Jan Feb 2013

S a l va t i on A rm y W o k i n g

January/February 2013

T I D I N G S FROM THE C .O’S DESK In this Issue God and Me

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Messy Church

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Comedy Hall

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Prayers

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Finance & Corps Retreat

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Flower List

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Future Dates

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ChristmasVisits

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Word Search

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Sudoko

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Core Groups

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Community Update

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Community Carol Service 14 Family & Candle services 16 Parcel Packing

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Welcome In Charity Shop 18 Retirement & Welcome

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Poem

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Well here we are, another new year, and for some, another new start. And on 13th January we’ll be looking again at our relationship with God as we share together in Commitment Sunday. Following on from last year’s theme of Fit 4 Life, this year we are being encouraged to Go Deeper, using Ephesians 3:14-19 as the basis.

For the past couple of years, we have focused on different Spiritual Disciplines to set us up for the year, but this year throughout January and February we are going to be going deeper in prayer – learning more about it, trying it out, asking the awkward questions of how, why, where, when. Prayer is the foundation of our Christian journey as individuals, and could not be more important for the future of this church.

But it’s not just ourselves we will be thinking of.

February sees the launch of the Self Denial appeal, when we will be looking at the work of The Salvation Army around the world and will be asked to give financially towards it.

So as we think of our spiritual health and our commitment to God’s work around the world, as we spend the year Going Deeper with God I pray that you will be filled to the measure of the fullness of God, that each of us will have life to the full.

Debbie

January/February

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God and Me More from our new series entitled “God and Me” where members of our Church Family tell of what God has done for them.

Just recently I keep seeing a sign which tells me "To keep calm and carry on" This is not always as easy as it may sound. There are many things that try to hinder me, distracting thoughts, being in a hurry, and not paying full attention when God is trying to tell me something. However I am aware that God is with me every moment of every day, His Holy

Spirit is guiding and empowering me, sometimes in unexpected ways. For me Bible reading and prayer times are vital, my best time for prayer is about 5am when I can talk to God about the day ahead and ask Him to help, guide and give me the energy I will need for that day. He never lets me down.

Gill.

Design for Life A weekend to help you discover God’s design for your life.

Would you like to take a break from your usual routine, reflect on where you’ve been, the people you’ve met, the experiences that have shaped you? Are you wondering about the future and what God might have in store for you?

This is a great weekend where you can do just that.

Whether you are near the beginning of your journey or if you’ve been travelling the same route and want to stop and take a breather, DFL is for you. For more details please see Debbie or Will.

25th – 27th January 2013 6th – 8th September 2013 7th—9th June 2013

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Messy Church What an absolute pleasure it is to have the opportunity to be a part of something so fun, so fulfilling and also so messy.

It is such a delight to see, on average, 30 children & families coming into this hall to attend Messy Church and enjoying it so much. It’s brilliant to see how much fun they can have as a group whilst learning about someone who loves them more than they could ever know or understand, this definitely excites me.

Since I have been here we have learnt about following Jesus, Saying sorry, growing with Jesus and Listening. It is so special

spending this time with the children and listening to some of the stories that they have. Some of the questions those little ones have are so challenging at times, often you have to think about how to answer them.

I really look forward to spending next year focusing on stories from the Bible, which will teach them about being brave, facing your fears and how special they are. It really is an exciting time and I simply ask that you will remember Messy Church & everyone who comes to join us in your prayers.

Thank you.

Little baby on the hay, soon there'll be another day when nails shall pierce Your hands and feet as You provide our sin's defeat.

Risen Jesus on the throne, we lift our praise to You alonefor You're the gift that we receive the moment that our hearts believe.

- Roy Lessin

Sian

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January/February

Comedy Hall D.O.H.

(Department of Humour)

At the start of the nativity play, five children were to come on, in order holding cards which spelt H E L L O . unfortunately, the child with the fifth letter became confused and went on first.

The Christmas message, “Glory to God in the Highest” in large letters was hanging outside a High street church.

One night a strong wind blew down the letter “e”. Now it reads, “Glory to God in the High st.”

After Christmas, three children were asked what they had done on Christmas day. One, the son of a vicar, said that the family had been to church, then at home had opened presents and sung a carol. A Roman Catholic boy said he had been to Mass, opened his presents and sung carols.

A Jewish boy said his father owned a toy factory. They had visited the factory, looked at the empty shelves and sang, “What a friend we have in Jesus”.

The Songsters went to sing carols at an old folks home.

After a few carols, the residents were asked if there was anything they would like. One elderly lady replied, “I would like to go to bed”.

