The Divisional Prayer Wave is launched this Friday at Gillingham, at 7pm. We have a mini bus available if people would like to go and support. The event will consist of some worship together, some opportunity to pray together for other Salvation Army corps and centres and other issues as made known., There will also be prayer zones available for those who find this helpful. For further information please contact Captains Susan or Ian

The Hopes and Fears of all the Years are met in Thee Tonight. The First Sunday in the new year started with a breakfast together, which was lovely to be able to share sometime in this way with those who were available. We then joined for our new year worship, led by Captains Ian and Susan, and looking at HOPE. Songs included:- Christians Awake, Prayer Gently Lifts me, Lord for the years, O Little Town of Bethlehem, In Christ alone my Hope is found.

Captain Susan got us all to consider the Hopes we have the year ahead and write them onto a leaf which would then be part of a tree of Hope we will develop. It explored how actually we turn over a new leaf in our lives, and with this trust God with those things on our hearts. Captain Ian looked at Colossians at the HOPE OF GLORY and the fact that Christ has come to be our Hope. Captain shared a little of the journey of his life and how despite so much that has been thrown his way through that journey, He has known without a doubt that there is HOPE and that Hope is found in Christ Alone. During concluding moments to pray and reflect many people moved forward to pray at the mercy seat, some also bringing their leaves to entrust to God that which they have already noted.

As always we concluded with refreshments - a good day shared together

The January edition of IN TOUCH is now available. To down load visit our web site at www.salvationarmy.org.uk/horsham, or collect a copy from our resource centre

Our teaching focus for 2010 is announced now by our leaders as being 'Hope In....?'. Throughout this year we will be unpacking a little more, asking that God will bring revelation and meaning.

A GREAT NUMBER OF PEOPLE GATHERED FOR MORNING WORSHIP on Sunday 27th, far more than was expected. An opening time of sharing and testimony stirred much emotion among us as we heard people sharing from their hearts about God, their relationship with Him, and the chalenges He has brought their way. Captain Sue led us in a powerful prayer reflection which saw many move forward to place prayer stars on the mercy seat, some staying to pray for sometime. Captain Ian then opened God's Word - CHRIST WAS BORN..... SO WHAT! and got us to consider whether we hold a so what attitude? During some emotional moments, some people made further prayer at the mercy seat, and the meeting then concluded with refreshments.

CHRISTMAS DAY saw around 90 people sharing with us for the day, whilst others popped in and shared in our Carol Service. Over 100 shared in an hour of carols and of course our children were featured as well. Captain Ian led the service looking at what is important when it comes to Christmas. It was then time for more refreshments, and some quizzes after which we enjoyed a Christmas Meal. Captain Sue then did some singing, before the Queen was projected on our screen and gave her annual message, after which there was more refreshments and then a parcel and present to take home. We were so pleased to have shared this day again with people, and also to have had some a great volunteer team. Thank you to everyone who made this day so special.

A TEAM MET TOGETHER ON CHRISTMAS EVE to prepare parcels, food etc for Christmas Day. Parcels were also delivered around the borough on this evening

As Christmas approaches our captains opened their home as an opportunity for church members and friends, and neighbours, to come together for an OPEN HOUSE. From 4-7pm their house was buzzing with laughter and people enjoying eating the food provided. At the end of the event those remaining enjoyed singing some carols together.

The Church Family gathered together for a packed Christmas Meal, and raised over £250 towards our Christmas Project as a result. The traditional meal, saw 56 people come together to enjoy being family, and was great to share in this way just before we all get very busy with the Christmas rush (if we have not already of course!!!). We are so grateful to those who mucked in with preparing the meal, serving the meal and clearing up after the meal.

Despite the awful weather lots of people gathered together for our annual community carol service. Some had responded to personal invitations, others to leaflets and all gathered to enjoy a special morning together which included drama, music and dance. A special feature was our children, but so too was the presentation of the story of Babushka. Our musicians also took part in the meeting.

Our annual Christmas Concert, arranged by our corps sergeant major, Trevor Belcher, attracted a full hall, and raised about £1000, some will be given to our Christmas Day meals, and the other to our international water project we are supporting this year. The concert was compered by former corps leaders, Majors Lindy and Mark Rose, and featured our own band and singing group, supported by friends, and the Slinford hand bell ringers and John Noyce as guest soloist. Our children featured too and gave an excellent presentation to conclude the special event together

Chatt a box enjoyed two Christmas Parties this week. Our Thursday group was packed, but sadly due to the snow, only 17 children were able to share our Friday Party...... but a great time was had at both as Captain Susan led us in craft, songs, and introduced us to her special guest..... Father Christmas. He very kindly gave everyone gathered some present, and then we enjoyed some food together as well. Chatt a Box returns next year and we look forward to seeing you

We are grateful to our musicians - singers and players, who have been out and about sharing the Christmas news with many people. This has taken us into a number of homes and centres in Horsham, as well of course, the local town centre and Tesco.

Sunday 13th December saw our last in the series of WHAT CAN I GIVE HIM? reflections, shared by Captain Susan. This week we explored Myrrh and how this was symbolic of burial - reminding us that all the Kings gave reflected prophectic teaching about the Messiah that would be coming to the world. The picture reflects this weeks Sunday Challenge..... using toilet roll..... don't ask!!!!

advance notice of the special visit of Majors Telfer in January. Major Carol is the assistant secretary for personnel, and Major Ivor the assistant secretary for programme, both located at Territorial Headquarters.

Captain Ian explored the 2nd gift of the wise men, Franincense. In this we looked at the reality that GOD is among us, and celebrated this through exploring how it is we bow the knee in worship before Him. Here is a picture looking at gifts which were given out to some of our family - but no one wanted them..... it reminded us that God wants sincere heart felt worship.

MUSICIANS were out in force on Saturday to support our flag day which raised over £1500 in Horsham town centre. Our own bands men and women were supported by members of local brass band groups - many who have had links with The Salvation Army. We are grateful above all for the opportunity of chatting with people, and during some of the day we were able to encourage people to come and sing carols with us. The delightful weather while we gathered aided towards that - it started to rain when we left!!!

Over ninety families over the two days of toddler group at Horsham, took part in a Nativity morning. The children came dressed in costume and shared in a whole host of activities which helped them focus on the Christmas Story. Songs and stories were also used to help in this focus.

ADVENT SUNDAY focussed on the gift of Gold, and the Kingship of Jesus Christ. Captain Susan opened the word to us and challenged us to consider whether King Herod was our king or King Jesus?

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN HORSHAM gathered together to launch Advent with a procession through the streets and concluding at the band stand for carol singing. Despite the poor weather a large crowd gathered and enjoyed this outdoor witness opportunity.