Many gather to give thanks for the life of Commissioner ... · Many gather to give thanks for the...

Many gather to give thanks for the life of Commissioner Helen CliftonBeckenham and William Booth College PAGE 4

PAPERS

2 16 July 2011 SALVATIONIST www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

■ GET REVVED UPFOR A SNEAK PREVIEW OF CARS 2■ AN EXTRAORDINARYGLIMPSE OF JESUS INKA! JAM■ KIDDO EXPERIENCES APENALTY PROBLEM■ LOTS OF LAUGHSAND PUZZLES WITHGIGGLE IN THE MIDDLE

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: [email protected] Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of TheSalvation Army and printed by benhamgoodheadprint Limited, Bicester, Oxon. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2011. The SalvationArmy Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

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

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

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

NUMBER OF CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS RISES TO50,000

The number of civil partnerships in the UK has risen for the first time in four years, bringing the total since the law wasreformed more than five years ago to nearly 50,000.

Break-ups of registered partners also increased in 2010 compared with 2009 but this was at a lower rate than in any year since the law change in December2005 which enables same-sex couples toenter into agreements with similar rights to married couples.The Guardian

BROADCASTERS CALL FOR INTERNET ACTION

The Fellowship of European Broadcasters is calling for new legislation to combat violent, criminal and pornographic materialon the internet. The chairman of theFEB, Harvey Thomas, said that theinternet was now raging ‘out ofcontrol’ and said that Europeshould take a lead in creating effective legislation.The Church of England Newspaper

■ GOOD VERSUSEVIL IN THE LASTHARRY POTTERFILM

■ BIKER TURNSAROUND

■ ‘VICAR OF BAGHDAD’ TELLSHIS STORY

Families need to earn 20 percent more thisyear than last year if they are to maintain an acceptable standard of living,a report from theJoseph RowntreeFoundation (JRF)suggests.The huge gap

is due to rising inflation and recent cuts tochild-related benefits...Since 2008, the

JRF has gatheredinformation from

focus groups toset a benchmarkfor what it considers to be an ‘acceptable standard of living’.The benchmark is set at a levelthat rules out extravagances, but allows foritems such as amobile phone anda self-catering holiday in the UKonce a year.The official cost

of living rose by4.5 per cent in theyear to April.Church Times

FAMILIES FEEL THE SQUEEZE MOST

NEWSPages 4 – 9 & 21⟩⟩⟩⟩BeckenhamWilliamBoothCollegeHadleighEmploymentTrainingCentreEnfieldWintonHorshamSkewenAlderneyLeightonBuzzardFakenhamNorthScotlandAbertilleryRiponCheltenhamSouthamptonShirleyPooleWiganNorwichCitadelSalisburyBurtonuponTrentClowneBirminghamCitadelMirfieldCreweMerthyrTydfilRipleyGovanHaylingIslandSouthseaPentreClitheroeChalkFarmChristchurchBourneBecclesNorthernFileyRochdaleStapleHillLyeMaidstone

LETTERS

Page 10 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

MINDING HIS BUSINESS

No half measuresPage 11 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

FEATURE

Faith afloatPages 12 & 13 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

FEATURE

From my chairPage 14 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

FEATURE

Back in concert!Page 14 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

BIBLE STUDY

Failing successfullyPage 15 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

NEW COMMITMENTS

Pages 16 – 19 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Army people, engagementsand tributesPages 20 & 21 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

ADVERTS

Pages 22 & 23 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

COMMENT

[email protected] SALVATIONIST 16 July 2011 3

MY predecessor-but-one in thisappointment, Major DeanPallant, advises me that at aconcert held recently at

Regent Hall, the band played acomplicated piece of music. Nothingunusual about that, except – as Deanpointed out with a smile that somehowmanaged to register shock, curiosity,courtesy and disbelief all at the sametime – I was publicly credited with thecomposition.

I am no more capable of composingmusic than I am of flying to the Moon.The credit should have gone to StephenPonsford, and I can only apologise, byproxy, for any confusion.

A similar thing happened a few yearsago in a lift here at THQ, when ahigh-ranking officer effused appreciationfor an article I had written. I had no

recollection of the prose that he praised,until the penny eventually dropped and Irealised he was referring to the work ofmy colleague Stephen Pearson. Givenmy long-standing policy of notcontradicting high-ranking officers unlessit’s absolutely necessary to do so, Ichose the path of least resistance andalighted a floor earlier than necessary, hishand of patriarchal blessing still grippingmy shoulder.

Stealing another’s glory is a murkybusiness. I am dismayed to learn thatthat great epic of my childhood, EdithNesbit’s The Railway Children, may notafter all be an original work. Apparently,the plot bears too many similarities to abook published a decade earlier, TheHouse By The Railway, to any longer beconsidered Nesbit’s creation. I shallnever be able to think of Sally Thomsettand Jenny Agutter – the stars of the1970 film of the book – in quite the sameway again.

It could, of course, be argued thatthere is no such thing as an originalthought. If the first four words of Genesis1:1 hold fast, then, strictly speaking, onlyGod holds the copyright on originality.For all that, our task is to copy the life ofChrist, asking the Holy Spirit to help usdo so.

Beside my wife’s side of the bed isThomas à Kempis’ The Imitation OfChrist. In my songbook, chorus 107reminds me of my need to be like Jesus.This week’s Salvationist is loaded withclues as to how that likeness mightcome about – no half measures,recommends Commissioner BettyMatear, meeting everyday needs inJesus’ name, suggests Captain JennyDibsdall, serving in the Army, saysLieut-Colonel David Phillips, and evenlearning to fail properly, teaches MajorTim Johnson!

The motto of my old theologicalcollege was 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV ): ‘Grow inthe grace and knowledge of our Lordand Saviour’. Grace not only lays downthe challenge but provides the means.

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

Not my own

‘Look to Jesus that hemay quicken you withholy desire which… mayfind its fullest expressionin holy – that is to say,Christlike – living.’

(General Frederick Coutts)

4 16 July 2011 SALVATIONIST

NEWS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Many gather togive thanks forthe life ofCommissionerHelen CliftonBeckenhamTHE chapel at the crematoriumwas full to overflowing withpeople seeking to pay theirrespects to Commissioner HelenClifton. Officers, Salvationistsand friends representing Salva- tion Army work all over theworld united in their deep appre-ciation of the commissioner’slife and influence.

Commissioner Clifton’scoffin, draped in an Army flagemblazoned with the words‘Promoted To Glory’, was carriedin to John Rutter’s arrangementof ‘For The Beauty Of TheEarth’. The poignancy of thewords associated with the music– ‘For the joy of human love,brother, sister, parent, child’ –was not lost on the congregationas a palpable sense of sympathysurrounded General Shaw Clifton(Retired) and his family andHelen’s brother and sister, KevinAshman and Ruth Seal.

The Cliftons’ corps officers,Majors Brian and Liv Slinn(Bromley), offered prayers andreadings, thanking God for theselfless ministry of the commis-sioner and asking him tostrengthen and support her lovedones. Psalms 23 and 24 wereshared, pointing to the love andsovereignty of the HeavenlyFather whom CommissionerHelen Clifton knew and servedover many decades.

Words of tribute were broughtby Major Brian Slinn before theheartfelt singing of ‘Ye ValiantSoldiers Of The Cross’. A hugesense of loss and sorrow wastempered by the strong beliefthat the commissioner is nowenjoying her heavenly reward.

William Booth CollegeTHE service of thanksgiving forCommissioner Helen Clifton,held in the assembly hall, was afitting tribute to a woman of Godwho did so much for others.After a presentation showingsnapshots of the commissioner’slife and the entry of the SalvationArmy flag, Chief of the StaffCommissioner Barry Swanson,who was leading the meeting,said: ‘We meet to remember thelife and influence of Commis-sioner Helen Clifton. We are notthe same for having met her.’

Acknowledging the presenceof General John Larsson(Retired) and CommissionersFreda Larsson, Gisèle Gowansand Robin Dunster, the Chiefthen led the congregation in songbefore Captain Lynne Clifton(London South-East DHQ) andCadet Naomi Shakespeareprayed.

