THE often-used story of the NASA janitor who, when asked by the president what he did, responded, ‘helping to put a man on the moon’, is indicative of the concept that it is not always what we do but why we do it that counts. It didn’t matter what part he played, simply that he played a part. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were made for a purpose – God has a purpose for each one of us. As disciples, our task is to discern and determine what that purpose is and how we can live it out.
In this week’s issue, we’re exploring vocation and, in particular, what it means to be a leader within The Salvation Army. It doesn’t matter how old or young we are, God wants us to continuously develop our relationships with him in order that he can use us to lead others into relationship with him whenever and wherever he chooses.
In the context of spiritual freedom, Paul writes to the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 10:31: ‘Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’ Whatever we do, may we each be ready to lead.
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor
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Issue No 2014
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.
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Addiction and awareness
Chris Hartley highlights a campaign to help improve access to the life-saving medication naloxone
EACH day, 18 people in the UK die because of drugs – that’s 18 people who had hopes and dreams, friends and family.
Since our founding 160 years ago, The Salvation Army has walked with people on their journey of recovery from addiction. We know from our work supporting people struggling with addiction, that drugs are often used to escape a reality of unbearable pain and trauma. For many, while drugs may provide a temporary escape, they also come with dangers and the risk of death. Every life lost to a drug overdose is a tragedy, but even more so when that life could have been saved.
Sadly, today in the UK, opioids are readily available. In particular, synthetic opioids – which are man-made rather than derived from natural sources –are far more potent and, therefore, very dangerous. Fentanyl, for example, is 50 times stronger than heroin. According to official statistics, over half of drugrelated deaths in the UK involve opioids. Deaths caused by drug overdose can, and should be, prevented. And there is a potentially life-saving solution.
The medication naloxone, if administered to someone who is having an overdose caused by opioids, will temporarily halt the effects of the
opioid and provide vital time for the individual to receive medical attention. Through our addiction support and frontline services, we have seen the life-saving effect of naloxone.
Naloxone is cheap – a dose costs around £4.50 – and simple to use. However, according to Salvation Army research, only 14 per cent of the UK public are aware of it.
That’s why on, 18 June, the Army’s Addictions Department will be hosting an awareness-raising session for MPs in the House of Commons to show how easy and effective naloxone can be in saving lives. We hope by doing so we can increase awareness of naloxone and potentially save lives.
We need as many MPs as possible to attend our event so that they can learn about this life-saving medication and use their voices to raise awareness.
Jesus walked and lived with those who were seen as outcasts – people suffering from diseases, women forced into sex work, others. He recognised the intrinsic value of each life, a gift from God made in God’s image.
This is why The Salvation Army seeks to help those struggling with addiction – we believe in each and every person’s unique value, character and capacity to thrive given the right circumstances.
Reflect and respond
Read John 8:2–11. Reflect on your perception of people struggling with addiction.
Pray for the Addictions Department as they meet with MPs.
Consider contacting your MP with the prepared template email at action.salvationarmy.org.uk/ page/171348
The Addictions Department follow a harm reduction philosophy, supporting people to stay as safe as possible and minimise risks to themselves and others. Naloxone is part of this approach and, if more people –including politicians who can influence government policies on naloxone – were aware of it, it could save the lives of people who are at risk of an overdose.
CHRIS HARTLEY Public Affairs Officer
Army appreciation
by Garry D Reed
1 Name the bank founded by William Booth in 1890.
2 Name the Salvation Army commissioner and D-Day wireless operator who was dropped behind enemy lines during the Normandy landings at Pegasus Bridge.
‘I’m
for ever changed for the better’
Gap year intern Jay Lenton (St Ives) shares how taking a leap deepened his faith
CALLING as a subject can seem mysterious or unclear. It looks different for each and every person – we all have our own skills and goals after all.
