The Salvation Army, Glasgow West

02/09/2026

05/08/2026

Information Information Information...
All activities with the exception of our Tuesday programme, has started back.

Sundays:

Morning Prayers 10.15 am
Morning Worship 11 am
Tea/Coffee Fellowship 12.15 pm

Wednesdays (Fortnightly)

Food Bank 2-3 pm

Fridays (Monthly 1st Friday of the month)

Coffee Morning 10.30 am - 12 pm (Friday 7th August)

You can also find Alex in his street ministry selling the War Cry and Kids Alive:

Thursday Mornings at Anniesland Greggs, Friday Mornings at Byres Road at Starbucks Coffee Shop outside Hillhead Subway and on Saturday Mornings at Partick Greggs.

30/07/2026

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All activities with the exception of Sunday Morning Prayers and Worship are now closed for the Summer Holidays.

SUNDAY 2nd August

No Morning Prayers or Worship at the.hall - instead we are joining together at Major Jim and Margaret's garden for our annual Corps BBQ and time of Worship together.

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WEDNESDAY 5th August

Fortnightly Food Bank re-commences 2-3 pm

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FRIDAY 7th August

Monthly Coffee Morning re-commences 10.30 am - 12pm

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SUNDAY 9th August

10.15 am Morning Prayers
11 am Morning Worship including Retirement Service for Major Wayne Duffy - led by Mr Mitch Menagh, Assistant Secretary for Mission (Territorial Headquarters, United Kingdom and Ireland Territory)
12.15 pm Tea/Coffee Fellowship

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28/07/2026

Sunday Worship was led by out very own Corps Member Major Elaine Turner (Chaplain, Wallace of Campsie and Huntershill Court Lifehouses, HSU)

Elaine focused on the theme of Love and Welcome, using the favourite story of Padidngton Bear.

The Songsters presented 'We Have Peace' and David played 'Such Love' and 'Armadale' during the giving of our tithes and offerings, and as a piano benediction respectively.

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Sermon: Room to Accept One Another

Reflecting the Acceptance We Receive from Christ Jesus

The apostle Paul urges believers to accept one another just as Christ has accepted us. The Greek word Paul uses carries the sense of taking someone to oneself—receiving them, drawing them close, making room for them in your life. It is a word of welcome, warmth, and embrace.

And sometimes the best way to understand this divine welcome is through a story.

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Paddington, the Browns, and the Gospel of Welcome
When Paddington Bear first arrived at the station—confused, lost, and very much not fitting in—the Browns took the initiative. Perhaps Mr Brown wasn’t entirely convinced at first, but something changed. They received Paddington, quirks and all, and made him part of their family.

Their acceptance transformed him.

In a similar way, God receives us with all our quirks, imperfections, and rough edges. He doesn’t wait until we are polished or perfect. He welcomes us with open arms, just as the Browns welcomed Paddington. Their home became a place of belonging; God’s family becomes ours.

Imagine a world where everyone welcomed strangers with that same warmth. A world where kindness was instinctive, hospitality was natural, and love was freely given. That is the world Christ calls us to build.

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Acceptance That Transforms Us
One of my favourite authors once wrote:
“God loves you just the way you are—but He loves you too much to leave you that way.”

Christ’s acceptance is not passive. It is purposeful. He receives us so that we might become more like Him—more gracious, more patient, more loving. His acceptance is both a gift and an invitation.

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Hospitality: Entertaining Angels Without Knowing It
The writer of Hebrews reminds us:
“Do not forget to show hospitality, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

The Greek word for hospitality is philoxenia—literally love of strangers. It is not simply being polite; it is making space for someone who is different, unfamiliar, or unexpected.

Paddington’s arrival in London is a perfect illustration. He was met with kindness from strangers who helped him navigate a world he didn’t understand. Their hospitality changed his life.

And our hospitality can change lives too.

Think of how a simple act of kindness can transform someone’s day. A smile. A conversation. A moment of compassion. These small gestures become reflections of Christ’s love—little sacraments of grace in everyday life.

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Showers of Blessings
We often speak about showers of blessings, but do we recognise them? Do we pause long enough to say thank you? Gratitude itself becomes a form of hospitality—an openness to God’s goodness.

Paddington’s life was changed by the hospitality he received. And so can the lives of those we meet.

