Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
INSIDE THIS WEEK
Immortalised gates removedStrawberry FieldPAGE 4
Army responds after tornados’ devastationUSA SouthernPAGE 5
PLUS LOTS MORE!
PAGES 12 & 13
PAPERS
2 28 May 2011 SALVATIONIST www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS
■ DIARY OF A WIMPYKID 2: RODRICKRULES
■ CHECK OUT BIBLE HERO NOAH
■ ROLLASOLE COMPETITION
■ YOUR SPACE SPECIAL
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
BLAIR? DICKENS? THE BIBLE?
People do not realisefamiliar Englishphrases come from the Bible, according to new research.
For instance half of all people (49 percent) didn’t knowwhere the phrase ‘A drop in the bucket’ originated (Isaiah 40:15). Anequal proportion actually said it camefrom Tony Blair,
Shakespeare andCharles Dickens. Only 7 per cent correctly identified its roots.
But the ComRes poll for Bible Society revealed that nearlyhalf of those surveyedsaid they thought theBible was an importantbook, and even thoughthey don’t read it oftenit does have valuablethings to say.The Baptist Times
STONY GROUND
Sir, A pity that in your report aboutignorance of the Bible the illustrationof the story of the miraculousdraught of fishes should be captioned‘the miracle of the loaves and fishes’.From a letter in The Times
■ SECRET MILLIONAIRESPLASHES THECASH TO SA EMPLOYEE
■ RAPE IS RAPE.SIN IS SIN
■ PRAYER ANDMENTAL HEALTH
■ A VISON FOR MEN
‘THE NATIVITY’ IS MAIN WINNER AT ANNUAL RELIGIOUS TV AND RADIOAWARDS
Religious programming has finally broken out of the ‘GodSlot’, according to the SandfordSt Martin Trust. More than anyother year entries to its annualawards demonstrated how religion is breaking the genrebarriers. Among the winners was a mainstream TV drama (The Nativity won two prestigious awards) with a mainstream comedy in hot pursuit (Rev for BBC Two)…
Other entries, which includedBlue Peter, CBBC, Sky Arts and BBC Three as well as mainstream documentaries,demonstrated that religious commissions are embracing ‘all ages and styles in generalprogramming – and not limited to just the traditional niche “God Slot” entries’.The Church of England Newspaper
NEWSPages 4 – 9 & 19 ⟩⟩⟩⟩BlackburnLondonBrighouseStrawberryFieldRushdenRipleyBarnstapleUSASouthernKetteringCwmbranNottinghamWilliamBoothMemorialHallsTunstallLlanelliSwindonCitadelBicesterStroodPetersfieldSouthamptonShirleyBoscombeHaroldHillSkewenSleafordStocktonAbertilleryWollastonBellshillWhittleseyWillenhallPaisleyBraintreeHuddersfieldNorthamptonEastFindochtyHytheCradleyHeathHorshamBangor
LETTERS
Page 10 ⟩⟩⟩⟩
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
FEATURE
Kidz R KoolPage 11 ⟩⟩⟩⟩
FOCUS ON ISB120
Fire in his bloodPages 12 & 13 ⟩⟩⟩⟩
THINKALOUD
What on earth happened toHeaven?Page 14 ⟩⟩⟩⟩
ASCENSION DAY FEATURE
Blue-sky thinkingPage 15 ⟩⟩⟩⟩
BIBLE STUDY
Ascension SundayPage 16 ⟩⟩⟩⟩
NEW COMMITMENTS
Page 17 ⟩⟩⟩⟩
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Army people, engagements,and tributesPages 18 & 19 ⟩⟩⟩⟩
ADVERTS
Pages 20 – 23 ⟩⟩⟩⟩
COMMENT
[email protected] SALVATIONIST 28 May 2011 3
ONE of the many things I am
learning as Editor is that theflatplan – the template on
which editions of Salvationistare mapped out – rarely remainsunaltered as deadline day makes itsstealthy approach. If the tools of mytrade as a corps officer were a Bible andsongbook, they now appear to be apencil and a large eraser. Alterations arethe name of the game, as one feature orarticle is held in abeyance becauseanother piece is, for good reason,chosen in its place.
Proverbs 15:22 advises that ‘plans failfor lack of counsel, but with manyadvisers they succeed’ (NIV), and thatverse comes into its own each week as I rely on my team for advice.
I liken these ‘flatplan moments’ to avisit I made to a charity shop. An
ornamental crucifix was on sale, nestled on a shelf between a fadedwatercolour of Cowes and a grottyporcelain soap dish. My first reactionwas one of sadness that even such amass-produced image of the Saviour I adore was up for grabs for a few quid.Read Matthew 26:14-16, however, andyou’ll see that nothing much haschanged.
On reflection, I’ve come to realise thatthe incarnation of Jesus, if it meansanything at all, means that he appearsamid the junk our lives so often retainand shelve – ‘the dust of earthly striving’as Albert Orsborn put it (SASB 647).Standing somewhere in the detritus ofour rebel emotions and obdurate sin,you will find him.
I warm to that sort of God, becausemy only hope of Heaven, despiteStephen Hawking’s assertion thatHeaven is a fairytale, rests on Jesuserasing my sin and making alterationafter alteration until even I becomesomething like him. That, so far as I understand Romans 8:29, is hisastonishingly gracious ‘flatplan’ for each of us – Kingdom ambitionpersonified!
Speaking of the life to come, I didn’tknow whether to laugh or cry when Iread about a woman who is offering, fora fee ranging from £99 to £450, to turnup at funeral services in order to‘encourage the flow of positive energyaround the grave’ and thereby secure‘the best passage to the hereafter’. Suchenergy must, apparently, ‘vibratecorrectly to the dead’. Quite how shemanages this remains unexplained.
I would be inclined to wonder, shouldshe arrive at any service at which I wasofficiating, ‘What’s she here after?’ andto advise her to concentrate her energieson reading pages 14 to 16 of this week’sSalvationist.
There, she would read about theGod-man who, 2,000 years ago, cameto squalid Earth so that we might oneday follow him to Paradise.
MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR
From earth’sconfusion
‘The love of God is richerfar than tongue or pencan ever tell. It goesbeyond the highest starand reaches to thelowest hell.’
(General John Gowans recalling a song sung by Auxiliary-Captain Alice Smy on
Saturday evening ‘pub raids’)
4 28 May 2011 SALVATIONIST
NEWS
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
Ripley Topsy Turvy Totsshow off Easter bonnetsduring a colourful parade
The Prime Minister greets Territorial President of Women’s MinistriesCommissioner Betty Matear – as Territorial Commander CommissionerJohn Matear looks on – during an Easter reception in Downing Street
Immortalisedgates removedStrawberry FieldTHE 100-year-old wrought irongates to the Salvation Army site
immortalised in John Lennon’s1967 song ‘Strawberry FieldsForever’ have been removed toprevent further damage to them.Metalwork specialist JimBennett (pictured) handcraftedreplicas which he gifted to theArmy so visitors, including themany Beatles fans who pass bythe former children’s home onLiverpool bus tours, will notmiss out on the view through thegates.
‘Although care has been takento ensure the original gates to thesite have remained in goodcondition, inevitably time hastaken its toll,’ said TerritorialSocial Services Secretary MajorRay Irving. ‘When Mr Bennettgot in touch with us in 2010 andexplained he was creating a setof replica gates as a project wewere very interested. This meansthat the original gates can bekept safe from further deteriora-tion and, with the replica gates inplace, it will allow for an authen-tic experience for the many thou-sands of people who come on a
Barnstaple: Bideford, Ilfracombe, Taunton, Tiverton and the hostcorps united for a Good Friday evening of readings, meditation and reflection led by Captain Sue Camp-Richards (Taunton). The eveningprovided a deep challenge, with a cross central to all that was shared.– J. H.
“musical pilgrimage” to Straw-berry Field.’
When John Lennon was achild living nearby, the chil-dren’s home (opened in 1936)was an imposing buildinghousing a large number of chil-dren who had been taken intocare. The original building wasdemolished in the early 1970sand replaced by a smaller,purpose-built home where up to36 children were cared for inthree family units. The homeeventually closed in May 2005and the long-term future of thesite is still to be determined. Atpresent it is used by communitygroups and for various Armyprojects. – A. R.
Rushden: The corps held itsfirst Adherents Sunday meetings,led by Adherents Secretary JanetFreeman and Recruiting SergeantJenefer Edwards. Representa-tives of the 32 adherent membersblessed the congregation throughtestimonies and prayers; theyalso led sung worship. – G. E.
