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SALVATIONISTESSENTIAL READING FOR EVERYONE LINKED TO THE SALVATION ARMYwww.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist27 October 2012No 1370Price 60p

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PAPERS

2 27 October 2012 SALVATIONIST www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: [email protected] Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationistA registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by Wyndeham Grange, Southwick. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2012. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

EDITOR Major Stephen Poxon Tel: 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson Tel: 020 7367 4891 ASSISTANT EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley Tel: 020 7367 4892 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker Tel: 020 7367 4893 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kersten Rieder Tel: 020 7367 4894 DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter Tel: 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza Tel: 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael Tel: 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino Tel: 020 7367 4881 ADVERTISING Tel: 020 7367 4883 Email: [email protected]

DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH Tel: 01933 445451 Fax: 01933 445415 Email: [email protected]

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner André Cox EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven

GOD DESERVES A MENTION IN THE CREDITS, SAYS STAR OF REVTom Hollander believes that divine inspiration may

have guided his hand as he co-wrote Rev, the

sitcom in which he plays a hapless vicar in an inner-

city parish…

‘There’s a very, very old bishop called John

Cavell who is a friend of James’s [Wood,

Hollander’s co-writer] family. He’s been very

supportive of our show, and we were having tea…

and he said: “You know, God is writing this. You

think he isn’t, but he is.” And I thought, that’s

funny, and also I was prepared to believe it.’The Times

A SPECIAL MISSION FOR READERS TO PASS ON JESUS’ LOVE

LAST PART IN THE ‘KA!’ JAM BIBLE SERIES – JESUS IN COMMAND

JOKES AND PUZZLES IN GIGGLE IN THE MIDDLE

ERIC THE ELECTRIC EEL GETS A MAKEOVER IN PATCH’S PALS

MORE BRITONS ‘BELIEVE IN ALIENS THAN IN GOD’More people in the UK believe in aliens than believe in God, a survey for a new video game has revealed.

Northern Ireland bucks the nationwide trend, yet 33.1 million inhabitants in the country (sic) believe life exists on other planets, compared to 27.5 million who believe there is a God.The Church of England Newspaper

CADBURY CHIDED FOR UNCHRISTIAN STAND ON PURPLEA Church of England bishop is calling on Cadbury not to be ‘so precious over purple’ after the chocolate makers successfully won exclusive rights to use its distinctive purple for milk chocolate wrappers.

The Meaningful Chocolate Company, producers of Britain’s first fair-trade religious chocolate tree decorations, claims it has been forced to use red instead after being advised by its lawyers that ‘purple belongs to Cadbury’. Purple is traditionally the colour used in churches during Advent.The Times

M FEELS ISOLATED IN BOND FILM ‘SKYFALL’

ABBY GUINNESS GIVES VOICE TO MRS NOAH

WHEELCHAIRS CHANGE LIVES AROUND THE WORLD

SCOUTS REJECT BOY WHO SAYS HE DOES NOT BELIEVE IN GODAn 11-year-old boy has been banned from joining the Scouts because he does not believe in God.

George Pratt… declined to swear allegiance to God and the Queen. His refusal means that he cannot become a member.

His father… accused the movement of being ‘narrow-minded’. He said: ‘You are allowed to join if you are a Christian or a Muslim, but you can’t not believe in God. He’s being excluded because he doesn’t believe’…

Simon Carter, assistant director of media relations for the Scout Association, said: ‘All young people are required to make the Scout Promise if they wish to become a Scout.’The Times

COMMENT

[email protected] SALVATIONIST 27 October 2012 3

Of Granny, Goffin and God

HAVING enjoyed a relatively unblemished record of turning up on time for meetings, I have now managed to score three

spectacular own goals in quick succession.

Specialling at Colchester Citadel, I somehow managed to arrive in Butt Road in a village several miles away, instead of Butt Road, Colchester, where the hall is situated at a blindingly obvious junction. Specialling at Gravesend, I fell foul of road works on the M25 and arrived 30 minutes late. Specialling at Dunstable, I failed to negotiate the diversion signs leading me away from the town centre and then back into it again (more road works) and missed 20 minutes of fellowship.

Lest any of those corps feel tainted by association, allow me to make it clear

that each congregation was more than courteous to their tardy visitor. Colcestrians were calm, Gravesendians gracious (even giving me an entirely unmerited round of applause when I eventually arrived) and Dunstablians delightful.

All of which leads me to draw your attention to this week’s centre pages. Isn’t it a little early, you might be wondering, to be thinking about sending Christmas cards to friends and colleagues serving overseas? Well, as my experiences demonstrate, it is much better to be early than late! Be posting now!

The closest I’ve come to being away from home and loved ones at Christmas was when I spent the first seven Christmas Days of my children’s lives at the hall, helping serve dinners prepared for those whom the Army welcomed as special guests. I loved the ministry, but hated not seeing Jasmine or Alistair, my kids, until 7 pm.

I was also on duty as a meals-on-wheels driver and once delivered Christmas dinner to a house where two obviously affluent adults answered my knock at their door. Thinking I had their order wrong, I apologised for bringing only one meal. Imagine my struggle to impart season’s greetings when they explained the meal I had brought was ‘for Granny, because we don’t share dinner with her’. I very nearly kidnapped Granny and sometimes wish I had.

There, though, in a tin foil container on a doorstep in December, lies the essence of the gospel – God delivering his Son to a world that didn’t want him, kept him at a distance, then chucked him out with the rubbish, leaving him to die.

I specialled at Bolton Citadel once (arriving the day before) and could hardly continue one meeting as the band played Dean Goffin’s haunting ‘The Light Of The World’ with the words of song 299 from the songbook on display.

Let us heed Revelation 3:20 and make sure we are never late in welcoming the most special dinner guest of all.

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

NEWSPages 4 – 10 PragueHarlowFileyWorthingClydebankL’Islet KenyaEastIHQSwitzerlandLondonCirencester LeadgateStapleHillGorseinonIpswichCitadel TunbridgeWellsScarboroughPoole PokesdownBoltonCitadelLeedsWestHunslet SouthendSouthchurchSouthShieldsWoking WokinghamWaterbeachSunderlandMillfield SouthwarkLeytonstone

FEATURE The Sovereign and the SalvationistPage 11

FEATURE Ticket to ride – badge to sitPage 11

FEATUREChristmas mailing listPages 12 & 13

COMMITMENT SUNDAY FEATURE Celebrating victories Page 14

BIBLE STUDY I believe in planting! Page 15

NEW COMMITMENTSPages 16 & 17

ANNOUNCEMENTSArmy people, engagements and tributesPages 18 & 19

LETTERSPage 20

ADVERTSPages 21 – 23

‘A sermon… on the words, ‘‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock’’, inspired Jean Ingelow to write a poem which came into the hands of William Walshaw How… He wrote: ‘‘The pathos of the verses impressed me very forcibly… I scribbled on an odd scrap of paper my first idea of the verse beginning, ‘O Jesus, thou art standing’.’’

(From Companion ToThe Song Book Of The Salvation Army )

4 27 October 2012 SALVATIONIST

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

General leads Europe congressThe Netherlands and Czech RepublicDELEGATES arriving for the Forward! Europe Congress held in Prague knew this would be an occasion with a difference. First there were the traditional Czech gifts of bread and salt offered as people entered the audito-rium, then the announcement that the meet-ings would be translated into Czech, Russian, Romanian, Hungarian, Latvian, Norwegian, Spanish and Polish.

