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.