THE SALVATION ARMY

MAIDSTONE CORPS

Summer 2014

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Dear All,

D uring the last few days our Prime Minister has taken on European bureaucracy and failed to move them on the

question of the leadership of that vast body. You may say ‘Full marks for trying’, however, it is time to move on and look to making his reforms in the future. One of the comments made by a smartly dressed younger European leader was that Mr. Cameron should ‘Wake up, and smell the coffee!’ Well, those of us who love the bean would reply ‘Amen to that!’ Though, it’s not unusual for non-coffee lovers to say that they don’t like the taste, but they love the smell of ground coffee, as do others who wouldn’t light up a pipe but who love the aroma of tobacco. ‘Wake up, and smell the coffee’ is a phrase that is com-monly used to suggest that ‘things have moved on, changed has happened, so let’s get on with life as it now is.’ Smelling something new and fresh is a great way to turn the senses to focus on a totally different aspect of our beautiful world, like the aroma of freshly cut grass (apologies to hay fever sufferers) or a barbeque in summer. The senses so often help us to focus our attention on whatever is there in front of us and to forget, even temporarily, what might have previously filled our minds. John’s Gospel records that six days before the Passover feast Jesus went to stay at Bethany with his friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha. It wasn’t long before Mary found a jar of

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perfume and, in love, poured its contents over Jesus’ feet, and we are told that ‘the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.’ What an extravagant, costly, act of love and recogni-tion of what Jesus meant to Mary as she wiped his feet with her hair. However, in doing this she also stirred up the indigna-tion of those who followed Jesus and they objected to her ac-tions, failing to see what it represented and emphasising what could have been practically done for the poor. Jesus replied ‘You will always have the poor among you, but you will not al-ways have me.’ Could those disciples not even appreciate the beauty of the fragrance that filled the room, the house, the air? Beautiful things are sometimes missed because the focus is elsewhere. Jesus is sometimes missed because our minds are filled with other (important?) things, and we lose the opportunity just to enjoy the presence of the Rose of Sharon. He is beautiful, he is fragrant, he is a joy to behold, Jesus is here among us, and we would be blessed if just for mo-ment we would ‘Wake up and smell that fragrance.’ God bless your summer with many beautiful aromas!

Yours in Christ,

Grayson & Janice Williams—

Majors

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

“Are you a ‘Sat-Naver’ or a ‘Map Reader’, said the

voice?” I panicked, “I don’t know – where am I going?” The

confused state of mind woke me rapidly and I discovered I had

fallen asleep with the radio earpiece in my ear as I was listen-

ing to the “Today” programme on Radio 4. I found the discus-

sion between the two men fascinating, each claiming their own

particular choice to be the best. The Sat-Naver felt it made

driving easier, the Map-Reader felt it made driving interesting.

The Sat-Naver told the story of a car-dealer, who offered a

Mercedes with a comprehensive computer system at a consid-

erably reduced rate, but went on to say that it was programmed

in the Swedish language. Another story of where the driver

was directed to a river. The Map-Reader talked of the joys of

making discoveries about the area to which the driver is head-

ing and the advantages of being able to find another route if

there was a traffic jam. They each had a reason for their par-

ticular choice.

I pondered on some personal experiences. As a passen-

ger in a relative’s car in Yorkshire, some years ago in the early

days of Sat-Nav, Michael knew a short-cut to his destination,

which did not seem to please the Sat Nav voice. “At the next

junction turn around when possible”, it constantly repeated

and, was it our imagination, but it seemed to get more agitated

each time. Another experience. Near to the house where I go

for the village Bible Study, a fast flowing river streams across

the road. In recent years the base has crumbled and when an

ambulance got stuck the Council erected a ROAD CLOSED

sign and also put blocks across the road at the stream, but the

Sat Nav, still directs drivers there.

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However, what is it about this edition of Grapevine that

brings to my mind this memory of a few weeks ago? Simply

that within these pages we have a number of reports of new ex-

periences. Going along in the same old way will get you there,

but making a personal effort to discover new things, new ave-

nues of service is much more exciting, like the Map Reader!

Isn’t it just wonderful to have reports from two of our juniors,

Ben Atkinson and Bethany Hook., they have they have enjoyed

their activity and want to share it with us. A special thank you

to those who encourage our youngsters to put in writing what

they feel. It has far reaching consequences.

You may recall in a recent issue of Grapevine there was

a request to know more about our differing titles, within the

Army and what they meant. Keith agreed to do this and then

felt it would be more useful to broaden it so that it would show

how our Corps fits into the larger picture. Recently we had a

wonderful series by Colonel Michael Pressland on our Doc-

trines and now we are making an attempt to show how these

are put into practice.

Finally, do take notice of the information about next year’s

Congress. If you want to go give your name to Lorraine. De-

tails will be worked out later, but remember it is easier to can-

cel if your circumstances change, than to get tickets at the last

minute.

Thank you for all your contributions – keep them com-

ing, and God will bless all your efforts and prevent us getting a

headache thinking what we can to fill these pages.