Held at Prague Congress Centre and led by General Linda Bond, the congress commenced on Friday evening with One Army: Speak Your Heart. The General said she was always deeply moved when she visited Europe. ‘The oldest Army is here and some of the newest parts of the Army are here,’ she said.

Reporting on the Eastern and Central European conference, held just prior to the congress, International Secretary for Europe Commissioner Robert Street said that since the fall of the Berlin Wall the Army has either opened or reopened its work in 12 European countries where the gospel was previously banned, ridiculed or denied. ‘The support we can give each other this weekend is price-less,’ he said. In a humorous moment, it was noted that the letters on Salvation Army uniforms from around the zone could be combined to form the phrase fish and chips!

In a segment entitled Speak Your Heart a number of delegates shared their vision for Europe.

Yana Miheeva (Eastern Europe): ‘I want Moldova to be known as a country where Jesus lives. Such dreams take effort and bring responsibility.’

Commissioner Clive Adams (Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes): ‘We need to be a transformed community of transformed people who love a transforming God.’

Captain Veronica Wahlström (Sweden and

Latvia): ‘There are no wars or starvation in Northern Europe, but we are in great need of a moral framework and a sense of commu-nity. Salvationists must demonstrate who Christ is.’

Cadet Ann-Christell Slomp (The Nether-lands and Czech Republic): ‘My vision is for mission that starts with us and spreads out to those around us. We need to show what God has done in our lives.’

Commissioner André Cox (United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland): ‘God is calling us to be his witnesses. We are people of great hope living in a time of great tribulation.’

Colonel Jane Paone (France and Belgium): ‘I dream that we will confidently look out and see those who belong to the family of

Christ – and those who could belong if only we invited them.’

Commissioner Robert Street (IHQ): ‘The gospel of love was damaged over two world wars, but a gathering like this shows what the world can be like when people enjoy unity in the love of God.’

During the evening, G-Thanks (France and Belgium), LivingSoul (Switzerland, Austria and Hungary) and the Hallelujah Quartet (Eastern Europe) provided music.

In her message the General asked: ‘How can an Army with so much difference be one? There are so many things that divide us – language, culture, philosophies – but we are One Army in worship, fellowship, holi-ness and mission.’

General Linda Bond receives the

traditional Czech gifts of bread

and salt

The European Choir Spanish delegates at the open-air meeting

SALVATIONIST 27 October 2012 [email protected]

During the prayer time the General thanked those who went through great tribu-lation in Europe in the past and, noting the meeting was being live-streamed, assured those throughout the Army world facing tribulation: ‘We are holding your hands in spirit today.’

Cadets from the Italy and Greece Command – the first session to be trained since the 1950s – brought the prayer and benediction.

On Saturday afternoon in Prague city centre the General spoke at an open-air meeting which was attended by many dele-gates, including a Spanish contingent carry-ing a huge Army flag. Later at the congress centre, the meeting themed One Mission: Celebrate What God Is Doing included testi-monies from Olegas Riutkenen and Mikolaj Czerny (both Germany and Lithuania). Olegas told how when Communism ended, people’s hearts were empty. ‘I was alone,’ he said. ‘No one was interested in whether I was alive or not.’ In his search for God he met a Salvation Army officer at a night-shelter feeding programme. In 2002 he joined the Army and the officer he met serving home-less people is now his wife.

Mikolaj met Jesus in 1993 when he attended a rock opera based on the life of Christ. When invited to the stage he said: ‘I felt a little fire starting in my heart – and it still burns after almost 20 years.’ He joined the Army when work commenced in Poland. ‘Poland needs The Salvation Army,’ he concluded.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek (Finland and Estonia) the first ever – and possibly only – European Choir brought two songs, including one enti-tled ‘One Army, One Mission, One Message’. Swedish group The Daltons, UK Brass and LivingSoul also participated. Throughout the weekend snapshots of the Army’s work around the zone were presented.

Sports Ministry Co-ordinator for Europe Lieut-Colonel David Bowles told of his vision to see sports ministry brought to every country and every city in Europe. Cadets

from Denmark and Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes Territories brought a humorous but challenging Scripture presentation about finding their place in God’s mission.

In her message, the General stressed that the Army’s mission must be rooted in compassion. ‘When Jesus saw hungry people he closed his preaching book and broke some bread.’ Powerfully illustrating this point she broke a piece of bread, saying that when the flesh of Jesus was torn at Golgotha his heart was broken. ‘To do the mission of Jesus with a heart of compassion is costly,’ the General concluded.

Sunday’s meeting One Message: Forward In Faith commenced with prayers by dele-gates from Denmark before a specially formed children’s choir from the Czech Republic sang two songs. Later, Spanish group Básico, who fused traditional and

contemporary songs with timbrel playing, had the congregation on its feet.

Cadet Zoltán Benedek (Switzerland, Austria and Hungary) testified, saying that he came from a Roma family but when his parents divorced he went down a bad road for six years. ‘One day I heard the message of Jesus Christ and my whole life changed,’ he said. He met his wife, a Salvationist, and they are now at the training college.

The Army’s work with victims of human trafficking was highlighted in a conversation between Captain Maria Konti-Galinou (Italy and Greece) and Major Anne Read (United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland). Maria wore sandals around her neck to symbolise the need to travel light and depend on the Lord. During the meeting the choir sang ‘Total Praise’, Cadet Arturs Pereverser (Sweden and Latvia) read from the Scriptures and vocal soloist A-young Lee, a Korean Salvationist living in Italy, sang ‘The Anoint-ing Of The Lord’.

‘How do we go forward?’ the General asked in her final message for the congress. She reflected on Army history and acknowl-edged that while mistakes have been made, the Army can be certain of the grace of God. Referring to Psalm 78:19 and 20 she noted that while the people of Israel put God to the test, the Old Testament is a story of promises kept: ‘What God has done he still can do.’

As delegates made their way to the mercy seat the diversity of the weekend was again reflected in the nationalities of those who knelt side-by-side and the various languages used as prayers were offered. The congress concluded with flags waving as the audito-rium resounded with the Founder’s Song. – L. R.

Eastern Europe delegates enter the auditorium

The congress concludes with flag waving


NEWS


Keeping it in the familyHarlowMAJORS Dawn and Howard Evans (Sherburn Hill and Shotton Colliery) led a weekend cele-brating 30 years’ service by Singing Company Leader Liz Harrod. A Saturday evening concert included items by her family, former members of the singing company and the corps fellowship band. Major Dawn Evans, who was once a member of the singing company, spoke about Liz’s enthusiasm.

On the Sunday morning, corps officer Major Paul Holifield commissioned Liz’s daughter, Tabitha Floyd, as the new singing company leader and commissioned singing company members received junior musi-cian badges. – P. H.

Guernsey sings gospelL’IsletTHE corps united with St Peter Port to host Guernsey Sings Gospel weekend with guest leader Tore Aas (Oslo Gospel Choir) and a choir comprising 80 people from 19 Guernsey churches. On Sunday morning Tore led the choir in his compo-sitions, ‘Shine The Light’ and ‘Bless The Lord’. – J. H.

Retired bandmaster is appreciatedClydebankFRIENDS, family and former band members gath-ered to express their appreciation to Retired Band-master Peter Fuller. Pieces, chosen and conducted

by the retired bandmaster, included instrumental solos by Fred and Ann Fuller (Staines), Matthew Fuller (Clydebank), and Keith Johnston (Edin-burgh Gorgie). The programme was interspersed with video greetings from absent family and friends, culminating in former members of the band joining in singing ‘When I Survey’. – C. M.

