REGULAR CORPS EVENTS Sundays Meetings at 9.50. 10.30 a.m. 4-30 p.m. Messy Church every 4th Sunday 3.30 p.m. Mondays Over 60’s Club Fortnightly Lunch 12.15 p.m.. Meeting 2.00 p.m. Next meeting Open Door 10 a.m.—12 p.m. Bible Study none in August. Next meeting September 7th Tuesday Parents and Tots 10 a.m.—11.30 Not school holidays. Afternoon Fellowship 1.30 p.m. Next meeting 8th Sept. Wednesday Cameo Club—second Wednesday monthly 7.30 p.m. Thursday Tea, Toast and Toys 9 a.m.—11.30 a.m. Not on 6th or 13th. Open Songster practice 4th Thursday each month 8.30 pm No practice in August Fridays Coffee Morning and Luncheon Club 9.30 a.m. and 12.15 Not on 7th or 14th Saturdays Walk first Saturday every month. Details from Barrie, or Gladys. All welcome

August Sun 3rd Afternoon meeting will be a showing of the first Congress meeting. Sun 9th Morning meeting only led by Barrie Sun 16th Morning meeting only led by Armintha Sun 23rd Morning meeting only led by Captain Hilary Sun 30th Briefing for The Big Collection.

July Bible dingbat solutions; To everything there is a season Ecc. 3:1 A soft answer turns away wrath Prov. 15:1

Editor: Carol Gibson. Tel. 01494 534087 Mob 07799187687

Email : carol@standardbearer.info Magazine Website www.standardbearer.info

Going on holiday this month?

Have a lovely time.

Standard Bearer High Wycombe

Salvation Army

August 2015 Year 15: Issue 6

Commanding Officer

Captain Hilary McClintock

01494 471847

Then...Then...Then...

….And Now

Read Jackie’s Congress article starting on page 5.

Dear Friends It is once again summer holiday time, which means some our young people will be away at Children’s Camp, Youth Camp, or Belfast Music School. They will inevitably be enriched by meeting youngsters from other corps as well as different adult leaders. We thank God for our young people and their families. We thank God for the families who attend our Parent & Toddler Group, or our Tea, Toast and Toy Time and Messy Church and those who attend our Sunday meetings. What a joy to see them! God is deeply at work in them and it is important that they have positive role models across different areas of their lives. Georgina has started to teach them some songs which we hope they will sing on a Sunday morning before long. May all of us continue to pray for our young folk and that they will grow up to be committed followers of Jesus Christ. Who were positive role models for you when you were growing up? If they are still alive, it is never too late to say ‘thank you’. Perhaps it was someone younger than you who inspired you; do say ‘thank you’. Please continue to pray for our Divisional Youth Worker, Nathan Loxley, and Captains Jo and Richard Thompson who have responsibility as Divisional Children’s Officers in addition to their role as Corps Officers at Feltham. May each of us never lose the wonder or joy of a young child when we consider that ‘our God is a great big God, and he holds us in his hands’. God bless you, Captain Hilary

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I V O U A R M S Y

R S A V Y M O U I

Y U M S I 0 V R A

S R V I O U A Y M

O M I A S Y U V R

U A Y R M V I O S

A O S Y V I R M U

V I U M R S Y A O

M Y R O U A S I V

Bible Dingbats—What do they say?

Kevin’s My Saviour Sudoku…..

M O

V

R V A

I O Y

R V I

Y I O S

A U I R M

S I M U

R M U

August Puzzle July Solution

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For your prayer list…… Myrtle Fearon: Heather Whitmore-Smith: The people of Nepal: The injured and families of those killed in Tunisia. Christians in many places who are being persecuted. Our Corps, that it might be, saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity.

1 Peter 3:15 “ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” This week I have noted, many times, of what reminds people to act more Christlike. Obviously, for those of us who wear uniform, it should remind us to be more mindful of our words and actions while we are wearing it, but do we tend to drop our guard once we have returned home and changed into 'civvies'? One friend says that she wears a cross and it reminds her of the example Jesus set, whom she has vowed to try and be like, it forms her behaviour. And for those of us who drive, do we succumb to road rage with a 'fish' symbol displayed in our car window? When the Holy Spirit is in active in our lives, when we try harder to follow Jesus' examples, others do see a change in us. Some may ask us why we are 'different' and I would ask : what is our response? The Bible verse above tells us to always be ready to give a response, to tell any-one who asks what it means to us to be Christian, what change it has made in us and how we know that we are 'in His hands, whatever the future holds'; and to do this 'with gentleness and respect' not arguing with them, not being forceful, and not being inconsiderate. We are also told that the Holy Spirit will work through us and give us the words to say. We need to step out in confidence, in faith and be honest. This also applies to telling each other, when we meet, how God has touched us, for it encourages others, glorifies God and confirms the Holy Spirit is alive and working in us. So.....next time there is an opportunity for testimony....I expect there will be a crowd standing up and exhorting 1 Peter 3:15 in action!

