lord, give me the opportunity to speak into people’s lives. Or to listen or be your hands and feet in this place. I think it’s amazing that God uses us, even when we’re sweaty and out of breath, and in the most inconvenient places!
You also do wild swimming. Studies suggest it’s good for you. Have you found that? Definitely. I think it’s partly because of the cold water – it has a positive effect in terms of our dopamine levels and mental health. The cold water also activates what’s called brown fat rather than white fat, which helps to metabolise quicker. The third thing is being out in creation and seeing the beauty of it.
How has wild swimming helped you go deeper in your faith?
Being thankful for our bodies in general. Wild swimming is quite risky, so I would
say do it properly – start in the summer and then gradually acclimatise your body, etc. But there is something about delighting in the thought, ‘Wow, I’ve been able to withstand the shock of that water and breathe through it. Aren’t our bodies wonderful?’ So that connects me back to God. I also mainly use it in a slow way, doing breaststroke, so it’s a good time for me to pray. One of the lovely things on the river where we swim is that kingfishers dart out quickly and then are gone again. That reminds me sometimes of how it is with God: sometimes you feel really connected and sometimes that goes, but that doesn’t mean he’s not there. The kingfisher is still there, just not as visible.
How and what can we pray for you?
I’d love it if you could pray for our parish. We’ve got a really good youth group, so pray for that to grow.
• Based on Episode 6 of Salvationist Radio’s Faith in Sport podcast, which sees Rob Moye (THQ) meet people who connect their passion for Jesus with their love of sport. Listen at salvationist. org.uk/faith-sport-podcast
Salt, sand and Scripture
Captain Nathan Loxley (St Ives) talks Surf Church with George Tanton
ST Ives Corps is not a conventional Salvation Army church. Instead of congregating in the worship hall on Sundays, members are riding waves on Cornwall’s exquisite coastline, expressing their faith and fellowship through a shared love of God, surfing and the outdoors.
Surf Church, now in its seventh year, is led by corps leader Captain Nathan Loxley.
‘St Ives is a town full of Methodist chapels,’ he explains. ‘There are so many churches here, so we don’t need to recreate that.’
Opting to create a completely revised vision of church, Nathan was inspired by a conversation with the dads on the school run.
‘The reception’s been really positive,’ he continues. ‘Some people have come who are completely new to faith or who have tried conventional church in the past. They are blown away and say, “I didn’t know church could be fun!”’
Every week, about 30 people of all ages attend.
‘Around the world, surfing is one of the fastest growing sports,’ Nathan continues. ‘We’ve got a great surf spot on our doorstep, so that’s where a lot of community is forming and a lot of relationships are happening.’
‘People tend to let their guards down and often are quite open to being challenged in their thinking,’ Nathan asserts. ‘We read the Bible, have a short
message and then have open prayer. We might pray on the beach, but often that’s not the end of it. We’ll be talking in the sea, we’ll be praying in the sea.’
Conversations at Surf Church regularly touch upon caring for creation.
‘The Cornish coast is the most beautiful place in the world,’ Nathan proclaims. ‘You can’t not talk about the Creator when you’re somewhere that’s so beautiful. How could this place come to be by accident?’
While Nathan has not encountered sharks in the water, his congregation has included other inquisitive aquatic life.
‘We’ve had plenty of seals!’ Nathan laughs. ‘You’re on a board and a seal pops up next to you! That’s always fun. We’ve also had dolphins come to Surf Church before. That was cool. And a couple of weever fish. They have spikes that poison you if you step on them. They’re not so fun.’
Nathan contemplates how surfing is similar to faith: ‘You’ve got to have patience, and you’ve got to be able to wait. When waiting for the right wave, it’s all about waiting for the right moment and being able to sit in peace. So much of this points towards faith in a way that seems to open doors for people.’
The corps also operates a midweek football match for local men seeking to let off steam.
‘Sport is helping us reach men in ways that other ministries struggle to,’ says
Nathan. ‘The club that we have built is based on Christian values and people want that. They want to play football in a community where, if you kick the ball off the pitch, no one shouts at you, or if someone fouls you, you stand up and shake hands.’