Violet E Clarke EDITOR

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HOLIDAYS

Holidays are here again. So take a boat, a car, a train

And seek the sea, or distant towns. The countryside or rolling downs.

In search of rest or gay romance. Or scenes of beauty that entrance-.

Adventures on the road; now choose. Hotel or cottage – tramp or cruise.

The longed for break from dull routine. No more a robot or machine-

But free, for one brief week or two – For all things you yearn to do.

And who can tell? Perhaps you’ll meet. Your spell of leisure to complete.

The good companion of your dreams. To share with you your joys and schemes.

But don’t forget to leave behind. All the worries, in your mind.

All resentment and distress. Fears and feuds and bitterness,

Pack the pretty things you’ve got. Shoes and clothes – take the lot.

Pack them all and turn the key. Then look in your heart to really see

If some old grievance rambles there, Some old grudge, some clinging care

If it does then turn it out. Such things you can do without. And here’s another

hint for you.

Don’t complain if skies aren’t blue. Frowns will spoil your looks you know

Take the sunshine where you go. Scatter it around the place.

Show the world a shining face. No use spoiling all the fun

Whining, pining for the sun. Then away! The thrills begin

When the wheels begin to spin. Take the holiday express

All aboard for happiness.

Patience Strong

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THE PRAYING HANDS

The "Praying Hands" are much, much more than just a work of art,

They are the "soul's creations" of a deeply thankful heart

They are a Priceless Masterpiece that love alone could paint,

And they reveal the selflessness of an unheralded saint

These hands so scarred and toilworn, tell the story of a man

Who sacrificed his talent in accordance with God's Plan

For in God's Plan are many things man cannot understand,

But we must trust God's judgement and be guided by His Hand -

Sometime He asks us to give up our dreams of happiness,

Sometimes we must forego our hopes of fortune and success -

Not all of us can triumph or rise to heights of fame,

And many times What Should Be Ours, goes to another Name -

But he who makes a sacrifice, so another may succeed,

Is indeed a true disciple of our blessed Saviour's creed -

For when we "give ourselves away" in sacrifice and love,

We are "laying up rich treasures" in God's kingdom up above -

And hidden in gnarled, toilworn hands in the truest Art of Living,

Achieved alone by those who've learned the "Victory of Giving"

For any sacrifice on earth, made in the dear Lord's name

Assures the giver of a place in Heaven's Hall of Fame

And who can say with certainty Where the Greatest Talent Lies,

Or Who Will Be the Greatest In Our Heavenly Father's Eyes!

Helen Steiner Rice

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WORDS FROM THE WORD

KNOW HIS PEACE

Philippians 4: 4-9 (Vs7)

How often is it said in just about every household ‘Oh for a bit of

peace and quite,’ many, many times I’m sure.

Especially when you were younger and the children were young,

just as soon as you had packed them off to bed, you would say,

“thank the Lord, now for a bit of peace and quiet.”

Only to rush around making sure everything was ready for the

morning - lunch boxes - shoes cleaned - clean clothes, socks laid out

ready just to put on. You end up just as tense as when the children

were up.

Dads had a heavy day at work, telephone never stops - boss is want-

ing everything you can’t readily find, or wanting the report that you

haven’t yet finished. You decide to take work home where you think

you can do it in peace and quiet. You get home lock yourself in the

spare room or wherever only to find that you have left the impor-

tant file at work having put it down whilst you answered the phone

just before leaving and didn’t pick it up again. Your all worked up

again because it has to be finished by the next morning and the of-

fice is an hour away by train which only runs every three hours out-

side of rush hour.

Or later on when you become grandparents - how lovely it is to

have the grandchildren around, of course it is, even if they test your

love to the limits by refusing to eat the special treat that you walked

all the way to the only place in town to get it. Even when they test

your patience by insisting on playing ball right in front of your very

valuable vase, a heirloom from great great grandmas great granddad.

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You pretend to love them even when they swing the cat around by

its tail knowing that you really love animals and don’t like to see

them ill-treated. But how wonderful it is when they leave and you

declare - now for a bit of peace and quiet.

But what do you do, you pick up your knitting only to find that

those lovely grandchildren have managed to lose you about a dozen

rows and in your haste to get them back on you find three of the

rows that you managed knit whilst they were there are all wrong.

How often have we said ‘Oh! for bit of peace and quiet,’ only to get

ourselves in a state of tension, when that very opportunity arises.

We all need a bit of peace or at least we think we do, but every time

the opportunity arises we take into those moments our restless

selves and before we know it we are all tense and churned up inside

again.

In the middle east the word Shalom is used almost daily as a greet-

ing. A word that is often thought of as just a word that we find in

the Bible or some sort of religious word. But out there, just as we

say good morning or hello so they greet each other with the word

Shalom. When you are introduced to someone - or welcomed into a

home - or booking into a hotel, you are greeted with the word Sha-

lom. When you hear it it is like a benediction - which it really is.

But what a lovely greeting Shalom - PEACE, and I would suggest

that you can find no lovelier use of it than when it is used in the

phrase of Paul’s in verse 7.

