No 1403 . Keep me praising - Amazon Web Services

SALVATIONIST22 June 2013 // No. 1403 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

Essential reading for everyone linked to The Salvation Army // www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Pages 5 to 7 and 12 & 13

Keep me praisingKeep me praising

CONTENTS

Salvationist 22 June 20132

3. FROM THE EDITOR

4. NEWS and PAPERSThis week’s quotes from the papers

5. – 7. NEWS FEATURERegent Hall // Royal Albert Hall // William Booth College

8. & 9. NEWSSunderland Millfield // Sheringham // Inverness // Kettering Citadel // Worthing // UKT // Ringwood // Skewen // Welwyn Garden City

8. NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

10. FEATURE Competition results

11. MY STORY A strange feeling

12. & 13. PHOTO FEATUREGospel Arts

14. VIEWPOINTWhosoever will may come

15. BIBLE STUDY Jacob’s dream at Bethel

16. & 17. NEW COMMITMENTS

18. LETTERS

19. ADVERTS

20. & 21. ANNOUNCEMENTS

22. & 23. ADVERTS

24. THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

Front-page picture: PAUL HARMER

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

5.

9.

10.

12. & 13.

18.

Salvationist 22 June 2013 3

A MESSAGE FOR US ALLA GOOD number of us flocked to the Rink for the 21st-Century Gowans and Larsson Concert. For those who remembered singing songs from the musicals 20th-century style it was going to be a trip down memory lane and so much more, as we were to discover (read more about this and other events of Gospel Arts weekend on pages 5 to 7).

I couldn’t help thinking about the way that the musicals helped to change hearts and minds. One of the messages of Take-over Bid was to give youth a chance. At Hednesford, the corps where I grew up, we presented quite a few of the musicals, starting with Take-over Bid. From a youthful perspective, the census board at that time seemed to bear some resemblance to the local officer characters in the musical and even more so when they decided to give the youth of the corps a chance. Some of us, despite our inexperience, were trusted with local officer commissions and the opportunity to start new things including a youth club and selling the Army papers on a pub round. We also were given responsibility for a complete Sunday. This meant arriving early at the hall to light the large cast-iron stove, ensuring the doors were open for people arriving at the hall, leading the various meetings, counting the collections and locking up at the end of the day. I thank God for those older Salvationists who were prepared to give a group of teenagers a chance. Their risk-taking paid off.

Time doesn’t stand still and I was interested to hear about Spirit! II: Empire, a 21st-century sequel to Spirit by Malcolm Westwood and Karl and Kevin Larsson. The original musical focused on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the Early Church. Songs such as ‘Burning, Burning’ continue to challenge and inspire.

One theme that speaks clearly through the musicals is the all-embracing love of God. In a Viewpoint article on page 14, Karl Allison explores the subject ‘whosoever’. Karl was one of many contributors to our competitions. We thank everyone who submitted either written entries or pictures. The winners’ names are published on page 10.

There is a message, a simple message,And it’s a message for us all;There is a Saviour, and what a Saviour!There is a Saviour for us all.

(from the musical Glory !by John Gowans and John Larsson)

MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY

FROM THE EDITOR

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A 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. © General of The Salvation Army, 2013. 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.

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500(tel) 0845 634 0101

THE SALVATIONARMYFOUNDER William Booth

CHIEF OF THE STAFF Commissioner André Cox

TERRITORIAL COMMANDERCommissioner Clive Adams

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARYMajor Martin Hill

NEWS AND PAPERS


THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

The General retiresIHQ

CHIEF of the Staff Commissioner André Cox has announced that General Linda Bond is entering into retirement. The announcement states: ‘Following a period of personal reflection and prayer, General Bond has decided that she should relinquish the Office of the General with effect from 13 June 2013. The General’s decision to step down comes after 44 years of ministry.

‘As is required by our constitu-tion, contained in the Salvation Army Act 1980, the Chief of the Staff will perform the functions

of the General pending the elec-tion of a new General.

‘The Chief of the Staff will also shortly be calling a High Council to elect the new General. A further announce-ment regarding that High Council will be made in due course.

‘General Bond, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Education and a Master’s degree in Theological Studies, entered the training college in Canada as a cadet in 1967 and was commis-sioned as an officer two years later. She spent the following nine years in corps appoint-ments, before being appointed first as a member of the training staff at the College for Officer

Training in Toronto and then as Territorial Candidates Secretary. She returned to corps ministry, becoming corps officer at Kitchener, before serving at the College for Officer Training in St John’s, Newfoundland, as Assistant Training Principal, Divisional Secretary of the Maritime Division and Divisional Commander of the same division.

‘In 1995 she was appointed to International Headquarters in London as Under Secretary for Personnel. She remained in the United Kingdom, transferring to the UK Territory as Divisional Commander, Central North, in 1998. A return to Canada came just over a year

later, when she was appointed as Chief Secretary, Canada and Bermuda Territory.

‘In July 2002 she was appointed to the USA Western Territory, where she served as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. She returned to International Headquarters in 2005, as Secretary for Spiritual Life Development and Inter-national External Relations.

‘In 2008 she became Territorial Commander, Australia Eastern. She was elected to The Salvation Army’s most senior office in January 2011.

‘We pray God’s blessing upon General Linda Bond as she enters retirement.’

