Salvationist 29 August 2020

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1771 Price 70p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 29 August 2020

Fellowship and fun PLUS

Enabled Summer School at Home

IT’S TIME TO GET CRAFTY

SEE PAGES 12 TO 14

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

CAR PARKS AND FIELDS DOUBLE UP AS VENUES FOR CHURCH SERVICES

‘ENCOURAGING’ A-LEVEL FIGURES FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Congregations forced out of their churches by the coronavirus have been taking advantage of warm summer days to worship outdoors.

For some, the experiment could become permanent, even after the weather turns autumnal.

Gatherings for services have ranged from small groups assembled in the corner of a field to scores of cars in a supermarket car park for a socially distanced drive-in.

‘The Church is finding new ways to worship,’ the vicar of St Barnabas’s, Ealing, the Rev Justin Dodd, said. He is holding a regular Tuesday lunchtime mass on the grass in front of his church, to which the response has been ‘fantastic’…

There are still some restrictions, including social distancing, no singing, and holy communion is administered in one kind only. Chairs are provided, but people are advised to bring an umbrella – for shade as well as protection from the rain...

Church House has issued guidance for congregations keen to use outdoor space for church activities. It says…

‘This can be an opportunity to notice and be thankful for God’s creation…

‘Churchyards are also often full of fascinating monuments which tell the story of your community over the centuries…

‘These can offer opportunities for reflections on life, remind people of their shared past, and encourage discussion about our place in the world.’

In a rebuke to critics of the subject, the number of students sitting religious studies (RS) A-levels has declined at a lower rate than other humanities in 2020.

Despite a long-term trend of declining interest in the humanities at A-level, religious studies compared favourably... 15,692 RS A-level entries were recorded in England and Wales this year, compared with 17,490 in 2019.

Although this represents a decline of 11.5 per cent, religious studies outperforms other subjects like geography (down 16.2 per cent) and history (down 15.1 per cent)…

Professor Trevor Cooling, Chair, Religious Education Council of England and Wales, called the new figures ‘encouraging’ and said that ‘the subject is proving its popularity’.

The Church of Scotland has created a new guide for Gaelic speakers and learners which will particularly support worship leaders who ‘want to use the language with confidence’.

Described as a guide to biblical and ecclesiastical language, the booklet will also more generally aim to help anyone who wants to engage in Bible study or follow sermons more easily.

It arrives against the backdrop of a study… by the University of the Highlands and Islands warning that the Gaelic language will decline unless it is used more in everyday conversation and at home.

The booklet has been compiled by the Kirk’s Gaelic Language Development Officer Dr Duncan Sneddon, and has also been supported by a range of academics and Gaelic speakers.

The Tablet

The Church of England Newspaper

Church Times

Premier

SALVATIONIST

ADVERTISING 020 7367 4883 advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

COVID CASH COURSE TO EQUIP 1,000 CHURCHES TO HELP PEOPLE FACING FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS As the UK hits the largest recession on record, churches are gearing up to help thousands facing financial difficulty.

Since lockdown, the Just Finance Foundation's Covid Cash Course has been training churches and community leaders to guide vulnerable people about how to financially survive the pandemic.

Thanks to a £100,000 grant from Allchurches Trust, the programme will now be expanded. The goal is to equip 1,000 churches to inform people about what government help is available, how to manage financial stress and how to successfully budget for the next few months.

As various support schemes implemented by the government are phased out, 2.6 million people are currently on universal credit or jobseeker's allowance.

Just Finance Foundation hopes the course will help at least 10,000 vulnerable people make financial decisions at a critical point in their lives.

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

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Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

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Salvationist 29 August 2020

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

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CONTENTS

KINGDOM CREATIVITY A TEAM of researchers recently discovered what they say could be the oldest works of art in the British Isles. They found prehistoric designs on ten stone fragments uncovered at an archaeological site on Jersey, which are thought to be between 14,000 and 23,000 years old.The experts think the engravings were made by the Magdalenians, early hunter gatherers who lived towards the end of the most recent Ice Age. The engravings include abstract designs as well as basic sketches of animals, landscapes and people. These aren’t the oldest examples in the world though. Two years ago scientists reported the discovery of a drawing in a South African cave estimated to be 73,000 years old.

That’s enough of the history lesson. Now for some theology. It’s not surprising that humans have always shown artistic creativity – we are, after all, made in the image of the Creator God. It’s natural, also, that our creative impulse is used in worship and to express our relationship with God. On pages 12 and 13 Melita Day-Lewis features some corps and centres that have made arts and crafts part of their ministry. She highlights the many benefits of such creativity: from empowering people with learning difficulties and helping people explore the Bible, to reaching out to families and young people through Messy Church. Then on page 14 we are encouraged to have a go at some craft activities ourselves.

In another ‘From the archive’ article on page 15 we go back to 2011 to hear from Major Catherine Wyles, who reveals how art helps many people, including herself, understand and express their faith. ‘Very often a picture can “speak” to some people in a way that words sometimes fail to do,’ she says.

Creativity featured in the Enabled Summer School at Home, reports Chris Stringer on pages 8 and 9. Not only did the organisers get creative in their planning by coming up with 40 varied online sessions during the week, but craft activities featured in one of those sessions. As well as Chris’s report, a number of participants share their thoughts on a varied and enjoyable week.

During the lockdown many people have turned to poetry. One of the most creative uses of language, poetry expresses feelings and ideas in a distinctive style that can encourage, inspire or console the reader and the writer. In her reflection on page 18 Nicola Walmsley says, ‘During this pandemic I have found it cathartic to write, and have a new-found solace in writing poems.’ The article includes one of her poetic creations, inspired by God’s creation.

For a lot of people, photography seems to involve pointing a phone at themselves and taking endless selfies. Not so for Mike McCartney, featured on page 21. His exhibition of images chronicling the redevelopment of Strawberry Field is on display at the centre ahead of the launch of his book of photos.

The majority of people in pre-industrial society could not read so learnt the stories and beliefs of the Christian faith through drama, story, music and art. Even though we now live in an age of mass literacy, ours is an increasingly visual and interactive culture – so it’s encouraging to see that creative expression is being valued and harnessed for the Kingdom of God.

Quotes from the media

2

Message from the Territorial Commander

4

News

5 to 7

Prayer matters

7

News feature 8 and 9 Enabled members enjoy friendship, fellowship and fun online In the zone 10 and 11 Italy and Greece Command

by Captain Luca Longo

Feature 12 and 13 Gospel-informed creativity

by Melita Day-Lewis

Feature Getting crafty

14

by Melita Day-Lewis

From the archive Words fail me

15

by Major Catherine Wyles

Bible study Peter finds his courage

16 and 17

by Captain Helen Froud

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Howard Webber

Reflection Where I am now

18

by Nicola Walmsley

Reflection Trusting God’s word

19

by Brian Colley

Reflection Don’t hide behind the mask

19

by Trevor Caffull

Letters

20

Preview Picture this

21

by Laura Taylor

Announcements

22

Adverts

23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Captain Julia Mapstone

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 29 August 2020

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Watching and waiting

T

HERE’S a word that keeps cropping up in my life, and I suspect in yours too. It’s one of those words that children learn soon after they’ve learnt ‘yes’ and ‘no’. It’s the word ‘wait’.

I’m one of those people who, back in pre-Covid-19 days, when anticipating a bus and seeing it wasn’t coming, would walk to the next stop – even with the risk that the bus was likely to come and overtake me, and I might miss it. I just couldn’t bear to stand and wait and do nothing.

Waiting, whether we like it or not, is an integral part of our lives. We’re waiting for the lockdown to ease. We’re waiting for a safe return to worship and to work.

We wait for the bus or the train or for the lights to turn green. We wait for the doctor, the ambulance, the postman, the shopping – and so it goes on.

In these past weeks our hearts have gone out to students who have been waiting for the results of exams that they never took – waiting for the opportunities that would open up for them as far as the next steps of their study or careers are concerned. How our hearts have gone out to them and how we want to encourage the young 4

Salvationist 29 August 2020

people, pray for them and bless them in these days of continued uncertainty.

