S a l v a t i o n A r my W o ki n g
S e p t e mb e r / O c t ob e r 2 014
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER FROM THE C.O’S DESK
In this Issue Relaxing Holidays?
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Cream Tea at the Cox’s
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Comedy Hall
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Prayers (Direct Line)
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“Bloopers”
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Corps Fellowship Evening
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Future Dates
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What’s On
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Word Search
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Sudoko
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Core Groups
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My Front Line
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Flower List
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Community Update
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Children’s Summer Camp
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Recipe
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What is Apostasy
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Boundless Congress
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Poem
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I’ve just finished reading a great book called Deep and Wide. A phrase on the front cover explains what the book is about, ‘Creating Churches that Unchurched People Love to Attend’. It reminded me of a story from the early days of The Army. Every Christmas William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, looked forward to addressing the crowd at the Army's annual congress. He loved to see the faces of those dedicated to the movement and passionate about its mission to serve. But in the run up to Christmas in 1910, General Booth's health was poor and he knew he wouldn’t be able to attend the gathering. When the thousands in attendance were told that he would not be present, a wave of disappointment swept over the crowd. Booth's speech every year was the highlight and something everyone looked forward to. However, Booth had sent a telegram to be read. As the moderator opened the telegram the thousands waited in anticipation to hear his message. His telegram was then read out loud to the crowd: Others! Signed, General Booth. Since each word must be paid for, William Booth had thought long and hard about how to sum up his entire message. What did he want to say? What did the army need to hear? What would keep them on track and heading in the right direction? He chose the word ‘others’.
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Every Christian movement since the first church has gone through the same cycle. As the years pass, informal gatherings become more organised, structures become more hierarchical and the focus becomes more inward-looking. From time to time, God raises up new movements with a passion to share God’s love with those who need it most. There is an ongoing call of God, to look beyond ourselves to the interests of those we are called to serve, those who are not members
of the church and do not know Him. But staying outward-looking goes against our natural tendencies. We all like to get our own way. We know what we like and how we like things to be done. We will only remain faithful to William Booth’s appeal by asking God to do this work in us. To help us to put aside our own preferences in favour of those we are trying to reach. It is not easy but God is faithful! He can do this and more, May it be so,
Will Pearson
Relaxing Holidays? I know some of you have already been on holiday but the next couple of months are when most people are looking for a rest. Or are they? What does the perfect holiday look like to you? Sunshine, beaches, clear blue sea, mountains, villages, city break? Do you like coach trips or cruises where you sit back and enjoy the view? Do you like an action packed holiday doing all the tours, meeting the locals, getting stuck in to the culture? Or do you take a good book or two and like to escape or laze by the pool with the aim of doing nothing? However you best rest and recooperate, make sure you do. We all need to recharge somehow,
physically, emotionally and spiritually. We can’t just keep on going hoping we’re going to make it. At some point, we all need to stop, regroup, refuel, and take stock. Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest”. And, we also know that God wants to give us more than that; he wants to fill our lives with good things, with his love, with his wisdom and grace. He wants us to have life to the full! Over the summer months, in the sunshine or the rain, in the adventure or the stillness, I would encourage you to relax in God’s presence, meet with him and be filled by him. Debbie
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Cream Tea at the Cox's
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Comedy Hall D.O.H. (Department of Humour)
A man went up to the top of Mt. Sinai to get close to talk to God. He called out to God, “What does a million years mean to you?” God answered, “A minute.” Then he asked, “What does a million pounds mean to you?” God answered. “A penny.” The man asked, “Can I have a penny?” God answered, “In a minute.” The Sunday school teacher asked her class, “If I sold everything I had and gave the money to the church, would that get me into Heaven?” “No” they shouted. “If I was kind to everyone all the time no matter who they were or how they treated me, would that get me into Heaven?” “No” was the answer again. “Then how do I get into Heaven?” she asked. One little chap put up his hand and said, “ You gotta be dead.” Have you ever wondered ……. Why the sun lightens our hair but darkens our skin? Why we don’t ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery”? Why “abbreviated” is such a long word? Why doctors call what they do “a practice”? Why the time of day with the slowest traffic is called, ”rush hour”? Why didn’t Noah swat those two mosquitoes? Why don’t sheep shrink when it rains? If flying is so safe why do they call the airport the terminal? Why cant women put on mascara with their mouths closed? Keep smiling,
Major Laugh
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A recent request for inclusion of names on Direct Line caused us to look again at the purpose of the corps prayer list, and whilst being flexible, the criteria for inclusion. The prayer list was instituted so that we could pray for each other as members of the corps fellowship and obviously over the last 25 years or so, various changes have taken place. At present the criteria for inclusion are as follow:Soldiers, adherents and friends. People who once attended the corps and are related to people who presently attend the corps. (Spouses and children also included where relevant). Corps Activities and events. People who attend activities connected to the corps. Hall users. Local and wider Salvation Army Ministry. Specific prayer requests that are received – added in italics. Prayer request cards are available in the coffee shop. Names and situations given to either Will and Debbie, our corps officers, or Jan Howlin, Gill Gregory and Audrey Mayes are
On-going prayers for Shirlee Green Iris McNally
presented for prayer at the weekly prayer meeting on a Sunday morning and then included in Direct Line for an appropriate length of time.
