THE SALVATION ARMY

MAIDSTONE CORPS

Summer 2013

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Dear All, WE‘VE reached that time of year again when the sound of lawn

mowers is regularly in the air, and smell of cut grass assaults the nos-

trils, much to the dismay of those of us who suffer each year with

hay fever. No sooner has the grass been cut than it rains and brings

on the next crop. Between May and September it seems never end-

ing, unless we get a drought, of course.

As we look around at our young people

they all seem to be growing by the week,

and by the end of the summer holidays they

are different people. At that age growth

comes naturally.

A parable – there were once two small

trees growing side by side in a forest. As

they grew one grew faster than the other

and soon overshadowed the other. It grew taller and wider until the

smaller tree was not able to flourish at all. It could not get any light

nor enough space to grow.

In time, the Chief Forest Ranger saw what was happening and

planned to change the situation. So, one day he brought his big

chain saw to the forest and cut away a lot of the branches from the

big tree until he could see the small tree clearly. Now, he thought,

the smaller tree would stand a chance to grow as it should, even

though it grew at a slower rate.

Within a week there was already a difference in the small tree. It

had begun to become green where once it had been yellow through

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lack of sunlight. Within a month the small tree had started to grow

and catch up with the big tree. After two months it had new flow-

ers, and after three months it had started to grow fruit.

At the end of the growing season the Chief Ranger picked basket

after basket of delicious fruit from the small tree which had now be-

come as large as the big tree. And now, because it had been given

the room to grow, the small tree continued each year and produced

more and more fruit for people to enjoy.

Well, with all parables they do not come alive until we place our-

selves in them. So, do you see yourself as a large tree or a small one?

Is there pruning or growing to be done? Maybe some of both? ‗This

is to my Father‘s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves

to be my disciples, (JOHN 15: 8 NIV)‘. Bearing fruit and disciple-

ship go hand in hand, even through the process can be a little pain-

ful. ‗You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to

go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you

whatever you ask in my name (said

Jesus).‘ (v.16)

May God bless your summer with

fruitful growth, in your gardens and

in the garden of your heart.

Yours in Christ,

Grayson & Janice Williams—Majors

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

―THEY can‘t ensure complete safety unless they

get down on their knees‖, I shot up straight!! For it

was a report given to the ‗Today‘, programme on Ra-

dio 4 concerning the Air Bus that had to return to

Heathrow when one of it‘s engines caught fire. For-

tunately, a passenger saw it happen and reported it to

the cabin crew.

Further explanation revealed that the casing on

each of the engines is secured at the bottom, which

means that when the plane is on the ground the tech-

nicians have to get on their knees to ensure that the

covering doors on each engine bay are completely se-

cured and this they are reluctant to do.

Whilst it is obvious that there is greater safety in

flying that road travel, especially on minor roads it is

somewhat unnerving to realise that this lack of com-

plete dedication to a task is so lightly regarded espe-

cially when it could mean the loss of so many lives, to

say nothing of the cost of the aircraft.

That incident came into my mind last week when

Captain Lynne asked during her sermon on ‗The

News‘ (the current affairs) - ―Is prayer the foundation

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of everything you do?‖ I am fairly sure that others

would share with me and say ‗not always‘. However,

when I read the articles for Grapevine, I‘m sure that a

lot of prayer goes into its preparation and certainly the

work that goes on behind the scenes, for the attitude,

―Anything will do‖, is never part of Christian Com-

munication as proved in this edition by a new con-

tributor, Karen, who came to us as a result of the hard

work by Lisa for the Square Mile Choir.

I am often told how much people enjoy reading

Grapevine, but it is only of value if it has a wide vari-

ety of contributions, so please let us have your infor-

mation.

HAPPY READING!!

Violet E Clarke

EDITOR

[I echo this final sentiment—Philip]

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Lord of the brooding blue

Of pleasant summer skies,

Lord of each little bird

That through the clear air flies,

Lord of the blinding heat,

Of mighty wind and rain,

The city‘s crowded street,

Desert and peopled plain,

‗Tis wonderful to me

That I am loved by Thee.

Lord of night‘s jewelled roof,

Day‘s various tapestry,

Lord of the warp and woof

Of all that yet shall be,

Lord of my merry cheers,

My grey that turns to gold,

And my most private tears

And comforts manifold,

‗Tis wonderful to me

That I am loved by Thee.

