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.