Salvationist 9 December 2023

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

70p/80c 9 December 2023

SALVATIONIST NEW BEGINNINGS NEW THQ OPENS

HOW GREEN IS YOUR CHRISTMAS? PAGE 3

Great expectations AS interesting and captivating as the story of Pip in the above Charles Dickens novel is, it pales into insignificance in the light of the great expectation that was placed on the long-awaited Messiah.

However, much like Dickens, the characters God uses to narrate and facilitate the story of Jesus coming into our world are quite unexpected, even unlikely. And yet God chooses to use them to bring about his purpose.

In this week’s issue we celebrate the opening of the long-awaited Territorial Headquarters in its new home next to William Booth College in Denmark Hill.

Any change can be challenging and in many ways it is hard to know what to expect as new practices are established.

What has not changed is that the building – and, more importantly, the people within it – seek to serve the territory in the fulfilment of its vision and in the outworking of its mission priorities.

As we continue to turn our attention through Advent towards the great event that was the arrival of ‘God with us’ in Jesus, may we wait expectantly to receive afresh all that his coming can mean for each of us.

5 WILLIAM BOOTH ON DOING GOOD WORK

8 WE ARE COMFORTED TO COMFORT

9 CHANGES AT THE COLLEGE

MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor

ON THE WEBSITE Visit salvationist.org.uk A very eco Christmas Environmental Champions share festive tips O Come, O Come…

Listen to Salvationist Radio’s Advent podcast

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For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

SALVATIONIST NEW BEGINNINGS NEW THQ OPENS

NEW THQ OPENS

SALVATIONIST Issue No 1939 EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

FOUNDER William Booth

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips PROOFREADER Chris Horne

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ 0845 634 0101

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

© The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

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

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HOW GREEN IS YOUR CHRISTMAS? PAGE 3 SA p01 09 Dec.indd 1

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Salvationist 9 December 2023

Picture: Paul Harmer

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FRONT-PAGE PICTURE Credit: Paul Harmer SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton.

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TRENDING

Dreaming of a green Christmas?

Major Heather Poxon challenges us to have a very eco Christmas

Reflect and respond ‘Do not pollute the land where you are’ (Numbers 35:33). How does caring for creation help to bring comfort and joy to others this Advent and Christmas?

Read tips from the territory’s Environmental Champions to make your Christmas greener at salvationist.org.uk/greenchristmas.

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RADITIONALLY, the Christmas tree stands as a symbol of celebration.

But my dream this Christmas is that everyone connected with The Salvation Army will be inspired by that evergreen symbol to think of ways in which their festivities can be more environmentally friendly.

Why should we be dreaming of a green Christmas? If Christmas is about goodwill to all, then we have already started to answer that question.

According to the UN Environment Programme’s (Unep) Emissions Gap Report 2023, the issue of climate heating is moving towards a perilous scenario whereby 3C of heating would be reached this century. This dilemma is currently under discussion at COP28 in Dubai, with 2023 on track to become the warmest year on record and floods, heatwaves and droughts impacting people across the globe.

‘Every increment of warming results in rapidly escalating hazards with extensive implications for human livelihoods and ecosystems,’ warns the Unep report.

As Christians, we respond to the ‘why’ with a ‘who’. Jesus stressed the importance of loving our neighbour, and our neighbour in this instance is anyone whose lives and livelihoods are being devastated by these disturbing trends.

Inger Andersen, the Unep executive director, stated: ‘There is no person or economy left on the planet untouched by climate change.’

If we are aware of how to play our part in influencing this situation, then ‘why’ also becomes the challenging: ‘Why not?’

We are sufficiently informed and enabled to take steps that, individually and corporately, can amount to change – locally, nationally and internationally.

Asking ourselves ‘why not?’ encourages us towards personal action steps.

In many households up and down the country, Christmas Day is traditionally marked by music. In years gone by, children and teenagers would play their new singles and LPs. Carols would feature in the background. These days, perhaps, record players have been replaced by electronic gadgets, but Christmas melodies – Carols from King’s, for example – provide an important backdrop in thousands of homes.

When launching the report, subtitled Broken Record, Unep said: ‘If all conditional Nationally Determined Contributions and long-term net-zero pledges were met, limiting the temperature rise to 2C would be possible. However, net-zero pledges are not currently considered credible: none of the G20 countries are reducing emissions at a pace consistent with their net-zero targets.’

Given this patent urgency, ‘why’ becomes ‘when’. The festive season can easily be a time when our consumption can harm the environment – from food waste to the materials that we use in our celebrations. If not this Christmas, then why not, and when?

MAJOR HEATHER POXON M Territorial Environmental Officer Territor THQ

Salvationist 9 December 2023

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TESTIMONY

‘Jesus truly died for me’ seconds with...

Josiah-Daniel

Jim Brown (North Walsham) testifies that his sins are forgiven

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What’s your favourite Bible verse or passage?

Isaiah 43:1–5.

Which book – apart from the Bible – would you want on a desert island?

An e-reader with loads of books on it. But if it had to be a single, physical book, then it would probably be a massive encyclopaedia.

What was the last website you visited?

Biblegateway.com – to look up the verses that I used to answer the first question!

Out of context, what was the last text message you sent?

Yes! Thank you!

Which country would you like to visit and why?

I would like to visit one of the countries in the Arctic Circle and see the aurora borealis (northern lights). I would also like to visit at a time where I can experience the polar day/night.

O Josiah-Daniel did a work

placement as an editorial assistant with the Kids Alive! team. To see some of the issues that he worked on, go to salvationist.org.uk/ kidsalive.

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Salvationist 9 December 2023

S a youngster during the Second World War, I ran wild and was most certainly not a Christian.

I stole, vandalised and did things I am ashamed of. When I was 11, I was caught stealing and taken to the juvenile court, where I received a conditional discharge.

That meant if I was caught again, I could be sent to an approved school. That frightened me, so I stopped stealing. I then managed to win a scholarship to the local grammar school. I learnt self-respect and pride, but I was still not a Christian.

When I was 13, I met Marion, who later became my wife for 66 years – she was promoted to Glory in 2020. Marion came from a Methodist family and I learnt Christian values from them, but I was still not a Christian.

In 1952, I joined the police. I took my oath as an officer on the Bible, but I was still not a Christian.

In 1994, I attended an Easter service at Southampton Sholing Corps with my wife and others from the local Methodist church. I heard the then Captain Graham Grayston speak on the theme Jesus Lives.