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Our Opportunity This Week
This week—and next—we have a remarkable opportunity to share the gospel with those visiting our city. Even though we were denied a stall in the town centre, we still sold out of our resources. We still shared God’s love with those who stopped, listened, and engaged.

And with the Commonwealth Games bringing crowds from across the world, we have the chance to extend Christ’s welcome far beyond Glasgow West. Every conversation, every smile, every act of kindness becomes a seed of grace.

So let us seek out opportunities.
Let us be intentional.
Let us remember that hospitality is not an event—it is a lifestyle.

Show God’s kindness.
Show His welcome.
Show His heart.

And in doing so, you will be blessed.

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Reflection Song
We will now reflect by listening to The Goodness of God, allowing its message to remind us of the faithful, welcoming love that has received us—and now sends us out.

https://youtu.be/y81yIo1_3o8?is=KwS7LPNgZDmpUHf3

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Summary
- Christ calls us to accept one another as He has accepted us.
- The Greek word for “accept” means to take to oneself—to welcome warmly.
- Paddington’s story illustrates how acceptance transforms lives.
- God welcomes us with all our imperfections and invites us to grow into Christlikeness.
- Hebrews teaches that hospitality—philoxenia, love of strangers—may lead us to entertain angels unknowingly.
- Small acts of kindness reflect God’s love and can change lives.
- With visitors arriving for the Commonwealth Games, we have a unique opportunity to show Christ’s welcome.
- Hospitality is a lifestyle of blessing, gratitude, and grace.
- We close by reflecting on God’s goodness through the song The Goodness of God.

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All activities with the exception of Sunday Morning Prayers and Worship are now closed for the Summer Holidays.

SUNDAY 2nd August
No Morning Prayers or Worship - instead we are joining together at Major Jim and Margaret's garden for our annual Corps BBQ and time of Worship together.

WEDNESDAY 5th August
Fortnightly Food Bank re-commences 2-3 pm

FRIDAY 7th August
Monthly Coffee Morning re-commences 10.30 am - 12pm

SUNDAY 9th August
10.15 am Morning Prayers
11 am Morning Worship including Retirement Service for Major Wayne Duffy - led by Mr Mitch Menagh, Assistant Secretary for Mission (Territorial Headquarters, United Kingdom and Ireland Territory)
12.15 pm Tea/Coffee Fellowship

12/07/2026

Major Wayne Duffy led us in worship today under the theme of Atonement.

The Songsters presented "Keep on believing" and David and Seb played "Lord, make Calvary real to me" during the giving of our tihes and offerings.

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Wayne opened up Scripture and The Salvation Army's doctrine to us:

Atonement – What It Takes to Put Something That Is Wrong Right

Introduction:
Atonement is God’s great work of putting right what humanity has put wrong. It is the story of God stepping into our brokenness, our fear, our shame, and our sin—and providing a way back into fellowship with Him. From Genesis to Revelation, God shows Himself as the One who intervenes, rescues, redeems, restores, and reconciles.

Today we explore how God puts wrong things right, and what that means for us as His people.

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1. God’s First Act of Atonement – Genesis 3:21
After Adam and Eve ate the fruit, everything changed. Fear entered the human heart for the first time.

> “I was afraid… I was naked.” (Genesis 3:10)

God asks, “Who told you that?”
Who told you you were naked?
Who told you to be afraid?
Who told you shame was your new identity?

Adam admits the truth. Sin is confessed. And then—before any human attempt to fix the situation—God acts.

> “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21)

This is the first sacrifice in Scripture.
The first shedding of blood.
The first covering of human shame.

God provides what humanity cannot provide for itself.
God intervenes.
God puts right what has gone wrong.

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2. God the Redeemer – Exodus 6:6–7
God continues His work of atonement throughout history. To His people in Egypt He says:

> “I will free you from your slavery… I will redeem you with mighty acts of judgment… I will make you my own people, and I will be your God.”

Redemption always costs something.
Freedom always requires a price.
Atonement always involves God stepping in with power and grace.

In Egypt, God redeemed His people from physical slavery.
In Christ, God redeems His people from spiritual slavery—the slavery of sin.

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3. God the Son – The Obedient Saviour
Jesus is the One who completes the work of atonement. Fully obedient in life, fully obedient in death.

