SERVANTHOOD

Maundy Thursday took our journey from our church centre to join with Christians of many other denominations in an evening of worship and reflection. The evening commenced with a service of communion led by the pastor of South Ashford Baptist Church (the venue for the evening). Captains Ian and Susan led through a time of worship and The Word, and took the fourth section of our study this week - The Hope of Glory: Servanthood. Looking at how Christ came not to be served, but to serve, we too have been called to be like Jesus - and be servants of Him. Part of that was celebrated in what followed. A number of our church members had felt called by God to affirm their faith and celebrate a new start, by going through the water of baptism. This is not the norm in The Salvation Army for many people - but the army has always been about encouraging people to go deeper with God - Holiness - and that such things can aid such development. The Salvation Army does not believe that baptism is essential for Salvation - just confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. As a church, we of course affirm that. We also affirm the importance of blessing what God has asked of His People and would not want to stay in the way of that - indeed certainly if we are going to be servants of His. So, eight members underwent believers baptism this evening, shared with many other Christians of various denominations, and shared by Val Barkley and Lyn Farthing. Various friends offered Biblical verses and Prayer, which made a real big family celebration for all concerned. Please continue to pray for: Kevin, Nathan, Sara, Clare, Ellie, Elsie, Gary, Jan.