OUR FINAL WORSHIP MEETING FOR 2008 saw us looking back and considering the good and the bad and sad. Susan helped us to do that in getting us to draw faces with both emotions expressed. Susan also led worship with included:- Eternal God unchanging; Angels from the realms of Glory; What a friend we have in Jesus; Majesty; Jesus, Name above all names; Jesus is the Name we honour; Shout for Joy and Sing. Ian spoke getting us to recognise that a new year does not really make a major difference - but many think and believe its a new start - yet when things go wrong, and people mess up, they feel they have to wait a new year to start all over again. We recognised that God gives us opportunity to start a fresh throughout the day, and also to take from us the past and help us live in the present. We looked at how Isaiah 43 encourages us to allow God to be with us in every situation and recognise He is there. We concluded with some prayer together, and singing O Come to my heart, Lord Jesus; Lord, for the years.

CHRISTMAS DAY saw a small number gathering together to celebrate the coming of Christ, again based around the cross, reminding us that the Life that God has given us is more than just as portrayed in the manger, but went on to much more!! The focus was 'Shine on Us' - asking that God would come and do His work in us and indeed through us. Carols and Songs included: Come on and Celebrate; Shout for Joy and sing; Ding Dong merrily; When wise men came seeking; Mary's Boy Child; See amid the winters snow; Lord, I Lift Your Name on High; Shine that the world may see; Go tell it on the mountain. The children who attended spoke to Ian about the gifts they had and wanted later in the day!!! The children also sang a verse of Away in the Manger. Throughout the morning candles and letters helped to tell the story and meaning and purpose of Christmas Day. We started by C - reminding us of celebrate H - the help that God has given us by coming to us R - rejoicing in Him I - Immanuel God with us S - Seeking Him T - taking that Light into our hearts and sharing it with others. We concludedby a time of prayer asking God to shine on us, and through us.

GUIDE US TO YOUR PERFECT LIGHT was the focus for ADVENT CHRISTMAS EVE REFLECTION, which started with refreshments and flowed into reflection. During the evening we journeyed together to discover Jesus, through reflecting on the journies of the shepherds and the wise men. The hall was lovely in candle light. Carols included: A Light came out of darkness; O Come, O Come; Hark the herald; The First Nowell; O Little Town; Silent Night; In the Bleak Mid Winter; O Come all ye faithful; Joy to the world. We also listended to the song: Shine on us.

As part of our Christmas Outreach and Opportunity for the church to come together a Christmas Open House was held in Newlands Woods, from 2pm, and throughout that time, till 7pm, various people popped in for food, drink and more. The children enjoyed games and other fun - and many adults enjoyed having time to chat and get to know each other more. Most people stayed for some time - which was good - and some stayed to the end to enjoy singing carols together around Newlands Woods.

COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE 2008

What an amazing afternoon we had, as over 100 people gathered from the community to celebrate Christmas. For weeks now our Kids Alive children have been working hard on preparing a presentation called The Star that lost its twinkle, and this afternoon we enjoyed sharing in this, mixed together with many carols and songs from the children. Our Little Acorns were also featured and sang to us 'twinkle twinkle little star'. Caroline Davison brought a reading from the Bible, before Susan spoke to us with a challenging thought about what we might want at Christmas, but actually what it is we need. The service was attended by the Member of Parliament for our area, Andrew Pelling. To conclude refreshments were served, when many comments about how much people valued the afternoon was shared. We were pleased to that Father Christmas had time to share with us.

Members of the Church took time out on the last Saturday before Christmas to share the Good News of Jesus with shoppers in Forestdale. The local Salvation Army emergency vechicle was in support (thanks to Alan Starling) and refreshments were served beautifully, free, for passers by - thanks to Audrey. Sweets were also handed out with Kids Alive and War Cry and adverts about forthcoming events. We are grateful to all those who took part and also to members of other churches who shared with us. Somerfield donated mince pies for the event for which we are also very grateful.