3 Name the French Salvation Army periodical with a title translating to ‘Onward’ or ‘Forward’.
4 The Army is synonymous with which handheld percussion instrument?
5 Complete the title of William Booth’s 1890 book:
6 In which end of London did Catherine and William Booth commence the work of the Army?
7 What is a Sunday-morning prayer meeting traditionally known as?
8 Name the sixth General of The Salvation Army.
9 Designed in 1878 by Catherine and William Booth, what was first presented to Coventry Corps in 1879?
10 Name the Army’s oldest mission field.
11 What is the letter at the heart of the Army’s crest and epaulettes?
12 Which anniversary was marked in 1965?
For me, my calling was first to help others. When I was a child, my family got help from The Salvation Army, and I’ll always remember wondering why people gave up their time and money for someone like me, a person they’d
I found my answers years later when my postman encouraged me to come to the local corps in Tiverton. There, I learnt about Jesus and decided that I wanted to follow him. The love and care of the people of Tiverton have always stuck with me and are no doubt the main reason for my coming to faith. I was told all about who Jesus was but, through the people, I was shown his love.
Skipping on a bit, once I’d finished my A levels, I realised I was a bit stuck. I hadn’t applied for university because none of the options seemed appealing to me. And living in the countryside outside Wells didn’t seem to have many local job prospects.
It was a frustrating time because I still had a great passion to do more with my life, to serve God and to find out what I was meant to do. But the solution wasn’t there.
That’s when I was called again. This time literally called by Captain Nathan Loxley (St Ives) and Divisional Youth Worker Alice Hodge. Before, I’d expressed my desire to go further with my faith to Alice, and the time had come.
They were offering me a place on the St Ives gap year programme. It was an amazing opportunity for me, with such perfect timing that I knew instantly it was what God wanted me to do. A year in an incredibly beautiful part of the world to go deeper in my faith and take part in a huge range of activities. I immediately accepted – after all, who wouldn’t!
Over the year, I’ve developed enormously. My knowledge of the Bible and God has increased alongside my faith, and opportunities to run sessions and events honed my personal style of leadership. I’ve made so many new friends and learnt so many new things, and I know I’m for ever changed for the better.
I couldn’t recommend the gap year more to anyone interested in taking their faith further, or anyone who feels lost in what God has planned for them. Come along to sunny St Ives, take the leap and dive in!
Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.
Eccles God uses everything we give
His plans
I’ve been the corps leader since 2020, arriving in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, which was tough. I’m also a part-time chaplain at Salvation Army Homes’ Abbott Lodge, which is supported housing for people who are experiencing homelessness and awaiting accommodation.
I come from an Army family and never anticipated that I would be doing this role. But God had other ideas – he never wastes anything. The corps is a fantastic, culturally diverse, community with a sprinkling of young people.
And it’s growing! In October last year we enrolled three new soldiers and welcomed three new adherents.
We run community café every Monday, which started in late 2021. Around the same time, our corps folks were adamant that they wanted to return to weekly worship on Sunday mornings. I was nervous about the prospect and wasn’t sure if it would be viable. God clearly had other plans.
Prior to reopening, I’d heard about a man who used to go to church every week but felt it was only worth it if there were more than 10 people there. After a period of going week in and week out, and there not being 10 people, he said to
his wife: ‘I’ve decided it’s not viable.’ He attended that week to tell the faithful few of his decision, but there were more than 10 people present.
This resonates with our corps – when we resumed meeting weekly at the start of 2022, on that first Sunday there were 13 people. We now have a congregation averaging between 35 and 50 people. If everybody attended at the same time, we’d be packed to the rafters!
His provision
One day the hall doorbell sounded. One of our corps stalwarts answered it and came back with a carrier bag full of £20 notes to the tune of more than £21,000. Wow!
We never did find out who the generous benefactor was, but we’re so grateful to God. After running it by the official channels, we used the money to completely revamp our worship space. This enabled us to open a weekly parent-and-toddler group, another link to our community.
Weeks later, the man put a note through the door that said: ‘Hope you were able to use that money. Best wishes for Christmas.’