What he said brought home to me just what Christ’s suffering on the cross really meant for me personally. For the first time, I truly realised that my sins were forgiven, and that Jesus had died for me. My chains fell off and I was then truly a Christian.

I fully committed myself to the Methodist church with Marion. In 2009, it closed down, and so we joined Southampton Sholing and became adherents. I then became a soldier. Two factors influenced us: first, we had attended the lunch and over-60 clubs, finding the officers and members friendly and caring; second,

long before we joined The Salvation Army, Marion underwent an operation in hospital. Who visited her? Major Lesley, who was then the corps officer. This made a great impression upon us.

Before Marion died, we moved to Norfolk to be with our daughter, Wendy, and I became a member of the lovely and compassionate corps family at North Walsham. Wendy, who took us to our first meeting at the corps, joined us out of curiosity and was impressed by the caring family atmosphere. She then started attending too and became an adherent.

She is now also a soldier. We consider it a privilege to call ourselves Salvationists.

I am 91 years old and active in the corps.

I am often wrong and say and do the wrong thing. But I am a Christian. With God’s help, in difficult situations, I try to first think: What would Jesus say? What would Jesus do?

Have you got a testimony to share?

We’d love to hear your faith journey!

Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

Good work A WORD FROM WILLIAM

Continuing a series of messages that William Booth sent to corps to be read in Sunday meetings

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N the story of Creation we read that, after having made the world, God examined it and pronounced it good.

Now it seems to me that we ought, as far as possible, to imitate God by striving to do good work.

We all ought to have some task for which we are responsible; we ought to do something for our own welfare and the welfare of those about us.

Neither wealth nor position nor power exempt us from this. It is a mistake to suppose that work is discreditable; on the contrary, work gives dignity to and confers honour upon those engaged in it.

Work is necessary to health. We are so constituted that unless we employ our powers of body and mind they decay and perish. Work is also necessary to happiness. Idleness means misery. Even in the weakness and anguish of disease, employment in some productive task is a great relief.

Not only ought we to work, but we ought to strive to do good work.

God’s work is always good. He himself pronounced it such. I would like to have seen the world on the glad morning of its creation. Still I am hoping to see the new Heaven and the new Earth, wherein righteousness shall dwell and into which neither sin nor Satan can ever enter.

Comrades, you must imitate God. You must do work that will on examination be found to be good.

This applies to the character of your daily employment. Whatever your

work may be, if you would imitate your heavenly Father, you must seek to do it as well as you can. Whether you work in field or factory, shop or office, at home or elsewhere, you must turn out the very best work you can.

This applies equally to your work in the corps. I am afraid that there are some Salvationists who are very particular in the character of the work they turn out for their earthly employers and yet are very careless in what they do for their heavenly master. Their feeling seems to be that any kind of work will do for God or the Army. They seem to say, ‘Anything will do.’ In the matter of punctuality, they are apt to say, ‘Oh, yes, we are late again; but what do five or ten minutes matter?’

And so they go on treating lightly many other duties that concern the glory of the great God and the everlasting salvation of souls. Yet they must know that this is grieving the Holy Spirit, wearying the people, sickening their comrades and driving people away altogether.

With respect to their earthly business they say, ‘I must be sharp to time, I must keep my tools in order, I must carry out all instructions to the letter or I shall make those over me angry and I shall run the risk of losing my situation.’ But when it comes to their work for Christ and immortal souls they say, in action if not in words, ‘Anything will do here. The Army must be content with what I feel inclined to give.’

If it is singing they have to do, they say, ‘Any song or any tune will do.’ If it is a prayer they have to offer, they say, ‘I need not worry as to what petitions I offer or what words I use. An answer may come or it may not. Anything will do.’ If they are called on to speak, they seem to say, ‘I’ll give the same testimony I have been giving for years or say anything that comes first. Anything will do.’

But that is not the way for you, my comrades. If your work is going to satisfy God you must sing your best, pray your best, speak your best and trust your very best. Everything you do must be the best you possibly can do.

If your work is that of selling the War Cry or raising funds, only your best will do. If you are a local officer or play in the band or work for the children, only your best will do.

And when your work is done, test it and see whether it be good work or not.

If you find it is not good and there is the opportunity to do so, do it over again, for only your best will do.

My comrades, good work will be profitable to your earthly employers; good work will be a credit to your corps; good work will be a glory to your heavenly Lord.

But while you strive to do your best, and rest not day nor night while conscious that you can do better, remember that you serve no hard taskmaster. The smallest service, if done to your best, will win his ‘Well done!’

Salvationist 9 December 2023

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BIBLE STUDY

Born to save his people Major Chris Baldwin discovers how Jesus fits into God’s plan

MATTHEW 1:18–25

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S a family we love to do jigsaws together on holiday. Every now and then, one of us will add a few pieces. Along the way, however, things can get confusing. There is the piece that should fit but refuses to. There is the missing piece that no one can find. Once the puzzle is complete, seeing the big picture makes sense of it all. Life can be like that too.

PAUSE AND REFLECT Have you ever struggled to make sense of life?

Are there things that do not seem to fit, or holes with something missing?

When Matthew wrote his Gospel, people had been struggling to understand why the world was the way it was. There were holes in the picture where nothing seemed to fit.

God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be ‘a great nation’ and that ‘all peoples on Earth would be blessed’ through him (Genesis 12:2 and 3) and yet they had consistently failed to live up to that promise.

For Matthew, the coming of Jesus changed everything: he completed the picture. Matthew begins by plotting out the genealogy from Abraham to Jesus, through 3 groups of 14 generations.

Matthew highlights times when God intervened to rescue his people from their failures. For example, the terrible mess during the time of the Judges: ‘In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit’ (Judges 21:25). Israel 6

Salvationist 9 December 2023

wants a king to lead them like other nations. God grants their request and Saul is appointed king.

David is chosen to follow Saul. During his reign, God renews his covenant with his people and promises that one of David’s descendants will reign on his throne for ever (see 2 Samuel 7:8–16).

Many years later, God saves his people again. He sends them into exile (see 2 Chronicles 36:15–17 and Jeremiah 29:10–14) and, through his prophets, calls them back to their covenant with him.

He promises he will fulfil all his promises.

Matthew suggests that a further 14 generations pass, then God sends Jesus to save his people. Three periods of fourteen generations is the same as saying six lots of seven. To Matthew’s Jewish audience this would have suggested that the completion, the seventh period, had now arrived – the coming of Jesus was the dramatic fulfillment of the ages.

