March April 2013

S a l v a t i o n A r my W o ki n g

M a r c h / A p ri l 2 01 3

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

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Glocon

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Comedy Hall

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Prayers

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Flower List

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Future Dates

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NCD Update

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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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Is there a role for me?

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Gardening Tips

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Bible Challenge

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Thoughts from a Volunteer 16 Corps Retreat

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Recipe

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What the Bible says

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Poem

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Is today a good day for you? Life is constantly changing. One day all is well, the next maybe not.

And it’s like that for many people, rather than a sense of consistency, life has its ups and downs, we have bursts of energy and then we slow down, we have good days and bad days.

The Psalms talk of this, they are full of it. One minute they are full of joy and praise, the next they are screaming at God to turn life around. We see David so connected to God and so devoted to him, but in the next verse he is questioning where God is.

In my own devotions my life is like this too. I have fits and starts, I do well for a few days then it all goes a bit sporadic. Then I start again and for a few months all is well, but again, I lose my pace. And I am constantly picking myself up (or God is) and a new start begins.

Whether you are having a good day or a bad one, whether you are on top of the mountain at the moment, or down in the valley, hang on in there. Be aware of God’s blessings for you, be aware of his presence – in him there is peace, joy, love. He will never forsake us, and nothing can tear us away from his love.

God bless you, Debbie

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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.

I was 11 yrs old when I first met the Lord Jesus and in finding Him, God became my Father. As an orphan I had little experience of parental love, then my life changed. In the following 60 odd years, God has been consistent even when I was not. There were times when I decided to do things my way and suffered the consequences. This was not due to God being mean to me, but rather I lacked His assurance and presence in my life.

God continues to care for me and has fulfilled so many of His prom-

ises from Scripture. After several years of doing my own thing as a youngster, I returned to the Lord, and the words of Joel 2:25 became a reality, “I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten,”.

People tell me they have little time to read the Bible, but, the Bible is God’s love letter to His people. I love my Father and I love His Word!

Eric J Horder BA, DD, MA (Born Again, Divinely Delivered, Marvellously Altered, HALELUJHA!!)

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 is you’ve been travelling the same route and want to stop and take a breather, DFL is for you.

For more details please see Will or Debbie.

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Glocon Thanks, friends at Woking, for your support and interest last year during the Glocon adventures of 2012. Ian and I found the coming and going much easier because there was a sense of picking up where we left off with you, and you had some idea of where we had been!

hospitals that he visited late last year for the first time. The hospitals are in remote areas, and rarely receive visits. They are struggling in some ways, and the Anglican health mission wants to encourage them and think together about the future, so that is where he comes in.

Well, we will be travelling during 2013 for a range of reasons, and you might notice our absence during March and April.

Gill suggested that I write to let you know what we’ll be doing, and we’ll be grateful for your prayers.

Then during April, we have been invited to the Salvation Army training college for officers in the States, in the Eastern territory where I come from. We’ll spend a week there and visit some corps together with cadets and staff, to develop a pattern for their practice of SALT.

China, in the first half of March, is work with a Hong Kong-based organisation that links to churches in mainland China, helping the congregations to develop confidence to reach out in their own ways. We are helping them to evaluate how well they are working together. TearFund in the UK is supporting.

Ian will travel on Easter weekend to western India, to Anglican

Always glad to share news of these different places, and what we learn when we are there, so if you want to know more about any one of them, just ask. Although these cultures are all very different, we find that there is a vision and love in common, and that is what we find when we come home too. God bless us all!

Alison

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Comedy Hall D.O.H. (Department of Humour) After the christening of his baby brother, Jack sobbed all the way home. His parents asked him why he was so upset. “Because the preacher said he wanted us boys to be brought up in a Christian home and I want to stay with you.”

A small boy stunned his parents one Sunday when he emptied his pockets of £1, 50p and 20p coins. “Where did you get all that?” they asked. “From Sunday School” came the reply. “They have bowls of it” A reporter interviewed Jack Nicklaus. “Jack, you are amazing. You really know your way round the course. What is your secret?”

Jack replied, “The holes are numbered.”

Two golfers spotted an unusual bird sitting on the green. “I’ve never seen one of those before,” said the first chap, “what is it?” “Oh it’s a Gulp” said the second chap knowledgably. “A Gulp What sort of bird is that?” “It’s like a swallow only bigger.”

A lorry driver pulled into a roadside café and ordered a cheeseburger, coffee and apple pie. Three motorcyclists barged in noisily. One leaned over, grabbed the lorry driver’s burger and took a bite out of it.