Christian congregations in every age have gone home with the

sound of that verse ringing in their ears, lifting their spirits. Soldiers

on the battle field - missionaries going to some distant lands, and

martyrs face death on this promise.

The peace of God, that’s God’s own peace, the peace belonging only

to Him because only He can do what He promises. Peace, the se-

renity that comes from an invincible love.

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Notice that when Paul writes of this peace he apparently uses a mili-

tary metaphor, maybe because he was writing to veterans of the Ro-

man armies. God’s peace he writes stands sentinel, it keeps guard

over your hearts and minds.

It would have awakened vivid memories of dark nights under the

stars in far off lands, or in the freezing cold of the north when they

had been on sentry duties. Whatever their memories the word

would recall the strain of long hours of watching, of aching feet, of

struggles against sleep and months of loneliness away from families

and friends.

If only we could be certain that there was someone who had us in

their care, has that thought passed through your mind? During

times of anxiety, troubles, tensions, danger - have you thought, ‘who

is there to help me, who will watch over me until this experience

passes?’ If only we had someone who would alert us at the first sign

of danger, someone to stand sentinel over us.

Well we do, Paul knew who it was and we can know who it is - its

Jesus.

We can get some idea of the meaning of that peace from our own

experience of relationships. In our childhood when we were anx-

ious, frightened or worried about things we didn’t understand, we

would run to mother who would reassure us, who would explain

the fear away. It wasn’t just the

words she used, or the loving arm

that she put around us. It was that in

a real sense she gave us her peace.

In just the same way we can know

God’s peace in Christ Jesus. He is

the very evidence of one who stands

sentinel over us - whatever life may

hold and at times that isn’t always

very pretty or comfortable. Whatever

circumstances we find ourselves in,

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and they can be very challenging and difficult at times - so His peace

is always available to us, just as mothers was.

So often we feel afraid or embarrassed to run to Him. Why? Is it be-

cause we can’t see Him, or because we can’t touch Him? Or is it be-

cause we don’t trust Him enough? Surely if we love Him we ought

to be able to trust Him. Or is it because we have so often shut Him

out of other parts of our lives when things have been OK that we

fear He might reject us at times when we really need Him. Or is it

because we are frightened to surrender fully to His will for our

lives. Just as our parents peace was not available to us until we had

to run trustingly to them, so God’s peace is only available to us

when we turn to Him in faith trusting Him to keep His word.

Look at Jesus as he walks through the sunlit cornfields, or stands by

the lake shore. Look at Him as He cares for the poor and diseased,

the handicapped, the dying, the bereaved. Look at His unfailing love

as He deals with those who ill treat Him and cause Him pain and

ultimately His death.

There is plenty to remind us of the cruelty of this world, of the

seedy side of life and the wickedness of humanity. Whatever maybe

said of the Christian life and Christ Jesus our saviour, no one offers

more joy and no one can offer such peace as Jesus.

Not even the cruelties of this world can separate us from His com-

passion and love. His peace is beyond our uttermost understanding

and we can experience it, which is what God is offering each of us.

The peace that is beyond our utmost understanding will keep guard

over our hearts, our thoughts and our feelings if we will only seek it.

If you are in confusion, anxious, afraid, lonely, disappointed at the

blow life has dealt you - you can know His peace right now. Because

the God who loves you stands guard over you and wants you to

share His peace.

David Wakefield

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I t was a lovely sunny morning. But this Sunday was going to be a bit different. A

group from the songsters were going to prison.

Maidstone Prison is a Category C Prison which holds Foreign National

Prisoners who have between 3 and 27 months to serve.

We met at the hall and walked up in two groups. After being checked in

with our ID Dave took us through the doors into the main square of the prison.

Dave with his 'Keys' let us through the locked doors and we made our way round

to the Chapel. We all made comments on how quiet it was. You wouldn't have

thought that we were in the middle of a town. As we made our way towards the

Chapel we walked through the gardens which were beautiful. One of the gardens

that was really lovely was the wild garden full of wild flowers with seating around

which attracts lots of butterflies. It was so peaceful it would have been lovely just

to sit and be quiet.

Before our service there was a Catholic service taking place so we

waited until this had finished. We made our way into the Chapel and sorted our-

selves out. Stuart was very happy with the piano as it was a Baby Grand.

The inmates then started to come into the Chapel. As they came in to

join us, there was this feeling of joy. There was laughter, shaking of hands, hugs,

pleasure to see each other and to come together to worship God.

The Songsters opened the meeting by singing 'Let The Morning Bring'.

Looking at the inmates whilst singing you could see the smile on their faces and

that they wanted to be there to worship, and it wasn't just somewhere to go for

an hour.

'Lord I Lift Your Name On High' was the first congregational song. Little

did we know we were in for a surprise. As we started the song one of the in-

mates got up from his seat and sat at the set of drums that were in the corner.

And what a surprise it was. He picked up the beat and played the drums as

though he was a professional.

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Ann Williams and Sharon Jones both testified. Ann basing her Testimony

around the letters in the word testimony and Sharon speaking on how God has

helped her. She incorporated the chorus 'It's No Longer I That Liveth, but Christ

That Liveth In Me'.