If, like me, you have an aversion to waiting, then I think there’s a fresh understanding of the word that might help us. Waiting doesn’t imply that we are hanging around doing nothing. ‘Wait’ derives from an old northern French word that simply meant ‘to watch’. It referred to a watchman or a lookout. In one of his nature programmes you might hear David Attenborough describe lions that are lying in wait. And on Crimewatch you’ll perhaps hear a description of a gang that lay in wait for someone to come by. It’s not that the lion or the gang are hanging around idly. No, they are alert, they are watching and they are waiting.

Waiting should never be seen as a passive waste of time. It could become a productive time for us – for our communities, for ourselves personally and for The Salvation Army. As well as waiting for a bus we also talk about waiting on tables. A waiter or a waitress is someone who is watching out for the needs of the customer – welcoming them, encouraging them and, above everything, ready and willing to serve them joyfully. We need to become waiters and waitresses.

The essence of waiting is found in acknowledging God, who he is and what he is able to bring to us. In Isaiah 40 the prophet acknowledges who God is and the powerful effect of waiting upon him: ‘The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the Earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (vv28–31).

We need to be forgiven if we have thought that waiting on the Lord is akin to waiting for a bus to come along – hoping that he will come and that all will suddenly begin to fall into place for us.

And in the meantime, as we wait, we just idle our time away. No, we are called to wait upon him – to be a waiter or a waitress, asking, ‘Lord, what is your calling upon my life as I serve you?’

This waiting period – whether we’re in lockdown, in quarantine or just frustrated that things can’t be the way we want them – can be an incredibly productive time for us, as we watch and as we wait upon him. Waiting upon the Lord is about being in relationship with him: acknowledging him, trusting him, obeying him, calling out to him, preparing, seeking and praying. It can help us discern the next step in our journey as we yield to him.

There’s a chorus we often used to sing in our meetings, and I still sing within my own heart: ‘Silently now I wait for thee,/ Ready my God thy will to see,/ Open mine eyes, illumine me,/ Spirit divine’ (SASB 786). It highlights the coming together of waiting and watching.

Actively waiting, acknowledging God for who he is, can be the most productive time in Kingdom terms. As we trust, as we intentionally and silently wait upon him, may his blessing fall upon us and be revealed through us.

I can’t wait to see what that will mean for us individually and corporately, as we truly wait upon him. Anyone up for that? Let’s do it. What are we waiting for?

ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER O This

message is based on a video released by the TC that can be viewed at facebook.com/SalvationistOnline or youtube.com/user/salvationarmyvideo

NEWS

ARMY NEWS

COMMUNITY

International Positional Statement calls for end to death penalty IHQ THE Salvation Army has published a new International Positional Statement (IPS) on the matter of the death penalty.

It recognises that the subject is controversial, but puts forward a clear position, stating: ‘The Salvation Army affirms the responsibility of government to create and sustain justice, and while it recognises that this includes punishment, The Salvation Army calls for the end of the use of the death penalty.’

Acknowledging the Army’s international experience of ministry with offenders, victims and their respective families, the statement adds: ‘The Salvation Army, in recognising the need for there to be consequences for criminal acts, advocates that such consequences should allow for the rehabilitation of offenders. The Salvation Army uncompromisingly stands for life.’

An IPS, crafted with careful and prayerful thought, articulates the official viewpoint of The Salvation Army. It is put together by the International Moral and Social Issues Council, which comprises officers and soldiers from all over the world.

As well as stating the Army’s position, each document expresses the scriptural and theological grounds for the statement and the underlying principles. Officers and others representing The Salvation Army are expected to speak consistently with the stated position, which is available for the public to view.

It is understood, however, that individual Salvationists may hold different views on some subjects and acceptance of the official position is not essential to membership. – AR O The full IPS can be accessed at sar.my/ips

GUILDFORD Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the corps has increased its food bank distribution from 30 to 250 parcels per week. The Rotary Club, the divisional food hub and many individuals and churches have donated supplies and funds. Corps folk have been volunteering along with the lord-lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, who was interested to see how the food bank operated. He is pictured with Evie Brett, who has been helping to sort out food twice a week with her younger brother, Jacob, during the school holidays, corps officer Major Catherine Rand and Evie’s grandma, Wendy Brett. – CR

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meals handed out to families in Sunderland SEE PAGE 6

CORPS SALISBURY The corps fellowship has creatively stayed in touch through traditional and online means. Abiding by social distancing guidelines, corps folk close to the hall have regularly received Army papers and a friendly greeting. The songsters meet on Zoom for a Sing and Social, which is open to all the fellowship. The telephone has also been a lifeline to those shielding, with people encouraging each other through regular conversations and catch-ups. – AR

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refugees in Italy given permanent housing SEE PAGE 6

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cases per average universal credit work coach SEE PAGE 7

Bath Citadel CSM Andrew Avison and Songster Leader Susan Avison retire after 38 years’ service each; corps members sent messages of thanks for their commitment and dedication

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INTERNATIONAL

Army provides new home for refugees ITALY

CORPS Enid Tostevin is presented with a certificate of recognition, a card and flowers after almost 80 years as a songster at Guernsey (where social distancing is not required); also pictured is Acting Songster Leader Fiona Campbell, corps officers Majors Claire and Jamie Hill and Retired Songster Leader Rodney Le Poidevin

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD The summer holiday club was not viable this year, but continued its aim of providing food and presenting the gospel to children in the community. In partnership with the council’s Holiday Hunger scheme, the club provided 70 kids with a packed lunch every day, along with activities, Kids Alive! and daily Bible verses. In addition to the 350 meals handed out, each family received a parcel from the food bank. – RB

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Follow Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

COMMUNITY

OUTREACH TEIGNMOUTH Julie Carpenter, a soldier of the corps, has started to sell the Army papers in the town again. She has had a wonderful reception from the general public. – MG

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‘

IT’S A NEW WAY OF PROVIDING A SUSTAINABLE HOUSING SOLUTION

’

A NEW residential facility has opened in Rome, providing permanent accommodation for up to 14 refugees who had previously lived in the Army’s social services centre.

The programme is a community-based partnership led by The Salvation Army and financed by the government and municipal authorities.

It is the first such collaboration in Italy, in an ongoing scheme that will see buildings requisitioned by the government and repurposed for initiatives of social benefit.

The newly renovated apartments enable independent living but also continue to provide wrap-around case management services to residents.

‘The building is not being run as a shelter,’ said Captain Monica Seiler, the director of the initiative. ‘It’s a new way of providing a sustainable housing solution, with clients moving on from an emergency situation to a context that offers long-term security.’

The individual units at Centro Virgilio Paglieri provide each occupant with their own personal space, kitchen and private bathroom, with shared laundry facilities and communal spaces.

The first seven residents have migrated from countries such as Ivory Coast, Egypt, the Gambia and Niger. The Army will provide ongoing support and help connect residents with partner agencies, social services and health professionals as required.

Each resident will have a dedicated Salvation Army social worker as they work to achieve their personal goals.

‘It is a blessing to have secured a place these individuals can call home for the next phase of their lives,’ Captain Monica added.

– AR

NEWS

ARMY NEWS

Churches Together in England respond to racial injustice ENGLAND

Prayer The Prayer Matters booklet for July–December has not been printed due to the lockdown, so Salvationist will be publishing the prayer themes for the rest of this year

MENTAL HEALTH FOCUS

by Matthew Little (Sutton)

THE presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE), of which The Salvation Army is a member, have issued a statement on racial justice, addressing injustices both within church life and in wider society.

‘We, as presidents of CTE, have responded to the killing of George Floyd in the United States, and the widespread call for real change to combat racial injustice in our world, above all in our own country. We have spent time listening to people from the black community, especially the younger generation. This has illustrated powerfully the many profound changes that need to be made. The attitude that regards black people – and indeed other people of ethnic minorities – as inferior is evil and mars our common humanity. We challenge this unreservedly, recognising the constant experiences of racism, including microaggression, which black people face.

