Being The Light

CHRISTMAS DAY

2009-12-28T09:01:00.009Z

Once again we opened the doors of East Stour School on Christmas Day. We started the morning with a carol service led by Mark and Emma with our band accompanying the carols.

With military precision a wonderful meal was cooked and served by our fantastic volunteers. An afternoon of entertainment and activities followed. We even had a visitor from Graceland, who sang a few of his famous hits including 'Blue Christmas'.

We like to thank all our volunteers who gave up their day to make Christmas Day 2009 a day to remember.

Ashford Auction - 7th November 2009

2009-10-22T11:58:00.009Z

We are holding our second auction in aid of Ashford Salvation Army's community work. We have guest auctioneers from KMFM Ashfords Breakfast show, Kirstyn & Webbo and refreshments will be available too.

We have loads of great Lots including items from Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United football clubs as well signed memorabilia from the 2009 British and Irish Lions Tour of South Africa. A copy of the 2009 Winning Ashes team Picture and signatures from the ECB and tickets to sporting events and attractions as well as a year's supply of chocolate from Green and Blacks and loads more.

Please check out the Auction Catalogue at our website please see the link below.

It would be great to see you on the day, come and get that treat for yourself or a great once in a life time gift for somone else.

http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/ashford

A GIFT FROM ABOVE - SUNDAY 26th APRIL 2009

2009-04-27T11:56:00.004Z

Today is a very important day for us as we dedicate the life of our daughter Lillie to God. We truly believe that she is a gift from God and one that has brought so much joy in the five months since she has become part of our family. We want to thank God for his graciousness in trusting her little life into our hands and accept willingly the responsibility that comes with parenthood.

We recognise that Lillie has been entrusted to us while she grows and develops, and want to teach her that God is her heavenly father and that he loves her very much. This, of course, is true for each of us and God regularly gives us gifts, because he wants to remind us of this love, a love that we saw ultimately in the Easter story.

This week, while at our review, we were reminded that each new day is a gift, and we were challenged to have the attitude that every morning provides us with a fresh start. This means learning from past mistakes but not holding them against those around us – forgiveness is so important. I wonder how good we all are at choosing to forgive others quickly, so we can give them a fresh st

art each day too. After all, if we want to be forgiven we must forgive. Part of this attitude is not only forgiving others, but also asking God for our own forgiveness and believing that we are free from these past situations

Mark & Emma

Our celebration meeting was led by our Territorial Adult & Family Ministries Officers Majors John & Lorna Smith, who also happen to be Lt Emma's parents.

During the meeting John & Lorna, dedicated to God Lillie Eva Scott. Both of Emma's and Mark's families took part in the service, Mark's parents read from scripture and Emma's sister sang a song written by Emma & Mark and she was accompanied by Mark's brother on his trombone.

SUNDAY, 1ST MARCH 2009 - THE EVENT

2009-03-01T13:14:00.015Z

Today, the first Sunday in the month, was our monthly all age 'Event' and was led by Carl Whitewood. We began today's worship with singing, songs included Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour; King of Kings; Here I am ....; Jesus Hope of the Nation.

We took the next view minutes to pray for burning issues affecting members of our corps; Jan, one of our soldiers is due to return to hospital for a last hope operation on her knee. Viv's sister due to have medical tests on Tuesday. Sue Wall's step-mother and finally that Diana's daughter is able to find employment.

Rachel & Joel Whitewood sang 'They need Christ' while we collected our boxes & envelopes for Self Denial and the children wrote or drew how this money will be used.

Jasmine, one of our newest junior soldier performed the Pom Pom Dance, all together now; 2, 4, 6, 8, who do we appreciate? SALVATION ARMY. 2, 4, 6, 8, who do we appreciate? JESUS !!!!

Carl put on his quizmaster hat and we had 2 rounds of 'Who wants to be a millionaire?' The first team children (Mike, Hayden, Imogen and Lucy) lost the money on the last question despite phoning Emma who gave them the correct answer. The second team (Ben, Hannah, Jasmine and Caleb) won the million pounds, their reward is waiting for them in heaven.

It was the adults turn to be quizzed, we were all asked to bring 2 questions with us today, the 1st a question I would ask to help me understand God and the second understand the world. So a team of four (Patricia, Emma, Gavin & Rachel) were chosen to attempt to answer them.

The questions chosen and the answers given were:

1) Why does God allow suffering, particularly to children?
God does care & we need to ask ourselves how can we relieve that suffering? Senial Denial money can help. This was not God's perfect plan for the world. Most suffering is man made, ultimately we have freewill, if we didn't we may live our lives dangerously and expect God to save us. We have to take reponsibility as christians to help people in a practical way, we need to know our 'neighbours'.

2) Why does 20% of the world have 80% of the wealth?
Again God gave us freewill and some people are just plain greedy. Gavin reminded us of the Good Samaritan, we often walk by and don't see what is happening around us. This is sometimes due to the media but ultimatelywe need to see where the needs are.