Amy Carmichael

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A curve in the road and a hillside

Clear cut against the sky

A tall tree tossed by a gentle breeze

And a white cloud passing by

Ten men walked along that road

And all, but one passed by

He saw the hill, and the tree, and the cloud

With an artist‘s mind and eye

And put it down on a canvas

For the other nine men to buy

(Anon)

A plea from Vi Clarke:

She lent a DVD with a gold covered cover to one of our Corps

members, but unfortunately forgot who the good lady was.

It was a birthday gift and was the Lara Millennium Concert at

Ditton Community Centre. Unfortunately it is irreplaceable,

so if the person who has it would like to return it to Vi she

would be very grateful.

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WORDS FROM THE WORD

MANY people find the Old Testament difficult. This is be-

cause there is so much war recorded, which does not seem

to square with a God of love who loves all people equally.

Nevertheless there are incidents recorded which carry

within them a very profound spiritual message. One such event is

recorded in Exodus 17 vv 8 – 15. Briefly, the Israelites were at a

place called Rephidim and they were attacked by the Amalekites.

Moses commanded Joshua to choose some Israelite men and go out

to fight the Amalekites. He told Joshua that the next day, while the

battle ensued he would stand at the top of the hill with the staff of

God in his hands.

What happened next is fascinating. Moses was on the top of

the hill overlooking the battlefield. With him were Aaron and Hur.

All the time that Moses held up his hands the Israelites gained the

advantage, but when he lowered his hands the Amalekites started to

win. So Aaron and Hur took a large stone and sat Moses on it.

Then standing one on each side they took hold of Moses‘ hands

and held them up. The result was that because his hands were held

steady until sunset Israel won the victory over the Amalekites. This

event was so important that God ordered Moses to write it down on

a scroll as something to be remembered. In verse 15 we read,‘

Moses built an altar and called it, ‗The Lord is my banner‘.

He said ‗for hands were lifted up to the throne of the

Lord….‘

In so many ways we see wonderful things happening in our

Corps. There are different forms of outreach into the Square Mile;

Messy Church is having an impact in the district; there are such

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initiatives as Women of Worth and Faith‘s Kitchen; there are ad-

vances with the Youth Club and we have recently witnessed indica-

tions of real spiritual understanding amongst our teen agers; the

Musical ‗Jesus Folk‘ is progressing. These are some of the things

that are happening. Forgive me if I have not mentioned some ini-

tiative that you are involved with.

For some, to be actually physically involved may not be pos-

sible. Age and infirmity may be taking their toll, but this intriguing

Old Testament story tells me something very powerful. Those who

may not be able to be on the front line can exercise a very effective

and all important prayer ministry. You can be among those who

hold your hands up to The Lord to call down His blessing on those

who are at the battle‘s front. You can be those who stand and hold

up the arms of those who are calling upon God to give victory. To-

gether we can be those who declare with confidence and joy, ‗The

Lord is my banner, our hands are lifted up to the throne of The

Lord‘.

Be encouraged. God Longs and loves to bless His people.

Albert Orsborne has written a beautiful song (648). I out-

line only the first verse but all of the verses are deeply moving.

Wesley Dinsmore

Where lowly spirits meet

Instant in prayer,

All at one mercy seat

One plea to share.

With Thee we intercede,

Leader of those who lead,

Heart of our Army‘s need,

Make us Thy care.

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THE production is now well underway. Characters have

been selected, songs being learnt and stage work progressing.

For most of the cast this is a new experience and in the beginning

some were very nervous and apprehensively unsure about what they had

let themselves in for! But gradually nerves have disappeared and the fun,

excitement and exhilaration of taking part is blossoming throughout the

cast.

There is still much to do in the learning of songs, working on

stage awareness – where to stand, when to sit, when to move, how to

smile, how to laugh, how to ……….. but we‘re getting there!

Some of the production team have visited the Theatre and discussed our

requirements which we are confident will be met to make this an event

not to be missed.

The Band and Songsters have recently visited two churches and

taken opportunity to speak about the production and present one of the

songs as a ‗taster‘. Both occasions generated great interest in obtaining

tickets which will shortly be available (£10 from the Hazlitt Theatre Box

Office or from the Hall. Please see Lorraine Munn).

Now we look to you to spread the word and encourage people to

come not only to a great night out but also to see and hear the Gospel in a

new, exciting yet thought provoking way in the relaxed setting of The

Hazlitt Theatre. Why not encourage those who once worshipped with us

to attend as well as family, friends and others who you know?

The dates 6th and 7th November. The time 7.30pm.

