SALVATIONIST YEARS
WEDNESDAY 2 July was Founders’ Day, marking 160 years of The Salvation Army. This unique and wonderful Movement has done incredible things in that time. It’s good to celebrate that, but it’s important to remember why we do what we do.
William Booth boiled it all down into a one-word telegram: others. That is, ultimately, still our mission: bringing other people into a saving, life-in-all-its-fullness relationship with God.
‘Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,’ Paul advised the church in Colossians 3:17. Founders’ Day, then, isn’t about celebrating ourselves, but God’s work through his Army – and recommitting to join him in that, explicitly in his name.
When we faithfully focus on Jesus first in all we are and do – a Movement of active, prayerful, curious disciples – we are a force to be reckoned with. Because he promises to equip us to be deliberately different from the world and proclaim the good news wherever he places us.
Let’s not be complacent. Let’s claim that promise again. Let’s celebrate that ‘thus far, the Lord has helped us’ (1 Samuel 7:12), acknowledge any time we’ve made it all about us, and intentionally seek God’s will to serve the present age. Loving God and loving others for another 160 years? Let’s go!
IVAN RADFORD Managing Editor
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Joseph Halliday, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
CONTACT US 020 7367 4890
salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk
DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66–78 Denington Road, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 / subscriptions@satcol.org
International Version (Anglicised), unless otherwise stated
FOUNDERS Catherine and William Booth
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS
1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ 0845 634 0101
© The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
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.
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton.
FILMING SONGS OF PRAISE
Not just spectators
As the Women’s Euros kick off, Major Jo Moir encourages everyone to stand with women and girls
THIS week, the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament kicked off in Switzerland. The 14th edition of the tournament, it runs until 27 July, with 16 teams competing to lift the trophy. England are the defending champions after winning the 2022 tournament.
The coming few weeks will be a celebration of skill, teamwork and the unifying power of football. But beyond the excitement of the tournament, these weeks also give us the opportunity to draw attention to some of the most pressing challenges facing women and girls in the UK and Ireland: domestic abuse, debt, homelessness and modern slavery.
Since the 1800s, The Salvation Army has provided safe havens for women fleeing domestic violence. Today, we continue to offer confidential accommodation, practical support and pastoral care, helping women reclaim their lives with dignity.
For 160 years, we’ve fought to protect women and girls trapped in slavery. Today, The Salvation Army is the leading provider of specialist support for adult survivors in England and Wales, helping them heal and rebuild. On a typical day, the Army helps three women who have escaped modern slavery rebuild their lives.
Through the Army’s 25 UK debt advice centres, we provide free, impartial and
non-judgemental support to people facing financial difficulties. Women are disproportionately affected by debt –36 per cent of them take on new debt, compared to 28 per cent of men. The Salvation Army is committed to helping them achieve financial freedom.
Many women experiencing homelessness remain unseen, sleeping on sofas, in cars or moving between friends. UK government research suggests that, to stay safe, women are more likely to try and avoid being seen by staying on the move at night, using public transport or hiding themselves. The Salvation Army operates over 80 Lifehouses across the UK and Ireland, providing safe, stable spaces where women can rebuild their lives with confidence. Our teams work daily to provide shelter, trauma care and job training – reaching countless women in their most vulnerable moments.
As The Salvation Army, we’re not just spectators: we take action. We believe that our faith should be expressed in action as well as words, that we are called to love God and love others (see Matthew 22:37–40) and seek fullness of life for all with Jesus (see John 10:10).
As the world watches the Women’s Euro 2025, we are asking individuals and businesses to stand with us and unite in
celebration and solidarity with women. Whether that is hosting a Women’s Euro 2025 watch party or organising a wearyour-football-shirt-to-work day, we are inviting people to raise funds for our vital women’s programmes. Together, we can raise awareness, hope and funds to help bring freedom, confidence and dignity to women and girls in need.
Reflect and respond
Pray for The Salvation Army’s work supporting women and girls across the UK and Ireland.
Revisit Matthew 22:37–40 in different translations. How does that help you understand loving God and loving others in a new way? Visit tsa.link/WeChampionChange to find out more about inviting people to raise funds during the Women’s Euros.
MAJOR JO MOIR Territorial Communications Officer
by Garry D Reed
1 William Booth’s apprenticeship stirred his social conscience. What was his trade?
Logan Haseldine (Fakenham) testifies that his faith is what defines him
2 What was abolished in the USA in 1865?
3 In 1865, Sabine Baring-Gould wrote which song for children to sing in a parade that was later adopted by the Army?
IHAVE always believed in God. But, for a long time, my faith felt more like something I knew about, rather than something that I truly lived.
4 Outside which east London public house was The Salvation Army’s first meeting?
5 In February 1865, social norms were upset by Catherine Booth when a poster outside a Wesleyan Chapel announced: ‘Come and hear a _______ preach!’ What’s the missing word?
6 For a very short time during the autumn of 1865, The Salvation Army was known by a name that had the initials ‘ELCRS’. What do these letters stand for?
7 Name the child born to Catherine and William Booth on Christmas Day 1865.
8 Who was the first person to sign up with William Booth?
9 By the end of 1865, the early Army had how many members?
10 What is the total number of soldiers, adherents and junior soldiers around the world as of 1 January 2024?
My journey with The Salvation Army began at Stapleford Corps, where a friend named Tegan kept picking me up and driving me to the meetings, even when I had little motivation to go. Her persistence and kindness helped me find a place where I felt welcome and
celebrations. I’ve been part of that loving and supportive church family ever since.
One of the biggest challenges in my life has been being diagnosed with EhlersDanlos syndrome. It was overwhelming and often left me questioning why. But, through that experience and the support of my church family, I learnt to lean more fully on God.
A song that truly speaks to my journey is ‘New Home’ by the Barrett Sisters. It reminds me that, no matter what I go shop, the audiovisual system, or simply
trusting God through every season.
Instead of asking ‘Why me?’,
isn’t always easy but, when we surrender it all to God, he gives us strength, peace and purpose.
Have you got a testimony to share? Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
Poplar A beacon of hope, light and love
Strong foundations
In 2022, we were appointed to the oldest surviving Salvation Army corps. Established in 1866 on foundation stones laid by Catherine Booth, our current building was constructed in 1927 and further extended in 2002. In 2023 we began to oversee the Army’s work at Stepney, and we now work boroughwide alongside the two Lifehouses as The Salvation Army in Tower Hamlets.