3) Why do you have to say prayers outloud & not in your head?
Caleb said that in church we often pray aloud so others are aware of needs.
It can allow those on our hearts to hear our prayers and it can uplift them.

4) Did God make the world in 6 days or is it symbolic?
God does not work in our timing, God's ultimate timing is eternity. The world was made in 6 days but not our 24 hour days.

The meal at the end of the Event saw a good number of people enjoying a really lovely meal thanks to Elsie and her team.

SUNDAY, 22ND FEBRUARY 2009

2009-02-22T12:25:00.005Z

To begin the service we were reminded that prayer should be our breath of life and God's love comes from North, South, East & West.

During This Time Tomorrow Carol Monk shared how at 11.10am tomorrow she would be at the Salvation Army Hall at our weekly drop-in GLOW. She will be making drinks or chatting with folk, the people that come along are mainly elderly and live alone, so spending time talking is a vital part of her role. We took time to pray for Carol and thank her for her commitment.

Today's reading was Psalm 103:1-14.

Lt Emma Scott led the sermon, this month we have been looking at fear, love and this week anger. What do we get angry about? Emma shared that in a previous job she had worked with 29 fitfteen to eighteen year old, who had either offended or likely to offend. She shared how in her four years on their unit she had seen them learning to manage their anger. Even God gets angry but his anger is different to ours, it is righteous anger. God gets angry at the world, why does 20% of the population have 80% of the wealth? We need to channel our anger into righteous anger.

Songs used in this morning's worship were: Great is the darkness; It's rising up...;Purify my heart & In Christ alone.

DISCIPLE COLLEGE - 21ST SEPTEMBER 2008

2008-09-21T18:46:00.007Z

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

2008-09-21T14:57:00.002Z

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

2008-09-21T14:46:00.001Z

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

2008-09-21T13:41:00.003Z

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

2008-09-21T12:27:00.008Z

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

2008-09-14T12:07:00.015Z

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

2008-09-07T13:51:00.010Z

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

2008-08-31T14:58:00.007Z

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

2008-08-31T13:58:00.010Z

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

2008-08-11T12:37:00.002Z

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

2008-08-11T12:13:00.005Z

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

2008-08-03T22:19:00.003Z

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

2008-08-03T21:54:00.005Z

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

2008-07-28T17:32:00.004Z

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

2008-07-26T09:22:00.002Z

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

2008-07-26T09:06:00.002Z

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

2008-07-25T16:05:00.002Z

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

2008-07-21T11:30:00.003Z

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

2008-07-21T08:00:00.008Z

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

2008-07-21T07:40:00.003Z

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

2008-07-17T20:31:00.001Z

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

2008-07-15T11:33:00.003Z

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

2008-07-15T10:52:00.004Z

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

2008-07-15T10:34:00.003Z

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

2008-07-15T10:15:00.005Z

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

2008-07-14T17:12:00.002Z

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

2008-07-12T15:24:00.002Z

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

2008-07-06T18:49:00.006Z

CELEBRATING NEW LIEUTENANTS

2008-07-06T18:46:00.003Z

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

2008-07-06T18:42:00.002Z

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

2008-07-06T13:49:00.005Z

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

2008-07-06T13:26:00.006Z

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

2008-06-29T20:01:00.002Z

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

2008-06-29T12:59:00.011Z

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

2008-06-29T12:44:00.006Z

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

2008-06-26T20:50:00.002Z

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

2008-06-26T15:08:00.005Z

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

2008-06-26T15:07:00.002Z

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

2008-06-24T08:39:00.002Z

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

2008-06-23T21:02:00.006Z

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

2008-06-23T20:16:00.004Z

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

2008-06-17T21:47:00.002Z

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

2008-06-17T21:06:00.008Z

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

2008-06-12T20:05:00.002Z

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!!!!

2008-06-12T20:02:00.002Z

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

2008-06-09T18:46:00.002Z

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

2008-06-09T18:39:00.002Z

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!!!

2008-06-06T19:25:00.002Z

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

2008-06-01T17:54:00.002Z

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

2008-06-01T17:17:00.007Z

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

2008-06-01T14:29:00.004Z

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

2008-06-01T14:24:00.002Z

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.

DEAR FRIENDS....

2008-05-23T21:34:00.002Z

DEAR FRIENDS..... we are writing to say that about 40 members and friends of the church will be travelling to Torquay for a weeks holiday tomorrow morning. We will update the blog as and when we can upon return. In the mean time, we are grateful to our assistant senior leader Carl, who will be leading morning worship at our church centre at 10.30am on Sunday morning. DON'T MISS SUNDAY 1ST JUNE which will return to the school at 10.30am, for THE EVENT - this month being a Songs of Praise. There will not be a meal to follow. As part of this special meeting we have the welcome into membership of about four people.

Sunday 8th June: we welcome for the day, guest speakers Majors Jenine and Paul Main

Sunday 15th June: as part of our morning celebration we will be enrolling some new junior soldiers as we will also be doing so on Sunday 22nd June.

TWENTY FOUR ACCEPT JESUS!