Challenged tobe at home with GodBrighouseCORNERSTONES (Boston) ledAdult and Family MinistriesSunday, focusing on the themeBeing At Home With God.Home league member Liz VanLoon testified to the inner joy ofher renewed faith and Corner-stones’ Kerry Ellis spoke abouthow she felt God had beenwatching over her as she workedher way from disappointment to face the challenge of new opportunities. Cornerstonesleader Edward Addis pre-sented every one with a tea bagand a Scrip ture meditation, challenging people to take timeout of a busy day and makethemselves at home with God. – A. R.
Staff at Bramwell House Lifehouse, Blackburn, serve refreshmentsto firefighters dealing with a fire in an adjoining building; the centre’sresidents were evacuated to Blackburn Corps hall for three hours
SALVATIONIST 28 May 2011 5
NEWS
Army responds aftertornados’ devastationUSA SouthernSALVATION Army Emergency DisasterServices (EDS) per sonnel continue to meetmaterial, emotional and spiritual needs acrossthe southern United States of America, wheretornados and storms have caused destructionon a scale not seen for nearly a century. Morethan 350 people are known to have beenkilled, including at least 250 in the state ofAlabama, where Governor Robert Bentleyexpects more bodies to be found in thecoming days.
EDS crews are at work in Alabama, Missis-sippi, Arkansas, Georgia, Virginia, Tennesseeand Kentucky. After days of intense service,several locations are scaling back responseefforts while some places hit particularly hardby the storms are still in need of daily feedingand spiritual care.
Since the tornado season began, the Armyhas served 86,000 hot meals and distributed260,000 sandwiches as well as providing spir-itual and physical support to thousands ofsuffering people.
Thirty-eight Salvation Army feeding unitsand one shower trailer are active in Missis-sippi and Alabama. Since the end of April,tens of thousands of meals and drinks havebeen distributed. On 29 and 30 April alone,Salvation Army teams served 30,820 mealsand 51,072 drinks. More than 1,300 peoplereceived the emotional and spiritual care thatis a vital aspect of Salvation Army disasterresponse.
In Arkansas, EDS personnel continue tomonitor rising water levels which havereached major flood stage in nine counties. Attime of writing, one mobile feeding unit isserving Randolph County. More than 5,000meals have been served since Monday 2 May.
Operations in Georgia have begun to winddown but several units are still in service. Atthe request of the government agency FEMA(Federal Emergency Management Agency), amobile feeding unit remained in SpaldingCounty, as did a social service representativein Harold County. Additionally, operationscontinue in Catoosa, Walker, Dade andTrenton Counties. Teams served 8,596 mealsand 4,195 drinks in Spalding, 720 meals and1,490 drinks in Rome and 120 meals and 350drinks in Cartersville.
In Cleveland, Tennessee, and northGeorgia, EDS crews are offering meals,beverages, and emotional and spiritual careservices to keep pace with the needs ofcommunities hit hard by the storms. InTennessee, operations will diminish inHenderson, Murfreesboro and Clarksville aslocal resources are once again available forstorm survivors.
With the search and rescue operationcomplete and power lines and debris clearedfrom roads in Chattanooga, Tennessee, TheSalvation Army is moving into areas it wasnot previously able to access. An increasing
number of people are seeking prayer andphysical support. Volunteer Karen Dilibertosays: ‘When someone has lost everything,what they need most is hope. What betterhope to provide than the healing power ofprayer?’
Assistance has been provided in Dyersburg,Bradley, Hamilton, Greenville and LakeCounties (Tennessee) and WashingtonCounty (Virginia). By the morning of Sunday1 May, 800 volunteers had logged 7,000hours while helping staff serve approximately14,500 meals throughout the 3 states.
One of the places particularly badly hit wasTuscaloosa, Alabama, where more than 40people were killed by a tornado that torethrough the city. Hundreds are still notaccounted for.
Lieutenant Jerry Williams (IncidentCommand Co-ordinator) had a simplemessage for the people of Tuscaloosa fromThe Salvation Army: ‘We’re on the ground.We were there yesterday, we’ll be theretomorrow and we’ll stay until this disasterends!’
The emergency response in Tuscaloosa hadto be co-ordinated from a site at the airportbecause The Salvation Army’s properties inthe city were destroyed. Major CherryCrowder reports: ‘There were 30 of ushuddled in the [Salvation Army] administra-tive building when the tornado passed over us.
But we had a miracle happen here because thebuilding was destroyed but the only injury wehad was one bruised thumb.’
Some things carried on as usual, though,despite the destruction. On Sunday 1 May achurch service was held at the destroyedTuscaloosa Corps, along with a short time ofprayer and song at the incident commandcentre.
Connie Pulam, a resident of nearby PrattCity, Alabama, is receiving help from TheSalvation Army.
‘I may be houseless,’ she said, while siftingthrough the splinters and rubble that was onceher house, ‘but I am not homeless as long asI have somewhere to lay my head. I am alive.’
Connie and her husband were able to getout of their house just before the tornado hit.‘Something told me – I imagine the HolySpirit – to get out of there, so we got in thecar and took off.’
The Pulams cling on to a hope found onlyin faith. Undergirding that faith is The Salva-tion Army’s presence in Pratt City and acrossAlabama. The Army has had two canteens inthe area since the tornado hit. Residents inPratt City and other areas affected have hadaccess to water, food and counselling.
‘We are just happy to see the help coming,’said Connie. ‘It is a blessing to have TheSalvation Army here. It is just a comfort toknow they care.’ – A. R.
£5,252 raised forZambiaKetteringA CAPACITY audience attended the secondBrass for Africa – A Musical Spectacularconcert, featuring well-known musicians inthe Brass Band Aid Celebrity Band –conducted by Dr Stephen Cobb. Among theguest soloists was the BBC’s 2002 YoungChorister of the Year, Lucy Rhodes. Earlier inthe day euphonium player David Thorntongave a brass masterclass.
During the varied programme a moving
video presentation highlighted the projectsthe event was supporting – Chikankata Hospital and John Laing Clinic and School in Zambia. The event raised £5,252; organiserAndrew Wainwright is pictured presenting thecheque to Chikankata’s hospital administra-tor, Simon Ledger, and Mission DirectorMajor Joster Chenda. – G. Q.
Cwmbran: The corps line-dancing groupraised £500 for the Army’s Japan DisasterFund through a sponsored line-dance. Around60 people supported the group and tea, coffee and cakes were sold to boost funds. – D. L.
6 28 May 2011 SALVATIONIST
NEWS
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
Record attendancesNottingham William BoothMemorial HallsEASTER celebrations attractedrecord attendances.
Guest leaders Majors John andAnne Read (THQ) led a lovefeast on Maundy Thursdaywhich was both thought-pro -voking and inspiring. ThemedEaster Glory, the meetingsfollowed John’s Gospel accountof the events.
An inspirational Easter Sun -day morning meeting includedthe congregation singing the‘Hallelujah’ chorus. The marchof witness that followed and anopen-air meeting later in the daydrew much interest. Duringevening worship, vocal soloistfor the weekend StephanieBailey (Car diff Canton) sang‘You Lift Me Up’ and a seekerknelt at the mercy seat for thefirst time.
On Easter Monday the band(pictured with the host song-sters), and songsters joined byThe Lace City Chorus andWarslow Silver Band, presenteda festival. Almost three hundredpeople attended the eveningprogramme. – R. P.
Inspiration andencouragementSwindon CitadelHOLY Week meetings led bycorps officer Major Sylvia Wattsbrought blessing, inspiration andencouragement.
The week included an eveningof Easter Music and Meditationand a Last Supper and Medita -tion, when nearly fifty peopleshared a meal and discussiontogether.
On Good Friday, after morn -ing worship at the hall, the corpsparticipated in an ecumenicalmarch of witness and open-airservice.
Easter Sunday celebrationsfeatured the enrolments of juniorsoldiers, testimonies and anunusual presentation of theEaster story. – K. S.
Bicester: An Easter celebrationwas followed by a barbecue. OnEaster Monday corps membersand people joining the fellow- ship for the first time enjoyed apicnic and games. – J. M.
Salvationistsamong the10,000Southampton ShirleyA GETHSEMANE Vigil in theform of songs and readingswritten and produced by Bands-man/Songster Marc Harryfeatured on Maundy Thursday.
On Good Friday the cross wasdraped in red ribbons as asymbol of Jesus’ blood and withwhite ribbons on Easter Day tocelebrate the Resurrection. Onboth occasions the near capacitycongregations were invited tosnip off a piece of ribbon andtake it away as a reminder ofChrist’s sacrifice and victory.
At the Churches Together GoodFriday open-air service Commis-sioner Alex Hughes gave themessage. In the evening Salva-tionists joined with 10,000 peoplein the Guildhall Square to watch aportrayal of The Passion byChristians from the area. – J. W.
Easter reflectionPetersfieldTHE events of Holy Weekincluded an Easter ‘carol’service and reflective worship onthe stations of the cross followedby a simple meal. The focal pointwas a cross created with coal tosymbolise the darkness of theCrucifixion.