Sports ministry is particularly impactful in a town like St Ives. While it is a scenic holiday hotspot, there are also socio-economic problems in the area.
‘About 38 per cent of children in one of the wards in Cornwall live below the poverty line,’ he explains. ‘Cornwall still has the highest average suicide rates compared to the rest of the country. In St Ives, everyone knows at least one or two people who have taken their own life. Housing is also a huge problem and most of the jobs only offer a basic living wage and are solely reliant on the tourist season.’
Consequently, initiatives such as Surf Church offer not just a taste of Christian fellowship, but also a change of perspective.
‘Cold water therapy is obviously good for mental health,’ he muses. ‘People talk about that a lot.’
There are plans for the Surf Church initiative to grow across the territory in the future. Nathan hopes that more people will catch the wave: ‘The kind of culture we are trying to cultivate is one of a pioneering spirit.’
Inspired and equipped beyond the game
THERE’S something really special about coming together to celebrate sport, faith and life – not just as separate things, but as parts of a bigger picture. This year’s Sport Faith Life gathering was exactly that, writes Charlotte Tanner (London DHQ). It was a chance for people from different backgrounds and churches to connect, grow and be encouraged in how sport and faith work together in everyday life.
Held on a sunny summer day, the event kicked off with laughter and energy on the artificial turf. Adults jumped into games including crazy dodgeball and Danish longball, and their smiles said it all: sport brings joy. Seeing people play freely and without worry reminded everyone why sport matters. It was the perfect way to start a weekend that was more than just a conference – it was a celebration of friendship, faith, and purpose.
Right from the start, the theme was clear: connection. The first speaker shared how sport brings people together, builds friendships and breaks down walls – and, importantly, that there’s a sport out there for everyone.
To help us reflect, the group was asked two simple questions: What’s your sport story? What’s your first memory of playing sport? These opened the door for personal stories that brought everyone closer together.
Major Nick Hanover (Community
Chaplain, Elgin), one of the main speakers, shared how sport is a gift from God – not something to worship in itself, but something we can use to honour him. He shared Bible verses that helped shape this idea: sport as worship (see Romans 12:1), sport as a testing ground (see Matthew 5:16), and sport as a way to share faith (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). But he also reminded everyone with 1 Timothy 4:8 that, while sport is great, our faith is even more important.
Maisy, who was new to the event, shared how her nerves quickly disappeared: ‘I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the talks, the different stories, and the chance to meet people from all over showed me how sport is being used to build God’s Kingdom. I’m excited to see what God does next.’
Other highlights included talks from the Rev Natalie Andrews, Vicky Hendry (Stowmarket) and Mark Oliver (Scripture Union). Natalie encouraged people to think of sport as a way to experience grace – a physical way to worship and connect with Jesus.
‘When we think this way,’ she said, ‘our sport can help us grow in faith and bless others too.’
Vicky talked about something many struggle with: comparison.
‘We compare ourselves all the time,’ she said. ‘It can push us, but it can also hold us back.’
Her message was clear: we are already
enough, just as God made us.
Mark’s focus was on mental health, and he shared five simple habits to support wellbeing: connect, be active, take notice, give and keep learning. These tips gave people real tools to use in their own lives and to support others. Throughout the weekend, honesty and trust stood out. Thanks to leaders such as Rob Moye (THQ), Richard Witham (Sportily), Mark and Natalie, the event felt like a safe space where people could open up about challenges they’re facing – both in their faith and the rest of their lives. One powerful moment came when someone said: ‘Maybe sport is my language.’ It was a reminder that sport can be more than a game – it can be how we connect with others and with God.
As things wrapped up, Rich left everyone with a final question to think about: if God is extraordinary, how do we live out our faith in the middle of everyday life?
This weekend was full of joy, honesty and hope. More than anything, it reminded everyone that sport, faith and life don’t need to be separate. They can move together – and help us follow God in every step, every game and every moment.
• Find out more about Sport Faith Life at salvationist.org.uk/sport-faithand-life
UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Treading a new path together
THE
HAYES CONFERENCE CENTRE, SWANWICK
‘I’VE never seen this place, even though I’ve been here before.’ ‘I didn’t know this beautiful space was right under the centre.’ ‘So refreshing.’
