salvationist 27 april 2013 · 2014-01-16 · salvationist 27 april 2013 3 story power call me...

SALVATIONIST27 April 2013 // No. 1395 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

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

Pages 12 – 14

CONTENTS

Salvationist 27 April 20132

3. FROM THE EDITOR

4. PAPERSThis week’s quotes from the papers and From the archives – ten years on

5. – 11. NEWSSale // SAID UK // USA Eastern // Bridgwater // Wellingborough // Merthyr Tydfil // South Shields // Boscombe // Norwich Citadel // Briston // Newcastle City Temple // Peterhead // Skewen // Bootle // Colchester Citadel // Cirencester // Southend Southchurch // Thornaby // Sleaford // Swansea // Prescot // Letchworth // Paisley Citadel // Southampton Shirley // Bo’ness // Newbiggin-by-the-Sea // Southsea // Northampton East // Trowbridge // Lye // Boston // Halifax // Parkgate // Harlow // Droitwich Spa // Morley // Hadleigh Temple // Leigh-on-Sea // Brixham // Staple Hill // Greenford //Doncaster // Stowmarket // Dartford // Davidson House // Exeter Temple // Southampton Sholing //

8. NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

12. – 14. FEATUREGospel Arts

Songsters-century Gowans and Larsson

Concert

15. BIBLE STUDYGuard my heart

16. REVIEWSFounding Vision For A Future ArmyThe Missing Generation: A PracticalGuide To 20s – 30s Ministry

17. LETTERS

18. & 19. ANNOUNCEMENTSArmy people, engagements and tributes

20. NEW COMMITMENTS

21. – 23. ADVERTS

24. THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

12. – 14.

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

6. 9.

14. 13.

11.

Salvationist 27 April 2013 3

STORY POWERCALL me old-fashioned, but I find that a bedtime story can still help a child settle down to sleep. Children prove that the best stories can be heard over and over again, even if the storyteller starts to nod off before they do.

Sometimes the subject matter of chosen story may not be particularly settling. Several years ago, one of my young charges would often ask for the story ‘about John the Baptist’s head on a plate’! As for the present generation, it’s sometimes The Ghostly Bear involving a wicked witch and a tearful bear. But then children’s stories are not all ‘happy ever after’ themes. Take The Pied Piper Of Hamelin, a story of a rat problem, officials who did not keep their word and the disappearance of all the town’s children, except one who was crippled and could not keep up with the rest. As a result, he was left out of the marvellous world beyond a hidden door in the mountain.

Being left out is seldom a good feeling, but it’s something that anyone of us might experience. Five years ago The Salvation Army published The Seeds Of Exclusion, a report highlighting the plight of those who are socially excluded. In many communities the corps drop-in centre provides an open door and a welcome to people who feel lonely and rejected.

Whatever our circumstances, being made welcome matters. Welcome sergeants at the hall and the welcoming attitude of the corps fellowship are key factors in bringing people to faith. Time and again the new commitment pages record phrases such as ‘felt welcome’, or ‘at home’, sometimes coupled with, ‘helped in the charity shop’ or ‘served meals at the lunch club’. So often it’s these feelings of belonging and being included that lead to commitment. When Jesus called his first disciples he went to where they were, accepted them as they were and when he called, they followed.

Certain occasions provide the opportunity for us to have a wider sense of belonging. On pages 12 to 14 there’s information about Gospel Arts weekend. It starts with a Friday evening celebration of 21st-century Gowans and Larsson music at the Rink followed by the Gospel Arts Concert on Saturday evening at the Royal Albert Hall. To avoid that ‘wish I’d been there’ feeling, make sure you purchase your tickets! The Royal Albert Hall is a great venue and in the afternoon the Household Troops Band will be playing at the Albert Memorial. We don’t have too many of these big events, but when we do, they are a great opportunity to gather together and share the gospel story in creative ways.

Of course, it isn’t only children who enjoy a good story, adults do as well. Jesus knew the power of stories that would be remembered and repeated over and over again. Whether we reflect upon the love of a father who welcomed back his wayward son or the shepherd who went out looking for a lost sheep, the message is there.

MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY

FROM THE EDITOR

SALVATIONISTGENERAL INQUIRIES (tel) 020 7367 4890(email) [email protected] (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist(fax) 020 7367 4691

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DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter – (tel) 020 7367 4895

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ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4883 (email) [email protected]

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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. © Linda Bond, 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.

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARYMajor Martin Hill

PAPERS


THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

FROM THE ARCHIVES – TEN YEARS ONJazz at the ArmyThe Sheffield University Jazz Band pre-

sents an item during a Saturday evening

programme at SHEFFIELD LANGSETT ROAD.

The university’s gospel choir also took

part. – A. T.

News in ‘Salvationist’ dated 26 April 2003

TEAM OF CARDINALS TO ADVISE THE POPEPope Francis has appointed a ‘privy council’ of eight cardinals from around the world to assist him in governing the worldwide Church.

The Pope has also asked the eight… nicknamed ‘super-cardinals’, to advise on the reform of the Roman Curia amid concerns about corruption and mismanagement in the central administration of the Church.

The creation of the new international group is one of Pope Francis’s first major initiatives… Italian historian Alberto Melloni described the move as the ‘most important step in the history of the Church for the past ten centuries’.The Catholic Herald

ST PAUL’S HOSTS DEBATE ON GOODNESSSpeaking to an audience of over 500 people in

St Paul’s Cathedral, the Most Rev Vincent

Nichols, said that financial institutions and

other bodies needed to be staffed by ‘good

people bound together by a good purpose’.

Giving the keynote address… on the subject

‘The City and the Common Good: What kind of

City do we want?’ the Archbishop called for a

recovery of the cardinal virtues of prudence,

justice, temperance and courage. Faced with

the pressures of a consumerist society, he said,

people need to learn to desire well.The Church of England Newspaper

PATRIARCH: THE WHOLE OF SYRIA IS A BATTLEFIELDThe head of an ancient Middle Eastern Church has described how ‘the whole of Syria has become a battlefield’ and has appealed to world leaders to intervene in a bid to stop the fighting.

In a statement Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III Laham said the country’s ‘suffering has gone beyond all bounds’ and that the conflict ‘has mown down thousands and thousands’ of people, both civilians and members of the military.The Catholic Herald

CHURCH EXPRESSES CONCERN FOR RURAL LIFEFarmers in Wales were literally ‘burying their livelihoods’ after they were given permission to bury sheep and lambs killed by recent blizzards, the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, the Right Rev John Davies, told the Governing Body.

In a debate about ‘Mission and ministry in rural and deep rural areas’, Bishop Davies… said: ‘Lambs on snow-covered uplands are dying because of cold weather; livestock is still having to be fed on winter food with implications for what happens later; and autumn sowing is not possible.

‘Lots of things we don’t always hear about… but people’s livelihoods are being washed away, frozen away and simply buried in the earth.’Church Times

Families reflectBRIDGWATER

ON Good Friday, corps folk distributed 400 hot cross buns with The Message Of The Hot Cross Bun attached, while Messy Church took place in the hall attracting 50 adults and children. In the evening meeting, an opportunity was given to reflect on the words of Christ on the cross. Another Messy Church on Saturday focused on the truth of the Resurrection and Easter Day included family worship with people from surrounding corps and the community. – N. D.

SOUTH SHIELDS: Major Noel Wright (THQ) led Easter meetings and promoted the idea of thoughtful worship. On Good Friday he discussed the painful awareness of the cross and led a joyful celebration on Easter Day. The band took part in a march of witness in the town. – J. G.

The General leads Easter celebrationsSALE

SALVATIONISTS and friends shared Easter under the leadership of General Linda Bond in a weekend that included the launch of an innovative community project.

On Good Friday morning the General told the congregation to live with the mindset that every day should be a foot-of-the-cross experience. During the evening meeting she emphati-cally described the denial of Jesus by Peter, who became the rock on which Christianity was founded. In both meetings several people went forward in response to the appeals given.