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I T‘S OFFICIAL—the Summer is 6 days long. QED: Google the be-

ginning of Summer and you will get 21st June and Mid-summers

day is 24th—therefore this suggests that Summer is only 6 days

long. And sometimes it feels like it! Especially now!!! So I got to

thinking in Winter we have Christmas, OK! - Spring gives us Easter and

Autumn; Harvest—Great! So I thought what events do we have in our

Christian calendar for Summer, or any other Religious calendars for that

matter, and it seems there are some interesting events taking place while

we lie on the beach soaking up the sun!!!

21st June—Ratha Yatra - Festival of the Chariots (Hindu). A festival

to worship Krishna. Huge chariots with images of Krishna, his Brother

and his Sister are pulled through the streets.

24th

June—John the Baptist; (Christian) celebrations of the birth of

the prophet who foretold the coming of the Messiah in the person of Je-

sus, whom he later baptised.

29th

June—Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul (Christian) or the So-

lemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, this is a liturgical feast in honour of the

martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The

celebration is of ancient origin, the date selected being the anniversary

either of their death or of the translation of their relics.

03rd

July—Asalha Puja or Dhammacakkha (Dharma) Day

(Buddhist) Celebrated by Theravadin and Western Buddhists as the an-

niversary of the Buddha's first sermon, known as 'Turning of the Wheel

of Law'. The Buddha preached the need to follow a 'Middle Way' be-

tween self-indulgence and severe self-denial.

04th

July—Lailat al Barai'ah (Muslim). 2012 The Night of Forgive-

ness (Lailat-ul-Bara'h) takes place two weeks before Ramadan. Islamic

Night of Forgiveness or The 'Night of Records', when Allah is believed

to register the deeds of humankind and to determine their fates

for the coming year. It is a time for penitence, fasting and all night

prayer.

Cont’d on p.18

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JOHN & AMANDA BOYD

ONE of the joys of an item such as this is, for all of us, to be able to

identify each other in an atmosphere of friendship rather than

where they usually sit or what type of service they perform, and for

me personally is to feel the warmth and fellowship of the

participants as they allow me to go into their home and talk about

their lives.

One such couple is John and Amanda Boyd. John with an older

Brother was born and brought up in Blackpool. He attended the Baptist

Church and during his school-days learned to play the cornet. Needless

to say Brass Banding is a feature of Northern England and on leaving

school he played in various bands. He trained as an Electrical Engineer,

but in his early twenties he joined the Forces and following initial

training became a musician in the Royal Engineers. Subsequent moves

have been to the Irish Guards and currently Welsh Guards Band.

Amanda, with an older Sister was born and brought up in Dover,

where she attended the London Road Methodist Sunday School. She

trained as a Nurse at Canterbury Hospital and qualified in 1987. She

still works as a nurse part-time at the Spire Alexandra Hospital in

Waldersdale.

Cilla Black would have loved this for they met on a blind date at

the Valentine‘s Dinner and Dance, arranged by her room-mate‘s future

Husband, who was also in the Royal Engineers. They eventually got

married at Dover Castle in 1991, in the Garrison Church, which is an old

Saxon Church, next to the Pharos Light House, but permission had to be

obtained by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

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Their first home was in Gillingham, where they met up with

Stuart and Neil Atkinson, who introduced them to the Corps in

Maidstone. Amanda speaks very highly of Joan and Arthur Atkinson,

who helped them to settle in.

They have two Sons, Callum, aged 18, trained as a Football

Referee and at present is involved in that position for Junior Teams, but

his ambition is to continue in that role and who knows, one day he may

referee for the F. A. Cup!

Liam at 15 is still at school, but his ambition is to be

like his Dad – join the Forces and become a

musician. Both boys play in the Y. P. Band and

Senior Bands as cornet players, where John is the Y.

P. Band-leader. It is a job he loves and his skill is

reflected in the quality of their music. They are a joy

to listen to and a credit to all who are involved.

John will be leaving the Forces in December after 27

years and whilst that is significant it will require

much effort to adjust to life without the joys of being

part of Ceremonial Duties, such as ‗Trooping the

Colours‘ and playing at the Cenotaph when our eyes

are glued to the T.V. screen.

The whole family are valued

members of our Corps Fellowship and

we pray God‘s blessing on them as they

look to the future.

VC

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GOD‟s ETERNAL SON!

