.....and a Happy New Year

In a worldly sense today marks the end of a new year - but in a spiritual sense there is no thing. To God there is no sense of time in that way - a year might well be like a second to God! There is a danger that many of us will wait for tomorrow for a new start - magically everything becomes okay on the 1st January of any new year - but what about the next day and the days that follow. Many are so disappointed with themselves when they make mistakes and fail, that they have this sense that the year will be a real disaster for them!

The amazing God that we have says that we can have a new start every moment of everyday. The Scriptures are clear - the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end - they are new every morning - GREAT is His Faithfulness!!!!

Know that as we go into a new year, and know the Hope that you have in God. If you are a believer you have so many riches! Hold onto them - especially into this new year when you might fail, or you might want to walk away and give up. He that is in you, says The Word, is greater than he who is in the world.

The Love and Prayers of us all.

PLEASE AND THANK YOU

The last Sunday in the year has traditionally become an informal time of fellowship and the sharing of breakfast. Around sixty people shared with us this morning, which included breakfast and a time of Praise. Captain Ian shared some thoughts on the importance of Please and Thank You. Asking how many were brought up to use please and thank you reflected many! Why then do we not, asked the Captain? And especially when it comes to God. Gratitude to God for all He has done is vital, as is finding ourselves on our knees before God pleaded with Him, and asking HIm time and time again to forgive, cleanse, heal, renew and revive us. Following from this we shared in some time of thanks as we looked at a powerpoint presentation on the last year. There was so much to thank God for…… but also to ask Him to give us for the weeks and years to come. After the presentation a time of prayer followed - people were asked to reflect on what they wanted to thank God for and write it down alongside things they asked God for in the Please section. Many came forward and gave these to God - in His throne room - recognising who we were before Him and who He is to us. Many spent sometime praying before the throne seeking God. God’s Spirit came and blessed many. In concluding moments, several spoke thanks to God for this past year, and we concluded in singing ‘Crown Him with many Crowns.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

THANK YOU to so many who have supported this years Caring for Christmas Appeal. This has included individuals, couples, families. Highfield Community Church, Woodchurch School, Knowell Division Guides, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury, Wilkinsons, Iceland, Tenterden Butchers, Davis Bakery, Bethersden Public House, Ashford International Hotel, Brakes, Ardos Foods, East Stour School, St Teresa Roman Catholic Church, and many many more - including our own church leaders and members, and of course the Kentish Express. The picture shows assistant senior leader receiving donations from Green and Blacks, where the assistant senior leader (Carl) works. They contributed toys and money towards the appeal. We are also thrilled to say that financially we have been gifted and collected £9000. This will go to benefit the South Ashford SA Community Church Outreach, Kingdom Kids, Community Funds, and the Embrace International Project for needy children, plus supporting the ongoing work and mission of this church. Some of course went to expenses for Christmas.

CARING FOR CHRISTMAS AT ASHFORD

Its easy to tell people the Good News at Christmas..... Jesus Christ is here.....but how do we show it. Many of us do that in many ways, but the Christian Church has an amazing, dare we say, God Given opportunity, to do it year after year. Do we make the most of it? Many do, and its exciting to hear how more and more we are trying as Christians not to waste an opportunities that are ours. At Ashford SACC, we too take this very seriously, and want to not only tell people that Jesus Christ is here but show it. The Caring for Christmas Campaign has been run in partnership with the Kentish Express for three years now, and again this year has been run throughout the borough of Ashford. This has enabled us to appeal for food, toys and volunteer help with our Christmas Day activities. Many schools, organisations and some churches, as well as individuals, have taken on board this opportunity and we have again been inundated with toys and food that has enabled us to provide over 300 parcels - but that means that well more than 300 people have benefited! Envoy Val Barkley oversights this side of the appeal, and has worked hard with her small team of people who have been out and about delivering parcels to many. Some have come as referrels, while others are people we have discovered need to hear and see that Jesus Christ is here. The Gift of His Love continues to impact other peoples lives.

Part of the Caring for Christmas Campaign is our provisions on Christmas Day to be ONE BIG FAMILY for people throughout the Borough. This year again we were blessed to use the local school which we use for worship, and it enabled us to welcome about 200 people through our doors on Christmas Day - some volunteers, some attending the Carol Service held in the morning, and others our guests for the whole day. The morning Carol Service enabled us to ask the question What makes a Happy Christmas? and we used carols and Scripture to help show us that above all its allowing Christ to be born in us, for us to then experience more of His gifts of Forgiveness, Healing, Peace and more.... It was a great opportunity. We then enjoyed refreshments, Christmas Dinner, Entertainment, Food, Tea, Parcels and Presents and much more. We are grateful to so many people who worked so hard to make this possible, and those who worked before hand organising lists of people, sending out confirmation to our guests, organising the volunteer team, organising the drivers, packing parcels, and of course seeing through the day itself. We were also so thrilled that the Mayor of Ashford requested to come and she shared some of the day with her husband, John, with us. The day flowed through very quickly, and the majority seemed to really enjoy their time with us. Some have already contacted us to tell us the day was really an experience of a Happy Christmas, and someone said the warmth and love really made them experience what Christmas is really all about!

