DISCIPLE COLLEGE - 21ST SEPTEMBER 2008

Discipleship College continued the theme of "The Parable of the Good Samaritan". The road to Jericho is like our lives and Jesus is our Samaritan.

We started the evening by reading Psalm 146 - Praise the Lord.. He reigns forever! We then split into 5 groups and each group rewrote 2 verses, in order to update but not change the meaning.

Worship songs used this evening were: To be in your presence; Thank you for saving me and Lord you have my heart.

We listened to some classical music and reflected on some questions that Emma gave us:

How much individual time have I spent with God this past week?

How much time have I spent talking to God and how much time have I spent listening?

Who have I seen/heard in pain this week?

What global situations have touched my heart this week?

What did I do next, once I'd seen them?

Have I spoken to anyone about what I've seen/heard?

Have I sacrificed anything in order to give something to someone/thing else?

Who/what have I thought badly this week?

Would I take pity and do something for them/it?

The yoke God has given us is light. He encourages and does not judge.

It is hard for us to love ourselves sometimes, we know our true selves and so does God and He still loves us!

During the evening Nathan Hayward drew what he felt God was telling him. His picture was a jumble of feelings; Hope, anger, love, crying and reaching out. But Jesus is at the centre.

HARVEST CELEBRATION

Join us on Sunday, 5th October 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.

HARVEST PARTY 2008

THE HARVEST OF THE SEA FAMILY PARTY

is being held Saturday, 4th October at 4.30pm at the East Stour School.

We would love to see everyone sharing with us. Please don't forget to bring something for the buffet table.

There will be lots of fun and is ideal for people of all ages. We really hope you will be able to share it with us.

ANNIE

This week marked the first anniversary of the promotion to glory of Annie Wheeler, a soldier of Jesus Christ in The Salvation Army in Ashford. On Wednesday, 17th September (1st anniversary of Annie's death) Home and Family Ministries remembered Annie and her daughter Margaret was able ot be there too.
Today, Carl Whitewood led us in a time of remembrance and shared his memories of Annie. Shw had had a hard life and a particularly difficult marriage. She had to work very hard to make ends meet and lost her son Stuart at a young age, separation in her family and her health especially the loss of her leg. History made her the way she was. Annie knew the danger of pride and was always honest if she got it wrong. Annie knew the Lord most of her life and in her seventies she became closer to God and He continued work in her life.
Eddie Maddison spoke of the love and joy she brought ot his life.
Valerie Carter shared how Annie cheered her up and told her not to worry about her disability.
Viv Sanderson was Annie closest friend, Annie came into her life at the same time that Viv lost her big sister. Annie invited Viv to drop by her house anytime she was lonely. Annie also invited Viv to the Salvation Army, where Viv came to faith and thanks to Annie, Viv continues to worship with us.
We prayed in thanks for Annie and her friendship with Viv.

SUNDAY, 21ST SEPTEMBER 2008

We began this mornings service with Pam and Sally's All Age Presentation,they reminded us that with Jesus we have a second chance and he can help children to be good.

During this week many good things have happened to some of our members; Caroline Marshall (our Toddler Ministries Officer) got a new job, working for the Salvation Army at our Divisional Headquarters. Alex Smith and Eddie Maddison spent Friday collecting at the Ashford Post Office, something neither of them would normally feel able to do. Alex felt uplifted as people put their pennies in, one lady even took a photo of both of them, What will she do with it?

During This Time Tomorrow Tracey James shared how at 11am tomorrow she would be at her desk at Ashford Borough Council's benefits office.

We read the bible passage for today Luke 10:25-37, with actions. Emma led the sermon on "The Parable of the Good Samaritan".

A very well known story, but we tend to focus on the end with the Good Samaritan, we miss the the start, the original question. The man asking the question is well educated and has studied the scripture & the laws and listened to his leaders. In verses 26 & 27 when asked the question the expert in the law quoted the law in his reply (Deut 6:9 and Lev 9:18). In verse 29, Jesus wanted to show him that these words are to be acted on and not just quoted. Previously in chapter 9, Jesus explained the law and when we come to him, we become a new creation; the law takes on a whole new meaning. The Book of Wisdom says that a neighbour is a fellow Jew, not a sinner. The priest and the levite may have not wanted to become unclean on their way to worship. The book of wisdom also says if family is not nearby they can tend to the sick. So we cannot question why neither stopped.

The Samaritan did not just take pity but attended to his wounds and paid for him to be looked after. This Samaritan gave Holistic medicine, not just the physical but the spiritual.

Who is the Good Neighbour? In this situation it was the man who stopped to help!

Who is our neighbour? Anyone around us, forgetting our prejudices and helping all.

The priest and levite chose to do nothing, the Samaritan chose to help.

We are the neighbour, we cannot help everyone but we can help some. No task is too big with God's help. But we can help our next door neighbour or befriend the Big Issue guy! Something small is better than nothing. Instead of focusing on being able to nothing for everyone, look at doing something for someone.

Following the sermon we listened to a piece of music and thought about how we can help 'our neighbour' and if we needed it, the prayer team were on hand to pray with anyone.

Songs used in worship this morning were: Let everything that; Your Love is Amazing; In the secret, In the quiet place; We bow down and Before the Throne.

SUNDAY, 14TH SEPTEMBER 2008

Emma and Mark led this morning's worship on the theme of "The Parable of the Sower".

Four members of Flame led the All Age Presentation, in order for us to get to know them a little better, they interviewed each other and one Kingdom Kid about school and college. The young people shared the courses & A levels they are studying and for the younger ones their favourite subjects.

