Come and Celebrate

To celebrate Ascension Day a divisional Come and Celebrate evening of music, worship and teaching was held, where our divisional commander, Lt Colonel Anthony Cotterill spoke.

CRE

A small group visited this years Christian Resources Exhibition in Esher.

Corps Council

The corps council met this week. Among its discussions included a review of our community provisions, and a review of the corps council structure. More information will be issued soon.

The Reading Central Band of The Salvation Army were our guests on Sunday. They led two worship meetings and took part in the 'podium' summer features in Horsham Park. The brave bandsmen and women sat for an hour through very cold weather. The Sunday enabled us to build relationship with other Salvationists, as well as to reach out to others in our community. We are so grateful to all those who worked to make this Sunday work and very special. Specials thanks to our sisters and brothers from Reading

Sunday 2nd May

Despite being a bank holiday, a good gathering of people came together for worship led by Lieutenant Nicola Brooksbank who also brought the Ministry of The Word. Captain Susan was in Crawley today leading the meeting there. Songs used today included: Praise to the Lord; What a Faithful God have I; Break Thou the Bread of Life; How Firm a foundation. Being the first Sunday in the month, we gathered for TOGETHER and again a great crowd met. Songs used here included Blessed Lamb of Calvary; Tell me what to do to be pure; Reckon on me; Holy, Holy, Holy; Give me a Holy Life; Who is there like You? Our focus was WHOLLY HOLY, taking the theme from this years roots convention. We looked at the verse in Scripture 'Without Holiness no one can see the Lord' and Revelation 3 helped us to explore what Luke Warm Christianity is. Discussion was a major part of this gathering.

George and Adam were enrolled today as Junior Soldiers of Jesus Christ in The Salvation Army. Extra chairs had to be laid out for this joint celebration between Horsham and Crawley, and visiting friends came and shared with us too. The meeting was led by Lt Nicola, Captains Sue and Ian, and featured our young people and everyone had something to do too. Songs featured included - And can it be?; My Jesus, My Saviour; The Splendour of The King; Amazing Grace; In Christ alone; I have decided to follow Jesus/There's Joy in following; God's Soldier marches as to war. George and Adam both spoke briefly about being a junior soldier, and knelt and prayed and signed their promises. Following the meeting, there was a celebration buffet and a great family atmosphere was enjoyed by all those who stayed.

CAMEO - come and meet each other - a new group for making and meeting friends starts on Monday at Ifield Community Centre, Ilfield Drive, Crawley, and is a joint Crawley/Horsham meeting. It starts at 1.30pm. Everyone is very welcome to come along and be a part of it.

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