God has always sent what is needed, whether it’s helpers, funds or food, and it’s been used for his glory. I’ve worked in
a few sectors in my time, but I’ve never felt as blessed as I do now.
God continues to prove his faithfulness to us as a church community, time and time again. It’s the best thing ever to be helping to build God’s Kingdom.
Listen and hear
Major Andrew Vertigan explores the power of deep listening
ACTS 8:26–40
IT is so much easier to talk than to listen! So says the extrovert who loves to be in relationship and conversation with people and, yes, sometimes just likes to hear his own voice.
I’ve been struck by something I heard in recent weeks: ‘It’s no good listening if you don’t hear what I’m saying.’ The actions that followed this statement clearly showed me and the other person that we had not been heard.
Over these past weeks, as I have walked the streets of the city where I find myself helping The Salvation Army reimagine its future, I have reflected on this a lot. I’ve discovered people with a great deal of creativity who are energised and excited about the potential, and I have met a good number of people who want to work together in partnership. This, for me, is one of the key indicators of healthy mission.
Healthy mission is normally demonstrated through partnership, collaboration and a massive reliance on the Holy Spirit. Note verse 29 of our study passage: ‘The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”’
PAUSE AND REFLECT
I wonder what the Spirit is saying to you.
Where is he guiding you you?
How are you going to respond?
Let’s return to my opening statement for a moment: It’s so much easier to
talk than to listen! During the first few months of our new appointment, I’ve been listening to anyone who wants to talk to me. I’ve been very intentionally listening. I’ve listened to children, older people, church leaders, community workers, people from other cultures, people from other agencies, councillors, the mayor, the local MP and many more. When we moved into this role, my wife, Andrea, said to someone: ‘Watch Andrew now! He’ll simply connect and collaborate with people. Watch him network the city.’ She knows me so well! With no sense of ego, this is who God has made me to be. It’s how he has gifted me. It’s my character and my strength.
The key to contextual mission is to listen well. In this season, I’ve been seeking to listen at a much deeper level.
John Stott, in his book The Contemporary Christian: An Urgent Plea for Double Listening, tells us that it’s important to listen to God and to listen to our community context. This is what he calls ‘double listening’. Many pioneers and mission teachers have spoken about this idea in their writings.
It’s been so good to listen and not talk. Although, of course, I have chatted lots too. What has shocked me – deeply shocked me – has been the number of people who said that they didn’t know how to grow church or how to share their faith.
Take time to consider verses 30 and 31 – ‘Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,”
he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.’
These verses of Scripture stir up a number of questions.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How have you been enabled to explore your faith?
Do you know how to communicate it well?
Have we created a Movement of people who don’t know how to talk about, or even listen to, Jesus? Is it possible this is why the Church is in decline in the UK?
The words from the latter part of verse 31 jumped out at me. The man invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
I determined to practise not only the art of listening to Jesus, but also sitting with as many people as possible. I have listened to their needs, their heartbeats and the cry of the city. I have listened to the lonely, the rejected and the broken. I have listened to the powers in authority, to the decision makers and the fund holders. I have intently listened to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. I’ve been drawn back time and time again to the reality that it’s not by my might but by the Spirit (see Zechariah 4:6) – so says the Lord!
Our strategies, concepts and organisation will always fail us, but the Holy Spirit will not. He is energising, life giving, mind blowing. Verse 35 reminds us that we need to keep Jesus front
‘God is speaking clearly
Divisional children’s workers share how Design for Life for Children
is helping young people discover God’s plan for their lives
Hannah Willis Central and Southern Scotland
The division ran DFL for Children for the first time at the beginning of the year. We made Dennistoun Corps our home for the day, and eight children arrived, keen to start their DFL journey. We started the day expecting God to speak to us, and he certainly did!
Their first task was to decorate a plain white pillow with fabric pens. We would be sitting and laying on the floor a lot, so these pillows were essential for comfort. However, we also used them to doodle our thoughts, feelings and things God was saying.