During This Time Tomorrow (3T's) Elsie Willis (District Pastor, South Ashford and Prayer Officer) shared how at 10.50am tomorrow she would be preparing lunch for GLOW, our Monday pop in.
Mark led the sermon on Mark 8: 1-15 "The Parable of the Sower".

"The Seed is the Word of God"

Discipleship College continued the theme of "The Parable of the Sower"
A time of prayer preceded the service and we were able to pray for members of our church who are unwell and give thanks for those recovering.

Our time of worship started with reading the parable, then we sang 2 songs; I am not a Stranger to Mercy and I Worship you, Almighty God. Following the singing of these songs of worship we listened to a CD and looked at the words. "All that I have Sown" by Bebo Norman; as we listened to this track we had to pick out words that stood out for us. For the majority it was the last line, ...the joy that I have found is living in my family.....it's all I have sown. We see ourselves in our children, good and bad traits, what we teach our children and others will remain after we are gone. We need to sow the good seeds to leave a legacy. 'Children can inherit faithfulness'. God does not let go of his children.

We discussed what we felt were the attributes of Jesus as a sower; He put himself where the people were and spent time with them. He led by example. We need to be the seed.

Fear of what others may think of us and fear of rejection can prevent us from from showing the attribute that Jesus showed, along with impatience (we may need to pray for years for something to happen) and our insecurities.

Jesus gave us kindness, love, humbleness, not judging, HOPE, healing, freedom and peace, The Fruit of the Spirit. Jesus cared for the poor and marginalised, he loved the unloveable.

J John said that we are not all sowers, we may be pruners weeders or reapers. We are like the seasons, we may be sowers and reapers at different times.
In order to be a good sower or reaper we need to be Christ-like in the way we live our lives, we need to be real. We should put ourselves in a position to be a witness and not surround ourselves with just Christians.

As we are not all sowers we need to support those that are either through prayer or practical help.

THE EVENT - 7TH SEPTEMBER 2008

50 Ways to Change your Life!

Carl Whitewood, assistant senior leader led today's service, he recently read a leaflet entitled '50 ways to change your life' although a useless piece of literature, he was able to use some of its suggestions. He started by asking if any of us have a fear of spiders, most of us did. Real fears keep us awake at night, using Psalm 23 Carl showed us that we need not fear, God is with us.

We were asked if we had ever written a list of things to change, we usually do this every new year. Brian Tracey has written a book called "Eat that Frog" it tells its reader to do the hardest thing of your list first so then you can then do anything, nothing is then too hard ! But as Christians it should be prayer to give us the strength to get through the day. http://www.prayoften.com/. Those who find it easy to pray first thing in the morning shared how they do it - routine.

All age presentation was led by Heather and the theme was 'Be a problem solver' George James helped Heather, he was in an imaginary boat. On the shore was Hayden the chicken, Carrie the fox & Poppy a sack of corn. George was asked to take each animal/thing on his boat one at a time without the chicken eating the corn and the fox eating the chicken. Despite only being 5 George took the chicken 1st, then the fox but as he could not leave them together he took the chicken back and then left the chicken while he took the sack and then went back for the chicken. When problems happen, when life is a challenge, we know someone who can solve it.

Another way to change your life (as suggested in the leaflet) was to Learn Mandarin, as a billion people speak it! We had a sheet with mandarin on, did anyone know what it said? The first question was "where is the bathroom?" We had to work out the rest! Funnily enough we couldn't! So as we cannot learn mandarin, we should learn the word of God.

It is sad that most people want 'All things Bright and Beautiful' at their funeral as they sang it a school, but they learnt no more hymns or choruses since. The hymn is a lovely one and there is nothing wrong in liking it but to know no other is a shame.

Re-evaluate your personal brand: we were given a piece of paper with 10 famous faces on, could we name them all? Rhianydd could! Maybe you look at celebrities and think, I am short, overweight, need glasses, deaf, I am not like the celebs! But God created us and we are all beautiful.

Flame youth group repeated their wonderful performance of 'Everything skit'. It reminds us that God loves us and the world will distract us.

Get rid of mobile phone: a crazy suggestion but you can recycle them through Rob for the SA.

Eat breakfast: eat God's word if so don't you will end up as spiritual pygmy, you won't grow!

Get a life coach: Olympians have coaches, businesses do, they will call to encourage you! We have one, what is he saying to you? Someone is there for you! He can change them ask and he will answer.

Just do it: John 5 tells the story of 'The Healing at the Pool'. The lame man wanted to be healed after 38 years but everyone else got to pool first, so Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well then Jesus said "Get up, pick up your mat and walk" (NIV) and he was cured.

If you need your life to change, God's word says Jesus can heal us. If you need prayer support team on call/text our prayer phone 07790733760.

Peoples view of God prevents them from going to church and we restrict ourselves by our views, we sometimes don't think we are good enough, this is illustrated in this song; There's a wideness in God's mercy...But we make His love too narrow by false limits of our own...

We needn't as His love is as wide as the universe.

SUNDAY, 31ST AUGUST

Today concluded Champion's Challenge week. This past week both the children's and youth's ministries have held a holiday club.

The children met each morning (monday to friday) for a time of challenges, games and craft.

Each morning included a DVD presentation on the life of Jesus following sporting themes. For further information see our children's minstries blog http://thekingdomkids.blogspot.com/

Each evening our youths met for a time of fun: watching a DVD, field games, baking, art, music, dance, party games and the beach.