International Congress - 2015 BOUNDLESS – the whole world redeeming
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They're back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services: -------------------------Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. -------------------------Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. -------------------------The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. -------------------------Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow. -------------------------The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon. -------------------------This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin. -------------------------Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done. -------------------------The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
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Corps Fellowship Evening The sun shone on us on Sunday as about 18 adults and children met in Woking Park. James and Sonia were our hosts. James being quiz master for three
rounds of quizzes. We followed that with a game of rounders. A good time was had, and we look forward to the next event in a couple of months.
T i Adpirni l /gM asy
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FUTURE DATES September Monday 1st
8.oopm
Sunday 7th
11.00am
Corps Council
Monday 8th
Morning Worship Harvest Living a fruitful life. John 15:16 Big Collection begins
Saturday 13th
4.00pm onwards
BBQ at 58 Eastmead
Sunday 14th
11.00am
Morning Worship NCD: All by itself. Mark 4:26-29
Sunday 21st
11.00am
Sunday 28th
11.00am
Morning Worship Wet Feet! The Call. Matthew 14:22-32 Morning Worship Wet Feet! The Walk. Matthew 14:22-32
October Sunday 5th
11.00am
Morning Worship Wet Feet! The Waves Matthew 14: 22-32
Sunday 12th
11.00am
Morning Worship Wet Feet! The Fear Matthew 14: 22-32
Monday 13th
8.00pm
Sunday 19th
11.00am
Sunday 26th
11.00am
Pastoral Care Council Corps Anniversary Led by: Captains Chris & Sandra Hall Morning Worship Not the healthy but the sick. Luke 5:27-32
Evening: Corps Get Together
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TIME FOR BARBIE
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Marshmallow, Meatball, Drumstick, Chicken breast, Sweet potato, Sardine, Prawn, Lamb, Steak, Sparerib, Sausage, Onion, Corn on the Cob, Salmon, Burger, Chop, Ribs, Trout
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September/October
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. O L
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Denvale Group Meets at Margi’s 2.30pm
September October
Thursday Thursday
11th 2nd
The Nomads Meet at Christine Hearn’s 7.30pm
September October
No Bible Study Thursday 9th
23rd
The Full Monty Meets for breakfast at various venues 9.00am
September October
Saturday Saturday
27th Fairoaks Airport 18th Toby Carvery Frimley
Calendar Girls Flexible days/times
Contact Rhona 01483 474079 or Margaret 01932 353739
Hearts and Crafts Meets at the Church 7.30pm
September October
Thursday Thursday
11th 9th
25th 23rd
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September/October
MY FRONT LINE An extract from an interview with Pauline Whiting. Q. Perhaps you would tell us a little , about yourself. Why did you first come to our church?
Q. What do you come across in your daily life that might clash with your Christian principles?
A. I first came to church with Christine Hadfield when she invited me. Since I moved to Goldsworth Park I hadn't found anywhere to worship near that I felt comfortable with.
A. Maybe it is being tolerant of other people's beliefs, I know I need to be more tolerant of other people's problems and show them compassion. I do try to help others as much as I can but I hate to see cruelty and feel deeply for those caught up in religious wars.
