The Salvation Army as a church follows many of the teachings of Methodism, since the Army’s founder, William Booth, was a former Methodist minister. Belief in Jesus Christ as Savior guides their evangelistic message and their wide spectrum of ministries. They profess a life of holiness and service to God and others, so that one’s life becomes a living sacrament to God.

Worship Service – In the Salvation Army Church, worship services, or meetings, are relatively informal and do not have a set order. They are usually led by a Salvation Army officer, although a lay member may also lead and give the sermon. Music and singing always play a large part, along with prayers and perhaps a Christian testimony.
Salvation Army Church officers are ordained, licensed ministers and perform weddings, funerals, and baby dedications, in addition to providing counseling and administering social service programs.

Corps community centers are the focus of the spiritual work and are organized in a military manner, using military terms throughout. The corps building is sometimes known as the “citadel.” The pastor serves as an “officer.” Members are “soldiers.” This sphere of activity is known as the “field.” Instead of joining The Salvation Army, members are “enrolled” after signing the “Articles of War.” When officers and soldiers die, they are “Promoted to Glory.”

Soldiers are disciples of Jesus Christ and are expected to accept responsibility in the work of The Salvation Army. Whenever possible, they participate in Army meetings. Soldiers may teach Sunday-school classes, play musical instruments, join the band, assist the corps officer in visitation among the poor and sick, or aid in general social work. Soldiers abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs and tobacco.

For all services locally visit: www.BirminghamSalvationArmy.org

While every disaster is unique and creates its own special needs, the core of The Salvation Army’s disaster program consists of several basic services. And while these services address many of the typical needs of a disaster survivor, Salvation Army disaster relief is also flexible. Our services are adapted to the specific needs of individuals and communities and scalable according to the magnitude of the disaster.

Phases:

PHASE 1    Emergency Preparedness

Plan ahead-We maintain our infrastructure of vehicles and personal 24/7/365. We are also 

vigilant watchers of current events.

Disaster Training-We constantly train personal to respond to crisis events.

 PHASE 2    Immediate Response

Emergency Communication-We have a national HAM radio network that operates without the need of modern technology that is normally destroyed during disasters. Our system helps coordinate people to get to the heart of affected areas. Then we provide:

• Food & Hydration Services
• Emergency Shelter
• Spiritual Support
• Initial Clean up

PHASE 3    Long-term Recovery

Restoration and Rebuilding

Disaster Social Service

Donation Management

National Salvation Army Week May 13-17, 2013 – Serving the greater Birmingham area since 1899

Our canteen or “mobile kitchen” will be offering FREE coffee tomorrow morning in front of Birmingham city hall. Come on by and have a cup on us. Thank you for your support!!

To The Salvation Army, National Salvation Army week is a time for us to thank all of our generous donors and volunteers who allow us to accomplish all that we do. Without their support, we would not be able to provide the wide array of programs and services that include: food for the hungry, gifts and counsel to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance to the disabled, early childhood learning centers, camping programs for youth, seniors and veterans and much more, 365 days a year.

It all started during Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency. He loved The Salvation Army and what they stood for. “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of all.” -D.Eisenhower

The week of November 18 – December 4, 1954 was declared by the United Stated Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the first National Salvation Army Week. Today, the dates have changed, but the work of The Salvation Army that was recognized has not – to serve those in need without discrimination.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps over 8,000 children annually in the greater Birmingham area. Thanks to the partnership with our community, corporations such as Alabama Power and businesses like Selwood Farms, we are able to fulfill that need every year.

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will host a fundraiser luncheon to purchase school uniforms and supplies for children we serve in the greater Birmingham area May 22, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Vestavia Country Club. Doors open at 10 a.m. where there will be a buy-it-now & silent auction for donated items. Up for bid will be purses, jewelry and gift certificates from area businesses. Lunch will start at 11:30 a.m. and then Nashville singer and songwriter Leah Faith (Pictured) will perform award winning music for those in attendance. “We are so happy to have a well-known performer help those in need,” says auxiliary captain Kathy Parker. “Her music is a reflection of her love for Jesus and people.”

The Salvation Army serves hundreds of children in our area. Every year is a struggle to meet their school supply needs. Experience has shown that it works much better to use funds to purchase exactly what is needed, rather than collecting items that only fill part of that need. This fundraiser hopes to accomplish that. “I am always looking for ways to help,” says Leah Faith. “Proceeds from this event can help in many ways. Buy a purse, help a child, it’s that simple.” Plus you get to hear an incredible voice and meet a wonderful lady. Tickets are $35 and will go fast. To reserve yours call (205) 328-2420 ext. 214 or make out a check to SAWA and send it to: P.O. Box 11005, Birmingham, AL 35202. Please list any names of those you would like to be seated with. The check will serve as your reservation.