Fun and festivityWorthingTHE annual Proms Night – attended by many newcomers – featured contributions from the music sections and soloists Julie Le Manquais (vocal) and Char-lotte Cozens (flute). The audi-ence enjoyed an evening of fun and festivity in the hall, which was festooned with Union Jacks.

The evening was a great opportunity to promote a new corps discussion group aimed at people who are investigating faith. – G. T.

Pat Lang receives a certificate for making and selling marmalade

and raising £700 towards the Big Collection at Filey

SALVATIONIST 27 October 2012 7

NEWS

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International website short-listed for awardIHQTHE Salvation Army’s inter-national website – www .salvationarmy.org – has been shortlisted for an award in the sixth annual Christian New Media Awards, sponsored by UK broadcaster Premier Radio.

Premier launched the awards in 2007 to encourage and reward innovation and creativ-ity in the Christian community. In particular, the awards look to commend those who seek to use new media to reach out to the wider world in an ever more sophisticated media landscape.

The Salvation Army’s nomination is for Accessibil-ity, a category which seeks to promote best practice in making website content available to all – regardless of any disabilities that website visitors may have.

Accessibility was a key factor in redesigning the website, which was relaunched in March 2012. The choice of colour avoids difficulty for people who are colour blind. Text descrip-tions on images ensure that the site is usable by people with sight problems. Navigation is simple, but there is more than one way to access content throughout the site. People with mobility issues – who may have poor mouse control – are also considered, with careful use of white space between clickable items and especially around weblinks. There is also the facility to move around the page using the keyboard instead of a mouse.

Web Manager David Giles says: ‘It is an honour to be short-listed for an award, especially one so in keeping with The Salvation Army’s mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.’ – A. R.

Band camp fellowship continuesKenya EastTHIRTY-EIGHT delegates from Nakuru, Njoro, Ngondu, Naivasha and Molo Corps arrived at Njoro Special School for the Nakuru District Band Training Camp, led by John Vincent (Hendon). Most players had some experience, so started the week learning about music theory and scales. Four begin-ners focused on the basics.

Over the next three days the band worked hard to reach a good standard of playing. At first, they believed the louder the better, but they quickly learnt to appreciate different dynamics.

On Saturday afternoon the delegates marched to a market and held a short open-air meeting attracting many shop-pers. It was the first time for several years that a Salvation Army band had played there and their witness received an over-whelming response.

On Sunday, delegates attended the morning meeting at Nakuru where the congrega-tion has outgrown the building – they now worship outside until a new hall is built. The band took part in the meeting, playing four pieces learnt during the camp. The delegates were very proud of their achievements.

The musicians now hope to form a district band and meet once a month for practice and fellowship. – J. V.

Salvationists enter EurovisionSwitzerlandSIX Swiss Salvationists are battling against 178 other acts to represent Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest. The six Salvationists, ranging from 20 to 94 years old, have entered the annual competition under the name Heilsarmee with the song ‘You And Me’.

Band members Emil Ramsauer,

Michel Sterckx, Katharina Hauri, Christoph Jakob, Sarah Breiter and Jonas Gygax were selected through internal casting.

Project Manager Martin Künzi says: ‘Everything started with what sounded like a crazy idea. But then we all got enthusiastic about it. We clearly had to give it a try. Because even without winning, it would still be worth doing.’

Internet voting will decide if Heilsarmee is among the 14 participants to make it through to the next round. The 14 quali-fying acts will perform on Swiss television in December. Follow-ing the TV performances, another vote will decide which act is the winner.

The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden, next year.

The internet vote is open until 29 October. Visit eurovisionplattform.sf.tv to vote or watch the video. – A. R.

Heritage event attracts visitorsCirencesterA LARGE number of people visited the hall – a former Temperance hall – during National Heritage Week.

On display were bound copies of The War Cry from the late 1800s, the original drum, a film made by the young people in the 1960s, audio-visual displays and information about the Gap club website.

The weekend concluded on Sunday evening with a sing along. – M. G.

Cadets and staff at William Booth College open the doors for Open House London; more than 300 people toured the college and International Heritage Centre during the open day


NEWS


Back to Church musical treatStaple HillTHE hall bustled with excite -ment as Back to Church Sunday united all sections in a musical celebration. The evening meet -ing was dedicated to demon-strating the role of music in the Army. Representatives from each section spoke of personal significance of indi vidual pieces of music. – V. W.

Busy weekendsGorseinonAT an Italian evening, corps members enjoyed Italian cuisine and a performance from the Amateur Dramatic Society. The event raised more than £600 for the Big Collection.

Captains David and Judith Morgans (Morriston) led the Harvest Festival weekend which featured a wonderful display of produce and a corps meal.

Back to Church Sunday brought much encouragement to the fellowship as two fami-lies from the parent-and-toddler group attended a meeting for the first time and had their children dedicated to God. – L. B.

Tunbridge Wells: Corps folk were delighted by an interna-tional food festival to celebrate Harvest. The culinary selection included foods from Italy, Mexico, America and China. Concluding the exciting festival, the corps witnessed the enrol ment of two junior soldiers. – L. S.

At Harlow, Asda representative Rachel Forth presents a cheque for £200 to centre co-ordinator Lorraine Fox and corps officer Major Glenda Holifield for winning the Chosen By You GIven By Us community competition

Muriel Wood from Scarborough presents a cheque for £500 to Leslie Beadle from the Stroke Unit at Scarborough Hospital; when Muriel celebrated her 90th birthday she asked friends for donations for the unit

Special guest gives insight into his faithIpswich CitadelTHE band and young people offered a programme of music for Harvest weekend. The band’s version of ‘Highland Cathedral’ drew enthusiastic applause from the large congregation and the young people excelled with a puppet presentation of I Want To Be A Sheep.

Guest Frank Williams, who played the vicar in Dad’s Army, gave an interesting insight into his career and strong Christian faith.

Members and friends from Cameo and the over-60 club also enjoyed a meal together. Frank is pictured with corps officers Majors Carol and Doug Back. – D. S.

Leadgate corps folk participate in the world’s biggest coffee morning, raising almost £2,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support


NEWS

[email protected]

Angels at the meetingBolton CitadelTHE corps welcomed Bolton’s Street Angels volunteers to the evening meeting to mark the third anniversary of the initia-tive.

The volunteers encourage clubbers to enjoy their night out safely and sensibly and offer assistance to those in distress. The volunteers are pictured with guests including (front left) Yasmin Quresi MP, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton (Coun-cillor Guy Harkin and Colette Harkin), The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester (George Almond CBE) and founder member of Street Angels Paul Blakey MBE (back second right). – G. F.

Leeds West Hunslet: Former corps officers Majors Darrell and Katrina Thomas (North-ern DHQ) led Harvest Thanks-giving weekend. The event commenced with an informal music evening on Saturday. On Sunday, the majors spoke about God’s creation and launched The Story, a 31-week Bible study which was enthusiastically received by corps folk. – L. M.

Harvest gifts go to foodbankPokesdownMAJOR Carol Ainsworth led lively Harvest meetings. A beautiful display of food items reflected her message of God’s provision and limitless gift of love. After a communal meal, the major reminded the congregation that praise needs to be continuous and renewed on a daily basis. All corps sections participated in worship. Harvest gifts were donated to Bournemouth Foodbank. – S. L.

Poole: Southern Divisional Youth Band entertained with pieces ranging from the devo-tional ‘Shekinah’ to the foot-tapping march ‘Wonderful Day’. George Lawrence and Ross Mercer delighted the audience with cornet and vocal solos, respectively. Proceeds from the evening went to the Big Collec-tion. – G. G.

