sunderland monkwearmouth...am almost tempted to tell you this edition of salvationist – for the...

PAGES 12 & 13

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Music celebrationSUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTHPAGE 4

Team trek to base camp of world’s highest mountainEVERESTPAGE 5

PLUS LOTS MORE!

PAPERS

2 26 November 2011 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 benhamgoodheadprint Limited, Bicester, Oxon. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2011. 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 ASSISTANT EDITOR Claire Anderson 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 John Matear EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven

CHRISTIANS SAY THAT THEY SUFFER THE MOST ABUSENearly three quarters of

Christians in Britain believe that

there is more discrimination

against their religion than other

faiths, according to a new

report…

The study into the

marginalisation of Christianity

found that secularism, Islam and

apathy were identified as the

greatest threats to the Christian

faith…

Peter Kerridge, of the Premier

Christian Trust [said]: ‘It seems

MPs are finally willing to hear the

Christian voice, which is being

increasingly marginalised in

British public life.’

The Times

SOMETHING TO GO ALONG HERE

War CryEst 1879 No 7041

THE yyyyyyyyyyINCORPORATING GOOD NEWS FOR THE WORLD20p/25c

salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry

26 November 2011

EYE SAY

SATIRICAL MAG REACHES 50

PA

Page 3

The purpose of satire is to tell the

truth smilingly

LOOKING FORWARD TO ‘HAPPY FEET TWO’

PART ONE OF KA! JAM’S NATIVITY STORY: GOOD AND FAITHFUL GOD

PUZZLES AND JOKES WITH GIGGLE IN THE MIDDLE

SPY CAM REMOTE CONTROL HELICOPTERS TO WIN

LOCAL BOOKSHOP SUPPORT[Many Christian bookshops] have closed recently and others are struggling to keep the light shining on the high street.

This is a tragedy in view of the attacks being made on the Christian faith from much of society…

If Christians think they are being wise with [their] money… by buying cheaper from non-Christian organisations… I think they are being very short-sighted.

If by buying from their local Christian bookshop they pay more then think of it as an investment in the work of God…Russell Ashley-Smith in a letter to The Baptist Times

FIFTY YEARS OF SATIRICAL MAGAZINE ‘PRIVATE EYE’

MUM TALKS ABOUT REGRET AND HOPE AFTER HER SON DIED OF AIDS

SECOND CHANCES IN BRAD PITT’S ‘MONEYBALL’

FOR SALE… HOUSE THAT INSPIRED ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

A manor house which inspired Britain’s favourite hymn is up for sale.Llanwenarth House in South Wales captured the heart of the woman

who wrote ‘All Things Bright And Beautiful’… during a stay at the Elizabethan manor in 1848…The poet was so overwhelmed by the scenery… that she penned the

verses that have been sung in churches and schools ever since.Daily Express

‘PEOPLE’S BIBLE’ MAKES ITS WAY TO THE ABBEYThe Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh

and the Prince of Wales led about

2,000 worshippers for a service

at Westminster Abbey… to mark

the 400th anniversary of the King

James Bible…

Early editions of the Bible were

presented at the altar…

Standing yards from the

Jerusalem Chamber where a group

of the original translators met, [the

Archbishop of Canterbury] said:

‘What is a good translation? Not

one that just allows me to say…

“Now I understand”… a good

translation will be an invitation

to read again, and to probe, and

reflect, and imagine with the text.’

The Times

COMMENT

[email protected] SALVATIONIST 26 November 2011 3

Let me count the ways

NEWSPages 4 – 9 KenyaEastAberdeenRegentHall SunderlandMonkwearmouthEverestIHQ SwindonCitadelCrowlandSouth-Western SouthseaLeigh-on-SeaBoothCentre PenarthMaestegHorshamTyGobaith MoretonGlasgowWestClydebankMotherwell NottinghamWilliamBoothMemorialHalls WorthingAltonSaleEdinburghCityBangor HastingsCitadelHadleighTemple SouthamptonSholingBirminghamCitadel CradleyHeathHorden

LETTERSPage 10

HOW GREAT THOU ART Words fail me Page 11

ALOVE FEATURE Youth rally hits the road Pages 12 & 13

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S CHAIR Keep it simple Page 14

BIBLE STUDYWaiting for Gideon Page 15

FEATURE Philately and faith Pages 16 & 17

NEW COMMITMENTSPage 18

ANNOUNCEMENTSArmy people, engagements and tributes Page 19

ADVERTSPages 20 – 23

‘The miracle and marvel of Immanuel – God with us – defy description. The hands of God that had tumbled solar systems into space became the small chubby hands of an infant. The feet of God that had roamed through fiery planets became the infant feet of a baby… For the first time on Planet Earth, there was heard the voice of God from human vocal cords.’

(Colonel Henry Gariepy OF)

I AM almost tempted to tell you this edition of Salvationist – for the first Sunday of Advent – came about more by chance than design.

I say ‘almost’ because I am not about to do anything of the sort. I don’t believe in chance any more than I believe in pixies and for me to even suggest that these 24 pages are anything less than the result of hard work and dedicated skill would be tantamount to inviting my hard-working and superbly skilled colleagues to hoist me up against a wall and take aim.

As that option holds little appeal, I’d better explain myself. Running through this week’s paper is a lovely thread showing God at work in a kaleidoscopic assortment of ways. None of us on the team engineered that

thread, yet it graces what we have compiled, almost of its own accord. My guess is, the Holy Spirit wanted it that way.

You can take your pick of articles and features representing God’s multi-faceted heart. For example, I warm to Major Noreen Batt’s attractive picture of a relaxed God. I am challenged by Major Catherine Wyles to seek out God’s worshipful splendour in art. David Miller reminds us that praise even emanates from the Post Office! The ALOVE team paint a word picture of a God who loves and champions young people in a day and age when many are marginalised. However we portray him, or view him, God is the same, but different.

Speaking of young people, a funny thing happened to me as I was driving to Govan Citadel one day. I stopped at a red light and a young man drew up alongside me with music blasting out of his car in a way that led me to believe he was interested in breaking the sound barrier. Each to their own is all well and good, but after a little while – I think the lights were stuck – I have to confess the beat was beating me into submission. What – in full uniform – was one to do?

I decided to share the blessing of Boscombe Songsters on CD and once I too had turned my car stereo up to full volume and opened my windows, I turned my face to his and beamed the beatific smile of those who know they are about God’s will.

It might be heavy rock for some and a songster piece for others. One will gaze in adoration while another carefully discovers God in Scripture. That, essentially, is what Advent is all about – each of us, in our own way, approaching God as he, in Christ, approaches us. One Army. One mission. One message.

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

Original front-page picture PIOTR BIZIOR (www.bizior.com)

4 26 November 2011 SALVATIONIST

NEWS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Day to mark importance of King James BibleRegent HallCOMMISSIONERS Norman and Marian Howe led the corps in a Sunday set aside to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible (KJV).

Both meetings began with a short, and at times humorous, historical introduction by Commissioner Norman Howe, which emphasised the impor-tance and significance of the KJV.

Young and old were included in this special day, with one

highlight being a story from Grandma told by Meg Gale to an entranced group of under-fives who had just participated in the afternoon meeting by singing ‘Give Me Oil In My Lamp’.

Corps members had been asked to bring Bibles for display. Many did so and were happy to relate the stories behind them. The congregation contributed significant Bible verses into a living Bible. The commissioners pledged to pray for each contrib-utor.

