GOD'S TOUCH was the focus for our monthly TOGETHER meeting was which very well attended by 26 people. God spoke and challenge us all as we spoke through The Word of God and God helped us to explore what His Touch is all about. Songs used were: I stand amazed in the Presence; Your Love is amazing; I love to sing of the Saviour; Far and Near; My Hope is in You Lord; You bless my Life; The Splendour of the King; Open the eyes of my heart Lord; Lord here today my great need I am feeling; Great is Thy Faithfulness. We thank God for His Powerful Presence among us.

NEW BEGINNINGS was the focus of our worship meeting today led by Lieutenant Nicola. A full hall welcomed many people back from holiday, even though many were still away. We gave time to think about children starting new schools and to thank God for Minnie and Faith as they leave us soon to go to University. They both spoke about how the church had been very special to them and thanked everyone for their love and support. We presented them with a book of blessings, written by church people and a financial gift to support them. Songs today included:- Eternal God unchanging; What a Faithful God have I; Thou art the Way; Amazing Grace. Captain Ian opened the word, and looked at Revelation 21 as it teaches us about the new things that God longs to do for us and in us. We looked at how God comes to bring New Life, New Direction, New Language, New Mind, New Heart and a New Body. Several People came forward for prayer at the end of the meeting.

THE SALVATION ARMY'S annual appeal has started. The appeal seeks to raise money for our national social and community services which are the largest provision of such in the UK after the government. The appeal in the main is completed through door to door collections, but we also engage in some collecting days in supermarkets and shopping areas. Today we started in Cranleigh and have added over £300 to the total of £9000 which we raise as a church. Already we have £2000, part of which was collected through our own church gift day in June. If you can help support by engaging in door to door collections, please see Vida Lyne, the captains or the Lieutenant. If everyone could do something, that would be wonderful.

Former footballer, Alan Mullery MBE, visited the Friendship Club for our first meeting in September. Alan shared his story and how God has sustained him through some very difficult challenges in life.

The day after being in Eastbourne, members of the Eastbourne Citadel Salvation Army travelled to Horsham for a drive out, concluding at our centre for a cream tea.

Over fifty members and friends of the church enjoyed a day out in Eastbourne on a very warm day. Thank you to everyone for making it a perfect day.

GENERAL LINDA BOND WRITES:- Commencing Thursday 1 September 2011, The Salvation Army will be holding a weekly 30-minute worldwide prayer meeting. I am now inviting you to personally take the time to participate.


You can select a 30-minute period between 5.00am and 8.00am. Because we serve in so many different time zones there is the possibility that for all, or most, of every Thursday the Army will be at prayer. I encourage you to sign up now using the form below. International Headquarters will be praying from 7.30am until 8.00am and some territories and commands are already promoting a timeslot for their Salvationists.

From time to time I will be providing specific prayer topics of an international nature. If you sign up here these topics will be sent to your email address. I hope you will be praying with us, in groups or individually

Despite it being a bank holiday weekend our hall was full for our celebration meeting, led by Captain Ian. We warmly welcomed back our corps officers who had returned the night before from holiday. We also welcomed back Richard who had been on summer camp during that week. Our thoughts today reflected around HOPE, and songs used included:- My Hope is built on nothing less; In loving kindness Jesus came; My Hope is in You Lord; When I was lost; Love Lifted Me; I know He cares for me; Jesus Keep me near the Cross; Victory for me.

Melusi opened The Word, and shared some thoughts and personal reflection on Hope. We were grateful to our brother for his ministry.

A number of our family continue to have pastoral cares and needs at this time, and we remember them very much. Please continue to pray for one another.

The week ahead includes a family outing to Eastbourne, Friendship Club with former footballer Alan Mullery and our Celebration Meetings next Sunday at 10.30am and 6pm.

CAPTAINS Ian and Susan with Grace, Adam and Hope, now start their holiday and return for Sunday 28th August. In their absence all administration matters should be addressed to Margaret Feist on 01403 254624; and pastoral matters can also be left here for dealing with the leadership team. Trevor Belcher, our corps sergeant major, oversights the mission and ministry of the corps in the officers absence, supported by the corps leadership.

The outline for the next Sundays are:-

Sunday 14th August led by the Time Out Bible Study Group
Sunday 21st August led by Ray and Dorothy Kear, from Upper Norwood Corps
Sunday 28th August led by Captain Ian, with Melusi Nkomo as the speaker.

We keep praying, and we keep believing!