Kids at Woking dress up a scarecrow at Harvest celebrations led by Majors Gillian and Paul Billard (Central South DHQ)

The parent-and-toddler group at Wokingham celebrates Harvest by making a scarecrow and Harvest-themed collage at their pizza praise party

Sporty Harvest celebrationsSouthend SouthchurchHARVEST celebrations kicked off with a sporty start: a spon -sored five-mile walk along the seafront. Participants were met by a cheering crowd back at the hall, many of whom had been decorating the hall for the event.

Former corps officers Majors Betty and Richard Jones led Sunday worship, encouraging the corps to keep sowing and planting the seeds that would bring a harvest. The afternoon praise meeting featured the music sections and the keep-fit group, which interpreted ‘What A Wonderful World’ through movement (see picture). Some people at the meeting had not been to the corps for many years but returned having been invited to Back to Church Sunday. – Y. A.

Major Malcolm Watkins teaches an action chorus to the brownies at South Shields during Harvest celebrations


NEWS


ADVERTISEMENT

Harvest challengeSunderland MillfieldHARVEST Festival cele-brations began with a supper on Saturday evening followed by a magical interlude presented by Grenville Burn (Upper Norwood), the leader for the weekend. On Sunday Gren-ville used visual demonstra-tions interspersed with spiritual interpretations to challenge his listeners.

The weekend culminated in seekers kneeling at the mercy seat and an overwhelming

Harvest food donations at Leytonstone are displayed in the form of Olympic rings

Thanksgiving for God’s goodnessWaterbeachHARVEST Thanksgiving focused on God’s goodness to the corps. More people have started to attend weekly activities and the selling of Army papers provides an opportunity for strong witness and relationship building.

During family worship, new

band members – the first in many years – participated in a learners group of adults and children (pictured).

During evening worship members of the congregation were challenged to be missionar-ies in the community.

The day concluded with a supper and auction of produce that raised £220 for corps community projects. – W. B.

Cupboard restockedSouthwarkHARVEST donations received by corps officer Lieutenant Lee Raggett after Thursday prayers at THQ enabled the corps to restock its store cupboard.

The food items will be distrib-uted to people in the community including those who call in at the drop-in. – L. R.

response to the Samaritan’s Purse shoebox appeal. – E. F.

FEATURES

THE SOVEREIGNAND THESALVATIONISTFred Crowhurst transports us back in time

DID the Queen, as a baby, ride in a perambulator designed by a

Salvationist? It is highly possible, because, according to the late

Bandmaster Bram Williams, the once-famous Dunkley Prams were

accorded the royal warrant. The advert – shown below – with its

slogan ‘The prams royal babies ride in’, suggests this might be true.

William Dunkley, a member of The Salvation Army at Birmingham

Citadel, during the early part of the 20th century, arrived in

Birmingham as a young man from his native Stratford-upon-Avon.

He set up a factory in Birmingham’s Jamaica Row.

Dunkley Prams were noted, between the wars and just afterwards,

for their high quality. They were advertised in upmarket magazines

such as Tatler. Much earlier, William Dunkley had produced a gas-

fired and even a coal-fired motor car, which were greeted with much

derision and never succeeded.

The history book of Birmingham Citadel tells us that Brother

Dunkley sometimes financed Sunday school outings and donated

a Christmas tree each year for the hall. He also belonged to an

association that funded poor children’s outings, a popular venue being

Hodge Hill Common, now almost completely built up. In addition, he

served as the young people’s sergeant-major for some years.

Brother Dunkley died in 1928, aged 69, after being taken ill in his

garden.

Fred worships at Birmingham Citadel


TICKET TO RIDE –BADGE TO SITMajor Val Mylechreest helps us keep on track

PINK stickers on my train into work indicate seats reserved for

passengers with pensions, passengers who are pregnant or those who,

for one reason or another, could just do with sitting down. There have

been times, I must confess, when I would cheerfully have borrowed

someone else’s child in the hope of someone taking pity on me on a

crowded train, just to get a seat!

There is the daily dilemma of whether we should give up our seats for

others. If a beautiful young woman is offered a seat, everyone smiles,

except, that is, the more mature women who are left standing.

Then there is the problem of being the one offered a seat. This makes

me wonder why someone has looked upon me sympathetically. Do I

appear frail, weary, in need of help or pregnant? In such circumstances,

is it impolite to refuse? On one occasion I was offered a seat, smiled and

accepted – but spent the rest of my commute worrying about these things.

These days, it is the policy of Transport for London to offer ‘The

Badge’ to passengers who are great with child – a white button badge

declaring ‘Baby on Board’. This creates in me the moral dilemma of

actually wanting a white badge to wear, despite not being pregnant. On

long, hot journeys, when my train is delayed and I have stood far too

long on a busy platform, I would give anything to possess one.

This inner turmoil is not eased by the fact that I become suspicious

of some of the women sporting these badges – the great unspoken

question being: Is she really pregnant? By and large (pardon the pun) it

is usually obvious when someone does in fact have a ‘baby on board’ –

but suspicions linger. And some in the early stages of pregnancy leave

me wondering if they have borrowed a badge without being in genuine

need of one. And then there are commuters such as me who are, well,

generously proportioned, who may or may not be planning to add to the

population.

Christians, these days, are probably unlikely to wear badges for Jesus

– maybe a fish here and there – though crosses and crucifixes are worn

in abundance, by believers and non-believers alike. I have the interesting

opportunity of wearing a Salvation Army uniform on the train – all of

which leads me to pose the question: Are we who we say we are? Do

people ‘read the badge’ or see the uniform and wonder if what we say

and do and how we behave and what we profess all fit together? Maybe

the bigger question is: Do we leave some people in doubt that we are

actually what we say ‘on the badge’? Do I? I hope not.

Major Mylechreest is Adult and Family Ministries Officer, THQ

‘If a beautiful young woman is offered a seat, everyone smiles, except, that is, the more mature women who

are left standing’

All addresses removed

for reasons of privacy


COMMITMENT SUNDAY FEATURE

IMAGES of Olympians and Paralympians celebrating victories this summer were inescapable. If those victories came at great personal cost to the athlete or

represented the triumph of the underdog, so much the better. We instinctively love stories of victory and triumph over adversity.

When we think of the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life, maybe we don’t naturally think of the discipline of celebration. In his devotional classic, Celebration Of Discipline, Richard Foster notes that ‘celebration is at the heart of the way of Christ’. Jesus’ birth was announced with joy (Luke 2:10) and Jesus explains that he came that we may experience joy (John 15:11). Even in hard times we may be joyful – an attitude of celebration is a conscious choice. This is why we consider celebration to be a spiritual discipline.

If obedience is the path to joy, then celebration will naturally follow. Paul wrote: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice’ (Philippians 4:4 all quotations from New Revised Standard Version). Paul’s path to joy is twofold: there is an emphasis on confident, believing prayer (4:6) and

he calls us to set our minds on all that is good (4:8). We also find the concept of discipline. As Foster states: ‘The decision to set the mind on the higher things of life is an act of the will.’

Dallas Willard, in his book, The Spirit Of The Disciplines, takes us a stage further, commenting that celebration ‘is the completion of worship, for it dwells on the greatness of God as shown in his

goodness to us’. As we consider 1 Peter 1:3–9, we see that rejoicing is a natural outcome of all that Christ has done. We may celebrate victories, but only because we first and foremost celebrate Christ’s victory and all that it achieves.

Peter opens this passage with a note of praise – his own celebration of Christ who ‘by his great mercy… has given us a new birth into a living hope through the

resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’ (v3). Because of what Jesus has done, his followers may experience new life.

