We invite anyone and everyone to come and share in a two week discussion on THE SALVATION ARMY, its history, its mission and ministry and more. The first two Thursdays in February at 26 Wood End. For further information do contact us.

We look forward to our first big event of 2011, on 22nd and 23rd January. Our special guest visitors will be Commisioners Judith and Raymond Houghton, former divisional leaders of ours many years ago, and since those days have seen them have significant international roles and responsibilities. The commissioners are now retired and we look forward to their return to us. We start on the Saturday with THE SATURDAY EVENT, and this will be a talent evening. Sunday we have a 10.30am meeting, followed by our Christmas dinner at 1pm, and then the commissioners will conclude the event with some concluding thoughts.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2011

JOIN US NEXT SUNDAY to celebrate the new year, and explore what the essentials are for Christians and the Christian Church for any new year, and to make it the best year it can be. We commence at 9am with a joint breakfast, served by our youth group, and then celebration and fellowship from 10.30am. We do invite you to start the new year as we mean to go on. The meeting will be led by our captains.

Christmas time has been a great celebration for us here in Horsham and Crawley, and we value so much all that people have brought to this season. Despite the weather, we have done all we can to make this a happy Christmas for as many people as we can. Here is a collation of many of our events throughout this season.

Lieutenant Nicola concluded our advent series '3 wise women' by looking at Anna, who trusted in the faithfulness of God to provide the messiah, and who was rejoicing in the temple at His Faithfulness. We celebrated, we reflected, we shared and we praised. Songs included:- Good King Wen, Great is Thy Faithfulness; What a faithful God have I; Faithful God; The Splendour of the King; Go tell it on the mountain and Noel

CHRISTMAS DAY 2010 saw nearly 200 pass through our doors, and we had a great day. We started by welcoming our guests and volunteer team from 9am, enjoying refreshments, and then sharing together in a Carol Service. This was led by Lieutenant Nicola, and she took us through carols and reflection, including a time to celebrate with the children. Tony the Magician then came and did a short show for us. After this we made our way to our tables and enjoyed our Christmas Dinner. After this we concluded with a sing a long, Captain Sue sang, we had the results of our christmas activity quizzes, got presents, food bags, and also a visit from Father Christmas. AND..... so much more. A massive volunteer team added so much to this day, and especially our kitchen team who worked so hard as well. We cannot thank everyone enough for all they did to make this day possible. We were also graced by a visit by the High Sherrif of West Sussex, Mrs Elizabeth Bennett, who came to wish us all a very happy Christmas.

A very hard working team of people worked on CHRISTMAS EVE to peel vegetables, to sort out our centre, to make up food and toy parcels, to go to local shops and pick up donations and bring them back, to deliver parcels and so much more. There was a big operation happening, BUT, we had a great day and thankful to everyone for all they contributed to the day. THANK YOU.

Our final carolling engagement this year took us to Langshot Manor in Horley, to play as a bridge and groom took their place at their reception. It was the dream of the bride to have a salvation army band playing for her as she walked into her reception. It was a joy to be able to be part of this.

After Nine Years of Leadership of our Home League Meeting/Programme, Anne Denyer has retired. During the last meeting of the year, Anne thanked everyone for their support and explained how for her, it was right to step down, because after nine years she had started to find all the preparation for the meeting very difficult. A collection had been taken and we were able to present some gifts that we trust Anne will enjoy.

A team of church friends gathered to make up some more parcels today for the great demand of requests we have had for such. Now low on some items, we prepare our selves to complete this task on Christmas Eve. We pray deeply and dearly for all those who will be receiving these gifts.

Our musicians, supported by friends, played at Tesco (Gatwick) this Tuesday and last Tuesday, and shoppers enjoyed the music (well we hope so). Collectors spent the day at the store, collecting money, strangely enough. Thanks to all those who engaged in collecting and playing.

Kate Gregory, our youth ministries officer, led two afternoon outreach events in Horsham on Sunday afternoon at Kingsmead and Oakhill. A good number of our musicians and singers came to support the events for which we are very grateful.