‘We are painfully aware of the racism that blights the life of our churches. We are intent upon a process of identifying racial injustice within our churches – current and historic – repenting of it and taking action to effect real change. This includes the potential for discriminatory behaviour in the way that we make church appointments, which we know can happen at the conscious or unconscious level. We want to ensure that these processes are just and demonstrate the so often neglected gospel truth of Colossians 3:11.

‘We call upon all churches to travel together on this journey of racial justice so that together, as one community of churches in England, we may reach out in love and respect to one another in pursuit of our common witness.’ – AR

New report slams universal credit THQ A NEW report by the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has found that the universal credit system can push people into debt and further poverty.

The Salvation Army, which has repeatedly called for immediate changes to be made to universal credit, gave evidence at the committee. The report includes many of the Army’s concerns and mirrors many of its recommendations, including increasing capacity among work coaches, giving more time to support claimants needs and removing the five-week wait for an initial payment, replacing it with a one-off grant.

In July the National Audit Office (NAO) noted that as of February 2020 each work coach oversees an average of 125 cases. This is in contrast to 50 at The Salvation Army. In 2018 the NAO found that each work coach’s caseload was expected to increase to over 3,733 as universal credit was fully rolled out.

The Salvation Army’s initial submission to the House of Lords was made on 22 May, calling for an end to the five-week wait and increased protection against homelessness. – AR

SATURDAY 29 AUGUST Poet Lemn Sissay was told as a child by his Christian foster parents that his birth mother abandoned him and he should call them ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad’. At the age of 12, however, they abandoned him to the care system. Pray for children experiencing any kind of family breakdown. Ask Christ to demonstrate his love and acceptance to them tangibly through the Church.

SUNDAY 30 AUGUST In her book Shameless, pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber argues that the Church has long idolised a certain kind of ‘normal’: heterosexual, married, able to have children, etc. Pray for all those who have experienced exclusion and psychological harm at the hands of the Church on account of being different.

Ask Christ to give you his all-embracing love for ‘the whosoever’.

MONDAY 31 AUGUST Global catastrophes have the potential to change not only the world, but also people’s behaviour and well-being. Pray for those who are still struggling with their mental health due to the effects of Covid-19. Ask Christ to give you the grit and courage to embrace change and bring his hope to those in your community who need it at this time.

TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Readers of A Man Called Ove discover that the elderly protagonist has become miserable due to knockbacks and losses in his life. However, the relentless kindness and straight talking of his Persian neighbour eventually crack his hard exterior. Pray for those who are embittered by life. Ask Christ to give you the unrelenting kindness that transforms communities.

WEDNESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER Megan Phelps-Roper grew up in the infamously intolerant Westboro Baptist Church and developed a reputation for her witty but hate-filled Twitter posts. A few people chose to engage her with calm, compassion and curiosity, triggering her to eventually quit the group in 2012. Pray for those who are consumed by hate. Ask Christ to teach you to respond to anger with compassion.

THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER After escaping a life of utter poverty in North Korea, Yeonmi Park claims that reading truly freed her: ‘I could feel my brain coming to life, as if new pathways were firing up in places that had been dark and barren.’ Pray for schoolchildren who have missed weeks of learning. Ask God to grow your curiosity and wisdom.

FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER Earlier in the year the Youth and Children’s Ministries team launched Upbeat, an innovative resource that gives 13 to 16-year-old boys the tools to identify and talk openly about their emotions using group activities, videos and music (upbeat.cloud). Ask Christ to show you on a regular basis how you can be praying specifically for boys of this age.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources

NEWS FEATURE

Enabled members enjoy friendship, fellowship and fun online UKI WHEN the Enabled Summer School of Arts 2020 had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, thoughts of hosting an online Summer School at Home began to emerge, writes Chris Stringer, Learning Disabilities Inclusion Development Manager (THQ).

The planning team decided to host Summer School at Home using Facebook Live on the Enabled Facebook group. This made the week available to as many people as possible. It also meant the event was available to view later for those unable to join in live.

What started out as a plan for a couple of sessions turned into a full week’s programme with 40 activities. Sessions included Music Man, crafts, puppets, a disco, fitness, open house, a virtual tour of Strawberry Field and much more. Delegates enjoyed worship, Godly Play, Bible study, dance, drama, choral, music and Timbreltastic. One of the highlights of the week was the session called This is Me, when three Enabled members shared their testimonies.

Instead of our usual final festival, we broadcast highlights of activities during the week, as well as messages from territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill and Colonels Lee and Debbie Graves.

People with disabilities led many of the sessions, which reinforced our commitment to Enabled being a member-led service. We

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Lieut-Colonels Angela and Ray Irving are grateful to everyone who led sessions and are particularly grateful to Stuart Miskin, whose technical expertise helped make the week possible.

Major Deirdre Gibson leads a craft session More than 250 people took part in Summer School at Home and the Enabled Facebook group has grown by 174 members, an increase of 31 per cent. While these figures are encouraging, it should be remembered that around 80 per cent of Enabled members do not have access to digital technology. We need to explore how we can assist them to get online.

The week taught us that we were able to engage with far more people than could ordinarily attend the Enabled Summer School of Arts. This use of digital technology will also give us the opportunity to reach out to Enabled members during the year.

Although we were not able to be together physically we were with each other in spirit and experienced a God-filled week of fellowship, friendship and fun.

Here are the thoughts of some of those who took part: JONNY SEARLE Boscombe This was my first year. I was invited to lead some choral sessions, as some of the regulars were unable to attend this year. What made this summer school so special was the sense of community, even though we were not together.

Callum Robertson enjoys a singalong

TORI GARDENER Horden The best part was that my whole family could join in. I have been an assistant for five years and each year I tell my children about it and show them pictures, but it is not the same as being at summer school and experiencing the joy and friendship that come from being part of the Enabled family.

This year my family got a taste of that and it was brilliant.

Alan Kerr watches Music Man Live

MANDY AND TRISTAN LANCELEY Bromley Temple God’s presence throughout the week was very special and so was making new friends.

We were encouraged to lead several sessions and are grateful that we got to share our gifts with others.

LIZ DYSON Mosborough I think online summer school has been fantastic for keeping people connected during this difficult time. It should be considered as an addition to regular summer school if possible, enabling people who cannot attend a conventional summer school to minister and be ministered to. It’s a great evangelistic tool, promoting the Christian faith and connectedness.

KATE BRACKLEY Droitwich Spa The Enabled Summer School at Home has been amazing – it just shows what hidden talents many others have. The number of activities has been exceptional. I have loved every minute of the whole week. We look forward to… celebrating God’s love and Spirit next year.

Sharon Falconer keeps fit with her nephew, Jamie

JO-ANNE GRAHAM Kilbirnie Thanks to the innovation of the leadership and organising team, individuals with a learning disability – who have endured months of uncertainty and services, programmes and supports being stopped – had the opportunity to come together for fellowship, friendship and fun. I think Summer School at Home was a fantastic display of people coming together for one purpose in the face of adversity. The diversity of sessions on offer meant that every single person could be involved. To me, that is something really special!

MARY TYLER Knottingley I really got to know people through their contributions to the sessions or their written comments. The banter between some delegates was almost as good as face-to-face contact. This year every option could be explored either live or by catching up later. It was also possible to watch each video as many times as desired. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world and it more than justified my decision to join Facebook!

RACHAEL RHODES Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls How many times have you heard the phrase ‘the show must go on’? This was certainly the case for the Enabled Summer School 2020 and what a show it was! It was great to join the sessions from home. The words from the Enabled school song were true throughout the week: ‘Touched by God’s beauty/ Surrounded by his love/ Here together we are blessed/ Family at its best.’

ANDREA DARLINGTON Worksop During Summer School at Home I got to introduce the wonderful people I talk about all year long to my 14-year-old child. It was absolutely fantastic to be able to include my boy in this part of my life. It really was a wonderful week.