Q. What work did you do before you retired.? A. I was a senior checkout supervisor with Asda, in Woking, after that I was a part time housekeeper until my health became a big problem, this forced me to give up working. Q. How would you describe an ordinary day for you? A. If I am not looking after my grand daughter Casey, or working at the charity shop, I like to work in the garden, otherwise I enjoy working indoors with my craft hobby. Q. What do you most enjoy doing during the week? A. I enjoy my craft hobby mostly, although I do enjoy baby sitting and spending time as a volunteer in the charity shop.
Q. Why did you decide to become an adherent in our church? A. I decided to become an adherent because I felt that I belonged, I felt at home in the friendly atmosphere. I find that I understand the Bible now much better, and find the sermons help me to understand more too. Q. What scripture verses helps you in your daily living on the front line? A. My favourite verses are from Matthew chapter 6 Verses 25- 34. These verses are a great comfort to me when I am worried about anything, or feeling down.
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FLOWER LIST September 7
Margaret Cook
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Dorothy and Jim Henley
21
Jan Reed
28
Jane and Andy Stickland
October 6
Jo and Andrew Cox
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Margi Locke
19
Jan Howlin
26
Wendy Taylor
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Community Services Managers update Just back to work from a two week 'staycation', I won't bore you with all the details, but I used the time for some clearing out and decluttering of my home and mind. If I said that to Matt there would be some sort of sarcastic comment about having cleared out my mind years ago! But I guess you, like me, get chances to do a stock take of our lives, times when we feel an opportunity for change or re prioritise what we are doing. Apart from providing a taxi service for Matt, I was free to do as I pleased and so filled my two weeks with going to places where I could relax and think, not something I find easy in a normal week. I have to say its not as simple as it sounds, trying to switch off from the normal concerns of living daily life and the worries about this and that, but I got the hang of it after a few days. To cut my ramblings short I have come back refreshed and encouraged in what God has in store for me and my role at work. Small glimpses of God's love for me and assurance that I'm not quite passed my use by date has been helpful. So I've been channelling some of that clearing out energy in various cupboards and drawers at the hall
and generally getting organised, for what will undoubtedly be a busy few months. The Big Collection, as it is now called, is imminent and in the 34 years since becoming a SA Soldier it has been a part of my year (except for a few wilderness years that is). It is not something I like or enjoy doing and if I had one great idea which I could take into the Dragon's Den it would be how to raise millions of pounds for the SA without leaving my sofa, but to date I've not had that 'light bulb' moment. However my motivation for getting up off my... sofa, has to be the opportunity to meet people where they are, warts and all, a chance to engage with some reality. So as I sign up for my two weeks a year gym membership with my gym buddies Gwen and Dave, I would encourage you to join one of our teams either putting out envelopes, baby sitting for someone or collecting your street, it is good fun, honest. Margaret Cook will be organising and hosting a coffee morning for Macmillan cancer support on September 25th at the hall so please keep this date free in your diary.
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September will also see us joining forces with the new food bank which runs from The Light House, this means we will be giving out food parcels at set times during the week. Tuesdays from 1 - 2.30pm and Fridays 10am - 12noon. There will be dedicated volunteers who will deal solely with each client, giving a much more holistic approach. If you have any questions about this new venture or you would like to become a food bank volunteer here at the hall then please
come and see me, it really is a step forward to improve something we are passionate about. Think that is about it from me, so over and out till November, but please pop in for a coffee or chat with me anytime. If you have any ideas or suggestions for what we do in the week, this is YOUR church and YOU are vital to God and all that we do, so don't miss out. Jan Howlin
Children’s Summer Camp On Sunday 27th July to Friday 1st August 2014 Rachel, Gemma, Katie and I went Oakwood Youth Challenge Centre in Wokingham for children’s camp 2014! We chose from 4 workshops, dance, music, media and sport. I chose sport. We also did three outdoor activities which included climbing and high ropes [basically climbing and then 10m course], mountain biking and archery. We also had a hero party, a Alomnas disco and a talent Night. In the talent night I played my cornet and the girls did a dance with another girl. I REALLY enjoyed myself and want to go next year. Matt Cook
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Recipe Lemon Jelly Cheesecake Ingredients 100 g chocolate oat biscuits crumbs 50 g butter, melted 1 lemon jelly 200 ml boiling water 1 small lemon, rind and juice 280g soft cheese plain 150 ml whipping cream fresh fruit to decorate (optional) Method 1. Stir the biscuit crumbs into the melted butter and press into the base of a 20 cm spring form tin. 2. Dissolve the jelly in the boiling water, add the lemon rind and juice and cool until on the point of setting. Gradually whisk the cooled jelly into the soft cheese. 3. Whip the cream until it holds its shape and gently fold into the Philadelphia mixture. Pour over the crumb base and chill for 2-3 hours until set. Decorate with fresh fruit before serving (optional).
