SALVATIONIST
TOGETHER FOR GOOD GREAT BIG GREEN WEEK
New creation
I’M as surprised as you are to find my name here. With heartfelt gratitude to Major Julian Watchorn – now serving at IHQ – it’s a privilege and joy to stand here, in God’s grace, and hop, skip and jump forward with you.
What kind of world are we jumping into? The climate is dislocated. Society is fragmented. Hope, for many, is broken. And we are called to stand in the middle of this mess and join God in a ministry of reconciliation – not just us with others, but the whole of creation with God.
This week is Great Big Green Week (6–14 June), an opportunity to take action, to reconcile ourselves with the natural environment and the impact we have upon it. God has entrusted us with his creation to care for. Every choice we make has a consequence. That could be cause to be anxious, but it’s also reason to be hopeful – because every choice makes a difference, from what we eat to how we shop and maybe even what we grow. Every action can be a brick in building God’s Kingdom – a step forward together for good.
We can’t restore this world into a new creation ourselves, but we can trust in God, our Creator, Provider and Sustainer. We can take courage as new creations in him and say through our lives and actions: here, in the grace of God, I stand.
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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
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SCRIPTURE
otherwise stated
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
PETERHEAD: AN ECO-CONGREGATION
The old and the young
As The Mandalorian and Grogu jumps from TV screens to cinemas, Sam Butler reflects on family
‘THE old protect the young, and then the young protect the old,’ declares the Mandalorian in The Mandalorian and Grogu. The Star Wars film sees the bounty hunter enlisted with his young apprentice, Grogu, to protect the Rebellion after the Empire has fallen. The film follows the adventures of this father-and-son duo as they collect bounties on the remaining Imperial villains scattered across the galaxy, while also following an authentic connection with that theme of intergenerational value, caring for and valuing both the young and the old.
Reflect and respond
What can you learn from others in your church?
What teaching can you share in your church?
How can you turn these teachings into action?
The Mandalorian, played by Pedro Pascal, declares these words as part of his ‘creed’, delivering teachings to Grogu as he prepares him for survival in a dangerous galaxy. The film follows the importance of his experienced older generation, as he hunts down criminals and brings justice to the galaxy, journeying alongside the younger, explorative Grogu, who assists and aids him using the gifts he has.
This is a lot like how we should see our Church today. We must respect those more experienced who have wisdom and teachings to bring to our communities. We must also accept and embrace the newcomers and younger generation who bring their gifts and innovative ideas with fresh eyes, helping to evolve teaching into action in our communities.
In Peter’s speech at Pentecost in Acts 2, he proclaims that everyone has value in the Kingdom of God. He quotes from the book of Joel that ‘your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams’ (Acts 2:17). This depiction of ‘visions’ and ‘dreams’ underlines a forward thinking, a tomorrow that we
should attempt to implement today.
As Peter describes the Kingdom of God and the relationships needed in the Church, we must take this on board when involving our churches in our communities and making decisions that are rooted in Christ, with gifts equipped through the Holy Spirit.
In The Mandalorian and Grogu, the old learn from the young as much as the young learn from the old. This is how we should see our intergenerational church today, regardless of where we are on our faith journeys with God. As the Church, we must continue to teach and learn from one another and look to our future with the support rooted in our past. The old protect the young, and then the young protect the old.
SAM BUTLER Feltham
MEANDMY PLAYLIS T
Katie Pearson Norwich Citadel
‘Joy.’ by Raye
Some of its words are ‘I may cry through the night, but my joy comes in the morning’, which is taken from the Psalms. It’s such a happy song and it always makes me smile.
‘Sandyland’ by Psalty
Psalty is a blue singing songbook –it’s kids’ worship songs. The song says: ‘Don’t build your house on the sandyland… You’ll have to build it twice.’ It’s just stuck with me for 15 years!
‘Take My Life (I Am Yours)’ by Salvation Worship It’s about surrendering everything to God, which has been a key theme for me recently. It’s a real reminder that my plans, my future, they all belong to God, and I’m living for him and not me.
‘Get Back Up Again’ from Trolls Dad and I would always sing this into my piano exams as a reminder to keep going. If you fall down and get back up, why not do it while singing a fun song!
‘Because of Jesus’ by Charity Gayle
This has been a firm favourite for a few years now. It’s quite easy to sing songs and not really think about what you’re saying, but declaring that my life is evidence feels much more personal.
• Based on an episode of Salvationist Radio’s Me and My Playlist. The podcast features young people from across the territory as they share five tracks they love. Listen to more episodes at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
‘I think about God a lot more’
Daniel Jenkins (Cardiff Canton) shares how he sees God in his day-to-day life
MY nan was the first one in my family to be involved with the Army: she used to lead the Brownies and Guides at Cardiff Ely Corps. She then began to attend on Sundays and went on to become a soldier and a songster. When my mum was born, Nan took her and my grandad along to the Army. When Nan passed away, my mum and grandad moved to Cardiff Canton Corps and when I was born they brought me along too, and I was dedicated there. We always attended the Sunday meeting until the meeting times changed and we were sadly unable to make it. Over the past couple of years, I feel like God has led us back and I’m really grateful.
I love the musicality of the Army; I feel like other churches don’t have that same musical energy and connection in faith and worship. I love singing with the songsters and I’m also learning the trombone and helping out with Sunday school before the meeting. I’ve become so much more involved. I had the opportunity to go to Tenby with some of the young people from the corps to lead a meeting, and we led at our corps the following week, which was great.
I see God working in my life through the influence of other Christians. One of my fellow songsters shared the thought that, with all that’s going on in the world, we really have no reason to complain and should be thankful that we’re here and have roofs over our heads and can freely meet. It’s a privilege that many don’t have. Since he shared that, if something goes wrong at work, or I feel a bit down or whatever, I think about what he said: we have nothing to complain about really!
I’m so thankful to God for leading me and my mum back to the Army.
Although Grandad can’t attend in person anymore, we always show him the meetings online. Grandad was very emotional when he found out we were back at the Army, and he loved seeing my enrolment online. My relationship with God has grown more since I’ve been back, because I now think about him a lot more in my day-to-day life. I also think more about giving back and helping other people in any way that I can, because that’s what being a Salvationist and a soldier is about.
Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk
Peterhead Building missional momentum
Journeying together
I’m just a few months in as corps leader here. Prior to my arrival, the corps was unofficered for 13 months. During that time, people stepped up and stepped in to keep things running well, and new ideas have been introduced. We’re moving towards having a café church every month. They’re a lovely group of positive and encouraging – mostly older – people. Some have been in the Army for many years, some have come from other churches, and some are new. Next year, we’ll celebrate our 145th corps anniversary.
Something for everyone
We have some young people, ranging from infants to young adults in their twenties and thirties. About 12 young people come to our Friday evening youth group for secondary school age children.
Our drop in with Employment Plus is on alternate Tuesdays. The Aberdeenshire Outreach Project meet with clients and people who have housing needs and we have a visiting hairdresser. Our Elder Citizens Fellowship is on Wednesdays.
On Thursdays, we have Totzone parent and toddler group and, in the evening, members of Cornerstone – a group that supports people with learning disabilities – attend our twice monthly Cameo group with their carers.
Eco activity
We’re registered with Eco Congregation Scotland, working towards being a more environmentally friendly church. We have converted about 90 per cent of the building’s lighting to LED. Our corps charity shop saves items from going to landfill, alongside two clothing donation bins that are regularly full. Our garden has shrubbery and flower boxes, and our aim is to have a polytunnel so we can be self‑sufficient for the drop in.
We’re submitting proposals for a new kitchen that will be more practical, more cost effective and more environmentally friendly, and we’ve talked about launching the Victory Programme to encourage people to use the reduced
and free food items we receive.
Local charity Stella’s Voice delivers food to us, which we give out to people at the drop in, and we’re trying to use more of that in our food provision at the drop in to reduce costs.
Church outdoors
I love being by the sea, with the cliffs and the wind. I wonder how anyone can deny the Creator God when you see such a beautiful environment. We’re blessed to have a walking trail along the old railway line. Something I am keen to explore is Wild Church, going for walks and engaging with people who are dog walking or doing other outdoor activities on Sundays.
There’s so much to be said about mindfulness and the benefits to mental health of being outdoors. Many people believe creation speaks to them of a greater being and, by getting out there and engaging in that, we want to share the good news of Jesus with more people. We’re looking at how we would do that here because, in the north of Scotland, the weather isn’t always hospitable. We would need a strong, sturdy gazebo and proper wet weather gear. Not everybody can afford outdoor gear, so we want to secure the finances for that.
Pray for Peterhead
I would ask readers to pray into our Wild Church and Victory Programme initiatives, that they will go ahead and that we can secure finances for them. Another prayer would be to better engage our young people in the church.
We’ve asked to pilot Messy Momentum, an initiative specifically aimed at engaging youth. We would like to have more families and younger people come along to support our congregation, who are so enthusiastic to do new things but aren’t always able. There are so many possibilities to discern. We’re at the start of a beautiful journey and we want to see Jesus lifted high!
• From a conversation with corps leader Lieutenant Rachel Baker and Corps Secretary Peter Cowe. For more information about becoming an Eco‑Congregation or Eco Church, visit salvationist.org.uk/environment
Message of hope
Territorial Whole-Life Discipleship Officer Major Michael Hutchings explores the assurance the Holy Spirit gives
ROMANS 5:1–11
IENJOY receiving gifts, and occasionally I receive one that demonstrates that the giver cares deeply about me and also knows me well. The generosity, nature of the gift and the feeling of being loved always prompt me to stop and express gratitude.
Our study passage focuses on a God who knows, loves and gives generously to us. It also provides a foundation for Spirit-filled living that’s characterised by thanksgiving, hope and peace, and that reflects God’s past work, his future plans and their combined impact on our present experience.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How often do you stop to reflect on God’s generosity in your life?
So far in Romans, we have seen Paul describe the gospel as ‘the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes’ (1:16). He subsequently explains why everyone, regardless of background or status, needs salvation, ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23). Later, he describes Jesus as ‘delivered over to death for our sins and … raised to life for our justification’ (Romans 4:25). God has generously declared sinners righteous in his eyes.
Paul begins Romans 5 with a pivotal word – ‘therefore’ (v1) – as he outlines the blessings of being justified through faith in Jesus. He confidently describes believers’ present status and future hope. The recurrence of the word ‘we’ highlights that this is personal; Paul counts himself as a believer.
Paul makes three claims. First, having
been justified by faith in the past, we have peace with God in the present (see v1). We are reconciled to him. Second, we stand in grace (see v2). We are accepted by God. Third, we boast in the hope of the glory of God (see v2). In his book The Message of Romans, John Stott comments that this glory has been made known: in creation; through Jesus; and, one day, it will be fully revealed. This is our future inheritance. Writing in Romans for Normal People, JR Daniel Kirk says: ‘Paul connects the dots between the past and the future in a way that has power to radically transform the present.’
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How different would your life be if you lived it in the light of God’s past work and future promises?
However, life isn’t always easy. Paul doesn’t shy away from suffering, as encountered by Christians (see John 16:33). If discipleship is about learning to live like Jesus in our everyday contexts, then suffering in daily life must be an expected part of that, causing us to respond with perseverance, which develops character and, ultimately, hope. Furthermore, we can embrace suffering with rejoicing rather than resentment, assured that we will grow through it. And our hope is not in vain. It is rooted in God’s love, which is not only shown objectively through the death and resurrection of Christ, but also ‘poured out into our hearts’ (Romans 5:5) and experienced subjectively through the Holy Spirit. Our daily felt experience of God’s love through the Spirit flows naturally from the factual, historical evidence of God’s love.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
In what ways have you suffered as a Christian and how have these experiences shaped you?
How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s ministry during these times?
How is rejoicing in suffering possible?
In verses 6 to 11, Paul revisits what Jesus has done for us. He depicts humanity as ‘sinners’ (v8), ‘ungodly’ (v6), ‘God’s enemies’ (v10) and ‘powerless’ (v6) to rescue ourselves.
The picture of humanity is dark, but the contrast with Christ is stark. Jesus, ‘at just the right time’ (v6), took the initiative, proving his love and doing what no human could do – dying on behalf of those who were neither good nor righteous. Paul writes: ‘While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (v8). What heart-warming words!
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Can you recognise yourself in Paul’s picture of humanity?
How might a deeper understanding of this picture change your appreciation of Jesus’ death on the cross?
Paul now turns to the future. Pointing to Christ’s past work of justification and reconciliation, he asks ‘how much more…’ (vv9 and 10) – suggesting that, on the basis of these two remarkable acts, we can be even more confident of two more things in the future.
