PRAYERS

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:-

- Captain Susan Woodgate following the death of a close relative, and former attender at Ashford, Robert White

- Gary Chittenden going into hospital; Jennifer Lowe under going tests; Betty Peckham under going hospital treatment

- A number of our family who are far from well

SUNDAY 30TH MARCH 2008

FEAR was explored this morning in our teaching. The meeting as a whole used this focus a number of times, and we are grateful to God for helping those involved to bring all this together. Our children ministries officer, Clare, gave the teaching from The Word this morning..... and spoke on Fear and the importance of Faith. Clare helped us to recognise that within the Bible there are 366 times that Fear is discussed and that God encourages us NOT TO FEAR. Clare encourgaed us to get out the boat and to keep focussed on God, and how we actually have to get out the boat - out of our comfort zone - and move on with God. Its a challenging word, but a reality. Fear Not, for I am with You! What a promise..... what a reality..... God loves us so much that He will never let us go. Our senior leader led worship, and we celebrated again the reality that He is alive!!!! We thank God for this time together.

KINGDOM KIDS RECEIVE GOOD NEWS

OUR KINGDOM KID TEAM were out and about later on on Easter Monday visiting the homes of our Kingdom Kids and giving them an Easter Goodie Bag. The Good News of the living reality of Jesus is for all generations, and no one should be left out. Well done KK Team!

and TELL SOME MORE.....

Easter Monday concluded our week long activities and event and again great to have the church family coming together to seek to give something to the people of our communities. Today, it is estimated that over two hundred people attended our annual family community easter monday special! Our assistant senior leader, Carl, did his annual easter egg hunt, and our senior leaders arranged the catering and craft activities - all of which seemed to be enjoyed by all. An addition this year was using the youth clubs Wiis! Bouncy castles also were popular. We were so pleased to see so many, especially as most came from this area in this we are located and thus reflected a true community event. Thanks to Carl for all he did, alongside the team, and especially all those who helped to transport (Stuart) and help with Catering (Lyn, Maureen, Val, Ruth), and others including Rob, Ellie, Rachel, Clare and more.... Again many saw the reality of the risen Jesus among us, as we sought to give them something which we hope brought them much joy.

GO AND TELL.....

JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE! So what!!!! This news is far too good to keep to ourselves, and as a church we are not content to do that. Today, on Easter Sunday, we took the message of the risen Jesus and the gift of God's love to the people of South Ashford in Stanhope. Despite really horrible weather, about sixty plus made their way to the Parish Rooms, to enjoy craft, food and more.....all free of charge. Why? Because we desperately want people to know that Jesus loves them, and that comes free, so why should we not freely give something back to the community. The pictures reflect just some of the exciting things that happened, including a special visit from Chicken Nathan, who walked around the community with our youth group and handed out bags of eggs and wished everyone a really special Easter. We pray it might well be.

ENROLMENT OF NEW SOLDIERS

EASTER SUNDAY saw us enrolling two new soldiers of Jesus Christ in The Salvation Army. Alex Smith, who has been attending the church for two years, shared how He believed God had asked him to grow closer and go deeper in his spiritual life and how becoming a soldier was the reason. Eddie Maddison, shared how he found faith when in prison, and how since meeting Jesus, he realises there is no one like Him! Both have been Adherent-Members and made this decision themselves to make a public declaration of their faith in this way. The photo shows Captain Ian speaking words to the new soldiers, and some of the leadership team standing in support.

I WILL WAIT.....AND RISE AGAIN!