This new life is ours when we submit to Christ’s Lordship and experience what it is to be a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). A new dimension to living is possible for all who put their faith in Christ, an abundance of life that inspires the believer to worship, praise and celebrate him for all he has done (John 10:10). We look to Jesus and find ourselves celebrating his ultimate victory – the total defeat of the powers of sin that separated us from God (Colossians 2:13).

Jesus gives us a renewed sense of hope, a living hope. This is more than hope that simply longs for things to be different. It is the hope whose origin is God, a hope speaking of confidence, expressed in faith – ‘the conviction of things not seen’ (Hebrews 11:1). In writing to people who were persecuted for their faith, Peter reminds them they are ‘protected by the power of God’ (v5). We may not be persecuted, but even amid difficulties we may still celebrate God for who he is, for our hope is an eternal hope, guaranteed by Christ (1 Corinthians 15:19; 1 Peter 1:9 and 13).

Peter encourages us to worship Jesus ‘with an indescribable and glorious joy’ (v8). The Greek word translated here as ‘indescribable’ means not capable of human description or calculation. This is more than just a literary device; Peter does not have the words to describe the joy that those who belong to Christ may experience. Similarly, the word translated

here as ‘glorious’ refers to the glory that can come only from God. Our joy comes from God and only in relationship with Jesus can it be expressed.

Regardless of the problems we face, or how we feel, we are each called to celebrate and worship the Lord for who he is and what he graciously does for us. We are to celebrate the victory that Christ has won, to

celebrate whenever someone comes into a new relationship with him (Luke 15:32) and through living a victorious and joyful life, help others to follow him.

‘Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Captain Oliver is corps officer, Swindon Citadel

Celebrating victoriesCaptain Stephen Oliver shares success stories

FOCUS PASSAGE: 1 PETER 1:3–9


‘We may celebrate victories, but only because

we first and foremost celebrate Christ’s victory and all that it achieves’

BIBLE STUDY

EVERY Salvation Army corps or centre had to start somewhere! Think about it. At some point the corps you are part of was birthed

and planted – probably by some ‘on fire’ new convert if our history books are to be believed.

Inculturalisation, postmodernism, post-Christendom, post-just-about-anything-you-want-ism! These are some of the massive words flying around the world I inhabit nowadays.

I’m recognised as a Salvation Army officer who is a church planter – as someone who understands planting. If only people knew how little! However, officership has allowed me the privilege of meeting with some wise and inspirational people from many different denominations.

I am told it all depends on your Christology, ecclesiology or even missiology. So far, I think I could presume to say that these words may well mean little or even nothing to you – but that’s exactly my point. In no way do I mean to sound judgmental, but many within the Church today do not understand what is going on around us outside. All too often our thoughts are about our own needs,

rather than those beyond our walls. This seems far removed from the model of the Early Church expression described in Acts 2:42–47.

I suggest we were always called to be a reproductive model of faith. We experience, then go and encourage others to experience. This is not only true for the individual Christian but also for the gathered people of God – the Church.

We, The Salvation Army, need once more to focus on new plants. We need to

allow the Holy Spirit to rebirth within us the mission desire and heart for the lost (see Matthew 28:18–20).

As Bob Hopkins, co-leader of Anglican Church Planting Initiatives, says: ‘We have to stop starting with the Church.’ In this statement, he is challenging us as believers to seek to understand what the world and its followers are facing. The big words and studies – like those already mentioned – are ways of seeking to understand those ‘outside’. Is this not the very essence of

who we are? Are we not called to minister to ‘outsiders’?

Our history as a mission movement bears all the hallmarks and scars of such work. Some 400 new expressions of Christian faith and ministry were established in the formative first 25 years of our history. During the next 100 years, only another 100 were added.

We were a radical mission movement, a group of new converts empowered by the Holy Spirit on the march across the nation – seeking out the lost and showing them, through a living demonstration of Acts 2:42–47, the transformative work of God upon community.

One of the reasons so many came to faith was because they saw verse 42 being lived out. They saw the awesome power of God (v43). They experienced the generosity of God’s people (vv44 and 45).

We need to allow the Holy Spirit once more to recreate the passion and attractive nature of God’s Church on the move. We need once more to be starting new expressions of the ‘Acts 2 communities of faith’. We need therefore to understand what’s going on around us and allow God to use our lives right at the heart of it, rather than being removed and separate on the edges in our church buildings.

I believe we can once more experience the reality of v47 if believers rise up in the power of God and respond to the needs they are faced with in their locality. We need once more to become a radical church-planting movement – discovering the new ways of being church in today’s world, so that we can more effectively reach and influence people with this good news that we possess.

We are not a people called to be static, but a people full of grace, on the move.

TO CONSIDER How do my friends and

neighbours encounter God? Is church accessible to my

neighbourhood, or removed and hidden? Could I, or should I, be doing

something more to bring Jesus into my neighbourhood by planting a new church?

Should my corps be seeking out new opportunities to build the new things?

Major Vertigan is corps officer, Wetherby, with responsibility for Planting and Development in North Yorkshire and Mission Partner Planting, THQ

I believe in planting!The first of a three-part series by Major Andrew Vertigan

STUDY PASSAGE: ACTS 2:42–47


‘We are not a people called to be static, but a people full of grace, on the move’

Malcolm WiltshireGeraldine WiltshireSoldiers

Janet BanfieldGwen Lear

Julie WarrenAdherent members

William BessexJoseph WilliamsJunior soldiers

STAPLE HILLAFTER visiting various churches, Malcolm and Geraldine started to attend the corps 18 months ago. They enjoyed the warm fellowship and felt God’s presence in their lives.

Janet has been connected with the Army for a long time. Since she started to attend the corps she has felt supported and decided to make a commitment.

After attending another church, former Salvationist Gwen returned to the Army in 2011. She testified that God had moulded her life and brought her back. Julie has enjoyed worship and fellowship at the corps.

William read his promise loud and clear and Joseph said that he wanted to follow Jesus. Both belong to Salvationist families.

Corps officer Major Ian Urmston enrolled Malcolm and Geraldine as soldiers, William and Joseph as junior soldiers and welcomed Janet, Gwen and Julie as adherent members. – V. W.

Susan GrantSoldier

YEOVILSUE started attending the Army after the death of her husband. She found love, Christian fellowship and support when she most needed it. She is an active corps member and attends Cameo, songsters and bowls. She testified that soldiership is a natural progression for her. Her family supported her as she was enrolled by corps officer Captain Stephen Curnow. – C. W.

Paul HurtonSoldier

LOUTHAFTER being welcomed as an adherent member earlier this year, Paul decided to make a commitment as a soldier. Members of his family saw his picture in Salvationist and established contact, sharing his special day. Paul was enrolled by corps leader Territorial Envoy Bernard Snook. – B. S.

Joshua PyrahJunior soldier

WARRINGTONJOSHUA has attended the Army since he was a baby and decided that it was the right time for him to become a junior soldier. His decision marks a public commitment to show his faith and trust in God, following his participation in various YP activities. Joshua was enrolled by corps officer Major Sandra Fisher. – S. F.

Paige LoxtonGeorgina HaddonJunior soldiers

STREETCORPS officer Captain Deborah Oughton enrolled Paige and Georgina. Georgina first went to the corps through the parent-and-toddler group, while Paige attends with her grandmother. Paige wanted to become a junior soldier to learn more about God, and Georgina sees junior soldiership as a way to be like Jesus, as she loves to help other people as Jesus did. – D. O.