TOUCHING HEAVEN - CHANGING EARTH was the focus and theme of our meetings today, led by Ian. Our focus this morning looked at Touching Heaven, and the importance of people who seek after God in everyway - living authentic lives for the Glory of God. Songs used today included:- Revive Thy Work O Lord; Are you seeking joys that will not fade?' Wake up O Sleeper; We will seek Your face O Mighty God; When I Look into Your Holiness; To Thy Cross I come, Lord; And can it be? Several people came forward in prayer, to offer prayer and be make prayers.

Following morning worship a time was given for our families to enjoy time for play and building relationships. It was lovely to see our families enjoying time together and getting to know each other better.

Being the first Sunday in the month we gathered for TOGETHER. Ian looked at Changing Earth and Acts 4 was our passage. Songs included:- We are witnesses for Jesus; O Happy Day; Far and Near; Men of Faith; He is the Lord; Send a new touch of Power; We will seek Your Face O Mighty God; Lord, for a mighty revival we plead.

A great day, and we thank God for the opportunities of touching heaven - and now to change earth!

There will be a Safe and Sound course at our hall on Thursday 29th September from 7.30pm. This will be led by Captain Sue. The course is important for all those engaging in any form of church ministry, but also for all members and friends. It covers matters relating to safeguarding of children and vunerable adults, and we encourage everyone connected with The Salvation Army to do this. If you can add them please let the captain know. Thank you.

FRIDAY LUNCHES AND FRIENDSHIP CLUB yesterday had the visit of our youth ministries officer, and our MAD, Kids Alive and Youth Matters group. We were so grateful to those who had given up their holiday to come and share with all those who gathered. We are also grateful to the catering team, who have given so much of their time to this, and managed today to cook nearly 60 meals. Thank you Kate and everyone.

A hard working team met together yesterday to prepare packs ready to go to those who will engage in door to door collections or the annual appeal. We desperately need people willing to collect door to door for the appeal, and if you would be willing to do that, either on your own, or with a team, do contact us. Our coordinator is Vida Lyne. So far we have just over £1500 towards the appeal. Our target is £9000. Thank you to those who gave the time today.

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY as we explore Touching Heaven, Changing Earth. Captain Ian will be leading the two meetings at 10.30am and 6pm. Captain Susan will be leading Kids Alive. Lieutenant Nicola will be away throughout August.

FAMILY OUTING ENJOYED TODAY

The Church Family (including those linked to us in some form) enjoyed a day out today to Southsea and Portsmouth. Some even ventured up the Spinaker Tower. It was a lovely day, the weather wonderful too, and great to be together. Over fifty attended.

The Pastoral Team met this evening

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD - Sunday 31st July 2011

Through the ministry of Lt Nicola and Captain Susan today we were reminded that the Battle belongs to the Lord. We need to trust Him and allow Him to lead us and carry us through. Its no game, its real, but God is with us. Songs today included:- Stand up and bless the Lord; In the Army of Jesus we've taken our stand; Jesus thou art everything to me; The Splendour of the King; All Hail the Lamb; Our God is a great Big God; O God of burning cleansing flame.

The Sunday Adventure took place later in the day, which took the young people to the Pizza Hut.

STRAWBERRY TEA

Unexpectedly our STRAWBERRY TEA today was packed out with people (despite not advertising widely) and raised £580. The money from this will go to the Generation Project, part of our helping hand international project for this year, for all adult ministry groups within The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmy.org.uk/generation). People of all ages, from all our adult ministry groups came and shared in this event, and it was really lovely. We were very busy and the cake stall, craft club cards, bring and buy and refreshments all helped to raise this amazing amount, which no one can quite believe. We are so grateful to everyone who came to help, and everyone who came to be a part of the event. A great kids area was also provided, and as the weather was not too bad it enabled us to use the garden as well.

The hall is prepared beautifully for the renewal of the marriage vows on Saturday of Ken and Andrea Wheeler after 25 years of marriage

SUNDAY 24TH JULY 2011

Lieutenant Nicola led us in worship with two challenging videos being used, as well as the songs Hallelujah to the Lamb; All I once held dear; Great is the Lord and most worthy of Praise; Befriended. She encouraged us to pray through considering popping popcorn and offer our prayers to God. This linked with Captain Ian's reflections, entitled The Performance will now begin, and explored how for some at times the Christian life and collective worship can be just that - sitting back and letting it all happen. A quote sent to the captain this week was shared - People sing about standing on the promises, but are just sitting in the premises! Looking at Colossians Chapter Three, we looked at what the aspects of Christian Living and Worship consists of. During a time for response a number of people made their way to the cross to pray. Songs used in conclusion included If on my soul a trace of sin remains there; Majesty; Alleluia and O For a Thousand tongues to sing. We thank God for another great day together, and was so lovely to have so many with us, including some visitors from other churches.