SUNDAY 8TH JANUARY 2012

Good to see people returning after the festive holidays and today our hall was full for our celebration meeting. Sadly, though, this meeting was the meeting we bid farewell to Lieutenant Nicola who concludes her time in leadership at Crawley in the next few days. The lieutenant has been appointed as leader of The Salvation Army in Herne Bay. To start the meeting Captain Ian thanked Nicola for her ministry in Crawley and especially with our close links at Horsham and especially her support in launching childrens ministries. The children shared some words of thanks, after which people prayed for her. We were able to present Nicola with a financial gift from us. Nicola looked at the importance of us recognising what God has done and is doing, and seeking not to be too tied up in our grumbling and complaining as that takes our eyes off what God is wanting us to see and celebrate. We were encouraged not to whine but to shine, and songs included:- Immortal Invisable, We Bow Down, Wonderful Counsellor, The way its gonna be, Everyone needs compassion. The band and singing group also contributed to the meeting. At the end many people came forward and prayed before the Cross that God would enable them to shine like stars.

Later in the day, MESSY CHURCH was held at the Ifiled West Community Centre, which also focussed on shining as stars.