Major Andrea Still continues her story from the International College for Officers.

Major Andrea Still

What we have been doing?

Thank you so much for making the delegates who visited Chatham last weekend so welcome. We had a good time visiting Rochester in the afternoon. After a nice break at home last weekend, it was back to being quite busy for the rest of the week. We had cell groups, and teaching on ‘Images of God’ in the Old and New Testament which was excellent – a good sermon series there. We continued to learn about the International Army, which included a visit to IHQ. There is a lovely coffee shop open to the public if anyone is ever nearby. The iconic Army address of 101 Queen Victoria Street is a beautiful glass building, that aims to be welcoming. The General was not in residence, but the tour included her offices. We took part in prayers and had a session with our Zonal leaders. We then toured St Paul’s Cathedral which is opposite, and learned how it was a haven for Londoners during the blitz, and remains a haven of peace and daily worship for one of the busiest cities in the world.

We also visited the Training College for a tour, to look at the newly reopened Heritage Centre museum and for worship. We were encouraged to kneel at the mercy seat, a symbol of international history in itself, to pray for our world and rededicate ourselves to his service in the Army. This was a poignant moment for me, as I knelt in almost exactly the spot where I knelt to sign my Officer’s Covenant 20 years ago next week. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time for a coffee with Mark (Cadet Mark Scoulding), maybe next time.

Yesterday (Friday) was an optional visit during free time to the East End, which was rained off at the scheduled time. The sun was shining as we toured the East End and gathered at Abney Park Cemetery, now a Woodland Trust and sang (just 2 verses) of the Founders song around the graves of William, Catherine, and other prominent members of the early Salvation Army. Joseph prayed that we may all receive that same pioneering and courageous spirit, and four members of the public joined us for our little service. We wondered what they would all think of the Army today, 100 years on.

This weekend we have the ‘House of Prayer’. Each formation (cell) group has a room in the house to set up as a prayer room, under the General’s Vision of One Army, One Message, One Mission. Our theme is One Mission to the poor and marginalised people of the world. We will attend worship at a local corps on Sunday morning, and the house of prayer will be from 5pm on Sunday to 5pm on Monday. There are various times when we will meet for corporate worship, the rest of the time we will be free to visit the various rooms set up by other groups and take our turn on the ‘night shift’ in the prayer room. Monday is also a fasting day, the emphasis on putting aside our ‘appetite’ for food, entertainment etc in order to be hungry for the Word and the things of God. Please be assured of my prayers for Chatham during this time.

The planned speaker for Ladies Fellowship on Monday was unable to come but the meeting went ahead as usual and people were asked to bring something of interest to share. Bearing in mind the celebrations for the Queen’s Jubilee, Verna thought we could share memories of where we were on Coronation Day or any times when we had met or seen members of the Royal Family.   This produced some varied stories but nobody in the group had met the Queen in person.   Gill brought photographs of her very special holiday in the Galápagos Islands with all its very unusual animals and birds and mammals.    We then had our brains tested with some puzzles brought by Alma.

Gill Alma

Next month’s meeting is, for a change, being held on a Saturday afternoon as we are having a Strawberry Tea.   The date is Saturday, 9 June at Verna’s house.   We will dress in red, white and blue with our tiaras!     We’ll be sure to have a good time.

Another instalment about life at the ICO reveived from Major Andrea Still.

Major Andrea Still

Fellowship

We are all enjoying the rich fellowship of the ICO. Christian fellowship is a strange thing. No matter where we come from in the world, there is a connection, a common holy ground which forms the foundation of unity, before we have even met! Sometimes we take this for granted. That a group of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds can gel so quickly is truly amazing.