There is no separation between Sunday and midweek ‘church’ – everyone is part of our family. We’re a diverse mix of people from a range of backgrounds, journeying together. Our church is a safe space for all, where hospitality and welcome, love and compassion, and zero judgement prevail, and where people can flourish in life and faith. In meetings, we sit in a circle so that everyone can be seen and heard. We actively encourage questions and assistance with reading Scripture.
A community safe haven
Our community is transient. We host a seasonal night shelter once per week from January to April in partnership with charity GrowTH and other churches. There is holistic provision for mind, body and soul, including shower facilities, clean clothes, individual beds, games, Bible study and a listening ear. At the end of each shelter season, GrowTH and the churches unite to celebrate the successes of the season with a massive buffet, worship and to hear follow-up stories of our guests.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we have a drop-in community breakfast and, on Fridays, a drop-in community
teatime. These give us opportunities to deepen relationships with people and support them practically, emotionally and spiritually. Greggs kindly donates food, which helps tackle food waste. Employment Plus is present at our Wednesday breakfasts and Alcoholics Anonymous holds three meetings in our building every week. Some attendees have volunteered at the night shelter. Conversations around faith, wellbeing, relationships and addiction frequently take place, and we’re hoping to explore Core Recovery Church in the future. Our volunteers aren’t ‘typical’ – many are trained in administering naloxone to people who have overdosed and know how to deal with extreme bleeding, especially in cases of knife crime.
Life skills and learning
We want to help make life easier for people by making time for them and journeying with them. We teach life skills, such as looking after a home, money management, arranging the best tariffs for utilities and forward planning, and we signpost people to other useful resources. Many people are learning skills for the first time, and we want to build people’s confidence and belief in themselves.
We like to encourage people to see what they can give back. It may be helping to keep our car park in shape or tidying or other small jobs.
Challenge for change
In Poplar, as in many places, poor quality, insecure and overcrowded housing remain problematic. Often people are
moved out to other boroughs or a private landlord sells suddenly, which is very unsettling.
Several areas designated for regeneration have been left empty, derelict or demolished, with no regeneration in sight. Poverty, loneliness and isolation mean that people are seeking connection in a place of safety with us.
Our corps is a member of Citizens UK, a community organising alliance that gathers people to bring about change where it’s needed. We’ve listened extensively to our community and given the voiceless a voice. Working together is so important, it’s essential for us to network so we can make a positive impact.
Prayers for Poplar
We have a prayer furnace group who meet monthly to pray and learn about prayer. We’d appreciate prayers of gratitude for our volunteers and corps members who give time to help run activities, prayers of strength for our relationships with other agencies and prayers of boldness to speak in places of power.
Fast facts
DIVISION London
CORPS LEADERS
Captains Shawn and Vic Moye FIND US ONLINE
salvationarmy.org.uk/poplar
Picture: Enzo Cerri
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
Lieutenant Thomas Morgan offers food for holy hunger
MATTHEW 5:6
THIS Beatitude stands as a powerful declaration within the Sermon on the Mount. It’s a statement that’s central to the Christian life, revealing a deep desire for the divine gift of righteousness. But what does it mean to ‘hunger and thirst for righteousness’? How does this relate to the concept of personal holiness?
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What do you understand ‘righteousness’ to be?
As used in this passage, the concept of righteousness encompasses more than mere outward obedience to moral rules. It speaks of a deep, inward conformity to God’s character – a state of being right with God and reflecting his nature. It’s a righteousness that comes from God, which we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s righteousness – or holiness – that we’re called to pursue in every aspect of our daily lives.
This pursuit, as described by Jesus, is characterised by a ‘hunger and thirst’. Seeking God’s righteous character is not a casual desire; it’s a deep, consuming craving, akin to the physical pangs of a starving person. Such imagery speaks of an intense longing – a passionate desire that drives a person to seek God’s righteousness above everything else. To the fallen human heart, this hunger is not natural. It’s a Spirit-led stirring that awakens us to our spiritual need.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How much do you hunger and thirst for God?
In his book Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, David Martyn LloydJones emphasises the active and urgent nature of this hunger. It’s not something we simply wish for; it’s something we should be aiming for. We can do this by longing to be like Jesus in everything we do. Yet this longing to be more Christlike can only come when we fully acknowledge that we are sinners in complete need of divine love and forgiveness.
Renowned Army holiness teacher
Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle writes that holiness is not obtained merely by outward acts. We do not become holy simply by the likes of not drinking alcohol or smoking. Nor do we become holy by putting on a Salvation Army uniform. These should be outward signs of a life that’s already sanctified by God.
Our hunger and thirst for holiness come from surrendering every aspect of our lives to God. In doing so, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to the complete indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling helps us become more and more Christlike. And this surrender is not a one-time event. It’s not a tick-off item on the to-do list of Christian living. Such surrender is a daily dying to self and rising again as a new creation in Christ.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
In what ways do you need to surrender to Christ each day?
In Matthew 4, the physically hungry Jesus faced temptation. In our spiritual hunger and thirst, we’ll be tempted by Satan to consume things that are harmful to us. Satan incites us to seek personal gain, to be worshipped for who and what we are and do, and to be in control of our lives rather than subject to the will of God. We’re tempted by such a diet because it gives us instant gratification, something akin to a spiritual sugar rush. However, Satan tempts us with lies and falsehoods: such spiritual food and drink is not good for us. In his book Helps to Holiness, Brengle describes seekers after spiritual truth as those who ‘have longed for it more than for their necessary food’. Such truth is found only in Jesus Christ. When we seek the truth in every aspect of our lives, we notice how much we hunger for a holy life.
The promise of Jesus in Matthew 5:6 is that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness ‘will be filled’ – or ‘satisfied’, as some translations put it. This filling or satisfaction is not merely a future hope; it’s a present reality. As we pursue God’s righteousness, he fills us with his presence and empowers us to live holy lives. This satisfaction comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit, who continually sanctifies us and conforms us to the image of Christ.
We live in a world where some people seek to present alternative truths, wanting to simply argue that a view that is different to theirs is ‘fake news’. For many people, the world is becoming increasingly
who for
who for
confusing and scary. They don’t know who or what to believe. There are signs, however, of spiritual hunger. Earlier this year, the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge reported an 87 per cent rise in Bible sales to under-40s between 2019 and 2024. In an age of social media, instant news and quick fixes, many young people are seeking something beyond the realms of reality television and ‘like’s.
In Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, Lloyd-Jones writes that, if we want to be filled, we must not seek it through meetings that simply appeal to emotion, nor will we be filled by seeking instant gratification.