Michael UrenAdherent member

CAMBORNECORPS officer Lieutenant Andy Toby welcomed Michael as an adherent member. In his testimony Michael shared that he is pleased to follow in the footsteps of his grandad, who was a Salvationist for 80 years. Michael is learning to play an instrument. – N. R.

Debbie SellAdherent member

LEYTONSTONEDEBBIE grew up in the corps but stopped attending a few years ago. She has since returned with her daughter Kaitlin and decided to make a commitment. Corps officer Lieutenant Dáfne de Castro e Lemos welcomed Debbie as an adherent member. – L. L.

Beryl CrossAdherent member

ABERTILLERYBERYL was invited to the home league and over-60 club. She then started to attend Sunday meetings and became more involved in the corps including the Big Collection. Corps officer Captain Beverley Womersley welcomed Beryl as an adherent member. – A. B.


NEW COMMITMENTS


Laciee TobinFreya Pickering

Rose TaylorJunior soldiers

BICESTERLACIEE, Freya and Rose were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Captain John Mclean. The three children answered questions about what they had learnt in their preparation classes and joined in singing with other junior soldiers. – J. M.

Linda OlenloaDiane GoddardSoldiers

Daniel OlenloaJunior soldier

HARROWFOLLOWING soldiership classes and much prayerful consideration, Linda chose to take the step of becoming a soldier as a sign of obedience, faith and commitment.

Daniel has attended the corps since birth. He was very excited to be enrolled as a junior soldier on the same day that his mum was enrolled as a soldier. Surrounded by family and friends, and a proud dad, he knelt at the mercy seat to sign his promise.

Diane came along to the Army after an invitation from the Olenloa family. Several friends supported her making this public declaration of faith, including her hairdresser. Diane is very much part of the fellowship and bakes cakes for every corps member’s birthday.

Corps officer Captain Pauline Milner enrolled all three. – P. M.

Jennifer DurmanSoldier

REGENT HALLAS the child of missionary officers, Jennifer has enjoyed worshipping at the Army in various places, including Pakistan. Surrounded by family and friends, she testified to her love of prayer and hopes that God will help her share his love with others. Jennifer revealed that her favourite song, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, was a reflection of a lifelong dream of hers – to be Julie Andrews in The Sound Of Music – but now Jesus has put a better, new song in her heart. Jennifer was enrolled by corps officer Major Pat Brown. – P. B.

Ethan StewardAmelia BrooksbankJunior soldiers

SALEETHAN and Amelia belong to Salvationist families. Lieutenant Nicola Brooksbank (Herne Bay) enrolled Ethan and her niece Amelia as junior soldiers. – E. Y.

Kellie SladeJude Chigozie

Leanne PalmerLee PalmerAdherent members

ROMFORDKELLIE first went to the corps following an invitation from the War Cry street sales team for her son Jamie to attend the parent-and-toddler group. On arrival she discovered friends she had known years before and it was not long before they started to worship at the Army. Both Kellie and Jamie are now very much part of the family!

Leanne and Lee first attended the Army when a friend invited them to her wedding. Both enjoyed the occasion so much that they asked if they too could be married there. Following a marriage preparation course and subsequent wedding, both came to faith through the Christianity Explored programme.

Jude was introduced to the corps by fellow Nigerians already worshipping at the Army. A convinced Christian, he quickly settled into the corps, attending a Membership Explored group. He sees adherency as the next stage to his journey.

Corps officer Major David Evans welcomed the new adherent members. – D. E.


NEW COMMITMENTS

[email protected]

NEW COMMITMENTS IN OCTOBER

31 Soldiers

46 Adherent members

34 Junior soldiersTotals for this year so far:Soldiers: 314Adherent members: 446Junior soldiers: 241Out of 111 new commitments reported in Salvationist in October, 9 were invited by a friend; 7 joined a parent-and- toddler club; 6 joined a kids club; 5 were contacted during The War Cry street sales; 4 were community choir members; 4 joined an over-60 club; 3 received invitations to a corps event; 2 were married at the corps; 2 attended a friend’s wedding; 2 are married to Salvationists; 1 inquired about having a child dedicated to God; 1 visited the hall to donate items; 1 took part in a musical; 1 was a charity shop customer


ANNOUNCEMENTSPROMOTED TO GLORY

Major Thomas Wilkinson from Cradley Heath

on 18 October.

Mrs Major Kathleen Wilkinson lives in Cradley

Heath.


ARMY PEOPLELOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED

YPSM Phineas Jaji, Manchester Central.

MARRIAGE

Bandsman Ross Mercer to Songster Nicola

Oakden at Boscombe by Lieut-Colonel David

Phillips.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Diamond: Major and Mrs Percival and

Mildred Renouf (1 November).

Golden: Peter and Mrs Rita McCluskey,

Guisborough; Lieut-Colonels Ernest and

Margaret Coupe (10 November).

DEDICATED TO GOD

Joshua Freddie, son of Bandsman/Songster

Michael and Songster Angela Leverett, at South

Shields by Major Marie Bate; Ruby Louise,

daughter of Richard and Gemma Jones, at

Willenhall by David Harrison.

BEREAVED

Major Violet Smart, Naomi Bennett, Cynthia

Boardman and Allister Garrod of their mother

Louie Garrod; Vi Hawkins of her husband B/

Reservist Reg Hawkins, May Craig of her

husband Vic, both Boscombe; HLS Catherine

Scott, Buckie, of her husband Kenneth, Jane

Murray and James Scott of their father,

Christine McDonald, Ayr, of her brother;

Victor Penhall, Bristol Bedminster, of his wife

Pearl.

RETIRED OFFICERS

Birthday congratulations: Mrs Brigadier Phyllis

Liptrott, Thornton Cleveleys (102 on 31

October); Mrs Major Jacqueline Stephen,

Broughton Astley (80 on 31 October); Major

Kathleen Jenkins, Waterlooville (80 on 31

October); Major John Evans, Maidenhead (90

on 3 November).

ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND:

USA Southern, Wed 24 Oct - Sun 28; Canada

and Bermuda, Mon 29 - Sun 4 Nov; ICO, Sun

11; Caribbean, Mon 12 - Tu 20; Papua New

Guinea, Wed 21 - Tu 27

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF

(COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON)

AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON:

ICO, Tu 30 Oct; France and Belgium, Fri 2 Nov

- Sun 4; UK, South London Retired Officers

Fellowship, Fri 16; UK, Doncaster, Sat Sun 25

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

(COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX)

AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX:

Cenotaph, Whitehall (Remembrance Sunday),

Sun 11 Nov; Westminster Abbey (laying of a

wreath on the Tomb of the Innocents), Tu 20;

Bo’ness, Sat Sun 25

THE CHIEF SECRETARY

(COLONEL DAVID HINTON)

AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON:

Penarth, Sat Sun 28 Oct; Cenotaph, Whitehall

(Remembrance Sunday), Sun 11 Nov; Scotland

Council, Th 22

Commissioners Robert and Janet Street:

International Doctrine Council, Mon 29 Oct - Th 1

Nov*; UK, Stotfold, Fri 2 - Sun 4

International Staff Songsters: Stowmarket, Sat

Sun 4 Nov

International Staff Band: Nottingham William

Booth Memorial Halls, Sat Sun 28 Oct

*wife will not accompany

TRIBUTESMAJOR JOHN PHILLIPSBORN at Morriston in 1940, William John Phillips worked as a baker’s boy on leaving school. He then moved to

Wandsworth, where he worked as a London bus conductor. John entered the training college from Morriston in 1962 in the Heroes of the Faith Session. He met Cadet Joan Awford the following year and they married in 1965 after her commissioning.