Doctrine 4 "We believe that in the person of Je-sus Christ the divine and human natures are united, so that he is truly and properly God and truly and properly man" "Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour is central to Christian belief and witness ( Romans 10: 13- 19). We believe in Jesus Christ who reigns with God the Father and with God the Holy Spirit. God sent Jesus to rescue a fallen world. We recognise God's perfect will and purpose in his birth, life, death and resur-rection, his ascension and his second coming. In him we see God‟s living word and we see God‟s glory. (John 17: -5; 1 Timo-thy 3:16) “ We believe in Jesus as a real man, a historical person, a Jew who was born, lived and carried out his mission in Pales-tine. The testimony of historical record and of ancient manu-scripts as well as of those who lived with him at the time of the Roman Caesar Augustus tell of his life and death on the Cross. His universal message crossed the boundaries of Judaism as he belonged to the Jewish/Roman world of the first century AD. He was also a unique human being. Perfect, alone amongst us, the true image of God, living without sin and in a unique relationship with God the Father. Because of such a close relationship, he was exposed to all the realities of temptation and real conflict with the powers of evil. He ex-perienced loneliness, isolation and death, and in that loving rela-tionship he was able to resist temptation and remain sinless even to his death on the cross.

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But he was also the God‟s Son - “Truly and properly God” The Bible tells us that Jesus was, “With God in the be-ginning, through him all things were made”. Jesus told his first followers that “He that has seen me has seen the Father” . God‟s character and being were fully present in the life of the man Jesus. And they used the word “Incarnation” to describe this truth. Salvation comes to us through Jesus. He was not a victim as he hung on the cross, he died so that God‟s purposes would be fulfilled by his obedience. (Matt 16:21-23; Mark 8: 31-33; Luke 9:22) “He died that we might be forgiven. He died to make us good” (SASB 133). And he rose triumphantly from death. Fulfilling prophecy (Luke 24:46) and by the empty tomb and his post resurrection appearances to his followers, helped them to support the resounding proclamation of the whole of the New Testament that, “He is risen!” This conviction of his disciples, and the presence of the Church, Christ‟s living body on earth, give their own witness. He will come again - returning in ultimate triumph. (Matt 25: 31-46; 26:64) Jesus warned against speculation about the dates and times for this to take place, but as his fol-lowers we pray for his return and prepare ourselves to be ready. (Matt 6:10; 1Cor 15:23,24; Col 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 2:1-4; Revelation 22: 7-20)

WHAT THEN ARE THE ISSUES FOR SALVATIONISTS:-

It is important for us to really KNOW Jesus!:- As the foundation for personal spiritual growth,

The pattern for our standards of behaviour, The foundation of our worship and praise, And a true understanding of our mission.

Continued on p.21

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THIS month’s viewpoint from a musical expert member of the

Corps:- Jonathan Heward

I have always found it difficult to answer when someone asks me “What‟s your favourite song?”. It so often depends on my mood and, when it comes to religious music, where I am in my journey with God. As both a bandsman and songster I have been privileged to play and sing many great pieces of music. There are many others which I have only heard but still have special meaning or bring me enjoyment. However, when it comes to my absolute favourites, being a part of the group which produces the music gives me an extra special blessing and creates some special memo-ries.

BAND PIECE — „The Kingdom Triumphant‟ - Eric Ball

I was very fortunate to be a part of the Territorial Youth Band in 2000 and as such to play at the Royal Albert Hall for the Millennial Con-gress. This was the piece the band played. I‟ll never forget the feeling of playing in that great auditorium and the reception we got when finished playing. Even now, having played it several times and having heard it many more, I still get shivers down my spine when the melody of Helmsley (Lo! He comes with clouds descending) first appears towards the end of the piece. I grew up in small-to-medium sized corps so this was one of the first „big‟ pieces I ever played in a band. For that reason alone it is special but I also love the way Eric Ball combines the very first advent and the promise of Christ‟s second coming through music. It serves as a reminder that Christ came to Earth and shared in our humanity and in the end He will return in His glory and victory.

SONGSTER PIECE- With Wings as Eagles - J Paul Wil-liams & Benjamin Harlan The Salvation Army doesn‟t hold a monopoly on good music. It‟s great that as sections we can look to the wider church and beyond for mu-sic to spread our message. This is one such piece. Taking those famous

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words from Isaiah 40:28-31 and others from Habakkuk 3:17-18, it reminds us that, no matter what we are going through, God will always be there for us. He will hold us up when our own strength is long gone and we will al-ways have cause to praise him. It is a beautiful combination of words and music, plus it‟s a cracking tenor part to belt out!