As we pursue a life of holiness, God promises to satisfy us with his presence and power, empowering us to live holy lives that glorify him. The necessity of this pursuit reminds us that holiness is not merely a goal, but a divine reality made possible by the grace of God.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
In what ways could you embrace the words, actions and attitudes of the Sermon on the Mount in your life?
How are you pursuing a life of holiness?
A shortened version of Prayer Matters will continue to be published weekly in Salvationist in 2025. To read the full, unedited booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 5 JULY: CARE FOR CREATION – FOOD SECURITY
Pray for farmers in Zimbabwe, often the poorest and hungriest sector of society. Reliant on rain and sunshine for successful harvests, they walk the impossible road between intermittent flooding and droughts. Pray for the Salvation Army team leading the agricultural training programme Farming God’s Way, working to mitigate losses and ensure families have good food to eat and sell.
by Major Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer)
SUNDAY 6 JULY: SABBATH PRAYER – FAREWELL SUNDAY
For many officers, today will be the last Sunday in their current appointment before they move to a new corps. Pray it will bring happy memories and helpful reflections, and that there will be joy amid the sadness of leaving. Pray for officers’ children, who may feel confused or uncertain at the prospect of life in a new place. Pray God will give peace that surpasses understanding. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
MONDAY 7 JULY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – TOGETHER 2025 (11–13 JULY)
As we meet for Together 2025 there will be those who witness this event simply because they happen to be around the city this weekend. May each person suddenly and strongly feel drawn into your presence, and may we reflect Jesus to them in every way.
by Lieut-Colonel Jane Cowell (Assistant Chief Secretary)
TUESDAY 8 JULY: SERVING AND CARING – TOGETHER 2025
Holy Spirit, go before us and surround Together 2025 with your presence and your mighty power. Inspire all who attend. Open our hearts to your purpose. Encourage and strengthen us. Give us vision to see where you are leading next, and courage to join you in your mission to bring fullness of life.
by Lieut-Colonel Jane Cowell (Assistant Chief Secretary)
WEDNESDAY 9 JULY: GROWING IN FAITH – COVENANT DAY
Pray for the second-year cadets of the Champions of the Mission session as they kneel and sign the Officer’s Covenant. In this significant moment, may they feel your loving presence. Pray they will know God is affirming, guiding and sustaining them, both now and throughout their ministry. Lord, we commit their ministry into your hands.
by Cadet Amy Bayliss-Fox
THURSDAY 10 JULY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – JAPAN TERRITORY
Give thanks for those who have preached the gospel and passed the baton of faith from generation to generation for 130 years. Pray God will raise up a new generation of passionate young evangelists to communicate the love of God in ways that will reach the young people of Japan. Pray for the territorial leadership team of Colonels Stephen and Wendy Morris and Lieut-Colonels Tamotsu and Kazue Nishimura.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 11 JULY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – GENDER IDENTITY
LIEUTENANT
THOMAS MORGAN Corps Leader Bradford Citadel
Dear Lord, thank you for each person who’s found their spiritual home within the Army. Teach us to listen compassionately to those who have known hurt and rejection because they’re transgender. May our corps and centres be places of love and acceptance, where every person is valued and included in Christian fellowship. by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?
Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.
Deliberately different
Major Lynne Shaw asks
THERE are many reasons for assessing who we are, individually and as a Movement. Celebrating 160 years of The Salvation Army is an excellent one. In a recent conversation doing just that, the phrase ‘deliberately different’ came up. I wonder what it conjures up for you.
Fashion designer and activist Vivienne Westwood was deliberately different in an obvious and vocal way. Mother Teresa was also deliberately different. That difference was much quieter, though equally radical.
In contrast, consider the familiar phrase ‘carbon copy’. Whether it was the triplicate accounting books I used in my first appointment or the Banda machine I used in my first teaching post, I became quite familiar with the process of making a carbon copy.
The Salvation Army is not a carbon copy of other denominations, but rather an offspring who has made their own way and left their own mark on the world. We are sometimes different in obvious and vocal ways. At other times our difference is much quieter, though equally radical.
What makes us ‘The Salvation Army’? We might consider clothing, as we may have done at first glance with Vivienne Westwood and Mother Teresa, but that’s like a good book cover hinting at what’s within.
We could look at our music-making, the variety and depth of it, and the wonderful ways God still uses it to speak to people. It is definitely distinctive, but is it the
what makes
us The Salvation Army
hallmark of our deliberate difference?
‘We started on the streets of London to reach the people most in need’ says salvationarmy.org.uk. As an Army, we formed barracks and citadels, not as fortresses to stay in but as places to get ready to go out to those people. This mission is reflected in our corps and centres today: a mission to reach people who are neglected, overlooked, struggling, grieving, displaced, lonely – and facing many more difficult circumstances – with the good news of Jesus lived out in our hearts and through our hands.
Part of our deliberate difference is to follow in the footsteps of the Founders, Catherine and William Booth, by taking the good news with us wherever we go and wherever we meet others, rather than confining it to a pulpit or platform. This enables us to reach people who find it difficult to enter a church building – to that end, many of our halls have looked more like scout huts or community centres over the years!
An early Army slogan was ‘soup, soap and salvation’. It described a practical Christianity that sought first to give a hand-up to anyone in need. Today we continue this work in parent-and-toddler groups, men’s sheds, Lifehouses and allotments, among a wide variety of other community activities and outreach. Our mission is not practicality at the expense of the gospel, but the gospel lived out with a heart of compassion worn on rolled-up sleeves.
We also continue our legacy of fighting
against injustice, speaking up for those whose voices are lost or ignored. We set good examples of how to look after the marginalised and support people amid the struggles they face, though by no means are we the only people to do this.
The most important footsteps we follow, of course, are the ones of Jesus, who consistently ignored barriers created by people in order to meet those he knew needed him. The Salvation Army has a history of daring to set foot in countries where they’ve not initially or even latterly been welcome, because of our desire to serve everyone without discrimination and our passion to speak about the love of God.
The Salvation Army is a vehicle for that love – it’s not the destination. We are a Movement of God, called to go out and be where others are, to be deliberately different as God’s people, individually and together. We are deliberately different for good reason: to reach the whosoever. ‘To serve the present age,/ My calling to fulfil’ (SASB 946), as Charles Wesley’s hymn says.
The Salvation Army is, above all, a people of God, with a story – both past and present – of hope and love for the valuable whosoever. May we take that forward with us, every step God calls us to take.
