Advent message from the Territorial Leaders 2024

Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main visit Blackpool to explore how The Salvation Army in the town is shining God’s light in the darkness. 

Commissioner Jenine: We travelled to the northwest coast of England to celebrate 140 years of The Salvation Army's faithful service in Blackpool. The Salvation Army has been serving and worshipping here since 1884. That's before the Blackpool Tower was built. 

Commissioner Paul: The celebration started with Messy Church. Messy Church has been such a great addition to our corps programmes across the UK and Ireland. It combines fun, creativity and worship, inviting families to explore faith together in a relaxed way. 

Commissioner Paul: Have they told you what the colours represent? 

Messy Church attendee: The red is representing the blood of Jesus. 

Commissioner Jenine: John and Naomi Clifton are the officers here and they are continuing the good work of supporting people experiencing homelessness and engaging with families in their community. 

Captain John Clifton: This evening we're going to take a journey through the story of Blackpool Citadel. 

Commissioner Paul: On Saturday evening we heard transformational stories from Blackpool's history and we celebrated the opportunities to bring God's light into the darkness of the world. 

Commissioner Jenine: John and Naomi have spent time getting to know the town of Blackpool and at the end of the evening we went out for a walk with John to find out how The Salvation Army are bringing light to their community. 

Commissioner Paul: Blackpool is a tourist hotspot known for its Pleasure Beach, the iconic tower and, of course, the illuminations.  

Commissioner Jenine: But behind the bright lights, there are areas of deprivation. Blackpool has a high rate of homelessness and it has one of the highest rates of alcohol, drug abuse and suicide deaths in the UK. 

Captain John: Housing plays a major factor in the levels of drug and alcohol use, so if the conditions are no good, then people use more. 

Commissioner Paul: What's the corps trying to do to serve the local community? 

Captain John: We're very well known for the homelessness support that we give, so we have a project called the Bridge Project that's been running for over 20 years in the town. And alongside that we also do a lot of support with families, so we run a toddler group for free. 

Commissioner Paul: As leaders of The Salvation Army, one of the joys of our roles as we visit corps around the UK and Ireland is to support the dedicated people working and serving tirelessly, especially during Christmas. We asked John about how he takes time to reflect during Advent. 

Captain John: To be honest, sometimes I do kind of think, ‘OK, that'll come in January once December is out of the way,’ But in all seriousness making sure that our action and the busyness is grounded in my faith. You know, that's when the language of spiritual disciplines becomes really real, because you got to make sure it doesn't get squeezed out. So really, you know, my reading and my study… 

Commissioner Jenine: There's so much going on here and Christmas is a busy time for any corps. It's easy to forget that Advent is about reflecting and waiting.  

Commissioner Paul: Sunday was a time to look back and celebrate 140 years as well as look forward to the season ahead.  

Captain John: Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Blackpool Salvation Army. As we come together to celebrate our 140th anniversary… 

Commissioner Paul: I caught up with Jayne, a retired officer who used to be a soldier at Blackpool. Because of Advent and our approach to celebrating Jesus’ birth, how do you prepare yourself in all that busyness for that? 

Jayne: For me, I always like to get a new Advent reading book every year. So it's the same story, but it's viewed from a different perspective or a different way. It might be familiar verses that we're looking at, but I always try and set aside time just to do that and explore the Christmas story again. I can remember being an officer and getting out of bed one busy Advent period and sort of saying, ‘I don't think I've got anything left to give because we've been so busy.’ But it's making sure that you have that time set aside that you can then give whatever's needed from you to the people that need it. 

Commissioner Paul: Yeah. Well, thank you for all that you do. Even in retirement, you're still busy and we're really grateful for your ministry and the care that you give to those around you. Bless you. 

Jayne: You’re welcome. Thank you. 

Commissioner Jenine: We can find ourselves so engaged in the preparations for others throughout Advent that we don't take time to prepare our own hearts for the joy of Christ's birth. There is a risk that we can rush through this season. We want to encourage you to find moments to pause and reflect on the gift of Jesus coming into our world, bringing light, hope and peace for us all. 

Commissioner Paul: May the everlasting light of Jesus shine on you this Christmas.