IN THE NEWS

U.K. Army Musical Highlights Importance of Community

Belongings, a new musical out of the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, is a heartwarming story set in a Salvation Army thrift shop, and tells the interconnected stories of staff, volunteers and customers sheltering together during a storm. Written by Paul Sharman and Steph Lamplough, assistant directors of the territory’s music and creative arts team, Belongings celebrates the sense of community found in the Army, where people from all walks of life are welcomed and belong.

“The story was inspired by everyday people. I wanted to write something that was driven by strong characters whose stories were authentic so that the audience would see their own loved ones reflected in the people on the stage,” explains Lamplough. “I also wanted to celebrate what The Salvation Army does so well today—community, being among people and being God’s hand to people. ‘Love God, love others’—that’swhat this musical is about.”

The musical, featuring brand new music, had its public première at the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory’s Together 23 conference in 2023, and is set for a United Kingdom tour. 

NEW & NOTABLE

Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things After Death and Loss

BY LEANNE FRIESEN

Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things After Death and Loss is a book by pastor Leanne Friesen that explores the complexities of grief and mourning. Drawing from her personal experience of losing her sister to cancer, Friesen challenges the remark that “time heals all wounds.” According to Friesen, it is impossible to will away grief.

As the executive minister of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, Friesen has studied and preached about bereavement, and thought she knew what it meant to grieve until she experienced it first-hand.

“Grief is everywhere. It is the universal heartbreak that shocks everyone of us. I wrote this book with the hope that it would help anyone facing loss to know their grief is valid,” writes Friesen on her website, leannefriesen.com. “This book is a message to grievers to assure them that all the ways their grief needs room matters. It is also meant to help all of us learn how to give ‘grieving room’ to others, who need space in their lives to mourn.”

Grieving Room highlights the importance of providing space for all aspects of the grieving process, including changing faith, regret, rage and other emotions that accompany loss. Friesen rejects the notion of ever “getting over it,” and offers guidance on what to say and what not to say to those who are grieving. The book also includes reflection questions, practices and prayers that provide practical support to individuals and groups as they navigate this process.

Whether readers are grieving or hoping to better reach those who are, Grieving Room encourages compassion and understanding, so that individuals and communities can create a safe space to “let loss linger.”

Grieving Room is available to purchase on Amazon or direct from the publisher at broadleafbooks.com.

Unveiled Skies: Conquering Emotional Battles

BY JOSEPH ROJAS

In Unveiled Skies: Conquering Emotional Battles, Joseph Rojas, lead singer of the Dove Award-winning Christian rock band Seventh Day Slumber, offers a down-to-earth personal testimony and guide for those facing emotional turmoil. Rojas recounts his own story, including troubles with addiction, crime, depression and thoughts of suicide followed by an encounter with Jesus at his lowest point. Despite the darkness, Rojas’ story serves as an example of the transformative power of faith. Now, he acts as a mentor to others.

“Each chapter serves as a stepping stone, from confronting the depths of loneliness to the liberating act of forgiveness, to the ultimate discovery of one’s worth as intricately crafted by God,” writes Seventh Day Slumber on their Instagram account. “Finding out who you really are might be the coolest part of this whole journey. It’s about digging up the gold that’s been in you from the start, and then sharing it with the world.”

Unveiled Skies will appeal to youth, Christian rock music fans and anyone who is or has ever felt weighed down by loneliness, depression or pain. With his candid story and hopeful message, Rojas empowers and uplifts those facing their own darkness and reminds readers of their worth and identity in Christ.

Unveiled Skies is available to purchase on Amazon or Apple Books.

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