Matthew continues the story of Jesus’ birth from Joseph’s point of view. The circumstances are again messy and heartbreaking. Joseph’s life seems to fall apart when Mary, who is pledged to be married to him, is found to be pregnant.

Joseph is a good man and is ‘faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace’ (v19).

PAUSE AND REFLECT What are Joseph’s options and how does he respond?

Have you ever faced a dilemma with two equally unappealing options?

Once again, God intervenes. In a dream, he tells Joseph that Mary’s pregnancy is ‘from the Holy Spirit’ (v20) and that he should marry Mary and name the child Jesus, which means Yahweh is salvation – through this child, God is going to bring about the salvation of his people (see v21).

To emphasise his point, Matthew uses an important phrase: ‘All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet’ (v22). He quotes Isaiah 7:14: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.’

The prophecy in context does not seem to predict a virgin birth. Matthew, however, uses the word ‘fulfil’ throughout his Gospel to mean that we should look deeper than the surface meaning of the words.

Isaiah’s prophecy is part of a wider message. In chapters 7 to 12, Isaiah refers to three different children – probably his own – who are signs and witnesses of God’s plans. Each of them has a prophetic name: Shear-Jashub, meaning ‘a remnant shall return’ (see Isaiah 7:3), Immanuel, meaning ‘God with us’ (see Isaiah 8:8) and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, meaning ‘plunder and carry away’ (see Isaiah 8:1).

Isaiah’s prophecy comes to a climax when God promises the coming of another child who will rule in God’s name for ever. He will be called ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6).

Through Isaiah, God declares that he is going to hand his people over into exile as the spoils of war, but that he is with them. They will return, and when they do

Prayer Matters contains daily devotions covering specific areas in the territory, current worldwide situations and personal reflection and relationship with God. A PDF of the unedited booklet is available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources.

In December, prayers will be centred on Jesus, the gift to all humankind.

ADVENT FOCUS

by Major Gary Lacey (Territorial Prayer Network Co-ordinator) SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER Take time today to sit in silence, to find somewhere quiet and minimise distraction around you. Allow the Spirit of God to lay on your heart the names of people who need prayer in these days. Get a pen ready and write down the names. Once you have done this and prayed, keep the list for tomorrow.

a new child will come and sit on David’s throne for ever. This is what Matthew is referring to when he says that Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled.

PAUSE AND REFLECT Why is it so important to look beyond the letter of the law to the meaning and purpose behind it?

Can you find other prophecies in Matthew’s Gospel where this same principle is applied?

Matthew tells us that Mary was pregnant despite Joseph having ‘no union with her’ (v25 Berean Study Bible).

Joseph obeyed God and claimed responsibility for this child. He probably bore some blame and shame, but he did so with honour.

Perhaps during Advent, behind all the feel-good promises of peace and goodwill, the hard reality of bringing salvation to a harsh and messy world might require of us a similar willingness to get our hands dirty. If we do, remember this – God is with us!

SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER Take your list of names from yesterday and pray for each one again. Maybe choose a line from the first verse of the carol ‘God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen’ or choose one of this week’s Scripture passages to pray over them.

MONDAY 11 DECEMBER – ‘FROM GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER A BLESSED ANGEL CAME’ Read Exodus 23:20. Lord, thank you for the comfort that comes from knowing that you are with us, that your angels are guarding us. Protect my loved ones, my friends, and my community. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER – ‘AND UNTO CERTAIN SHEPHERDS BROUGHT TIDINGS OF THE SAME’ Read Hebrews 13:8–16. Faithful Christ, thank you for your consistency, that you are the same yesterday, today and for ever. This world needs consistency, and your message never changes. Thank you for the comfort and joy that your consistent presence brings. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER – ‘HOW THAT IN BETHLEHEM WAS BORN THE SON OF GOD BY NAME’ Read Colossians 3:17. Father, we proclaim the name of Jesus over our nation, our villages, towns and cities where we live, and over all people everywhere. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER – ‘TIDINGS OF COMFORT’ Jesus, wonderful Saviour, beautiful Lord, help me to be a comforter, to show your comfort to others as an essential part of my discipleship. Help me to share a comforting word, a comforting hug, a comforting shoulder to cry on.

Equip me with the courage to do that, with the purpose of making this world a better place. Amen.

FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER – ‘AND JOY’ Read John 15:11. Gracious God, you have spoken to us that your joy might remain in us, and that our joy may be complete. I pray that you will really strengthen me to share the joy that is in me with those who really need a joyful encounter. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MAJOR CHRIS BALDWIN Corps Officer Leipzig, Germany

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 and the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.

REFLECTION

Comforted to comfort

Comfort

In a series of Advent reflections, Niamh considers how we can share the comfort of God with others

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HAT brings you comfort? The first thing that came to my mind was my family.

Over the past 18 months, I suddenly and unexpectedly lost two of my grandparents.

I have experienced the grief and sadness along with the rest of my family and we have comforted each other.

I recently heard a song called ‘Wonderful’

by Cain, which helped me understand how I have been comforted by God and how I can now comfort others.

It’s the time of year When happiness and cheer Won’t be enough To get me through the night I need a Wonderful Counsellor The Mighty God, the Prince of Peace Who’s strong enough to carry me Immanuel, God with us, The one whose love will never end Oh, Jesus, can you make this season Wonderful?

I have been comforted through the love shown to me through others and by the love God has shown me. I feel Jesus’ presence with me during times of pain, through times of doubt and even when I do not understand the ‘why’. God has given me inner strength to face these times and, even though I am still grieving,

I take comfort from the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:4: ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’

I have felt comforted by God through his presence making me feel at peace with the loss and sadness I have felt.

Jesus’ birth was God’s love coming down to Earth. Jesus came to Earth during a time of oppression and loss of hope under Herod’s reign. When we look beyond the Christmas lights and celebrations today, we can see a loss of hope and people facing injustice across the globe. From conflict to discrimination, our world is in need of hope, light and a Saviour.

This year, of all years, the celebration of the birth of Jesus needs to be not only celebrated but also used as a renewal of our energy to bring hope and comfort to others.

As Christians, we believe that the birth of Jesus was a symbol of God’s love, and his coming will bring us life: a life of hope, joy and comfort.

But the comfort we have received is not only for personal consumption: it is also for us to share and give to others.

The Salvation Army’s mission was based on giving comfort to others, and that mission is still needed today, through physical, emotional and spiritual support.