On Saturday afternoon the Growing Together project was officially opened and dedicated by the General. A large area of ground within the corps prop-erty has been transformed into a beautifully landscaped rose garden and allotments for use by the community. The General planted a rose bush called Celebration.

The corps band, the Young In Heart Choir and children from Toddler Song supported the event.

Saturday evening’s Easter Praise was heralded by pre-meeting music led by the Central North Divisional Band and Divisional Youth Chorus. Youth chorus member Jessica Ferguson-Smith testified that, despite being the only Christian in her class, she was not afraid to witness. Songster Joanne Crowhurst interviewed the General, who gave profound and sometimes humorous responses. The corps worship group Souled led the congregational singing and the youth chorus sang ‘How Great Is Your Love’.

In her message the General stressed the need to encourage youth members. Seekers responded to the message by kneeling at the mercy seat.

Easter Sunday began with

NEWS


Live below the lineSAID UK

JOIN International Develop ment in the challenge to live simply between 29 April and 3 May. By spending only £1 a day on your food and drink for five days you can help raise awareness and funds for those who live off £1 a day, every day for everything! Your efforts will help SAID UK support families and communities who live with the daily reality of extreme poverty. Either partici-pate in the challenge during cam -paign week, or any time between now and June. For more informa-tion visit www.livebelowtheline .com/uk-salvationarmy or call 020 7367 4777. – A. R. great singing and the waving of

coloured flags. Corps officer Major Aubrey Draycott intro-

duced three new adherent members who were warmly welcomed by the General. She went on to speak about Christ’s transformation and how indi-viduals can be transformed. Many people went forward.

The evening meeting commenced with a dramatic reading by Jonathan Hampton. Songster Joanne James testified, giving thanks for the prayerful support she received from her immediate family and the corps family when she went through major health problems.

In her final message of the weekend, the General focused on storytelling and the impor-tance of communicating faith face-to-face.

The celebrations concluded with the triumphant singing of ‘In Christ Alone’. – E. Y.

Salvation Army provides assistance in BostonUSA EASTERN

SALVATION Army responders assisted people impacted by the Boston Marathon explosions. Emergency feeding canteens were posi-tioned at various sites throughout the city, including the Unified Command Post, the Family Assistance Centre and Kenmore Square. An additional canteen roved throughout the impacted area supplying food, snacks and beverages to those in need. More than 1,729 meals and drinks were supplied to victims, families and first responders over the first night of the response.

The runners, their families, and the first responders also received emotional and spiritual care from 12 officers and 23 Salvation Army staff and volunteers. Eight officers were deployed to various hospitals throughout the Boston area offering pastoral care as needed.

The Salvation Army continues to collaborate with the Office of Emergency Management, the Fire Department, the Police Department, Sparks, the Red Cross, the Department of Child, Youth and Families (DCYF), Riverside Trauma and the Boston Public Health Commission.

General Linda Bond sent a message of support through her Twitter account. ‘Let’s pray for all those affected by this horrific bombing at the Boston Mara thon,’ she said.

For regular updates, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org – I. R.

W E L L I N G B O R O U G H : Bandsman David Pegg led a Passover meal on Maundy Thursday, followed by a march of witness through the town on Good Friday. Easter Day began with a united churches sunrise service held in the park and, later, corps folk shared in fellow-ship over breakfast. – F. P.

MERTHYR TYDFIL: A busy Easter programme began with a faith tea and a film. Corps members joined with other churches for a Good Friday meeting. The fellowship band led an open-air meeting on Saturday while corps members distributed hot cross buns, Easter eggs and balloons. – L. B.

NEWS


God-glorifying occasionBOSCOMBE

THE 55th Easter Convention was a God-glorifying occasion featuring outstanding perfor-mances from the music sections and Oslo Temple Band.

On Good Friday corps officers Majors Carelle and Ray Begley led the morning meeting themed The Power Of The Cross. The presence of the suffering Saviour was apparent as the singing company sang ‘Not Too Far From Here’ and the band played ‘Easter Glory’ as a large wooden cross was carried into the hall. Many made their way to the cross in acts of rededication.

Oslo Temple Band arrived for the evening meeting and played ‘When I Survey’ and Tine Suman Hodne sang ‘I Will Praise You’ in Norwegian and English. Major Ann Pender (Oslo Temple) gave the Bible message.

The Saturday evening festival commenced with a spectacular performance by Boscombe tim -brelists accompanied by Oslo Temple Band playing the march ‘Goldcrest’. Band items included a swing number ‘I’ll Trust In Thee’, ‘Celebration Of Con -temporary Gospel Song’ and the classic ‘The King Of Kings’. Soloists Espen Refstie (trom-bone), Deputy Bandmaster Odd Arne Brandvik (cornet) and Marie Jennesjö (euphonium) played ‘Song Of Exuberance’,

‘Mid All The Traffic’ and ‘There Will Be God’. Territorial Music Secretary Major Jan Harald Hagen shared his testimony.

Easter Day continued with testimony and Tine Suman Hodne movingly sang ‘Grace Alone’. In the Bible message Commissioner Donald Ødegaard posed the question: ‘Who do we see?’ A march of witness and open-air meeting followed.

Major Ann Pender led the final meeting of witness and praise and reminded everyone to ‘make the invisible God visible’. Cadet Noomi Silfwerin sang and Major Chris Pender gave a personal testimony. The band played ‘Alla Borda Kanna Til’ and concluded a memorable weekend with the benediction ‘Do You Remember?’ – R. C.

Inspiring weekend of witnessNORWICH CITADEL

AMSTERDAM West Band and Major Jeanne van Hal visited the corps to join the Easter celebra-tions. On Friday a large congre-gation attended the morning meeting themed Just Another Day, led by corps officers Majors Derek and Helen Tyrrell. Afterwards, the congregation took part in a march of witness led by the band and an open-air meeting in the city centre.

On Saturday Amsterdam West Band conducted an open-air meeting at the Forum, attended by the Lord Mayor (Councillor Ralph Gayton) and the Mayoress (Brenda Gayton). The band had attended an open-air meeting and a festival in Dereham on Friday.

The band began the Saturday evening festival with the fanfare ‘St Francis’ and Erik Silfverberg’s

‘The King’. Earnest and sincere testimonies were offered by the oldest and youngest members of the band.

Solo items included Arend Pieterson (cornet) with ‘Slavische Fantasy’. Arend joined with Hommo Tichelar (cornet) in the duet ‘Quicksilver’. Henke Klaucke (tenor horn) played ‘Silver Threads’ and Irene Jouvenaar sang ‘We Are The Reason’. On Sunday morning Bandsman Danny Tinga gave his testimony and the band presented the march ‘He Lives’. Major van Hal gave a clear Easter message and, to end an inspiring weekend of witness, the visiting band marched to the city centre for a midday open-air meeting. – B. C.

BRISTON: Twelve children from the Kids Alive club had fun learn-ing about Easter through games, crafts and Bible stories. The chil-dren took part in an egg hunt, designed and created crosses and decorated eggs. – M. R.

Procession with proclamationNEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE

THE ladies fellowship invited the assistant keeper of fine and decorative art at Laing Art Gallery, Marie Therese Mayne, to present The Easter Story In Art for Holy Week. Using a mixture of well and lesser known artworks, Marie Therese took the ladies through the various stages of Jesus’ journey to the cross.

On Good Friday, the band led a procession of witness down the main shopping

street, where a number of churches joined for an open- air meeting. The meeting concluded when corps officer Major Antony Mugford pro -claimed: ‘The Lord is not dead!’ – B. I.

PETERHEAD: A capacity con -gregation of women from various church guilds and sur rounding corps enjoyed a home league rally. Major Inga Long more (THQ) led the event. – B. W.

Busy Easter weekendCOLCHESTER CITADEL

MAJOR Amanda Lee (THQ) and six cadets from William Booth College led Easter meet-ings. Good Friday included meditative readings, music and the lighting of candles to illus-trate The Seven Sayings From The Cross. A united church service near Colchester Castle followed a march of witness down the high street.

