Transcriptomic Analysis of Grapevine (cv. Summer Black) Leaf ...
Grapevine summer 2014 web
-
Upload
the-salvation-army-uk-territory-with-the-republic-of-ireland -
Category
Documents
-
view
214 -
download
0
description
Transcript of Grapevine summer 2014 web
THE SALVATION ARMY
MAIDSTONE CORPS
Summer 2014
2
Dear All,
D uring the last few days our Prime Minister has taken on European bureaucracy and failed to move them on the
question of the leadership of that vast body. You may say ‘Full marks for trying’, however, it is time to move on and look to making his reforms in the future. One of the comments made by a smartly dressed younger European leader was that Mr. Cameron should ‘Wake up, and smell the coffee!’ Well, those of us who love the bean would reply ‘Amen to that!’ Though, it’s not unusual for non-coffee lovers to say that they don’t like the taste, but they love the smell of ground coffee, as do others who wouldn’t light up a pipe but who love the aroma of tobacco. ‘Wake up, and smell the coffee’ is a phrase that is com-monly used to suggest that ‘things have moved on, changed has happened, so let’s get on with life as it now is.’ Smelling something new and fresh is a great way to turn the senses to focus on a totally different aspect of our beautiful world, like the aroma of freshly cut grass (apologies to hay fever sufferers) or a barbeque in summer. The senses so often help us to focus our attention on whatever is there in front of us and to forget, even temporarily, what might have previously filled our minds. John’s Gospel records that six days before the Passover feast Jesus went to stay at Bethany with his friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha. It wasn’t long before Mary found a jar of
3
perfume and, in love, poured its contents over Jesus’ feet, and we are told that ‘the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.’ What an extravagant, costly, act of love and recogni-tion of what Jesus meant to Mary as she wiped his feet with her hair. However, in doing this she also stirred up the indigna-tion of those who followed Jesus and they objected to her ac-tions, failing to see what it represented and emphasising what could have been practically done for the poor. Jesus replied ‘You will always have the poor among you, but you will not al-ways have me.’ Could those disciples not even appreciate the beauty of the fragrance that filled the room, the house, the air? Beautiful things are sometimes missed because the focus is elsewhere. Jesus is sometimes missed because our minds are filled with other (important?) things, and we lose the opportunity just to enjoy the presence of the Rose of Sharon. He is beautiful, he is fragrant, he is a joy to behold, Jesus is here among us, and we would be blessed if just for mo-ment we would ‘Wake up and smell that fragrance.’ God bless your summer with many beautiful aromas!
Yours in Christ,
Grayson & Janice Williams—
Majors
4
EDITORIAL COMMENT
“Are you a ‘Sat-Naver’ or a ‘Map Reader’, said the
voice?” I panicked, “I don’t know – where am I going?” The
confused state of mind woke me rapidly and I discovered I had
fallen asleep with the radio earpiece in my ear as I was listen-
ing to the “Today” programme on Radio 4. I found the discus-
sion between the two men fascinating, each claiming their own
particular choice to be the best. The Sat-Naver felt it made
driving easier, the Map-Reader felt it made driving interesting.
The Sat-Naver told the story of a car-dealer, who offered a
Mercedes with a comprehensive computer system at a consid-
erably reduced rate, but went on to say that it was programmed
in the Swedish language. Another story of where the driver
was directed to a river. The Map-Reader talked of the joys of
making discoveries about the area to which the driver is head-
ing and the advantages of being able to find another route if
there was a traffic jam. They each had a reason for their par-
ticular choice.
I pondered on some personal experiences. As a passen-
ger in a relative’s car in Yorkshire, some years ago in the early
days of Sat-Nav, Michael knew a short-cut to his destination,
which did not seem to please the Sat Nav voice. “At the next
junction turn around when possible”, it constantly repeated
and, was it our imagination, but it seemed to get more agitated
each time. Another experience. Near to the house where I go
for the village Bible Study, a fast flowing river streams across
the road. In recent years the base has crumbled and when an
ambulance got stuck the Council erected a ROAD CLOSED
sign and also put blocks across the road at the stream, but the
Sat Nav, still directs drivers there.
5
However, what is it about this edition of Grapevine that
brings to my mind this memory of a few weeks ago? Simply
that within these pages we have a number of reports of new ex-
periences. Going along in the same old way will get you there,
but making a personal effort to discover new things, new ave-
nues of service is much more exciting, like the Map Reader!
Isn’t it just wonderful to have reports from two of our juniors,
Ben Atkinson and Bethany Hook., they have they have enjoyed
their activity and want to share it with us. A special thank you
to those who encourage our youngsters to put in writing what
they feel. It has far reaching consequences.
You may recall in a recent issue of Grapevine there was
a request to know more about our differing titles, within the
Army and what they meant. Keith agreed to do this and then
felt it would be more useful to broaden it so that it would show
how our Corps fits into the larger picture. Recently we had a
wonderful series by Colonel Michael Pressland on our Doc-
trines and now we are making an attempt to show how these
are put into practice.