Leah Faith has been writing and performing since she was very young. Leah recorded her first album, Breaking Free in 2007. During the process of developing Breaking Free, Leah discovered her voice to combine messages and songs together leading her to launch Amazing Grace Ministries. In her ministry, Leah uses songs from her first album, Girl in the Mirror, Amazing and Faith, to reach young ladies every month at the Chalkville Detention Center in Chalkville, Alabama. She also volunteers as a mentor/counselor at her local Crisis Pregnancy Center and works with potter/teacher, Kim Swafford, to combine the principles of pottery with music for a heartfelt message, Potter and The Clay. Her mission is that all can know Jesus and be set free.

Come out and enjoy a stroll through Aldridge Gardens Wednesday April 24, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. for our Women’s Auxiliary membership drive. You will have the opportunity to meet current members and learn all that is offerred by becoming a member of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Great food, fellowship, fun and flowers! Aldridge Gardens is located at 3520 Lorna Rd in Hoover. For more information call 205-328-2420 ext. 214.

The Birmingham Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary has over 600 members; it has great support and is among the largest in the world. “The Birmingham Auxiliary continues to thrive,” says current Auxiliary President Nancy Warden. “The Salvation Army is highly respected in our area which enables membership recruiting and opens many doors enhancing our fundraising and volunteerism.” Seen by many as the leaders of Christmas programs such as Angel Tree, the Auxiliary is a part of the entire range of assistance provided by the local Area Command. Members participate in arts  & crafts, fundraising, culinary pursuits and many other wonderful volunteer programs. “They are an extraordinary group of ladies,” says auxiliary captain Kathy Parker. “They assist with needs at the local Adult Rehabilitation Center, veterans, seniors and all community outreach programs. In addition to our appointed five Standing Committees, we have an additional 27 Committees. They are talented, professional and most of all a loving group of ladies.”

Members envision a future with many more opportunities to serve others. “Our present membership still has the passion and dedication of the founders to meet the needs of others in the name of Christ through our fundraising and volunteerism,” says Nancy Warden. “They are finding personal joy and having fun as we all serve the many programs of the Salvation Army.”

In 1962, 40 women gathered for a doll show, hoping to raise money to help local children. They featured figurines used for distribution to little girls in area hospitals. It was very popular and raised enough funds to buy gifts for boys as well. Thus began the development of a committed community of women that would become the largest Women’s Auxiliary in the world. Under the direction of Mrs. Major Houston Ellis, the city commander’s wife, this organization grew to over 1,300 members. A clear purpose for these women began to immerge that same year when The Salvation Army took over the Mercy Home. It became housing for the homeless and the hub of all Army activities in the Birmingham area. It was evident plenty of needs would have to be met. To secure a strong Auxiliary for the future, their primary purpose became fundraising and volunteer services. Mrs. David Roberts, III served as the first President and had tremendous support from Divisional leaders Colonel and Mrs. Frank Longino, as well as Area Commanders Major and Mrs. Houston Ellis.

Ever Brighter-Ever Higher-Ever On!~  The third-annual Roxanne Adams blood drive was April 6, 2013 at the Gardendale Civic Center from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Salvation Army is proud to have been a sponsor of this event that hoped to collect 100 units of blood for LifeSouth to distribute in our area. Each unit has the capability of saving three lives. Everyone that showed up and donated blood received a hot dog, chips, tea and homemade cookies. There was music featuring Andrew Wolfe, Cheyloe Martin and Tommy-Scott&George. The day  culminated around 5 p.m. by releasing balloons in honor of Roxanne. Her mother Lisa, an employee here at The Salvation Army, is excited to see the growth of this event. “The first year we collected 19 units,” explains Lisa. “Last year we had 53, and this year we are confident we will collect 100 units of blood.”

At 17, Roxanne Adams battled a mysterious disease that required many blood transfusions to keep her alive. She had spent most of the year between the age of 16 and 17 in one hospital or another. So when asked what she wanted for her 17th birthday, she said she didn’t want any gifts or money. She said her gift was complete, she was still alive and with her mother, family and friends. Instead, Roxanne asked everyone that would be capable and willing, to please make at least one blood donation on her birthday, but it was only two weeks away. So from her hospital room, armed with her cellphone and a legion of friends, she did most of the work organizing the drive and researching facts on blood donations. Her last selfless act on this earth saved many lives. Roxanne Adams passed away seven weeks after the blood drive, but her gift of life for others will live forever.

To read Roxanne’s powerfully written letters, learn more about her and this event and to read about how her mother came up with the slogan Ever Brighter, Ever Higher & Ever On– CLICK HERE.

To see pictures of past blood drives and Roxanne, CLICK HERE.

LifeSouth will have two mobile units and a full staff to handle the crowd. The Salvation Army mobile kitchen will also be there to help get the food ready. Thank you to Milo’s for donating the tea, to LifeSouth for donating the hot dogs and the staff, and to the city of Gardendale for donating the space. The Gardendale Civic Center is located at 970 Main St. in  Gardendale, AL.