First, Christians will also be ‘saved from God’s wrath’ through Jesus (v9). While humanity awaits a future day of God’s judgement (see Romans 2:5), those who are ‘in Christ Jesus’ will not face condemnation (Romans 8:1); they have already passed from death to life (see John 5:24).
Second, believers will be ‘saved through his life’ (v10). Paul doesn’t go into detail, however he is hinting here that the full extent of our salvation will only be realised at the climax of history, when we experience ultimate joy in God. As John Stott notes, ‘salvation has a future tense as well as past and present tenses’, and we can be confident that God will finish what he has started.
God knows and loves us and, through Jesus’ work in the past, the Spirit’s assurance in the present and a glimpse of God’s future plans, we live in what Andrew Ollerton calls ‘the place of peace’. In his book Romans – A Letter that Makes Sense of Life, he writes: ‘Here we can experience [peace] through the unconditional and unchanging love of God through the Holy Spirit.’ What a reassurance to live in the light of Scripture and the witness of the Spirit. Our place in God’s story – past, present, and future – is secure. We surely have every reason to ‘boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (v11).
MAJOR MICHAEL HUTCHINGS Corps Leader Southport
To read the full, unedited Prayer Matters booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 6 JUNE: CARE FOR CREATION – CLIMATE INNOVATIONS – DESALINATION
One of the biggest climate challenges is lack of drinking water. Yet, technologies are being developed to remove the salt from seawater so it can be drunk safely. Pray that those pioneers will find success and the finance to scale up the solution so it can serve the millions who need it.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)
SUNDAY 7 JUNE: SABBATH PRAYER – GOD, THREE IN ONE
The period after Pentecost is set aside for reflecting on the Trinity. We rejoice that God is a community of love and giving: three who give themselves constantly to one another, three who share a perfect bond of love. Blessed Trinity, forgive us when we forget you are community, not tyranny. Teach us the lessons of generous, selfemptying love. Form us to reflect the communion you share. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)
MONDAY 8 JUNE: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – SOUTH WEST DIVISION –COMMUNITY WORK
Pray with us for the many corps in the division who are serving their local community. Pray for the ways they serve by helping people and families practically and also by sharing the good news. We want to encourage all who are serving in that way.
by Major Paul Billard (Divisional Leader)
TUESDAY 9 JUNE: SERVING AND CARING – ‘BRENGLE INSTITUTE’ (9–17 JUNE)
Lord, we thank you for the Brengle Institute’s calling to teach holiness and deepen spiritual life. Renew and inspire officers and territorial envoys as they gather. Equip each participant to live out holiness practically, so their ministries and daily lives faithfully reflect your transforming grace. by Major Gordon Cotterill (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)
WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – REFUGEE RESPONSE – ASYLUM
Lord, we ask that you make your presence known to those seeking sanctuary. Many have escaped traumatic situations, experienced dangerous journeys, navigated traumatising bureaucratic processes and suffered abuse. We pray refugees will encounter people of peace, that their situations will be changed, and they will be filled with the hope you bring, as you make your presence known to them.
by Ben Still (Refugee Response Manager)
THURSDAY 11 JUNE: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – INDIA EASTERN TERRITORY
We pray for your provision for the people who run corps and social centres, and that you will multiply the available resources so that more people can receive help. We give thanks for the solid culture of prayer that underpins the Army’s work in India. May the leadership team have time and space to seek you in prayer: Colonel Lalbulliana Tlau, Colonel Lalnunhlui Khawlhring and Lieut-Colonels Masilamani and YS Kezial Stalin. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)
FRIDAY 12 JUNE: GROWING IN FAITH – INTERCULTURAL MISSION CONFERENCE (12–14 JUNE)
Pray for those presenting, especially guest speakers Majors Heidie and Richard Bradbury (THQ). Pray for those involved in leading workshops, that everyone who needs to be there will be, that nothing will stop them from attending and that being there will be a good experience.
by Major Marjory Parrott (Intercultural Mission Officer)
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.
During Great Big Green Week, you’re publishing your Sustainable Fashion Survey. What is it?
The survey was a handful of questions to find out the likelihood of someone buying something new after visiting one of our charity shops and buying second-hand clothing. It was based on a methodology from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). WRAP is a global environmental action non-governmental organisation to do with waste and resources. They developed what they call a displacement rate methodology and this survey was a displacement rate survey – but we called it the Sustainable Fashion Survey so people would better understand what it is.
So what does ‘displacement rate’ mean?
If you avoid buying a new item because you’ve bought a second-hand item, you’re displacing the environmental impact of making that new product. Every piece of clothing made has a carbon, water and waste impact but, if you’re buying something that’s already there, you’re not creating emissions! When people buy second-hand items from a SATCoL shop or Donation Centre, it’s not necessarily reducing emissions, but it’s avoiding them – it’s helping people buy better.
Second-hand success!
SATCoL Environment and Sustainability Coordinator
Nicole Morarescu celebrates the company’s positive environmental impact with Stevie Hope
We take the rate of this displacement to calculate how many carbon emissions we helped avoid. In 2024/25, we avoided 505,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. That’s the equivalent of taking 270,000 cars off the road!
What has the survey revealed about SATCoL’s displacement rate?
We’ve calculated we have a 74 per cent reuse displacement rate – higher than WRAP’s benchmark of 54 per cent, which we use for our calculations. That means 74 out of 100 clothing items that are bought from us are displacing the purchase of new clothing. It’s a really good finding to have, and it’s useful to know we’re above and beyond what we’re already calculating. The results were validated by WRAP, to make sure we’d done it correctly.
Is there something unique about SATCoL’s charity shops that would lead to such a high displacement rate?
We’re a value charity shop, so we don’t ever overprice items. Things are affordable, so a lot of customers come to us for that. But that’s probably true for the wider charity sector as well.
How is SATCoL going to use this information?
We really want to engage with the industry and hope this creates a bit of conversation. Hopefully, others will get on board with doing their own displacement rate research! Through initiatives such as Great Big Green Week and, in September, Sustainable Fashion Week, we’re always trying to encourage more people to buy second-hand instead of new. You’re not just getting a good product for great value; you’re also having a positive impact on the planet.
How else is SATCoL promoting sustainability?
We’re doing a lot of training, like an environmental induction so new
starters can really understand how they contribute to us being a more sustainable business. A positive impact might be as simple as switching a light or computer off at the end of the day. It’s a central part of what we do.
Why does sustainability matter to SATCoL?