ime o hink with Anese

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. Quotable quote…….Was he right? You Christians have in your keeping a document with enough dynamite in it to blow the whole of civilisation to bits, to turn society upside down, to bring peace to this war-torn world. But you read it as if it were just good literature and nothing else. Mahatma Gandhi

Coming Up………..

The Big Collection….. Collectors needed—there is a

real need for the work of the Salvation Army in this

country and if you could even manage an evening or

two to go door to door, please see Keith. There will

be a briefing on 30th August so don’t miss that.

Harvest….. Yes I know you haven’t had your summer

holiday yet, but harvest will be soon on it’s tail. We

will be having our harvest supper and quiz on 3rd

October. Put this date on your calendar so you don’t

miss this. It’s always a great evening and will only

cost you £6.

Christmas Sale…..November 21st...and no, it’s not too

early to start preparing. Melinda and Gladys work all

year round and it is a great help with Corps funds. If

you can knit, sew, whittle, or craft in any way, if your

hobby produces something sellable, then……. Another

date for your calendar.

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A picnic in the garden at the hall for the Afternoon Fellowship

Last meeting before our summer break we were able to have our meeting out-side on the grass at the rear of the young peoples hall. This for Irene was special because she has not been able to get onto grass for a number of years. We enjoyed scones, strawberries and cream. followed by Birthday Cake as we celebrated the birthdays of Captain Hilary, Pat Thomas, Olive Stone, Irma Bygrave and Mary Tyler. We had a good afternoon of fellowship together. All of this was possible because of the work that Alan and Bob have done to create such a pleasant little area for us to enjoy. Thank you Alan and Bob.

Over 60s Outing To Canterbury

The coach left High Wycombe 9-45 and it was raining. Not what was ordered! However by the time we arrived in Canterbury the rain had stopped and the sun came out. Although it was windy we had a pleasant day. Some members enjoyed spending time in the beautiful Cathedral whilst others enjoyed the shops and cafes. We agreed it was a lovely place to visit and the outing was enjoyed by all.

Remember this? 10 years ago…… We said farewell to Alison as she left us to go to Solihull. Here she is on her last Sunday, right in the middle of things.

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Did I really want to go to the "Big Party?" I felt that it might be a glorified coffee morning. How wrong was I? I walked into the hall and could not believe what I was seeing. The hall was packed with people. One corner was occupied by children from Messy Church doing crafts, another corner with children from Tea Toast and Toys having fun and a display screen showing some of the history of High Wycombe Corps, which I found most interesting.

Lunch was being served when I arrived and a choice of sandwiches with side salad was on offer, served by two happy and helpful waitresses. Let's not forget those who were working in the background, the ones preparing the food and making up the sandwiches, those wash-ing and clearing up. Menial tasks but all very important. Yes, a lot of people who were there were people who already come to the Army and are familiar with its activities, but there were other people who came into the hall who had no idea what the Salvation Army is about. New contacts, and if we are want our corps to grow then it is these people who we need to nurture and encourage. Captain Hilary greeted people as they entered the hall and made sure that they felt comfortable in unfamiliar sur-

roundings. It was a busy day, a happy day and thank are due to Captain Hilary and all the willing helpers who worked so well to make it the success it was. Let's not simply look back on the day and wallow in its success, let's learn from that event and be more determined to do all we can, however small, to bring people into the Kingdom.