2008-05-23T21:30:00.002Z

FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS, The Kingdom Kids have been exploring what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and how the impact of Jesus in a believers life is amazing. This evening, after a week of prayer from members of the church, twenty four young people prayed the prayer of Salvation and invited Jesus Christ to be a part of their lives. It was a very moving experience to see so many make a response, and then praying. PLEASE do pray for these children as they move on with Jesus, and that they will keep growing in Him in the weeks and months to come - guess really its about watching this space!

ASHFORDS GOT TALENT....

2008-05-22T21:04:00.001Z

As part of their annual appeal challenge, the Kingdom kids are holding this very special event in June. To order your tickets see the children's ministries officer, Clare, or a Junior Soldier in the church. Please support this important event

OUTREACH GROWS AND CONTINUES

2008-05-22T17:38:00.003Z

THE SOUTH ASHFORD OUTREACH into the heart of Stanhope continues every Thursday, under the leadership of Envoy Val Barkley, supported by District Pastor Elsie Willis and team. This week over sixty people attended the 'drop in' which provides FREE refreshments, and opportunity to chat and meet with friends, as well as make friends. The project is bringing in people of all ages, and each week it is good to see regular faces as well as new ones. For further information contact Envoy Val

NEW MEMBER WELCOMED

2008-05-22T17:34:00.003Z

EUNICE WESTPFEL was welcomed today as a member of our church family. Eunice has been attending the church for some months now, and came after an invitation from her older daughter Caroline, who is a soldier at the church. Eunice came also with her other daughter, Sarah-Jane and her son, Charlie. The 'ceremony' was held in the church's quiet room, and was a private ceremony, attended by her two daughters, and supported by our discipleship officer, Lyn (pictured to the left of the picture). Captain Susan Woodgate is also pictures (far right). We thank God for the blessing of a new member in the family.

DEEPER.....

2008-05-20T20:54:00.003Z

DEEPER tonight was an amazing night - you missed a very special time. We looked at similar to last time, to start with, the impact of the anointing of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. We then shared some of the amazing testimonies coming from days of refreshing in Florida, and how God is reviving His People and people are coming to Salvation. We recognised the importance that our own hearts were ready for a visitation from God, that there was room in our hearts for Him, and tha we were reaching out for the blessing - not for our Glory, or the Glory of The Salvation Army - but for the Glory of GOD. And as we prayed, God's spirit descended, as we prayed God released to speak words and see pictures - and as we prayed His Spirit continued to minister. One person requested prayer and God's power was so strong He fell under the touch of His Spirit. A further person then was over come by the Power of the Spirit and the testified to feeling that they were burning, this released someone else to share the same, and to say they felt they were burning, and they recognised that God was there! God then brought people to their knees, His Spirit touched us, and we were blessed. We pray others will be because we have been - we do not want to keep this blessing to ourselves. Maybe you did not come tonight because you were tired, or you did not have the passion or desire to. We pray with all our hearts you will have a desire to ensure time is set aside to meet with God through these opportunities, because you too, are a person God is wanting to bless tonight.

if you want to know more about the blessing and power of God, then contact us today, and we will pray with and for you.

NEXT SUNDAY

2008-05-18T19:54:00.002Z

Advance notice: Next Sunday being the week of the church holiday, thus about 40 attending this, sunday morning worship will take place at our church centre and will be led by our assistant senior leader, Carl. There will only be morning worship.

CHRISTIAN RESOURCES EXHIBITION

2008-05-18T19:53:00.001Z

A mini bus full of people, driven by Bob Shrubb, attended this years Christian Resources Exhibition at Esher. As always there was lots to see, try and explore, and of course senimars to attend.

ADULT MINISTRIES RALLY

2008-05-18T19:51:00.001Z

a good number from the church attended the divisional adult ministries rally held at tunbridge wells on Wednesday. It was a great day, featuring a wide range of different people, and guest speaker Commissioner Margaret Taylor. Captain Sue sang solos in the morning, and Ian was pianist throughout the day. As always good opportunity for us as family to share with the wider family, and we are grateful to the team who arranged the day

SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2008

2008-05-18T19:48:00.005Z

Our guest speakers today were Captain Christine and Captain Norman Ord, from the William Booth College. It was special, and we are thankful to God for the way He used the captains to challenge, as well as inspire and stir up His People. It was good to see so many people gathering together this morning at the school, where Captain Norman spoke on living by faith, looking at the life of Caleb. Disciple College saw a good number gather where Captain Christine gave some good sound teaching on Living by Faith, from Jeremiah. Worship throughout the day was led by the senior leaders, supported by the Radiate Worship Team. Throughout the day various people have responded to the opportunity to pray and to be prayed with, and again testifying to the closeness of God's Presence.

