Did You Know...
Anyone even marginally familiar with Salvation Army history knows that music played an integral part in the early foundation and
growth of the movement. But what many people don't know is that the Army also has always made use of whatever
modern means were available to help spread their message. As an example, the story goes that the founder,
General William Booth, bought one of the first automobiles ever sold, not because he wanted a quicker way to get around,
but because he knew it would attract attention, which he could then use to spread the Gospel. About a month ago,
the US Western Territory's Territorial Youth Department managed to continue both traditions at once, when they launched
a new music site called Saytunes (www.saytunes.com). The brainchild of Karl Larsson and Fulton Hawk, Saytunes is a free site
that allows visitors to listen to and download music from fellow Salvationists and other Christians around the world. Even further,
it enables anyone with a microphone and a song in their heart to upload their recording to the site, thereby exposing
it to a truly global audience. Visitors can view lyrics, artist’s profiles, and even vote on their favorite tracks, all for free.
But what makes Saytunes especially exciting is that it provides everyone an equal opportunity to listen and be heard.
Regardless of your own sense of musical taste, you’re sure to find something to your satisfaction, from traditional Army hymns,
to the latest genres of house and rap. And for those who might be uncomfortable with the prospect of such modern means
being used for ministry, they should be reminded of the story of the general’s car, and that the brass music that’s such a huge
part of the rich heritage of the Army was first adopted because it too was the style of theday.
You can find Saytunes at:
http://www.saytunes.com
The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London, England
is in a new building on the same site that the Army has used for its headquarters since 1881?
Click here to view a list of the officer's moves.
That the General has declared 2005 to be the
Year of Children & Youth
for The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army in Canada is implementing a new change of appointment process for officers.
Below is a summary of what will occur with that change.
This information comes from the office of the Divisional Commander:
- All officers will be expected to remain in their appointments for a minimum of five years,
with the preference being for much longer stays in appointments.
There will always be some circumstances that will necessitate "out of sequence" moves.
- Beyond five years in an appointment, commitments to remain in the current appointment
will be in two year increments. The officer, together with corps leaders, will create a
carefully designed action plan with goals and objectives for the two year period.
- In the annual appointment process, the names appearing on the DC's list for discussion
will be those in their 5, 7, 9, etc. years in their appointments.
For those officers/corps affected by the above, the following process is in place:
- Discussion between the Divisional Commander and the Corps Officer.
- The Divisional Commander will meet with the Pastoral Care Board.
The purpose of the discussion is to help the DC to familiarize himself with the corps profile,
special building projects and other important information regarding corps/programs.
- This does not mean that the Pastoral Care board can vote an officer out of
his/her appointment or select an officer to replace the current one.
What the process aims to do is to work out some of the logistics
that affect the corps and the officer should he/she remain in an appointment for an
additional increment of two years or leave for another appointment.
The issue of same sex marriage is a topic that is before the courts and
is currently being debated in Parliament. Through the Army's official voice in Ottawa,
the Office of the Director of Government Relations, the Territorial Commissioner has
been in communication with all MP's on this matter.
Any petitions and/or press releases with the Army's name on it will come from that office.
For those of you not aware of the Army's position on this matter, it is as follows:
We believe that the relationship between a man and a woman
is the most stable and enduring relationship within society, something
which extends beyond the Christian community.
We are concerned that those in other froms of close personal and
familial relationships not be victims of discrimination or unfair treatment.
However, these items should be addressed without redefining the
institution of marriage. Any future legislation should be accompanied
by appropriate measures to ensure that religious institutions not be required
to solemnize unions contrary to their doctrines and teachings.
Now it is possible to be a lay Salvationist and serve as a Lieutenant for a three year term with
The Salvation Army in Canada. The service of Lieutenants is that of a spiritual leader who holds
a spiritual office in The Salvation Army ministering the Gospel.
More details can be obtained from the Corps Officers.
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