Ultimately, our business model is sustainable. It’s a real core piece of what we do, and we’re constantly trying to improve on it. Our triple bottom line reporting measures are people, planet, profit, all of which are important. Part of our internal messaging is ‘dare to care for the environment’, which is very aligned with The Salvation Army’s care for creation mission priority.
We have more than 250 million items donated to us a year. That’s huge. And we’re always trying to find the best ways to reuse or recycle those products. The fact that we can sell so many secondhand garments has a great positive impact and generates funds for the vital work of The Salvation Army.
• Find out more about SATCoL at satcol.org or find your nearest SATCoL shop at salvationarmy.org.uk/map-page
What is SATCoL?
Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) is the trading arm of The Salvation Army, actively encouraging the reuse and recycling of donated clothing and household items through more than 250 charity shops and donation centres, and a nationwide network of thousands of clothing banks.
SATCoL’s profits are given to The Salvation Army.
Food for thought
Major Phil Howe asks if God cares what we eat
IN Genesis 1:28–30, God says: ‘Fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky… I give you every seed-bearing plant … and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground … I give every green plant for food.’
Two key phrases jump out: ‘rule over’ and ‘subdue’ (v28). The Hebrew word for ‘subdue’ is ka.vash, which signifies the act of conquering. In some translations the word ‘dominion’ is used. I want to consider the significance of dominion in contrast to domination, and place that in our current global and environmental context.
For many Christian vegans and vegetarians, Genesis 1 is a key passage, for it would indicate that the food of both man and animals is plant-based.
In Genesis 9:3, God tells Noah: ‘Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.’
If Adam’s diet was vegan, Noah’s now includes animals. For meat eaters, these verses justify eating meat. They lead in
Palette
cleansers to try
Eat your LOAF – food that is Locally produced, Organically grown, Animal-friendly and Fairly traded.
Try a vegan or vegetarian diet, maybe just for one day a week –for example, meat-free Mondays.
time into a raft of Levitical laws as to what is clean and unclean. The ‘dominion’ language of Genesis 1 now becomes more ‘dominating’.
When Daniel is in exile in Babylon, he is taken into the royal court. We read that ‘Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine’ (Daniel 1:8), saying: ‘Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food’ (vv12 and 13).
In Acts 10:9–15, Peter has this vision: ‘He saw Heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down... It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”’
This is often used as justification for eating meat, but there is some important context to unpack – this was part of Peter’s journey in understanding that the gospel is for all people, not just for Jews with their strict food laws.
In our modern world, our insatiable appetite for food has changed dramatically from the days of Noah, Daniel and Peter. Does God care about what we eat? To fully answer that, we have to look at the impact of our greed.
Animals form part of God’s creation and many people are convicted about vegetarianism or veganism because of how animals are treated – Old Testament Law required farmers to show consideration for their cattle (for example, see Deuteronomy 25:4).
The food industry is also one of the
main contributors to global warming. The carbon footprint of feed, production and transportation is hugely damaging God’s creation. Katharine Hayhoe in Saving Us writes: ‘Eating lower down in the food chain produces fewer heat-trapping gases… On Earth today we are raising more than 30 billion land animals to consume. Livestock emissions … account for 14 per cent of total global heattrapping gas emissions each year. Per kilogram beef produces the most: 100kg of greenhouse gases for each kilogram of beef produced. Chicken is just a tenth of that, at 10kg of CO2 per kilo of chicken. Eggs are 5kg and most fruits and vegetables are near or below 1kg.’
Proverbs 12:10 says: ‘Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast’ (English Standard Version). God gave humanity dominion over all the earth but not, I believe, domination. We should be accountable for the way we treat his creation.
Does God care about what we eat? Yes, he does. Whatever diet you personally choose, I invite you to consider when dominion becomes domination.
• Based on a session from the international care for creation Bible studies that take place each month, organised by Major Heather Poxon (THQ). For details on how to join them, and for help with accessing more materials to explore this topic further from a range of perspectives, email environment@ salvationarmy.org.uk
MAJOR PHIL HOWE Environmental Support Officer
‘God
still holds this world in his hands’
Territorial Environmental Officer Major Heather Poxon talks to George Tanton about sustainability in an uncertain world
THE ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, along with inflation and climate change, have put an unprecedented strain on the food and energy industries in recent months.
In addition to the tragic loss of life in these wars, there are growing concerns about the impact upon global food and fuel supplies, for example due to the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.
‘As we have witnessed with the war in Ukraine, energy prices have gone up as a result, and food prices as well because of the transportation costs,’ explains Major Heather. ‘We’re seeing on the news how people are struggling to make ends meet, especially the poorer people in our society.’
‘People are starting to move towards green energy for heating their homes, and thinking about driving electric vehicles,’ she says. ‘There’s more of a recognition of how heavily we depend on external power, oil and food. People are questioning: Why are we so reliant on these external sources? What happens if something goes wrong? How can we be more resilient?’
As well as embracing green energy, people can respond by buying locally sourced, seasonal food or growing their own. Major Heather believes that the cultural shift to thinking more sustainably is driven partly by personal finances.
‘When people see prices go up, when it hits their pockets, that’s when people change their behaviour,’ she explains.
As a country, the UK relies more on imported food products than on what it produces. When global food chains become unstable, this can become increasingly unsustainable and environmentally harmful.
‘We are very heavily dependent on others for our food,’ Major Heather adds. ‘I think this is dawning on people. Take buying tomatoes out of season. If you’re going to the supermarket and buying tomatoes out of season, for example in the winter, you’re probably buying them from a warm country. Or they’ll have been grown under glass with heat in this country. In both those cases, you’re incurring carbon with the transportation of the fruit and also the heating of the greenhouses. So it’s always better to buy fresh food locally and seasonally where possible. You’re also supporting local farmers.’
‘During the Second World War, the government needed to get the country back on its feet. Allotments were started and people were encouraged to find pieces of land and grow their own vegetables. At The Salvation Army in St Albans today, they have an allotment. I know there are some Lifehouses that are also starting to use their outside spaces for growing produce. People are working with nature, appreciating and protecting it. It’s a really good, healthy thing to be doing.’
‘To grow enough food to support your family, if you can do it, is absolutely brilliant,’ she says. ‘We have to be realistic: in many ways, the world’s climate is in a crisis place. But I know that God still holds this world in his hands. I believe that he will guide us in what we can do.’