Captain Marcus Collings(New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga)read from Hebrews 13 andBromley Songsters sang ‘It IsWell With My Soul’, beforeWorld President of Women’sMinistries Commissioner SueSwanson read a tribute fromGeneral Linda Bond, who saidthat Commissioner Clifton hadresponded to God’s call through-out her life. ‘We thank God forher beautiful, powerful life; shewas a catalyst for change, awoman of prayer.’

Commissioner Clifton’s threechildren each paid their owntribute. Captain Matt Clifton(THQ) drew comparisonsbetween his mother andSolomon’s perfect woman ofProverbs 31. He talked abouthow, despite her busy schedule,she always found time for herfamily and how she had taughthim much about marriage in theway she and his father cared foreach other.

Captain Jenny Collings (NewZealand, Fiji and Tonga) spoke ofher mother’s wisdom, beauty andgentle yet determined nature,saying: ‘She always encouragedme to be myself and empoweredme to find my wings.’ She

concluded: ‘We haven’t lost her;we know where she is.’

Cadet John Clifton said thatover the next few weeks hismother will continue to inspirehim as some of the most impor-tant occasions of his life takeplace, including his commission-ing and marriage.

Enfield Band then played ‘SongOf The Eternal’ before Commis-sioner Sue Swanson broughtverses from Revelation and theChief gave the Bible message.He challenged those present tothink about what they are doingwith the life God has given them.

Major Brian Slinn offeredprayer and pronounced the benediction. – S. P./L. R.

The service at William Booth Collegecelebrating Commissioner Clifton’s life

NEWS

SALVATIONIST 16 July 2011 [email protected]

Centre celebrates 120 yearsHadleigh EmploymentTraining CentreCELEBRATING the 120th anni -versary of William Booth’spurchase of land to establish theFarm Colony, the training centrehosted an afternoon of dancing,sideshows, a farmers’ and craftmarket, an exhibition and abarbecue. Divisional CommanderMajor Carol Bailey opened theevent and Rebecca Harris MPand her family were there tosupport. Gordon Parkhill, co-author of Hadleigh SalvationArmy Farm: A Vision Reborn,talked about the history of theplace.

On Sunday, Majors Howardand Sheina Davies (AustraliaSouthern) led a songs of praise

Commissioner Bill Cochrane (IHQ) cuts the ribbon at Enfield’s renovated and refurbished corps building; he ispictured with corps officer Major Irene Williams and the Deputy Mayor of Enfield (Councillor Kate Onolue)

meeting in a barn, with the Lord-Lieutenant of Essex (Lord Petre),the Mayor of Castle Point(Councillor Jackie Govier) andthe Mayor of Southend-on-Sea(Councillor David Norman) inattendance. Centre ManagerShelley Carter, Divisional Direc-tor for Com munity and Social

Services Beverley Egan andGordon gave presentations onthe past, present and future ofArmy work on the site. HadleighTemple Band and Songstersprovided music.

Shelley (left) and Beverley(centre) are pictured with MajorBailey. – B. N.

People pray forfresh touch ofSpiritHorshamMANY people went forward topray for a fresh touch of the HolySpirit upon their lives at theconclusion of the PentecostSunday morning meeting. Thedrama group presented aspecially written piece on Pente- cost, Shelley Gallagher sang‘His Provision’ and the band,singing group and worship grouptook part. The day concludedwith Messy Church in Crawley.

On the Saturday the corps helda garden party, with hundreds ofpeople enjoying games, compe-titions and refreshments. Cop -thorne Brass Band played duringthe day and the Cantatrice LadiesChoir, which rehearses at thehall, presented some songs. Theevent ended with a songs ofpraise meeting. – I. W.

Musicianspresentprogramme forArthritic CaremembersSkewenTHE band and songsters gave aprogramme at the monthlymeeting of Arthritic Care, held inthe Memorial Hall. The chairman of the society, SalvationistKen Martin, welcomed everyoneand corps officer Captain DavidMorgans compèred the pro -gramme.

Items included ‘Rondeau’ and‘Star Lake’ from the band and‘The Wondrous Story’ and ‘God’sMusic’ from the songsters. AlfFullman led everyone in thesinging of ‘Calon Lân’ andCaptains David and JudithMorgans performed a sketchabout learning Hebrew. Toconclude, the musicians unitedto sing the benediction ‘The GodOf All Hope’. – S. L.

Jarrow: Songster Sarah Jones,a student at Sunderland Uni ver-sity, arranged a fashion showwith some of her friends, raising£415 for The Kenya Trust. Someof the people there were attending their first Army event. – J. P.

Corps folk and friends from Winton gather at the Branksome DeneCommunity Centre, Bournemouth, for a time of informal open-air

witness, featuring the band, songsters and young people


NEWS


Corps celebrates130 yearsAlderneyDIVISIONAL leaders Lieut-Colonels Graham and KirstenOwen led 130th corps anniversary celebrations. On theSaturday evening the corps heldan Old-time Music Hall withmany speciality acts, includingcorps leader Territorial EnvoyJohn Charlton performing‘Down The Street’ as ‘Light-Fingered Freddy’ from Hosea.Lieut-Colonel Kirsten Owenpresented the epilogue.

On Sunday the celebration andfellowship meetings were wellattended and the corps fellowship shared an anniversary cake(pictured). – J. C.

Retiring after six years as manager of the Fakenham charity shop, AnnCollerson (sitting on the garden seat with her husband) celebrates withstaff, volunteers and friends; the seat was her retirement present

Women of the North Scotland Division enjoy the theme of BannersAnd Bunting at the Gospel Arts Ladies Day held at Inverness

Young people attending Ripon’s family camp, which had the themeWrestling With God, get to grips with sumo wrestling on the firstevening; unfortunately the camp had to be abandoned as gale-forcewinds in the night tore the marquee from its moorings and the campsite was evacuated at 2.30 am

First-time visitorsenjoy evening ofmusicLeighton BuzzardA NUMBER of people visitedthe corps for the first time whenSalvo Brass joined the songstersfor an Evening Of Music, the

proceeds of which went towardsthe corps community work.

The band’s music director,John Broadhurst, introduced theprogramme, which included ‘TheCall Of The Cossacks’ and‘Montreal Citadel’. A highlight ofthe evening was Songster LeaderRobert Foster’s flugelhorn solo‘Sweet By And By’. – A. N.

On a visit to Abertillery, former world champion boxer Nigel Benn ispictured with corps officer Captain David Womersley; Nigel talked abouthis life and how everything changed for him when he became a Christian. Demand for tickets was so great that the event had to beheld in a school hall

NEWS

SALVATIONIST 16 July 2011 [email protected]

Band playsmusic for asummer eveningPooleBLAIR CRAWFORD fromHope FM compèred Music For A Summer Evening, featuring Bournemouth AreaFellowship Band. Band itemsincluded ‘Star Lake’, ‘Let SongsAbound’ and ‘The Last Spring’while Stan Randell and IvorAnnets played the cornet duet‘Deliverance’. Susanne Dymott(Staines) was the guest vocalsoloist, her songs ranging from‘Faites-lui Mes Aveux’ fromGounod’s Faust to ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’ fromMy Fair Lady.

The event raised £500 for theChristian 24-hour radio stationHope FM 90.1. – G. G.

Wigan: Derby Central YoungPeople’s Band and SingingCompany gave a festival at thecorps entitled An Invitation ToThe Feast. The event raised£220, which was shared betweenthe two corps. – A. P-B.

No 1 on the roll, 92-year-old RuthPursglove cuts the ribbon to openCheltenham’s refurbishedcommunity hall; DivisionalCommander Major Samuel Edgarconducted the opening ceremony

Southampton Shirley: Theband and songsters presented apre-Pentecost programme atIsaac Watts Memorial UnitedReformed church. Rachel Gray(vocal), Frances Hughes andLewis Harry (drama), JamesGray (tuba) and Marc Harry(vocal) took part. – J. W.

