Faith news: Sing-along marks Salvation Army’s new store opening

Sing-along marks Salvation Army’s new store opening

Hemel Hempstead’s latest charity shop has opened its doors to the sound of a brass band.

The new Salvation Army store at 207 Marlowes was opened by the organisation’s divisional commander Paul Main, who conducted a traditional blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 21.

The Hemel Hempstead Salvation Army’s brass band members played a number of well-known songs, which encouraged singing from passers by.

Store manager Julie Wardley said: “It’s wonderful to receive such a positive response.

“Despite the uncertain weather conditions, our opening ceremony drew a wonderful crowd of people, and the shop was busy from opening to closing.

“We know the support for The Salvation Army’s cause is very strong across the UK, and it’s obviously no exception here in Hemel Hempstead.”

A volunteer event run by the charity last week saw four people from the area sign up to help run the shop, and there have since been more enquiries.

A number of the nearby Salvation Army corps church also attended the grand opening.

The centre on Waterhouse Street, held a cake sale in celebration of the new shop, as well as to launch its brand new café menu and extended opening hours.

Lt Marie Burr, corps officer or church leader at the Salvation Army’s Hemel Hempstead base, said: “It’s been a fantastic day with the launch of the charity shop just down the road from us – I’m delighted that several of our church members have signed up to volunteer for the shop.

“It’s also been great to tie in the re-launch of our café menu and cake sale which will support the work that The Salvation Army does with and for those who are vulnerable or in need in the local community.”

Kings Langley Methodists support work of the Leprosy Mission

The Methodist Church in Kings Langley will be celebrating the work of the

Leprosy Mission over the weekend of November 15 and 16.

On the Saturday, from 10amto 1pm, there will be a coffee morning and sale including cakes and Christmas gifts.

Everyone is invited to take a break from their Saturday chores to share in a cuppa and find some bargains.

On the Sunday at 10am, our service will be led jointly by our Minister, Rev Derek McLean, and Trevor Grant, who is the Regional Co­ordinator for TheLeprosy Mission.

Every £28 we raise means that someone can be cured of this dreadful disease, so do support us if you can ­ in this case, every little bit really does count.

Service for the bereaved at All Saints Berkhamsted

A special service for those who have been bereaved was held at All Saints Church in Berkhamsted in October. Anyone who had lost a loved one, even many years ago, was invited to join in the service of remembrance and quiet reflection.

Christian Viewpoint

As a Christian, it’s easy to forget about God. We can go to church every Sunday and pray at dinner and, maybe, even go to Bible study groups, but it’s difficult to build a close relationship with God unless you make him a part of your lifestyle. In little, day-to-day decisions, we can grow closer to God by helping people out when they need it, or trying to cheer someone up when they’re feeling down. The Bible states that when we are kind to someone, we are being kind to God; when we help someone, we are helping God and, in this way, we can become closer to Him.

Charis Dussek, Year 11, The Hemel Hempstead School South Hill Church