COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

New Years Eve. We didn't expect many at church today to be honest. But we were blessed with about seventy people, if not more with us. We decided to end the year as we started - with a breakfast and time of celebration. This time we met in the school hall and even that was full! We focussed on Psalm 24, and counting our blessings. We recognised how many new faces we had seen in this past year since moving to the school - and over twenty five have been welcomed to the family, and we now see regularly. Who could have seen all these blessings in the past year - we know God did, and just desired that we would obey Him. We recognised how it is so wasy to spend New Years Eve looking at failings and weaknesses of the past year - but actually as Christians we should be counting our blessings - and there we recognise all that God has done - what an aweseom God we have. During this meeting our senior leader encouraged us to use Psalm 24 as our desire for the new year - to remain in God's Presence, and to be there because we have clean hands and pure heart. Senior Leader Ian, shared how as a couple, Sue and Ian are committed to ensure we know the fullest spiritual life in Him that we could have, and that we can never be about anything else. They committed to seek to not fail us or Him - and to continue to ensure that we are growing in Him and knowing all His blessings. We recognised that we needed to have open hands, giving hands and hand that would be used to be able to continue to grow in Him and live empowered lives. It was a special end to the year - and one where no one could fail to see how He has blessed us in so many ways. We concluded with singing these words:- May the God of Love fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, as we trust in Him, May the God of Love fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, as we trust in Him. That we may overflow with hope - by the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may overflow with hope, with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Father God, we love You, Father God, we thank You, Father God, we love You every day. Fill us with Your Joy Lord, fill us with Your Love Lord.......

We pray that for you too.

LIVING EMPOWERED

Each year it is our custom to take a focus for that year, to help us to build our teaching ministry around over those twelve months. For the last few years, we have seen the very reason why God has led us that way, and this past year our focus has been Living Empowered. God challenged us at the beginning of this year to encourage the church congregation to 'grow up' and become bigger and stronger men and women of God. We were also challenged that what we are doing today is preparing us for tomorrow. We saw how God was revealing to us that what we do and did we could do on our own, but without the Holy Spirit empowerment we were very little effective. It has meant a real boldness in some of the teaching. It has meant a real boldness in some of the way we have pastored and cared for people. Its pretty hard at times, when you know God is wanting to challenge us and shake us up, when God is wanting to do something amazing among us, but people are just so comfortable. God really wants us to be effective people. God really wants this world to be full of the signs and wonders of His presence among us - yet we all hold so much back - because we have what we want and taking it further might be asking far too much thank you very much. One of our leaders shared with us a sign that she saw on a van at the beginning of this year. It read: Progression through empowerment. That hit it right where it should be. In order to progress in our spiritual lives and in our relationship with Him, we have to allow God's Spirit in. He gives us daily bread - not stale bread!

It is our sincere prayer that for our members and friends this year, they have more of His Spirit in and working through their lives than ever before. We love them too much to see no progression!

Sue and Ian [Senior Leaders]

CHRISTMAS - His Presence among us

Many people have shared how this season has been for them a Christ - mas - knowing the presence of God among us. We have had some special times together, which for many will be held onto dearly. For many too, the opportunity to provide a family for many without on Christmas Day is also very special, and helps us put our belief into action - on a day when many are not easily thinking of others. It was estimated (although not totally acturate because numbers were up and down all day) that we served about 150 meals on this day. As we looked around us we wondered how on earth we had managed such a day at our own church centre in the past. This year we were granted use of the East Stour School, and what a blessing that was. There was space - there was room - there was safety!!!!! The day commenced at 9am as people started arriving, although some had been there behand preparing, and some even there the day before setting up. Meeting the guests is always a privilege and as well as welcoming back familiar faces from the past, we also welcomed new faces for the first time. This being our 4th year, we have a good regular attendance, and as well as some of the faithful volunteers returning, again we were able to welcome some new faces to the team. One commented on how amazed she was at such a miltary operation! To many of us it was just chaos that we tried to get through. God was gracious - providing us with enough drivers, enough food and gifts to give to people as they left, and enough time to pack a lot into one day - from a carol service, led by captain Sue, to our four course Christmas dinner, to entertainment, games and quizzes, a christmas tea and concluding with a couple of songs. Everyone mucked in together, and the day seemd to go well without too many errors and problems. Whilst it is hard work, we do thank God for this opportunity. Many burdened people shared the day, and many left unburdened. One lady commented on how she enjoyed watching the sea of faces filled with happiness. A number of our guests were without homes, other on low income, others with very little family - if any - so indeed we were able to provide one big family for so many people. And what a family it was.

Our sincere prayer is that we will be able to have brought hope to those dear people, and that they will remember long after this season, the presence of Christ among them, as we continued to express to them that this is just what this season celebrates - and can be known beyond such a day as well.

I FEEL AMAZING!

Christmas Eve Morning Worship continued our reflection on The Gift that God has given us. Today we moved from hearing about the gift to seeing the gift and the reaction that the Bible states people made. We shared how people knelt before Jesus in awe and amazement. We shared how people were bowled over by seeing what they heard. We shared how people went glorifying and praising God. But we did not just share all this, we saw it happening before us. Many people made prayers before the cross - many people were overwhelmed by the presence of God and broke into tears. Others responded to what God was saying, and gave their lives to Him afresh. Above all - one person knelt before the cross for the first time, and in tears cried out to God - her God - the greatest gift ever. After the meeting.....she shared how she felt amazing. She told how she found herself at church this morning, and had no idea that would happen when she walked in! Thank you Jesus. This is what its all about....seeing people responding to this Gift and we can, but be nothing else than thankful.