Newbridge Ladies Choir gives a concert at Abertillery Home League; thechoir’s conductor is Retired Songster Leader John Gregory (Risca)

Bandmaster Stuart Clark (Salisbury) gives a quick lesson in conducting asthe corps holds its first ‘roadshow’ on a housing estate; while the bandplayed, corps folk talked to people, invited them to the estate’s community centre for complimentary refreshments and gave them information about corps activities

Norwich Citadel Singing Company takes partin a charity concert in Norwich Cathedral in aidof the East Anglian Air Ambulance

The Winton emergency vehicle team servesrefreshments to firefighters dealing with a fire at

Upton Heath

Corps holds first-ever flower festivalBurton upon TrentAS part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, the corps held its first-ever flower festival, with the theme The Life Of Christ.

On the first evening West Midlands Divisional Fellowship Banddelighted the large audience with its programme. Vocal soloistMargaret Launn (Bedford Congress Hall) took part and Sam Ellis(Coventry) demonstrated his ability on the xylophone. The weekendconcluded with a Summer Songs Of Praise, one in the continuingseries of meetings with a difference where people on the fringe of thecorps are invited to share in the fellowship. – K. A.

Clowne: More than a hundred people gathered to celebrate the 30thanniversary of the corps SABAC (Salvation Army Boys’ AdventureCorps) group. Corps officer Major Ian Cook paid tribute to thecommitment shown by previous and present leaders and spoke aboutthe effectiveness of the SABAC programme. – J. M.


NEWS


BandmasterLamploughretiresBirmingham CitadelBANDMASTER Graham Lamp-lough (pictured) received hisretirement certificate on theSunday evening of BristolEaston Band’s visit. Hispoignant testimony elicited aprolonged standing ovation.Earlier the corps, fully supportedby the guest section, held a 24-hour prayer vigil for the band-master, who has been ill.

During the visit the bandplayed ‘Cry Of The Celts’ and‘Lift Up Your Hearts’. AnthonySmith (euphonium), AndrewNewell (trombone), Daniel

Sharpe (flugelhorn), David Leak(cornet) and James Bryant (tenorhorn) were the soloists. – F. C.

At the request of Lockerbie and Dumfries Corps, Govan Band plays inMoffat High Street on its way to the Dumfries Churches Together Sundayevening songs of praise; the event was held as part of the ‘Guid Nychburris’ (Good Neighbours) week celebrations

Merthyr Tydfil: The corpshosted an ecumenical churchservice to celebrate Pentecost.Corps officers LieutenantsAndrew and Lorraine Warrinerled the meeting, in which theband and songsters participated.Michael Evans was the speaker.– L. B.

Ripley: Divisional leaders Lieut-Colonels Mike and WendyCaffull visited the corps to cele-brate the 100th anniversary of itsoccupation of the present build-ing. The colonels encouraged thelarge congregations to continueto spread the good news in thetown. – S. B.

Mirfield Songsters take part in a Saturday morning Summer Praise eventnear a busy supermarket; the programme also featured items from theband, worship band and Puppets Praise and people who stopped to listenenjoyed free drinks and choc ices

Crewe Co-op Band pays itsannual visit to Tunstall

Songster Anita Green (Southsea), supported by her father Major LeslieGreen, presents a cheque for £2,013 to Sister Sandra Taylor of QueenAlexandra Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Portsmouth; Anita had been apatient in the ICU and undertook various fundraising activities to supportits work

Musicians present charity concertHayling IslandTHE Solent Fellowship Band and Bell Canto, whose music directorDerek Dunn is a member of the band, presented a charity concert inSt Mary’s church, raising around £1,000 for the church’s continuingreordering work. Band pieces included ‘Trumpet Tune’, ‘Thine Alone’and ‘People Need The Lord’. Bell Canto performed ‘Nicaea’,‘Creation Hymn’, ‘Ave Maria’ and ‘Ode To Joy’. The concertconcluded with the band playing ‘God And God Alone’. The RevPennie Payne (Associate Priest, St Mary’s) offered prayer at the beginning of the concert and pronounced the benediction. – T. U.

SALVATIONIST 16 July 2011 9

NEWS

[email protected]

Hall packed for JosephPentreTHE hall was packed as familymembers joined the usualcongregation to watch the youngpeople perform Joseph And TheAmazing Technicolor Dreamcoatduring the Sunday afternoon oftheir anniversary celebrations.Divisional Youth Officer CaptainDavid Williamson led the firsthalf of the meeting, when thechildren contributed variedinstru mental and vocal items as individuals and in groups.– S. W.

Northern: Majors SuzanneFincham and Marion Mountain(both DHQ) led the divisionalhome and family day, held atWhitehaven. Captain HeatherAlston (Carlisle Temple) andMajor Eileen Cook were thevocal soloists, accompanied byMajor Katerina Lennox (CarlisleCitadel) on piano. – B. H.

Filey: The corps held a Master-mind-style quiz, raising £123 forthe Annual Appeal. Contestantsanswered questions on subjects asdiverse as English Church Archi- tecture, Old Time Music Hall andthe Harry Potter books. – M. D.

Corps folk and friends from Christchurch enjoy their first corps retreat, held at Cliff House, Bournemouth;Major Noel Wright (THQ) led the retreat, taking the theme Ambling In Acts

Celebrating the 400th anniversary of the ‘King James Version’, churchmembers – including corps folk – from Clitheroe take part in a uniteddramatised public Bible reading in St Mary Magdalene parish church

Members of Chalk Farm Corps prepare to climb seven of the highestpeaks in the Lake District; their endeavour took three days and raisedmore than £2,000 for corps funds

Children from four primary schools in Bourne create a Pentecost bannerat the corps; the visit was part of a Churches Together Pentecost Festivalwhich included activities at three other churches and services at theAbbey church. The banner was displayed in the corps charity shop andthen toured the schools

Band and choir raise money for HaitiBecclesBBC Radio Norfolk’s Tony Mallion hosted a fundraising evening,entitled Haiti, Still Hurting, at St Michael’s parish church. The event,which featured the Beccles Friends in Harmony Choir and NorfolkFellowship Brass, raised £1,500. Ian Bauers (bassoon), Ray Todd(cornet), Bram Bryant (vocal), Michael Whybrow (bass trom bone),Maggie Ludlow (flute) and Roy Williams and Graham Green (botheuphonium) were the soloists. – T. M.

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LETTERS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist10 16 July 2011 SALVATIONIST

READERS SENDING LETTERS BY EMAILSHOULD INCLUDE THEIR NAME, FULL RANKIF APPLICABLE AND FULL POSTAL ADDRESS� Not all letters can be printed� Please remember, letters for publication inSalvationist should be carefully thought out,logically presented and charitably expressed� The Editor reserves the right to edit lettersor print extracts� Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email [email protected]

� White armbands werethe Army wayYOUR excellent editorial (Salvationist25 June) was not quite correct.

Salvationists always wore white

armbands – featuring scarlet crosses

with a crown – to indicate that we

should rejoice when a departed

comrade had gone to Heaven.

Even further back, women wore whitesashes diagonally across their uniform.Fred Crowhurst,Birmingham

Editor’s response: Fred is quite correct! I was thinking of the patches that weresewn onto uniform sleeves to indicatemourning. Thanks, Fred!

� I salute thecolonel’s memoryI READ with interest the letter

‘Un-Lockyer memories, please’

(Salvationist 25 June). I remember

Colonel Alfred Lockyer very well from

when I was a pupil at the Royal

Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.

I was there for a year around 1957

and looked forward to every

Wednesday afternoon when we had

Padre’s Hour – what a great time we

had with the colonel!

When I returned to my band (the RoyalArtillery) I kept in touch with him throughthe Red Shield League until I left theArmy. Two years later it was a pleasure tomeet up with him again when he was

visiting Eastbourne Old Town. My corpswas Eastbourne Citadel.

Colonel Lockyer was a very kindChristian man who helped many youngservicemen during their service to Godand the Queen.

I salute his memory.Jim Woodgate,Eastbourne

� Staff bandsmen’s kindness madea lasting impressionMY parents, Brigadier and Mrs Arthur Button, were always

banding enthusiasts with a special place in their hearts for

the International Staff Band, deciding in the early days to

endeavour to invite the staff band to their corps

appointments.

In Durham during the days of the Great Depression moneywas short and people couldn’t open their homes to givehospitality.