Our drummer was there again with the beat.

The group of 15 songsters gave their all in singing 'Every Time I Feel The

Spirit'. After singing hazel thought it would be a good idea to get everyone singing

as they seemed to know some of the words. It's time to get your 'Bongos out '

and get on those drums she said, and that is what they did. There are no words

that can describe what this was like. Inmates were clapping, singing, we had the

drums and the joy in their faces was a memory in it's self. It was a proper cele-

bration to The Lord.

Jonathan Heward gave the message and we had a final song, ‘In Christ

Alone'. The Songsters finished by singing, 'The Lord Bless Thee And Keep Me '.

We were for a very short time able to speak to some of the inmates.

They came up to us shook our hands and said how much they had been blessed.

As I was standing there, it was moving to see some of the inmates kneel at the

alter and pray before they had to leave.

The passeth quickly and I don't think either us or the inmates wanted

the time to end.

For some of us the day started with a bit of apprehension and not really

knowing what to expect. I think by the time we had concluded any anxiety that

we may have had, was gone. We went to bring them a message. However I think

we were the one's who received the blessing from the inmates. There are no

words that can fully describe what we all felt and as we have all said it is a mem-

ory that will stay with us forever. We went in God’s name and he showed his

spirit not only through us, but also through the inmates.

Dave has been approached by the inmates saying when can we go back

as they enjoyed the morning so much. As far as we are concerned, we would be

happy to go back at any time.

Tania Goodwin

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Ady, Cherri and Megan Clee

S ometimes people come into our midst with a vast experience of service in the

Army and make a valuable contribution to our Corps and the wider Army of which

we are not always aware. Fortunately Grapevine gives us an opportunity to discover

such a family in Ady and Cherri Clee (and Megan).

Both of them have Salvationist parents and Ady’s grandparents were Officers. He was

born in Bath before spending a couple of years in Egypt where his father worked in the

British Embassy. When he was still very young the family moved to Coventry where he

grew up and was a member of Coventry City Corps. At 16 Ady joined the Royal

Marines Band Service at Deal, followed by service in the Commando Training Centre

Band at Lympstone in Devon and H.M.S Raleigh near Plymouth, where he linked up

with Plymouth Congress Hall Corps and met Cherri.

Returning from an engagement on Horse Guards Parade London in 1994 the

Marines Band was involved in a serious coach accident. One of the band members was

killed and Ady was badly injured. His injuries eventually necessitated him leaving the

Royal Marines after 13 years service in 1996 and he started work with The Salvation

Army as Divisional Fundraiser at South Western DHQ in Exeter.

Cherri was born in Plymouth and was bought up in a Salvationist family. She has a

lovely singing voice and at 16 she was made the Singing Company leader at Plymouth

Congress Hall. When she was 19 she married Ady and also became the South Western

Division Youth Chorus leader. In 1996 they moved to Exmouth where they soldiered at

Exeter Temple Corps and Cherri studied for four years at Exeter University St Lukes

School of Education and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (with Education) Degree.

The couple were asked to be part of the South Western Summer school staff in 1998

and are still part of the team 16 years later with Ady acting as Assistant Director and

Cherri leading the Vocal Stream.

In 2000 Ady and Cherri moved to Fareham in Hampshire where Ady reprised his role

as the Divisional Fundraiser this time for Southern DHQ, Cherri started her teaching

career in a Primary School in a deprived area of Gosport. Following this Cherri went on

to work at a well regarded Special School for 6 years- a job which she really loved,

before returning to the Gosport school as the part of the senior leadership team. The

couple soldiered at Portsmouth Citadel Corps and greatly enjoyed being part of the

fellowship and the sections. Cherri served as the Singing Company leader.

In 2002 The Army centralised its fundraising and after a brief time on the Fundraising

Department at THQ, Ady became the Community Programme Director for the Haven

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Community Project at Portsmouth Citadel. The Haven is one of the Army’s largest

Community Programmes with 38 staff and around 120 volunteers covering a wide

range of services including a Furniture Project, a 56 place Nursery rated ‘Outstanding’

by Ofsted, and a Good Neighbours scheme looking after around 200 housebound older

people across the City. Ady led this project for 9 years during which time it was awarded

the ‘Queens Award for Voluntary Service’ which is the highest award a charity can

receive in this County and is the equivalent of an M.B.E but for an organisation. As a

result of the award Ady and Cherri were invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party

and were personally introduced to the Queen.

Cherri and Ady have a delightful young Daughter Megan who is 7 years old and who

has a practical turn of mind. She tells me that she loves making things, and is very

definite about her favourite things. Among the long list is walking, Tomato Soup and

the film ‘Frozen’, her best friend Darcy (their dog) and collecting spoons!