It has been a great experience not just to tell the people of Ashford that JESUS CHRIST IS HERE, but to show it. Faith without deeds is dead - and we are seeking to live that out more and more throughout this coming year as we look at Living by Faith. We thank sincerely our leaders - Carl, Val, Elsie, Lyn, Frances, Sara, Clare, Rhianydd, Kevin, Caroline - for all they have given to this year and their commitment to the ongoing mission and ministry of this church. We pray again that throughout this year we will be able to share our faith and show the impact our faith has had on us as we share it with the people of this town.

ITS BEEN A LONG TIME!!!!

So much has happened since we last 'blogged' - and there has been a number of requests that we keep both the blog and the web site updated. Therefore, we suggest that to catch up with the time that we have missed..... check the web site at www.ashfordsalvationarmy.org.uk, and from now both sites will be updated.

ITS LIVE!

After some months of hard work to bring new life to our church web site, it went live on friday. Don't forget to log on at www.ashfordsalvationarmy.org.uk

HARVEST EVENT 2007

Sunday 7th October:- Majors Dawn and Mike Harris, with their two daughters led our monthly EVENT, which attracted about 90 people to share together in celebrating the Harvest. The school hall was decorated for the occasion and we enjoyed lots of things to explore and share. Our youth group and the Kingdom Kids took part as part of the event. Following THE EVENT, we enjoyed a Harvest Feast, which served about 50 people, and our catering team did a great job to make this possible. As part of the EVENT our annual gift day, saw just over £1300 gifted from members and friends of the church. We thank God for a special day.

THE COUNTRY BUMPKINS PARTY

Saturday 6th October 2007: The Country Bumpkins Family Party welcomed about seventy people to enjoy a good time being family together. People of all ages shared in games such as pass the parcel, musical statues, the talent spot and some other things too. We concluded with a Harvest Hoe-Down. Lots of People contributed food to the buffet table, and we enjoyed food as well as fun together. Our Visits for the weekend, Majors Dawn and Mike Harris, with their daughters were special guests, and Major Mike shared some food for thought as part of the concluding moments of the event.

HARVEST CELEBRATION

Join us on Sunday for THE EVENT - our first Sunday special time for people of all ages. Refreshments will be served from 10.15am, and we start about 10.30am for our Harvest Event, which will be followed by our Harvest Feast (Harvest Meal) for all the family. Please do come along and share THE EVENT with us. Our special guest leaders are Majors Dawn and Mike Harris, from Leeds, who were the church leaders in Ashford from a few years from 1990. In the mean time, please pray about the whole weekend!

HARVEST PARTY ON SATURDAY

THE COUNTRY BUMPKINS FAMILY PARTY is being held this Saturday at 5.30pm at the East Stour School. We would love to see you sharing with us. Please don't forget to bring something for the buffet table. There will be lots of fun and will be ideal for people of all ages. We really hope you will be able to share it with us.

WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SOLDIER

Our church centre was full to overflowing for the 'Farewell' Meeting to Soldier Annie Wheeler, who was promoted to Glory some two and a half weeks back. The service had been put together by Annie and the Captains some eighteen months ago, and was very exciting to share together with so many people. What was great too was the many from the church who shared, many taking time off work, and that all generations were represented. The coffin was carried by a horse drawn carriage! The Committal at Charing, started by a march from the entrance gates to the door into the chapel, processing our soldier to her point of rest - and celebrating her eternal reward. It was a special and moving time. There are so many people to thank - Heather for being our pianist, Carl for all his support and help towards this day and prayer support during the day, and other who assisted, including Elsie and her catering team. Our captains and envoy led the two services.

COMMUNITY CHURCH

The last Sunday in the month is given to us to engage in taking the church into the community, and that is always done through various way. This month all three areas were encouraged to come together and meet as church over food and fellowship on the new estate in South Willesborough. A good number shared, and we enjoyed a picnic. There was also opportunity to chat with some of our kingdom kids and other children, and we concluded with some prayer walking within the community, where we recognised the amazing priviledge it was for us to be praying for God's People. Thank you to District Pastor Lyn for arranging this, and to the other district pastors and community church areas in coming together to take The Light to these people. Next month - FIREWORKS, at Envoy Vals.

SUNDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2007

Despite quite a number not being able to share with us today, our school hall, where we meet on a Sunday was fairly full with about 80 people coming together. It was a little different in that we did not have a set 'Word' but this was spread throughout music which helped us to reflect on 'how we really were'. Pastor Lyn started the meeting by encouraging us to come to the cross, and from there God seemed to have got the whole meeting sorted - and there was a Word for everyone, reminding us that we needed to be honest before God, and seek to allow Him, in the everyday moment of the day to be God. Various people testified in the meeting, and others responded in making prayers and being prayed with.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.....