Carefully chosen items by the corps sections and readings from the KJV served to enhance the commissioners’ underlying theme of the day, which was The Importance Of The Centrality Of The Indwelling Word. – R. B.

Musicians experience band campKenya EastFORTY-FIVE delegates attended a three-day band camp held at Mombasa Central Corps led by John Vincent (Hendon) and supported by the Les Condon Trust. It was the first time that many of the musicians had experienced anything like it.

Divisional leaders Majors Gideon and Lucy Nako (Coast) opened the camp and corps officer Major Reuben Makanga led daily Bible study and prayers.

The delegates studied recently published music as well as Army classics. During Sunday worship the band played ‘Oh! Oh! Oh! How Good Is The Lord’ and ‘Cornerstone’. – J. V.

Music celebrationSunderland MonkwearmouthA DAY of musical celebra-tion featured cornetist Roger Webster and tenor soloist Andy Ward.

In the afternoon Roger led a brass workshop. His knowledge, ability and enthusiasm were evident. Many felt encouraged to improve their playing stan-dards and took the opportunity to speak to Roger following a buffet.

A capacity audience gathered for a festival with guests Sir Peter Vardy and Lady Vardy, Dawn Day (Sunderland AFC Foundation), Lieut-Colonels Melvin and Suzanne Fincham (London Central) and Clarence Adoo. The evening began with a fanfare by the band, ‘St Francis’. Lieut-Colonel Melvin Fincham dedicated to God new music

equipment for the sections and Sir Peter presented Bandmaster Nicholas Hall with a set of batons and compèred the rest of the programme.

Solo contributions by Roger included ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus’ and ‘Hungarian Melodies’. Andy Ward, accompanied by Karen Snead, sang ‘Will Your Anchor Hold’ and ‘We Are The Reason’.

A moving highlight of the evening was a conversation between Lieut-Colonel Melvin Fincham and Clarence, who spoke with humility about God’s plan for him; £3,600 was donated to the Clarence Adoo Trust.

Lieut-Colonel Suzanne Fincham led a time of reflection after which the songsters sang ‘I Am’. The band contributed ‘Celebration’ and concluded the programme with ‘God Be With You’. – R. P.

CORPS PRESS REPRESENTATIVES are reminded to send reports to [email protected]– to arrive no later than ten days after the event. Reports can also be sent by post to Salvationist, The Salvation Army, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN.

Clarence Adoo is flanked by (from front left) Lieut-Colonel Suzanne Fincham, Karen Snead, Roger Webster, Andy Ward, Bandmaster Nick Hall, Lieut-Colonel Melvin Fincham, Sir Peter Vardy, Dawn Day and Lady Vardy; (back left) Bandsman Gordon Quinn

Salvation Army airport chaplains attending the International Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains’ Conference in Aberdeen are (front) Major Alive Snell (Birmingham) and Major Betty Ackroyd (Heathrow) and (back) Major Winton Knop (Melbourne, Australia), Major Bryan Snell (Birmingham), Lieut-Colonel Stephen Pallant (Gatwick) and Major Melvyn Ackroyd (Heathrow)

SALVATIONIST 26 November 2011 5

NEWS

[email protected]

International gathering strengthens Salvation Army programmesIHQTHE Salvation Army’s Inter-national Programme Resources Consultancy Group, involving representatives from nine coun-tries and International Head-quarters (IHQ), convened in London from 31 October to 4 November.

Discussion centred on the challenges and opportuni-ties relating to the group’s worldwide ministry involving development projects, child sponsorship, disaster relief and recovery, health, education, social justice and communica-tions.

Consultancy group members presented an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, oppor-tunities and threats (SWOT) concerning their section or department. The SWOT analy-sis submissions highlighted patterns of shared challenges and also revealed opportunities for departments to assist one another in solving difficult situ-ations.

Other sessions focused on organisational capacity building, positional statements on interna-tional development, a theologi-cal framework for development, the role of the Army’s Interna-tional Social Justice Commis-sion at the United Nations and community disaster prepared-ness.

The International Secretary for Programme Resources, Commissioner Gerrit Marseille, said: ‘It was a worthwhile time spent together reflecting not only on our shared goals and mission objectives, but also on the challenges that a global mission faces today. As we are partners in mission we need to keep exploring the ways in which we can better co-ordinate our efforts.’ – L. R.

Team trek to base camp of world’s highest mountainEverestAFTER eight days of trekking for up to ten hours a day, the nine members of The Salva-tion Army’s Everest Challenge reached Everest Base Camp. Team chaplain Captain Jonny Smith (Southwark) unfurled an Army flag, as did Chris Neilson, who had taken his grandparents’ Dauntless Evangelists (1938-1939) sessional flag for the purpose.

It had been a strenuous eight days, with many team members suffering altitude sickness and mental stress, but all that was forgotten as they stood amazed in God’s presence.

The team flew from Kath-mandu, Nepal, to Tenzing-Hillary Airport (Lukla). There, Jonny, Chris, Jenni Davies, Tim White, Hengi Bayat, Justin Reeves, Rob Harvey and Fleur and John Bragaglia met their Sherpa guides – Sudahn, Pumpar and Ramessh. They were also supported by their tour guide, Becki Day, of the tour organiser Different Travel.

Fleur wrote: ‘The scenery of the trek was breathtak-ing, at times much like Wales, but as we got higher the wildlife ceased and the terrain became harsh and dusty. Much of the landscape was grey and unforgiving but the sky never lost its iridescent blue and, with that, we never forgot how close we were to God. We prayed every evening, and every morning we would find our requests answered. Knee pain was healed, head-aches gone, loneliness turned to joy.’

Hengi Bayat, who is Funding Development Manager at THQ, brought the trip to life in the memory of her brother Shahin, who had wanted to do a trek of this kind. A fitting memorial of stones was built for him on the highest mountain in the world, in company with many other memorials.

Hengi said: ‘Nine brave souls had the courage to make a differ-ence to the lives of others, no matter how hard it got.’

The trek, which took 13 days in all, is expected to raise more than £30,000 for The Salvation Army.

Pictured are John, Rob, Fleur, Chris, Ramesh, Jonny, Hengi, Justin, Tim, Jenni, Pumbar and Becki. – A. R.

Bandmaster Sidney Whiting (Crowland) celebrates 70 years as corps bandmaster; corps leader Territorial Envoy Fiona While presented him with a long-service certificate in a celebratory meeting

Young people celebrateSwindon CitadelTHIRTEEN years after their last visit, Droitwich Spa Young People’s Band and Singing Company returned to share in YP annual celebrations.

During the Saturday evening programme, the band played ‘Great Big God’ and ‘Above All’ and the singing company sang ‘Feel Good’ and ‘Colours Of His Love’. Making her debut as a vocal soloist, Molly Park sang ‘Nothing But Thy Blood’ and Tom Farmer featured in piano and trombone solos. There were also drama, dance and trimbrel items.

Captain Jenny Forman (Droitwich Spa) led the Sunday morning meeting. – K. S.


NEWS


Glasgow West hosted a quiz night during Campaign Week. The DHQ team – Francis Aitken, Susan Burns, Major Carole Harries, Noreen Jennings, Sandra MacDonald and (not pictured) Divisional Commander Major Russell Wyles – receive the winners’ trophy

Focusing on prayer, people from Moreton Outreach Centre attend their first spiritual retreat day at Foxhills Spiritual Retreat Centre, Frodsham; Captains Dawn and Gary Lacey (Sacriston), who are mission partners in the Territorial Prayer Network, led the day

Leigh-on-Sea: As an alterna-tive to Hallowe’en, the corps held a Light Fantastic Party. Activities included games, crafts, Bible stories, drama and juggling. – P. J.