The corps joined with otherchurches in a united Good Fridaymarch and act of witness. At 5.30am on Easter Sunday corpsmembers, including most of theALOVE group, met for worshipat Butser Hill. The day con -cluded with an Easter familymeeting. – R. F.
Strood’s Kids Zone children enjoy an Easter holiday club; some of the 25 youngsters have only been going to the Army for a few months, whilesome invited friends to attend the four-day club with them
Tunstall Band participates with churches from the area in an open-airwitness in the town
Llanelli: Holy Week activitiesincluded a Bible study, a presen-tation of the DVD Who Is Jesus?and an Agape service. On GoodFriday the band participated in amarch of witness and an open-service in the town. In theevening Tenebrae service, verses
from the Easter story werenarrated and the lights graduallyextinguished leaving darknessfor meditation. Early on EasterSunday corps members gatheredat the park for an open-airmeeting before returning to thehall for breakfast. – S. H.
SALVATIONIST 28 May 2011 7
NEWS
Sergeant-majorruns quartermarathonBoscombeCORPS Sergeant-Major NigelBishop was one of the threehundred people who ran theannual Rotary quarter marathon;he raised £750 for the CysticFibrosis Trust. He is pictured withVivienne Smith and MaryRandell (Winton), who providedrefreshments from the emergencyser vices vehicle. Also, Bands manSteve Main and Assistant YPBand Leader Kevin Whitting hamran the London Marathon. – R. C.
Babysong participants at Harold Hill receive graduation certificates; fourfamilies are new contacts and two of the mothers had attended the corpsSunday club as children
At the end of morning worship at Skewen, Sunday school children receiveTesco vouchers rather than books so they can choose their own prizes
Sleaford: At a rally to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the firstmotorised caravan, 200 members of the Autosleepers Owners Clubmet for worship led by the band. Lieut-Colonel Ray Caddy gave achallenging gospel message on Living Light and at the con clusion ofthe service a cheque for £2,400 was presented to a representative ofParkinson’s UK. – N. M.
Stockton: The band visited Mandale House Care Home, Thornaby,where Retired Home League Secretary Dorothy Cook lives. Many ofthe residents, including some with dementia, enjoyed singing theirfavourite hymns. – B. C.
The women of Abertillery wear summer outfits complete with hats toattend a Royal Wedding-themed garden party at the home of one of thecorps folk; the event raised funds for the new quarters
Heather Cross and Joyce Sharmen join Over-60 Club Secretary DavidPratchett and club members at a Royal Wedding party at Wollaston
Helping the residents at Bramwell House, Blackburn, to enter into theRoyal Wedding spirit, staff members Carol Beardsworth, Denise Nelsonand Kath Smith don tiaras; the centre was decorated with Union Jacks
Image removed
8 28 May 2011 SALVATIONIST
NEWS
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
After members of The Notleys Golf Club, Witham, raised £1,400 for the NewDirection Lifehouse, Braintree, football legend Jimmy Greaves – one of theclub’s owners – presents the cheque to Lifehouse manager Sharon Ralph;they are pictured with The Notleys’ former seniors captain, Bill Dawson
Staff and residents at BramwellHouse Lifehouse, Blackburn,share in a traditional JewishPassover on Maundy Thursday;they experienced some of theceremonies associated with thefestival and tasted various fooditems. They also took part in aGood Friday walk and meeting andcelebrated together on EasterSunday
Whittlesey: Churches, schoolsand other organisations providedexhibits for a festival of deco-rated crosses at the hall. Theevent, which helped to makepeople aware of the meaning ofEaster, concluded with songs ofpraise. – G. A.
Forty adults and children experience Messy Church at Huddersfield; thevarious activities all focused on the Easter story
Band presentsvariedprogrammeWillenhallWREXHAM BAND presented avaried programme of music to anear capacity audience on its firstvisit to the corps. The band’s corpsofficer, Major Ian McCredie,compèred the programme, whichfeatured ‘The Redcliffe March’,‘South Shields Celebration’ and‘Cornerstone’. Gillian McCredie(vocal), YP Band Leader EricWilliams (cornet), StephenWilliams (viola) and SongsterLeader Colin Fisher (eupho-nium) were the soloists. Themale voices contributed ‘LoveDivine’ and the women sang ‘HeSought Me’. – M. H.
Paisley: The band, led by Re -tired Bandmaster George Brown,visited a hospital for a specialSunday afternoon service. Bandmembers were able to greetMajor Hugh McCaig, who hasspent some months in hospital,and played a number of favouritehymns. – M. L.
Children learn to praiseBellshillMORE than 40 children aged between 5 and 18 met for a creative artsday. Activities included instrumental and percussion work, dance,drama, puppetry, singing, creating pic tures and much more. The aimwas to encourage the children to express their praise and worship toGod in a variety of ways.
The day finished with a con cert and parents who attended wereamazed to see what their children had achieved. – A. S.
Stockton Band plays outside the Army charity shop in the High Street for an open-air meeting, during which many people were contacted; earlier, a group of about fifty church members from the five churcheswithin a mile-radius of the corps had taken part in a walk, visiting each church for a short service
Image removed
SALVATIONIST 28 May 2011 9
NEWS
Aiming to raise awareness of rough sleeping, Centre Manager HelenBlackburn (front), Chaplain Major Jean Midwinter (left) and Rose Watban(right) are joined by other supporters as they sleep out in the groundsof Ashbrook Lifehouse, Edinburgh; they collected more than £200 forcentre funds
Retiring after more than 20 years as bandmaster, Keith Hillier (Bangor)is pictured with his nephew Stuart Leathem, who is taking over asbandmaster, and corps officers Captains Gordon and Carole Tucker
After watching the Royal Wedding together, 70 people enjoy afternoontea at Cradley Heath Corps
Horsham home league members participate in a Royal Wedding celebrationand cream tea which concluded with prayer for the Royal Family
Graham runs tocelebrate transplantNorthampton EastCELEBRATING the tenthanniversary of his elder daughterNatasha’s heart and lungs trans-plant, Band Secretary GrahamRogers ran the London Mara -thon. Natasha is the corps pressrepresentative and a songster.
Running the marathon was avery emotional time and lots oftears were shed. Completing thecourse in 6 hours 40 minutes,Graham conducted a gospelchoir and two brass bands enroute. Graham (right) is picturedwith his son-in-law Danny Cole,friend Jo O’Grady and daughterHayley Cole. – N. R.
Findochty: The corps held anecumenical sunrise service in thebeautiful setting of the harbour.Afterwards they shared fellow- ship over breakfast at the hall. – C. W.
Hythe corps officer Captain PhilLayton (right) and Songster LeaderWes Carroll congratulate eachother on completing the LondonMarathon; they raised money tosupport the Army’s communitywork in their area
LETTERS
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist10 28 May 2011 SALVATIONIST
� A differentperspective
HAVING followed the threads regarding
uniform over the last few weeks I would
like to offer a perspective as someone
called to work out my faith without
uniform, while worshipping with the
Army. One could get the impression
that this is seen as a second rate
discipleship from some of the
comments over recent weeks!
Coming to the Army relatively late in life,after many years spent around thecharismatic church scene, the last two anda half years, though different, havenevertheless enhanced my walk with God,for which I am grateful. However, regardinguniform I am not so sure that God isprimarily interested in the dress code of hispeople, rather the condition of their heartsbefore him. This is borne out in 1 Samuel16:7 where God is pictured as the one wholooks on the heart as opposed to man whois concerned with outward appearance. Sowhile I respect those who choose to wearthe uniform, I don’t see it as the ultimatebarometer of authentic discipleship.
The New Testament seems to suggestthat it is inclusion in the Body of Christ bynew birth experience that initiates one intospiritual battle (which is a real andconstantly present aspect of discipleship)as a soldier of Christ, not necessarily thewearing of uniform.
My own walk with the Lord was greatlyenhanced and cemented by my baptism byimmersion as a young person. Baptism, forme, was a step of obedience to the Lord
whereby public demonstration was madethat a line had been crossed. My life wasover as far as my own ambitions wereconcerned – now I belonged to God.
I accept Salvationists’ vows, made underthe flag, as an equally valid expression ofcommitment, so make no claim that myway is the only way – rather an equally validone. I have, albeit often imperfectly, soughtand continue to seek to work out mydiscipleship in all of life. The uniform wouldadd nothing to my walk with the Lord, andwould be meaningless, therefore devaluingit for those who do wear it appropriately.
As I understand it, the Church is meant tobe inclusive to all regardless of age, gender,race, colour or anything else. The weight ofNew Testament teaching points towards thebreaking down of dividing walls in theChurch – read Ephesians for example.Therefore to use the issue of uniform toexclude people from any expression ofchurch life is to elevate the wearing ofuniform above the clear driving force ofapostolic doctrine, thus erecting dividingwalls in the already too often fragmentedChurch.
