Linking Networking Encouraging

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1 The Salvation Army London North East Divisional Headquarters Inspire Linking Networking Encouraging ISSUE May 2016 Retreat Day At Waltham Abbey... P 8 In this issue... Dates For The Diary 3 News From Around The Division Job Opportunities Have You Got Talent? 12 Forthcoming Events Final Thoughts 16 Connect with us... The Salvation Army, Maldon Road, Hatfield Peverel, CM3 2HS londonnortheast@salvationarmy.org.uk So here we are; Council, Mayoral and Police Commissioner elections are behind us, and as people with the opportunity to vote, and make a difference, we are now encouraged to focus our attention on the European Union Referendum. Notwithstanding the increasingly bizarre experience of the Eurovision Song Contest (where musicality seems, on the whole, to have little relevance), this is another very important point in the decision-making process in our land. It would not be unreasonable to treat some of the exchanges recently publicised with either contempt or concern. Yet the reality cannot be ignored; this is a significant point in time from which a great deal may well determine how well we can function in the future as a nation. Now I need to be up front here: I am European, by birth and by experience. My father was British, my mother Belgian until she took up British citizenship, with Belgian and French maternal grandparents. As a child, I lived 10 years in Belgium and 3 years in France, and French was my mother tongue (which explains the slight accent and the occasionally quirky use of English). I have cousins and their families who live in Belgium, France, Luxembourg The Salvation Army is a registered charity, number in England and Wales and number SC in Scotland. If you have received this newsletter via and you no longer wish to do so, please let us know by contacting us using the contact details above.

2 Cont from page 1... and the UK. Almost every year I have to take the bulk of my holidays in Europe, or I get withdrawal symptoms. My experience of Europe is therefore a positive, natural, engaging one. Yet I still remember the stories my grandmother used to tell me of a time of great division and terrible conflict, during WW2 and the German occupation; a period of history not so distant in reality, filled with great acts of heroism in the midst of fear and hopelessness. One which stands out was the risk she was prepared to take by hiding, in their house in the middle of Brussels, Dutch airmen and a Jewish young lady left to fend for herself. The most poignant account recalled the day the house was searched by German troops and the guests remained well hidden! Had they been found, the likelihood is that my mum and her family would not have survived. Whatever our background or experience, it seems to me that we need to consider carefully, whenever we are given the opportunity to participate in decision-making, what is going to be most appropriate for the greater good. Sadly, we seem to be generally encouraged to think about ourselves first, what is to be supposedly better for us, whichever way we look at it. When the Gospel is blatantly championing the needs of others (the neighbour, the outcast, the dispossessed, the marginalised)... We know, of course, that self-interest and self-centredness is often at the heart of conflict and division; it is certainly less likely that we will want to promote unity and mutuality in an environment of me first mentality. So we need wisdom and insight and Godly disposition. This is the purpose of the Prayer Vigil being organised by Churches Together in Essex and East London, taking place on 16 June, 7-8pm, at Chelmsford Cathedral, as advertised in this week s magazine. Whether or not you are able to attend, I would encourage you to pray well and think carefully about the possible shape of the future for our national and global community And please understand that my thoughts are not about what we each choose to think, but what enables us to arrive at our decisions Que Dieu vous bénisse. Major Norman Ord 2

3 Dates for the Diary... May June Monday 23 Divisional Youth Band Rehearsal At Chelmsford Sunday 5 Candidates Farewell Monday 30 Thursday 2 Kids Alive Outside Monday 6 Straight Ahead At Romford Monday 20 Youth Band Rehearsal At Chelmsford A Special Occasion And You Are Invited... 3

4 Chelmsford Corps... SUNDAY 8 TH MAY 2016 was a day of celebration at Chelmsford Citadel, as Debbi Flack was enrolled as a Senior Soldier. Debbi, who is the Corps Centre & Community Manager, tells her story: I first came to The Salvation Army in I had attended another church for several years but felt that God was prompting me to move. It was a chance remark from my husband who used to wear the uniform that made me walk through the Corps doors one sunny August morning, along with my youngest daughter. From the moment we entered the building we were made to feel so welcome, and my daughter was given some colouring and worksheets to do during the service. The first hymn we sang that day was Lord, I come before your throne of grace and as we reached the chorus (What a faithful God have I) I felt such a sense of peace and overwhelming emotion that I burst into tears. I knew that this was, for the moment at least, where I was meant to be. As we left at the end of the service, my daughter slipped her hand in mine and said I think we ll be coming back here again, don t you? And so we did. Ten weeks later my daughter was enrolled as a Junior Soldier. A year later I was to be given the privilege of working at the Corps as their Centre and Community Manager, a job I absolutely adore. I initially took lessons to find out more about The Army, but eventually the call became too great and I knew that I was being called to be a Senior Soldier. It was an amazing day, and I felt ten feet tall when I put on the uniform. There are just so many people that I could thank that I can t possibly name them all, but the support I ve received during my journey has been incredible and I was both proud and humbled to stand before the Corps and declare my faith. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for me next! (Debbi is pictured above, with Majors Mark & Andrea Sawyer) 4

5 Enfield Citadel Corps... A new adherent member was welcomed at Enfield Citadel during morning worship on Pentecost Sunday. Trish Lofthouse is pictured receiving her certificate from Corps Officer, Major Andrew Gaudion. Also in the picture Recruiting Sergeant Alyson Hicks. is Major Andrew Gaudion 5