Booth Centre: SAY members at Southampton Shirley arranged a quiz and pizza night at the city’s Lifehouse to coincide with Campaign Week. They were encouraged by the number of residents who attended. – J. W.

Penarth: Majors Alan and Barbara Lyne led 129th corps anniversary celebrations. On the Saturday evening the corps held Penarth’s Got Talent, featuring instrumental and vocal solos and an item from the lunch club helpers. – D. M.

Maesteg: Corps folk were encouraged to share their God-given talents when the evening meeting took the theme Chris-tians Got Talent. Items included music, songs, story-telling and ballet. – J. P.

Horsham: On Remembrance Sunday the capacity congrega-tion reflected on dedication. In powerful moments, people thanked God for freedom and victory. – I. W.

Ty Gobaith: The Lifehouse hosted a joint Remembrance Day service with Crichton House Outreach Services and Northlands Lifehouse as part of Campaign Week in Cardiff; members of the Royal British Legion supported the event. – D. E.

Youth band at vigilSouth-WesternMEMBERS of South-Western Divisional Youth Band partici-pated in a vigil organised by the churches for people affected by the M5 tragedy at Taunton. The event, which was co-ordinated by the town’s Street Pastors, took place in a retail park adja-cent to the motorway exactly a week after the accident.

During the brief time of reflection, attended by many of those who had worked at the scene or at nearby hospitals, prayers were said for the bereaved and those still recover-ing from their injuries. The band accompanied hymns before observing a period of silence after which floral tributes were laid in memory of those who had died. – A. P-S.

Fraser, councillors and repre-sentatives of many service and voluntary organisations.

Corps officer Major Mary Wolfe received the seven colours and standards. The Lord Mayor read Psalm 23, after which Major Wolfe spoke on the sacrifice of Jesus and of lives in war, before leading the remembrance ceremony. The evening concluded with refreshments and fellowship. – T. M.

Many meet to rememberSouthseaA LARGE congregation attended the annual Service of Remembrance in the pres-ence of the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth (Councillor Cheryl Buggy), Consort Andrew


NEWS

[email protected]

Band provides stunning programmeNottingham William Booth Memorial HallsHAMMONDS Saltaire Band provided a stunning programme for the tenth Friends of the Band Concert.

The evening started with ‘Strike Up The Band’ and included many different styles of music, from blockbuster films and classics to Salvation Army favourites, ‘The Call Of The Righteous’ and ‘In Perfect Peace’.

Bandmaster Paul Cuthbert is pictured with some of the guests including Music Director Morgan Griffiths and soloists Helen Varley (tenor horn), Matthew Allsop (euphonium), Jamie Smith (cornet) and Mark Ayres (trombone).

Clydebank: Scotland Fellow -ship Band provided music for every taste when it visited the corps on the Saturday evening of remembrance weekend. The programme, which included vocal and instrumental solos and testimony, supported the rehabilitation of injured service personnel at Erskine Hospi-tal. Corps officer Major Chris Connelly led Sunday’s civic remembrance service and the corps band participated in the march. – C. M.

Motherwell: West Scot-land Divisional Youth Chorus presented a programme which included testimony and a dance. Major Catherine Wyles (DHQ) gave the message. – J. R.

Worthing Band takes part in the town’s civic Remembrance Day service; carrying the wreath is 85-year-old Band Reservist Lawrie South. During the Second World War he was a parachutist with the 1st Airborne Division, which took part in the liberation of Norway in May 1945 under the code name Apostle

Ancora in concertAltonANCORA, a female-voice ensemble conducted by Mac Newton, presented one of the corps Sunday afternoon Music for Pleasure concerts. Their pro -gramme ranged from a cappella folk songs to Brahms, English madrigals and Latin standards.

Tenor Steve Chaytow (pictured, far right) also took part, singing bel canto arias by Leoncavallo and the patter song from Iolanthe.

People who do not usually go to the Army are enjoying the concert series. – T. U.


NEWS


Corps celebrates relocation with reunionSaleLIEUT-COLONELS Brad and Heidi Bailey (IHQ) were the guests for a corps reunion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its relocation from inner-city Manchester.

Sue Blyth (Gainsborough), a former songster leader at the corps, was the guest vocal soloist. A reunion band and songsters were formed and took part in the Saturday evening festival, which finished with a brilliant firework display.

The colonels led Sunday worship and, after the praise meeting, joined the corps folk for refreshments and cut the cele -bration cake (pictured). – E. Y.

Army hosts Rotary Club centenary festivalRegent HallTHE corps hosted the Rotary Club of London’s centenary Festival of Thanksgiving. The Inter-national Staff Songsters and Enfield Band took part and items included Ray Steadman-Allen’s

march ‘Service Above Self’, which is the motto of Rotary.

Club administrator Lieut-Colonel Cyril Halstead arranged the festival and compèred the programme.

Past president of the club Commissioner Arthur Thompson spoke a prayer of thanksgiving, bring-ing into focus the many links between the Army and Rotary International. – A. T.

Picture: B

arry Lategan

Valued ministryBangorDERICK KANE (Music Minis-tries Unit, THQ) was guest leader for band weekend. He led two workshops on the Saturday, speaking about the importance of music ministry within the Army and the Kingdom of God. In the Sunday afternoon festival, Derick presented various solos and played the euphonium duet ‘Timepiece’ with Retired Band-master Keith Hillier. The band also played Erik Silfverberg’s ‘A Celtic Blessing’. – D. G.

Hastings Citadel: Majors Gareth and Susan Heward (DHQ) led 141st corps anniver -sary meetings. Celebrations commenced with a Saturday evening meal and social. – B. N.

Hall filled for remembrance serviceHadleigh TempleFOUR HUNDRED people filled the hall for the sixth annual Festival of Remembrance, which commenced with RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band marching in to ‘The RAF March Past’, played by the corps band.

The bands presented indi -vidual and joint contributions and the guest band provided a number of soloists. The songsters and timbrel group also took part. Corps officer Major David Woodman led the service of remembrance. – B. N.

Family of God embraces allSouthampton SholingCOMMISSIONERS Robert and Janet Street (IHQ) led a spiritual weekend based on the theme of their book From Generation To Generation – The All-Embracing Family Of God.

Corps folk shared food, fun and fellowship on the Friday and then spent three sessions on Saturday discussing various aspects of the subject. The commissioners continued to explore the theme during Sunday worship, concluding with thoughts about maturity and the value of experience and stability. – B. E.

At Edinburgh City, Cathie Paterson, 80, receives recognition as she retires after selling ‘The War Cry’ for many years outside Jenner’s department store in Princes Street; she is pictured with corps officer Major Alison McCaffrey


NEWS

[email protected]

Congregation doubles for talent nightBirmingham CitadelTHE congregation almost doubled for the corps talent night, with some of the univer-sity students who had been entertained to lunch remaining for the meeting. The Zimba-bwean corps members (pictured) had everyone dancing in the aisles with ‘Ngatimukudzei Mwari’ (‘Let Us Praise God’) and the songsters sang ‘All That I Am’. – F. C. Corps folk from Swindon Citadel staff a car boot sale stall, raising £111 for their building fund

Manager leads Community Sunday meetingsSouthseaCOMMUNITY Manager Melvyn Thomas led Community Sunday meetings, giving an insight into the diverse activities of the Lighthouse Community Centre.