I would be really interested in seeingbiblical arguments for any commentsregarding the use of uniform as a means ofexclusion from certain areas of church life.
Finally, I want to express my respect formy uniformed brothers and sisters of TheSalvation Army, and for the traditions of theArmy, many holding rich veins of spirituality.I want to exalt the tremendous wonder thatGod in his magnificent grace accepts us allregardless of dress, and therefore we are allone in Christ – there is, after all, level groundat the foot of the cross.Mick Sayner,Nuneaton
� Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email [email protected]
� Exhibition isan inspiration
I RECENTLY went to International
Headquarters in Queen Victoria
Street, London, and was surprised by
a most unexpected exhibition.
In a space down on the (lower ground)restaurant floor there was a collection ofwhat seemed to be shop-windowmannequins. They appeared to bemulticoloured and patterned in a randomfashion but, on closer inspection, I foundthat there was a powerful message foranyone who took a closer look.
Each model had been decorated by adifferent person – not art students, butservice users at The Pleasance, theSalvation Army Lifehouse in Edinburgh,which is a century old and still providingvital care for people with diverse needs.Each ‘decorator’ had been asked toportray their thoughts on how they viewedthemselves and to try to express how toput their lives together again if they feltthey were fragmented. For instance,among his other decoration, one man haddrawn a crossword on the back of hismodel. He had filled it with interlockingwords expressing his thoughts about hislife; this must have taken a great deal ofthought and courage.
The Pleasance, now greatlymodernised to fit in with today’sstandards, is obviously still meeting theneeds of those who benefit from the workof the specially trained staff.
I believe the vision of William Booth isstill alive. If people can care, and throughthat care challenge and help others to put back together broken lives byencouraging them to express themselvesin today’s mediums such as art, God willsurely bless their efforts.
The exhibition impressed me and mademe stop, look and think – and that takes abit of doing! As others look down from thepavement level into the exhibition areathey may feel they would like to knowmore – and who knows how far theinfluence will spread!Mildred Peacock,Major,Luton
� Musicals stir
memories
I WAS interested to read on the back
cover of Salvationist (30 April) the
reference to John 20:29 and also the
song ‘Out Of My Darkness’. This
brought back happy memories of
something that happened some
years ago.
My husband Ken and I are members ofthe Baptist Church here inBurnham-on-Crouch, Essex. Over the yearswe have had close connections with theUnited Reformed Church and during the
years 1977 to 1980 we were invited to joinwith them in performing dramatisedversions of the Gowans/Larsson musicalsSpirit, Jesus Folk and Hosea. These werewonderful times, enjoying the fellowshipwith other Christians.
Returning to the present day, one of ourfellow members at the Baptist Church has aneighbour at her sheltered housing complexwho used to worship at Romford Corps. Shestill receives recordings of their meetings,together with copies of Salvationist, both ofwhich she passes on to us.
How lovely it is to be united with otherChristians in this way! God bless you in yourgreat work.Sheila Draper,Burnham-on-Crouch
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES FEATURE
SALVATIONIST 28 May 2011 [email protected]
KIDZ R Kool – developed byTHQ’s Children’s Ministries Unit – is a weeklong holidayprogramme using
contemporary media to give children avoice. The project aims to encourageparticipation by all children regardless oftheir ability.
The programme aims to show thechildren they are unique, special andvalued by God and The Salvation Army;enhance and develop social skills, suchas teamwork; promote creativity andinnovation; build confidence throughpublic performance and enhance self-esteem – all while encouraging thechildren to have fun, have their say andgive them a sense of achievement. It alsoaims to build relationships with the localcommunity. Children’s workers receivetraining from NGM (New GenerationMusic) in order to be able to run theprogramme in the future.
KIDZ R KOOL IN PRACTICE
Hayley writes: The children’s holiday clubtook place in February. As the childrenbegan filtering through the doors, theywere met with music, games and lots of
friendly faces. Every day started with halfan hour of games – headed by youngleader Anya Williams – to encourage thechildren to immediately engage in theirnew surroundings. After games, weshared a light lunch with leaders spreadout among the children. Having a timewhere we could eat and talk provided agreat opportunity to build newrelationships with the children anddiscover more about them.
After lunch we split into workshops.Singing and dance workshops werebrilliantly led by Sarah Warren, BeanBaker and Anna Johnston from NGM.They not only taught songs and danceroutines, but also shared in discussions,encouraging children to develop theirtalents. The additional option of a DJ’ingworkshop, led by corps member BaldwinTerera, was offered at other times toanyone interested. Baldwin gaveinstruction on how to use the equipmentand how to introduce, play and mixtracks.
As part of the club, we wanted thechildren to find out more about who theyare, who we are and who God is, so wespent the last half hour of each afternoon
doing activities that would help themconsider this. Activities ranged frommaking posters and collages, engaging insmall group discussions, to drawingportraits of one another and writing downwhy the other person was ‘kool’. Duringthese times the children began to seeothers in a different way; they noticedeach other’s talents and skills and praisedeach other for them.
On the Friday evening, we put togethera showcase, to which family and friendswere invited. A great number of peopleturned up – parents, siblings, friends andcorps members all came together towitness and support the talents and skillsthe children have been given.
The dance group performed anamazing dance, with some incrediblyenergetic moves – some of which theychoreographed themselves. The singinggroup performed two songs: the first,‘One Step Closer To Heaven’, includedchoreography and the second, ‘TheClimb’, was sung beautifully. Finally, thechildren all performed a song, ‘We AreCool’, written for them by an NGM teammember. The lyrics were created usingsome of the things the children had saidabout why kids are cool.
It was a fantastic event which brought avariety of children together, some ofwhom have continued attendingBedford’s weekly children’s activities aswell as Sunday morning worship. It alsooffered an opportunity to train leaders torun a similar programme in the future.
During the week the 40 children weresupported by 10 leaders, 5 of whom wereable to be trained; 3 of whom are youngleaders, aged 13 to 17.
The week was a huge success. It hasstrengthened relationships with childrenand their families. It has been an entrypoint for some, who now attend thecorps regularly. It was an opportunity for agreat team of volunteers to spend qualitytime understanding the needs of childrenwho live in our community. But perhapsmost importantly, it gave corps theopportunity to show God’s preciouschildren just how important they are. I feelthey left the club knowing that kids reallyare cool. �
� For more information on Kidz R Kool,contact your divisional children’s officer.
� Benedict is Territorial Children’s
Advocate; Hayley is the children’s
worker at Bedford Congress Hall
Kidz R KoolBenedict Mwendwa introduces Kidz R Kool andHayley Burrows shares Bedford Congress Hall’sexperience of the programme
It has been an entry point for some,who now attend the corps regularly
12 28 May 2011 SALVATIONIST www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
FOCUS ON ISB120
Composer PaulLovatt-Cooperchats to ClaireAnderson about his majorcontribution for the ISB120celebration concert
AFTER a brief game of phone-tag with one of the most sought-
after composers in the brass band world, I am rewarded with the dulcet northern tones of Paul Lovatt-Cooper on the end of the line. Amiable and chatty, Paul is eager to share the
background to his latest composition that will form the finale for theInternational Staff Band’s 120th anniversary celebration concert.
‘It is a celebration piece for the ISB concert and I’m hoping peoplewill enjoy it but also that they will hear the spiritual message from themusic I’ve selected and the melody line I’ve used,’ Paul shares.
Titled ‘Fire In The Blood’, Paul’s latest work is redolent of Salvationistroots – the composer makes no secret of this. He reveals: ‘I was borninto an Army family – my parents were Salvation Army officers – and wewere very active Salvationists.’ The songs Paul selected to feature inhis composition have been chosen because of their personal meaningto him.
He returns to his childhood memories to explain. ‘I became a juniorsoldier but when it came to the leap of becoming a senior soldier, Iwasn’t so sure – spiritually, mentally, emotionally – so I put my decision
on hold and driftedaway for a period,’ headmits. He goes onto say that inbecoming a teenagerhe grew moreinquisitive and beganto question his faith.‘I started to thinkalong a scientificroute – if I don’t havetangible evidence, isthere a God? Iquestioned my faithbut at university myeyes were opened.’
At universitySalvationistcomposer PeterGraham, acompositional
teacher, mentored Paul. He spoke to Paul about Star Lake Camp inAmerica and suggested it might be worth his while going andmaking links there. ‘I remembered Star Lake from the famous marchby Eric Ball,’ says Paul. ‘And it was arranged for me to go over to bepart of the camp as a percussion tutor.
‘At this point, when questioning my faith and going down a roadwhere I wasn’t sure what was real and what wasn’t, Star Lake was abreath of fresh air. People had a fresh outlook on life and the Churchand spoke about God and Jesus in an open way. As the campcontinued, I found myself getting more involved in the faith aspect ofthe Army.’
