Periodical, Central Connection, Volume 56, Number 1, January 2026

Publication

-

The Salvation Army Central Territory Museum

Name/Title

Periodical, Central Connection, Volume 56, Number 1, January 2026

Entry/Object ID

2026.1.9

Description

The Central Connection is a monthly periodical published by The Salvation Army USA Central Territory. The January 2026 edition of Central Connection is published by The Salvation Army USA Central Territory and highlights ministry updates, human‑interest stories, musical events, leadership development, corps initiatives, and memorial notices. Key themes include: “Sounds of the Seasons” Concert - A detailed review of the Chicago Staff Band’s annual Sounds of the Season concert featuring Boston Brass, new musical works, and traditional pieces. Gospel Justice Center Launch at the Oakbrook Terrace, IL Corps. This is a new legal‑aid ministry providing affordable legal guidance to those in need, run in partnership with Administer Justice. Pet Blessing Service at the Kansas City (Citadel), KS Corps - A recap of the corps’ first pet blessing service focusing on community outreach and pastoral care. Youth Arts Advisory Board Formation (YAAB) - Overview of a new youth leadership structure within territorial music and creative arts ministries. Calling Story from Lt. Melissa Christiansen - Reflection on how camp ministry shaped her calling and led to her current youth leadership role. Majors Mauricio & Melisa Gutierrez ministry profile. Their journey from Argentina to Chicago (La Villita), IL Corps, including music and dance programs and community ministry. Spotlight on Jackie Fulcher a soldier at the Battle Creek, MI Corps. She is the recipient of the Territorial Award of Excellence for Spiritual Life for decades of service. International College for Officers (ICO) testimony - Captain Josh Polanco shares his formation experience at ICO and the vision God gave him for future ministry. Mustard Seeds Farewell - Tribute to cartoonist Bob Swanson, who created more than 300 Salvation Army-themed cartoons since 1997. January prayer emphasis: “Pray Beyond Yourself.” Practical spiritual encouragement from Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings (“No Fear This Year”). A February prayer calendar listing daily readings and corps/territories to pray for. Promotions to Glory: Major Wilma Velazquez and Lt. Colonel Lois Harvey. List of officers retiring in 2025.

Acquisition

Accession

2026.1

Source or Donor

Central Territory Museum - Found in Collection

Acquisition Method

Found in Collection

Credit Line

Central Territory Museum Collection

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Himes, William "Bill"

Person or Organization

Jennings, Dan

Person or Organization

Koehler, Steven P.

Person or Organization

Gutierrez, Mauricio

Person or Organization

Gutierrez, Melisa

Person or Organization

Shiels, Natalie

Person or Organization

Christiansen, Melissa

Person or Organization

Hursch, Luke

Person or Organization

Fulcher, Jackie

Person or Organization

Polanco, Josh

Person or Organization

Swanson, Robert "Bob"

Person or Organization

Harvey, Lois J. (Kumpula)

Person or Organization

Velazquez, Wilma (Mills)

Related Places

Place

City

Battle Creek

County

Calhoun County

State/Province

Michigan

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America

Place

City

Chicago

County

Cook County

State/Province

Illinois

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America

Place

Country

Argentina

Continent

South America

Place

City

Salina

County

Saline County

State/Province

Kansas

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America