Our monthly celebration welcomed Ruth Wadsworth from Ashford, Kent, who came and gave her testimony. In her words she spoke about the Christian Game she had been playing for so long, but needed more, and found Jesus - who she celebrated had saved her and given her life. She encouraged everyone not to play games, to be saved and to get on with this life in Christ. Songs today included:- Lord I Lift Your Name on high; Let everything that has breath; Blessed Assurance; What a Faithful God have I; Light of the world; No One but You Lord; Great is Thy Faithfulness

at the same time the children enjoyed their monthly praise party led by Susan and Barbara. Lots of fun activities helped to celebrate the fact that God has welcomed them into His family.

Following THE EVENT the prayers prayed by those attending, reflected in flower pieces, were placed to gether to form this display. Among these prayers are some that recognise their desire to be born again. We are so grateful to Barbara for preparing this display for us.

Community Care Officer was presented with a certificate acknowleding the completition of a course he has completed to support his ministry in this important role.

Today

Mothering Sunday was led by Ian, as Susan still is battling with her voice. A good number gathered, with some of our 'mums' from our Childrens Groups attending. It was also nice to have some visitors with us. During this morning we explored the fact that 'I'm Special' and concluded our reflection on the Love the Lord Your God, passage in Scripture, as loving ourselves - part of that commandment. In order to love ourselves we need to recognise who God is, and not place barriers before Him, excuses and other things in order to receive the Truth of who God has ordained us to be. MAD helped us (for the first time) in understanding this by doing a mime on Jesus welcoming the children, and also singing I'm Special. The Sunday Challenge looked at Famous Mothers - recognising that not all had children, but were known for caring and encouragement - the true essence of what this day is really all about. The quiz of famous mothers, listed 20 or so, with a final blank space, to allow our face to be put there - recognising that we might not be celebrated all over the world - but indeed is celebrated in our gathering. Special people were celebrated and plants distrubted by the children to their mums, and by others to all the ladies in our gathering, thanked for being who they are. A good number also shared people they wanted to celebrate today. Songs included:- Our God is a great Big God; God loves me; Give thanks to the Lord our God and King; When I was lost; My Jesus I love You; I could sing of His Love forever; How deep the Fathers Love for me.

love your neighbour was our focus this morning, following from susans teaching recently on loving the Lord with all our hearts. Ian led and spoke - unplanned - as sue was leading but lost her voice!!! We were encouraged to consider the power of love in the midst of community, and with all those we know - even when we might feel they don't deserve it. we were reminded that scripture teaches that to love others is to love God. our sunday challenge helped us to explore this as our children engaged in a drama presentation. songs today included: i stand amazed in the presecence; can you wonder?; o love that will not let me go: everyone needs compassion; love the Lord your God; Your love is amazing; Befriended.

Celebrations this past week, started on the Saturday when the church family welcomed Cadets G & Z Smith and their two children who are spending this week on placement from the training college with us. A meal was shared together and people enjoyed the opporunity of sharing together in this way. Sunday Celebration welcomed Major Christine Clement, the Salvation Army's Editor in Chief in the UK Territory. The Major led our worship and spoke too, and brought in to the worship our giving for the self denial missionary appeal which we have focussed on in the last month. Nearly £1000 was gifted. The major looked from Exodus and reminded us we have a God who listens, aids and is concerned for His Children when they cry to Him. KAOS and MAD were also part of this day as was the IGNITE Youth Group. Songs used today included:- Praise my Soul; Lord I Lift Your Name on High; What a Faithful God have I; Be Still; Before the throne of God above; O Lord hear my Prayer; Thank You for saving me. Cadet Zoe also testified in this meeting.

David Coles and Major Nigel Bovey of Forestdale SACC are featured on You Tube!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9hvBuvcrgI

SUNDAY 1ST MARCH saw the second in our new series of The Event and also gave us opportunity as a church to celebrate the 60th birthday of church member Kathy Coles. This month we focussed on SPRING HAS SPRUNG and looked at Spring Flowers, Spiring Creativity, Spring Cleaning and Spring Babies. We were encouraged to consider the God in our lives who wants to work through these things and help us all to experience the reality of Spring in our lives. At the end of our celebration people came forward with flower petals which asked God to work His Spring in our lives. To conclude we had our monthly Celebrating People time and awarded Green Team the team of the month - who also won the team of the day - and several Kids Alive places as well. Today also saw the launch of MAD our new music, arts, drama/dance club on a Sunday. Ten children attended this and all seemed to have a great time. The day concluded with families being invited to share tea together with our leaders - and a great number attended and supported this.