KIDS ALIVE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL was held inside and outside The Forum. We were grateful to Kevin Coates (a distant relative of Sue Woodgate) for arranging musicians to come and accompany carols, and to parents and a few friends from the church who came and shared with us too. When inside we sang more carols, and were treated to the singing of We Three Kings by three live kings who all sang a verse each. Sue then concluded the event by sharing some exciting Christmas truths and used the reality of X Factor in Jesus coming to us - being born in our hearts today! Thanks too to the Forum who provided refreshments and food for us to enjoy.

LOOK OUT FOR THIS POSTER WHICH IS BEING DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY IN BUS SHELTERS

DON'T MISS THE NEXT FEW DAYS TOGETHER:-

Community Carols at the forum, with salvation army musician, kids alive children and refreshments, we start at 6pm

Saturday from 10.30am at forestdale shops, carol singing

Sunday our community carol service only, and at 4pm - no morning meeting

Christmas eve from 10.30pm for refreshments, followed by reflection at 11pm

Christmas Day at 10am - family christmas celebration

WE HOPE YOU WILL MAKE OUR CHRISTMAS BY JOINING WITH US

THE 3RD SUNDAY IN ADVENT was a special event, and saw a good numbered gathered as we continued our focus through the season, and the focus this week on 'Star with Royal Beauty Bright'. Major Nigel Bovey opened the meeting with worship, using Joy to the World!; The King; Stars; From Heaven You Came. Sue did this weeks Sunday Challenge which looked at the story of Mother Christmas. We then sang King of kings. Ian then took over the meeting, and we used other songs including Lo! He comes; King of kings, The Splendour of the King. Ian spoke on the Royal Beauty of God, and recognised that the King has come, the King will come (the importance of responding to God's invitation to come into His presence) and the King will come again (looking at the 2nd Advent). During our time of prayer and reflection God's Spirit touched peoples lives - which we thank God for.

THE FORUM was packed for this years annual Little Acorns Christmas Party. Dierdree started the event with Christmas Singing, which was followed by a beautiful tea enjoyed by all, and prepared by Dierdree and Sue. Our entertainer entertained, and then Father Christmas followed bringing gifts for everyone - thanks Father Christmas - and Lisa for helping him get the toys together. It was a great event to end the year, and we thank God for all our toddlers, their parents, carers and wider family.

Little Acorns enjoyed their annual Nativity afternoon - many came dressed in costumes and shared in games, craft and other activities. The afternoon concluded with a special nativity DVD. Pictures were taken by the leaders younger daughtre decided to delete them all!!!!

Advent Sunday (2) continued our theme and focus on 'THE Star', and looked particually Star of Light. Ian looked at Scripture to encourage us to move from walking in the darkness, to walking in the Light, to walking in Him. Songs included: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus; It is a good thing to Praise the Lord; This Little Light of mine: Shine, let the whole world see: In my life Lord, let Your Light so shine: O Come all ye faithful: Here I am to Worship. The Sunday Challenge this week involved being blindfolded and having to touch things and discover what they are - but we recognised the Light would have us see!!!!!

Courtwood School permitted us a stall at their Christmas Fair, and we were thrilled to meet so many people and raise over £200 for church funds.

CHURCH LEADERS meet for their monthly meeting in December, but instead of talking shared a thank you meal, given to them by our church leaders. The leaders (Ian and Sue) wanted to thank the team for all their had given to the church in recent weeks and months

A devotional guide to help us journey through ADVENT has been put together, reflecting on our Sunday Teaching. For a copy please visit out web site at www.forestdale.org.uk

Celebrating his birthday with us today was jake, and it was great to have him and his family with us - and as we sang to him and presented him with a cake, jake presented to the church this beautiful wooden display - made out of his garden fence!!!!