We chatted through our journeys in life so far and worked through an activity to discover our spiritual gifts. We celebrated that we all have different stories and something unique to offer to God.
In the afternoon, we looked at people from the Bible called by God to do world-changing stuff. Then, it was time for us to respond.
We approached this time with certainty that God is calling all of us to something special. Our room transformed into a reflective space, and we used creative ways to practise listening to him.
This focused, holy space continued for 45 minutes as the children responded to God. I have no doubt that God was speaking deeply to the children about their calling.
He spoke clearly to me in this moment, also. I felt him say: ‘Hannah, do nothing. Let me do my thing.’
When organising an event, the temptation is to be busy all the time. But this was a time to practise stillness. I loved this moment of God affirming that there was nothing he needed
the adults to do. The space was made. All we had to do was let the Holy Spirit work within it. In those golden minutes, God’s presence moved within and around the children.
God is speaking clearly to our children all around the territory. Our job is to watch, nurture and make spaces for them as they rise up. DFL is one of God’s great ideas! He’s using it to ignite a calling in the lives of his children. As we help make spaces like this, children are unlocking a sense of hope, opportunity and God-shaped passion for their lives.
Blair from Kirkcaldy said: ‘I liked playing hide-and-seek but also learning to stop and think about doing things to become who God wants me to be and not what others say they want me to be.’
Dee from Edinburgh Gorgie adds: ‘It was fun to learn about God and talk to him. And I liked Kat’s pasta!’
For me, I cannot wait to run another DFL for Children. I’m full of hope that more and more child leaders will rise up within The Salvation Army.
Captain Clare Davis East of England
In January, we hosted the division’s first DFL for Children at Norwich Mile Cross Corps. Nine children aged between 10 and 12 explored who God created us to be, who we are becoming and what calling he might have for us.
Activities encouraged them to think about God’s calling and what it means to say yes to him. It was really encouraging to see how they connected with each other despite being from different corps, and some having never met before.
We firmly believed the leaders for the day should come
to our children’
“ Activities encouraged them to think about God’s calling and what it means to say yes to him ”
from the corps the children attended, and it was great to see new leaders who hadn’t done divisional events before engaging and building relationships with the children. We hope that having the children’s own leaders there means the conversations can continue.
After the event, some of the leaders shared how it was a privilege to have calling conversations with the children. Through ‘I wonder’ statements we could really see the children wondering about what this means for them and could feel God among us. It was great to see the children curious to explore the prayer space and explore more deeply at their own pace.
Claire Highton-Nicholls West Midlands
After participating in the pilot DFL for Children, I was excited to implement this amazing resource! It was great to work with a full cohort of children from four different corps at our first ever DFL for Children. It’s had a great impact on the spiritual life journeys of young people in the division.
The children enjoyed exploring the different styles of calling found in the Bible and how to relate them to their personal lives through different activity zones.
It was exciting to hear how the children felt they were being called. Some felt called into full-time ministry, some
into certain vocational roles. By the end of the day, one child recalled that she knew she was definitely called to be a leader. They were encouraged to go back to their own church settings and share all they had learnt about the design for their lives.
Eight-year-old Arthur shared that DFL was a great fun day. He especially enjoyed creating his life journey picture. We look forward to our next DFL for Children in October!
• Find out about DFL for Children training resources by emailing childrenyouth@salvationarmy.org.uk
Grow yourself
Stevie Hope learns how Growing Leaders is helping people flourish
SOME are born leaders, some achieve leadership, and some have leadership thrust upon them! But, however one becomes a leader, there’s always room to grow.
Growing Leaders is a course created by the Church Pastoral Aid Society to develop new leaders and invest in those already leading. Usually run as 10 sessions over 12 months, it includes four projects and lots of opportunities to meet a mentor one-on-one.
In recent years, it’s been picked up by several divisions and is helping to nurture disciples and raise up leaders from all corners of the UK and Ireland Territory.