Finally, do take notice of the information about next year’s
Congress. If you want to go give your name to Lorraine. De-
tails will be worked out later, but remember it is easier to can-
cel if your circumstances change, than to get tickets at the last
minute.
Thank you for all your contributions – keep them com-
ing, and God will bless all your efforts and prevent us getting a
headache thinking what we can to fill these pages.
Violet E Clarke EDITOR
6
HOLIDAYS
Holidays are here again. So take a boat, a car, a train
And seek the sea, or distant towns. The countryside or rolling downs.
In search of rest or gay romance. Or scenes of beauty that entrance-.
Adventures on the road; now choose. Hotel or cottage – tramp or cruise.
The longed for break from dull routine. No more a robot or machine-
But free, for one brief week or two – For all things you yearn to do.
And who can tell? Perhaps you’ll meet. Your spell of leisure to complete.
The good companion of your dreams. To share with you your joys and schemes.
But don’t forget to leave behind. All the worries, in your mind.
All resentment and distress. Fears and feuds and bitterness,
Pack the pretty things you’ve got. Shoes and clothes – take the lot.
Pack them all and turn the key. Then look in your heart to really see
If some old grievance rambles there, Some old grudge, some clinging care
If it does then turn it out. Such things you can do without. And here’s another
hint for you.
Don’t complain if skies aren’t blue. Frowns will spoil your looks you know
Take the sunshine where you go. Scatter it around the place.
Show the world a shining face. No use spoiling all the fun
Whining, pining for the sun. Then away! The thrills begin
When the wheels begin to spin. Take the holiday express
All aboard for happiness.
Patience Strong
7
THE PRAYING HANDS
The "Praying Hands" are much, much more than just a work of art,
They are the "soul's creations" of a deeply thankful heart
They are a Priceless Masterpiece that love alone could paint,
And they reveal the selflessness of an unheralded saint
These hands so scarred and toilworn, tell the story of a man
Who sacrificed his talent in accordance with God's Plan
For in God's Plan are many things man cannot understand,
But we must trust God's judgement and be guided by His Hand -
Sometime He asks us to give up our dreams of happiness,
Sometimes we must forego our hopes of fortune and success -
Not all of us can triumph or rise to heights of fame,
And many times What Should Be Ours, goes to another Name -
But he who makes a sacrifice, so another may succeed,
Is indeed a true disciple of our blessed Saviour's creed -
For when we "give ourselves away" in sacrifice and love,
We are "laying up rich treasures" in God's kingdom up above -
And hidden in gnarled, toilworn hands in the truest Art of Living,
Achieved alone by those who've learned the "Victory of Giving"
For any sacrifice on earth, made in the dear Lord's name
Assures the giver of a place in Heaven's Hall of Fame
And who can say with certainty Where the Greatest Talent Lies,
Or Who Will Be the Greatest In Our Heavenly Father's Eyes!
Helen Steiner Rice
8
WORDS FROM THE WORD
KNOW HIS PEACE
Philippians 4: 4-9 (Vs7)
How often is it said in just about every household ‘Oh for a bit of
peace and quite,’ many, many times I’m sure.
Especially when you were younger and the children were young,
just as soon as you had packed them off to bed, you would say,
“thank the Lord, now for a bit of peace and quiet.”
Only to rush around making sure everything was ready for the
morning - lunch boxes - shoes cleaned - clean clothes, socks laid out
ready just to put on. You end up just as tense as when the children
were up.
Dads had a heavy day at work, telephone never stops - boss is want-
ing everything you can’t readily find, or wanting the report that you
haven’t yet finished. You decide to take work home where you think
you can do it in peace and quiet. You get home lock yourself in the
spare room or wherever only to find that you have left the impor-
tant file at work having put it down whilst you answered the phone
just before leaving and didn’t pick it up again. Your all worked up
again because it has to be finished by the next morning and the of-
fice is an hour away by train which only runs every three hours out-
side of rush hour.
Or later on when you become grandparents - how lovely it is to
have the grandchildren around, of course it is, even if they test your
love to the limits by refusing to eat the special treat that you walked
all the way to the only place in town to get it. Even when they test
your patience by insisting on playing ball right in front of your very
valuable vase, a heirloom from great great grandmas great granddad.
9
You pretend to love them even when they swing the cat around by
its tail knowing that you really love animals and don’t like to see
them ill-treated. But how wonderful it is when they leave and you
declare - now for a bit of peace and quiet.
But what do you do, you pick up your knitting only to find that
those lovely grandchildren have managed to lose you about a dozen
rows and in your haste to get them back on you find three of the
rows that you managed knit whilst they were there are all wrong.
How often have we said ‘Oh! for bit of peace and quiet,’ only to get
ourselves in a state of tension, when that very opportunity arises.
We all need a bit of peace or at least we think we do, but every time
the opportunity arises we take into those moments our restless
selves and before we know it we are all tense and churned up inside
again.
In the middle east the word Shalom is used almost daily as a greet-
ing. A word that is often thought of as just a word that we find in
the Bible or some sort of religious word. But out there, just as we
say good morning or hello so they greet each other with the word
Shalom. When you are introduced to someone - or welcomed into a
home - or booking into a hotel, you are greeted with the word Sha-
lom. When you hear it it is like a benediction - which it really is.