Ady’s next move in August 2011 was to take up the newly created role of Divisional

Director for Community Services in our own London South East Division. This role is

wide ranging covering oversight of a multitude of Community services at Corps level,

but also responsibility for Prison Ministries, Emergency Response, Anti Trafficking

work, development of Financial Inclusion, Befriending and Employment Plus services,

the Fellowship for Endeavour and building strong links with Local and County

Authorities. Ady is also a member of the Candidates Board and the Officer

Appointment Board. Key aspects of the role are resourcing frontline work, ensuring

strong Mission focus, promoting the highest of standards across all of our Community

work and identifying new opportunities to further develop our caring ministries.

Cherri and Megan remained in Fareham while Cherri sought a teaching post in Kent

with Ady renting a room in Teston and travelling home at weekends. Cherri was able to

secure a job as Assistant Head Teacher at Thames View School in Rainham and the

family moved to Maidstone at Easter in 2012, live in Allington and have settled in well.

Cherri is now the Assistant Singing Company Leader, Ady plays Tuba in the band and

Megan is soon to become a Junior Soldier. With their families in Northamptonshire

and the West Country, and four God

Children and their families spread across

Southern England, they often have to

travel away at weekends, but are at the

Corps as much as they possibly can be.

We give thanks for their dedicated

service to Education, the Corps and the

wider Division and I am sure that our

prayers will be with them as they seek

to serve others in their daily lives.

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THIS month’s viewpoint from a member of the Band: CAROLE DODD

BAND PIECE — ‘The Light of the World' (Aurelia) by Dean Goffin.

It is a musical meditation inspired by the painting by Wil-liam Holman Hunt based on Revelation 3:20 – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Two of the tunes featured within this piece are “O Jesus Thou art standing outside the fast closed door” STB No. 299 and “behold me standing at the door” STB No. 229. Both of these have very beautiful words and tunes. The original painting is hung at Keble College in Oxford and

a later painted life-size version can be seen at St. Pauls Ca-

thedral in London. I went to see the picture a few years ago

and found this very moving experience, it is certainly worth

a visit to St. Pauls to see it.

SONGSTER PIECE - ‘Candle of the Lord’, Joy Webb. My choice is a little harder to make because I love so many and I am a great fan of Joy Webb.

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The Chorus says:- I am, the candle of the Lord. And truth and love more powerful than sword! O fan the flame, its single gleam diffuse And let my spirit by the light that you can use I am, the candle of the Lord Light me. In my opinion these are great words and a tune – a real blessing to listen to.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG - 'Song Number 33’ - Salvation Army Songbook — Thomas Obediah Chisholm

This without any doubt. Verse 1 says:- Great is they faithfulness. O God my father, There is no shadow of turning with thee; Thou changest not, thy compassions they fall not; As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Within the chorus it goes on to say “All I have needed thy hand has provided.” Just wonderful words.

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International Congress

2015

The Congress runs from 1 – 5 July next year.

During this time a number of events will take place in and around Lon-

don.

At present it is only possible to book for all of the seven main sessions of

the Congress in total. If you wish to do this then refer directly on line to

www.boundless2015.org where you will be able to register and obtain

tickets.

So far as the Corps is concerned I will only endeavour to make bookings

for the Saturday(4th) evening session and the final Sunday(5th) morning

meetings.

I say endeavour, because I have been advised by the Congress Office that

until the number of tickets being sold for the complete seven sessions is

known they won’t know how many tickets will be available to people

wishing to attend individual sessions. The date for this release is January

2015. Consequently they are unable to make advance reservations for

individual sessions (including Saturday and Sunday) prior to this date.

Even then we cannot be certain of obtaining tickets.

If you do wish to attend either or both of the Saturday/Sunday meetings

please hand your name to Lorraine Munn in the Corps office. I will then

attempt to make bookings and transport arrangements when appropriate.

One final thought. If you are making your own arrangements to purchase

tickets for the seven sessions but would like transport to the O2 on Satur-

day/Sunday please let Lorraine know so that we can include you.

Keith Thomas

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My experience at the Massed Chatham YP band

By Ben Atkinson

T he afternoon was organised by Ryan Cripps as an YP band work-

shop. It started at 1 p.m. and we practiced nine songs, led by Paul

Sharman who is the deputy bandmaster for Regent Hall, the event had a

total of 37 young people from Chatham, Margate, Ramsgate, Sitting-

bourne Canterbury and Maidstone.

After around 3 hours of practice, we had tea and got changed in

to our uniforms and waited for the festival to start. The festival in the

evening contained music from Chatham songsters and music the band

had practiced in the afternoon and was compered by Col. Ray Steadman-

Allan. The band music consisted of songs like Kids Alive, More Than,

Samba-Fruit of the Spirit and more.

My favourite bit was just the overall experience of playing in a

big band as it was the first time I’ve played In front of a congregation.

20

This Salvation Army

We have been blessed over recent months and years to

welcome into our fellowship a number of friends from non Sal-

vation Army backgrounds. Naturally the background to our

movement, the way it is formed and administered together with

some of our practices and procedures doubtless raises ques-

tions, possibly not only to them, but also to some more long

standing soldiers and adherents.

The purpose of this short series of articles is intended to con-

sider the Army ‘in the round’ and explain some of these issues

in simple terms. It is not intended to go into a discourse on be-

liefs and doctrine. That is perhaps a matter for another author!