‘We decided to use the course after identifying the challenge of local leadership in many corps,’ explains Divisional Area Officer Major Denise Cooper (Central, Southern and Channel Islands Division). ‘Eleven people were nominated, interestingly of lower age profile than we expected.
‘It was encouraging to see that some people made commitments as adherents, some were given opportunities for local leadership at their corps or in the division, and one changed direction in their career, now working for The Salvation Army.’
Sophia Harris (Dunstable) became assistant community care ministries secretary after completing the course.
‘It instilled in me the confidence to embrace leadership,’ she explains, ‘and reassured me that making mistakes is a natural and essential part of growing as a leader.’
‘The course was first published nearly 20 years ago and has been run in hundreds of churches throughout the UK and Ireland,’ adds Divisional Personnel Officer Major Alison Hudson (Central and Southern Scotland Division). ‘It’s therefore tried and tested. Part of the attraction – for me, anyway – is that all the resources are downloadable and ready to use for a small sum of money.
‘With a growing number of unofficered corps, we want to develop and equip more local leaders so that mission can flourish at all times. Growing Leaders isn’t necessarily about developing people for officership. Rather, it develops good Christian leaders who not only impact their churches but also their homes, schools, community clubs and workplaces.’
Joan Smith (Teddington) graduated from a 2023 cohort. Two years on, she still benefits from Growing Leaders, with the development plan she created during it continuing to speak into her discipleship, life statement and personal commitment.
‘My day job as a consultant psychiatrist involves attending NHS
leadership courses,’ she explains. ‘As an “old dog”, I was initially reluctant to attend. This faded before the end of the first day! The camaraderie was tremendous and bringing different viewpoints together within the formal teaching made us all respect other people’s experience and guidance.
‘My mentor constantly advised me to ask for and follow God’s help. With some trepidation, it’s been wonderful to trust in God, stand back and trust that others’ contributions are good enough.
‘Previously, I rewrote, summarised and corrected grammar when supervising projects with trainees. With new “tricks” from the programme, I stopped this and it was thrilling to watch a trainee win first prize for a project I’d not “interfered” in!’
For long-standing and soon-to-be leaders alike, it seems like Growing Leaders is doing exactly what it says on the tin.
• Find out more about Growing Leaders at cpas.org.uk/growingleaders
STEVIE HOPE Assistant Editor Salvationist
Spirit-led week of worship, witness and welcome
PAKISTAN
GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham travelled the length of Pakistan – from Islamabad to Karachi – being welcomed with dance, choir and timbrel performance, Scripture reading, prayer and testimony. In each gathering, the mercy seat was lined with people responding to the international leaders’ Spirit-inspired messages.
On Tuesday, the leaders met department heads and divisional leaders in Lahore. They also met with denominational leaders, members of the national assembly and key personnel in the education sector and on the governance board.
On Wednesday, hundreds gathered for officers’ councils, during which the General encouraged them to be good shepherds and ensure their motivation is pure and led by the Holy Spirit. He also acknowledged a new corps opening in Chishtian. In addressing young Salvationists, he advised them to stay focused and urged them to not wait to begin their journeys with God.
On Thursday and Friday, they visited Islamabad and Karachi. They met with denominational leaders and, in public meetings, the General referred to Ephesians 2:4–10. He urged Salvationists to share love and mercy with others. In Islamabad, in recognition of the international leaders, the national anthem of New Zealand was played.
At the commissioning of the Champions of the Mission session of cadets on Saturday, the General challenged everyone to serve God as their highest priority.
