MELLIFLUOUS kerfuffle. If you put those two words into Google with quote marks around them, they only generate one result. Even after thousands of years of human existence and the evolution of languages, it doesn’t take many words to build up a unique idea – or a unique way of expressing it.
There’s a joy in that creativity, and it stems from the way God has created us and inspires us. We are made in God’s image. Whether we are trying to process our experience of the world or express our innermost thoughts and feelings, our creativity reflects our Creator God and our innate desire to know him more –Scripture is full of songs, psalms and words demonstrating that.
This week, inspired by National Writing Day (24 June), Salvationist has teamed up with Kids Alive! to invite anyone to retell Bible stories in their own words. You can read the results in both magazines – and, as you do, enjoy not just the creative gifts God has given us but the way that someone else’s creativity can help you to see, experience or understand God in a new way, as God works through it. In all our imaginative sparkiness, we are created to glorify God. As we remember this and offer our gifts to him, our creativity becomes an act of worship.
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EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Joseph Halliday, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
CONTACT US 020 7367 4890
salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Chris Hartley calls us to join the Army’s campaign highlighting the hidden reality of poverty
POVERTY is never just a number. It’s the parents skipping meals so their children can eat. It’s the person whose mental health has suffered after months out of work. It’s the family weighed down by debt and the rising cost of living.
Being out of work can push people deeper into economic hardship, but poverty also creates barriers that make work hard to find and even harder to sustain. Poverty is not just the result of unemployment – it can also trap people in unemployment.
A new report by The Salvation Army shines a light on this hidden reality, because official unemployment figures do not tell the whole story. A key group that are missed are those who would like to work but are not currently looking or cannot start soon. According to our research and experience, this is because they face a number of complex barriers, such as caring responsibilities,
Reflect and respond
Read Proverbs 31:8 and 9. How can you listen to people in your community and speak up for people in need?
Find out how you could collaborate with Employment Plus where you are by emailing employmentplus@salvationarmy. org.uk
Share the Army’s new report with your local MP by going to tsa.link/real-unemployment
ill health and the long wait for treatment, homelessness, digital exclusion, transport or a lack of suitable jobs in their area.
About 2.4 million people are in what we call ‘close to work real unemployment’. This includes both those who are officially classed as being unemployed and this hidden group. That figure is much higher than the 1.1 million people out of work who are receiving employment support through the benefits system.
This means about 1.3 million people are missing out on mainstream support – they may not be in touch with the benefits system, or may have lost trust in it. We believe there should be more flexible, community-based support for people who want to work but face barriers to getting there.
Sadly work is not always a guaranteed route out of poverty. Nearly half of UK working-age adults experiencing poverty are actually in employment. This calls into question the strategy of successive governments of pushing for ‘any job’, because it shows that just finding work is not enough to overcome poverty. Work that changes lives must be dignified, sustainable and provide a liveable income. It must be secure, well paid and provide enough hours for what an individual wants and needs.
This is something we see every day through our Employment Plus service, which supports people who are often furthest from employment and government support in 500 UK communities. Our approach is to support the whole person, and this reflects something fundamental about our Christian faith: Jesus never treated people as problems to be managed. He saw the individual, listened and responded with
compassion. In the same way, we believe employment support must be rooted in dignity and hope, not simply compliance or pressure.
Proverbs 31:8 reminds us to ‘speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute’. That’s why our new report matters so much. We are called to put faith into action by serving others, defending human dignity and seeking justice for people pushed to the margins. For us, policy is not about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about people who are struggling and how they can be empowered.
This is why we’re campaigning for change. Our report recommends a more humane and decentralised approach to employment support that relies less on sanctions, particularly for those people facing complex barriers. Ultimately, it’s a question of what kind of society we want to be. Do we create systems that punish people experiencing poverty? Or do we build support that helps people to thrive?
We need your help to share our findings with decision-makers across the UK and urge them to act. We’ve created a campaign toolkit to help you contact your local politician, which you can access at tsa.link/real-unemployment. You can help the voices and realities of people experiencing poverty be heard by those making the decisions. Together we can ensure that everyone can live in dignity and not despair.
CHRIS HARTLEY Public Affairs Officer Public Affairs Unit
seconds with...
Nicky Stephens Gillingham
What’s your favourite Bible verse? Psalm 46:10: ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’
What’s your favourite hymn or worship song?
I have a couple of favourites!
‘Goodbye Yesterday’, ‘All Joy’, ‘What a God (Stripped)’ and ‘Goodness of God’. How did you first get involved in the Army?
My mum took me to the parentand-toddler group. After a couple of years, we started to attend on Sundays. I grew up knowing the corps as my family and I thank God for their influence on my life.
What’s your most-used app? Probably TikTok. Google Maps comes a close second – I could get lost on a postage stamp.
What do you do in your spare time? I make my own dresses and enjoy quilting. I love cross-stitch too. Essentially, anything crafting-related. Which country would you like to visit? I have family in South Africa, so I would choose to go to see them. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stop stressing.
• Nicky has been accepted as a candidate for officer training. Is God calling you to spiritual leadership? Find out more at salvationist.org.uk/calling
‘God
worked through the songs’
Ann Rogerson (Sheringham) thanks God for the wonderful impact and ministry of music
SOMETIMES in life, the smallest things make the biggest difference. Having been enrolled as a soldier, after many years away from the Army, I have been challenged to look for ways I believe the Lord’s hand has been upon my life. I experienced a very unexpected career change – only God knew where that was going and the opportunities it would open up.
As a music therapist, I was attached to one SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) school, but with access to work in all the SEND schools and units within the county. At the time, two schools got together to take a few students to a cathedral to sing carols. This expanded to include about 120 students of all ages and abilities. We set up lighting, microphones, two fixed cameras and two roving cameras with a large screen – all things that mainstream students might use on a regular basis, but to most of ours, a new setup.
In September, the students had a CD of the songs for a simple Christmas cantata I’d written, telling the story of the birth of Jesus. One young lad cottoned on to one word in one song – his contribution to the evening – and what a word he chose: Jesus. He waited, bouncing on his toes, for his one word. The camera caught him at exactly the
right moment and there he was on the big screen. His word came around four times and he didn’t miss one!
I had a card from his parents saying his participation had given him ‘credibility in the eyes of his siblings’. That one word made the biggest difference to the ways his brothers viewed him.
The following year, we had a young lady living with selective mutism. She didn’t participate in any school activities. She was given a CD with Christmas songs on, took it home and, according to her mum, played it nearly every day.
As concert day approached, I had a phone call from her mum saying her daughter had indicated she would like to come. Of course she could! She stood with her classmates and had the biggest smile the entire evening. Mum was in tears. Dad wasn’t far behind.
It’s amazing and humbling to see how God worked through the songs and spoken links to open up opportunities for these students to shine, for each one to be able to give of their very best, whatever that was. Music can, and does, work wonders.
• Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear how God is working in your life! Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
WHEN YOU PASS THROUGH THE WATERS…
by Territorial Envoy Julia Attwood (Saffron Walden)
What does When You Pass Through the Waters… depict?
The picture depicts a stormy sea with waves whipped up by the wind. The waves have white tips – which we used to call ‘white horses’ – and the sea is only like that when it’s really windy. The picture has Isaiah 43:2 running through the middle. I deliberately placed the verse in the middle of the waves to show they have not overcome God’s truth. Under the verse, the waves are calm, illustrating the peace that my faith in God gives me.
How was it made?
I created it with watercolour paints, watercolour pens and markers to create a 3D effect. First, I painted the paper with diluted watercolour. When the paint was dry, I used watercolour pens to mark the tips of the waves. I put the blue on and used a water pen to smudge the effect. Finally, I added the tips of the waves with a white paint marker.
What
inspired it?
Although I love being by the sea, I am afraid of being out of my depth in the water. Recently, I had to negotiate a lot of changes and challenges and have often felt overwhelmed; I had an image in my mind of a big wave coming towards me. Despite this, I wasn’t overwhelmed and I didn’t lose my footing, I knew God was holding me, and that has been my testimony all my life. I have found that, in difficult and troubling times, I have felt closer to God and known him working more in my life!
As I drew the picture, I held on to this promise and sensed him calling me to a deeper knowledge of him and a greater depth of faith. It’s about what the Lent resources called the ‘holy unknown’. In the unknown, I will trust God and take my strength from him.
In the words of ‘Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)’:
And I will call upon your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in your embrace
For I am yours and you are mine.
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and you won’t start now.
Have you made a piece of art, a drawing, a collage or something else inspired by your faith?
We’d love to share it in our Artists’ Corner! Get in touch with our team at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
Step out!
Major Ian Mountford encourages us to get our feet moving
ROMANS 10:1–17
WHEN was the last time you had a good look at your feet? I would not consider mine to be my best feature!
In verse 15 of our study passage, Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7, reminding his readers that, as followers of Christ, our feet are beautiful not because they are particularly well pedicured, but because they carry a significance far beyond our mortal frames.
Paul is writing circa 57AD to a church he did not plant, whose members knew deep turmoil. Following the edict of Claudius, Jews were expelled from Rome over a period of five years until Claudius’s death. Therefore, the Jewish-founded Church in Rome became Gentile led. And, when the expelled people returned, things were vastly different. In Romans chapters 9 to 11, Paul is seeking to address this tension. He declares Israelites are saved by faith in Christ alone, rather than by trusting in legalistic conformity (see vv1–4).
In Romans: A Letter that Makes Sense of Life, Andrew Ollerton points out that sandwiched between the discussion of Israel’s past in Romans 9 and future hope in Romans 11 is Paul’s call to ‘get practical’. It is a call to embody the gospel: to go public, confess and communicate the radical gospel of Christ in a way that elicits a response. Romans 10 addresses the question: if Jesus is the promised Jewish Messiah, why have the vast majority of Jewish people rejected him?
In Rome, customs and traditions most valued by those returning were no longer being observed. The Church had recognised that human effort, no matter
how sincere, is no substitute for faith in Christ alone and, importantly, a declared faith (see v3). Sometimes we need to review our traditionalism to ensure our tradition has not been traded.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Imagine returning to a place to find things vastly different. How might you respond? What would you look for in terms of authenticity?
The confession ‘Jesus is Lord’ (v9), the belief that Jesus’ death and resurrection offer salvation for whosoever, is the cornerstone of our good news. This is why The Salvation Army exists – to live out and share the good news that salvation is found only in Jesus. This is the authentic gospel we have inherited.
Faith in Christ requires faith and confession, and in that you join in his mission. Paul explains this in verses 6 to 10 by quoting Deuteronomy 30:12–14.
Whatever trials or troubles come, God remains faithful to this promise: ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame’ (v11). The gospel is inclusive – ‘no difference between Jew and Gentile’ (v12) – because ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’ (v13). It is also exclusive – found in Christ alone – through faith on ‘hearing the message’ (v17).
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Paul refers back to Moses to prove Jesus. Which verses of Scripture do you go to when you reflect on the good news?
How can people believe in someone they have not heard of? Paul reminds us that we all have a responsibility to carry this good news. He points to the role of preacher (see vv14 and 15) as he describes a herald, who carries good news and declares that there is hope –victory is won and Jesus is Lord! We must experience this salvation first-hand in order to share its potency. Furthermore, our being sent carries more than just words (see v15). God sends no one to pursue his or her own agenda or power. If you identify as a follower of Jesus, you are to be his witness at work, in the gym, at the supermarket, in the corps and everywhere you go. There is no exemption. You are his herald and an embodiment of the gospel, who others will read first. And that is where our feet come in.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
From whom did you first hear the message of salvation?
To whom did you then testify to that experience?
In The Gospel in a Pluralist Society, Lesslie Newbigin echoes Paul’s insistence that the message must be articulated to be understood: ‘Mission begins with a kind of explosion of joy. The news that the rejected and crucified Jesus is alive is something that cannot possibly be suppressed. It must be told. Who could be silent about such a fact?’
Before Pentecost, the disciples’ feet were paralysed. After the Crucifixion, they were huddled in a locked room, immobilised by fear. Fear locks our feet in place; it keeps us stationary. Faith
gets feet moving. Paul recalls Isaiah 52:7 and the beauty of the feet of those who bring good news. It is the beauty of one who carries what Evangeline Booth summarised in ‘The World for God!’ (SASB 933) as words of peace and life, and songs of mercy shown in lovingkindness.
Beautiful feet are rarely pristine. Jesus washed dirty feet. Christian mission involves sacrifice and deep humility. We cannot carry the good news to the world with an attitude of superiority or arrogance.
In Paul for Everyone: Romans, Tom Wright comments: ‘In the ancient world, the messenger came running across the hills to a city under siege to shout, “Good news! Our God reigns!” The feet are beautiful because their arrival means the end of the old regime of fear and the beginning of the new regime of peace’.
You see, the watchmen did not look at the runner’s face; they looked at his pace. There was a joy and urgency to the good news. That is the gospel we are called to carry, and Paul reminds us that our feet – our sometimes tired, blistered feet – become incredibly beautiful when we use them each day to step up and step out with the good news of Jesus.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
In what ways can we share the good news in order to elicit a definitive response?