TAX AND MALNUTRITION SHOULD TOP G8 AGENDA, SAY CLERICSTackling tax secrecy and avoidance should be top of the agenda for the G8 group of the world’s wealthiest countries… the Archbishop of Canterbury and his predecessor, Lord Williams of Oystermouth, have said…

In a video message delivered to a rally in Hyde Park… organised by the ‘Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign’, Archbishop Welby said: ‘The G8 is the centre of financial resource and power in all kinds of ways… One of the biggest issues we face is around how aid is used. The issues of tax transparency are increasingly at the top of the agenda, and are really, really important…

‘My prayer would be that, in this country and across the world, we are deeply committed to enabling people to be self-sustaining, so that global hunger can be ended in our lifetimes.’Church Times

UN LAUNCHES APPEAL FOR SYRIAN REFUGEESChristian organisations and governments around the world are considering how to respond to the latest prediction from the UN that ten million Syrians

will need aid by the end of this year. The UN has launched an appeal for £3.2 billion – the largest in its history.It estimates that within the coming

six months some 3.45 million Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries, and 6.8 million people in Syria itself will require help.Church Times

WINDOW CLEANER ‘SAVED BY AN ANGEL’A Catholic window cleaner has said he believes that he was ‘saved by an angel’ after his house exploded.Agostinho Jesus, 36, was injured by a

gas explosion in his terraced home in Sheffield…The Portuguese father of one, who

suffered burns to his head and hands, said…‘I was burning alive but then I felt

someone grab me by my arms and they pulled me to the other side of the road and sat me down.‘As I was being lifted all I could see

were white clothes but then when I looked around I couldn’t see a soul on the street.‘To me it was an angel.’

The Catholic Herald

Musicals with a difference

REGENT HALL

‘WE never have done it like this before!’ remarked General John Larsson (Retired), referring to words from the musical Take-over Bid as he introduced the 21st-Century Gowans and Larsson Concert.

An audience of all ages filled the Rink to capacity for the Friday evening programme of Gospel Arts weekend. Territorial Music Director Stephen Cobb shared how the inspiration for the programme came as a result of a Rodgers and Hammerstein concert he attended. He felt that the same could happen with the Gowans and Larsson musicals. Major John Mott had the same idea and so the evening was planned.

General Larsson compèred the programme in a lively way giving insight into the stories behind the songs. His son, Kevin (USA

Western), led the big band in his own 21st-century-style arrangements of songs from the musicals and Lesley Nicholson (Bir -mingham Citadel) led the chorus – a group of musicians drawn together for the occasion.

A sequence of themes through the evening linked at least one song, and sometimes more, from each of the ten musicals. Beginning with Wonder, soloists Stephanie Lamplough (Birmingham Citadel) contributed ‘You Can’t Stop God From Loving You’ and Jared Littlewood (Winton) ‘Hundreds And Thousands’.

General Larsson reminded the audience of the story of The White Rose and under the theme Caring, Stephanie and Sue Blyth (Gainsborough) brought ‘Could You Care?’ This was followed by Gary Rose (Kettering Citadel) and Major Paul Main (Central South DHQ) with ‘There’s Someone Who Knows’ from The Meeting.

Under the theme Transformation Jared sang ‘A Different Man’ after which a trombone quartet with percussion presented a ‘different’ arrangement of ‘Wonders Begin When The Lord Comes In’.

General Larsson spoke about the joy and enthusiasm of the disciples, expressed in

‘Follow Me’ from Jesus Folk with soloist Mark Norwood (Bromley Temple). The themes Witnessing and Yearning were highlighted with ‘Down The Street’, ‘I Dream Of A Day’ both from Take-over Bid and ‘If You Only Knew’ from Son Of Man.

General Larsson acknowledged the presence of Commissioner Gisèle Gowans and John-Marc Gowans, who were warmly greeted by the audience. In moving moments, a salute to General John Gowans followed with a multime-dia recording of him reciting Vachel Lindsay’s ‘General William Booth Enters Into Heaven’ and the congregation singing ‘They Shall Come From The East’.

After this General Larsson referred to words of John Gowans saying: ‘It is the mission of every corps to serve suffering humanity.’ The songs ‘Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness’ and a scintillating performance of ‘Army Cup Of Tea’ by Sue Blyth reflected Service.

In a complete change of mood there was time to reflect that ‘the sun will not always shine’. Instrumentalists contributed ‘There Is A Time For Tears’ and the chorus with soloist Mark Norwood brought ‘I’ll Not Turn Back’.

The audience was then invited to share in a bonus track ‘Knowing Jesus’, music by Karl and Kevin Larsson and lyrics by Malcolm Westwood taken from Spirit! II: Empire, a sequel to Spirit. Thoughts were then turned to 1 Corinthians 13 as Jared sang ‘Love Cannot Fail’.

General Larsson acknowledged everyone who had contributed to the programme includ-ing musicians from USA Western Territory John Dokter and Jonathan Bradley (both trumpet), Israel Doria (guitar) and Kevin, who had arranged more than 700 pages of new music for the occasion. – J. K.

NEWS FEATURE


General John Larsson (Retired)

Sue Blyth

Kevin Larsson

Chorus sings ‘Down The Street’

Pictures: ANN STEWART

Something for everyone

ROYAL ALBERT HALL

AS the audience gathered for the Gospel Arts Concert they were soon greeted by a sea of white-shirted young people filling a large part of the arena. The young musicians were members of five divisional youth bands that united to make an effective and formidable ensemble. They represented Anglia, London North-East, Northern, Southern and West Midlands Divisions and added a special char-acteristic to the evening.

They were joined by the International Staff Band for their first two contributions, both conducted by Assistant Territorial Music Director Andrew Blyth. During the first of these, ‘Keep Me Praising’ (Andrew Mackereth) the stage setting was completed by the arrival from both sides of the stage of USA Western Territory Staff Songsters who, with their leader Neil Smith, were welcomed enthusiastically. Paul Sharman’s setting of ‘The Blessing’ (Nik and Emma Pears) followed and prepared the way for prayer.

Territorial Music Director Stephen Cobb, then offered words of welcome to all the participants and a number of special guests – General John Larsson (Retired), Com -missioner Freda Larsson, Chief of the Staff Commissioner André Cox, Commissioner Silvia Cox, Territorial Commander Commissioner Clive Adams, Commissioner Marianne Adams, Chief Secretary Colonel David Hinton and Colonel Sylvia Hinton.

