Some of our church attended the divisional PRAYER WAVE event at Plumstead on Sunday. Focussing our prayers especially on this area, there was opportunity for sang worship, exploring prayer stations, and a great meeting with other people wanting to meet to pray together too.

OUR NEW KIDS CLUB starts on Friday from 5-6.30pm. An evening for children reception - years 6, to enjoy games, craft, adventures and so much more, in a safe and friendly environment. Register with us now.

WHO ARE YOU STANDING FOR?

Captain Ian led us this morning, asking us WHO ARE WE STANDING FOR? Looking at Peter we married Scripture together with what we currently face in the UK in preparation for the General Election. Exploring what we expect of our leaders, those in authority, we looked at how humanly we will never fulfil everyones expectations. Equally we looked at the reality that for years Christians have been proclaiming they have the truth and the answers, and yet also have failed mankind. Peter's letters reminded us in our inperfections we need to keep adding those better things to our lives. We also explored how as priests, we are MP's - members of the priesthood and thus need to be standing for Christ. Captains headings were Following Christ, Standing for Christ, Fighting for Christ. In conclusion we were reminded of William Booths infamous final address - I'll Fight. Songs used today included:- Who is on the Lord's Side; Stand up for Jesus; Good News; In the Army of Jesus I've taken my stand. Captain Susan helpfully shared THE SUNDAY CHALLENGE.

The Friendship Club Spring Treat took them to Pulborough for an enjoyable drive through beautiful countryside, lovely surroundings, and a cream tea.

The Chatt a Box Team enjoyed their Spring Treat, thank you meal for all they do to help make the group a success. A meal at the local Beefeater was very much valued by all who attended.

HALL SORT OUT DAY. A lovely team of people gave some of their time today to help sort out the hall.... well done all x

What do you believe? Do you believe? What difference does believing make to you? Just some of the questions Captain Susan asked us to explore as she opened The Word among us today. She asked how being resurrection people have changed us, and indeed how that is reflective in our church communities. Have we forgotten that there remains a lost world out there? There was plenty to think about!!! Captain Ian led worship and included a summary of slides from our holiday club this week and one of the songs we sang. Other songs included:- I know that my redeemer lives; If on my soul; Oh to see the dawn; All I once held dear; When I was lost; Good News; The Spirit of the Lord; Thine be The Glory.

HORSHAM: EASTER WOW (weekend of wonders)

As I got up from kneeling at the Cross, in the Easter meeting, I could hardly believe my eyes! The Cross......but please let me recap for you?

Thursday's Maundy Thursday reflection was followed by a Good Friday meeting in which you could almost sense that something 'special' was going to happen. Tables were arranged as a Cross.

There was an air of 'expectation' in a nearly full hall in the Easter Sunday meeting when specially written,well rehearsed dance and drama sketches enhanced by enthusiastic, congregational singing ably supported by the band/piano/guitar and Horsham singers.

The highlight of the meeting was the dedication of Scott and Kate Gregory's newly born son, Louis. Kate spoke powerfully of the years of childlessness and their covenant with God, to give back to Him, not only their baby but to also dedicate their lives as Salvation Army Officers.

The simple invitation, from Captain Ian, resulted in 'The Cross' being barely visible due to the number of people, more than one row in some places, kneeling or standing at it, some in tears, others holding hands, comforting partners. WOW! What next Lord! We've fastened our 'seat-belts'!

Donald Jones

During the Easter Holidays we enjoyed a day out in London, which included a tour of the Palace of Westminister and the Jewel Tower. Captain Susan acted as tour guide afterwards and took us around the surrounding area.

Our Easter Egg Venture saw many children and adult helpers (although many played!!!!!) brought us all together to enjoy a great couple of days arranged by Captain Susan. Thank you to all for such an amazing time.

WEEKLY REFLECTION FROM THE CAPTAINS

Easter Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.


This is a specal day in so many ways, especially the joy we all have in sharing in the dedication to God of Louis. Its fitting because the whole Easter account reminds us of Christ who was dedicated to what He was about, and faithful in what He did. Dedication may not be an acceptable word today, but things do change when people are dedicated, committed and faithful to the purposes of God. Its then that the experience of the Cross and the Power of the Resurrection becomes so real to us - and indeed Easter becomes that experience in our hearts. Its our prayer that as we share in this joy today, that we will know the joys of Easter every day, and that our lives will be dedicated to God as God was so dedicated to us.