Janet Brooks
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Apostasy William Booth defined APOSTASY as Religion without the Holy Spirit. Christianity without Christ. Forgiveness without regeneration. Morality without God. Heaven without hell. Forgiveness without regeneration. Where does this come from? Jn 8:1-11, the story of the woman caught in adultery. The last words of Jesus to the woman were “Go, and sin no more.” You and I know how very difficult such a command is, it is just so easy to sin. We may consider our health to be of prime important, and spend hours exercising. A computer game may be our focus. Gardening, family, car, soaps etc., may be the most dominant things in out life. Where should our heart be set? God said to Joshua NIV Jos 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. The Psalmist says Ps 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 1 Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Alas, how many of us allow the Lord God to have charge of our life. It is because God does not
have supreme place in our life, we can so easily dismiss sin. A quick sorry Lord and off I go again, in my old sinful way. William Booth was afraid that there would be no evidence of a changed life after our sins are forgiven. We sing “Give God the glory” yet so often it is only the scraps of our life we give to Him. How can I improve my condition? I cannot, it is the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us what is done in us, by God Himself. 2 Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, As the song says, “it is no longer I that liveth, but Christ that liveth in me. We must be His witnesses. Morality without God. Look in most recognised dictionaries and you will see real examples of apostasy as defined by the Founder. God is not mentioned. We are, we decide what is decent behaviour and what is not. How can fallen mankind define right and wrong? Jesus said of God Mt 19:17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." Once again we come back to Scripture and obedience to God.
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How often we have heard leaders tell us. “I know what is good for you, because I love power” The Lord replies “I Am the power of love come unto Me”. Heaven without hell. Few people believe in hell today? Even within the church, we hear such comments as “God is so loving He would never cause anyone to go to hell and suffer eternal punishment” Wrong! My Saviour Jesus Christ went to hell to suffer my eternal damnation and for the rest of mankind as well. Some may claim. “He never suffered eternal damnation, that impossible, how can eternity be encompassed in a few days?” Scientist
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believing the Big Bang theory, are totally convinced that creation occurred in a split second. Bird song have been played super slowly, and people believe that the work of many great composers are held within the birdsongs. Our tiny minds cannot conceive the mind of God. We can however, search the scriptures and discover the terror of hell. Then perhaps we will fulfil our mission. 2:Co 5:18 . 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself. May God be given the chance to bless and guide you. Eric Horder
Boundless congress 1-5th July Update: As I write this, there are 313 days to the congress. This is a congress when the Army comes together to unite. It’s based in London and will last for 5 days. Obviously for a lot of us we won’t be able to attend the 5 days but in January there will be daily tickets going on sale. Not too sure of the cost at present, but will keep you informed as soon as I know. From the end of September I will put a poster in the coffee area and you can write down your names. Over the next few weeks, think about whether you want to be part of the congress. www.boundless2015.org is available if you want to know more, or speak to me. Claire Brooks
Harvest Prayer The fruit of silence is prayer The fruit of prayer is faith The fruit of faith is love The fruit of love is service The fruit of service is peace Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
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Prayers for a troubled world We pray for God’s love and care to intervene, We see our hurting world on our television screen. Dear Lord we keep on praying, supplies and help to come. But families still are suffering Something more needs to be done. The moon just keeps on shining, it helps to light the way. God knows about the suffering, please help them soon we pray. The bible truths say clear and plain that God will heal the nations once again. (Revelation chapter 22 verse 2)
When praying, just remember how grateful we should be To live in peace and beauty there for all to see. Margi