However, we cannot pass on the comfort that the birth of Jesus has given

JOY

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us if we have not been comforted by it ourselves. You might be going through a really difficult time. Or you might not have noticed how God has comforted you or has been comforting you through others.

God does this in so many ways. It could be through the answering of prayers, through feeling the Holy Spirit within us, overwhelming us with emotion, or through a feeling of calm and peace.

We can also bring comfort to people in many ways. It does not have to be a grand gesture: it can be as simple as talking to someone or sharing a smile, because we know that God is in us and works through us. Sharing joy – the joy that God gave us through the birth of Jesus – can bring the comfort of God to others.

Through my sadness and loss, I have realised how God has brought me comfort. He has eased my sadness and begun to turn it into joy, so that I can now use it to bring comfort to others.

I do not know what Advent and Christmas will mean for you this year, but I hope you will experience the comfort that only Jesus can bring.

NIAMH Regent Hall

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!

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Salvationist 9 December 2023

Not just for cadets Major Jo Moir (THQ) explains how restructures at William Booth College cement it as a place of learning for everyone

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OU would be forgiven for assuming that William Booth College (WBC) is only for cadets training to be officers. It is still often lovingly referred to as the ‘training college’ and even that fountain of all knowledge Wikipedia confidently lists it as a 1929 Grade II listed building that provides Salvation Army officer training.

But for many years WBC has been much more than that. It is a centre for learning for the entire territory, offering courses that enable The Salvation Army’s employees, lay spiritual leaders and, yes, cadets to gain the knowledge and experience they need to flourish in ministry and service.

Principal Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne explains: ‘WBC exists to meet the learning and development needs of the territory,

to be involved in mission and provide opportunities for growth that we might display the glory of Jesus.’

To be prepared for this, WBC has gone through a significant restructuring this year, resulting in eight new units and a newly formed leadership team, comprising officers and employees who are committed to collaborative working practices to love God and love others in all they do. The Learning and Development team is reimagining how they will provide mandatory and development-focused training to employees and volunteers.

Cadet training is changing too: this year sees the introduction of longer first-year corps training placements and, in the longer term, considering more flexible options. A new competency framework is also being developed to benefit longterm officer and employed leadership development.

A key verse of Scripture during this process has been Isaiah 43:19: ‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?’

The leadership team at WBC have a clear vision and passion for the future and these are exciting days at Champion Park – not just for cadets but for everyone.

O For more information, contact

wbclearning.development@salvationarmy. org.uk.

What’s it like to study at WBC? ‘We’ve received a lovely welcome and been so supported. The course has been invaluable for us in growing as leaders but also in reflecting and implementing the learning as we continue to join in with God’s mission in our community.’

Pioneer Leaders Bethany and Jonathan Munn Faversham ‘I loved the community aspect of life at WBC and the space provided to meet and form friendships with people that will last a lifetime. In my session, there was definitely a sense of family where we supported each other with whatever was needed, ensuring that everyone felt valued and included.’

Lieutenant Patsy Attwood Sudbury ‘As the ever-changing societal landscape unfolds, my thoughts about life as a Christian are challenged.

Having the right knowledge and methods to gracefully accept and face these challenges has become more and more evident through life in corps ministry. Entering a theology degree course that is handled by experienced officers is a wonderful way to engage with my journey.’

Captain Scott Garman Glasgow City Centre ‘The impact of my work is dependent upon the quality of relationships that I establish. Developing my knowledge through deep self-reflection and self-awareness through this course has been invaluable.’

Washington Gwenzi Regional Learning and Development Officer Salvationist 9 December 2023

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THQ OPENING CEREMONY REPORT

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What brings the building when they are filled with the

Light, peace and hope DENMARK HILL LOOKING down from the glass galleries of the atrium of their new home, staff members gathered with excitement for the opening ceremony and dedication of Territorial Headquarters in its new building at Denmark Hill, reports Editor Major Julian Watchorn.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill welcomed all present, including ecumenical partners, members of the Salvation Army Trustee Company (SATCO), and subsidiaries Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL), Salvation Army General Insurance Company (Sagic) and Salvation Army 10

Salvationist 9 December 2023

Housing Association (Saha), for whom the new building is their new home. It is also the home of London Divisional Headquarters.

The TC gave a special welcome to guests General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, as well as to the deputy lieutenant for Southwark, Lynn Cooper, who was representing the Duke of Kent, who was unable to be present due to ill health.

Leaders from International Headquarters were also introduced, including Chief of the Staff

Commissioner Edward Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill and Europe zonal leaders Commissioners Johnny and Eva Kleman.

The congregation joined in singing the resounding hymn ‘Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation’ (SASB 56), accompanied by a composite band of officers and staff members, before prayers were offered by long-serving staff members Omolara Ogunjinrin (Employment Services) and Michael Lawson (Financial Accounting).

Commissioner Anthony articulated that, ever since the groundbreaking ceremony and even before then, the building was intended to be a house of prayer, where God’s Spirit would be known.

Referencing the huge flag that was the backdrop for the ceremony – which had been used at many Army events, including at the Royal Albert Hall – he spoke of the continuous connection through the years with what the blue, red and yellow colours represent: the purity of God, the blood of Christ and the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Referencing the importance of continued connection with the community, the TC explained how the Duke of Kent’s father, Prince George, had opened the International Training College next door in 1929. The deputy

g to life is the people in it e presence of God.

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Pictures: Paul Harmer

lieutenant then read a message from the duke.

Secretary for Business Administration Lieut-Colonel Alan Read gave thanks and acknowledged the many partner companies and individuals who had contributed to the construction of the building before giving a financial statement of the overall cost.

Territorial Leader for Leader Development Commissioner Gill Cotterill then shared Scripture from 2 Corinthians 4:1–6 and Haggai 2:1–9, which are quoted on the plaque commemorating the opening of the building: ‘God said “Let light shine out of darkness” “and in this place I will bring peace”.’

The unveiling of the plaque was expertly undertaken by the General before Stephanie Lamplough (Music and Creative Arts) presented a poem, ‘Light, Hope and Peace’, which she had written especially for the occasion.

The band played ‘Here I Am to Worship’ for the congregation to reflect upon.

In his address, the General gave thanks for the bricks and mortar that signalled an intent and commitment to the Army’s mission. He highlighted that this should be a place of light, peace and hope, and spoke of the message that was sent by this building: that the territory had the ability to adapt, celebrating

the past but also facing forward, demonstrating a confidence that there are even greater things to come.

