Salvationist 5 February 2022

70p / 5 February 2022

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

SALVATIONIST OPENING DOORS MAKING CONNECTIONS IN WELLING

CARING FOR CREATION: SELF-DENIAL 2022 PAGE 6

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

CHURCH GOES SOFT AS RULES ON CUSHIONS ARE OVERTURNED Churchgoers could finally be granted respite from sore bottoms and chilly toes and will be helping to save the planet at the same time, thanks to a change in church rules.

The Church of England has set out plans to cut red tape to make it easier for parishes to install cushions on uncomfortable wooden pews and to lay down rugs between rows of seats.

The changes to church laws have been drawn up with both comfort and climate in mind.

The use of soft furnishings in churches … retain heat and reduce the need to crank up the heating in draughty church buildings.

A raft of amendments has been proposed to church laws to reduce bureaucracy for parishes wanting to make eco-friendly alterations, including the addition of electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, green boilers, new insulation, draught proofing or ‘soft furnishings’…

Previously, a parish required court permission to introduce cushions if they might ‘result in a change to the overall appearance of the church’.

The Times

MORE ETHNIC MINORITY CLERGY TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF SENIOR BISHOPS IN ‘CATALYST FOR CHANGE’ FOR CHURCH OF ENGLAND New plans have been agreed for more clergy from minority ethnic backgrounds to attend meetings of senior bishops in the Church of England.

The House of Bishops, which is made up of the most senior clerics in the Church, has agreed that from the spring there should be at least 10 members from UK minority ethnic or global majority heritage backgrounds represented.

At present, only 4 out of 53 positions in the House of Bishops are filled by minority ethnic clergy. It’s hoped the new rules will be a catalyst for ... making the Church of England more representative...

The Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, said: ‘This may seem like a small step to some, but it ensures that a diversity of voices and experiences enriches the discussions of the House of Bishops as we seek to be a Church that truly embraces people of global majority heritage at every level of its life.’

Afghanistan has topped the Open Doors 2022 World Watch List (WWL) of the 50 countries where Christians face the worst persecution.

North Korea was number one on the list for 20 years but the ... Taliban takeover has pushed Afghanistan to the top spot.

Open Doors warned of Christian men ‘facing almost certain death’ if their faith is discovered. For women and girls, the price of their faith is being married to young Taliban fighters as the ‘spoils of war’, or being trafficked…

Much of the tiny, hidden Christian population of Afghanistan has now fled to rural regions or refugee camps in neighbouring countries, according to the human rights group, but many of these countries are also hostile to Christians…

Open Doors also expressed continued concern about the plight of Christians in North Korea, where it said persecution reached record levels this year despite the country falling from the top of the WWL.

Premier

Christian Today

THOUSANDS OF STUDENT GAMBLING ADDICTS ‘SPENDING £30 A WEEK ON HABIT’ Thousands of [students with a gambling addiction] are spending an average of £30 a week on betting, racking up debts and missing out on university life to fund their habit, research has found.

In a survey of 2,000 students, 80 per cent said they gambled, with 35 per cent of those who did admitting using their student loan, bank overdrafts, borrowing from friends or taking out payday loans.

Of those who gambled, 41 per cent said it had led to them missing lectures, assignment deadlines or social activities.

There are about 2.5 million students in the UK, indicating that hundreds of thousands are suffering financial or social harm due to gambling.

The Guardian

SALVATIONIST salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1844

CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips PROOFREADER Chris Horne Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

ISSN 2516-5909.

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AFGHANISTAN REPLACES NORTH KOREA AS MOST DANGEROUS PLACE TO BE A CHRISTIAN

Salvationist 5 February 2022

DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66–78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 / subscriptions@satcol.org @SalvationistOnline

@SalvationistUK

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101

TO SERVE THE PRESENT AGE YOU may – or may not – be old enough to remember US Christian singer-songwriter Keith Green, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1982, aged just 28. He’s perhaps best known for such songs as ‘There Is a Redeemer’ and ‘Oh, Lord, You’re Beautiful’.

An ordained minister and a keen student of theology, Green once made the insightful comment: ‘This generation of Christians is responsible for this generation of souls on the Earth.’ He recognised that, as a steward or custodian of Christianity while he lived a life of faith, he had a responsibility to introduce others to Christ. He couldn’t witness to prior generations or those to come, but he could witness to the ‘harvest’ in front of him. That always reminds me of these words by Charles Wesley: ‘To serve the present age,/ My calling to fulfil,/ O may it all my powers engage/ To do my Master’s will’ (SASB 946).

As I consider some of the articles in this week’s Salvationist, I’m led to reflect on how we are serving ‘the present age’ – both in the variety of methods used and the genuine intent to win people into the Kingdom and alleviate suffering where we see it.

The first in a series of Self-Denial Appeal articles focuses on one of our mission priorities: caring for creation. It mentions relieving poverty and helping those experiencing food shortages and it talks of the Army’s work in ‘helping people increase resilience’ in the face of great challenges. We serve the present age by helping people in urgent need.

Another new series commences with Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts writing about the spiritual discipline of journaling. She comments on the benefits of this form of prayer and reflection, which seeks to experience God in a personal and intimate way.

We serve the present age by encouraging believers to grow stronger, deeper and bolder in their faith.

You can also read about Welling Corps. During the Covid-19 pandemic they have had to consider how inclusive they are. They recognised that the ‘single biggest need’ their community has is a ‘desire for friendship and connection’. ‘We meet these needs by opening the door,’ writes corps officer Captain Katy Shubotham. We serve the present age by being welcoming and building relationships with people.

Following an interview with Online Content Editor Bethany Gibson (Salvationist 1 January) about the upcoming launch of salvationist.org.uk, people from various THQ departments help to introduce this new territorial website, explaining how it will benefit their ministry and service. We serve the present age by building our digital presence and extending our reach to a broader audience.

Jeff Morton’s ‘Viewpoint’ article considers how a message about sin might seem irrelevant to non-believers today. Is sin still to be discussed or is the concept considered anachronistic? Are there more positive messages – about eternal life, for example – we should focus on sharing? We serve the present age by considering age-old principles and seeking to be relevant to seekers.

What about you? How are you serving the present age? What role are you playing in reaching ‘this generation of souls on the Earth’?

As we pray for The Salvation Army, let’s remember that we are The Salvation Army! You and I are the current custodians of our faith. Let’s be diligent as we seek to love God and love others.

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

2 4 and 5

News Prayer matters

5

Self-Denial 2022 Caring for creation

6

by Captain Jo Moir

Army Snippets

7

by General John Larsson (retired)

My journal Connecting with God

8

by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts

Letters

9

Interview Real estate matters

10 and 11

with Peter Grant

We are The Salvation Army 12 and 13 We are imperfect people brought together says Captain Katy Shubotham

Preview Building a one-stop shop

14

Viewpoint Sin in a secular world

15

by Jeff Morton

Bible study Reflecting the Light

16 and 17

by Major Haris Giannaros

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Jane Kimberley

Reflection Protected by a great God

18

by Brian Colley

Reflection Greatness of heart

18

by Major John Waters

New commitments

19

Viewpoint Covenanting together

20

by David Newstead

Preview The Humble Church

20

by Martyn Percy

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

22

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring William McDonald

From the editor-in-chief Major Mal Davies

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

Salvationist 5 February 2022

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NEWS

Editor's note: Some events reported took place before the current Covid-19 restrictions.

COMMUNITY

PENRITH A bench that was installed in 2020 as a place for no one to feel lonely has evolved into a Happy to Chat coffee morning. Dubbed the ‘Happy to Chat bench’, the initiative was introduced to create socially distanced opportunities to tackle loneliness and isolation.