CONGREGATIONAL SONG - SASB 63 - „Never Fades the Name of Jesus‟ - David Welander trans. Catherine Baird

A slightly unusual choice, perhaps. This song isn‟t that well known here but over in Norway, where it originates, it the most popular hymn, not only in the Army but the wider church. I was very privileged to spend three years as the youth worker in Trondheim corps and this song will always re-mind me of my time there. I‟ve heard it sung in a gospel style, used in a band march and even a heavy metal version! The words lose a little in translation from Norwegian (Catherine Baird‟s translation is very much „of its time‟) but the chorus still portrays a powerful message: How I love the name of Jesus! He has set my heart aflame! I have found a great salvation Through the merits of his name.

BONUS CHOICE - All That I Am - William Himes

I told you I found it difficult to answer the question of my favour-ite song! This song started as a songster piece, has found its way into the congregational repertoire and is also the subject of a fantastic ar-rangement by Bill Himes himself. The reason I include it here is that it is through this song (particularly the chorus) that I first felt God‟s call-ing on my life. God has used it on occasions since to reaffirm that call-ing. The words aren‟t (or shouldn‟t) be easy to sing. They talk of com-mitting our all to God „come what may‟. It is, though, the only response

we can make to God‟s love for us. The verse reminds us that it is only in doing God‟s will for our lives that we find fulfilment. I pray that I can always sing these words truthfully: “My all I give, Lord, for you I‟ll live Lord, come what may”.

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05th

July—Birthday of Guru Hargobind (Sikh) (1595-1644) was the

sixth of the Sikh Gurus.

15th

July—St Swithin's Day, (Christian) a day on which people watch

the weather for tradition says that whatever the weather is like on St.

Swithin's Day, it will continue so for the next forty days.

20th

July—Ramadan begins (Muslim) 2012 The month of fasting

from dawn to sunset. During Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the time

when the verses of the Koran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

23rd

July—Birthday of Guru Har Krishen (Sikh) (1656-1664) was

the eighth of the Sikh Gurus.

25th

July—St. James the Great Day. (Christian) This is dedicated to

honouring St. James. Part of the legend states that a Portuguese man

was riding his horse on the beach and the they plunged into the sea.

The man suddenly emerged from the sea with scallops shells all over

him, which is one of the symbols for St. James the Great. St. James the

Great was a fisherman by trade, which is where Jesus met up with him

and instructed James and his Brother John to follow him. St. James the

Great is the Patron Saint of Spain, blacksmiths, tanners, veterinarians, as

well as equestrians. His depiction consists of James on horseback with

cockleshells, a sword, and a pilgrim hat.

29th July—Tisha B'av (Jewish) - Day of Mourning 2012 A fast com-

memorating the destruction of the two Temples. A solemn festival of

fasting and mourning when Jews remember the destruction of the sec-

ond Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70.

01st August—Lammas (Christian) The celebration of the 'first

fruits' when bread made from the first harvest is placed on the altar.

02nd

August—Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) ('raksha' means 'protection',

and 'bandhan' means to 'tie'). A Special festival for Brothers and Sisters.

The festival that celebrates brotherhood and love. Girls tie 'rakhi',

twisted red and gold threads, around the wrists of their Brothers who, in

return, usually give their Sisters a present.

Cont’d from p.11

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06th

August—The Transfiguration (Christian) commemorates Jesus

being transformed in the presence of three of his disciples, Peter, James

and John, on a mountain top.

10th

August—Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu) The celebration of

Lord Krishna's birthday. He is famous for making mischief and playing

tricks on his friends. He is also a great hero who helps and looks after

people.

14th

August—Laylat ul-Qadr (Laylat al Kadar) (Muslim) 2012

On the 27th day of Ramadan. Muslims celebrate the festival of Laylat ul

-Qadr. Its name means 'The Night of Power'. It marks the night in

which the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by Allah.

15th

August—Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian)

This celebrates Mary being 'taken up', body and soul to heaven. Catho-

lic communities often mark the festival with processions.

19th

—21st August—Eid-ul-Fitr (Id-ul-Fitr) (Muslim) is a holiday

that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid is

an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fitr means "to break the

fast" (and can also mean "nature", from the word "fitrah") and so symbol-

izes the breaking of the fasting period. Eid is celebrated over a three day

period in Islamic countries.