A capacity congregation gath-ered at the Mercury Theatre for another united meeting led by the cadets. Keith Turton (THQ) contributed three dramatic mono -logues contemplating It Should Have Been Me. Saturday began with an open-air meeting at a new housing development. In the afternoon, 25 children, with their families, attended the first Messy Church at the corps, co-ordinated by Divisional Family Officer Liz Hall. All-age worship on Easter Day included puppets and a game of pass the parcel. – D. H. /M. H.

SWANSEA: Corps members performed the Easter musical May I Never Lose The Wonder, The Wonder Of The Cross to an audience of more than 100 people. – A. S.


NEWS

Thought-provoking Easter celebrationsSKEWEN

MAJORS Drew and Beverley McCombe (THQ) led Palm Sunday meetings. The morning meeting included the congrega-tion calling out all the names given to Jesus before singing ‘Jesus, What A Beautiful Name’. The evening meeting took the theme King Of Peace and included a video clip depicting different descriptions of Jesus. Major Christine Edwin led the Good Friday morning meeting entitled O Come And Look A While On Him. In the after-noon, the corps gathered at Neath Abbey ruins (pictured) for a united church service led by corps officer Major Gordon Atter. In the evening meeting Major Colin Edwin posed the question ‘What does the cross mean to you?’

Major Christine Edwin led a thought-provoking Easter morn ing meeting, asking ‘What shall I do with Jesus?’ and presented each member of the congregation with a small stone to think of things that could be rolled away. In the evening many people shared their testimonies and Major Colin Edwin chal-lenged the congregation to be ready for the Lord’s return. – S. L.

At Prescot, children and YP workers show off a fishing net

constructed at Messy Church on Easter Saturday; 51 people

enjoyed the very first Messy Church held at the corps

At Letchworth, the interdenominational Churches Together

march of witness reminds town folk of the significance of Good

Friday

Holy Week extravaganzaBOOTLE

AT the start of Holy Week, Julia Pascoe from Jews for Jesus led a Passover meal and challenged participants to find the Messiah in their own lives. Several people prayed the Believer’s Prayer for the first time. During the rest of the week, evening meditations focused on different paintings by artist Sieger Köder. More than a hundred people joined Churches Together in a walk of witness on Good Friday.

Sixteen children and fourteen adults took part in an Easter Extravaganza on Saturday, which included an Easter egg hunt that revealed the true meaning of Easter. – J. H.

CIRENCESTER: The band led a Churches Together Good Fri -day procession through the town, culminating in an open-air meet -ing in the marketplace. – M. G.

SOUTHEND SOUTHCHURCH: Major Neville Andrews (Chap-lain, Hadleigh Employment Training Centre) led a Good Friday meditation around a cross lit by tealights. The meditation included music, Bible readings, prayers, picture presentations and scenes from a film. – Y. A.

THORNABY: On Palm Sunday, palm crosses were placed on the mercy seat. Many members of the congregation knelt in conse-cration before taking a cross. On Good Friday, corps folk joined with other churches for a march of witness, culminating in a joint meeting at the Baptist church. – C. H.

SLEAFORD: Corps folk from Grantham joined the home songsters in an evening of song and meditative readings for Holy Week. Members of the corps shared in a Passover meal on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday meetings culminated in the annual walk of witness. – N. M.

NEWS


WEEK 9Monday 29 April Mark 13 – Jesus describes end-of-time signs

To what extent can we know anything about the end times? If we cannot know the date of Jesus’ coming, is there any benefit in

thinking about the end of time – his return? If not, then why does the Bible mention it so much?

Tuesday 30 April Mark 14 – Jesus is anointed, remembered, betrayed, arrested, tried and denied

Do you think Mark recalled the story in verses 1 to 9 because of Jesus’ prediction (v9)?

Do you think Jesus simply knew what responses would be given (vv 12–16)? Or had he already made arrangements to use the upper room?

Can you imagine what Peter must have felt like in verses 27 to 31?

Wednesday 1 May Mark 15 – Jesus is mocked, flogged, killed and buried Does this chapter fulfil Jesus’ prophecy in Mark 10:33?

Thursday 2 May Mark 16 – As predicted in Mark 10:34, Jesus defeats death and is resurrected

Is it understandable or incredible that Jesus’ followers still had diffi-culty in believing he had risen until they had seen him for themselves?

How important to your faith is a belief in the Resurrection?

Friday 3 May Luke 1 – The birth of John the Baptist and Gabriel’s visit to Mary

Verses 1 to 4 give the reason for the Gospel having been written. Can you summarise Luke’s motive?

Were the doubts of Zechariah (v18) natural? Should he have believed a message from the angel of the Lord, however unlikely?

Do you believe in the virgin birth? If so, or if not, why?

Footsteps to the crossBO’NESS

IN time for Holy Week, the hall was transformed into an interac-tive place where around two hundred and fifty people from the community came to trace the Footsteps To The Cross. People took time to pray and grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and corps members took the opportunity to witness to visitors. Ministers from other churches came to lead daily prayer breakfasts, and, each afternoon, time was spent creatively exploring every scene, including a re-enactment of the Passover meal. Many remarkable stories of lives touched and changed are emerging from the experience. – T. L.

SOUTHAMPTON SHIRLEY: Many newcomers visited the hall during Holy Week for special Easter events, including a Pass-over meal on Thursday. The band took part in a Good Friday open-air meeting, and on Satur -day morning an hour of medita-tion and reflection was followed by a cooked breakfast. On Easter Day, the congregation wrote prayers on luggage labels tied to balloons that were later released into the air. – J. W.

An Easter trailPAISLEY CITADEL

AROUND forty people attended the Good Friday prayer day using the theme For This Purpose. Prayer zones consisted of several tableaux, each enhanced by floral arrangements. The tableaux symbolised aspects of Christ’s passion. A cross for Christ’s suffering and an elevated throne symbolising a risen and glorified Lord enhanced the experience. Corps officer Major Michael Loveridge led a midday service.

On Sunday, Easter praise began in Barshaw Park followed by breakfast at the hall. In the worship meeting the YP band played ‘Hallelujah!’ and a large congregation, including visitors, joined in Easter songs of praise where the children received chocolate eggs. – M. L.

NEWBIGGIN-BY-THE-SEA: The Churches Together Holy Week meetings culminated in a united open-air meeting, accom-panied by the band. On Easter Day Captain Andrea Cooper ( Jarrett Community Project) led the meeting using the theme What Is Love? illustrating her point with chocolate eggs. – P. H.

NORTHAMPTON EAST: For Holy Week the corps hosted an open-house prayer event with prayer stations depicting The Journey To The Cross. The music sections devoted rehearsals to meditative and prayer-pro voking items. The week concluded with a prayer breakfast before Easter Day worship. – N. R.

Journey through his-storyBOSTON

MAJORS Lindy and Mark Rose (William Booth College) and Cadets Matthew Brown, Callum and Berri McKenna, Mark Scoulding and Richard and Lorna Weston led Easter weekend enti-tled Journey Through His-Story. A thought-provoking and uplift-ing Good Friday meeting took place after an ecumenical walk of witness through the town. The cadets also led an activity day on Saturday. Easter Day began with a corps breakfast before gathering for worship under the themes A New Chapter and Once Upon A Time. Throughout the meeting, seekers lined the mercy seat and five members of the congrega-tion expressed their desire to become soldiers. – D. C.

HALIFAX: Major Gillian Miller (THQ) and Major Brian Miller led Easter weekend. Good Friday meetings were en -titled The Nails and a prayer trail was set up. Easter Day focused on The Rising Of The Son and The Rolling Stone. – L. H.

PARKGATE: Holy Week included prayer and meditation by walking a Labyrinth each day, using the Walk Worthy study course. Daffodils were collected on one of the walks through the Labyrinth and distributed on Easter Day. – B. S.