Capturing Our Easter Weekend together

The Cross was central to our focus during Holy Week and Easter weekend. Maundy Thursday saw our focus on The Hope for Getting On, and the cry of Jesus..... take this from me, Lord. We looked at how for us at times we need to come to God to ask Him to carry our loads and indeed for us that when the going get tough, the tough get growing and not going. Good Friday saw a good number of people gathering to explore The Hope - here at The Cross, and Donald Jones gave a powerful drama presentation. Songs used included When I Survey, Was it for me? Oh to see the Dawn, The Old Rugged Cross. After this a number gathered in the town for the churches together reflection.

Easter Sunday started with a breakfast attended by 25 people. Extra chairs had to be got out for the celebration meeting, attended by about 125 people. Part of the celebration included the dedication to God of Louis Arthur Robert Gregory. The hall looked beautiful with amazing flowers (thank you June) and again the crossed dressed for Easter Morning. Drama was presented, as was Dance by two of our junior soldiers and Captain Susan. Captain Susan's Sunday Challenged asked people what they were holding onto, and Captain Ian concluded the meeting encouraging people to hold onto Hope - hold onto the Cross. Many many people came forward and knealt or stood before the cross. Some couples, familes, individuals, but many tears were shed as people responded to God. God;s Power came with many finding healing and indeed Hope at the Cross. Jesus the Hope of the Nations, reminded us this morning, that indeed He is the Hope for all. Songs included:- Christ the Lord is risen today; He has Risen; Low in the Grave He Laid; Dedication Prayer; Jesus hope of the Nations.

The day concluded with TOGETHER, our monthly Sunday meeting, again attended by good numbers, and included songs O Joyful sound; I serve a Risen Saviour; Lord make Calvary real to me; Oh to see the Dawn; Rejoice Rejoice Christ is in you. Testimony was again a major feature.

We thank God for a very special Easter together

there are still places for our EASTER EGG VENTURE starting next Tuesday. So far about 30 children will be sharing with us. Please pray for this very important opportunity

Our music groups presented an open practise as part of our Holy Week Journey and gave a lovely evening, guided through by Vic Jannels. Captain Susan gave a very powerful meditation as part of the evening. Good numbers supported this evening, and we are so grateful to the musicians for allowing us all this opportunity.

Cadet Mark Cotterill concluded his Sunday placement at Horsham on Palm Sunday and led his final meeting. Following this we shared a family buffet and was able to present him and his wife, Emma, with a financial gift and also some books for his library. We thank God for the opportunity we have had in sharing with Mark - and Emma when possible - and continue to hold them in our prayers as they prepare to move to Atherton.

The end of term celebration for CHATT A BOX saw 80 plus families enjoying an Easter Egg Hunt.

LIBERATED. Jackie Fisher writes the following after her weekend at the London South East Divisional Retreat for women.

A group of us spent a fantastic weekend at ‘Liberate’, the Salvation Army Ladies Retreat at Sunbury Court, Sunbury-on-Thames. Picture the scene: 70 ladies from various SA Corps in the South East of England coming together for a weekend of fun, fellowship and food. We were in for a real treat!


The theme this year was ‘Who Do You Think You Are’. We looked at the story of Ruth. This is an amazing story about an amazing woman, and we were encouraged to think about her characteristics, those we admired, those we could see in ourselves and those we wished we had.

The weekend was a mix of Bible study, eating, workshops, testimony, chatting, more eating and lots of laughter. There was even a masked ball – a great opportunity for us ladies to dress up and feel glamorous. Everything was very laid back, no pressure and you could get involved in as much or as little as you wanted to. Some even found time for a walk to explore the area.

The workshops on Saturday afternoon were Gospel Singing, Craft, Makeovers, Assertiveness and Sacred Dance. I chose the dance. 8 of us set about learning a dance to a Christian song, depicting the words in movement and were able to perform it in the worship service on the Sunday. It was very nerve-wracking for many of us especially those who had never attempted anything like this before. But everyone was so encouraging just wanting to get the best from everybody and helping them to develop skills and feel good about their achievement.

What did I get from the weekend? An opportunity to rest, relax and have fun and make new friends. But also a time to spend in God’s presence, listening to Him and learning more of His plan for my life. I came away feeling refreshed in every sense.

We had such a great time we’re already planning to book again for next year. So come on girls, how about joining us? And don’t worry gents, no need for you to miss out, they run a similar event for men too!

COMING SOON. Book these dates now.

Despite a good number being away, some of the divisional Liberate weekend, we gathered together to enjoy a morning of worship, which this morning included the following songs: O worship the Lord; Come beautiful Christ; I'm gonna jump up and down; Down at the Cross; The Splendour of the King. Captain Ian took as his theme WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? looking at John 15, The Vine and the Branches, reminding us that GOD IS THE VINE and WE are the branches. We explored our relationship in regards to that, and the reality that APART from God..... we can do nothing. In times of silence God's presence was known and someone knelt at the mercy seat. A report on LIBERATE will follow.