Activities at the centre, which has 60 volunteers and staff, include a café, a shop and an after-school club with 64 chil-dren on the register. In the evening meeting many volun-teers contributed by choosing their favourite hymns.

Melvyn (front centre) is pic tured with a representative group of volunteers and staff. – T. M.

Horden: Two seekers knelt at the mercy seat when divi-sional leaders Majors Darrell and Katrina Thomas visited the corps for the monthly Sunday family meeting. Corps folk were pleased to show the majors their refurbished and redecorated premises. – M. S.

At Cradley Heath, members of the newly formed children’s choir occupy the songsters’ seats as they prepare to sing for the first time in public


LETTERS


Is handcrafted commission unique?THE family are grateful for the kind remarks contained in Peter Askham’s letter (Salvationist 5 November) about Clifford McTighe.

Readers may be interested in the following extract from Colonel Brindley Boon’s book Play The Music, Play!

The colonel writes: ‘It was British bandsman, Clifford McTighe, of Hucknall, serving with the Royal Navy, who inspired the formation of a band at the King’s Park Children’s Home, Hong Kong. Seeing the great need for instruments, he wrote to his home corps, explaining the position. Soon nine instruments were on the way with a promise for more to follow. McTighe was appointed band instructor and continued to give valued service while serving in the Crown Colony.’

We also have a copy of the photograph shown in the article by Peter, but we can go one better!

We have the hand-crafted original commission (above), dated 1 December 1949, issued to Clifford as instructor, written in English and Chinese and signed by Peter’s father as home manager – possibly in its style a unique document.Michael Brice,Leicester

Do you remember my

mother?I AM so grateful to you for publishing something of my mother’s story in your Remembrance Day feature (Salvationist 12 November). Thank you very much.

You were kind enough to mention the postcard my mother sent to her aunt, so I thought your readers might like to see the accompanying picture of the card in question. This is now something of a family treasure, the like of which many families will possess as keepsakes from those dramatic times of war.

The photograph above is of my mother taken, I believe, when she was serving in France during the Second World War. I would dearly love to hear from anyone, via the Editor, who may remember Lieutenant Elizabeth Wray (second from right).Sandra Taylor,Sheffield

Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email [email protected]

Dramatic successI AM writing in response to the article ‘Acting up’ (Salvationist 29 October) featuring Claire Brine and Keith Turton.

Recently Claire and Keith brought their ‘show’ to Chalk Farm and it was an excellent afternoon. Not only was their acting first class, but also the message and challenge contained within their material was excellent. I would strongly urge other corps to use this wonderful resource as it could fit in to so many situations.

Drama is sometimes overlooked as a vehicle for the gospel but it appears that the combined talents of Claire and Keith can deliver the message in an inspiring way.Ian Standley,Lieutenant,Hampstead

Don’t miss these God- inspired musicians

I RECENTLY attended a slick and professional multimedia stage show by Karl and Alvin Allison featuring numbers from their new CD, Songs That No One Taught Us. It was a great experience with a challenging message, but the turnout was, sadly, disappointing.

I accept Salvation Army music is band and songster led, with an increasing number of ‘worship groups’. And no one will argue Karl and Alvin fit into any of these. They are, in many ways, unique when it comes to ‘Army’ music. But that doesn’t make their music or ministry any less valid. They are committed Christians with a God-given message to pass on in words that Salvationists will immediately relate to.

As for the music, while it may not be what most congregations hear on a Sunday, I would argue that, for many people, it is the music they listen to Monday to Saturday – more Radio 2 than Radio 1 and most definitely God inspired and blessed.Shaun Skinner,Major,Hereford

HOW GREAT THOU ART

ONE look is worth a thousand words,’ wrote US publicist Frank R. Barnard in the advertising trade journal

Printers’ Ink in 1921. A few years later he wrote: ‘One picture is worth ten thousand words.’

The sentiment behind these statements points to the fact that very often a picture can ‘speak’ to some people in a way that words sometimes fail to do. An illustration can convey a meaning that might be lost to mere vocabulary.

We know that people respond to music, art and picturesque scenes of nature in different ways. What appeals to some may not make much of an impact on others. Speaking personally, I find I need pictures to help me understand and grasp concepts. This is how I am ‘wired’. I will, for example, often choose a book because of its cover. That is what first appeals to me. If there are no illustrations then I really struggle to connect with the written word. However, a picture can hold my attention for hours and spark my imagination.

PICTURE THIS!This way of, quite literally, looking at things is, of course, subjective. I find it immensely helpful if images are on display during, say, the performance of a lengthy piece of music. These can help me to ‘see’ what a composer is trying to convey. The alternative is for me to invent dance moves and routines in my head! The clever, sensitive use of appropriate scenes as a backdrop can really enhance a musical presentation.

In the early days of The Salvation Army, art was sometimes used as a teaching aid, bearing in mind many converts in those days would have been illiterate. The Founder’s

Darkest England book includes a beautifully detailed representation of William Booth’s strategy for reform. The artwork points the way to a better way of life for those who can’t make sense of the words. This practical example was not only an excellent means of communication but also it created an image that stuck in the mind. Booth communicated complex ideas through the skill of a gifted illustrator.

ART FOR SOUL’S SAKEPossibly, within our Movement, the focus on music over the years has inadvertently stifled the use of visual aids in meetings and gatherings. Nevertheless, there are many who enjoy expressing their faith through the visual medium. When so many corps are now hosting art classes in their halls, would it not make perfect sense to encourage corps members to explore this means of personal expression? How about illustrated sermons?

An art competition was held at an adult and family ministry rally in North Scotland; entrants were invited to produce a work of art based upon a psalm. First prize was a book entitled Christianity Through Art. The winner – a member of a council-run art group hosted by Aberdeen Citadel – was delighted to receive the prize. What a lovely way of communicating gospel truths!

Maybe we can consider afresh the active promotion of visual arts as an expression of worship? After all, the object of Salvation Army worship, according to the very first words of Scripture, is the greatest artist of all – ‘In the beginning God created’ (Genesis 1:1 New International Version).

Major Wyles is Divisional Director for Women’s Ministries, West Scotland Division

Words fail meMajor Catherine Wyles explores insights into God through art

SALVATIONIST 26 November 2011 [email protected]

Picture entitled ‘Salvation’ by Major Catherine Wyles. It hangs in Aberdeen Citadel in memory of Colonel Bo Brekke

‘An illustration can convey a meaning that might be lost

to mere vocabulary’

‘

AS I write, ALOVE has completed four out of five Youth Rally On Tour events. The tour has given team members the opportunity to travel around the territory, taking the same event to many regions in a move to try something different

to the previous stand-alone territorial events. Already we have spent time with more than 800 young people – with one more event to go!

It has been a privilege to be part of the tour and, along the way, to meet so many passionate young people and leaders. The practicalities of touring make it exhausting, but every moment has been worthwhile when meeting with young people who might otherwise not have travelled to a national event.

We explored what it means to worship and looked at the many different ways in which we can worship. It has been wonderful to see the interaction and response of the young people as they have embraced these ideas.