John’s first appointment was to House o’ the Trees, followed by their first married appointment at the men’s hostel in Sheffield where their son Graham was born.

The couple had various appointments in places ranging from Hastings, Skewen and Pontypool to London, Middlesbrough and Liverpool. Their daughters, Karen and Lianne, were born during these years. John loved being a dad to the three children and, together with Joan, helped create many happy family memories.

John had a passion for work among youth and young people. He also had a heart for the disadvantaged, and worked with young offenders, homeless people, substance abusers and the unemployed. In later years he gained qualifications in accountancy and en-joyed working as an auditor for Social S ervices in his final years before retirement in 2002. He saw his role as more than just check-ing the finances were in order. Many people have said what a great support he was in so-cial service centres, providing a listening ear.

John and Joan were married for 47 years.

John was a proud dad to Graham, Karen and Lianne and a doting grandad to his ten grand-children, with whom he had a fun and lively relationship.

Although John had various illnesses throughout his life, his promotion to Glory was very sudden. His family have been over-whelmed by the love, prayers and support they have received and the many people who have spoken of the influence the major had on their lives. – K. S.

MAJOR MRS MADGE ENGENEBORN at Leytonstone in 1926, Madge Longhurst entered the 1948 Peace-makers Session at the train-ing college. Her first

appointment in 1949 was as sergeant to the cadets of the Standard Bearers Session.

In 1950 she was appointed as commanding officer to Shildon. Two years later, when she returned to the college as a staff member, she met Cadet Karl Engene from Norway.

In May 1956 Madge transferred to Norway with an appointment to the Tryggheim Children’s Home. A few months later she and Karl married and began corps ministry together at Odal. Their son Geir was born during their next appointment at Risør in 1957.

A further appointment to Farsund pre-ceded transfer back to the British Territory, with appointments at Leyton, Chingford, Teddington and Dean Bank.

They returned to Norway at the end of 1964 with appointment to Sagene. In 1966 Major Engene was taken ill and was pro-moted to Glory in February 1967.

In August that year Mrs Engene and her son returned to London. She worked in several appointments at IHQ. In 1970 she received her rank in her own right as Major Mrs Engene and was appointed Assistant to the Under Secretary for North Europe. She entered retirement in 1986.

The major became active in her service as a soldier and local officer at Enfield, where she served for many years as home league singers’ leader – a task she continued until shortly before her promotion to Glory. Enfield Corps and her family feel the loss of this cheerful gracious Christian lady. – G. E.

MAJOR FLORENCE BADMANFLORENCE came into contact with The Salvation Army through the Sunday school at Bristol Filton. Her life changed when, at

the age of 14, she was converted during a weekend visit by Swindon Citadel Songsters, after one of the songsters spoke to her during the prayer meeting.

After training in the 1946 Warriors Session, her first corps appointment was to Redruth. In 1950 she was joined at St Austell

COMING SOON!Salvationist is going digital. As well as

being available as a newspaper, the paper that is essential reading for

everyone linked to The Salvation Army will soon be available via an app.

Salvationist Editor Major Stephen Poxon explains: ‘Just by downloading a free app onto an Apple or Android smartphone or

tablet, our tech-savvy readers will be able to get all the benefits of Salvationist in a format that is truly mobile and modern.’

ANNOUNCEMENTS


by Second Lieutenant Joan Blundell. Thus began a strong friendship and partnership in ministry at corps including Bolton Citadel, Southport and Warrington – their final appointment – and into retirement. They enjoyed every aspect of their shared minis-try. Major Badman was always happy, a lovely friend and companion – but she was also very much the commanding officer!

From 1964-67 they established the first nursery for cadets’ children at the training college – a particularly enjoyable period of service. Previously, children were separated from their parents and looked after by rela-tives or friends during training. Some of the children they looked after are still in touch.

Major Badman remained very active after retirement in 1984. Becoming chaplain to the Salvationist Lord Mayor of Warrington in 1989 was a particular highlight.

To her nieces – Sally, Jennifer and Susan – the major was a special aunt and an impor-tant part of their lives. They say: ‘Auntie Flo has loved us, our husbands, our sons and their families. She always made the effort to keep in touch and include us in her life. Family was very important to her.

‘As children, we always looked forward to our visits. She was very creative and allowed us to get involved in some of her projects. She loved to paint and made all sorts of orna-ments.

‘Auntie Flo loved to sing and play the ac-cordion. We also remember her tape recorder – the old reel to reel type, which was quite a novelty. We spent lots of time making recordings with her help.

‘She had a larger-than-life personality and anyone who spent time with her never forgot her. This was borne out earlier this year when we visited Pentre Corps in South Wales during a drop in coffee morning. She and Major Blundell were stationed there in the 1960s. People remembered them fondly and, after 50 years, still had wonderful mem-ories. They never failed to make a lasting impression.

‘We miss our aunt’s big beaming smile and warm welcoming hugs and thank God for her life.’

ENA LAWSON, CANTERBURYENA was born in 1927 at Peckham, where she spent most of her life. Her inter-est in the Army began as a young adult. For more than

40 years she worshipped at Nunhead, where at various times she served in the songsters, taught in the primary and was cradle roll sergeant.

A talented machinist, Ena used her skills for the benefit of others, including projects linked to the Army. Her many friends remember her with affection.

Ena transferred to Canterbury after mov- ing to east Kent three years ago and demon-strated her interest in corps affairs. She often expressed her appreciation of the songsters following Sunday morning meetings. – G. B.

MRS HILDA COX, STAPLEFORDHILDA was born to Salva-tionist parents in 1926 in the Derbyshire village of Eckington. She attended the local corps with her

younger brother Raymond, gaining a thor-ough grounding in the Christian faith.

After marriage to Percy in 1952 she moved to live in Stapleford, where the family became active corps members. Hilda’s main commitment was supporting the Army activities of her two children, Derek and Christine, and her songster leader husband. She worked quietly in the background, teach-ing in Sunday school, serving tea for the over-60 club and being a keen fundraiser.

Hilda was a well-respected soldier. – E. S.

ALBERT GIBBS, L’ISLETA LONG-TIME Salvation-ist at St Sampsons, Albert was a bandsman, corps treasurer and hall keeper. He helped with many

things when the corps was without officers. When the corps closed, he transferred to

L’Islet to be with his daughter and son-in-law and took part in the meetings when called upon.

Promoted to Glory suddenly at the age of 89, Albert is sorely missed by his wife Lilian and extended family. – A. P.

HAROLD CLEMENTS, SHEFFIELD LANGSETT ROADHAROLD was born in 1918 in Sheffield and lived there all his life. He went to Sunday school at Langsett

Road and was later enrolled there as a sol-dier. At the time of his promotion to Glory he was No 1 on the roll.

Harold was YPSM for several years and also songster leader for a time. He was a bandsman for more than 60 years, originally playing cornet and then Eb bass, until ill-health prevented further playing.

He continued to attend regularly and sup-ported the corps to the end of his life.

Harold leaves his wife Elsie, son, step-daughters, grandchildren and great-grand-children. – A. T.

BILL MACE, NOTTINGHAM ARNOLDBILL was born in 1926. He and his wife started attending meetings at Arnold to-gether. Bill became an adherent member in 1996, but later felt that he should become a soldier. He continued serving God faithfully after his wife’s death.

Bill loved to spend time praying. He was a member of a cell group, and kept himself busy by selling The War Cry on the streets in Arnold and working in the corps charity shop. He leaves two sons and a daughter. – A. T.