29th

August—Beheading of John the Baptist (Christian) is a holy day

observed by various Christian churches. The day commemorates the

martyrdom by beheading of Saint John the Baptist on the orders of

Herod Antipas through the vengeful request of his begrudged daughter

Salome.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the story is often retold with the moral

lesson of code of honour versus arrogance precipitated by the tyrannical

abuse of power. In addition, various speculations regarding the motive

of Salome are cited, namely her lewd dancing as a means of revenge and

harlotry.

01st September—Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) Hindus celebrate the

birthday of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed God.

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Middle age is when your knees buckle, but you belt

doesn’t!

Going to Pieces: Sheila was excited, but anxious—her husband’s new boss was coming to dinner and she wanted to make a good impression. She bought a new dress, spent hours at the hairdressers and prepared a lavish meal of all the things she had been told he liked. Being one of the Managers at the Stock Market, she had spent every avail-able minute learning about investments, the Footsie Index and everything else she thought relevant about money mat-ters. When he arrived she was almost speechless—tall, handsome, perfect manners and witty. He soon put her at ease. Serving the main course she caught sight of her husband’s horrified look, and discovered she was cutting up the guest’s meal into tiny pieces and mashing it up as she did for the baby!!!!

Sunday School Teacher—”Why was Solomon the wisest

man in the world”? The 6yr old replied, “Because he had so

many wives to advise him”.

A man fell over the cliff edge, but managed to grab hold of a strong bush. “Oh God help me”, he shouted, “If you are there I’ll do anything you want”. The voice came loud and clear, “let go of the bush”. “I daren’t do that, I don’t want to die” “Let go of the bush, trust me!”,“Is there anybody else up there?”

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Jesus gives us our call to obedience and our example for living:- He resisted temptation and if we truly wish to follow him with-out reservation, to grow to be like him, and to share in his mis-sion to “seek and to save the lost” we must first of all be ready to be obedient to him in a radical way - just as he was obedient to God. Jesus is also our role model for compassionate ser-vice.:- He knows the human situation, looks with compassion on the sinful and suffering, and he cares about injustice and evil. When we come alongside others for Christ‟s sake we bring his powerful and loving presence right to the heart of human need. We forget that we are made in the image of God at our peril. Because of Jesus, God‟s Grace can fill our lives and en-able us to present his purity to our scarred and hurting world. Our personal standard of living and our ministry to others be-comes authentic, powerful and effective. We can say with saint Paul - “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”, (Phil 4:13 NIV).

Colonel Michael Pressland

Continued from p.15

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08th

September—Nativity of Virgin Mary (Christian) or Birth of the

Virgin Mary refers to the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Scripture does not record Mary's birth. The earliest known writing re-

garding Mary's birth is found in the Protoevangelium of James (5:2),

which is an apocryphal writing from the late second century, where her

parents are said to have been Saint Anne and Saint Joachim.

17/18th

September—Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) Jewish New Years

Day, 5772 years from the creation of the world (The date is for 2009 -

2010). This is the most important time in the Jewish year. It is also the

beginning of ten special days, called the Days of Penitence. This is the

time when Jews say sorry to God for all the bad things they have done in

the past year. This is the only Jewish holiday which lasts for 2 entire

days (considered as one very long day), and the reason for this is to em-

phasize its importance.

19th

September—Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) The birthday of the

elephant-headed deity. Ganesha is worshipped by Hindus at the begin-

ning of something new, for example moving house, getting married or

taking arms.

So there you have it; a summer of spectacular events—why would

you want to be lying on the beach in the sunshine!!

STATISTICS Christians 9

Hindus 5

Muslims 4

Jews 2

Sikhs 2

Buddhists 1

Well! which group is

going to get the best

suntan???

Philip Hales

Cont’d from p.19

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Square Mile Gospel Choir

THE choir had the privilege of being invited to sing to the residents of

Tovil Green Court in Maidstone on Sunday 28th

April. We were made

very welcome and set up in their bright community room.

Our voices were given a good workout as we sang our way through

11 great songs, accompanied by saxophone, piano and guitar. The

choir is very fortunate to have a new pianist, Rea Qunta, which frees

Lisa up to keep us all in check!

Lisa encouraged the residents to sing along to those songs they

knew. When we sang ‗You raise me up‘ we could see some of them

joining in.

After the concert, we had the opportunity to speak to those who

had come to listen to us. It was great to hear about their experiences

living in this delightful residential home. They seemed very keen to

give positive feedback to us, and said they appreciated our visit. This

was lovely to hear and we were glad they enjoyed the concert as much

as we did.

We hope to be invited back again.