And now we move on! The youth rally will continue, but with a different format and programme. As a team we believe wholeheartedly in Roots and are passionate about being an integral part of the conference. Youth Rally On Tour will feature at Roots for the next two years, giving ALOVE the opportunity to provide regional events for young people. We are excited about what God will do through the youth rallies in 2012 and 2013! Keep an eye on our website (salvationarmy.org.uk/alove) for further details. But, for now, the team offers you a flavour

of Youth Rally On Tour from those who have been involved or who attended. We hope this provides a small taste of the excitement from autumn!

DIVISIONAL YOUTH OFFICER CAPTAIN HELEN SCHOFIELD, SOUTH-WESTERNFROM the start of our event at Bristol Citadel there was an air of anticipation about what God would do throughout the day – and we were not disappointed!

In the first session the young people were invited to worship God in many different ways. They had the opportunity to go to five zones – Music, Art, The Word, Silence and Social Action – and discover the importance of worshipping God with their whole life. It was great to see how the young people engaged in each of these areas.

The second session, a time of united worship, used different forms of music and the spoken word. The young people were again challenged to ‘get back to the heart of worship’ and responded enthusiastically to the challenge. Many moved forward to the front of the hall to express their desire to worship God with the whole of their life.

SIMON SCOTT SHARES HIGHLIGHTS

FROM YOUTH RALLY ON TOUR AND

OUTLINES FUTURE PLANS

wholeheartedly in Roots and are passionate about being an integral part of the conference. Youth Rally On Tour will feature at Roots for h i i ALOVE h i id i l

enthusiastically to the challenge. Many moved forward to the front of the hall to express their desire to worship God with the

h l f h i lifthe next two years, giving ALOVE the opportunity to provide regional events for young people. We are excited about what God will do through the youth rallies in 2012 and 2013! Keep an eye on our website (salvationarmy.org.uk/alove) for further details. But, fornow, the team offers you a flavour

whole of their life.

2

1

ALOVE FEATURE

NICK OLIVER, WICKFORDI THOUGHT it was amazing how the Tonbridge venue was set up; the music was really good, with the band, and I liked that we were able to go to different workshops. I went to the music workshop, which was really good. I liked how the leaders spoke to us and how we were able to chat in groups. The DJ was really cool too!

I visited the Social Action zone as well, gathering up the leaflets and listening to all of the information I was offered. My favourite part of the day was the last session and seeing friends from my own division as well as from other divisions – this made it an amazing day!

DAWN WILLIAMS, ENFIELDI BELIEVE it is very important for young Christians to meet and to share time together. During the two sessions at Youth Rally On Tour at Tonbridge we were reminded of the impact that The Salvation Army can have in people’s lives spiritually and through our actions and the way we care for other people. We were reminded that God is not picky about the way we worship as long as we do everything wholeheartedly!

DIVISIONAL YOUTH OFFICER RYAN WILEMAN, YORKSHIRETHE best way of describing Youth Rally On Tour 2011 is ‘a gift’. To have such a high-quality event come to us – at Sheffield Citadel – was a real bonus. Especially as we, as DYOs, didn’t really have to do anything to organise it!

Coming so soon off the back of summer school, it also gave the young people a great opportunity to catch up with friends from other corps and to make new friends from the other two divisions that attended.

The different worship zones in the afternoon were well thought through and allowed the young people to experience and hear from God in the way that best suited their learning style. A number of young people and their leaders commented on how much they had appreciated the space to just sit and reflect upon what God

was saying to them.

The evening session was a real celebration of what God was doing in the lives of the young people. The sung worship was spine-tingling, especially when the worship band, DJ and sign linguists combined to create a special atmosphere.

The teaching from Majors Mark and Andrea Sawyer was extremely thought-provoking and clearly spoke to the young people, who responded in droves at the end of the session.

More ‘gifts’ like this would be greatly appreciated!

ELLIE TEE, ESSENTIAL1 GAP YEAR STUDENT, OPENSHAW OUTREACH CENTRETHE Youth Rally On Tour experience has been a beneficial one. I have been inspired and challenged and learnt a lot from it.

This time last year I was one of the young people who would have attended these youth events but now, being on ALOVE’s Essential programme, things have changed a great deal for me. Instead of being a delegate, I have been on the event team, and that has had a profound effect on me, realising all the preparation that goes into such an event.

I have also been inspired by the young people who turned up to worship God! They all took part in everything with so much enthusiasm. I felt they wanted to worship and share God’s news with their family and friends; events like Youth Rally On Tour can give them the inspiration to go out and do just that, knowing God is by their side. I am thankful to God for letting us all be a part of it!

DAVE COTTERILL, NEW ADDINGTONIT has been a great privilege to be involved with Youth Rally On Tour as worship band leader. At all of the venues I have been encouraged by the young people’s enthusiasm and more so by their willingness and openness to share about their faith, Christian journey and opinions.

As a band, we have been blessed to lead worship for young Christians who have a passion for God and their communities. As we wrap the tour up we can rest assured that the present and future of The Salvation Army is bright.

Simon is ALOVE’s Events

Co-ordinator, THQ

ALO

NICK OLIVEI THOUGHT the music waable to go towhich was rehow we were

I visited theand listeningpart of the daown divisionamazing day

DAWN WILI BELIEVE it to share time

of young people and their leaders commented on how much they had appreciated the space to just sit and reflect upon what God

i h

Christians who have a passion for God and their communities. As wewrap the tour up we can rest assured that the present and future of Th S l i A i b i hwas saying to them. The Salvation Army is bright.

Simon is ALOVE’sEvents

Co-ordinator, THQ

1. Majors Mark and Andrea Sawyer head up Youth Rally On Tour; 2. DJ Doug Ross leads worship;3. Youth Rally On Tour’s worship band; 4. The Sawyers chat during the rally

32


4


FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S CHAIR

IN 1887 The War Cry published an editorial entitled ‘Wastepaper Basket’. The subheadings were: ‘How to get your manuscript put into it’ and ‘How

to get your manuscript kept out of it’.Basically, it was a tongue-in-cheek

piece about how to write for Salvation Army publications. To make sure your submission goes straight in the bin, the author advised: ‘Write all about nothing in particular and spin it out as long as you can… Always say your corps is going up, but omit to give evidence that it is really doing so.’ To be published, on the other hand, correspondents were encouraged to: ‘Write. Write thoughtfully… Say something about your corps that no one else is likely to be able to say of theirs.’

It seems the Editor was having to wade through mounds of reports that had plenty of words but little substance. Whether it’s writing a news piece, preaching a sermon or giving a testimony, it can be tempting to use more words than necessary to get our message across, or to use fancy language when simple thoughts will do.

At the training college I was taught that if the point of a sermon can’t be expressed in a few words, both preacher and listeners are in trouble.

Yet when I look back over some of the sermons I have given I cringe. Page after page of notes; either too many thoughts packed into one message or too many words complicating something that should be straightforward.

For four years my husband and I ran a corps for Russian migrants in

Melbourne, Australia. Everything had to be translated: songs, Scripture readings, announcements. As for sermons, they could be only half the normal length because our interpreter needed time to explain the message.

This was a challenge! First, I had to choose my words carefully and speak in concise sentences. Illustrations had to be well thought out and I had to avoid colloquialisms that could be lost in translation. Secondly, I had to explain theology I hadn’t always thought critically about. Declaring that ‘Jesus

died to save me’ was one thing, but explaining how this worked out in day-to-day life was another. I had to relegate woolly thinking to the mental wastepaper basket and find a simple way to say exactly what I believed and why. As Albert Einstein said: ‘If you can’t explain something simply, you don’t understand it well enough.’

