I WAS recently asked if I could host family over Christmas. Full confession: for a number of years now I have been fortunate to be hosted by others for the celebrations. However, knowing that they are coming has naturally prompted me to think about preparation. Decorating the house, buying the food. And as I think about it, my anticipation is heightened. I want to be ready.
Tomorrow (30 November) is the first Sunday in Advent. Just four weeks until we celebrate the coming of our Saviour as a baby. In sending Jesus, God demonstrated his love for us. Love came down. Emmanuel – God with us. Are you ready to receive him once again? Are you living in anticipation, in hopeful expectation? Are you preparing to make room for him? Will he have the best of rooms?
In Jesus, love came down, reaching out, wrapping around, standing with us and always showing up. As we prepare to celebrate his coming, may we each notice his divine presence breaking into our everyday. May we look for him there. In the busyness of the preparation of celebrating his coming with others, may we take the time to step back, worship and adore the gift of love that is Jesus.
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.
ARTISTS’ CORNER
SPOTLIGHT ON ABERGAVENNY
FOUNDERS Catherine and William Booth
Winter warmers
As café menus fill up with festive flavours, Kathryn Barwise considers our expectations this Advent and Christmas
‘YOUR winter warmers… Coming soon!’ This slogan starts appearing in cafés in October but, as it gets to the end of November and we draw closer to the busy yet wonderful season of Advent, I do get quite excited by the prospect of those hot festive drinks coming out. The subtle romanticisation of winter, savouring the tastes of the season: gingerbread, caramel, chocolate orange (my dad gets one annually for Christmas). With the announcement of the latest festive lineup of teas, coffees and hot chocolates comes the thrill of not knowing exactly what will be available – will I like the flavours this year? Are they Christmassy enough? Will one café’s offerings be
Reflect and respond
What are your expectations of God as you journey towards Christmas?
Listen to ‘Winter Snow’ and reflect on the lyrics: ‘You came like a winter snow,/ Quiet and soft and slow./ Falling from the sky in the night/ To the earth below.’ How can you welcome and respond to the reality of God’s love coming down to our world?
better than another’s? Will their promises live up to my expectations?
I wonder if those before that first Christmas felt the same. Would they wonder what the prophesied Saviour would be like? What had God planned for the salvation of humanity? The magi certainly had long enough to contemplate this: they followed the star for a long time.
If there had been an announcement saying ‘your saviour coming soon’, would the world 2025 years ago have expected a babe, an infant? Would he have been special enough for them? Would they have scoured Bethlehem to find him as he was? Or would they rather have had a selection of choices to best suit their expectations?
The shepherds were told that a saviour had been born, a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. They wanted to see what had happened, because the Lord had announced it to them (see Luke 2:15). They returned, ‘glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told’ (Luke 2:20). The shepherds had heard the announcement of Jesus’ coming: they listened, followed and rejoiced. They found Jesus exactly as they were told and were overjoyed! As a simple baby, Jesus had already exceeded their expectations.
Our Saviour wasn’t advertised worldwide with trumpets at the moment of his birth, but he was prophesied about: just as we
know those winter warmers will come around every year, the Jews knew that the Saviour would one day come. The magi knew that the ‘King of the Jews’ (Matthew 2:2) had been born, but they assumed he’d been born in Jerusalem in a palace. However, Jesus was more than enough for them: they worshipped him and gave him precious gifts, for they did not need anything more from their saviour than his presence, and the knowledge that he would save.
Unlike our favourite festive drinks, Jesus’ birth was only announced to a select few, something that’s summed up nicely in the worship song ‘Winter Snow’ by Shane & Shane, featuring Dinah Wight: ‘You came like a winter snow,/ Quiet and soft and slow.’
Those first people welcomed him into the world and were joyous about his entrance. So should we welcome the reality of our Saviour as we journey through Advent to Christmas. His birth, his humble entrance into our broken world –the best promise we could hope for.
KATHRYN BARWISE Dereham
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Encounter Prayer Gathering 2026
Fri 6 Mar – Sun 8 Mar
University of Warwick
What is it?
The 2026 Encounter Prayer Gathering is all about Deeper –digging deeper in prayer, making space for deeper listening and finding deeper life. This year the gathering includes something new: the Deeper Prayer Festival. Instead of just talking about prayer, we’re setting aside a large part of the weekend for praying, with seven different streams offering different ways to pray and listen to God: musical worship, arts and crafts, learning, conversation, prayerwalking, focused intercession and silent contemplation. Enjoy the prayer practices you love, and then try a few that are new to you!
Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main will be talking to us about deepening our listening as a territory, and Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Major Gordon Cotterill will be helping us reflect on what Deeper might mean in our own lives and in our corps.
Who is the event for?
Anyone who wants to go deeper in their prayer life or discover what God wants to empower us to do next. Why not set aside the weekend to come and pray with us? Why not bring a group from your corps?
Why should you go?
When we make room in our lives to go deeper in prayer, God meets us there, and all sorts of things become possible.
Book your place Places cost £195 per person, with a deposit of £30, and include fully accessible accommodation. For more information, visit salvationist. org.uk/encounter-prayer-gathering
The deadline for bookings is Sunday 8 February 2026.