During the evening, the TC brought encouraging and challenging words to the occasion, gently laced with humour. Speaking of the way God communicates creatively through music, he said: ‘Music is part of God’s expression of himself to, and through, us.’ Quoting from musical contributions that had been heard during the evening, he encouraged people to take

their sense of praising out into a broken world.

A special welcome was offered to guest soloist Kathryn Ballantine (Canada and Bermuda). The daughter of Majors Heather and Len Ballantine, Kathryn had been known to many UK musicians from the six years the family spent in London during the 1990s. Now a communicator in singing, dance and theatre, she demonstrated a wide range of vocal techniques and sounds in her singing of a number of songs during the evening: ‘Joyful, Joyful’, ‘Wade In The Water’ and ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’.

A poignant moment came as Kathryn danced while her husband, Kyle Higgins, brought words from Psalm 139 during the second half of the concert.

The USA Western Territory Staff Songsters brought their own special brand of music in two spots. The first included ‘Sing And Rejoice’ (Gary Hallquist) and ‘Boundless!’, a new setting of the Founder’s Song by Kevin Larsson. The second set comprised ‘Bow The Knee’, a familiar Chris Machen and Mike Harland song set by Tom Fettke, and a new, more extended work, ‘Love’s Call’ written by Stephen Pearson and Andrew Blyth for the songsters’ UK tour. The disciplined and unpretentious conducting of Neil Smith revealed thorough training and rehearsal of a group that meets only three times a year because of the size of the territory – some three thousand miles from top to bottom!

Songster Leader Dorothy Nancekievill

knows how to test the International Staff Songsters and did so by choosing Samuel Barber’s ‘Agnus Dei’ as their first contribution. For this listener, it worked! The care and sensitivity with which it was approached made for one of those oasis moments in the evening. It was followed by Richard Phillips’ setting of ‘I’ve Just Seen Jesus’, a Bill and Gloria Gaither and Danny Daniels song of witness.

Their second set started with one of the lighter moments of the evening, Harold Burgmayer’s vocalisation of Norman Bear-croft’s ‘Just Like John’, which was followed by two well-known songs which will have pleased many who have sung them: ‘Jesus Himself Drew Near’ (Arch Wiggins and George Marshall) and ‘God, We Will Give You Glory’ (Gwenyth and Robert Redhead).

Mention must be made of the backing to all the vocal work of the evening, good bass sounds, non-overpowering percussionists and especially three superb pianists: the youthful Elliot Launn who accompanies the ISS with serious skill, David Dunford, the exceptional accompanist for the USA Western Territory Staff Songsters and Nicholas King, a member of the THQ Music Ministries Unit, who, although only involved in accompanying one song of Kathryn’s, did so beautifully and skilfully.

International Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb led the ISB with his customary skill and sensitivity as the band presented two signifi-cant works. The first was a composition of Dudley Bright, entitled ‘Fantasia On Glory To

NEWS FEATURE


Dignitaries take the salute

Kathryn Ballantine

Songster Leader Neil Smith

conducts USA Western Territory

Staff Songsters

Pictures: PAUL HARMER

Music – the Army’s pulse

WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

FOLLOWING the Gospel Arts Concert, the sense of fellowship, mutual support and respect that exists between music leaders continued during Music Leaders Councils the following day. Under the ministry of territorial leaders Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams, the day afforded a welcome break from the weekly demands of leadership, giving opportu-nity for worship, reflection and refocus.

In her prayer, Songster Leader Sonia Huke (Hemel Hempstead) thanked God for ‘space to pray’. In his testimony, Territorial Music Secretary Neil Smith (USA Western) thanked God for the opportunities to encourage those in local leadership. Worship included songs destined to be included in the new songbook, and helpful contributions from the ISS and ISB preceded the message by the Territorial Commander.

Referring to himself as a ‘cricket-loving but failed musician’, he apologised to music leaders on behalf of those who struggle to attain any semblance of musical proficiency, but thanked those who had! That said, the commissioner acknowledged that life often resembles an ‘internal cadence’ and that the ‘rhythm of life’ is an apt description of discipleship. He encour-aged the congregation to remember that music isn’t an end in itself; rather that it is to the Army what a pulse is to a patient. Using word examples from General Albert Orsborn and Ruth Tracey, the commissioner reminded the music leaders that it is important for Salvationist musicians to ‘know and tell the story of Jesus’ and that creative communication through music should be of mutual benefit to those of faith and those of none. He suggested that the experience of the ‘glory of God’ inside the hall should then be proclaimed outside the

hall, using appropriate and relevant music. Listeners were challenged to consider the context of Salvation Army music, its content and its character. In moments of reflection many went forward to the mercy seat.

Lunchtime concerts by the staff sections preceded an afternoon meeting that also featured the USA Western Territory Staff Songsters and Kathryn Ballantine.

In his opening prayer, Bandmaster Alan Kershaw (Rochdale) acknowledged the ‘buzz’ in the Assembly Hall, referring to expectancy that God wanted to bless his Army.

The USA Western Territory Staff Songsters maintained their emerging reputation as excel-lent communicators of the Christian faith as they sang ‘O Clap Your Hands’, ‘Bow The Knee’, ‘How Sweet The Sound’ and ‘Boundless!’ Their singing demonstrated versatility and the ability to use different styles and communication techniques to engage with an appreciative audience. Kathryn delighted with her beautiful interpretation of ‘Don’t Pass Me By’ and ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’, accom-panied by pianist Nicholas King (THQ). The ISB and ISS featured music especially written for them – ‘Thro’ The Fair’ (flugelhorn soloist, Richard Woodrow), ‘Grace’, ‘Anastasis’ and ‘A Light Came Out Of Darkness’ – before Com -missioner Marianne Adams suggested that The Salvation Army revels in the concept of celebration, albeit through different forms and culture. She said: ‘Music helps us to remember truths, to speak of Jesus and to teach theology.’ She encouraged everyone to play their part in ‘God’s symphony orchestra’.