This morning's teaching was on the Holy Spirit and we were all invited to say who the Holy Spirit is; answers included Dove, Trinity, Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is even mentioned in the story of creation. Although we cannot see the Holy Spirit he is and has always been here.

SUNDAY, 24TH AUGUST

Last Sunday Lieutenant Emma Scott introduced a new way for us to get to know each other better, each week one or two people will be interviewed for This Time Tomorrow (3T's). Bob Shrubb was the first. This time (10.50am) on a typical monday (last monday being a bank holiday didn't count) Bob would be in a team meeting, Bob works as a Ventilation Engineer and he described what this entailed.

The day's topic was the different names for God: the worship songs reflected this. The reading came from Exodus 3 and instead of it being read out it was shown on DVD "The Prince of Egypt".

Who am I? We were all given a piece of paper with the outline of a person on and we were asked to add things that made us who we are; e.g. family, chocolate (Emma's choice) or sport etc.

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTS

On Sunday, 10th August, we welcomed our new Officers, Mark and Emma Scott. The service was led by Major David Ramsey and assisted by his wife Karen and Envoy Val.
Emma and Mark shared their 3 favourites things; Emma's are dancing, shoes and family, whilst Mark,s are sport, visual expression and sleep. The church leaders welcomed and prayed for our new Senior Leaders.
We made Mark and Emma feel at home, the best way we know, with food ! The service was followed by a buffet, prepared by members of our Adult and South Ashford Ministries teams.

SUNDAY 3RD AUGUST - THE JOURNEY

On Sunday we met together for a time of prayer and reflection, about ten people came together, an extremely good number for a prayer meeting as it doesn't entertain it isn't sitting back in a comfortable chair prayer is all about you and all effort comes from you. The journey was a walk through prayer time taking the plan Jesus laid out for us The Lords prayer, how Jesus lead us into Gods presence, firstly we looked at how important order is to God, He created in an order to achieve perfection. The Lords prayer takes us through order to achieve the ultimate intimacy. The Bible is an example of Gods order, numbers are relevant and each have a specific meaning.

No. 1 represents singleness Ephesians 4 v 7 speaks of oneness John speaks of unity all together in oneness when we are speaking in prayer we are at oneness two people joined together as one.

No. 2 represents the truth two witnesses to clarify the truth no 2 is used 21 times in Daniel and Revelation in respect to figure two.

No.3 represents the Godhead the trinity

No. 4 represents universal truth the four corners north, south, east and west, the four winds all expressing God is for all in every direction.

No. 5 refers to the teaching, the 5 books of Moses are teaching books. Jesus used the figure five in His ministry, five loaves, five virgins all teaching.

No. 6 represents mankind's rebellion, imperfection, its used 273 times God created man on the 6th day and the rebellion is clear in that area in Rev 666 identifies the mark of Satan it identifies the stain Satan can leave on your life

No. 7 represents perfection God completion of creation on the 7th day, seven is the most important it represents everything of God, Revelation sets the foundations, seven churches, the foundation seven spirits the life of the church, seven candlesticks the light of Jesus, seven trumpets the sound that reaches out, seven thunders the warning beware there's rough weather ahead, seven mountain trials ahead to climb, endurance, faith. Seven slain the lost seven kings the glory the prize the victory. The Lords prayer is taken in seven stages, start the journey:

1. Our Father which art in heaven, call on his name call him into your presence before you take another step in your prayers,

2. Hallowed be Thy name recognising the holiness the majestic position God has in our lives

3. Thy Kingdom come speaks of Gods authority its all about you Jesus,

4. Thy will be done total submission giving ourselves totally into God's hands

5. having gone though stages 1-4 we have prepared the way cleared the path to be intimate in oneness with God. Give us this day our daily bread to enable us to be in that position to ask to recognise his love and his grace over our lives the first four stages are important.

6. Forgive us our trespasses, with these words we recognise our own worthiness and how we have failed God, it's a time of cleansing asking protection over our lives.

7. For thine is the kingdom, the final step in our Journey the ultimate triumph, the reign over all, we followed this example as we went from stage to stage regarding our church.

Willesborough Windmill

Wednesday 30th July

30 people from Wednesdays Adult Ministries group came for a lovely Afternoon visit to the Willesborough Windmill.

We all enjoyed Cream Tea`s, Cake or Coffee in the Cafe or sat outside in the sunshine. 18 of the Adults and Children had a Guided Trour of the Windmill going up 4 or was it 5 sets of very steep steps to the top, seeing the sails up close and the views over Ashford which was breath taking !

Everyone said that they had a fabulous day, getting together, chatting and catching up.

Litterpick

Litterpick

Sunday 27th July 08

Between 2 - 5pm about 20 Adults and Children walked from the Hall with all the equipment Caroline had collected from the Council, we walked up past the School and through the new part of

South Willesborough to the River and back to the SWAN Centre with a small stop at the Play Park. It was a very hot, sunny day and we were very grateful to reach the Hall at 5pm where Caroline had provided cool drinks and Icepoles for everyone. All the rubbish that we had collected was left were the Council had asked us to at the SWAN Centre.

SUNDAY, 27TH JULY 2008

On Sunday we were reminded at the start of the service about working together (Hebrews 10), like geese who fly in formation and never deviate we too need to work in harmony.

Assistant Senior Leader Carl handed out blank pieces of paper and asked us all to draw the person who has inspired us the most, quite a few drew Jesus or God, others drew a parent and a few drew leaders from the church. Carl then showed us the current advert for a mobile phone company which illustrates how many people influence us throughout our llives. Carl also used this illustration for his sermon but the greatest influence we should have is Jesus the 'Great I am'.