MAJOR IAN MOUNTFORD Divisional Leader North West and Isle of Man Division
To read the full, unedited Prayer Matters booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 27 JUNE: CARE FOR CREATION – CLIMATE INNOVATION – SATELLITES
Pray for those learning to use satellite data to help react more effectively to natural disasters, or even to prevent them. Pray governments and big business will continue to invest in this vital technology, without restricting it to commercial use. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)
SUNDAY 28 JUNE: SABBATH PRAYER – GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
God, you move together in an eternal dance of joy. Your song sparks new life; your footsteps bless the Earth; your love renews all things. Holy Spirit, you invite us to join the dance. You break off our old chains and help us to rise, to stand, to leap and to run. Anoint us again to heal, liberate, proclaim favour, to be the good news the world needs to hear. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)
MONDAY 29 JUNE: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – COMPASS GLOBAL
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
The General has issued a global call to action to embrace a renewed spiritual vitality and missional focus, driven by the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ. ‘We envision … empowered people, equipped to share the love of Christ and the transforming power of God in local communities around the world.’ Let’s pray with the General. taken from salvationarmy.org/resources/compass
TUESDAY 30 JUNE: SERVING AND CARING – TOGETHER 26 – THIS IS US (3–5 JULY)
We celebrate every gift, every ministry, every heart: ‘This is us’ – everyone different and yet one family in Christ. Fill us with fresh faith, energy and courage as we embrace your calling to follow you, believing that you still have a unique purpose for The Salvation Army.
by Lieut-Colonel Jane Cowell (Assistant Chief Secretary)
WEDNESDAY 1 JULY: COVENANT DAY
Pray for the Keepers of the Covenant session of cadets as they sign the Officer’s Covenant. Pray for peace, comfort and assurance as they affirm their commitment and surrender to God’s will. Pray also for the 22 officers retiring this year, who will be joining the community in worship and reflection. Pray that all who gather will hear God’s voice clearly and respond faithfully to his prompting. by Major Susan Woodgate (Spiritual Life Director, William Booth College)
THURSDAY 2 JULY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – USA WESTERN TERRITORY
The territory covers 13 states of the USA and Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas. Pray that children’s summer camps will be places of fun, healing and salvation. We pray for the territorial leadership team of Commissioners James and Sue-Ellen Betts and Colonels Ivan and Jennifer Wild. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)
FRIDAY 3 JULY: GROWING IN FAITH – TOGETHER 2026 (3–5 JULY)
Remind us that we are your people – called, shaped and sent in love. Draw us together in deep community. Help us to be united in purpose and belonging. Deepen our identity in Christ and renew our shared calling. by Lieut-Colonel Jane Cowell (Assistant Chief 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.
Bible stories retold
The Change in My Purse
by Captain Katy Shubotham (Nunhead)
THE offering bag always seems to move slowly when it’s coming towards you. My body tenses and I grip my purse so tightly that my knuckles sometimes turn white.
I’m sitting somewhere near the middle of church, in my usual spot. Not right at the front and not quite at the back. Just a quiet spot where I can sing, pray and be part of things without drawing attention to myself. It feels safe here. I love Sundays here. The familiar songs, the prayers, the joyful chaotic noise of the children playing and worshipping in their own way. The sense that, for an hour, everything slows down.
Then the offering bag begins its journey down the rows. And, if I’m honest, that moment can make me feel a little uncomfortable.
It’s not that I don’t want to give. I really do. But life is expensive. Rent, food, school shoes that barely last a term. By the time everything is paid, there isn’t much left. sometimes wonder if it’s me. Am I doing something differently to everyone else?
But the truth is that most weeks what I have is just the change in my purse. So when the bag gets closer, I quietly open the zip of my purse and tip the coins into my hand. Copper, a few bits of silver. Maybe a pound if it’s been a good week.
When the bag reaches me, I drop them in.
Clink. It sometimes feels like the loudest sound in the world but also the smallest sound, because it never sounds like very much.
The man in front of me usually puts in a note. The couple across the aisle give online now. Everything looks neat and organised. Meanwhile, I’m emptying the loose change from the bottom of my purse. I sometimes think I’m the only one who puts coins in. Sometimes I wonder if it even matters. If God notices the difference between a tidy note and the last handful of coins someone has.
But every week, I still tip them in.
Because I remember a story Jesus told about a widow at the Temple. People were giving large amounts, but she quietly dropped in two tiny coins. Hardly anything at all.
But my Jesus saw it differently.
He said she had given more than everyone else, because they gave out of their wealth, but she gave everything she had.
So every Sunday I will continue to empty my purse. Not because it’s impressive. But because it’s what I have.
And I trust that the God who noticed two small coins will still notice the quiet gifts that barely make a sound.
Inspired by the widow’s offering (see Luke 21:1–4; Mark 12:41–44)
The Next Big Thing
by Major Violet Smart
CLOTHED in the velvety dark of night, I look into the starry realms above me. My ears are on the alert for predators. The sheep in my care must be protected at all costs. I’ve learnt the skill of sling and stone and, even though I do say it myself, I’m almost always accurate. Of course, there have been occasions when a predator has crept close and I’ve been forced to deal with it physically too.
When you are the youngest of eight boys, you learn quickly. Watching my brothers and listening to them – sometimes even arguing and fighting with them – has taught me to fend for myself.
Tomorrow morning my father wants me to take food to my three eldest brothers who are soldiers in Saul’s Israelite army.
When I arrived, I saw that we were on the opposing hill to the Philistines, with the valley in between. There was no sign of a battle being fought. Our soldiers looked very worried and downcast and I wanted to find out why.
‘Look at the Philistines’ champion. He’s one big giant. To win this battle, one of us must fight him!’
Just then the giant roared out his challenge.
‘Kill me or be killed,’ he hollered threateningly. ‘I’m invincible and you lot are dead meat.’
I thought of my sheep and how I’d been able to protect them from the wild animals. Stepping forward to fight the giant, I felt confident in the presence of God and told the scornful giant so.
Saul wanted to see me look like a soldier and dressed me in a soldier’s armour, but I tossed the armour, shield and sword away. God looks at us differently than men. He could see I trusted him more than these outward things.
So I killed the giant as I would any predator, with the skill that God had blessed me with.
My God doesn’t do battle with sword or spear. He really is the greatest champion of all.
Inspired by David and Goliath (see 1 Samuel 17)
Heated
by Brian Colley (Clowne)
WHEN Shadrach arrived home late, Mrs Shadrach was not in a good mood.
‘I went shopping and mislaid my purse; I’d left it in the butcher’s. When I got back, because it had poured down with rain, the washing on the line was sodden. I had to wring it all out and hang it around the house to dry, then when I tried to rock the baby to sleep he was sick down
This summer, Salvationist and Kids Alive! teamed up for a joint writing competition. Following National Writing Day (24 June), we share your creative submissions inspired by Bible stories. What helps you to see Scripture in a new way? Read entries from young people in the 27 June issue of Kids Alive! at salvationist.org.uk/kids-alive
me, so that meant more washing. Now, to top it all, you are late back.’
Shadrach listened sympathetically. He sat down and answered: ‘You have had a bad day? Mine hasn’t been too good either. You know that barmy king we’ve got, Nebuchadnezzar, he said everyone had to bow down to worship a massive golden image. Well, me and my two friends, Meshach and Abednego, refused – we worship the one true God, not a pile of precious metal.
‘There was a big band of assorted instruments and, when they started playing, everyone bowed down, but we three remained upright. Some so-called stargazers told the king about us. They must have taken their eyes off the sky for a moment to spy for him.