TOYS WERE DONATED BY MEMBERS of the church for children and families throughout the borough of Croydon

SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2008

ADVENT SUNDAY saw a helpful time of reflection led through by Susan, and helped us to focus on Jesus as our Lord. Throughout this season we look at the 'star' of Christmas - Jesus, but today also Ian reminded us there are two people in the Christmas account - Jesus and Us. In a time of prayer people were encouraged to write on a star the name of someone they want to know Jesus and also their name, asking Jesus to shine through them. Members of the church took someone elses star home to commit to praying for this. Songs today included:- Majesty; King of Kings, Majesty; Crown Him with many Crowns; I reach for the stars; Over all the earth; Tell out my Soul. Ian used the passage of Mary hearing the news of God's blessing on her to carry Jesus, and then used Mary's Song. Looking at - God's Wonder in me; God's Wonder through me; God's Wonder because of me. During time of reflective prayer at the end, we used the music 'Breath of Heaven'.

STARS SHINE from our time of prayers today

SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2008

There was a great air of excitement as the school hall was full for our weekly celebration meeting, which featured the dedication to God of Joshua James, by his parents, Bruce and Kerry. Ian opened the meeting and welcomed the leaders for the day, Majors Adrian and Beth Maddern, from Sheringham Corps. They led us in songs, which included:- To God be the Glory; Be Thou my Vision; I'm Special; Wide, wide as the ocean; I'm may never march; My Jesus, My Saviour; All I Once held dear; Lord the Light of Your Love is shining. Our children sang Welcome to the Family, and Major Maggie presented the family with a special gift from the church. Bruce read from Scripture, and Major Beth led us through the celebration of dedication. Kerry spoke some words, before Major Adrian spoke on Choices. A Celebration Buffet concluded the day - for which we all thank Bruce and Kerry for. It was a special family event

THIS SUNDAY....

Don't miss our celebrations this Sunday. We start at 10am when we welcome Majors Adrian and Beth Maddern, from Sheringham Salvation Army. They will be leading our worship meeting and bringing the opening of God's Word to us. They will also be conducting the ceremony of Dedication to God, as Kerry and Bruce Weatherill dedicate to God their son, Joshua. You will find a very warm welcome, and we hope to see you. Also don't forget that at 6pm we will be at Croydon Citadel Salvation Army for an area celebration, where Major Anthony Cotterill - our divisional commander - will be speaking.

NOTHINGS TOO BIG FOR HIS POWER

So, the challenge has been given by Susan. You have about forty cups and two jugs of water - but only with a little bit of water in - everyone needs to be given a full glass of water - get going. That was the challenge given to church members Mike and Joan, but there was a problem - they could not do it. Joan suggested people might share a full glass of water but Sue was not having that. This weeks Sunday Challenge did not really succeed - but we were reminded that in 2 Kings there is a similar situation, but God took control and everyone was blest. Susan reminded us through her teaching today that sometimes we think we have so little, sometimes we think we are not much - and yet God can do some amazing things in and through us - we just have to trust and allow God to do it. Barbara opened the meeting with a call to worship and included in that the song, Here I am to Worship. Ian led us through some other songs including:- In Loving Kindness Jesus Came; When I was lost You came and rescued me; Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord; Great is the Lord and most worthy of Praise. We also enjoyed the singing of Nothings too big, big, big for His Power; I will offer up my life and Take my Life and let it be.

SONG FOR THE WORLD

The following song has been written for us to use in worship today.
The tune used was the tune traditionally for 'Love Divine', but fits into many other same metered tunes.


In a world, so hurt and broken,
In a world, so marred by sin,
In a world, that’s lost its purpose,
In a world, where there is pain;
Father, may this world see Jesus,
See Him dying on the Cross.
See Him crying: It is Finished!
Hope is given, for the lost!

In this world, may people realise,
Peace is giv’n to those who ask.
Healing, Grace and Revelation,
Flowing from the Heart of God.
Father, may this world know Jesus,
Know The Power of the Cross.
Know that for them, Jesus conquered,
Victory over sin and death.