HELEN AND STEPHEN BIRCHALL Sunderland Millfield If I had to pick one [highlight] then it would have to be the worship sessions. They made me feel so much closer to God. He has been at the centre of everything throughout the week, says Helen. The highlight of the week for me was getting to know new lifelong friends, adds Stephen.

JAKKI EVANS Bedlington I have been involved for 31 years! Summer School at Home has been an incredible experience… The uniqueness of it and the joy it brings are just remarkable. Summer school is a real highlight of my year.

Samantha Forresthill organises the disco

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IN THE

ZONE Mission-centred Italy and Greece Command

spirit

How well do you know The Salvation Army’s Europe Zone? This month Captain Luca Longo (Castelvetrano) gives an overview of the Italy and Greece Command

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HE Salvation Army flag was unfurled in Italy in 1887 by Major and Mrs James Vint and Lieutenant Fanny Hack, though subsequent difficulties necessitated withdrawal. In 1890 Fritz Malan began meetings in his native village in the Waldensian Valleys. In 1893 Army work was re-established. In a decree by the president in 1965, The Salvation Army was recognised as a philanthropic organisation competent to acquire and hold properties and to receive donations and legacies. It received legal status as a religious association in 2009.

In 2007 The Salvation Army began operations in Greece. The work was linked to the Italy Command with the command leadership giving guidance and support to future development.

Thessaloniki was identified as the centre of the new undertaking and Greece was recognised as part of the command in 2011.

ITALY On the Italian Christian scene, The Salvation Army is a unique denomination. Beginning in Rome, it was particularly troubled by the incomprehension – and, not infrequently, the derision – of many towards these unconventional witnesses of Christ, and by the authorities’ refusal of permission to hold public meetings. The result was the closure of Rome Corps after just two years. After meetings began in the Waldensian Valleys, the Army developed slowly in the north and south of the country through the initiative of Salvationists returning to their country from working abroad.

For a long time, the government’s official recognition of the Army as a Christian denomination was lacking.

The situation worsened under fascism, which persecuted the Army in various ways so that in 1940 all corps and 10

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Work with refugees in south Italy

Earthquake 2016 Norcia caravan delivery

School kit programme

social centres were closed. The main social centre in the command, the People’s Hotel in Rome, was closed and the building was transformed into St Joseph’s Hotel by a Roman Catholic priest. Things began to change in 1943 with the arrival of Allied troops in southern Italy and liberation in 1945. The People’s Hotel was reopened and, step by step, the Army came back to life. After recognition as a philanthropic organisation, officers were recognised as ministers of religion in 1978.

In 2017 The Salvation Army in Italy celebrated its 130th anniversary at the Frentani Congress Centre. ‘One hundred and thirty years of service in Italy in words and actions’ was the motto chosen. There were worship and praise

services, music moments, and historical re-enactments. Special guests General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox were accompanied by the UK’s Boscombe Band, which played with the Italy Command Band. This event was an occasion to examine the effectiveness of the many activities The Salvation Army was involved in at that time.

Today, the Army serves the people on the streets, bringing food and hot drinks, and in the social centre in Rome, with projects including helping victims of human trafficking. The past two earthquakes in central Italy and on the island of Ischia saw the Army involved in actions of support and relief. The reception and assistance of asylum seekers are also important – a real problem of our time. Programmes for

THE COMMAND AT A GLANCE

246 Soldiers 111 Adherent members 13 Junior soldiers 17 Corps 43 Officers (26 active, 17 retired)

Winter relief in Rome

2 Auxiliary-captains 4 Envoys 4 Cadets 17 Employees

Thessaloniki

Rome

Boscombe Band and Timbrelists with General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox in Rome asylum seekers and unaccompanied foreign minors include social inclusion, Italian courses, workshops and training for various jobs, and legal assistance.

The religious persuasion of asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors is varied, including Muslims and various denominations of Christianity. A good number of the Christians participate in the spiritual activities of The Salvation Army.

GREECE Just before the economic crisis that shocked Greece, The Salvation Army began work in that country. Its ministry was linked to the Italy Command, with Lieut-Colonels Massimo and Jane Paone giving guidance and support during the development of the Army there. Thessaloniki was the first corps

in Greece, and Captains Polis Pantelidis and Maria Konti-Galinou, UK officers of Greek nationality, became the first corps officers. Greece officially became part of the Italy Command in 2011, and Athens became the second city with a corps in 2012.

The Salvation Army continues its ministry alongside people in need today, often distributing necessities. This problem has been compounded by the migration crisis for several years, which has brought thousands of people onto Greek soil. Every day the day centre in Athens distributes goods for 700 families of urban refugees who have left reception camps. This great effort is made possible by the constant support of Salvationists from other territories.

Preaching the gospel, making known

the faith by which to obtain salvation, testifying to the same faith already in this life, living alongside the ‘least’ in our societies – the spirit with which The Salvation Army arrived in Italy in 1887 is the same today as it was then.

Techniques, languages and procedures change, but The Salvation Army’s presence alongside the needy – the spirit of mission – is in its DNA. During the Covid-19 crisis most of the Army’s response work in Italy has been centred on Rome with the continual feeding of hundreds of people living on the streets during the lockdown. The Army has also served as a central distribution point for masks and supplies for non-governmental organisations. In the south of Italy, The Salvation Army’s Joy Lab is a social entrepreneurial education programme for migrants to sew and distribute masks. In Greece, the corps in Thessaloniki partnered the local hospital and government to serve people in need with food boxes and sanitation supplies. The focus is the same across the command: serve those with human need in Jesus’ name.

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FEATURE I Getting crafty

Agnieszka with one of her own paintings

In addition to these excellent gospelinformed motivations has been the reward that comes from the creative process – the joy of expressing something of the creativity God has put in each of us.

A snapshot of 18 months of artistic Army life up and down the country before lockdown reveals a colourful, vibrant montage of corps anniversary celebrations, Holiday at Home events, home leagues, Cameo groups, kids clubs and YP programmes. Although much of this has had to stop because of the coronavirus pandemic, crafting has by no means dwindled – quite the opposite!

During the lockdown the nation’s interest in arts and crafts experienced something of a renaissance.

With many people self-isolating or on furlough, or with children at home rather than at school, there has been the opportunity or need to explore creativity or learn a new skill. Some have also discovered that making things by hand has helped their mental well-being during a stressful season.

Waltham Abbey corps officer Major Sharon King is a passionate crafter and started craft groups in her last three corps. She feels that crafting not only brings corps and communities together, but also forms an intrinsic part of her ministry.

Over the years Major Sharon has used many different crafts to help care for people and reach out to the community. She continues to do so during the pandemic. In response to the challenge to pray every day at noon during the lockdown, she started a daily prayer journal with hand lettering, which she posted on Facebook. She has been amazed at the positive response: ‘Many people have commented on the posts, saying how much of a blessing or challenge they have been… it’s been a real ministry.’

Alongside other craft projects, she has created her own cards to encourage people when God has prompted her.

‘That’s been a blessing, not only for them but for me, knowing that God has spoken to me to speak to them through my creativity,’ she explains.

Major Sharon believes that the creative process also helps to develop spirituality: ‘I always use creativity in my prayer time because that’s how I link up with God. During lockdown I have taken

CMRVSHO ŴQIRUPHG FUHDWLYLW\ Melita Day-Lewis discovers how arts and crafts are used in the Army’s mission and ministry

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Salvationist 29 August 2020

Y

OU only need to read a few issues of Salvationist to know that the Army is very crafty – in a creative sense, of course! Over the years there have been reports of officers, corps folk and friends, service users and staff members, care home residents and carers enjoying arts and crafts. Individuals of all ages have used their creative skills in mission and ministry to encourage church members and reach communities; to affirm Army values, explore truths and illustrate Scripture; to engage with children and inspire young people; to care for older people; to support those experiencing homelessness; and to empower those with learning difficulties or disabilities.

a few online courses, one of them being meditative drawing, which have helped me to focus.’

Clowne Corps has held Messy Church – a time of creative worship, hospitality and celebration for families – four times a year for about six years.