LITTERPICK AND COMMUNITY JOBS

This Sunday, 27th July we are using our free afternoon to litterpick, wash cars and prayerwalk around the area near East Stour Primary School (where we worship on sunday mornings and Kingdom Kids on fridays). All members and friends are welcome to come along.

SOLDIER GARY'S POEM

Dear Ian Sue Grace Adam and Hope,
you are special loved and your kind.
You've loved and cared,
for us all the time.
Your love for God and us,
truly shows.
We all feel sad,
its time that you go.
Your light will still shine,
to guide the way.
Please come back soon,
and brighten our day.
You've done so much,
we'll never forget.
Your love with Jesus,
out shines all the rest.

BE THE LIGHT

For the last time, we want to use this opportunity of THE BLOG to thank you all for being a part of our lives over the last five years, and for allowing us to be a part of your church over this time. We cannot believe that now five years and two weeks are over - equally we cannot believe that we have been the longest ever serving officers at the corps in its history!!! Those five years have been full of so much, but we cannot fail to look back and see the Hand of God among us - and we pray it will continue. We know that God's hand is going nowhere - but we know too, that God's people have to allowed His hand to lead, touch, bless, restore, save, heal and deliver - and that would be our final reflection to you all. Allow God's Hand to be in the right place!!!! Don't rely on man to do anything, but trust God to do everything! Without God you can do nothing, and as Captain Sue reminded us on our farewell Sunday - we can get through trials, we can get through problems and situations - if we want to, and as believers we are promised with God all things are possible, so there is no reason why we can also be victorious is we allow the Victious One to lay His hand on our lives and touch us where it hurts, where He needs to be touching. We thank each and everyone of you for allowing us to be a part of what God has done in the last five years (and two weeks) and we trust that we will continue to visit this blog, and to hear from you all, as to what God continues to do. There is no reason why the church need not continue to grow, continue to see new members welcomed, continued to see our outreach, our mission and ministry effective lives - the only reason why it may not happen is because we do not allow it to; because we stop being involved; because we stop believing; because we stop the Hand of God doing what He wants. Our prayer continues to be, Lord use your people to do Your will and to fulfil your purposes. Each one of you who are members and friends will be receiving a little personal note from us in the next few days or so, but we wanted to just now say thank as we conclude our responsibility as pastors and leaders of this church - and to remind you that we continue to pray for you, love you and care for you, and will not cease to do that. Moving on for us we means we loose so many regular faces from our daily lives - but we have a picture which holds you all on in, and daily will be remembered of many friends who we know will also be praying for us.

We ask you please to continue to pray, and in that continually for your new Lieutenants, Emma and Mark. We ask you to support them more than you have us, and to ensure they are accepted and loved in the ways you have us - and more. We believe you can do that, and entrust to you, two more servants who come, sent by God and The Salvation Army to be part of what God is doing - not to do it, not to be left to get on with it, but to serve alongside you a God who has called us to build His Kingdom, to minister to one another and to minister to Him. May your life continue to be a blessing to Him.

And, we ask you to continue to remember Adam, Grace and Hope as they adjust to these changes. They will always be pleased to hear from you. We plan to set up email addresses for them (mayeb not hope yet), so you may want to contact them. You have been such a special part of their lives and developments.

Finally - to the leaders, members and friends, thank you dearly for everything. To Val and Carl, for all they did in the lead up to our leave, the leaving day, and since, thank you. To Emma and Mark, we love you and believe in you, and support you for the days ahead. We will always be here for you too. For the gifts, for the invitations to your homes for meals, meals out, coffee, Garys Poem, cards, hugs, texts, emails and more - thank you. Each is treasured and valued.

Thank you finally, to the Marshalls for taking on THIS BLOG and keeping us in touch. We will look forward to regularly visiting and seeing what is happening. And, we will certainly look forward to reading the great and exciting things.... all of which you can be part of

Continue to BE THE LIGHT OF JESUS - and to enable that, you need to be living within that Light, and growing in it, reflectign it, ministering it and sharing it. May His Light shine in you and then through you.

Our heart aches to say Goodbye - so its just, see ya, and thanks, and look forward to meeting soon - we will meet again, don't know when, don't know where, but we know we'll meet again some 'sunny' day!!!

Susan and Ian xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Grace, Adam and Hope

ENROLMENT OF SOLDIER

Sunday, 20th July 2008 saw Captain Ian enrolling a new soldier of Jesus Christ in The Salvation Army. Ruth Wadsworth, who has been attending the church for nearly five years, shared how she believed God had asked her to go deeper in her spiritual life and once again become a soldier. Ruth had been an Adherent-Member and made this decision herself to make a public declaration of her faith in this way.

GOODBYE TO THE WOODGATES

The day we had been dreading for months finally came around, the Woodgate's last Sunday at Ashford Salvation Army. Envoy Val started the service by reminding us that change is sometimes good; we all need changes in our lives. Assistant Senior Leader Carl led the service, to keep all the children involved he hid pieces of puzzle over the hall and the children had to find the pieces, this took some time as some pieces were hidden well. This was no ordinary puzzle, it contained the names of groups/activities, services (eg food parcels) courses, events, outings & holidays and worship to name just a few things offered at Ashford Salvation Army.

During their time in Ashford Sue and Ian have either developed or introduced everything mentioned in this puzzle and in their own words, they wished they could have done more (humbling isn't it). I just hope that we can continue everything they have started with the same enthusiasm they have. While this exercise was being carried out a powerpoint presentation of photos of the Woodgate family over the last five years was shown.
Home & Family read out a poem about how Captain Ian's tea should be made, STRONG WITH A DASH OF MILK !; they also showed a slideshow presentation of a scrapbook that our Adult Ministries Officer had made, with members of Home and Family enjoying their time at Ashford Salvation Army on Wednesdays.