AND THERE'S MORE

2008-05-11T19:41:00.002Z

GOD CONTINUES TO REMIND US THAT HE HAS NOT FINISHED WITH HIS CHURCH IN ASHFORD YET.....in the last couple of weeks we have seen a number of people wanting to become members of the church, and also young people sharing in some studies for being junior soldiers (members) - these are special days and we thank God for what He is doing among His People

PENTECOST SUNDAY - 11TH MAY 2008

2008-05-11T19:27:00.002Z

PENTECOST SUNDAY started with our morning worship meeting - well attended - and some great worship with songs including Holy Spirit rain down, Send a new touch of Power, Great is the Darkness, He is the Lord, Send the Fire, Dare to be different and For the Mighty Moving of The Spirit. Rachel Whitewood shared a helpful All Age Presentation, taking a picture of her dad and asking the children to paint it and make it better. From here Rachel shared how God wants us to be different when His Spirit comes into our lives. The meeting also included our annual appeal challenge exploration with a powerpoint presentation of pictures exploring what our challenge to raie £40 will go towards. Captain Ian spoke and spoke on 'Send a new touch of Power'. Taking John 20, he looked at how Jesus teaches us what The Touch of His Spirit brings, what the coming of God into our lives and situations really mean. Here we see how God brings to us His breath (new life), Peace, Joy and then a sending out to get on with this amazing life we have in Him. Time to pray and respond afterwards used songs such as I'm in His Hands (played dreadfully by Ian who was in the wrong key for about five minutes) and concludign with The Spirit of the Lord is on me now.

DISCIPLE COLLEGE was good...we started with a look at Scripture and what God teaches about His Spirits touch in our lives. This was followed with time to pray, to reflect, to receive, to share what God laid on our hearts etc. People then concluded with praying together, which as always is very beautiful.

JAN CHITTENDEN

2008-05-09T20:57:00.004Z

For some time we have been praying for Jan Chittenden. Jan entered hospital some two weeks back for an important operation. News today is that Jan has taken two giant steps for mankind, and for God... keep praying at this time for Jan and Gary

SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST 2008

2008-05-08T07:21:00.003Z

THE WELCOME MEETING with the induction of the new senior leaders of the Ashford Salvation Army, will take place SUNDAY 10TH AUGUST at the East Stour School at 10.30am. This will be conducted by Major DAVID RAMSAY. Please do all you can to make this date free in your diary and give a really warm welcome at this important meeting and event for this church and indeed the wider community. In the mean time continue to pray for cadets Emma and Mark Scott as they work towards their commissioning to officership in July. Tickets are still available for this.

THIS SUNDAY

2008-05-08T07:19:00.002Z

THIS SUNDAY is an important Sunday in the church calendar, often forgotten or minimised, but we will maximise this Sunday as we celebrate the Power of Pentecost for us all. We meet at the school at 10.30am and in the evening at our church centre at 6pm. Our focus will be 'Send a new touch of Power', and we will be asking God to do something new with us, and within His Church at this time. We really hope you will do all you can to share this day with us.

DEEPER

2008-05-06T20:41:00.002Z

TONIGHT a good number of leaders and members/friends of the church met together to share in DEEPER. As we have said before, we meet twice a month, once in willesborough and the other in south ashford. The purpose - to go deeper with God in prayer, worship and ministry. Equally it is a time for us all to go deeper in our relationships with one another. Tonight we shared some prayer and looked at the ministry of Jesus in His last days, in preparing the disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit. It was a special time, as we opened His Word. Following this we shared more prayer together - for each other; but also for SOUTH ASHFORD and the developing ministry within this area. We pray for specific people whose lives are being touched within the area, and we prayed too for the home of nancy and charles, in whom we met tonight. We concluded with supper together. Thank you all for this special time, and if you have not shared with us yet....then do come along soon. The 3rd Tuesday in this month, in willesborough, will be at the home of the senior leaders, and the 1st Tuesday in June at the home of Bob and Jean Shrubb in south ashford.

THE EVENT - MAY 2008

2008-05-04T18:20:00.002Z

THE HALL WAS FULL for today's THE EVENT, which was the last of 'this kind' to be led by our senior leaders, thus it was an important one to them, with a message which reminded everyone that we never walk alone, but that God has promised us simply that He is always with us. We started by exploring what Friendship is all about, and people painted their idea friends, and then came and shared that with us. We recognised that in though, that friends are not perfect and that they....and we....fail. BUT God is a faithful Friend, a friend who can be trusted, and He has given all of Himself in us, through the Holy Spirit, to be our Friend. We then look at how God is our guide, and has given His Holy Spirit to be such. Captain Sue asked the children to consider journies and then invited them to take a journey around the school to make some discoveries, as they did they were encouraged to find areas of the school where they found answers, and brought these together to discover that on their journey the Holy Spirit was with them (finding that in ltters that they found). At the same time Pam Quinn shared a little about God being with her and shared a powerful testimony. When the children returned the letters, we all shared how actually we do not always recognise who is with us and sometimes its a real muddle, we just have to spell out the fact that it is GOD, the Holy Spriit guiding us - and helping us - which is where the final part of the morning came. Encouraged to bring items to the front when called, we recognised that sometimes we look here there and everywhere for the help that we need, but actually only need to look to God, and that He has given us The Holy Spirit to be our Friend, Guide and Help. In final moments we reflected how on the road to Emmuas, Jesus' friends did not recognise Him, but He was there. Sometimes we feel alone, but God is with us. We also reflected on words from Isaiah that in the water we will not drown, in the fire we will not burn, and words from Joshua which reminds us to be bold and strong, for He is with us. In closing, people were invited to write on a foot where they needed God to walk with them, and in some very moving moments, people moved forward and left their situations with God at the cross. The family dinner followed, providing about 70 meals, and then closing with a praise party which Captain Sue saw through. We are grateful to everyone who has made today possible, and the special way God spoke to so many