My parents made contact personally with professional peoplein the area including Lord Shaftesbury. He came to every

meeting that weekend, not having seen this side of The SalvationArmy.

Lord Shaftesbury was so excited he put his programme on thecollection plate instead of his cheque!

As the staff bandsmen prepared to march through the city ofDurham my father was conscious how smart they looked in theirmodel C overcoats – those were the days!

He did not possess an overcoat, so on that cold January dayhe marched in his well-worn uniform. During the band’s journeyhome it was obvious this did not go unrecognised by BandsmenLyndon, Brisley and Walford. Within a few days a parcel arrivedwith a note bearing the words: ‘With the compliments of theInternational Staff Band (January 1930).’

Such devotion to God and the Army played its part in my callto officership.Joy Griffin,Mrs Lieut-Commissioner,Bournemouth

The International Staff Band circa 1945

MINDING HIS BUSINESS


‘JUST give me half a cup, don’t fillme up,’ was the request at theserving hatch after the meeting.We know what was meant but

I use the story to illustrate the truth thatsometimes we experience as much ofGod as we desire.

Just think what we won’t accomplish ifwe choose not to believe in God’s abilityor to receive his equipping or to accepthis directing. Limited spiritual aspirationmight hinder Christ’s work in the world.We have limitless opportunities but inequal measure we have lostopportunities because of half-heartedresponses that can paralyse us. Thesecontribute to a cycle of unbelief.

I believe God wants us to believe forbigger and better things – no halfmeasures! We need to take to task thosewho quench the Spirit. God wants tostretch our faith and enlarge our vision.We have the promise that God ‘is able to do immeasurably morethan all we ask or imagine’ (Ephesians3:20 all quotations from NewInternational Version).

According to Philippians 2:13, weeach have the opportunity to discover inJesus Christ the fullness of God; toflourish and meet every challenge: ‘For itis God who works in you to will and toact in order to fulfil his good purpose.’

The impact Christ makes is not simplylife-enhancing – it is life-changing. Asdisciples of Jesus Christ we do not standat the serving hatch consuming religionor perusing a menu. An encounter withJesus creates a call to reach beyondourselves.

C. S. Lewis speaks clearly regardingsalvation and Christianity: ‘Christianity, iffalse, is of no importance, and if true, ofinfinite importance. The only thing itcannot be is moderately important.’

Belief is not a hobby, not a superficiallife choice and not an interest group. It’seasy for there to be some amount of lossin our spiritual lives and service but it isimpossible to drift back – that requiresan intentional act of will and mind.

The Bible tells us we have to lose ourlife to find it so God’s mission becomesour lifestyle and raison d’être. Faith in our

Lord Jesus at the centre of our livesinforms everything we do. There areimplications and expectations attachedto authentic holiness.

I want to be a yielded vessel, filled withJesus, making Jesus known. Christiansneed to demonstrate confident passionand the conviction that the gospel is thegreatest good for our society. As Paulwrites in 2 Corinthians 4:7: ‘We have thistreasure in jars of clay to show that thisall-surpassing power is from God andnot from us.’

Our world needs to see – and we needto highlight – changed lives.

Our faith is full! The gospel is full! It is tobe passed on to future generations withvigour, vision and hard work.

Discipleship is not just measured inquantity but also in quality – quality interms of doing things well and finishingwell, with joy: ‘Whatever you do, work atit with all your heart, as working for theLord, not for human masters’(Colossians 3:23).

In many ways this verse sums uppractical holiness. It is the benchmark fora Salvationist lifestyle. Full salvationsurely demonstrates attractive love andpowerful grace. It is compelling in itsattraction and vibrant in its spirituality.Sadly, holiness is sometimes seen assomething disagreeable, grim, austereand severe. There are some who worrythat somewhere, somebody is having agood time!

The hallmark of discipleship is ourcapacity to give of ourselves. We do not hold on to faith as a personal andprivate possession. We don’t keep it in abox for high and holy days. With fullmeasure of passion and perseverancewe hold out the salvation freely offered byGod. That is the way God deals with us!

There are no half measures in God’sblessings. Ephesians 1:3 states: ‘TheGod and Father of our Lord JesusChrist… has blessed us… with everyspiritual blessing.’

We sometimes sing the truth: ‘His lovehas no limits, his grace has no measure,his power no boundary known unto men;For out of his infinite riches in Jesus hegiveth and giveth and giveth again’(SASB 579).

In 2 Corinthians 9:8 we find aninvitation that requires a response fromus all: ‘God is able to bless youabundantly, so that in all things at alltimes, having all that you need, you willabound in every good work.’ �

No halfmeasures

by Commissioner Betty Matear,Territorial President of Women’sMinistries

[email protected]

Belief is not a hobby, not a superficiallife choice and not an interest group


W ATERWAYS chaplaincy is an ecumenical project working under the auspices of Workplace Ministries in

the diocese of St Albans. The Salvation Army is privileged to share in this ministry.

The vision for the project is to engage the Church with individuals who make up waterways communities. These communities comprise boaters (‘live aboards’ and ‘continuous cruisers’), walkers, runners, fishermen, waterside residents and those who work in adjacent businesses.

A pilot study was undertaken by Malcolm Ernst, a yachtsman and a soldier of Aylesbury Corps, and the Rev Michael Shaw, who was at that time Director of Workplace Ministries. It

became apparent that teams of volunteer chaplains were needed to cover the planned area of Grand Union (South), the Rivers Lee, Stort and Ouse through Bedfordshire. In early 2011 I was seconded to work part-time as a chaplain.

The canal boats in summer look idyllic. For many, they represent a throwback to another way of life. For the most part canal life is great but, as in all communities,

there are down times. People experience loneliness, stress, marriage breakdown, ill-health and financial difficulties. The chaplains regularly walk stretches of the towpath getting to know people and building trust. It is in those situations that people stop us and ask: ‘Do you have a minute?’ Those minutes can turn into hours. Sometimes chaplaincy is about giving someone the opportunity to offload some of their concerns and time to think things through. At other times we are asked for practical help either by the boaters or the British Waterways enforcement officers. We greatly value the fact that they are beginning to trust us.

Chaplains have supplied food, clothing, drinking water in the winter, when taps at service areas were frozen – and even a new chimney for a boat! We are also available to assist some people with applications for housing benefit and so


‘I assembled them at the canal’ (Ezra 8:15 NIV)

Captain Jenny Dibsdall

welcomes readers aboard as she shares

the story of her new venture in

ministry

Malcolm Ernst in conversation

on. This helps them to become financially settled, enabling them to pay for their licence and boat safety certificate and remain afloat.

Thanks to modern media such as email, Twitter, Facebook and Cutconnect.co.uk, I am able to ask for help from other boaters when we are urgently looking for items that members of the boating community need but cannot afford. Replacement batteries, for example, can cost £100 each. Many boaters are now our ears and eyes on the waterways and are keen to help. They will let us know if they think someone needs support or a quiet conversation.

Instances of suicide along the canal and river network are not uncommon. We have been able to share conversations encouraging and enabling people to turn away from that particular option. On one occasion it was a case of talking to the boaters after a young man had chosen to end his life near their boats. Our availability is key. For boaters and residents it was a terrible situation and we were able to provide pastoral support in difficult circumstances.

The average age of the ‘live aboarder’ is 50-plus. Many couples take to canal living in later life. When one of those partners passes away life can become difficult for the other, not necessarily in

faith when given the opportunity. We develop friendships with people who have left church for one reason or another. Starting from a baseline of friendship-building we are sometimes able to reconnect people to their faith. In this way, a community of faith begins to emerge.

Waterways chaplaincy is challenging – it is not just a gentle stroll along the towpath or riverbank! It is reaching out to the people and accepting them and their circumstances just as they are. Through these situations I can express my faith practically and prayerfully. Some challenges are immense, such as dealing with the aftermath of suicide, people being sectioned or people experiencing violence or the potential loss of their home. Most of the experiences are purely about befriending – trusting that the shared moments will form the basis for that person to look at faith in a new way.

We believe God is in this work because he continues to open doors for us, sometimes so fast it can feel like walking down a street where every door is open and not quite knowing which one to go through first!