Craft was a key component and an effective tool to help build relationships, communicate truth and facilitate meaningful worship. Each craft activity was based on a theme, explored Bible stories and encouraged conversations around faith, while the crafts made were used in celebrations and prayer times.

Peta Coates helped lead these quarterly gatherings, which were well attended by many families in the community. ‘Traditional worship can seem like a big step for some families,’ she says, ‘and Messy Church gave them the chance to come together in a relaxed atmosphere… It’s learning about God in a creative way.’

During the pandemic the corps has continued to build relationships with families by delivering craft bags to their homes.

Salvation Army care homes also provide arts and crafts, as well as many other activities, to engage residents and stimulate senses. These can encourage dexterity and also help them recall or create memories.

‘We try to identify the crafts people did before they came into the home to facilitate, as much as possible, what they enjoy so they can carry on doing something that’s important to them,’ explains Older People’s Services Director Elaine Cobb (THQ).

Assistant Director (Practice and Development) Nikki Thompson adds that many older people have used crafts throughout their lives and it’s something they’re familiar with. This is particularly helpful for people living with dementia.

‘Staff members have to identify those activities that meet individual needs – such as creative needs, esteem needs or emotional needs – and a lot of the time, crafts meet all of those needs,’ says Nikki.

Chaplaincy Officer Major Keith Burr (THQ) explains that it’s about finding the thing that triggers residents’ memories: ‘Whilst people living with dementia lose cognition, when stimulated there is often a short time of lucid engagement, especially around an activity that they recall instinctively… It’s wonderful to

Craft was a key component and an effective tool to help build relationships, communicate truth and facilitate meaningful worship see them light up when you find an activity that connects with them.’

Greencastle Parade and Clonard Road – two Salvation Army family hubs in Dublin providing emergency accommodation for families experiencing homelessness – use art workshops to help develop relationships with service users and their children.

‘We discovered that the best way of connecting, especially with the children, is through arts and crafts,’ enthuses Acting Service Manager Agnieszka CieciuraMiszczak. She described how creative activities, because they’re something neutral, non-judgmental and non-invasive, help to stimulate trust between clients and the service.

Agnieszka loves to paint too. Her work carries a high level of trauma as staff members at the hubs are dealing with complex problems daily.

‘Art helps me to relax and get the distance I need in order to come back to work the next day,’ she says.

She has discovered that displaying artwork helps reduce antisocial behaviour and gives residents a sense of owning their living environment. A virtual tour of Greencastle Parade revealed walls covered in children’s colourful canvases and framed paintings and drawings. One painting has been chosen as the service centre’s logo.

‘Art is not just an activity,’ says Agnieszka passionately. ‘It represents people’s hopes and desires. Our children have portrayed their dreams through art as well.’

Major Sharon King’s meditative drawing

Clowne Messy Church

Holt House care home

Green Castle logo

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FEATURE I Activity

Cjetting Crafty Crafts have made a bit of a comeback during lockdown, but being creative is good for our well-being at any time. Here are some DIY ideas to keep you creating and connecting:

Picture: CRAFTIDEAS.INFO

PAPER BOUQUET Make paper flowers to brighten up a window: O Paint some wooden skewers green and leave to dry O Download a free flower template from craftideas.info/html/paper_ flowers and print it out O Make solid, reusable templates by cutting the flowers out and sticking them onto cardboard (for example, the sides of an old cereal box) O Use these to trace the flower shapes on card of different colours and cut the shapes out O Cut out different coloured circles for the middle of each flower O Place the flowers on a piece of thick cardboard and use a stylus to score a line down the middle of each petal, or to emboss any details you may want to add O Bend the petals slightly along that line to add dimensions then stick the circles on the flowers with strong craft glue O You can also create leaves by cutting out leaf shapes in green card, scoring a line down the middle of each leaf and bending the leaf slightly along that line O Glue the flowers to the skewers and place in a jar or vase

HANDY TIP You can decorate the flowers using paints, beads or ribbon

BOOKMARKS Make a bookmark as a gift for a special occasion or to encourage someone with a favourite verse of Scripture:

Picture: JESUS ROLON, CRAFTINGTHEWORDOFGOD.COM

O Download

a free template from craftingthewordofgod.com/holidaycrafts/valentines-day and print it out O Paint or colour all the pieces and cut them out O Glue the bookmark templates to card O Glue the verses to the bookmarks O Cut out the bookmark from the card stock (for an added element of design, use craft border scissors) O Punch a hole in the top of the bookmark and attach ribbon (optional) HANDY TIP Laminate the bookmark to make it last longer 14

Salvationist 29 August 2020

EGG-CELLENT CANDLES Make colourful egg-shaped candles for Easter or any other time of year: O You

will need an egg, half a wax crayon, a candlewick and four tea lights for each candle you make O Remove the egg’s contents: make a small hole at the top (peel away a little of the shell) and use a toothpick or the handle of a teaspoon to encourage the egg to drain out, then rinse with water and leave to dry O Remove the tea lights from their casings along with their candlewicks and place the wax in a small saucepan with half a crayon (with all its paper removed) O Gently melt the wax and crayon on the hob O Place the dried eggshell in an eggcup and carefully pour the melted wax into the eggshell O Grip a candlewick with a clothes peg at a right angle and lower the wick into the melted wax O Rest the peg across the top of the egg and allow to cool completely for an hour O Peel the shell off the wax egg, trim the wick and stand the candle in an egg cup HANDY TIP Watch the process online by going to YouTube and searching for ‘DIY colorful egg candles for Easter’

FROM THE

ARCHIVE

HOW GREAT THOU ART

Words fail me Major Catherine Wyles explores insights into God through art

O

‘

NE look is worth a thousand words,’ wrote US publicist Frank R Barnard in the advertising trade journal Printers’ Ink in 1921. A few years later he wrote: ‘One picture is worth ten thousand words.’

The sentiment behind these statements points to the fact that very often a picture can ‘speak’ to some people in a way that words sometimes fail to do. An illustration can convey a meaning that might be lost to mere vocabulary.

We know that people respond to music, art and picturesque scenes of nature in different ways.

What appeals to some may not make much of an impact on others. Speaking personally, I find I need pictures to help me understand and grasp concepts. This is how I am ‘wired’. I will, for example, often choose a book because of its cover. That is what first appeals to me. If there are no illustrations then I really struggle to connect with the written word. However, a picture can hold my attention for hours and spark my imagination.

PICTURE THIS! This way of quite literally looking at things is, of course, subjective. I find it immensely helpful if images are on display during, say, the performance of a lengthy piece of music. These can help me to ‘see’ what a composer is trying to convey. The alternative is for me to invent dance moves and routines in my head! The clever, sensitive use of appropriate scenes as a backdrop can really enhance a musical presentation.

In the early days of The Salvation Army, art was sometimes used as a teaching aid, bearing in mind many converts in those days would have been illiterate.

The Founder’s Darkest England book includes a beautifully detailed representation of William Booth’s strategy for reform. The artwork points the way to a better way of life for those who can’t make sense of the words.

This practical example was not only an excellent means of communication but also it created an image that stuck in the mind. Booth communicated complex ideas through the skill of a gifted illustrator.

ART FOR SOUL’S SAKE Possibly, within our Movement, the focus on music over the years has inadvertently stifled the use of visual aids in meetings and gatherings. Nevertheless, there are many who enjoy expressing their faith through the visual medium. When so many corps are now hosting art classes in their halls, would it not make perfect sense to encourage corps members to explore this means of personal expression? How about illustrated sermons?

An art competition was held at an adult and family ministry rally in North Scotland; entrants were invited to produce a work of art based upon a psalm. First prize was a book entitled Christianity Through Art. The winner – a member of a council-run art group hosted by Aberdeen Citadel – was delighted to receive the prize. What a lovely way of communicating gospel truths!