Things came to a head for Paul towards the end of the week,when a guest officer inspired him. ‘He opened my eyes,’ he admits.‘My worries and concerns on tangible evidence were answered forme. Then at one particular point of the week we were in the middleof worship and the song was “I Love You, Lord”; the melody and thesetting – with images provided by the guest speaker – werefabulous. Tears rolled down my face and I knew at that point therewas a God and I was saved. It was as simple as that.’
It was with this in mind that, when the opportunity arose topropose a finale piece for ISB120, Paul knew this melody, with twoothers of significance to his spiritual walk, would feature in hiscomposition.
‘In conversation with [Territorial Music Director] Stephen Cobbabout the concert, I asked if he had a piece of music for a finale,’Paul divulges. ‘I’d been toying about writing a piece of music usingSalvation Army songs that are quite personal to me and have helpedwith my faith. Stephen asked me what I had in mind and I explainedit would be a piece like “Vitae Aeternum” and similar to how PeterGraham followed up “Shine As The Light” with “Renaissance”. I wanted the same sort of style and had some more ideas I wanted toexperiment with, if he was interested. Stephen accepted my offer and I set about composing the finale for the anniversary concert, which I believe will be quite fitting.’
Such intricately written brass band pieces are not unfamiliar territoryfor Paul. While Paul is known for many things – as an accomplishedpercussionist, the director of music at Wardle High School,composer-in-association to Black Dyke Band and for running his ownmusic publishing company – he already has a number of test pieces
Paul Lovatt-Cooper
FIRE IN HIS
BLOOD
What I’ve known all my life is the Army crest, whichstates underneath‘Blood and Fire’
under his belt, one of which – ‘The Dark Side OfThe Moon’ – was used at the 2008 NationalBrass Band Championships.
Has writing ‘Fire In The Blood’ been awelcome break from contesting music?
‘The flip side to composing, once you movepast the creative side of the melody line anddeciding on the harmonic support and whatchords and countermelodies you will be using,is that you then have to score it out, and that’sthe time-consuming element. It’s a major taskfor any brass band composer – scoring out 20editions with individual parts.
‘Also, when writing something religious theconnotations or message has to be carriedacross in music, while remembering you’redealing with human beings, so you have tomake the parts exciting for the musicians to
play, something to get their teeth into. Then,you need to consider something for theconductor – for Stephen Cobb to shapemusically and create a good musicalpicture.
‘Finally, it’s got to be composed so theaudience can sit down and enjoy it,particularly for a sell-out concert at theAlbert Hall.’
He reflects back to the question: ‘With atest piece or a concert piece, there is anexpectation the bands playing it will spendtime to get it to a standard. But with a testpiece you know your every note is going tobe dissected and analysed along with everyphrase and dynamic marking. Theconductor will pay utmost attention as theband will be performing in a contest arena.The conductor is under scrutiny and willwant to put his musical stamp on it. Thejudges in their box are looking for the finestperformance and also any cracks in the
paintwork so they canwrite critical remarks – allof which produces a lot ofpressure! There will besome who like your musicand those who don’t.
‘It goes along the samelines for this piece. Onething to consider is thestandard of playing withthe ISB at the forefront ofArmy bands and one ofthe finest SA ensembles inthe world. The band hashigh standards, the musicmust be suitable for themand, as with a contesting piece, the musicwill still come under analytical criticism.So, it is always at the back of my mind thatwhatever I am writing – whether that’s aslow melody or a solo for a particularinstrument or a grandiose finale – I stillneed to put the exact same effort anddetail into it.’
No small feat then!So what can the audience at
ISB120 expect from the latestLovatt-Cooper gem?
Paul explains: ‘I’ve used threeSalvation Army melodies – “I LoveYou, Lord”, “You Know That WeLove You!” and “Sing Joy To The
Lord”. The piece itself is acelebration piece. Its start islively, with lots of excitementbefore slowing to a middle,more reflective section thatfeatures “I Love You, Lord”and “You Know That WeLove You!”, which comes toa huge climax beforemoving into the final part,bringing back some of theopening material, “Sing JoyTo The Lord”, and finishingwith a big, rousing finale!’
The title of Paul’s piece,
‘Fire In The Blood’, bears the hallmarks ofthe Army motto: Blood and Fire, but whychoose this particular title? ‘The firstSalvation Army piece I wrote was “LifeEverlasting – Vitae Aeternum”. This time Iwanted something more grounded in TheSalvation Army and its message,’ Paulexplains. ‘What I’ve known all my life is theArmy crest, which states underneath“Blood and Fire”. To me, this is what TheSalvation Army is all about: its worship andthe way it delivers the message. Also, thetitle suggests being pumped up andgetting excited. So what better title for apiece of music for the world’s leadingArmy band!’
With ‘Fire In The Blood’ in its final stagesas I write and Paul scoring out the last 40or 50 bars of music, the countdown toISB120 speeds up. ■
ISB120 – a sell-out concert
celebrating the International Staff
Band’s 120th anniversary – takes
place at the Royal Albert Hall on 4
June. For all the latest news on the
event, visit www.isb120.com
■ Visit www.plcmusic.com to
discover more about Paul’s music and
publishing company
I’d been toyingabout writing
a piece of musicusing Salvation
Army songs that are quite
personal to meand have helped
with my faith
Pictures: JO
HN
STIR
ZAK
ER
14 28 May 2011 SALVATIONIST
THINKALOUD
What on earthhappened toHeaven?by John Coutts
A robe of white, a crown of gold,A harp, a home, a mansion fair,
A victor’s palm, a joy untold,Are mine when I get there.
(SASB 811)
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
MANY readers will rememberthe chorus (above). Thewords refer to Heaven – thegoal of the Christian’s
pilgrimage – the hope that has inspiredthe greatest artists, poets and musicians.Nowadays the grounds of that hope needto be rethought and restated.
Critics have sometimes dismissed theidea as ‘all pie in the sky when you die’.Downtrodden peasants, they suggest,were taught not to rebel because thingswould be better ‘in the sweet by-and-by’.Sadly, that may sometimes have beentrue, but this doesn’t mean that Heaven isa fiction.
We must admit, however, thattraditional ideas of Heaven often seemembarrassing nowadays. Harps, crownsand robes of white are no longer cool.More than a century ago The YoungSoldier used to contain movingtestimonies of dying children, but youwon’t find many tales of deceasedyoungsters in today’s excellent comic,which is tellingly named Kids Alive!
Here, social changes have played their part, as emphasis has shifted from the next world to the present.Methodist scholar Norman Snaith onceremarked that Christian enthusiasm for Heaven began to decline after old
age pensions were introduced in theUnited Kingdom before the First WorldWar. ‘We believe in life before death’ wasa successful slogan used by ChristianAid. Instead of preaching about pie in thesky, the churches are busy preparingtasty pies here on earth, with fair slices for all.
That’s all well and good, but a gospelwithout Heaven will be no gospel at all.
THE SOUL IN QUESTION
The earliest Christian thinkers linked theGreek idea of the immortality of the soulwith the Hebrew concept of theresurrection of the body, and the classicWestminster Confession of 1646combined these concepts plainly andconfidently.
‘The bodies of men, after death, returnto dust... but their souls... are receivedinto the highest heavens, where theybehold the face of God, in light and glory,waiting for the full redemption of theirbodies.’
But Christian theology now faces verydifferent challenges. Some thinkersassume that the concept of the ‘soul’ isan illusion and that the mind is merely aby-product of the activities of the brain. Ifmy thoughts are entirely dependent onelectrical blips inside my head, then the
decay of my grey matter must mean theend of me. And where does that leave theChristian hope?
Believers need not lose their nerve, forsuch ‘reductionist’ ideas, thoughwidespread and influential, are based ondogma, not ‘scientific fact’. Just think fora moment: if Shakespeare’s ideas – forexample – were a mere spin-off from hislong-decayed brain, how is it possible forme to read and understand them severalcenturies later?
OUR LORD’S ANSWER
Let us turn to our Lord’s teaching. In hisday the Pharisees accepted the idea ofresurrection, while the Sadduceesclaimed that the concept had no basis inScripture, by which they meant the Torah– the Five Books of Moses. Theyattempted to trap our Lord with the tale of the woman who was married toseven brothers in a row. Whose wifewould she be in the Resurrection? Thewhole idea was surely ridiculous (seeMark 12:18–27).
‘You do not know the Scriptures or the power of God,’ replied our Lord,quoting Exodus 3:6, where God tellsMoses: ‘I am the God of Abraham, Isaacand Jacob.’ The Lord didn’t say, I am theGod of ‘the late’ Abraham and ‘thedeceased Isaac’ and the ‘sadly lamented’Jacob. The idea of resurrection, declaredJesus, was implicit in the Torah after all! The God who loved the patriarchswould not abandon them because ofphysical death. What’s more, the life tocome would have nothing to do withwalking corpses. Even married lovewould be fulfilled and transcended ineternity.