‘I got on my
knees and prayed’
Tim Collings (Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh) shares how he was led back to God through Christian community
IWAS born into a Salvation Army family in 1980. My parents were officers, but I grew up with my brother, sister, mother and stepdad. With both dads being bandmasters, it was inevitable that I had a tenor horn on my lips from the age of four! Tragically, I lost my brother, Justin, when I was just eight and he was thirteen, in horrific circumstances. This was made worse by the fact that it was me who found him.
At 13, I felt called by the Lord and went to the mercy seat. I left that meeting saying, ‘What am I supposed to do? Aren’t I too young?’ From that point on, my life was on a downward spiral, starting with tobacco and alcohol and soon leading to various illegal drugs and risky behaviour. I became involved in the festival scene and music industry. Although I was successful and wealthy, I was a party animal and a waster. I tried rehab and other therapies to no avail. I came back to Devon, getting into a non-Christian marriage. That’s when my poor mental health started to manifest in obvious ways. I was sectioned, diagnosed as having bipolar disorder and put on heavy medication. I got divorced. My drug-taking became extreme. I was written off by everybody – doctors, families, friends, ministers. The state said I would never work again. How I didn’t die we do not know. One day I got on my knees and prayed: ‘Lord, what shall I do?’ The answer came: Christian community. I found the Pilsdon Church of England Community in Dorset. A haven with a farm and a chapel, it was the perfect place to heal away from the pressures of life and the past. I milked cows and shepherded sheep. I spent two clean years working on me and praying about my future. My relationship with God improved, leading to almost getting baptised, but I felt I wanted to make the commitment via The Salvation Army.
I moved back in with my mother. I began cleaning the local Wetherspoon, which progressed to running my own business. I came off all medication due to a change of diagnosis to Complex PTSD. However, that’s all immaterial compared to what is actually important – what about my soul? On Covenant Sunday this year, I felt called again at Newton Abbot Corps. I went forward with the words in my head: ‘All to Jesus I surrender, all to thee I freely give.’ Momentum gathered from that point.
I met a Christian lady, Helen. We got married and I became Dad to her son. We now attend Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh, where I lead worship on piano. Next year we will be enrolled as soldiers. What a miraculous transformation! All I can say is it started with prayer.
Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.
EXIT FROM THE CAVE
by Captain Teresa Conway (Tavistock and Liskeard)
What does Exit from the Cave depict?
It shows a cave with an empty manger inside it. The cave is empty, but you can see that people have been there. Outside the cave is Bethlehem on a very late night, with a star fading in the background. In the distance you can see a couple with a child moving away from the scene, escaping to Egypt.
How was it made?
It’s acrylic paint on canvas. I used a palette knife to give the effect of rock on the picture. The different colours of acrylic mix to give the effect of light on the cave walls. For the sky I used a technique called scumbling. I love doing starry night scenes. I use my painting as spiritual formation time. If I’m reading the Bible or a book, or I’ve listened to some Christian mindfulness or music, then my paintings become inspired by that, and it sort of develops as I’m praying. And then I paint, and the picture comes as I’m painting. My communion with God comes in pictorial ways.
What inspired it?
We often look at the Nativity scene as being a little baby in a cradle, and how lovely and warm and fuzzy it is. But Christ is more than just a baby, and we tend to forget about the actual homelessness of Mary, Joseph and Jesus as they fled to Egypt after Jesus’ birth. In biblical terms, Egypt is classed as ‘the world’, a sinful place. And having to hide away there was not pretty. I wanted people to think about the empty manger and what happens away from Christmas. Where do we go from here? The world can be an awfully dark place for many people. I wanted people to think about how the time outside what we think of as Christmas might feel really dark, but actually there’s light because Jesus is light!
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
Love reaches out
Major Steven Turner unpacks the benefits of God’s rescue plan
COLOSSIANS 1:15–20
CONTEMPORARY politics is becoming increasingly divisive, often placing the blame for society’s problems on ‘them’ – usually meaning ‘someone who is not like me’. Many people do not tolerate or even listen to other opinions or experiences. Friends can become enemies over a difference of political views, sexual identity or perceived immigration status.
As we enter the season of Advent, we will be considering how God reached out in love to a hostile world, and what that means for us as Christians today.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Who might be your enemy?
Who might consider you to be their enemy?
Keep your answers in mind as you read this Bible study.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul describes his readers as former enemies of God (see v21). He wants them to be confident that they have now been rescued and redeemed through Jesus (see v13).
In countering a heresy, Paul begins to articulate what will become a foundation of the Christian faith. Echoing the prologue in John 1:1–3, he identifies Jesus as the agent of creation: all things were created in and through and for him (see v16).
Paul includes a list of superlatives: ‘firstborn over creation’ (v15) implying inheritance and authority, ‘he is before all things’ (v17) in time and status, ‘firstborn from among the dead’ (v18) following his resurrection. He also refers to Jesus as ‘the image of the invisible God’ (v15). Thomas L Constable’s Notes
on Colossians explains: ‘The Greek word translated “image” (eikōn) … does not imply a weakening or a feeble copy of something. It implies the illumination of its inner core and essence.’