Maybe we can consider afresh the active promotion of visual arts as an expression of worship. After all, the object of Salvation Army worship, according to the very first words of Scripture, is the greatest artist of all – ‘In the beginning God created’ (Genesis 1:1). Q MAJOR WYLES IS CORPS OFFICER, RUTHERGLEN

‘An illustration can convey a meaning that might be lost to mere vocabulary’

Picture entitled ‘Salvation’ by Major Catherine Wyles; it hangs in Aberdeen Citadel in memory of Colonel Bo Brekke O This article was first published in the 26 November 2011 Salvationist

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BIBLE STUDY

Peter finds his courage Captain Helen Froud recognises the need for personal discovery JOHN 20:1–9

QUESTION do the context and culture tell us when we read the study passage?

O What

QUESTION O Have you ever been in a situation where what felt like a loss turned out to be the best news ever?

Each Gospel brings a slightly different perspective to the picture of the Resurrection. Once the Jewish Sabbath is over, Jesus’ female disciples rise early in the morning and make a sorrowdrenched trek to anoint his body in the traditional manner. They are the first to bear witness to the empty tomb. But, as the accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke make clear, the male disciples do not believe the women.

Given the context of the culture and the extraordinary claims of their discovery, this is hardly surprising.

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

by Major Howard Webber

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Salvationist 29 August 2020

In John’s account, we look at the scene of the empty tomb from the perspective of Simon Peter. Having visited the tomb early in the morning, Mary Magdalene tells him and another, unnamed disciple that the stone has been rolled away.

Bowed and despondent from the events of the previous few days, the men rush to see for themselves.

Simon Peter fails to win the race to be the first male disciple to the empty tomb.

Scholars have long debated the identity of this other disciple – ‘the one Jesus loved’ (v2). He is mentioned four times in John’s Gospel. It might be the Gospel writer himself.

Although Peter loses the race to his companion, he is the one brave enough to face the truth of the tomb and he,

alone, runs inside. He wants to make sense of what Mary had told them. He needs to discover the truth for himself; he is not prepared to just rely on Mary’s testimony.

QUESTIONS O Would you have been bold enough to run into the tomb?

O Why or why not?

What kind of boldness must it have required to lose the race but go on into the empty tomb? Peter, known for his impulsive character, is also loyal. His loyalty and love for Jesus enable him to endure and allows him to investigate the evidence.

In Jewish culture, entering a tomb – or being in close proximity to a dead body – risked ritual uncleanliness. Peter takes the risk, and his startling find changes the world.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!’

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. ( John 20:1–3)

Don’t assume that God’s dismissed you from his mind,/ Don’t assume that God’s forgotten to be kind;/ For no matter what you do, his love still follows you;/ Don’t think that you have left him far behind.

(SASB 490)

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’

(Luke 24:33 and 34)

Peter discovers Jesus’ grave clothes: ‘Then Simon Peter… went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped round Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen’ (vv6 and 7).

According to the New Living Translation, ‘the cloth was folded up’.

Some commentators think that Peter’s discovery of the folded head cloth contains a culturally significant message from Jesus. It was a sign that, like a master who left a folded napkin to show servants that he was returning to the dinner table, Jesus was not yet finished. He was coming back.

Jesus was no longer in the tomb. He was no longer in need of grave clothes or a head cloth. It took extraordinary boldness for Peter to enter the tomb

and discover the real story. This was not a grave robbery (see Matthew 28:12 –15). This was the Resurrection.

QUESTION does this account tell us about Simon Peter’s character?

O What

The account of Peter’s boldness also tells us something about his capacity as a leader. Jesus, perhaps recognising Simon’s potential, had already renamed him ‘Peter’ (see John 1:42). After Peter was filled with the Spirit at Pentecost, he boldly preached the risen Christ and about 3,000 people were saved that day (see Acts 2:14–41).

On Easter morning, standing alone in the empty tomb, Peter’s faith in Jesus was justified. It was also the first step in his journey to leadership within the Early Church and the cornerstone of the gospel that he and others would,

after Pentecost, go on to proclaim across the known world.

Just as Peter boldly entered the dark tomb, Christians in leadership will need to be bold in proclaiming the fact of the empty tomb. Equally, every Christian needs boldness to challenge worldly thinking and attitudes.

It is through such ‘holy daring’ that today’s disciples will impart the good news of the risen Christ to those who need it most.

QUESTION we lack courage to boldly share our faith, how can we overcome that?

O If

CAPTAIN FROUD IS CORPS OFFICER, INVERNESS

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Don’t assume that God will plan for you no more,/ Don’t assume that there’s no future to explore;/ For your life he’ll redesign, the pattern be divine;/ Don’t think that your repentance he’ll ignore.

(SASB 490)

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to [Peter], and then to the Twelve.

(1 Corinthians 15:3–5)

My heart to thee I bring,/ The heart I cannot read;/ A faithless, wandering thing,/ An evil heart indeed./ I bring it, Saviour, now to thee/ That fixed and faithful it may be.

(SASB 587)

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, ‘It is the Lord,’ he wrapped his outer garment round him (for he had taken it off ) and jumped into the water. ( John 21:7)

Prayer You amaze me, Lord, in the way that you never give up on me. Even when I disappoint you, let you down and grieve you, your arms are always open wide to take me back and give me another chance. Make me worthy of the faith you invest in me.

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REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON

Where I am now Nicola Walmsley reflects on God’s care for the smallest things

I

HAVE now returned to work, but I had plenty of time to think, pray, read and write while furloughed. One book I read was Celebrating Life by Jonathan Sacks, in which he writes: ‘There are times when the veil that covers the surface of events lifts, and we catch a glimpse of the larger pattern of which, unknowingly, we have been a part.

Tradition calls it divine providence, and I believe in it. Later events make sense of earlier ones. Bad things turn out to have been necessary steps in an important journey. It may take a long time before we see why and how. In some cases we may never understand, but we do so often enough to have the feeling that we are only co-authors of our story… I have discovered that God often chooses circuitous routes, but it helps to know that where we are, here, now, is where we need to be.’

On reading that extract, I was reminded how God works in our lives, taking particular care with the minutest of details. My brother died at the start of the lockdown, and God, in his infinite grace, gave me a quiet space to grieve during my furlough.

There were so many things leading up to the day my brother died in which I see God’s hand at work. I know this was all part of God’s plan and, as Jonathan Sacks says, ‘It may take a long time before we see why and how.’ Even if we never understand, that’s OK. I know that where I am, now, is where I need to be.

During this pandemic, I have found it cathartic to write, and have a new-found solace in writing poems. My thoughts have been drawn to the Scriptures, reminding me that God – the Almighty God, the creator of the universe – knows me by name. He knows me intimately – the number of hairs on my head and my love of flowers, the seashore, the taste of almonds and sewing.

He cares about the smallest things: ‘Even the sparrow has found a home, 18

Salvationist 29 August 2020

and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young – a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God’ (Psalm 84:3).

This poem was written with the help of God’s beautiful creation: two little robins sitting together on a branch overlooking my husband, Colin, and me as we enjoyed a tray of tea one summery evening in our garden.

TWO ROBINS AT TEATIME Two robins at teatime sat upon a bower, Looking down upon a tasty spread, Surrounded by scented flower.

Laid out on a sunny table, on embroidered tray, Sat homemade cakes, tea cosy and plates.

Amid heady wisteria and scented rose arbour Waits the tasting of a delectable treat.

A ritual practised daily, without fail, by a couple sharing Keemun or Yunnan, And sweet treats.

A regular routine, never missed.

It is togetherness they practise, It is love that they meet.

‘Will a crumb or a tiny morsel be left unattended,’ wonder the robin pair, ‘When they are complete?’

Songbird tunes fill the afternoon air, Gentle breezes rustle in the trees above.

The lazy cat, well hidden, Lays sleeping under lavender bush.

Dozing, just waiting, he cares not for crust.

Mice are aplenty and his humans soft-hearted.

No begging for cake or Keemun for him.

‘We’ll not go hungry,’ think the robins ‘For this couple look kind.

This could be a picnic opportunity, If we watch and wait a while.’