We pray for all those who responded to God today - and pray for those who have not yet got to that point. There are many yet who have a way to go in their journey - but we pray with all our hearts, that they will journey to adore Him - and humbly bow before Him, and crown Him Lord of all.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Christmas Day is just days away now and the pace is picking up. For our church community its not about the completion of cards, the wrapping of pressies, its ensuring that everything is ready to make Christmas Day so special for lots of other people who we will be welcoming into one big family to celebrate the day. Four years ago we became aware that there was no organisation providing anything for people on Christmas Day, and therefore agreed that we would look into arranging a meal for people on that day. Our assistant senior leader suggested it did not end with that, but that we had tea for them as well. Now the day runs for our guests from 9.30am for registration till 6pm which is home time, and then the clearing up starts! This year we are blessed in being able to use the local school, which we use for Sunday Worship, and will allow us to house people safer than we ever have. To date, we have 110 registered to share the day, and the numbers are increasing - so the phone does not stop and emails are red hot as well. What we want to do on that day is provide the best we can for so many who would be on their own; would be without family, or are on low income. We are blest with a great volunteer team as well, many new for this year from previous, and people of all ages which is great.

If there is anyone out there that reads this blog (we are not sure - no one ever leaves comments) we would ask for your prayers please, and especially for all those who will come and share with us; that they will see Jesus for themselves as we seek to share Him with them through our care for them on this day.

NO LIGHT HERE!

Opportunity to take the Light of Jesus to the streets continues here in Ashford. We are not content to keep that message to ourselves. On Sunday we took to the streets to invite people to our carol service, and by playing carols drew the listeners out from their dinner tables to hear a reminder of what this season is all about. We saw some people in that carol service because of that! This week we started by ministering to the people of South Ashford, especially in the Stanhope area. This is an area to which we are seeking to extend our ministry, and the army has appointed an envoy to develop this. As we walked around the estate you could discern emptiness, you could discern oppression - here the Light of Jesus was being proclaimed. The words of carols, although not associated with everyone expressed the sentimnts - Jesus Christ is Here - Christ is born in Bethlehem! But as we walk into one of the square in that area, all the street lights were out. We expressed how the musicians needed light to play. One lady heard that and replied - there's no light here, we're always in darkness. But Jesus Christ is here! The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light.......Lord, help people to rebuke the darkness, and break through to Your Light.

WHOSE PARTY IS IT ANYWAY?

Church Leader Heather Whitewood reminded us this morning, whose party it is anyway, and that this season is all about Jesus - but how actually lots of people forget to notice its His time, and not ours. Our morning worship today was focussed on just that, and the reaction that many people have to The Gift of Jesus - how many are fearful - like the shepherds; how many are threatened - like Herod - but how some are wise - like the wisemen. We concluded by looking at how John the Baptist encouraged us to prepare the way for Jesus - and repentance is the key. Several people knelt or stood this morning in response, and that was good. In the afternoon about 100 gathered together for the community carol service, and again we were able to welcome many people whose faces are becoming family to us. In all today, its been great again to celebrate Jesus in our midst, and see how He is using a church community like us, to help people to recognise whose party it is, and how we can celebrate together! Thanks Heather! and above all thank you Jesus!

GOD'S GIFT.....

This past Sunday as part of our all age christmas celebration, various people spoke on the Gift of God to them. Our adult ministries officer (sara hayward) invited Stuart Marshall, who is our assistant church treasurer, to speak on this subject and Stuart shared the following:

When I was first asked by Sara to say what God has done for me this year, I was in initially reluctant. After all, what HAD he done for me? When this year, I was in initially reluctant. After all, what HAD he done for me? Then Caroline nudged me and reminded me about my rather enforced career change. That was it then! In April this year the Company I work for changed hands and we went back into the private sector. At the time my job was a Personnel Manager. Naturally with a Company changing hands, the new owners had their own views as to what the Company should look like. However, my colleagues and I were assured by our boss that our jobs were safe, as they had retained the same role as ours in a sister Company. We were then told that the headcount of our department had to be reduced by some 25 per cent. I wasn’t worried as our boss reiterated his previous assurances. We were then all called to a meeting when details of the job losses would be announced. The three of us were shocked, to say the least, that our boss now stated that we were to be reduced from three to two. What was worse, this would not be achieved by seniority, but by suitability. In effect, we would be applying for our own jobs. A few weeks later, it was the day of reckoning. Much to my surprise (with tongue firmly in cheek) it was me (I?) who was out of a job. I then found myself applying for jobs like it was going out of style – both externally and internally – otherwise, for the first time ever, I would be unemployed. I mentioned my predicament to one of the few senior managers I consider to be a friend and he mentioned that he had a vacancy that I might be interested in. However, it would mean a career change and it involved working shifts – including nights. As it happened, it was a job I’d thought about on a number of occasions as it involved working with a group of staff I love and respect. I had an interview and the day before we left for Devon for our holiday, it was confirmed that I’d been appointed as Service Delivery Manager. I started training a couple of weeks later. I’ve now been passed out and I can and do work on my own. Clearly God was looking after me but at the same time challenging me. The point I’m trying to make here is that God will help you but at the same time, you’ve got to help yourself. I know that you have been praying for me and I thank you and God for everything you and he have done for me. Not least my family for putting up with me being even more grumpy than usual.