Those needing to talk took a seat while someone else sat on the church wall. The bench is sponsored by local plasterboard manufacturers British Gypsum and has been enjoyed by a wide range of people in the community. The bench is still available but people are now encouraged to attend the coffee morning as a way of meeting new friends. – AR

PRESENTATION Ron Smith, who has faithfully sold the ‘War Cry’ outside Marks & Spencer for nine years, receives a gift and cake donated by the store from Lincoln corps officer Captain Huw Dutfield

EVENT DUNSTABLE Twenty-five people attended 12 Hours of Prayer and Worship the day before Covenant Sunday. Nine prayer stations in the hall focused on the fruit of the Spirit, providing opportunity for activities, reflection and reading, with leaflets to take home for further consideration. Organised by Adherents Secretary Sue Leadbeater, the day started at 7am and ended with a time of worship. – JB 4

Salvationist 5 February 2022

MEETING

LEIGH-ON-SEA Divisional Mission Enabler Major Tim Justice led the retirement meeting for Major Jacquie Hanover. Steve Hawkins and the former divisional commander, Major Norman Ord, expressed their thanks for her service as an officer and a retirement certificate was presented to her by Divisional Commander Major Howard Russell.

A prayer of thanksgiving and a blessing were given by Divisional Mission Enabler Major Joanna Justice. – PJ

OUTREACH

WELLING Corps officer Captain Katy Shubotham talked to the local Guides and Rainbows about the work she does at Christmas.

When they returned in the new year, the girls presented her with a picture of baby Jesus to put in her office. They had remembered what she told them about Jesus being the person who kept her going and decided they wanted her to have a reminder of him in her office. – KS

COMMUNITY BLACKPOOL CITADEL The corps has packed and distributed 420 food hampers to people in need this winter, after the fallout from changes to universal credit, among other challenges, has sent the number of people in need soaring. Corps officer Captain Naomi Clifton said: ‘We are seeing that people are depending more and more on charity to help get them through day-to-day life.’ – AR

COMMUNITY

YOUTH AND CHILDREN

by Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Major Helen Schofield

15,000 meals served to people in need LEEDS CENTRAL MORE than 15,000 meals have been served to vulnerable people and those experiencing homelessness since the start of the pandemic.

The corps has seen a 650 per cent increase in demand for support during the past two years. With the Nile Street hall closed during the height of the pandemic, corps officers Majors Cliff and Joy Allchin and their small team handed meals out at the door, often serving up to 100 people a day.

Major Joy said: ‘Between March 2020 and November 2021 we served 15,000 hot meals, when pre-pandemic in an average year we’d serve about 2,000.’

‘Many people come to just talk and socialise with others,’ she continued, ‘which for their mental health is one of the most important things. We sit with them and get to know their stories. I can tell people’s individual needs now, whether they are vegetarians or if there’s something they won’t eat.’

On Tuesdays the corps team provide food parcels and open the café for people who are isolated or lonely. The officers also drop parcels off to people who can’t make it to the hall.

Major Cliff said: ‘We are always grateful for the generosity of the community, whose donations mean we’ve been able to help desperate families with food parcels and, in one case, arranging a trip away for a family that had never been on holiday before.’

Christmas proved to be even busier with toys provided for approximately 1,300 children. The corps gave out about 90 gifts to mothers, provided 120 food parcels and £20 supermarket vouchers to 180 people.

Approximately 60 rough sleepers were also given a goody bag. – AR

Salvationist wants to hear your news Corps press representatives can email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Good quality pictures will be included.

SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY Today pray for the youth and children’s workers conference. Pray that all the practical aspects go well. Pray that each person who gathers will reach up and connect with the vision God has for them, reach out to those around them and be caught by the God who reaches out to them, his beloved.

SUNDAY 6 FEBRUARY Today pray for all those who attended the conference. Pray that it was not just a good day to be together, but that the things they heard and experienced will be put to good use in their local situation.

GENDER JUSTICE

by UK Engagement Co-ordinator Hayley Still (THQ) MONDAY 7 FEBRUARY The Salvation Army International Development UK (Said UK) supports projects across six thematic areas, one of which is gender justice. However, it is also an important part of the projects that fall into the other five areas: anti-trafficking, clean water, emergency response, food security and income generation. Ensuring women play an active role in community development projects is essential for their success. Pray for these projects: for equal and active participation of women, for transformation of attitudes towards women and encouragement of the involvement of women and girls in decision making.

TUESDAY 8 FEBRUARY Humankind was created in God’s image – men and women equal in the eyes of God. Yet women are disproportionately affected by poverty, the climate crisis and gender-based violence. Domestic violence is a universal issue, not bound by social status, wealth or gender. However, most victims are female with one in three

women having experienced intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Pray for a world in which gender justice is a reality and for an end to gender-based violence.

WEDNESDAY 9 FEBRUARY Each year Said UK works in partnership with the Family Ministries Unit to create and run the Helping-Hand Appeal.

During 2022, the focus of the appeal is gender justice with the resources using stories from The Salvation Army in Tres Arroyos, Argentina. Pray for the success of this appeal, that corps and group members in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory will have open hearts and minds as they use the resources and raise funds to support international projects.

THURSDAY 10 FEBRUARY In Tres Arroyos, The Salvation Army is supporting women who have been, or are currently, experiencing domestic violence. In this safe space women are welcomed, cared for, listened to and supported through their journey. Pray for the women who are part of the group as they share their story and begin to heal, and for the women who are still suffering alone. May they find the opportunity and courage to reach out for help and find safety from their abusers.

FRIDAY 11 FEBRUARY ‘And if one person is vulnerable to attack, two can drive the attacker away. As the saying goes, “A rope made of three strands is not quickly broken”’ (Ecclesiastes 4:12 The Voice). As part of the group therapy sessions, women are invited to share in a supportive and non-judgemental setting. In this space women have the opportunity to collectively find personal solutions and find ways of breaking the cycle of violence they are in. Through these sessions, women have found solidarity and sanctuary. Pray for the friendships that have been made through these groups and for the courage that is nurtured here.

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

1. Caring for creation

In the first of five articles, Captain Jo Moir introduces this year’s Self-Denial Appeal

CAPTAIN JO MOIR PICTURE: ANDREW KING PHOTOGRAPHY

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VER the next few weeks, we will be moving towards Self-Denial Sunday on 6 March. For those new to The Salvation Army, the idea behind the Self-Denial Appeal is that people go without something for a week or even a month and the money they save, or decide to give, supports The Salvation Army’s work internationally.

Nearly every corps in the world gets involved so, wherever people are, they are joining in with other Salvationists doing the same thing.

The funds are redistributed by International Headquarters to the places that need them most. Some of the money raised goes to our mission partners – the Denmark and Greenland, Finland and Estonia, Ghana, Pakistan, and South America East Territories – but quite a lot goes to other mission support work all over the globe. It funds the essential background things so that Salvation Army staff and volunteers can get on and do what they’re good at.

For last year’s appeal, Captain Ben Cotterill (Clapton with Dalston and Stoke Newington Plants) interviewed people working in Mali and Burkina Faso, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines. Despite the difficulties many people faced during 2021, Salvationists and friends in the UK and Ireland Territory gave very generously once again. This money is already being put to good use.

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Salvationist 5 February 2022

For this year’s appeal, we will be looking at how The Salvation Army around the world cares for creation and responds to climate change. To begin this series of articles, I visited Hadleigh Farm on the Essex coast.

Bought by The Salvation Army more than 130 years ago, it was the main site of a pioneering social programme.

These days the site is home to a range of fantastic projects, including a training centre for adults with additional support needs, a rare breeds centre, tea rooms and a working farm.

The effects of climate change are felt worldwide In William Booth’s day, people from the city slums had the opportunity to find new skills and employment here, away from the desperate poverty of the East End. The work also represented a commitment to sustaining the Earth and stewardship of the environment. William Booth once said: ‘God didn’t put Adam and Eve into a factory. He put them into a garden.’

At the time Hadleigh Farm was being developed The Salvation Army set up wastepaper depots across the country to recycle paper, providing employment for people experiencing homelessness as well as raising charitable funds for The Salvation Army’s social work.