After the teapot has chilled And the sun begins to set, The cat’s gone hunting behind the wall…

‘Oh see… the mistress has dropped a few crumbs, Was that a mistake or intentional?’

Quite purposeful, not only for mice, Even two robins can eat their crumbs, And rest another night.

NICOLA IS THE COMMUNITY MISSION FACILITATOR, BARROW-INFURNESS

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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

Don’t hide behind the mask Trevor Caffull considers how face coverings might change people’s behaviour

Trusting God’s word Brian Colley (Clowne) continues his second series of reflections on verses from Psalms And the words of the Lord are flawless. (Psalm 12:6)

I

N this psalm there is a complaint about the way ungodly people speak, then a cry for help as the followers of God seem to be failing in their stand against this evil.

People are speaking vainly, boasting and telling lies. They seem to think they have no need of God to face the challenges of life – their own words are enough. They say: ‘By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips defend us – who is lord over us?’ (v4).

The word of God, though, is pure. It can be trusted; there is no deception. ‘The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times’ (v6). That’s an image which all those who heard the psalmist at that time would recognise. They would understand just what he meant: God’s word is pure and valuable.

There are those who can confound and bewilder with their articulate and clever speech. Gullible people can be easily swayed and some are turned against God by false and convincing arguments. The words to be trusted are those God inspired in the Bible, which are read directly or passed on by his faithful servants. His word is to be trusted and will shield those who recognise them as a guide to everyday living.

In Ephesians 6:10–17 Paul describes the spiritual armour that needs to be worn in our stand against evil in the world.

‘The belt of truth buckled round your waist’ (v14) is the first piece he advises us to have, and the final one is ‘the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’ (v17).

This is the same thought the psalmist had many years before. The words of the Lord are flawless, trustworthy and true.

I believe in the word of God, I believe in the word of God; Every promise is true, I believe it, do you?

I believe in the word of God. (SASB 806)

I

N most of the UK, and now in the Republic of Ireland, face coverings need to be worn when out shopping – although some people are exempt for specific reasons. Whatever your view about the scientific evidence that this will help suppress the spread of the coronavirus, the introduction of face coverings for shoppers prompts an interesting question: do people behave differently behind a mask?

Body language is an important element of communication.

With parts of the face covered, even if actual behaviour does not change, I wonder whether we perceive actions differently.

Even a smile is harder to detect if the mouth cannot be seen, so in our Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) and corps charity shops perhaps we have to be extra sensitive towards customers to interpret their needs and questions.

Many of us spent our childhood years reading about mask-wearing superheroes – Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Spider-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to name just a few. They wore masks and outfits to hide their identities. If Batman had gone about his crime-busting business as plain old Bruce Wayne, then his enemies would have attacked his home and his business, Wayne Enterprises – so he protected himself, and those he loved, by adopting the persona of Batman.

Wearing a mask also enabled our superheroes to adopt different behaviours without suspicion, usually with heroic outcomes that would not have been possible in their normal guise.

In recent days we have seen NHS workers as heroes, some of them initially and tragically without masks, but more lately all behind the safety of personal protective equipment.

They are our modern-day masked heroes. I suspect that even in their case, the wearing of a mask can prompt different behaviour.

So, how do you cope when wearing a mask? My guess is that over these past few weeks you will have become used to wearing a face covering regularly. Are you heroic? Has your behaviour changed? Or are you still the normal you?

Lockdown seems to have made most of us more aware of, and responsive to, the needs of others. s.

Let’s make sure our masks aren’t n’t something we hide behind, but ut that we still allow the real, caring person who reflects the love e of God to shine through.

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

LETTERS

STILL RELEVANT TODAY WAYNE Johnson, CSM at Hadleigh Temple, recently lamented that Fortress Radio plays too much Salvation Army music (Salvationist 6 June). Kudos to Stuart Hall for providing the wonderful service to so many of us who long for Army music.

There is an abundance of everyday Christian music available from many sites, but not so many providing Army songs that were a part of us growing up in our wonderful organisation.

There are the beautiful songs composed by the likes of

Albert Orsborn and songster pieces so delicately written by Yvonne Field, compositions from Dean Goffin, Ray SteadmanAllen, Robert Redhead, Kenneth Downie and so many similar names, just to name a very limited number.

I believe they are all still relevant today. If I want to hear hymns, I am sure there are many sites I can visit, but they are not personalised like Albert Orsborn’s holiness songs.

Let us keep our Army heritage and build on it.

Larry White Vancouver

UNIFORM BEHAVIOUR I READ with interest the article by Commissioner Keith Banks regarding the wearing of uniform (Salvationist 8 August) and I know with many this is a controversial issue, but I cannot understand those who think it is outdated and has no value today.

I may be considered to be a new kid on the block, having only become a soldier some 14 years ago but, having done so, I wear the uniform with pride. Having worn several uniforms in the past in the police service where I spent most of my working life, the Salvation Army uniform is the only one in which I have never received abuse in public.

I have worked as a hospital chaplaincy volunteer for five years and, although not wearing full uniform on duty, I always make a point of wearing it for chapel services and official functions and at funerals of patients. These times bring many complimentary comments and are usually the start of many conversations regarding smartness and respect for the deceased and family.

Having spent time selling the War Cry in our local market square, the uniform attracts many who just need a chat and acts in many ways like the key to Pandora’s box – you never know what issues will be raised or what you can do to help, but relied on to help we are, and do.

In my humble opinion our uniform is one of our biggest selling points and should be retained. It is also free publicity. We are lights of the world and should be visible.

Thanks to Commissioner Banks for again raising this crucial issue.

John Daborn Stowmarket

WISE COUNCIL I THOROUGHLY valued and enjoyed the articles on The Salvation Army’s structure

by John Coutts (Salvationist 25 July, 1 August). I find his proposal to reform the Territorial Advisory Council (TAC) as a Territorial Representatives Council ‘elected on the basis of one Salvationist, one vote’ to be wise, modest and fair.

As John mentioned in his second article, TAC seems to be unknown among the ‘lay’ Salvationists it is meant to represent. I certainly have never heard of it before in a decade’s worth of membership as a worshipper, volunteer and employee (as well as having local leadership roles and an interest in Army history and structure).

I can also share that while The Salvation Army has similarly tried to improve employee input through surveys, local representatives, etc, much of this has hit similar problems. The majority of employees I have encountered at the grass roots aren’t aware of how these structures operate, nor do they feel they see clear results when they do engage.

We have a vast repository of knowledge, wisdom, skills and experience within our diverse grassroots membership, employees and volunteers. We could greatly benefit as a Movement from effective and agile structures that utilise this.

Fraser Hunter Perth Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.

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Salvationist 29 August 2020

A CORONAVIRUS PRAYER OUR corps leader challenged us to come up with an acrostic prayer to reflect the current situation. One of our members came up with the following: Almighty God Be with us as we share with each other Coronavirus prevents us meeting at the hall and Detaches us from family Employment has come to an end for so many people Food banks are a lifeline for many families but Good things are happening in our communities Health workers are showing care and concern In fact so are many frontline and key workers Jesus taught us not to be worried or upset but leave our anxieties with him Keep on believing is what you want us to do Let us feel your presence, especially in these times May we know your love surrounding us Nothing can separate us from you Our world needs to know these truths Please bring this virus to an end Quicken all the efforts being made to safeguard us from coronavirus Remind people to act calmly and responsibly Show us forgiveness when we do wrong Turn people’s thoughts to you Unite people whatever their colour or creed Visit the lonely and all suffering people Wipe the tears of those who mourn Xtend your love and mercy to all You are the true object of our worship Zo be it, Amen Richard Smart Wimbledon

PREVIEW

Picture this

Laura Taylor highlights a unique set of Mike McCartney photographs on display at Strawberry Field

M

IKE McCartney has been documenting the new vision for Strawberry Field since the demolition of the 1970s building and the development of the new centre. Ahead of a book launch later this year an exhibition of his photographic journey will be on display at the reopened site.

Known professionally as Mike McGear, Mike is the younger brother of Sir Paul McCartney. He is a rock photographer and performing artist, and a former member of the groups the Scaffold and Grimms.

