Captain Susan led our meeting today for MOTHERING SUNDAY. We celebrated all those who share care with us and who love us, and especially today at the ladies gathering with us. It was very special and we were able to contribute a small gift of flowers to everyone gathered. We explored Psalm 91, Isaiah 40 and a passage from the New Testament. Songs today included:- Come let us all unite to sing; Lord I come to You; Strength will rise; Under the shadow of His wings; A wonderful Saviour; Mid all the traffic of the ways; He giveth more grace. The children contributed a reading. The singing group sang Psalm 91 and the band played Just as I am. In her teaching, the captain encouraged everyone to be in te best place and know the best by being in arms of Jesus, and allow Him to care for us under His wings. Various people moved forward to pray at the end of the meeting.

TABLE TOP SALE

The purpose of the table top sale was just that - so sell things on tables. It was not a church fundraiser, just an opportunity to use our building to bless others. Various people booked stalls and paid £5 for this. We raised a little through this, and they were able to raise money for their own personal funds. Some people from church did have stalls, and we had as usual the amazing refreshments served by Marion and her team. BUT we were overwhelmed when we raised just under £700, which will go into this years annual appeal fundraising. So..... its a great start! The breakdown is £45.50, food stall; £145 for tables and donations; £64.75 from the craft club; £83.95 from Vidas bric-a-brac; £85.60 from cakes and sweets; £202.35 for refreshments in the kitchen. Additionally our KIDS ALIVE team raised over £100 for their own funds as well. So..... THANK YOU EVERYONE, and above all, thank you to God for blessing us in this way.

Don Jones took responsibility for FRIENDSHIP CLUB today, and after a very lovely home cooked meal (thanks to ann and clive eakins) we enjoyed Don's opening, and then a presentation by Major Nanella Weir, of Penge Corps, about her ministry as a Street Pastor.

At the conclusion of KIDS ALIVE theme for this term, Activiate (which explored basic Christianity), a large number of children knelt at the Cross - the Mercy Seat - to make prayers, some giving their lives to Jesus. It was a very moving time, and we thank those who gave time to pray throughout this time. 

SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS

We give thanks today for the life and influence of Mrs Wendy Newland. Wendy, the mum of Candidate Kate, and Sarah, has been a friend of our church for some years, but also a Soldier of Jesus Christ in the Salvation Army for sometime, in recent years at Reading Central. Wendy has not been well for sometime, and yesterday afternoon went to be with Jesus. Our thoughts and prayers are for now, and continue to be from days gone by, for Rod (Wendys husband), Sarah, Blake and Molly, and Kate, Scott and Louis, and of course the wider family. Well done good and faithful servant! xxxxx

Doug Horley is coming to Horsham Salvation Army. Join us on Sunday 6th May for this very special event. Additionally in the afternoon we will have a seminar for all those involved in children's ministry teams, and this will be focussed on adults involved in this. To book your places email Karen.Everest@salvationarmy.org. Places will be limited.

Ensure you can celebrate Holy Week and Easter with us at The Salvation Army in Crawley and Horsham. Its going to be a special event which will include our Flower Festival and the visit of Cadets from the William Booth College, supported by Captains Catherine and Gordon Cotterill. The time will include the dedication to God of a child; the welcome of new adherent members and the enrolment of new junior soldiers. And thats just the start. Watch this space for more information

SUNDAY 11TH MARCH 2012

Despite a number being away, and some far from well, the hall was full for a morning of worship and the opening of God's Word. God came very close to us, as we shared in songs which included:- Jesus came to save me; Anniversary Song; At the Cross (Victory); Meet my Need Lord; If on my soul; Soldiers rouse thee! Our focus was Mark 10, and considering whether Jesus would ever say 'Why do I bother?'. Looking at His chat with His disciples about serving others, and then the response of His Disciples when they were too busy to hear the cry of Blind Bart, we considered the importance of not being blind to human need, and equally encouraged to Cry out to God with the needs that we have. There was no children's programme today, due to sickness, so Captain Ian brought the children to the front to act out the account and use them as illustrations during the address.

Today being Self Denial Sunday, we had time to give our gifts as we sang 'They shall come from the East' and to focus on those countries to which we partner in mission.

At the end of the meeting a number of people made prayers at the foot of the Cross.

Messy Church followed in the afternoon, led by Karen and Barry and was a time of preparation ready for Easter.

At KIDS ALIVE CLUB last evening the children were taken through a journey of The Salvation Army past and present. The last few weeks KIDS ALIVE have been exploring the Salvation Army material, Activitate which has helped us to learn what it means to believe in Jesus. Its been great stuff. Next week is our final session on this subject.