Captain Dibsdall is Senior Waterways Chaplain, Workplace Ministries, and corps officer at Eaton Bray

[email protected]

FEATUREterms of managing the boat, but in coping with loneliness and isolation. As we walk the towpath and take time to say hello to everyone we find lonely people. One woman had been widowed and had no one to talk to. She felt isolated and forgotten. We stopped and chatted with her.

Over a cup of tea she was able to tell her story and find some comfort. It is always a privilege to pray with someone whether it is on their boat or on the towpath. Such times bring blessing to us all.

Volunteer chaplains are given advice and training and are equipped with special jackets and a lock key. We walk their chosen stretch of towpath with them to ensure they are happy and then set them off in pairs to commence their ministry. We keep in touch by email and text and are beginning to organise further training and regular times when we meet together.

The need now is for people to become involved, to adopt a stretch of towpath or river and commit to walking it at least once a week so that they build up relationships with the regular walkers and boaters. We regard this as being Christ in the community – befriending people of faith and no faith, listening, pulling in resources through the senior chaplains where necessary and sharing our

Volunteer chaplains are given advice and

training and are equipped with special jackets

and a lock key

Captain Jenny Dibsdall

Waterways Chaplain Lieut-Colonel Alan Hart (Bishop’s Stortford)


FEATURES

READERS who were familiar with the Army’s youth scene in the mid Eighties may recall the rock band Blood &

Fire, which featured at youth events, communicating to young people through contemporary music.

More than 20 years later, and after the success of their shows in 2010, brothers Alvin and Karl Allison are making a comeback with a selection of new songs capturing something of that original spirit.

In the intervening years Alvin, who worships at Guildford Corps, has continued as an accompanist to various Salvation Army groups and sections. After a long break from Salvation Army music, Karl listened to a recording by a youth chorus and felt challenged by the fact that many of the songs contained old words to new music. The thought occurred to him that somebody should be writing new words and maybe that ‘somebody’ should be him.

Karl had continued to write and review songs for Cross Rhythms and

write music reviews for Premier Radio. When a youth worker at Croydon, he helped to lead dance-based worship services at the corps.

The brothers have always worked well together, a partnership leading to their most recent compositions, some of which are quite personal. ‘Teacher Ivy’, for example, is based on the life of their grandmother, who for 50 years led the primary at Tunbridge Wells. As well as reflecting on the dedication and commitment of Ivy, the song includes choruses from their childhood – ‘Running Over’ and ‘Building Up The Temple’. A multimedia presentation of this song includes participation by primary children from Reading Central.

In September their CD – Songs That No One Taught Us – will be released. Alvin and Karl are staging a series of concerts to coincide with this. The programme content will be entirely original, although within many of the songs there will be hints of traditional melodies. For more information contact [email protected]

Back in concert!Major Jane Kimberley catches up with Alvin and Karl Allison


SUNDAY by Sunday, I see symbols of Salvation Army life and mission. These, I presume, grace every hall. Some corps

have removed the Army crest in favour of our red shield logo. Others have a simple cross prominently displayed, internally and externally.

Our songbook contains many songs speaking of symbols and these sometimes become the focus of special occasions such as anniversaries, dedications or enrolments. Stirring music about the flag, for example, is not always appreciated because it is thought by some to be glorifying the Movement and not God. However, in the right setting, a focus on Salvation Army symbols can be valuable and inspirational.

As I look around, I wonder if every Salvationist is aware of the meaning of the flag. I can’t assume everyone is!

I see our tricolour standard and the blood-red background reminds me of the supreme sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. The blue border speaks of the holiness and purity of God. The yellow star represents the fire and power of the Holy Spirit. When the Army flag is carried

at the head of a march, it thrills me to see this emblem of love unfurled.

Our mercy seat remains a focal point and we are

privileged to be able to delve

into songs

encouraging our people to make use of this special place of prayer. Fashions change and different styles of mercy seat are now in vogue. It is important, though, that the mercy seat is always regarded as a place of grace where people can publicly meet with God.

And finally, I see the crest – full of meaning with the cross of Christ at its heart, a reminder of the salvation on offer to any who will believe.

Lieut-Colonel Phillips lives in retirement in Bournemouth

From my chairIn the second of an occasional series, Lieut-Colonel David Phillips shares some insights from his seat in the band

BIBLE STUDY


IWAS 20 feet under the sea and in bigtrouble. I was trying too hard. I wasweighted and being dragged to thebottom and, worse still, struggling to

breathe. Having tried several times toclear my mouth and throat – and failed todo so – I knew I had to get out.

I signalled my diving instructor with araised thumb, released air into myflotation vest, let physics do its stuff andmy instructor his. First he slowed myascent to the surface and then towed meback into my depth. I had failedsuccessfully.

I’d always wanted to try scuba diving,and a visiting dive company at the Cornishholiday camp where we were stayingoffered a ‘taster’ hour in the pool and anactual dive in the sea – complete withwetsuit, fins, flotation vest and weights.

Most importantly, it was a partner dive;I was tethered to my instructor and hadbeen taught enough diving sign languageto reply to his query, ‘Are you okay?’ Acircled thumb and forefinger meant ‘I’mfine’ and a thumbs up meant ‘I need tosurface’.

I stood up in the shallows, cleared mythroat, adjusted the weights… and hadanother go.

When we look at the covenant offeredby God to the people of Israel we candraw a parallel for my excursion into deepwater and a way of dealing with failuresuccessfully.

GOING IN, PREPARED TO GET OUT

I had been prepared to communicatewith my instructor to allow for thingsgoing wrong. The Israelites weregrace-gifted a covenant relationship withGod – a relationship of care from the HighKing to his subject-people – in return fortheir allegiance to him. To maintain thisallegiance, the children of Israel weregiven a code of holiness, of just and cleanliving. They were told how to restore therelationship when they broke thesecovenant regulations.

Was this a negative view by God? Didhe expect his people to get it wrong?

Not at all. This is the differencebetween blind confidence and prudentpreparation. The Exodus covenant is not

a brittle arrangement – it has resiliencewoven into its very fabric.

Psalm 139 is a reminder that Godknows our every thought. Psalm 103:14shows that God knows our frailties. WhenGod gave the covenant, he knew it couldnot be kept without a way to deal withfailure (see Leviticus chapter 4).

Sin, or atonement, offerings aredesigned to restore relationships withGod. This is God weaving in strong threadto keep this covenant alive.

KNOWING WHEN TO BAIL

When I was struggling with weights andbreathing, I left it as long as possible beforegiving the thumbs up. This was partlybecause I didn’t want to interrupt the dive,and partly it was pride – I didn’t want to fail.But the reality was, I needed to breathe!

Much of the law associated withcovenant (see Exodus chapters 21 and22) is quite matter of fact, and has to dowith personal responsibility and reparation.Some, however, is about the condition ofthe heart – altogether harder to pin down.When we fear we are getting into deepwater, a trusted friend who can ask toughquestions – who sees and knows how wereally are – is an invaluable help. The HolySpirit is a key friend alongside us, proddingus into seeing the truth about ourselves.

GETTING BACK IN THE WATER

I failed successfully; I had another go. I wasexcited at what I could yet see andexperience. Was this bravery or idiocy? Toquote Oliver Goldsmith: ‘Success consists ofgetting up just one more time than you fall.’

When we fail before God, should we beashamed? For a moment, yes – and thereshould also be reflection on what wentwrong and how it could be avoided orovercome.

Then God invites us to be restored. Thatwas what the sin offerings were about, thatwas ultimately what the cross was about:a new covenant, offered by Jesus.

Staying ashamed is to deny the cross andthe sufficient offering made by Christ. �

FOR REFLECTION

� What are my tests for failure?� What stops me from bailing out at theright time?� Having identified factors that stoppedme last time, how do I go back in, betterprepared?

� Major Johnson is corps officer at

Hemel Hempstead

FailingsuccessfullyMajor Tim Johnson takes a look at God’scovenant with his people

STUDY PASSAGE EXODUS CHAPTERS 19–24

[email protected]

When we fail before God, shouldwe be ashamed?