Our church center was buzzing Saturday night with members and friends of our church gathering together to celebrate the 18th birthday of Arnold. What was great was meeting so much of his family - and hearing his family testify to the blessings of this church community. The party reflected the best in African Culture, which showed us all how to celebrate, but also to respect one another, and encourage through words of blessing. We sincerely thank God for Elsie and her catering team, and Carl who oversighted much.

AUTUMN MINI MARKET

A massive thank you to those who were able to share with us on Saturday for our Autumn Mini Market. Sadly, it was not that well supported by the general public, but we still raised just over £300 towards the funds of this church, and that was great. People worked very hard to put out goods to sell, and to put them away again at the end of the day. So, thank you all, and to those not able to be with us, thanks for your prayer support

THIS SUNDAY

Join us at 10.30am for our celebration meeting, to be held at the East Stour School. Following this you are very welcome to join us for our community church outreach - a picnic event at Clover Court. Bring a packed lunch with you.

MISSION MATTERS

The new Mission and Programme Ministries Team met together this week to start to work and pray through this important essential within the life of the church. It was good to bring leaders and other gifted people together in this way.

WORSHIP GROUP

A group of people met together last evening to discuss the setting up of a worship group / band - a group of musicians who want to offer something to their church, to aid it in its worship (the longer title). For the next few weeks the team will start to worship together (rather than just practise) and get to know each other better, before it is hoped the band will go 'live' in January 2008./

PRAYERS

Please remember Envoy Valerie Barkley and her family in your prayers. The Envoy was bereaved of her mum on Monday.

SUNDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2007 - DISCIPLE COLLEGE

Twenty or so people shared together for Disciple College this evening which continued on from last week looking at Breaking the chain - unpacking the essentials. Recognisng again the importance of growing up - Captain Ian looked at how there was time in our lives when we needed our food cutting up, when we needed our clothes laid out for us, when we needed our rooms to be cleaned, when the stabliers needed to be on our bikes. But there comes that time when we grow out of needing that to be done - and its the same in our Christian lives. Many of us rely on people to help and aid us in our early years, we need God in a certain way at first - but there comes a time when we have to grow up and move on. There comes a time when we have to feed ourselves and depend on God still and others, but in a different way. Relationships change as we grow up. As we concluded a number of people responded by coming to the cross and making prayers or being prayed with. We thank God for all He has taught us and challenged us through in these days.

SUNDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2007

PEACE WITH GOD - PEACE OF GOD - the focus of our thoughts today. A full hall shared together in worship, testimony and celebration. The all age presentation was shared by our childrens ministries officer, Clare, and our prayer team led prayers. Everything fitted brilliantly together and we thank God for His clear word to us. Reflecting on the sudden death of Annie Wheeler, and hearing the same from a family the senior leaders conducted a funeral for this week, Captain Ian challenged us by asking - Are we ready to meet our Maker? Have you got Peace with God? Are we trying to keep the peace - or living in Peace? As well as recognising peace with God, recognising the importance of peace with one another was also shared. At the conclusion of the meeting, several people came forward to make prayers or receive prayer.

THIS SUNDAY

PLEASE JOIN US THIS SUNDAY at 10.30am at the East Stour School, Earlsworth Road, in a celebration meeting to be led by our senior leaders, and focussing on PEACE WITH GOD, PEACE OF GOD. At night we join together at our church centre for refreshments from 5.30pm and Worship from 6pm, looking at the second in our teaching series - breaking the chains, this week unpacking the essentials. This is another day of worship and empowering not to be missed. We hope to see you x

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

The Service of thanksgiving for the life and influence of ANNIE WHEELER will take place at our church centre on Wednesday 3rd October at 12noon, led by our senior leadership. Following this at 2.40pm the committal will take place at Charing. Refreshments will then follow at our church centre

HEALED & PROMOTED TO GLORY

Annie Wheeler has today received full healing, and received her promotion to Glory!

Annie has been a soldier of Jesus Christ in The Salvation Army for about two plus years, and we have been blessed to serve Jesus with her. Despite her battles in life, she fought well, and had a deep love for Jesus. This morning, we received word that her early body had now died, and she is now at home with Jesus. We thank God for the blessing of knowing such a lovely lady, who gave us many a laugh, and challenges at times too. We will miss her deeply! We will inform you of more details in the next few days, regarding funerals etc

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

A new addition to this blog is the opportunity to say what you think! On the right coloumn is a voting questionnaire, and from time to time this will change. This week we are asking what you value about your church. Please spend 30 completing this. Thank you. Any suggestions for future discussions, let us know.

SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER - DISCIPLE COLLEGE

A two week series commenced this evening looking at Breaking the Chains, and the importance of packing away the toys. We recognised how so many of us are carrying around stuff that holds us back; and how sometimes the church can be a creche that is looking after children, instead of being a place that is helping children to grow up! So many allow the past to hold them back, instead of recognsing that God teaches the past has gone, and the new has come, that we have been born again. We did note that the past might continue to teach us, and protect us from further harm, and the scars may still be the same, but actually should not be an excuse anymore for who we are today. But the past can be those chains that hold us back. God - the great deliever, comes to set us free. We recognised the childish reactions we can have to God, instead of embracing reactions, and how so many of us are not maturing as we grow older, and battling with maturity in worship, faith and prayer. The session continues next week, lookg at what we need to unpack.

SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER

We started this day of worship together with our morning celebration at the East Stour School. Captain Ian led the worship through, and featured the all age presentation by Heather Whitewood. Prayers offered included those still setlling into new schools and classes, and those in education; for those who were far from well, including someone who had been taken into hospital that morning, and quite a number with virus'. We also welcomed back a brother who had been home to Zimbabwe for some weeks. Captain Ian did some teaching from Luke 10, prior to that having heard again the words of James about faith without action is dead - and Captain looked at the importance of putting our faith into action and not just talking about it - linking it with the annual appeal and how we need to be reaching into the darkness in so many different ways. We started by recognisng that the first section of Luke 10 encourages us to GO - Go and make a difference - knowing we are appointed by God, and sent by God, to Go into the world, and to Heal the Sick - to reach into the needs faced by so many people. We recognised this would vary and for some our mission field is where we work, for others its where we serve through church ministries, others at school, college and indeed where we live. The second passage - The Good Samaritan - reminds us to BE - to Be the answer to the needs because we have found the answer to the needs in Jesus. All too often like those who walked past the need, we can think its other peoples jobs, we can think we are too busy, we can think its not for us to get our hands dirty - but we are all called, appointed and sent out into the world, empowered by Him - and its a calling for us all. Finally, the latter section on Mary and Martha reminds us to RECEIVE. Martha had rushed about and said to Jesus to notice what she was doing, yet He valued Mary - who sat at His feet - and thats where we all need to be - and putting our belief into action starts with worship - and responds with our act of worship in reaching out to the needs - knowing who to point and direct people to. Mary is an important reminder to us to not do things to be noticed, but for Jesus to know that we are where He wants us to be - receiving from Him, and then going out to be Jesus!

HELP STILL NEEDED

A small army of people have been out and about engaging in the annual appeal - thank you so much for this. However we are still far from our target of £6000. This army have been engaging in delivering volunteer packs, door to door collections, enveloping and counting. We still need more people to be involved in some way, and all active people are asked to do what they can. There will be collections on Saturday and then next week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - although people are welcome to go out at any other times. All you need to do is contact Captain Sue and this can be sorted in no time.

Thank You in His Name.

NEW TERM FOR DISCIPLE COLLEGE

Just over twenty people gathered for the first Disciple College of the Autumn Term. The evening was one of praise, worship and testimony, and we focussed on Trust, and Proverbs 3 - reminding ourselves of the importance of Trusting in God. The question was who do we trust our lives with - and do we trust God with it! After all, if we don't trust God with our lives, then who do we???? God's Spirit moved, and several people responded to pray, for others God bowled them over, and filled them with much Joy! Hallelujah! What a day, and what a great way to see God's Spirit touch so many. Next week we start a two week teaching series on Breaking the Chains!

NEW MEMBERS

Today we welcomed two new members. Olister Makatore started to attend after being encouraged by his sister. He had not attended since moving to the UK and now says he will belong to the church forever. Nancy, his sister, spoke some words on his behalf, and then sang a song in Shona. She spoke on how this church had been a blessing to him and for him. Angeline Diplock joined us some months ago, linking again to the church after speaking with a War Cry Herald and having links in other ways as well. She had been a member of the Army in Africa. Having struggled with faith, she has testified to how in recent months she has now returned to the Lord and thanks her church for helping to save her again - recognising though, its to do with Him! Angeline shared some words from Scripture, and also sang, supported by Nancy. Both have reflected that this church has helped them in many ways, and its family to them, which is what it is all about. They have also thank God for bringing them among us, which we also do.

SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST - PART TWO

Click on images to see larger pictures

SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER

Today was a first again for our church, we celebrated the gift of God in one of our members, Rachel Whitewood. Our church was full today with people of all ages, and it was good. So many commented that there was a togetherness, and a real celebration. We celebrated the annual appeal in a presentation, we shared songs of praise and worship, our adult ministries officer did an amazing all age presentation, we welcomed two new members, and Rachel preached, on the Temple of the Holy Spirit. It was a real challenge, and good to see many challenged about this, but also apply it to their lives. A further celebration was the birthday of Viv Sanderson, who is 80 this week, and her family and church family joined together to rejoice in this, and we shared a buffet after this. More pictures to follow....