Background

Firstly, a little potted history.

The Salvation Army is a Christian denomination church

structured in a quasi military fashion. Founded in London’s East

End in 1865 by a one time Methodist minister William Booth

and his wife Catherine it was originally known as the East Lon-

don Christian Mission. At that time, the aim of the Booths was

to bring salvation to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting

both their spiritual and physical needs. These aims continue

into the present day as we well know and serve within our own

community here at the Corps.

The name Salvation Army arose from an occasion when

Booth was dictating a letter to his secretary including the words

“ we are a volunteer army”. His son, Bramwell, overhearing,

interjected saying “ Volunteer! I’m not a volunteer, I’m a regu-

lar”! At this Booth struck out the word volunteer and substi-

tuted it with salvation. So the Salvation Army was born and

with it came its development along military lines. William

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Booth became the General, his ministers were given

ranks as officers and other members became soldiers.

The Army quickly grew and began to extend its operation and

influence to countries overseas. Firstly in in 1880 to Australia,

Ireland and the USA, until we are now operating in nearly 127

countries and provides services in 175 different languages.

Structure

For administrative purposes the Army is divided into

geographical Territories which are then sub divided into Divi-

sions. In larger areas, regional and area commands are present as

sub divisions of Divisions.

Each Territory is administered from its own Territorial Head-

quarters (THQ) and led by a Territorial Commander (TC) who

receives orders from International Headquarters (IHQ) in Lon-

don. We in Maidstone are part of the UK Territory based in

London and our Division is London South East Division, ad-

ministered from Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) being based

at Armstrong Road here in Maidstone .

A Territory is normally led by a Commissioner or in the

case of smaller territories a Colonel whilst a Division may be led

by a Lt Colonel or Major, again depending on size.

So far as we are concerned our Territorial Commander (TC) is

Commissioner Clive Adams and our current Divisional Com-

mander (DC) is Lt. Colonel Sandra Moran. Sandra will be retir-

ing towards the end of July and succeeded by Lt. Colonel Ray

Irving.

You will have gathered by now that the Army is awash

with ranks, titles and abbreviations, but don’t worry, all may be

revealed in future articles! KEITH THOMAS

22

2013 AD

I have just re-read George’s article in the last Grapevine which

concluded by saying ‘but what of Mary’s year...watch this space!’

Well here it is, ‘the space’ duly filled up.

I remember my Father who was still fairly active in the Lord’s

service at around 90 saying ‘no discharge in this war!’ Thankfully

George and I have both proved this to be correct, and we wouldn’t

want it any other way.

Following on from my last appointment, nine years as Corps

Officer at Catford, I retired, and with George we came to live in

Holborough Lakes, just a few miles from Maidstone. Catford was a

wonderful experience, and I must admit it took me a little while to

adjust to a new life, after the multiculturalism, of an inner city corps.

However, I was sure that the Lord had something ‘in store’ for me.

Well in my conversations with Him, the hardest thing He told me

was to ‘wait patiently for Him’...and so I did!

I decided to retire at 60 in 2009, (oh now you know my age), as

George had already been working several years in retirement, and it

seemed the right thing to do, to enable us to perhaps work together in

ministry and have a little more time for the family living in Bromley/

New York/Sweden and Gloucester and of course each other.

Well that is just what happened, I became the Associate

Officer at Strood corps, George played in the band, and for a period

during those three years we took on the responsibility of the corps

until a new corps officer was appointed.

So Lord, January 2013 and here I am again knocking at your door of

service. Now if you read George’s article last month you will know

that January 2013 saw the commencement of his new adventure at

IHQ, supposedly for one year, and here we are in June 2014...what a

long ‘year’ but oh what an amazing journey, just remembered, this is

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my story!

Now I knew that there was a possibility of managing

St.Christopher’s Holiday flats at Westgate-on-Sea but it was now

January and no word, as yet, had been received.

So I gladly accepted the ministry offered to me to lead worship on

Sundays and ‘be useful’ in any other ways at Caterham corps.

Mothers Day at Caterham was my first Sunday.

Driving to Caterham on a Sunday morning, meeting at Maidstone in

the evening, it seemed life would be settled for a while. How well do

we know the Lords plans for us...not at all, but we trust Him

implicitly! (Don’t we?)

So when asked ‘How about looking after St. Christophers for the

summer months?’ ‘Yes, would love to’ was my answer; mere details

can be sorted!!

We went to live at St. Ch’s Salvation Army holidays flats (Salvation

Army’s best kept secret) on 5th April 2013, the beginning of a

wonderful summer which concluded on 25th November!

St. Ch’s is right on the sea front at Westgate-on-Sea, Kent. Lovely

Victorian house, been in the Army’s possession for 85 years

providing a place for holidays, now divided into five lovely self-

contained holiday flats.

So the pattern of my week (are you still with me, don’t nod

off yet!) George would be up early to catch the train from Westgate

to Blackfriars four days a week. My role as Manager commenced at

9am. (Six Days a week!) Lovely office at the front of the building

overlooking the sea. Julie the administrator would come in for four

of those days, she was brilliant, knew everything about the business.

