S a l v a t i o n A r my W o ki n g
J a n u a ry / F e b r u a ry 2 0 1 4
J A N UA RY / F E B RUA RY In this Issue All Stars Sunday
2
Comedy Hall
4
Prayers
5
Community Carol Service
6
Carols in the Care Homes
7
Financial Report
8
Future Dates
9
Sudoko
10
A Messy Christmas
11
Flower List
12
Community Update
14
Core Groups
15
Welcome In Charity Shop
16
Carols by Candlelight
17
What The Bible Says
17
Farewell to Richard
18
Reading Half Marathon
19
What’s On
20
Want to Learn More
21
Recipe
22
Corps Psalm
23
FROM THE C.O’S DESK It’s been an epic year with regards to my fitness regime. Taking up my new interest with vigour and enthusiasm - I put on my shiny white trainers and went running - twice! Not quite as impressive as I’d hoped! In all seriousness, I have great admiration for real runners. Those who brave the elements regularly, whether they feel like it or not, those who compete with determination, if often only against themselves. Recently, I was looking again at those familiar verses in Philippians 3, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14) Often we imagine that to ‘press on’ means to persevere, to plod along slow and steady, determined, unstoppable, through whatever obstacles come our way. Well, apparently a more accurate translation is to pursue, to run after, to chase. To win a race requires a person to commit to it. To believe it can be done. To commit to trying their best even if it can’t. To be willing to give it all they’ve got. Pursuing feels different to plodding. It’s less hardwork and more excitement, less serious and more hopeful, less tedious and more fun. So whatever 2014 means for my running career, I do plan to pursue the prize that God has in store for me, a future more fulfilling and exciting than I can imagine, and I pray that we can run that race together, Will
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All-Stars Sunday On the 1st December we had a wonderful Sunday morning service celebrating our young people. Debbie led the service and came up with very imaginative ways for the younger children to find and receive their prizes, with a visit from ‘Bob the Builder’ and a treasure map and a guess who. The ‘All Stars’ have been doing Junior Soldiers classes and having completed them had a commitment Sunday and in a very emotional time we
saw them kneel at the mercy seat and make their promises to God. The Children who wanted to be made Junior Soldiers came in their smart new polo shirts and Debbie led them through from saying and signing their promise to each one
telling us what it meant to them. They each received wonderful new Bibles in a variety of colours, which they gladly received. It was a privilege to see, Rachel, Jemma, Katie, Eliza, and Matt being made Junior Soldiers and I feel that we must pray for them as they try to keep the promises they have made and it was good to be reminded of our own commitments. Audrey
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Contact Details The Salvation Army Community Church Sythwood, Woking, Surrey. GU21 3BE Tel. 01483 793704 Email: woking@salvationarmy.org.uk
Web site: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/woking Quarters 58 Eastmead, Woking, GU21 3BP,
Wednesday Volunteers Lunch Club Helper Needed 11am - 1pm To lay tables, wash up and serve lunches. Coffee Shop Helper Needed 10am - 1pm Two weeks per month See Jan H for more information
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Comedy Hall D.O.H. (Department of Humour)
Going into confession with a turkey in his arms, Tom said, “Forgive me, Father for I have sinned. I stole this turkey to feed my family, would you take it and settle my guilt?” “Certainly not,” said the Priest. “As Penance, you must return it to the owner.” “I tried,” Tom sobbed, “but he refused. “What shall I do?” “If that is true, then you must keep it for your family” When confession was over, the Priest went home. In the kitchen, he discovered that someone had stolen his turkey! The alphabet was having a party. All the letters were having a wonderful time, except for E. E complained about the food and whined about the food. He even told G she had put on weight and looked pregnant. He was getting on everyone’s nerves. B and C were talking in the corner. B said to C, “You know what E’s problem is? He has irritable vowel syndrome.” After being away on business for a week before Christmas, Tom thought it would be nice to bring his wife a little gift. “How about some perfume?” he asked the shop assistant. She showed him a bottle costing £30. “That’s a bit much,” said Tom so she showed him a bottle costing £10. “That’s still quite a lot”, said Tom, I’d like to see something really cheap.” At that point the assistant handed him a mirror. An elderly couple had just learned how to text on their mobile phones. While out, waiting for a friend, the wife texted a romantic message to her husband. “If you are sleeping, send me your dreams. If you are laughing, send me your smile, If you are eating, send me a bite. If you are drinking, send me a sip. If you are crying, send me your tears. I love you” The husband texted back:“I’m on the toilet. Please advise.” Wishing you all a very Happy New Year Keep smiling, Major Laugh