NEW MEMBER

A week late we know, but last week we welcomed Diana Anderson into membership, and we thank God for another person to be part of our growing family. Diana has been worshipping with us on and off for sometime, but when life took a major change for her, she decided it was time for a new start, and that included commiting to her church family. We thank God for Diana, and she is seen her with Senior Leader Ian, supported by some of the members of the leadership team who were available.

SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER

IF YOU CAN JOIN US THIS SUNDAY, THEN DO. We would love to see you with us. We start at 10.30am for our morning celebration at the local school (as normal) and this will be led by our senior leaders, and also include the welcoming into membership of two new members! As part of this meeting we will also be looking at the purpose of the annual appeal. Additionally our speaker will be Rachel Whitewood, preaching her first sermon in the church. Please support all thats happening. PLUS, we would love to share with you at night for the first Disciple College in the Autumn Term, and this will be an evening of worship, praise and testimony. Do share with us. It would be great to see you.

HOME AND FAMILY TEAM LEADERSHIP MEETING

The Home and Family Leadership Team met for discussion and planning this week. Led by Captain Ian, and supported by adult ministries officer, Sara, we explored where we are at the moment, and looked ahead to the year ahead and all that that could mean for this programme within the church. We thank God for the opportunities He has given us this year already

FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS

Next Thursday will see the return of the Welcome In Project in South Ashford - and an exciting new home. The Parish Rooms in Stanhope Square will be our new home and will be open from 10am-12noon every Thursday. Please pray about this important ministry

MISSION & PROGRAMME

Next Monday sees the return of our mission programme. Throughout the summer group leaders have been preparing for the return of these groups, and time has come to welcome back people again. On Mondays our community group meets, Tuesdays our Toddler Group, Wednesday our Light Living Home and Family Programme, Thursday our toddler group, and Friday our Childrens and Youth Ministry Groups. Please pray for these and be involved if and when you can. Last year on average 200 people passed through our doors.

THE ANNUAL APPEAL

The Salvation Army's Annual Appeal is an important opportunity to ask the public suppport in helping the organisation/movement to continue to be able to Be The Light of Jesus into the darkness that many people face. The money collected support the social and community expression of the army - which means that its will support the ministry everyday of the year, as the work of the army never ceases - whether it be in a social centre, a community programme, supporting people in desperate need and much more. The army is the largest provider of such care after the government, in this country. This year, Ashford still has a commitment to collect at least £6000, and we need people to help and support us in this as much as possible. Please do come and help us collect door to door - most evenings we leave from our centre at 5pm. If everyone helped to do something then we would be able to share the responsibility and not exhaust just the handful that might! If everyone collected £70 within the church, we would raise our target! So, if you can help and support, contact Captain Sue or Carl Whitewood - or if you do not live in the area but would make a donation, please do forward to us as soon as possible. Thank You so much.

RELIGION

The following is taken from an article in the times, published today - Sunday 2nd September

From The Sunday Times
September 2, 2007
Religion causes harm, says poll
Richard Brooks

NEARLY half the British think that religion is harmful, according to a poll carried out by YouGov. Yet more than half also believe in God “or something”. The YouGov poll commissioned by John Humphrys, the broadcaster and writer, found that 42% of the 2,200 people taking part considered religion had a harmful effect. “One reason might be the publicity attracted by a handful of mad mullahs and their hate-filled rhetoric,” writes Humphrys in his new book, In God We Doubt, an extract of which appears in today’s Sunday Times News Review. Only 16% of those polled called themselves atheists; 28% believed in God; 26% believed in “something” but were not sure what; and 9% regarded themselves as agnostics - like Humphrys himself, who had a religious upbringing in Wales but calls himself a “doubter”.

He writes: “Even though the dominant faith - by a massive margin – is Christianity, only 17% thought the influence of religion was beneficial. That is even fewer than those who claim that they believe in a personal God. And yet when we asked which of the main religions was ‘most effective’ in getting its message across, most thought it was Christianity. Only 10% cited Islam compared with 32% who said Christianity.” In the survey 43% said they never prayed, 31% hardly prayed, and 10% prayed every night. “More than half of those who say they believe in a personal God cannot be bothered to pray to him every night,” writes Humphrys.

What do you think?

SUNDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER 2007

Today, the first Sunday in the month, was our monthly all age 'event' and about 70 people met together. Some still away due to school holidays and others catching up with family and friends before schools are back, or routine gets going again. We had a good morning, this month looking at 'THE FAMILY TREE'. Lots of different things happened, but through creativity and the Word, we were reminded we are Created, we are Created to Belong, and We are Created to Belong and behave!!!! God is our Family, and we are called to connect to Him. During final moments many people came forward in prayer response and placed their name on 'the tree' recognising that their belong to God, or asking Him to help us 'behave' - the importance of connecting to Him. As part of this celebration we welcomed Diana Anderson as a member of the church. The meal at the end of the Event saw 50 people enjoying a really lovely meal thanks to Elsie and her team.

