Two special events this week.... CHATT A BOX our parent and toddler group held a teddy bear's picnic as part of their session and then afterwards a good number stayed to enjoy a picnic together. KIDS ALIVE concluded this half term with a Cool Dudes Party - lots of games and food. This was attended by some new people, and quite a few were away as half term started early in a number of schools. However both events gave people a great time.

Captains Susan and Ian will be away over the next week. This Sunday Lt Nicola will be leading our worship and speaking, and it will be a united meeting with Crawley.

TRISH REAY

A service of thanksgiving for the life and influence of Trish Reay will be held at our church on Tuesday 8th June at 2pm.

Pentecost reflects a coming together of God;s People, and somethings amazing happening among them. This weekend we saw that reflected in so many different ways. It all started on Saturday when we held our Garden Party, attended by hundreds of people and raising just over £1000. Although financially is not why we did it, we wanted to very much invite people to come to us and meet with us - and they did. Some of them our new contacts through KIDS ALIVE and our other groups. Stalls, were married together with face painting, bouncy castles, side stalls, the firemen and police were there, as were musicians making together a band, which allowed for great music. There was also garden games that was enjoyed, and a treasure hunt and much more. Refreshments were also a major part of the event. The day concluded with a community songs of praise, which was led by our visitors for the weekend, Majors Anne and John Read. They stayed over and on the Sunday led our celebration meeting in the morning. Songs in this included:- Come on and Celebrate, Thou Christ of burning cleansing flame, Breath on me, The way its gonna be, I've felt a new and loving touch, Be still for the presence of the Lord, Love divine. SUNDAY FEAST followed which included a lovely roast meal and then a concluding time when the majors shared something of their lives and their current appointments. We are grateful to God for such a great weekend, and look forward to more of what God has in store for us. We are also grateful to Majors Read and others who worked so hard to make this weekend possible.

TRISH REAY

It is with deep sadness that we write to inform you of the death of Trish Reay this morning at 1.30pm. We rejoice, though, in someone who knew Jesus as her Lord and Saviour, and who has gone home, to live with Him! Our love and prayers are for her family and friends at this time.

Members of the corps supported the COME AND CELEBRATE meeting on Sunday evening at Thornton Heath Corps Hall.

The following is what junior soldier David shared with us during his enrolment this morning:- Jesus is very kind, He is my friend and my hope. He keeps me away fron sin. I worship Him. He cares about everyone in the world. Jesus said 'I'm the way, the truth and the life, no one goes to the Father except through me'. That means that Jesus is the only way to heaven and glory. Jesus went to the cross and sacrified His life so that our sins can be forgiven. That is why during Easter we remember Jesus' Sacrifice/ Thank you and God Bless. Amen.

When sharing words of encouragement, Davids dad, Melusi, shared with the congregation how proud he is of David, as what he read out to us was all his own words. But then with his amazing family, that does not surpirse us!!!

another special sunday morning, as we welcomed two new junior soldiers, David and Flora. Both of them spoke, and shared their story a little. Representatives from both families gave words of encouragement to the new junior soldiers. Captain Ian spoke on promises and looked at Peter as to how despite breaking his promise to God, God reinstated him and took him into new places. Songs today included:- Standing on the promises; All the promises of God are sure; O Jesus I have promised. Two people knelt at the mercy seat today.

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.