Caring for our environment is nothing new. In fact, fast forward 130 years and caring for creation is one of the mission priorities of The Salvation Army in the

UK and Ireland Territory. That means considering the environmental impact of all our work and helping to change attitudes so that we use the planet more responsibly.

The effects of climate change are felt worldwide. Around the world The Salvation Army is helping people increase resilience to these effects and overcome food insecurity. We also provide immediate support and relief to people affected by extreme weather events, such as storms and floods.

Last year’s Self-Denial Appeal showed us that around the world the coronavirus pandemic was an added challenge, alongside hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards and droughts. The people who have been hardest hit are already facing poverty. Over the next four weeks, I will be talking to people from around the Salvation Army world, asking them about what is happening where they are, talking to them about caring for creation and learning about the impact of climate change.

This article is based on a video that can be viewed at youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo

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FLATTENING A FOOD MOUNTAIN ‘WHERE there’s a need, there is The Salvation Army.’ This accolade was put to an unusual test in 1987 when the UK government asked the Army to head up the distribution of Common Market food. The Common Market was struggling with a mountain of surplus food – mainly of cheese and butter – and wanted to reduce this mountain by distributing it free of charge through charities. The Army accepted the role.

Soon huge lorries began to arrive outside the Army’s buildings and seemingly endless pallets of packaged cheese and butter were unloaded into corps community halls. The quantities were enormous. In one case, the

weight was so much that the floor gave way and the food had to be rescued from the basement.

Human nature in all its variety also came into full play. As long queues formed on the pavements, there was plenty of gratitude and good-natured banter, some of it directed towards those who came by taxi and were happy to let the meter run while they waited to pick up their free kilo of butter.

More than £9 million worth of cheese was distributed by the Army in 1987, plus butter to a similar value. The Salvation Army rose to the occasion, but corps officers were relieved when it was declared a ‘one-off’ ministry.

A ST STORY THAT ENDED TOO SOON THE g gifted Arnolis Weerasooriya was born Weer into a leading Buddhist family in Ceylon – now famil Sri L Lanka – and was dest destined for the Bud Buddhist priesthood.

But, while he was a But college master in col 18 1882, he became a Christian.

Persecution of C Christians was w widespread in C Ceylon and Weerasooriya received death rasooriya rnolis Wee threats. With the A el n lo o C audacity for wh which he became famous, he decided on a bold response.

‘If you want to find me,’ he said to his enemies, ‘I intend to witness for Christ at the edge of the jungle.’ He took just two friends with him to the lonely spot, but a large crowd of persecutors followed him there. To their surprise he offered them a rope and a knife. ‘The rope is so that I can be tied to a tree,’ he explained, ‘and the knife is so that you can kill me if you haven’t brought one of your own.’

He then asked his two friends to bind him to a tree, and told the crowd that he had chosen that lonely spot so that the police would not know if they killed him and they would therefore not be punished for his murder.

‘I love you too much,’ he said, ‘for you to be punished on

account of me. My Saviour died for me, and I am willing g to to die for you if that will help you to believe in God.’ When his enemies saw him bound to the tree and offering a knife with which to kill him, their enmity began to melt away. One by one they turned away and went back to town.

When they had all gone, Weerasooriya’s friends untied him and accompanied him home. No one ever threatened his life again.

Arnolis Weerasooriya was introduced to the Army when it reached Ceylon the next year. He became a cadet at the Bombay training college and was commissioned as an officer early in 1884. Commissioner Frederick Booth-Tucker and Weerasooriya led many revivals as a duo; the picture shows him with his head shaved as a Tamil, when working among the Tamils in southern India.

Arnolis Weerasooriya was admired by European and national officers alike, and such was his brilliance and charisma that within two years he was promoted to colonel and made second in command of the work in India and Ceylon. Despite indigenous officers in those days always taking secondary roles, it was taken for granted that Weerasooriya would be Booth-Tucker’s successor as leader.

However, in May 1888, only a couple of years later, when tending a European officer who had been stricken with cholera, Weerasooriya succumbed to the same disease and died within two days. He was but 30 years old and had been an officer for just over four years. The Salvationists and his parents were stunned. His marriage plans also died – there were to be no descendants. Amid the incomprehension and sorrow, everyone lamented that his life had been so short.

Nonetheless, his story continued to inspire Salvationists for years to come.

Salvationist 5 February 2022

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Connecting with God To mark the publication of A Lent Journal, a new series reveals how journaling helps people’s relationship with God – this week Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts (THQ)

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FIRST started journaling in my twenties. I’m not somebody who journals every day, but it helps to record significant moments, highlights and occasions when I have received a particular thought or message.

It can be really encouraging to look back on the journal entries because writing captures feelings and emotions as well. Reading them reawakens memories, which can be quite powerful.

Throughout the year I also use my journal to set goals or capture ideas.

I can then look back and see how far I’ve come.

A lot of people do creative journaling – they draw or they use papercraft elements in more of a scrapbooking style – but for me it’s like a diary entry.

And, if I’m inspired, I can write several pages.

Time and time again, particularly in the Old Testament, we’re encouraged to remember what God has done. For instance, the prophet Samuel said to the people: ‘Obey the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you’ (1 Samuel 12:24 Good News Translation).

These recorded memories are a spur for living in the present moment and looking towards the future with hope.

Lent, which starts on 2 March, is a special time in the Christian calendar.

I always seek to set time aside for reading and at some point experience solitude on a retreat.

I have quite a collection of Lent books and, of course, every year there are

I have experienced God’s presence when I’ve written down everything that’s in my heart 8

Salvationist 5 February 2022

different ones being published. The Army’s new book, A Lent Journal, is a great resource. You’re invited to read through a song and Bible verse, perhaps take some time to pray about it, and then record your thoughts and responses on the page next to it.

I hope for some people the journal will be an opportunity to think not only about Scripture but also songs in the Army songbook. The best lyric writers take a thought and manage to express it in a way that captures the heart and mind.

The Lectio 365 app is another useful starting point for people who want to establish more of a pattern and routine of prayer. I think it’s all about finding your own rhythm.

For some people that involves time to pray first thing in the morning. For others, especially in these working-fromhome days, people can spend time with God in their lunch break. Even if it’s just a walk for half an hour, I would encourage you to carve out some time for God. Some people do wild swimming, such as the Rev Kate Bottley. She was asked: ‘Do you pray as you’re swimming?’ ‘The swim is the prayer,’ she replied. She explained that, usually, she’s such a busy person and her head is full of so many things buzzing around. But when she’s in cold water, where the focus is on moving and keeping afloat, that is the time she feels closest to God. I have experienced God’s presence when I’ve written down everything that’s in my heart and mind and poured out my heart to him in a journal.

Whatever it looks like, the whole essence of spiritual formation for me is about a daily practice. I don’t want people to feel burdened to do half a dozen different things,

but rather find something that really inspires them and explore it.

I would encourage people to try journaling. You don’t really know what it’s going to look like because it’s about you. It’s your personal expression and experience, and something that can start with just a few lines on a page.

Buy a beautiful notebook and maybe a special pen and choose a particular place in the house which you can make part of your time with God. A lot of people have a prayer room or prayer space in their home.

A very simple way to begin would be to write down just where you are at the moment, how you’re feeling spiritually, things to be grateful for, things to be challenged about and things that you’re working on in your life. Using A Lent Journal would be a good starting point.

O A Lent Journal is available from sps-shop.com/ books for £5 (plus postage and packaging)

LETTERS

A STRETCH TOO FAR WITH reference to ‘Stretching myself spiritually’ (Salvationist 1 January), I would add a word of caution for several reasons. The article began by saying yoga in Christian circles is like Marmite – you either love it or hate it. Marmite is a savoury food made from yeast extract.

In the New Testament, Jesus warns of the ‘yeast’ that could infiltrate the great truths of the gospel and change its purity.