KAREN USHER

Do you enjoy Musical Choices? Do you have three particular

pieces, which mean so much to you, that you would like to share?

Would you like to step forward and offer your contribution! I and

many others would benefit from your understanding of what they

mean to you, so please let me know by the end of July. PHILIP

24

IN recent months you will have noticed on the weekly bulletin that a new name and title has appeared – Cap-tain Lynne Clifton as Family Ministry Officer. Knowing she has previously been a Corps Officer and Divi-

sional Youth Officer I was interested to know how this new role

differs:-

How do you feel this new role differs from your previ ous responsibilities?

13 years ago I signed my Officers Covenant at the Training

College in Denmark Hill where I promised, in response to

God‘s calling on my life, to make the saving of souls

(introducing people to the love of God) the first purpose of my

life. I have continually endeavoured to do this and have been

given the opportunity to serve God in several, very different

contexts, but my desire to share God‘s love through all I do has

remained the same.

My first appointment was at a new expression of the Salva-

tion Army on a housing estate in Croydon. Matt and I got mar-

ried whilst I was at Forestdale and we began ministry together,

after 8 years we moved to a more traditional style of Salvation

Army Corps in Folkestone that had a very busy community

programme serving some of the more vulnerable and marginal-

ised people who lived in the locality in very practical ways.

My next appointment was as Divisional Youth Officer which

meant that rather than being based in one community working

with all ages, my primary focus was serving the young people

and their youth workers across the London South-East Divi-

25

sion.

Since November 2012 I have been the Family Ministry Of-

ficer at Maidstone which is different to my previous appoint-

ments in the sense that I am on an Officer team in this town

and have a specific focus of building bridges with families and

other community groups working with families, in the local

community but once again it is an exciting opportunity to work

out my covenant to ‗save souls, grow saints and serve suffering

humanity‘ in a local community.

What does it entail in the everyday?

―It‘s nice to have you here Lynne, but what exactly do you

do?‖ has been said to me on more than one occasion since I

took up my appointment as Family Ministry Officer in Maid-

stone. It‘s a good question. The role of Family Ministry Offi-

cer is a new one and therefore my role is emerging as God

guides me and as I get to know the needs of the community

more.

Every day is different. I have spent quite a lot of time

meeting people from other organisations who are serving fami-

lies in the community already – Children‘s Centres, Schools,

other Churches, other charities, Social Services etc. I have

tried to find out what is already happening for families in

Maidstone and where other people who serve the local commu-

nity feel that there are areas of need.

I have had the privilege of leading school assemblies, les-

sons and getting involved with the Family Trust in Maidstone

and leading a weekly Kingsquad Bible Club in Northborough

Junior School.

I have also been able to help facilitate the Cookery Course that

Jaqui and Carole have been running in a home for young

26

mums. In May, Maureen Ross and I will launch a 6 week par-

enting course in the same home.

It has been my privilege to go into the homes of some families

in need and practically support them as well as praying for

them.

I am also involved in the family ministry programme at the

Corps and so am involved in Parent and Toddlers, Messy

Church and some of the other activities the Corps already have

running and have been on planning teams that have put some

other events in the diary for 2013!

As well as building bridges into the community it is my role to

pray for and support the Children‘s and Youth work happening

within our Corps Family. I have tried to be an encourager of

the wonderful leaders that we have and support them in very

practical ways.

Does this overlap with any Corps responsibilities or du

ties?

My role as Family Ministry Officer is terrifically varied and

whilst it is primarily about building bridges with families in

Maidstone, I am part of the Officer team and therefore sit on

the Corps Council and the Pastoral Care Council. I strive to

pray for and care pastorally for members of the Church work-

ing closely with Majors Grayson and Janice and have enjoyed

the opportunities that have been given to me to lead Sunday

worship.

What sort of problems do you encounter?

The main one is that there are not enough hours in a day!!

You may well be aware that as well as being an Officer I am

also a Mum of 3 children, Hanna, Elijah and Amos, and I am a

27

wife. Being a wife and a mother is most definitely not a prob-

lem, it is a blessing, but it is also a challenge to get the balance

of life right so that I honour God in every way and fulfil all my

responsibilities. Please pray for wisdom for me to make the

right decisions and get the balance of life right.

Another lovely challenge that I have is that the opportuni-

ties to get involved in Family Ministry in Maidstone are enor-

mous. E.M Bounds is quoted to have said, ―don‘t let the good

outweigh the best‖ I want to make sure that I am doing my best

for God and that I am being as effective as possible for His

Kingdom‘s sake. Please pray that I would clearly know God‘s

leading and for wisdom for me to make the right decisions in

how I spend my time and energy.