But what a lovely greeting Shalom - PEACE, and I would suggest
that you can find no lovelier use of it than when it is used in the
phrase of Paul’s in verse 7.
Christian congregations in every age have gone home with the
sound of that verse ringing in their ears, lifting their spirits. Soldiers
on the battle field - missionaries going to some distant lands, and
martyrs face death on this promise.
The peace of God, that’s God’s own peace, the peace belonging only
to Him because only He can do what He promises. Peace, the se-
renity that comes from an invincible love.
10
Notice that when Paul writes of this peace he apparently uses a mili-
tary metaphor, maybe because he was writing to veterans of the Ro-
man armies. God’s peace he writes stands sentinel, it keeps guard
over your hearts and minds.
It would have awakened vivid memories of dark nights under the
stars in far off lands, or in the freezing cold of the north when they
had been on sentry duties. Whatever their memories the word
would recall the strain of long hours of watching, of aching feet, of
struggles against sleep and months of loneliness away from families
and friends.
If only we could be certain that there was someone who had us in
their care, has that thought passed through your mind? During
times of anxiety, troubles, tensions, danger - have you thought, ‘who
is there to help me, who will watch over me until this experience
passes?’ If only we had someone who would alert us at the first sign
of danger, someone to stand sentinel over us.
Well we do, Paul knew who it was and we can know who it is - its
Jesus.
We can get some idea of the meaning of that peace from our own
experience of relationships. In our childhood when we were anx-
ious, frightened or worried about things we didn’t understand, we
would run to mother who would reassure us, who would explain
the fear away. It wasn’t just the
words she used, or the loving arm
that she put around us. It was that in
a real sense she gave us her peace.
In just the same way we can know
God’s peace in Christ Jesus. He is
the very evidence of one who stands
sentinel over us - whatever life may
hold and at times that isn’t always
very pretty or comfortable. Whatever
circumstances we find ourselves in,
11
and they can be very challenging and difficult at times - so His peace
is always available to us, just as mothers was.
So often we feel afraid or embarrassed to run to Him. Why? Is it be-
cause we can’t see Him, or because we can’t touch Him? Or is it be-
cause we don’t trust Him enough? Surely if we love Him we ought
to be able to trust Him. Or is it because we have so often shut Him
out of other parts of our lives when things have been OK that we
fear He might reject us at times when we really need Him. Or is it
because we are frightened to surrender fully to His will for our
lives. Just as our parents peace was not available to us until we had
to run trustingly to them, so God’s peace is only available to us
when we turn to Him in faith trusting Him to keep His word.
Look at Jesus as he walks through the sunlit cornfields, or stands by
the lake shore. Look at Him as He cares for the poor and diseased,
the handicapped, the dying, the bereaved. Look at His unfailing love
as He deals with those who ill treat Him and cause Him pain and
ultimately His death.
There is plenty to remind us of the cruelty of this world, of the
seedy side of life and the wickedness of humanity. Whatever maybe
said of the Christian life and Christ Jesus our saviour, no one offers
more joy and no one can offer such peace as Jesus.
Not even the cruelties of this world can separate us from His com-
passion and love. His peace is beyond our uttermost understanding
and we can experience it, which is what God is offering each of us.
The peace that is beyond our utmost understanding will keep guard
over our hearts, our thoughts and our feelings if we will only seek it.
If you are in confusion, anxious, afraid, lonely, disappointed at the
blow life has dealt you - you can know His peace right now. Because
the God who loves you stands guard over you and wants you to
share His peace.
David Wakefield
12
I t was a lovely sunny morning. But this Sunday was going to be a bit different. A
group from the songsters were going to prison.
Maidstone Prison is a Category C Prison which holds Foreign National
Prisoners who have between 3 and 27 months to serve.
We met at the hall and walked up in two groups. After being checked in
with our ID Dave took us through the doors into the main square of the prison.
Dave with his 'Keys' let us through the locked doors and we made our way round
to the Chapel. We all made comments on how quiet it was. You wouldn't have
thought that we were in the middle of a town. As we made our way towards the
Chapel we walked through the gardens which were beautiful. One of the gardens
that was really lovely was the wild garden full of wild flowers with seating around
which attracts lots of butterflies. It was so peaceful it would have been lovely just
to sit and be quiet.
Before our service there was a Catholic service taking place so we
waited until this had finished. We made our way into the Chapel and sorted our-
selves out. Stuart was very happy with the piano as it was a Baby Grand.
The inmates then started to come into the Chapel. As they came in to
join us, there was this feeling of joy. There was laughter, shaking of hands, hugs,
pleasure to see each other and to come together to worship God.
The Songsters opened the meeting by singing 'Let The Morning Bring'.
Looking at the inmates whilst singing you could see the smile on their faces and
that they wanted to be there to worship, and it wasn't just somewhere to go for
an hour.
'Lord I Lift Your Name On High' was the first congregational song. Little
did we know we were in for a surprise. As we started the song one of the in-
mates got up from his seat and sat at the set of drums that were in the corner.