We have had so much fun together. The Zonal nights are opportunities to share the quirks of our cultures, and a little about the Army in our countries. The Europe night was a bit of a challenge because everyone knows the history of the Army in the UK, we have had lectures on it, are they are enjoying the culture of England. So we needed a different angle. We dressed up in old Army uniforms and led an open air meeting to depict how the Army started and spread to Europe. The ‘script’ (in the loosest sense of the word) included various references to things that had happened in the Session so far. British culture was introduced by Morecambe and Wise making breakfast, Anna-Lena (Sweden) was introduced using the Swedish chef from the Muppets, and Debbie (Switzerland) included a yodelling karaoke. I think we made it different.  This week was the Americas and they represented the diversity of North and South America and the Caribbean very well, with colourful dress, Samba and Line Dancing.

The fun side of fellowship is balanced with a trust to share things close to our hearts. Many of the delegates have been involved in ministry during defining moments in history, including 911, the Asian Tsunami and recent earthquakes in New Zealand and Haiti. To listen to stories of Officers who were there, who lost friends and yet were still able to minister powerfully in God’s name are conversations that remain for a long time. There have been some great times of prayer together, and with my prayer partner Jessie, from Zambia. She is such an inspirational person, and has a huge role as Divisional Director for Women’s Ministries, along with husband Joseph, who is the Divisional Commander. She co-ordinates programmes that help to combat social evils like HIV/AIDS and human trafficking. One challenge is to bring this, and the message of the Gospel to isolated villages.

The Parent and Toddler Groups were the first to say good-bye to the Young Peoples hall when they met for a party last Friday.

The cakes tell the story

Past and present guests at ‘Mummy and Me’, ‘The Ark’ and ‘mainly music’ met for the last time in the venue where they have enjoyed so many happy mornings during the last 15 years. More than 25 children with their parents and grand-parents crowded into the limited space and played in the familiar surroundings for one last time. Parents of days gone by, together with former team members, enjoyed reminiscing and sharing news of how their young ones have been developing. Many are now at school, some even at secondary school, and this means that some mums are now at work, unable to attend the event, but some took an hour off just for this special occasion.

Since Friday the toys and other equipment have been packed ready for transfer to the Emmaus Church Centre (Clover Street) where the groups will operate for the next 9 months or so. Some will be stored until the happy return to the new Church Street facility next year. Leader Verna Smith is looking forward to meeting the current children with their parents, and hopefully some new ones as well, at Emmaus on June 11th when the normal Monday and Friday schedules will resume.

Verna Smith

Here are some pictures from last Friday:

Well, the days remaining before we move out of our building for the best part of a year are now very few. Next Sunday is the last before we relocate. Major Andrea is still at the International College for Officers and another of her blogs is due this week. Watch this space.

Major Andrea Still

Major Alec again led our meetings and the morning began with a time of singing featuring song 279 (Salvation Army Song Book) and 441 and 621 (Songs of Fellowship). Prayers followed and led us to the contribution of the Singing Company (He is able).

The dedication service for Saphire-Mai Paine was conducted by Major Alec.

Daisie Tranah brought the ceremony to a conclusion with a flute solo.

Scripture was from Ephesians 1:3-10. The message from the Songsters (I will worship you) introduced the sermon entitled ‘How sweet the sound’ in which Alec said:

There are people in this world who are so desperate they don’t know where to turn. Things just seem to get worse and worse for them. Why are they not turning to the church? In biblical times people like this approached Jesus who was always compassionate and able to transform their lives. People today sometimes feel they will be judged, and even rejected, by the church. Why? Where is the church’s compassion?

Let’s talk about grace. What is it? It is the unmerited love of God towards man and it’s sad that people don’t always see this in church. So what is grace all about? We, as the people of God, have received it but we don’t deserve it. It’s free and it’s ours if we want it, given without measure, and we must ask ourselves ‘will it be seen in us?’. Other people may see many attractive qualities but do they see grace?

To quote General Linda Bond ‘grace is only grace when it is amazing’. Is your experience of it amazing? God loves you – are you amazed? If your answer is ‘yes’ it will be seen in you because you will not be able to conceal what God is doing in your life. If it is ‘no’ then now is the time to be doing something about it, to come before God and ask him to give you his grace once again. Don’t deny yourself the wonder of it!

Songs 308 and 962 from the Salvation Army Song Book completed the meeting. We were pleased to welcome Aferdita, a visitor from Kosova, who is visiting the UK in connection with the work done by Blythswood Care in her home country.

