THIS SUNDAY

Please join us this Sunday for our Celebration at 10.30am, led by our corps officers, and Kids Alive at 11,15am. There will not be a MAD this week, because we will be holding MESSY CHURCH at Ifield West Community Centre at 3.30pm. We invite you all to join in this very special day together.

CANDIDATE KATE

We are pleased to announce that Kate Gregory has been accepted as a Candidate for officership, entering The Salvation Army Training College in London this September. Its been an interesting journey and we thank GOD for this amazing opportunity.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

It is now some days since the anniversary celebrations, but we continue to thank God for all He did among us. This is an amazing time to be a part of the Horsham Salvation Army. It was great to welcome our guest leaders, Commissioners Robert and Janet Street (Europe Zone) supported by our Divisional Commander, Lt Colonel Anthony Cotterill. Our morning meeting was a devotional meeting, and Commissioner Janet Preached. After her sermon and giving time for response, many many people came forward to make prayers at the Cross, a number coming for the first time ever.

After the meeting seventy people enjoyed an anniversary dinner at the Commodore in Horsham Town. A wonderful meal was served. The plan was then that we would hold an open air meeting at the Carfax and then a march of witness. Sadly the weather did not allow for this, but everyone was so keen to march and march we did from the bandstand to the Parish Church, where we were joined by civic dignatries and Worthing Citadel Band. The chairperson of Horsham District council spoke, as did the Vicar of Horsham and a representative from Churches Together in Horsham. Various people from the church also shared their testimony, including Karen Everest, Barry Dowden, Les Daniels, Gerry Slessenger, Nkosi Nkomo. A highlight was also the sharing of three poems from the HOPE IN friends, and what a powerful expression this was. There was very few dry eyes. Equally it was stiring to see our flags marched to the High Altar. Our singing group sang THE ANNIVERSARY SONG which went down very well, and Worthing band played our anniversary piece, BUILDING UP. The children submitted a brilliant song and mine.

So many people have submitted letters, cards and emails expressing how significant the weekend was. And in days to follow we have now heard of people wanting to be junior soldiers and adherent members.

History books record that in the early days the hall was too small, and people were being 'pardoned' - history is being re lived again!

125TH ANNIVERSARY BEGINS

In a hall that was fit for bursting, our 125th anniversary got underway in a celebration which looked at The Salvation Army in Horsham today, led by our current corps officers Captains Ian and Susan Woodgate. A buffet preceeded the event, which was wonderful, and then the meeting got underway. The hall not only saw our own family, but also welcomed people who had travelled for the weekend, many who had been involved in some way with the corps. Previous officers were present as were two ladies who had entered the training college together. Songs included:- We're a band that shall conqueror the foe; Thank you lord for Saving my soul; Praise God from whom all blessings flow; When I was lost; What a faithful God have I; O For a thousand tongues to sing. Representing divisional headquarters was Majors Gareth and Susan Heward. The evening consisted of various groups from the corps contributing items, and also time for Testimony. Corps Sergeant Major Trevor Belcher looked back, and shared some of his memories.

THIS WEEKEND

Don't miss this very special weekend - there is a very special place for everyone

What a great way to mark our 125th year by sending Kate Gregory into training as a Salvation Army Officer. After attending her assessment conference in February, Kate was recommended for entry into the training college this September. She will now go before the Territorial Candidates Board at Territorial HQ to receive the final stamp on March 7th. We pray for Kate and family in these exciting days.

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD

Captain Susan led a powerful meeting of praise and worship and in opening The Word from Psalm 40, challenged us to look back and learn from it, and look forward to what God has in store. Two powerful voluntary testimonies were shared which highlighted all that Captain had been seeking to express. Songs today included:- Great is Thy Faithful; The Splendour of The King; Every move I Make; I want to tell you what then Lord has done; For the joys and for the sorrows. We thank God for His moving Power among us today.

LAST SATURDAY some of our children enjoyed a fun day arranged by our divisional childrens officer, Kathryn Doncaster. It was a great event, and supported by Captain Susan and Karen and Barry. Thanks everyone!