The curate took his wife to the maternity hospital and said that he would ring later for news. When he rang later, he dialled the wrong number and got the County Cricket Ground. “I brought my wife to your place this morning, is there any news?” He was surprised to be told: “Yes, there are seven out and the last two were ducks.

Keep smiling

Major Laugh

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Please pray for these members of our church family Shirlee Green Dorothy and Jim Henley Kirsty Jones Ian and Alison and the GloCon team Chris and Sandra Hall as they commence their new appointment to Swindon Gorse Hill.

. . . and also these past members Jenny Dibsdall, Barbara and Hnuna

Other subjects for prayer Teddy Toddlers Group Drop-in CafĂŠ Messy Church SALT visits Sunday School team - it's been a great start, full of enthusiasm.

Please continue to pray for the children, that they may really know God, and for the leaders, stamina!

PRAYER MEETING Everyone is invited to join with us on Sunday mornings for prayers at 10.30 am.

We meet in one of the general purpose rooms and would be pleased to see as many of you as possible.

God Bless Audrey

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January/February

Financial Tidings The Christmas period this year started with the Christmas Fair when £1106 was raised towards our funds. This was up £261 from last year, a fantastic achievement.

Our efforts continued with the playing of Christmas Carols from the beginning of December right up to the Sunday before Christmas when we appeared on BBC Radio Surrey for the first time. As always there was great appreciation and an amount of £4,272 was raised, up £123 from last year. This has been supple-

mented by other donations from an ever generous general public of approximately £1000 as well as just under £500 from Waitrose from their token scheme. As you will know, all this helps to finance the work we do in the community, including the distribution of parcels and food vouchers to the needy at Christmas.

Finally, the Community Carol Concert raised a record breaking £706 for the Mayors Charity Appeal, which this year was Macmillan Cancer Support.

Andy Stickland Treasurer.

Corps Retreat 2013 We are planning a weekend away for the Corps in July: To facilitate times of worship and prayer together To provide new spiritual input/direction/stimulation To encourage interaction between different members of our church.

To have fun!

As much a rest, as a conference We have done this a number of times in the past and they have been very blessed occasions. Look out for more details very shortly

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FLOWER LIST January 6 13 20 27

Ruth and Gordon Jan Reed Pam Elliot Christine Hadfield

February 3 10 17 24

Jan Howlin Claire Brooks Ruth and Wendy Richard Goff

April/May

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January/February

FUTURE DATES January Sunday 6th

11.00am

Morning Worship Led by Ted and Freda Benneyworth

Sunday 13th

11.00am Morning Worship Commitment Sunday Led by Cadet Mark Scoulding

Monday 14th

8.00pm

Sunday 20th

11.00am

Morning Worship

Sunday 27th

11.00am

Morning Worship Led by Cadet Mark Scoulding

6.00pm

Corps Council at Hall

Songs of Praise

February Sunday 3rd

11.00am

Morning Worship Launch of Self Denial Appeal

Monday 4th

8.00pm

Sunday 10th

11.00am

Morning Worship

Sunday 17th

11.00am

Morning Worship

Sunday 24th

11.00am

Morning Worship Led by Cadet Mark Scoulding

PCC at 58 Eastmead

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Christmas Visits to the Homes “The Mount�

On Tuesday 27th November we launched into the first visit in our busy schedule singing and playing Christmas carols at the care homes in and around Woking.

We went to "The Mount" in St. Johns where Joan, who worships with us every Sunday, resides.

We sang a selection of carols and

some humorous readings went down very well followed by a special thought for the evening.

Our visit was much appreciated by all and we were pleased to join them for a welcome cup of tea and home made cakes afterwards.

Wendy Taylor.

Sheerwater House Our second home was to Sheerwater House. This was the first time we had visited this home and we were given a good welcome.

The residents were all ready to

join in with the carols, they also enjoyed the band and particularly the Songsters.

As usual we enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee and some refreshments before we made our way home.

Brockhill On Tuesday evening December 11th the Woking Salvation Army band and Songsters came to bring us the Christmas message under the leadership of Jo. It was

greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all the residents.

Many thanks for making the time to come and see us.

Mim

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January/February

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CARPET, CHAIRS, COBWEB, CUSHION, DUST, FIREPLACE, FRUITBOWL, LAPTOP, PHOTOS, ORNAMENTS, SOUNDSYSTEM, SPEAKERS, SPIDER, SWITCHES, TABLE, TELEPHONE

TIDINGS

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Sudoko Each vertical and horizontal line and each block of 9 squares will each have the letters ‘SaLVATION’ in them. The principle is exactly the same as Sudoko, but letters instead of numbers.