Growing
Salvationist hears how corps and centres food and gardening in their ministry and
Eco Café St Albans
Major Heather Poxon
The corps has embarked on a monthly Eco Café initiative. Visitors can enjoy a hot Fairtrade drink and tasty homemade vegan sweet treats, and green concerns are highlighted in the form of a quiz or other relevant methods of sharing information. Each month we use a different theme and retain the details of each café session, so that once it’s delivered the first time, it doesn’t take much to replicate later. We’re constantly mindful that the intensive farming that supplies us
Major Heather suggests a recipe people might want to try for vegan and gluten‑free energy balls!
• 100g oats
• 20 pitted dates
• 1tbsp tahini
• 1tbsp cocoa
• 1tsp vanilla essence
• 1tbsp desiccated coconut
• 1tbsp maple syrup
Mix the oats and dates in a food processor or finely chop them.
Add the remaining ingredients until the consistency allows for rolling into balls in the palms of your hands. You may need to add a little water.
Roll the balls in the desiccated coconut.
Growing greener
centres are using and mission
The Growing Group Jersey
Captain Richard Nunn
Major Ruth Gray
We decided to do ideally vegan, if not vegetarian, food parcels about two years ago. It was hard at first and took a lot of research, ensuring we look for bargains and good prices while meeting this aim. We also only ever serve vegetarian food at corps events. The cookery class serve amazing food, all cooked from scratch – the class is a mixture of church members, volunteers and residents from Malachi Place. All the sweets we use on Sundays for any activities are vegan as well – including Skittles, Jammie Dodgers and Party Rings! On Saturdays, we do a vegetarian drop-in for up to 70 people called Brunch. It’s about respect and inclusivity, as well as caring for creation. It really is worth a little bit of extra thought!
Eco Café Penge
Major Paula Knight
Major Heather Poxon recently gave a talk at our Connect Club, and this inspired us to find out more about eco cafés. A small group of us will be attending the St Albans Eco Café in July to find out more about this innovative idea. The corps will be hosting its first Eco Café in August with the help of Major Heather and we’re interested to see how many people join us. We look forward to inspiring others to try it too!
Bumblebee Field was donated to The Salvation Army in Jersey many years ago, for the benefit of our island community. It is surrounded by steeply sloping fields used for growing the earliest crop of famous Jersey Royal potatoes. We currently run a project called The Growing Group, which partners The Adult Learning Disability Service from the Government of Jersey’s Health Department to provide therapeutic gardening sessions. Currently eight people are part of the group. The sessions are led by The Salvation Army, but with the therapeutic aspects led by a small team of psychologists, occupational therapists and learning disability nurses.
So much of our work is intended to build confidence and a sense of friendship and belonging. Members are able to make choices for themselves, including what they would like to grow. The produce is split three ways – some is taken home, some is used in our free daily soups in our café, and the rest is sold in our honesty box to fund the project. The members find purpose and success in growing their own produce, but also in being part of supporting others on the island through the soup.
The gardening is also a real leveller, with medical professionals and members of the group being able to have really positive conversations while digging, weeding, watering and sharing tea breaks together. We learn so much each week from the members of the group, and are reminded of the beauty and value in each and every person. There is a real sense of fun and enjoyment being surrounded by nature and spending time with really awesome people – and there are
Polytunnels Shetland
Major David Womersley
As we approach the five-year mark of being here, we are so blessed to see what God has done and is doing in our community. Having opened the first polytunnel in April 2022, we now have three, each one having a different purpose. The first is for planting. The second is a meeting space for rest, refreshments and reflection. The third is a play area for children under eight. We have just opened a shed that houses pre-loved and new clothing and shoes, which have kindly been donated.
We became a Fairtrade church in 2024. We are also in the process of putting together our silver award application for Eco-Congregation Scotland. As far as possible we use eco-friendly products, such as compostable plant pots and paper bags. We also use many donated and second-hand items that are still fit for purpose. We use cotton cloths for hand drying and provide recycling bins. We have our own compost bin, both at the tunnel and at home. We have a good selection of wooden toys for the play area rather than solely plastic. Pallet wood is reused to make planters
Garden renovation Forest of Dean
Territorial Envoy Jon Harris
In 2025, we were delighted to work alongside Forest Food Network to transform the garden at our community hub into a usable growing space. We were able to repair the greenhouse and, with hard work and commitment from our passionate gardeners, develop three growing beds. From this we grew our own fresh salad and vegetables. This helped us feed more than 50 people over the summer months, ranging from fresh homemade soups using potatoes and vegetables through to preparing and serving fresh salads and fruit from our plum and blackberry plants. This project is not just about food and the environment – it’s about connecting people with each other and making a big impact in a small but beautiful space. We are already planning to set up the gardening group again this summer and continue to develop environmental care while inspiring community spirit.
Allotments at The Priory Isle of Wight
Lieutenant Rachel Furlong
In one of the most unique Homelessness Services settings, a group of residents have, for several years, nurtured their green thumbs and cared for creation by working on the allotments within the grounds.
The Priory, which was previously a Catholic nunnery and is now owned by a separate charity trust, has a large garden that is open to the public three days a week. They enjoy the café and the beautiful grounds. They also see residents growing fruit and vegetables, which are used in their own cooking and in the communal meals programme the centre runs once a week.
Each year, two or three residents really take an interest in the allotment. In January and February, they begin planning their planting and nurturing seedlings in their rooms and on the windowsills. Then, around Easter, the first hardy plants are placed in the prepared ground, and as the summer approaches the residents spend many hours each week caring for their allotment and enjoying the produce it brings.
Paul, a resident who has recently moved into his own accommodation, shared last year that the allotment gave him a sense of purpose and focus. Three residents who currently enjoy the allotment, Si, Liam and Hayley, all speak about the peace they feel in the garden, and how being connected with nature helps their mental and physical health. They also shared about the satisfaction they feel when sharing plants or produce with others, commenting that ‘it always tastes better when you’ve grown it yourself’!
As chaplain, I see a real spiritual benefit for the residents when they spend time in the allotment, using the time in a relaxed and beautiful setting to initiate conversations about our Creator God who loves and nurtures everything, including each one of us. I also enjoy the ice cream shared in the allotment space in the summer!
