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.