And what a surprise it was. He picked up the beat and played the drums as
though he was a professional.
13
Ann Williams and Sharon Jones both testified. Ann basing her Testimony
around the letters in the word testimony and Sharon speaking on how God has
helped her. She incorporated the chorus 'It's No Longer I That Liveth, but Christ
That Liveth In Me'.
Our drummer was there again with the beat.
The group of 15 songsters gave their all in singing 'Every Time I Feel The
Spirit'. After singing hazel thought it would be a good idea to get everyone singing
as they seemed to know some of the words. It's time to get your 'Bongos out '
and get on those drums she said, and that is what they did. There are no words
that can describe what this was like. Inmates were clapping, singing, we had the
drums and the joy in their faces was a memory in it's self. It was a proper cele-
bration to The Lord.
Jonathan Heward gave the message and we had a final song, ‘In Christ
Alone'. The Songsters finished by singing, 'The Lord Bless Thee And Keep Me '.
We were for a very short time able to speak to some of the inmates.
They came up to us shook our hands and said how much they had been blessed.
As I was standing there, it was moving to see some of the inmates kneel at the
alter and pray before they had to leave.
The passeth quickly and I don't think either us or the inmates wanted
the time to end.
For some of us the day started with a bit of apprehension and not really
knowing what to expect. I think by the time we had concluded any anxiety that
we may have had, was gone. We went to bring them a message. However I think
we were the one's who received the blessing from the inmates. There are no
words that can fully describe what we all felt and as we have all said it is a mem-
ory that will stay with us forever. We went in God’s name and he showed his
spirit not only through us, but also through the inmates.
Dave has been approached by the inmates saying when can we go back
as they enjoyed the morning so much. As far as we are concerned, we would be
happy to go back at any time.
Tania Goodwin
14
Ady, Cherri and Megan Clee
S ometimes people come into our midst with a vast experience of service in the
Army and make a valuable contribution to our Corps and the wider Army of which
we are not always aware. Fortunately Grapevine gives us an opportunity to discover
such a family in Ady and Cherri Clee (and Megan).
Both of them have Salvationist parents and Ady’s grandparents were Officers. He was
born in Bath before spending a couple of years in Egypt where his father worked in the
British Embassy. When he was still very young the family moved to Coventry where he
grew up and was a member of Coventry City Corps. At 16 Ady joined the Royal
Marines Band Service at Deal, followed by service in the Commando Training Centre
Band at Lympstone in Devon and H.M.S Raleigh near Plymouth, where he linked up
with Plymouth Congress Hall Corps and met Cherri.
Returning from an engagement on Horse Guards Parade London in 1994 the
Marines Band was involved in a serious coach accident. One of the band members was
killed and Ady was badly injured. His injuries eventually necessitated him leaving the
Royal Marines after 13 years service in 1996 and he started work with The Salvation
Army as Divisional Fundraiser at South Western DHQ in Exeter.
Cherri was born in Plymouth and was bought up in a Salvationist family. She has a
lovely singing voice and at 16 she was made the Singing Company leader at Plymouth
Congress Hall. When she was 19 she married Ady and also became the South Western
Division Youth Chorus leader. In 1996 they moved to Exmouth where they soldiered at
Exeter Temple Corps and Cherri studied for four years at Exeter University St Lukes
School of Education and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (with Education) Degree.
The couple were asked to be part of the South Western Summer school staff in 1998
and are still part of the team 16 years later with Ady acting as Assistant Director and
Cherri leading the Vocal Stream.
In 2000 Ady and Cherri moved to Fareham in Hampshire where Ady reprised his role
as the Divisional Fundraiser this time for Southern DHQ, Cherri started her teaching
career in a Primary School in a deprived area of Gosport. Following this Cherri went on
to work at a well regarded Special School for 6 years- a job which she really loved,
before returning to the Gosport school as the part of the senior leadership team. The
couple soldiered at Portsmouth Citadel Corps and greatly enjoyed being part of the
fellowship and the sections. Cherri served as the Singing Company leader.
In 2002 The Army centralised its fundraising and after a brief time on the Fundraising
Department at THQ, Ady became the Community Programme Director for the Haven
15
Community Project at Portsmouth Citadel. The Haven is one of the Army’s largest
Community Programmes with 38 staff and around 120 volunteers covering a wide
range of services including a Furniture Project, a 56 place Nursery rated ‘Outstanding’
by Ofsted, and a Good Neighbours scheme looking after around 200 housebound older
people across the City. Ady led this project for 9 years during which time it was awarded
the ‘Queens Award for Voluntary Service’ which is the highest award a charity can
receive in this County and is the equivalent of an M.B.E but for an organisation. As a
result of the award Ady and Cherri were invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party
and were personally introduced to the Queen.
Cherri and Ady have a delightful young Daughter Megan who is 7 years old and who
has a practical turn of mind. She tells me that she loves making things, and is very
definite about her favourite things. Among the long list is walking, Tomato Soup and
the film ‘Frozen’, her best friend Darcy (their dog) and collecting spoons!