Guests would come and go, sometimes with buckets and spades,

sometimes walking out with flippers on, ready for a dip in the sea,

which of course was just across the road, sometimes going off for

family bike rides like a well known family from Maidstone Corps

(small prize for the first one who knows which family!) What a joy it

was in the evening to sit outside and watch the beautiful Turner

sunsets!

Sunday was quite a different pattern. Up early, left St. Ch’s at

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8 am to travel to Caterham to lead the morning meeting...yes, still

doing that, and this would continue until well into July when they

were expecting an officer to be appointed. Perhaps a visit or two

before returning to Westgate, stopping en route at our house and

picking up the post, before returning to St. Ch’s in the evening.

Great days!

I was quite taken aback when someone said to me, ‘oh, how

did you get landed with St. Christophers. Being the calm person I am

(sometimes!) I left them in no doubt that being the manager of St.

Christophers for the extended summer period was a great privilege,

and, as I reflected at the end of my time there, it afforded to both

myself and George great opportunities for ministry, something which

of course is afforded to all believers, if they take the opportunity.

What a privilege to come alongside parents, whose son was

nearing the end of his life, although he was just in his forties. They

booked into St. Ch’s to enable them to spend as much time with their

son, who lived not too far away. I was with them both when the news

came through that their son had gone to be with the Lord.

I met a couple when I was walking along the sand to Margate one

afternoon. They were from Colarado, visiting England to avail

themselves of a delicate and major operation. Soon I was telling

them the reason for my being in that part of Kent, and the story

unfolded, both mine and theirs. They came to the open day we had

towards the end of the summer. The conversations, interest in the

Salvation Army, and the prayers, brought to them a friendship which

they so desperately needed at that point in their lives.

For a brother and sister separated by various circumstances, St. Ch’s

became a ‘house of healing’ as they shared with each other some of

their hurts from the past.

A retired officer and her friend booked into St. Ch’s one year

after the Promotion to Glory (the death) of her husband. A difficult

time for her, and yet as we shared, and prayed together, the healing

began to take place that week.

The fellowship at Margate corps was lovely...visiting a few

folks whom I had got to know years ago, when my parents retired to

25

Margate and spent 16 wonderful years there, so returning to the

corps and the area, was like returning home.

In July our four children, spouses and grand-children were able to

have a few days with us at St. Ch’s; no more rooms available so

most of them slept in sleeping bags etc in the huge lounge. You can

imagine the evening meals on the beach, using the long seawalls as

tables!

In November, 2013 The Salvation Army sold St. Christophers

to the Royal School for the Deaf. No more holidays by the sea for

many, many people. We prepared for that day, albeit a sad day in

many ways. We had an open day, and more than 100 people came.

We served cream teas, and tours round the building. We had a

separate day for staff, past and present to say thankyou for their part

in St.Christophers story.

The telephone rang on that morning; it was Commissioner

Marian Howe. Her mother had been in charge of St. Christophers 85

years previous. She told me of a family her mother had taken care of

when they were released as Prisoners of War from Auschwitz and

had been sent to England for recuperation and convalescing. They

bore the obvious signs of having been POW. They were offered

hospitality, in every sense, and soon began to smile again.

So the story is now complete. St. Christophers...stretching out with

God’s love down through the years from beginning to end...or is it?

Like many others, I am sad that St. Christophers, as we knew, it is no

longer there, after 85 years of ministry in different ways. How

privileged George and I were to be part of its story (I was 8 on my

first visit!) However, the blessings and opportunities which were

ours, and for those who spent time at St. Christophers throughout the

years, cannot be underestimated, and the many, many more stories

which will live on in the hearts and lives of hundreds of people.

Maybe I’ll write a book one day...when I retire!!!

Mary Scott

26

ULTIMATE CHURCH I

W ow what a week nearly 500 children through our doors. What an op-

portunity for us to speak about our God and what the Salvation

Army stands for not only the social work but that we are a church.

There were nine zones for them to go through: Worship where we

looked at the things that aid us in our worship the Bible , the Song Book , the

Cross, the Crest, the Music , the Mercy Seat, and to finish it off a good sing of

the chorus My God is a great big God. What a song to send them out with.

The Symbol Zone where they cracked codes and became spies, then

they learnt about the red shield, the flag and the crest. It was lovely to see them

putting the worship zone and the symbol zones together.

The next two zones where often joined in part as these were the Uni-

form and History Zones. They had fun in these zones where one young man

married William Shakespeare to Catherine of Aragon until he was put right then

it became William Shakespeare Booth. The marching of the Salvation Army in

their uniforms beating the drums and the Skeleton Army throwing balls at them

what fun.

Upstairs to the International zone and the community where they

learnt about the army home and away. As well as the International and Commu-

nity zones there was also the Music zone upstairs. This was where they learnt

about different brass instruments but also how The Salvation Army uses music

through brass bands, singing and also through guitars. They were surprised that

we use different types of music especially the rock groups.