There is all we need in the Scriptures to feed us and sustain us. Our faith in Christ and his work covers all our faults, feelings and sins. The Holy Spirit infills us, interprets the word of God to our hearts, convicts us, enables us and strengthens us to fulfil his purpose on Earth. All this is more than enough.

Yes, some people may feel they might benefit from exercise. However, what if their interest is drawn away from Christian values to the teachings of yoga and they move away from Christian truth? That is, new believers, enquirers and the curious, who might move in the other direction.

Christian meditation is an entirely different matter. Peter reminds his readers: ‘His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires’ (2 Peter 1:3 and 4).

Yes, exercise is good for the body and we should also feed our minds, but please be careful what you feed your souls.

Ray Hobbins Major Aberystwyth

LETTERS 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.

WHAT HAPPENED TO WATCHNIGHT? THE last time I attended a watchnight service was on 31 December 1999. It seems that what was an important meeting has dropped out of our calendar. The reasoning seems to be that we have a ‘watchnight’ on Christmas Eve, but that is not the same kind of meeting at all.

The New Year’s Eve watchnight service goes back to the Moravian tradition, was taken up by Charles Wesley in the Methodist Church and our Founder brought it with him into The Christian Mission. In days gone by, people came in from the pubs and got soundly converted in this meeting. It has always been a time for celebration, reflection and commitment.

The time was when there would be a corps event, followed by the watchnight service. This year I have seen how many people celebrate the end of the old year and welcome the new and it led me to wonder why we do not gather together as Christians in a similar way when we really have something to celebrate.

May I suggest that the watchnight service be re-entered into corps diaries now, ready for 31 December?

Russell King Major Reading

NON NOBIS, DOMINE I WAS interested in the article by Major John Waters in his series of reflections on classic prayers (Salvationist 8 January). I, too, remember singing this anthem in school assembly in the 1950s. I agree entirely with his sentiments and, as far as the music to which he refers is concerned, this was composed by Roger Quilter. I am sure it can be purchased from Boosey and Hawkes.

John Laverick Bedlington

CHANGING GOD’S WORD I WAS saddened to read in a recent Salvationist (8 January) a comment that ‘God continues to reveal himself and his written word needs to be creatively interpreted by each generation’. However, I was heartened as I read another in a series of reflections by Brian Colley entitled ‘Taking the test’, in which Brian set this issue on a firm biblical basis by saying: ‘Too many people today are seeking to change God’s word to match the times, when the times need changing to match God’s word.’

I remember Brian Colley as corps sergeant-major at Castleford when I was first saved in 1977. His encouragement and advice were instrumental in setting my faith on a firm foundation and that continues to this day. Thanks, Brian, for your insights.

Derick Sutton Shildon Salvationist 5 February 2022

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INTERVIEW

Real estate matters for strategy for all their offices globally, making sure they had the right space for employees to do their work.

Territorial Property Director Peter Grant tells Salvationist about himself, his role and the work of the Property Department

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS ROLE? I became territorial property director on an interim basis early last year, then went through a formal process to be appointed on a permanent basis. I was thrilled to be made permanent at the beginning of November.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE THAT? I am a chartered surveyor and have worked on the client side for property occupiers throughout my career – initially in the retail sector with Allied Carpets and B&Q, then in the office sector with HMRC and insurance company Aviva. I have led property teams at director level for about 25 years, and with Aviva I was responsible

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Salvationist 5 February 2022

WHY DID YOU WANT TO WORK FOR THE ARMY? I have primarily worked in organisations that were highly focused on profit generation – driving financial gain for shareholders and board members’ bonus schemes. That’s fine to a degree, and it’s true that I have enjoyed a few bonuses along the way too. However, this objective alone became less of a motivator for me personally. I developed a growing desire to work for an organisation with which I could have a strong connection. It wasn’t necessarily going to be faith-based, it could have been socially based, but it needed to be more than just a job. I am a member and trustee of King’s Community Church in Southampton. My Christian faith and restlessness with the commercial world were catalysts to my change in mindset.

When this role came up I didn’t initially know it was with The Salvation Army because the headhunter who sent me the details didn’t identify the employer.

The work itself looked interesting, in terms of the breadth and diversity of the portfolio. When I did establish it was The Salvation Army I became very excited about the opportunity particularly as I had only recently finished reading GS Railton’s biography of William Booth.

The chance to apply my experiences and expertise gathered over many years for a far greater purpose is hugely motivational. There can’t be anything bigger than working for an organisation that is seeking to further God’s Kingdom and relieve human suffering.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? I am accountable for the territory’s property team, which covers all aspects of property: acquisition, construction, fit-out, operational maintenance and disposal. The team provides property expertise across approximately 3,000 properties, including headquarters, corps halls, charity shops, Lifehouses, care homes, officers’ quarters, retired officers’ houses, William Booth College and Hadleigh Farm.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? The portfolio is vast and diverse, having been acquired over a period of more than 150 years. Some of the older properties require significant attention owing to their age and the inevitable need for renewal of certain parts.

Property by its nature is subject to a variety of regulations and laws designed to ensure that it is safe for use and occupation. These cover not only compliance of the building and assets but also how works are conducted on site. Unfortunately, the construction industry is one in which accidents can and do happen – hence the regulations.

One of our challenges is therefore to ensure we fully comply with regulations and also support local mission flourishing.

HOW DID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AFFECT THE PROPERTY TEAM? It was a big challenge. About 90 per cent of the team were furloughed early on. The Army was concerned about the cost implication of the pandemic, and furloughing people was a response to that. As a result we have a large number of projects that have been delayed and it will remain a challenge to clear the backlog for a while to come. Some maintenance work by contractors was possible, but not in quite the same way or with the same speed. So that has had an impact on us. In the same way that we’ve seen shortages on supermarket Peter’s brother, David, joins him for a ride

shelves, building materials and labour costs are going up because of supply issues.

HOW WELL DOES THE ARMY’S PROPERTY SUPPORT MISSION? The answer varies based on the missional requirements for each site.

The strategic challenge we face is to optimise our properties, first and foremost in relation to supporting mission. However, some buildings are no longer really fit for purpose and these merit review.

The aim is to identify whether we could make better use of them, relocate them or even dispose of the asset and thereby recycle the proceeds into supporting mission differently.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS? Global warming and the consumption of the Earth’s finite resources are wellknown issues. ‘To care for creation’ is part of The Salvation Army’s mission.

Property by its nature consumes a vast amount of energy in relation to heating and lighting, but also construction materials. Steel, glass and concrete all require huge amounts of energy in their production. We therefore need to develop a strategy that reduces our consumption via energy-saving initiatives, introducing micro generation but also adapting building design. With this in mind we are recruiting a sustainability manager to help develop our strategy towards a ‘net zero carbon’ position.

WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE PROPERTY DEPARTMENT? The team are talented and want to do the very best they can, but they are sometimes prevented from doing so due to processes or resource constraints. I am leading a transformation programme within the team, which we have called ‘Making It Easier’. Property will never be easy but I do believe it can be made easier for our customers and also those in the team. As part of this programme we have reset the Property Department’s vision as: ‘To deliver the right property

One of our challenges is to ensure we comply with regulations and also support local mission flourishing

solutions at the right time at the right cost, delighting our customers and enabling mission to flourish.’

As you can imagine, there has been lots of debate among team members concerning the aspiration to ‘delight’ our customers. Indeed, this is very much an aspiration as we don’t yet have as many delighted customers as we would wish.

The word does, however, signpost our desire to do more than just meet requirements.

The ‘Making It Easier’ plan is extensive and includes redesigning our structure into key delivery streams. It is an ambitious plan, which will take time to deliver, but the team and I are committed to its success.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LAND’S END TO JOHN O’ GROATS CYCLING CHALLENGE Last year my brother, David, and I cycled the length of the South Downs Way (100 miles off-road) in a single day.

David is a strong runner and recently completed a 60-mile running event just prior to his 60th birthday. On the back of this he suggested we could cycle from Land’s End to John o’ Groats – almost 1,000 miles. Perhaps thinking he wasn’t really serious, I agreed. Well, he was deadly serious, so we will be setting off on 9 April with the aim of reaching John o’ Groats by 23 April.

