More Farewells. It is with sadness that we have to inform you that Captains Susan and Ian, with Hope, Grace and Adam, will be leaving leadership of this church and taking up a new role as leaders of The Salvation Army in Horsham, and Ian continuing as Mission Partner for London South East Division. This will be an almost immediate change, due to the need for the children to be settled and ready to start school in September. Your prayers are asked for the captains. Also we ask your prayers for Forestdale, who will not be having full time leadership at this current time.

Circus Party was the theme of the end of year party for both KIDS ALIVE groups on Wednesday, and they are pictured here having a great evening together. See you again in September!

A small gathering of church members met together to say farewell and thank you for church members, Majors Joan and Mike Parker. The majors have worshipped with us for some years and been very involved in the life of the church. It was when they were the leaders of The Croydon Citadel Salvation Army they had a vision to plant a church and found Forestdale. The majors have been appointed as divisional leaders in the London Central Division from August. We do thank God for them - and we had a great night sharing a meal and then also time to pray with or for them.

Members of the church enjoyed the day away on Sunday the Divisional Fiesta. Two of our members also attended the national Word for Women Convention in Sunbury

The End of Year Celebration was just that. Over eighty two prizes have been presented this year to regular attenders of our children ministries events. The Award Ceremony took place as part of our KIDS ALIVE programme, with the idea that the church and kids activities would meet together and celebrate. Many parents attended, and a good number of the children, although they could not all be present for this due to school commitments. The evening started with the award ceremony, and then some refreshments. Prizes were presented to kids from 5 and 6pm groups, the star of the year, our youth and also our childrens ministry team. After refreshments there was time for games to enjoy together - which gave the whole evening a true family feel. We are so grtaeful to all those who have given time this year to our childrens ministries, and all those who have attended. Thanks to Major Margaret Bovey who presented the prizes and is keeping our children ministries on track.

Despite disappointing numbers in attendance, a good time of fellowship and worship was shared today, and focussed on The New Commandement - Love One Another, as Christ has loved us. Colonels Beryl and Keith Burridge, who worshipped at Forestdale before being appointed to Singapore, returning to the UK for International Leaders conference, shared and led the meeting (it was a favourable request at our own leadership team meeting).

The children opened the worship meeting with the song - Holy Spirit Rain Down, and Junior Soldier Grace Woodgate prayed. Also featured during the meeting was Barbara, Marie and Jenny, sharing a worship dance 'Breathe'.

Our celebration together concluded with a family buffet.

Kids Alive at 6pm enjoyed a craft evening - thanks to the team for making this possible

Kids Alive at 5pm enjoyed a sports evening - the A Team vs the Girls Rock team. The A Team won.... just - but it was a winning night for all anyway.