Listen to His words:

> “I lay down my life… No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” (John 10:17–18)

Atonement is not something done to Jesus.
It is something Jesus willingly does for us.

He gives His all.
He gives it freely.
He gives it lovingly.

The Challenge
If Jesus gave His all to save people,
are we willing to give our all to help God in His saving work?

The Father’s gift and the Son’s loving response bridge the separation between us and God.
Atonement restores relationship.

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4. A Story About Bridges
I remember being on a Scouts and Cubs camp years ago. Some of you will remember it well. There was one lad—no names mentioned—who simply could not follow instructions. I must have told them a dozen times:

“Don’t jump the stream. Use the bridge.”

Of course, he jumped.
Of course, he fell in.

Later, I found them laying tree offcuts across the stream to build their own bridge because they couldn’t be bothered walking back to the proper one. And do you know what? They actually crossed it.

Sometimes people try to build their own bridges to God.
Their own solutions.
Their own attempts at fixing life.

But only one bridge truly reconciles us to God:
the cross of Jesus Christ.

Atonement is God’s bridge-building work—His way of bringing us home.

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5. Images of Atonement in the New Testament
There is no single picture that fully explains the atonement. Instead, Scripture gives us several rich images that together reveal its depth.

a) Ransom – Mark 10:45
> “The Son of Man came… to give His life as a ransom for many.”

In the ancient world, a ransom was the price paid to free a slave.
We were enslaved to sin.
Jesus paid the price.
Our freedom is costly—Christ paid it in full.

b) Law Court – Penalty Paid
Breaking God’s law has consequences.
Jesus steps into the courtroom and takes our penalty upon Himself.

c) Sacrifice – Isaiah 53
> “He was pierced for our transgressions… crushed for our iniquities.”

Christ becomes the once-for-all sacrifice that restores fellowship with God.

d) Redemption – Ephesians 1:7
> “He is so rich in kindness that He purchased our freedom through the blood of His Son.”

Redemption is God buying us back from the power of sin.

e) Victory – Colossians 2:13–15
Christ’s sacrifice is victory over sin, death, and the powers of evil.
His victory becomes our victory.

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6. Death and New Life
Yes, we will all die physically. That sounds grim, but for the Christian it is also a beginning—an everlasting life with our Heavenly Father.

The ultimate death—the consequence of unforgiven sin—has no power over the believer.

> “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

We cannot experience the fullness of this new life yet, but it is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit living within us.

John writes:

> “We are already God’s children… but we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

This is our hope.
This is our future.
This is the fruit of atonement.

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7. God’s Unconditional Love
The atonement is God’s act of unconditional love.
Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve.
Mercy is God withholding what we do deserve.

God is constantly drawing people to Himself.
But responding is an act of free will.

In the atonement we see:

- the generosity of God
- the gravity of sin
- the joy of salvation
- the hope of eternal life

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8. Reflection
Before we listen to our reflective song, “The Key to the Vaults of Heaven” from Whistle Down the Wind, let me frame it for us.

The song speaks of darkness growing in the world—something we recognise today. Yet it also speaks of hope, of keys that unlock heaven’s help, heaven’s wisdom, heaven’s intervention.

The message is simple:
Even in darkness, God provides a way.
Even in confusion, God offers clarity.
Even in sin, God offers atonement.

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Conclusion
Atonement is God’s work of putting right what has gone wrong.
He covers our shame.
He redeems our slavery.
He pays our ransom.
He bears our penalty.
He wins our victory.
He restores our relationship.
He gives us eternal life.

And He invites us to join Him in His saving work.

May we respond with gratitude, obedience, and love.

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All activities with the exception of Sunday Morning Prayers and Worship are now closed for the Summer Holidays.

SUNDAYS 19th & 26th July
10.15 am Morning Prayers
11 am Morning Worship - led by Major Elaine Turner (Chaplain, Wallace of Campsie, HSU and Corps Member)
12.15 pm Tea/Coffee Fellowship

SUNDAY 2nd August
No Morning Prayers or Worship - instead we are joining together at Major Jim and Margaret's garden for our annual Corps BBQ and time of Worship together.

28/06/2026

04/06/2026

Due to unforseen circumstances our next Monthly Coffee Morning due to take place tomorrow Fri 5th June, is CANCELLED.

Our next Coffee Morning will be Friday 3rd July 10.30am-12pm and we look forward to seeing you all then.