NEWS


Droitwich Spa joins with Churches Together to mark Good Friday with a march of witness and an

open-air meeting

Corps offers an emphatic Easter messageSOUTHSEA

EASTER meetings considered the theme From Manger To Throne. On Maundy Thursday 40 people enjoyed a ‘last supper’ fellowship meal, followed by a march of witness and open-air meeting the next morning. Corps officer Major Mary Wolfe presented an emphatic Easter message with many shoppers stopping to listen to the singing. In the evening a large cross was placed at the mercy seat. Major Wolfe invited everyone to take a red ribbon as a token of gratitude to Jesus and nail it to the cross.

Easter Day began with prayer, praise, breakfast and an open-air meeting. During the worship meeting, an Easter garden adorned the platform (pictured). Easter weekend concluded with a songs of praise meeting. – T. M.

On Good Friday, Harlow Band leads other churches in a march

of witness through the town

LYE: Guests Lieut-Colonels Brenda and Ray Oakley led Easter meetings, starting with a meditation on Good Friday. Worship continued on Sunday where the focus was the road to Emmaus and two corps members shared their experience of a memorable journey. – C. G.

TROWBRIDGE: The Easter Big Sing took place in collabora-tion with members from Zion Baptist Church and St James Parish Church. As part of the Baptist Church’s 200th anniver-sary programme, their music director Heather Skull scripted a presentation telling the Easter Story; the event featured the band supported by friends from Bath Citadel and Ringwood and St James’ Church Choir. – S. S.

cross buns in a shopping area. Easter Day began with a sunrise service in Old Leigh and the divisional leaders conducted the meeting. – P. J.

STAPLE HILL: Holy Week meetings were well attended, with people gathering at the corps each evening. Around seventy people enjoyed a fellowship meal and the young people presented the drama The End Of The Beginning. On Good Friday time was spent in prayer and reflection. In the evening other Bristol corps joined for a united service. Easter Day commenced with a corps break-fast followed by worship to cele-brate the risen Saviour. – V. W.

Sunrise and hot cross bunsLEIGH-ON-SEA

ON Palm Sunday, eight characteristics of Natural Church Develop-ment were considered and an opportunity to complete a questionnaire on the subject was given. Later, Messy Church united young and old in many activities.

During Holy Week, various people from other churches – includ-ing the Right Rev Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford – led evening meditations. Divi sional leaders Majors Norman and Margaret Ord led Good Friday worship, after which corps folk distributed hot

NEWS


An ecumenical EasterMORLEY

MORE than 300 people attended Easter activities and meetings under the leadership of Majors Joan and Stephen Gowler. The weekend started with a Good Friday Churches Together march of witness and open-air meeting in the town centre. In the evening, a medita-tion meeting around the cross took place at the corps.

On Saturday afternoon families packed into the hall for an Easter egg hunt and Messy Church where the children were reminded just how much God loves them. Many people also attended the family meeting on Easter Day when new adherent members were welcomed; the café church evening meeting included an impromptu Easter bonnet parade. – T. H.

BRIXHAM: Corps folk enjoyed a Maundy Thursday supper with suitable video links focusing on the Easter weekend. The song ‘Written In Red’ proved inspira-tional. On Good Friday various church members gathered at the Baptist church to lead a procession to the quayside for a meeting. On Easter Day fellow Christians joined with corps folk for break-fast and the Easter meeting. – J. M.

Members of Hadleigh Temple Band provide Easter music at

Hadleigh Training Centre tearooms, where tea, coffee and 300 hot

cross buns were given away to members of the public on

Easter Day; members of Rayleigh Band and Grays Town Band

also assisted. The day began with a sunrise service at

Hadleigh Castle

Greenford corps members conduct an open-air meeting on Good Friday; it was their first open-air

meeting for many years

Easter LabyrinthEXETER TEMPLE

DURING Holy Week, corps officer Major Carol Young set up an Easter Labyrinth for prayer and meditation. It enabled many children and adults to forget the hassles of everyday life and draw closer to God. Groups that use the hall for weekly activities also used the Labyrinth. Each station offered a variety of activities to help people reflect on the events of Easter.

Corps folk also participated in the Churches Together Good Friday march of witness and gathered at the corps for a medi-tation led by Majors Caroline and Richard Mingay (DHQ) themed Love Hurts. – A. C.

NEWS


Praise party prompts prayersDONCASTER

MORE than 300 people attended Doug Horley’s Crazy Science Praise Party, packed full of funky songs, spectacular puppets, awesome break-dancing and lots of fun and laughter. Using a mixture of science, experiments and practical examples, Doug showed how amazing God is.

The children were given an opportunity to say a prayer asking Jesus to be their friend; more than 30 children responded for the first time and were prayed over by Doug and the team. – C. W.

More than 20 riders braved cold weather on Easter Monday to

support the first Stowmarket Corps Charity Motorbike Ride,

raising £215 for the toy appeal

During Holy Week at Southampton Sholing, nails were

exchanged for a cross when considering the theme He Chose

The Nails – a moving experience for everyone who took part

DARTFORD: A powerful night of prayer on Maundy Thursday preceded Easter cele-brations led by cadets from William Booth College starting with a Good Friday meditation and Messy Church. The week-end culminated in the cadets sharing the great truth: because of Jesus we can be truly free. – C. M.

DAVIDSON HOUSE: A Mad Hatters Tea Party at the Edin-burgh care home was an excel-lent introduction to the Easter theme, The Foolishness Of The Cross. Residents and staff joined in a Messy Church Good Friday service, which included tradi-tional hymns, Bible meditation and Easter crafts. – A. M.

On Easter Day Northampton East Band played in Abington Park,

where corps members distributed ‘The War Cry’ and ‘Kids Alive!’

FEATURE

ALONGSIDE the International Staff Band and International Staff Songsters, who always deliver the very highest standards of music-making, the

concert will feature the youthful talents of a representative group of divisional youth bands from around the country. Some 150 young musicians – which is just a small cross-section of the vast number of young people who are involved in our youth music programmes – drawn from the Anglia, London North-East, Northern, Southern

and West Midlands Divisions will be stepping out into that grand old concert venue (most for the first time) to perform items including Andrew Mackereth’s ‘Keep Me Praising’ and Steven Ponsford’s ‘Kerygma’. They will also play alongside the ISB and other participants during the concert. Their enthusiasm and energy will undoubtedly produce some exciting music, and friends and family members will want to be there to cheer these talented young people on as they make the most of this wonderful opportunity.

For many years the Gospel Arts Concert has maintained a great tradition of featuring international guests to London. We are delighted this year to welcome the USA Western Territory Staff Songsters, under the leadership of Territorial Music Secretary Neil Smith. While the group has existed for a few years as a staff section, we are

Gospel Arts

‘‘

WE HAVE A DIVERSE BLEND OF PERFORMERS PREPARING FOR THE 2013 GOSPEL ARTS CONCERT AND WOULD ENCOURAGE SALVATIONISTS... TO JOIN US IN THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL TO SHARE IN A FEAST OF SALVATION ARMY MUSIC AND DRAMA ’’

KEEP ME PRAISINGTHE last two summers have seen some diverse aspects of Salvation Army life on show in London’s Royal Albert Hall – 2011’s ISB120 celebrations and the ‘I’ll Fight!’ Congress in 2012. On Saturday 8 June this year, the Gospel Arts Concert returns to the Albert Hall stage, under the title Keep Me Praising, with an exciting and vibrant array of performers.

The King’s Singers perform

at the 2010 Gospel Arts Concert

Picture: PAUL HARMER


BACK in 2007, the USA Western Territory formed a choral group made up of Salvationist musicians from around the territory. All the members were active as musicians in their own corps and many had responsibility for music leadership.

They met three times a year to rehearse and minister through music at various locations in the territory.

With headquarters in Long Beach, California, the USA Western Territory covers a vast, diverse geographic expanse ranging from the Rocky Mountains in the Western United States, out past Hawaii to Micronesia and Guam in the Far East. From north to south, the territory stretches more than 3,000 miles from the border with Mexico to the Alaskan frontier.

In June 2012 this group was formally recognised as a staff section – the USA Western Territory Staff Songsters.