FAMILY MATTERS

2008-04-30T19:08:00.002Z

IF YOU HAVE A BABY OR TODDLER come and share with other families on a Tuesday from 12.30pm at our centre, till about 2.30pm. We also have a lunch together. Also on a Thursday from 9.30am till 11am, we also meet and start with a breakfast together. BRIGHT SPARKS is the name, and our centre is the place. For further information contact our group leader, Caroline Marshall.

ADULT MINISTRIES

2008-04-30T19:02:00.002Z

AS A CHURCH we are committed to serving all generations, and our adult ministries seeks to care, provide for, and support those twenty aged plus. Of course this is a massive age grouping, and a team is currently coming together to be able to serve those within this age grouping in effective ways. We hope to confirm that in the next few weeks. Here are some snaps of our Wednesday Ministry - our home and family programme. Starting at 10am we have prayer and share led by Elsie Willis. At 11am our Coffee and Chat, leading to lunch at 12noon. At 1.30pm we share for about an hour, in our mid week worship and fellowship meeting. Today, we celebrated our spring dinner, and these pictures capture some of the special time we enjoyed.

COMMUNITY FUN EVENT

2008-04-27T17:54:00.003Z

OUR SENIOR LEADERS were able to share in their last community event with us, for our COMMUNITY FUN EVENT. Building on our previous community events, where we seek to provide something for the people of the community, and gift it to them, we saw about 200 people with us. With nice weather, whilst the hall was full of people enjoying refreshments, craft and more, on the playground people played, others enjoyed the bouncy castle, some played football, and others just lounged around and chatted. It was good to see so many families make their way to share with us, and see regular and new faces. We are grateful to the whole church who served in so many ways, and to new friends who also came and joined the team and helped. We thank God for this opportunity. The pictures just capture a little of the event.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS

2008-04-27T17:50:00.001Z

We were thrilled again to be selected as a Salvation Army corps that delegates from the International College for Officers could attend to observe. We are so grateful for the way our friends made themselves at home, and also their comments about the way that they felt so blest sharing with us. It was very special to welcome with them their principal, Commissioner Margaret Sutherland, and to see Major Anne Read, a delegate, and one of the leaders at the Regent Hall Salvation Army Church, with them too. Here they are sharing a meal which we were pleased to prepare for them before they wended their way home.

SUNDAY 27TH APRIL 2008

2008-04-27T17:43:00.003Z

TODAY was a blessing to so many of us, and we thank God for the way He moved among us. We started our day with Worship, which also included Kingdom Kids and Bright Sparks - a massive thank you to the team who minister there week in, week out. The hall was very full today, and as part of that we welcomed eight delegates from the current session from the International College for Officers who came on an observation Sunday. The meeting featured sung worship, and an all age talk from Heather which fitted in brilliantly with our thoughts throughout the morning, and with our Spring Festival thoughts. Today, being Regotion Sunday, we celebrated Spring and the work especially done through our community garden. Sara Hayward, who with her husband, Kevin, managed our allotment, spoke about the work over the last three years. What a brilliant ministry they have there (and always space for more to be involved). Ian spoke this morning contiuning thoughts from last week on keeping focussed in our Faith, and looked at 2 Corinthians, and chapter five, and what it really means to be a new creation in Christ. God's Spirit spoke in some very calm and still ways, and we thank God for the way He moved. Captain Sue sang: Breathe on me, breath of God. Other songs included:- God we will give You Glory, Light of the world, I believe Jesus saves, I know He rescued my soul, Our God is great, Everyone needs compassion, All my days and all my hours, Down at the cross where my Saviour died.

THIS SUNDAY

2008-04-22T08:10:00.002Z

THIS SUNDAY WILL BE A VERY SPECIAL DAY. We start at 10.30am with our morning celebration meeting, which will be blessed with the visit of some of the current session of the International College for Officers. We are thrilled they have asked to come and visit us again! Following this, of course is our COMMUNITY FUN EVENT and we hope as many of you as possible will share this with us. It starts at 1pm and concludes at 3pm and open to the whole community. It will be a great time, and we look forward to sharing with as many as possible that can share in this

PRAYERS

2008-04-22T08:08:00.002Z

This Friday a number of our children will be meeting together to work through their junior soldier preparation. This is when they explore what it means to be a soldier of Jesus Christ - a follower of Him.... and its all very exciting. Please pray for the team as they work alongside the children at this time, and of course the children themselves

DISCIPLE COLLEGE

2008-04-22T08:06:00.001Z

DESPITE HOLIDAYS AND ILLNESS we still had a really good number of people sharing with us. We spent the evening sharing songs that we valued and found helpful, and then spoke together around the themes looked at in the morning meeting.