THIS SUNDAY

Please join us this Sunday for our Celebration at 10.30am, led by our corps officers, and Kids Alive at 11,15am. There will not be a MAD this week, because we will be holding MESSY CHURCH at Ifield West Community Centre at 3.30pm. We invite you all to join in this very special day together.

CANDIDATE KATE

We are pleased to announce that Kate Gregory has been accepted as a Candidate for officership, entering The Salvation Army Training College in London this September. Its been an interesting journey and we thank GOD for this amazing opportunity.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

It is now some days since the anniversary celebrations, but we continue to thank God for all He did among us. This is an amazing time to be a part of the Horsham Salvation Army. It was great to welcome our guest leaders, Commissioners Robert and Janet Street (Europe Zone) supported by our Divisional Commander, Lt Colonel Anthony Cotterill. Our morning meeting was a devotional meeting, and Commissioner Janet Preached. After her sermon and giving time for response, many many people came forward to make prayers at the Cross, a number coming for the first time ever.

After the meeting seventy people enjoyed an anniversary dinner at the Commodore in Horsham Town. A wonderful meal was served. The plan was then that we would hold an open air meeting at the Carfax and then a march of witness. Sadly the weather did not allow for this, but everyone was so keen to march and march we did from the bandstand to the Parish Church, where we were joined by civic dignatries and Worthing Citadel Band. The chairperson of Horsham District council spoke, as did the Vicar of Horsham and a representative from Churches Together in Horsham. Various people from the church also shared their testimony, including Karen Everest, Barry Dowden, Les Daniels, Gerry Slessenger, Nkosi Nkomo. A highlight was also the sharing of three poems from the HOPE IN friends, and what a powerful expression this was. There was very few dry eyes. Equally it was stiring to see our flags marched to the High Altar. Our singing group sang THE ANNIVERSARY SONG which went down very well, and Worthing band played our anniversary piece, BUILDING UP. The children submitted a brilliant song and mine.

So many people have submitted letters, cards and emails expressing how significant the weekend was. And in days to follow we have now heard of people wanting to be junior soldiers and adherent members.

History books record that in the early days the hall was too small, and people were being 'pardoned' - history is being re lived again!

125TH ANNIVERSARY BEGINS

In a hall that was fit for bursting, our 125th anniversary got underway in a celebration which looked at The Salvation Army in Horsham today, led by our current corps officers Captains Ian and Susan Woodgate. A buffet preceeded the event, which was wonderful, and then the meeting got underway. The hall not only saw our own family, but also welcomed people who had travelled for the weekend, many who had been involved in some way with the corps. Previous officers were present as were two ladies who had entered the training college together. Songs included:- We're a band that shall conqueror the foe; Thank you lord for Saving my soul; Praise God from whom all blessings flow; When I was lost; What a faithful God have I; O For a thousand tongues to sing. Representing divisional headquarters was Majors Gareth and Susan Heward. The evening consisted of various groups from the corps contributing items, and also time for Testimony. Corps Sergeant Major Trevor Belcher looked back, and shared some of his memories.

THIS WEEKEND

Don't miss this very special weekend - there is a very special place for everyone

What a great way to mark our 125th year by sending Kate Gregory into training as a Salvation Army Officer. After attending her assessment conference in February, Kate was recommended for entry into the training college this September. She will now go before the Territorial Candidates Board at Territorial HQ to receive the final stamp on March 7th. We pray for Kate and family in these exciting days.

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD

Captain Susan led a powerful meeting of praise and worship and in opening The Word from Psalm 40, challenged us to look back and learn from it, and look forward to what God has in store. Two powerful voluntary testimonies were shared which highlighted all that Captain had been seeking to express. Songs today included:- Great is Thy Faithful; The Splendour of The King; Every move I Make; I want to tell you what then Lord has done; For the joys and for the sorrows. We thank God for His moving Power among us today.

LAST SATURDAY some of our children enjoyed a fun day arranged by our divisional childrens officer, Kathryn Doncaster. It was a great event, and supported by Captain Susan and Karen and Barry. Thanks everyone!

MEN AND LADIES FUN DAY

The church centre was buzzing last evening for the ladies and mens fun night arranged by our ladies and mens ministries leaders. As always its great to enjoy time together, and a whole host of games were enjoyed including board games, wii, short mat bowls, quizzes and more. Food of course was included. Thanks everyone was great night together

KATE GREGORY

Our thoughts and prayers have been focussed this week on KATE GREGORY as she attends an assessment conference at the WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE in London. Kate feels called by GOD to be a Salvation Army Officer, and an assessment conference is part of that process to see whether this is the right direction for her. We pray that God's will will be done