As part of its regular schedule of activity, the section has sung as the feature music group or as a supporting group at a variety of territorial events. It performs at schools, workshops, worship services at Salvation Army corps and other churches and offers ministry to the residents and staff at the territory’s adult rehabilitation centres.

Since its inception, the group has made an invaluable contribution to the musical and spiritual life of the territory, as well as undertaking a successful visit to Canada. However, we are absolutely delighted that their first real overseas tour will see them visiting us here in the United Kingdom.

The USA Western Territory Staff Songsters are a vibrant and innovative group of musicians, whose presentations aim to inspire, bless and challenge.

The section is fortunate to have within its number several talented soloists, including their accompanist David Dunford, a young man who made his debut as piano soloist with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra at the age of 12! He performed as soloist with the orchestra again three years later. He has also appeared as soloist with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra while attending the University of Arizona. He has appeared with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra performing Gershwin’s Piano Concerto In F Major and Rhapsody In Blue and did a repeat performance of the Rhapsody in Richmond as the opening act for Aretha Franklin. He appeared twice with the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra, performing Bernstein’s Age Of Anxiety in 2000 and Rhapsody In Blue in 2002.

The staff songsters arrive in England on Friday 31 May and will travel straight to Southsea, where they will be spending the opening weekend of their tour. They will present a concert on Saturday 1 June and then lead worship the following day. The group then travels to Bristol, where Bristol Easton Corps will host them on Monday 3 June and then move on each subsequent day to Southport (Tuesday 4 June), Consett (Wednesday 5 June), Norwich (Thursday 6 June) and Chatham (Friday 7 June) before travelling into London for the Gospel Arts Concert in the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 8 June.

The songsters are led by USA Western Territorial Music Secretary Neil Smith, who also leads the territorial band. Originally from the United Kingdom, Neil’s early music studies at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, were followed by 14 years as a member of the Band of The Scots Guards, with whom he played at numerous state events as well as travelling throughout the world. He moved to the USA in 2000 to be a divisional music director in Sierra del Mar and was appointed to his present position in May 2005. He has been instrumental in the growth and development of music and the creative arts in the territory.

Look out for details of the USA Western Territory Staff Songsters’ activities at the various centres they are visiting – including the Gospel Arts Concert in the Albert Hall – and take the opportunity to go and hear them if you possibly can.

USA WESTERN TERRITORY STAFF SONGSTERS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

delighted that their debut overseas tour brings them to the United Kingdom. They will be touring the territory in the lead-up to the Gospel Arts Concert and when they arrive at the Albert Hall they will have been on the road for eight days. Many Salvationists and friends will not have had the opportunity to hear them on tour so we have no doubt many will be keen to make the trip to London to hear them sing.

Musicians around the territory will be very familiar with the name of Ballantine. Majors Len and Heather Ballantine lived and worked in the United Kingdom for a number of years and had a remarkable

Picture: P

AU

L HA

RM

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Andrew Blyth (THQ) conducts the ISB and

Festival Chorus at the Gospel Arts Concert 2010

FEATURE

THE Gowans and Larsson musicals have forged a place in Salvation Army history. Beginning in 1967 with Take-over Bid through to 1990 with The Meeting, the two Johns wrote ten musicals that had groundbreaking impact with their innovative style of presenting the gospel in drama and song. It is hugely significant that both of these highly talented officers went on to become the international leader of The Salvation Army.

Some of their musicals were closely connected with Army history and all were strongly Scripture-based. There was a whole generation of Salvationists involved in the productions right across the international Salvation Army. On the website created by General John Larsson there are many clips and a good deal of history about productions of their work from all around the globe, including Japan and France, together with great shows from the USA.

In the UK there were literally scores of productions presented by divisions, and there were many corps presentations. Many people can trace the beginning of their faith journey to taking part in a Gowans and Larsson musical. In one corps, three men – married to Salvationists – were persuaded to join the cast to balance the gender ratio. As a result, all three became Salvationists and, subsequently, all three became officers.

Now – in an attempt to keep alive many of these classic Army songs – there is to be a 21st-century concert of the lyrics and music of Gowans and Larsson. Based on the successful concerts by the John Wilson Orchestra, where a basic orchestra and chorus introduce soloists who perform numbers from the silver screen, this concert will introduce a new dimension to the Army musicals.

Kevin Larsson, General Larsson’s son and Southern California Divisional Music Director, USA Western Territory, has prepared completely new arrangements of these never-to-be forgotten songs. Although they are new arrangements, the essential melody lines will be instantly recognisable. Some of the arrangements have already been heard in the UK and we are sure they will have immediate appeal.

The line-up will comprise four trumpets, four trombones, piano, a rhythm section, a small chorus of about 18 to 20

voices and soloists. Most of the numbers will be well known to every Salvationist. These include ‘When The Army Comes To Town’ from Glory, ‘Hundreds And Thousands’ from Take-over Bid and 17 other great songs. During the evening, General Larsson – who has been involved in planning the event – will present a tribute to his friend and co-author, General John Gowans, who was promoted to Glory in December last year.

Many will be aware of the popularity of the CD recordings made by General Larsson and we trust that this evening will only enhance the quality of the songs and prove to be a great tribute to General Gowans.

Territorial Music Director Stephen Cobb, who has been active in the organisation of this unique production, says he sees it as an exciting part of the Music Ministries Unit’s three-day programme, incorporating the Gospel Arts Concert at the Royal Albert Hall and Music Leaders Councils at William Booth College.

21st-century Gowans and Larsson Concert will take place at Regent Hall, London, on 7 June; tickets can be obtained from the Special Events Unit at THQ (tel 020 7367 4860)

21st-CENTURY GOWANS AND LARSSON CONCERT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

influence on our musical culture. Len’s vocal and instrumental music is well known, much loved and deeply appreciated by many. However, it is Len and Heather’s daughter, Kathryn Ballantine who is to be featured as our special guest soloist this year. Kathryn grew up in England while her parents were here and as a child showed early signs of her passion for the performing arts. She has developed into a talented actress and singer with a particular love of musical theatre and an already impressive list of performing credits to her name, including roles in Anne Of Green Gables and The Boys In The Photograph,

an appearance in the Disney film, Camp Rock, clowning acts at Christmas with The Salvation Army and a solo album titled The Songs My Father Taught Me. She also teaches ballet, musical theatre and lyrical, jazz and contemporary dance. Kathryn and her husband, Kyle Higgins, recently established a company called The Role Players.

So, we have a diverse blend of performers preparing for the 2013 Gospel Arts Concert and would encourage Salvationists around the UK and the Republic of Ireland to join us in the Royal Albert Hall to share in a feast of Salvation Army music and drama. Tickets are on sale at the Royal Albert Hall box office – www.royalalberthall.com

The Household Troops Band will be playing at the Albert Memorial from 3 pm

Music leaders reading this article should note that Music Leaders Councils take place on Sunday 9 June – returning to the recently refurbished William Booth College after a few years at other venues. We anticipate a great day together and would encourage you to join us there too

Articles produced by Music Ministries Unit, THQ

BIBLE STUDY

WHERE would we be without the Bible? It never ceases to inspire, teach, encourage, guide, correct and

amuse. If you are ever in need of something to laugh at, flick through the pages of Proverbs and soon your spirit will be lifted.

Over the next three weeks we will look at proverbs that give us good, solid advice for living spiritually healthy lives.

Life can be complex. But the Bible has a word to describe people who choose to live life well; that word is ‘wise’. But where does wisdom come from? The beginning of Proverbs (see chapter 1:1–7) sheds some light. These capsules of wisdom describe for us what it is to live lives that are wise.

This week’s proverb is: ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it’ (4:23).

Notice the priority. The most important thing for intentional, wise living is to guard your heart. So let’s get to the hub of what this wisdom is. In essence, King Solomon is saying: ‘Your inner world matters because we can’t solve everything with our heads.’

In a truth moment, we would all accept that we have a secret world within us made up of the things that impact how we live. It is not necessarily all bad, but these things grow because of the choices we make. Internal desires can distract us from our purpose. We are the choices we make. Living wisely must be intentional.