‘Boundless’ at High Wycombe Observed and enjoyed by Heather

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A man who obviously heard the start of the first conversation asked me if I was attending the same event. When I answered yes it led to a discussion. What were we all about? Was I a member even though I wasn’t in uniform? Who was it for? Why was it based on military jargon? What were we fighting against? and so the questions kept coming. .. In all my years as I’ve walked around in uniform I have never been asked these questions It was a challenge and a perfect opportunity to share some of my faith. We arrived at Westminster and went our separate ways – he wished us Happy Birthday and I hope I had given him something to think about. We walked towards the Mall and took our place on the roadside midst the crowd to watch the worldwide Salvation Army march past. There were flags, banners, timbrels, bands, national costumes – I overheard someone say they wished they’d taken more notice in geography because they didn’t know all the countries! When there wasn’t a band near salvationists true to form sang a chorus and the sun shone. And then to wend our way back to the O2 to get the car – there was still a buzz in the air as farewells were said and people began to separate. So what next? Yes it was a great few days, was it worth all the expense and organisation? Why not? One hundred and fifty years ago a young man had a vision to serve the community and to win souls for Christ and now this is being carried out worldwide, and opening up in Slovakia in September will make the Salvation Army alive in 127 countries. It was great to meet up with folk and see young people who were in my singing company in Warrington, now married with young families of their own and serving in the army, four officers and a cadet in fact. If I’m honest my reason for going initially was to go to ‘the biggest Army event so far’, spend time with family and friends, hear different sections and see the march. I went with what I thought was hay fever, by Sunday morning I’d lost my voice so couldn’t sing as I wanted to, but did that spoil it? No it didn't. My faith has been a bit shaken recently and I’m not sure what God has planned for me but what I do know is that I need to bow the knee and try to trust Him. I was challenged in many different ways. I may not be doing things as much as I used to but it doesn't mean I'm not committed to Him. If anything I probably talk about my faith more now than ever with non Army friends – opportunities for conversations have arisen when friends have asked about my health or they have seen me mentioned on Facebook, asking why I was at the O2 or photos showing uniforms - what we say and how we react can have such an impact on people. I don't know what God is planning for me at the moment but………..

I’m glad I gave my heart to God, are you? Page 5

Is This What Heaven Will Be Like? Asks Jackie Bennell

I have always enjoyed attending ‘big army’ events. From the age of about 9 or 10 it has been an annual event to go to the Royal Albert Hall for what was the Bandmaster and Songster Leaders Councils – walking around the building meeting

up with family and friends come rain or shine and then of course enjoying the music. Finding out that the 150 years Celebration was taking place in London 20 minutes walk from where my brother lives (accommodation & parking sorted) it was put in the diary and we would be going. However, we managed to miss getting the tickets apart from some for the new musical - The Covenant on the Saturday afternoon. Not to miss out we decided we would still go up for the weekend and soak up the atmosphere and we would still be able to watch the march on the Sunday. As the event was getting closer more tickets became available and we became aware of pre-congress celebrations. The week-end before we went to hear the Vasa Gospel Choir (Sweden) at Regent Hall, although the number in the congregation was a little disappointing (there were a number of other army events going on at the same time locally) the warmth and enthusiasm in the choirs singing was evident. The fact that they sang and spoke everything in English indicated how much preparation had taken place. The following day we were able to be at a packed Regent Hall again, waiting for the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters and Youth Chorus. There were 60 songsters and approx. 55 in the youth chorus, as you can imagine – a wonderful sight and sound. There was a varied programme from lively songs to very thoughtful ones, each group sang on its own and then together. Very personal testimonies were given creating special moments. A highlight for me was the singing of Your Grace Still Amazes Me sung by Barbara Allen (leader of the youth chorus) and her son. I remember Barbara when she lived in the UK, visiting Warrington with Blackpool singing company in 1978 She has obviously continued to use her talents through the years and now encourages young people to do the same. So that was a taster of what Boundless was to offer. I, like many, watched the sessions online and I also had running commentary by text from my brother, who was there every evening - it all seemed very exciting Friends who were congress delegates managed to get us tickets and so we were now able to attend the weekend sessions Having attended two previous International Congresses – 1978 and 1990 I thought I had an idea of what this ‘big do’ was going to be like. I was wrong. The buzz was felt before you arrived as every mode of transport was filled with Salvationists from all over the world making their way to ‘the tent’ as it was often referred to during the congress.