He emphasised that all this is possible as long as God dwells in this place, as what brings the building to life is the people in it when they are filled with the presence of God. The General prayed that the clarity of mission and purpose would be understood and appreciated within these walls. He warned of the danger of mission drift – moving away from the Movement’s original purpose – and challenged everyone present to remain missionally true, with the motivation of continuing to share the gospel, the good news of Jesus – the light of the world who brings hope and reconciliation.

He affirmed that the new THQ

marked a new beginning, that Christ should be kept at the centre, and that God’s name would be glorified in this place.

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main led the congregation in singing ‘Lord, for the Years Your Love Has Kept and Guided’ (SASB 816), before Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main shared a prayer of dedication.

She prayed that the new THQ would be a place that resources the territory and blessed those who work within it as they seek to be a blessing to God and to others.

To conclude, Naar M’fundisi-Holloway (Research and Development) led the congregation in a sung benediction, encouraging all present to pray over one another: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you.’

After the ceremony, guests toured the building before sharing in food and fellowship.

Salvationist 9 December 2023

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SPOTLIGHT ON…

Notting Hill Committed to caring FAST FACTS DIVISION: London CORPS OFFICERS: Lieutenants Ian and Jenni Barker FIND US ONLINE: salvationarmy.org.uk/ notting-hill

A SUPPORTIVE SANCTUARY As corps officers we have responsibility for Notting Hill and Kilburn Corps. Jenni has been at Kilburn for four years and I’ve been at Notting Hill for three.

The corps is a sanctuary for folk on the margins of society and a big part of our mission is supporting those who are lonely, isolated or suffer with mental ill health.

Donations that aren’t environmentally friendly are still gratefully received because we can recycle them – and we do it well, partly because of the contract we have with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. We have a great relationship with our market traders also, and they donate all sorts of goods to be sold on. It’s another way of recycling items that might otherwise end up in landfill.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE We’re in a great position to be a positive influence on others, which is a big aspect of the God we love, who wants us to behave in this way and lead by example.

At Notting Hill we were recently awarded silver Eco Church status from A Rocha UK. We took a leap of faith and went all-in by removing all consumable items, which will be used at Kilburn and not wasted. We work on Eco Church endeavours specifically encouraged by one of our adherents, Vicky, who has a real passion for environmental matters.

Not everybody is able to participate environmentally in what we do, and we do recognise that at home they may not be able to. Some also might not understand the implications of what we do or why we do it, but they see us doing it and can participate while they’re with us. It’s beautiful because it’s biblical.

In a church setting, do all you can within your means, but be fully committed. We are blessed to have a garden at the corps, with bird boxes and chopped up trees that are home to all sorts of insects. It’s the little things that matter and they all add up.

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Salvationist 9 December 2023

FLOURISHING MISSION TOGETHER We’ve made the commitment to purchase only environmentally friendly products, even though there is a significant cost attached to that. It’s like our Christian faith: to model it fully, we’ve got to model it in everything we do, in all five of our mission priorities.

INSPIRED BY AND INSPIRING OTHERS We have a fortnightly sale where we sell everything that has been donated, with clothing being most popular. Hundreds of people come in, because of where we’re situated, and visitors enthusiastically buy pre-loved clothing.

It’s inspired our leadership team, including us, to think about not buying new clothes and raises a lot of extra funds for the corps to help us continue our work in the area.

We commit to doing a weekend of corporate worship focused on God’s creation every other month. It must be rooted in and messaged scripturally and prayerfully otherwise it won’t stand. We explored this recently by planting seeds and observing how God brings life to the seeds and what came through was so lovely and unexpected.

Everything we do is a team mission.

It’s not the Notting Hill of the movies: it’s love actually.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ECO CHURCH? Caring for creation is one of the territory’s five mission priorities.

Find out more by emailing environment@salvationarmy.org. uk or visiting salvationist. org.uk/environment.

ARMY UPDATES

INTERNATIONAL

COMMUNITY

Region officially launches BULGARIA OFFICERS and members gathered in Sofia to celebrate the official launch of the Bulgaria Region as part of the Eastern Europe Territory.

Sixteen young dancers and a four-year-old Superman opened the event energetically and Regional Director for Family Ministries Captain Inna Lebedeva welcomed everyone.

Territorial Commander Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge awarded certificates of appreciation to people for the parts they played in helping the region become a reality, and Regional Commander Captain Eduard Lebedev received a certificate as a reminder of the mission of The Salvation Army.

Other faith groups shared greetings, and members of churches in Sofia presented a painting of Jesus as a lion. Zonal leaders Commissioners Johnny and Eva Kleman shared a message from General Lyndon Buckingham.

‘The Salvation Army is here in Bulgaria – hallelujah!

Whenever we thought this was too difficult, God made a way!’ said Colonel Kelvin in his address.

Captain Inna concluded by reminding everyone present that welcoming God into their hearts is the most important thing. – AR

MUSIC

BIRMINGHAM CITADEL Stamford Brass joined the band for a concert.

The corps band played music by Tchaikovsky and performed ‘Turris Fortissima’ and ‘Mi Vista’. Stamford Brass presented music from Les Misérables, as well as an original composition of a Polish folk song written by a younger band member. The concert concluded with a united encore of ‘The Red Shield’. – RO

HOMELESSNESS LONDON The Salvation Army has warned that a 12 per cent increase in the number of people sleeping rough needs urgent government action. The Army warned that the government will miss its target of ending rough sleeping by 2024 and that levels of rough sleeping could start to spiral. – AR

LEEDS Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP, visited the affordable housing community Copper Beech. Opened in 2017, it includes 84 Salvation Army Housing Association (Saha) homes and a Salvation Army-run day nursery and after-school care provision. – AR

REMEMBRANCE

Bellshill Band lead the town’s annual Remembrance Sunday parade and service organised by the Royal British Legion

MUSIC STOCKPORT HEATON NORRIS A Last Night of the Proms concert featured Unity Brass and vocal soloist Dmitry Yumashev. Bandsman Eric Williams performed cornet solo ‘A Happy Day’ and Dmitry was accompanied on the piano by his wife, Delphine, before a festival arrangement of ‘Mamma Mia’.

The concert brought together people who had never been to a Salvation Army event before. The event raised £335. – NY Salvationist 9 December 2023

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ARMY UPDATES

ANNIVERSARY

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD A wonderful day of reunion and celebration marked the 140th corps anniversary. Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill, who were appointed to the corps from 1997 to 2004, led the morning meeting.