‘Guard your heart’ – there are layers of wisdom in these words. What we see with the eyes of our heart will shape how we think, respond and live. The longer we view ourselves through a distorted lens, the more likely we are to believe a distorted truth. Experience tells me that people who build a wall around themselves, who can’t trust anyone, who find it difficult to be open,

who keep people at a distance and develop a culture of suspicion, may have a ‘heart’ problem and need to do something about it.

The sickness of our heart may be more difficult to deal with than any physical ailment. It is not healthy to ignore these things. The heart is the place through which we live our lives.

The proverb goes on to say why we need to guard our heart: because we won’t be able to hide what’s in it! It is the wellspring of life. Our heart sources our life. It makes sense – when we spend all our energy creating a smokescreen, we have nothing left for authentic living.

Here’s the good news. God, who is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-everything, will always want a relationship with you. The contamination in your heart that leads you to feel condemned – because you feel unworthy or complacent or because you have got away with it so far – can be cleansed. God may lead you through the holy ground of grief, pain and deep repentance, but it will be worth it. Your heart is recoverable. We don’t need to tread water in the ocean of our guilt.

The wisdom is to guard our hearts, but every page of Scripture reminds us that

God also has made provision for our protection. However, we can’t defeat our enemy if we don’t discern him. Jesus still asks us the question: ‘Do you want to be well?’

Protection comes in many forms, but until we recognise the heart problem we will continue to live outside God’s provision. The repentance of our sin, the forgiveness of God, some personal self-regulation, the accountability of a trusted friend and the ongoing work of God’s grace in our lives, all bring healing to our heart. We have to invest wisely in the essence of who we are.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

In that light, here are four questions we should regularly ask ourselves

What am I hiding? What do I hope is never found out

about me? What is the question I am pleased no

one ever asks me? What is the discovery about me, if it is

made, that would completely change my life?


Guard my heartThe first in a three-part series, entitled The Cry Of My Heart, by Major Mark Herbert

‘‘

HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS. GOD, WHO IS ALL-POWERFUL, ALL-KNOWING, ALL-EVERYTHING, WILL ALWAYS WANT A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU ’’

MAJOR HERBERT IS TERRITORIAL CANDIDATES DIRECTOR

REVIEWS


A STIRRING VISIONMajor Mark Sawyer (Chelmsford) reviews Founding Vision For A Future Army by Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns

I BELIEVE this book has the potential to transform your life, faith and corps. Alan Burns takes us back to William Booth’s founding vision, dream and desire – to win the world for Jesus! He reminds us why we exist and suggests what we need to do to find our way back to our roots.

He looks at our history and challenges us to reclaim the distinctive gifts that lie at the core of our identity, and reminds us that we will succeed in realising Booth’s vision only if we are inhabited by a deep passion and a burning fire in our souls to see God’s Kingdom grow.

In his foreword, Lieut-Colonel Ian Barr writes: ‘One of the signs of health in the life of any movement is that in every generation there will be a prophet or prophets who sound a convincing call to revisit the group’s founding principles and regain its early focus. Alan Burns has managed to do this without harking back to a mythical rather than an actual past, and without prescribing a singular course of action as the only legitimate way of being The Salvation Army at this stage in our history.

‘Instead he takes us on a theological and sociological journey back to the remarkable spiritual giftedness of William Booth.’

Alan Burns addresses issues that we have wrestled with for years and he provides insightful ideas that could impact the Army in a God-glorifying way.

The book helps us to refocus, to look again at what Jesus came here to do and how Booth tried to follow in those holy footsteps so that others could be saved, reached and rescued

in Jesus’ name. I promise that as you read you will be lifted in your spirit and challenged to the core of your being.

I recommend this book to anyone who has a deep passion to be stirred in their heart by the Spirit of God.

Founding Vision For A Future Army is available from SP&S at £5.95 (plus £4.95 postage and packing)

THE MISSING GENERATION Major Rosemary Dawson reviews The Missing Generation: A Practical Guide To 20s – 30s Ministry by Kay MumfordMOST churches share a common problem: the lack of a vibrant twenties to thirties age group.

The consequences of ignoring that ‘missing generation’ will almost certainly result in dying, ageing and empty churches with no leaders and very few young families. It’s a ticking time bomb that needs to be defused.

So what can churches do about it?According to the author, who has a

Salvationist background, the most

important aspects of this ministry are prayer and a heart for mission.

Writing from 15 years’ experience of working with university students in Oxford and Manchester and running a large twenties and thirties church group in Cambridge, Mumford explores and identifies some of the many reasons for the present situation and gives practical guidelines for establishing a viable ministry to this group.

Recognising and understanding the pressures and dilemmas facing this age group is the first step. The book contains some honest and illuminating accounts by those struggling with eating disorders, depression, self-harming, substance abuse, singleness and work-related issues. They are far more likely to find the Christian help and support they need in a peer group than they are from the pulpit!

The aim of such groups must always be to bring newcomers, young Christians and those struggling with commitment issues to faith and service within the church.

Identifying the right leaders and venues for such groups is crucial to success. For small groups, a living room and an endless supply of coffee and cake are always going to be more appealing than a church hall.

The Missing Generation: A Practical Guide to 20s–30s Ministry is available from www.10ofthose.com (10 Publishing) at £5.99

LETTERS

I TOTALLY AGREE I READ the article on organ and blood donation (Salvationist 6 April) and totally agree with it. I have been a blood donor for some time and I am on the Organ Donor Register. I would encourage anyone who can, to donate blood. It’s easy and doesn’t hurt and you get free coffee and biscuits!

Roger MerrickDeal

ORGAN DONATION WAS SO POSITIVE FOR OUR FAMILY

HAVING read the Salvationist article concerning organ transplantation, I was moved to write about my family’s experience a little over 28 years ago. Gail, my sister, had just finished collecting door-to-door alongside the corps band who were playing carols when a drunk driver mounted the pavement and struck her. A passing ambulance kept Gail alive, though when it became apparent in Morriston hospital’s ITU that she would not survive her injuries the possibility of organ donation was raised.

My mother, Noreen, and Gail’s husband simply commented to the surgeon: ‘Gail would do anything for anyone, and this is the last time she has the opportunity to help somebody.’

A woman in Cardiff, who was not expected to see Christmas that year, received Gail’s liver, while two men each

received a kidney which freed dialysis machines for two other patients awaiting renal treatment.

Although many years have passed, the events remain vivid, and even now we wonder how the organ recipients and their families are doing. We have a strong sense that something good emerged from a terrible tragedy and still derive comfort from what was accomplished.

My mother and I feel that, in a way, part of Gail lives on and would confirm that organ donation has proved a very positive experience for our family. Just two weeks before Gail’s promotion to Glory she testified at Ammanford Corps, a testimony that was truly fleshed out in the gift of her organs at Christmas time – the very season when we remember that the Word became flesh.

Arlene Tucker,Llanelli

‘CARTRIDGE’ SHOULD BE FIRED!READING Fred Crowhurst’s letter about communication anachronisms (Salvationist 13 April) brought to mind an occasion when the thoughtless use of a Salvation Army in-house word caused a stir.

I was the Divisional Commander in Ireland when the Troubles were still at their height. Each year, with corps officers, I would fly to England to attend councils at the Swanwick Conference Centre, where staff from SP&S would be in attendance so we could purchase corps stationery and uniforms.

Arriving back at Belfast Airport, the officer next to me was approached by a security officer, who asked: ‘What is in that parcel under your arm?’ He promptly replied: ‘Cartridges.’ Obviously he had to open the parcel and went to some length to explain some of our outdated language.

In a world where there is so much violence, the word ‘cartridge’ has only one meaning – and as ‘peace’ is our message then ‘cartridge’ should be laid to rest.

Bert Menary,Lieut-Colonel,Southport

WE ARE UNIQUEIN response to Fred Crowhurst’s letter regarding communication anachronisms I want to ask: How many more of our Army traditions have we got to get rid of before we have the ‘perfect’ church?