Page 6

The atmosphere was electric, this venue, used for so many events was filled with people of all nations, colourful national costumes, music playing, people chatting, others trying to get to events but waylaid by someone they hadn't seen for years, mobile phones being used to find out where their group was. Is this what heaven will be like? Just being there was itself very special. We went to the session ‘A Youthful Army’ on the Saturday evening – I walked into the O2 arena and …’ Wow!’ was all I thought. I had been there before so it wasn’t the size that amazed me it was that so many people were there. On the stage was a large S. A. crest, which was to be the focus of the evening. Music was provided from young people around the globe, the UK represented by Charlie Green and Phil Cobb. Youth choruses sang, soloists performed all with one purpose, giving praise and thanks to God There were 5 moments of testimony – some individual, one with 3 generations, the final one was the General, his wife and granddaughter – every one spoke of their Christian journey and each one ended with the statement I’m glad I gave my heart to God, are you? After this they each carried a torch to the crest and this was lifted up by a brave man using high wires who lit each star on the crown so by the end of the evening the crest was complete. We left family and friends as they were going home and we made our way to the opposite end of the tent to go to a late night concert given by the New York Staff Band and London Citadel Timbrels. It was a little surreal going to an event immediately following another at that time of night but everyone seemed to be doing it. (The ISS were in another theatre nearby). The standard of playing by the band after a busy tour was the highest and they played with sincerity, their last piece was written by Paul Lovatt-Cooper who in his mid-thirties suffered a stroke. He wrote this piece for the NYSB as a thanks to God for his recovery – it’s based on the words All hail the power of Jesus‘ name. Standing ovation was given to the band and the composer, and although he was not there his mum and other members of his family and friends were. The timbrelists marched in and performed a number of routines – nothing too adventurous but the timing was second to none it was like watching one person playing. They also sang in harmony during the piece when perhaps timbrel playing was not suitable – different, but good, and they obviously enjoyed what they were doing as they smiled all the time unlike some timbrelists, who only smile when they have made a mistake! The evening concluded with the band singing Rock of Ages – a truly special moment where you could have heard a pin drop. Kevin even said it was worth going just to hear the band singing. So at the end of an eventful day we left the theatre and headed for home or so we thought! At almost 11pm I received a text from my brother (who was going home earlier because he was tired) to say they were still at the O2 just having a pizza, yes, that’s right - they’d bumped into friends so we joined them and then helped the waitress clear the table as they were closing. Even at that hour of the day the tent was still buzzing with conversations and people ‘catching up’.

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As always with any event there is always criticism from some and Boundless was no different. Interestingly it was Army people with the negatives – too many things on at the same time, couldn’t get to everything. Music too loud etc etc. However, staff at the O2 and surrounding restaurants said it was one of the best organised events to be held there and were taken aback as to how friendly and helpful everyone was to them and each other. And so Sunday morning came along with the rain and the topic of conversation on the bus was will it stop by the afternoon? We managed to get seats directly facing the stage where the Crest had been replaced by a cross. We watched as this great arena filled up and listened as the ISB played a piece including the melody Come great spirit come. With the help of technology a flame replaced the cross and the ISS sang And you will receive power – this place was alive and the whole congregation sang Send the Fire! He had obviously heard the start of the other conversation and asked me if I was attending the same thing. When I answered yes this led to a discussion as to What we were all about? Was I a member even though I didn't have a uniform on? Who was it for? Why was it based on military jargon? What were we fighting against? and so the questions kept coming. In all my years as I’ve walked around in uniform I have never been asked these questions. It was a challenge and a perfect opportunity to share some of my faith. During the meeting the Order of the Founder was presented to two salvationists in recognition of their service to the army – William Flynn from Pasadena Tabernacle the second was to an Divisional Envoy Iris Jones There were further testimonies, prayers and Bible readings in various languages showing us once again the worldwide army. The General gave his message – he challenged us all in many different ways. One of his dreams of Boundless was that ‘we become a committed, effective and joyful army rooted and confident in the word of God and on its knees ‘ As he continued to speak the tent became a special place to many and whilst Staff Songsters sang Bow the Knee there were prayers of commitment made publicly and also many made as people sat in their seats. . The final song couldn’t be any other than the Founders Song and yes all the verses! I think every visiting section was represented, massed timbrelists filled the arena along with flags as the celebration of 150 years of Gods army came to an end and the people went back out there to continuing serving. It’s amazing that any members of the public other than those connected with the SA managed to get on any form of transport between North Greenwich and Westminster. I think our group got the few non army folk and our journey was full of questions and challenges. My Warrington friend, who was in uniform was asked by a young lady what was going on and so he started explaining to her. There were a number of other uniformed salvationists with us and then there were some, myself included who were ‘normal’ (I use the phrase loosely) and so the other person to be asked a question was …. yes me .