This morning we had our community carol service which this year saw the children take centre stage.

They led us through the nativity beautifully, and it was lovely to have a number of children and parents join with us from Chattabox - our parent and toddler group.

We had our 3 wise men - Roger Moore, Vic Jannels and Adam Hall reading the bible readings, and the children sang 'Midnight' and 'Child in a manger born' - this featuring a beautiful solo from Alysha.

Shelley Gallagher sang 'Gabriels message' and carols sung were O little town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, While Shepherds Watched,We three kings, Away in a manger and O come all ye faithful.

Sunday 19th August

A blessed meeting this morning led by our commanding officers. Major Ann spoke of the refreshing water of God using the woman at the well's story, I don't think it'll take too long for the platform to dry out in this glorious weather! Many people came to the mercy seat to drink literally and symbolically in response at the end. Afterwards came TEA FOR £TWO. We all ate and drank our fill of tea and scones - weren't they delicious???! Kate was able to raise just over £100. Less expenses incurred and plus money from the family car boot sale Kate is able to gift £75 to Horsham Salvation Army and £75 to the William Booth College Cadet's fund. Thank you so much everyone who helped make this possible. We are so blessed and we hope you enjoyed the scones!

Tea for £Two!

Next week as part of her training Kate will be serving cream tea after the meeting.  Scones with cream and jam will be served at a charge of £2.00.  The money raised will go together with the proceeds of her 'family junk sale' which has already raised £60.00.  Her challenge is to raise at least £100.00 which will be split between Horsham Salvation Army Corps and the William Booth Training College Cadets' Fund, for people struggling financially during officership training.  Don't forget to bring £2.00 next week the scones are promised to be delicious as Sarah O'Grady will be baking them for the occasion. (Sarah is Candidate Kate's sister and a renowned home cook!)

... and rest!

Candidate Kate led our meeting today, in place of our leaders who are on holiday this week, focusing on resting and refreshing in order to grow spiritually.  She shared how God rested on the seventh day and Jesus commanded the disciples to rest and that we should also follow their example.  Therefore the challenge to us is to either give up something or take up something in order to grow more.  40 people came to the mercy seat to commit to change, many people lingering to pray afterwards.

Times have Changed!

Horsham Salvation Army Corps is now under the command of Majors Iain and Ann Stewart with Holly and Hannah in support.  It has been our pleasure to greet them (although Holly is still working in Scotland before the term starts for her in Horsham in September and Hannah came to visit on the 22nd) and welcome them as members of our church.  On Sunday 29th the majors were installed by Major Bruce Tulloch.  The meeting was followed by a welcome feast which was enjoyed by all.

Reflections welcomed us to worship today using 'There's a Dance' and 'Shackles'. Today marked the first 'regular' Sunday for the Stewart family and includes tonight their first 'Together' meeting which we look forward to very much.  Major Ann, despite her claim to being nervous, spoke clearly and eloquently about faith and faith heroes based on Hebrews 11. Songs included 'What a Faithful God' and 'Faithful God, Faithful God, All sufficient One'.  Many stood in response before being sent to 'Go in the Strength of the Lord'.  Before going though everyone joined to share fellowship tea and coffee and biscuits, of course!

All Change!!

Candidate Kate led the meetings on Sunday 22nd July speaking on change and how we can embrace it together challenging us all to think about how we approach change.  The biggest change being the one we go through when we welcome Jesus into our lives.  Songs included Are You Washed?, Majesty, Amazing Grace, I am a new Creation and It's no longer I that liveth.  Kate was blessed by very kind words from CSM Trevor before the benediction was said.

