ITS BEEN A WHILE

Its been a while since we update the blog, but thats not because nothing has been happening. In the continual development of our work and ministry in South Ashford, we now have contacts with many people every week. On a Thursday we continue to open the Parish Rooms in Stanhope for bacon rolls and refreshments, and we have now a large number of the youths from Christchurch popping in each week to see us and share a brief time with us. This has opened new doors for us to minister to younger people, which is not how we thought things would develop, but God never does not surprise us, does He? Equally we have a large number of contacts with the community now, and have been attending a large number of meetings to help us to make contacts and develop relationships throughout this area. We thank God for the opportunities. This Sunday we meet for a time of prayer walking and refreshments in South Ashford, from 2.30pm. Do join us if you can.

EASTER SUNDAY FAMILY EVENT

JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE! So what!!!! This news is far too good to keep to ourselves, and as a church we are not content to do that. Today, on Easter Sunday, we took the message of the risen Jesus and the gift of God's love to the people of South Ashford in Stanhope. Despite really horrible weather, about sixty plus made their way to the Parish Rooms, to enjoy craft, food and more.....all free of charge. Why? Because we desperately want people to know that Jesus loves them, and that comes free, so why should we not freely give something back to the community. The pictures reflect just some of the exciting things that happened, including a special visit from Chicken Nathan, who walked around the community with our youth group and handed out bags of eggs and wished everyone a really special Easter. We pray it might well be.

PRAYER MATTERS

The New Year has been an encouraging 'start' in working towards fulfilling the vision that God has given to us for South Ashford. Envoy Val met with her team to discuss the way forward and to acertain roles and responsibilities within it, and discussions also followed to explore the possibilities of childrens ministry and more work in schools etc. Additionally we discussed an Easter Event, similar to our Christmas One, and more information will follow about that very soon. This past Sunday we met as 'church' at the home of Envoy Val and shared prayer and vision - about fifteen people supported this in person and that was so encouraging to see and share. We thank God for His Presence and Guidance. God is with us!

CHRISTMAS DAY

Leader of the South Ashford SA Community Church is pictured here with the Ashford Mayor, at The Salvation Army's Christmas Day Celebration which welcomed people from throughout the Ashford Borough. This included quite a number from our South Ashford District. The event was held at the East Stour School is South Willesborough, and was oversighted by the leaders of the Salvation Army in Ashford, including Captains Sue and Ian, Envoy Val, and Carl. The day included a carol service, refreshments, Christmas Dinner, Christmas Tea, Christmas Presents and Parcels, Entertainment and much more.

CHRISTMAS IN STANHOPE

As Christmas approached we took Christmas to Stanhope and opened the Parish Rooms providing free refreshments, face painting, nail painting, cake decoration, stalls and much more. Additionally Father Christmas was with us, and seen with Pastor Elsie walking around the community inviting people to come along and share with us. The Salvation Army Band also came and played carols, and we were pleased to see some people from the community sharing with us. It was a very successful event and we thank Envoy Val for arranging it, and the team that supported it.

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PRAYERS

Please remember the leader of the South Ashford Salvation Army Community Church /Outreach Project who was bereaved of her mum yesterday (Monday)