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Please pray for these members of our church family Shirlee Green Iris MacNally Miriam Weaver Alice Stiehler Mary Cobbett
. . . and also these past members Jenny Dibsdall, Barbara and Hnuna
Other subjects for prayer The Charity Shop, for committed volunteers, the right manager, the ministry to the public and the way forward Corps Council as they continue to seek God's vision for the Corps
PRAYER MEETING Everyone is invited to join with us on Sunday mornings for prayers at 10.30 am. We meet in one of the general purpose rooms and would be pleased to see as many of you as possible. God Bless Audrey
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The Christmas Story Community Carol Service 2013 Having shared a splendid buffet lunch the hall soon became a hive of activity as people sprang into action preparing the main worship area for the 2013 Community Carol Service. Just short of three o’clock the choir from St Andrew’s School, immaculate in their school uniform filed in, the band started to play as an introduction and we were soon underway. Lieutenant Debbie Pearson, who compared the afternoon, told us the choir had gone the extra mile as the school had already broken up for Christmas and strictly speaking they were now on holiday. Debbie also welcomed the Mayor of Woking, Councillor Anne Roberts – later that day she had another official engagement as she was due to attend a Christmas dinner so it was almost as though this was her ‘pre-dinner entertainment’. The afternoon was all about stories. The Christmas Story was obviously the main theme and this was recounted simply through readings from Scripture.
Mary and Joseph’s story was read to us by Gill Gregory with Dave Cox and Maurice Mayes reading the stories of the Shepherds and Angels and the Kings respectively.. The choir, with brilliant diction and clarity of sound sang ‘Jesus Child’ by John Rutter. This was followed by ‘Walking in the Air’ sung by Hamish Kerr which was just so beautiful with every word and note crystal clear. If Aled Jones was still a boy he would have to watch out! Before telling us the charities she is supporting during her Mayoral year, the Mayor told us some of her story - how she was a travel consultant by trade and had visited Manger Square in Bethleham. She also told of how she came to live in the area and became a councillor. Meeting so many different people and visiting and being involved with so many charities were just some of the privileges of being Mayor. The Mayor’s charities are Parkinson’s Research and the Woking Sam Beare Hospice and later
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in the afternoon she was overwhelmed when told that the sum of £438.92 had been raised. The second two songs from St Andrew’s School choir was firstly ‘Christmas Lullaby’ which was so gentle and came at the point of the afternoon when there could have been those heads that nodded and eyelids that became just oh so heavy! Mind you, sleep would soon have been shattered as ‘Ring out the Bells’, the choir’s second song was an explosion of sound and joy - how did the children get their tongues round all those words? Excellent, a song that left the congregation breathless let alone the choir. In her thought for the afternoon
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Debbie challenged the congregation about their place in the Christmas story. What if the various people in the Christmas story had refused to play their part and just dismissed it as so many do today?!! During the afternoon the Band gave excellent support to the carol singing and also contributed ‘Carol of the Bells’ and ’Rejoice’ and the Songsters sang ‘The Christ is Born’ and ‘GiftWrapped Love’. Then it was all over for another year - but somehow, away from the afternoon the sound of so many young voices singing enthusiastically through every carol was the lingering memory. Ted and Freda
Carols in the Care Homes Carol singing and playing came early once again this year so that we could at least visit three of our homes who were very anxious that we should start their Christmas festivities off in the right way. The first home was Kettlewell House , we had not been there before so they did not know how much room the band and songsters would require but we managed and they seemed to enjoy the evening .