Last Days

Well our beloved leaders Ian and Sue with their amazing children Grace, Adam and Hope have left us.  They will very soon be leaving the quarters but before that we know that they have a LOT to do to prepare for their move to London.  We are assured, though, that God will be with them in this and pray for as stressless a time as can be.
For those left behind in Horsham there are no doubt mixed emotions.  Sadness. Loss. Disappointment.  But also we are blessed with new leaders soon to arrive!  Expectation. Excitement.  Anticipation.  Iain and Ann (please note the addition on an i) are a true blessing to us and they bring with them Holly and Hannah.  We were at one point expecting a long period of time leaderless, but God by his grace granted us this wonderful family who we can't wait to meet and welcome to their new church family in Horsham.
Meanwhile, this weekend Adam and Pat Hall will lead us in worship and next weekend I will have the honour of leading the meeting, it will likely be for the last time.  We look forward to everything that God has in store for us in these days!!
Should anyone need ANYTHING during our time without corps officers please get in touch with a member of the leadership team.  We are here to serve and all our contact details are in the newly published corps directory.
I leave you with love and God's blessings in these exciting times.
Candidate Katherine-Ann Gregory (Otherwise known as Kate!!) xxxxxx

If you look back at the first blog you will see a picture of Captains Woodgate being welcomed as our new leaders, and a picture of the family as it was then. The picture above is very different - and whilst we are sorry some people are missing from it, it does reflect a very different family (please note some visitors were also with us, but very few). Today as we conclude this time in our history, we look back with thanksgiving for three years of God's Grace and Blessing. We look forward to all that lays ahead as Majors Ann and Iain Stewart come to join us very soon now.

Your prayers and support are valued well into the future.





An updated version of HOUSE OF PRAYER has now been issued, please ensure you give sometime daily to praying through all the names and situations that are listed. Thank you sincerely.

Sunday 8th July

Sunday 8th July and we celebrated so many things. We started our meeting by commissioning to roles and responsibilities, Karen Everest (childrens and family ministries officer) and Sandra Thomas (community ministries officer). Both have held these roles for sometime and we were thrilled to formally present them with their commissions. We were then pleased to present prizes to those who could not be with us last Sunday for the Kids and Youth Celebration Sunday. This all in addition to our usual family news. Our Captains took us through their final Sunday in which we explored our mission statement and helped us to again understand what it is that God has called us too. Songs used today included:- The Anniversary Song; Come to the Saviour; Would you be free from your burden of sin?; Over all the earth; Praise Him You heavens; Praise is rising; In Christ alone. During the meeting the singing group and band contributed very helpful items as always. At the end of the meeting in response to an invitation for people to pray the front of our hall was full as many people made their way to pray together and to give themselves fully to God. At the end of the meeting, Captain Susan handed back the 'membership rolls' book to the corps sergeant major, and Trevor presented to the captains and their children some gifts and kind words. After a cup of tea..... people made their way home. 

Margaret Sloper

We are thrilled to announce that this past week Margaret Sloper signed her soldiers covenant and became a soldier of Jesus Christ in The Salvation Army. We are thrilled to share this with you.

Celebration of Donald Jones

The Worth Crem was packed for the committal service of Donald Jones this past Thursday; and the worship hall at the corps was no different. Major Robin McIntosh, a former corps officer for the Jones Family at Penge led both services, supported by our own corps officers, Captains Ian and Susan Woodgate. There was a lovely family feel as people from all walks of life came together to thank God for this wonderful man of God. We remain grateful to God for his witness, his evangelism gifting and so much more. Donald was a bandman, songster, War Cry Herald, led the brass learners group, helped in a local school, and was the Recruiting Sergeant within our church leadership team. Well done good and faithful Servant.

PARTIES

It's been a week of parties as many of our activities have concluded in time for the Summer Break. Chatt-a-Box enjoyed a party on the Thursday and Friday - games, loads of fun and food were central to it all.... it was very special to have this event together. Kids Alive enjoyed an end of term party as well with loads of dancing and food. In Fact on Friday every generation was served through our centre, as the Friendship Club enjoyed a visit and talk from Southdown Housing, and how they are seeking to help others within this town. Thank you to everyone for making this a very special year together. We look forward to seeing you all in September

DONALD JONES

Everyone is invited to join us this THURSDAY as we bid an earthly farewell to our Recruiting Sergeant Donald Jones. The committal will take place at the Crem in Crawley at 3pm, with a Festival of Thanksgiving at our centre n Horsham at 4.30pm. This will be conducted by Major Robin McIntosh.

