GARDEN PARTY 2011

THE GARDEN PARTY 2011 was a great occasion. Firstly the work started some time back when we prepared advertising and leaflets were sent round many areas. Secondly a hard working team of people have been baking cakes and sweets for some time, and a further team gave time yesterday afternoon to help sort out and mark up the goodies that we would be selling. The day for some started very early - and time worrying about whether we held the event indoors or out because of the weather. We went for both, and stalls were set up. All sorts of stalls were held, and people worked hard to man these. During the day there was lots of activities, including a circus skills competition, a fancy dress competition, the Copthorne Band played and the Cantratrice Choir sang. We concluded the day with a SONGS OF PRAISE which featured songs such as Praise my Soul; All things bright and beautiful; God's love is as high as the heavens; The Spirit lives to set us free; How Great Thou Art. Our singing group sang, and our MAD group also took part. This was very well attended. Bouncy castles were also well used; pony rides enjoyed; craft for the kids and so much more. The day was greatly blessed and we thank God for this. The great news also is that just under £2000 was raised, which is just unbelieveable really..... we never thought that would happen, but we believe God was very much in this. We are indebted to the team of the church people, and thank God for each and everyone of them. Above all we Thank God for blessing us with people of so many different generations and look forward now to celebrating the day of Pentecost together. Interesting on this Pentecost Weekend, that so many people came together..... just as they did of old.

THIS SUNDAY we have a big celebration not to be missed at 10.30am at our church centre in Booth Way. Its the birthday of the church...... its one big party. We look forward to seeing you.

DON'T MISS SATURDAY FOR OUR ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY. WE HAVE SOME GREAT THINGS TO SELL, AND SOME GREAT ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. WE START AT 12NOON. PLEASE DO COME AND SUPPORT. IF YOU CAN BAKE CAKES, THEN DO!

COPTHORNE BAND WILL PLAY THROUGHOUT THE DAY, AND THE CANTRATRICE CHOIR WILL SING FROM 1.30-2PM. THERE WILL BE A CIRCUS SKILLS COMPETITIONS AND A FANCY DRESS COMPETITION FOR THE CHILDREN. DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR COLOURING ENTRIES. WE HAVE SOME GREAT PRIZES.

FINALLY WE CONCLUDE WITH THE SONGS OF PRAISE AT 3PM, AND THIS WILL FEATURE THE BAND, SINGING GROUP AND CHILDREN, PLUS THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS.

Two weeks ago the Reverend Paul Cockburn from the London Road Methodist Church, spoke on the life of John Wesley at our Home League meeting. Captain Ian spoke this week on the Life and Passion of William Booth, and used video clips to also reflect some of the story. We were reminded of the influence that Booth had, and the calling we all have to have that influence and be living sacrifices for Jesus. We looked at how William Booth resigned his pastorate within the Methodist New Connexion, because he felt called to an intinerent ministry, but was not permitted, and thus in response to God had to leave this ministry behind him. But his obedience led him to be part of the laying of the foundations of what today is called The Salvation Army. Obeying God is the best.

ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - DELIVERANCE

Captain Ian led worship and spoke at our monthly TOGETHER meeting, attended by a good number again, of people giving this time away from the busyness of a Sunday morning gathering. We looked at the subject of Deliverance, and the captain taught us how this is a subject that many want to avoid, but has to be part of the ministry of all Churches. We recognised as Christians how we have all experienced deliverance - for we have been delivered from the darkness and brought into the Light. We recognised how we are all praying 'deliver us from evil' but not always allowing that to be our experience. We looked at songs of the church and how they express for us the belief we need to be standing for Jesus and knowing that He is greater. Of course too Scripture was used, with some personal stories, that helped us to understand a little more of this important ministry, and blessing that God has for all His People. Songs included:- Would you be free from your burden of sin?; All over the world the Spirit is moving; Blessed be Your Name; Great is the Darkness; The Spirt of the Lord is on me now; The Splendour of the King, concluding with Then sings my soul, My Saviour God to Thee, How Great Thou Art!

ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - ANOINTING

Lieutenant Nicola led our meeting again this morning, and helped us explore the subject of Anointing. Taking her experience of Hebrew and Greek, she helped us to understand a little deeper the meaning of the word Anointing. She helped us to see the deep link with Jesus, and the Messiah, and the meaning of these being related to Anointing. She then helped us to see how Christian, as a word was used to mock followers of Jesus and mocking them as 'being the little anointed ones'. We all agreed we do not mind this word! We were taught the importance of realising as Christians we are anointed by His Spirit and should live under this anointing. Songs today included:- Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Here I am to Worship; King of Kings; Love Divine; How can I better serve Thee Lord?; O Jesus I have promised.