EASTER SUNDAY 2008 was a real celebration for the family, and of course great to have so many of the family coming together to celebrate that that is exactly what we can be because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We started at 7am on Wye Downs celebrating with Churches Together in Ashford, with music accompanied by our own musicians. Following this many of our family members returned to the school for our annual Easter Sunday Breakfast, cooked brilliantly by Sara and her team. About thirty enjoyed this. A time of prayer followed this, before we shared in our resurrection celebration. Near on 100 people gathered for this, including some new faces which is always great to see. There was plenty of celebration, with new and old songs brought together to help us have a real celebration of Jesus Christ living among us, and indeed within us. The all age presentation was shared by Rachel, and was brilliant. A moving time for testimonies and sharing, saw many people moving forward to the mike, to share the reality of the living Jesus in their life, and many thanking God for how this church has helped them to discover Him as their Lord and Saviour. Following this Captain Ian spoke on the reality how this week has helped many of us to wait on God, as we should, but how, as with the Resurrection, we are called to rise again to the new life, to the new opportunities, to the new openings that He has for us. Captain shared how we can stay at the cross - we can stay in that place of worry, shame, sin, bitterness, anger, illness.....forever. Or, as the Cross and Resurrection means for the Christian, we can claim the victory which is ours and stand up and march on! Continually we were reminded about a new chapter that God has for us....and how that starts at the Cross. The chapter starts to be written when we rise and move on. The enrolment of new soldiers of Jesus Christ followed. During these moments God's Spirit came and challenged many to come forward and kneel at the Cross to start a new chapter, to renew promises and indeed their covenant to God. Following this too, many came forward to hug, encourage, greet our new soldiers, some praying with them, others giving great words of blessing. To conclude we reminded ourselves that we no longer need to doubt Him...because we can experience Him, and proclaimed 'Thine be The Glory' - endless is the victory, He over death has won. To conclude the day we enjoyed a celebration buffet which celebrated the 60th birthday of Carol Monk, the birthday of Betty, and the enrolment of our new soldiers.

I WILL WAIT......AND?

GOOD FRIDAY continued to follow our focus of the week, and encouraging people to wait and experience that which they needed at The Cross. About fifty people attended our afternoon meditation. Fifteen Kingdom Kids also enjoyed a time together led by our childrens ministries officer and captain sue. The day started by joining with various churches in the town at St Marys Parish Church for opening worship and then a reflection in various parts of the town. Captain Sue brought a powerful Word to challenge all people about the Power of Easter and in that the light of Jesus. In our own time of reflection some took the opportunity to kneel at the Cross and pray. We thank God as always for this opportunity we have shared together today.

I WILL WAIT....AND REMEMBER

Maundy Thursday drew together a good number of the church family as we continued our thoughts around the focus for this week "I will wait....at the foot of The Cross". Tonight we spent some time simply remembering what The Cross really means, and some helpful thoughts were shared from those who gathered. Music/Songs helped us to reflect and included I Stand amazed in the presence, Seems like so long ago, What can wash away our sin?, Thank you for saving me. Some time during the evening people stood around the cross to reflect and stand amazed - at other points people knelt, some laid before God. We also spent some time sharing in Remembering through that which Christ shared with His friends that night before He died. A simple evening, yet peace filled and meaningful for many.

I WILL WAIT.....AND FIND MY STRENGTH RENEWED

The Bible is clear - if we wait on the Lord, HE WILL RENEW OUR STRENGTH! We just have to let Him. In theory there is no reason why Christians should be weary.....even Christ said that if we come to Him with our weariness and our burdens, He will give us rest. That is what Waiting at the Cross is all about, and what we shared tonight. At the Foot of the Cross we find healing, renewal, refreshing and so much more. Tonight about eighteen of the Church - a great mixture of ages, came together to worship and reflect, and came to take opportunities afforded this week to be still and know that He is God. During times of reflection and stillness, God prompted us to pray.....some laid before God, while others knelt. Some came forward and sat or knealt at the Cross. Others came with friends and prayed together. Many left feeling renewed for the next day ahead - and being reminded of the importance of continuing to wait on Him for our renewal and strength.

REFLECTIONS FOR HOLY WEEK

Our focus this year for Holy Week is:- I will wait.....at the foot of The Cross. This evening we started our journey, meeting in the home of our senior leaders. About fifteen shared together. Before we moved on with our thoughts for the week, we spent an evening reflecting on what it means to Wait. Exploring three quotes we started by discussing what Waiting really means:- (1) How much of human life is lost in waiting (Ralph Waldo Emerson), (2) We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life waiting for us (Joseph Campbell), (3) What on earth are you waiting for (Anon)

We then looked at just a couple of Scriptures passages:- Psalm 37:1-7; 34; 39-40 and Psalm 27:14.

We concluded by considering and discussing what it means to wait, how, why and so forth. It was a great foundation to the rest of the week.