As Lieut-Colonel Norman Bearcroft was unable to attend the weekend, Lieut-Colonel Trevor Davis, remarked that, after 40 years of attendance, he was now old enough to lead the assembly in the traditional benediction ‘Eternal God’ with the triumphant coda: ‘Christ has overcome the world’. – J. M.


NEWS FEATURE

His Name’, a celebration of the music of Lieut-Colonel Ray Steadman-Allen OF, referring to many of his works, but centring on his beauti-ful melodies, ‘Blacklands’ and ‘Remember Me’. The screened picture montage was both inter-esting and helpful, although personally I would have valued a brief explanation beforehand – seated back in the audience you couldn’t read the programme notes with the lights down! The ISB also presented ‘Mission Force’, a challenging work by Stephen Bulla that speaks of the vision needed to move the mission of the church forward. It featured ‘Breathe On Me, Breath Of God’ and ‘Be Thou My Vision’.

One of the accolades of the evening must go to the 130 young musicians who formed the united divisional youth bands. (What an array of percussionists!) The staff bandmaster con -ducted the young people in an excellent pres-entation of ‘Kerygma’ by Stephen Ponsford, not easy music, and the results were totally authentic – the full ensemble sound being a very mature one. In the second half, conducted by Andrew Blyth, they offered a beautifully restful version of ‘Lord, How I Love You’, Keith Banks’ choice chorus arranged by Leslie Condon, and the rhythmic, driving Martin Cordner setting, ‘Round Up’. Soloists and ensemble are to be congratulated.

A congregational setting of ‘Christ For The World We Sing’ and a finale from the two staff songster groups and the ISB of Handel’s ‘Hallelujah’ chorus, conducted by Songster Leader Neil Smith, completed the evening.

In his welcome note in the programme, the Territorial Music Director said: ‘Putting together the programme for an event such as this evening’s concert represents something of a challenge, but I do hope that there will be something for everybody during the course of the evening.’ If there wasn’t, they must be pretty hard to please! – T. D.

See Gospel Arts photo feature on pages 12 and 13

The International Staff Songsters Andrew Blyth

conducting the

divisional youth

bands

NEWS


WEEK 17Monday 24 June John 13 – Jesus washes his disciples’ feet and predicts his betrayal and denial

How literally should we take the command from Jesus in v14?

Who do you think this disciple (v23) could be?

Tuesday 25 June John 14 – Jesus claims to be the Way, the Truth and the Life, and promises the Holy Spirit

vv1–3 are sometimes used by proponents of the Rapture – the belief that Jesus is preparing a place for us in Heaven, and that he will come and take believers to be with him, prior to his second coming. Could there be an alternative interpretation? Or is it logical to interpret these verses in this way?

Is there any room in v6 for allowing the possibility that other religions may also lead to God and salvation?

Wednesday 26 June John 15 – Jesus teaches about attitudes to each other, to God and the world

In what ways has Jesus loved his disciples (and us)? How can we repeat this loving behaviour towards one another?

Thursday 27 June John 16 – The work of the Holy Spirit is summarised and the disciples understand more

If the Holy Spirit had not yet been sent, what would those early gatherings of believers have been like without his presence?

Friday 28 June John 17 – Jesus prays for himself, his disciples and all believers

Jesus prays for you and me (v20)What exactly is Jesus saying (v24)?

Memorable anniversary weekendSUNDERLAND MILLFIELD

MORE than 300 people gathered at Durham’s Gala Theatre to commence 123rd corps anniversary celebrations with guests Backworth Male Voice Choir, Sheffield Citadel Band and Lieut-Colonels Eddie and Kathy Hobgood (IHQ).

The choir’s poignant singing of ‘The Collier’s Requiem’ reflected its roots in the once-thriving mining industry. The band presented soprano and trombone solos and the cornet duet ‘Quicksilver’. A highlight for many was Lieut-Colonel Kathy Hobgood’s singing of ‘He’s Always Been Faithful’, enhanced by her husband’s piano accom-paniment and Ellie Mackereth (Sheffield Citadel) on the cello.

On Sunday Lieut-Colonel Eddie Hobgood presented a scene from his musical Brengle: My Life’s Ambition, before urging the congrega-tion to be more like Jesus. In the afternoon the congregation was urged to stay true to their heritage by preaching the message of God’s love. A memorable weekend ended with a glory march. – R. B.

WORTHING: Lieut-Colonels Christine and Ian Barr (THQ) led Pentecost meetings. Singing Company Member Joseph Green -wood presented the colonels with a picture of Worthing Pier as a memento of their visit. Corps folk have made their witness at the pier over the last century. – S. H.

KETTERING CITADEL: Kettering Citadel Band and Harborough Band provided an inspiring and enjoyable evening of music, raising more than £650 for Cransley Hospice. The bands per formed their own pro grammes, before uniting to play the final piece. – B. H.

Dedicated Divas deliver inspiring messageSHERINGHAM

THE Dedicated Divas led a Saturday evening concert, inter-spersing songs with humour and an inspiring message. Many

people in the audience attended the Army for the first time. The group also led the Sunday meetings, using their intricate vocal harmonies to make God’s presence very real. The weekend concluded with ‘Divas’ Benediction’, written by Pauline Emeny, a member of the group. – J. C.

The Wee Care parent-and-toddler group at Inverness, with

helpers Cath Fernie and Major Roma Brownsmead, enjoyed a

sponsored toddle to Bellfield Park; they had a snack and fun

together, raising money for their funds

New partnership announcedUKT

A PARTNERSHIP has been announced between The Salvation Army and the growing Fresh Expressions movement, which encourages and resources new ways of being church.

Fresh Expressions works with Christians from a broad range of denominations and traditions and, since the initiative started in 2004, has seen thousands of new congre-gations being formed alongside more traditional churches.