Commissioner Anthony challenged the congregation with God’s words from Zechariah 1:3: ‘Return to me … and I will return to you.’ Following a reunion lunch, corps folk shared memories, renewed friendships and enjoyed items from the band and songsters, which included current and previous members. The anniversary cake was cut by Harold and Sheila Hall along with the youngest junior soldier, Martha. – ZH

ANNIVERSARY

NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel João Paulo Ramos led the 140th corps anniversary celebrations. Visitors included previous corps officers and former members.

Silverdale Methodist Church kindly provided a band and the ladies fellowship presented a spirited timbrel display. It was a blessed occasion and the corps thanked God for his faithfulness. Pictured are Lieut-Colonel JP and corps member Jean Lovell cutting the anniversary cake. – JR

MEETING

PARKHEAD The Henderson family from Clydebank and Govan conducted the Harvest weekend celebrations, contributing cornet, vocal, piano, euphonium and violin items. The band and songsters contributed at the Saturday evening café church and the Sunday morning meeting. It was an uplifting weekend with many blessings received. – AD

EVENT

ANNIVERSARY

EVENT BOSCOMBE An exciting season of intentional discipleship started with a corps retreat where people discussed what it means to follow Jesus. In December, members of the corps and beyond have been invited to read the 365-day devotional Knowing You, Jesus, which presents a detailed, chronological exploration of Jesus’ life. WhatsApp groups were set up to help people share reflections and responses to the daily readings. This opportunity seems particularly fitting in this season of Advent and the corps prays it will provide faith formation and spiritual transformation. – JT

EMERGENCY AID MEXICO After Hurricane Otis hit Acapulco, the territory and International Emergency Services helped to clear debris from roads and assess how to rebuild buildings and infrastructure. More than 3,500 meals were distributed. – AR 14

Salvationist 9 December 2023

The ‘Belongings’ cast present their first regional performance at Birmingham Citadel to a packed hall

EMERGENCY AID

SALISBURY Cheryl and Mark Ingram (Croydon Citadel) led the 145th corps anniversary. Mark used party poppers to illustrate how the Church needs to connect to what is happening locally. A display of pictures showed the missional story of the corps from its early days in 1878. During refreshments, previous members of the fellowship shared stories of those who had influenced them in their faith journeys. – MD

HASTINGS CITADEL During the flash flooding, corps officer Lieutenant DebbieAnne Hogarth opened the corps hall as a warm space for emergency workers and local residents affected. The corps also fed and clothed residents and worked with the council to rehouse 15 families affected by the floods. – AR

FUNDRAISING DUNSTABLE More than 50 people attended a coffee morning in aid of the Big Collection. It included bacon rolls, cake and people sharing in fellowship together. – RC

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

BRIEF UPDATES WELLING The corps hosted its annual Christmas sale.

Homemade gifts were sold and children created decorations.

Families could meet Santa at a grotto and each child received a copy of The Christmas Story. The next day, one customer attended worship for the first time. – KS

LEIGH-ON-SEA The YP band learners resumed under the leadership of YP Band Leader Sarah Stanley, aided by Bandsman Martin Blessett. During the same week, a Friday morning parentand-toddler group began, with some 20 toddlers attending the first day. – PJ

COMMUNITY

MILTON KEYNES CENTRAL The corps helped Milton Keynes Food Bank break the world record for the longest line of food cans.

Corps officer Major Jo Baker was keen to get involved when she read about the plans on social media. The ambitious attempt saw 102,447 cans snake more than 7.5km round the park. All the tins collected were given to the food bank ahead of the winter. – AR

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SHERBURN HILL Twenty-one children attended a Manic Monday holiday club for music, games, crafts, puzzles and lunch. The children had a great time and learnt about putting their trust in God. Parents showed an interest in sending the children to the Sunday Kidzclub. – DU

EVENT

MERTHYR TYDFIL Despite the poor weather, the Christmas fair was well attended, with opportunities to buy gifts and visit Santa’s grotto. The band played carols and £550 was raised for corps funds. – LB BOURNE The young people held a craft fair for the first time, raising more than £300 for corps funds. It was so well received that those who attended demanded another one in the spring! – CG RISCA The band played at Pontymister cenotaph on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. Bandmaster Adrian Browning sounded the Last Post and Reveille. – JB CAMBRIDGE HEATH In partnership with the council, monthly events at the corps are offering advice and support for people living in temporary accommodation.

Corps members provide refreshments, children’s activities and goody bags – which includea copy of Kids Alive! – and spend time connecting with those being supported or providing support. More than 60 people attended the first session. – GD WILLENHALL The corps has launched a walk-in Employment Plus Local service to help jobseekers get back into the workplace. The service provides a warm and safe space to meet, seek advice and get access to computers and wi-fi as well as bespoke support. – AR RISCA A band weekend began with the Household Troops Band presenting ‘Battle Cry’, featuring a cornet solo from Dan Robson and a euphonium solo from Chris Shanks.

Sunday morning worship was led by Lieut-Colonel David Phillips and members of Risca Band led a post-meeting programme, joining the Troops to play ‘Land of Song’. – JB CIRENCESTER The South Western Fellowship Band along with vocal soloist Naomi Blowers gave an inspiring programme at the Parish Church of St John Baptist.

Bandsman Reg Wiles played the euphonium solo ‘The Better World’. Afterwards, the corps received instruments donated

by Evesham Corps towards the band learners’ group. – MG SKEWEN Following the sudden promotion to Glory of corps officer Major Doug Back, Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main stepped in to lead Sunday worship. She spoke about avoiding the distractions of the modern world and concluded with a challenge to recognise Jesus in every moment. – SL

Teddington Corps ladies fellowship enjoy food and fellowship at a timbrel workshop Salvationist 9 December 2023

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ARMY UPDATES

HOMELESSNESS

No room at the inn ENGLAND

ENVIRONMENT

SATCoL named fashion Disruptors LONDON THE Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) won the Disruptor award at the 2023 Drapers Awards.

The prize recognised how the company is driving nationwide change in textile reuse and recycling by investing in groundbreaking and innovative technology.

Judges were struck by how SATCoL is disrupting the market, supported by a clear plan and strong purpose.

As the largest charity-owned textiles collector in the UK, each year SATCoL puts over 250 million items to good uses, including over 62,000 tonnes of textiles.

Its advanced Fibersort system enables accurate sorting and grading of non-wearable clothing and textiles by fibre type, blend and colour for recycling back into the textiles supply chain.