Another drank his coffee and the third ate his pie. The lorry driver quietly got up, paid the bill and left.

“Well he’s not much of a man” said one of the cyclists. “He’s not much of a driver either,” said the cashier. “He’s just reversed over three motorcycles.”

A bald, wizened little man was rocking in a chair on his porch, smiling happily. A passerby, charmed by his smile, came up to him and said, “I couldn’t help noticing how happy you look. What’s your secret for a long happy life?”

“I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day,” he said with a toothless grin, “I drink a case of whiskey a week, eat fast food, and never exercise”

“No way! How old are you?”

“I’m twenty six.”

The Associate Minister unveiled the church’s new campaign slogan last Sunday: “I Upped My Pledge – Up Yours” 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 Miriam Weaver Margi Locke Freda Benneyworth

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

Other subjects for prayer Teddy Toddlers Group Drop-in Café 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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Calling all men (or strong women!)

Messy Church is great! It’s loud, noisy, chaotic and messy and we love it. But I appreciate it’s not for everyone. If gluing, sticking and noise aren’t for you, but you are able to lift a few tables and chairs then we would really value your help. The team at Messy Church are wonderful people and they each do a fantastic job. However, at the end of the day, moving all the chairs and tables back to where they need to be ready for Sunday is a bigger job than we can handle. If there is anyone that could come along at the end of Messy Church (5.45pm) to help with the moving of furniture we would love to hear from you. It doesn’t need to be every month, but if you could give half an hour of your time one Friday a year that would be most welcome. Jesus had 12 disciples. Messy Church needs 12 men to share the load.

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FLOWER LIST March 3

Connie Still

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Jan Reed

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Carol Pearce

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Richard Brooks

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Margi Locke

April 7

Alice Stiehler

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Pauline Whiting

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Gwen and Dave

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Audrey and Gill

Apr il/May

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FUTURE DATES March Sunday 3rd

11.00am

Morning Worship Self Denial Appeal

Monday 4th

Bible Challenge Begins

Sunday 10th

11.00am

Morning Worship Led by Ken and Sue Searle

Sunday 17th

11.00am

Morning Worship Led by Cadet Mark Scoulding

Sunday 24th

11.00am

Morning Worship Led by Cadet Mark Scoulding

Monday 25th

7.30pm

PCC at 58 Eastmead

Monday 25th — Friday 29th Prayer Breakfasts Friday 29th

11.00am

Good Friday walk of witness

Sunday 31st

11.00am

Easter Sunday

6.00pm

Songs of Praise

April Sunday 7th

11.00am

Saturday13th

Spring Clean

Morning Worship

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Sunday 14th Saturday 20th Sunday 21st Sunday 28th Monday 29th

11.00am

Morning Worship

Collecting Day — Town Centre Divisional Celebration — 6.30pm Staines Corps 11.00am

Morning Worship

11.00am Morning Worship Led by Majors Paul and Janine Main (Div. Leaders) 8.00pm

Corps Council at Hall

NCD Update You will recall that over the past 2 years we have been using Natural Church Development to help us to build a healthy, growing Church. So far we have worked on Core Groups and have seen an overwhelming response, with over 50% of the Corps now involved in small groups.

More recently we have been exploring Passionate Spirituality. This is a more personal issue, and is not something that the leadership team can put a programme in place to solve. Rather it is about each and every one of us exploring our relationship with God, making ourselves open to hearing from him, sharing with others our experience of his work in our lives and becoming a true disciple of Christ.

We thank God that we are a healthy growing Church, but there is still so much potential to unleash, there are still people to reach, there is still work for God to do in our lives, and it’s exciting to consider what this church could look like in a year from now, 2 years from now, 5 years from now, and further ahead. So we will be doing another survey later in the year. Please continue to pray about the way forward, continue to dream dreams, continue to catch God’s vision for this place so that others may be drawn to him and live a life that is full of hope, freedom and love.

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March/April

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Find 13 words ‘SALVATION’ in any direction (Left to Right, up or down or anyway)

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TIDINGS

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.