Major Drew McCombe (THQ) commented: ‘We are really pleased to be joining Fresh Expressions. We believe we can bring a valua-ble contribution to the movement, and it will help The Salvation Army to reach more people in future.’

Bishop Graham Cray, Arch-bishops’ Missioner and leader of the Fresh Expressions team, added: ‘The Fresh Expressions movement has proved to be an unexpected ecumenical gift. We are partnering one another as we learn how to plant fresh expres-sions of church to reach those whom we are not reaching through our existing work. To have The Salvation Army in this movement can only enrich it.’ – A. R.

SKEWEN: Corps officer Major Gordon Atter led the Churches Together in Wales Pentecost Praise In The Park. The band accompanied the singing. Other church members contributed with Bible readings and later shared in fellowship with people visiting the park. – S. L.

NEWS


Retired Corps Sergeant-Major Bill Burridge greets the TC at Ringwood Corps; Commissioners

Clive and Marianne Adams and divisional leaders Lieut-Colonels Graham and Kirsten Owen visited

the corps before the divisional celebration

Ecumenical Christian Aid eventsWELWYN GARDEN CITY

COVENTRY City Band set off for a weekend of ministry in Welwyn Garden City to launch Christian Aid week.

Saturday night’s concert in the United Reformed church included soloists Catherine Wallis (tenor horn) with ‘He Loves Me’, Gemma Potter (bass trombone) with ‘This Is My Story’ and Huw Ellis (cornet) who played ‘Caprice – Zelda’. A highlight was ‘The Two Imps’ xylophone duet, played by Sebastian Farrel and Samuel

Ellis. Later, the message encour-aged people to think about how they could best use their gifts to spread God’s word.

On Sunday the band split into three groups to aid worship. At Woodhall Lane church Major Adrian Maddern (THQ) reig-nited the congregation’s passion

to proclaim God’s message and help the church to grow, not to close. At Welwyn Garden City Corps, Captain Maureen Bain (Coventry City) delivered the message. People committed to return to the corps and become more involved. At the Welwyn Garden City Free church, there were members of the congrega-tion who had not attended for some time. On Sunday after-noon the band presented a programme outside the Howard Centre (see picture), raising £100 for Christian Aid.

The musicians returned home feeling they had been used by God and that three churches were on fire with excitement for the future. – J. F. Abertillery Band accompanies hymns in a Tesco car park for a Whitsun gathering of churches


COMPETITION RESULTSIN the 20 April edition of Salvationist we invited readers to have a go at writing for the paper and to submit pictures. We thank everyone who responded and are now pleased to announce the winners for each category

GET WRITING

MY STORYChristine Barrett, Pokesdown

(page 11)

VIEWPOINTKarl Allison, Worthing (page 14)

IN THE PICTURE

PEOPLE

‘Just William’ Keith Bird, Belper ‘Market seller in Laos’ Nicholas Anderson,

Cardiff (runner-up)

PLACES

‘Dail Beag beach, Isle of Lewis’ Robert Turley, Preston

‘Reflection in a puddle, Kos’ Keith Bird, Belper (runner-up)

NATURE

‘Passion flower’ Harry Dobbs, Sale

‘Robin’ Fred Selby, Rhyl (runner-up)

C

A

BA

B

C

MY STORY

WHEN did the story begin? Perhaps it was with dear old Canon Price coming into my Church of England

primary school to tell us Bible stories. Or perhaps it was praying ‘Lord keep us safe this night’ at the end of a school day and feeling wonderfully secure.

There was one defining moment that stands out in my memory. I was seven or eight years old, on a hillside in Gloucestershire with the countryside spread below me and larks singing high above. I knew, just knew that God had made everything I could see.

Fast-forward ten years and it was Freshers Weekend for the University of Wales at Aberystwyth. We were encouraged to take part in a treasure hunt, which introduced us to the town. It was a hot day and Aberystwyth is hilly. We straggled towards the finishing line at the Student Union Building and discovered that the university Christian Union – as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves – had laid on free refreshments. Most of the freshers hurriedly downed a glass of orange juice and disappeared before the ‘God botherers’ could talk to them. I lingered. I was homesick and hadn’t any idea how I was going to spend the next day as no official events were lined up for us. It didn’t take too much persuasion before I agreed to accompany an older student to church. And it didn’t take long before I became a Christian.

Student life as a new Christian was fun – a little too much head knowledge, perhaps, and not enough practical outworking of my faith. But the

foundations of my beliefs were solidly laid and the teaching I received has stood me in good stead ever since.

Fast-forward another three years and it was a different story. I was a librarian and a Londoner. I went to church, of course, but somehow it was different. I didn’t belong to the student group any more, but neither was I a ‘young married’. There didn’t seem to be a group for people like me. My Christian university friends were scattered far and wide and my new friends and colleagues weren’t Christians. It was the classic scenario that the Christian Union leadership team had warned us about so earnestly.

Then the final straw. Upstairs, Downstairs moved to a Sunday evening viewing slot and my landlady

invited me to watch it on her television set. That was the end of Sunday evening church!

New Year’s Day found me in my rented room alone. I’d planned to meet one of my university friends, but both of us were unwell. In the silence of the day I came face to face with my real self and didn’t much like what I saw. Then I had the strange feeling that I should find out where the nearest Salvation Army church was. That was odd. I remembered the Salvation Army band coming round the roads at Christmas time when I was a child.

I remembered occasionally attending a beach Sunday school run by The Salvation Army. I loved sitting on the warm sand singing ‘the wise man built his house upon the rock’. But that was all. I’d had no other contact with The Salvation Army. I’d been curious though. I remember looking for The War Cry in Smiths, not realising you had to go into a pub to get it.

Having located my nearest Salvation Army hall (not very near!) I walked there the next Sunday morning. There were no convenient buses and it was bitterly cold. The doorway to the hall was covered by a thick blue curtain and I can remember the wind blowing it in my face as I struggled to enter. I almost turned tail and went back the way I’d come. But I didn’t and I was astonished at the warmth of the welcome I received from the small, elderly congregation. I had come home.