Some of the Old Testament writers are refreshingly succinct. Think of the psalmist: ‘When I am afraid, I put my trust in you’ (56:3); ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands’ (19:1); ‘You have searched me, Lord, and you know me’ (139:1). Then there’s the prophet Habbakuk, living in a violent, insecure world, who wants to know where God is and what he’s doing: ‘How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?’ (1:2). Then, when he has learnt something of what it means to trust, he says: ‘Though the fig-tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines... yet I will rejoice in the Lord’ (3:17,18). No pious language here, just honest thoughts, plainly expressed.

When it came to using words wisely, Jesus was the master. He didn’t use theological jargon but talked about everyday things – coins, sheep, flowers, seeds, birds. His stories got straight to the point and his instructions were direct. When teaching his followers about prayer he said: ‘Do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words’ (Matthew 6:7). And when asked what the greatest commandment was, he replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ (Matthew 22:37).

Earlier this year Dane Ortlund, a senior editor at Crossway books in Illinois, USA, challenged various scholars and pastors to summarise the message of the Bible in a single sentence. Some obviously found this easier than others, with one giving a 135-word response! The shortest submission, however, was just four words: ‘The Word became flesh.’ At the start of the Advent season, that will do me.

Need to write a report, prepare a sermon or give your testimony this Christmas? Keep it simple! I think the 1887 War Cry Editor would agree.

Major Ruthven is Editor-in-Chief and Publishing Secretary

Keep it simpleMajor Leanne Ruthven encourages writers and public speakers to realise less is more


‘When it came to using words wisely, Jesus

was the master’

BIBLE STUDY

DON’T you just love it? The nation has been in crisis for seven years and the angel of the Lord – God’s own messenger – is

sitting around under an oak tree holding an improbable conversation with the least likely of men! What is God thinking!

God is thinking what he is always thinking – he is planning the way of salvation for his errant people, but in his own time and in his own way.

His children have disobeyed him yet again (vv1 and 10); the nation is falling apart because of the attacks of the enemy (vv2–6); the ordinary person lives in constant fear of attack (v11) – yet God, in the form of his angel, sits in the shade of a tree.

If you were to send an angel to commission a warrior to fight against an enemy, what kind of encounter would you envisage? A towering figure, emblazoned in glory, armed with a sword of light, impossible to refuse, standing before a bold warrior, armed and ready for the fray? Not in God’s book. Instead, an angel sitting beneath a tree simply declares to a self-confessed coward hiding in a winepress: ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior’ (v12

all quotations from New International Version).

The not-so-mighty-warrior is not so keen to hear the declaration. Indeed, he tries to turn the tables on God himself; not the brightest of ideas.

The question, ‘If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?’ (v13) echoes in many a life. When everything

is falling apart, nationally or personally, we agonisingly wonder where God is, why things have happened and who can hold everything together.

Gideon wants to rest on what he knows of God’s wonders in the past, but can see only what is happening in the present and tries to manage his fears for the future. He is correct in thinking God has placed his people into the hands of Midian, but he is not right to think God has abandoned them (v13).

The Lord is with Gideon. He may be

sitting down, but he is not in a state of inertia. He is promising to remain with Gideon as he exercises the little strength he has (v14).

Gideon, however, has not finished pleading his uselessness! God’s assurance that Gideon has got what it takes because he has him at his side is not assurance enough (v15). Once again, Gideon hears what we all need to hear but find hard to believe – that God, who is so at ease with himself that he can ‘sit’ at a time of crisis, is with us and will help us overcome our enemies (v16).

God knows the enemy by name. He knows the specific temptations that can wipe us out if we give in to them. He knows the details of the difficulties that threaten to overwhelm us – mentally, physically and spiritually – to the point of death. Knowing all this, God declares that we have it within us, by his indwelling presence, to strike all our inner enemies down.

The not-so-brave warrior is beginning to find a courage he did not know he possessed. He is not quite ready to say ‘yes’ but he is wavering. He finds the boldness to ask God a favour: ‘Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering’ (v18). Gideon needs to know what we all need to know: that our offering to God is acceptable; that we have understood things correctly; that the tiny moment of believing God can do mighty things with the little we are about to give him is not a lie.

Gideon asks God to wait while he gets his offering ready.

And God does wait, still sitting under the oak tree (vv18 and19). Then God does a mighty thing: he accepts Gideon’s offering. He not only accepts it, he consumes it with fire; he engulfs it with

himself. Then, in the fearful revelation, he hides himself once more (vv20–22).

Gideon marks that moment of seeing and beginning to believe (vv23 and 24). He makes an altar of the ‘thin place’ – as George MacLeod describes it – between Heaven and earth where the Almighty waited and this ‘mighty warrior-to-be’ began to discover shalom, the deep peace of God.

Don’t you just love it?

Major Batt is corps officer, Croydon

Waiting for GideonWhere is God when we struggle to hold it all together? asks Major Noreen Batt

STUDY PASSAGE JUDGES 6:1–24


‘God is... planning the way of salvation for his

errant people... in his own time and in his own way’


for £1,500 – a pretty good return for an investment of just under the original cost price of 7p! I often wonder why, in my 45 years of philatelic interest and stamp collecting, I have never been fortunate enough to buy such an item from the Post Office! Yet another Christmas stamp ‘first’ occurred in 1976 when the Royal Mail issued a set of four Postal Headquarters postcards for a Christmas issue showing reproductions of the actual stamps. These postcards are particularly sought after when bearing the stamp featured and cancelled with a first day of issue postmark.

The designs for this quartet were taken from English medieval embroidery panels dating from c1272 to c1340 and were issued on 24 November 1976.

Some Christmas first-day covers were produced to commemorate specific Salvation Army events and celebrations. The centenary of The War Cry was commemorated by the issue of a first-day cover (see picture 5) for the 1979 Christmas stamps produced by Historic Relics of Balham, London. This cover uses a specially commissioned pictorial postmark and is now quite rare, with prices up to the £50 mark being asked for a good quality copy.

As far as I am aware this was the first

time that a Christmas first-day cover was issued in commemoration of a Salvation Army event.

The 1980 Christmas first-day cover was produced to commemorate the opening of the Salvation Army Mount Cross Family Centre in Bramley, Leeds, by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of the county of West Yorkshire, Sir William Bulmer. It was again produced by Historic Relics with a specially commissioned pictorial postmark. This was issued on 19 November 1980.

The ‘Leicester Region’ of The Salvation Army commissioned a special pictorial first-day of issue postmark for a 1982 Christmas set, featuring the Army crest (pictured). I have seen the postmark on several differently illustrated covers, so it appears it was not exclusive and was probably in use for all covers postmarked at Leicester Post Office. It was issued on 17 November 1982. The 1992 first-day cover is somewhat unusual. The centenary of The Salvation Army India South Eastern Territory is commemorated, having been produced by SA Covers of Hayes, Middlesex, and issued on 10 November 1992. It is interesting to note that Christmas stamps do seem to be issued earlier each year.

In recent years Christmas stamps have been produced in the smaller definitive size and have perhaps lost much of their impact because of this. Illustrated (picture 6) is the miniature sheet for the 2011 set which tells the Christmas story, complete with Bible references. Given some of the choices for Christmas stamp design of latter years, this is a welcome reversion to the true message of Christmas.