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Does Jesus’ divinity thrill you or intimidate you?
Why is that?
People often say I’m like my dad. Our school photos look remarkably similar; we share a love of books and motor vehicles, walk with the same gait and read the Bible in a similar style. The council of Nicaea in AD325 introduced the Greek word homoousios, meaning ‘of the same substance’. Jesus doesn’t just look and act like God as I am ‘like’ my dad – he is God.
Although I resemble my dad in many ways, I neither share his tidiness nor his ability to do practical tasks. I also take some of my nature from my mum. And some of my characteristics are unique within my family – I’m a bit of a mixed bag!
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What characteristics do you share with your family?
Which aspects of Jesus’ character would you like to reflect?
In contrast, Paul says that Jesus shares the full nature of God. What theologians call the hypostatic union – from Greek meaning ‘one substance’ – makes it clear that Jesus was not just another human being, but God in the flesh (see Colossians 2:9).
This is all summarised in The Salvation Army’s fourth doctrine: ‘We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and
human natures are united, so that he is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.’
The importance of this truth cannot be overstated: only God has the power to save us, but only a human could fully represent our condition.
In his book Reaching Out, Henri Nouwen –a one-time member of the L’Arche Daybreak community in Toronto – argues that it is a Christian obligation to turn hostis (enemies) into hospes (guests). According to Henri, ‘hospitality means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy’.
L’Arche communities seek to model hospitality in one specific area. They state: ‘We are people with and without learning disability, on a mission to build a world where everyone belongs.’
In his human life, Jesus expressed this hospitality in his loving encounters with the marginalised of his day. Despite the holiness inherent in his divine nature, he reached out, without condemnation, to people as they were.
He initiates a conversation with a despised Samaritan woman, offering her dignity. As a result, she becomes a witness to her entire village (see John 4:1–42).
He invites himself to tea with Zacchaeus, a traitorous tax collector, who then offers reparations for his wrongdoings (see Luke 19:1–10).
Other examples include a paralysed man in John 5:1–15, the woman with a haemorrhage in Mark 5:24–34, and the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16–22, one of the few who didn’t respond to Jesus’ offer of redemption.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Which encounter with Jesus most reflects your current situation?
Where in your life do you need Jesus to reach out?
Reconciliation can only take place if we are willing to set aside our prejudices and love the other person.
In 1940, railway enthusiast and Royal Signals Officer Eric Lomax set sail for Singapore. Captured by the Japanese, Lomax was forced to work on the ‘death railway’ from Thailand to Burma. When he was found with a radio, his captors subjected him to beatings and torture as an alleged spy.
Fifty years later, Eric heard that one of his interrogators had set up a Buddhist monastery as part of his repentance. Sceptical at first, he travelled to Kanchanaburi in Thailand. Eric greeted Takashi Nagase with polite formality. In an interview with The Forgiveness Project, he said: ‘I had come with no sympathy for this man, and yet Nagase, through his complete humility, turned this around.’ Takashi had created a space where hostility succumbed to hospitality. Eric Lomax and Takashi Nagase were reconciled and became friends for the rest of their lives.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Remember the ‘enemy’ you thought of earlier.
How might you reach out in hospitality?
In sending his Son to Earth, God reached out in love to offer hospitality to all of us who were his enemies.
Do you now need to make a move in response?
MAJOR STEVEN TURNER Assistant Retired Officers Secretary THQ
A shortened version of Prayer Matters will continue to be published weekly in Salvationist in 2025. To read the full, unedited booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER: CARE FOR CREATION – COP30
Pray for action: for politicians, industrialists and business leaders to be courageous. Pray for vision: for scientists and intellectuals to find their voices regarding creative adaptation of resources. Pray for generosity: for Spirit-led altruism to sweep the world. Pray for Christians to persevere in conviction, faith, prayer and protest. by Major Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer)
This ‘breath prayer’ helps us journey into the season of Advent: As you breathe in, deeply feel the peace of Christ. As you breathe out, give thanks for your relationship with Jesus. As you breathe in, give thanks for peace in your heart and mind. As you breathe out, release sorrow for all that spoils your peace. As you breathe in, receive the free gift of peace that Jesus brings. As you breathe out, let go of those things that come between you and this peace.
by Major Jill Miller
MONDAY 1 DECEMBER: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – CAROLLING
We give thanks for the musicians and collectors who give their time and energy to bless our communities. God, we ask that you keep us safe. May our message be clear, and the conversations that take place bring comfort. by Captain Claire Durrant (Wrexham)
TUESDAY 2 DECEMBER: SERVING AND CARING – OLDER PEOPLE
We pray for anyone who is finding life lonely at the moment, and particularly for the older people in our communities. Break through the isolation and remind them that they are not alone. Show them that you are there with them. Lift them up and hold them close.