There have been many ups and downs since that day, of course. But everything I do as a Salvationist is coloured by the conviction that God called me into The Salvation Army all those years ago – and he hasn’t yet given me permission to leave!


A strange feelingby Christine Barrett

The winning article in the My Story category

‘‘

I CAME FACE TO FACE WITH MY REAL SELF ’’

CHRISTINE WORSHIPS AT POKESDOWN

PHOTO FEATURE


Pictured clockwise from top left: a view from the Royal Albert Hall stage, the USA Western Territory Staff Songsters,

the congregation, International Staff Songster Leader Dorothy Nancekievill, the united divisional youth bands,

Territorial Commander Commissioner Clive Adams, Kyle Higgins and Kathryn Ballantine and Territorial Music

Director Stephen Cobb


Pictures: PAUL HARMER

VIEWPOINT


THE old chorus probably isn’t sung so much these days as it was when I was growing up. I’m pretty sure we used to really mean it back then

and I cling to the hope that, deep down in our grace-filled, mission-led bones, we still mean it today. Or do we? Would it not be more honest to admit that we have succumbed to the hardened reality of what an older saint of a large corps said to me 20 years ago: ‘The Army’s not for everyone, my dear.’

Perhaps the ‘whosoever’ used to be easier to define. We used it to mean the drunkard and the fallen woman and the man who’d gambled the shirts off the backs of his children. We’d draw them in, win them over, lead them to Christ and witness their glorious conversion to a better way of life. Nowadays, things aren’t always so clear. Now we have the person suffering from substance abuse, the sex worker and the family that social services should have intervened with so much sooner. We have the person of another faith, the person with a different lifestyle, the people who choose to define themselves by the degree of their social nonconformity.

We used to talk about saving the lost and going for the worst soul, but now most of the people we would love to lead to Christ do not see themselves as lost or broken or in need of much change. They may still be curious about Jesus, but they are far more likely to reject our idea of a proper Christian behavioural code and tell us that ‘this is who I am’ and that ‘you should accept me as me’. This is not a

challenge to be shirked. However much we may yearn to teach biblical morality, it would be a strange social gospel that did not recognise a greater acceptance as a greater good. Discrimination has hurt far too many for far too long.

This is the age of equality. Inclusion is the battle of our times. When future

generations look back at us, I believe they’ll applaud us for the slow and painful advances we’re making in finally working out that absolutely everyone should be considered with the same degree of dignity and respect. Religious organisations will be judged largely on the extent to which they contributed to this progress without losing sight of their own beliefs.

All too often, it can look as if Christians are bringing up the rear in matters of equality. We can’t keep on appearing to be the last to accept the colour or the gender or the age or the sexuality or the disability or the belief system of the person who wants to sit down next to us and learn about Jesus. And it does not matter one jot if this is sometimes uncomfortable; our congregations are unlikely to ever

become more disreputable than the bunch of social misfits Jesus used to hang out with.

A judgmental attitude should be challenged wherever we encounter it – on the internet, in our community, in our congregation or in our church leadership. We should speak truth to power as readily as we explain the wide open doors of grace to an uncomfortable membership.

Our powerful collective identity, so often a positive, cannot be allowed to turn in on itself and be used to exclude those who seem that little bit too different. We are not free to demand that someone quickly changes in order to fit in with our established routines. It may take some time. It may take many years. It may even be that someone is never fully convinced of the need to change every aspect of their lives in order to exist within the will of God. It is imperative that such a person can still feel fully part of The Salvation Army – still wanted, still cherished, still resourced and empowered, still able to play an active role in the ever-developing mission of the organisation.

It is the braver path. ‘The Army’s not for everyone’? If that’s true, then it’s not for me.

Whosoever will may come!Do we still sing it and do we still mean it? asks Karl Allison

The winning article in the Viewpoint category

‘‘

THIS IS THE AGE OF EQUALITY. INCLUSION IS THE BATTLE OF OUR TIMES’’

KARL LIVES IN WORTHING

BIBLE STUDY

JACOB’S dream follows the deception of his father Isaac, through which he seized the blessing Isaac intended to give his first-born son, Esau. Jacob is now fleeing from his

elder twin in fear of his life, and heading to Haran where his uncle, Laban, lives. Isaac graciously blessed the younger twin once more as he departed, and – with those last words fresh in his mind – Jacob’s first night as a fugitive was spent under the stars with a stone for his pillow. Deceit and haste have rendered Jacob vulnerable; relationships and reputation are in tatters and the future appears uncertain.

In the midst of this precarious predicament, he dreams of ‘a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to Heaven’ (Genesis 28:12 all quotations from New Revised Standard Version). This initiative of the Lord elegantly indicates the divine quality of grace: undeserved merit, unearned favour.

Whilst Esau desired vengeance, the Lord sought reconciliation as he spoke to Jacob, and even ‘stood beside him’ (Genesis 28:13).

In the words of Albert Orsborn, ‘He came right down to me, to condescend to be my friend’ (SASB 398), and that tender celebration of God’s gracious reaching out to undeserving humanity was Jacob’s surprising experience too. His encounter with God came only when he was finally still and silent, where no distractions remained, and when the Lord’s words would be heard with clarity.

For the first time Jacob hears for himself the covenant that God made with Abraham. Verses 13 to 15 affirm the relationship between the Lord,

Abraham and Jacob: ‘I am the Lord, the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac…’

Such covenant echoes must have resonated strongly, reminding Jacob of God’s presence with, and provision for, Abraham during his journeying. The Lord promised to remain with Jacob wherever he went and confirmed that one day he would even return to his household. This assurance of covenant faithfulness and divine accompaniment not only broke Jacob’s sleep, but also broke into any sense of painful personal disorientation – offering hope for a promise-filled and purposeful pilgrimage. Here the white noise of panic during the darkness of night has been replaced in silence by the illuminating light of God.