ENVIRONMENT
KEIGHLEY The corps is proud of volunteer Matthew, who first came to the Army through the Victory Programme and then started to help at the food bank. Keen to make use of the outdoor space at the hall, corps leader Major Imogen Stewart suggested Matthew take it on as a project. He said: ‘This has been life-saving for me. I came to the Army after rehab for alcohol addiction and was given this opportunity. I started from scratch and I absolutely love it! I have no experience in gardening and have learnt it all from watching YouTube videos.’ Matthew’s garden includes carrots, peas, strawberries, herbs, lettuces, garlic, chillies, a hybrid gooseberry plant, a pumpkin tree, potatoes, mushrooms and ‘an experiment to grow a cucumber combined with a melon – a cucamelon’. The produce is being used for the Victory Programme, to feed people experiencing homelessness, in food parcels and for the café. Preparations are under way for Keighley in Bloom, where Matthew plans to enter the Best Yard competition. He has been planting flowers at the front of the building to brighten up the entrance and car park, and a painted mural and covered seating area are planned. – AR
ENVIRONMENT
FOREST OF DEAN We are working with the United Reformed Church on the development of a shared chapel space in Littledean. The FoodShare provision has been running successfully since 2021 and has now branched out into ‘pavement ministry’. Seeing local need, food and other products left for people to collect free of charge over the past year, we now have the FoodShare community hut – a place to leave donations of food and non-perishables for free access. The hut was constructed completely from recycled materials and built by a local handyman who we were mentoring into employment. This is now becoming a focal point for ministry, with team members spending time meeting and greeting the community, sharing refreshments and prayer, and building relationships. – JH
ENVIRONMENT
CATERHAM The corps will have a stand at the town’s carnival to help people think about scarecrows helping protect the fields and how we can be protectors of bugs and flowers. Craft activities for children are being trialled by our crafting group, and our knitters are making a scarecrow out of recycled wool, knitted into squares, with old tights and a pillowcase stuffed with discarded clothing. – AR
ENVIRONMENT
ABERGAVENNY At the East Cynefin Hangout, Ange updated the youth on the status of the planters: what was growing in them, things that had regrown from last year and what new has sprouted up. At Pentecost, as we celebrated the birth of the Church, everyone was given a packet of wildflower seeds to plant in the beds at the church and encouraged to take another packet to plant out and about. Over the next few weeks and months as we see these sprout and flower, we hope that this will remind us of the growth that can be seen in us through the Holy Spirit. We also celebrate the success of our compost bin, which is fed by corps folk and serves as an education tool on waste management as part of caring for creation. – AB-F
ENVIRONMENT
NOTTING HILL A community garden was invested in and opened 12 years ago in the space at the back of the hall. The corps has been focusing on updating and upgrading it so more people in the community can benefit from it. There is a lot of potential for this to develop and engage all generations. It is a constant reminder of God as Creator and the call to all to care for creation. Scripture verses have been displayed throughout the garden, allowing some reflective space. – AR
ENVIRONMENT
multiplied, and it is lovely to see the tiny baby snails clinging to the edge of the old bathtub. As we pray over what the garden will look like this summer, we would like it to become more of a prayer garden with different areas for people to sit, ponder and meet Jesus. We have signed up as an Eco Church and are in the process of applying for our bronze award. We are also reaching out to let other community signposting agents know about our garden, as a place to learn about gardening and growing your own food. – AG
ENVIRONMENT
HADLEIGH TEMPLE Environmental awareness is central to everything we do, so we were delighted to discover that a pigeon has chosen a quiet spot here to nest her eggs. It is a lovely reminder of how vital our shared spaces are for supporting wildlife. Our care for creation walks also continue to grow in popularity as we have been getting out and about enjoying the beauty of the natural world. We have enjoyed walks through woodlands, country trails and along south Essex’s wonderful coastline. We have also joined the PrintReleaf partnership programme to offset our paper consumption by supporting certified reforestation projects around the world. – CW
ENVIRONMENT
READING LOWER EARLEY The corps has opened its garden to the community, creating a welcoming space to relax, connect and enjoy the outdoors. We are developing it into a wildlifefriendly space that supports hedgehogs, bats, bees, butterflies and more. Our goal is to create a colourful, biodiverse area with fruit trees, soft fruits, herbs and pollinator-friendly flowers for the whole community to enjoy and learn from. We already have a small herb garden and plan to expand it, using it in our community coffee hub to promote sustainability and healthy living. Visitors are encouraged to pick herbs and seasonal fruit to take home. Students from Addington School regularly volunteer with us as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award, helping maintain the garden. – TV
ENVIRONMENT
everyone to take part in gardening activities. It included helping with the outdoor garden, planting seeds, potting plants and taking part in crafts and activities relating to plants and flowers to remind us of the wonder of God’s creation. Refreshments were provided and those attending were given plants to take home and care for. The children were given sunflower seeds to see who could cultivate the tallest flowers. – MG
ENVIRONMENT
DENMARK HILL A team of willing officers and employees from Territorial Headquarters took part in a litter-pick in Ruskin Park. They had some great conversations with the public and removed some serious rubbish, followed by a well-earned cup of tea with the Friends of Ruskin Park. During June, Cafe Hope is focusing on care for creation by encouraging people to independently join in Great Big Green Week initiatives in Ruskin Park and by offering customers ‘grounds for grounds’ – used coffee grounds for use on their gardens. – HP/LH
SWINDON GORSE HILL We are developing our outside area with the children who attend Sunday school. The area has been cleared, and we have received donations of birdhouses, hedgehog houses and bird feeders. Through donations from corps members, we have purchased a beautiful bird bath made from a tree trunk, which will be a focal point. The planting will mainly be wildflowers to encourage bees and insects to visit. We have also been planting sunflower seeds in pots, made from old car tyres, with our young people. We collaborate locally with Adult Community Learning to promote growing your own vegetables. We are looking forward to the next stage of the carbon management project, which will be happening very soon, and over the summer holidays our Kids’ Club will be crafting with recycled items donated by the corps. – HP
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