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Life and Soul Meets at the Church 10.00am

March April

Friday Friday

1st 12th

15th 26th

Denvale Group Meets at Margi’s 2.30pm

March April

Thursday Thursday

6th 4th

21st 18th

The Nomads Meet at Christine Hearn’s 7.30pm

March April

Thursday Thursday

6th 4th

21st 18th

The Full Monty Meets for breakfast at various venues 9.00am

March April

Saturday Saturday

To be advised 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

March April

Thursday Thursday

14th 11th

28th 25th

TIDINGS

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Community Services Managers update Not quite sure where January or February have disappeared to, but they have whizzed by and Easter is just a few weeks away. We will be having the prayer breakfasts at 9am each day of Holy Week with a different menu choice each day. Cereal and toast will be on offer each day for the more traditional among us. This has always proved to be a special time and so I would encourage anyone who is able to, to come. Then on Good Friday we have a full cooked breakfast before sending the band off to march through the town centre with nice full tummies!

We have the annual spring clean on Saturday 13th April from 10am - 2pm and I have to say how pleased I am that so many of you have signed up, we should have the place sparkling from top to bottom in no time. (But its not to late to sign up) On the 1st April I will have been your Community Services Manager for 5 years, like all jobs it has its highs and lows but I have to say that the highs out weigh the lows. The first year I had a target of £8000 to achieve in hall hire and now we are achieving £30,000.

This seems to be a huge amount of money and it is, but it is a reflection of how much our Church is used and also what it allows us to do. Having started with a blank page to fill with activities and groups I feel that we have a good

mixture both for us as a Church and as part of a growing community. As I reflect on the last five years I am excited for the next five and what God has in store for us. Although at work I can (I hope) be very organised and like everything sorted, for instance, if I am going off work for holiday Will, Debbie and Alison will tell you I leave very detailed lists of what needs to be done, down to each move of tables and chairs through out the week. However this is not how I am as a person, I am very last minute in a lot of things and will naturally put off doing something till I absolutely have to.

It would be so easy to feel that as a church we have arrived at a good place and to think that we surely have done so much that we can stay as we are and put off doing anymore till we absolutely have to, but we would soon become stagnant and complacent. I am pleased that we have the opportunity to go on the Corps retreat to reflect on what God wants for us as a Church to move us forward into the next phase. I feel very privileged to be one of the cogs that make this Church turn and even though I was recently reminded that it would all still happen if I were not around, I know that is the case, but I wouldn't want to miss any of it, so here's to the next five years.

Jan Howlin

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Is there a role for me?

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

There are different kinds of working, but the same God works through us all” (1 Corinthians 12) There are a number of ways that you can get involved in the life of this church. We have a variety of ministries, each requiring different skills, abilities, needs, and time periods.

We are currently looking for people to join the teams that operate in the Charity shop, the coffee shop, Messy Church, Teddy toddlers, All stars, Little stars, the Prayer team, the Wel-

come team, the visiting team, selling the Army papers.

We want everyone to be using their gifts, their strengths, and feel fulfilled in whatever God is calling them to do.

If you are looking for a role, or fancy a change from your current one, if you want a new challenge, then think about what excites you, what are you passionate about. Pray about it, ask God where he wants you to be.

And if nothing on the above list grabs you, then come and speak with us and share your dreams and who knows where God will lead you.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Gardening Tips Prune:- Buddleia; Summer flowering clematis; Eunonymus; Fatsia; Fig; Honeysuckle; Hydrangea; Lilac; Hybrid tea roses.

Cut lawns. Take leaves off hellebores. Buy summer flowering bulbs and dahlias. Plant Onion sets and Shallots.

Dave Cox

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Bible Challenge: 4th March 2013 - 28th February 2014 In a year from now, you could have read the whole of the New Testament!

The Salvation Army in the UK is encouraging everyone to join together and read a chapter a day for 5 days each week. The challenge is for everyone whatever your age, background, or previous experience of the Bible. You can read each chapter on your own or why not join with some friends and read it together. If you miss a day then there's no need to worry, simply read two chapters the next day, or catch up at the weekend.

Of course, you can do more than read the Scriptures. Ask God to speak to you, too. Before you start each daily reading, say a short prayer asking God to guide your thinking as you read, and then open the Bible and read

with the aim of learning something new. After the reading for the day, consider how it may effect your life and relationship with God and allow your increased knowledge of the Scriptures to shape your character and strengthen your trust in your Heavenly Father.

If you want to go even deeper, The Salvation Army are also going to publish some study aids and resources. You can sign up for these at bible.challenge@salvationarmy.or g.uk, you can download an app for your phone, or for the more technically challenged (like myself) they will also be available in the old fashioned format of ink and paper.

Let’s get reading on what promises to be an exciting adventure.