NEW COMMITMENTS


Vincent PhillipsSoldierMaldon

GOING through a difficult period in his life, Vincent found himselfhomeless in London. Initially living in Edward Alsop Court Lifehouse,in 2010 he moved to the SAHA Hazelwood Housing Complex inHeybridge, Essex. He started to go to the corps, which is nearby, andfound his Christian roots were again nurtured. This led him to attendrecruits classes and he decided to become a soldier.

Major John Merser (Chaplain, Edward Alsop Court) was there tosupport Vincent when corps officer Major Stephen Huyton enrolledhim. At the conclusion of the enrolment, the congregation,accompanied by reggae music, sang ‘Lord, I Lift Your Name OnHigh’. – S. H.

Tony KakandeSoldierDeptford

IT was standing room only as friends and family joined the regularcongregation in celebration when community centre officer CaptainKevin Stanbury enrolled Tony as a soldier. This was the first enrolmentat the centre for several years and Tony testified to the significance ofthis step in his faith journey. – W. S.

Emily WellsJunior soldierEdinburgh Gorgie

EMILY, who attends the corps with her older brother and sister, Adamand Bethany, loves Sunday school. She has many hobbies, includingskipping and basketball. Corps officer Major Mikael Ljungholmenrolled Emily as a junior soldier. – L. C.

Kath EldridgeAdherent memberPentre

KATH has been attending worship at the corps for a few years. Aftercoming through a long-term illness she was delighted to make a publiccommitment to God and the Army by becoming an adherent member.Many of her family were in the meeting when corps officer MajorStephen Westwood welcomed her. In her testimony Kath thankedcorps members for their continued prayer support. – S. W.

Kyra HiettJaime WeaverJunior soldiersHarlow

KYRA came to the Army via a karate group that uses the hall on aThursday evening. She initially wanted to learn how to play aninstrument but then started to go to Sunday school. Jaime began goingto the corps with a friend who is a junior soldier. Jaime is also learningto play an instrument. They are both very keen and valued membersof the corps. Corps officer Major Rebecca Hunn enrolled Kyra andJaime as junior soldiers. – R. H.

Max BushellWillow Chapman

Oliver LangnerNate Hoy

Jorja FormanLucy Cook

Thomas JacobsJunior soldiersIpswich Citadel

MAX, Willow, Oliver, Nate, Jorja, Lucy and Thomas signed theirpromise cards with their prayer partners, when Divisional Children’sOfficer Major Michelle Woodhouse enrolled them as junior soldiers.Corps officers Lieut-Colonels Brian and Dorothy Knightley OFprayed for their continuing growth within the corps. – D. S.

Eric SlaterMarion MulloySoldiers

Jo MedhurstAdherent memberChatham

WHEN corps officer Major Drew McCombe enrolled Eric and Marionas soldiers, Eric confessed to feeling emotional as he had first taken thisstep 30 years ago. Having drifted away from the Army during theintervening years, he heard the corps band playing in the high street in2007. This was the beginning of his journey back to God and the Army.

Marion spoke about having a Salvationist mother and how she hadattended the Army when she was younger. When she moved toRochester she felt a desire to return to the Army and to make acommitment to soldiership. She is ‘standing on the promises of God’as she takes this step.

Major McCombe welcomed Jo as an adherent member. Jo, who hasconnections with the parent-and-toddler group, decided to make acommitment to God and the Army. – M. S.


NEW COMMITMENTS

[email protected]

Sam HoldcroftJunior soldierKidsgrove

SAM has been going to the corps regularly for several months andwas eager to tell everyone he wanted to follow Jesus. Corps officerCaptain Joy Stephenson enrolled him as a junior soldier. – D. S.

Alan SleatAdherent memberSkewen

MARRYING corps member Wendy Sullivan in March, Alan movedfrom Northampton – where he attended the Abington Christian Centre– and made the corps his new spiritual home. Corps officer CaptainDavid Morgans welcomed Alan as an adherent member. – S. L.

David BourneSoldier

Shaun ParfittAdherent memberBromsgrove

MANY friends and family members supported David when Majors Henry and Mary Wellman enrolled him as a soldier. David has attended the corps for many years and leads the worshipgroup. He often testifies to the influence God is having on his life.

Corps officer Major Susan Walters welcomed Shaun as anadherent member. He thanked corps folk for their welcome and the encouragement they have given him since he first startedattending meetings at the corps two years ago. Shaun marriedLatoyah at the corps recently and they look forward to serving Godtogether. – V. J.

Elysia WaringJunior soldierParkgate

IT was a very special Sunday when Majors Ann and Richard Borrett(DHQ) enrolled Elysia as a junior soldier. It has been six years sincethe last junior soldier was enrolled and Elysia is now the only one onthe roll. Family and friends supported her as she made hercommitment to Jesus. After the ceremony, Elysia read from a bookcontaining God’s promises for girls, saying: ‘There is always a reasonto be happy when you’re living for Jesus the Son!’ – B. W.

Katie DugganJake Brady

Ozzy RogersMunashe MusiwaJunior soldiersNorthampton Central

KATIE and Jake are the children of a former junior soldier, who isOzzy’s sister. Munashe (also known as Walter) is the son ofZimbabwean Salvationists now living in Northampton. When theyled YP weekend meetings, Majors Jim and Sharon Duff (LondonCentral DHQ) enrolled Katie, Jake, Ozzy and Munashe as juniorsoldiers. – G. S.

Elizabeth MossBeth PayneAdherent membersSalisbury

ELIZABETH began attending the corps three years ago. She startedtaking Beth to the meetings and both decided to make the Army theirspiritual home. Corps officers Lieutenants Peter and Suzanne Clarkwelcomed them as adherent members. – P. C.

Jonathan NkounkouRyan Coates

Alice GilbertJonathan Gaudion

Sylvia LawrenceJulian CartySoldiersCroydon

JONATHAN NKOUNKOU, Ryan, Alice and Jonathan Gaudion werejunior soldiers of the corps and have followed God’s promptings tomake the commitment of becoming senior soldiers.

Sylvia and Julian both went to the Army as young people and havelinked up again in the past few years. They have discovered in new anddeeper ways how much God loves them and how they love him andthe Army. Sylvia spoke about the overwhelming feeling of God’spresence during the two years she has been at the corps. Julian testifiedto how he is discovering God can speak to him through the Bible andthat he wants to live for God in whatever way he can.

Corps officer Major Roger Batt enrolled Jonathan Nkounkou, Ryan,Alice, Sylvia and Julian as soldiers and Major Andrew Gaudion (IHQ)enrolled his son Jonathan. – L. S.

Janet FradleyAdherent memberLeicester SouthJANET began going to meetings after she started helping in the café.She then decided to make the corps her spiritual home. As she hadnever been christened, she also wanted to be dedicated to God. It wasa privilege for the corps family to be a part of this and to offer theirsupport to her in her ongoing Christian journey. Corps officer MajorChris Herbert welcomed Janet as an adherent member. – L. H.


NEW COMMITMENTS


James BuddConstance BriggsAdherent membersBourne

JAMES and his wife Pamela, who passed away a fewmonths ago, wereformerly Salvationists at Stanford-le-Hope.When they moved to southLincolnshire, they linked up with the corps. James reached the pointwhere he felt ready to make a new commitment to God and the Army.Constance grew up in a non-Christian household.When she was in

New Zealand a work colleague invited her to a Bible study and shefound the Lord and became a Christian. Since moving to the town,she tried a number of churches but settled at the corps.Corps officer Major Richard Durrant welcomed James and

Constance as adherent members. – C. G.

ADVERTISEMENT

Marilyn JonesAdherent memberAbertillery

MARILYN has been associated with the corps for a number of years. Herdaughter went to Sunday school and more recently her grandson hasbecome involved in young people’s activities. The death of her mother,when she received support from corps officers Captains Beverley andDavidWomersley, was a defining point in her life. She attends meetingsregularly and helps in the kitchen during weekly activities. CaptainBeverleyWomersley welcomedMarilyn as an adherent member. –A. B.