is now a stunning, flower-filled, relaxing, environmentally friendly bee haven. The greenhouse is filled with bedding plants, some of which have been grown from seeds or bulbs. We are currently growing clematis, dahlia, pansies, fuchsia, lupin, foxglove and hydrangea. These are all attracting bees and small birds, which are great for pollination, and we have spotted a couple of wee rabbits. We are growing tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers and have two apple trees. Service users are beginning to enjoy the space. A couple of them are helping with watering plants, cutting the lawn and planting, while others are enjoying spending time in the garden. The summer programme will incorporate barbecues, picnics and outdoor games. Staff are also using the space to take a well-earned break from the offices, which is good for their wellbeing. – MM
ENVIRONMENT
SOUTHPORT Our Eco Church focus this year has been on maintaining the practices put in place to gain our silver award. It is an ongoing challenge to prevent old habits from creeping back in, particularly around recycling, energy consumption, reusing and repairing things, and composting. New developments are centred around developing our garden for the community to enjoy with sustainability and ecological health at its core. We concentrate on growing food, native plants and creating eco habitats using composting, harvesting rainwater and avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. Our aim is to work with nature, encouraging pollinators, birds and beneficial insects, and boosting local biodiversity. Recent additions include wooden planters, made from recycled pallets supplied by a neighbouring business, which are bursting with a variety of fruit and vegetable crops. We have installed a pond and water features to attract a more diverse range of wildlife, extended our mindfulness and prayer space, and installed a washing line as an eco-friendly alternative to drying laundry. – KC
ENVIRONMENT
HACKNEY MARE STREET Our Monday upcycling group is going from strength to strength. New people have joined us to learn new skills and share skills with each other. Many attendees have come through our charity shop and heard in conversation about the group, and some have been invited to and attended other activities and church because of this group. Another group has joined us that specialises in making blankets for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. They needed more space and wanted to join with like-minded people and create together. We support the charity shop when they receive items that require repair. The group do the repairs, and the items are sold in the shop. They have also made items from materials donated to the shop, sold on a stall at our Christmas fair. Friendships have formed and grown deeper, people have grown in confidence in their skills, and items of clothing and materials have been saved from landfill by being given new life. – MD
FUNDRAISING
BELFAST SYDENHAM The parent-and-toddler group completed a five-lap sponsored toddle with their teddies around the building, followed by a teddy bear’s picnic. This raised £1,000 for charity TinyLife. – KW
ECUMENICAL
spoke at the yearly Meeting of the Quakers at Friends House, London. Ecumenical guests were asked to speak on what unites us as a Spirit-led community. Seven hundred in-person and online delegates listened and shared in a question-and-answer session. Each guest received a modern adaptation of Margaret Fell’s 1666 book Womens Speaking Justified, Proved and Allowed of by the Scriptures as a thank you for supporting the ministry of the Religious Society of Friends. – PR
COMMUNITY
STRAWBERRY FIELD The centre was awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award because of excellent feedback from visitors. The centre’s mission director, Major Michelle LovegroveHuggins, said: ‘We are grateful to our visitors who have taken the time to review us. Strawberry Field prides itself on offering visitors a warm welcome and a unique, memorable visit. This award is recognition of the dedication each member of staff has for visitor experience and for imparting the message of community, positivity and love that Strawberry Field is founded on.’ – AR
STAINES
BETTY Birabwa and Deborah Namuli were enrolled as soldiers by corps leader Major Val Mylechreest. Both came to the UK from Nigeria and used the food bank at the corps. They found so warm a welcome that they started attending services with their families. They soon wanted to make the corps their spiritual home and, following an introductory Belonging course, decided to become soldiers. – MJ
STAINES
JONATHAN, Linnah and Hannah were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Major Val Mylechreest. After coming from Nigeria to the UK with their family, they found The Salvation Army and decided this was a church where they could belong. Since attending they have engaged with the youth programme and regularly attend worship. – MJ
JAN and Arlene Joubert and Precious Sibanda were enrolled as soldiers by corps leader Major James Elliot. Jan spoke of how he and Arlene found a home at the corps and Precious, who started attending a few months ago, felt loved and welcomed by the corps. There was an impromptu choir of Zimbabwean women to welcome our newest soldiers into the church followed by traditional Zimbabwean food. Also pictured is Associate Officer Major Connie McCallum. – JE
ANGELA Algoo, Gavin Leahy and Moira Woods were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Captain Sandra Chamberlain. Angela first came to the hall many years ago when her parents were enrolled as soldiers. She testified to the lovely welcome and feeling she gets every time she enters the building. She faithfully serves at the coffee morning and dementia support group. Gavin became a Christian through the Alpha course and testified to the support and guidance he continues to receive from the corps. Moira, who has a real pastor’s heart, got married in the hall and attended worship for quite a while 16 years ago. Now she feels that she has come home! She testified that this is where she wants to be and that she wants people to see her reflecting the goodness of God. – SC
EDINBURGH GRANTON
IT was a day of celebration as corps leader Major Sandra Collins enrolled Madison, Jonah, Hettie and Abbie as junior soldiers and welcomed Olivia Green as an adherent. Also pictured is Abbie and Hettie’s dad, Rick, holding the flag. – SC
PARKGATE
THERE was great joy as Courtney and Emily were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps leader Major Ian McBride. Both of their mums also became junior soldiers when they were seven years of age and had been enrolled by Major Ian. Our other junior soldiers renewed the Junior Soldier’s Promise. – LK BELFAST NORTH
JESSICA Dickens and Jeovany Thomas were enrolled as soldiers by corps leader Major Nicola Hylton-Jones. Jessica has been a member of the corps all her life and came through the junior corps, singing company and young people’s band. Jessica testified to the real sense of belonging she has and how much she appreciates the support and care of her corps family. She pledged to continue her faith journey and looks forward to a growing relationship with Jesus. Jeovany has been attending the corps since he was a baby. He testified to the struggle he has sometimes experienced especially at school but decided to take a stand and become a soldier. He has a growing faith, and he knows that in his life journey he is not alone. Jessica and Jeovany are shown with corps leaders Majors Colin and Nicola Hylton-Jones and Membership Secretary Kay Willetts. – VW
STAINES
BABARA Akinjayeju was welcomed as an adherent and Vicky Handley was enrolled as a soldier by corps leader Major Val Mylechreest. Raised in Nigeria, Babara had a Christian upbringing and was always encouraged to attend church. Following a move to the UK, she started attending the corps with her family. After attending divisional summer school, she decided to become an adherent. Vicky first started attending the Army after meeting her husband, Christian, while attending university. Initially, she resisted God’s call to become a soldier until she realised how strong his call was. – MJ