Ady’s next move in August 2011 was to take up the newly created role of Divisional
Director for Community Services in our own London South East Division. This role is
wide ranging covering oversight of a multitude of Community services at Corps level,
but also responsibility for Prison Ministries, Emergency Response, Anti Trafficking
work, development of Financial Inclusion, Befriending and Employment Plus services,
the Fellowship for Endeavour and building strong links with Local and County
Authorities. Ady is also a member of the Candidates Board and the Officer
Appointment Board. Key aspects of the role are resourcing frontline work, ensuring
strong Mission focus, promoting the highest of standards across all of our Community
work and identifying new opportunities to further develop our caring ministries.
Cherri and Megan remained in Fareham while Cherri sought a teaching post in Kent
with Ady renting a room in Teston and travelling home at weekends. Cherri was able to
secure a job as Assistant Head Teacher at Thames View School in Rainham and the
family moved to Maidstone at Easter in 2012, live in Allington and have settled in well.
Cherri is now the Assistant Singing Company Leader, Ady plays Tuba in the band and
Megan is soon to become a Junior Soldier. With their families in Northamptonshire
and the West Country, and four God
Children and their families spread across
Southern England, they often have to
travel away at weekends, but are at the
Corps as much as they possibly can be.
We give thanks for their dedicated
service to Education, the Corps and the
wider Division and I am sure that our
prayers will be with them as they seek
to serve others in their daily lives.
16
THIS month’s viewpoint from a member of the Band: CAROLE DODD
BAND PIECE — ‘The Light of the World' (Aurelia) by Dean Goffin.
It is a musical meditation inspired by the painting by Wil-liam Holman Hunt based on Revelation 3:20 – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Two of the tunes featured within this piece are “O Jesus Thou art standing outside the fast closed door” STB No. 299 and “behold me standing at the door” STB No. 229. Both of these have very beautiful words and tunes. The original painting is hung at Keble College in Oxford and
a later painted life-size version can be seen at St. Pauls Ca-
thedral in London. I went to see the picture a few years ago
and found this very moving experience, it is certainly worth
a visit to St. Pauls to see it.
SONGSTER PIECE - ‘Candle of the Lord’, Joy Webb. My choice is a little harder to make because I love so many and I am a great fan of Joy Webb.
17
The Chorus says:- I am, the candle of the Lord. And truth and love more powerful than sword! O fan the flame, its single gleam diffuse And let my spirit by the light that you can use I am, the candle of the Lord Light me. In my opinion these are great words and a tune – a real blessing to listen to.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG - 'Song Number 33’ - Salvation Army Songbook — Thomas Obediah Chisholm
This without any doubt. Verse 1 says:- Great is they faithfulness. O God my father, There is no shadow of turning with thee; Thou changest not, thy compassions they fall not; As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Within the chorus it goes on to say “All I have needed thy hand has provided.” Just wonderful words.
18
International Congress
2015
The Congress runs from 1 – 5 July next year.
During this time a number of events will take place in and around Lon-
don.
At present it is only possible to book for all of the seven main sessions of
the Congress in total. If you wish to do this then refer directly on line to
www.boundless2015.org where you will be able to register and obtain
tickets.
So far as the Corps is concerned I will only endeavour to make bookings
for the Saturday(4th) evening session and the final Sunday(5th) morning
meetings.
I say endeavour, because I have been advised by the Congress Office that
until the number of tickets being sold for the complete seven sessions is
known they won’t know how many tickets will be available to people
wishing to attend individual sessions. The date for this release is January
2015. Consequently they are unable to make advance reservations for
individual sessions (including Saturday and Sunday) prior to this date.
Even then we cannot be certain of obtaining tickets.
If you do wish to attend either or both of the Saturday/Sunday meetings
please hand your name to Lorraine Munn in the Corps office. I will then
attempt to make bookings and transport arrangements when appropriate.
One final thought. If you are making your own arrangements to purchase
tickets for the seven sessions but would like transport to the O2 on Satur-
day/Sunday please let Lorraine know so that we can include you.
Keith Thomas
19
My experience at the Massed Chatham YP band
By Ben Atkinson
T he afternoon was organised by Ryan Cripps as an YP band work-
shop. It started at 1 p.m. and we practiced nine songs, led by Paul
Sharman who is the deputy bandmaster for Regent Hall, the event had a
total of 37 young people from Chatham, Margate, Ramsgate, Sitting-
bourne Canterbury and Maidstone.
After around 3 hours of practice, we had tea and got changed in
to our uniforms and waited for the festival to start. The festival in the
evening contained music from Chatham songsters and music the band
had practiced in the afternoon and was compered by Col. Ray Steadman-
Allan. The band music consisted of songs like Kids Alive, More Than,
Samba-Fruit of the Spirit and more.
My favourite bit was just the overall experience of playing in a
big band as it was the first time I’ve played In front of a congregation.
20
This Salvation Army
We have been blessed over recent months and years to
welcome into our fellowship a number of friends from non Sal-
vation Army backgrounds. Naturally the background to our
movement, the way it is formed and administered together with
some of our practices and procedures doubtless raises ques-
tions, possibly not only to them, but also to some more long
standing soldiers and adherents.