In June 2023, SATCoL launched Project Re:claim, in partnership with corporate wear specialist brand Project Plan B, as part of the next step towards SATCoL’s ambition to create the UK’s first fibre farm. – AR

HOMELESSNESS

Housing scheme wins national award BASILDON MALACHI Basildon, a housing scheme co-managed by The Salvation Army, has won a national award. The development of 10 flats provides fully furnished, equipped and safe living spaces, supporting single occupants to lead independent lives.

The Army manages six modular SoloHaus homes on the site, donated by The Hill Group.

The development was named Best Partnership – 0–100 Homes at the Inside Housing Development Awards, which recognises schemes that have made a positive impact in communities across the UK. As well as accommodation, the Army works with the council and housing association Peabody to offer day-to-day support to all residents at the Nevendon Place development.

Captain Daniel Holland, HS Regional Manager (London), said: ‘Ending homelessness is about much more than providing accommodation; it is about creating a sense of community, belonging and hope.’ – AR 16

Salvationist 9 December 2023

ONE in four homeless households who turn to their council for emergency accommodation in the run-up to Christmas will be told there is ‘no room at the inn’, new research by the Army warns.

Under homelessness legislation, local authorities in England only have a duty to find emergency accommodation for people who are classed as in ‘priority need’.

The Salvation Army is calling for a change in the law so all those forced onto the streets are offered temporary and then longerterm accommodation. This would also require government funds for local homelessness services to rise in line with inflation to help ensure that councils have the resources to support this additional need.

Captain John Clifton (Blackpool Citadel and Blackpool South) said: ‘Being homeless during the season of comfort and joy makes terrible and dangerous living conditions feel even worse.

Thousands are facing an unhappy Christmas out on the streets without shelter, sanitation or privacy and are at risk of illness, injury and early death because homelessness laws don’t consider their situation to be desperate enough.’ – AR

ANNIVERSARY

BARKING Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill joined the celebrations of the 150th corps anniversary.

Former members and friends attended and Commissioner Anthony welcomed six adherents. One of them, Florentina Collings, gave a personal word of testimony to the grace of God in her life. Corps Secretary Richard Ambridge presented an abridged version of the corps history, noting that the corps was the first to have a female officer as a leader. A word of appreciation went to Wates Construction, which has partnered the corps, and guests included the mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Councillor Donna Lumsden, and Councillor Darren Rodwell. – SW

COMMUNITY GLASGOW The Dumbarton Road charity shop has taken glasses donated by the public and transformed them into hand-decorated masterpieces to raise money for Glasgow Women’s Aid. The store already assists women being supported by the charity, which helps women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse.

They are invited into the store to pick homeware, furniture and clothes. Glasgow MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy visited the shop to support the creative project. – AR

NEW COMMITMENTS

CHATHAM

NORTH WALSHAM

SUE Bensley, Jocelyn and John Mayes, David Turner and Joan Wenz were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Territorial Envoy Ruth Morey, during the 138th corps anniversary celebrations. The anniversary emphasised working for the future, while being mindful of the work done in the past, such as Captain Evans, who was sent by General William Booth with £5 to start up the corps. Holding the flag is Bandmaster Martin Siggins. – RM

IPSWICH CITADEL

CHRISTINE and David Harrod and Jamie Smith were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Ian Payne during the Harvest and 150th corps anniversary celebrations. Major Ian also presented welcome certificates to soldiers Tauria, Magnolia and Brenda Gatsi, who transferred from Zimbabwe. It was a great morning of celebration. – IP

SHAUN Buckman was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Andrew Jarrold, assisted by associate officer Major Jo Todd. Shaun has worked at Lyndon House Lifehouse for six years and worshipped at the corps for almost two years.

During that time, Shaun became a born-again Christian and decided to become a soldier to commit more to God and the work of the Army. – DC

PONTYPOOL

CORPS officer Captain Lorraine Warriner welcomed Corinne Lloyd as an adherent. Corinne testified to how God gave her the nudge to go back to church and how Welcome Sergeant Kath invited her to meetings.

She has been attending ever since. While listening to the song ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ (SASB 795), Corinne felt that she wanted to recommit herself to Jesus. – AW

WILLENHALL

BILLY Rai was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls. Billy started attending the corps around seven years ago when he joined the youth club. He has attended regularly during this time and loved events such as summer school and youth councils.

In recent months, Billy’s mum became a Christian and he testified that, through the change he had witnessed in her life, he felt led to become a Christian too and make a public commitment to God by becoming an adherent. – LH-N Salvationist 9 December 2023

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

Appointed Effective 5 October

ENGAGEMENTS

Local officers appointed

CAPTAIN ALEX DEVINE, additional appointment, Oxford

SL ANDY HURLEY, Basingstoke

Effective 23 November

Wedding anniversaries

MAJOR KAREN DAVISON, Divisional Support Officer (pro-tem), West Midlands LIEUTENANT MARIE KARICKOVA, additional appointment, Territorial Intercultural Mission Officer (1 day a month) Effective 30 November

Diamond (60 years) MAJORS MAVIS AND RAYMOND MACKERETH on 14 December Golden (50 years) MAJORS MIKE AND SHEILA SMITH on 15 December

MAJOR MICHAEL BAINBRIDGE, Divisional Mission Officer (North Norfolk), East of England

MAJORS DAVID AND RUTH SQUIBB on 15 December

CAPTAINS JANE AND JON BISHTON, additional appointments, Manchester Team Ministry

MARIA FAITH MUSIWA, daughter of Shamiso and Tatenda Musiwa, at Birmingham Citadel by Captain Clare Allman

CAPTAIN DYLAN NIEUWOUDT, additional appointment, Divisional Ecumenical Officer, North West and Isle of Man Effective 14 December CAPTAIN KEITH GREER, Company Secretary, Republic of Ireland Company Effective 1 January 2024 MAJOR HEATHER POXON, Secondment as Director of International Projects Office (2 days a week until 31 December) Effective 4 January 2024 CAPTAIN DEBBIE EATON, additional appointment, Divisional Children’s Officer (Practitioner, 2 days a week), North West and Isle of Man MAJOR ESTELLE BLAKE, ATMS Chaplain, Direct Delivery and Contract Office, Mission Service Effective 1 March 2024 MAJOR PAUL KINGSCOTT, Secretary for Business Administration (Designate), THQ, with the rank of lieut-colonel Effective 18 April 2024 MAJOR PAUL KINGSCOTT, Secretary for Business Administration, THQ, with the rank of lieut-colonel 18

Dedicated to God

General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Wed 6 Dec – Sun 17 Dec New Zealand and Fiji

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Territorial Leader for Leader Development Commissioner Gill Cotterill Wed 13 Dec Westminster (Parliamentary carol service)

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main Wed 13 Dec Westminster (Parliamentary carol service)

NOTICES

Poetry Corner Poetry Corner will return for the 23 December Christmas issue of Salvationist. If you have a Christmas-inspired poem you would like to share, please email it to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration by 11 December.