YOU HAVE BROUGHT ME JOY

She stood there for some time listening as the band played a whole selection of Christmas Carols. She did not seem to want to move on, appearing to be frozen to the spot. And then she spoke. Stating how she felt the music was beautiful, and then moving on to complete why she had arrived at the supermarket (to shop) she said: thank you. Your music has brought me joy and meaning to this season.

We engage in a lot of mission outreach throughout this season. Our purpose is not to provide nice music in that sense, but to help people see what this season is all about. Here for this precious lady was beautiful music that helped her at that time, and we hope will indeed be remembered in the months to come. We commit to continue to pray for her.

WITNESS FOR JESUS!

Last Sunday we welcomed Sue Wall as a soldier of Jesus Christ in The Salvation Army. We believe this is very much about committing to discipleship and lifestyle choices, so that they can follow that path that God has called them to walk in these days. We are blessed by a great family, many of who are really seeking to move on with God. Sue shared the following word last week, which we would like to share through the medium of this blog. The picture enclosed features some of our leadership team as they surround Sue as she signs her covenant with God. The leaders stand in support and commitment to the spiritual growth and development of Sue.

I have been an adherent member now for three years, and I have felt richly blessed by having such a caring church family. Just recently I have felt the Holy Spirit asking me to take another step of faith. He wants be to be a soldier. After a lot of prayer and many talks with Lyn (*) I have taken this step. I would like to thank you for all your support, care and love. To Sue and Ian (**) and the leadership team, I promise to be a good soldier.

(*) Lyn is our discipleship officer

(**) Sue and Ian are our senior leaders

IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD CHURCH

This morning we sought to be an all age church - and we were - this evening instead of staying in our building and talking about Jesus, we went out into the neighbourhood and shared Jesus with the people of South Willesborough. About twenty people helped to share The Light of Jesus - some played their instruments and played carols, others shared their voices and sang about Jesus, other engaged in leafleting and chatting face to face to the various people who came out to see what was happening. We are so blessed in this area to have people who we are building relationships with - for no other reason other than we love them and God has given us this love for them. HE has loved us, and His love for us is great. We cannot keep it to ourselves. The Message paraphrases one of the readings this Christmas that says - and God moved into the neighbourhood. He is among us - Jesus Christ is here - and thats an exciting reality that we must share with others. We pray this Christmas we will help people to see The Light - and not just the trappings of Christmas that we can all get sucked into!

ALL AGE CHURCH

We have to say we are pretty proud today as a church! This morning our school hall was packed full of people of all ages - it was like one big family. Our annual All Age Carol Service this year saw more people than ever attend, and featured every age linked to this church. So many are new faces to the church community who we have built relationships with in recent months, some recent years. It was also great to have new faces worshipping with us as well, and the enthuasism was very electric at times. So today we shared in celebrating the coming of Christ with the Baby and Toddlers, and our family support officer did us proud! We celebrated with our Kingdom Kids, who wrote a drama for the event and also sang us 'following the star'. We celebrated with our youth group who wrote a presentation themselves and then engaged in a mime to 'Mary's Song'. The Band played today which is not a normal weekly thing, but they added so much with their piece that they played, and also accompanied some of the carols. Our Adults were not forgotten either, thanks to our adult ministries officer. Stuart Marshall and Trevor James both spoke amazingly on the gift of God that is theirs, and that was very special. The meeting started by singing 'Jesus Christ is here' from Go tell it on the mountain, and then into 'Give thanks to the Lord our God and King - His Love endures forever!' Indeed we saw and knew Jesus Christ among us, and give thanks that His love was evident among us. Who would have thought that the move from our centre to the school could so quickly show evidence of this?

PROMISES, PROMISES

Daily Reflections for this week has helped us to explore the amazing promise that God has given us, and fulfilled in Jesus Christ - that He would be our Light in the darkness; that He would come right among us, and He would show us The Way. We have reflected this week on how our promises are so far from fulfilled, and yet God has foretold His Promise, Fulfilled His Promise, and given His Promise For us! God desires that we stick with Him, for He is going nowhere! As we continue to reflect on The Gift, we thank God for this amazing Gift and ask Him to reveal more of Himself to us.

THE GIFT

This weekend has been a very full one for this church community. Starting yesterday we held our Ashford District Christmas Celebration - and was well attended and raised a lot of money for our christmas charity projects. Today (Sunday) we were able to see our monthly family together, and enjoyed a good meal together for Christmas, a candle light carol service, a celebration this morning, and welcomed four new people into members (including one being enrolled as a soldier of jesus christ in the salvation army). What has been very clear throughout this weekend is the reality that we have been offered this Gift - everything of God - and its there for the taking.

BLESSED BE HIS NAME

This week in our Daily Reflections we have been considering whether or not we are people who Bless the Name of The Lord. Recently while chatting with some 'mature' Christians, they discussed with our senior leaders how they 'wished' that what is being taught to them now, they knew years ago, so they could have got so much more out of their relationship with God. It is a sad fact that there seem to have been numerous Christans who have been failed in being taught about a 24/7 relationship with God, and what are our responsibilities. Salvation is not a gift to be kept to ourselves, it is one t be shared with our neighbours, our friends, our family, and of course our church community too.

So this week, we have been challenged to consider how we are blessing the Name of the Lord where we live, to the people God has entrusted to us to care and love, and wider than that as well. How are we blessing God in our conversations, actions, viewing, discussions and thoughts? Its not an opitional extra that comes as we grow in our faith - it needs to start once born again, so it becomes the most natural way of living.