Given my new role, we have decided to undertake this challenge to raise funds for The Salvation Army. We would both therefore be grateful to anyone who can sponsor us. People can go to justgiving.com/davepeterlejog2022 to show their support.

Salvationist 5 February 2022

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There are hundreds of corps and centres in our territory, but what makes them The Salvation Army? In this series we discover just that!

We are imperfect people brought together says Welling corps officer Captain Katy Shubotham

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S a corps we are committed to feeding every hungry mouth and to making sure people don’t go without the basic things they need not just to survive but thrive.

Before the Covid-19 lockdowns I was busy being busy. The corps was also busy being busy. And being busy wasn’t exactly yielding great results. We had a thousand great ideas every day but we never had the time to follow up on them.

We had a toddler group twice a week, a Turkish day centre, a community choir, a community drop-in, a coffee morning and Sunday worship. We believed revival was coming but we weren’t

Christmas packs ready for distribution

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Salvationist 5 February 2022

seeing any physical signs of it.

And then the pandemic showed us that we weren’t an inclusive corps. We had many members who, due to ill health, were unable to join us physically for worship each week, but it hadn’t occurred to us to try and address this.

During the lockdowns our worship took the form of a physical paper pack.

We had really positive feedback and suddenly realised that, for the first time in years, we were all worshipping together on a Sunday. God quickly began to bless this. We more than doubled our weekly worship packs, welcomed two new adherents and a soldier and started a prayer meeting that is now full to capacity every week.

The lockdowns meant that we couldn’t be busy being busy; instead we had to prayerfully take our time before starting anything. We now have a food bank, which has resulted in many people beginning to explore faith.

We have hundreds of tins of soup – in particular potato and leek soup – but still we need continued donations, especially of fresh and frozen food, nappies, sanitary products and toiletries. We also need finances to maintain and build our mission here. We have been supremely blessed by donations and give thanks for them as we keep praying for God’s continued provision. We need his continued guidance as we seek his vision for us in a post-pandemic world.

The single biggest need our community has is their desire for friendship and connection. God didn’t intend for us to live in isolation, but the events of the past year have made this a reality for so many of us. We meet these needs by opening the door.

Weekly worship packs delivered in person We are also installing a new rule: mobile phones for volunteers are not permitted. This is because we want people to see we are there for them. So often, mobile phones are picked up to pass the time when we are bored, but it’s very hard to approach someone who has a phone in their hand. We hope that a phone ban will mean that people find it easier to approach each other and that it will help us to be in the moment instead of being distracted.

New soldier Mbodi with Major Joan Clark

Morrisons Community Champion Claire Russell with food items donated to the corps

‘

The corps family has a lot of love to share with the world, and this has led to countless stories of answered prayers

Socially distanced worship, July 2021 The corps family is beautifully gifted at sharing vulnerabilities in a way that enables people to open up and share their vulnerabilities too.

From a personal point of view, my family’s first Sunday at Welling was a disaster. We were desperately trying to come to terms with the fact that we had just experienced a heart-breaking miscarriage. Yes, I could have found cover, but I have always said that when you feel you just don’t want to be at church, that is exactly when you should be at church. So, as a family, we followed my own advice.

Throughout my time at Welling, God has repeatedly gifted me opportunities to share my vulnerabilities: baby loss, journeying with my family as they come to terms with their sexuality, and mental health struggles within the community.

These conversations have enabled people to realise that they are not immune to God’s love.

I pray that, in years to come, those conversations that Welling corps folk are so gifted at will be remembered as monumental moments in people’s faith journeys. The corps family has a lot of love to share with the world, and this has led to countless stories of answered prayers.

Our fellowship is unique in the way it encompasses people on all points of the tradition spectrum. Despite differences there is a constant common ground in God. While there may be differing views on things such as uniform, worship style and so much more, there is always an acknowledgement that God is central.

Ultimately, what makes us unique is that we are a group of imperfect people brought together by God – we are bound together by his love and grace.

We firmly believe that there can never be too much prayer. If you feel compelled to join our prayer warriors, please reach out. We would love to welcome you!

’

If you would like to support us in prayer, pray for those who joined our congregation at a time when there were no in-person meetings. Pray that, as physical worship gatherings restart, people who are new to our fellowship will feel safe.

Pray for each member of our corps who does God’s work where they are.

Pray for those we meet through the food bank. Pray for us as we explore what God is calling us to do in this season.

Pray for our fellowship as children begin to join us on Sunday. Pray for a smooth transition through this big change for us all. Pray that we can generate a regular income that will support our missional activities.

Pray for the revival we believe is coming and give thanks to God for how he grew a church even when the world was shut down by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Salvationist 5 February 2022

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PREVIEW

Building a one-stop shop Personnel from three THQ units share their thoughts on the new salvationist.org.uk website coming this spring PAUL SHARMAN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND CREATIVE ARTS (BRASS/CHORAL) MUSIC AND CREATIVE ARTS AS an active member of The Salvation Army, as well as being an employee, I think it is great that there will be a website that brings all aspects of the Army into one place, whether that be information, resources, events or devotional material.

The Music and Creative Arts team have a number of territorial courses and events taking place throughout the year, so this new website will help us to promote and give information out about these. We also have resources supporting all areas of music and creative arts within the Army. An outlet to reach musicians and those involved in creative arts, as well as the wider Army community, will mean that these resources can get to them more easily. One of our newer initiatives, Join the Crescendo forums for music and creative arts leaders,

will also benefit from having information about it on the new website.

For us to have more direct access to the people we would like to support, as well as others connected with the Army who may not be aware of the breadth of resources we can provide, will help us in our mission to equip corps with what they need to use music and creative arts in ministry and mission.

Bringing together all these resources will help all areas of The Salvation Army. As this website becomes the ‘goto’ place for Army information, communication can become much easier and people will be able to find things they never knew existed. This will help them in their ministry and help the mission of The Salvation Army across the territory.

LISA LITTLE EVENT MANAGER TERRITORIAL EVENTS UNIT THE new website will be a fantastic resource for anyone involved in Salvation Army mission. It promises to be userfriendly, easy to navigate and will possibly include features that people have not interacted with before.

Members of the Territorial Events Unit are excited to think that the website will be a ‘one-stop shop’ for all event information and will link this directly to relevant areas of Salvation Army work. This will include information about events and booking

details, but also bring together content on related subjects to be accessed in one place. We will still use our social media channels to publish important information, but the website will be the home for all information and linked resources.

In making this information more accessible to all, we hope more people will be encouraged to explore the content that they are most interested in. And, hopefully, they might even attend events they have never been to before.

CARL JOBSON TEAM LEADER RESOURCE HUB WHEN the online Resource Centre (salvationarmy.org.uk/ resources) launched as part of the redesigned Salvation Army website in May 2020, it made it easier for local leaders to find resources to support their worship, discipleship and community engagement. It is great that salvationist.org.uk will bring together these resources with even more information and content to inspire, challenge and equip everyone involved in The Salvation Army’s mission.

I hope it helps even more people to find the resources they need to support what they are doing locally. We will continue to provide resources to support worship – including music videos and meeting resources to support key dates, such as Covenant Sunday – and nourishing content for discipleship groups of different ages and material to help people reach out,

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build relationships and serve their community.

I am excited about the way that this site will help link together resources, stories and best practice across all our mission priorities. It will make it easier for people to see how different resources are being used to realise the territorial statement of ‘Love God, Love Others’ in local settings, and for people to find out about resources that they could be using or adapting for their context.

We have already seen the way the Resource Centre has made things easier for people in the midst of busy lives and competing priorities. Not only will the new site make it even easier for people to find information, but it will also help us to learn from the experience and insight of those trying to love and serve others where they are.