The Red Chair Project

Retired officers’ birthdays

Join the Red Chair Project (25 November to 10 December) by placing a red, or red-covered, chair in your hall or centre to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. Resources, including signs, prayers and sermon notes, are available from restored-uk.org. Find out more by emailing familyministries@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

MAJOR CAROL KENDALL, 85 on 22 December

Christmas charts: Vote for your favourite music!

Promoted to Glory BRENDA HUSSEY, Staple Hill MICHAEL CHAPMAN, Gillingham RON TOOKE, Norwich Citadel SONGSTER JOAN STEVENS, Stapleford, on 20 November MAJOR CLIVE SHEAD from his home on 24 November MAJOR DAVID HART from his home on 27 November DE DOUG BARLOW on 29 November

Bereaved BETTY CHAPMAN and Pamela Chapman, both Gillingham, of their brother Michael Chapman PAM TOOKE, Norwich Citadel, of her husband Ron Tooke, Janina Schiebler of her father MAJOR MARY HART of her husband Major David Hart DE RUTH BARLOW of her husband DE Doug Barlow

Salvationist 9 December 2023

Salvationist Radio will be presenting a festive chart show, featuring the top 10 brass band, choral and contemporary Christmas tracks, as voted for by you! Have your say by visiting salvationist.org.uk/radio. Voting closes 10 December.

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship This week’s Sunday Worship is led by Niamh (Regent Hall). Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of Sunday Worship highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

O Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Reflect on the words of Christmas carols in this weekly Advent devotional podcast, inspired by the book of the same name.

Episodes are released each Friday. This week, Assistant Director of Older People’s Services Andrew Wileman talks about ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’.

O Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts.

Evening Jazz with Richard Mingay Sit back and relax as Major Richard Mingay shares the good news through his love of jazz and gospel music, this month with a Christmas twist.

O Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

TRIBUTES

MAJOR SHEILA LEONARD SHEILA was born in South Shields on 2 March 1947 to Baptist parents and from a young age had a growing faith.

Sheila married Michael Leonard in 1968. They moved to Seaham, where Sheila attended Seaham Harbour Corps.

Sheila became a company guard, then around 1987 she became a soldier and then YP treasurer.

Sheila continued in both of these roles until 1996, when she and Michael became aux-captains in the Adventurers for Christ session, with their first appointment being in Workington.

In 2001 Sheila and Michael were commissioned as captains and took charge of Horden Corps and Easington Colliery Corps, serving in this appointment for 11 years until retirement.

In retirement, with Michael, Sheila looked after Middlesbrough Pallister Park Corps for a short period. Sheila continued to attend Horden Corps and ran the Monday lunch club, becoming home league secretary.

She also continued to organise the Christmas toy appeal until 2022, when her health deteriorated.

Sheila was a much-loved mum to her three children and devoted to her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was promoted to Glory on 5 October. – JR Please note members’ tributes that are submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words.

Good quality pictures will be included. Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

STAN CRACKNELL FELIXSTOWE STAN was born in 1930 and became a member of the YP band at Manningtree in 1945. Having graduated to the senior band, he moved to Felixstowe, where he played bass in the band for more than 60 years.

Stan was a man of the soil. He went to work at a local farm for two weeks and stayed for 40 years, becoming a skilled rural agricultural worker.

A keen photographer, he established a photographic history of the corps and also provided the photographs for a published book of the corps history.

Stan married Monica, and they were active in the corps behind the scenes, always welcoming people into their home.

Stan was a dedicated Christian, and a loyal Salvationist and bandsman. A true gentleman, Stan was always willing to help where needed. – DA

TERRENCE FOSTER MOSBOROUGH TERRY was born in 1941 into a Salvationist family and served at Mosborough all his life. He learnt to play a brass instrument at an early age and was taught piano by his grandmother, becoming proficient in both.

Terry was a corps cadet in his early life and gained the corps cadet badge of merit. His biblical and musical knowledge were excellent, and he was able to provide information on these subjects when asked.

Terry was commissioned as bandmaster in the 1970s and continued to fulfil his leadership duties even when his mobility became restricted.

He was proud of his sisters, nephews, niece and their families, and was very supportive of everyone at the corps, with time and a kind word for all. Terry is missed by all at the corps and will not be forgotten.

He was promoted to Glory after a short illness and has gone to his reward. – LF/SC

COLIN DRURY CUMBERNAULD COLIN was born in Hove in 1942, the son of Salvation Army officers.

With his parents and younger sister, Ann, he lived in various places before his parents were appointed to Dundee in 1958. Thus commenced a love affair with Scotland for Colin, where he spent the vast majority of the remainder of his life.

A talented musician, he was known for his lovely singing voice and served at various corps throughout Scotland, including Govan, Dundee Central, Aberdeen Citadel, Rutherglen and Clydebank, holding various positions such as songster leader, bandmaster, corps sergeant-major and YP band leader, before becoming part of the corps fellowship at Cumbernauld. Although limited by health issues in later life following a stroke in 2014, Colin continued to be a great encourager, expressing his deep Christian faith.

He is sorely missed by his beloved wife, Gwynva, his four children and his nine grandchildren. – PD

BERT BEETON COTTENHAM BERT was born in 1927 into a Salvationist family at Waterbeach, where he grew up in the corps, serving as both YP band leader and songster leader, as well as playing in the band.

He married Grace Wiseman from Cottenham Corps and they continued to serve at Waterbeach together with their two children, Joy and Brian, before returning to Cottenham, where Bert became deputy songster leader. Both Joy and Brian are still active Salvationists at Cottenham.

Bert’s faith was deep and his commitment total throughout his life.

Grace was promoted to Glory in 2017, shortly before they would have celebrated 70 years of marriage. Even though Bert was a stoic person, he missed her greatly.

A family man at heart, he was blessed with three grandchildren, five greatgrandchildren and, shortly before his promotion to Glory, twin great, greatgrandchildren. – BB/JI

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He comforts us in all our Troubles so that we can COMFORT OTHERS. 2 Corinthians 1:4 New Living Translation