Major Alec Still

Aferdita

The evening meeting began with song 22 from the Salvation Army Song Book and continued with the message from the Songsters (Lord, you know that we love you).  A time of sharing scripture included 653 (SA) and Psalm 119:9-16. Members of the congregation were invited to quote passages of scripture which had special meaning for them personally and many took the opportunity to do so. Prayers followed together with Songs of Fellowship 268. Peter Willard brought a testimony in which he showed an email received twelve years ago from Greg Davis which brought much encouragement at a very difficult time in his life. This had only been discovered again when clearing out a cupboard and Peter said he felt that it had meant so much to him at the time and was part of his progress which eventually saw him becoming a Soldier in The Salvation Army.

Peter Greg

Further scripture (1 Samuel 3:1-18) preceded the contribution from the Band (Serenity) and Major Alec’s sermon, given the title ‘In training’. He said:

Somehow my mind has become fixed on ministry where God is not a part. At the same time I rejoice that we are at a point in our history when God is speaking. He is at work in this place and leading us forward. He is constantly with us. Jesus says we must be like children in his presence, not in the mischievous sense but in being prepared to learn. As Christians we are all making discoveries of things we haven’t known before. When Samuel heard the voice of God he didn’t recognize it until Eli helped him and offered advice. If we are to be God’s children we need to learn to listen and hear what he has to say.Sometimes the message will be difficult, as in this story, and it will frighten us. Samuel was able to share what he had heard from God and held nothing back from Eli. Jesus tell us to come to him as little children, both hearing and sharing what he says. If we do that our entrance to heaven is guaranteed because that is what God wants from us. How do you stand with this?

Songs 614 and 707 from the Salvation Army Song Book brought he day to an end.

As stated above, next weekend will be the last in our building until the redevelopment is completed, we hope in about nine months time. It is also a special time for our young people as we recognize that the Young People’s hall, about to be demolished, was opened exactly 100 years ago. Click on the poster below for details of the weekend’s activities and join us if you can, especially if you have particular memories of your Sunday School days here at Chatham.

Here’s how to find us next weekend:

Click on the maps to enlarge

For details of our worship venue for subsequent Sunday mornings click here.

Click on the images below for the location of our new Sunday morning worship premises at Mid-Kent College commencing on 3 June until further notice.

A strong international flavour pervaded our Sunday morning as four delegates from the International College for Officers joined us for worship on their free Sunday.

The ICO is situated at Sydenham, just 45 minutes away from Chatham, so the journey was not arduous and our visitors were able to settle quickly into the ambience of the corps. Major Andrea Still (centre above) was joined by fellow delegates (L to R) Major Lim Chee Kwee (Singapore), Captain Germine Saint Fort (Jamaica), Major Florence Nasahawangubo (Kenya East) and  Major George Mucamali (Uganda).

The morning meeting began with song 64 from the Salvation Army Song Book and continued with the ministry of the Singing Company (Put your faith in God). Songs of Fellowship 1158 and 1084 led us into prayer time and scripture from Ezekiel 47:1-12. This scripture has formed the basis for the corps vision for several years and we were to review our progress against its teaching.

A representative of our international visitors was Major Lim Chee-Kwee who brought a moving testimony in which he referred to the accessibility of God which is present all the time.

Major Lim Chee-Kwee

He illustrated this by comparison with a recent visit to Greenwich where he saw a queue of selected people waiting to gain access to the Queen when visiting the sailing ship ‘Cutty Sark’ and emphasized that we have access to the ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords’ anywhere on any day. He commented on the corps Mission Statement, ‘Bringing Christ to People and People to Christ’, and set the scene for the contribution of the Songsters (It must be Love). Songs 696 and 691 (both SA) sandwiched the sermon to which Major Alec Still gave the title ‘A river flowing?’ He said:

How many of you see yourselves as ‘warriors for the risen king’? Do we see ourselves as a band of warriors? As some met at Sunbury Court this week to recognize 20 years of Salvation Army officership many memories were shared. I had the reputation in training for only preaching on the Old Testament. But I love it. Ezekiel 47 is the basis of this corps’ vision. It starts at the Temple, where God is, and we need to be reminded of this. It is essential that everything starts with him.

