Newark Salvation Army

18/06/2026

🌟 Throwback Thursday: Did You Know the Story Behind Strawberry Field? 🌟

Most people know Strawberry Fields Forever as one of The Beatles' most iconic songs, but did you know the real Strawberry Field has a remarkable history rooted in helping vulnerable young people?

The original Victorian house and grounds were gifted to The Salvation Army in 1934 and opened as a children's home in 1936. For almost 70 years, it provided a safe, caring, and supportive environment for some of Liverpool's most vulnerable children.

One of the young visitors to the grounds was a boy named John Lennon. Long before Beatlemania, he would spend time playing and finding peace in the Strawberry Field gardens, escaping the challenges of post-war life. Those childhood memories would later inspire the famous song Strawberry Fields Forever, forever linking this special place with music history.

Today, Strawberry Field continues its mission of transforming lives. The site now provides training, work experience, and employment opportunities for young people with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment. It also welcomes visitors through its exhibition, café, beautiful gardens, and spaces for reflection and spiritual renewal.

What makes Strawberry Field truly special is that its purpose has remained the same: giving young people the support, opportunities, and encouragement they need to thrive.

💬 Have you ever visited Strawberry Field, or do you have a connection to The Salvation Army's work with children and young people?

Here, in Newark and Balderton, The Salvation Army is committed to giving young people the support, opportunities, and encouragement they need to thrive. Perhaps you could help us achieve this? How do you think we can best invest in the next generation? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas in the comments—we'd love to hear from you.

18/06/2026

17/06/2026

War, persecution and violence can all lead to someone becoming a refugee.

As a Christian church and charity, we believe we should ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ and if someone’s in need we do what we can to help. ❤️

The Salvation Army has a long and rich history of supporting refugees, spanning 130 years.

Today, there are 117.3 million displaced people* and The Salvation Army is playing its part in meeting the needs of this often very vulnerable group.
*Stat correct as of end of 2025

Swipe to see when we have helped refugees over time


17/06/2026

This week's 🎵Hump Day Hymn 🎵is "The Long Way" by Natalie Layne, chosen by Naomi in loving memory of her dad.

Naomi shared:

"My dad was a keen believer in taking the scenic route and enjoying the view along the way. As a mercurial and complex man, this song reminds me that whatever plans we set in our minds, we should enjoy the journey God gifts us. ‘The scenic route,’ as my dad would say, often holds our most precious memories when we look back. It's the peace in between the impatience of life."

What a beautiful reminder that God's timing and guidance are perfect, even when the path takes unexpected turns.

The song's lyrics capture this so wonderfully:

"Take me down the long way
If that's where I'm meant to be
Take me down the back roads, God
You know what's best for me
You're with me every moment
Even the ones I wouldn't choose
Take me down the long way
If the long way leads to You."

Today, we also give thanks to God for Naomi. We are so grateful for her joyful spirit, compassionate heart, and faithful service within our church family. Through her leadership of our Connections Café team, her work as a Youth Worker at our 100% Youth Club, her involvement in Signs of Praise, and her enthusiastic worship through singing and signing, both on a Sunday and at Tuesday's Prayers, Naomi is a wonderful blessing to us all.

May this 🎵Hump Day Hymn 🎵 encourage us to trust God's leading, cherish the journey, and remember that He walks beside us every single step of the way. ❤️

https://youtu.be/nsGWbRh1Iq0?si=pTnZyMGt0LoPrLcv

The Long Way by Natalie Layne

17/06/2026

Spirit of the living God, draw me close and shape me into the likeness of Jesus. Clothe me with power from on high and fill me with courage. As I step into this day, send me as your witness wherever I may go. Amen

(Prayer of Approach - Lectio365)

16/06/2026

What a wonderful day we've shared today at The Salvation Army!

We began with Connections Café, enjoying the opportunity to meet the new people who arrived, strengthen friendships with our regular visitors, and see children and adults alike having fun and enjoying one another's company. The café was filled with warmth, laughter, and a real sense of community.

We then shared a delicious salad lunch with some of our amazing Connections Café volunteers who stayed with us while waiting for Signs of Praise, our sign language choir, in the afternoon.

Signs of Praise was another highlight of the day, as we spent time learning British Sign Language together, encouraging one another, and developing new skills in a welcoming and supportive environment. We also started learning our new signed song - Shine, Jesus Shine.

Today has been a wonderful reminder of the blessing of community. I am so thankful to God for our dedicated volunteers, everyone who visited us today, and the local community that makes days like this so special.

14/06/2026

‘God is someone who doesn't let us down. He has incredible plans for us, and when we seek him, he answers. That's why we trust him.’
Join Grace Moir (Regent Hall) as she reminds us to seek and trust in the Lord, even when the path ahead feels impossible (Proverbs 3:1-10).

Link in the comments.

14/06/2026

We are called to love God and love others.

In the Bible, we read that Jesus has ‘…committed to us the message of reconciliation.’ In other words, through Jesus, God has welcomed us into his family and into loving relationships with one another.

Alongside our welcome of the stranger comes a need to bring divided communities together. As strangers become friends, misunderstanding gives way to empathy, and fear melts away.

12/06/2026

🤝 We’re proud to work in partnership with our friends at St Giles Church, Groups and Events serving and supporting the young people in our local community. 💙

🎉 Our 100% Youth Group meets every week, except during the week that St Giles runs their Youth Club. Many of our young people enjoy attending both groups, giving them even more opportunities to connect, grow, and have fun in a safe and welcoming environment. 🙌

😊 If you’re looking for a place where your child can make friends, build confidence, and be encouraged, we’d love to welcome them.

✨ Come as you are – leave inspired! ✨
📅 We look forward to seeing you there!

Are you secondary school age and looking for something to do tonight? Why not try our church youth club which meets monthly in our community hall? Come as you are - leave inspired !

12/06/2026