MAJOR LYNNE SHAW Editorial Assistant Publishing Department
The value of curiosity
Ivan Radford encourages us to keep asking and listening to
God
ABOUT three years ago, someone left me with a challenging question: why do you do what you do? It was a lightbulb moment that has led to a growing sense of purpose and intentionality. That, in turn, has led to more questions. The answers aren’t always immediate or even attainable – many lie beyond my orbit – but I repeatedly find rewards in the asking.
In 2002, the USA’s then secretary of defence, Donald Rumsfeld, gave a speech that divided things into three categories: known knowns, things we know we know; known unknowns, things we know we don’t know; and unknown unknowns, things we don’t know we don’t know. Somewhere in that nonsense lies some profound truth.
“ Why has God placed you where you are? Who has God placed in your life? ”
So often we go through life oblivious to what we don’t know and we can miss out on so much. It’s easy to live in an uncurious bubble of known knowns. We don’t talk to them. We always do this. We never go there. But we can take our certainty and apply it to the wrong thing, instead of the only thing we can be certain about: our unchanging, faithful, greater-than-we-can-comprehend God. God is moving and at work in our world (see John 5:17). He is present in every room before we arrive. How often do you pause to ask God about a situation before you enter it? Genesis 1:27 tells us that everyone is made in the image of God. How often do you look to see him in other people?
We can easily make assumptions about the world and people around us,
relegating them to unknown unknowns.
But it is only by being curious that we can get to know them, and love and serve them authentically. Through these sincere relationships, we can seek and encounter God, discerning his love, plan and purpose.
Of course, once we discover a known unknown, we often want to know it fully. But we are not called to know everything: we are simply called to follow Jesus and have faith that he holds the answers.
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,’ says Proverbs 3:5 and 6. ‘In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ How often do you encounter a person or situation but don’t submit them to God in prayer?
Faith isn’t belief without questions: faith is belief in the face of what we know we don’t know. It is belief with questions – or questioning faithfully. Being curious is key to building a sincere relationship with God too – if we never asked God about anything, we would never get to know him.
When was the last time you were curious enough to listen to someone else’s views and experiences? When was the last time you were curious enough to listen to God?
The UK and Ireland Territory has six values, which are hallmarks of genuine, whole-life discipleship that goes beyond church on a Sunday: boldness, respect, compassion, passion, integrity and mutual accountability. Perhaps there should be a seventh value: curiosity! Not being complacent, on autopilot or certain we know everything, but actively seeking what God is doing in, with and through us, others and the world –intentionally living in a state of openness and trust every day of the week, not in the expectation of knowing, but being ready to join in.
Have you ever been curious about
160 CHALLENGE
Take 160 seconds today to be curious.
Ask God what he has to say to you.
Be still and listen. Do it again tomorrow.
what God is doing in your community? Why has God placed you, or your corps, where you are? Who has God placed in your life?
I can testify to the rewards of faithful curiosity. I have encountered God in people and situations I didn’t expect. I have become aware of so many things I don’t know that my life and faith are richer for it. In my privileged position on the Salvationist team, I see God at work in this territory in so many exciting ways through dedicated disciples, as our team receives new commitment reports week after week – and that’s just in the places we know about. As a team, we have begun reaching out to corps we don’t know much about, as we intentionally seek to know them and learn more about God. I don’t know what the answers will be, but I’m certainly curious. Why do you do what you do? How curious are you?
IVAN RADFORD Managing Editor Salvationist
Praying for God’s Army
Salvationist asked people across the territory to share their prayers for The Salvation Army
My prayer is that The Salvation Army will continue to be true to the mission for which we were raised 160 years ago, to bring fullness of life to those who are on the edges of society, who have no voice, who are forgotten, judged and stripped of their identity.
Mae fy ngweddi yn bod y Fyddin yr Iachawdwriaeth fydd yn parhau i fod yn ddiffwdan i’r genhadaeth yr ydym ni wedi ein codi 160 mlynedd yn ôl, i ddod â bywyd ar ei orau i’r rhai sydd ar ymylon cymdeithas, sydd heb lais, sydd wedi eu hanwybyddu, eu barnu a’u tynnu o’u hunaniaeth.
God of justice, we pray for the global Salvation Army and those it journeys alongside around the world. For people displaced by conflict and climate catastrophe, experiencing gender-based violence, exploitation or abuse, and those striving to overcome water scarcity, food insecurity and poverty. May The Salvation Army remain a movement of justice, compassion and partnership, and may all people experience life in all its fullness.
Hayley Still UK Engagement Coordinator, International Projects Office
Father God, as we live in a world of uncertainty, guide us with love and patience to where you need us to serve. Renew us with your Holy Spirit to continue The Salvation Army’s mission not only as an act of service but also as an act of praise to you. Amen.
That the Army would have a full and transformative vision of the power of the gospel and be unapologetically passionate about communicating that and living it out in the public square. Romans 1:16.
Tony Daniels Territorial Director of Community Services
Gracious God, thank you for all the saints who have served you by stepping out into all kinds of leadership within The Salvation Army. Keep on nudging us, prodding us and stirring our hearts. Give us grace to keep answering your call for our lives, keeping Jesus at the centre.
Captain Berri McKenna
Territorial Candidates Officer, William Booth College
Captain Kathryn Stowers Newport Citadel
Niamh
Father we thank you for the Salvation Army saints who have gone before and for the legacy they have entrusted to us. We ask for boldness in our prayers, our outreach and our witness and for the Spirit’s inspiration to keep our message about you relevant, dynamic and exciting.
‘Salvationist’ invited members to share an anonymous one-word prayer for the Army online at tsa.link/160-prayers. These are the words that people prayed.
Burns Dunstable
Father, please sharpen our spiritual skills, clear any blockages within us that muffle the sound of your voice, may we be children who hear you speak to us clearly and operate straight from that place. We want to run into your plan for our corps, expressions, communities. Please release us from fear of what people might think, anxiety of getting it wrong or exhaustion from working so hard. Unlock new strength, new sight and, most of all, please let us hear you. Amen.
Hannah
Willis Divisional Children’s Worker, Central and Southern Scotland Division
Father, you are astonishing. Thank you for your love for us. We pray for The Salvation Army globally that it may continue to carry out your mission in this dark world. Give us courage to explore new things and effective ways of reaching those who desperately need a saviour. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Major Gary Lacey Territorial Prayer Coordinator
Father, as we engage with, and support, people facing difficult situations, we thank you for blessing us, and those whom we serve. Thank you for the beautiful moments of ministry where you have enabled transformation, and where individuals have come to know you as personal Lord and Saviour. May you continue to use our ministry to enable transformation, so individuals and communities can experience life in all its fullness with Jesus. To God be the glory!