Tim MizonSoldierEdinburgh Gorgie

TIM has travelled extensively with his officer parents in the UK andAustralia and soon will be moving with his mother and father toLondon.In his testimony Tim acknowledged the necessary changes and said

that for him it means starting college, joining a new corps fellowshipand living in a new home. As an enthusiastic bandsman and songster,Tim is excited at the challenges that lie ahead, knowing he is servinga God who never changes. Corps officer Major Mikael Ljungholmenrolled Tim as a soldier. – L. C.

Mark WilsonSoldierReading Lower Earley

MARK has been attending the Army for nearly a year and corpsofficer Captain Jackie Bainbridge enrolled him as a soldier just beforehis sister’s commissioning as an officer in Winnipeg, Canada. He hasalready been accompanying the band on percussion and is in trainingto join the Street Pastors. In his testimony he reflected on the life ofJohn Mark in the New Testament and how Barnabas gave him asecond chance to serve God. Mark feels that he too has been given asecond chance. – M. B.


NEW COMMITMENTS

[email protected]

Kat PrestonBeaven BondeziSoldiersRotherham

KAT has been going to the corps with her two children for some time.At her enrolment she read out two prayer poems she had written,acknowledging that the Lord had been with her during some verydifficult times. She said she recognised her need to commit herself toGod and the Army by becoming a soldier.

Beaven testified that, although he had belonged to other churches inhis home country of Zimbabwe, what attracted him to the Army wasthe love and practical support corps members had given to hisSalvationist wife when she first came to Britain on her own. Followinghis enrolment, Beaven, his wife and their three daughters sang ‘WouldYou Be Free From Your Burden Of Sin?’ in Shona.

Corps officers Majors Ernie and June Huby enrolled Kat andBeaven as soldiers. – J. H.

Madge ShortSoldier

Heather WatkinsAdherent memberMinster

A SALVATIONIST neighbour invited Madge to the Friendship Cluband she began attending with a friend. Madge stopped going whenher friend died. Three years ago she started attending meetingsregularly and experienced a great change in her life. Such was thedifference that, despite initial reservations, her husband welcomed herinvolvement with the Army and attended her enrolment.

Heather had earlier connections with church life but had stoppedattending. When someone she met as a hospital patient neededtransport to attend the Army on his discharge, Heather obliged. Thewarm welcome and the friendships she made helped her to choose theArmy as the place in which to continue her spiritual journey.

Corps officer Major Richard Hope enrolled Madge as a soldier andwelcomed Heather as an adherent member. – R. H.

Thomas BullenAdherent member

Jennifer AjaegbuLinah KatendeJunior soldiersUpper Norwood

THOMAS has attended the Army since he was a child and decided tomake a further commitment to God and the Army as an adherentmember. As well as making a name for himself as an up-and-comingfield athlete, he is also assistant leader of the 2nd Croydon (SA)Beaver Colony.

Jennifer came to the UK from Nigeria with her Salvationist family.Linah lives near the corps and went to the hall one Sunday in 2009looking for a church to attend. Linah says that ‘it’s fun coming to The Salvation Army’ and she loves the people and the corps. She and Jennifer are members of the 5th Upper Norwood (SA) BrownieUnit.

Corps officer Major Jenine Main welcomed Thomas as an adherentmember and enrolled Jennifer and Linah as junior soldiers. – R. C.

Amy StillSoldierBellshill

AMY testified to the trust she had in God at a time of change in herlife, when she was preparing to move with her officer parents to a newplace and to start university. The congregation sang ‘I’m In HisHands’ as Amy signed the soldier’s covenant. Major Carol Telfer(THQ) enrolled her as a soldier. – A. S.

Hannah PriceJunior soldierLetchworth

HANNAH began attending the Sunday morning meetings with hergrandmother. She then started to go to Sunday school and the Jam cluband joined in all the activities. She is particularly talented in dance. Shesoon came to know Jesus as her saviour and friend. Quite a few ofHannah’s friends and family members were present when corps officerCaptain Barrie Sampson enrolled her as a junior soldier. – D. F.

Samuel McDonaldJunior soldierKilmarnock

AS well as his parents, sister and grandparents, Samuel’s uncle, auntand cousins from Toronto, Canada, were there to support him as hemade his commitment to God. Corps officer Major Harry Stirlingenrolled Samuel as a junior soldier. – E. F.

Katie ShearnJunior soldierTunbridge Wells

KATIE has been going to the Army since she was a baby. As she hasgrown up in the corps she has become an enthusiastic member of 7UpFriday and 7Up Sunday. She decided to commit her life to Jesus, andcorps officer Major Elizabeth Lloyd enrolled her as a junior soldier. – M. S.

Harry SchofieldJunior soldierPenge

CORPS officer Major Ann Hawkins enrolled Harry as a junior soldier.Harry, who Major Hawkins describes as ‘a good example to theyounger children’, smiled all the way through the enrolment ceremonyand read his promise aloud to the congregation. – K. H.


ANNOUNCEMENTSJames Cunningham, Belfast Citadel; COS Neil

Scott, Chester-le-Street; YPSM Louise

Wileman, Doncaster.

LOCAL OFFICER RETIRED

CS Jack Moore, Belfast Citadel.

MARRIAGES

Paul Hey to Angela Heath (Canterbury) at

St Mary’s Church, Stodmarsh, by the Rev Simon

Rowland; James Ross to Lorraine Wilton at

Nelson by Captain Janice Lahouel; Andrew

Barker (Leeds East End Park) to Bryony

Stockdale at St John’s Church, West

Wickham, by Major Stuart Barker and the Rev

Ken Gaved.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Diamond: Haydn and RS Mrs Beryl Hiscock,

Morriston (28 July).

Golden: David and Mrs Margaret Beniston,

Bath Citadel (22 July); BM Fred and Songster

Mrs Grace Williams, Rhyl (29 July).

DEDICATED TO GOD

Charlie Kenneth, son of David and Melanie

Canfield, by Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer,

Daniel James, son of Richard and Susan

Bowles, by Lieut-Colonels Geoff and Heather

Blurton, both at Kettering; Matthew Thomas,

son of Steve and Deborah Gavin, at St Helens by

Major Fiona Partland; Adelaide Jemima,

daughter of Robin and Rachel Crewes, at

Sheffield Citadel by Majors Liliane and Paul

Westlake; Jack William, son of Jeremy and

Joanne Davies, at Coedpoeth by Territorial

Envoy Andy Tonks; Harry David and Louis

Michael, sons of Lee and Debby Livesey, at

Staines by Major Christine Perkins; Thomas

Phillip and Daniel Edward, sons of Neil and

Abigail Silcocks, at Trowbridge by Major Esther

Cole.

BEREAVED

Songster Ivy Beckett, Hull Icehouse, of her

husband Norman, Major Joy Davidson,

Stotfold, of her father; S/Reservist Olive Worth

of her husband B/Reservist Ron Worth,

Bandsman Anthony Worth of his father, both

Swansea; Rtd BM Harry Colley of his wife

Bessie, Glenys Thompson of her mother, both

Castleford; Peter Cooke, Upper Norwood, of his

brother John; Don Whitlock, Boscombe, of his

wife Iris.

RETIRED OFFICERS

Birthday congratulations: Major Helen Turner,

, North

Shields (80 on 24 July).

Retirement address: Captain Emma Etheridge,

,

Heysham, Morecambe .

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Katie Robins, Nelson.

Major David Moffat from Lewisham on 1 July.

Mrs Major Eileen Moffat lives at

, Bromley .

OFFICIAL GAZETTEUK Territory

RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE

Effective 1 July:

Major Ian Field out of Northampton Central in 1981

and last appointment Divisional Director for Business

Administration, Central North.

Major Maurice Hunt with Major Lynda Hunt (née

Mountain) out of Sheffield Citadel in 1980 and last

appointment Birmingham Citadel.

Major Philip Packman out of Tonbridge in 1976

and last appointment Counselling Service, THQ.