From a collector’s point of view, though, it is a rather expensive set. With seven values, the retail price of the total set is almost £6 – a far cry from the face value of the first Christmas set, which was less than 9p! There were, of course, a great many more Christmas stamps issued by Royal Mail, some good, some not so good and some – in my opinion – simply awful!

If you would like any more information, or if you have some information for me, then please get in touch. You can email me at [email protected] or write to me – making sure you attach a stamp to your envelope! – at 27 Heather Vale Close, Hasland, Chesterfield S41 0HY.


Philately& faith

WITH the exception of 1999 and 2000, when the extensive Millennium Series took priority, the

Royal Mail has issued a set of Christmas postage stamps every year since 1966. When Tony Benn became Postmaster General, in 1964, he decided that Christmas stamps should be issued in Britain, using the concept of the smaller silhouette of the Queen’s head also developed around that time.

Benn commissioned a competition to have the Christmas stamps designed by children. The winners of the competition were ‘King Wenceslas’ (3d) by Tasveer Shemza and ‘Snowman’ (1s 6d) by James Berry; both designers were just six years old. These stamps were issued on 1 December 1966. A quantity of the 3d stamps was issued with the artist’s initial ‘T’ missing from the bottom left corner of the stamp.

In 1973 there was another first, with a series of Christmas stamps being issued se-tenant (joined together). The five 3d stamps featured scenes depicting the carol ‘Good King Wenceslas’. The accompanying picture shows an extremely rare strip of five stamps that were issued with the perforations missing. In 2008 this strip sold at auction

In a first-class, frank and fascinating article, David Miller describes the development of Christmas stamps, including those featuring The Salvation Army

FEATURE

THE aims and objectives of the Salvation Army Historical and Philatelic Association (SAHPA) are: To assist and encourage the recording of Salvation Army history and the preservation of Army heritage To publish an annual journal providing news of historical research in Salvation Army and related fields To facilitate the exchange of historical material To take Salvation Army history to a wider audience To publish occasional papers

SAHPA is unique in being the only international group devoted to Army history and philately. It has a worldwide perspective and, although independent of The Salvation Army, the association will report on the work of the various heritage centres sharing similar objectives. It will also bring news of new developments in Army history and philately.

To join the Association please visit www.facebook.com/groups/sahpa and click on the ‘Ask To Join’ button. There is no subscription payable and membership is open to all interested parties.

To submit an article or book for publication please email the chairman at [email protected]

SAHPA can also provide speakers on Salvation Army history for your corps, group or association. Subjects can be either general history of the Army or a specific aspect thereof.

Salvation Army Historial and Philatelic Association

1. ‘King Wenceslas’ (3d) by Tasveer Shemza;

2. ‘Snowman’ (1s 6d) by James Berry; 3. ‘Leicester

Region’ postmark; 4. ‘Good King Wenceslas’, issued

se-tenant; 5. ‘The War Cry’ centenary first-day cover;

6. 2011 Christmas story set

1 2

3

4

5 6


NEW COMMITMENTS


Max Scott-CookSoldier

PENARTHFOR 20 years Max has been involved at the corps. At the beginning of the year, he felt that it was God’s moment for him to take a further step in his journey with the Lord. ‘This Is God’s Moment’ was played as he signed the soldier’s covenant and corps members offered words of encouragement and prayer. Corps officer Captain Dani Mayo enrolled Max as a soldier. – S. M.

Kathryn RichardsSoldier

OLDHAM ROUNDTHORNKATHRYN testified to God’s call when she first began to attend the corps with her family. She leads prayer groups and the ladies fellowship. Corps officers Lieutenants Ian and Wendy Hall enrolled Kathryn as a soldier. – I. H.

Ken BarronOlive Barron

Stan CrooksSoldiers

SHERBURN HILLFORMER Salvationists Ken and Olive stopped to listen to the band playing carols and accepted an invitation to the corps where they became regular worshippers. Ken testified and accompanied Olive as she sang. Stan also returned to the Army and testified in song.

Corps officers Majors Dawn and Howard Evans enrolled Ken, Olive and Stan as soldiers. – D. E.

Julie Carpenter

Maxine NorrisNicci NorrisSoldiers

READING WESTJULIE had been a churchgoer, although attendance became occasional due to her son’s illness, which sadly resulted in his death. She decided to visit the corps and was made welcome. Later she joined the singing group, was welcomed as an adherent member and became a Street Pastor. She was thrilled when her sister, husband and a neighbour attended her enrolment.

Maxine and her daughter Nicci transferred to the corps from another place of worship. They attended an Alpha course and decided to make a commitment. Both work in the corps charity shop. Nicci joined the singing group and enjoyed attending the SAFE music school.

Corps officer Captain Annette Guest enrolled Julie, Maxine and Nicci as soldiers. – G. T.

NEW COMMITMENTS IN NOVEMBER

28 Soldiers

28 Adherent members

15 Junior soldiersTotals for this year so far:Soldiers: 353Adherent members: 482Junior soldiers: 289

Out of 71 new commitments reported in Salvationist in November, 5 joined the Home League; 4 were invited by a friend; 4 were volunteers; 4 began attending with other family members; 4 decided to visit their local corps; 2 married Salvationists; 2 stopped to listen to the band carolling; 2 attended a carol concert; 2 were coffee morning customers; 1 was befriended by a Salvationist while in hospital; 1 was invited to a children’s outreach event; 1 was part of a family support group; 1 met a War Cry seller; 1 went to band practices

Chishamiso MkundiAdherent member

PETERSFIELDIN June Chishamiso called at the hall on a weekday and was invited to Sunday meetings. He soon felt welcome in the fellowship and, at the 125th corps anniversary, accepted Christ into his life. He testified to a growing relationship with the Lord through prayer and Bible reading. Corps officer Captain Linda Read welcomed Chishamiso as an adherent member. – L. R.

Jayne Dewis-WoodSoldier

BEDWORTHJAYNE volunteered at the outreach centre as part of the Employment Plus programme. Over the next four years she gained confidence and became an integral part of the centre’s community ministry. Having returned to faith, she decided to make a commitment. Lieut-Colonel Roland Sewell enrolled Jayne as a soldier. – J. V.

ANNOUNCEMENTS


(80 on 1 December); Major Peter Pratt,

, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottingham

(80 on 3 December); Mrs Major

Margaret (Flo) West, ,

, Dover

(100 on 4 December).

Retirement addresses: Major Mary Leith,

, Thornton Cleveleys ; Major Ida

Cawthorne and Major Megan Griffiths,

Gorseinon, Swansea .

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Alex Shiels, Hawick; William Miller, Trowbridge;

B/Reservist Bill Woodward, Dudley.

ARMY PEOPLELOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

CS Major Bernard Pyman, Clowne; BM Adrian

Browning, YPSM Dean Brill, Risca; SCL Leanne

Barker, Scarborough.

MARRIAGE

Major David Johnston to Lynn Thomson at

Motherwell by Lieut-Colonel Robert McIntyre.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Diamond: Major and Mrs John and Doreen

Cottell (1 December).

Golden: Majors David and Christine Whittles

(9 December); Majors Brian and Beryl Watts

(10 December).

DEDICATED TO GOD

Victory Daluchim, son of Obi and Effi Nduka-

Obiora, at Mirfield by Captain Ian Davis; Wilfred

Oscar, son of Bandsman Richard Turner and

Songster Dee Scadden, at Cambridge Citadel by

Major Peter Scadden; Dylan Emeka, son of Erwen

and Eluned Ejiofor, at Pentre by Major Stephen

Westwood; Leo Flynn, son of Paul and Susanna

Lawrence, at Woking by Lieutenant Will Pearson;

Zoe Isabel Haines, daughter of David and Louise

Whiting, at Horsham by Captain Ian Woodgate.