I kept hearing responses like these as I led groups through the Walking and Talking workshop at the 2025 Intercultural Mission Conference, writes Captain Wan Gi Lee (St Albans)
Some participants had visited the centre where the Intercultural Mission Conference was held more than 10 times before. Others were new or had only been once or twice. Yet they all said the same thing: they had come, but hadn’t truly seen.
Now, walking the landscape together, they were beginning to see. This experience perfectly reflects the theme of this year’s conference: I Looked and I Saw, based on Revelation 7:9.
The beauty of nature – its calmness and harmony – created the perfect setting. It helped attendees to open up in a relaxed, honest and meaningful way. More importantly, they were able to look and see the new spiritual landscape, subtly yet powerfully intertwined through fellowship with others and the physical realm of God’s creation.
The weekend encouraged delegates to move beyond their familiar spaces, to explore and rediscover through workshops, fellowship and worship. More than 100 delegates from across the territory participated. They came to look at God’s Kingdom through the lens of
intercultural mission – a perspective that is increasingly vital in our age of division, separation and conflict.
The territorial intercultural mission officers led participatory workshops to encourage delegates to see and explore new spiritual landscapes in their own settings. The workshops offered themes such as Biblical Theology, Safe Space, Open Table, Walk and Talk, and a Case Study of Myanmar. Each was crafted to make the invisible visible, revealing the Kingdom landscape as a tangible reality to see and respond to.
‘After experiencing challenging times with The Salvation Army, I had lost hope,’ reflected Jastin Chari, community programme manager at Margate Corps. ‘But this Spirit-filled conference rejuvenated me. Through the inspiring workshops, fellowship and worship, I recognise that we are all children of God, regardless of our diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.’
‘This was a joyous occasion and a powerful confirmation that God isn’t done with the Army yet!’ shared Russell Chalmers from Parkhead Corps in Glasgow. ‘It was interesting that the proportion of white attendees was apparently the highest in the 10 years this has been running. What was originally almost a protest movement has grown into something truly positive and constructive.’
These are just some of the encouraging and powerful testimonies
from participants – those who came and saw what God is doing to extend his Kingdom beyond the barriers drawn by society. They challenge us to weave our individual stories into a wider Kingdom narrative, through which divided visions are transformed into a unified landscape of Kingdom reality – a powerful counter-narrative to society’s forces of division.
The Intercultural Mission Conference delegates came and saw that their stories are part of that bigger picture – and they witnessed their stories becoming a living, unfolding event. The weekend ushered them into this new landscape, inviting them to walk together and rediscover.
‘What do you see?’ God repeatedly asked the prophets throughout the Old Testament. They were invited to pause with the question in the presence of God and, through that pause, to see a new reality emerging –even in the most hopeless times.
Throughout the conference, I sensed that God’s question came powerfully to those who attended. We witnessed tears and challenges. We also saw joy and hope. In all these, I was reminded that: ‘The things of Earth will grow strangely dim/ In the light of his glory and grace’ (SASB 445). Beyond the broken lines that divide, I glimpsed the coming of a new Kingdom – for all people – in a powerful way.
Pause in your setting with that question: what do you see?
OUTREACH
STREET Corps leader Territorial Envoy Louise Melia and Corps Secretary Helen Stevens delivered doughnuts to nine local schools to commemorate the work of the Army’s Donut Girls in the First World War. The doughnuts were a thank-you to the schools for all they do for the community and to send a message of hope! Territorial Envoy Louise and Noah were up early to go and collect the 500 doughnuts, and a production line was set up at the hall to package them for each school, along with information about National Donut Day. The corps echoed the prayer of Helen Purviance in 1917 ‘that somehow this would do more than satisfy a physical hunger.’