6 More From Enfield Citadel Corps... Right to the Heart of the matter Always endeavouring to find new venues for open-air ministry, Enfield Corps met right in the heart of the town on Fountain Island, a very prominent pedestrian walkway where numerous contacts were made with Sunday shoppers. Conversations and information leaflets invited the public to a Community Celebration marking the Queen s Birthday being held in the grounds of a local school on 12 th June. The offer of free food and drink together with all age activities will hopefully attract people in the community to share in this special day. Nandos offered free drinks to the band at the conclusion of the open-air. Major Andrew Gaudion 6

7 MP visits New Direction Lifehouse, Braintree... Braintree MP James Cleverly recently visited New Direction Lifehouse. Mr Cleverly met with Lifehouse staff, residents, Braintree Corps Officers/Lifehouse Chaplains Lieutenant Clare and Captain Rob Davis, the Divisional Leader Major Norman Ord and Beverley Egan from Public Affairs, THQ. Mr Cleverly spent time discussing important issues regarding homelessness in the local area and how the local Salvation Army Corps and Lifehouse are working in this field. Mr Cleverly was also given a tour of the Lifehouse and was shown how Braintree Corps and Lifehouse works together by providing a variety of life skills opportunities for the residents to take part in such as cookery classes and the allotment project. Residents of the Lifehouse shared with Mr Cleverly how important The Salvation Army has been in helping them rebuild their lives. The picture from left to right is of Adetunji Falekulo (Programme Co-ordinator), Captain Rob Davis (Braintree Corps Officer/Chaplain to New Direction), Sharon Ralph (Service Manager of New Direction Lifehouse), Mr James Cleverly MP, Major Norman Ord (Divisional Leader of London North East) Lieutenant Clare Davis (Braintree Corps Officer/Chaplain to New Direction), Dean Jordan (Resident of New Direction), Beverley Egan (Public Affairs THQ) and Carlos Orihuela (Resident of New Direction). Lieutenant Clare Davis 7

8 Waltham Abbey... Waltham Abbey held a Church Retreat day last Saturday. Throughout the day we considered different aspects of The Salvation Army, using the Godly Play Salvation Army stories which have been prepared by THQ. We thought about what the flag means to us as individuals, and the ceremonies we participate in under the flag; we also thought about the way The Salvation Army is involved in Social Action; finally we looked at what the Mercy Seat means to us. There were many activities throughout the day to help us explore and help us think about our own participation in Church. This included a Milestones Blessings Prayer time, making a prayer bracelet, making a Mercy Seat from lolly sticks, colouring, books to read and much more. One of the participants commented that the time went too quickly. The theme continued on Sunday as we considered the symbols we associate with Pentecost. Major Sharon King 8

9 Wickford Corps... The three day Pentecost Prayer event at Wickford corps was a powerful time and commenced on Friday evening when the Youth zone enjoyed a Prayer Party. There was cake decorating, thank you prayers, candle prayers and hand prints on the cross as well as a special game of pass the parcel based on the fruit of the Spirit. On Saturday the Hall was open and various creative prayer stations were available including praying for the world, Mercy Seat prayers, tissue flowers on the cross, a prayer walk and a huge art work of flames which was used to decorate the hall on Sunday. Worship commenced in a party atmosphere as the birthday of the church was celebrated, the mood changed as time was given for prayer and many prayed at the Mercy Seat. The music and words of His Provision proved to be a helpful source of challenge and inspiration. Major Brian Miller 9

10 10 Job Opportunities...

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12 Have You Got Talent?... Please see your Corps Officer for FAQ s and an Application Form. 12

13 Forthcoming Events... Woodford Corps Presents ENFIELD CITADEL BAND IN CONCERT Saturday 11 th June 2016 At 7pm at Woodford Baptist Church George Lane, South Woodford, London E18 1LW Tickets 5 Further details and tickets contact: Community Chaplain Major Paul Holifield paul.holifield@salvationarmy.org.uk Charity number

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16 Passionate About Prayer... What: When: "Mission-centred Prayer :: Prayer-centred Mission" Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th November 2016, William Booth College The event features five main talks, interspersed with opportunities for worship, prayer and discussion. 1. Prayer and Mission: a theological foundation (Major Phil Garnham) 2. Prayer as Mission: Giving those who don't know Jesus opportunities to talk to him instead of just talking about him (Lieutenants Xander and Vanessa Coleman) 3. Prayer and Social Justice: Where does prayer fit into our calling to engage with society and politics? (Helen Cameron) 4. Does prayer change God's mind?: A look at the meaning of prayer in the light of God's sovereignty (Major Mel Jones) 5. The Nuts and Bolts: Getting practical about weaving mission and prayer (Lyndall Bywater) Costs and timings are approximate at this stage, but we estimate the following: Sat 12th Nov: 9:30am - 9:30pm Sunday 13th: 10am-4pm Cost for the conference, inc. overnight accommodation + Sat lunch & Dinner + Sun breakfast and lunch: 75 per person Cost for conference + meals only: 30 per person For more information or to book your place, please contact Jo Bankole on - josephine.bankole@salvationarmy.org.uk And Finally... LONDON NORTH EAST PR@YER WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU BUT TO DO JUSTICE, AND TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOU GOD? 16 MICAH 6:8