Join us this Sunday as we bid farewell after three years, to Ian and Susan, with Grace, Adam and Hope. They will conduct their final celebration meeting as our leaders at 10.30am

SUNDAY 1ST JULY (3)

After such a wonderful morning, nearly 100 people stayed to enjoy a buffet lunch, and the family had great time in talking and sharing together. This reflected something very special about this church community and we are grateful to all those who made time to sit and chat and build further relationships, not just with each other, but also with those who spent that time with our visiting friends as well.

After this, some stayed, other returned, as we shared TOGETHER, which focussed on 'Going Places' and was led by Candidate Kate. A beautiful time of worship prepared well the way for Ian as he spoke on how God wanted our lives to go places, and experience Him being lifted High above all things. The community hall was full for this event, and as God ministered to us, many shed tears, others valued the time to stand and bless one another in the Name of Jesus. Songs included:- Praise my soul; What a faithful God have I; Heart of Worship; My Jesus, My Saviour; This the Power of the Cross; Great is the Lord and most worth of Praise. As our gathering came to a conclusion there was the opportunity for those who wished to be free to share the Love Feast and many responded to this. Others sat and prayed with one another, and after an invitation to do so, people moved among one another and blessed each other in the Name of Jesus. Yet again at the conclusion of this great weekend, God came close and built us close together. A comment from someone stated: There was a beautiful experience of love, blessing and peace for me and us all.

SUNDAY 1ST JULY 2012 (2)

For sometime now MAD, our music, arts and drama group, have been preparing something very special to present as part of our Kids and Youth Celebration Sunday - and we were really blessed as we shared in the presentation of Joseph, which continued our journey for the day, as Captain Susan introduced. Special thanks to Karen, Barry, Katy and Ann for all they did to make this possible. The pictures do not give justice to what happened, but it was really great.

SUNDAY 1ST JULY

KIDS AND YOUTH CELEBRATION SUNDAY, celebrates the end of the school year and opportunity for the church family to welcome all our children and present them with their annual prizes. This year we were 'taken places' and Captain Susan led us through an adventure to discover a little about the challenges that come our way, but how God is in it all. As we arrived Salvation Airways issued boarding passes and our stewards showed us the important procedures for the morning ahead. Songs, challenges and some laughter, all made this part of our morning very special.  It was great to welcome so many people into our centre and to witness the many prizes presented, which included prizes presented to the team. Childrens ministries officer, Karen, presented Star Awards to our Captains

Open House

From time to time over the years our leaders have opened their home, as an opportunity of church friends to come together and enjoy time away from it all. On Saturday 30th June, many people passed through the doors - some staying all afternoon, and some just able to pop in. BUT it was great and we are grateful to all those who joined with us.

Celebrating Vera Standing

 

VERA STANDING has been an important part of our church for many years. Last week we celebrated in our mid week church (home league) 95 years of this amazing lady. Food and games were a great part of the afternoon.

NEW BOOK PUBLISHED

In preparing for our 125th anniversary our corps officers invited Ted Longhurst to review the histroy of the corps and to make some form of book that could record this for all to read. Ted took up the challenge, and some two years later the book has now been published, MARCH FORTH. Despite some personal health difficulties during this time, Ted soldiered on and now we have this amazing record. We would encourage anyone and everyone to buy this and enjoy it. It costs £8.99. We are grateful to Ted who has over the last two Sundays signed copies. Please get yours now!!!