Nebuchadnezzar went mad. He sent for us and said if we didn’t bow down when the music started, we would be thrown into a fiery furnace.
‘No way were we going to let our God down, and we told him so – we said that our true God would look after us, not his so-called gods. He was furious – talk about a temper, he was red in the face. He asked for the furnace to be made seven times hotter. We were tied up and taken to be thrown in there. The soldiers who took us to the entrance were passing out from the heat.
‘We were thrown in fully clothed. The king, who was comfortably seated watching, jumped to his feet in amazement because he saw four men in there – he knew that was one more than went in. We were no longer tied up and we were not burning.
‘He thought this other man could be the son of one of his false gods, but of course it was our living God, the one true God who saved us. We were completely unharmed.
Nebuchadnezzar’s now threatened that anyone who speaks out against our God will be punished. He even promoted the three of us, but I don’t think he mentioned a pay rise.’
Mrs Shadrach said: ‘Thank goodness you were saved from being cremated and you’re here alive. Now eat your dinner, but be careful: don’t touch the plate, it’s red hot!’
Inspired by the image of gold and the blazing furnace (see Daniel 3)
Steve the Bailiff
by Christine Barrett (Christchurch)
JESUS entered the town and was passing through. A man was waiting by the roadside. His name was Steve. He was a bailiff: wealthy and highly regarded by his employers.
Steve had seen a lot on social media about Jesus and his supposed powers. He wanted to judge the man for himself, but plenty of other people had heard about Jesus too and were as curious as he was. Steve was short and the crowd was blocking his view.
Just for once, he forgot his dignity and scrambled up a convenient tree. He hadn’t done that since he was about 14 years old!
Thankfully, no one noticed. They were all watching the road and, once he was up the tree, the leafy branches hid him from view.
Jesus appeared along the road: a quite insignificant figure really, with a bedraggled and dusty group of followers trailing behind him.
Jesus reached Steve’s tree and, to his consternation, the preacher looked up and saw him.
‘Steve, come down, please. I will be your guest today.’
Something about this gentle man appealed to the friendless Steve. He slid down the tree in a rush and proudly led Jesus and his followers to his house.
A curious crowd followed them, complaining to each other: ‘This man’s a bailiff, and a sticky-fingered one at that. Why is Jesus mixing with someone who has such a dubious reputation?’
But Steve didn’t listen to the grumbling. His burden of guilt and loneliness had suddenly disappeared, and he could look the preacher in the eye.
‘Look here, Lord. I’m a rich man, as you can see. I’m going to give half of my money to charities. And if I’ve cheated anyone out of anything, I promise to pay them back four times what they’re owed.’
Jesus smiled at him and said to the grumblers: ‘Today Steve and his household have received the gift of salvation. He is a child of God, just as much as any of my followers. I came to rescue those who want and need my help; not to keep company with self-righteous people.’
Inspired by Zacchaeus the tax collector (see Luke 19:1–10)
Who’s Lost?
by Peter Woodroffe (Southport)
Jesus told this story of a man who owned a farm. He had two sons, and did his best to keep them out of harm.
But one of them, the youngest, was getting really bored.
‘I don’t want to be a farmer. I’d just like to go abroad.’
And so he asked his dad to split the farm up into two. He took his half and sold it and then off abroad he flew.
He spent a lot of money on lots of useless stuff and naughty things I can’t describe – I’ve told you quite enough!
But when the money all ran out, he was really in distress. He had no home, no clothes, no hope. His life was just a mess.
He’d have to go and find a job. He thought of picking figs. But the only man who’d take him on said, ‘Go and feed the pigs!’
Now, feeding pigs is not a job a Jewish lad should do.
But he really had no other choice, the jobs were just so few.
He had no food, he really starved. The future looked so bleak.
Even the pigs got peas and pods. He was really up the creek!
He started thinking, ‘It’s no good, I’ve nowt to eat tonight.
Even Dad’s servants get well fed. I’ve got to put things right.’
I’ll go back home and say to Dad: ‘I’ve let down God and you.
I’m just not fit to be your son, Make me a servant too.’
But while he was a long way off his father saw him there. He ran and gave his lad a hug – an answer to his prayer.
This dirty, skinny, ill-clothed boy had been through so much pain. His father thought that he was dead. He’s back – alive again!
He called the servants: ‘Bring some clothes, The finest – nothing creased. And kill that special fatted calf, we’re going to have a feast.’
Now don’t forget the other son, who’d stayed to help his dad. When he found out his brother’s home he really went quite mad.
‘He’s spent his money, lost the lot. I suppose he’s back for more. I’ve worked hard all these years for nowt. You’d best show him the door.’
His father was upset by this. He said, ‘Now look here, son. Everything I have is yours. And that can’t be undone.’
‘But he’s your brother I thought lost. And now he has been found. It’s right that we should celebrate to have him still around.’
The meaning of this parable is really plain to see. God’s family is for all of us, those brothers, you – and me.
Inspired by the parable of the lost son (see Luke 15:11–32)
Little Big Man
by Jim Burns (Dunstable)
THIS is a story about a famous little big man in the Bible. Zacchaeus, or Zac for short. Little Zac to his friends – or it would be, if he had any. For that is the problem, he had no friends.
The reason was that he was a tax collector, so everyone hated him. Not much has changed in 2,000 years.
Now he wasn’t just any tax collector: he was the chief tax collector for the area. He charged over the odds to line his own pocket. He was a robbing little wotsit, but he liked the big house, the fancy car and all the fine things that money could buy. He liked being a big man!
Now when I say car, of course I really mean a camel, one of those big 135-litre jobs.
He heard that Jesus was passing through Jericho and he wanted to see him. It’s curious that we aren’t told why Zac was so interested in Jesus, but perhaps he was already dissatisfied with his life and, despite all the wealth and possessions he had, felt that something was missing.
Now being hated so much, he didn’t want to draw attention to himself. So he changed out of his fine clothes into some jeans. They were Levi’s, but Levi didn’t seem to mind.
When he got to where Jesus was to pass, he couldn’t get near because of the press. There were reporters there from The Star, The Herald and The Guardian, which was called The Guardian Angel back then.
So Zac ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a tree to see Jesus. Climbing trees wasn’t one of the strengths mentioned on his CV.
Soon Jesus came along that way and was going to pass right under the tree. ‘Cushty,’ thought Zac, ‘I’m going to get a really good view from here.’
But then Jesus stopped under the tree and looked up. And you know what happens when someone stops and looks up at something? Everyone else looks up to see what they’re missing. So now you have most of the crowd looking at the tree. Zac was mortified, and things were about to get worse.
Jesus shouts to Zacchaeus: ‘Come on down! I’m staying at your house today!’
Zac was thrilled to bits. The crowd wasn’t very happy. Some of them even started climbing trees to see if that would catch Jesus’ eye.
Then they trotted out the sinner thing: ‘This man has gone as a guest to the home of a sinner.’