SUNDAY 20TH APRIL 2008

2008-04-22T08:01:00.003Z

TAKING OUR FAITH SERIOUSLY as our teaching subject at this time, continued this morning. Our meeting saw many family members sharing together in celebration, which again featured Sally the chimp in our all age presentation, and songs including:- Great is Thy Faithfulness, Mighty to Save, Turn your eyes upon Jesus, There is a message for us all to name just some. As part of our teaching subject we looked at the imporance of Keeping Focussed and how the things of the world can so easily take us away from that focus. We looked at the importance of keeping focussed on the mission, on our responsibilities, on God, on why and how. Scripture of course backed this up in many ways....and God spoke and broke into peoples lives, which was really special. We do thank God for the way He worked among us.

PRAYER EVENT - MORE PICTURES

2008-04-14T19:32:00.000Z

More pictures from the weekends 24:1 Prayer and Worship Event

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-04-14T14:47:00.002Z

THE COMMISSIONING OF NEW SALVATION ARMY OFFICERS will take place at the Westminster Central Hall on Saturday 5th July 2008. This will be after their two years residential training. This will include our new senior leaders, Cadets Emma and Mark Scott. It would be great if as many as possible from the church could attend. If you wish to be included in the church booking, please let our present senior leaders know. We need to book by the end of this week. Tickets cost £16, which covers the two meetings. We suggest travel up by train, but you are welcome, of course, to make your own arrangements for this.

SUNDAY 13TH APRIL 2008

2008-04-14T07:59:00.002Z

Morning Worship, with Kingdom Kids and Bright Sparks, was the only joint events today, but despite holidays and sickness, was well supported. Worship was led by our senior leaders, and Flame Youth Group did the all age presentation which was great. Captain Howard Russell, centre manager of Booth House in London, was our guest speaker as part of a new series we are looking at about Living by Faith - taking our faith seriously. The captain explored the aspect of social services within the army and how they seek to support people and bring Light and Life to them. We saw how many within The Salvation Army seek to put their faith into action and take it seriously, and in conclusion Captain Ian challenged everyone to see how seriously we are taking our faith and sharing it, through words and action. We were also challenged to consider how we could help towards the £6000 target of our annual appeal total in September, and that we start to work towards that now. Everyone has been challenged to try and raise £40 each towards the total, which will be collected together in June/July to then work towards the other aspects of raising money towards the appeal in September. Concluding with singing 'All there is of me' we recognised the importance of laying our all before God, without reserve. We then stood together to sing 'Now thank we all our God with hearts and hands and voices - who wondrous things has done!"

TWENTY FOUR HOURS OF PRAYER

2008-04-14T07:45:00.002Z

24:1 was a great event for the church, and of course a great encouragement for this church community, that our youth not only want to enjoy social time together, but want to invest a whole day to pray and share worship in this way. The youth group asked to arrange this event and wanted to ensure it was in the church diary for this year, and the event was led totally by them and supported brilliantly by church leaders, members and friends. Starting at 9am on the Saturday (although for some it started the day before to set up) we gathered together to work through prayer zones, to find Holy space and just take in the many different ways we could focus in order to pray. Helpful opportunities included making bread, prayer darts, apple bobbing and games, all which were not just enjoyed, but helped us embrace prayer and focus on subjects, many relating to the church community, our new church leaders, and also for the world around us. Bible Studies were also used throughout the day led by Ellie, Clare and Ian, and in the evening were shared in sang worship, also led by Ian. Throughout the day there was real evidence of God's Presence. Discussion on spiritual topics were also helpful throughout the day - as was the food which helped keep many going. Some of those attending went on a prayer walk and trail which took them out of our church community into the wider community. During the later/early hours some laid down before God to pray with their eyes closed and used snooring as a means of uttering prayer to God. However there was always some awake praying and this helped to ensure that the 24:1 aspect of praying together continued. We event concluded by a cooked breakfast but also time to pray for those who do not know Jesus and we uplifted them before God. We must thank Rachel and Ellie for arranging this event - and of course so many of the church that supported at some point throughout this day.

ADVANCE NOTICE

2008-04-11T11:13:00.001Z

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF THE CHURCH - PENTECOST - AND CELEBRATE FOR OURSELVES THE REALITY THAT GOD'S SPIRIT IS FOR TODAY, FOR ALL PEOPLE.

Sunday 11th May, 10.30am at the school and 6pm at our church centre

A REMINDER

2008-04-11T11:08:00.003Z

AN IMPORTANT time in the life of this church starts at 9am tomorrow (Saturday) and last for 24 hours until 9am Sunday. Whilst we realise that not everyone can do twenty four hours, we are hoping that leaders, members and friends will give sometime to be part of 24:1 PRAYER AND WORSHIP, at our church centre. This has been organised by our Flame Youth Group, first held two years ago, which had an amazing impact on many. We are believing for greater this time! The team that have arranged wish it to be informed that this is not a social time as such, and is given for prayer and worship. There will also be Bible Studies and a whole range of things to engage in. Food is provided as part of the event, unless of course you are fasting! Then don't forget we meet together for worship at the school at 10.30am - however there will not be an evening meeting that night.