SUNDAY 24TH JUNE

With tender hearts we met, after the news yesterday that our recruiting sergeant, Donald Jones had died, but was promoted to Glory. A white ribbon hung from the flag reminding us that we celebrate a man who had gone to live with Jesus. We stood in thanksgiving to start the meeting, after which the band played DOWN THE STREET. Don had sang this song recently at a corps event. We were reminded that Don had shared a number of times of how we always came with anticipation to a meeting at Horsham and everyone was encouraged to do the same. \Inviting the children forward Junior Soldier Adam had water poured over him before he put his umbrella up to stop getting wet. However it was far more fun to get him wet. But this reminded us that while we protect ourselves from getting wet with the rain, what God wants to do is saturate us and bless us, and we have to be careful that we do not put up those things which say to God, no thanks. The work of God, we were reminded, is all about Him coming also to wash away all that which is not of Him. During the meeting we welcomed some new adherent members, Lynda Newbury, Peter Newbury, Heather Phillips, James Taylor all spoke of the welcome they had received and how they felt God had brought them here. James Taylor first met the corps officer over a year ago and we invited to come to meetings, this he did....eventually, and through the HOPE IN programme has been helped to start to get back on his feet. We also recognised Vic and Sheila Jannels who returned to membership within The Salvation Army recently. As Donald had laid down his sword, so Gerry Slessenger took it up. Significant today that as Don had prepared Gerry for his enrolment, with sadness Donald could not be with us, but his smile of approval shone. Gerry was enrolled as a soldier of Jesus Christ in The Salvation Army, and as we explored today 2 Chronicles 7 and the covenant God calls us to make, others were invited forward to make that covenant with Him. Many did, as Captain Susan sang 'Send Revival and start with me' Songs today included:- Give us a day of wonders; Showers of Blessings; Lord, the Light of Your love; There is a Redeemer; The Splendour of the King; My God I am Thine. It was also our church gift day in preparation for the annual appeal, and we are grateful to all those who were able to give.

SATURDAY 23RD JUNE

58 members and friends of our church community enjoyed a day out to Broadstairs in Kent. It was a great day, with lovely weather and indeed great company.

Sunday 10th June

Candidate Kate led our morning celebration and Captain Ian spoke. During their two weeks holiday they were challenged to call the church to prayer for two weeks, to focus on the massive needs being faced by so many within our church community at this time. Captain ian spoke on building His Kingdom, but looking at how we need as the Temple of the Holy Spirit, to bear the name, Prayer. From here we were called to be that HOUSE OF PRAYER, many seeing this as a prophetic word to our church at this time. Many people knelt before God at this time.

Sunday 17th June

 

Commissioner William Cochrane from IHQ visited us as part of our anniversary year. The commissioner shared Saturday with us and then spoke during the meeting. The commissioner stood to commission Isobel as our communications officer and shared with emotional how what he saw was 'The Salvation Army.....at its best'. God used the commissioner powerfully, and after he spoke, many people responded to make prayers at the foot of the Cross. After speaking, over refreshments the new book by Ted Longhurst was launched, and the commissioner received the first free copy. SUNDAY FEAST followed to which over 50 stayed for a nice roast dinner, and then the commissioner spoke on the world wide work of The Salvation Army. Inbetween all this we also shared a prayer meeting, praying for the many in our fellowship who were battling in so many ways at this time.

Sat 16th June

The long awaited visit of Boscombe Songsters (Bournemouth) came and went too quickly. However many prayers were answered - the hall was full.... we cover financial commitments and so much more. We cannot thank our friends enough for giving their time to make this possible, but beyond that, it inspired, challenged and blessed many people. This was part of our SATURDAY EVENT programme which has proved a great success in recent years.

SUNDAY 3RD JUNE

We were very sorry that Carey and Stuart Rivers could not be with us to lead our meeting today. In their absense they arranged from a brother from Aldershot Corps to come across and lead our.

SUNDAY 26TH MAY

Our childrens and families ministries officer, Karen Everest led PENTECOST SUNDAY and with Barry decorated beautifully our hall for this great celebration.