Mitch
Menagh Assistant Secretary for Mission
Dear God, thank you for 160 years of The Salvation Army! Thank you for all the people who help others in your name. Please bless their work and keep them strong. Help us show kindness, share your love and follow Jesus every day. We are so thankful for your care and blessings. Amen.
Nicole Gracious God, we celebrate those who have gone before us, we rejoice in our present, and look forward with eager eyes to the future. Give us a zeal for mission. Help us to look beyond our walls and make The Salvation Army a blessing to those around us, and embolden us to move forward.
Andy Wileman
Assistant Director, Older People’s Services
Jim
The quiet revival Are we ready?
Salvationist considers a recent report highlighting a rise in church attendance
EARLIER this year, a report was published by Bible Society titled The Quiet Revival. The optimistic research found that church attendance has risen by 50 per cent over the past six years, led by younger generations. Amid lots of discussion, there is one key takeaway: God is doing something.
The report highlighted that, in 2018, just 4 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they attended church at least monthly. Now, that has risen to 16 per cent.
Director of Research and Impact at Bible Society, Dr Rhiannon McAleer, says: ‘These are striking findings that completely reverse the widely held assumption that the Church in England and Wales is in terminal decline.’
While the report highlights growth in Roman Catholicism and Pentecostalism, it emphasises that the data doesn’t draw attention to a particular leadership style or way of doing church, but something much broader in how the public think about faith. There is a remarkable trend: over two million more people are attending church than six years ago.
That figure challenges us all to re-evaluate how we think about ourselves and public assumptions of, and attitudes towards, Christianity.
Attendance on the up
Naturally, the first instinct is to think about what it means for The Salvation Army. The most recent territorial attendance report, conducted by the Research and Development Unit, does show that attendance is on the up.
Based on programme diaries between March and May 2024, attendance to activities increased 7 per cent year-onyear. This was the third annual increase in a row, and only 3.7 per cent lower than pre-pandemic figures. The most prevalent activity was Sunday meetings, followed by corps charity shops, parent-and-toddler groups, residential centre programme activities and cafés. The two mostattended activities were corps charity shops and Sunday meetings.
The activities attracted existing members of faith communities (44 per cent), but notably reached out to
friends (88 per cent) and people on the fringes of corps (59 per cent).
The value of data
These are positive green shoots in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s more nuanced than that. The attendance figures measure volume not reach – the data reflects the number of engagements, not the unique number of people engaged. Nonetheless, it shows Army expressions becoming more active in recent years and therefore opening up to more people.
The data, however, isn’t the full picture: the return rate was 79 per cent, which means there are still pieces of the jigsaw to fill in.
Similarly, although formal membership numbers have technically decreased over the years, there are several factors impacting that data.
‘We think formal membership is lower than the formal numbers of soldiers and adherents we report, partly because there is a lag in updating corps rolls. We would encourage corps to regularly update their rolls whenever possible,’ explains Director of Research and Development Olly Thorp. However, there are many active members of corps who have not formalised their membership, which means they are hidden behind the statistics.
‘These valued people are giving, serving, worshipping and participating in church life,’ adds Olly. ‘This spring, the territory has added an additional category of “discipleship” to its membership database so we can more accurately measure them in the future.’
‘Data helps us learn more about who we are and what we’re doing,’ he adds. ‘For example, one division recently found their highest point of contact was through charity shops, so they encouraged more corps members to volunteer in charity shops as it was such a high-contact mission field.’
Nurturing disciples
One of The Quiet Revival’s key findings is that discipleship is a significant mission opportunity. The report shows 37 per
cent of 18 to 24-year-olds are curious to learn more about the Bible. It also found that one third of churchgoers say they lack confidence in navigating or understanding the Bible and speaking about it. Compared to older churchgoers, young people were more likely to say that media and culture shake their faith in the Bible – there is a clear appetite to grapple with what the Bible is saying, and a need for good discipleship.
Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Lieutenant Kat Whitmore comments: ‘What we’re learning about this generation is that they want what they believe to impact their day-to-day lives. If they’re attending church, they’re likely to be reading the Bible during the week and they want to be making a difference in the world, too. They are also seeking authentic relationship and connection with others.’
Seeking belonging
This intentional curiosity in Christianity is caused by a wide range of factors, including our increasingly intercultural society. It occurs at a time when people are particularly seeking belonging, connection and purpose – for something that helps address problems such as inequality and the climate crisis, but also provides a countercultural alternative to a materialistic, individualistic society.
‘In previous generations, there was a sense that, if you work hard, you can get a good job, build a family and own a home,’ observes Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Lieutenant Jonny Whitmore. ‘In today’s world of uncertainty, there isn’t that foundation. Young people are asking, “What is the purpose of my life? What difference can I make?”
‘They receive the message from society that they are not good enough, for example on social media. We hope that young people can find, in the Church, a community where they discover that they are accepted, they are loved and they have something to give.
In a post-pandemic, increasingly digital world, people are also seeking third spaces – spaces outside of home, work and school – to find community and belonging.
‘In the Army we have all sorts of ways
that people can connect, belong and participate with people of all cultures and generations. It can be a safe place to ask questions, explore and learn, going deeper in faith and discipleship together.’
The report emphasises the enduring power of a simple invitation: 31 per cent of non-churchgoers said they would be open to attending a church service if invited by a friend or family, with 18 to 24-year-olds more open (34 per cent) than any group other than over-65s (35 per cent).
What God is doing
Ultimately, whichever dataset you analyse, it is an encouraging reminder to be looking outward to others – and to what God is doing. The Quiet Revival gives us a glimpse of the Spirit moving in today’s world. Young people are more spiritually active. Christians are practising their religion more intentionally. More people are reading the Bible.
‘We should celebrate what God is doing,’ says Olly. ‘We have a role to play joining in with that.’
But the revival is quiet for a reason –this isn’t about being complacent, but being attentive and responsive.
‘Something is happening,’ comments Jonny. ‘It’s exciting! But if we focus on a revival happening, the focus becomes on that rather than the thing that’s helping the revival to happen. Let’s keep our eyes on what God is doing.’
Kat adds: ‘There are green shoots emerging. Part of our role is to be present to what the Spirit is doing, nurture those shoots and see what God is growing. It’s not saying the Church has it sorted but, if the soil is right, growth will happen. Let’s provide space for that.’