ENVIRONMENT
NORWICH CITADEL The first corps event supporting Great Big Green Week featured a pre-loved clothes sale and stalls offering goods like recycled cards. Many talented corps members demonstrated impressive skills in woodwork, knitting, quilting and tatting, showcasing beautiful upcycled items, and attendees eagerly participated in decoupage workshops. The SATCoL charity shop raised awareness through a window display while promoting their exciting new denim brand. During festivities, videos highlighted SATCoL’s cuttingedge technology that recycles fabrics efficiently. Local charity The Matthew Project transformed two old dining room chairs into a stylish garden bench, which they gifted to the citadel. Inspiring insights were also shared on how to upcycle lives, creating fresh beginnings and new possibilities in Christ! – TB
ANNIVERSARY
LEICESTER SOUTH A community fun day attracted about 800 people. Families enjoyed bouncy castles, face painting, crazy golf, children’s crafts, circus skills, a penalty shoot-out, owls and steam engines. There were 30 stalls and refreshments were served in the Loaf and Bloom Coffee Shop. This event was part of the 20th corps anniversary celebrations. – MR
MUSIC
HADLEIGH TEMPLE The corps training band welcomed International Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb to lead a rehearsal. Stephen guided the band through three pieces, including ‘Call of the Founder’, which was composed by group leader Adam Whitehead specifically for the band. This was a truly memorable experience and left a lasting impression on all involved. – AW
ENVIRONMENT
HADLEIGH FARM Volunteers, staff, friends, members of the Yarncraft group and trainees from the Hadleigh Training Centre took part in a community creative project to create a Handmade Hedgerow. Leaves were fixed to a frame and the hedgerow was displayed in the Hub café as a prayer table in celebration of Great Big Green Week. – SB
MUSIC
NORWICH CITADEL The Salvation Army Symphonic Wind Ensemble visited the corps for the first time. A musical feast was shared, including a challenging Christian message. Leader Andrew Mackereth compèred the concert, providing interesting information about the music and composers and sharing the motivation behind his compositions. Melanie Page blessed the congregation with two vocal solos. – MW
SWAN LODGE Lifehouse residents became a part of history when they got to lift the trophy won by their football club, Sunderland AFC, in the Championship play-offs. The club brought the iconic cup to the Lifehouse to say thank you for the support Swan Lodge has given to the Black Cats over the years. – AR
FUNDRAISING
The corps held an afternoon tea to raise funds. Twenty-six people came through the doors, two of whom had never been inside the hall before. A wonderful afternoon was had by all, and some are already wanting tickets for the next one! – KR
MEETING
ABERYSTWYTH Friends from across the West Wales Cynefin joined together for a meeting focused on God’s blessings. Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts rededicated the corps programme and buildings after a period of redevelopment, and showers of blessing were received as the fellowship enjoyed worship – with music provided by the Cynefin band raised for the occasion – and a re-telling of the recent Aberystwyth Story by Corps Sergeant-Major Mark Mainwaring. A buffet provided by corps members was enjoyed by all. – PS
SATCOL
EVA BURROWS The Ukrainian Refugee Centre recognised the refugees who volunteer at the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd Hamilton Distribution Centre. Their hard work and commitment to helping in this way were acknowledged with tea, coffee and cake, and some friends came to support. – JT
EVENT
LURGAN The last summer meeting of the Cameo club was a day out in the sunshine at the Montalto Estate at Ballynahinch. The manicured gardens and special features lifted the spirits and fellowship. An enjoyable lunch was taken at the famous Galley restaurant at Annalong before people were driven safely home by Kenny Harney. – CB
MUSIC
STAPLE HILL The band weekend commenced with a Summer Concert and, despite being a wet evening, many people came to listen. It featured ‘Be Still’ and ‘Speak Lord’ as well as ‘The Kingdom Triumphant’. Flautist Victoria Heath was the guest for the evening, herself a member until going to study music at university. PowerPoint was used throughout the evening to enhance the music, and to inform the congregation, many of them having not attended an Army concert before. The band also led the Spirit-filled Sunday meeting, with two people publicly responding. Both meetings are available on the corps YouTube channel. – VW
COMMUNITY