by Andrew Wileman (Assistant Director, Older People’s Services)
WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER: GROWING IN FAITH – CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY
Thousands will travel to the Royal Albert Hall tonight for an evening of music and Bible readings, presenting the timeless, life-changing truths of the Christmas story. Pray the message will ring out loud and clear, and that everyone present will taste the joy of Christmas. Pray for all those taking part, for peace and boldness as they bring this beautiful story to life again.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – NIGERIA TERRITORY
We give thanks for the witness and service of Salvationists across the country. We pray for protection, particularly in those areas where Christians experience persecution. We ask God’s richest blessings on the leadership team of Commissioners Friday and Glory Ayanam and Lieut-Colonels Nkwachukwu C and Juliet Nkechinyere Ezeonyilimba.
by Lyndall
Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 5 DECEMBER: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – CHRIST IN THE MARGINS Christ of the forgotten towns, you walk the roads where hope has boarded up its windows. Hear the anger that smells of damp carpet, mouldy walls and cheap lager, the cry of those who have been narrated but never known. Turn mockery into meeting, and raise dignity from the dust of neglect.
by Captain John Clifton (Divisional Commander, North East Division)
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.
Love Came Down
At the start of Advent, Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts reflects on the difference God’s love makes in our lives and the world
CHRISTINA Rossetti’s ‘Love Came Down at Christmas’ is a beautiful poem that captures the heart of the Christian message. In just 12 lines the poet distils a theology of the Incarnation, worship and Christian living. She declares that love is present, in our world, embodied and transformative.
‘Love Came Down at Christmas’ invites us to consider how God’s love transforms our inner lives and the communities in which we live. As we reflect on her words may we remember not only what Christmas celebrates, but also what a difference God’s love makes in a world longing for hope and healing.
The descent of love
The poem speaks of God taking on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The repetition of ‘love’ emphasises that the very essence of God is love, and that this love did not stay distant. Instead, Love came down, choosing humility and vulnerability.
Years after Christina Rossetti, another poet, John Gowans, said: ‘God is hidden no more/He has spoken his mind,/ Wrapped the gift of his love in the stuff of mankind.’ How wonderful that God chose to communicate his love in the irresistible form of a human child!
In verse one of Rossetti’s poem, ‘star and angels gave the sign’ echoes the narratives in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. The heavenly realm breaks into the earthly to announce that something world-changing has happened. The sign of the angels was given to ordinary people, the shepherds caring for their precious flocks on the hills of Bethlehem. God’s glory was revealed to lowly men and their response was to seek the Messiah and worship him. The sign of the star was noticed by men who had
spent years studying and watching the heavens. They, too, responded by travelling, seeking to understand that sign. They, too, found the newborn King – Love come down in the person of Jesus Christ.
What a difference God’s love can make within the human heart. To know that Love has come down for us is to know that we are cherished and held. Many people live with a sense of loneliness or insignificance, but Rossetti’s words counter this by showing that God’s love actively enters our world and our lives. When we embrace this truth, our priorities begin to shift. We realise that worth is not measured by achievement or status but by the love of God who draws near to us.
Worshipping Love Incarnate
The second verse begins: ‘Worship we the Godhead,/ Love Incarnate, Love Divine.’ Rossetti moves from proclamation to worship, from what God has done to our human response. Worship, for Rossetti, is the recognition that God’s love is embodied in Jesus Christ.
By calling Jesus ‘Love Incarnate’, she shows that worship is rooted in relationship rather than obligation. We worship Christ not because we are commanded to, but because divine love has been revealed to us in a way we can see, touch and follow.
The final question in the stanza – ‘but wherewith for sacred sign?’ – asks how such love should be expressed. How do we show our devotion to the God who has given everything for us? This takes us beyond private devotion and into the realm of daily life. Worship becomes not just something we do in a church
service, but a pattern of living that reflects Christ’s compassion, humility and mercy.
This stanza helps us understand the
another’ (John 13:35). Rossetti echoes this teaching, suggesting that love is not only the gift we receive from God but also the gift we give to the world.
Here is the communal outworking of divine love. When God’s love fills our lives, it does not remain confined to us. It expands outward, shaping relationships, healing divisions, and inspiring acts of generosity and courage. In a world so often marked by conflict, competition and isolation,
Journey through Advent on Salvationist Radio with a series of Sunday Worship messages exploring Love Came Down. Listen on Sundays at 11am or tune in to the podcast highlights each week. Visit salvationist.org.uk/sunday-worship
love becomes a radical force. Rossetti’s vision challenges us to live in a way that reflects the Incarnation – bringing God’s love into every interaction, every decision, every community we inhabit.
The difference God’s love makes Notice the progression as you read through this lovely poem: God’s love descends, we respond in worship, and love then becomes the guiding sign of our lives. This movement reflects the Christian journey each of us can make during this Advent season. We are invited to encounter God’s love, to be transformed by it, and to carry it into our neighbourhood.
Communities shaped by this love are places where people are valued not for what they produce but for who they are. They are places where forgiveness is possible, where burdens are shared, and where hope is nurtured. God’s love empowers people to act with courage and compassion, even in the face of injustice or suffering.
This year’s Advent theme of Love Came Down invites us not only to wonder at divine love but to participate in its ongoing work of transformation. When Love came down at Christmas, the world was changed for ever. And when that same love is lived out just where we are, the world continues to be changed – one act of kindness, mercy and justice at a time.