VIEW POINT

Sin in a secular world Jeff Morton wonders whether we need to think again about the meaning of sin

M

ANY years ago I was driving home from Cambridge when I saw a wayside pulpit outside a Baptist chapel bearing the words of Romans 6:23: ‘The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.’

As my car crawled through the traffic towards my home in Ely, I reflected on the text and what it might convey. To the average person with no religious convictions, the words would have been an enigma. As someone who embraced Christianity in my twenties, I wondered what purpose was served by the message. Was it an advert for the chapel’s services or a warning to the unconverted?

It raises the question as to what the ‘the wages of sin’ means in a world where sin is possibly seen only as sexual misdemeanour or infidelity, and where attitudes towards these are not viewed seriously, unless they involve a criminal offence.

The Bible and The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine regard all those who are not committed to Christ as unrepentant sinners. Most of our non-religious work colleagues and our neighbours, with whom we have good relationships, are good-hearted, kind and honest. They give generously to good causes, including the Army, and do all kinds of stunts and events to raise funds for them. Yet our doctrines describe them as ‘totally depraved’ and ‘justly exposed to the wrath of God’.

This is something that I have found

hard to accept. Rather, I see sin as being separated from the Creator of the world in which we live. We have become shackled to a material existence, have lost contact with our spiritual dimension and become prey to the false messages of so-called prophets and odd religious claims.

As most people have settled for a material existence, the idea of sin becomes irrelevant to their daily experience, at least until the time they face their mortality.

Like a leaf from a tree we have become separated from the source of eternal life. We maintain our lives according to the talents we possess as individuals, but this existence in time will wither and crumble into oblivion. There is only one way back to eternal life, just as the wayside pulpit stated: it can only be achieved by reconnecting with God. The Creator still cherishes what he has brought into being. He came into the world in the person of Jesus, the Word. As John puts it, ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us’ (John 1:14 Revised Standard Version).

Through Jesus, God acted out of love within the framework of human history. At Calvary God’s revelation was rejected and only in his resurrection power could his ultimate purpose be achieved and his Spirit permeate the world.

Because of the way we were created we have free will and the ability to choose whether to have a relationship

with the Creator of this vast universe.

The words of that wayside poster are anathema to modern society as we adapt to the ethics of a secular culture, at least in the western world.

It would seem that the redemption offered is treated with indifference by our society. In the words of the First World War padre and poet Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy: ‘When Jesus came to Birmingham they simply passed him by,/ They never hurt a hair of him, they only let him die.’

There was a time when sin was considered to be the reality that condemned a person to a terrible end.

I remember my great-grandmother had a print hanging on her parlour wall that depicted the broad and narrow ways spoken of in Matthew 7:13 and 14. It showed a great mass of people on their way to destruction in a huge fire, while a few people found a way through a small gate leading into the clouds of Heaven.

Today such a vision would perhaps be regarded as a quaint reflection of the Victorian age with no relevance to everyday lives and beliefs. Yet it is not uncommon for people to state that some departed loved one of theirs is ‘looking down on them’.

The challenge for us is how to tell the world that there’s a way of connecting with the God who is behind the creation of the universe. The positive message is that we can have a place in Eternity.

JEFF SOLDIERS AT BATH CITADEL Salvationist 5 February 2022

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BIBLE STUDY

Ref lecting the Ligh Major Haris Giannaros reminds us that, as we look to Jesus, our faces reflect his glory

1 JOHN 4:7–21

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Y friend, both of us, at this moment, are in the Holy Spirit, you and I. Why won’t you look at me?’ said Seraphim of Sarov to Nicholas Motovilov as they sat outdoors while the snow lay eight inches deep on the ground.

‘I can’t look at you, Father, because the light flashing from your eyes and face is brighter than the sun and I’m dazzled,’ replied Motovilov.

‘Don’t be afraid, friend of God, you yourself are shining,’ said the saint, the last to be canonised before the Bolshevik Revolution.

QUESTION a moment to think about a ‘saint’

O Take

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

by Major Jane Kimberley

you know, a person in whom the Holy Spirit lives and of whom you can say: ‘This is a person of God.’ What are they like?

Take time to ponder before reading our study passage. In verses 7 and 8 John writes: ‘Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.’

QUESTIONS O Think of the ‘saints’ you know. Do you find that they are very loving people?

O To what extent is love a strong characteristic of who they are?

O In what ways do they express godly love?

John makes the bold statement: ‘God is love.’ The language here makes it sound as though love is not just an attribute of God’s character but rather his very essence. It is who God is.

When I was in primary school I was taught that some heavenly bodies are luminous and some are non-luminous.

For example, the sun is luminous, the moon is not. Although the moon has no light of its own, it shines brightly because it reflects the light of the sun.

Likewise, God’s people reflect the glorious light of his Son. In his Gospel and his epistles, John often uses the analogy of light. For example: ‘Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil’ (John 3:19).

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Jesus bids us shine with a clear, pure light,/ Like a little candle burning in the night;/ In the world is darkness, so we must shine,/ You in your small corner and I in mine.

(SASB 870)

‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.’

(Matthew 5:14)

Jesus bids us shine first of all for him;/ Well he sees and knows it if our light is dim./ He looks down from Heaven to see us shine;/ You in your small corner and I in mine.

(SASB 870)

Prayer Father God, thank you for your presence in my life. Help me each day to share the light of your love to those who live in darkness.

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ht Throughout the ages, holiness teachers have encouraged believers to turn from darkness and walk in the light.

As we look to Jesus – the Light of the World – our faces reflect his glory.

QUESTION much do you long for your face to reflect the Light?

O How

Christian tradition and Scripture teach us that we can only be more like our Master when we spend time in his presence. We sing ‘to be like Jesus, this hope possesses me’, but how much time do we spend with Jesus? How much of our time do we spend in the light? As Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, Jesus said to her sister: ‘Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one

thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her’ (Luke 10:41 and 42 New King James Version).

In Galatians 5:22 and 23, Paul writes about the fruit of the Spirit. He puts love right at the top of the list. If the Holy Spirit is living in us and is allowed to reign in us, with his help, we should not be perceived by others as unloving, rude, malicious and selfish. Rather, his goodness should shine through us.

I invite you to ponder on these words written by Samuel Logan Brengle, an early-day holiness teacher of The Salvation Army, in his book Ancient Prophets: ‘We must still prove our discipleship by our love one for the other. It is not enough to wear the uniform, to profess loyalty to Army

leaders and principles, to give our goods to feed the poor and our bodies to be burnt. We must love one another.

We must make this the badge of our discipleship. We must wrestle and pray and hold fast that we do not lose this.’

Always remember: ‘God is love.

Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them’ (1 John 4:16).

How will you try to demonstrate God’s light and love in the coming week?

MAJOR GIANNAROS IS CORPS OFFICER, GILLINGHAM

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

‘Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.’

(Matthew 5:15)

Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around/ Many kinds of darkness in this world abound:/ Sin and want and sorrow; so we must shine,/ You in your small corner and I in mine.

(SASB 870)

‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.’

(Matthew 5:16)

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,/ All his wonderful passion and purity,/ O thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,/ Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

(SASB 717)

Salvationist 5 February 2022

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REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON

RE R EF FL LEC ECT TIIO ON N REFLECTION

Protected by a great God

Major John Waters continues a series of reflections on classic prayers

Brian Colley (Clowne) continues a series of reflections on verses from Psalms Blessed are all who take refuge in him (Psalm 2:12)

P

SALM 2 can be divided into four parts.

First, we have a picture of the nations joining together against God’s chosen people.

Second, there is God seated in Heaven, initially laughing mockingly and then angry.

Third, God’s chosen one proclaims authority, assuring a decisive victory. Fourth, there is a warning to the rebels to submit to God: ‘Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling’ (v11).

Does that mean we should be shivering in our shoes when serving God? No, but we should serve him with reverence, respect and awe.