Mike was persuaded by Lady Judy Martin to chronicle the redevelopment of Strawberry Field. His photographs offer an insight into the new development.

‘I was asked by The Salvation Army – well, mainly by Lady Judy Martin, or Jude as I affectionately call her – to record the demolition of the old Strawberry Field homes and the rebuild of a brand new facility on the same site,’ he said.

‘At first I was reticent... but when I discovered the amazing work that the Sally Army quietly gets on with, I agreed to undertake the two to three-year task.

‘The trouble was, how do you make the bashing down of old houses and the building of a new bricks-and-mortar one interesting to the public? Well, here’s a start – with this mini-exhibition of images to whet your appetite. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you enjoy the café and the shop, as well as the gorgeous

gardens with the original red gates!’

A selection of Mike’s photographs will be on display in the Strawberry Field centre alongside the visitor exhibition.

The exhibition covers the interwoven stories of The Salvation Army, the children’s home that was previously on the site, John Lennon’s childhood and the writing of the Beatles’ famous song, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’.

Visitors are guided around the exhibition by interactive media guides.

The tour continues into the gardens where John Lennon played as a child, giving visitors the opportunity to explore, unwind and dream in the place that inspired one of the 20th century’s greatest songwriters.

The addition of the Mike McCartney photographs will offer visitors never-beforeseen insights into the redevelopment of the site. Mike’s book, which is filled with an inspiring collection of images, will go on sale later this year.

Mission Director at Strawberry Field, Major

Kathleen Versfeld, said: ‘We are blessed to have the support of such wonderful people as Lady Judy Martin and Mike McCartney. I know our visitors will be delighted to see Mike’s photographs. We can’t wait for the full collection to be made available in his planned book.’

As a special offer to celebrate the reopening, Strawberry Field’s visitor experience is priced at £7 per person until the end of September and under16s accompanied by an adult can visit for free. NHS workers and their guest can also enter free of charge.

All funds generated by the visitor experience go towards funding the Steps to Work programme, which helps young people with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment.

O To ensure safety during the coronavirus pandemic, visits to Strawberry Field must be booked in advance at strawberryfieldliverpool.com

LAURA IS MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, STRAWBERRY FIELD

Salvationist 29 August 2020

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O Rtd CSM Les and Jean Thomas, Southend Southchurch (10 September) Emerald (55th) O Majors Malcolm and Margaret Watkins (11 September) Golden O Hilton and Lilian Baker, Staple Hill (12 September) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major William Richmond (80 on 8 September) O Major Cynthia Dalziel (80 on 10 September) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Jean King, Croydon Citadel, on 12 August O Major Joan Brook-Smith from Eagle Lodge care home, Edinburgh, on 13 August O Derek Hasking, Basingstoke O Ken Willetts, Staple Hill O Brenda Weston, Farcet BEREAVED O Major Sharon King, Waltham Abbey, and Heather Allard, Woodford, of their mother Jean King O Stephanie Hall, Edinburgh Gorgie, of her mother Major Joan Brook-Smith O Stuart Hasking and Rob Hasking, both Basingstoke, of their father Derek O Yvonne Willetts, Staple Hill, of her husband Ken Willetts, BM Marc Willetts, Staple Hill, Kim Tovey, Beverley Rayner and Jason Willetts of their father, Dean Mason and Louise Mason of their stepfather, Enid Willetts, Reading Central, of her brother O Peter Weston, Farcet, of his wife Brenda Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words.

Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

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

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Salvationist 29 August 2020

TRIBUTES CLIFFORD GRINSTED, EASTBOURNE CITADEL CLIFF was born to officer parents in St Albans in 1922.

In 1941 he signed up for the Royal Air Force and after training was sent to South Africa where he became a pilot and instructor. During that time he soldiered at Johannesburg Corps and married Agnes.

At the end of the war they returned to London and soldiered at Regent Hall where Cliff’s musical talent began to emerge, playing trombone and leading the band’s choral group.

The family later transferred to Thornton Heath, where Cliff became the bandmaster. In the late Sixties Cliff became the keyboard player for the first productions of the Gowans and Larsson musicals and in the early Seventies he became the keyboard member of the Joyfolk.

A beautiful and talented pianist Cliff used this gifting to pass on the message of God’s love around the world and as a witness to his business colleagues. – DY BARBARA WILLIAMS, SOUTHPORT BORN in Bootle, Liverpool, Barbara began attending the corps as a teenager and remained a committed, uniformed Salvationist for the remainder of her 84 years.

Married to John Williams, during this time she served as a songster, corps cadet guardian and YPSM at Harrow, Gloucester and Southport, where she was also assistant songster sergeant.

Committed to working with young people Barbara made a significant impact upon many lives. She was well known for her humour and creativity, often writing and reciting poetry to the delight of corps members.

Her uniform was an essential part of her Christian witness; she was

always impeccably dressed and wore her bonnet with great pride.

Barbara is remembered with great affection by her family and friends and many in the wider community.

She was an inspiration to all and a loyal servant of her Lord and Saviour. – GM HAZEL MITCHELL, SOUTHSEA HAZEL was a lifelong Salvationist who lived in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, where she was born.

From her teenage years she endured much illness, but it never deterred her from her faith in Jesus.

As part of her quiet and gentle visiting ministry, she would bring people a few eggs or posies from her garden.

She also opened up her garden each summer for the annual band barbecue and fundraising events to support local charities.

Hazel loved listening to the radio for entertainment and was an avid letter writer with a distinctive hand.

Her letters and cards were always a joy to receive.

Hazel was promoted to Glory after a long illness. She was a true ambassador of the Lord, praising him with her tambourine in meetings.

She is very much missed. – TJM

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Salvationist

29 August 2020

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‘

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army.

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

CAPTAIN JULIA MAPSTONE Londonderry How did you first come into contact with the Army?

When I was five, my mum was looking for a church to go to after we had to move. She went to see what the corps at Leigh-on-Sea was like.

What made you want to become an officer?

When I was a teenager I was in a morning meeting and Sale Songsters sang ‘People Need The Lord’ (SASB 418). I started getting vivid images in my head and heard God saying: ‘You need to go and help in my name. I want you to be an officer.’ This was not my plan for the future, but that sense of calling never went away. Although I went on to have an enjoyable career in the NHS, at the age of 30 a really strong sense came back that if I didn’t act on my calling I would be disobeying God and it was time to follow.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

The people – I love that I can get involved in people’s lives, hear their stories and hopefully bring a bit of good news into their situations. … and the most frustrating?

Knowing that I can’t solve or fix all the problems that people have.

’’

(1 Corinthians 13:13)

What one thing would you change about the Army?

We should stop worrying about the style of worship, uniforms or terminology and get on with doing what God is calling us to do: reach people with the gospel through whatever works.

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?

Balaam’s donkey. Not to ask anything, just to meet a creature who had to put up with a very dull human. My dog would probably enjoy a good chat with the donkey.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Somewhere not too hot, with friends and family to laugh with, dogs to stroke and lots of good books.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

‘I really should have started this earlier.’

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind’ (SASB 456).

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh, and I’d be Tigger. I like his bounciness!

What is your favourite food?

My mum’s chocolate cake – no other cake comes close.

If you could rid the world of one thing what would it be?

Bananas.

What do you do in your spare time?

Walk the dog, read fiction and explore the beauty of the island of Ireland.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Sluj. We all used to speak backwards and everyone called me ‘Juls’, so Sluj it was!

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?

One of Mike and Jenny Clark’s tapes. I was obsessed with them as a child.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love’ (1 Corinthians 13:13). Life hasn’t always been easy. This verse reminds me what really matters and that in all things and in all circumstances I need to live with faith, hope and love.

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island?

AA Milne’s Winnie The Pooh books.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

To simply and genuinely love people.

Everything else will then fall into place.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

My relationship with God and other people. Nothing else really matters.

Something interesting people might want to know about you is…

I got invited to Buckingham Palace to accept a volunteering award when I was with St John Ambulance.