Commissioner Bronwyn charged the new lieutenants to spend quiet time with God to guard their hearts and stay focused. – AR
COMMUNITY
CLACTON-ON-SEA Planned refurbishment of the hall will include upgrading the toilets, extensive electrical work, building renovations, improvements to the outside area and the installation of a lift. Corps leader Major Katerina Lennox explained: ‘The building has served the town well for many years, but these improvements will help us create a more inclusive, comfortable and functional space that better reflects the needs of the people we serve today.’ – AR
EASTER
STOCKTON An Easter Messy Church saw 43 children attending with their parents and carers. Some had returned after the success of Stockton’s first Messy Church on Valentine’s weekend. Easter Messy Church included making lanterns, chicks and cards and there were Easter-themed games. The children enjoyed being part of the story by raising the crosses when they heard key words. – TB
EASTER
LEIGH-ON-SEA Corps from along the Thames Estuary joined together for a celebration meeting. During the afternoon, Salvation Army expressions shared the work they are doing in their communities, and musical sections from different corps took part in the service. It was a great afternoon of worship and praise. –RD/CD
RINGWOOD Corps community group Tables celebrated its 10th anniversary. On Maundy Thursday, 38 members of the group met to enjoy table games, tea, coffee, lunch and chat. Everyone got a chocolate Easter egg or bunny to take home. The weekly club has proved an invaluable social activity and provides real community support and friendship. Seven members have been introduced to the Sunday morning meeting, and three have been welcomed as adherents. – GT
EASTER
EASTER
STAPLE HILL On Palm Sunday, the congregation waved their branches to songs and some young people joined in a glory march. Holy Week began with Messy Church. On Tuesday the band and songsters presented Easter music with thought‑provoking commentary. Throughout Wednesday, the hall was open to the public for a walk through the Easter story. On Thursday, a Passover meal was shared. Good Friday saw the band playing in the town square. On Easter Day, following the meeting, the band drew a significant audience as it played music in a nearby park. – VW
EASTER
ISLE OF WIGHT The band and songsters participated in a thought provoking Good Friday meeting and the band took part in open air witness with other churches. A well attended Messy Church on Saturday drew more than 50 people, and included the empty cross being decorated with yellow flowers ready for Easter Day. Corps leaders Lieutenants Luke and Rachel Furlong spoke of the hope of a risen Lord to a standing room only hall on Sunday. The corps feel motivated, thankful and encouraged after a busy yet beautiful time. – LF
OUTREACH
KILBIRNIE The monthly men’s breakfast fellowship continues to flourish and has proved to be a wonderful opportunity for outreach. Some of those who attend are dealing with difficult issues, and all can enjoy company, conversation and a full Scottish breakfast. – JM
COMMUNITY
SOUTHEND CITADEL To better serve the city’s older residents, the corps has launched the Live Well Age Well health hub in conjunction with Age Concern Southend, NHS services and the city council. Staffed by a combination of healthcare professionals and volunteers, the hub will offer a range of services designed to promote physical health, mental wellbeing and social engagement. Corps leader Major Nicola Brooksbank explained: ‘The hub offers a holistic approach, providing essential services and fostering social connection to enhance the fullness of life in our community.’ – AR
COMMUNITY
SUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTH Bridget Phillipson MP met 30 Ukrainian refugees supported by the corps to hear from families who settled in the area after the outbreak of war three years ago. Corps leader Major David McCaw Aldworth explained: ‘Many refugees have settled happily in the North East, but they are still dealing with the trauma and uncertainty that war brings.’ – AR
ANNIVERSARY
OXFORD Past and present members of Oxford Corps and Abingdon Corps gathered to celebrate 50 years of ministry at West St Helen Street. Music, poetry and anniversary cake all featured in the festivities as thanks were given to God for his faithfulness throughout the years. – MD
MUSIC