NEW COMMITMENTS

We welcome the following new commitments in recent weeks:-

 Isobel McFarlane was commissioned as COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER during the visit of Commissioner William Cochrane

 Joan Hammond was commissioned by Captain Ian as the assistant home league secretary

 Les Daniels was commissioned by Captain Ian as the Mission Officer as in this as part of the church leadership team.

 Pat Hall was commissioned as home league secretary

Nkosi Nkomo was commissioned as assistant corps sergeant major, oversighting worship within the church. He also takes a seat on te church leadership team





We sincerely thank God for the commitment of our friends in these roles and other responsibilities which they share within the life of this church community in these days

SORRY

We are sorry that reports to this blog have been far and few between.... due to a whole host of reasons. BUT we want it known that the exciting things happening at this church have not stopped - there is so much to report! We are trying to catch up just now! Normal service will be resumed.

DONALD JONES

It is with deep sadness that we have to inform you that a member of our church leadership team, DONALD JONES died today, but we do celebrate that he is Promoted to Glory - safe in the arms of Jesus. Donald was taken poorly yesterday and taken into the East Surrey Hospital. We sincerely thank God that for nearly four years Heather and Don have been such a special part of our church family, after many years worshipping Jesus with The Salvation Army in Penge. Donald held many roles and responsibilities within our church and worked hard. His greatest passion was for people to be introduced to Jesus, meet Jesus, experience Jesus and grow in their relationship with Jesus. It was because of this his appointment as Recruiting Sergeant was key. Donald would often speak of his excitement at being able to worship at Horsham Corps, and shared how disappointed he was the weeks he could not, because he could not wait to get back to be part of what GOD has been doing here. Recently he has loved the new anniversary song which we have used this week and spoke of how it brought great joy to him. The reality is that Don brought so much joy to us! We ask at this stage for prayers for his lovely wife, Heather, and their three children, Stuart, Alastair, Ian, and their families. They are all very precious and we love them all from the bottom of our hearts.

THIS WEEKEND is another special event for our church community. SATURDAY at 6pm we welcome the Boscome (Bournemouth) Songsters for a musical evening, do come and be a part of this, and then on SUNDAY Commissioner Bill Cochrane will be our speaker at 10.30am and then after our Sunday Feast.

This picture is of two of our church members a number of years ago, any ideas who and when?

The Vice Chairperson of West Sussex County Council opened CHLOES a new community shop in Horsham. The shop is a vision of Vida Lyne, a part of our church, who has worked hard to make this a reality. Many of us were able to attend the opening and support her at the start of this venture. We were also able to pray in the shop prior to the official opening.

NEW SOLDIER ENROLLED

Karen Everest is the latest soldier to be enrolled at Horsham Corps. Today, Sunday 20th May, Karen stood before the congregation and signed her covenant, which indicated that she wanted to be a radical disciple and stand up for Jesus. The whole meeting focussed on the theme - Stand Up, looking at Pauls Words from Ephesians and the importance of us all BEING STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER. We looked at how we can do that and reflected on the fact that Paul teaches we should stand up again the devils schemes; stand your ground (not opinions); stand firm. We recognised that the enemy is seeking to do all he can to destroy us and destroy His church, and we were encouraged to have nothing to do with that. To help illustrate this Ian introduced us to Barney who first appeared deflated. He had been knocked about by lives situations, but he too heard the words from Ephesians and wanted to stand firm in the Lord. We recognised at times we could be deflated and needed His Spirit to fill us and protect us and make us strong in Him.  Songs used today included:- Soldiers of our God Arise; All Hail the Lamb; Jesus Name above all names; Stand up and shout if you love my Jesus; Stand up for Jesus; At the Cross (Victory). After Karen signed her covenant at The Cross, several people came forward to make commitments, claim victory or for other reasons, and then as has become traditional here, people were invited to come forward and greet Karen and celebrate with her. This was a special moment as was many in this meeting.