THIS SUNDAY

We extend a really warm welcome to you this Sunday, for our monthly 'EVENT', which is held on the first Sunday in the month for people of all ages. This month we are going to be exploring where we come from - discovering our roots and our identity. We serve refreshments from 10.15am, and following THE EVENT encourage everyone to stay for our Family Celebration Meal, celebrating one another. A donation of £3 for adults and £2 for children is encouraged if possible for the meal. It is also encouraged that you book in advance so please telephone 01233 643480, and if you need transportation, please also inform us.

THIS SUNDAY

We warmly welcome you to come and share as family this Sunday morning at 10.30am at the East Stour School. This will be our last Sunday in 'summer' format, and return next Sunday to normaility - whatever that is! In the absense of our senior leaders, our assistant senior leader, Carl Whitewood will be leading worship and our Childrens Ministries Officer, Clare Hayward will be speaking. Please do come along and hear what God wants to say through them and be ready for God to do what He wants to do! Yours prayers for there preparation would be helpful too. We thank God for both these servants of God.

DON'T YOU JUST LOVE THEM - WE DO!!!

Some said being proud is a sin.... we we are going to have to sin then, and say there is a lot to be proud of at the Ashford Salvation Army Christian Centre. Despite what people might say - we have a great family of people - great leadership team - all far from perfect and they admit it - thats what makes them great. We are not professions in what we do, and far from what others churches are able to do and present- but we are seeking to be what God makes us and wants us to be. We have great church ministries, who are being very effective in what they are doing, we have people wanting to go deeper with God, new membership coming through, people of all ages and much more. We could go on, but here we want to go on about four people who we just love so much. Today, GCSE examination results day. Nathan, Ellie and Rachel and Gemma have all done so well - actually Nathan gets his results tomorrow! But whatever their results we love them, because they got through many months of studies, weeks of exams - and above all that have an amazing relationship with Jesus Christ and thats eternal, so thats really all that matters. BUT theres results were great too, and we thank God for being with them, and protecting and supporting them - and we know too they were well covered by the prayers of their church family as well. So, to you four guys, and everyone else, remember you are loved, accepted, valued for who you are ...... and well done for your results too.

SOUL SURVIVOR 2007

About twenty five people from our church - including some friends of members of our church - travelled to the Royal Bath and Wells Showground for Soul Survivor. In the main this is a Youth week, focussing on the Ministry of The Word and The Spirit, but attended by people of all ages. About 12,000 others attended with them. This is the third of such weeks, as so many attend this event! The week is full of worship events, lots of teaching, seminars, films, resource centres and much more, so there is lots of do. Camping is the way, and despite the weather in Ashford the soul survivors report they did not have much rain at all. The week was oversighted by Captain Sue, and supported by Clare, The James Family, Caroline, Rob and other older people who aided in many ways. Our assistant senior leader, Carl, helped massively again to make this possible with transportation and the use of his family caravan which was a great blessing. So much happened, and we are hoping that the soul survivors will add comments, but they saw people saved, healed, filled with the Spirit, and much more. We look forward to seeing God using them more and more as the see the fruit of the touch of His Spirit in the weeks and months to come - and we thank those who ensured it was possible it all happened. To see larger images click on it. We could not use all 70 plus pictures, mainly because we have seen enough of Rachel in these and see seemed to be in all of them......

LIGHT LIVING

We are pleased to introduce you to LIGHT LIVING, which is the new name for our adult ministries. For sometime we have been building a ministry to work with those in the twenty plus age group, and seeking God for its purpose and design. Adult Ministries Officer Sara Hayward, has been doing much work, as well as waiting on God, and this week the new name has been uncovered! It means so much - Light Living meaning that as a ministry they seek to help make Life lighter for those under their influence, and Light Living, meaning that they seek to help 'adults' to walk in His Light. Wow, amazing! We pray for the growth and influence of this ministry, as we do its leader, and we pray for a team to come forward and work in this ministry. However we also already recognise those engaging in it, including our Home and Family Team, District Pastors, Pastoral Support Team, and Cell Groups.

WHAT AN AWESOME GOD....

People continue to be testifying to God's touch on their lives last week during our prayer week, and we thank God for this. Gary's Blog records some of his thoughts and feelings.

News from Soul Survivor is that God has been doing some amazing things among those who have gathered. Despite the weather in Ashford they have avoided much of the rain, but have known His Reign over them!!!!! There will be much shared we are sure, but already reports say that one of the little boys, George, who has gone with his family, asked to go to the meeting instead of the film night, and then at the end of the evening, went forward to become a Christian!!! Hallelujah! And, last night as some of those attending prayed for Captain Sue, her hip pains went! She has struggled with this since her last pregnancy. We thank God for all this. This is their last day now and they return tomorrow, but we pray equally on this day that all lives will be touched. Thank you Jesus!

PRAYER WEEK PICTURES

CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO SEE LARGER IMAGE.

MEET G.E.F.F.