BEING THE LIGHT BEYOND THE NORM

We are not content with being a church stuck on a building sharing our faith with each other. We are more than aware that there are communities beyond where we worship as a community, that do not know Jesus. We are more than aware there are hurting, lonely, burdened people who need the Light of JEsus to be shone on them. The Christian Church should always be aware of that. Some wise person once said that the Christian Church exists for those who are not yet members! We should always have a burden for those who are lost. It is not good enough that there are more people outside our church buildings than within on a Sunday morning - or at least that is what we think. We have some brilliantly times when we worship together inside - so much so, that if we shared those experiences with the people in our communities, it would be brilliant for them too. For just over a year now we have been holding Community Church. Once a month we close our evening meeting, so people do not have an excuse that this is an extra activity - and we go out to be The Light in the communities we live. This has seen our town split into three, mainly where good clusters of our members live. The aim is everyone will want to be The Light and share Jesus with others, beyond the normal building we rely on! Some do, some are yet to graps this amazing opportunity given to us as a church. We have engaged in all sorts of things from open houses, to worship events, prayer warfare, litter picking and door to door discussions. Its great! Its evangelism, Its Mission. Its an opportunity to reach the people on our door step, but together, rather than having to go alone. We have seen God use these opportunities in amazing ways, and we do thank God for that. Today groups have met to invite friends for a meal; a group met together to pray for that community and enjoy a tea together; a group went out onto the streets and (wait for it) sang and played carols. The streets with decorations are proclaiming Christmas, so we make the most of that opportunities too. Its been good. Please pray that others would grasp this vision too!

Today our morning worship celebration was well attended, with our assistant senior leader for worship (gavin drake) leading worshp, and our assistant senior leader for mission (luke johnson) sharing The Ministry of The Word. We thank God for them both

DAILY REFLECTIONS - REFRESHING THE HEARTS OF THE SAINTS

Every week our church publishes 'Daily Reflections'. We are not sure how many read these - not anyone reads them - but they came as a reaction to our leaderships pastoral ministry and the reality that many did not use daily reading notes, not know where to start when it comes to a daily meditation on God. Daily Reflections is the basis for our spiritual growth programme, that we will reflect who God is, in and through our lives. There is a short Bible Passage to read, then some notes, followed by a prayer reflection. Sometimes these notes follow on from the teaching ministry of that week.

Refreshing the Hearts of the Saints was the focus of this past week. In it we explored a short section of Philemon (not that its that long anyway). The section looks at how if God's people bless each other, if God's people encourage each other; if God's people bless what God is doing and where God is leading people - His people will be refreshed - will be in a better place than not. How we all need refreshing, and how amazing that is when God's people share encouragement and blessing with each other. Sadly, the reality for many of us is that we are criticised, we are mocked, we have people standing against us, and we have people that will not understand where God is directing us.

Part of this week has been to encourage people to bless other people - to pray for their leaders, to pray for church members and friends - to encourage what God is doing in peoples lives and not stand against it. We are on a campaign to get people blessing and building each other up - and not pulling down - after all when pulling down takes place, how much do people feel it. When building up happens - how much better does Gods people feel and look!

How are you helping to refresh the hearts of the saints

THE PRAYER OF FAITH.....

Every Wednesday our prayer support team meets. In this time they set aside a good chunk of earthly time to pray! They pray for all the members and friends of the church, they pray for the mission and ministry of the church. They pray for issues in Ashford and the wider world! They pray for other churches and believers - in essence just about everything and anything. Today in our time together we set two prayers of faith, and we would ask you to join us in making this a focus of your prayers too (whether you are members of this church or just linked to us someway).

Ashford District Christmas Celebration. This takes place Saturday 2nd December. We are believing for 200 (or more) people at this event. If you live in ashford we would love to see you too. PLEASE join with us in this prayer of faith

Christmas Outreach and Collections. We have a massive need for finance for the mission and ministry of this church - and we trust in God for this. We have many opportunities this year to help increase our income, and we are believing for an income this Christmas of £8000. Please pray with us in this too.

We are always ready and willing to pray for you too. Please send your requests at anytime. Additionally, please let us know you are standing with us on these prayers - the prayer of faith (James)

AN AWESOME RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

The School we used for worship was full today with lots of people (obviously) coming together to worship God. The Salvation Army's International Secretary for Personnel - Commissioner Lynette Pearce - was our guest leader. The Commissioner took as her text Psalm 13, and reminded us that like David, we too go through struggles, pain and situations that cause us to doubt and run, but that our God is there. The Psalm concludes with David focussing on God again, and recognising His presence. The world around him has not changed, but he has! He stood on his feet in Praise of God!

The Commissioner was also the speaker at our Disciple College event, which is held on the 2nd and 3rd Sunday in every month. Our senior leader, Ian, led the worship and the Commissioner spoke. Time and time again this evening we heard how God is totally committed to us, and He is not going anywhere. The Commissioner took the Lords Prayer as her basis for teaching on how prayer is about relationship with God - letting Him in, whenever and wherever. Prayer really is an awesome thing, and we thank God again for allowing us to hear these amazing truths, and for sending his servant, Commissioner Lyn, to share this with us.