‘We can’t predict what will happen,’ she concludes. ‘But the question is: are we ready? Are we ready to welcome and engage with a generation that is open to God and hungry for authentic community?’
How do people come to faith today?
Salvationist looked at the nearly 400 new commitments published in the past 14 months to discover some of the factors most frequently mentioned in the faith journeys of people who hadn’t necessarily grown up in a corps or weren’t already connected to the Army. This is not comprehensive and the reports analysed do not take into account people who have not made a formal commitment but are valued, active and loved members of our church family. If you would like to share your testimony, email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk – we’d love to hear your faith journey!
⌂17% of the reports mentioned how people searching had found a sense of belonging or their spiritual home
♥15% of the reports mentioned that people’s first step was simply being invited to a meeting or activity
13% of the reports specifically mentioned the warm welcome people had received at the corps
11% of the reports highlighted how people became connected through clubs and groups, including coffee mornings and study courses
11% of the reports mentioned local outreach, for example community programmes or a herald selling Kids Alive! or the War Cry
6% of the reports mentioned volunteering as a key step in connecting with a corps
3% of the reports mentioned the support shown to people by corps members
History, impact and purpose
Major Jo Moir goes behind the scenes as Songs of Praise celebrates The Salvation Army’s 160th anniversary
LAST month, The Salvation Army opened its doors to BBC One’s Songs of Praise. A week’s worth of talking, singing, interviewing and exploring will need to be edited down to a 30-minute programme capturing 160 years of mission and ministry and, with such rich content and so many insights into what makes us ‘us’, that won’t have been an easy task for the producers.
My position on the sidelines – curating and suggesting places for the crew to visit – gave me a unique perspective on who we think we are and who we want to be. The sheer range of our mission meant the crew were offered 17 ministries to consider filming, ranging between parent-and-toddler groups, university chaplaincy, modern slavery, homelessness, family tracing and prison ministries. The team wanted to meet Salvationists old and young and see expressions old and new, and so visited three expressions, taking inspiration from our theme from Together 2025 – Mission 160: From Generation to Generation.
The Rev Canon Kate Bottley, the Songs of Praise host, met lifelong friends Major George Whittingham and Lieut-Colonel Maurice Cooper, who shared recollections and powerful testimonies of sacrifice and dedication to God. They spoke of his faithfulness through the years, and the
part music played in their faith journeys. They even persuaded Kate to attempt playing an Eb bass at one point, although that might not make the final edit! They shared heartfelt narratives of the impact of their church family on their lives in times of joy and days of loss.
Cadet Hannah Carr was filmed serving the community in Mitcham as part of her officer training. She spoke eloquently about her calling and hopes for the future. Captain Nick Ward (Mitcham) gave a tour of the hugely popular Omnibus – a converted double-decker bus that offers debt advice, Employment Plus and a safe space for young people to gather after school. Despite the near torrential rain, they both kept smiling as they served refreshments, connected with people and offered pastoral care to those who visited during our time filming.
Kate then spent time with Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main. This relaxed conversation clearly captivated the host, who was intrigued to learn about the place of women in the Army, the challenges early Salvationists faced and the commissioner’s future hopes for the Movement.
Worship for the episode was recorded at Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls Corps. It featured traditional brass from a talented quintet of local
Salvationists and contemporary music from M25, a worship group from the London Division. The packed hall contained many who had travelled especially to be part of the worship and filming.
They recorded eight songs and two Christmas carols, which felt very strange on a warm day in May. Some of the songs will feature in the anniversary episode and others will be used throughout the year, including during Advent.
The final edit is in the hands of the producers, but all those who gave their time, gifts, ministry, music and testimony exemplified the heart of our Movement. They gave all the glory to God at every opportunity, telling the story of The Salvation Army through its history, its impact and its purpose with clarity and passion. That’s a perspective worth keeping!
• This episode of Songs of Praise airs at 1.15pm on BBC One on 13 July and will then be available on BBC iPlayer at bbc.co.uk/iplayer
MAJOR JO MOIR Territorial Communications Officer
Daring to care for the community
BIRMINGHAM
THE annual Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) conference is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate a particular area of this mighty mission partner’s work, writes editor Major Julian Watchorn (THQ). The gathering offers the opportunity to hear what’s being done well and consider how and where we might do better. This year was no exception. Representing every corner of the territory – which includes 7,000 colleagues and 7 million customers and donors – 350 delegates listened with anticipation as SATCoL’s managing director, Trevor Caffull, outlined the theme Caring for the Community. In an honest summary of the financial performance of the past year, Trevor rightly praised his staff and volunteers for their efforts in increasing the volume
of donations by 18 per cent, bucking market trends. He then presented Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main with a cheque for £5.4 million towards the ongoing work of the Army in this territory.
Now operating in 60 locations – from Aberdeen to Havant, Swansea to Wisbech – fresh openings for the new Donation Centre initiative were celebrated, with more openings imminent.
Delegates were reminded that they are a community, and three employees who had served a combined 85 years between them received long-service awards.
The year saw continued excellence and industry recognition, with the company receiving the Outstanding Charity Retailer award once again and an environmental sustainability award. Celebrating community, delegates
heard heart-warming stories about colleagues serving their communities, including a video by social media influencer Charity Shop Girl – Jen Graham – who spent a day in her local shop. The video highlighted examples of staff and volunteers focused on helping people and meeting needs far more than simply making a profit.
There was a clear focus on mission, with a mission map highlighting where and how mission is happening, such as repair shop initiatives, which were celebrated for creating community.
The annual awards ceremony was once again inspiring, with acknowledgements including exemplary service, shop of the year, employee of the year and volunteer of the year. More than 25 awards were presented by Commissioner Paul.
In her keynote speech, Commissioner Jenine focused on God’s plan of redemption and again celebrated how SATCoL is ‘in the business of giving back – of redeeming that which was lost’. Acknowledging that The Salvation Army is celebrating 160 years, she spoke of how we are still engaged in the work of redemption in a broken world. Whether or not we know it and believe it, she explained, we’re all part of God’s redemption plan, part of a community restoring the world to what God created it to be, quoting ‘O Boundless Salvation! Deep Ocean of Love’ (SASB 509): ‘The whole world redeeming.’
The commissioner stated: ‘We are all in the business of changing lives, of building stronger communities. And we all play our part in building a legacy of kindness, hope, love and redemption.’
