Blackburn Salvation Army

06/09/2026

Two photos of our worship together at St Paul’s Church this morning.

Our theme “Two households, One Lamb”

02/09/2026

We are finally able to confirm that, as from September 6th, we will be resuming weekly meetings at St Paul's Methodist Church, Higher Audley Street, Blackburn commencing at 10.30am. Our first meeting on September 6th will be led by Major Steve Fripp (DHQ)

We hope to see you there.

30/08/2026

🌉 FOOD FOR THOUGHT | WHO WILL YOU BUILD A BRIDGE TO?

Think about Two shores.
A wide river between them.
And bridges making a way across.

But what about the gaps that exist in our own lives?

A friendship that has gone quiet.
A family disagreement that has lasted too long.
Someone we keep meaning to check on.
A person we struggle to understand.
A distance between ourselves and God.

It is easy to stay safely on our side of the divide.

Jesus calls us to something different.

📖 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

A bridge has to reach both sides.

Perhaps following Jesus sometimes looks exactly like that, being willing to reach across the gap. To listen before judging. To forgive when it is difficult. To speak when silence is easier. To show kindness when we could simply walk away.

And that is exactly what God has done for us.

📖 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

Through Jesus, God built the bridge we could never build ourselves.

So next time you look across a river and see those bridges stretching from shore to shore, remember:

You never know what might happen when somebody is brave enough to build a bridge.

🌉 Who could you reach out to today?
❤️ What relationship could you begin to repair?
🙏 What would it look like to take one step towards God?

Maybe today, instead of building another wall, we could build a bridge.

27/08/2026

Heavenly Father,

We lift up Nepal and Tibet (China) to you today as the nations face these devastating floods. We pray for everyone who has lost a loved one, a home, or their livelihood. Comfort those who are grieving, protect those in danger, and provide for those in need. We also pray for the international visitors to the region who have lost their lives or are missing.

Your Word says, 'The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.'
📖 Psalm 34:18

Lord, strengthen the rescue teams and all who are serving. Bring healing, hope, and peace to the people of Nepal and Tibet (China). May your presence be with every family and community affected.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

23/08/2026

What does your favourite song/hymn say about you today?

🎶 A SONG FOR EVERY SEASON 🎶

📖 Hebrews 8:12 brings a particularly challenging thought:

“I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

We often hear the words “forgive and forget”, but how often do we truly let go? Sometimes the person who hurt us has moved on while we’re still carrying the resentment. We are challenged to consider what God’s forgiveness teaches us about releasing the hurts we continue to hold.

We can also reflect on David’s life. Following God doesn’t mean everything suddenly becomes easy. David knew joy and victory, but also failure, pain and difficult seasons. That’s a much more realistic picture of faith, not a promise of an easy life, but the assurance of a faithful God who remains with us through it all.

🎵 what a blessing music is! We are fortunate in The Salvation Army to have songs so deeply rooted in Scripture, with words for almost every season of life, celebration, sorrow, uncertainty, prayer, commitment and hope.

Sometimes a song says what our own words cannot.

🙏 As we enter a new week, may we know God’s forgiveness, find grace to let go of what we’re carrying and trust His faithfulness through every season.

🙏. What song are you singing today?

19/08/2026

From the Secretary for Communications

What did you make of the partial solar eclipse last week? I’ve heard a range of opinions from the amazed to the underwhelmed. I suspect your reaction may have much to do with your own expectations about what it would be like beforehand.

Two things really stood out for me. Firstly, I enjoyed the collective moment – people standing together on cliffs, hilltops and buildings to get the best view, some with colanders in hand! It was a collective experience - all of us in it together, experiencing something celestial. Secondly, I had this sense of something taking place that was far bigger than myself. It was a reminder that I’m only a minute entity in an infinite universe and had absolutely no control over what was happening. I found it humbling – in a good way.

It is generally very easy and natural to centre ourselves in daily life, as if the whole world revolves around us. For a moment the eclipse put us in a more honest place where we realised just how teeny-tiny we are. Yet, the Bible tells us that God knows and loves every single one of us. Now that’s mind-blowing!
Every blessing,
Lieut-Colonel Nick Coke
Secretary for Communications

18/08/2026

16/08/2026

On this Sunday morning, wherever you worship. A question for you.

☕️WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES MY FAITH MAKE ON A MONDAY MORNING? ☕

📖 Through Matthew 25:31–40 and Philippians 4:16, we can explore one simple but challenging question:

What difference does my faith make on a Monday morning?

Jesus reminds us that faith isn’t just for Sunday. It should shape how we see people, how we treat them and how we respond to those around us.

And making a difference doesn’t always require something huge. Sometimes it begins with simply noticing:

❤️ One person

💬 One conversation

🙏 One prayer

🤝 One act of kindness

👂 One opportunity to listen

That’s where Sunday faith becomes Monday faith.

As we head into a new week, we pray that God gives us eyes to see, hearts that care and courage to act, and that through the way we live, others might catch a glimpse of Jesus.

What difference will meeting with Jesus today make to the way we live tomorrow?