As the water flows from the temple it grows in flow, depth and width but it receives no tributaries. It is fed by God alone and flows where he wants it to go. For our part we must not constrain it but allow it to flow freely.

The water brings new life, from the temple of God himself. He wants us to see this so that we can reach all people. We are delighted to see this vision evident in the corps. We inherited it from Drew and Beverley and have been praying into it ourselves. But there is also a new vision (see Revelation 22:1-6). Its the same river, flowing from the same place, the throne of God and the prophesy will happen soon. We will have access to heaven but outside there are those who have not succeeded and we need a sense of urgency about this. We must reach them in time. So let’s reach out, in the name of Jesus, to those who need to find him. There is salvation in Jesus for them all.

Let’s make sure this vision doesn’t remain just a dream.

The meeting concluded with song 700 (SA)

Song 10 from the Salvation Army Song Book commenced our evening meeting, led by Major Andrea, and was followed by 579 (SA) and prayers. Two portions of scripture were included, 2 Kings 4:1-7 and Ephesians 3:14-21. The Band contributed ‘Precious name’ and the Songsters ‘God and God alone’. A ‘song of testimony’ was included (‘When the glory gets into your soul‘)

Andrea’s message was on the topic of ‘Elisha: Powerful provider’. She said:

I recently had a conversation with a lady attending the Foodbank operating from our cafe who had come for help. She was able to pour out her problems and express her emptiness. We talked about spiritual emptiness and it struck me that there are a lot of people like her around us today. Was the woman in our story like that? She had no one to support her and had to contemplate selling her two sons into slavery to make ends meet. Life is unfair and people all over the world suffer in this way. To be bankrupt is bad enough but to be spiritually bankrupt is worse. The prophets of that day were not always accepted by the people and the woman felt that even God had abandoned her. She turned to Elisha. We, too, have no means of supporting ourselves spiritually. We become slaves to sin but God provides a way through his love to meet our needs. This widow woman would have done anything to save her sons.

Despite being in a similar situation many Christians today choose to ‘run on empty’. They hamper themselves by not ‘filling up’ when they need to and fill their lives with meaningless things instead of spending time with God. We need to stop and re-charge ourselves before bad things take control. God is not negative and if we give ourselves freely to him we will not ‘run on empty’. We need to be filled  by God. The woman in our story needed this and God provided for her. A lesson to be learned!

The importance of this story is that God provides in abundance more than we ever need. We must not limit this provision by our own finite boundaries. He always gives to those who have faith in him.

Songs 207 and 274 from the Salvation Army Song Book brought the meeting to its close.

Majors Andrea & Alec Still

Please continue to pray for Chatham corps as we prepare to move out of our building in a couple of weeks time. We will bring regular reports of the progress of th redevelopment works throughout the contract period.

Click on the images below for the location of our new Sunday morning worship premises at Mid-Kent College commencing on 3 June until further notice.

Last weekend eight ladies from Chatham travelled to the Salvation Army’s conference centre at Sunbury Court for the annual ‘Liberate’ get together organised by Maureen Ross, Divisional Family Officer for the London South East Division. Sue Willard has sent us her thoughts on what seems to hae been a most enjoyable time.

Sue (really?)

She writes:

Bare Necessities. That was the theme of this year’s Liberate away weekend for women. A chance to strip away the “stuff” of everyday life and enjoy time with God. A chance to renew old friendships and make new ones, and find time just to “be”.

After dinner on the first evening (the weekend began and ended with food, and we were well fed throughout our time at Sunbury Court!), we met in the modern conference centre for a time of worship and a chance to get to know one another better through a series of icebreakers. We were also introduced to some of those who would lead us over the weekend in prayer and Bible study: Major Gwen Cox and Lieutenant-Colonel Suzanne Fincham.