Anyway, Jesus went off to Zac’s. Fortunately Zac had been to do a big shop that morning at M&S. He had some tasty ice cream made by Walls of Jericho that was so good it fell apart in your mouth.
After lunch, Zac said to Jesus, ‘I will give half my belongings to the poor and, if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much.’
Jesus replied, ‘Salvation has come to this house today.’ Zac was about to say ‘I thought your name was Jesus’, but thought better of it.
When Jesus left, there was an even bigger crowd.
Now the Bible doesn’t tell us that Jesus gave Zac a hard time about his life, or reminded him about the Ten Commandments or the Sermon on the Mount. And there’s no mention of repenting. But Zacchaeus decides to turn over a new leaf and live a better life. And he chooses to start in the area that is often the most difficult for us: our belongings and money. Things that had previously been Zac’s idols and reason for living.
Jesus said that he came to seek and to save the lost. That seems to include tax collectors, so none of us is beyond saving!
He is also interested in the little people – people of any age who feel small and generally unimportant. God loves you and wants to find a place in your heart.
And sometimes it’s not enough to start living a new and better life; you may need to make restitution to those you have wronged or hurt. As for Zac, I hope that he found a church and new friends. Genuine ones who loved him for who he was.
Inspired by Zacchaeus the tax collector (see Luke 19:1–10)
A Word from Jenny
by Malcolm Dragon (Maltby)
HAVE you ever wondered what some of God’s creatures might think about us humans, and the way that we sometimes treat them?
Let’s hear from a donkey – quite a famous one, actually –whose timely intervention saved a man’s life:
I’m an ass – or a donkey, if you prefer the term.
Actually, I get called all sorts of things by humans: some of those names I couldn’t possibly repeat here. You can call me Jenny.
I belonged to a man called Balaam, who had quite a reputation for putting bad spells on people.
You know, I hate how people say that they own me and my fellow creatures. They treat us just like inanimate possessions, and don’t seem to care about our feelings at all. Maybe someday people will come to recognise that we aren’t really their property and have just as much right as them to live out our lives peacefully and in comfort.
I think the problem has been around for a long time. When our Creator originally put us here on Earth – I believe you humans call him ‘God’ – he was by all accounts quite happy with what he’d created, but he decided that he needed someone very much like himself to put in charge, to look after everything. So he created humans. Unfortunately, they seemed to misunderstand his instructions – I think it was the word ‘dominion’ that they tripped over – and as a result, many of us creatures have been badly treated ever since.
But I digress.
One day we set off on a long journey to meet the king of Moab. Several princes were riding with us. We were happily trotting along when suddenly a shining man with massive wings appeared in front of us,
‘Stop!’ I shouted.
Unfortunately, Balaam didn’t seem to understand and became impatient. He obviously hadn’t seen what I had. He dug his heels into my sides and hit me with his stick. Then I spotted an opening into a field, so I quickly turned off the road, hoping that the scary man wouldn’t follow us. But there he was again, blocking our way. In trying to squeeze past him, I squashed Balaam’s foot against a wall and he cried out angrily, hitting me again.
I wanted to shout ‘stop’ once more, but it seemed futile – humans can be so heedless.
We tried to carry on but, finally, the man with the sword completely blocked our way and I had no choice but to stop. I dropped to the ground and Balaam tumbled off my back. Grabbing his stick he started to beat me mercilessly.
‘Help!’ I cried.
Then, something amazing happened – I found I could speak in human language.
‘Why are you hitting me?’ I asked.
Balaam didn’t seem at all surprised, but just replied that I was making him look foolish. He even threatened to kill me – after all those years I’d served him so faithfully.
‘Didn’t you see that man with a huge sword standing in front of us?’ I asked. ‘Look: he’s still there, right now.’
Suddenly, Balaam seemed to notice him at last and crouched down, covering his head with his hands.
‘Why are you beating your donkey?’ the figure asked him.
‘I’m so sorry, Lord,’ Balaam sobbed. ‘I didn’t see you until now. I thought she was just being stubborn.’
‘She saw me long before you did,’ he replied. ‘I was sent to tell you that your journey was against God’s wishes and it’s only because of your donkey’s intervention that I’ve spared your life. But if you are willing to humble yourself now, and agree to only do what God tells you to when you reach king Balak, I’ll let you go on your way.’
Of course, Balaam agreed. So we were allowed to continue our journey, and he survived to tell the tale because of my warning.
Not such a stupid donkey now, huh?
Inspired by Balaam’s donkey (see Numbers 22:21–35)
A peace of my mind
This year’s Riverbank Women’s Conference felt both relaxed and full of purpose from the beginning. What unfolded was far more than a programme of sessions – it became a powerful gathering of women ready to pause, encounter God and rediscover a sense of belonging. I found it genuinely exciting to see such a vibrant, intergenerational community come together with openness and honesty, creating space for real connection and encouragement. As the conference ended, conversations carried on beyond the final moments, and many left not only encouraged but deeply renewed, with a clearer sense of purpose and practical ways to keep moving forward. Throughout the weekend, the Riverbank – flowing from the cross and reaching out across the stage – had become a simple but powerful place of response, where many stepped forward for prayer and encounter. In many ways, it came to reflect all that God was doing among us – steady, life-giving, and full of momentum. It was the beginning of something new – something people were ready to carry into everyday life.
Major David Betteridge Director of Family Ministries
• For more about Riverbank and to listen to recordings from Riverbank 2024 and 2025, visit salvationist.org.uk/riverbank
At the Army I experienced unconditional love, biblical truths, the joy of prayer and an invitation to the Peace of My Mind conference, which was a turning point. I realised that true peace is a divine gift. To receive it, we must pause and listen to God’s gentle whisper. A powerful takeaway was ‘I am because we are’, mirroring Matthew 7:12: ‘Do to others what you would have them do to you.’ We need each other – in our families, communities and worldwide. I am here because you are.
Nataliia Moskovets Sutton
The theme was exactly what I needed as I found my feet as a new team member. I experienced God’s peace within the busy schedule, which I enjoyed. I felt safe and included. The welcome, the sisterhood and the care behind every detail was remarkable. The prayers we undertook for every individual who attended reminded me that we carry each other. I left encouraged, grateful, lighter and proud to be part of this team.
Abigail Nyamakawo Team member
I’ve led worship for the past three years now and every year I look forward to arriving. I know I will meet with God, make new connections with loving, friendly women, and leave feeling uplifted and refreshed. This year was no exception, with a focus on reconnecting with God’s peace. The talks, rest time and activities all helped me to feel relaxed and ready to receive from God.
Lucy Grimble Worship leader
This was my first weekend away, a massive step out of my comfort zone. Thankfully, everyone coped, and the children are already asking when I am going again. At Riverbank, I felt absolute acceptance. Studying counselling helped me recognise the emotional anchors of faith and here I finally separated psychology from spirituality. I loved the movement class celebrating uniqueness. I bought a plant as a keepsake and, like my faith, I am doing my best to let it grow.