[email protected]

Ken receives British Empire MedalExeterRETIRED Corps Treasurer Ken Bovey proudly wears the British Em-pire Medal he received from the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon (Eric Dancer) at County Hall.

The award was made to Ken in rec-ognition of charitable services through The Salvation Army. As corps trea-surer he was the driving force behind fundraising activities that enabled the corps to provide practical support to many needy people in the area and the wider community. – A. R.


LETTERS


Who knows who’s listening?I AM in regular correspondence with Sinclair McKay, of Paisley Citadel, who recently sent me the following story, typical of those so often heard long after the occasion. We are reminded that you never know who is listening when we go about carolling. This should be of some encouragement to those soon to face a heavy carolling programme…

‘Many years ago we had a trombone player in the band called Eddy Grant, whose favourite carol was “Who Is He?” Every year when out and about carolling, the band would become bored after repetitive playing of the usual Christmas carols – (as you do) and it would be opened up to the bandsmen to request their own favourite carol.

‘Each year Eddy would request his favourite – “Who Is He?” – only to be shouted down by most of the bandsmen who would say: “But no one knows that one!”

‘As the years progressed, carolling in many towns and cities became much more civilised and nowadays most bands are offered a place inside shopping centres because, for one thing, it’s a good attraction to the shops and the collecting also becomes that much easier.

‘Old Eddy, every year without fail, put his request in, only to be passed over in favour of another and I never forgot that. Eddy eventually moved to a nursing home in Falkland, Fife, to be nearer his son. For a number of reasons we were gradually reduced numerically and it would be left to whoever was capable of choosing the carols – usually someone in the cornet section. For the past 30 years or so, Paisley Citadel has made sure this carol is played every Saturday, without fail – I certainly make sure of that.

‘On one occasion we were playing in our normal spot in the shopping centre and seated as usual, when we became aware of a man in a Santa Claus outfit wandering about with the obligatory sack on his back, dishing out Christmas toys to any young child who passed by the band. He wandered up and down and we could see he was very intent on listening to the band. Eventually, after one particular carol he walked into the centre of our group in tears and explained how his

father had taught him that one, at his knee.‘The carol we had just played? “Who

Is He?”‘Who is he in yonder stall,At whose feet the shepherds fall?Who is he in deep distress,Fasting in the wilderness?Who is he to whom they bringAll the sick and sorrowing? ’Tis The Lord! O wondrous story,’Tis The Lord, the King of Glory!At his feet we humbly fall,Crown him, crown him, Lord of all!’

Jim Wilson,Mill Hill

Experience countsHAVING just read the letter from Barbara Black (Salvationist 13 October) and the reply from Lieut-Colonel Marion Drew, I feel compelled to add to the exchange.

At my corps we do most of our collecting by envelopes. Some of those who gave to me personally were looking in bewilderment at the bright green background of the envelope – they had difficulty in recognising it as ‘Army’.

I appreciate that advice from marketing professionals can be valuable, but I wonder how much advice is sought from those who, like me, have been involved in door-to-door collecting for more years than they care to remember. We are people with long experience gathered from doing the job.

One item that has been missing from the envelopes for a number of years now is the slogan: ‘A faith and a friend; you find both in Christ.’ I always felt that enveloping a district (time-consuming though it was and is) with a message like this was worthwhile, whatever the financial outcome.Nanella Weir,Major,Beckenham

Modern design worked wellWITH regard to Barbara Black’s letter published in Salvationist (13 October) concerning the design of the Big Collection materials, my opinion, if it’s worth anything, is that the colours were good and the design was modern and attractive. I can’t see why everything we do should be yellow, red and blue!

I didn’t encounter any difficulties whatsoever. In fact, this year’s collection was very successful and in some areas we saw a substantial increase. The total collected at Newcastle City Temple was more than £11,000.Antony Mugford,Major,Newcastle upon Tyne

Stewardship and sustainabilityMUCH has been said about the high cost of postage stamps and the assumed impact on the sending of Christmas cards by lower-income families.

Fifty years ago, the cost of a card was about the same as a stamp – 4 for a shilling or as many as 80 for £1. Now £1 buys only 2 stamps, (2nd class naturally) but more cards can be purchased for the price of a stamp. While little can be done about the cost of stamps, beyond hand delivery, there is a way to economise on cards. Agreed, there are many places to recycle cards in the new year, but one suspects they are treated like old newspapers and are simply pulped.

However, recalling the ‘3 Rs’, reduce, reuse, recycle, cards could be reused simply by writing the greeting on a strip of Post-it note. Instead of abandoning the card, the recipient peels off the Post-it strip and then sends the card to someone else next year. At corps level, especially larger ones with more than 100 regulars, if everyone sends cards to everyone else, 10,000 cards will be involved. So, everyone sends one card to the corps. They are all put on a table, and after the carol service everyone takes one card home as their greeting from the entire congregation, and no one needs to try to find room for another hundred cards at home.

If a fiver was donated with each card sent to ‘the corps’ there is potential to raise up to £500 for corps or other funds. It seems to fit well with the parable of the talents.Wesley Paxton,Annan

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SALVATIONIST 27 OCTOBER 2012 [email protected]

RESOURCE OFTHE WEEK

Kersten Rieder reviews the Adult and Family Ministries calendar for 2013

The latest Adult and Family Ministries calendar brings together a range of features that will not only inspire, but encourage various types of ministry in your place of service – corps, centre, care home, Lifehouse or at home.

As with many calendars, eye-catching examples of nature and landmarks make up the inspiring focal point. In particular, Cynthia Dalziel’s stunning cover shot of Sheffield Park Garden, East Sussex, provides a taste of the exquisite selection of pictures featured. The colourful display truly expresses the beauty of God’s creation and songs of inspiration come easily to mind as one marvels at these works of art.

Every photograph reflects an aspect of each month in a unique way. My personal favourite is October, as the crunchy leaves remind me of the Indian summers we often enjoy, which also signal the anticipation of Christmas!

Marvelling at God’s glory reflected in his beautiful design, we might also be inspired to visit the places featured. Photographers will certainly relish the selection in this calendar.

Crafted prayers from Major Val Mylechreest (THQ) frame each month as a reminder of how we can prepare our spiritual lives through moods, situations and circumstances as varied as the seasons. They not only stand as monthly reminders of God’s grace, but as daily ‘pick-me-ups’. As a resource for monthly prayer meetings, this works well as a guide to be developed and

used. If your preference is for prayer journaling, then this will serve as a good starting point.

This is where the calendar really shines – the Bible verses are as varied as the pictures and are particularly useful for personal reflection, as well as a resource for Bible readings at sectional rehearsals or corps planning meetings. Inspiration might even strike for those of us to whom sermon writing does not come easily! In everyday life, the featured texts might be used in personal Bible study, as a basis for encouraging others, or in the form of a note to a loved one – this feature can perhaps foster curiosity to read beyond the suggested verses.

The AFM calendar is a great resource for ministry. It is possible to sense God’s inspiration in the selection of verses. They add a new dimension to daily life. You never know what little gem each day may bring!

The calendar is, as the mission statement of the AFM unit suggests, aimed at ‘introducing people to Jesus’ and is definitely worth buying. You might even consider purchasing a copy for a friend or neighbour.

The Adult and Family Ministries calendar is available from SP&S priced £1.75 (plus £4.95 postage and packing); don’t miss out on the early bird discount of 15 per cent if the calendar is ordered in multiples of ten by 30 October

BIBLE VERSEGod saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

(Genesis 1:31 New International Version)

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Sheffield Park Garden, East Sussex. Picture: CYNTHIA DALZIEL

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