What God’s love means to me
Salvationist asks people around the territory about the impact of God’s love in
Justin, Bromley Temple
Reflecting on my life, I see the profound impact God’s love has had and continues to have on me. Certain moments stand out from my childhood, especially as I faced health issues and school challenges. I took pride in carrying his love with me every day, sharing it with others, and persisting through setbacks – never letting school drama or my health stop me from learning and striving for success.
My parents often remind me that, even though I don’t remember it myself, God’s love was evident when doctors doubted I’d reach my first birthday. They saw his love shine through the unwavering support of doctors and nurses who helped me achieve each milestone – a journey that still continues today.
Over the past few years, I’ve felt his love growing stronger, giving me courage and self-belief, especially after Covid-19. Every step I took led to new opportunities and experiences. The true power of his love revealed itself at Design for Life, where I felt chains break and obstacles fall away. Doors that once seemed locked suddenly opened, and people began to notice a light shining within me, seeing qualities they hadn’t seen before. This led to new responsibilities and roles, guiding me on a path towards leadership.
Now, I share his love not just for myself but by showing how it transforms lives. It’s available to everyone – all you need to do is look up and allow him to unlock your heart, so you too can experience and feel his love.
Jo, Wrexham
I always had a strong fear of abandonment during my teenage and adult years and, as time went on, I firmly believed that I needed to depend on people, places and things to feel secure in myself.
I had forgotten about God, and this was only fully realised when I was surrendered to the bottle, to the active alcoholism that had swept insidiously into my life. I was using alcohol as my god – it made me feel warm inside, secure and confident. But, like all other things of this world, the effects were impermanent, and I would keep trying, chasing all manner of ways to feel safe, fulfilled and secure.
Once I became sober, life did not get any easier, but I began to witness the thousands of micromiracles happening in my life, despite me, despite my efforts and my endless trying. God taught me to let go. To give up – to throw in that towel and surrender to his goodness, love, mercy and light. He taught me that I couldn’t find strength and security in transient earthly things. He still reminds me now, when I try to take control back of my own life, that he is in control and I just make a mess of things! God has given me my life back with his love, goodness, grace and unlimited mercy.
Jack,
God’s love is everywhere. When you feel that love, it awakens you. It is everywhere like God, exalted among the nations of the Earth. With it, we keep moving forward, driven with Spirit, following it to new things.
Blackburn
Frankie, Deal
I have always been aware of God’s love from a young age, but the most significant memory of this was only a couple of years ago when I gave my life to God. It was back in September 2023. For a long time, I felt lost and was seeking validation and love in all the wrong places. When one day I was sat listening to an audiobook called The Cross and the Switchblade. It spoke about how no one is too far out of reach of his love and, in that moment, I felt like God was right beside me, saying: ‘I’m still here for you Frankie.’ After that day I gave up anything that pulled me further from his reach and offered my life to God to use how he wills. I have been serving him ever since.
Brenda, via Facebook
My life would be nothing without God’s love, care and blessings!
Eunice, Willenhall
When I look back over my life, I see the fingerprints of God’s love in every chapter. As a mother raising two children in a foreign land, there were moments I felt alone – but God was always beside me. His love became my strength and comfort. He helped me care for my parents back home, provided for my family, and held me together when life felt overwhelming.
One of the greatest miracles I witnessed was my son’s kidney transplant nine years ago. God restored his health and gave him a second chance at life. Today, I feel even more blessed because he is now a father himself – and I have the joy of spending time with my beautiful granddaughter. Every smile she gives me is a reminder of God’s faithfulness through generations.
After working in difficult circumstances, God opened a new door and placed me in a job where I finally feel at peace. His timing is perfect, and his compassion never fails. Family means everything to me, and through every joy and every trial, God’s love has held us close. Being able to serve in the church is a privilege I do not take for granted. It is my way of giving thanks to the One who has carried me, protected me, and blessed me far beyond what I imagined. I have a full heart, grateful for a God whose love never runs out.
Abergavenny A culture of caring
Keeping prayer central
This is my first appointment since being commissioned in July and I’m loving being part of this amazing community. The corps had been unofficered for two years before I arrived and had continued to do some amazing ministry and mission during that difficult time. I was so blessed to find so much already in progress.
We’re a small corps with a mix of folk and ages and a small band.
On Sundays we have a café-style set-up. It’s very relaxed with lots of conversations and we stay for coffee. One thing that has remained a priority for the corps is prayer and Bible study. Keeping that foundation of relationship with God underpins our whole church. Prayer is central and sacred and there’s a strong sense of us being in this together, caring for each other all week, not just on Sundays.
Youth and children
We have a couple of young children, two young families and a couple of teenagers. We’ve just started junior soldier lessons with one child. Starfish mentoring is part of our corps programme with folk wanting to get involved.
Our Youth Hangout aims to be an East Cynefin youth group. Cynefins are communities made up of multiple corps within the Wales Division. Young people from any corps in the cynefin can come along. It’s run by Divisional Youth Specialist George Martin and Ange, who is heavily involved in youth work in our corps and the town. They’re both very knowledgeable on what young people need and how to support them. Sometimes the youth group will go prayer-walking or do litter-picks. Our prayer is that this will grow and that other corps in the cynefin will get involved.