The following morning after breakfast we reconvened in the conference centre and shared a prayerful thought for the day with Major Gwen, entitled “A Time to…”. Our Bible studies were going to be based on Ecclesiastes and the idea of everything happening in God’s time. Lt-Col Suzanne Fincham led the two main sessions of the day, sharing testimony about how a chance visit to the manicurist led to opportunities to minister to others who “just happened” to be there at the same time! She also helped us to see that, although parts of the book of Ecclesiastes can be depressing to read, there is a lot of wisdom contained there too.

Lt. Col. Susan Fincham

Saturday afternoon provided a chance to share in workshops as diverse as cooking and Zumba or exploring prayer and leadership. Certainly the workshop on prayer, led again by Major Gwen Cox, was thought- provoking and helped us to see that prayer can be and should be as natural a part of each day as breathing.

The evening speaker was Bev Murrill who spoke about the Old Testament story of Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29 and 30) and its relevance to us today. She gave us an interesting insight into the cultural background to the story, packing a lot of information into the hour long session. This was followed by a pink party in aid of Breast Cancer research. We all looked resplendent in our various pink outfits, and we had fun doing quizzes and sharing stories about our most embarrassing moments (not to be shared here!). We even played Pass the Parcel in true party style!

Recognize anyone?

All too soon we were into the final morning of the weekend, again starting with prayer. Lt-Col Suzanne Fincham completed her series of reflections, leading us into discussion about the different aspects of Jesus’ prayer as recorded in John 17 and leaving us with plenty to think about in terms of our own relationship with Him.

The final worship session was led by Lt-Colonel Gill Cotterill, who did a clever demonstration about how the “stuff” we fill our lives with can get in the way of what really matters, and how we need to make time for the important things first. It was Gill’s last time at Liberate as she is moving to a new appointment at William Booth College with husband Anthony in the summer so she was presented with a special painting as a token of our thanks. We sang our hearts out in praise and shared testimonies about what God has been doing in our lives. Several ladies made a further commitment at the mercy seat in response to the song “Nothing But Thy Blood”.

We left feeling spiritually uplifted and already talking about next year’s Liberate weekend.

Sue also tells us that this chorus was used several times over the weekend. She obviously received much blessing from it.

In His time, in His time,
He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Lord, please show me every day,
As you’re teaching me Your way,
That you do just what You say
In Your time.

THIN PLACES

More news from the ICO received from Major Andrea Still.

Major Andrea Still

The past week has been a very busy combination of classes, formation groups (small group studies), fellowship events and trips out.

After a fascinating lecture by the Principal Richard Munn on our Wesleyan roots, we visited Wesley’s chapel and house, a haven of tranquility in central London. It was good to learn that some of the ethos and practices of the Army like open air meetings, concern for the poor and holiness of life came directly from John Wesley and the Methodists. Wesley lived there for the last 11 years of his life, and commissioned the building of the chapel. Artifacts in the museum include his writing desk and Bible, and his brother Charles’ organ on which he composed the 900+ hymns he wrote. A poignant moment was standing in his little prayer room off the bedroom, where Wesley knelt from 4-5am every morning for his prayers.

We also had the East End tour, where we were supposed to walk around the sites where William Booth began the Army, but as we walked toward the Blind Beggar pub, what has been dubbed the Whitechapel Monsoon occurred. I don’t think I have ever got so wet in my life! That is saying something since we have lived in Manchester and Glasgow for the past 20 years. The tour needed to be abandoned so we could return to the college before we all fell ill, and so those came from desert-like climates could recover from the trauma. Hopefully we will be able to complete the tour at a later date.

The Blind Begger

The Monsoon

Two days with 3 lectures each did not look very inspiring, but actually made me think a bit more appreciatively about the incredible feat which is our International Army. The Chief of the Staff lectured on international business, and spoke about the challenges of holding the huge structure which is the Army together, while maintaining its missional focus. Then Commissioner Hodder (who looked and sounded exactly like Stan Laurel – of Laurel and Hardy fame!) spoke to us on the challenges and joys facing the Army from a legal point of view. There are many countries, including Sudan, Egypt, Armenia and China which are interested in the Army starting work in their countries. Comm. Hodder said they go to such talks with the clear mandate that the Army is a Christian church and that is the motivation for our social work, and without exception this is applauded by Muslim and Communist regimes alike. A couple of interesting statistics – the Army is the biggest worldwide organization in the world, and is the second biggest landowner in the world (behind the Catholic church).