Wednesday and Thursday Evenings we will meet at our church centre. Wednesday will focus on I will wait....and find my strength renewed, Thursday I will wait.....and remember. Please join us. We believe it helps so much make Easter more meaningful than without these opportunities.

CELEBRATING FAMILY

Palm Sunday saw us welcoming another new member to our church family. Captain Ian formally welcomed Arnold Madzivandia to the family, and following the welcome into membership, the leadership team and church family prayed over Arnold

SUNDAY 16TH MARCH 2008

PALM SUNDAY was celebrated with guest speakers Chick and Margaret Yuill, and worship led by our senior leaders. A packed hall gathered together to celebrate the day. During the Morning Chick spoke on the crowd and where we stand in regards to it. Disciple College was well attended again too, and Chick ministered again from the account of Palm Sunday, asking us who possession we are marching in. Throughout the day various people have responded to make prayers and also share in the Love Feast. We thank God for the opportunity of an amazing day together and the wonderful start to Holy Week

DAY OF RETREAT & RENEWAL

A DAY OF RETREAT AND RENEWAL started our journey through Holy Week in a very special way. About thirty of the church family and thirty children gathered. The adults led by Chick and Margaret Yuill, looked at Faith, and they used songs, personal experiences and more to share around this subject. Captain Sue and Clare led the childrens fun time, and they had a great time journeying through Holy Week and making lots of things. A shared meal was enjoyed too. We thank God for this opportunity of being together and sharing in this way. It was great also to share with some newer people to the church

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We invite you to journey with us throughout Holy Week. This is helpful, God given time to be able to reflect on what The Cross really means for us, and to wait before His Cross, for that which we need at this time. Allow God to meet your needs and be the answer to your those questions that you have. Allow God to touch you in ways that will bring Salvation, Healing, Wholeness and more. Allow yourself time to be blessed as we wait upon The Lord.

In the Bible times of Waiting on the Lord, impacted lives so that they were never the same again. People found a new love for God, found refreshing in their walk with Him, and were stronger and greater as a result. But many of us find it hard to find the time….maybe its time to make the time so we can receive all God has for us.


Tuesday 18th March
I WILL WAIT……
Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord (Psalm 37:19)
Venue: 120 Canterbury Road, South Willesborough from 7.30pm

Wednesday 19th March
I WILL WAIT……AND BE STRENGTHENED
THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD WILL FIND THEIR STRENGTH RENEWED (ISAIAH 40:31)
Venue: The Ashford Salvation Army Christian Centre, from 7.30pm

Maundy Thursday 20th March
I WILL WAIT……AND REMEMBER
Venue: The Ashford Salvation Army Christian Centre, from 7.30pm

Good Friday 21st March
I WILL WAIT……AND???
Venue: East Stour School, Earlsworth Road, from 2.55pm (refreshments from 2pm)

Easter Sunday 23rd March
I WILL WAIT……AND RISE AGAIN
Celebration, Praise and Worship from 10.30am
Venue: East Stour School, Earlsworth Road

IF YOU REQUIRE TRANSPORTATION FOR ANY OF THESE, DO LET US KNOW
PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE VERY SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES & FOR THOSE WHO LEAD

IGNITE - Play Team Visit

The PLAY TEAM Visited the Ignite Youth Project this past week

KINGDOM KIDS - PLAY TEAM VISIT

The PLAY TEAM Visited Kingdom Kids this past week

AFRICAN PRAISE

A bit late, but here are some of the pictures capturing the passion, joy and fellowship we enjoyed Saturday night at the African Praise event.

ONE YEAR TODAY.....

This time last year the church family met together to celebrate the wedding of Gary and Jan. On their first anniversary our thoughts and prayers are with and for them.

DISCIPLE COLLEGE

What a special evening we shared. God was there, and we knew it! About twenty six shared in worship, led by Captain Ian. There was a prolonged time of testimony, with some emotional moments in the sharing. Lt Colonel David Burrows opened the Word, and taught from Romans 12. Powerfully came across what we do with our lives, what we do with our calling, what we do with our giftings - we either use them as toys (and play with them), or as weapons (fight about them and what it is among ourselves, and even against God) or use this as God's anointing and equipping in our lives. After the colonel had spoken there was time to invite God's Spirit to come (there's always time for this!!!!!!!!!!) and He came upon us. Many people came forward for prayer and at the end of our meeting, very few were in a hurry to leave. God was in this place!