The purpose of this short series of articles is intended to con-
sider the Army ‘in the round’ and explain some of these issues
in simple terms. It is not intended to go into a discourse on be-
liefs and doctrine. That is perhaps a matter for another author!
Background
Firstly, a little potted history.
The Salvation Army is a Christian denomination church
structured in a quasi military fashion. Founded in London’s East
End in 1865 by a one time Methodist minister William Booth
and his wife Catherine it was originally known as the East Lon-
don Christian Mission. At that time, the aim of the Booths was
to bring salvation to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting
both their spiritual and physical needs. These aims continue
into the present day as we well know and serve within our own
community here at the Corps.
The name Salvation Army arose from an occasion when
Booth was dictating a letter to his secretary including the words
“ we are a volunteer army”. His son, Bramwell, overhearing,
interjected saying “ Volunteer! I’m not a volunteer, I’m a regu-
lar”! At this Booth struck out the word volunteer and substi-
tuted it with salvation. So the Salvation Army was born and
with it came its development along military lines. William
21
Booth became the General, his ministers were given
ranks as officers and other members became soldiers.
The Army quickly grew and began to extend its operation and
influence to countries overseas. Firstly in in 1880 to Australia,
Ireland and the USA, until we are now operating in nearly 127
countries and provides services in 175 different languages.
Structure
For administrative purposes the Army is divided into
geographical Territories which are then sub divided into Divi-
sions. In larger areas, regional and area commands are present as
sub divisions of Divisions.
Each Territory is administered from its own Territorial Head-
quarters (THQ) and led by a Territorial Commander (TC) who
receives orders from International Headquarters (IHQ) in Lon-
don. We in Maidstone are part of the UK Territory based in
London and our Division is London South East Division, ad-
ministered from Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) being based
at Armstrong Road here in Maidstone .
A Territory is normally led by a Commissioner or in the
case of smaller territories a Colonel whilst a Division may be led
by a Lt Colonel or Major, again depending on size.
So far as we are concerned our Territorial Commander (TC) is
Commissioner Clive Adams and our current Divisional Com-
mander (DC) is Lt. Colonel Sandra Moran. Sandra will be retir-
ing towards the end of July and succeeded by Lt. Colonel Ray
Irving.
You will have gathered by now that the Army is awash
with ranks, titles and abbreviations, but don’t worry, all may be
revealed in future articles! KEITH THOMAS
22
2013 AD
I have just re-read George’s article in the last Grapevine which
concluded by saying ‘but what of Mary’s year...watch this space!’
Well here it is, ‘the space’ duly filled up.
I remember my Father who was still fairly active in the Lord’s
service at around 90 saying ‘no discharge in this war!’ Thankfully
George and I have both proved this to be correct, and we wouldn’t
want it any other way.
Following on from my last appointment, nine years as Corps
Officer at Catford, I retired, and with George we came to live in
Holborough Lakes, just a few miles from Maidstone. Catford was a
wonderful experience, and I must admit it took me a little while to
adjust to a new life, after the multiculturalism, of an inner city corps.
However, I was sure that the Lord had something ‘in store’ for me.
Well in my conversations with Him, the hardest thing He told me
was to ‘wait patiently for Him’...and so I did!
I decided to retire at 60 in 2009, (oh now you know my age), as
George had already been working several years in retirement, and it
seemed the right thing to do, to enable us to perhaps work together in
ministry and have a little more time for the family living in Bromley/
New York/Sweden and Gloucester and of course each other.
Well that is just what happened, I became the Associate
Officer at Strood corps, George played in the band, and for a period
during those three years we took on the responsibility of the corps
until a new corps officer was appointed.
So Lord, January 2013 and here I am again knocking at your door of
service. Now if you read George’s article last month you will know
that January 2013 saw the commencement of his new adventure at
IHQ, supposedly for one year, and here we are in June 2014...what a
long ‘year’ but oh what an amazing journey, just remembered, this is
23
my story!
Now I knew that there was a possibility of managing
St.Christopher’s Holiday flats at Westgate-on-Sea but it was now
January and no word, as yet, had been received.
So I gladly accepted the ministry offered to me to lead worship on
Sundays and ‘be useful’ in any other ways at Caterham corps.
Mothers Day at Caterham was my first Sunday.
Driving to Caterham on a Sunday morning, meeting at Maidstone in
the evening, it seemed life would be settled for a while. How well do
we know the Lords plans for us...not at all, but we trust Him
implicitly! (Don’t we?)
So when asked ‘How about looking after St. Christophers for the
summer months?’ ‘Yes, would love to’ was my answer; mere details
can be sorted!!
We went to live at St. Ch’s Salvation Army holidays flats (Salvation
Army’s best kept secret) on 5th April 2013, the beginning of a
wonderful summer which concluded on 25th November!
St. Ch’s is right on the sea front at Westgate-on-Sea, Kent. Lovely
Victorian house, been in the Army’s possession for 85 years
providing a place for holidays, now divided into five lovely self-
contained holiday flats.