Nataliya Semchyshyn Sutton
It was my first time having a stall at a conference, and I was so encouraged by how welcoming and supportive everyone was. It was special meeting parents and grandparents who were choosing products to encourage the next generation of believers. I’m not a Salvationist, although my family has Salvation Army roots, so being part of this event felt like a beautiful connection to them and their faith journeys. I left uplifted and inspired.
Lydia
Hughes Faithful Pages (faithfulpages.co.uk)
Photographing Riverbank 2026 was a beautiful experience. Being there with my mum and her friends made it even better and it was good to get some insight into my mum’s spiritual journey. Everyone was so kind, giving, loving and welcoming and I really enjoyed being in a space with so many women all there for the same good purpose.
India-Mae Albie Photographer
The Riverbank team
CONSETT More than 70 people from the corps and wider community celebrated the start of Pentecost weekend with a visit to Lindisfarne. A small group crossed the causeway from the mainland to the island on foot following in the footsteps of early pilgrims. After an enjoyable day exploring the island, a service took place in the Gospel Gardens. The following day a café church celebrated the coming of the Holy Spirit. – HM
MARGATE Corps folk celebrated Pentecost at Westbrook Bay with church members from All Saints Margate and St John the Baptist in a united display of faith. Led by Bishop Rose HudsonWilkin, the service inspired attendees to embrace their roles as courageous disciples. A cheerful performance of ‘Send the Fire’ by the band added to the atmosphere, drawing attention from passers-by. With nearly 70 participants, the event not only strengthened the bonds between the churches, but also spread the spirit of unity into the wider community. Special thanks to Lewis for his delicious homemade cookies. – ES
MUSIC
COLCHESTER CITADEL The band were invited to support Praise in the Garden at Little Bentley Hall. Local Anglican congregations joined together in the beautiful grounds, described by Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani as like being in a cathedral without walls. The band accompanied hymns and rounded off the service playing an arrangement of ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You’. – MW
MUSIC
FAKENHAM The annual Fakenham Fellowship Band Concert at Fakenham Parish Church raised £480 towards Prostate Cancer Research, which past and present band members have suffered from. The gospel message came through marches and tunes, along with a vocal solo from Trevor Nash (Dereham) and a thought from corps leader Territorial Envoy Alison Parker, based on Revelation 3:20. – AP
EVENT
STOCKTON The latest Messy Church was all about animals, from real, tiny insects to an inflatable dinosaur. We had lots of animal-themed crafts and games. Seventy-five people attended, some regulars and some new. Our numbers are growing all the time, for which we are truly thankful. – TB
ANNIVERSARY
WORCESTER At Pentecost, the corps marked the birthday of the Church and the corps anniversary. The corps celebrated 145 years, giving thanks to God for all the memories, commitments and faithfulness shared. The hall was decorated with bunting and balloons. Following the meeting, the corps shared in a bring-and-share meal, cake and party games. – HT
COMMUNITY
BRADFORD HOLMEWOOD Six-week courses at the corps are giving people a blend of barista training and employability skills, helping to boost their job prospects. The scheme partners are Holme Community Association and their Wood Coffee Shop, and CherishEd, which runs Storehouse Coffee Shop at the Elim Church. The scheme not only provides skills, but ensures the community has access to quality affordable coffee in a welcoming environment. – AR
MUSIC
MERTHYR TYDFIL The corps hosted Renaissance Brass on their final stop touring South Wales. Corps leader Major Darren Hampton welcomed them. A full hall enjoyed the band’s range of exciting music. The band also accompanied their guest vocal soloist, Joanne Dexter, and contributions were made by poet Jenny Woods and the songsters. Band pieces included ‘Just As I Am’ and ended with a rousing rendition of the song ‘Send the Fire’ before corps leader Major Sharon Hampton concluded in prayer. A retiring collection was taken for Marie Curie. – LB
ANNIVERSARY
KILBIRNIE Divisional Envoy Kay Roper led Sunday worship as the corps celebrated its 134th year of ministry in the town and community. Messy Church Coordinator Lorna McIvor is pictured cutting an anniversary cake. – JM
REMEMBRANCE
GUERNSEY The band participated in a service to commemorate Liberation Day on the island, marking a return to freedom and the return of child evacuees at the end of the Second World War. Since 1946 there has been an annual thanksgiving service, and this year saw the same songs used as were included that first year. – AD-C
EVENT
CHIPPENHAM Varied programmes have been enjoyed by the Cameo group, including a speaker from Christians Against Poverty, music group Rowde Aloud, a historian and author, a music afternoon, singing along to members’ favourite songs, and a ‘hats’ afternoon, when people wore their favourite hat. – JD
COMMUNITY
CHIPPENHAM The local Morrisons ran a Food Bank Drive to support the food bank managed by the corps. Bags of differing quantities and costs were filled by the store, and customers were invited to purchase one, alongside their normal shop. The number purchased exceeded expectations! The generosity of the public was greatly appreciated and assisted the food bank immensely. – JD
ANNIVERSARY
SLEAFORD The corps celebrated its 140th anniversary with a weekend conducted by Major Joy Caddy, a previous corps officer. A coffee morning was followed in the afternoon by a celebration tea and display of corps history, with a PowerPoint presentation of pictures. Major Joy cut the cake with corps leader Major Dawn McGarvey. The corps has been in its current hall in West Banks for much of its 140 years, but in a few weeks the corps will move into a refurbished property on Grantham Road. – DM
OUTREACH
LISKEARD Last year, the corps planted a ‘listening post’ at the King Doniert pub. The weekly drop-in is a confidential space for conversation and a friendly ear for those feeling excluded or struggling with mental health. Church volunteers have prayed for people, helped write eulogies, signposted families to food and gas vouchers, and listened to stories of loneliness, addiction and domestic abuse. The team has also given hospitality boxes to vulnerable individuals. The listening post has prompted several individuals to enquire about Christianity, and some have begun attending the corps online or in person. Corps leader Captain Teresa Conway explained: ‘The Salvation Army is a Movement – it goes to where people are.’ – AR
EMERGENCY AID
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO The Salvation Army has been working alongside health authorities in response to the new outbreak of Ebola. Its response is focused on limiting transmission through education, improving sanitation practices and reducing stigma. – AR
Refurbished hall reopens
KIRKWALL
TERRITORIAL Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main attended the official reopening weekend of Kirkwall Corps.
In July 2024, the corps moved out of its hall so a complete refurbishment project could be carried out. The corps now has a community hall and worship hall as well as a bigger kitchen, better toilet facilities, office space, more storage and a beautiful welcoming foyer.
Before the dedication service on the Saturday, the ribbon was cut by number one on the roll, retired home league secretary Isa Stanger, assisted by her son, Songster Leader Andrew Stanger. A crowd gathered to watch and enjoyed music from the band.