A MISSIONARY CHURCH

One of the things we recognise as a church is that we do not exist for ourselves, and mission is important to us. There are too many people outside our fellowship - and not enough part of it quite yet. We believe we should not be content! Whilst we are growing and have seen a large amount of new members and friends we believe the Good News is worth sharing more and more and more - and we have a responsibility to do it. Throughout the year we always look for opportunities to engage in mission events, which do not always set out to expect Salvation through them, but do expect to be opportunities to meet our people, and to build relationships. Today (18th November) we had two missionary events. One held at our centre, is a regular Mini Market - yes about raising money, but also about helping people to get to know we are not that bad! We see people return time and time again, and today were thrilled that a lot of our Kingdom Kid Families shared the event with us. We event raised £450 which is the most we have raised at such an event at our centre - and as you can see from the picture Father Christmas also visited us - free of charge. Here he is pictured with Envoy Val!!!

But don't be too confused, because we are also told that Father Christmas was in Ashford Town! Some of our fellowship today engaged in mission in the town as Campbells celebrated their 50th anniversary in Ashford, and the Christmas Lights were lit. A group of musicians, some of our own, others from around Kent, shared with us, and our assistant senior leader arranged for people to be available to chat, and also a stall was also arranged. Loads of further missionary opportnities were ours, and we thank God so much for this gift. AND this opportunity raised just over £600.

We knows its not about money, although we do need it to continue the mission here in Ashford. We certainly know its about people, and we love them dearly, and will continue to ensure we are doing all we can to meet people, chat with people and serve people in the Name of Jesus.

OFFICERS BUSINESS DAY

Officers from throughout the London South East Division met together today for a business day. It was not as dull as it sounds. We continue to be challenged about the reality that business means mission - what is God's business all about! We have so much potential as The Salvation Army - but many have a tough work ahead when its about getting on with the business. Its a challenge for many officers in their leadership, its a challenge for many church members, its a challenge for us all. YET, we have to ensure we are honouring God together. We thank God for a focussed Mission Team at Headquarters and are so blessed to be able to work in partnership with them.

YOUTHWORK CONFERENCE

Youth Ministries Officer Trevor James is off to Eastbourne this weekend for the Youth work conference. We pray that God will speak to him, inspire him and help him to see more of God's plan and purposes for his leadership within youth ministry in our church community.

TO OUR WIDER READERS....

It has been really encouraging to have word from our site counter that well over a hundred people have visited this blog since its launch. That great - thank you, and keep visiting. Several of our members have now started to blog too - and they are getting more comments than us. So please, comment.....about anything if you cannot think of anything else to say.

Also, we would value your support for what we do as a church, and would value you reading the following which has been sent out to our friends and contacts in the hope some might be able to do something to help this church at this time:

The Salvation Army in Ashford is a fast growing Christian Community. It consists of people of many ages, and in recent years has seen some amazing growth and development. This year has seen a change in that we have had to cease using our church building, on Sundays and Fridays, as we have outgrown the building, and now are meeting in the local school. Our building is still used in the week, but limits much of our programme and mission, because it is so small. However we continue to do all we can to make ‘church’ an exciting place to be, and this year we have seen many new faces, again of people of all ages – many coming to find Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Whilst it can be hard work at times, we are blest and rewarded in so many ways. However at times, the struggle financially is a real burden, and we feel very helpless at times keep asking our people for more, because at times we realistically need to be giving to them.

You can discover more about this church community at www.ashfordsalvationarmy.org.uk, and our blog is http://being-The-Light.blogspot.com.

We write to you as a friend, church leader, contact, to see whether you would be willing (or even your whole church community willing) to sponsor us in an event we are holding in January on the 6th. To help raise money for this church, and to help us to continue to reach into the lives of others, we need to raise a lot of money. On 6th January we will be holding a sponsored silence for the day (we avoided the Sunday as everyone loves to hear us preach!!!!!!!!!!). We would be really grateful if you would consider sponsoring us £1 or more, and if you are able and willing to do so, if you could kindly respond at sometime and let us know how much you can commit to. We do totally understand if this is not possible, and no response to this will be understood and not taken as an offence at all. We recognise there are many projects that could be supported, and therefore understand if you feel you cannot help at this time.

We continue to thank God for you, and thank you for your time working through these words.
With sincere love

Sue and Ian Woodgate
Ashford Salvation Army Christian Centre

WHAT TYPE OF CHURCH ARE WE?

As you may have read in a previous article our church leaders recently met to explore where we are as a church community and where we should be. Few would believe where we have travelled in a few years, and guess so much is down to God, and the amazing people that form the church community here and want to embrace all that God has for us. In the summer our senior leaders were challenged through a book they read by the Reverend Steve Chalke, entitled Intelligent Church. It explores how the church can journey towards being a Christ Centred Community. Like Canon Robert Warrens book on church health, it looks at several aspects of what is essential within a church community, and what really needs to be assessed and explored. Of course the book is not the answer to all our problems as churches, and neither is it ideal and complete in everyway, but it is a starting point to explore what is happening in our church community, and what we need to seriously be considering at this time. As a church we recognise we have a long way to go. We are far from perfect, we are not professionals at what we do (thankfully), but do have a deep desire to honour and bless God, and He has answered those prayers among us. We have been sent a lot of new people - many have stayed. We sense for some the chaos of our church community is not acceptable, and the style is not for everyone. Thats why it is great we use a team of different people to preach and teach, and not just our 'ministers' do it - they believe that we are all 'ministers' to God and to His People.