For this world, we cry Lord Jesus,
Help us be the Light to the world!
Help us be those healing agents,
Help us take Good News to all.
Father, may this world love Jesus
Know His sacrifice for them.
Know He loves them, and forgives them
Gives eternal life to man!

On this day Lord, pour Your Spirit,
Bless Your People from above
Give us Power, Bring us Blessing
Grant us Gifts and gracious Love
Father, we Your People Praise You,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
We, Your People bow adoring,
Hail you as the Lord of Hosts!

Susan and Ian Woodgate
November 2008

SUNDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2008

REMEMBRANCE was our focus this Sunday, remembering the women in Marks Gospel who anointed Jesus before His burial, and as the passage says, She did something beautiful - and what she did would be told for generations. We were challenged by how the stories of the past have been told for generations, many which inspire, challenge and aid our present and prepare the future. We saw how the past can be full of so much - hurt, disappointment, and how for so many memories of the past wars which include lost lives and damaged lives. But through such stories told we remember the reality of the fact we have life today - and above all remembered too the sacrifice of Jesus for us as well. We were challenged to consider what stories would be told about us, and how we sacrifice things, how we give our best, how we bless others and Jesus. The Sunday Challenge looked at remembrance and a game of remembering things was played - reminding us that its really important to remember some things - and others can best be well forgotten. Songs today included:- May the God of Hope, O, O, O how good is the Lord; Great is the Darkness; O God our help in ages past; In this world (a song written especially for this morning by our leaders).

SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2008

Our focus on Hokey Cokey Christianity continued with looking at 'things happen when people pray', and to back that up, Ian looked at various passages in Scripture and some personal experiences that he has seen and known over a number of years. Time for people to pray individually or with people was given as part of this weeks Sunday Challenge, recognising that at times prayer can be a real challenge, but is something we need to do. Prayer zones helped us to reflect on the Lord's Prayer and people journeyed round these, or sat where they were and read through the Lord's Prayer as outlined in Matthews Gospel. Songs included: Mid all the traffic of the ways; God loves me; Teach me to dance; Everlasting God; Everyone needs compassion; Here in Your Presence, I find rest; Prayer Gently lifts me.

THIS SUNDAY

in the absence of Sue and Ian, our leaders, this Sunday, who will be on holiday for one week, our celebration meeting will be led by Major Nigel Bovey.

SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2008

A good number of people gathered together this morning as we continued to look at Hokey Cokey Christianity, and the attitude and approach to reading the Bible. Susan spoke on Pratice makes perfect, and how the approach to reading God's Word and putting into practise helps us to get the most out of being a Christian. As part of our worship the SUNDAY CHALLENGE this week involved a spelling test, and two children competed against two adults. Well done Gemma for getting 10 out of 10!!!! Songs this Sunday included: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty; I'm gonna jump up and down; Everyone needs Compassion; Everlasting God; Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow; All Creatures of our God and King; To be in Your Presence, Breathe.

SUNDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2008

Hockey Cokey Christianity was the focus of the meeting this morning. How many times have you sang this song in your meetings? There was a purpose!!! Pictures are our brave team of people who contributed, and following this were asked what they valued about their church. All comments fitted brilliantly with the Scripture reading from Acts 2: 42-47, read by Abligail. Songs used in worship today included:- Dear Lord and Father of Mankind; Give thanks to the Lord our God and King; Everlasting God; Faithful God; I Worship You Almighty God; Christ of Glory, Prince of Peace; All there is of me, Lord; Here I am to Worship. Ian preached this morning and took as his main passage Romans Chapter Twelve. Starting by asking what is a Christian, we explored how Romans 12 helps us to understand authentic Christian Living, and how we do not need to look to others to see how to be a Christian and think we could never live like them - but to grow in our own relationship with Him. However Romans helps us to keep in touch and focus. We looked at how this passage taught us to Give Everything to God; Keep Focussed on God; Recognise who God is; Celebrate what God has given us; Love God (and others) with all our hearts. Its about.... putting our whole selves in, because thats what its all about!!!

SUNDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2008

HARVEST CELEBRATIONS saw a good number of people coming together to celebrate the work and provisions of God. After a start with refreshments and chat, Ian led a celebration for the adults with songs that included:- Come you thankful people; How great Thou Art; Give thanks to the Lord our God and King; The Splendour of the King; We Plough the Fields and Scatter; Sowing in the morning. The focus of The Word was looking at Potential and the Great God we have the Giving God we have and the Entrusting God we have, and what we offer in return. God worked among us and we thank Him. Our gift day, saw over £600 gifted to the work of this church and Harvest Projects for other army centres in this area. Sue, with Maggie, led the KIDS ALIVE PRAISE PARTY and there they enjoyed a celebration for Harvest, based on the same outline. After the celebration the church returned to The Salvation Army House and enjoyed a HARVEST FEAST together.

UNIVERSITY PRAYERS

Please continue to remember in your prayers Gemma Gibbs, Janine Bovey and Andrew Bovey who have all started University this week.

THIS SUNDAY

Captain Denise Cooper will be leading Sunday Worship at Courtwood School this week at 10am. Please join with us. Ian will be away at Wokingham for the weekend leading the Harvest Celebrations. Sue had planned to go with him, but now Adam has chicken pox. Thats all three now!!!! Denise Cooper is the Salvation Army's London South East Divisional Childrens Officer

SWITCH

A GROUP from the church met together last evening to discuss development in youth ministry, and expanding our current programme. SWITCH currently is a monthly group for girls, but it is hoped to expand this over the next year. HOWEVER we need your prayers - we need you to pray with us that God would send us people with a heart for youth ministry, sports minded people who could run our football clubs, a youth team to serve at a youth club, and finances needed to support this ministry too. PLEASE do join us in prayers at this time.

Sunday 21st September 2008

A good number gathered for worship today - which was led by Ian. we started with a time of prayer and preparation, which included praying for that meeting as well as world situations and our Kids Alive. WE also prayed for those starting university this weekend, including our Gemma, Jeanine and Andrew. Songs used in worship included:- Here I am to worship; I Stand amazed in the Presence; Your LOve is amazing; When I was lost You came and rescued me; To God be the Glory. THE SUNDAY CHALLENGE this week included mind reading, and included time for people to reach each others minds. The only successful team were Ian and his daughter Grace, but he did admit she had been told before!! But he related this to how our Father wants us to know His mind and share His thoughts with us. Thats the special relationship that we share. Susan spoke on Whose mind is it anyway? Looking at a mind that loves, serves and is humble. Acknolweding that it is the mind that controls actions, feelings, speech, decisions, the congregation were encouraged to allow Christ - the mind of Christ - to be united with theirs. Accepting that each day there are many influences on our mind, that clutter it with bad feelings, misguarded fears and hopes. If we allow the mind of Christ to be ours then we would live very differntly in the communities that we live, and we would reveal the Father and bring eternal life to many!

SUNDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2008

CREATOR GOD was the focus of our worship and teaching today. Ian led the whole meeting, due to the fact that Susan was at home with two poorly children. We started by focussing again on the Holiness of God, and that He is worthy of our Worship. Time to pray for the world around us and the needs of people within our church was a helpful time, as was the Sunday Challenge in which people were given one minute to create something amazing. Songs included:- O Worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness; Come, Lord Jesus; When I was lost; Teach me to dance; Beatiuiful Lord; Change my heart O God; Have Your own way, Lord. Ian took Ezekiel 36 as his teaching points, reminding us that it is God who wants to do that work in us, and wants to bring us to that point of relationship with Him. We recognised the hype of the past week in the big bang machine and looked at how all the answers are in God - and its a lot cheaper. Taking this passage we were reminded that the work of God in us, and His Church needs to be (1) cleansing and cleaning (2) change (3) baptism in His Spirit.

SUNDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 08

Susan led worship this morning which included songs such as Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty; Great is the Lord and most Worthy of Praise; King of kings, Majesty; Jesus is the Name we honour; Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is in YOU! Time was given to rejoice in the past week as well as ask for God's help and strength, and people wrote prayers on bricks which then formed a cross, reminding us of a God who upholds us and gives us rest, strength and salvation. Susan also reminded us of the mark that we bear as Christians, and that we should reflect that Christ is in us. Ian spoke, looking at Isaiah 6 and 61, reflecting on the churches mission statement to reflect God's Glory, and asked how we do this, and how we can be Jesus to this world. We were firstly reminded the importance of experience His Glory for ourselves and then it will shine out of us. We were then reminded with Isaiah to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, to recognise who we are, but to let God in and change us. We were then reminded that we need His Spirit to infill us and to use us to people of healing, cleaning, wholeness, freedom - proclaiming this in the Name of Jesus and to those in this world. Time concluded with space for prayer, and the singing of Send a new touch of Power on my soul, concluding with You Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim

FORESTDALE MATTERS

forestdale matters is a weekly newsletter that will be produced to keep everyone in touch with what is happening in the growth and development of this church community. don't forget to collect your copy

NEW BEGINNINGS?

Where is the beginning end of the skipping rope, and where is the ending of it? Captain Susan is her first address to the church, challenged the congregation to recognise that despite this being new leadership, and today was the induction and welcome to Susan and Ian and their family, actually this was a continuation of ministry that had been taking place in this area for many years, and indeed today recognised the celebration of 16 years of ministry. The celebration meeting was led by Majors Mike and Joan Parker, who also conducted the induction of Sue and Ian as the new leaders of Forestdale SA Church. The meeting included a wide selection of songs including:- Lord, I Lift Your Name on High; My Jesus, My Saviour; Lord of all Hopefulness; Jesus, be the centre; Breath on me breath of God; This is the air I Breathe. The children sang a wonderful song to the captains - welcome to the family, and they were also presented with a cake and a card, plus a welcome banner. Captain Ian then responded and started by thanking the church for the cards, flowers, chocolates and others forms of welcome they had received. He shared how over the last few weeks of waiting to come, they had visited and got to know the doctors and hospitals well, and now hoped to get to know the people!!!! He acknowledged the leadership of Captains Lynn and Matt, and thanked God for them and the preparation they had made for their arrival. He also thanked those who had helped in recent weeks in helping to fill the gap for a while. Captain Sue opened God's Word and reminded the community of words of Joshua, which GRace had read some minutes before - as I was with Moses, so I will be with you! God's promise is that whilst things might change, God has gone no where, and in the changes of leadership, the firm security remains God and His promises to us. It is a small new beginning on the journey of life of new beginnings, but indeed a journey which continues inpowered and infilled by God, and His Spirit. To conclude her thoughts, Susan encouraged the congregation to pray - Breath on me breathe of God, and then concluding with recognising that 'This is the air I breathe' - His Holy Spirit presence alone.

GETTING STARTED

This week Susan and Ian have been busy getting started in their ministry here and have arranged a number of open houses for members and friends of this church to come to their home and share tea and cakes with them, a good number have attended. We now wait for their induction on Sunday, at 10am, at the Courtwood School, which will be led by Major Joan and Major Mike Parker - who are part of our fellowship. Major Joan is the Assistant Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries, and Major Mike the Secretary for Administrive Review, based at Territorial Headquarters in London

Welcome to Forestdale, our new blog celebrating the work of God's Spirit, through this Salvation Army Church, in Croydon, Surrey. In February it was announced that our leaders, Captains Lynn and Matt Clifton were to leave us and take up leadership of The Salvation Army in Folkestone. We have valued their leadership over the last seven years and very much too their love and support, with their children - Hannah and Elijah. It was also announced that Captains Ian and Susan Woodgate, at that time in leadership at The Salvation Army in Ashford, were to join us with their children, Grace, Adam and Hope.