We can be happy and joyful, but never thoughtlessly frivolous in worship. Making a congregation laugh can’t be criticised as long as there is a sensible conclusion and God’s message is understood by both young and old. Some preachers can naturally make people laugh without letting it get out of hand, then present God’s word. In the past, Brigadier Arthur Algernon Fensom and Lieut-Colonel William Snape were just two of those who could have their congregations in fits of laughter but instantly change the atmosphere so that within minutes the mercy seat was lined with seekers. They had a God-given gift.

However clever men and women have become and whatever they have achieved, God is still greater.

The final words of this psalm tell an eternal truth, standing alone as a promise to anyone who may doubt: ‘Blessed are all who take refuge in him.’

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock…

And covers me there with his hand.

(SASB 825) 18

Salvationist 5 February 2022

Greatness of heart A

SOUND principle of spiritual development is to define our beliefs in times of quietness, so that when we are assailed by the storms of life we have a solid foundation of faith to see us through.

However, to speculate about how we might react to any imagined ill in the future is probably not such a good idea. Like Peter, we do not know beforehand whether we will deny our Lord or forsake our faith in times of stress. All we can do is build that foundation on which we stand.

My previous reflection considered Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s experiences in Flossenbürg concentration camp (Salvationist 22 January). We do not know how we each would have endured what he did; we can only admire his fortitude and seek to learn from it.

Amid all the literature concerning concentration camps a surprising and inspiring feature is the number of stories describing great resilience, kindness, hope and persistent faith.

For example, Payne Best, a British officer who was imprisoned with Bonhoeffer, said this of him: ‘He always seemed to diffuse an atmosphere of happiness, of joy in every smallest event in life, and of deep gratitude for the mere fact that he was alive. He was one of the very few men that I have ever met to whom his God was real and close to him.’

One of the more remarkable discoveries in one liberated camp was a prayer written by an inmate for whom the liberation probably came too late. No doubt his or her captors would have dismissed it with the contempt they showed to all things Jewish, but the prayer reveals a greatness of heart and a breadth of spirituality that cannot be overvalued.

Given the circumstances in which it was composed, many will also find it hard to comprehend. It is the product of a devotion developed over many years – a knowledge of the infinite grace of God and a faith created and confirmed in happier times.

O Lord, Remember not only the men and women of goodwill, But also those of ill will.

But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted upon us.

Remember the fruits we bought, Thanks to this suffering: Our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, The courage, the generosity, The greatness of heart which has grown out of this.

And, when they come to judgement, Let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.

MAJOR WATERS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BIDDULPH MOOR

NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance at the time.

HUCKNALL Ivy Bailey and siblings Sue and Steve Robinson were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Captain Gayner Ward. Ivy attends the over-60 club and coffee mornings three days a week. She wanted The Salvation Army to be her church despite being unable to attend on Sundays for family reasons. Sue and Steve are regulars at the coffee mornings. Steve was invited to attend the 140th corps anniversary celebrations, which saw the visit of East Midlands Fellowship Band and Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts (THQ). Steve felt so welcome that he has since been attending Sunday meetings with Sue. They are now also regular helpers at coffee mornings. – CW

FAKENHAM Christine Dew was welcomed as an adherent on Covenant Sunday by corps officers Captains Adrian and Gemma Allen. Christine encountered the corps as an employee 10 years ago and attended meetings after encouragement from the corps officers.

She also volunteers at the toddler group and coffee morning and said that the Covid-19 lockdowns made her appreciate seeing people and being part of a community, which encouraged her to make the commitment to become an adherent. – AA

STAPLE HILL Bethany Dyer and Jakub Pyman grew up in the corps. They were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Nicola Hylton-Jones. – VW

GAINSBOROUGH Pearl Richardson has been a Christian for many years and, when her church closed, a friend took the opportunity to invite her to The Salvation Army. She testified that from the moment she walked into the building she felt at home. She continued to attend meetings and became an adherent a few years ago, but over the past year felt something was missing. Through prayer and discussion with corps officers Captains Kevin and Wendy Brown she responded to God’s call and was enrolled as a soldier by Captain Wendy on Covenant Sunday. Her enrolment was an integral part of the worship meeting, reminding everyone of their own covenant made with God. Her family attended to support her. – WB

READING LOWER EARLEY Yvette Edwards and Les Vokins were welcomed as adherents on Covenant Sunday. Yvette shared her personal testimony of where she has seen God’s hand on her life. She is confident he has a plan for her and is excited to see how she can live that out at the corps. Yvette and Les are pictured with corps officer Lieutenant Jacqueline Coates and corps leader Territorial Envoy Roger Coates. – JC / RC Salvationist 5 February 2022

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VIEW POINT

David Newstead (Birmingham Citadel) considers the meaning of a covenantal relationship

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ACH year in this territory, the second Sunday of January has been the occasion for a time of reflection and for looking forward. Originally called Commitment Sunday it has now been redesignated Covenant Sunday, which is more in keeping with the Methodist Church. But what does it really mean for each Salvationist? I was reminded of the chorus that we used to sing in Juniors many years ago: ‘J-O-Y, J-O-Y, surely that must mean/ Jesus first, yourself last and others in between.’

In a nutshell this is what a covenantal relationship is all about: O Maintaining and developing our relationship with God O Maintaining and developing our relationship with fellow members

O Developing

our relationship with those outside our church fellowship and sphere of influence O Maintaining our relationship with those who have left the fellowship Our Christian faith is based on the loving relationship that God has for us individually as well as for all humankind.

In a wonderful way, however, God lives in the grace of how we relate to and recognise the integrity of others. In making space for others, we make space for God. Surely this is what the covenantal relationship is all about.

However, I do not think that this goes far enough. I suggest that we need to add another dimension: a corporate responsibility.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments there is a clearly defined community of God in which he creates a relationship with his people. Sadly, this can often be overlooked. While most corps have a vision statement, these can easily be broad statements of intent rather than specific pledges.

As individuals we make a personal covenantal promise with God and I suggest that we also have to make a corporate covenantal commitment to God as members of the corps to which we belong.

There are many examples to be found and the following might provide a helpful guide and starting point: ‘We, as members of this corps, commit ourselves to God and to each other.’

‘We will seek God’s guidance in order to steward resources entrusted to us in a way that gives God the glory.’

‘We will care for all our members, past and present, with grace, truth and love.’

‘We will support, equip and care for our young people so that they can reach their full potential for future service.’

‘We will ensure that there will be no barrier to welcoming the “whosoever” into our fellowship.’

Personal and corporate promises become sacred and meaningful when we recognise and acknowledge that God himself is our covenant partner.

PREVIEW

The Humble Church

by Martyn Percy

I

N The Humble Church Martyn Percy imagines what the post-pandemic Church might look like and sets out what it needs to learn.

Percy argues that the Church needs to stop obsessing about itself – its size, strategies to shore up decline, its waning public influence – and rediscover how to live as the body of Christ. In other words, what does it need to do to become more like Christ?

The book considers ways in which the Church might imitate Christ pouring out his life for the sake of others. Whenever Jesus visited anywhere beyond the confines of the Jewish community he immediately became 20

Salvationist 5 February 2022

socially useful, and so this extols such uch virtues as humble service in the community, ty, not because it is an effective way to grow ow the Church, but because it is faithful to Christ’s own example.

Avoiding responses such as exasperation, speration, righteous anger at shortcomings orr wishful thinking about returning to the past, t, Percy sets out a vision for the Church’s future uture that is both biblical and Christological.