The last few weeks our usual mission programme does not take place - however that does not mean that nothing happens! Time is available for people to visit others, to share time together, to build relationships - and its been great to hear that has been happening. BUT too, at our church centre it gives us time to clear it up and engage in some sorting out projects. This summer we welcome a new addition to our family - two new sheds. One will house our parent and toddler toys, and the other, known as GEFF will house community things, such as clothing, bric a brac and also a general store for things. Both sheds come at no cost to us - they come from a grant, granted to us. But they were not as easy at people might think, and our property managers, Norman and George, engaged in many hours to get this done. So, in celebration of them it has been named after them GEFF. Thank you guys! Also a massive thank you to Kevin Hayward for all he did, including the concreting of the base. It was a real team work, and we cannot thank Kevin and others enough. Not forgetting either, those who made the teas and stood there encouraging!!!!

SUNDAY 19TH AUGUST 2007

Despite quite a number being away on holiday, and some at Soul Survivor, we still had about 40 people sharing with us today which was great. Our senior leader, Ian, led worship and spoke from The Word, and we concluded our Beach Party series, lookin at the Eternal Beach Party - the reality that at the end of our journey we can celebrate and dance before God, there in His Glory, in His Presence, where we shall see Him face to face. During the meeting there was opportunity for sharing, and there was a real roll of people wanting to share especially from experiences during our week of Prayer and Worship last week. Our Prayer team led prayers which was helpful. At the end of the meeting quite a number of people 'journeyed to the cross' and made prayers and received prayers. We thank God for His touch, His Word and His Spirit among us.

AND THEY ARE OFF.....

Just over twenty leaders, members and friends of our church have just left to attend this years Soul Survivor. This is the third year we have attended this event. This is also the most we have taken which is also exciting - and among the numbers are people of all ages. Those going will be camping for the next few days - and will return on Thursday. There will be lots of opportunity to enjoy time together, as well as time with God. Please pray for those attending, and for Captain Sue as she oversights the week, and cooks for all these people. We are grateful to our assistant senior leader, Carl, for helping with transportation to and back.

PRAYER WEEK PICTURES

WATCH OUT FOR PICTURES FROM THE PRAYER WEEK.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE LAYOUT OF THE PRAYER ZONES.....

OVERWHELMED BY...THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Final Day of our week of prayer and worship was a further powerful day and started with Prayer and Share at the home of Buddy and Frances Back, and led by our senior leaders. The afternoon prayer zones gave people opportunity to reflect and be still before God and pray for many different things. Our Bible Study at 4,30pm, led by Ian, looked again at Ephesians and we studied each chapter and what it said to us about what being Overwhelmed by His Spirit really meant. Our final meal together, coooked by Captain Sue, again was great and this led us nicely into our final celebration meeting, led by our senior leaders, and attended by a good number of church members and friends, as well as people from other churches! God moved powerfully and touched peoples lives in lots of way, and we rejoice in this. We thank God for overwhelming us with His Spirit, and pray that this is a place where we stay and not take ourselves in and out of the 'God Experiences'. Its a place He longs for us to dwell. Thank you too to everyone who was able to give sometime to the week as a whole.

OVERWHELMED BY.....LIFE

Today in our Bible Study we reflected on Pauls Teaching about the reality that we are called to prayer in the Spirit on occasions, and importantly for each other. That importance has been reflected as our leaders, members and friends have pulled aside, and many fasted from the things of the world, to engage in prayer for church ministries, members, the council, the councillors, the lost, the hurting, requests from around the world and much more. Its been a very special time, and tomorrow will be our last opportunity in this way. Overwhelmed by LIFE has been the focus today, and in that we have considered the things many today are overwhelmed by, that being life itself. Yet we have recognised a believers God does not want us to be overwhelmed by those things, but just by Him! Our day started in Willesborough, and shared together with a number of members of the 'community church' in Willesborough with other 'community churches' and their leaders. It was special, and led by Pastor Elsie. There was a lot of challenge and much discussion. The afternoon prayer zones saw many being lost with God, and our Bible Study a helpful time too. Following an amazing dinner cooked again by Captain Sue - we concluded with a full hall of people singing and worshipping the Praises of our God! Please join us tomorrow....

OVERWHELMED BY....FORGIVENESS

Day Two of our week of prayer and worship was again a very special and powerful time and well supported by leaders, members and friends. In the pace of life today its so easy to not have the time to pull aside and reflect and prayer - and yet Scripture teaches us the importance of it - and as someone once wrote are we too busy not to pray?! Today our focus was on Forgiveness and we looked and studied Ephesians Chapter Two. We looked at what we were before we were saved, and now what we are is we are saved! What an overwhelming God! Pastor Elsie started our day by leading Prayer and Share at her home, and then the various prayer zones were available for people to use. A meal, beautifully cooked by Captain Sue followed, and then we concluded with an evening of prayer and worship. God's Spriit came beautifully among us, and His Peace and Blessing - as well as forgiveness was known. Again it was good to have the attendance of others from other local church communities. Thank You God for today.