CLOWNE AND WORKSOP The two corps welcomed the 50 strong Nexus Youth Choir to their respective halls for a weekend of praise and worship. The choir performed an evangelistic concert on Saturday evening to a packed house at Clowne, followed by Sunday morning worship at both corps simultaneously and a combined outreach event in the afternoon. – GH
GUISBOROUGH
CORPS Sergeant-Major Geoff Blott was presented with a retirement certificate after 25 years of faithful service, including leadership responsibilities when the corps was unofficered. Prior to this, Geoff was singing company leader and bandmaster at Guisborough and Eston Corps – a total of 50 years in local leadership. Corps Secretary Jan Blott was given a certificate of appreciation for 25 years’ service in the position she retains. Geoff and Jan are pictured with corps leaders Majors Antony and Fiona Mugford. – AM
MICHAELA McDonald was presented with a certificate of recognition and prayed for by corps leader Major Carole Donaldson during Sunday worship. Michaela offered to stand in the town each week and share the gospel to raise muchneeded corps funds, following news of Major Alan Donaldson’s illness. Michaela celebrated her first year of service in October 2024 and continues to enjoy this ministry. – CD
DIVISIONAL Leader Major Howard Russell presented Major Heather Durrant with a certificate of recognition for 10 years as songster leader, marking her retirement. Major Howard also presented the songsters with a new flag. Also pictured is corps leader Territorial Envoy Ruth Morey. – JB
DISS
RETIRED Corps Secretary Edna McElroy was treated to afternoon tea at a local hotel as a way of saying thank you from the Fellowship of Kilmarnock Churches for her years of service with them, which included two terms as convener and many years as a committee member. Edna, holding her flowers, is pictured with corps leaders Captains Emma and Les Heal, the Rev Ivy Barclays and Barbara Graham. – EF
NORTH WALSHAM
MAJOR David Young received a certificate of achievement and was nominated as an honoured citizen of Diss at the town council’s annual meeting. Major David is pictured with the mayor, Councillor Kieran Murphy. – EH
KILMARNOCK
PENRITH
ISLE OF MAN
CERYS Mudie was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Captain Rachael Nieuwoudt on Palm Sunday. Cerys shared her testimony and was supported by extended family, many of whom travelled from the UK for the occasion. – RN
GERALDINE was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Lieutenant Ana Layton. Geraldine spoke about the song ‘Amazing Grace’ as a personal testimony to the way God has saved her and kept her safe throughout her life. We praise God for all he is doing in this church! – AL
JEAN Wilson, Kay McFarlane and David McFarlane were enrolled as soldiers and Mary Gold was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Captain Wendy Leisk. David shared his testimony of walking closer with the Lord through teaching and Bible study. Jean had been attending church all her life, until she returned to Hamilton and knew God wanted her to renew her covenant with him at the corps. Mary was supported by her husband and son, who attended for the first time. She returned to the Army when she retired, commencing with the home league before attending Sunday worship and Bible study. We thank God for what he is doing within our fellowship. Also pictured is David Smeaton holding the flag. – WL
RUBY Hoy, Max Moye, Charlotte Jacobs and Jayden Guzha were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Major Andrew Jarrold. They each gave their testimony about how their faith had developed and how they feel a real sense of inclusion within the corps. – DC
CARLISLE
JOLIE Oyele and Mark Wheatley were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Captain Mel Scoulding on Easter Day. They were well supported by Mark’s family in Carlisle and, although they do not live in the area, they both attend whenever shift work allows. Mark explained that meeting Jolie had helped him to reconnect with God after many years away, and that he is learning so much through Sunday worship and fellowship. Both testified to an enthusiastic and deepening faith and Jolie prayed in her native French. – MS
HAMILTON
IPSWICH CITADEL
Local officers appointed
SONGSTER SERGEANT CHRISTINE EDMUNDS, Dunstable
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TEAM
MEMBER BETH HARRIS, Dunstable
SONGSTER SERGEANT MAJOR
JOHN HATCLIFFE , Dunstable
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TEAM
MEMBER DAWN WOOD, Dunstable
CORPS SECRETARY / DEPUTY SAFEGUARDING LEAD FLORA MUIR , Parkhead
ASSISTANT CORPS TREASURER KWASE OGUNGBURE, Parkhead
Wedding anniversaries
Diamond (60 years)