Flame (our Sunday youth group) over the last few weeks filmed au revoir messages from Church family and friends, unfortunately the dvd was shown during the service for us all to get embarassed. Flame also, with help from CMO Clare, performed the "Everything Skit" which I am led to understand is going to be uploaded onto youtube (watch this space).

An opportunity was given for anyone to say anything about or to Sue and Ian regarding the last five years. Members thanked them both for being there in times of need (nothing was ever too much for them) and performing the simplest of tasks (nothing was ever beneath them). One member reminded us that when the Woodgates came we worshipped at our centre and within months we outgrew the hall and just over two years ago had to move to the school, which we have now filled. God blessed us the day He sent Sue and Ian to Ashford.

The day was completed the Salvation Army way, with food ! Carl and his team put on a great spread which included a BBQ.



Thank you Woodgates for the last five years, we will miss you but we know we will see you again.

KINGDOM KIDS OUTING JULY 2008

On Saturday, 19th July our children's group, Kingdom Kids visited London Zoo. The day started early at East Stour School, where we boarded the coach and mini bus. The journey was long and tiring but we survived ! Our coach driver had an obsession with cranes every one he saw, he pointed out, red ones, yellow ones and some were even blue! London had a lot of building work being carried out.
We spent a very enjoyable day at the zoo looking at the many animals including reptiles, big cats, amphibians and Captain's favourite Meerkats.
At lunch time we all met up for a picnic in the park area. There was even the opportunity to go on the merry go round.
A great day was had by all, so our thanks go to the Kingdom Kids team and a great big thank you to the Rotary Club for funding an enjoyable day out to the Zoo.

PRAYER MINISTRY COURSES

Two Prayer Ministry Courses have been held this week as part of the church resourcing people in their spiritual lives. Organised by prayer office, Elsie, Captain Ian gave teaching from God's Word about the importance of being ministers and reaching out to the hurting broken world, as Christ entrusted us too. As part of this we looked at the importance of praying for people and praying with people, and how this could be done, and be effective. Recognising though, that God does not need us - we celebrated how God has chosen to pour into our lives the gifts of His Spirit, so we can be ministering into the needs and situations of so many people

FAREWELL

Next Sunday, 20th July we bid farewell to our Corps Officers Captain Susan and Captain Ian Woodgate. The morning is being organised by our Assistant Senior Leader Carl Whitewood and along with the leaders would love to see members and friends, old and new, come along to wish Ian, Sue, Grace, Adam and Hope all the best for the future in Forestdale Croydon.

If you are in contact with anyone who has attended any group within the corps over the last 5 years please invite them along.


ps please bring a box of tissues !

DIVISIONAL FIESTA 2008

On Sunday, 13th July, 40 members of the Ashford Corps attended the Divisional Fiesta at Redhill. The morning commenced with a worship meeting led by Drew McCombe, the theme for the day was Connect for... and Drew used a game of Connect Four to help us to remember what connects and disconnects us to/from God. Thankfuly good triumphed over evil !

Alove led the singing and the Divisional Youth band played along with a few songs. Annika Scutt with Ian Scutt (no relation) performed two songs from their new CD.

Antony Cotterill, Divisional Leader preached the lesson and used the illustration of lightning (which needs a connector) to demonstrate how we need to stay connected to God.
Following the service everyone grabbed some lunch, whether it was a picnic, BBQ or dinner from the dining hall. Those having a picnic or burgers from the BBQ sat on the immense playing field and spent the afternoon resting and chatting. Intercorps Connect 4 was played on the field, which was won by a girl from Croydon corps (she beat her opponent in just over 7 seconds). Mid afternoon the youth band played for an hour. During the afternoon 75 lucky people were able to go swimming in the indoor pool and a number of folks entered the treasure hunt.
The day concluded with a time of reflection and worship. It s hard to pray for everything going on around us, Drew suggested that we follow the example of a Corps Officer in Nottingham and concentrate on the area within our postcode.

We all had a fabulous day with family and friends.

Thanks to all the DHQ staff who organised the event.

IGNITE - END OF YEAR TRIP TO THE WOODS

To conclude the year, Ignite, our friday night youth group ventured to Challock Woods. Clare (youth mentor) organised a wide game which involved two teams, balls and a field. Once all the runners balls were captured by the raiders it was time to for the BBQ, once again cooked to perfection by Assistant Senior Leader Carl! Apart from a few scratches (well who wears shorts and flip flops to the woods, honestly!) all the young people had a great time.
Thank you to Captain Sue, ASL Carl, Clare and Nathan for organising a good finale to the year.

HOME & FAMILY END OF YEAR CONCERT

Last Wednesday, our Home & Family group ended the year with the wonderful clarinet playing of Alison Quiinn, niece of our Home & Family Assistant Leader, Pam Quinn. Alison played some Jazz, Big Band and some familiar favourites. Some members even got up to dance (as you can see from the photos). Whether they sang, danced or just listened to the beautiful music, everyone enjoyed the afternoon and Alison was asked for an encore, she duly obliged wth 2 more tunes.
I am sure Alison will return, sometime in the not so distant future.

OPEN HOUSES

As part of their way of saying thank you for the love, support and encouragement received over the last five years by many within this church family, our senior leaders have held a series of open houses, and supper parties, to bring together all members and friends of the church. Many have attended over the last two or three weeks, and enjoyed shared meals. The senior leaders would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to come together, and for the opportunity of being together in this way.

