GARDEN PARTY 2011

THE GARDEN PARTY 2011 was a great occasion. Firstly the work started some time back when we prepared advertising and leaflets were sent round many areas. Secondly a hard working team of people have been baking cakes and sweets for some time, and a further team gave time yesterday afternoon to help sort out and mark up the goodies that we would be selling. The day for some started very early - and time worrying about whether we held the event indoors or out because of the weather. We went for both, and stalls were set up. All sorts of stalls were held, and people worked hard to man these. During the day there was lots of activities, including a circus skills competition, a fancy dress competition, the Copthorne Band played and the Cantratrice Choir sang. We concluded the day with a SONGS OF PRAISE which featured songs such as Praise my Soul; All things bright and beautiful; God's love is as high as the heavens; The Spirit lives to set us free; How Great Thou Art. Our singing group sang, and our MAD group also took part. This was very well attended. Bouncy castles were also well used; pony rides enjoyed; craft for the kids and so much more. The day was greatly blessed and we thank God for this. The great news also is that just under £2000 was raised, which is just unbelieveable really..... we never thought that would happen, but we believe God was very much in this. We are indebted to the team of the church people, and thank God for each and everyone of them. Above all we Thank God for blessing us with people of so many different generations and look forward now to celebrating the day of Pentecost together. Interesting on this Pentecost Weekend, that so many people came together..... just as they did of old.

THIS SUNDAY we have a big celebration not to be missed at 10.30am at our church centre in Booth Way. Its the birthday of the church...... its one big party. We look forward to seeing you.

DON'T MISS SATURDAY FOR OUR ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY. WE HAVE SOME GREAT THINGS TO SELL, AND SOME GREAT ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. WE START AT 12NOON. PLEASE DO COME AND SUPPORT. IF YOU CAN BAKE CAKES, THEN DO!

COPTHORNE BAND WILL PLAY THROUGHOUT THE DAY, AND THE CANTRATRICE CHOIR WILL SING FROM 1.30-2PM. THERE WILL BE A CIRCUS SKILLS COMPETITIONS AND A FANCY DRESS COMPETITION FOR THE CHILDREN. DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR COLOURING ENTRIES. WE HAVE SOME GREAT PRIZES.

FINALLY WE CONCLUDE WITH THE SONGS OF PRAISE AT 3PM, AND THIS WILL FEATURE THE BAND, SINGING GROUP AND CHILDREN, PLUS THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS.

Two weeks ago the Reverend Paul Cockburn from the London Road Methodist Church, spoke on the life of John Wesley at our Home League meeting. Captain Ian spoke this week on the Life and Passion of William Booth, and used video clips to also reflect some of the story. We were reminded of the influence that Booth had, and the calling we all have to have that influence and be living sacrifices for Jesus. We looked at how William Booth resigned his pastorate within the Methodist New Connexion, because he felt called to an intinerent ministry, but was not permitted, and thus in response to God had to leave this ministry behind him. But his obedience led him to be part of the laying of the foundations of what today is called The Salvation Army. Obeying God is the best.

ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - DELIVERANCE

Captain Ian led worship and spoke at our monthly TOGETHER meeting, attended by a good number again, of people giving this time away from the busyness of a Sunday morning gathering. We looked at the subject of Deliverance, and the captain taught us how this is a subject that many want to avoid, but has to be part of the ministry of all Churches. We recognised as Christians how we have all experienced deliverance - for we have been delivered from the darkness and brought into the Light. We recognised how we are all praying 'deliver us from evil' but not always allowing that to be our experience. We looked at songs of the church and how they express for us the belief we need to be standing for Jesus and knowing that He is greater. Of course too Scripture was used, with some personal stories, that helped us to understand a little more of this important ministry, and blessing that God has for all His People. Songs included:- Would you be free from your burden of sin?; All over the world the Spirit is moving; Blessed be Your Name; Great is the Darkness; The Spirt of the Lord is on me now; The Splendour of the King, concluding with Then sings my soul, My Saviour God to Thee, How Great Thou Art!

ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - ANOINTING

Lieutenant Nicola led our meeting again this morning, and helped us explore the subject of Anointing. Taking her experience of Hebrew and Greek, she helped us to understand a little deeper the meaning of the word Anointing. She helped us to see the deep link with Jesus, and the Messiah, and the meaning of these being related to Anointing. She then helped us to see how Christian, as a word was used to mock followers of Jesus and mocking them as 'being the little anointed ones'. We all agreed we do not mind this word! We were taught the importance of realising as Christians we are anointed by His Spirit and should live under this anointing. Songs today included:- Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Here I am to Worship; King of Kings; Love Divine; How can I better serve Thee Lord?; O Jesus I have promised.

Wendy Edwards, Community Librian with West Sussex County Council, was our speaker at the Friendship Club yesterday and gave us a very interesting talk on the library services and her role among 16 libraries in this district.

Lieutenant Nicola led us on Sunday, looking at Healing as part of our Pentecost Series. Our captains are having a few days break.

to end the term, KIDS ALIVE CLUB, meeting on Fridays, enjoyed an evening out at Horsham Park - the older kids (ie adults) also had a great time as these pictures reflect too

We enjoyed a coach drive and a stop at Heaven Farm as part of oru outing programme for the summer months.

The hall again was bursting this morning with over 100 people of all ages coming together to enjoy being 'church' with one another. Major Drew Ruthven from International HQ, supported his wife, Major Leanne Ruthven, the UKs Editor in Chief and Publishing Secretary. The major led us through Three Cheers this morning, looking at the cheers that Jesus received, and the importance of us receiving too. Songs today included:- Jesus is Glorified; Over all the earth; I receive Your Love; He giveth more grace. The singing group sang 'Be Still' and the band played 'St Catherines'. We then shared our bi-monthly Sunday Feast, roast chicken, and over sixty people shared this. After this the majors spoke about some of their experiences in their officer leadership..... including time in Papua New Guniea, and now for Major Drew involved in Emergency Services throughout the world. Again, a great day together and we thank God for His Presence among us.

THE SATURDAY EVENT series saw STEVE LEGG visit us for a special occasion like this. Steve married together good homour, illusions and cabaret, and entertained over 100 people who attended. Food was, of course, a part of the event. Through it all Steve also shared a great and powerful Christian Message

KIDS ALIVE CLUB enjoyed a night out on Friday at the Horsham Youth Centre, thanks to our friends from the Christian Life Centre. We visited Dougie Dug Dug who did a great evening about going wild.

DONALD JONES led our Friendship Club this week.

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.