ASHFORD COMMUNITY CHURCH

NEWSLETTER: 12th August 2018

        FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

 

Now that we are in our “summer season” I will not be sending out weekly sermon/teaching notes, but will be using the “pastor’s pen” page to highlight and draw our attention to the key lessons that we must learn from the life of the great King Solomon.

Last Sunday we learnt that he did not become king due to precedence, power or popularity but because he had been “chosen” by God. And he was chosen because his heart-attitude was right. Unlike his older brother, Adonijah, who wanted the power and prestige of kingship for purely selfish reasons, Solomon’s heart (as we shall see this week) was to fulfil his purpose of serving God in his generation.

Let us recognise that we have not been chosen because we are loved more, wiser, powerful, rich or influential – but because God has a purpose for our lives – and God sees our heart. Let us therefore rejoice in his calling on our lives and strive to live for Him, serve Him, be stewards of the riches with which He has entrusted us. We ARE a chosen people – let us live as such.

God bless you all

Peter

 

 

TODAY: SOLOMON – SUMMER SEASON ALL-IN SERVICE

Part 2: The wisdom of Solomon – and us!

NEXT SUNDAY: SOLOMON – ALL-IN SERVICE

Part 3: The Temple –  We have access into the very presence of God

THE WEBSITE CHALLENGE: Now that the new church website has gone live we want to set a challenge for everyone to log onto it every day in August, not only to see what is on there but to shoot it up to the top of the Google “hits”. If we can do this when others look for us online our site will be the first church they see.

The website address is    ashfordcommunitychurch.com

HARVEST SUPPER: As part of a new season of reaching out to the community we are planning to host various events that will show the love of God to those who live around us. Our first of these events on Saturday 6th October will be a Harvest Supper. This is an opportunity to invite neighbours, family and friends to our church for an evening of food, entertainment and to hear a guest speaker.

Have you seen the email that was sent out on Tuesday? There are lots of opportunities to get involved so please let the elders know if you can.

YOUTH WORK:  During August the Friday Youth Groups will be taking a break

HOME GROUPS: Normal house groups will not meet in August. Please check with Peter, Jim or Alasdair for details of meetings and venues,

REVIVAL PRAYER:   During August we will still be meeting on Friday mornings but we will be “Prayer Walking” around the neighbourhood. Please join us and walk – or stay in the church to pray.

 

LADIES FELLOWSHIP: Regular meetings have now stopped for the summer, however there may be some social gatherings in August and, if so, dates and venues will be announced. Our regular meetings will recommence on Friday 7th September.

RIDE + STRIDE: The Annual Ride+Stride event is on Saturday 8th September. We would like to keep the church open that day to welcome those taking part to our new “Ashford Community Church”.

If you can help by manning a desk for two hours on that day please would you sign up on the form available on the Prayer Table. If you require further information please speak to Owen.

FOODBANK: Please remember the Foodbank when you go shopping and place your items in the box provided in the church. There is a notice on the board with information about what is needed.

 

WHATS ON THIS WEEK

Tues 14th        10:00 – 14:00   “Open Arms” with Ashford Vineyard

19:00 – 20:30    Worship Practice

Weds 15th       9:30 -10:30      Weightwatchers in the main hall

19:30 – 21:00     Home Groups Socials

Thurs 16th      19::30 – 22:00   East Kent Choir in the main hall

Fri 17th           09:30 – 10:30    Revival Prayer – Prayer Walk

Sat 18th          09:00 – 10:00    Park run in Victoria Park

Sun 19th         10:30 – 12:00     Celebration Service