YOUR COMMENTS PLEASE

As the church faces an exciting future under the reign and power of God, we are about to see a change in 'senior leadership'. We invite comments here about what you look back over the last few years, and thank God for? What has challenged you, what has aided you, what has helped you and meant you have grown in Christ? Lets celebrate together

ps) we also have a poll in the right column of the page - do visit that as well

MORE PICTURES FROM THE END OF TERM CELEBRATION

CELEBRATING NEW LIEUTENANTS

Twelve people from the church travelled to London to this years Commissioning of new Salvation Army officers, especially to be in support of our new leaders, (now) Lieuenants Emma and Mark Scott. The afternoon meeting including the commissioning and ordination, conducted by Commissioner John Matear, the territorial commander, and Commissioner Elizabeth Matear - territorial secretary for women's ministries - brought the address. In the evening celebration meeting, the new Lieutenants were warmly welcomed by the many hundreds who attended the event at Westminster Central Halls, and many responded at the end of the day to the challenge from Commissioner John Matear to allow God to breath on us, in us and through us.

STRAWBERRY TEA

The annual Strawberry Tea took place at our church centre on Wednesday - although planned to take place at the home of Susan and Ian - however the rain put a stop to that. A quick change to plans, meant we enjoyed some 'entertainment' from Ian, and Captain Susan singing to 'Simple song of love' and 'Draw me close to you'. Captain Sue arranged some amazing strawberry dishes.

SUNDAY 6TH JULY 2008 - END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

Today we shared a very exciting First Sunday with about a hundred people, including members of Bright Sparks & Kingdom Kids and their family and friends. We celebrated our toddlers, children and youth in our end of term and end of year celebration. The children took part in singing, games and other activities, all led by the Captain Sue Woodgate. The adults joined in the tasks too. Thanks were also expressed to the toddlers, children and youth for their support by the presenting of prizes. Prizes were also given to the toddlers', childrens' and youth ministries' teams as well as others who help behind the scenes during the week. Thank you to you all. To conclude the day, being first Sunday, we enjoyed a family celebration buffet, attended by about

eighty people. A big, no HUGE thank you to Captains, Ian and Sue Woodgate who once again worked tirelessly to organise today and made it the special day that it was.

IGNITE BEACH PARTY - 4th JULY

The Ignite Youth group's penultimate session was a beach party at Eastcliff beach, Folkestone. About 35 attended and had a great time. Some of the more adventurous of the youth went into the sea and 3 of them up to their necks! Others played with a kite and bat & balls, whilst some just chatted to their friends. The evening concluded with a BBQ, organised by Carl Whitewood.

STORMING THE FORTS OF DARKNESS

COMMUNITY CHURCH is time monthly, when we take the church from the building into the community - and seek to make a difference and Be The Light of Jesus. This month (June) we returned to South Ashford, and there we engaged in time storming the forts of darkness on Stanhope, and taking authority in the Name of Jesus. It was a powerful time, as we offered prayers for those we passed, the houses (and those within them) and situations faced, and more. We even had a helpful time talking to the local estate office personnel who invited us to view the new houses!!! After this we spent time enjoying being Church together and being refreshed again, thanks to the warm hospitaility of District Pastor Elsie. We thank God again for this opportunity and pray that we will see knees bowing before God and confessing that He is Lord!

SUNDAY, 29TH JUNE 2008

This morning saw the commissioning of the Adult Ministries team. Two years ago the Leaders were looking to appoint a person to oversight the 20 plus age group, not an easy task as this includes 90+ people. Sara Hayward was appointed to this post and has spent the last two years getting to know all 90+ ladies and gentlemen ! However looking after this many people alone is impossible, so for the last 6 months Sara along with our Senior Leaders has prayed for the right team to assist and support her. So his morning the majority of the team (unfortunately a few could not be there today) were commissioned. Adult Ministries areas of care are Welcome, Men, Women, Africans, Over 60's and Families.
Our All Age Presentation was shared by our Children's Ministries Officer, Clare Hayward, she used all the under 12's to demonstrate that no-one is too small or young to do God's work (Jeremiah 1:6-7).
During the meeting, Captain Sue preached her last sermon at Ashford, and spoke on Being the Light and showing God's love. Sue reminded us of this morning's All Age Presentation and that we had 23 children under 12 at today's service. She challenged us to find ways to penetrate hearts with the Life of Christ as suggested in a book she has read "Changing the World through Kindness". Mark 16:15-18 tells us to go tell the world of God's love, not just the nice, pretty places but ALL the world! God will gve us the strength to do these things. If we fail to do what God has sent us to do we will let the rest of the 'army' done, we all have our part to play. We cannot hide from God (Psalm 139) or Satan, the enemy will find you but Jesus has promised (John 8:12 & 12:46) that he will be our light in the darkness. For the last 5 years we have told ourselves and our community that we are the light. Being the Light is a massive thing it may be hard but it is not impossible.
God IS Love, not like love, not loving, He is Love and our lives should exhibit and reflect that. We are reminded many times in the Bible that we should love our neighbour as ourselves, but if you don't love yourself you can't love others. Everyone is someone! Matthew 10:25-37 tells the story of the Good Samaritan and Captain Sue concluded by reminding us of our need to be a good samaritan:
Practical: Look for the need and help.
Patient: Persevere, don't give up on anyone.
Perceptive: Help others to understand.