SELF DENIAL MISSIONARY SERVICE

Today we welcomed as our guest speakers, Lt Colonels David and Jean Burrows. Our worship hall was full of people, and we enjoyed sometime to worship together, supported by Radiate, and also to give our financial gifts to support this years Missionary Appeal within The Salvation Army. We are thrilled to say that about £2500 has been gifted by this church - thank you Jesus!

AFRICAN PRAISE

A full hall gathered together to enjoy AFRICAN PRAISE, an evening to precede our missionary focus Sunday. Visiting us for the evening were some of the choir of the Balham Salvation Army, an African Choir, with one of their officers, Captain Neil Abbey. The choir sang a number of songs which helped us to capture so much of their joy and passion for Jesus. Also visiting us, but this time for the weekend, was Lt Colonels David and Jean Burrows. With a wealth of experience in Missionary Service for most of their officership, the colonels shared a little of their missonary work experinece, plus painted a picture of what is happening today, particualy through Lt Colonel Davids eyes through his role as Under Secretary for the African Zone at International Headquarters. Lt Colonel Jean Burrows has an appointment at IHQ on Personnel and as IHQ Chaplain. The event concluded with enjoying a supper, some of it African food, prepared by our friends sisters Nancy and Jane.

PRAYER

Please remember in your prayers the family of Alice Sharrad. Today our senior leaders led her funeral service. Her children - Margaret, Kathleen and Peter shared with us, as did other family members and friends. At one time Mrs Sharrad had been a member of this church, and her family testified to how the activities at the army helped to bring her out of her self and give her purpose and direction.

AN IMPORTANT WEEK IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

This Easter Time will be the final one shared with our Senior Leaders Sue and Ian. The previous four they have shared, have all been very special times, and it deeply hoped that again this year will have much to bring remembrance, healing, Salvation, Joy and Celebration. We invite all friends, members and readers of this blog to come and share with us in all that is in store.

We Start next Weekend - Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March, with the special visit of Chick and Margaret Yuill. They have a powerful ministry, which we know God will use among us here in Ashford. On Saturday from 10.30am, we share in a day of retreat and renewal, led by the Yuills, with the focus - Faith, Foundation, Filling. The children will enjoy a day with Captain Sue and Clare. The day will conclude by 4pm. It is being held at the East Stour School. A meal is available. Do book your place with us now, or just turn up on the day. But it would be great to know in advance that you will be able to share the day with us.

HOLY WEEK continues with our theme for this year: I will wait....at the foot of the Cross. Precious moments to sit and reflect on what The Cross really means for us - or could mean for us. If you enjoy time to just be, this will be an important time for you. On Tuesday from 7.30pm, we meet for DEEPER at the home of our senior leaders. On Wednesday from 7.30pm, at our church centre. On Maundy Thursday from 7.30pm at our church centre, including the sharing of the Love Feast. Good Friday gives us opportunity in the morning to share with local churches in our town centre witness, and then from 2pm share in Hot Cross Buns etc. From 2.55pm there will be our reflection at The Cross. This will be held at the East Stour School

EASTER SUNDAY starts at 7am at the Wye Downs for our annual Churches Together Sonrise Service. We will then share Breakfast at the school from 8.30am. Prayer from 10am, leading into our morning celebration at 10.30am, which will include the enrolement of new soldiers of Jesus Christ in The Salvation Army. After this we will share our annual Family Buffet. We then invite you to come with us to STANHOPE where we will engage in a special EASTER OUTREACH EVENT for people of all ages.

FINALLY ON EASTER MONDAY our annual Community Easter Event, for people of all ages, takes place at the school from 10.30am-1pm. A whole host of activities and events....really not to be missed.

MAJOR NICOLA GARNHAM

For some months, we as a church have been praying for the Garnham family, and especially for Major Nicola Garnham who has been battling with cancer. It is with deep sadness we inform you that today she lost her battle for cancer - but with joy we celebrate she is with her Lord - safe in the arms of Jesus.

