10th March 2019

ASHFORD COMMUNITY CHURCH

NEWSLETTER: 10^th March 2019

       FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

And so we enter the time known as “Lent” [probably the Old English of “lengthen” referring to the days drawing out] – a time traditionally for “giving things up” – such as wine, or chocolate or coffee (why would you do this!!!) – acts done in remembrance of Jesus who was about to give up His life for us – because of His great love for us.

But, maybe what we should be giving up are not “things” but “attitudes” – our selfishnesses and self-centredness – thereby putting the needs of others before our own – this is more in the way of Christ.

And maybe rather than seeing it as “Christ gave UP His life for us” we should see it more as “Christ GAVE His life for us”. Lent, I believe, is about changing our attitude to that of Christ – giving ourselves for our brothers and sisters, serving our family in Christ here at ACC and beyond.

Within 4 weeks we aim to see Deacons established in our church – there is more info about this in an email to the church family. Deacons are, as we have seen, servants of the church – there to make sure that the family are well-cared for in the most practical of ways. They are truly “givers” of themselves for the needs of others.

Maybe God is calling YOU to be a servant of the church family. What will you do if you are approached by others who feel that you are called and gifted in this way? Will you embrace the spirit of Lent and rise up to serve? It will be challenging and, in some ways, just a little scary. But, knowing the Truth that God is with you and His calling is upon you, then you shall do well!

Be willing to give this Lent. Be willing to give to care for the church family.

God bless you all

Peter

TODAY:  “Put on the full armour of God” – Part 3: “The Breastplate of Righteousness” – so, what’s that all about then???

NEXT SUNDAY:  A special service being led by Ernest – let’s look forward to seeing what God has laid on his heart…

FAMILY DAY OUT:  “A walk in the woods” 23^rd March. Due to the closing of the wood in order to help it “recover” this walk has unfortunately had to be cancelled. HOWEVER, on Easter Monday – the 22^nd April – it has been suggested we have a family walk along the Stour from Chartham to Canterbury and then all meet in a local coffee house for refreshments. We need someone to volunteer to arrange this – let the elders know if this person is you!

SPECIAL PRAYER MEETING: On Wednesday 13^th March housegroups will be suspended and we will all meet in the church to pray for God’s guidance as we seek His will for the choosing of deacons. Please try to be there. An information email being sent to all those who are part of the church family should be read carefully before this meeting. We are progressing the church vision for 2019!

EASTER SERVICES: These are fast approaching. Note that on Wednesday 17^th April we are showing the Hollywood blockbuster “Risen” starring Joseph Fiennes in the main hall. This will be free of charge and we encourage you to invite family and friends along.

MEN’S WEEKEND AT SIZEWELL: Next Sunday a good number of the men of the fellowship will not be here as they will be away in Sizewell. Pray for us – for spiritual renewal and warm weather!

YOUNG PEOPLE AND RE-FUEL: Have a look at the poster on the Prayer Wall – the next young people’s meeting will be at the Riverside Centre on the 31^st March

AUDIO SERMONS AND NOTES: Wherever possible all audio recordings and sermon notes can now be found on the church website. These are viewable in the ‘Sermons’ tab shown at the top of the page. All audio recordings are also available on the App.  Also the PowerPoint pictures for the Look back to 2018 and Vision for 2019 are on there, along with the audio and notes.

LADIES FELLOWSHIP: The next Ladies Fellowship meeting will be on Friday 15^th March at Gill’s. A time for ladies of the fellowship to meet with one another for a time of sharing and prayer.

FOODBANK: Please remember the Food Bank when you go shopping. Tinned and non-perishable items are always wanted and a complete list of acceptable items is available if you need it.

MEDICAL MISSIONARY NEWS: Please remember to save your used postage stamps and put them in the box on the prayer table.

 

                     WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

 

Mon 11^th           10:00 – 12:00  U3A Memory Course

Tues 12^th          10:00 – 14:00  Open Arms

19:00 – 20:30  Worship practice

Weds 13^th         09:30 – 10:30   Weight Watchers

19:30 – 21:00   Special Prayer meeting in the church hall

Thurs 14^th        19:30 – 21:00    East Kent Chorus in main hall

Fri 15^th                         09:30 – 10:30   Prayer

14:00 – 15:00   U3A Singing for Pleasure

18:00 – 19:30   “Pizza and Hot Topics” at Church House

All weekend: Men’s weekend at Sizewell

Sat 9^th             09:00 – 10:00   Park Run in Victoria Park

Sun 10^th             10:30 – 12:00   Celebration Service  (Coffee from 10:00)