LIVING BY FAITH

2008-04-06T18:59:00.002Z

Our teaching focus for this year is Living by Faith, and for the next few weeks our teaching will focus especially on helping us to understand how it is that we can live, and should live by faith. This Sunday we started by recognising the importance of taking Faith seriously and the statements of Christ in the I AM passages. Next Sunday we welcome Captain Howard Russell, centre manager of The Salvation Army's Booth House in London. He will be helping us to see how The Salvation Army as a movement is living out its faith, putting its belief into action, through its social and community ministry, work, programmes, centres etc. Then over a period of time, we will be exploring the focus topics listed here and helping us all to go deeper in understanding Faith, and ensuring we have faith that move mountains and that pleases and blesses God. We hope you will share with us?

SUNDAY 6TH APRIL 2008

2008-04-06T14:32:00.003Z

A beautiful spring morning, welcomed snow outside! But inside the school hall today saw a crowded hall of people coming together to enjoy THE EVENT. The great and exciting thing about this being that again new faces were seen!!! Part of the purpose of this event is not to provide yet another worship meeting for our members to come and enjoy, but is to provide space for those who may not usually come to church, to be able to come and enjoy time in an informal setting, exploring matters of faith, and being allowed then to make decisions for themselves, and decide what to do with it all. William Booth himself believed that it was important to feed the soul and the stomach, and we do both that - or at least try. We share THE EVENT, we share a meal together, and we then conclude with a final thought to take home with us. Today we looked at ONLY JOKING, and started with a good laugh! People shared jokes, others took part in juggling, whilst others took part in the gurning competition. A quiz of funny people followed, and then revealed a face of Jesus - recognising that there was a lot of people who found Him funny and laughed a lot at Him - but that actually there is a lot that He said that is worth taking serious and is No Joke! Two speakers helped explore how they take their faith seriously - Elsie and Gavin - and then Ian concluded by looking at the I AM statements made by Jesus - hearing that GOD said them and how they relate to us. Is it not worth taking them seriously? Following this, we enjoyed our family meal, and concluded with THE FINALE. In this, we heard the importance of recognising that we are NO JOKE.....and that God wants us to recognise that our lives can have purpose and meaning. We concluded by recognising that YES, JESUS LOVES ME. It appears from what we heard and saw that God touched some peoples lives....and challenged them too. So, if thats been what happened, today has been more than worth coming together again. Thank you so much to all those involved in someway in today.

ANNUAL APPEAL CHALLENGE

2008-04-02T18:55:00.002Z

THE ANNUAL APPEAL CHALLENGE IS COMING! We want to make the best of this years appeal, starting officially in Septemnber. For six weeks we will be exploring Living by Faith, and putting into practise. In that looking at ministry through our church, in south ashford, and how the army engages in this through social and community ministry, programmes, centres etc. To get us thinking SUNDAY 13th APRIL, will welcome Captain HOWARD RUSSELL, centre manager from Booth House in London, to help us graps how the army puts belief in action. This will be a special time together, so do come and share in it. PLEASE NOTE there will not be Disciple College this Sunday (mainly due to the fact that a lot of us will be involved in 24:1)

AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED

2008-04-02T18:53:00.001Z

24:1 is an exciting prayer event being arranged by our youth group, but open to all. Its taking place next Saturday from 9am, till 9am on the Sunday....and then we will all get to church together. The last event was held nearly two years ago, and was amazing. Please give what time you can to be a part of what God has planned.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-04-02T18:43:00.002Z

We have just shared in two special community events over Easter, and we do want to keep building on this. So, we are pleased to announce (if your members this is already in the diary) our community fun event at the end of April. There will be a whole host of activities. This is started at 10.30am by our annual SPRING FESTIVAL, so bring with you some seeds and stuff for our community garden.....further information will follow.

NOT TO BE MISSED

2008-04-01T17:36:00.003Z

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR THE EVENT.

There are some statements that have been made throughout generations that are life changing - but so many think of them as one big joke. This week we will explore how there are somethings in life that are great to laugh at.....and equally some really important ones to be taking seriously. Join us this Sunday for a really fun, challenging and thought provoking time (hopefully), starting with refreshments at 10am, 10.30am for THE EVENT and then our family celebration to follow.

FEAR NOT.....

2008-04-01T08:18:00.002Z

On Sunday we reflected on not being fearful, and stepping out with God. The following, also to be found on the Blog of our childrens ministries officer, Clare, is an outline of some of our thoughts, and might help you with further reflection

Are you ready to jump?
Imagine that you are on a diving board. really high up above a swimming pool.God says, 'Jump.'You look down and to your horror you realise that there is no water in the pool.You say to God, 'Fill the pool with water first and then I'll jump.'God replies, 'Jump first and then I'll fill the pool with water.'What do you do? Do you have faith that God will provide and keep His word?or do you feel full of fear and terror?Do not let the ultimate terrorist get in the way of jumping for God. For the devil is the one who strikes fear into our hearts.
Should you be jumping?