Ian with Barney his deflated friend

Les Daniels was the speaker at Friendship Club this past Friday

THE PRAYER TORCH

Throughout the London South East Division a Prayer Torch is travelling from corps to corps. This links us together to pray for one another. Last Sunday we held the torch, sadly due to having visiting leaders we were not able to focus much on it, but a short period enabled us to pray for other corps. The torch then went onto Crawley.

RECENT PICTURES

CATCH UP

Its been a long time.... a lot has happened in recent weeks. Sunday 30th April was led by Captain Susan and Candidate Kate spoke on 'Be Prepared'. The following Sunday Captain Susan led a very powerful meeting on Holy Hands and God's Presence was awesome. Following this, a meal was shared with the children's ministry team, after which Doug Horley (Duggie Dug Dug) conducted a seminar for our own team and other local teams. In the evening DDD led a praise party for about 100 people. It was a great event and we all really enjoyed it. We are so grateful to Karen Everest for arranging this event. During the following week, a number attended the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park, and as always were inspired by the many exhibitors that we were able to visit. Kids Alive held a sports evening on the 11th May, and again saw new faces attending this.

Saturday 12th May was our annual GARDEN PARTY and despite the dreadful weather of recent weeks, we had amazing weather which meant activities could take part outside. Our performance area this year welcomed the Leechpool Primary School Choir; Brighton Congress Hall Puppets and Eastbourne Citadel Singing Group. Equally Ventran Olmpian Ian Richards, who attends The Salvation Army in Worthing, shared the Gospel through walking on glass and eating fire. Refreshments, stalls, kids craft and activities and so much more made the whole day the best it could be. There was so much happening and made it a real community event. The purpose was not for fundraising, although that helps, and we raised £2300 plus. We are overwhelmed at this and grateful to many who helped and took part, especially Catherine Jannels who arranged much. The event concluded with our annual SONGS OF PRAISE which featured our band, the Eastbourne Singing Group, the puppets and Ian Richards spoke.

Sunday 13th May welcomed the READING CENTRAL SONGSTERS OF THE SALVATION ARMY, reuninting with Captains Sue and Ian, who were associate officers at the corps a number of years ago. The Songsters led the morning meeting, then engaged in some open air outreach, after which we shared a meal together with over eighty people tucking in. The day concluded with a praise meeting.

SUNDAY 22ND APRIL 2012

The hall was full for our Celebration Meeting, which focussed on meeting with the Living Jesus. Scripture was split into sections from John 20 which gave us time to consider for ourselves the various meetings people have with Jesus and their reactions to them. As witness to this, five people were welcomed as adherent-members, and in this we celebrated the fact that people continue to meet with Jesus Christ today. Ann Potter, Adrian Rockall, Mervyn Tarrant, Hannah Mills and Sandra Mitchell were all warmly welcomed. We continue to thank GOD for the way in which He is sending people to be part of our family here in Horsham and Crawley. Every one is very precious and valued....that includes you reading this today!

THE SATURDAY EVENT - MAY 2012

Our monthly event for May, welcomed CHELMSFORD SONGSTERS from Essex. A good crowd gathered for this, and was well supported by our band who played brilliantly. The songsters shared great music and the Gospel of Jesus Christ was celebrated in many forms and means. Two great testimonies were also shared. We thank God for the ministry of our friends both here and where they serve at this time.

SPECIAL EVENTS COMING UP

Thursday evening at 7.30pm we host the divisional COME AND CELEBRATE meeting and our band will be playing, the Brighton Congress Hall Songsters will be singing. Our Divisional Commander will be the speaking. Do come and share in this event.

Saturday evening at 6pm we welcome the Chelmsford Songsters, a choir of Christian Musicians, for our monthly SATURDAY EVENT. We warmly invite you and your friends and family to come and not miss this event.

BASIC FIRE TRAINING

Horsham SA hosted a divisional basic fire training event today, presented by a facilitator from Chubb.