Throughout the weekend, church members took part in different ways by giving testimonies and leading prayer. The band, songsters and worship group all added depth to worship. One corps member even accompanied a song on the bagpipes, which was a wonderful addition.
The congregation were encouraged and challenged by the preaching from the territorial leaders, and enjoyed getting to know about their work during Café Church at the Sunday afternoon meeting.
Corps leader Captain John Mitchinson and Bandsman and Songster Darren Mitchinson set a translation of the Lord’s Prayer in Orkney Norn to music as a special benediction. It was sung at all three meetings and provided a moving conclusion to each one. – SS
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
NORTH SCOTLAND The division was delighted to welcome 21 children to its first junior camp held in seven years. The theme was Heroes and the children enjoyed hearing about heroes of the Bible. As well as teaching, there were outdoor activities and games. – GJ
MUSIC
PARKHEAD The long-awaited International Staff Songsters (ISS) visit began with a Saturday afternoon programme in Parkhead Forge shopping centre. This was well received by the community, who were invited to attend Sunday meetings. An open rehearsal was held in Parkhead Congregational Church, which was used for the evening festival. Songs included ‘Jesus Himself Drew Near’, a favourite of Parkhead Songsters. ISS Executive Officer Lieut-Colonel Lisa Lloyd-Jones led Sunday meetings and Michael Grimshaw testified to rediscovering belonging through music. The afternoon festival included ‘Jesus Victorious’ and the Scottish Ladies sang ‘Spirit of God’, before the united songsters sang ‘I’ve Been Changed’. All weekend, ISS Leader Dorothy Nancekievill used the music stand that had been presented to Parkhead Band in memory of her father, Bandmaster George Brown. A special collection raised enough money to send nine young people from the corps to summer school. Corps leader Captain Amy-Jo Battersby presented the ISS with a picture of the Glasgow coat of arms as a thank you. – AD
COMMUNITY
NUNHEAD To lessen the financial burdens experienced by families during the school holidays, the café sold Kids Eat for a Pound meal bags. Each bag contained a sandwich, crisps, a drink, biscuits and some Salvation Army goodies. They completely sold out on their first day and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. – KS
EVENT
MAIDSTONE Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin spoke at a wonderful Ladies Fellowship Breakfast. Bishop Rose described her call to ministry at the age of 14, vowing to be faithful to God and trusting him to work out how it would happen. Following God’s guidance, she came to university in the UK and then joined the Church Army. Once ministry in the Church of England was open to women, she started training for ordination. In 2019, she became the first black female bishop when she was consecrated as the bishop of Dover. She spoke passionately on Life in the Spirit from Galatians 5. Pictured with her are Jaqui Atkinson, Audrey Beeching, Major Sharon Willetts, Carole Dodd and corps leader Lieutenant Bethany Perkins. – GP
Army helps Emmerdale highlight rough sleeping THQ
INTERNATIONAL HOMELESSNESS
THE Salvation Army helped ITV’s Emmerdale shine a light on hidden homelessness through a powerful storyline.
Viewers were shocked when character Kammy was revealed to be secretly sleeping in his car and in barns while continuing to work and socialise with friends.
To help bring authenticity to the story, the Army arranged for actor Shebz Miah to speak with Jamie, who had experienced hidden homelessness himself. After reaching crisis point, Jamie went to his GP, who referred him to Walthamstow Corps. He initially went to get clothing but ended up revealing his living situation to corps leader Major Julie Pell, who has been supporting him ever since, including helping him find somewhere to live.
‘Sadly, some people hide the fact they are homeless because they are afraid of being judged,’ explained Major Julie. ‘Storylines like this in Emmerdale are so important.’ – AR
REMEMBRANCE
MARGATE When Band Sergeant Brian Lay was promoted to Glory, his family requested donations for the corps in lieu of flowers. It was decided that 20 large-print Bibles and six youth Bibles would be purchased with the donation money to be used by the corps in Brian’s memory. They were blessed and dedicated by corps leader Lieutenant Emma Scott during a meeting attended by all Brian’s family and friends. Brian is greatly loved and missed. Well done, thou good and faithful servant. – LC
PENTECOST
CIRENCESTER The 10 churches in Cirencester gathered at Cirencester Baptist Church to celebrate Pentecost. The leaders of each church took part in leading the service, with music from the Baptist worship group and the corps band. – MG
BIRMINGHAM CITADEL The songsters presented Handel’s ‘Messiah’, with a small orchestral group and four soloists, Evelyn Byford (soprano), Josie Lamplough (alto), Andy Ward (tenor) and James Upton (bass). To make the event accessible, a massed choir option was created for the four main choruses to allow others to take part. A large number of people joined, including many with no formal connection to the corps. The evening was a great success. – RO
International leaders inspire
CANADA AND BERMUDA
PACKED sanctuaries, vibrant worship and powerful moments of prayer marked the Jesus Our Compass tour as General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham visited the territory.
Supported by territorial leaders Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, the international leaders encouraged everyone to remain fully centred on Jesus. This inspiring message was shared at worship rallies, youth gatherings and ministry visits.
The tour began in Newfoundland and Labrador, where many gathered for worship and the territory’s inaugural Others awards recognised sacrificial service through the Army. General Buckingham challenged Salvationists: ‘Everything we’re doing, everything we’re engaging in and everything that we’re about finds its crucible in the person of Jesus Christ.’
Youth events were held throughout the territory, and young people joined the international leaders for worship and question-and-answer sessions.
In Calgary, Salvationists gathered at Glenmore Temple for a divisional rally where Major James Watt was admitted to the Order of the Founder. Alongside his wife, Bette, Major James was recognised for decades of compassionate medical ministry at the Army’s Howard Hospital in Zimbabwe.
In Winnipeg, the General and Commissioner Bronwyn attended baccalaureate and convocation ceremonies at Booth University College, where honorary doctorates of divinity were conferred upon them.
The tour continued in British Columbia, where Salvationists gathered at Cariboo Hill Temple for worship and prayer. Many responded at the mercy seat following the General’s message.
The international leaders also joined delegates at the Compass 2026 Conference in Abbotsford, where they explored the Army’s Global Strategic Framework. In Vancouver, the General unveiled a plaque at the new Harbour Light social services and housing complex.
In Ottawa, the Buckinghams visited Parliament Hill, where members of parliament paid tribute to the Army’s ministry across Canada.
The tour concluded in Greater Toronto with worship gatherings, music events and meetings with national leaders. A historic moment brought together three Generals: General Lyndon Buckingham, General Brian Peddle (Retired) and General Linda Bond (Retired).