So the pattern of my week (are you still with me, don’t nod
off yet!) George would be up early to catch the train from Westgate
to Blackfriars four days a week. My role as Manager commenced at
9am. (Six Days a week!) Lovely office at the front of the building
overlooking the sea. Julie the administrator would come in for four
of those days, she was brilliant, knew everything about the business.
Guests would come and go, sometimes with buckets and spades,
sometimes walking out with flippers on, ready for a dip in the sea,
which of course was just across the road, sometimes going off for
family bike rides like a well known family from Maidstone Corps
(small prize for the first one who knows which family!) What a joy it
was in the evening to sit outside and watch the beautiful Turner
sunsets!
Sunday was quite a different pattern. Up early, left St. Ch’s at
24
8 am to travel to Caterham to lead the morning meeting...yes, still
doing that, and this would continue until well into July when they
were expecting an officer to be appointed. Perhaps a visit or two
before returning to Westgate, stopping en route at our house and
picking up the post, before returning to St. Ch’s in the evening.
Great days!
I was quite taken aback when someone said to me, ‘oh, how
did you get landed with St. Christophers. Being the calm person I am
(sometimes!) I left them in no doubt that being the manager of St.
Christophers for the extended summer period was a great privilege,
and, as I reflected at the end of my time there, it afforded to both
myself and George great opportunities for ministry, something which
of course is afforded to all believers, if they take the opportunity.
What a privilege to come alongside parents, whose son was
nearing the end of his life, although he was just in his forties. They
booked into St. Ch’s to enable them to spend as much time with their
son, who lived not too far away. I was with them both when the news
came through that their son had gone to be with the Lord.
I met a couple when I was walking along the sand to Margate one
afternoon. They were from Colarado, visiting England to avail
themselves of a delicate and major operation. Soon I was telling
them the reason for my being in that part of Kent, and the story
unfolded, both mine and theirs. They came to the open day we had
towards the end of the summer. The conversations, interest in the
Salvation Army, and the prayers, brought to them a friendship which
they so desperately needed at that point in their lives.
For a brother and sister separated by various circumstances, St. Ch’s
became a ‘house of healing’ as they shared with each other some of
their hurts from the past.
A retired officer and her friend booked into St. Ch’s one year
after the Promotion to Glory (the death) of her husband. A difficult
time for her, and yet as we shared, and prayed together, the healing
began to take place that week.
The fellowship at Margate corps was lovely...visiting a few
folks whom I had got to know years ago, when my parents retired to
25
Margate and spent 16 wonderful years there, so returning to the
corps and the area, was like returning home.
In July our four children, spouses and grand-children were able to
have a few days with us at St. Ch’s; no more rooms available so
most of them slept in sleeping bags etc in the huge lounge. You can
imagine the evening meals on the beach, using the long seawalls as
tables!
In November, 2013 The Salvation Army sold St. Christophers
to the Royal School for the Deaf. No more holidays by the sea for
many, many people. We prepared for that day, albeit a sad day in
many ways. We had an open day, and more than 100 people came.
We served cream teas, and tours round the building. We had a
separate day for staff, past and present to say thankyou for their part
in St.Christophers story.
The telephone rang on that morning; it was Commissioner
Marian Howe. Her mother had been in charge of St. Christophers 85
years previous. She told me of a family her mother had taken care of
when they were released as Prisoners of War from Auschwitz and
had been sent to England for recuperation and convalescing. They
bore the obvious signs of having been POW. They were offered
hospitality, in every sense, and soon began to smile again.
So the story is now complete. St. Christophers...stretching out with
God’s love down through the years from beginning to end...or is it?
Like many others, I am sad that St. Christophers, as we knew, it is no
longer there, after 85 years of ministry in different ways. How
privileged George and I were to be part of its story (I was 8 on my
first visit!) However, the blessings and opportunities which were
ours, and for those who spent time at St. Christophers throughout the
years, cannot be underestimated, and the many, many more stories
which will live on in the hearts and lives of hundreds of people.
Maybe I’ll write a book one day...when I retire!!!
Mary Scott
26
ULTIMATE CHURCH I
W ow what a week nearly 500 children through our doors. What an op-
portunity for us to speak about our God and what the Salvation
Army stands for not only the social work but that we are a church.
There were nine zones for them to go through: Worship where we
looked at the things that aid us in our worship the Bible , the Song Book , the
Cross, the Crest, the Music , the Mercy Seat, and to finish it off a good sing of
the chorus My God is a great big God. What a song to send them out with.
The Symbol Zone where they cracked codes and became spies, then
they learnt about the red shield, the flag and the crest. It was lovely to see them
putting the worship zone and the symbol zones together.
The next two zones where often joined in part as these were the Uni-
form and History Zones. They had fun in these zones where one young man
married William Shakespeare to Catherine of Aragon until he was put right then
it became William Shakespeare Booth. The marching of the Salvation Army in
their uniforms beating the drums and the Skeleton Army throwing balls at them
what fun.