Faith vs Fear- Becoming water walkers
What do you think is the most common instruction in the Bible?
It isn't to be more loving, caring and kind. Although this is God's greatest desire for us. This isn't the most common instruction.
Neither is it warnings of pride, to become more humble, to guard sexual purity or to walk with integrity. Although these are really important qualities, they are not the most common.
The most common instruction in the Bible, actually is:
'Fear not'
'Do not fear', 'Do not be afraid', 'Be strong and courageous', 'you can trust me'- is all instructing us to 'Fear not'.
Why 'Fear not'?
Why is it that God is constantly reminding us that we don't need to fear? Its not as if fear is the biggest of vices, its not in the seven deadly sins (although all sin is the same to God). Fear doesn't seem to be the worst thing in the world. So why 'Fear not'?
Fear tempts us most from not doing God's will. It tempts us most from not jumping when God says 'Jump'. Or as John Ortberg puts it, 'Fear disrupts faith and becomes the biggest obstacle to trusting and obeying God.'
In other words, Fear gets in the way of us and God. Fear becomes the biggest obstacle in our relationship with God. It causes a void between us and God, it stop us trusting in Him- the creator of both Heaven and Earth, who made you from the dust, this mighty powerful God. When we fear we stop God from being all powerful.
FEAR- It gets in the way!
So God is constantly letting us know that we don't need to fear- we don't need to fear Him, we respect God, but we do not need to fear that He will hurt us or throw lighting bolts at us; we don't need to fear that God won't provide, we don't need to fear the situations that we are in.
We don't need to fear- we need to trust, have faith and obey!
There are 366 'Fear not' verses in the Bible. That is one for everyday of the year, including an extra one for leap years. To me that isn't a coincidence. Time is a human creation, yet God still places enough 'Fear not' verses in the Bible for everyday and one left over for a leap year- only God could do that! How great is God's commitment to us, that He doesn't want us to fear, not one day does He want us to live and struggle with fear, so each day He tells us to 'Fear not'. What a promise!
One of my biggest fears, is quite a silly fear and you might all laugh at it, but it is a fear i have to battle with sometimes. I am afraid of stairs. I fine going up stairs, but coming down stairs is more of a problem. I have fallen down stairs quite a few times and I've been up the hospital a couple of times with suspected broken neck and my Dad has finally put up a banister so I don't fall down our stairs so much. The fear of falling down stairs is my bodies natural reaction to the a situation which might possibly be dangerous and might cause me harm. But if I let this stop me, if I let this fear get in the way- I would be quite stuck, i wouldn't be able to get anywhere as there are a lot of stairs about.
There is a place for fear. Fear at its most basic, is our bodies naturally reaction to a possible dangerous situation. Its our body telling us that we need to run away, or hide.
But we mustn't let fear over ride faith and trust.
The 'No' of fear must never triumph the 'yes' of faith.In Matthew 14:22, Jesus walked on water towards the disciples and He didn't say anything. Jesus was waiting for the disciples to recognise who He was. But they were terrified and they cried out in fear, believing Jesus to be a ghost.
Now I don't know a bout you, but if I was in a boat at 3am in the middle of a storm, and someone came walking towards me on the water, I might be a little scared too.
It says that Jesus spoke to the disciples 'at once'. Jesus didn't want His disciples to be afraid, He did not want them to fear Him.
Peter responded- not in a testing way, but in response to faith and when Jesus told Him to 'come', he went. I don't know if Peter hesitated or if he went without thinking, because I wasn't there and it doesn't tell us. But I do know if I was in Peter's situation I might feel just a little afraid. It does tell us that Peter that went over the side of the boat and began to walk towards Jesus on the water. For those few minutes before Peter saw the wind and the waves, Peter walked on water! wow! Peter is probably the only person except for Jesus who has every walked on water.
Peter was the only one who had the faith to even get out of the boat. Yes he lost his focus and began to sink and needed Jesus to save him - but at least he got out of the boat. Yes, Peter failed, but he didn't fail us much as the other disciples in the boat.
Peter learnt a lot from failing- he learnt that Jesus would save him, even when he was failing, he learnt that Jesus would save him first and then he would help him to learn the lesson of faith. Although Jesus told Peter he had 'little faith' and asked why he doubted Jesus. Jesus did this is love and away from the other disciples, he was showing that there is no fear in Jesus- for 'perfect fear casts out all fear.'
With faith we must make sure that we keep our focus and our focus must be Jesus.
What is it that you should be doing to get out of your boat? What is it that God is asking for you to step out in faith?
What are you afraid of?
Lets get out of our boats and start water walking

PRAYERS

2008-03-30T17:26:00.003Z

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

2008-03-30T14:42:00.003Z

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

2008-03-24T16:15:00.003Z

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.....

2008-03-24T16:07:00.003Z

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.