NORTH WALSHAM The corps has taken over the running of the Cameo café at the Furze Hill House care home’s community resource centre. Once a new community manager is in place, the vision is to run a permanent affordable café for residents, families, visitors, contractors and the community. Corps leader Territorial Envoy Ruth Morey has arranged for a weekly gardening group where residents and members of the community can come together and enjoy growing plants and vegetables. The bigger picture is to have a cookery school led by a member of the corps, as well as expanding Singing by Heart into the community, along with knit and natter, craft for wellbeing sessions and bereavement support. Territorial Envoy Ruth said: ‘We are so blessed to have such a wonderful suite of buildings and our priority is to serve our community without discrimination to provide a safe and welcoming space where people feel loved and valued.’ – RM
ISLE OF MAN
Bostock was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Captain Rachael Nieuwoudt. Zoe started volunteering in our debt advice service around a year ago and was invited to come to Sunday worship. She soon accepted Jesus into her life and started attending regularly. – RN
DROITWICH SPA
FRIENDS and family joined with our corps family as Zara Balan and Rick and Ruth Deller were enrolled as soldiers by corps leader Major Sandra Collins, making fresh commitments to God. It was lovely to hear testimony from the new soldiers about God’s faithfulness and the influence of many people through their Christian journeys. We thank God for them and pray he will continue to bless and use them in the days ahead. Also pictured is flag bearer Richard Campbell. – MM
Sandy Davis. They did an amazing job of writing and reading out what becoming a junior soldier means to them. Also pictured is Bev Appleby, their junior soldier coach. – TB
SHILDON
JOINED by members of the band, Lieutenant Stuart Turnbull (Worcester) enrolled Mary Smith as a soldier in her home because of her lack of mobility. A lovely lady of great faith, love and care for others, Mary’s enrolment was the fulfilment of 70 years of longing. – CC
STOCKTON
ZOE
Lord was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Lieutenant Hannah Turnbull on Ascension Day. David testified to feeling at home in the corps and to the power of the Holy Spirit in his life. – HT
MAJOR DOROTHY HOLLOWAY
DOROTHY was the firstborn child of Salvationists Albert and Ida Watkins in the town of Carnforth, northwest England. At an early age she was well involved in the activities of the corps, her father being the young people’s sergeant-major.
Dorothy became a qualified shorthand typist employed in a large company in Lancaster. She felt called into officership and, at the age of 18, she entered the International Training College as a member of the Intercessors session.
In May 1952, Dorothy was appointed to Shotton Colliery to join Major Agnes Johnstone in her ministry. She enjoyed a productive ministry with the major before being appointed to Aspley in Nottingham.
While in Nottingham, Dorothy was called home to Carnforth to look after the family, as her mum was taken seriously ill.
This break in her ministry proved very eventful, as the corps officer in Carnforth was one William Holloway.
Dorothy and Bill were married in Carnforth in May 1957 and were appointed to Porth Corps in South Wales. Joy arrived while they were at their next appointment in Gelli. New appointments came rather quickly, and Christine was born in Staveley, Railton in Andover and Lyndon in Leyton.
They had a very fruitful ministry in 16 corps, retiring from Wealdstone in 1990, first to Welling and then to East Grinstead. There being no corps in the town, they became fully involved in the Methodist Church.
Dorothy remained active in the ladies groups until the summer of 2024, when ill health really took hold and she spent her final months at the Army’s Villa Adastra Care Home in Hassocks.
She is terribly missed by all who loved her, but we can say ‘well done, thou good and faithful servant’. – MW
MAJOR JEAN SMITH
MAJOR Jean Smith (née Barker) and her husband, Roy, were called by God to Salvation Army officership while they attended Cropston Evangelical Church in Leicestershire. They became soldiers of Leicester Central in 1963 before entering the International Training College in 1964 as cadets in the Defenders of the Faith session.
Ten years as corps officers at Dover, Horsham, Newport Central and Great Yarmouth were followed by appointments at the training college and then at Aberdeen Citadel and Clydebank in Scotland. Subsequent appointments were at Southampton Divisional Headquarters, National Headquarters and then, in 1992, as divisional leaders of the South Yorkshire Division, from which they entered retirement.
They spent 30 happy years in Reigate as soldiers at Sutton, Carshalton and then Croydon Citadel, transferring to Worthing just a few months before Jean’s promotion to Glory at the age of 92.
In all her appointments, Jean endeared herself to so many with her loving care and concern, making numerous friendships that were sustained for the rest of her life. Her son, Ian, daughter, Gill, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and all their wider family count themselves blessed to have had her in their lives for so long. – GS/IS
Please note members’ tributes that are submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Tributes for officers should be no longer than 300 words. Good quality pictures will be included.
Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
MYRTLE MCCAUSLAND BELFAST TEMPLE
THE sudden promotion to Glory of Myrtle McCausland brought much sadness and a tremendous sense of loss of someone who was held dear by many people.
Neighbours, former work colleagues, corps comrades and the wider family circle knew Myrtle as a devoted Christian whose life shone like a beacon for everyone with whom she came in contact. One of her many friends within the corps, Rita Place, in paying tribute during a very well attended funeral service, talked of Myrtle’s family connection dating back several years and how she had been such an inspiration through her quiet nature and encouraging words on many occasions.
Myrtle, whose dear husband, Frankie, was promoted to Glory almost three years ago, will be a sore loss to many, in particular her two daughters, Katrina and Denise, her three granddaughters, Emma, Anna and Jessica, and her three brothers, Jim, Ted and Raymond. – TP
JACQUELINE ROBERTSON BO’NESS
JACQUELINE was born in Glasgow in 1962. She was involved in the local church, gymnastics and music. She became a paediatric staff nurse, working in specialised areas. Jacqueline was invited by her close friend, David, to The Salvation Army for the Falkirk Corps centenary weekend. God was at work! Not only did Jacqueline become a soldier at Falkirk, she and David were engaged and married later that year!
Jacqueline was always involved in corps life and led Sunday worship around several divisions. Jacqueline felt a call to officership, and in 2015 became a territorial envoy.
Jacqueline had a wonderful pastoral ministry, caring deeply. She touched so many people in a special, Godly way, whether it was at the corps, in the community, on training courses, or studying at William Booth College with the cadets.
Jacqueline’s promotion to Glory was very sudden. She witnessed to everyone who visited her in hospital. Servant of God, well done! – DR/MB
Wedding anniversaries
Diamond (75 years)
DORRIE AND STAN SABEY, Hartlepool, on 5 August
Diamond (60 years)
BARBARA AND GRAHAM HATTON, Chatham, on 7 August
JIM AND MARGARET NIEL , Clowne, on 7 August
Promoted to Glory
KATH HAYWARD, Clacton-on-Sea
JEAN WRIGHT, Clacton-on-Sea
STUART PARKER , Staines
AUXILIARY-CAPTAIN JEAN
BROOKE from her home on 13 July
RETIRED BANDMASTER HOWARD ROBERTS, Merthyr Tydfil, on 14 July
MAJOR BERYL WATTS from Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, on 14 July
Bereaved
SONGSTER RESERVIST BARBARA ROBERTS, Merthyr Tydfil, of her husband Retired Bandmaster
Howard Roberts, Julie, Stephen and Martin of their father
ANDREW WATTS, Farnworth,
Peter Watts, Julie Norris and Michelle Titmus of their mother
Major Beryl Watts
CAPTAIN WAYNE ADCOCK, Guildford, of his sister Susan Thomas
Promotions
To major – effective 10 July
CAPTAIN MARIE BURR , Sittingbourne
CAPTAIN SUZANNE CLARK , Banbury
CAPTAIN MARK COTTERILL , Sweden and Latvia Territory
CAPTAIN ALEXANDRA DEVINE , Associate Officer, Nottingham Arnold
CAPTAIN CARL DI-PALMA , Exeter Temple and South West DHQ
CAPTAIN ELIZABETH DI-PALMA , Exeter Temple and South West DHQ
CAPTAIN DAVID GOSLING , Business Administration Service, THQ
CAPTAIN JENNIFER GOSLING , William Booth College
CAPTAIN KENNETH GUEST, Harpenden
CAPTAIN DARREN HAMPTON, Merthyr Tydfil
CAPTAIN SHARON HAMPTON, Merthyr Tydfil
CAPTAIN ANGELA NOBLE , Sheffield Citadel
CAPTAIN JONATHAN ROUFFET, Ireland DHQ
CAPTAIN MARION ROUFFET, Ireland DHQ
CAPTAIN GRAEME SMITH, Bromley Temple
CAPTAIN ZOE SMITH, Bromley Temple
CAPTAIN LINDSEY TAYLOR , Chaplain, Kings Ripton Court Lifehouse, Huntingdon
CAPTAIN ANDREW WARRINER , Pontypool
CAPTAIN LORRAINE WARRINER , Pontypool
To captain – effective 11 July
LIEUTENANT IAN BARKER , Wood Green
LIEUTENANT LIAM BEATTIE , Leicester West
LIEUTENANT HANNAH BORRETT, Dartford
LIEUTENANT ALI BROOKS, Chester-le-Street and Langley Moor
LIEUTENANT FAYE-LOUISE BROPHY, Maesteg