Sunday 15th April 2012

The Worship Hall was packed again for a further Celebration. Around 150 people gathered, as we celebrated the conclusion of the EASTER EGG VENTURE, and in this our children were featured in singing a song and were presented with a thank you prize alongside the adults. Slides also captured some of what was featured that week. The whole meeting looked at LIFE and celebrated LIFE as we saw today in baby Luke, who was dedicated to God by his family, and supported by Captain Ian. Recognising the 'problems' that mum had after the birth this really was a very special celebration for all gathered. Songs today included:- Low in the grave He lay; O Joyful sound; God is here; My Life is in You, Lord; O Happy Day; In Christ Alone; Thine be The Glory. The singing group sang a prayer for Luke, and the band played I Love You Lord. We explored how Life teaches us:-

L: Live at peace with One another

I; I have been crucified with Christ

F; Forgive one another

E: Everlasting Life 

During concluding moments a number of people came forward to commit to making the most of the LIFE that they have been given.

OUTING TO CANTERBURY

Fifty Seven people of all generations from our church family enjoyed a beautiful day out in CANTERBURY in Kent today.

EASTER EGG-VENTURE DAY THREE

OVER FIFTY CHILDREN attended the third and final day of the EASTER EGG-VENTURE and today was a day with a difference. The four teams were split into four things to do during the morning which included an egg hunt, games, craft and bouncy castles. Then to conclude it all we enjoyed food together when parents and friends also came and joined us. We so thank GOD for this wonderful opportunity of working together in this way

EASTER EGG-VENTURE DAY TWO

 

EVEN MORE children attended todays EASTER EGG-VENTURE which again included a whole mixture of fun, games, craft and more. The Challenge today for adults was to have an egg cracked over your head - three were hard boiled and one was runney....... and Auntie Jean got the runny one. What a great sport she was - as always. For the second day in a row the Green Team won as well. Is Barry adding up the scores correctly we ask? It was another great day anyway, and we look forward to our special fun day tomorrow.

EASTER EGG-VENTURE DAY ONE

 

The Easter Egg-Venture started this morning, its third year of running, and fifty people gathered together to enjoy a morning packed full of games, craft, singing, music and so much more. The pictures capture something of some of the fun the four teams had during the two hours together. Watch this space for more fun as the week unfolds.

EASTER WEEKEND

GOOD FRIDAY: The day started with some of our members joining with local churches in the town centres of Crawley and Horsham. Later in the day we all assembled at our hall for an evening of worship as we welcomed Cadets Matthew Brown, Anne-Marie and Philip Cole, Katrina Thurlow to lead our reflection and celebrations throughout the weekend. They were accompanied by Captain Catherine Cotterill, and on Sunday joined by her husband Captain Gordon. The reflection on Good Friday included our singing group, band and worship band which added to our time together. There was also time to reflect, some helpful videos. On Saturday alongside the Flower Festival, families shared together in craft and chat, food and more. Some stayed all day, and others just for a time. Some, including adults, enjoyed time on the bouncy castles.

EASTER SUNDAY started with breakfast at 8.30am, cooked by Captain Ian, and 30 shared this together. After this we shared morning worship with songs including:- Christ the Lord; He has Risen; See what a Morning; He is Lord. The meeting included the welcoming of a new adherent member, Sandra Malloney and new junior soldiers Zoe, Aylsha, Jodi, Emily, Tina. These moments were shared by Captain Ian and supported by our leadership team. They brought the message of Easter alive. At the end of the meeting, a number prayed at the mercy seat again! Praise God! An Easter Buffet saw 80 people enjoy food and chat together, and then we concluded the day with Easter Praise and Craft. This was a great time of music, craft and reflection. Songs were used also which included: Come on and celebrate; Hands, hands, finger, thumbs; He is Lord; O Joyful Sound.

We thank GOD again for a very special day...... and we look forward to the week ahead, and we thank GOD for those who have given themselves to share with us this weekend.