BBQ and STRAWBERRY TEA JUNE 2008

On Saturday, 28th June 2008 we were invited to a BBQ and strawberry tea at the home of Bob and Jean Shrubb. Although they have only been worshipping at the Ashford Salvation Army for a few months, they took Captains Ian and Sue's challenge to raise funds for the Salvation Army's Annual Appeal very seriously. For a number of weeks now Jean has been selling her wonderful homemade cards and on Saturday a few of us descended upon their home for a fantastic evening of food, friendship and fellowship. Bob slaved over a hot BBQ, whilst the lovely Jean helped to serve as well as preparing a wonderful Strawberry Tea. They were both helped and supported by ther daughter Michelle. The BBQ and tea was a great success and made a good profit for the Annual Appeal. Thank you and well done to Jean, Bob and Michelle !

FAREWELL TOUR

This time last year, Prime Minister Tony Blair had completed his farewell tour, and his successor took office. Currently our senior leaders are engaging not in tours, but in suppers and open houses, to invite members and friends of the church to come and share sometime with them in their home. Tonight was the first of such events, inviting the youth of the church, and with that the youth mentor as well - many of whom have journeyed together over the last five years, and in that time the youth group was established at the church on a Sunday. A special time was shared, including food and some games.

LADIES NIGHT OUT

Ladies from the church enjoyed a night out to a local eating place. The event also was on the same night as our children ministries officer's 21st Birthday, so it was a double celebration - firstly of freedom from home, and secondly to celebrate with Clare and her family this special milestone in her life. Thanks to Captain Sue for suggesting the event and arranging the night out for us xx

SCHOOL AFTERNOON MUSIC CONCERT

East Stour School permitted us our second annual music concert on Wednesday 25th June, during which the choir sang, the recorders played, and the group attending enjoyed refreshments too. It was a great afternoon and massive thanks to the school

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Dreams and Visions was the focussed for the final DISCIPLE COLLEGE for this term (restarts again in September). Captain Ian, taking his last opportunity to address the disciples of Jesus, spoke on the importance of being open to what God wants, and placing aside the things that we want. Reminding everyone life is about honouring God, we explored how God speaks through dreams and visions, and how it is in the last days that God will pour out on His People so many different gifts and ministries, which have to be embraced and shared. Worship helped us to focus on the Holiness of God, and songs included:- Silenty Now I wait for Thee; open the eyes of my heart, Lord; Holy, Holy; I see the Lord seated on The Throne. Other songs included:- I want to tell you what the Lord has done and Lord, Pour out Your Spirit.

Sometime was given to discuss together what our dreams and visions were for God's Church here in ashford, and these were noted and then prayed over. Time was then given for people to pray togeher, in groups etc, some shared in the love feast, and as the Spirit moved, so people moved.

We thank God for this powerful evening together and for the many who made time to come together. We look forward to seeing us back together in this way on Sunday 14th September, which will be led by our new senior leaders

SUNDAY, 22nd JUNE 2008

On Sunday during our morning celebration meeting we enrolled five more new Junior Soldiers, Captain Susan Woodgate introduced the children and asked them a few simple questions about themselves. The most popular answer to "What do you like to do the most" was "Not a lot"
Captain Ian Woodgate assisted the children to make their Junior Soldier promise. Our 6 older junior soldiers renewed their promises on sunday too, Clare Hayward, Children's Ministries Officer introduced the new and old Junior Soldiers to their prayer partners. The 11 children and their prayer partners knelt to sign their certificates and to pray. The leaders of the church prayed over all the Junior Soldiers.

During the meeting, Captain Ian preached his last sermon at Ashford, and spoke on the Peace of God - encouraging all to know that, experience that, and live in His Peace now and into the future. Taking as his text, Philippians 2, he explored how to know Peace with God we need to have a trust in God (and therefore not worry), we need to have a relationship with God, we need Holy Fire and Passion, and we need to be Living by Faith. Several people responded to the opportunity for prayer after he had spoken, and as we sang It is well with my Soul. We concluded with singing, May the words of my mouth.

KINGDOM KIDS' TALENT SHOW

On friday night at Kingdom Kids they put on a talent show, organised by Junior Soldiers, Ben, Chelsea, Rebbecca and Hannah for all the parents, carers, friends and family to raise money for the Annual Appeal. Their aim was £40, but amazingly they raised £102.00!! This will go towards Ashford Salvation Army Christian Centre's aim to raise a total of £6,000 for the annual appeal.It was an amazing night, full of laughter, fun and joy. So many people turned up in support, which was brilliant. All the children and young people were fabulous and there talents were brilliant!!Each team did their part, Yellow Team used puppets to mime to a Queen hit, Blue team made cookies, Green Team acted their version f Cinderella and Red team sang 'Right said Fred (cup of tea)'. Many of the children and young people sang songs from High School Musical and the Kingdom Kids leaders danced to a HSM song.Thank you to all the participants Clare the Children's Ministries Officer, the KK team, the Junior Soldiers and all the Kingdom Kids. Well Done!

GOD'S LOVE

Sunday, 15th June marked the penultimate Disciple College of this term. Those present were overwhelmed by a spirit-filled meeting. We had a time of prayer and sharing. Three members shared that Revival is not just happening in Florida but here in Ashford, our young people and the South Ashford/Stanhope Project are a witness to this.

Please join us for our last Disciple College this term on Sunday, 22nd June at 6pm.

GOD'S AMAZING PROMISES

On Sunday during our morning celebration meeting we enrolled five new Junior Soldiers, Captain Susan Woodgate introduced the children and asked them a few simple questions about themselves to help the congregation to get to know them better, unsurprisingly Grace's favourite thing is 'shoes'.