There were compelling and engaging presentations from Majors Chris and Lin Herbert (Peterborough Citadel) and Captains Jane and Jon Bishton (Openshaw) again celebrating how we engage in the community, however and wherever we find it.
This conference was so much more than this report can capture, and community was both celebrated and experienced as delegates shared, laughed and learnt together.
Trevor Caffull
Commissioner Jenine Main
SATCoL award winners
COMMUNITY
DUNSTABLE To celebrate Volunteers’ Week, Debt Advice Coordinator Fiona Simpson hosted a lunch for volunteers to thank them for their commitment and support of service users. The team is pictured with corps leader Lieutenant Jacqueline Coates. – RC
EVENT
KILMARNOCK Members of the songsters and band performed songs of worship and praise in the town centre to encourage participants in the annual Roon the Toon 10K. The largest cheer from the corps was for corps leader Captain Emma Heal (pictured wearing purple), who was taking part in the run. – EF
EVENT
LEEDS WEST HUNSLET To mark Volunteers’ Week, the corps thanked its team of volunteers for feeding the most vulnerable locally. Led by Suzanne, 72, the team tailor food parcels to meet people’s needs. They also give out toiletries and sanitary products, pet food and small electrical items. The food bank works hand-in-hand with the on-site charity shop – also run by volunteers – which has become a community hub where people can access further support. Suzanne estimates they support about 1,500 people every year. – AR
ARMY NEWS
THQ The Salvation Army has said it is disappointed that the House of Commons voted to allow the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to continue its passage through parliament. ‘While we agree with campaigners on all sides that everyone should have the chance of a dignified death, we do not believe that this Bill achieves that,’ the Army commented in a statement. ‘We are gravely concerned that the Bill is weighted in favour of those with better access to care, health resources and support networks. However, we will continue to engage with the debate as it moves into the House of Lords, as we want to ensure that the Bill contains much stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable people from coercion and ensure that they have capacity to make informed decisions about their final days. We will also continue to argue for proper funding of palliative care to ensure individuals receive physical, emotional and spiritual support.’ – AR
SATCoL
COVENTRY DONATION CENTRE During Volunteers’ Week the centre celebrated their volunteers with a massive thankyou and a show of gratitude through cake and a buffet. One outstanding volunteer who received recognition is Kai Ross, who volunteers 35 hours a week. He comes to be part of a family that appreciates everything he brings. – DR
ENVIRONMENT
CIRENCESTER A creation walk along the river adjacent to the hall saw 18 humans and 7 dogs set off to appreciate the wonders of nature. The group spent time litter picking and noting plants and wildlife beginning with the letters of the word ‘creation’. Following this, a corps picnic in St Michael’s Park saw members relax and enjoy the beautiful weather. The band provided music for the village festival in Barnsley, celebrating the work of garden designer Rosemary Verey. – MG
COMMUNITY
LURGAN The corps distributed bags and flyers and presented a band programme at the annual Lurgan Show. The flyers and bags were prepared by the Cameo club. The band was visited by the lord mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough council, Alderman Stephen Moutray, who thanked the corps for their work and witness in the area. – CB
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
WILLENHALL Young people’s workers manned a stand at the town carnival. They were joyfully overrun with children and young families getting free balloons and Kids Alive!, as well as doing crafts, getting glitter tattoos and watching a biblical puppet show. A number of other supporters from the corps came along to help practically and be available to talk with parents. People were pointed to the corps website and social media pages to find further information about how they can get involved. – LH-N
MUSIC
SHERINGHAM Many visitors joined the regular congregation when the band presented a mini concert of music from Disney’s The Lion King. The all-age listeners enjoyed the music and narration. Tea, cakes and ice cream were all equally enjoyed. – MG
ADDICTION
THQ The Salvation Army visited parliament to call for greater awareness and access to naloxone, the life-saving opioid overdose antidote. The Addictions Team led a practical demonstration to show how quick and safe it is to use naloxone in an emergency. The Army is calling for a national public awareness campaign, for all local authorities to have a naloxone policy, for naloxone to be available in public places, for all frontline police officers to carry it, and for take-home naloxone to be available for anyone known to use opioids when leaving hospital or prison. Lee Ball, director of Addictions Services, said: ‘Addiction is not a moral failing, it’s a chronic, life-threatening health condition that demands a public health response, not punishment.’ – AR
HOMELESSNESS
THQ The Salvation Army has welcomed the government’s plans to abolish the Vagrancy Act, which makes it a criminal offence to sleep rough or beg in England and Wales. The change in the law will come into force next year and be replaced with new legislation aimed at tackling organised begging by gangs. Director of Homelessness Services Nick Redmore said: ‘Rough sleeping is not a choice, but the result of a life in crisis and past trauma. People experiencing homelessness can be vulnerable and need protection and advocacy, not punishment and this move is a vital step towards compassion and change.’ – AR
COMMUNITY
REGENT HALL To celebrate Volunteers’ Week, 15 volunteers from the Welcome Hub, Number 10 project, community wardrobe and memory café enjoyed lunch together. Each volunteer received a thank-you certificate from corps leaders Majors Geoff and Liz Chape for their hard work and service. It felt right to celebrate this amazing team. – EN
COMMUNITY
READING LOWER EARLEY The corps opened its doors to celebrate the rich tapestry of nationalities that make up its community. About 150 people from the community attended throughout the day, as corps members from Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the Netherlands, South Korea and more shared pieces of their heritage. – AR/TR
EVENT
STIRLING During Pentecost worship, staff and volunteers were thanked for their work in the corps and community. Corps leader Major Andrina Downie presented certificates of appreciation and corps members prepared a special lunch. – AD
FUNDRAISING
SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD One Off Brass attracted a capacity congregation for an excellent evening of Army, secular and classical music. The band comprises Salvationists and other Christian bandsmen mainly from Yorkshire and the North East areas. A musical tribute commemorated VE Day and Jenny Woods brought a poignant poem. During the concert, £1,355 was presented to Marie Curie volunteer John Jennings. A further £288 was collected for the charity during outdoor programmes over the weekend. – AR
Appointed
Effective 19 June
MAJOR GLAD
DAVIDSON, additional appointment, Chaplain, STEPS (HS) programme within Rhyl Corps
MAJOR KIM WILSON, Divisional Mission Officer, Wales Division Effective 17 July
MAJOR IAN
WOODGATE, Notting Hill
Effective 1 September
LIEUTENANT LUKE
COZENS, additional appointment, Justice and Reconciliation Officer, Communications Service (1 day per week)
Local officers appointed
QUARTERMASTER
PETER GOODCHILD, Dunstable
ASSISTANT CORPS
TREASURER HELEN
NORTHCOTT, Dunstable
CORPS PRESS REPRESENTATIVE
CHRISTINE WATSONHAYTON, Long Eaton
Promoted to Glory
CORPS TREASURER
PATRICIA DUNHAM, Potton, on 19 June
Bereaved
CORPS SERGEANT-
MAJOR ROBERT
DUNHAM, Potton, of his wife Corps Treasurer Patricia Dunham, Richard Whitmore, Bedford Congress Hall, of his sister, Captain Tom Dunham, Cheltenham Citadel, and Ed Dunham of their mother
MAJOR CHRISTINE
McCUTCHEON, Potton, and Andrew Millar of their son Andrew Millar
Long service
25 years
MAJOR VIKKI BURR , Personnel Service, THQ
MAJOR LYNNE
CLIFTON, Fresh Expressions Leader, Sheerness
MAJOR KERRY COKE, Mission Service, THQ
LIEUT-COLONEL NICK
COKE, Secretary for Communications and Chief Secretary’s Office, THQ
MAJOR JANE-MARIE
COOK , Ballymoney
MAJOR ANITA
COTTERILL , Lowestoft Citadel and Lowestoft South
MAJOR NICK
COTTERILL , Lowestoft Citadel and Lowestoft South
MAJOR SCOTT
CUNLIFFE, Bangor
MAJOR IAN DAVIS, Hedge End
MAJOR LOUISE DAVIS, Hedge End
MAJOR JAMES ELLIOT, William Booth College
MAJOR JENNY
FORMAN, Coventry City
MAJOR STEVE
FORMAN, Coventry City
MAJOR DOUGLAS
HAYTER , Mold
MAJOR MICHELLE HAYTER , Mold
MAJOR KAREN
LAYTON, Upper Norwood
MAJOR PHIL LAYTON, Upper Norwood
MAJOR SUE PEGRAM, South East DHQ
MAJOR KEVIN PITT, Stowmarket
MAJOR PAM PITT, East of England DHQ
MAJOR DAWN SELLERS, Edinburgh City
MAJOR MARK SELLERS, Edinburgh City
MAJOR CINDY
STANFORD, Belfast Temple
MAJOR IMOGEN
STEWART, Keighley and Yorkshire and Humber DHQ
MAJOR ALLISTER
VERSFELD, Strawberry Field
MAJOR KATHLEEN
VERSFELD, Strawberry Field
MAJOR SUSAN
WOODGATE, William Booth College
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Fri 11 Jul Birmingham Conference and Events Centre (Spiritual Leaders’ Meeting)
Fri 11 Jul – Sun 13 Jul Birmingham (Together 2025)
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Sat 5 Jul Langley Park Centre for the Performing Arts (The Canadian Staff Songsters in Concert)
Wed 9 Jul William Booth College (Covenant Day)
Fri 11 Jul Birmingham Conference and Events Centre (Spiritual Leaders’ Meeting)
Fri 11 Jul – Sun 13 Jul Birmingham (Together 2025)
Tue 15 Jul King’s Park Conference Centre, Northampton (Enabled Summer Extravaganza)
Thu 17 Jul Sunbury Court (Welcome to ICO Session 262)
Sat 19 Jul – Mon 21 Jul Guernsey
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest
Wed 9 Jul William Booth College (Covenant Day)
Fri 11 Jul Birmingham Conference and Events Centre (Spiritual Leaders’ Meeting)
Fri 11 Jul – Sun 13 Jul Birmingham (Together 2025)
NOTICES
Together at Home
Be part of Together 2025, wherever you are. Pick up the 12 July issue of Salvationist, follow live updates at salvationist.org.uk and listen to a Bible message from newly commissioned Lieutenant Amy Bayliss-Fox on Salvationist Radio’s Sunday Worship. Find out more at salvationist.org.uk/together-home
160 Years: Short films from IHQ
International Headquarters has created eight short films chronicling the vast and varied mission of the global Salvation Army over the past 160 years. The films, which are released weekly every Wednesday, focus on social justice, education, modern slavery and human trafficking, emergency response, healthcare, development and women in leadership. Watch and share them at vimeo.com/ salvationarmyihq and on social media use the hashtag #SalvationArmy160
Addictions
training for corps
Join specialists in a series of monthly online training sessions for people in corps settings to increase their understanding of addiction and how to give effective support. The next will take place from 9.30am to 11.30am on 15 July and focus on intervention. For more information, email addictionservice@salvationarmy.org.uk
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is from Major Paul Hilditch (William Booth College). 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
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
Sing to the Lord with the ISS
Enjoy favourite recordings from the International Staff Songsters, chosen each month by a special guest. Listen at 5pm on Sunday 6 July.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
SUSAN Livingstone was enrolled as a soldier by corps leader Territorial Envoy Paul Swain. Susan talked about how God has given her courage to make this declaration of faith. It was a wonderful morning of celebration. Also pictured is corps leader Lieutenant Alice Swain. – AS
SURROUNDED by family, friends and a very supportive church family, Danny Robinson was welcomed as an adherent by corps leaders Majors Debbie and Dominic Eaton. In his testimony, Danny shared how he came to realise that God guided him to this point, leading him to a recovery programme in Preston, then to the Army, where he grew in his relationship with God, giving him a purpose as he continues moving forward. – IK
ADLEY, Amen, Nabyom, Lennon and Liam (front) and Tamar, Kim, Amelia and James (back) were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps leader Major Nicola Barker. Also pictured are young people’s workers Cheryl Nash and Ruth Cole. – LC
BELLA Hazlewood and Leah Madinga were enrolled as soldiers by corps leaders Major John Mclean and Captain Lydia Bartlett. Bella and Leah testified to God’s work in their lives and how belonging has challenged them to commit to a covenanted relationship with Jesus through soldiership. – JM
JACKIE and Tony Allen were enrolled as soldiers by corps leader Major Dawn McGarvey. They testified to a journey of faith and a search for a spiritual home that had been answered since their involvement in the fellowship. They thanked corps members for the warmth of their welcome. Jackie and Tony are pictured with Recruiting Sergeant Lynda Tasker and Cameo Leader Captain Margaret Gargett. – NM
MACCLESFIELD
BEDFORD CONGRESS HALL
PRESTON
LEEDS CENTRAL
SLEAFORD
‘What does God
To be like his Son and then do as his Son did.’
CATHERINE BOOTH want with us? He wants us just to be and to do...