WHATS LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

PLEASE JOIN US THIS SUNDAY. Its our monthly opportunity to come together and enjoy being a community of people, being a family, getting to know one another, and building relationships with those we do not know. Its an important Sunday, and we take these weeks very seriously, because we want them to do the best. This Sunday there will be lots to consider, and much to enjoy. There will be people helping us to understand what love has got to do with it, and challenges for the children. There will be time to celebrate relationships, in the best of friends quiz, and an amazing three course meal, followed by THE FINALE, time to sum up the day and help us to put it all together. Refreshments are served from 10am, and we will conclude about 2pm

YOUTH 'CHURCH'

Why give up your Sunday afternoon and take my children out for nothing? The question more than one parent asked the leaders of our youth event, which concluded Sunday. The youth enjoyed the first of a series of special events, which helped us as 'church' express that they matter and are a valued part of our family. This event took them to the local bowling centre - ten pin that is - and enjoy two games, plus burger and chips. God is teaching us so much about what 'church' is, and that it is more than just nice meetings on Sundays. Church is being with People - and as we often remind ourselves, existing for those who may not yet be members of it!

SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY 2008

A full hall met together today for worship. Our focus today was praying for our children and childrens ministries. The songs used in worship this morning were all chosen by the children and added to the joy that we shared in celebrating the blessing we have in having children as part of this church community. Starting with How Great is Our God, we recognised God is with us and other songs helped expressed what God is doing, including:- Give thanks to the Lord; Celebrate in the Lord; I've found Jesus; Your mercy taught us how to dance; Higher, Higher; Our God is a Great Big God; and Shine Jesus Shine. Our childrens ministries officer shared some interviews with children about the things they face in life, and Heather Whitewood helped us to reflect on ensuring we are allowing ourselves to be in God's hands and moulded by Him. Captain Sue asked us whether we knew how to make yorkshire puddings, but recognised that many of us relied on Aunt Bessie to help! However very few had had the recipe passed down, and it was recognised that can be the same with our Christian Experience, that we do not pass it down and share with people the reality that we too have found Jesus! Quoting from the Old Testement, Captain reminded us that one generation will tell another, and how we need to be telling this generation about the Love of God and the difference He makes to us - and in that we will make a difference to this world! We cannot blame the world when we do not tell the world the better opition! Following this the children came back into our meeting having spent sometime praying for us. One Kingdom Kid told us 'we prayed for you because we love you'. Following this people were encouraged to visit the prayer zones, set up by the senior leaders and childrens ministries officer, and looking at prayer requests from the children. Our childrens team also spent sometime going into the community and visiting the Kingdom Kids in their homes. A simple meal was also shared - which today reflected again Acts 2 Church - we prayed, we worshipped, God was among us, we saw things happening, we eat together and we served the community! Thank you God for todays Community Church!

THE JANUARY SALE

THE JANUARY SALE saw a great number of our local community come and help us raise funds for our continued work in the local town they live in, and indeed the immediate area. We are grateful for the many who donated unwanted Christmas Gifts that we were able to sell on, and that with together the cakes and refreshments, we raised over £360. We are thankful to everyone who gave their time to help and support, and all those of course, who helped spend their money!!

NEW THINGS

The new year so far has brought great encouragement for the church. New faces have been seen in our worship meetings and our worship team are now involved in leadership of worship, called Radiate. This is an exciting development and aiding our meetings. Prayer and Share is now taking place on a wednesday morning, led by elsie, and is part of our home and family programme. Deeper is a new bi weekly event exploring going deeper in prayer, worship and ministry. Last evening about 15 gathered for our first event, led by Ian and Sue. One a month will be held in Willesborough and the other in South Ashford. We thank God for the interest in these activities and the desire people have to go deeper in many things to do with God

SUNDAY 20TH JANUARY 2008

We were blessed and priviledged today to have the visit of the Secretary for Programme in the UK Salvation Army - Major Ian Barr. The Major spoke very clear and sound Bible teaching, and helped us to apply it in both meetings - both well attended. In the morning speaking on Compassion and living our faith out by love for all mankind, and at Disciple College how we do that… It was a very helpful Day, and we thank God for using the major to help us to hear more about what we should be and how we can do it. Thank you too, for those who shared the day with us too!

SUNDAY 13TH JANUARY 2008

A large congregation greeted the visit of our Divisional Leaders, Majors Anthony and Gillian Cotterill today. This Morning, our new worship team, RADIATE, led worship and Ennvoy Val headed this this morning, and her words were inspired by God, as they linked brillaintly with where God took the meeting. Major Anthony gave the all age presentation, and Major Gill spoke from God’s Word. In the afternoon about 15 people met together to share in what was happening in South Ashford Community Church, and also prayed around this, this was so encouraging. In the evening, Disciple College returned, and about 30 people shared in this. As their theme for the day, they took, Living by Faith, and launched our focus of teaching for the year ahead. Reflections on this will follow later in the week. Its been an encouraging day and a day of God’s Blessing over us. Thank you for all you brought to today….

NEW YEAR DINNER 2008

The Recommencemen of our Mission Programme for 2008 started with our annual New Year Dinner, for the members and leaders of our Adult Ministries and Community Care Ministries. It was an ideal time as always to say thank for the support of the members and the hard work of team members and leaders. Over 30 people enjoyed the meal, which traditionally has been arranged by the senior leaders to allow the team to sit back and relax and enjoy a meal for themselves. As well as presentations to team members and leaders, the adult ministries officer thanked the senior leaders for what they have done in the past year and presented them with a lovely gift - this was gratefully received and valued deeply. Envoy Val also spoke some words of thanks to them. Captain Sue concluded the event with some thoughts and reflections

SUNDAY 6TH JANUARY 2008

Our Senior Leaders led worship this morning, and concluded our focus of teaching from 2007 - Living in Hope. It was a great morning, with a good number there - even though some are still away and others far from well. Additionally we had some visitors, some contacted through our Christmas Outreach Programme. Captain Ian spoke, taking the passage of the Wise and Foolish Builders, and linking the passage with the whole of the Sermon on the Mount, recognising that Jesus said, you are wise IF you apply this teaching and make it the foundation of your life. During time of prayer God’s Spirit touched many lives, and His Presence was celebrated. Some came forward to make prayers or to receive prayer. Thank you to all for what you brought to this meeting, and thank you to God for what He did among us.