So, we are at a new point for this church community. We need to assess where we should be going. We need to question what we are about, and we need to ensure we keep in line with the mission and ministry God has called us to, and not go on and do it all ourselves. It can be very easy to be in that place. We also want to leave a future for this church for those who are not yet born, those who are not yet born again, and ensure that The Salvation Army in Ashford continues to honour Him.

We will continue to explore, ask questions, and seek to find the answers, not through endless discussions and meetings, but by recognising where we are, and doing something about it. We are currently then asking what type of church are we, in order to reflect a Christ Community.

Are we:

Inclusive? Messy? Honest? Purposeful? Generous? Vulnerable? Politcal? Diverse? Dependent? Transforming?

We would love to hear what you think - and after all, everyone matters and has a right to say what they see, experience and know.

SOWING THE SEEDS

from the gardener

Ever since I asked Jesus to come into my life He has been there for me , sometimes carrying me, always leading me at my own pace - which for anyone who know`s me, is about the same as the tortoise ! but He was patient, He waited for me and in the end I finally realised He was waiting for me to say, that I wanted more than Jesus looking after me, yes I was ready to work for Him. And when I did say YES - it was frightening - the speed that God made things happen. My life has changed more in the last year than in the last twenty years.

Because of the way I was brought up and also because of being Dyslexic, I have never wanted to read out loud or speak in public or write, now I am doing all of it , although I am very slow at writing( the spell checker is over used ) and I shake uncontrollably with fear at the thought of reading or public speaking.

I asked God what He wanted me to do. So far it seems to be just being in the right place at the right time, for people to talk to me and ask questions - that a while ago I would have run a mile from. He has also sent practical work, like looking after the Ashford Salvation Army Allotment, which has being an amazing, if surprising place for outreach - sowing the seeds for people to see God`s work in action.

On this Remembrance Sunday, my pray is :
Lord God my Father ,
help me to be there for those bereaved through war,
for those suffering in boby, mind, or spirit as a result of wars in the world and in their every day lives
and to make me an instrument of your peace,
where there is hatred, let me sow your love.
Thankyou Lord for this day. Amen

ashford.corps@salvationarmy.org.uk

SUNDAY 12TH NOVEMBER

Remembrance Sunday: quite a number of people away today; some on the remembrance day parade, others far from well, but there was still a great number gathering to celebrate Jesus together. Our morning celebration meeting started with an 'all age' song as we were invited to be all singing children of God. Our youth group then led us in our all age presentation and prayers - they are all such an inspiration to us all. Our senior leader, Ian, then took the meeting into the time of remembrance, and this followed a time of intercession shared by some of the members of the church. Ian spoke on remembering and how this month is very much about that - and encouraged us to remember what matters. In that we looked at remembering 1) the cost (the cross) 2) the life (eternal) 3) calling (new life in Him) 4) following (picking up our cross) 5) destination - and how all this keeps bringing us back to the cost and the cross.

Our Leadership Team met together this afternoon. This was probably one of the most important meetings for a long time, where a foundation for the future was started to be discused. A study book by Steve Chalk has been helpful for this, encouraging us to be a Christ Centred Community.

The day ended with Disciple College, which was an evening of worship and sharing. We explored passion, and how thats just what our relationship with Him should all be about. People shared a lot about their vision as people of God, and several people received an obvious touch of Him on their life.

We pray together has aided, challenged and inspired people - members comments would be welcome - and any comments from anyone encouraging too!

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

So far, its been a very full week - and we have been blessed with so many God given opportunities to engage in God's Mission and our Ministry as entrusted to us by Him. We start every week by all the church leaders and members gathering for prayer - for that day and for that week. From then we enjoy our Glow Community Drop In Group, which includes also a meal, and then an after dinner activity - this week led by Captain Susan. The Men of this church shared together in their monthly mens cell group, led by our assistant senior leader for mission, Luke Johnson. On Tuesday a good number of our church travelled to Tunbridge Wells for the divisional adult ministries rally, and what a great day they had. They gained so much from the teaching and resourcing, and we thank God for this opportunity. On Wednesday we started with Cameo - chat and coffee, then light lunches, and our mid week worship meeting had as speaker the Reverend David Kirkwood, the priest of Christ Church, Beaver Road, Ashford. Our Prayer Support Team then met together for prayer as they do each week. Thursday, Captain Susan engages in Schools Ministry, and then the monthly Well Womens Workshop was held, led by the captain with also the divisional family officer, Maureen Hood. Bright Sparks, our toddler group, was not able to meet this week - and the week has more to come yet.....

A WEEK LATER.......

Whilst many people have continued to share how they got much out of the ministry of God's Word through youth ministries officer Trevor James last week, we were confronted by a very differnt look youth officer. Apparently the youth officer was playing rugby yesterday and it was because of that, he came looking like this. Whatever the story might be - we uphold Trevor in our thoughts and prayers.

NOVEMBER 5TH EXPLOSIONS!

Remembering the 5th November will not be a problem! A very busy day was nothing but blessing and encouragement - and many people helped to make it so. We started with our morning celebration meeting, which this month took the form of an all age celebration, which welcomed new Kingdom Kids and saw them being enrolled. Captain Sue led the meeting, which also saw parents and children not normally sharing with us on Sundays, attending. About 100 people were present in the meeting - extra chairs had to be placed out. The Captain encouraged us all to have a new heart - and when it is in tune with what God wants for us, we will be able to have a good beating heart! During the meeting it was announced that 45 people were registered as part of our Kingdom Kids activities this new school year, and about 30 were present to receive their enrolment certificates.