Eco Church
We are constantly reminded of what we’re caring for by the beautiful seven peaks that surround our town. Each
time our leadership team meet, care for creation is on our agenda.
We’ve registered with A Rocha UK as an Eco Church and received our Silver award, greatly helped by the work of our young people in caring for creation – they were really involved in setting up the planters behind the hall.
We’re part of Churches Together and many are Eco Churches and Fairtrade churches. Churches have banded together to make an Eco Church community and compiled a list of all the recycling locations for food, clothing and other items. We’re blessed that we’re in a town where being environmentally conscious is a priority.
Care at Christmas
For our toy appeal, we issue gift cards, from referrals, as we don’t have the volunteers or manpower to do a physical toy appeal. There’s something about a gift card that provides dignity – parents can go out and choose what is right for their family.
A couple of days a week, a section of our band will go into town carolling. We have a community carol service and carols by candlelight. Our carol service will take the format of a bring-your-own Nativity set, giving people the opportunity to share a little about their Christmas traditions.
We actively encourage conversations about what Christmas looks like for different people as everyone’s
understanding and experiences of Christmas are different. We also like to consider how that is reflected in our worship and how we honour those differences.
A time of discernment
We have many ideas for the new year and are in a period of discernment. Heralding on the town’s busy market days is one idea, to get out and be present and visible in the town. Please pray for us as we seek God’s will and purpose.
Fast facts
DIVISION Wales
CORPS LEADER
Lieutenant Amy Bayliss-Fox FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/ abergavennysa
SATCoL and John Lewis launch
JOHN Lewis has partnered the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) to launch a recycled knitwear collection.
The innovative unisex line is made from 100 per cent reclaimed and repurposed wool. Customers donated items to the John Lewis FashionCycle scheme and SATCoL used its Fibersort technology to separate the wool fibres. These garments were blended with other waste wool to make new recycled yarn, turning unwearable wool into the colourful 19-piece ensemble.
The pieces were knitted seamlessly on specialist circular machines, reducing production waste, and designed for further recyclability at end-of-life, minimising environmental impact.
Bernie Thomas, SATCoL’s circular economy and sustainability manager, said: ‘It proves that British fashion businesses can lead the circular economy – transforming worn clothing and textiles into stunning new products, ready to begin their life all over again.’ – AR
ANNIVERSARY
WINTON The corps had a lovely, vibrant buzz as it celebrated 140 years of faithful ministry and witness. People used their gifts to share with the congregation and lead worship. After the meeting the congregation continued celebrations with an anniversary cake. – JH
INTERNATIONAL
SHERINGHAM In addition to supporting families in the community with Christmas gifts, corps members filled 50 shoeboxes with gifts to be sent overseas through Operation Christmas Child. Songster Kay Hazelwood welcomed David Burns from the organisation and presented him with the boxes. – MG
OUTREACH
BOOTH HOUSE The sound of bicycle pumps and giggles filled the air at the Lifehouse’s Recycles workshop as Specialist Support Worker Simon Styles taught basic bike maintenance to 20 enthusiastic brownies to earn their new mechanics badges. The two-hour session saw Simon and fellow volunteer Shane guide the girls through essential bike safety checks and maintenance tips. The visit was part of a broader community outreach effort, and Simon and Shane were proudly awarded their own Brownie mechanics badges, a fitting reward for a night spent building more than just bikes. – AR
FUNDRAISING
ABERYSTWYTH Forty people from local churches came together to share a lunch of bread and cheese to raise funds for Cymorth Cristnogol (Christian Aid), with artisan loaves beautifully created by Corps Sergeant-Major Mark Mainwaring and his daughter, Heulwen. Corps leader Lieutenant Paul Sass encouraged those gathered with Matthew 5:14. The lunch raised £260 towards funds being sent out to help people affected by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean. – PS
ANNIVERSARY
MURTON Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls (Darlaston and Willenhall) and singer Charlie Green helped celebrate the 141st corps anniversary. A march of witness and concert took place on Saturday, and people reminisced during the Sunday meetings. There was also a prayer walk, with people connecting throughout. – MS
FUNDRAISING
THQ Team Sally Army’s 18 cyclists took part in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride, raising more than £11,000 for The Salvation Army. The 55-mile ride will take place next year on 13 September and funds raised can go towards any chosen Salvation Army corps or project. Sign up for the 2026 event at tsa.link/l2b2026. – AR
WALTHAMSTOW Corps charity shop Sally in the Stow was the London winner in The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards. Walthamstow MP, Stella Creasy, a regular at the shop, was present for the presentation. Corps leader Major Julie Pell said:
‘We have a wonderful team here who’ve worked tirelessly. It’s more than a shop. As part of the corps, it’s also a friendly and safe space that enables us to support many local people.’ – CM
PLYMOUTH BARBICAN A partnership with Pilgrim Primary Academy – where the corps currently meets – launched with a community event that invited families to meet the Barbican team. Local organisations, ward councillors and the deputy lord mayor attended. The school’s kitchen team and Barbican volunteers made free food for the children, which meant a lot in an area where food poverty is a daily concern. Feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive, expressing appreciation for the sense of community the day inspired. The partnership opens opportunities to live out the mission to serve others without discrimination and connect deeply with a diverse community in real need. – AR
REMEMBRANCE
DUNSTABLE The band led the town parade on Remembrance Sunday, playing at the war memorial as poppy wreaths were laid. Bandsman Peter Noble sounded the Last Post and Reveille. – JB
WOMBWELL WITH BARNSLEY The craft group crocheted hundreds of poppies as part of a display at St Mary’s Church. Doreen, 81, contributed 150 poppies alone, including white ones for peace and purple ones to honour animals that served alongside soldiers. The corps also hosts a monthly veterans group, including for those living with addiction. Craig, who volunteers with the group, said: ‘It’s a safe space where they won’t be judged. We offer a cuppa and a chance to talk. We know there can be devastating consequences if people don’t talk and it gets too much for them, particularly for veterans.’ – AR
CITADEL A
to
was held at the hall. The evening featured a vocal solo from Abigail Johnson and euphonium solo from Harry Stubbs, as well as musical contributions from the East of England Youth Chorus and the corps band. The festival concluded with a drum head ceremony and a solemn act of remembrance. – MW
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and more.
