MEET OUR NEW ADHERENT MEMBERS

Ann Moore spoke on how she thanked God that she was now rooted firmly in a church, and that Love helped her to make a decision to become a part of it. Ken Hammond had been searching for a church community for a while, and found himself at The Salvation Army - the last place he thought he would be. He spoke on how acceptance and support had meant a lot to him since starting to worship with us. Margaret Sloper spoke on how the spirit had worked in her and helped her to find love and acceptance through the corps. Joan Hammond, along with Ken, had been searching for a while for a church and thanked God for the place she has found within The Salvation Army. Roger Moore, married to Ann, spoke on how this was very much like coming home, his grandparents being Salvation Army Officers. Peter Andrews spoke on how he had been involved in the Anglican Church for many years and now found himself at the army, and proud to take his place as a member. He recalled how in fighting in the war was the first time he met the Salvation Army. Gerry Slessenger had moved to the area recently and looking for a church found him at the Army. Straight away he knew that this was his spiritual home. Sandra Matthews had attended the army some years ago, but recently after the sad death of her son, and the army making contact to support her and then conduct his funeral, she linked with us and made us her spiritual home. Many of the new adherents spoke of how the leadership had been a great support and encouragement and helped them to know that The Salvation Army was the place for them.

We thank God for them all, and we do our new leaders who have encouraged them so much.

Sunday 15th May has been a significant day in the life of this church. This morning we welcomed a packed hall of people coming to celebrate Jesus, and sharing in the welcoming of right new members (adherent-members of The Salvation Army) and two new leaders. Marion Daniels was commissioned as the adherent-membership officer, and spoke on how encouragement helped her to make her decision to take on this role; Jackie Fisher has been commissioned as the adult ministry officer. Captain Susan prayed a blessing over them as hands were laid on them as they were set apart for these roles. All the new members had chosen songs to share and these included:- Go tell it on the mountain; Lead us Heavenly Father lead us; Fairest Lord Jesus; Be Thou my Vision; Here is Love; Be still for the Presence of the Lord; In Christ alone. Captain Ian welcomed the new members and thanked God for each one. They were all presented with a card and gift and their certificate.

Majors Mark and Tracy Bearcroft, leaders of The Salvation Army at Brighton Congress Hall, led a great afternoon of music for our Friendship Club recently. Pictured here the majors in mid flow!

Mrs Marlene Woodgate from Eastbourne Citadel led our home league meeting yesterday. This was attended by over twenty people.

A MINI BUS FULL OF CHURCH MEMBERS AND FRIEND travelled to Sandown Park to enjoy a day at the International Christian Resources Exhibition this week. A good time as always.

OUR HALL WAS FULL TODAY and especially to gather together to celebrate the life of Ryan Geoff Ron Potter. His mum, Helen, a member of our Chatt-a-Box group had asked whether we could celebrate his life, and was glad to welcome Dad, Mark and other members of the family and friends to share in this. Songs today included For the beauty of the Earth; Morning has Broken; Amazing Grace; I am a Friend of God; May the God of Hope; To God be the Glory. Captain Susan led through our worship meeting and the ceremony beautifully, and challenged us all to consider the love and acceptance of God, and the fact that we can all know Salvation in our lives. In the afternoon, Messy Church was enjoyed in Crawley, where it was visited by our Divisional Leaders.

TODAY we started a new series looking at the Acts of the Holy Spirit. This will lead us to our Pentecost Celebrations in June. Today being (another) bank holiday, some of our family were not able to be with us, but a good number were which was great. Captain Ian led worship and spoke, looking at 'What is the Spirit saying to the Churches', and especially looked at Revelation 3, and the church of Laocedica. We were challenged to not be luke warm Christians, but to live the life that we have been given through the Cross and the Resurrection and enjoy the life to the full. Songs today included:- Thine be the Glory; Jesus we celebrate Your Victory; Oh to see the Dawn; At the Cross (Victory in Christ); Holy Spirit we bid Thee Welcome; Spirit of the Living God; Can you wonder? Reflections called everyone to worship. The singing group sang Before the Cross of Jesus and the Band played St Margaret. Someone knelt at the mercy seat in prayer today.