How can we as a Corps be helpful to you?

I would like to say a huge thank you for the warm welcome

that you have given me. The kindness I have been shown has

meant a lot to me and your love has helped Matt and I tremen-

dously as we have made some big adjustments for us as a fam-

ily since Matt‘s resignation from Officer-ship.

Please continue to be patient with me and bear with me as I

juggle the various responsibilities I have. Be honest with me

and let me know if you feel God is saying anything specific to

you or if you would like to be involved in any aspect of Family

Ministry, and above all please continue to pray for me – I need

it!

Captain Lynne Clifton

28

01) Which herb is regarded as, ―The King of Herbs‖, by many leading

cookery authors?

02) Used generally in the cooking of lamb, which herb is thought to be

the herb of remembrance?

03) From which tree is MACE obtained?

04) Which herb combined with onion is commonly used as a stuffing

for poultry and meat?

05) Which spice imparts a yellow colour to Indian cuisine?

06) Which herb is commonly used to flavour the tomato on pizza top-

pings?

07) What type of flavour does FENNEL have?

08) Which part of the GINGER plant is used in cooking?

09) Which four herbs did Simon & Garfunkel sing about in the 1960s?

10) Which spice is said to combine the flavours of CINNAMON, NUT-

MEG & CLOVES, hence it‘s name?

11) By what name is wine that has been combined with a mixture of

spices and often served warm, known?

12) Which spice widely used in Indian cooking is known as ―The Queen

of Spices‖?

13) Which spice, obtained from the flower of the crocus, is one of the

most expensive?

14) Which spice added to soups and stews is usually removed prior to

serving?

15) In the children‘s TV series, ―The Herbs‖, what type of creature was

PARSLEY?

16) With over 150 varieties, which common herb is said to provide re-

lief from an upset stomach?

17) What is the difference between a HERB and a SPICE?

18) What are the real names of the SPICE GIRLS?

19) In what units are the heat from CHILLIES measured?

20) Which spice, synonymous with Christmas, are the dried flower buds

of a tropical tree?

29

This is how God showed His love among us. He

sent His one and only Son into the World. That

we might live through Him. This is love, not

that we loved God, but that He loved us.

1 John C4 v09-10

Loved with everlasting love,

Led by grace that love to know;

Spirit, breathing from above,

Thou hast taught me this is so.

O this full and perfect peace!

O this transport all divine!

In a love which cannot cease

I am his and he is mine.

Song 545 v1

30

A N S W E R S

1. This phrase is actually inspired by the words of

the character Polonius in Shakespeare's Hamlet: "Though this be madness, yet there is method in it."

2. Song of Solomon 8:6 3. 1 Corinthians 15:52 4. Shakespeare, Romeo

and Juliet 5. John 19:30 6. Emily Dickinson

7. Matthew 12:42 8. Shakespeare again. His writings are probably sec-ond to the KJV in sources

for popular English idioms, including "hobnob" and "wear my heart upon my

sleeve." This one is a com-bination of two different quotations: "as white as

driven snow," from The Winter's Tale, and "black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow," in Macbeth.

9. Abraham Lincoln 10. Luke 12:28 11. Hebrews 12:1

12. Mark Twain

13. Martin Luther King Jr. 14. Matthew 26:41

15. George Bernard Shaw 16. Matthew 7:7 17. Luke 10:37 18. Benjamin Franklin, from

Poor Richard's Almanack in 1757

19. Charles Dickens

20. Charles Dickens 21. Folk saying, source un-known

22. Mohandas Gandhi 23. Aesop's Fables, from the tale "The Fox and the Grapes." Fox cannot reach

the grapes he desperately wants and says, "The grapes are sour anyway!"

Hence, the moral of the story: "It is easy to de-spise what you cannot

get." This is an example of how a phrase originated with the KJV (cf. Ezekiel 18:2), but the idiom got

started later. 24. Ecclesiastes 1:9 25. Aesop’s Fables

31

Our Weekly Services

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

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

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

Tuesday: Ladies Meeting 13.30 (Home League)

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

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

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

Contact Information

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

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

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

Please telephone 01622 681808 for

further information and/or to check

32

Closing date for next issue is 15th Sept, 2013

to be sent to the Editor or Philip Hales at

email: philiphales@blueyonder.co.uk