The following week we went to Woking Homes where we are always welcome, it was lovely to see our Mary Cobbett, who lives there now. Our third visit was to Bourne Court where our Pearl Arneaud lives, we had lively time there with plenty of audience participation from one gentlemen who interspersed with funny jokes trying to outdo Jo. Who was the compere that evening!! Gill.
Apr il/May
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Financial Report The Christmas period is always a busy time for Salvationists and this year was no exception. Our efforts started with the Christmas Fair when just over £1000 was raised on the day, which, after expenses netted £845 towards our funds. Our efforts continued with the playing of Christmas Carols from the beginning of December right up to Christmas Eve. As always there was great appreciation for our music and we even ended up on You Tube this year! An
amount of £4,149 was raised, over £600 up from last year. This has been supplemented by other donations from an ever generous general public of approximately £600. As you will know this helps to finance the work we do in the community including the distribution of parcels to the needy at Christmas. Finally, the Community Carols Concert raised the sum of £515.52 for the Mayors Charity Appeal. Andy Stickland Treasurer.
Promoted to Glory Bill Green was born in 1935 in Brisbane Australia. From an early age he enjoyed learning and this was always important to him. He entered the training college at the age of 18years and was commissioned the following year. Shirley and Bill married in 1958. After some years they and their family moved to England and were appointed to Southend citadel corps. Later on they went back to Sydney, Australia before returning to Oxford then to Luton Temple before retiring in 2000. Bill lived with a sense of deep gratitude to God and always wished to give glory to God. Well done, good and faithful servant of Jesus.
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FUTURE DATES January Sunday 5th
11.00am
Morning Worship
Sunday 12th
11.00am
Morning Worship Commitment Sunday
Monday 13th
8.00pm
Sunday 19th
11.00am
Morning Worship
Sunday 26th
11.00am
Morning Worship
Sunday 2nd
11.00am
Morning Worship Launch of Self Denial Appeal
Sunday 9th
11.00am
Morning Worship
Sunday 16th
11.00
Morning Worship
Sunday 23rd
11.00am 6.00pm
Morning Worship Corps Fellowship Evening
Monday 24th
8.00pm
Corps Council Meeting
February
PCC Meeting at 58 Eastmead
Tribute to Muriel Jacubait Muriel died just before Christmas after suffering ill health for some time which prevented her from going out and about which she enjoyed doing every day. She was , for many years a member of the Home League and then a member of the Cameo club. Her family was always supportive of her links with the Army . Muriel was always a smartly dressed lady and she will be missed by her friends and neighbours. Margie Locke
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January/February
Sudoko Each vertical and horizontal line and each block of 9 squares will each have the letters ‘SaLVATION’ in them. The principle is exactly the same as Sudoko, but letters instead of numbers.
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January/February
A messy Christmas This was a Sunday that lived up to its name. Some people dressed up as nativity characters and some were based on Christmas. In one of the back rooms was a space for the children to colour and do
Zebedees a baby and parwere some ‘Messy’ crafts. The service proper commenced with music from the band and songsters. During the service we sang some well known carols and
January/February
were treated to a taste of Zebedees a baby and parent music group led by Amanda. Our own children (Allstars) shone beautifully with their own prayers. Thanks to Sue and team for organising this lovely event. Claire Brooks
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FLOWER LIST January 5
Ruth and Gordon Barker
12
Jan Reed
19
Pam Elliot
26
Rita Frankham
February 2
Jan Howlin
9
Claire Brooks
16
Peter and Louise Stickland
23
Ruth and Wendy
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Community Services Manager’s update November and December have gone by in a whirl to be honest. From the Christmas fair to the last food parcel going out it has been none stop. I really enjoyed the business of the Christmas fair, with many joining us to make it a great day all round. Thank you to every one who contributed in some way whether buying, selling, making, baking, traffic control or barista. The big wrap was a challenge for me this year, having gone digital. I am indebted to Andrew Cox for helping put a programme together to help in this. With a few tweaks it should get easier each year as we develop a good working system. It still takes a long time to input all of the lists and information, but if it helps the day go smoothly it has to be worth it. We had great teams on the Wednesday night and on the Thursday; we had new people join us which really made a difference to this big task. One of the agencies picking up the parcels on the Friday morning said how grateful her clients would be as it would
