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.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED

SUNDAY 1ST JUNE was a special day for the church as we formally welcomed three new members. Stuart Marshall has been attended the church for some years, having started to attend with his wife and family. He thanked the leadership team for accepting his application for membership, and his wife for helping him rediscover faith that had laid domant for so long. Inga Fitzgerald has been linked to the church for some years, especially through the home and family meeting on a Wednesday. Inga underwent a major operation last year and when she realised that her life had been given back to her, thanked God and believed the church and their prayers had helped - with God - to save her life. In her words she thanked everyone for making her feel a part of the family. BP started to attend after meeting the senior leaders (who were neighbours) and started to get involved with catering at THE EVENT and after that at events throughout the week. BP decided to make the church her spiritual home. Eunice Westpfel, who was welcomed as a member some days before in a more private ceremony, was also prayed for publically and celebrated as part of this public ceremony. We thank God for this day and the opportunity we have had to welcome more people into the church family and recognise who God has called them to be - and where.

SUNDAY 1ST JUNE 2008

THE EVENT for June was a Songs of Praises event, and featured a wide selection of the church family who chose certain songs and outlined why the song meant something to them. Captain Susan led and orgainsed the meeting, which despite people arriving back off holiday yesterday, saw a full hall, with more seats needed than had been put out. The meeting also included the welcome of new members, which is reported in a seperate area.