I have been a Salvationist for many years and I am happy to accept that we have to move with the times, if it is necessary. However, in recent years there has been the move to call ourselves a Salvation Army church. If I want to worship in a church I will join the Anglicans or Methodists. We are a church in as much as we belong to the Christian Church but people know us as The Salvation Army, which meets in a citadel, and that includes our strange-sounding titles.

I have some Anglican friends who visit our corps from time to time and they are fascinated by our way of worship. They spend a lot of time discussing doctrinal matters but they also ask questions about our ranks and uniforms and their meaning. They see these as important parts of our organisation.

It seems unbelievable that anyone should even suggest changes to our mercy seat. It is the focal point of our ministry. Our leaders still invite people to ‘come to the mercy seat and meet with the Lord’. It is where the sinner can find salvation and where the believer can claim the blessing of the Holy Spirit. Take that away, even to change the name of the mercy seat, and we have lost the whole point of who we are and what we believe.

We are The Salvation Army. We worship in a citadel. We sing Salvation Army songs. We are unique and we need to stay that way.

Bernard Cook,Thornaby


CSM/DDE/TPWMORU/YPSM/THQTC/DFO/RSC/CS

Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email [email protected]

ANNOUNCEMENTS


ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND: Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, Tu 7 May - Wed 15 ICO, Sun 19

IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 - Th 23 Germany and Lithuania, Fri 24 - Mon 27

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: UK, London (Called And Commissioned International Conference On The Training Of Cadets), Tu 23 Apr - Sun 28 Italy and Greece (Commissioning), Th 2 May - Sun 5 IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 - Th 23

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS)AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: The Dome, Doncaster (Roots Conference), Sat Sun 5 May Southern (divisional celebration), Sun 12

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: London (Called And Commissioned International Conference On The Training Of Cadets), Wed 24 Apr - Sun 28*

Territorial Advisory Council, Fri 26 - Sun 28** Scotland Council, Th 9 May Territorial Leaders Conference, Tu 14 - Fri 17

COMMISSIONER BIRGITTE BREKKE: ICO, Th 2 May

COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: UK, London (Called And Commissioned International Conference On The Training Of Cadets), Tu 23 Apr - Sun 28 UK, Barrhead, Sat Sun 5 May UK, Harlow, Sat Sun 12

COMMISSIONERS TORBEN AND DEISE ELIASEN: Mexico, Mon 29 Apr - Th 2 May**

COMMISSIONER DORITA WAINWRIGHT: ICO, Th 2 May

INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: Cambridge University, Sat Sun 28 Apr

*wife will not accompany**husband will not accompany

ARMY PEOPLELOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

RS Ruth Horsley, YPBL Jon Cole, Leeds Central

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIESBlue sapphire (65th):

Major and Mrs Handel and Lilian Everett (8 May)

Diamond: Lieut-Colonel and Mrs Alexander and Joan McChlery (9 May)Bandsman Len and Rtd HLS Jean Roberts, Hemel Hempstead (9 May)

Golden: Majors Robert and Helena Boyd (11 May)

DEDICATED TO GODDaniel Jack, son of Richard and Paula Gardiner, at Weymouth by Major Alan HillIsabella Jasmine, daughter of Bramwell and Abigail Gibson, at Dartford by Lieutenant Sarah AllanDarren, son of Florence Chikopa; George, son of Nyana and Vava Musiiwa, both at Leicester Central by Major Rudi BruinewoudKeira, daughter of Edward and Amy Moore, at Oldbury by Lieutenant Lydia BartlettJulian Osei-Kwakye, son of Eric and

Maame Yaa Frimpong; Delcie Nana Kesewaa, daughter of Desmond and Ama Owusu, both at Thornton Heath by Major Kathryn WoodhouseMia Sue, daughter of Jonathan York and Lindsay Hudson, at Guildford by Major Jean McDevitte

BEREAVEDLieutenant Jackie Jarrold, Harwich with Manningtree, of her father Terry SmithCaptain Wilma Perfect, Lieut-Colonel Isobel McIntyre, YPBL Andrew Laird and Bandsman Colin Laird, both Clydebank, of their father Rtd CT William (Bill) LairdMarie West, Swindon Gorse Hill, of her husband PhilMarjorie Roberts, Boscombe, of her husband Rtd RS Bernard Roberts, Christine Liley, Rachel Wood, both Boscombe, and Yvonne Nieuwland, Ede (The Netherlands), of their fatherMollie Millest, Gillingham, of her husband B/Reservist Daniel Millest, Mark Millest, SL Andrew Millest, both Gillingham, BM Christopher Millest, Bath Temple, of their fatherOwen La Farge of his wife Brenda, Adrian La Farge and Collette Gaudion of their mother, all L’IsletWendy Moore of her sister Eunice Downs; Sandra Hodgetts of her

mother Margaret Fowles, both Cradley HeathAndrew Rogers, St Albans, David Rogers and Mary Rogers of their mother Margaret, John Coutts, Stirling, Elizabeth Lawson and Molly West of their sisterLorraine Brown, Sunderland Millfield, of her mother Mary HamiltonS/Sgt Judith Tretheway, Exeter, of her mother Phyllis Williams

RETIRED OFFICERSBirthday congratulations:

Major Sidney Williams (85 on 4 May)Major Millicent Straker (95 on 7 May)

PROMOTED TO GLORYS/Reservist Mae Gilchrist, Rutherglen

TRIBUTESCOLONEL DR SIDNEY GAUNTLETTBORN in Copenhagen in 1922 to officer parents and big brother Caughey, Sidney Gauntlett commenced

his international career by accompanying them to Hungary – where his sister Margit was born – before arriving in England in 1927.

Asthma was a defining issue in Sidney’s life. At a time when modern treatments were not available, he saw a great deal of hospitals and doctors. Indeed, his mother wondered whether he would survive early childhood. After these early struggles, he was tenacious in all he did. It is therefore not surprising that, at the age of 13, he began to think of doing medicine himself – and then that he should ‘pay back’ by offering his skills to less privileged countries, feeling a particular pull toward Africa.

Qualifying as a doctor at the London Hospital in 1946, Sidney undertook further training in tropical medicine and hygiene before entering the Warriors Session in 1947.

Marriage to Lieutenant Violet Markham in 1948 was followed by service in India at the McRobert Hospital in Dhariwal, where their daughter Heather was born. In 1951 the family flew to Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) where their family was completed with the arrival of Ian.

For the next 16 years Sidney served at Chikankata Hospital as chief medical officer – building the small clinic into a busy


240-bed hospital, with a strong commit-ment to the care and cure of leprosy. In 1959 he was appointed MBE for this work, accepted only on behalf of the entire team. In 1967 family concerns determined his return to the UK.

Service as medical officer at the training college included many troubleshooting assignments to India and Africa and work with drug and alcohol addiction at St Martin-in-the-Fields.

In 1972, after the Biafran War in Nigeria, the Gauntletts were asked to set up a reha-bilitation programme for war victims. A centre for treating the child victims of polio was also established.

Mrs Gauntlett was promoted to Glory in 1975, shortly after her husband’s return to London to begin a new social work appoint-ment as medical adviser.

In 1976 Sidney married family friend and colleague Major Edith Shankster, who sadly died less than a year later.

In 1978 he married Major Jean Fardon, also a family friend and colleague. She trav-elled widely with him in the promotion of marriage enrichment, which they continued in retirement. This was in addition to his work as Director of Alcohol Services and Counselling Services.

Colonel Gauntlett retired as Chief Secre-tary of Social Services in 1988.

In retirement at Upper Norwood and Boscombe, he was concerned for all and was often sought out for advice and comfort, which were freely given. In recent years fail-ing health curtailed his activities, although just weeks before his death – perceiving that the Army had an urgent need of officers – he drafted a letter offering himself. One of his last questions was: ‘Shall I wear my uniform today?’

He leaves his wife Jean, daughter Heather and son Ian, seven grandchildren and a great-grandson. – H. B./J. G.