Jacob’s awe-filled response combines words, actions and promises. At dawn an altar was constructed and anointed with oil, after which Jacob renamed the place ‘Bethel’, meaning ‘house of God’. He then made a conditional vow to the Lord, promising to offer a tithe of all his possessions if he was indeed safely returned to his father’s house.

The gentle calling of the covenant-making God, of our relationship-forming Lord, is often recognised most clearly when distractions are intentionally silenced. Such distractions might be fruitless busyness for busyness’ sake, idle observation of broadcast media, indiscriminate internet surfing or mindless monitoring of social media – all of which can fill eyes, ears and hours. The deliberate muting of or fasting from such distractions can allow us to discern the most important voice of all: that of our loving Creator, who calls us to follow him.

Even at moments of self-induced trauma, God offers a way back and a way forward. Instead of fleeing to a new place, real strength and solace are found when the question, ‘To whom shall I flee?’ is answered with a heartfelt ‘Jesus’!

Two decades later Jacob did indeed return safely to Bethel, together with a large family, great wealth and his large household. There, at the ‘house of God’, Jacob declared his compelling testimony for all to hear about the Lord who ‘answered me in my day of distress and has been with me wherever I have gone’ (Genesis 35:3).

FOR REFLECTIONWhich distractions would best be

addressed to help discern the Lord’s calling upon your life?

How might your life as a promise-filled purposeful pilgrimage look?

What poor choices that could cause self-induced trauma and make for an uncertain future should you cease immediately?

Take a moment to remind yourself of answered prayers and testify openly to God’s faithfulness.

NEXT WEEK: EZEKIEL’S VISION


Jacob’s dream at BethelIn the first of a four-part series entitled Dreams And Visions, by four different writers, Captain Scott Linnett focuses on Jacob

STUDY PASSAGE GENESIS 28:10–22

CAPTAIN LINNETT IS CORPS OFFICER, LLANELLI

NEW COMMITMENTS


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1. SAREN ROBERTS, CATHERINE ROBERTS Soldiers KNOTTINGLEYCATHERINE and Saren’s children, Lauren and Niall, went to the parent-and-toddler group and the family first started attending Sunday meetings in January 2012. Church is now a big part of their lives; Catherine helps with the children’s activities and Saren helps with the weekly youth group. The Roberts family are pictured with corps officer Lieutenant Sandra Chamberlain. – M. T.

2. – 6. LAURA CHIRNSIDE, JULIE-ANN MOORE, DANNY BRYDON Adherent members ADAM NEWMAN, CATHERINE ANDERSON Junior soldiers CROOKLAURA, Danny and Julie-Ann became part of the fellowship as volunteers.

Through conversations with corps folk Laura started wondering about Christianity. She decided to follow Jesus and now helps lead activities at the corps. Danny didn’t know God when he began attending youth club but started to find out more about faith. He wants to follow Jesus and decided to make The Salvation Army his church. Former junior soldier Julie-Ann felt welcome and decided to make an important step in her faith.

Adam attends the youth club and found his faith in God when he went to Sunday meetings. He co-ordinates prayer and fundraising events at the corps.

Corps officers Lieutenants Dawn and Mark Anderson welcomed Laura, Danny and Julie-Ann as adherent members and enrolled Adam as a junior soldier.

Catherine is the daughter of the corps officers. She has waited all her life to become a junior soldier because she knows Jesus. She was enrolled by Lieutenants Debbie and Dominic Eaton (Ireland DHQ). – D. A.

7. LESLEY ROBERTSON Adherent member DONCASTERLESLEY invited the Lord back into her life at Easter last year. Former corps officer Captain Stuart Crane helped her realise that God had led her back to the corps. She now attends a house group and is a Street Pastor. Lesley (pictured fifth from left with friends from her house group) was welcomed by corps officer Major Jane Cowell. – C. W.

8. CLAIRE FORWARD Adherent member PONTYPOOLCAPTAIN David Williamson (DHQ) welcomed Claire as an adherent member. Claire came to the corps through the community drop-in and soon became involved as a volunteer. She has a strong desire to go deeper in her relationship with Jesus. She is pictured with corps leader Territorial Envoy Sara Browning and Captain Williamson. – I. B.

9. GILL JONES Soldier SHEFFIELD CITADELCORPS folk gladly welcomed a new soldier to the fellowship when Gill was enrolled by corps officers Majors Liliane and Paul Westlake. Gill was brought up as an Anglican but in 2001 she needed to extend her Christian experience and visited The Salvation Army. She became an adherent member in 2004 and since then has felt called to be a soldier. – G. B.

GRAHAM FREEMAN Soldier STAPLE HILL (not pictured)GRAHAM became a Christian and found the Lord when working in Africa. He met Salvationist Michelle Jefferies, who is now his wife, and became a member of the corps. He testified that his life is not about himself, but what Jesus wants. Graham was enrolled by corps officer Major Ian Urmston. – V. W.


10. JANET KILBEY Adherent member MIDSOMER NORTONJANET was led to the corps through the Cameo club. She started to feel unsettled in her own church and made the decision to try The Salvation Army, finding a warm and friendly environment. Janet was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Sharon Robinson. – S. R.

11. BARBARA KING Soldier MALDONCORPS officers Majors Margaret and Stephen Huyton enrolled Barbara as a soldier and shared a prayer of blessing with her husband Fred (pictured) after a three-year journey of faith. Barbara had been YPSM at Brightlingsea more than 30 years ago and subsequently attended other churches. Meeting and marrying Fred in 2009 led to them attending a number of churches within Maldon before they both felt led by God to the Army. – S. H.

12. SHEILA THOMAS Adherent member OLDHAM ROUNDTHORNSHEILA spoke of the unstoppable calling of God on her heart and testified that she was proud to commit her life to Christ and be a part of The Salvation Army. She thanked corps members and her close friend Pat Wilde for a warm welcome, friendship, prayers and support. Corps officers Lieutenants Ian and Wendy Hall welcomed Sheila as an adherent member. – I. H.