We had two great parties at the end of last week. Our very popular CHATT-A-BOX groups met on Thursday and Friday for some very exciting parties. Games and Craft started the session, followed by some lively singing, and then a visit from Father Christmas. Everyone got a present each. We then enjoyed a meal together to end our party. Thank you to everyone for making this party so special.....again!

Despite the dreadful weather conditions and our fear that our production would not happen this year, we were wrong! Our hall was packed with over 100 people, many families, and of course loads of children. Everyone did so well. People travelled from the other side of Crawley and Haywards Heath, Billingshurst etc, to come and ensure they were part of this years special carol service. Featured this year was so many people. Our toddler groups from Crawley and Horsham sang; our drama group danced; our youth group sang; our children sang; our band played; our singing group sang; all generations took part in the drama, and we had a special extra of a trombone trio. Additionally Father Christmas came to visit us as well. We are so grateful to everyone for really going that extra mile(s) to come and make our christmas carol service so so special.

Snowey weather affected, for the 2nd year running, our support of the Carols at Wakehurst Place last evening. Some of our bandsmen/women were able to get there. Today (Saturday) snow has hit hard. Despite this a great number turned up at Sainsbury in town, to discover that they had doubled booked, and we could not stand there today. This has affected of course, our collecting, which supports our Christmas Appeal.

Our Carol Service tomorrow, will still go ahead, but we suspect the planned presentation will not. However we look forward to meeting with those we can.

The band and singing group shared carols at Tesco, Horley, by invitation. Collectors also stood there most of the day.

Captain Susan led a thoughtful time of carol singing and reflection at Ashby Court, supported by corps friends.

Such has been the demand our parcels and help this year, that a team were called in to help make up parcels ready for deliveries this week. Over 100 children would be helped through the time given by a team on Monday

Such has been the demand our parcels and help this year, that a team were called in to help make up parcels ready for deliveries this week. Over 100 children would be helped through the time given by a team on Monday

The 2nd Messy Church was held this Sunday in Crawley and took us through the nativity events.

Lt.Colonel Peter Daziel led morning worship. Sadly Lt Colonel Sylvia Daziel had fallen poorly in the night so could not share with her husband

Our hall was packed for the annual CHRISTMAS CONCERT. This year it featured Lieutenant-Colonels Sylvia and Peter Daziel, the Leechpool primary school choir, our own band and singing group (plus friends) and our children and youth. It was a great event. Over £600 was raised in the charity collection. The event was supported by the mayor of crawley; the chairperson of horsham district council; the high sherrif of west sussex; the member of parliament for Crawley and divisional family officer maureen ross. We are grateful for all those who took part in some way

Chatt-a-Boxers were treated to a great nativity morning, with much focussed on the amazing story of Christ coming to this earth. At the end everyone had the opportunity to take part in the story.

Thursday 9th December

Invited by the Chamber of Commerce in Billinghurst, we played carols as part of their late night shopping programme.

Sunday6thDecember

We continued with our series, 3 Wise Women, with Lt Nicola looking at A Listening Heart, and exploring Elizabeth. Captain Ian led Worship.

We are sorry to inform you that the corps CHRISTMAS DINNER planned for Sunday has been cancelled. This is due to the fact that a number of people have said they do not think they will be able to get to the dinner, and we really would love the whole family to be together for this. It will be rearranged.

ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS have hit Horsham! As a result CHATT A BOX and KIDS ALIVE have had to be cancelled. Also our carolling at The Bandstand on Saturday has been cancelled (sadly)

HORSHAM MARKET: on a very cold Saturday we held a market stall, selling some of our own hand made goodies. Despite the awful weather we raised nearly £100. Special thanks to Margaret F and Anne D for braving the day and helping.

Christmas Concert: tickets are going well for our christmas concert on saturday 11th december. There are still some available, so do book yours now. We strongely advise tickets are purchased before the event.