Stapleford charity shop and café commemorates the fallen
NORWICH
Night
Remember
Rutherglen Band accompany the wreath-laying ceremony at the town cenotaph
STAPLE HILL The band led a march comprising military veterans, cadets and local Scout sections from the Royal British Legion building to the war memorial in Page Park. Corps leader Major Colin Hylton-Jones led a service attended by Damien Egan MP and councillors Maggie Tyrrell and Ian Boulton. Several thousand people were estimated to be present, and wreaths were laid at the memorial while the band played. – HB
UPPER NORWOOD The gospel was proclaimed as the corps led the Crystal Palace Remembrance Sunday service. Members of the British Armed Forces were thanked and remembered in prayer, as well as all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Hymns, prayers and a short message all pointed to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for our freedom from sin and death, before closing with the national anthem. – PL
BATH CITADEL With 2025 marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, Major Elsie Pyman, Evangeline Skinner and Connie Lambert shared their memories of the conflict with a booklet titled World War II Through the Eyes of a Child. – SL
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
John Woods’ thoughtprovoking display was appreciated by corps members and the public alike as a backdrop for the Remembrance Sunday meeting. It was enhanced by the dropping of poppy petals and the reading of the poems ‘In Flanders Fields’ and ‘For the Fallen’. During Sunday school, the children created a prayer poppy, which they placed upon the mercy seat. Corps member Mike Dearlove also represented the Army at the local war memorial, laying a wreath on behalf of the corps. – MH
REMEMBRANCE
afternoon tea box event that raised £475 for the community fund. All the buns, tray bakes, biscuits and other contents were made by Doreen and Foyle College’s school canteen.
SHERINGHAM Representatives of the corps took part in the town Remembrance parade under beautiful blue skies. The band accompanied congregational singing and Bandmaster Paul Winterbourne sounded the Last Post and Reveille. – MG
Bath Citadel Band attend a Remembrance service at Bath Abbey, following a parade from the Guildhall
LIMAVADY Charity shop manager Doreen Chapman held an
– SR
CAROLINE, Elgin, Shanice, Luke, Sophie and Charlie were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps leaders Majors Christa and Peter Beeldman. They all participated in the meeting through prayer, Bible reading and songs and shared why they wanted to become junior soldiers. – CB
AS part of the Harvest celebrations, Lilly-Mae was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps leader Captain Theresa Torr, supported by corps children’s workers Claire March and Louise Baldwin. She is the first junior soldier to be made at the corps for 10 years. Lilly-Mae’s mum, Abbie, Uncle John, her grandparents, Jim and Teresa Gibson, and other family and corps members helped her celebrate this special occasion. – TT
LYLE was enrolled as a junior soldier on Children’s Sunday by corps leader Major Nicola Hylton-Jones. Lyle came to the corps with his family from Wan Chai Corps in Hong Kong. Lyle is learning to play the cornet and is looking forward to joining the junior band. As well as his certificate and badge, Lyle was also given the traditional bouquet prepared by other Hong Kong members of the corps, filled with chocolate and other goodies. – VW
SANDRA Fleetwood was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Captain Alison Godwin. Sandra said, ‘I was walking past the corps one day and God told me to go in. I have never looked back.’ Pictured with Sandra is corps leader Captain Mark Godwin. – AG
DAVID was enrolled as a soldier by corps leader Territorial Envoy Ruth Morey after 22 years away from the corps. Encouraged by his Auntie Janet to come to regular coffee mornings, and following a pastoral visit from Territorial Envoy Ruth, David started regularly attending Sunday meetings. He was welcomed as an adherent in 2023. David said he was made to feel welcome and has gained much from the fellowship and Sunday meetings. Having joined the Swat group where singletons meet for fellowship and discussions, David felt it was the right time to take this major step forward in his Christian journey. – RM
WHAT DOES BEING A SOLDIER OR ADHERENT MEAN?