13. JULIA HILL, ANN MEE-BISHOP Adherent members LONG EATONCORPS folk were delighted to welcome Julia and Ann into the fellowship. They felt supported by the corps through difficult times. They were welcomed by corps officer Major Rebecca Wilson. – R. W.

14. KELLY ALDER Adherent member LEWIS ALDER, PATIENCE CHIKOWORE, NANA DARKWA OSAA POKU, MANUELA ANTWI, PHILIPPA ANTWI, BRIGHT ANTWI, OLIVIA McGOWAN Junior soldiers READING CENTRALKELLY was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Iain Hudson and her brother Lewis was enrolled as a junior soldier the same day. Patience, Nana, Olivia and siblings Manuela, Philippa and Bright were also enrolled as junior soldiers. They all attend the corps with their families. – P. B.

15. & 16. CHEONG OWENS, MARJORIE JENKINS Adherent members READING CENTRALCHEONG established friendships with corps members and accepted an invitation to the Walking Fellowship and other corps activities. She began to attend worship and was drawn to the mercy seat. She was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Alison Hudson.

Marjorie started worshipping at the corps after a friend, corps member Harry Walmsley was promoted to Glory. She was welcomed as an adherent member by Major Iain Hudson.

17. KATH SCOTT Adherent member LEICESTER SOUTHFOR many years Kath’s husband was the hall cleaner at Leicester Castle Corps. With the change of venue, Kath volunteered to take on the work, even though she attended very rarely. Over time, she became more involved and was welcomed by corps officer Major Chris Herbert, to the delight of all those who have come to love her and appreciate the excellent work she invested in the new hall. – B. B.

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carol anywhere and everywhere from village green to parish church and take part in anything that, as a Christian church, we could reasonably be expected to take part in. We do not push people into uniform to get them into the sections, but encourage them to take part as a means of worship; in time the decision to take on the responsibility of soldiership or adherency often follows. This is not a prerequisite to being ‘allowed’ the privilege of using one’s musical (or other) talent as an aid to worship or in general corps activities.

If people see even a little of Christ in us, they will decide for themselves whether or not to become a Christian and Salvationist. Give them a job (whatever it be), show them Christian love and the response will often follow.

When my mother died someone wrote: ‘She was the reason I became a Christian, not because of anything she said but because of the way she led her life.’

To go forward as an Army, we must first live the Christian life so that it becomes an attractive goal that others wish to achieve for themselves and at their own pace. It requires faith and is the challenge that our Army faces today.

To avoid any possible embarrassment I am asking that my details be withheld from publication, but if anyone genuinely wishes to contact me, please do so through Salvationist.

Name and address withheld

WE NEED TIMBRELS/TAMBOURINES

AFTER the overwhelming success of our timbrel group of one (!) when Chatham Band came to St Mary Magdalene church recently, we have had a demand for tuition from others who were inspired.

Does anyone have an old Salvation Army tambourine/timbrel (now there’s a debate!) so that we can form a slightly larger group? We will collect or refund postage within reason. We need ten.

Barbara Steadman-AllenSouth Holmwood

supply, for a small charge, second-hand uniforms for those who may struggle to buy new ones. We would like to help people for whom finance might be an obstacle to taking the step to become a uniformed Salvationist.

If anyone has any uniforms they wish to donate to this bank please contact me at [email protected] or telephone 01778 421916.

Richard Durrant,Major,Bourne

PEOPLE NEED TO SEE CHRIST IN US

I WRITE in response to the letter from Melvyn Owen, ‘The silver needs polishing’ (Salvationist 1 June), where he writes about decreasing numbers – but it need not be so if the closed mind concept to which he refers could be replaced with something positive.

When the Fry brothers started what was to become the first Salvation Army band, William Booth was not impressed, but then he realised that it was a ‘portable organ’ and could reach the parts that church organs couldn’t. So he stuck his neck out and look where our bands get us now – the Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace!

A few years ago I was asked to help out at a small outreach. The average number attending was around six, including my wife and myself. Last Sunday we had 34 in the congregation, and that includes those in the band and singing group that both now exist. Everyone is welcomed into our congregation and no rules are set other than that we are a Christian church and expect people to accept that – and they do. So if you can play you are given something to play, if you sing you get to sing and if you want to help behind the scenes then you shall indeed.

The hall is open every day. The leader is committed, and so is the congregation, to welcoming people of all classes and abilities and offering as much help in whatever way we possibly can. Many people just need to feel valued.

We have a range of people with different, special needs taking part; the youngest musician is just a teen and the eldest is in their eighties! At Christmas we

LETTERS


Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address

The Editor reserves the right to edit letters or print extracts

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

CHARITY SHOPS REALLY AID MISSIONI WAS encouraged by the article (Salvationist 8 June) on charity shops in East Scotland and would endorse fully the thinking and initiative shown.

I have found that corps charity shops are not only a successful means of raising funds but also a way of reaching out to people in our community and are a big part of our mission. My wife and I have been fortunate to have been able to start shops at three different corps and in each case they have made a significant difference to our mission, bringing in new people, giving a real presence in our community and resourcing our mission with funds.

At our present corps our shop, which opened five years ago, has transformed so much of our mission. Not only has it taken our corps out of mission support, but also has enabled us to refurbish our hall, helped us with funding to build a new youth centre and to employ a youth and children’s worker. Also a number of volunteers have joined us in worship over the last few years.

The key ingredients to success are to have the right premises/location and the right manager, and if these two vital ingredients are found then, with God’s help, a charity shop can be a fantastic mission tool.

I noticed in the same issue of Salvationist a letter asking what to do with used uniforms. After consultation with our local officers, we have agreed that we will set up a used-uniform bank in Bourne and hope to offer a service to

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