Sunday 21st November was led by Captain Susan. She looked at the greatest commandment - to love God with all there is of us. Sunday 28th November, being advent sunday, we launched our advent series, entitled Three Wise Women. Lieutenant Nicola led worship and spoke - and included a bush tucker trail. Well done to those who took part. Our focus this week was to have a willing heart.

TODAY was our Winter Wonderland, Christmas Market. What a successful day it was. The people coming into our centre never seemed to stop, and very few people got time to stop and rest, and even to look around (stall holders that were). There were people of every generation, and at times, it was simply impossible to move because of the large amount of people who came in.

BIG thank you to all the church family who helped and supported throughout the day - and in addition to the captains parents who came and helped; Tony the Magician and Cadet Clare and Cadet Sian from the William Booth College, who all added to the day as well.

CARING AT CHRISTMAS campaign was launched this week. Large articles were included in county times and the advertiser. Already a large number of people have shown an interest in the campaign.

PRAYER WAVE

Just to confirm that the divisional prayer wave event scheduled for our corps this Sunday evening has been cancelled.

NEW PUBLICATIONS

The Church Diary for 2011 has now been published. We have also published the church directory for 2011 as well.

DON;T FORGET THIS SATURDAY! We really hope you can join us for our christmas market, this saturday at 11am-2pm. We are expecting a really great day together - and look forward to welcoming you.

We continue to value and enjoy a closer working relationship with Crawley, and today shared in the launch of MESSY CHURCH. A great number attended and enjoyed getting to explore more the story of Noah, remembering on this remembrance Sunday the promise of God's love for us. Various tables enabled us to explore different aspects of that love for us, and we concluded with a time of reflection which Lieutenant Nicola led. It was a great buzzing occasion and we thank Lieutenant for arranging such a great event. Major Gwen Cox supported as well. The event was held in the Ifield West Community Centre. The next event will be the 12th December at 3.30pm which will have a very special Christmas focus.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY was 'celebrated' together with a great number gathering, for worship and The Word, led by Captain Ian. Songs included:- Crown Him with many Crowns, All Hail the Lamb, He is Lord, Jesus thou art everything to me, O God our help in ages past, It is well with my soul, Nearer my God to Thee. The singing group contributed There's a road of high adventure, and in these Quiet Moments. Captain spoke on PEACE WITH GOD, and looked at the reality that peace will never come to this earth until Christ returns again. Looking at Matthew 24 we were reminded of those things which would happen in the last times. However with the verses of the song 'Let there be peace on earth and let us begin with me', we were reminded that we have a responsibility to share Peace in this world today - with ourselves, have Peace with God, and know Peace with one another. The two minute silence used a powerful presentation which was very helpful.

KIDS ALIVE is part of our children's ministry programme and meets every Sunday at 10.30am and term time Fridays at 5pm. Since launching Easter 2010, we have seen a great number of kids joining with us - and this is just some recent pictures of some of the fun things happening.

Don't forget that MESSY CHURCH starts this Sunday in Ifield West Community Centre at 3.15pm

Sunday 7th November 2010

Lieutenant Nicola led our morning celebration meeting, looking at The Shepherd. Captain Ian was away in the morning, but returned to us for the evening TOGETHER series, looking at Growing Up! Another great Sunday together....

contact us for details and to book a place, we start at 1.30pm

News and information on special events coming very soon

We are looking ahead to 2011, and with a new series of Saturday events. Book these dates now

watch out this space - the christmas campaign is coming!!!!!

THE FRIENDLY MONSTER PARTY

What a great afternoon we shared with parents and children of our Chatt a Box Toddler Group, and our Kids Alive Programme. It was so lovely to see parents playing and joining in things with their children, in this packed afternoon, planned and led through by Captain Susan. Craft, games and food formed the afternoon, and there was a great party bag to take home afterwards. Everyone really enjoyed themselves, even though sadly some could not be with us because they were returning from half term holiday. BUT we are really grateful to all those who made the afternoon possible and the great fun Captain Sue helped us to have.