THE GOD OF THE LIVING
There you have it, from the Saviour’s ownmouth. The Christian hope of Heavendepends on the Christian understandingof God, whose love is as great as hispower.
Here then is the really good news: our capacity to love and be loved isneither a fluke of evolution nor a flicker of false hope before the coming of universal darkness. The God andFather of Jesus is the God of the living – in this world and the world tocome. �
� John is a poet, performer, author
and translator who soldiers at Stirling
Corps
ASCENSION DAY FEATURE
SALVATIONIST 28 May 2011 15
presence until Christ returns. The Spiritcoming in power will make known theglory of Christ’s death and resurrection.Jesus had instructed his disciples: ‘Donot leave Jerusalem, but wait for the giftmy Father promised’ (Acts 1:4 NewInternational Version). Ten days later thatpromise was fulfilled. Pentecost camewith a torrent of transforming power! Thetruth regarding Jesus as the Son of Godwas now lifted from its limited domainand revealed to many.
What the disciples experienced inthose few short years with Jesus wastruly amazing. However, even afterChrist’s death and resurrection, they hadstill not grasped the real significance ofChrist’s life and work. After beinginstructed to wait for the coming of theSpirit, they asked: ‘Lord, are you at thistime going to restore the kingdom toIsrael?’ (1:6 NIV.) They were to learn thatthe Kingdom of God was not defined bysome narrow political agenda, howeversound or just. God was in the business of
changing lives that would in turn changethe world! God’s rule comes when God’speople are empowered by his Spirit.
The Church today must not repeat themistake the disciples made in seeking tomake a better world with the world’stools. Followers of Christ do not try tobend their leader to their agenda. On thecontrary, issues impacting people’s lives,whether political, social, domestic,economic, moral or otherwise, must besubmitted to the lead that ‘comes fromabove’.
When the Holy Spirit comes to thosewho wait on him he brings wisdom,enlightenment and the same strength thatraised Christ from the dead. The power ofGod’s presence is manifested perfectly inJesus.
We need to exercise care that we donot lose sight of our identity in Christ andthe fact that he is in a unique category. Healone has all authority. The ascension ofJesus – like his birth, death andresurrection – bears witness to thatauthority. Christ alone is ‘the way and thetruth and the life’ (John 14:6 NIV).
The world’s perception of power is, atits simplest, the power to do anything.The world is in trouble, with people takingpower – an abuser in the home, thecriminal in the street, the secret lover, theliar, the one who tramples over thefeelings of others to ‘get on’. Each ofthese speaks of trashing the freedomsand dignities of fellow human beings,who are made in the image of God.
There is another power – the powerJesus told his disciples to wait for, prayfor and yearn for. It is the power of theHoly Spirit. It is not natural. Nor is it innateor automatic. It cannot be acquired evenby the most disciplined moral standards.It is not to be found in a philosophy oreven a theology. It is, as Jesus said, a giftfrom God. This alone is the power that willmake all things new – new people, newrelationships and a new world.
It is the power of the Holy Spirit, whobrings Jesus into focus and throughwhom we see God. It is by his power thatthe disciples lived to God’s glory andwitnessed to the world.
The disciples experienced such abaptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecostthat they turned the world upside down.Now we, like them, are commanded towait and to pray. �
� Major Bryden lives in retirement in
Bellshill
JESUS’ life, death and resurrectionare characterised by God’spower and presence. Christ’sascension comes after 40 days
when, in his resurrected form, he sharesmeals and conversations with hisdisciples. But then he must leave them sothat the Spirit may come.
Jesus instructs his disciples to go toJerusalem and wait for God’s gift – theHoly Spirit. Receiving a farewell blessingfrom their master, they stand spellboundas he is taken into the clouds. Thestartling appearance of two men dressedin white guarantees their undividedattention. The two gently rebuke thedisciples: ‘Why do you just stand herelooking up at an empty sky? This veryJesus who was taken up from among youto Heaven will come as certainly – andmysteriously – as he left’ (Acts 1:9-11 TheMessage ).
The ascension marks the conclusion ofChrist’s earthly ministry and focuses onthe promised Holy Spirit’s power and
God was in the business ofchanging lives that would in turnchange the world!
Blue-skythinkingMajor Jim Bryden emphasises therelevance of Ascension Day
STUDY PASSAGES ACTS 1:1–11 AND EPHESIANS 1:15–23
16 28 May 2011 SALVATIONIST
BIBLE STUDY
NOW you see me… now youdon’t! Forgive this ratherfrivolous introduction to theAscension story. However, it
seems to sum up the disciples’ feelingsof perplexity and bewilderment at themoment when, it is recorded, a cloudhid Jesus from their sight as heascended into Heaven.
In that moment, as he vanished fromtheir sight, it seems that their cognitivecapacity could not shed a glimmer oflight on what their eyes werewitnessing. ‘Is he really gone? Shouldwe release the gaze of our eyes on thatcloud that is hiding him? He’ll be backin a minute... surely!’
We can understand their perplexity.The disciples had recently experiencedan overwhelming sense of grief andbereavement after the death of Jesuson the cross. Then his appearancesand disappearances during thosepost-resurrection days left themwondering whether he was in factcoming or going!
For example, on the road to EmmausJesus suddenly appeared to two of hisfollowers. At the precise moment whenthey recognised him, he was suddenlygone: ‘He disappeared from their sight’(Luke 24:31 all quotations from Good
News Bible). Now, at the Ascension,their complete inability to understand what was happening led to a further angelic appearanceand explanation. The angels spokesome rather strong words (with a hint of irony?) which were designed tofill in the gaps in their understanding:‘They still had their eyes fixed on thesky as he went away, when two mendressed in white suddenly stoodbeside them and said, “Galileans, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus, who wastaken from you into Heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go to Heaven” (Acts 1:10 and 11).
The angels told the disciples thatthey were looking in the wrong place,and using their eyes instead of theirfaith. That the angels appeared at thismoment suggests that the Ascensionis a significant moment in the story ofJesus. Have we misunderstood ordownplayed its significance, seeing itas a less important moment in theunfolding story? What should we be‘looking up at’ as we consider thisevent?
The big question in the mind of thedisciples may have been this: ‘Is Jesus
moving back to Heaven now? Is heleaving us?’
In the light of what Jesus hadrepeatedly told them, this posed a realproblem. Jesus made many promisesconcerning his presence with them. Hepromised never to leave them orabandon them (see John 14:18 and19). He promised to be with themalways, right until the end of the world.Was he now leaving them? How werethey to understand what their eyeswere witnessing?
The sight of Jesus ascending intoHeaven should not be interpreted asJesus leaving the earth, nor indeedleaving his people. His bodilyascension into Heaven is, of course, a mystery – in the same way thatCalvary and the Resurrection aremysteries, leaving us lost in wonderand praise.
What we do know is that theAscension is part of God’s redemptiveplan.
In his book Surprised By Hope, TomWright reminds us of the significance ofthe Ascension by pointing out that thesight of the body of Jesus ascendingendorses his lordship over Heaven andearth. His ascension is a clearindication that he rules in Heaven andhe rules on earth and that, one day,God’s Kingdom will come in all itsfullness when the two shall meet.Jesus himself said: ‘I have been givenall authority in Heaven and on earth’(Matthew 28:18).
The Ascension demonstrates thatJesus is Lord – in God’s eternaldomain and on earth. It demonstratesthe authority and reign of Jesus over allthings in Heaven and on earth. Itinspires the hope that we frequentlyexpress in our prayer: ‘May yourKingdom come; may your will be doneon earth as it is in Heaven’ (Matthew6:10). �
TO CONSIDER
� In what ways does the Ascension ofJesus speak into our understanding ofhis reign and rule over everything?� Can you identify other passages in the subsequent pages of the New Testament where this isreinforced?
� Lieut-Colonel Burns is Scotland
Secretary and Divisional
Commander, East Scotland
AscensionSundayThe first of three studies by Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
SALVATIONIST 28 May 2011 17
NEW COMMITMENTS
Charlene ChatelierAdherent memberLeeds Central
VIEWING her decision to become an adherent member as a positivestep on her journey with Jesus, Charlene, who is originally fromNamibia, testified to having to adapt to many changes in her life, butknowing that God will never change. Corps officer Major AndrewSpivey welcomed Charlene as an adherent member. – M. B.
Aurelia Angely BarbuMatthew Aurelian Barbu
Adrian Anthony BarbuNatasha Neill
Cameron NeillBethany Neill
Shania BaxterAmy EcclesJunior soldiersCarnforth
IT was an exciting and blessed Sunday meeting when eight new juniorsoldiers were enrolled by corps officer Lieutenant Vicky Owen. Anespecially significant moment came when the children knelt with theirprayer partners at the mercy seat and made their promises.
