ASHFORD COMMUNITY CHURCH

NEWSLETTER: 19th August 2018

        FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF SOLOMON: WISDOM – MORE PRECIOUS THAN RUBIES

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5)

Solomon was not the human choice – but he was chosen by God who had a purpose for his life – to be king over His people Israel. We might not be the natural, human choice, but God has chosen us because He has a unique plan and purpose for each one of us.

Solomon, realising this, recognised that he was like a “little child” and did not have the ability to govern God’s people. So, instead of asking for selfish desires when God offered him anything he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom – so that he KNEW what to do and what to say as he worked out his purpose for being chosen by God.

In the same way, we saw, last Sunday, that one of God’s greatest gifts to us is that of heavenly wisdom – given to us by the Holy Spirit – so that we might know the right things to do and say in each situation as we seek to serve Him and be good stewards of all that He has entrusted us with.

And how do we “get” this heavenly wisdom? Remember the “3 steps for wisdom” that were taken by Solomon in 1 Kings 3. Step 1: Seek – seek God and His wisdom with all of your heart. Step 2: Sacrifice – if you really want the wisdom of God then you will need to let go of all the things that you want in order to search for the things that God wants. Step 3: Serve – heavenly wisdom will be given to us by the Holy Spirit when we step out and serve Him in the areas that He has entrusted us with – be it our job, our family or our relationships.

Seek wisdom! God bless you all            Peter

TODAY: SOLOMON – SUMMER SEASON ALL-IN SERVICE

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

NEXT SUNDAY: SOLOMON – ALL-IN SERVICE

Part 4:  Man of Wisdom, Man of Foolishness

THE WEBSITE CHALLENGE: Have you been looking at the website daily? We are slowly going up the rankings so thank you to everyone who has. Things are changing on the site all the time, ironing out little problems and putting on more information. We will also be launching the “Church App” for your phone shortly so look out for that.

The website address is   www.ashfordcommuntychurch.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 last week? 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.

BIG CHURCH DAY OUT: We are planning to meet at Victoria Park after the service on Sunday 2nd September. Please join us for a time of food, fun and fellowship. Please bring your own picnic and garden chairs if you don’t want to sit on the grass.

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 21st        10:00 – 14:00   “Open Arms” with Ashford Vineyard

19:00 – 20:30    Worship Practice

Weds 22nd      09:30 -10:30      Weightwatchers in the main hall

19:30 – 21:00     Home Groups Socials

Thurs 23rd      19::30 – 22:00   East Kent Choir in the main hall

Fri 24th           09:30 – 10:30    Revival Prayer – Prayer Walk

Sat 25th          09:00 – 10:00    Park run in Victoria Park

Sun 26th         10:30 – 12:00     Celebration Service