LIEUTENANT JACQUELINE COATES, Dunstable with Eaton Bray
LIEUTENANT LUKE COZENS, North East DHQ
LIEUTENANT GILL FELTWELL , Grays
LIEUTENANT REBEKAH FROST, Stafford
LIEUTENANT JOSH HERBERT, Luton
LIEUTENANT VIKKI HERBERT, Luton
LIEUTENANT DEBBIE-ANNE HOGARTH, Woking
LIEUTENANT JAMIE SLATER , Bicester
LIEUTENANT RAY SLATER , Bicester
LIEUTENANT DIANE TAYLOR , Chaplain, Booth House Lifehouse, Grimsby
LIEUTENANT CHRISTOPHER THOMPSON, Bay Area (Carnforth and Morecambe)
LIEUTENANT FAITH THOMPSON, Bay Area (Carnforth and Morecambe)
LIEUTENANT EMILY WATSON, Belfast Citadel
LIEUTENANT JONNY WHITMORE , Mission Service, THQ
LIEUTENANT KATHRYN
WHITMORE , Mission Service, THQ
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Sun 27 Jul Sunbury Court (ICO Spiritual Day)
Mon 28 Jul Sunbury Court (ICO lecture)
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries
Commissioner Shelley Hill
Thu 24 Jul – Sun 27 Jul Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Sun 27 Jul William Booth College (Territorial Music School, Worship)
Wed 30 Jul William Booth College (Territorial Music School, Midweek Festival)
Sat 2 Aug – Sun 3 Aug Edinburgh (visit to the Moderator of the Church of Scotland)
NOTICES
Care for creation Bible study
An international, hour-long Bible study is led by different people on the first Tuesday of each month, alternating between 8am and 8pm. The next will take place on 5 August at 8am, led by Major Phil Howe (Chelsea) on the theme Our Shared Table. For more information, email environment@salvationarmy.org.uk
Understanding singleness
The UK and Ireland Territory is taking part in international research that aims to gain a deeper understanding of people’s views, feelings and experiences of being single. To take part, visit sar.my/singleness before 31 July.
Poetry Corner
Salvationist is bringing back Poetry Corner throughout the year to explore the territory’s five mission priorities: share the good news, care for creation, nurture disciples of Jesus, serve others without discrimination and seek justice and reconciliation. If you have a poem about or inspired by nurturing disciples of Jesus, please email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration by 1 August.
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is from Captain Rob Westwood-Payne (Maidenhead). 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 features Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Captain Kat Whitmore. Listen live on Sunday 27 July at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 1 August at 11am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
CLASSIFIED
FAREWELL TO MARION LEACH FROM BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL
Songster Marion Leach, a soldier of many years at Brighton Congress Hall, is emigrating to Canada. If there are those at previous corps who know her as a friend and would like to send a message to her send it via Bram Warren on bramwellwarren3@gmail.com.
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.
ADVERTISING RATES
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ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.
RECRUITING NOW GENERAL COUNSEL AND COMPANY SECRETARY
We are seeking a General Counsel and Company Secretary to support our work in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In this role, you will serve as a key adviser to The Salvation Army and attend the Board of Trustees and all key executive boards/committees. You will report to the Chief Secretary, have direct access to the Chair of Trustees, and work with the Board of Trustees and senior executives.
Your responsibilities include managing an Assistant Company Secretary and The Salvation Army’s Legal Services Unit (10 people), ensuring the delivery of highquality and proactive legal advice to stakeholders throughout the organisation.
To learn more and apply, scan the QR code or visit The Salvation Army Careers page: careers.salvationarmy.org.uk/vacancies
