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.