MAJOR FRED SMITHFREDERICK Smith was born in 1938 at Grangetown, Cardiff, the youngest of five children. Commis-sioned an officer in

1967 from the Witnesses to the Faith Session, he was appointed to Portobello and Niddrie Mains and then to Annan. Marriage to Lieutenant Dianne Wayman in 1968 was followed by corps appointments at Blantyre and East Kilbride, where their daughter Miriam was born, and Inverness, where their

son Howard joined the family. Subsequent commands at Bargoed, Leeds Burley, Norwich Mile Cross, Wisbech (with Parson Drove), Ilkeston, Batley, Sheffield Citadel, Bedford Congress Hall, Warrington and Bolton Citadel (with Bolton Halliwell) preceded retirement in 2003.

Everyone who knew Fred also knew that he was a Welshman who couldn’t hold a tune, but that never stopped him singing loudly and enthusiastically. His clapping could never be duplicated, no matter how hard people tried! His ‘marching’ up and down the platform was also a sight to behold.

Fred wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right – whether for his family or The Salva-tion Army. He cared greatly for everyone that he came into contact with.

When illness brought early retirement in 2003, the Smiths settled in Sheffield where they enjoyed looking after their grand children.

Following his wife’s death in 2006, Fred managed to stay in his own home for a further 18 months. The last four years of his life were spent in a care home, where the staff loved him; he caused mischief, and made them laugh. They always asked Fred to say a prayer for them when he went to the Army. They knew of his love for the Lord!

Fred was a great encourager right to the end of his life. Even when very ill in hospital, just days before his promotion to Glory, he won staff over with his smile. A typical Army officer, he heard the tea trolley coming into the ward and said ‘yes please’ almost before he was asked. He never complained about his illness.

The major will always be remembered for being a great encourager. He is missed by all who knew him and whose lives he touched. – M. B.

STAN CLEALL, SOUTHAMPTON SHIRLEYSTAN and his wife Joyce decided to attend meetings at the corps after hearing a radio broadcast in 1975.

Soon afterwards they dedicated their lives to Jesus at the mercy seat, and were subse-quently sworn-in as soldiers.

Keen to share his new faith, Stan became a War Cry seller in the pubs and on the streets. He also helped Joyce lead midweek meetings at four residential homes and the corps over-60 club, where he showed care and concern for its many members.

His cheerful disposition meant that Stan

was an obvious choice to become welcome sergeant.

The later onset of serious health problems meant it was necessary to relinquish all activities, but his faith never wavered. – J. W.

MRS EDITH BURTON, BARNSLEYEDITH was born at Barnsley in 1917. Her parents were very staunch Salvationists and Edith was dedi-

cated to God when two weeks old. She met husband Joseph – a coal miner – in the 1930s. They married in 1937 at Barnsley and were blessed with six children.

The couple had many happy years together. Edith cared for Joseph, who suffered from multiple sclerosis, until his promotion to Glory in 1997.

She loved writing poetry and singing. Her final years were very happily spent in a resi-dential care home, where she had lovely friends and received excellent care.

Edith was promoted to Glory five days after her 96th birthday. – S. F.

MRS EVA ANDREW, ST IVESBORN in 1912 at Ashton-under-Lyne, Eva was a second-generation Salvationist who dedicated her life

to God and the Army. Marrying Fred in 1939, they shared more than 74 years of love for each other. Their only child, Geoffrey, died in 2005.

At Ashton, Eva served as sunbeam leader and a songster before moving to Cornwall in the 1960s.

For five years, in the early 1980s, she endeared herself to the corps of Sacramento Citadel in California, where she attended the home league and sang in the songsters. Returning to St Ives, she resumed her posi-tion as assistant home league secretary and was a songster.

Promoted to Glory four days before her 101st birthday, Eva was a faithful soldier, wife, mother, mother-in-law and friend. – P. S./L. A.

Please note that soldiers’ tributes

submitted for publication should be no

longer than 120 words. Good quality

pictures will be included with tributes.

NEW COMMITMENTS


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1. & 2. KAREN BRIDGES Adherent member ALEX KEIR Junior soldier HYTHEAS a true Spurs fan Alex cited the football club’s motto (To Dare Is To Do) as an encouragement to keep his promise even when life gets tough. His mum Karen spoke about the friendly welcome she received at the corps and how after a busy week she looks forward to relaxing in worship each Sunday. – P. L.

3. JESSICA YOUNG Junior soldier ROCK FERRYJESSICA was delighted to become a junior soldier. She was enrolled by corps officer Major Malcolm Routledge. Jessica is pictured with Major Routledge and Songster Colour Sergeant Gwyneth Rea. – M. R.

4. HELEN GREENLEES Adherent member IRVINEAFTER a period of ill-health, Helen found that God was working in her life. A friend invited her to the Army and she knew it was where the Lord wanted her to be. She was welcomed as an adherent member by corps leader Territorial Envoy Lexie Andrade. – F. M.

5. JEMAYA DAVIES Soldier WINTONJEMAYA used to be a junior soldier but experienced some dark times during her teenage years. She would cry out to God in anger and for help. The words from the singing company song ‘In God’s Word’ came to her mind, and she realised God had never left her. She now knows her future is in his hands. – G. T.

6. SHARON HUME Adherent member STAPLEFORDTWO years ago Sharon attended the Back To Church Sunday meeting

after being invited by a friend. She has attended regularly since, is a member of the Bible study fellowship and enjoys working in the charity shop. She was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Richard Crowe. – E. S.

7. CAROL KINGSLEY Adherent member UPPER NORWOODCAROL used to be a junior soldier at Bromley Temple. She had barely had any contact with the Army for 20 years until she walked into Upper Norwood hall. At her welcome meeting she testified: ‘God has been my refuge and strength through very difficult times in my life. I know that Christ is my friend and master and I will never turn my back on him.’ She was welcomed as an adherent member by Major Kingsley Layton. – P. E./R. C.

8. TRUDY DENHAM Soldier DUNSTABLETRUDY grew up in the Army. She loves God and wants to be the best person she can be for him. After a discussion in the youth group, Trudy decided to trust in God and become a soldier. She was enrolled by corps officer Major Carol Evans. – J. B.

9. ALEX BEJAN Soldier ILFORDALEX first entered the corps building when looking for verification of some documents. He began attending the Sunday meetings and was soon drawn into the corps programme, assisting at the night shelter, youth club and charity shop. He will soon take part in a six-month placement with the Army at Bucharest, in his home country, Romania. Alex is pictured with corps officers Lieutenants John and Naomi Clifton and Recruiting Sergeant Cedric Lungiambudi. – G. P.

ADVERTISEMENTS

Salvationist 27 April 2013 21-23

Through the week with ‘Salvationist’ – a devotional thought for each daySaturdayMay God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us – so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

(Psalm 67:1 and 2)

SundayWith numberless blessings each moment he crowns,And, filled with his goodness divine,I sing in my rapture: O glory to GodFor such a redeemer as mine!

(SASB 710)

MondayI will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,

and my blessing on your descendants.

(Isaiah 44:3)

TuesdayThere shall be showers of blessing:This is the promise of love;There shall be seasons refreshing,Sent from the Saviour above.

(SASB 637)

Wednesday‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’

(Malachi 3:10)

ThursdayPraise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

(Ephesians 1:3)

FridayCount your blessings, name them one

by one,Count your blessings, see what God

hath done.Count your blessings, name them one

by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord

hath done.

(SASB 396)

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. Picture: DAVID NAPIER

Praying around the world… India WesternThe Salvation Army began its work in Bombay (later Mumbai) in 1882. A pioneer party, led by Major Frederick Tucker and including Veerasoriya, a Sri Lankan convert, invaded India with the love and compassion of Jesus. The India Western Territory, led by Colonels Thumati Vijayakumar and T. K. Manikyam, was established in 1921 and comprises 412 officers, 301 employees, 260 corps, 275 outposts, 39,920 soldiers, 3,971 adherent members and 10,052 junior soldiers. Pray that through the many youth programmes, such as the new project for street children, the youth camp and schools, children will grow up to know God.

salvationist 27 april 2013 · 2014-01-16 · salvationist 27 april 2013 3 story power call me...

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