Being the first Sunday in the month we had TOGETHER this evening, and our focus was FOR THE MIGHTY MOVING OF THE SPIRIT. We explored what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit's Power and looked at the Book of Acts. Sings included: For the Mighty Moving of the Spirit; Breath on me breathe of God; Blessed Lamb of Calvary; Father we love you; Holy Spirit reign down; Send a new Touch of Power. God moved in Power and we were released into singing His Praises.

We look forward to a special week ahead.

OUR HOME LEAGUE MEETING this week enjoyed a celebration for the Royal Wedding. Many donned hats, and a cream tea with a cup of tea was shared - thanks to Marion, Sandra, Vera. The afternoon started by looking at top ten wedding hymns, facts and information about weddings, and then sat back and enjoyed a DVD about previous royal weddings. It was a really lovely afternoon together, and at the end of it all we prayed for the happy couple of be!!!!

an outline of our series on ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, which starts this weekend. Not to be missed.

OUTINGS ANNOUNCED

We have arranged some forthcoming outings - do book now to make sure you get a place. On Friday 27th May we are having a half day outing to Heaven Farm - a beautiful place to enjoy time together. On Wednesday 3rd August we have a full day in Southsea and Portsmouth, and on Wednesday 31st August a full day to Eastbourne. Contact us for further information now!!!!!!

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW for our next Sunday Feast on Sunday 22nd May.

OUR GARDEN PARTY was a great success last year and we very much look forward to sharing this years event in just a matter of weeks now. If you would like a stall, do let us know. Equally do start spreading the word because its going to be a very special event. Guests this year include Cantatrice Choir, Copthorne Band and Tony the Magician. Book this date now.

AS we continue to live as Resurrection People, we start a journey together towards Pentecost, with our focus and theme over the next six weeks as being ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We are looking at that which the Holy Spirit does in and through His People. Next Sunday we meet at 10.30am and 6pm to start the journey

EASTER SUNDAY started early with a cooked breakfast enjoyed by about thirty people. Our Morning Worship celebration started with the singing group singing Rock! We then shared many songs of celebration as we looked at the Power of the Resurrection. Ruth Deevoy contributed a vocal soloist, and our band played Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus. A feature of the meeting was a look at the Easter Eggventure, we sang two songs from the event, and also saw pictures from the week. One song even saw the congregational enjoy dancing together in the aisle - a Glory March indeed! Songs today included:- Christ the Lord is risen today; He has Risen; Christ is alive; Oh Joyful sound; Low in the Grave He Laid; To the front the cry is ringing. The meeting also included a song that our captains wrote for the week entitled Victory in Jesus. Captain Ian spoke on being children of God, and reminded us that Easter is NOT a drama, but reflects the extent to which Christ is prepared to go to express His Love for us. Several people knelt before the Cross in Prayer. It has been a great and special Easter week for many. We thank God for all He has done among us.

THE SATURDAY EVENT for April saw us opening our doors and inviting people to come in and enjoy some time together. It was good to see so many friends gathering to enjoy bouncy castles, food, bowls, other games, the Easter Egg Hunt and so much more. We are grateful to those who helped so much, and those who came. Whilst we did not set out to raise money we raised about £500.

GOOD FRIDAY saw us gathering together twice on this day. Firstly Lieutenant Nicola led us in a time of prayer and reflection first thing, before we walked into town for the united witness. Then in the evening over 50 people gathered around the Cross, for an evening of music and reflection. Shelley Gallagher was our soloist who contributed beautiful music to the evening and our Reflections worship group also contributed some very helpful songs. Captain Ian led the evening through looking at It is Finished! Several people came to the Cross to pray.

GOOD FRIDAY SAW CHURCHES TOGETHER gathering together in the town centre to share the meaning of this day with the world.

MAUNDY THURSDAY saw us gathering together to focus on the meaning of this day, and especially in sharing together in The Love Feast. It was a very special evening, and a number of people knelt before the Cross in prayer

The Easter Egg-Venture was held on Good Friday which gave us a great opportunity to share the meaning of this day.

Easter Egg-Venture Day Three