IAN AND RECRUITING SERGEANT MARY HOWIE, Hamilton, on 9 June Emerald (55 years)
CAROL AND ENVOY ROY DAINTY, Perth, on 6 June
Dedicated to God
DANIEL REYNOLDS, son of Catherine and Lee Reynolds, at Tadley by Territorial Envoy Stewart Madden
Promoted to Glory
RETIRED HOME LEAGUE
SECRETARY SYLVIA GIBBS, Peterborough Citadel
CORPS COMMUNITY MISSION
SECRETARY MALCOLM SHEPHERD, Gainsborough
JOHN WARD, Woodhouse
MAJOR JUNE KITCHEN from University Hospital Lewisham on 13 May
MAJOR GEORGE HOOK from Marlfield care home, Alton, on 20 May
Bereaved
BAND SECRETARY MICHAEL GIBBS and Jen Gibbs, both Peterborough Citadel, of their mother Retired Home League Secretary Sylvia Gibbs
ANNE WARD, Woodhouse, of her husband John Ward, Major Elizabeth Lloyd and Jonathan Ward of their father
MARILYN HARVEY, Alton, Andrew Hook , and Philip Hook , Diss, of their father Major George Hook
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries
Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Wed 4 Jun – Sun 8 Jun USA Central Territory
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill
Thu 5 Jun – Mon 9 Jun USA Southern Territory
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Sat 31 May Edinburgh Gorgie (Central and Southern Scotland Divisional Youth Band)
Sun 1 Jun Bellshill (Presentation of Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service)
Fri 6 Jun – Sat 7 Jun University of Warwick (Riverbank Women’s Conference)
Sun 8 Jun Preston (Retirement of Majors David and Kathryn Taylor)
Mon 9 Jun North West and Isle of Man (Spiritual Day)
Tue 10 Jun Sunbury Court (Brengle Institute)
Thu 12 Jun Church House, Westminster (Christian Aid Breakfast Reception)*
Thu 12 Jun Westminster Abbey (Christian Aid 80th Anniversary Service)*
Thu 12 Jun UCL Medical School (International Conference, Global Determinants of Health and Wellbeing)**
* Commissioner Paul only ** Commissioner Jenine only
NOTICES
Take part in the Army’s global spiritual life survey!
A new survey is setting out to better understand the spiritual life of the international Salvation Army, to identify where the Army is thriving spiritually and where growth is needed. You are invited to respond thoughtfully and honestly. There is no age limit: your experience matters and every response will help create a fuller picture. Responses are anonymous and will be analysed by the spiritual life development team at IHQ. A report of the findings will be shared in the autumn. The survey is available in multiple languages and the deadline for responses is 22 June. Take part at sar.my/spirituallife. For more information, contact Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts at jayne.roberts@salvationarmy.org.uk
Understanding singleness
The UK and Ireland Territory is taking part in an international research project that aims to gain a deeper understanding from those who worship at The Salvation Army on their views, feelings and experiences of being single. With more people getting married later in life, or not at all, it is imperative that the Church understands the complexity of being single today and provides a place of welcome to those who are single, whatever stage of life they may be in. To learn more or to take part, visit sar.my/singleness before 31 July. If you have any questions, email ihq-dhs@salvationarmy.org
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week, Lieutenant Lizzy Kitchenside (Harold Hill) speaks about caring for creation. 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
Sing to the Lord with the ISS
Enjoy favourite recordings from the International Staff Songsters. Listen at 5pm on Sunday 1 June.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Sunday Lunch
The musical side to your Sunday lunch, featuring your favourite Salvation Army music. The first Sunday of each month features Reuben’s Pick and Mix, presented by Reuben Dykes (Kidsgrove).
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
ADVERTS
TO LET
ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hill-walking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available. Tel 02920 759314 or email jonesda19@outlook.com.
TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email jonesda19@outlook.com.
5.30pm Refreshments (all welcome) 7pm Centenary concert Contact ericmillest@aol.com or 07876747398. Can’t make it? Send a message or video!
LEEK SALVATION ARMY, SALISBURY STREET, ST13 5EE
CANADIAN STAFF SONGSTERS
An evening of music with The Salvation Army’s premier choir in Canada Wednesday 9 July, 7pm Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/leek-salvation-army Adults £1 2 Under-16s £5
