New Bridgwater leaders keen to provide community support

The new leaders of the Salvation Army church in Bridgwater have thanked members for the welcome they have received.

Lieutenants Heather and Jonathan Culshaw, along with their daughter Ella, 13, and son Noah, nine, took up their new appointment just over a month ago. They were recently commissioned as Salvation Army officers, spending two years at the William Booth Training College in London prior to their move.

Before training, the family lived in Lincolnshire for over 15 years. Heather worked as a Community Manager for The Salvation Army and Jonathan spent 28 years teaching and leading in secondary education.

Heather said the family have been warmly welcomed by the corps (church).

She said: “I would like to thank them for their kind words and support during this time of transition. We are excited to be part of the Bridgwater community and are keen to build on the mission already underway, as well as establish new links with others in Bridgwater.”

Heather is particularly keen to share her passion for creativity and pastoral care. Jonathan’s focus will be on discipleship and vision of the corps.

Jonathan said the pandemic has meant that the weekly programme has not yet restarted, but this is being reviewed.

He explained: “It is a priority to keep everyone as safe as possible, particularly as the number of cases remains high. The Leadership Team are actively looking at ways to reintroduce existing activities and set up new ones as safely and as soon as they can.

Heather is particularly keen to share her passion for creativity and pastoral care. Jonathan’s focus will be on discipleship and vision of the corps.

Jonathan said the pandemic has meant that the weekly programme has not yet restarted, but this is being reviewed.

He explained: “It is a priority to keep everyone as safe as possible, particularly as the number of cases remains high. The Leadership Team are actively looking at ways to reintroduce existing activities and set up new ones as safely and as soon as they can.

“Sunday Worship has recommenced, and it has been wonderful to see the impact this has had in such a short space of time. Everyone is encouraged to continue wearing face coverings, use hand sanitiser, comply with social distancing, and complete the Track and Trace form for the time being.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the Bridgwater Salvation Army on Moorland Road for Sunday Worship. The meeting starts at 10.30am.

You can contact the Lieutenants by calling 01278 445682, 07825 264677 or by emailing Bridgwater@salvationarmy.org.uk

For more information, go to www.salvationarmy.org.uk/bridgwater