Captain Ian Woodgate assisted the children to make their Junior Soldier promise and then Clare Hayward our Children's Ministries Officer introduced the new Junior Soldiers to their prayer partners, who gave them their certificates and gifts. The children and their prayer partners knelt to sign their certificates and to pray. The leaders of the church prayed over all the new Junior Soldiers.

Three of our older Junior Soldiers led us all in prayer, each member of the congregation was given a ball, onto which they wrote a prayer for the Ashford Junior Soldiers. The balls were thrown into the air and everybody took one ball and will pray for the child/situation on the ball.

Captain Ian led the sermon on God's Promises using the colours of the rainbow Renewed, Obedient, Yielded, Giving, Born-Again, In-filled and Victorious.

Next Sunday, 22nd June will conclude the enrolments and our older Junior Soldiers will also be renewing their promises to God.

GOD'S REFRESHING - ALSO NOT TO BE MISSED

GOD IS DOING AMAZING THINGS ALL THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AT THIS TIME - and its not in God's plan to miss Ashford by. This Sunday we will be coming expecting the refreshing of God upon us, as His People, and during Disciple College at 6pm, focussing on this important aspect of God's Love for us. Join us if you can to celebrate with us and be ready to receive.

NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!

PLEASE don't miss this Sunday!!!! Sunday Morning we will be enrolling some new Junior Soldiers, a sign that God continues to be moving and working among us. The next two Sundays will include enrolments, and this Sunday is the 'first' group. The following on the 22nd June. Our current Junior Soldiers will also be renewing their promises to God. Our celebration meeting at 10.30am, will be focussed on the theme of Promises, and remind us of the amazing promise of God, the Father to us. We do encourage you to come and be a part of this special week, especially in support of our young people at this point of their spiritual journey as well. We ask you to pray hard for this day.

DISCIPLE COLLEGE

The last two DISCIPLE COLLEGES of this term and year are being held over the next two Sunday evenings and will be led by Captain Ian Woodgate. This week will be an evening of praise, worship and testimony - and indeed a time of celebrating all God is doing among us, and seeking His will and purposes for the future. The following Sunday 22nd - will be the final session, and will be looking at dreams and visions. Leaders, members and friends are asked to do all they can to attend these sessions to be part of what God is going to do, and indeed has promised will say in and through us.

SUNDAY 8TH JUNE 2008

A large number of people met together for a day of worship which include guest speakers, Majors Jenine and Paul Main from Territorial Headquarters. It was a great day with some sound Biblical Teaching. Major Paul spoke in the morning on being Difference Makers and took Philippians 2 as his text. Recognising that the church is full of people who complain and moan, he reflected that its important that we don't - and those that see problems and difficulties in everything are not difference maker - when it comes to the Kingdom of God. The major also challenged us by recognising that many say they do not worry what people say about us - but how as Christians we should worry what people say, because Scripture teaches us we should be blameless before Him. We are accountable for our relationship with God. Songs used included: Jesus Christ I think upon Your Sacrifice; Into my heart; What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought; Your mercy taught us how to dance; I walk by Faith; We are a shining Light; You are the way none other dare I follow; In Christ Alone.

DISCIPLE COLLEGE in the evening was led by Major Jenine Main. The major challenged us to engage in a spiritual check up, and through the opening of God's Word helped us to see where it is that God might need to be doing some work. Various passages of Scriptures were used to help us relate this to our own understanding, and it was a VERY helpful time.

MARCHING AS TO WAR!!!

The Children's Ministries of this church continue to be having a profound effect on the lives of not just children, but also families too. We continue to see how foundations laid in toddler ministries, are being built on in children's ministries, and indeed beyond. Today ten children met together for the final junior soldier preparation classes, this time led by the children's ministries officer and the senior leaders. We explored what it meant to be a Junior Soldier and also aspects of The Salvation Army which included a tour around the whole of our church centre - it didn't take long!!!!! It looks as if there will be ten young people making these commitments in the next couple of weeks, and we look forward to this on Sunday 15th and 22nd at 10.30am. Do come and share with us then - and in the mean time pray for them, and the children's ministries team.

THANK YOU

THE SENIOR LEADERS would like to thank everyone who shared Holiday 2008 with them, and making this final holiday together so special. The various cards and gifts have also been very valued - thank you

HOLIDAY 2008

HOLIDAY 2008, took with us 38 people, mainly from Ashford, to enjoy the beautiful South Devon countryside, and staying in Torquay at the Red House Hotel. We were pleased this year to be able to share with more than the last few years, and therefore required more space and a full coach to be able to accomdate everyone. Three day outings were included to the Eden Project, Exeter and a coach trip on Dartmoor, including stops at Totnes and Buckfast Abbey. For many the visit to Buckfast Abbey was their highlight, and being able to enjoy the peace and beauty of this place a great inspiration. On free days people travelled to various places, including Bygones, Teignmouth, Brixham, Paignton Zoo and Babbacombe model village. The hotel food was amazing, and the facilities including swimming pools, games room, gym and jacuzzi, enjoyed by many too - including the beauty treatment. It was special as always, to see people of all ages coming together and spending time together. A devotional booklet, entitled TRUTH - and nothing but, was prepared by the senior leaders, and used by many which helped people have some spiritual input into the week. On the Sunday the majority of the party worshipped at Torquay Salvation Army and received a warm welcome. Some were even invited to sing in the songsters! Many returned valuing this time. We are grateful to all those who brought so much to the week and helped support each other and be there to enjoy time together.