Its not all serious here. There have been some fun and moving times as we share ‘God’s Way with me’ when delegates tell their story and a little about their appointments.  Last week saw the first of our Zonal Nights, when the African delegates taught us about life, culture and ministry in Africa. We all joined in African dress, dance and singing, and the food was great. Our Europe Zone night is on Thursday next, but I think Africa will be a hard act to follow.

The Africa Night

Thin Places

I have been reading a book about ‘Thin Places’. This is the Celtic idea that there are certain places and experiences that make the gap between Heaven and earth almost paper thin. Our little prayer room during the 24/7 week was a thin place. For me, a certain waterfall walk in Scotland, the corps I went to as a child and the ICO itself are thin places. Places where God is very close and you just want to visit, to enjoy his presence. Anywhere can be a thin place, and the book encourages us to revisit such tangible places in our minds at least. I experienced an amazing thin place today (Saturday). We travelled to Nottingham to visit the birthplace of the founder, the museum and local church where he was christened. Incidentally one of the photos on display was Chatham band in 1890 – anyone remember then? On the way back we visited Coventry Cathedral.

Nottingham

The beautiful medieval Cathedral was destroyed in the blitz in November 1940. The Dean walked through the ruins the following day and found two charred ancient beams from the roof had fallen in the shape of a cross. He lashed them together, placed them where the altar had been and wrote on the remaining outside wall – Father Forgive. As I stood at that spot and read the prayer for peace placed there, I felt God so close and I stood for a while praying for our world. I was not the only one to feel the presence of God powerfully there. I walked through the glass doors into the new Cathedral, meant to symbolise resurrection and peace, and the presence of God was tangible in that place. The stunning new Cathedral was built using workers from England and Germany and stands as a powerful symbol of peace and reconciliation. As we walked around there were various prayer stations to engage with, someone led a short prayer meeting, as they do a few times every day and we listened to the choir practicing. It was such a privilege to be so close to God in those moments. I would urge you all to visit your ‘thin places’ as often as you can, and seek to experience his closeness in the everyday.

Coventry

The following are the arrangements for our relocation to other premises for worship during the redevelopment of our building in Church Street.

The last Sunday for worship at Church Street will be 20 May. Meetings will be held at 10am and 4pm that day. The 4pm meeting will include High Tea and will be part of the celebration of 100 years existence of the Young People’s hall.

Sunday 27 May is Congress Sunday (I’ll fight) at the Royal Albert Hall. There will be no meetings at Church Street and worshippers able to attend are invited to the Gillingham Salvation Army Corps (10am & 5pm), Green Street, or the Emmaus Church Centre (10.30am & 6.30pm), Clover Street.

On Sunday 3 June our morning meeting (10am) will be at Mid Kent College, Medway Campus, Medway Road, Gillingham ME7 1FN . In the evening we shall join with our friends at the Emmaus Church Centre at 4.00pm. This is a ‘one-off’ time to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a ‘Songs of Praise’.

Mid Kent College (10am) and Emmaus Church Centre (6.30pm) will be the pattern of worship most Sundays during our exile from Church Street. We expect this to last for at least 9 months.

This information will be expanded as we learn more over the next few weeks so ‘watch this space’.

All other corps activities (including mid-week) will take place at the Emmaus Church Centre. Please consult your section/group leader for details

A number of our ladies have been to the ‘Liberate’ weekend organised by London South East Divisional Headquarters and held at Sunbury Court, the Salvation Army’s conference centre in south west London over the last few days.