Upstairs to the International zone and the community where they
learnt about the army home and away. As well as the International and Commu-
nity zones there was also the Music zone upstairs. This was where they learnt
about different brass instruments but also how The Salvation Army uses music
through brass bands, singing and also through guitars. They were surprised that
we use different types of music especially the rock groups.
This lead onto the Homeless Zone where they had fun deciding what
made a home. Some thought that it wasn’t a home without a television where
others thought that love was the most important. They learnt how to make a
bed on the streets and why they don’t take the boots off or zip up their sleeping
bags.
The last zone was the Bible Zone where they looked at different Bibles
and learnt the story of the Good Samaritan. They learnt who their neighbours
were. One young lady impressed me when she shared that all the characters in
the story were neighbours so they all deserved to be loved and to be taught right
from wrong including the robbers.
Then what an amazing week we may have reached 500 people but what
about the people that they talk to. Now to pray for all of these people.
Anita Cripps
27
ULTIMATE CHURCH II
Maidstone Salvation Army Ultimate Church Visit
May 19th—22nd 2014
Children from North Borough and East Borough schools, Loose
Swiss Cub Scouts and from Maidstone Salvation Army Messy Church and
Sunday School visited the first ever Ultimate Church Visit that Maid-
stone Salvation Army held from May 19th—22nd. It gave the children a
chance to learn more about the Church.
Firstly, as the children entered the Church they were given name
tags with their coloured groups on them. When they entered the big hall,
Captain Lynne explained the rules. They were given little booklets to fill in
during the visit and were then told where to go.
There were 9 zones in total. They were as follows:
Bible Zone, Worship Zone, Symbol Zone, International Zone, Community
Zone, Homeless Zone, Music Zone, His-
tory Zone and Uniform Zone
Here are 2 of the Zone descriptions.
"My favourite Zone was the home-
less zone." Quoted Abigail Hook (7). In
the homeless zone the children learnt
about homeless people. They were asked
what they thought a home was and made
a bed out of cardboard, newspaper,
bubble wrap and bin liners.
In the International zone, the
children were given passports to fill in.
28
They watched videos of
how the Salvation Army
helps people all around
the world. When some
children entered the
room they were sur-
prised at the decorated
room.
Finally, the chil-
dren gathered in the hall
for a quiz about what
they had learnt in the different zones. They then sang 'Our God is a great
big God'
Gillian Mudie quoted that she thought that the visit was "very good."
Captain Lynne Clifton said "The Ultimate Church Visit was a fabulous and
fun way for us to serve a local
cub pack and 2 of our local
schools as well as the young peo-
ple of our Corps. God really
blessed and used the week in a
powerful way. We are now look-
ing forward to the opportunities
that are being presented to us
to work even more closely with
the schools in our area."
So there you have it another exciting activity that the Salvation Army
has held. It was enjoyable for all.
Report by Bethany Hook (Age 10)
29
Notices given out in Churches (watch your spelling). Next week we will be serving hot gods for lunch.
We are grateful to those who clean up the Church grounds and the Vicar…..
Applications are now being accepted for 2 year old nursery workers…
Diana and Don requests your presents at their wedding.
Lent is a period of preparing for Holy Weed and Easter.
Bless the Lord. Oh! My soul and forget all His benefits.
Thank you dead friends for all your help, but more helpers
are needed so please sign up on the information sheep.
Boastful Woman to an American Visitor:- “My family can trace it’s ancestry to William the Conqueror”. Wearied American:- “You’ll be telling me next that your ancestors were with Noah in the Ark”. “Certainly not! My people had their own boat!”
Teacher give me an example of how heat expands things and cold contracts them. Schoolboy – Long days in the Summer; short days in the Winter.
30
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10 v. 14 & 15
1. The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am his And he is mine forever. 2. Where streams of living water flow My ransomed soul he leadeth, And where the verdant pastures grow With food celestial feedeth. 3. Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love he sought me, And on his shoulder gently laid And home rejoicing brought me.
Henry William Blake S.A.S.B. 53 v 1. 2. & 3.
31
Our Weekly Services
You are welcome to join with us for worship & praise:
Sunday Worship: Family Service 10.15 (Sunday School) 10.45 Prayer Meeting 17.15 Evening Service 18.00 Youth Group 19.30
1st & 3rd Monday in month (to be confirmed) The Living Word Bible Fellowship 19.30
Tuesday: Ladies Meeting 13.30 (Home League)
Wednesday: The Parkwood Fellowship Ladies Meeting (held at the Rosemary Graham Centre Sommer Walk, Parkwood). 14.00
Wednesday: Held Fortnightly, please contact the office for the next date Cameo & Crafts 10.00
3rd Wednesday: Ladies Fellowship 20.00 Thursday: The Over 60’s Club 13.30
Contact Information
Maidstone Salvation Army 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone ME14 1ED Corps Officers: Majors Grayson & Janice Williams Captain Lynne Clifton
Administrator: Mrs Lorraine Munn Address as above. Telephone: 01622 681808
Email: [email protected] 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 23rd Sept, 2014
to be sent to the Editor or Philip Hales at
email: [email protected]