OVERWHELMED BY.....GOD

Today was just the first day of our week of prayer and worship, but wow it has been an amazing day. We thank God for the many leaders, members and friends who have shared the day with us - including some tonight from other churches. We started the day at 10.30am in the home of Viv Sanderson, and shared some Prayer and Sharing together, looking at WHO IS GOD? Recognising in that that God is indesrcrible, yet so many words do describe Him! We were overwhelmed by who God has become to us, and the relationship that we share. Following this our centre was open for people to visit our various prayer zones, to engage in prayer walking, and to watch some worship or teaching videos. The centre at times was buzzing with people offering all sorts of prayers to God, or just reflecting on Him. An afternoon Bible Study from Ephesians Chapter Four was held from 4.30pm, after which Captain Susan had cooked an amazning meal for us to enjoy together. At 7.30pm our evening of prayer and worship just flowed - God released many to praise and worship Him, we looked at The Word, and we danced! We fell and His feet and we cried! God moved, and touched the lives of many. Many were overwhelmed by Him. One sister even said she heard the angels singing! Wow - what a God, as we sang tonight - How Great is our God!!!!

SOUTH ASHFORD UPDATE

Its been sometime since we updated you about our 'church plant' in South Ashford. Plans are developing well, totally under the guidance and inspiration of The Holy Spirit. Envoy Val Barkley is a mighty 'man of God' who is not seeking to run with anything, unless its totally under the Holy Spirits anointing. Hallelujah! But sometimes its also necessary to reassess where things are and what happening in order to prepare for the future. For some weeks now, if not months, some outreach has been happening through The Revival Centre in Kingsnorth Road. Its been an exciting project, and above all shown to these 'saints' that they can do it!!! Last Thursday was the last meeting of the Welcome In project at the Revival Centre, and in September, our new home (we hope) will be the Parish Rooms on the Stanhope estate, which is where Envoy Val felt our calling was sometime ago, and this has been the stepping stone to that. Last Thursday over 30 people shared together, and news of developments will follow very soon. Watch this space. In the mean time, please pray with us that we will see more of God's anointing upon this project and that anything that is not of Him will not happen! Incidently, also starting in September is a new monthly cell group, held on the 3rd Monday evening of the month at the home of Pastor Elsie from 7-8.30pm. This will be a 'drop in cell' for refreshments and chat, and as always is open to everyone. You can contact Envoy Val at Valerie.Barkley@salvationarmy.org.uk

SUNDAY 12TH AUGUST

Week Three in our series of 'The Beach Party' encouraged us to Chill Out! The last two weeks we have Celebrated at the beach, and Got Wet! This week starting with Matthew 5, we were reminded we would be blessed when we hunger and thirst after more of God, we would be filled too! Our senior leader, Ian, reminded us that many come to church with little hunger because they are satisified in the things of the world, and therefore there is only a little room left for God. But its essential, we take time out to feed on God, and to rest in Him. We explored how God calls us to rest, as reflected in psalm 23, and how in that time, we can know Ministry from God, as we give to Him our burdens and our cares - as He invites us in Matthew, to come to Him and He will give us rest. By now carrying everything to God in prayer, we forfeit peace and indeed rest! It was great to see so many with us, despite so many away, and thank God for His Presence among us.

IMPORTANT WEEK ABOUT TO START

As many people have headed off, or are heading off to the various summer camps, we recognise not everyone is able to do that, and so locally we hold our own! Although on a much smaller scale, we provide a days programme of activities and events, giving people opportunity to have time out, people opportunity to be lost and overwhelmed with God, and to give quaility time to The Word of God, and to being open to the Ministry of the Holy Spirit. Our theme and focus will be OVERWHELMED, and we do encourage everyone that is able to give sometime during the week, which we believe will be a signficiant time for the church we are part of, but also for anyone else that will join with us. The programme for the week is as follows:-

Prayer and Share from 10.30am, time aside in peoples homes to look at the Word, to worship and to discuss, this will conclude about 12noon

Prayer Zones will fill our church centre, with lots of prayer activities, guides and more to engage in. There will also be some worship and teaching videos played, and a guide to going out prayer walking. This is from 1pm

Bible Study and Application around our theme for the week will be held from 4.30pm.

Family Meal is provided from 6pm

Evening Celebration from 7.30pm-9pm - worship and prayer ministry will be the main focus.

Transportation is available. Please do come and share with us, and if you need transport, then please let us know.

THE BEACH PARTY - WEEK THREE

Join us this Sunday at 10.30am for our celebration meeting, which will continue our summer series at the beach party. This week our focus will be CHILL OUT, and look at a further reason people go to the beach - to rest! What does God teach us about rest? Come and join us this Sunday to find out

BROADSTAIRS PART TWO

Despite saying that most people enjoyed the day together, obviously the company of family members (including her husband) was all too much and meant this soldier reflected her enjoyment of the company in this way. Maybe she should have come across to the other group!!!!