Sunbury Court

Meanwhile, here at the corps the meetings were again led by Major Alec Still in the absence of Major Andrea who is a delegate to the current session of the International College for Officers at Sydenham. Song 60 from the Salvation Army Song Book began the day and was followed immediately by Songs of Fellowship 226. Prayer and Songs of Fellowship 1047 introduced the Singing Company contribution (I want to be more like you) which was followed by scripture (Luke 19:1-10) and song 71 (SA).

The children having departed for their own activities the meeting continued with Songs of Fellowship 707 and the ministry of the Songsters who brought ‘As long as I have breath’. Major Alec, in his message (Considering change) said:

I don’t usually suffer from stress but sometimes major changes do affect me. There can be so many uncertainties, unknowns. As we look at change we see some lessons from Zacchaeus. He wanted to see Jesus to find out what he could do in his personal situation. He was successful, wealthy and self-sufficient but not popular. Despite this he felt he had not got everything and wanted more. In short, he was searching and he asked Jesus to help, welcoming him to his house. Jesus spoke personally to him turning the event into a full blown encounter. People today look anywhere and everywhere for help and advice. Why don’t they just turn to Jesus? He knows intimately the situations we all face and will be there for us. He will bless us if we are obedient to his will and he holds the future in his hands. Let us seek him out and give more than lip service to him.

Yes, we will see opposition, perhaps because we choose to associate with sinners and that upsets some people. When people know we are approaching times of change they will have plenty to say, letting us know what they think we should be doing and how we should be doing it. But we must listen to God because he will overcome all the negative thinking. We must respond to his will so that the changes can be fruitful. If we serve Jesus salvation will come because we are in the centre of his will.

What changes do you need to make in  your life?

The meeting concluded with songs 290 and 244 both from the Salvation Army Song Book.

Majors Andrea & Alec Still

Some of the ladies who had been to Sunbury returned in time to be at the evening meeting which began with song 814 from the Salvation Army Song Book and continued with choruses ‘This is God’s moment‘ and ‘To be like Jesus‘. Prayer preceded scripture (Exodus 17:1-7) and the ministry of the Band (Meekness and Majesty). A personal testimony followed song 709 (Songs of Fellowship) when Sue Willard spoke of her experiences at the Liberate weekend. She will be sharing her thoughts with us later this week

Major Alec spoke on the subject ‘God provides his presence’ and said:

This morning we thought about Zacchaeus wanting more and finding it through obedience. In our scripture this evening the Israelites are struggling, they need water. God provided for them in a most unusual way despite the quarrels they had with Moses, their leader. Having experienced God’s blessings in the past they should have been joyful. Their needs would be met, but they were grumbling and Moses is frustrated by their attitude. He cries out to God. We experience frustration when we can see God’s hand at work but others cannot. It is true that people often miss out on blessing because of their questioning. They are closed to what God is doing and run the risk of preventing others from being blessed. The mission of the church is affected. God says we should not stop being obedient in order to take others with us. Don’t let doubters hold you up. Go anyway! God has his plans and knows what e wants from his people. We must respond to him and not wait. There are times when we know what God wants us to do and must ‘get on with it’. No delays! If we fail to do this we may jeopardize his purposes but when we are obedient we will know God’s presence in our lives.

His address was followed by song 740 (SA) and the contribution of the Songsters (Somebody prayed for me)

Song 577 (SA) brought the meeting to its conclusion.

We are pleased to bring news that John Allen is now out of hospital and living, temporarily, at Platters Farm Lodge where he will reseive physiotherapy prior to returning to his new home in Chatham. We are sorry, however, to say that Doug Minter has suffered a heart attack during the past week and is in hospital in Canterbury. Please pray that God will restore both John and Doug to good health.

Next Sunday we will be blessed by the presence of a number of the officer delegates to the current session of the International College for Officers in our meetings. On previous occasions these have been great Sundays and we feel next week will be no exception. Join us if you can. Here’s how to find us:

Click on the maps to enlarge

Finally we can say that tenders for the building works have now been received and are at an acceptable level of cost. We shall bring further news on this as soon as we have it. Details regarding our activities during the construction work will be published on this website later this week.