MAD starts this Sunday

NOT TO BE MISSED

HOPE TO SEE YOU SUNDAY!

For many Lent is a helpful time for reflection and consideration of where we are in life. To help us journey throughout this time our leaders have written a devotional booklet entitled CROSSWORDS, which will also be our focus throughout Lent, Holy Week and Easter itself. There is space in the booklet to journal as well. The booklet is only £1 and available from our Christian resource shop, or through email order to: office@forestdale.org.uk

THIS SUNDAY join us for LIFT HIM UP CELEBRATION to be led by Majors Joan and Mike Parker, and also THE KIDS ALIVE PRAISE PARTY, led by our childrens ministry team - both at 10am - courtwood school.

CLARE HAYWARD - childrens ministries coordinator - AND THE ASHFORD SALVATION ARMY YOUTH GROUP (Flame) led our Sunday Morning Celebration, which also saw guests from the International College for Officers on a free Sunday sharing in worship with us as well. Our focus continued on knowing we belong and matter and what we are a part of. Rachel Whitewood and Chelsea James spoke along with Clare Hayward on what really matters. A drama was also included. A time of prayer saw many people respoinding to God. We are so grateful for this gift of such a precious resource this weekend, and the time invested before hand in coming, as well as the time invested throughout their time with us. Songs included:- Blessed assurance; I know He's rescued my soul; Shout for Joy and Sing; We are on the Lord's Side; Father God I wonder; The Father's Song; Wonderful, so wonderful; Great is Thy Faithfulness.

CLARE HAYWARD and the Ashford Salvation Army Youth Group (Flame) led a Praise Party later on the Saturday which encouraged us to know we were part of God's Family and belong.

OVER 200 HUNDRED PEOPLE came together to enjoy THE COMMUNITY FUN DAY, held at Courtwood School on Saturday, and many favourable comments were made. The event was aimed at giving the community something exciting to attend as individuals, families etc. Refreshments were provided, along with craft activities, side stalls, treasure hunt, games and much more. Our team of church members engaged in the event brilliantly, and we were supported by members of the Ashford Salvation Army Youth Group who supported with face painting, nail painting and bouncy castle manning.

Copies of a new booklet called CROSSWORDS is now available from us for just £1. This is an ideal tool for Holy Week and Lent.

Despite the uncertain weather we have been experiencing, a great number of people gathered together for the launch of our annual self denial missionary appeal, which featured Commissioners Margaret and Paul Du Plessis as our guest speakers. The Commissioners shared a little about this years appeal, and encouraged us to pray for the five territorys over the world that we will be supporting. On a map they placed items they had collected in those places in the world and placed balloons on them to remind us where they were. They were then all tied together with a balloon named Forestdale, reminding us what binds us to those countries, that being prayer. In his concluding world, Commissioner Paul reminded us that we can do nothing, we cannot make anything real, or any difference unless we are empowered by His Spirit. Songs today included:- Everyone needs compassion; These are the days of Elijah; We are Marching in the Light of God; Who is there Like You?; Be Happy; I will sing the wondrous story; Take my life; Yet once again.

DUE TO DANGEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS IN NEWLANDS WOODS - THE MISSIONARY OPEN HOUSE PLANNED FOR THIS AFTERNOON HAS BEEN CANCELLED. WE ARE REALLY SORRY ABOUT THIS. INFORMATION RELATING TO THE VENUE FOR WORSHIP TOMORROW WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER TODAY WHEN WEATHER HAS BEEN ASSESSED.

JOIN US THIS WEEKEND AS WE HOLD OUR MISSIONARY FOCUS WEEKEND. guest speakers are commissioners margaret and paul du plessis who have been missionaries in various parts of the world. join us saturday for an open house from 4pm at 23 newlands woods and there the commissioners will share a little of their experiences, and sunday will speak in our celebration meeting at 10am

This is the scene from Newlands Woods, the road where the Salvation Army house is located. As with many other parts of the country, snow has hit Forestdale - in a big way. Members and Friends are reminded that should they require things rather than have to go out - they need to contact the church leaders who will do what they can to do shopping, or meet other needs. Equally if parents need support with caring for children (especially if the parent needs to go to work and thus not sure what to do with their children who may be off school) then Sue and Ian are available to help in this too.

SUNDAY 1ST FEBRUARY saw the launch of THE EVENT - a special event for people of all ages.... the morning included lots of team challenges, chat and discussion and craft. Presentations were made to the Kids Alive team of the month, which this month was Red Team. Also Stars of the month were also presented. The focus this month was Aspects of Love, and we explored what the Bible teaches us Love Is, Love is Not and love never... 1 Corinthians 13 was the basis for this. Majors Mike and Joan sang a couple of songs. We thank everyone for being part of this new event. The first Sunday in March will be Spring has Sprung... hope to see you then!!