LADIES NIGHT OUT

Over 25 Ladies attended a further night out, the 2nd in the series, and this time enjoyed a pamper night, arranged by our adult ministries officer, Jackie Fisher. Members and friends of the church enjoyed jewellery making, card making, feet washing, nail painting, hair cuts, chocolate fountain, relaxation to name just some of the many activities on offer - all for just £8. There was a real sense a love, acceptance and fun in the air, and we thank God for such a great night. Thank you especially to Jackie for the arrangements and the team that made it possible. The next event will be in September and news about this will be announced soon.

Commissioner Helen Clifton

Commissioner Helen Clifton, former World President of Women's Ministries, was promoted to Glory at 9.20pm London time on Tuesday 14 June 2011. The commissioner, who had been ill for some time, was promoted to Glory from St Christopher's Hospice in south London. Her husband, General Shaw Clifton (Retired), was at her bedside.


Announcing the news, the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner Barry C. Swanson) wrote: 'I ask for your prayers for General Shaw Clifton (Retired) and his loved ones as they live through these sad days of great loss. We thank God for the life and faithful ministry of Commissioner Helen Clifton and commit her loved ones to the Lord's care.'

Commissioner Clifton was The Salvation Army's World President of Women's Ministries from 2006 until her retirement in April this year. She was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1973 and served in the UK, Zimbabwe, the USA, Pakistan and New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.

Please remember the family in your prayers at this time. They have three children, Captain Matt, who has served within our own division here and currently works on THQ, and is known well to our own officers. His wife is our divisional youth officer. Their son, Cadet John, is to be commissioned as an officer this summer, and will also marry then as well. Their daughter serves as an officer in New Zealand.

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PENTECOST 2011

Pentecost 2011 saw a very full hall of people and started with asking the question - What is Pentecost? The children were invited to help us explore what it meant, and Captain Ian shared how very much it is the birthday of the Christian Church, which means we have a party everytime we meet, because Jesus Christ is among us. We explored how its about the living Jesus being at work in us and through us. So we looked at parties and the children helped us by thinking about the fact that when they go to parties they have to dress up. So, the children gathered people together to dress them up so they looked right, but we recognised that actually to this party God wants us to come just as we are. Then Captain revealed his party trolley with un blown up balloons and ripped flags, a bit of food etc. But we realised that actually thats the danger sometimes when we come to God, anything will do. The one thing we did remember was a candle, but it was not lit, and party bags, but everyone complained there was nothing in it. But we were reminded that can be the danger, we expect so much, but may well give so little. People were encouraged today to give what they could, and God would indeed fill it with so so much. From here the band supported us in singing - His Loving Touch - and they did great despite many being away. The singing group sang All that I am. The drama group performed a drama looked at the way church should and should not be done and the right and wong attitudes some people have. The band played Teach me how to love Thee. The worship group led us in singing The Spirit lives to set us free, and O God of burning cleansing flame. Prior to the opening of The Word, which had been read by Jo Howard, Shelley sang His Provision. God's Spirit fell at this point, with many tears being shed by people. In brief the captain spoke about the Power that we need and invited people to come forward to receive that Power, many many people came forward in response to the invitation, as we sang Spirit of the Living God, and the words of the song by Shelley - Holy Spirit, promised presence fall on me; Holy Spirit, make me all I want to be; Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Give Your Power to me O Holy Spirit. We concluded with the hymn O Thou who camst from above.

In the afternoon we enjoyed creative Pentecost at Messy Church