Following the celebration meeting, 80 people sat down to a celebration meal, where parents and children who were enrolled as Kingdom Kids were celebrated. A great team of people mucked in to help make this possible, and we are sincerely thankful for those who gave so much to make this possble.

To conclude the day, leaders and members of the church, with other friends from South Ashford, gathered at the home of Envoy Val to enjoy Fireworks, Food, Fun and Fellowship, to mark the next stage of the foundation of the South Ashford Salvation Army Community Church. This was very successful event was really enjoyed by everyone, and great encouragement to so many. We are just so blessed to have so many people who make days like this possible, and we thank you all.

Members and Friends of the church are invited to add their comments about the day, and anyone else who might like to comment are also encouraged to do so.

The Alpha Corse

The Alpha Course has been shared by millions of people throughout the world, and a number of times we have run the course here in Ashford. Preparations are now well in hand for the next course which will run on a Monday evening from January for six sessions, and one full day on a Sunday. The course explores the meaning of life, and where Christians believe this meaning comes from. It explores what they believe, and in that who is Jesus, why His death means so much, and much much more. The course starts with a meal each week, and then a presentation on the subject for the evening. Following this, in small groups, discussion is held for people to hear the views of others, to share their views, or just to enjoy listening to others as well. There is nothing that cannot be said in relating to the subject. We are starting to take bookings now, and booking forms are available from our centre. Additionally, if people cannot do Monday evenings, but would be interested in doing the course, we would love to hear from you. Any - for those who have completed Alpha, why not add a comment now to encourage others to take the course for themselves.

Book Recommendation

Our Senior Leaders strongly encourage all members and friends to read John Bevere's book - Drawing near - a life of intimacy with God. One of the most common questions asked is why the Christian Church in Europe is in such a desperate state, and yet in other lands, especially third world countries, it is thriving. To those whose heart cry is why God, the Holy Spirit will stir up for you many answers as you explore this amazing book, and a book that helps serious Christians (if you can get such a thing! after all - all should be) to see the state of their own spiritual lives, and see the answer for the future. John Bevere challenges the Church as to what it is hungry for - God, The Church, The World. Many are eating away at the things of the world, and content. When it comes to meeting with God, they accept what is offered, but cannot take it all, because there is simply no need, desire or space!!! There are others soaking up the things of the Church and content with that, and see little need for a relationship with God, although that can be part of it. However Bevere suggests just that, there is little need for many christians to worry about it, because they are content with what they have and need no more. Yet, the reality is we should be hungering and thirsting after more and more of Him. This review does not do enough to share the many challenges, and insights the Holy Spirit has given to this servant of God. If you are a member of this church community, you are encouraged to order the book through our resource centre now, and ensure it becomes an essential read that will not only impact your life, but also that of the Kingdom of God.

Prayers United

For some weeks now we have been remembering in our prayers Majors Nicola and Philip Garnham. Major Nicola was diangosed with cancer some weeks ago go, and has under gone operations and tests over this period. The majors made a big impact on the lives of our senior leaders as teachers at the william booth college, where our senior leaders were trained. For further information visit their blog at: thegarnhams.blogspot.com

CHRISTMAS IS COMING.....

Information about our christmas community events is now published on our web site. Why now visit now. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Delirious

Twenty members and friends joined with our youth ministries officer, for an evenings concert with Delirious in Maidstone last evening (monday 30th october)

GLOW

Glow community group today welcomed Reverend Richard Grocott as our after dinner speaker. Revd Grocott had previous to being appointed to the Ashford Methodist Circuit, been a 'missionary' in Italty, and shared a little about his time there.

Being The Light - Gary Chittenden

So far this blog has highlighted the way in which we as a church community are seeking to make a difference to the lives of as many as we can - to be The Light. Some time ago we were blessed to meet Gary Chittenden and Jan Chittenden. Since then we have journeyed with them to seeing them accept Christ as their friend and Saviour, and they are now members of our church community - and a real blessing to us all. Gary has shared here a little of the way Jesus Christ has changed his life. You can also read this on Garys Blog at garychittenden-beingthelight.blogspot.com

july 97 my world fell apart.my wifewas haveing an affair.i went to find this man.i was well over the limit and came off my motorbike.whilst laying in the road my wife 3 children and 2 grandchildren went to the wifes parents and didnt come back only for their things. i returned to an empty house where i had a breakdown. i tried to commit suicide.after i came out of hospital i tried again it wasnt to be. i met jan at a daycentre she was married but was going through a terrible time like myself.jan left this man.i hold my hands up we had got togeather.i belive from the bottom of my heart the lord had a plan for me and it was to get well and look after a wonderful lady called jan.we have been togeather for 9 yrs.we are soon to be married in our church with our new family. we could not do this sooner. on the thursday before good friday i stood in front of the cross.i said i did not want alchol to be a part of my new life.on feb 16th 06 i had my last drink. i have not had eny since. when i hit rock bottom i was in a deep hole. our lord and savior jesus christ reached down and offered me his hand.the hand of hope the hand of love friendship i rose up ihave been saved and reborn thankyou jesus jan curtis new family from gary