SUNDAY 31ST OCTOBER

Lieutenant-Colonels Janet and Richard Munn the prinicpals from the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Growth development, led our celebration meeting, supported by our corps music groups and our own corps officers. The colonels were joined by some of the delegates from the current session, who were on a free sunday, and chose to come to Horsham. Several people knelt at the mercy seat in response to the powerful ministry of God's Spirit among us. After the meeting, the colonels and delegates shared in a beautifully cooked meal by Peter Callum and team, and shared with our own corps leadership team.

SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER

The Hall was full of people - family and friends -  for the celebration of the marriage of Stephen Beavan and Deborah King. Captain Susan brought a very powerful word from 1 Corinthians 13, and Captain Ian conducted the wedding ceremony. After the service the corps proved us all proud as they catered for drinks and cakes for all who stayed before a number headed off for the reception at South Lodge. We are grateful to all those who made this day special for the Beavens. We are equally grateful to all the family who sent cards and contributed to the financial gift we were able to give them.

THE WEDDING OF DEBORAH KING TO STEPHEN BEAVEN is being held at our church on SATURDAY from 1pm, conducted by Captains Susan and Ian Woodgate. All are very welcome.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family of ERIC JOHN DAY as they share in celebrations of his life and influence tomorrow. We start at 10.30am at the crematorium at Crawley, and then a further celebration continues at Staines Salvation Army

Next Sunday will be Youth Council in the London South East Division. This is a day of celebration, worship, teaching and interaction with other youth from around the division. Lieutenant Nicola Brooksbank has arranged the day. We look forward to sharing this day with other youth. If you are interested in attending please chat with Kate Gregory. Further information is available from Lieutenant Nicola, Kate or the corps notice board in the porch way

The Principal and Associate Principal of the International College for Officers and Spiritual Life Development, will be with us at Horsham on Sunday 31st October at 10.30am.

There is an exciting party next Sundat (31st) from 4pm at our church. The Friendly Monster Party is the place to be. Everyone invited. Do let us know if you can come.

Our Captains now take a few days break. Sunday worship on the 24th will be led by Major Roy Smith. The funeral of Eric Day takes place next Thursday at Worth Crem at 10.30am, and the wedding of Stephen and Debbie next Saturday

The first half term of the new school year concluded with KIDS ALIVE encouraging young people to follow Jesus. As part of this term the kids club has been part of ALF which explores the Christian Faith. Captain Susan helped the children to understand that Jesus is the best person to follow and is the best Himself!!! As music played many children used a symbolic cross to place prayers on and to ask Jesus to be their Lord and Saviour. We thank God for these opportunities and lives that have been touched.

The Hall was full and buzzing on Sunday 17th October for the dedication to God of Baby Simon. Songs today included:- God's love to me is wonderful; Your love is amazing; O I love Him; This the Power of The Cross; Dedication Prayer; Love with ever lasting love. Michael and Jackie shared the song O Lord Your Tenderness, and the singing group sang Here is Love. The band played Jesus Loves me. Tony, Jean and Sandra shared Scripture from 1 John 3. Following the dedication to God by Yvonne and Kofi, the family and friends shared a shared of dedication. Captain Ian led the meeting, and saw through the dedication. He also spoke on 'Simon Peter' and the account in Matthew 14 of walking on the water, looking at how we need to keep that Love alive in our lives, celebrating Jesus in everything. Someone knelt at the mercy seat at the end of the meeting. We thank God for such a blessing-filled day.

ERIC DAY

We are sorry to inform you of the passing of Eric Day. Eric, has been attended with his wife, Sally, for some months now, but died Sunday morning. The funeral service will take place for committal at Sussex and Surrey Crem on Thursday 28th October at 10.30am.

a Number of our church attended the London South East Divisional Adult Ministries Celebration in Tunbridge Wells. The church contributed £500 to the helping hand scheme for this year.