Contributed by Dave Cox

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September/October

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Life and Soul Meets at the Church 10.00am

January February

Friday Friday

11th 8th

25th 22nd

Denvale Group Meets at Margi’s 2.30pm

January February

Thursday Thursday

7th

17th 21st

The Nomads Meet at various venues 7.30pm

January February

Thursday Thursday

7th

17th 21st

The Full Monty Meets for breakfast at various venues 9.00am

January February

Saturday 19th To be advised

Calendar Girls Flexible days/times

Contact Rhona 01483 474079 or Margaret 01932 353739

Hearts and Crafts Meets at the Church 7.30pm

January February

Thursday Thursday

10th 14th

24th 28th

TIDINGS

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Community Services Managers update As I type it is a beautiful sunny day and all is quiet here at the hall, but it is a deceptive kind of quiet. It is the deep breathe before the final push towards Christmas. Yesterday was the Community Carol Service and tomorrow is the Slimming World Christmas party, then the Cameo party on Wednesday and then the volunteers Christmas knees up on Thursday, Bright Sparks party on Friday. But today all is calm, all is bright. As I take stock of the last few weeks I can honestly say it has been a rollercoaster ride both emotionally and physically. Peoples generosity this year has been overwhelming from the chap who came in with his winter fuel allowance to the little girl with some toys that she wanted to give to other children. All have given the very most that they can. People have been offering their time to help, taking holiday from work to help with the parcel wrapping day.

Acts of huge kindness, all gratefully received.

Although there still is a lot of Christmas to go, the diary for next year is as action packed as ever. In January we will have been here for 5 years,

which seems incredible. We have come a long way since the opening of this hall, I'm not just thinking of activities or programmes which are now in place, but in friendships, relationships, foundations and links into the community all of which have been forged with love, care and a vision which goes back over the decades. If anyone were to ask me what my hopes are for the next year it would be for courage and boldness in our conversations, to be brave in tackling the in-justice which we see around us and if I was allowed one more it would be to keep God at the very centre of everything we do and I know that that should go without saying, but I think sometimes amid the busyness it can be easy to just plough on because we are a Church and hey that's what we do.

I would like to wish you a great new year, a chance to start afresh or to make resolutions that you will do your very best to keep at least to the end of the week or is that just me!

God Bless you, Jan Howlin

January/February

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Community Carol Service It doesn’t seem possible that it’s 26 years since Ted and I led our first Carol Service in Woking!

Now retired, what a great experience to have no responsibility, no worries and just sit back and enjoy! After an excellent lunch – thanks Jan, just my sort of food it was time to get the ‘slap’ on as parents who had come to support the choir from St Andrew’s School – Michael Aspel groupies and regular attendees

began to trickle in! The songsters got us off to an excellent start with ‘Sing Gloria’ and the easy banter between Michael Aspel and Pete Stickland set the mood for the afternoon. Michael Aspel - who looks so good in the flesh, gave several humorous readings adopting various accents and we’re so glad he didn’t get asked to do ‘panto’ this year.

Readings by Gervase Phinn are always so good because they’re

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recounting real life and Michael certainly conveyed the humour.

St Andrew’s School choir, in crisp uniforms, presented so well – even if some did show how the wearer had grown – short blazer sleeves with large snow white cuffs or buttons and button holes that barely met! Their singing, although having to change their programme slightly due to illness was delightful, and well done to the two young ladies who sang ‘Baby Jesus’.

The Mayor, Councillor Michael Smith, who had given us an insight into his exciting mayoral year proved to be an excellent wise man when he was roped into the nativity presentation.

Now nativity presentations always have various features other than the story itself – children and usually red faced parents somewhere in the audience and this was no exception. All Star’ presentation gave us everything – from the little model Mary and Joseph exploding out of the first

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gift to one member of the cast who surely needs to be channelled into a school for acrobats – a very red faced Mum but many of us were jealous of his flexibility!

Plenty of carol singing, excellently supported by our band who have worked tirelessly throughout December, the Christmas story clearly read, ‘O come all ye faithful’ to conclude with and then we tumbled out in to the night. A great afternoon, from lunch to music, to singers, to acting, to the £706.08 raised for MacMillan Nurses, the Mayor’s chosen charity – thanks everyone – you’ve made one retired officer very happy!

Freda

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January/February

Family and Carols by Candlelight Services What a wonderful day of blessings we all received as we worshipped together on Christmas Sunday!