Sunday 29th October

God blessed us today, with new faces and older faces – people of all ages and generations – coming together to worship and Praise God together. Our assistant senior leader, Carl, started the meeting by laying a great foundation – encouraging us to expect that that God of the Bible, to be present among us – a God of wonders, a God of miracles and more! Our senior leader, Ian, took the meeting from here and shared the importance of us hearing the words of Jesus – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after Him! Ian shared how we stuff ourselves with the things of the world, that we leave little space for needing Jesus in our lives – but we need to realise that only He satisfies, and our longing needs to be Him – only then will we know full blessing. Songs of Praise and Worship helped us to celebrate the Greatness of our God, and Pam Quinn in her all age presentation, helped us to celebrate a God that we can serve and respond too. Trevor James, our youth ministries officer, in his first sermon ever, shared a little about the Greatness of God in his life, and then led us to see how God teaches us through Johns Gospel the need to be obedient to Him out of love; to grow in Him and to share Him – almost summing up our mission statement!!!! Trevor encouraged us to go our and share the love of Jesus with the world – and many of us did that through our monthly community church outreach: we enjoyed a meal together and then took time out on our new estate in south willesborough, to prayer walk, where God again blessed us by highlighting situations to pray for, chatting with people out treat and treating (we did saved and sanctifying at the doors!) and more. It was great to put Trevors Word from God into action. At the end of our meeting this morning in time to pray and respond God challenged many, some coming forward to pray, and others not able to because God was meeting them where they were – it was great,

Members are encouraged to comment on the meeting today and what God challenged you with, or said to you. Others also are invited to make comments.

Being Different - the evidence

Being Different will be evident among us tomorrow morning. Trevor James, our youth ministries officer, will preach his first sermon! Trevor asked!!!! Some months ago, Trevor committed his life to Jesus in a new way, and since has been seeking to grow to be different, and stand out as a follower of Jesus Christ. His ministry among youth has been a real witness to being different, but bigger than that, his ministry as a leader within the Christian Church and a teacher in 'the world' means people take notice - and those of you who know trevor, know you dare not! We thank God that His Power is at work in His People today.

All Change?!?!?!?!?

There is always arguements within the Christian Church about change. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Some argue that if it is not broken then we should not fit it. Others joke - how many Christians would it take to change a light bulb? the response - change, whats change?!? No one would want to admit to thinking we should change things for the sake of it, and no one would want to make changes that would disrupt the whole of the Christian Church, and damage what God has been doing.

Local Supermarkets will often change their products to different places in the store - why - because we notice it, and in that will often see products we have not seen before. Whilst on summer placement at Ashford in 2004, Cadet Nick Hanover, commented on how he was encouraged that things were always different at our cente, because it made things fresh and alive, and new. Maybe it is not about change, its about being different! After all, if everything is always the same, will people notice? If our church communities are always offering the same 'old' things - will people take them up? It is important that we are fresh and alive - simply because our God, that we preach and we serve, is alive, is attractive, is relevant to every generation. Someone once said, that whatever it takes, they will do it, if it gets someone into the Kingdom. The methods of our early forefathers in the Christian Church, and the early Salvationists, certainly got them noticed - it got some of them into prison because they upset so many......

Is it good to be different? Recently many have commented from other Salvation Army Corps, that Ashford Salvation Army is different! But we are assured that is okay. We may do things in a different way, we may look a little different, BUT, we have to say that there are a number of people taking notice. Within the church community people have gone deeper in their relationship with Jesus - some event commenting that they have started to have one. After a recent week of prayer someone who has been attending the church for some years, many years, text our senior leaders to say 'thank you for helping me to get to know Jesus and see Jesus in a very different way'. Something was different for this lady to see that. At a recent gathering of our prayer team, one of the members, again a long time attender of the church, commented on how what she sees now is very different to some years ago. That is not because everything has changed - because our God is the same, yesterday, today and forever - but He is also alive and at work in the world today - so He will make Himself known in different ways. It is our role as a church to ensure that we are not different in a rebellious way, but are different in a living way - to be able to reach the people other groups cannot reach in the way the Christian Gospel can - and to be able to reach the world, in a way that only Christ can do so!

So, yes we are different - and we are proud to be. By rearranging the presentation of the 'goods' we have seen established Christians find faith alive, we have seen new people find Jesus Christ, we have seen children and young people getting passionate about their Jesus, we have seen people link to our various mission programme activities, and asking questions they would not have at groups that other organisations provide. We do not apologise for being a Christian Church, and we are proud to be part of The Salvation Army.

After all, a former senior leader within The Salvation Army wrote what we believe: I dare to be different, I dare to believe, I dare to be different, God's Spirit receive; I dare to be different, my life sacrificied, I dare to be different, by living like Christ! (Commissioner Harry Read)

Would be great to hear how being different has helped you to see Jesus!

Getting Started

Welcome to Being The Light! This is the collection of thoughts, reflections and the journey that we as a church community are taking in these days. We have had an exciting few years, and God keeps telling us that the best is yet to come. We have seen so many changes among us, and in that seen a team of leaders being raised up, a pastoral team, and now district pastors. We have seen new ministres, and seen new faces to all our activities and events throughout the week, as well as on Sundays. Its been an exciting journey so far - but we have a long way to go. We are far from profession, we are not perfect - and we have a lot to learn. Yet, we are in that place where God is teaching us much, and through His Gracious Spirit, giving us more and more of Himself through some amazing ways. We look forward to sharing with you some of the things God is teaching us; some of the challenges we are knowing; prayers we are praying; miracles we are seeing - and more....and too, we would value hearing from you, hearing what God is saying to you, and how we might, as a church family and community, be able to support you.