Find out about how you can make a spiritual commitment at salvationist.org.uk/membership
BOLTON SOUTH
BRISTOL CITADEL
NORTH WALSHAM
STAPLE HILL
SWINDON GORSE HILL
Local officers appointed
ASSISTANT CORPS
SERGEANT-MAJOR
LISA CHARMAN, Bedford Congress Hall
ASSISTANT CORPS
SERGEANT-MAJOR
BAMUS LIMTED, Bedford Congress Hall
ASSISTANT
CORPS SERGEANTMAJOR PREM
PRABHUDHAS, Bedford Congress Hall
QUARTERMASTER
GARETH MERSER , Parkhead
YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERGEANT-MAJOR
REBECCA MERSER , Parkhead
BANDMASTER
GILLIAN McMILLAN, Shiremoor
BAND SECRETARY
TREVOR WATSON, Stockton
Promoted to Glory
BAND COLOUR
SERGEANT DENNIS BROOK , Guisborough
JOSIE KEEN, Staple Hill
DAISY USHER , Staple Hill
JUNE POTTER , Leigh-on-Sea, from Langley House on 3 November
Bereaved
PAT BROOK , Guisborough, of her husband Band Colour Sergeant Dennis Brook
MEMBERSHIP
SECRETARY KAY
WILLETTS, Staple Hill, and Steve
Usher of their mother Daisy Usher
ENGAGEMENTS
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill
Wed 26 Nov – Mon 1 Dec Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Sat 29 Nov – Sun 30 Nov Louth
Wed 3 Dec Royal Albert Hall (Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army)
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest
Wed 3 Dec Royal Albert Hall (Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army)
NOTICES
Poetry
Corner: Share the good news
Salvationist is bringing back Poetry Corner throughout the year to explore each of the territory’s five mission priorities. If you have a poem about or inspired by sharing the good news, please send it to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration by 2 December.
Christmas poems wanted!
Poetry Corner will return for Christmas. If you have a poem inspired by Christmas or God’s love coming down to us, please send it to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration by 9 December.
Christmas top 10: Vote for your favourite carol!
Salvationist Radio will be presenting a festive chart show featuring the top 10 carols as voted for by you. The poll will open soon at salvationist.org.uk/radio – follow @SalvationistUKI on Facebook to find out when you can start voting!
Advent prayer stations
This new resource comprises four prayer stations that engage four of the senses in creative ways and provide rest and reflection with Jesus in this busy season. Visit tsa.link/adventprayer
Carolling and street-fundraising guidance
As Christmas gets closer, don’t forget to secure appropriate permissions for carolling and collecting in your area. Find guidance in the Big Connection fundraising toolkit at tsa.link/fundraisingtoolkit or email challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk
Get your website and social media ready for Christmas
Join the Digital Section for a free webinar to update your corps web page and social media, or book a one-to-one tailored support session with Regional Digital Manager Paul Nash. Visit tsa.link/digitaltraining
Be a Star
Get ready for your Christmas fundraising and community outreach with the Be a Star resources. They include editable donation cards and collection tin wrap, ideas and materials for planning community meals, and Christmas Present Appeal resources. Download them at salvationist.org.uk/resources/christmas
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This Advent, join Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Major Gordon Cotterill (THQ) every week as he reflects on the theme Love Came Down. 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
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: The Podcast
Have you ever thought about the meaning behind your favourite carols? The Advent devotional podcast returns for a new series of reflections, inspired by the book of the same name. New episodes are coming soon – listen to previous episodes now.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
RECRUITING NOW DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE ARTS MISSION SERVICE, THQ
Are you a passionate and visionary leader with a heart for creative ministry? We are seeking an experienced and dynamic director of Creative Arts to guide and develop our Creative Arts Department within the Mission Service.
In this pivotal role, you will shape the strategic direction of creative arts across all expressions of our mission, empowering and equipping individuals and groups throughout the UK and Ireland Territory. You’ll collaborate with local, divisional and territorial teams to deliver inspiring worship, discipleship, evangelism and outreach through a wide spectrum of creative arts – including music, dance, musical theatre and contemporary worship.
Key responsibilities
• Lead a dedicated team and manage multiple projects and events.
• Provide Christian spiritual leadership and ensure all activities reflect the mission, doctrine and values of The Salvation Army.
• Champion inclusivity and diversity, supporting both traditional and contemporary expressions of creative ministry.
• Collaborate across departments and divisions, offering training, resources and guidance to empower local leaders and communities.
• Steward a substantial operating budget and ensure excellence in financial and operational management.
This role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate must be a committed, active and practising Salvationist and an active soldier within your local corps.
For full details and to apply, visit careers.salvationarmy.org.uk Appointment subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK. CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.
Salary
£85,454 per annum
Contract Permanent Working hours Minimum of 35 hours per week (minimum of 40 per cent across each month in THQ)
Details
25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays; contributory pension scheme; employee assistance programme
Closing date 10 December
TO LET
ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hill-walking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available. Tel 02920 759314 or email jonesda19@outlook.com.
TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email jonesda19@outlook.com.
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Hear from us every week with magazine highlights read by Lieut-Colonel Rob Garrad
Listen at salvationist.org.uk/audiomagazine
Through Christ, God decided to bring all things back to himself again.