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Thoughts from a Volunteer My name is Marie Macleod and I am a volunteer with The Salvation Army Charity shop. Recently I was asked why I choose to volunteer, and after thinking long and hard about it I realised it was because I enjoy it. I have been a volunteer with The Salvation Army through their "Welcome In" charity shop in Horsell for over a year now. I originally decided to volunteer after 10 years of being a 'stay at home' mum to gain experience and confidence before reentering the workforce; how-

ever, I have enjoyed the experience so much that I have continued to work in the shop every week. Not only am I working with a wonderful group of people but meeting and interacting with the customers is something that I enjoy. The other great part of volunteering is that I can choose the times that I am able to work, which, as a mum is important. So all-in-all volunteering is a fun and productive way to keep busy and to feel a part of the local community.

Marie Macleod

Corps Retreat 2013 As you will have read from last month’s Tidings we are planning a weekend away for the Corps in July. Approximately 25 people have put their names down for this event and arrangements have now been finalised for this to take place on the weekend of 20/21 July at Royal Holloway University in Egham. We have been fortunate in securing Major Noel Wright from THQ to lead the weekend and it promises to be a good weekend of worship, teaching, discussion and prayer... as well as fun.

It’s not too late to book a place and so if you are interested in joining us please speak to Andrew or Andy.

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RECIPE Mushroom Soup Ingredients 50g butter

25g plain flour

1 small onion chopped

450ml chicken stock

250g mushrooms chopped

150ml milk

Salt and pepper

150ml single cream

Method Melt 25g butter in pan, cook onion gently till softened.

Add mushrooms with seasoning, cook until softened.

Melt 25g remaining butter in another pan, stir in flour and cook, cook 1 to 2 minutes.

Gradually stir in stock and bring to the boil.

Cook stirring for 2-3 minutes.

Stir all ingredients together and puree in electric blender.

Stir in milk and cream and heat through without boiling.

Serve garnished with sliced mushrooms

Enjoy Caroline Christie

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What the Bible says Selling the War Cry around the pubs, requires answers to difficult questions. These thoughts expand on outlines from my Bible used in the pubs How to avoid Error Complete Surrender Jn 7:17 Jesus clearly teaches that our true relationship with God, determines His willingness to change our heart.

Ez36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. We can fool ourselves and each other, but we cannot fool God. Are you concerned because you see little evidence of Christ in your life?

Read Jn 14:23 and spend much time meditating and praying over this verse, make a full surrender of your life to Christ. Then you will be amazed as the Lord showers you with His love!

Study the whole of Bible and compare Scripture with Scripture. " Tim 3:14 -17 Who has been your teacher? How well do you know them? Have you tested their teaching against Scrip-

ture? The people of Berea had been taught by Paul, but look what they did after hearing him. Act 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Peter remind us to: 1Pe 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Ask the Lord for understanding Ja 1:5-7 We are to ask believing, that the Lord will show us His Word. Not the words we want to prove our point. The Psalmist says "Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Our only reason or studying Scripture is to obey God. This does not lead to a boring life, but a life of joy and security, walking hand in hand with our Father.

Pray for God's wisdom. Ja 1:5-7 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when

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he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double- minded man, unstable in all he does.

Sadly we live in a country where God is regarded as a myth or the old man upstairs, this is understandable.

If there is no God' there is no accountability and we are our own masters able to do as we please.

Many church goers put more reliance on information services instead of the Bible. Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Ps 119:12 Blessed art thou, O Lord teach me thy statutes. All these verses confirm the fact that the Lord will teach us His Word, but we must act on His Word rather than simply read it.

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Call no man master Mt 23: 8-10 "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. Why should our Saviour make such a statement? Jesus said Mt 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 5:17. Jesus clearly indicates that God's Word is unchangeable and only the Holy Spirit can teach us how Scripture is to applied to our own life.

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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Special Love The wonder of healing, joy of answered prayer.

Skills of special people, kindness of friendships everywhere.

Many cards to get well, hospital direct Thank you, thank you, sincerely Margi says.

Providing God's love all around.

The gems of knowledge where Self Denial does go, Small pockets of trust and supply for all of us to know.

Miracles of the Saviours calling The Salvation Army will go, to all parts of the world, whatever the need may be.

Mark talks of of God's unmeasured love for every person, no one left out.

Jan spoke to James, God has an identity for him.

God's love is wonderful, good and bad days.

So very special thank you dearest Lord Jesus for being with us here in Woking.

Our Salvation Army feels the warmth every second of every day.

God bless you all.

Margi