At the final public meeting in Richmond Hill, General Buckingham reflected on 1 Corinthians 12 and the Army’s calling within the body of Christ, declaring: ‘We are a Jesus people!’ – AR
Local officers appointed
QUARTERMASTER STEPHEN BAIN, Maidenhead
ASSISTANT CORPS TREASURER JONTY PARKER , Maidenhead
ASSISTANT COMMUNITY CARE
MINISTRIES SECRETARY JORJA
PARKER , Maidenhead
COMMUNITY CARE MINISTRIES
SECRETARY SIMON PARKER, Maidenhead
CORPS SECRETARY / MISSION TEAM
LEADER TRACY COOPER , Notting Hill
ASSISTANT CORPS SERGEANT-MAJOR MASON CORBETT, Notting Hill
CORPS SECRETARY / MISSION TEAM
LEADER JOY FENTON, Notting Hill
CORPS SERGEANT-MAJOR / MINISTRY TEAM LEADER STUART McTURK , Notting Hill
ASSISTANT CORPS SERGEANT-MAJOR
CHRISTINE MENDS, Notting Hill
CORPS SECRETARY / MISSION TEAM
LEADER AUDREY PHIPPS, Notting Hill
Wedding anniversaries Golden (50 years)
ELAINE AND MICK STOCK , Leigh‑on‑Sea, on 1 May
Promoted to Glory
MAJOR EILEEN PALFREY from Bristol Royal Infirmary on 7 June
PETER CROSS, Wollaston, on 9 June
Bereaved
CHRISTINE CROSS, Wollaston, of her husband Peter Cross
Long service 25 years
MAJOR ASHLEY DAWSON, Blackburn
MAJOR JONATHAN HAMILTON, Birkenhead
MAJOR LIZ HANCOCK , Newcastle City Temple
MAJOR CAROLINE JAMES, Bedlington and Newbiggin by the Sea
MAJOR KINGSLEY LAYTON, Risca
MAJOR PAULA LAYTON, Risca
MAJOR MARK LEWIS, Wigan
MAJOR DAVID McCAW-ALDWORTH, Sunderland Monkwearmouth
MAJOR ELIZABETH
McCAW-ALDWORTH, Sunderland Monkwearmouth
MAJOR JOHN McLEAN, Bedford Congress Hall
MAJOR JOANNE MOODY, Chaplain, Cambria House, London
MAJOR HELEN SCHOFIELD, Govan
MAJOR KELSTON STANFORD, Ireland DHQ
MAJOR RALPH WALKER , Eastbourne Citadel
MAJOR KEIRA WOOD, Belfast Sydenham
MAJOR PAUL WOOD, Leicester South
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Thu 25 Jun – Thu 2 Jul Switzerland, Austria and Hungary
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill
Fri 26 Jun – Mon 29 Jun Kirkcaldy (140th corps anniversary)
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Sat 27 Jun – Sun 28 Jun Sheringham (138th corps anniversary)
Wed 1 Jul William Booth College (Covenant Day)
Fri 3 Jul – Sun 5 Jul Birmingham (Together 26)
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest
Sat 27 Jun – Sun 28 Jun Portsmouth Citadel (corps anniversary)
Wed 1 Jul William Booth College (Covenant Day)
Fri 3 Jul – Sun 5 Jul Birmingham (Together 26)
NOTICES
Together 26: Book by 1 July
Together 26 takes place at the ICC Birmingham from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 July. It is a weekend to gather, celebrate and reflect on who God has called us all to be as The Salvation Army – united in hope, faith and purpose. The last few tickets are now available. Book your place by 1 July at salvationist.org.uk/together
Make the most of a summer of sport
With a huge summer of sport ahead, salvationist.org.uk has everything you need for local outreach, mission and ministry. Visit tsa.link/faith-in-sport-resources to access ideas for watch parties, pop‑up mission and to listen to the Faith in Sport podcast.
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is the first in a five week series, with Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Major Gordon Cotterill introducing the theme This Is Us. 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
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 Dhanya Ebenezer (Regent Hall).
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
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. Listen live on Sunday 28 June at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 3 July at 11am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Fully Scored
In the latest episode of Music Editorial’s podcast, host Matthew Frost speaks to a panel of guests from around The Salvation Army world and poses some tough questions to Bandmaster Matthew Luhn (USA Eastern Territory), Worship Arts Team Leader Julia Roper (Australia Territory) and Bandmaster Anthony Thompson (Castleford).
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
The Small Fish Podcast
This podcast helps children as they approach the transition from junior to secondary education, with 14 episodes covering common concerns, practical tips and biblical wisdom. Use the podcast on its own, as a family or with a class!
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
DUNSTABLE
PETER Goodchild, Freya Baldock, Lizzie Fensome, Paul Fensome and Alison Goodchild were enrolled as soldiers by corps leaders Captain Jacqueline Coates and Territorial Envoy Roger Coates. In her testimony, Lizzie said that on Easter Day she had been asked why she had chosen to come to the Army. Lizzie is clear that it was God’s plan that led her and Paul through our doors. Peter requested the song ‘You Never Let Go’. Paul chose ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’, which he first heard at his children’s school 30 years ago. He could imagine God saying, ‘Shout it out!’ Alison picked Jeremiah 29:11 as a significant Bible verse. Having had many troubles in her life, including nearly being killed in a car accident, she was certain it was God’s plan for her to meet Peter. She believes that God wants us to have hope and has a great plan for each of us. Freya was asked how the Soldier’s Covenant deepens her relationship with God. She said that, having been a junior soldier, it would have been a natural development for her to progress to being a soldier at age 18, but she did not feel ready. She is now taking a leap of faith and looking forward to what God has planned for her. The new soldiers chose 10 people to read out the Army’s doctrines, before the new soldiers knelt at the mercy seat to sign the Soldier’s Covenant. During the final song ‘I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord’ (SASB 959), bubbles rained down on the congregation as the meeting ended on a note of celebration, before a delicious faith lunch. – RC
a
welcomed Megan
adherents. Pauline testified to God leading her to faith through a trusted friend offering an invitation to the weekly welcome space. This is also how Talli connected with the corps. Megan started attending and became a Christian a couple of years ago when her mum reconnected with the Army after more than 25 years. Jennifer attended as a child and had a loose connection for many years, but in recent months has reconnected fully and rededicated herself to God. All four testified to the fact that God has drawn them to the Army for this time and they are excited to see how he will use them in these days. – LH-N
MIDDLESBROUGH
THE corps were delighted to welcome Bosede as an adherent. Bosede testified about feeling led to worship at the Army and that she found her purpose when she arrived. She spoke boldly of feeling she is changed each week she attends. – NK
KASEY Williams was enrolled as a soldier by corps leader Major Michael Kinnear. Kasey testified to the continuing hand of God upon her life, finding a spiritual home at the Army and her calling to soldiership. – MK
SHERINGHAM
ANN Rogerson was enrolled as a soldier and Paul Rogerson was welcomed as an adherent by support officer Major Margaret House. Ann was brought up in Sheringham but left Norfolk to study and travelled around the world as a musician. After marrying Paul, they settled in Surrey. Upon returning to Norfolk recently, they became regular members of the congregation. Ann also plays the piano for the songsters. – MG
CHALK FARM
CORPS leader Territorial Envoy Cadet Lee Highton-Nicholls enrolled Pauline Murphy as