DARA Ojenike was enrolled as a soldier by corps leader Major Val Mylechreest. Dara grew up in a Christian family in Nigeria but struggled through her teenage years. In 2020, Dara knelt and prayed and from that time her life was turned around. Two years ago, the family moved to the UK and, after searching for a church, found The Salvation Army. Here she found friendship and peace and serves in the corps. – MJ
GRACE was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps leader Major Nicola Hylton-Jones. Grace testified to the congregation that ‘Jesus is my friend and I love him’. Grace is looking forward to taking her part in the junior corps and has already joined the singing company. Grace is shown with corps leaders Majors Colin and Nicola Hylton-Jones, Junior Soldiers Sergeant Rachel Wallis and Junior Church Assistant Bethany Dyer. Holding the flag was Bandsman Joseph Saint. – VW
STAINES
STAPLE HILL
STAPLE HILL
Local officers appointed
SONGSTER LEADER
RACHAEL PAYNE , North Walsham
Wedding anniversaries
Platinum (70 years)
SONGSTER RESERVIST
BRIAN AND SONGSTER RESERVIST MARGARET
COSENS, Croydon Citadel, on 2 June
Promoted to Glory
ROSITA BRUCE , Felixstowe
BANDSMAN DAVID
THOMPSON, Felixstowe
BAND COLOUR
SERGEANT ROBERT
VERSEY, Felixstowe
KATH LEWIS, Bromley Temple, on 9 May
VIC GEBBIE , Burnley, on 11 May
Bereaved
ANDREW BRUCE , Felixstowe, of his wife Rosita Bruce
HELEN FROUD, Stornoway, of her mother Daphne Froud
HELEN FROUD, Stornoway, of her son Iain Froud, Mark Marooth, Stornoway, of his stepson and Fiona Froud of her brother
MICHELLE HOLDEN , Stowmarket, of her father Band Colour Sergeant Robert Versey
OLWYN HOLDSTOCK , Bromley Temple, Mervyn Lewis and Hayden Lewis of their mother Kath Lewis
RETIRED CORPS
SECRETARY LILY
GEBBIE , Burnley, of her husband Vic Gebbie, Major Carolyn Clampton, William Booth College, and Cheryl Wilding , Blackburn, of their father
ENGAGEMENTS
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill Fri 12 Jun – Mon 15 Jun Denmark and Greenland Mon 15 Jun – Thu 18 Jun Finland and Estonia
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Tue 9 Jun Sunbury Court (Brengle Institute) Sat 13 Jun – Sun 14 Jun Connah’s Quay (135th corps anniversary)
NOTICES
Environmental Champions Meeting
The next quarterly Environmental Champions online meeting will see guest speaker Deborah Tomkins from Green Christian share and reflect on the work she does addressing eco-anxiety. It will take place from 10am to 11am on Tuesday 9 June. Everyone is welcome to attend – for more details on how to join, email environment@salvationarmy.org.uk
National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups
Join in actively praying for parent-and-toddler groups locally and across the UK and Ireland Territory during June. Access key resources to support you, including prayer for gathered worship and a Jump IN! toddler session, at tsa.link/toddler-prayer-month
Addictions training
Join specialists in a series of online training sessions for people in corps settings to increase their understanding of addiction and how to give effective support. The sessions will equip attendees with approaches and tools to work with people affected by addiction. The next session will take place from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on 9 June and focus on understanding addiction. For more information, email addictionservice@salvationarmy.org.uk
Storytelling competition
Salvationist is teaming up with Kids Alive! for our first ever joint writing competition! We want to hear your versions of Bible stories, retold however you want to retell them! That might be a favourite parable or a Bible story you think more people should know about – we only ask you keep it faithful to Scripture and that you avoid writing about Christmas or Easter. Entries will be printed in the 27 June issues of Salvationist and Kids Alive! to mark National Writing Day on 24 June. This competition is open to all ages –just email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk or kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk by 8 June. We can’t wait to read what you write!
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Sing to the Lord with the ISS
Enjoy favourite recordings from the International Staff Songsters, chosen each month by a special guest. This month features Elaine Heaven (Oxford). Listen at 5pm on Sunday 7 June.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Sunday Lunch
The musical side to your Sunday lunch, featuring your favourite Salvation Army music. This month features Reuben’s Pick and Mix, presented by Reuben Dykes (Kidsgrove). Listen at 1pm on Sunday 7 June.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Morning Praise with Kids Alive!
Get your day started with half an hour of music, prayer, a thought and lots of giggles! Listen on Saturdays from 7.30am to 8am. Can’t tune in on Saturday morning? The broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 9am and Mondays at 7.30am. Can’t tune in then? A podcast is also available each week.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/kidsalive
SNETTISHAM CORPS, 6 ALMA ROAD, PE31 7NY
130TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
led by Colin Hanover
Saturday 22 August
10am to 2pm Exhibition of Snettisham Corps past and present 6pm Corps social evening
Sunday 23 August 11am Worship meeting
4pm Songs of Praise at Hunstanton Bandstand, led by Hunstanton Churches Together and Snettisham Band
If you have photos or memories to share in the exhibition, email snettisham.corps@outlook.com
STAINES, WOODTHORPE ROAD, ASHFORD TW15 3JY CENTRAL SOUTHERN AREA FELLOWSHIP BAND
30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Saturday 25 July from 2pm to 6pm Celebration and thanksgiving meeting followed by tea. Former members and friends are invited to attend or send a message. Contact the band secretary on 07951291315 or colinfindlay@btinternet.com
All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion. For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.
Are you passionate to see people understand what God has called them to be? This is your opportunity to help make a lasting impact on future spiritual leadership within The Salvation Army.
You will:
• raise awareness of officership, territorial envoyship and employed spiritual leadership.
• help with the organisational requirements of Design for Life (DFL) and be the contact person for DFL Children and the organiser and coordinator of DFL Youth.
• play a part in the organising and running of Exploring Leadership Day.
• be knowledgeable in the areas of social media.
• be able to update and give fresh ideas to raise awareness of spiritual leadership within The Salvation Army and promote the Candidates Unit’s events and opportunities.
We are looking for someone who has:
• a sensitive and pastoral heart.
• excellent understanding of officership and territorial envoyship and the application process.
• demonstrable customer services skills.
• experience of creating basic designs for promotional resources.
• experience of developing and publishing social media content.
• demonstrable strong communication skills.
• strong interpersonal and networking skills.
• demonstrable ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks.
• strong experience of using Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams and databases.
• the ability to work flexibly, including occasional travel.
This role has an occupational requirement of being a committed, active and practising Salvationist and an active soldier within a corps.
Salary
£34,854 pa
Working hours
Minimum of 35 hours per week
Contract
Permanent
Details
Contributory pension scheme; 25 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays pa; employee assistance programme
Closing date Sun 21 June
Interviews held
Date TBC
ADVERTISING RATES