Such a delight in the morning service as the children showed us in their unique way how they would celebrate the coming of our Lord with the theme, “Superhero” The Zebedees cheered us with their presentation, accompanying music with percussion instruments as only wee ones can.

Continuing on in the programme we enjoyed the Bright Sparks

nursery portrayal of the Nativity with natural youthful enthusiasm! All of the leaders are to be commended for a job well-done!

The evening service with candles aglow, carol singing and various scripture readings ended our day with the reminder again of the true meaning of Christmas, setting the stage once more for our acceptance of God’s Son, Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

Peace on earth and Good Will to all men.

Louise

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Christmas Parcel Packing Day I have been asked to write a few lines about the Christmas Parcel Packing Day. Well what can you say. We start at 9.30am and away we go, you look around to see mountains of toys, books, games, puzzles etc., and a wonderful array of soft toys which melts your heart.

They are so varied and beautiful, so cuddly one wonders at the face of the small person opening the wrapping and finding a lovely friend.

Then you turn round to see the adults presents not so beautiful but needy and useful and including a good selection of tinned food.

That is what packing day is all about, one forgets the aching back and tired wrists and the wonderful sight of a trolley with tea and coffee trundling towards you — what joy!— and the day has passed so quickly and the mountains diminished, (until next year). Oh Yes! Dorothy

Dear Mrs Locke We want to write to say thank you very much to The Salvation Army for the gift parcel’s we picked up last week for the residents. They were very grateful to have a gift to open, and the food will come in useful for them, as many of them are on a very low income.

We really appreciate your continued support for us, which makes a big difference to our residents.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas Yours sincerely Holly Wilcox Supported Housing Worker

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January/February

Welcome In Charity Shop For a number of years, The Salvation Army has been reaching out to the people of Horsell. During that time, not only are we selling goods at reasonable prices, but we have also been able to help those in need, offer a listening ear, be a support to those who really need it and also give confidence to our volunteers.

Although much more than a money-maker, the shop does provide an important source of income to our Corps, allowing us to work in the community here in Woking.

Over recent months several key volunteers have left due to other commitments, gaining employment or moving away, and this has left our volunteer base depleted. So unfortunately over the past couple of months, almost on a weekly basis, there have been days when we have been forced to close early.

Without volunteers, the shop cannot function. We really do need your help. Please consider whether you are able to give just 2 hours a week to help out in this ministry of the Corps. It can be so rewarding, knowing that you are part of a team, working to help those who need it most.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this.

Our corps cook book is now available, recipes have been given by members and friends of Woking corps. Why not buy one from the coffee shop ?

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The band made a little bit of history when they played carols live on BBC Radio Surrey on the Emily Jeffery breakfast show on Sunday 23rd December, here we are waiting for the “red light”.

Retirement We moved in to our new halls 5 years ago. Jan Reed saw the opportunity to start a mother and toddler group and so “Teddy Toddlers” was born. After only a few weeks its popularity grew and a waiting list was created.

Not happy with this Jan took the initiative and started a second group. So for 5 years each Monday during school term our hall has been heaving with children, parents and grandparents from 9am till about 3pm.

Jan has now ‘retired’ and passed the responsibility to Sian. So we say thank you for all the contacts you have made and the fun you have given the children.

Margi has also retired after 20 years of leading Home League and CAMEO, no mean achievement, again many contacts made over all those years.

We wish both Jan and Margi God’s blessing, and who knows He may have something else for them to do in the future.

Welcome We have been pleased to welcome Ted and Freda Benneyworth into our fellowship. They retired from their last appointment at Derby and moved to be nearer their family.

Freda has taken her place in the Songsters and Ted has joined the band.

We are also pleased to welcome Louise Stickland who has moved from Penticton, Canada. She married Peter (or did Peter marry her!) in November last year.

Louise was very busy in the Corps at Penticton and no doubt will soon get involved at Woking

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January/February

Tidings is a special book for our Woking Church Gives us pages good to read and dates to check and search The Christmas worship message so very true We put it into 500 parcels new, For persons around our district here.

Prayers are given, we believe God’s love has no fear.

Our Woking Mayor shared in Community care, And our guest Michael Aspel good readings to share.

The annual Cameo Christmas party day.

I accepted Jan’s thanks for my retirement way, Twenty years leading Home League and Cameo members true God’s promise in my calling pastoral care to do.

Now we all have a New Year of God’s love to share around Prayer from our hearts gives a powerful sound.

Strength in our ministry with the Holy Spirits power Will cover all of God’s promises every single hour.

Happy New Year Margi