Siblings Aurelia Angely, Matthew Aurelian and Adrian Anthonycame to the corps with their parents last year, attended Kids’ Club andwanted to become junior soldiers – as a result the corps ran juniorsoldier classes for the Kids’ Club children and a number of themwanted to make a commitment to God.
Siblings Natasha, Cameron and Bethany, as well as Amy, came tothe Army via the Kids’ Club. Shania had been dedicated to God whenshe was younger and recently returned to the corps. – V. O.
Percy HounsellSoldierGrays
PERCY, who is almost 101 years old, was enrolled as a soldier bycorps officer Major Dawn Evans. Percy was aged two when he firstattended the Army with his mother. He has been an adherent memberat the corps for many years.
Family members and friends from the Friendship club andfellowship were present for Percy’s enrolment, when he said he hopedto continue to be a good soldier in future years. – D. E.
Hammed ObikoyaAdherent member
Ismail ObikoyaJunior soldierBelfast Citadel
HAVING attended the corps and participated in youth activities and theKids Alive Band since their family moved to Belfast five years ago,Hammed and Ismail decided to make a commitment to God. Corps officerCaptain Michael Kinnear welcomed Hammed as an adherent memberand Captain Lorraine Kinnear enrolled Ismail as a junior soldier. – N. M.
Joshua GaskellSoldier
Luke CannonAdherent memberSwansea
JOSHUA, who comes from a church background, came to the corpswhen studying history at university. Thrilled that his family hadtravelled to support him, Joshua was enrolled as a soldier by corpsofficer Major Alan Green. He testified to how his spiritual journeymoved him from a faith based on fear of God to a faith based on love.
Luke first met the Army when volunteering at a summer camp inAmerica. When he returned to the UK he linked up with a corps inSouthampton, where he was studying medicine. Arriving in Swanseafor further studies, Luke attended the corps and made the decision to become an adherent member. Major Dorothy Green publiclywelcomed Luke into the corps fellowship. – W. P.
NEW COMMITMENTSIN MAY
10 Soldiers
26 Adherent members
29 Junior soldiers
Out of 65 new commitments reported in Salvationist in May, 7 joinedKids’ Club; 2 attended youth activities; 2 began attending an extendedcorps programme after refurbishment; 2 had a conversation with aSalvationist on a bus; 2 joined the lunch club; 1 joined the over-60club; 1 was invited by a friend; 1 worked at a summer camp; 1 wasinvited to sing at the corps; 1 helps with a homeless outreach project;1 was a coffee morning customer; 1 attended an Army funeral
Totals for this year so far:Soldiers: 155Adherent members: 187Junior soldiers: 96
18 28 May 2011 SALVATIONIST
ANNOUNCEMENTSPriddy, at Leigh-on-Sea by Major Teresa
Carmichael; Tiegan, daughter of Michael and
Lucy Leonard, at Maidenhead by Major Keith
White.
BEREAVED
Major Gill Billard, Central South DHQ, of her
father Ken Blagg; Lieut-Colonel Joyce
Verpoorte-Bingham of her husband Lieut-
Colonel Dick Verpoorte; Bandsman Peter
Howlett, Maidenhead, of his wife Brenda;
Beryl Crane, Scarborough, and Joan Barlow,
Tadley, of their mother Rtd CT Doris Warley;
Lyn Gray of her daughter Kimberley, Asst HLS
Barbara Yarrow of her son Adrian, both
Poole; Cradle Roll Sgt Wendy Calow, Ripley,
of her sister Doreen Hibbert; Bandswoman
Lindsay Barker, Scarborough, of her
father; John Hoey, Carrickfergus, of his wife
Agnes.
RETIRED OFFICERS
Retirement address: Majors John and Irene
Houston, , Rosyth .
PROMOTED TO GLORY
Songster Kathleen Arundel, Knottingley;
Julie Stopford, Anna McPhearson,
Carrickfergus.
Major Gordon Howard from Harare,
Zimbabwe, on 15 May.
Major Katharine Howard can be contacted at
The Salvation Army, PO Box CR70, Cranborne,
Harare, Zimbabwe.
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
ARMY PEOPLELOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED
CSM Major Geoffrey Parkin, CT Rosalind
Featherstone, RS Major Christine Parkin,
BM Stuart Clark, Salisbury; YPSM Kate
Williams, Leek.
MARRIAGES
Asst B/Sec Alex Pearce (Birmingham Citadel)
to Ellen Eaton at St John’s and St Peter’s
Church, Ladywood, Birmingham, by Major
Samuel Edgar; Bandsman/Songster Daniel
Wray (Parkhead) to Sarah Broadley at Kincaid
House, Milton of Campsie, by Captain Linda
Dunlop; Steve Upton to Emily Taylor at
Derby Central by Major Ted Benneyworth;
Bandsman Jonathan Irons (Trowbridge)
to Alexandra Colwell at St John the
Baptist Church, Colerne, by the Rev Victor
Howlett.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Golden: Lieut-Colonels Peter and Maureen
Wood (10 June).
DEDICATED TO GOD
Erin Lucy, daughter of Peter and Kathryn
Richards, at Oldham Roundthorn by Lieutenant
Wendy Hall; Bethany Kate, daughter of John
and Emma Parkin, at Salisbury by Cadet Tim
Swansbury; Emmanuel Martin, son of Martin
Keles and Petra Kelesova at Armáda spásy,
Margate, by Major David Blowers; Oscar
Richard, son of Michael Robinson and Gemma
ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND:
UK, Royal Albert Hall (ISB120 concert), Sat 4 Jun;
UK, Westminster Central Hall and the Mall (Music
Leaders Councils and ISB120 march of witness),
Sun 5; Sunbury Court (Senior Leaders’ Day),
Th 9
THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF
(COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON)
AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON:
Eastern Europe, Fri 27 May - Mon 30; ICO, Th 2 Jun;
UK, Royal Albert Hall (ISB120 concert), Sat 4; UK,
Westminster Central Hall and the Mall (Music
Leaders Councils and ISB120 march of witness),
Sun 5; Sunbury Court (Senior Leaders’ Day), Th 9
THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
(COMMISSIONER JOHN MATEAR)
AND COMMISSIONER ELIZABETH MATEAR:
William Booth College, Th 2 Jun*; Cadogan Hall (ISB
and New York Staff Band concert), Fri 3; Royal Albert
Hall (ISB120 concert), Sat 4; Westminster Central
Hall and the Mall (Music Leaders Councils and
ISB120 march of witness), Sun 5; Sunbury Court
(Brengle Institute), Mon 13; Glenrothes, Sat Sun 19
THE CHIEF SECRETARY
(COLONEL BRIAN PEDDLE) AND
COLONEL ROSALIE PEDDLE:
Cadogan Hall (ISB and New York Staff Band
concert), Fri 3 Jun; Royal Albert Hall
(ISB120 concert), Sat 4; Westminster
Central Hall and the Mall (Music Leaders
Councils and ISB120 march of witness),
Sun 5
Commissioners Larry and Gillian Bosh:
USA Eastern, Fri 10 Jun - Mon 13
Commissioner William Cochrane: Sunbury
Court (Senior Leaders’ Day), Th 9 Jun
Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene
Hodder: USA Southern (commissioning), Mon
30 May - Mon 6 Jun; Sunbury Court (Senior
Leaders’ Day), Th 9
Commissioners Robert and Janet Street:
Spain, Tu 31 May - Th 2 Jun; ICO, Th 2;
Maidenhead (with German Staff Band), Fri 3;
Royal Albert Hall (ISB120 concert), Sat 4;
Westminster Central Hall and the Mall (Music
Leaders Councils and ISB120 march of
witness), Sun 5; Sunbury Court (Senior
Leaders’ Day), Th 9; Germany and Lithuania
(installation of territorial leaders), Fri 10 -
Sun 12
Commissioner and Mrs William and Rose
Rivers: Stowmarket, Sun 12 Jun
*wife will not accompany
TRIBUTESMAJOR MRS MURIELCOXMURIEL GERTSON wasborn in 1921 and wasbrought up in Lancashire.She was introduced to TheSalvation Army by friends,
and immediately knew this was where Godwanted her to serve him.
Muriel responded to the call of God andentered the training college in the 1942Valiant Session. After commissioning shewas appointed as a sergeant to the next session.
Her first corps appointment in 1944 was toNorwich Thorpe, where her accommodationhad no lockable front door. Her bedroom wasin a loft and could only be accessed by astepladder, which she pulled up when shewent to bed each night. Until very recentlyshe was still in touch with many of the Sunday school children she influenced dur-ing that time.
Following this she was appointed back tothe training college where she met her husband, Captain David Cox. They marriedin 1949 and were sent to Territorial Head-quarters in Berlin, during the Cold War period.