Humble Church is available from canterburypress.hymnsam.co.uk k priced £14.99 (plus postage and packing) or as an ebook (ePUB file format) for the same me price

O The

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 27 January O Captains Katy and Luke Johnson, additional appointment, team member, Ebbsfleet Fresh Expression (1 day per week) Effective 1 February O Major Anne Myers, Rugby (21 hours per week) Effective 10 February O Territorial Envoys Cat and Jonathan Brown, Deal with Minster Effective 31 March O Major Gilly Hoitinga, Wick LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED SL Marjory Watson, Bellshill O CT Mark Walters, Cirencester

PROMOTED TO GLORY O B/Reservist Anthony Christopher, Boscombe, on 6 November O SL Ian Johnston, Carlisle, on 15 January O Major Eunice Hooper from her home on 19 January O Major Linda Routledge from her home on 23 January BEREAVED O Lieut-Colonel Carolyn Allemand of her father Commissioner Roy Olckers O Bandsman/Songster Wayne Johnston, Carlisle, of his father SL Ian Johnston, Janet Routledge, Carlisle, of her brother O Major Terry Hooper of his wife Major Eunice Hooper O Major Malcolm Routledge of his wife Major Linda Routledge

O

DEDICATED TO GOD Jordan, son of Every Mokanda and Joujou Kindombi, at Birmingham Citadel by Captain Clare Allman

O

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden O Alan and Sue Bell, Gloucester (5 February) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Clifford Kent (85 on 14 January) O Major Muriel Beagley (90 on 23 January) O Captain Myrtle Rowland (85 on 17 February)

TRIBUTES ALLAN HUGHES, CHESTER A LIFELONG Salvationist, Allan was born in Wingate, Co Durham, where he and his family attended the local corps.

He was a YP band member and later joined the senior band.

He transferred to West Hartlepool, where he met his wife, Lynda, and they had two sons, Derek and Darren. When the corps became Hartlepool Temple, Allan took over the YP band.

In retirement, Lynda and Allan moved to Cannock Corps to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Allan continued to work with the young people in the youth club and played in the band.

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O ICO, Thu 10 Feb – Sun 13 O Liberia, Tue 15 – Mon 21 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (lecture), Tue 15 Feb O ICO (farewell meeting), Fri 18 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Larne, Sat 5 Feb – Sun 6 O Bournemouth (TYB and TYC festival), Fri 18 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Dunstable, Sun 6 Feb O Bromley Temple, Sun 13* O Bournemouth (TYB and TYC festival), Fri 18 *Colonel Jenine Main only

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Salvationist 5 February 2022

A further move took them to Chester, where Allan continued to enjoy fellowship in the band, attending practice only a few weeks before he was admitted to hospital.

Allan always had a smile, an encouraging word or a friendly quip and is very much missed by his family and friends. – AL MAJOR ALAN YATES ALAN was born in Kirkcaldy. At the age of five he asked to go to Sunday school at Kirkcaldy Sinclairtown and soon the whole family became active Salvationists. On leaving school he qualified as an electrical engineer.

Alan met Heather when she started attending the corps. They married in 1976 and entered the International Training College in the Joyful Evangelists session.

While appointed to Accrington, Alan served as prison chaplain at Preston. It was here that their daughter, Kirsten, was born. Called to overseas service, Alan and Heather were appointed to Chikankata Mission Hospital, Zambia, in 1981. Alan was the hospital engineer and they also became involved in the leadership of a local corps.

They moved to South Africa in 1983, where Duncan was born, and their appointments included Paarl, Observatory and Athlone, as well as supporting The Salvation Army’s work in the Cape Flats.

Returning to the UK in 1989, they were appointed to Motherwell, where Andrew was born. Subsequent appointments included Scunthorpe Ashby, Batley, Sunderland Citadel and North Shields.

Alan bravely fought Parkinson’s disease for more than 16 years, never complaining and maintaining his smile and sense of humour. Although he took early retirement, he was as actively involved as possible, playing in the band while at Wallsend.

Later, at Bromley, he volunteered at the corps café, welcoming visitors, providing a listening ear and having many fruitful conversations.

Alan’s strong faith sustained him. He was a dedicated pastoral visitor and encourager, a keen Bible student and willing to try new ventures. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his four grandchildren. Dearly loved, he will always be with his family in their hearts. In the words of a song he loved, he is now seeing ‘the courts of God, that city fair’, and finding his name is written there. – HY

ADVERTS PERSONAL CAPTAIN EILEEN HOBBINS, ABERYSTWYTH Ray and family are grateful for prayers and messages concerning Eileen’s promotion to Glory. I know my Redeemer lives.

FREE WEIGHT LOSS MENTORING Seven sessions. Text Jenny 07955 222055 or email jennymann18@outlook.com.

SPRINGBURN Fernbank Street, Glasgow G22 6BD Saturday 26 February 2pm

VALEDICTORY SERVICE Messages of appreciation by email to westscotland@ salvationarmy.org.uk or by mail to West Scotland DHQ, 4 Buchanan Court, Stepps G33 6HZ

MGS works professionally providing O COUNSELLING O THERAPY O MEDIATION MGS works with relationships and other life experiences MGS is confidential, experienced and free Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the MGS team Tel 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@yahoo.com (Based in Worthing – MGS works throughout the UK)

Turn over a new leaf in your Christian devotional life For many of us, Lent may create a lingering sense of dread at having to give something up, whether that’s no longer eating chocolate or fasting from screen time. But there’s an alternative discipline worth exploring that could enhance our faith: journaling.

A Lent Journal, the latest release from Shield Books, is inspired by the six-week period symbolising Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, which starts on Ash Wednesday and finishes at Easter.

The book features 40 entries to inspire your journaling: O Praise

anthems, such as ‘Amazing Grace’ Bible passage linked to each song O An additional Bible reference for further reading O Plenty of space to doodle and write reflections O Concise entries easy to fit into your daily schedule O A short

Order your copy today for £5 (plus postage and packaging) by visiting sps-shop.com/books

Salvationist 5 February 2022

23

‘‘

His wisdom shall guard me from harm, His power my sufficiency prove; I’ll trust his omnipotent arm, And prove his unchangeable 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…

WILLIAM McDONALD Croydon Citadel How did you first come in contact with The Salvation Army?

Six years ago my curiosity found The Well, Croydon Citadel’s homelessness day centre. I now attend Sunday meetings and some midweek activities.

What was your day job before retirement?

I had a few. My first job was controlling a factory that made computer chips.

My last was lecturing in communication skills at a London college.

What was the most interesting thing about your last job – and the most frustrating?

The most interesting thing was teaching and helping students progress. The most frustrating thing was that I had to take retirement when my bipolar disorder got worse.

If you could be in a TV soap, w what character would you play?

I would play Ken Barlow in Corona ation Street.

Do you have any hidden talentts s?

Singing and playing guitar.

What career would you have liik ked to o have followed?

Politics. I like discussions and prro oving ng a point in an argument.

Apart from English, what languages es do you know?

I have an O level in French.

What is your favourite Bible ve erse se?

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’ (Matthew 5:3).

(SASB 959)

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

Any of the disciples. I would ask what it was like to be a disciple of the Lord.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord’ (SASB 959).

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Yes. It was Dizzy, but I cannot remember why.

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

Margaret Thatcher.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?

Winston Churchill. He won the Second World War. To me it is a mystery why he lost the election after the war.

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

As Bill Sees Itt writt itten by th the e co-fou found nder er of Alc lcoh ohol olic icss Anonym y ous. This is ym beca cca ause I am m an al alco lco coh holic holi liic. c. In my y oth ther er po p pock ockket et, I wo woul uld ul d lliike ike e to ta take ke Find Findi Fi ding ing

Faith: Stories of Music and Life by the Right Rev Nick Baines, a former bishop of Croydon. It has also been strongly recommended by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be?

‘Auld Lang Syne’. I come from Glasgow.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

I read a quote from US president Harry S Truman in a biography called Plain Speaking: ‘The only thing new is the history you don’t know.’

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

Hanging on to my sanity.

Some interesting things that people might want to know about you are…

First, with the help and friendship of people at Croydon Citadel, I am trying to fight my addiction. Second, I have a ba bach chel e or’s degree in production engi gineer i er erin ing. g. Thi g. hird ird, rd d, I ha h ve a maste asste ter’ rs r’ degr de gree ee in co com mputin mp mput ng sttudie i s. s. Fou ourt rth h, I am try yin i g to o wrriitte e books and nd d esssay ays.