be all they would open on Christmas day, which puts things in perspective. I have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity this year, in giving food, gifts and money. It has been amazing to see so much coming into the hall and peoples willingness to help others. All our hall hirers have celebrated Christmas in different ways but with much food, even slimming world never cease to amaze me in what they tuck away. One of the lovely things to see is the build up of excitement in the children, always glad I don’t have to take them home, they are a joy watch and I have managed to pop into Bright Sparks as they have been doing cards and decorations and of course singing and story telling. As I look towards 2014 the diary is full of different bookings, groups and new opportunities to get to know new people and build relationships which will be great. I hope this new year proves to be a good one and that all we do will be God honouring as we continue to bring people into His house. Jan
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Life and Soul Meets at the Church 10.00am
January February
Friday Friday
10th 7th
24th 21st
Denvale Group Meets at Margi’s 2.30pm
January February
Thursday Thursday
9th 6th
23rd 20th
The Nomads Meet at Christine Hearn’s 7.30pm
January February
Thursday Thursday
9th 6th
23rd 20th
The Full Monty Meets for breakfast at various venues 9.00am
January February
Saturday Saturday
18th 8th
Calendar Girls Flexible days/times
Contact Rhona 01483 474079 or Margaret 01932 353739
Hearts and Crafts Meets at the Church 7.30pm
January February
Thursday Thursday
16th 13th
30th 27th
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Welcome In Charity Shop Over the past 10 years, the Welcome In has provided a great ministry in Horsell. During that time we have had a number of hard-working volunteers who have given their time and energy to ensure we can provide a much needed service to the people of Woking: reasonably priced clothing and goods, a listening ear, boosting the confidence of our volunteers, handouts to those who are in desperate need, as well as financing the ongoing community work at the hall. Last January we asked, via Tidings, if you would consider volunteering at the shop, as we had to close on a number of occa-
sions due to a lack of volunteers. Sadly, our volunteer numbers have not increased and as you are aware, we are currently without a manager. This is not the first time that this has happened. Over the past 3 months we have had to reduce the opening hours due to lack of manpower and each week we are struggling to keep the shop open. So we are asking for your prayers. What is the way forward for the shop? What is God saying to you about what we should do? Please pray and share your dreams and visions.
Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve A tranquil and peaceful atmosphere was created by the many candles around as we gathered for what was a first for our Church — Carols by Candlelight 11.30pm on Christmas Eve. About 36 spent the next 45minutes singing carols and listening
to readings. We were very pleased to greet some who attended for the first time. We greeted each other and the dawning of Christmas Day with joy and love. What a good way to celebrate our Saviour’s birth.
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What The Bible Says Revolution not Resolution. If we have entered into the new year by God's mercy, may I suggest we think very carefully before making resolutions. A new year’s resolution is usually a determination to follow a course of action. If you decide to change your commitments to God, then examine Proverbs 12:22 (NLT) The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. Surely such comments are over the top, in this context? Look at a few resolution we might decide to make. I'm going to spend more time in prayer. Why would you make such a decision? Is it because you are aware of your passed promises to pray for needy friends, or an awareness, that you are not spending enough time talking to God? Whatever your reason, if you're actually saying to God, I'm going to spend more time talking to You. This becomes a promise, and as such it must be honoured. Please note, this decision is a free will offering to God, not something you have been press ganged into. Perhaps you decide you need to become more familiar with the Bible. You will be wasting your time, if you're only after knowledge, without committing your self to apply what
you learn to your own life, and enable you to glorify God more fully. We ought to be thinking in terms of revolution, not resolution. Look at 2 Co 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Please note, there is no mention of becoming a new creature, in Christ Jesus, we are new creatures. Believe the Word of God and He will enable us to live according to His Word, through His gift of the Holy Spirit. Ro 8:14 , Gal 5:18 What is said about failure to keep a promise to God? In Nehemiah, we read of rich Israelites taking advantage of their poorer brothers. Nehemiah called them together and made them promise to right wrongs. Neh 5:12 ...Then I summoned the priests and made the nobles and officials take an oath to do what they had promised. 13 I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, "In this way may God shake out of his house and possessions every man who does not keep this promise. So may such a man be shaken out and emptied!" The Lord expects us to keep any promises we make to Him. It is much better not to make a promise, rather than break a promise to God. Eric
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Farewell to Richard came his 'special friend'.