After their return to the UK in 1955 Murielworked with her husband in corps ministry inthe Liverpool Division, and supported him inall subsequent appointments in London –serving at Men’s Social Work Headquarters,and later at IHQ. She also took on extra responsibilities, cycling to lead home leaguemeetings at smaller corps in the South London Division.
Following David’s promotion to Glory in1973, Muriel was determined to fulfil hercalling and accepted an appointment at IHQas private secretary to the International Secretary for India. After retirement in 1983she worked for the Family Tracing Service.
During her last years she became veryfrail, and was lovingly cared for at theArmy’s Furze Hill House in North Walsham,Norfolk.
A devoted mother and grandmother to herson David, daughter Mary and four grand-daughters, Muriel was very proud of all theirachievements.
She was also a faithful and loyal SalvationArmy officer, having served for a total of 68 years. – M. S.
BRIGADIERMARGARET PRINCEMARGARET PRINCEwas born in Birmingham in1914. Through the earlydeath of her mother, sheand her twin brother were
separated at a young age and brought up in different children’s homes. A reunion with her brother a few years ago brought hermuch joy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
SALVATIONIST 28 May 2011 [email protected]
Contestants at a fancy dressparade – organised as part of RoyalWedding celebrations byWellingborough Over-60 Club – arepictured with leader Bob Elson(left), before tucking into a feastand enjoying a magic show byMajor Ron Smith
Southwick: The community project’s Kids Alive Clubcelebrated the Royal Wedding with a wedding of itsown in the grounds of Austin House Family Centre.This community event, with Kids Alive Club membersdressed for the occasion, included a chauffeured drivefor the ‘bride and groom’ and a reception. – J. J.
Newquay parent-and-toddler groupcelebrates the Royal Wedding with one oftheir own; ‘Prince’ Douglas Hague and‘Princess’ Abbi Jenkin are ably supportedby ‘bridesmaid’ Bethany Bone
Ipswich Bramford Road Home League enjoy anindoor street party to celebrate the Royal Wedding;guests dressed for the occasion – with a prize for themost interesting hat and most inventive costume –and their afternoon included food, a reflection onweddings and a prayer for the married couple
Jesus first and others – his family, friends,corps and colleagues – next.
He had a wonderful sense of humour, butalso was very thoughtful and always quietlywilling to listen and support. Although he isgreatly missed, his family rejoice that Sid isnow at peace with the Lord, whom he loved.– S. W.
CORPS SERGEANT-MAJOR JOHNBEATTIE,SUNDERLANDMONKWEARMOUTHBORN in Manchester in1937 to officer parents,
John spent his first 12 years of life in SouthAfrica. After returning to the UK he com-pleted his schooling and national service before taking up employment in Stockton.
He married Islay in 1957, and they hadfour children – Joseph, Ann, Andrew and
Alison. John enjoyed the company of his 11 grandchildren and was much loved by thewhole family.
A loyal bandsman, songster and local officer at Stockton Citadel and Monkwear-mouth, John held various positions. Most recently he was CSM for 29 years.
John lived a true Christian life and was a gracious man of respect, integrity and wisdom. He will be greatly missed. – E. S.
Margaret worked in Strawberry Field, the Salvation Army children’s home in Liverpool, before entering the training college in 1938. Her claim to fame was thatshe had met John Lennon there.
The brigadier’s first appointment aftercommissioning in 1939 was to Belfast, therest of her officership was spent in socialwork in England and Scotland. Subsequentappointments took her to social centres inLondon, Brighton, Liverpool, Edinburgh,Bute, Dundee, Oldham and Glasgow.
One of these – at Tor in Edinburgh – was ahome for unmarried mothers, which receivedno subsidy from local government. Thismeant that the staff and girls at the home knit-ted garments and other goods to raise funds.As sales officer, the brigadier could be seenevery day with a large suitcase in each hand,walking up and down the long drives of themore affluent houses in Edinburgh selling herwares. This was physically demanding, butshe won many good friends for the Armywhile raising much needed funds to subsidisethe home. Some of those friends respectfullyattended her funeral.
Brigadier Prince retired in 1970 from Edinburgh Vennel. She settled in the city andsoldiered at Gorgie, where she had first gonein 1949. Many there remember how sheprayed for every young person at the corps,individually naming them and never missinganyone out. Her public prayers were alwaysappreciated.
The brigadier’s latter years were spent as aresident of Davidson House. She was promoted to Glory at the age of 97. – L. C.
LESLIE HARVEY,PAIGNTONA LIFELONG Salvationist,Leslie was promoted toGlory on Easter Sunday.He was born in Brixhamand held the commissions
of band sergeant, YPSM, songster leader,bandmaster and CSM at several corps, in-cluding Ashford, Uxbridge and Paignton.
Leslie was an active bandsman and songster until 2009 at Paignton, to where he had retired in 1983. He was a sincere Christian gentleman who is greatly missed byhis family and friends – particularly by hisdaughters Heather and Barbara and his sonStuart. – M. H.
SIDNEYWHITEHOUSE,HADLEIGH TEMPLESID was promoted to Gloryaged 85 after a long battlewith Alzheimer’s. He hadbegun attending the Army
as a child in Birmingham. After NationalService he became an officer, and then laterworked in childcare before eventually join-ing the Probation Service.
Whatever he did, Sid left people in nodoubt as to the motivation for his life: putting
PLEASE note that pressure for spacemeans tributes have to be edited. Thishas caused pain to some family memberswhen tributes have appeared in shortenedform. To avoid such distress it isrequested that soldiers’ tributes submittedfor publication should be no longer than120 words. We will then make as fewchanges as possible. Good qualitypictures will be included with tributes.
20-23 28 May 2011 SALVATIONIST
ADVERTS
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
particular his ‘The Holy War’. My LP of 1965 still plays, but thecombination of my enjoyment of it and the ravages of time hastaken its toll. This remastered version is quite simply breathtakingand restores all of the edgy, tenacious audacity of the original.With all of the audience noise left in, it still feels like the originallive recording.
The music on this CD is pleasantly free from sterilisation; youwill hear the musicians draw breath before the monolithic firstchord of ‘Corpus Christi’ and in this digital format you have anenhanced opportunity to hear the shout of encouragement fromBandmaster Jakeway in ‘Great And Glorious’, the tumbling chairin ‘Star Lake’ and the chink of teacups in ‘The Pilgrim’s Prayer’.(The debate around these ‘bonus features’ has spawned more
Salvationist conspiracy theories than theentire Beatles back catalogue.)
Aside from the important cultural andhistorical significance of this recording, thereare a couple of other features I really enjoyed.First, there is the composers’ perspectivesthat you get on three works – ‘The Pilgrim’sPrayer’, ‘The Prodigal’ and ‘Corpus Christi’.Their insight brings clarity of message andinterpretation to their work. Secondly, thesleeve notes are excellent. Colin Waller hasgiven us an exceptional companion to therecording through his commentary on thedevelopment of the ISB and of Army music.
One thing the recording captures wonderfully well is the high‘D’s of soprano cornet player Ron Harrison in the final section of‘The Prodigal’, for which I know he had a special ‘Prodigal’mouthpiece!
With a classic march, four major works, a timeless selection andtwo priceless miniatures, this recording makes for really enjoyablelistening. ■
■ Legacy is available from SP&S priced £9.99 (plus £2.95postage and packing)
Brig o’ Balgownie (Bridge of Balgownie), Aberdeen. Picture: DAVID GAUTON
CD REVIEWBandmaster Andrew Mackereth, Nuneaton, reviews Legacy– Historic Recordings Celebrating 120 Years, a CD from the International Staff Band
Truly a triumphleg·a·cy [leg-uh-see]A gift; a bequest; anything handed down from the past, as from anancestor or predecessor: the legacy of ancient Rome.
DIRECT comparisons with the Roman Empire may be a littlepremature – however, within Salvationistbanding circles, this recording truly is atriumph.
This CD offers eight pieces under thedirection of seven staff bandmasters. Each ofthe pieces gives an insight as to where TheSalvation Army was in its musical andphilosophical genesis. The earliest featuredrecording of ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’,with its wonderfully unnecessary euphoniumobbligato, is straightforward mission music.The setting is basic by comparison with laterofferings but the foot-tapping bombast of itleaves the listener in no doubt this issoul-saving stuff. In the final two offerings: ‘Corpus Christi’ and‘Odyssey’ (presented in order of bandmaster, not composition) wecan clearly see and hear the advancement in technique as well assophistication and idiom.
We are on familiar ground from the second track onwards. Eachtrack that follows has entered the standard repertoire, evenGeorge Marshall’s enthralling ‘Great And Glorious’, which hassurvived despite the fact that most of the tunes featured have,sadly, been forgotten.
I have long admired the work of Ray Steadman-Allen and in
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