If you can’t make it to the event from 11am until 6pm, maybe you live out of town or are just not able to make it for whatever reason, you can still give. Just go to any LifeSouth location and donate during the month of April. Mention you would like to give in memory of Roxanne Adams and they will add your total blood given to the total collected April 6th!

Not all About the Money

                            Meet Brandy Crumly, our new Director of Development with The Birmingham Salvation Army. Born and raised in Odenville and a graduate of UAB, she and her husband Jonathon enjoy all that Birmingham offers for them and their two children Cohen, 2 and Maddie, 5. “I love the south and the customs locally,” Brandy shared. “It’s a great place to raise a family and grow friendships.” She has a lot of experience growing relationships. She comes to us after a seven year stint with United Way as their major gift director, and most recently in development with The Jimmie Hale Mission just down the street. She says there are many similarities between all nonprofits in our area. “We are lucky that these organizations are all here, “she says. “They pick people up, dust them off and offer dignity and a new life to so many.”

Now with her focus on our efforts, she sees a lot of opportunity for the community to give back. “When we help these clients, we are helping our community at large,” Brandy explains. “Once back on their feet, they get jobs, purchase goods and services, buy homes and contribute their story of hope to those in the same position.”
Brandy has been impressed with the tenure of employees here at The Salvation Army, saying it makes her feel good about working here. Her job requires solicitation of donors, but it’s not all about the money. “Sure, we need the money that’s a reality,” she says. “But we do so many things and I want to shed light on all that we do here at The Salvation Army.” She understands people know we help after a tornado and during Christmas, but she wants to bring awareness to all that is offered to those in need.
We welcome Brandy and all her experience brings to our family here at The Salvation Army and the community.

Archie Manning, former NFL quarterback and father of two Super Bowl winning quarterbacks, will be the guest speaker for The Salvation Army 2013 annual dinner tomorrow night March 12, 2013. There will be a VIP reception with Mr. Manning starting at 5:30 p.m. at The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. It will be followed by dinner at 7 p.m. at the BJCC South Hall. For table and ticket information please visit: http://www.birminginghamsalvationarmy.org. All proceeds benefit the many programs of The Salvation Army.

Archie Manning was born May 19, 1949, in Drew, Mississippi. He attended the University of Mississippi where he was named an All-American Quarterback and had his number retired. He was voted Mississippi’s Greatest All-Time Athlete in 1992, and was named Mississippi’s Most Popular Athlete of the Century. He was elected to the 50-Year All-South Team (1940-1990), named one of the Top 25 Athletes of the Century in Louisiana and he and his son Peyton were named among the 100 All-Time Greatest College Football Players. Archie was inducted into the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame and is a member of other Halls of Fame including Louisiana and Mississippi.

In 1971, Archie was the second player chosen in the NFL draft – the number one draft choice of the New Orleans Saints. He set Saints passing records, played in two Pro Bowls and was named the NFC Most Valuable Player in 1978. He was the first player in Saints history to be inducted into the Louisiana Superdome Wall of Fame. Archie and Olivia reside in New Orleans and have three sons, Cooper, Peyton and Eli. They are the proud grandparents of three boys and three girls.

Cooper is a partner with Howard Weil, an energy investment banking firm in New Orleans. Peyton is a former All-American at Tennessee and was the first player chosen in the 1998 NFL Draft. As quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts he was named MVP in the National Football League four times. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl 12 times. In 2006 he won the Walter Payton award as the “NFL Man of the Year.” He led the Colts to Super Bowl XLI championship and was named MVP of the game. This past season he led the Denver Broncos to a 13-3 record and the AFC Western Division Championship. Eli was also an All-American at Ole Miss and was the first player chosen in the 2004 NFL draft. Eli has been selected to three Pro Bowls and led the Giants to world championships in Super Bowl XLII and XLVI and was named MVP of both games.

Dozens lined up outside this morning to get in for our annual fashion show. A crowning highlight of this year’s annual Salvation Army fashion show was our featured model, current Ms. Alabama Anna Bryan.  Free goodie bags and 50% off everything didn’t hurt either. Ms. Bryan, John Paepcke, reporter from NBC 13, as well as many others, displayed the latest the Green Springs thrift store has to offer for men, women and children.  Police Chief Rutledge from Bessemer even came out and strutted his stuff. This event is held every year by the Women’s Auxiliary of Birmingham.  The Birmingham Women’s Auxiliary is a volunteer organization aimed at helping and raising money for the many programs The Salvation Army offers. All proceeds specifically assist our Adult Rehabilitation Center. Located on Shuttlesworth Drive, the ARC is a free alcohol and drug rehabilitation program to any male over the age of 21 dealing with addiction. Thank you to everyone that came out and made it a big success! CLICK HERE for all pictures.