This lead onto the Homeless Zone where they had fun deciding what

made a home. Some thought that it wasn’t a home without a television where

others thought that love was the most important. They learnt how to make a

bed on the streets and why they don’t take the boots off or zip up their sleeping

bags.

The last zone was the Bible Zone where they looked at different Bibles

and learnt the story of the Good Samaritan. They learnt who their neighbours

were. One young lady impressed me when she shared that all the characters in

the story were neighbours so they all deserved to be loved and to be taught right

from wrong including the robbers.

Then what an amazing week we may have reached 500 people but what

about the people that they talk to. Now to pray for all of these people.

Anita Cripps

27

ULTIMATE CHURCH II

Maidstone Salvation Army Ultimate Church Visit

May 19th—22nd 2014

Children from North Borough and East Borough schools, Loose

Swiss Cub Scouts and from Maidstone Salvation Army Messy Church and

Sunday School visited the first ever Ultimate Church Visit that Maid-

stone Salvation Army held from May 19th—22nd. It gave the children a

chance to learn more about the Church.

Firstly, as the children entered the Church they were given name

tags with their coloured groups on them. When they entered the big hall,

Captain Lynne explained the rules. They were given little booklets to fill in

during the visit and were then told where to go.

There were 9 zones in total. They were as follows:

Bible Zone, Worship Zone, Symbol Zone, International Zone, Community

Zone, Homeless Zone, Music Zone, His-

tory Zone and Uniform Zone

Here are 2 of the Zone descriptions.

"My favourite Zone was the home-

less zone." Quoted Abigail Hook (7). In

the homeless zone the children learnt

about homeless people. They were asked

what they thought a home was and made

a bed out of cardboard, newspaper,

bubble wrap and bin liners.

In the International zone, the

children were given passports to fill in.

28

They watched videos of

how the Salvation Army

helps people all around

the world. When some

children entered the

room they were sur-

prised at the decorated

room.

Finally, the chil-

dren gathered in the hall

for a quiz about what

they had learnt in the different zones. They then sang 'Our God is a great

big God'

Gillian Mudie quoted that she thought that the visit was "very good."

Captain Lynne Clifton said "The Ultimate Church Visit was a fabulous and

fun way for us to serve a local

cub pack and 2 of our local

schools as well as the young peo-

ple of our Corps. God really

blessed and used the week in a

powerful way. We are now look-

ing forward to the opportunities

that are being presented to us

to work even more closely with

the schools in our area."

So there you have it another exciting activity that the Salvation Army

has held. It was enjoyable for all.

Report by Bethany Hook (Age 10)

29

Notices given out in Churches (watch your spelling). Next week we will be serving hot gods for lunch.

We are grateful to those who clean up the Church grounds and the Vicar…..

Applications are now being accepted for 2 year old nursery workers…

Diana and Don requests your presents at their wedding.

Lent is a period of preparing for Holy Weed and Easter.

Bless the Lord. Oh! My soul and forget all His benefits.

Thank you dead friends for all your help, but more helpers

are needed so please sign up on the information sheep.

Boastful Woman to an American Visitor:- “My family can trace it’s ancestry to William the Conqueror”. Wearied American:- “You’ll be telling me next that your ancestors were with Noah in the Ark”. “Certainly not! My people had their own boat!”

Teacher give me an example of how heat expands things and cold contracts them. Schoolboy – Long days in the Summer; short days in the Winter.

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“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10 v. 14 & 15

1. The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am his And he is mine forever. 2. Where streams of living water flow My ransomed soul he leadeth, And where the verdant pastures grow With food celestial feedeth. 3. Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love he sought me, And on his shoulder gently laid And home rejoicing brought me.

Henry William Blake S.A.S.B. 53 v 1. 2. & 3.

31

Our Weekly Services

You are welcome to join with us for worship & praise:

Sunday Worship: Family Service 10.15 (Sunday School) 10.45 Prayer Meeting 17.15 Evening Service 18.00 Youth Group 19.30

1st & 3rd Monday in month (to be confirmed) The Living Word Bible Fellowship 19.30

Tuesday: Ladies Meeting 13.30 (Home League)

Wednesday: The Parkwood Fellowship Ladies Meeting (held at the Rosemary Graham Centre Sommer Walk, Parkwood). 14.00

Wednesday: Held Fortnightly, please contact the office for the next date Cameo & Crafts 10.00

3rd Wednesday: Ladies Fellowship 20.00 Thursday: The Over 60’s Club 13.30

Contact Information

Maidstone Salvation Army 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone ME14 1ED Corps Officers: Majors Grayson & Janice Williams Captain Lynne Clifton

Administrator: Mrs Lorraine Munn Address as above. Telephone: 01622 681808

Email: Maidstone@salvationarmy.org.uk Weekly Community Events: Monday & Friday SAM’s Tots (Salvation Army Maidstone) Parent & Toddler Group 10.00 For information on other mid-week activities please telephone the ad-ministrator on the above number.

Please telephone 01622 681808 for

further information and/or to check

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Closing date for next issue is 23rd Sept, 2014

to be sent to the Editor or Philip Hales at

email: philiphales@blueyonder.co.uk