JOHN MATEAR,

Commissioner,

Territorial Commander


ARMY PEOPLEAPPOINTED

Effective 28 July:

Major John Ager, associate officer, Derby Central,

and support officer, Ilkeston; Major Mary Booth,

additional appointment, support officer, Long Eaton

(part-time); Major Joan Cooper, Hammersmith;

Majors Patricia and Peter Exon, Kendal; Major

Terri Holdroyd, Dumfries; Captain Ann

Montgomery, Associate Divisional Children’s

Officer, Northern, with Blaydon Project; Captain

Donald Montgomery, Divisional Personnel Officer

(Employees), Northern; Captain Matthew

Spencer, additional appointment, Practitioner Tutor,

School For Officer Training, William Booth College;

Major David Taylor, additional appointment,

Practitioner Tutor, School for In-Service Training And

Development, William Booth College.

Effective 1 September:

Majors Andrew and Sheila Dunkinson, York.

APPOINTED MBE

Jim Clark, Bangor, for services to special needs in

Northern Ireland.

ELECTED

Major Gerald Peacock as President of the Luton

North Rotary Club.

AWARDED

Major Graham Carey, South-Western DHQ, has

been awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship for his

services to Rotary International.

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

CS Matthew Green, Swansea; YPSM Major

ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND:

ICO, Sun 24 Jul, Tu 2 Aug

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF

(COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON)

AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON:

Southern Africa, Th 21 Jul - Sat 30

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

(COMMISSIONER JOHN MATEAR)

AND COMMISSIONER ELIZABETH MATEAR:

Tenby, Sat Sun 17 Jul; Central South (installation of

divisional leaders), Th 28; National Star College,

Cheltenham (SAFE Music and Drama School final

festival), Fri 29; The Hexagon, Reading (Territorial

Music School final festival), Sat 30

Commissioner William Cochrane: Canada and

Burmuda, Mon 25 Jul - Th 28

Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder:

India Eastern, Wed 13 Jul - Sun 17

Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina:

Angola, Wed 20 Jul - Mon 25

Commissioners Robert and Janet Street:

Czech Republic, Wed 27 Jul

TRIBUTESMRS FREDA FALLA,L’ISLETFREDA was born in 1922 and raised in a Salva-tionist family. Attending St Sampson’s Citadel inGuernsey, where her father

was the CSM, Freda loved to rememberwhat a special thing it was for her family toleave home early on Sunday morning withtheir picnic lunch and spend the day at the hall.

She met her husband Harold at an open-airmeeting. They brought up their children, Ken and Heather, in a Christian family environment.

Freda became involved at L’Islet some 25 years ago, and devoted her service to theLord as a visitor and home league member.She is remembered as a patient, positive, gentle and kind lady who was a great friendto many people. – J. H.

RETIRED CORPSSERGEANT-MAJORFRED NORTON,SOUTHPORTFRED was promoted toGlory three weeks aftercelebrating his 100th birth-

day. A lifelong Salvationist, he spent his working life at the Army’s CampfieldPress and was band sergeant and CSM at St Albans.

In 1978 Fred and his wife moved near totheir son at Dudley, where Fred again took anactive part in corps life. His wife died in 1981.

Years later he renewed his acquaintancewith Joy Samuel. They married some 25years ago, settling in Southport near her family.

Fred continued to be a great source of inspiration to the corps. He took every opportunity to share his deep conviction that,throughout his years of Army service, Godhad placed him just where he needed him. – G. M.

MRS LILYCROSSLAND,SHEFFIELDLANGSETT ROADBORN into a Salvationistfamily in Sheffield in 1923,Lily loved all aspects of her

Army life. She became a songster and reallyloved the 12 years she spent as brownieleader. She especially enjoyed taking the children away for holidays.

During the war Lily served in the Women’sAuxiliary Air Force, where she worked onSpitfire aircraft. After the war she resumedher Salvation Army life and married Norman.They had a son, Martin.

Lily had a deep faith and was someonewho gave quiet inspiration to everyone shecame into contact with. – A. T.

MRS DORIS HELPS,STAPLE HILLBORN in Bristol in 1926,Doris attended Felix RoadCorps. She became a seam-stress and it was throughher work that she met her

husband Wilfred. They had two children –Beryl and Martin – two grandsons and threegreat-grandchildren.

After transferring to Staple Hill in 1960,Doris became involved with catering andoften prepared meals for visiting sections.She was also involved with the corps garden-ing club and a stalwart helper at the charityshop. In recent years failing health preventedher attendance at meetings.

Doris was a quiet lady with a strong faith.She was promoted to Glory 19 days after herhusband Wilfred, to whom she was marriedfor almost 70 years. – V. W.

BANDSMAN JOHN YORK, TROWBRIDGEJOHN first came into con-tact with the Army while inhospital, when he spoke toa Salvationist visiting an-

other patient. When he returned home hebegan attending meetings at Trowbridge. Curiosity developed into faith, and he wassoon enrolled as a soldier.

John later became a bandsman, playingpercussion for several years. He was particu-larly interested in YP work and encouragedmany in their early Christian journey.

Failing health curtailed active involvementand eventually led to residential care, where– through his strong witness and influence –the band was invited to lead regular services.John made it his personal responsibility toprovide The War Cry and Salvationist forother residents.

His faith and witness remained strong tothe end. – S. S.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS


Sixty years’ serviceLyeBANDMASTER Ron Hart received his retirementcertificate from Major Stephen White (DHQ) to mark60 years of faithful service leading the corps band.

In the years after he was com missioned as a bandsman in 1938 Ron served as deputy band masterand YP band leader and, more recently, led the songsters. – C. G.

Norwich Citadel Band and Maidstone Songsters present a Summer Spectacular at Aylesford Priory;a good crowd enjoyed the varied programme, which concluded with the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus

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PLEASE note that soldiers’ tributes submitted forpublication should be no longer than 120 words.

People attending Messy Church atRochdale on Pentecost Sunday holdribbons as reminders of the fire of theSpirit and the need to share the gospel

Singing companiesjoin band for festivalStaple HillTHE band and the combined singingcompanies from the host corps and Bris-tol Easton united to present a festival. Acapacity congregation enjoyed a variedprogramme, which included ‘A FanfareOf Praise’, ‘Majesty’ and ‘MontrealCitadel’ from the band and ‘Feel Good’,‘Love The Lord Your God’ and ‘When IThink About The Cross’ from thesinging companies. Bands men ChrisPainter (flugelhorn), Matt James (cornet), Mark Dickens (euphonium)and Haydn Brown (tenor horn) were thesoloists. – V. W.

22-23 16 July 2011 SALVATIONIST

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CD REVIEWLieut-Colonel Trevor Davis reviews Let Me Be A Light, a CD in aid of Cancer Research UK by Reading Central Salvationists

IT was in 2007 that a group of Salvationists from Reading Central embarked on a fundraising endeavour to support Cancer Research UK; to date they have raised £7,200. Using their not inconsiderable musical gifts they made a CD entitled Thy Life In Me and I was privileged to commend the recording through the pages of Salvationist.

Because of family and personal links with people who have had cancer, they have now made another CD to support the same appeal, and it is another very happy mix of music. The tracks range from Salvation Army songs such as ‘I Will Wait For You’ to the theme tune from television’s Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, and from ‘Were It Not For Grace’ to Handel’s ‘Siciliana And Giga’.

Well recorded, there is little to add to what I said about the performers on the previous CD! Debbie Crane retains a very clear voice with excellent diction and accurate intonation. Cornetist Mark Dallas is joined by tenor horn soloist Haydn Brown on this disc, and both display a breadth of technique in their contrasting repertoires. Both have a very warm sound and their items contrast well with the vocal numbers.

On each track pianist David Mortlock provides accurate and musical accompaniments and also is responsible for a number of arrangements and rearrangements. It might have been good to hear a solo track or two from David! Perhaps next time.

There is nothing ‘showy’ about these musicians – just a straightforwardness and sincerity of desire to share some very easy-listening music while supporting an excellent and worthy cause. In both attempts they succeed, sharing their faith, too, as they go along!

Let Me Be A Light, priced £11.50 (including postage and packing), is available from David Mortlock at Mareba, Briff Lane, Upper Bucklebury, Reading RG7 6ST (cheques should be made payable to ‘The Richard Dallas Cancer Fund’)

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Old Lighthouse, Isle of May, Firth of Forth. Picture: GEOFF BILLINGS

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