MEN AND LADIES FUN DAY

The church centre was buzzing last evening for the ladies and mens fun night arranged by our ladies and mens ministries leaders. As always its great to enjoy time together, and a whole host of games were enjoyed including board games, wii, short mat bowls, quizzes and more. Food of course was included. Thanks everyone was great night together

KATE GREGORY

Our thoughts and prayers have been focussed this week on KATE GREGORY as she attends an assessment conference at the WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE in London. Kate feels called by GOD to be a Salvation Army Officer, and an assessment conference is part of that process to see whether this is the right direction for her. We pray that God's will will be done

NEW LEADERS ARE COMING TO HORSHAM!!!!!

It has now been announced that Captains Susan and Ian will be moving on from their role as our church leaders in the Summer - but they still have five months with us.

BUT what is amazing news, at this time when so many places need leaders and leaders are not that available, is that we have been blessed with two new leaders, Captain Ann and Captain Iain Stewart who currently lead The Salvation Army in East Kilbride in Scotland. They have two daughters one who is 7 and the other who is 18. We are so grateful to God for this blessing and pray for the captains as they prepare to come to us, and also the pain of leaving behind their currently responsibilities.

Our community project, held on a Thursday night has been seeing some really great things happening in and through it. The vision that our captains had when they arrived at Horsham is very much being fulfilled and we thank God for the way in which lives are being touched. So many people are now coming along and coming because they feel we can help them. We want to continue to respond to the needs. The evening provides opportunity to chat, off load, receive help through food contributions and also our clothing bank. Refreshments are also served to those who come. A following on is now the next part of our programme, with a chance to chat further in the week by an appointment system. There is a place for everyone to be involved in some way in this project and if you would like to volunteer contact our community officer at Sandra.Thomas@salvationarmy.org.uk. We are so grateful to Sandra and her dedicated team for all they do week in and week out. So many come early and leave late.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Several members of the church family were able to join together today for our service of thanksgiving for the life and influence of Elsie Dorothy Woodley at the Surrey and Sussex Crematroium. We came in thanksgiving for Elsie, and in support of Gill, Ray, Mark, Karen and Helen and their families. On Sunday we will pause during our morning meeting to thank God for Elsie.

SUNDAY 19TH FEBRUARY - PART TWO

Twenty people gathered together for TOGETHER Extra. A helpful evening of exploration together included building relationships with people, building relationship with God, building relationships with others. We explored how we can approach new people in our church community, and chat with those who are already part of the church. We explored how we can develop a life of prayer rather than do a duty of prayer. We explored how we can pray with other people and minister to them in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Teaching was interspread with discussion which was all very helpful. We are very grateful to those who gave their time this evening to explore this together.

A VERY FULL HALL of people enjoyed our morning of praise and celebration, and especially time to celebrate the life of ISABEL RAYNER, who was brought by mum and dad for a service of celebration as she celebrated her first year of life. Captains Ian and Susan shared the meeting, Captain Susan conducting the service of thanksgiving, and singing a solo, In The Love of Jesus. Other songs included:- For the beauty of the earth; Praise God from whom all blessings flow; My Jesus, My Saviour; O Love that wilt not let me go; Enter, Enter right into my heart; The King of Love My Shepherd is. Captain Ian spoke on John 10, and looked at The Shepherd, recognising that true life is found in Jesus Christ, true acceptance is found in Jesus Christ, and true direction is found in Jesus Christ. Various people used our place of prayer at the end of the meeting.

WELL DONE TO ZOE WHITING who is featured in KIDS ALIVE this week. A great feature!!!

FAMILY OUTING

Fifty One people from our church family enjoyed a day out to MILESTONES, in Hampshire, an oldey worldey town under cover. People of all ages looked back (and some remembering well) at what was, and enjoyed a whole host of things as part of the day out. The coach drive also was great through the countyside.

THIS WEEKEND

We look forward to sharing together in a very exciting weekend. Friday we engage in a family outing to MILESTONES near Basingstoke; Saturday our children will be enjoying the divisional fun day at Tunbridge Wells; Sunday morning we celebrate during our celebration meeting, a thanksgiving for baby Isabel, and Sunday evening will be exploring prayer ministry and more.