For many years Richard has been part of Woking Corps, and he was a very familiar figure around Horsell and Woking. He made many friends during this time. I first knew Richard in September 1968, when I attended Ottershaw School, and Richard worked there. He was under the care of Botleys Park Hospital, near Chertsey, at this time. Then, later on, when I started to worship at the Salvation Army in Woking, in 1995, Richard remembered me from my schooldays, and then I be-
Richard always looks at the world with child like eyes, he likes to say hello to everyone, and his faith in God is childlike, too; firm and unquestioning. This has without doubt helped him through a rather tough life,after leaving the care of Botleys, he was housed in local authority accommodation, with a carer looking in on him from time to time. We also looked out for him, as best we could. some years ago, he started having his holidays at Dewdown House, in Weston Super Mare, and he would go there at Christmas, too.
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I would take him, and fetch him, most of the time. Well, he really enjoyed himself there! He fell in love with the home, and the good folk that work there! Sometimes he would be in tears when he came home, he liked it so much. He enjoyed himself so much that he wanted to live there on a permanent basis; easier said than done. After many meetings and negotiations going on behind the scenes, Richard at last had his dearest wish come true. Upon being given the good news, he smiled and said 'Well, I have been praying for this!' Richard moved to Dewdown House on Monday 23rd December, as we drove down there it was a very stormy day!
So, at last he is happy, he is being cared for properly. All the staff welcomed him so nicely when we got there, that was so nice to see. I am sure that we all wish Richard a happy 'retirement'. The beach donkeys will have a new friend now. Richard, we will all miss you, God bless and good luck! Dennis
Reading Half Marathon Andrew Cox is going to prove just how fit he is by taking part in the Reading Half Marathon, and I’m sure we all wish him well in this adventure. If you would like to sponsor him just go to:www.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewDCox The money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support and The Salvation Army
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Want to learn more? Each year The Salvation Army offer a number of training courses to help us all develop in our understanding of God, church and our own spiritual lives. If you are interested in any of the weekends below, please speak to Debbie for more information.
CROSSING THE DIVIDE 28th to 30th March 2014 A conference aimed at finding effective ways to lessen the impact of the ‘sacred secular divide’ on the everyday witness of God’s people. Venue: Kings Park Conference Centre, Northampton
TOGETHER - LIFE 25th to 27th April 2014 This event aims to explore ways in which Corps can more effectively ‘share life’ together. Venue: Kings Park Conference Centre, Northampton
PREPARING TO PREACH 17th to 19th October 2014 A weekend conference that offers training to non-officer personnel who cover meetings within their Corps, home divisions or as part of their work. Venue: Kings Park Conference Centre, Northampton
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Recipe Belgian Shortbread Ingredients Enough mixture for two flan cases. 1lb S.R. Flour. 8ozs Butter. rubbed in. 2pzs Caster Sugar. 2 tablespoons oil. 1 lightly beaten egg.
Method Divide mixture into two, Put second one in freezer for later use. Chill mixture in fridge for at least one hour. Grate half of the mixture into the flan case, cover with jam or mincemeat, then grate the rest of the mixture on the top. Bake for 30minutes at no.5. cool and dredge with icing sugar. ENJOY!!
We will be pleased to receive contributions for the next issue of “Tidings” from either members of our Corps Fellowship at Woking or from any who receive a copy through the post. Please send all contributions to:
Mrs Gill Gregory 38 Hermitage Woods Crescent St Johns, Woking GU21 8UE e-mail: gillandcedge@yahoo.co.uk or e-mail: peterfstickland@gmail.com
Please note The cut off date for the next issue of “Tidings” is
Sunday February 16th 2014