This beautiful picture of the Garnham family was taken on their 30th weddining anniversary.

Please remember the whole family in your prayers, as well as the church family of the Raynes Park Salvation Army Community Church, where Nicola was in leadership. We remember Phillip, Rebekah, Abigail, Hannah and Sam especially.

On a personal note, both our senior leaders have been deeply influenced and blessed through Nicola over the last twelve years, and have shared so much with her. They both thank God for the blessing of knowing her and the priviledge it was.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

An area Mid Week Divisional Meeting took place last evening at Margate and was well supported by people from Ashford. Canterbury Songsters and Margate Band provided musical support, and divisional leaders Majors Anthony and Gill Cotterill, with Major Drew McCombe led through the meeting. Major Anthony spoke on First Things First and the importance of priorities in our faith. A real challenge to us all. Thanks to Kevin for driving the bus!!!!

CIVIC SERVICE

The Mayor of Ashford invited our senior leaders - Captains Ian and Sue and Envoy Val, to be present for this years Civic Service for the County of Kent. The service brought together many involved in community services of all sorts, and was attended by all the mayors from the county. A highlight of the service was of course seeing our very own Joel Whitewood in the choir!

A NEW CD NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!

Commissioners Keith and Pauline Banks - who have been personal friends of our senior leaders for many years - have produced a brand new CD entitled The Greatest Adventure. The Commissioners have had an amazing ministry throughout the world, and been influential in the lives of many. Commissioner Keith's home was Wokingham, which is where our senior leaders served for five years prior to coming to Ashford. It was in this time that Captain Ian pastored Commissioners Dad and Step Mum before they were both promoted to Glory in this time. Commissioner Pauline has had an amazing ministry in music for some years, at one time was a member of the Joy Strings. This CD brings together the gifts and ministry of them both - the writing skills of Commissioner Keiths, with his various songs and poetry, and Commissioner Paulines Voice. Despite ill health being a real battle for Commissioner Pauline for many years, this has never held her back, and her love, zeal and desire to serve God, has never ceased. Together they have cared for one another in an amazing way, and God has blessed them. Recently they retired in Scotland near their daughter Alison. The CD is available now, and costs just £10. We would like to support this ministry which the commissioners have invited us too, and profits from the project will go to support the ministry of The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea (where they served for sometime) and Ayrshire Hospice, which has been a great support to them both in recent years. Please let us know how many copies you would like - why not order one for yourself and others. A simple response from you by comment or email would be fine.

BLAZE - SPRING EDITION 2008

BLAZE.....The Spring Edition, is now available, full of lots of testomonies (really encouraging stuff), news, diary dates and much more. There are some also interesting poetry, including a helpful reflection contributed by Lyn Farthing. Captains Sue and Ian reflect on 'Do we work only on Sundays', and the vast expanse that ministry has afforded them both whilst in Ashford. Copies are now available from the Information Table. Don't miss the introductory letter from our new senior leaders.

THE EVENT: MARCH 2008

THE EVENT - MARCH 2008

Delighed was the theme for this months Event, and it was anothe great occasion, bringing people of all ages together to enjoy being 'community' together, through chat, food, worship, praise, discussion, sharing and so much more - a little like the early church was really. The hall was full as we looked at DELIGHT, the face that God wants us to Delight in Him, and He wants to Delight in us. Lyn Farthing and Carl Whitewood shared a little about them and God, and the children all shared a little about something they wanted to thank God for. They then spent sometime thanking God for other ladies within our church. The day was not just about focussing on Mums, but about focussing on Ladies within our church fellowship that we sincerely thank God for - and those that have greatly influenced us. It is great to recognise there are so many within our church community who are a blessing to each other. Following our meal, we then spent some time focussing on our Self Denial Missionary Appeal, and we took an offering of thanks up towards next weeks Missionary Appeal Gift Day which collected over £160. Following this we concluded our time with Praise - delighting in God and celebrating who He is and all He means to us. We thank God for this special time together again. Jan Chittenden concluded the time with reading a poem written by her husband Gary (visit his blog for a copy)