BEREAVED

Major Jessie Cotton of her brother Charles;

Major Eileen Palfrey, of her son Stephen; Alfred

Willis of his wife Ethel, Golden Ngwenia and

Ellen Chiketa of their mother, all Leicester

Central; Bandsman Frank Reynolds, Chatham, of

his wife Rtd HLS Rose Reynolds, Lieut-Colonel

Rusty Adams, Australia Southern, and Cyril

Adams, Hastings Temple, of their sister; Songster

Ruby Beckwith, Stockton, of her brother Alan;

Songster Nancy Jordan, Risca, of her husband

Keith, Sarah Brown and Ruth Smith of their

father.

RETIRED OFFICERS

Birthday congratulations: Mrs Commissioner

Rose Rivers, , Beckenham

PLEASE note that pressure for space means tributes have to be edited. This has caused pain to some family members when tributes have appeared in shortened form. To avoid such distress it is requested that soldiers’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 120 words. We will then make as few changes as possible. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND: Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, Fri 2 Dec; Sweden and Latvia, Sat Sun 4

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF(COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON)AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON: New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, Fri 2 Dec - Sun 11

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER(COMMISSIONER JOHN MATEAR) AND COMMISSIONER ELIZABETH MATEAR: Palace of Westminster (Parliamentary carol service), Tu 6 Dec

THE CHIEF SECRETARY(COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON:Palace of Westminster (Parliamentary carol service), Tu 6 Dec

Commissioner William Cochrane: Canada and Bermuda, Sat 26 Nov - Wed 30

Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring: Indonesia, Fri 2 Dec - Fri 9

Commissioner Kenneth Hodder: India South Western, Wed 7 Dec - Sat 10

Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina: Zambia, Fri 25 Nov - Th 1 Dec

Commissioners Robert and Janet Street: UK, Catford, Sun 27 Nov (morn); Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, Fri 2 Dec (with the General); Sweden and Latvia, Sat Sun 4 (with the General); UK, West Midlands (retired officers fellowship), Th 8

TRIBUTESMAJOR FRANCES LAKEFRANCES was born into a Salvationist family and was nurtured from child-hood in Eaton Bray Corps. During her late

teens – when the corps band was sharing in an evangelical tent mission – the presence of God’s Holy Spirit came to her in a way that was to change the course of her life.

Following marriage to Bob Lake and after the birth of their first two children, they were independently called to officership and entered the Heroes of the Faith Session in 1962, leaving their children in the care of grand parents. The following year Cadet-Lieutenants Robert and Frances Lake were appointed to Corby, with their children Andrew and Susan. After commissioning in 1964 they were appointed to Wadhurst and then to Bognor Regis, where their daughter Zoe was born.

Their next appointment was to Pokes-down, followed by St Sampsons in Guernsey, then on to Batley, Leeds West Hunslet and Castleford. In 1980 they moved to Staines, then to Felixstowe (with

Saxmundham), Romford (with Harold Hill), Hendon, and finally to Ipswich Citadel (with Ipswich Queensway). They retired to Norfolk in 2001.

Frances was always interested in young people and found great joy in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a practical person. When there was a shortage of guide leaders, she readily trained as a guide guider to help the situation.

She had a particular gift for making friends. Messages received by the family give thanks for some simple act of kindness, a visit during a time of anxiety or an invitation to a meal shared with someone who was new to the district. Frances had a particular ministry in hospital visitation, often attending the local hospital late at night to share a prayer with a patient or their fam-ily, bringing comfort and reassurance of God’s love.

She also had a love for God’s word. When she read the Bible in a public meeting she would do so with emphasis and eloquence, and her Bible was underlined with passages that spoke of God’s promises or some par-ticular message given to her in specific circumstances.

Gifted at craftwork, she would crochet a baby blanket for any newborn baby in their corps appointments or in the neighbourhood.

Even when not feeling very well just days before her promotion to Glory, she expressed a determined wish to attend the morning meeting at Snettisham, where she soldiered with her husband. Her thanksgiving service was attended by a capacity congregation, who had good cause to be thankful for sharing her life and faith. – R. L.

MRS HAZEL FERGUSON, GOVANBORN to Assurance offi-cers at Hayes in 1941, Hazel grew up and became a soldier at Ealing. In 1956

the family moved to Scotland, where Hazel joined the songsters at Whifflet. She met Alex at Rutherglen and they married in 1964.

Hazel’s vibrant, happy, smiling personal-ity always looked for positives in every situ-ation. A great encourager, at Rutherglen her positions included primary sergeant, corps cadet guardian and songster leader. The couple moved to Govan – where she was a songster – in 2001.

Hazel loved her family and was a doting granny to four granddaughters. Her sudden and unexpected promotion to Glory, as she was about to go on holiday, has left the extended family devastated. She is greatly missed. – A. F.

ADVERTISEMENTS

SALVATIONIST 26 NOVEMBER 2011 [email protected]

BOOK OF THE WEEKDigital Disciple – Real Christianity In A Virtual World by Adam Thomas, Abingdon Press, £9.99

Adam Thomas is one of the first Millennials (he was born early in 1983) to be ordained to the Episcopal priesthood. He has a remarkable insight into the digital world and tells his story with great style and humour.

He looks at virtual people, remote intimacy, how to google prayer and the phenomenon of the Tech Sabbath – and much more besides.

He examines the experiences of instant connection and virtual environments. He points out that Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is ‘the oldest extant trans-social communication in Christian history’. And he adds: ‘It has lasted down through the centuries because it went viral back in the first and second centuries.’

He talks about the wall that technology puts up as people cease to interact with each other and instead create virtual relationships via mobile phones and computers. He says: ‘When we follow Jesus Christ, we walk behind him as he breaks down walls,’ and asks how Christ’s followers can help him break down the virtual wall.

He observes the dangers of cyberbullying, of empty minds and disposable bodies and outsourcing the mind, where people store information on hard drives rather than in their own brains. And he adds a warning: ‘We spend much of our lives in the instantaneous, disembodied, remotely intimate, trans-social world of the Tech. We move at broadband speeds. We interact through virtual bodies. We connect from a distance. None of these things is evil or inherently harmful. But when we reach a point where we never slow down or interact with our physical bodies or connect face-to-face, we are no longer living the life that makes following Jesus Christ the primary priority.’

This is a brilliant book for any Christian who is involved in the world of technology and wants to be reassured that God is there as he is everywhere else. – P. S.

PRAYERDear Lord, help us to reach people with your message, however high the virtual walls they have built. Amen.

BIBLE VERSESWhere can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

(Psalm 139:7–10 New International Version)

SONGEternal God, unchangingThrough all the changing years,Whose hands all things created,Who holds the countless stars;Enthroned in heavenly glory,Yet not a God afar;Thou deignest to have dwellingHere where thy people are.

Forbid that man’s achievementsShould cause our faith to wane,Or seek in human wisdomOur spirit to sustain;Lord, surely thou art shapingAll things to thy design,And born of this convictionIs faith to match our time.

Albert Ernest Dalziel (SASB 6)

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Llandudno Beach, Western Cape, South Africa. Picture: JOHN RENOUF

sunderland monkwearmouth...am almost tempted to tell you this edition of salvationist – for the...

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