23rd February 2020

ASHFORD COMMUNITY CHURCH

NEWSLETTER: 23^rd February 2020

       FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

Do you remember that our theme last Christmas was the “Extravagance of God” in sending His Son, Jesus to earth? We spoke of His extravagant Love and His extravagant Peace – and of His extravagant Hope.

It is of this last promise that we were reminded by Chris on Sunday. We are all subject to “Life’s Battles” – they are common to all – whether it is illness or depression or fear or anxiety at work or worries over money or problems in our relationships.

With all that man endures I am always amazed at how the one without Christ can ever cope! Indeed, growing suicide rates suggest that man is NOT coping!

But, when we know that we are able to put our HOPE in Father God – and that it is an extravagant HOPE – one that is not deserved and which passes all understanding – then we are able to battle through.

Let us be encouraged by the experience of King Jehoshaphat (as described in 2 Chronicles 20:12) who when faced with the mighty armies of Amon and Moab cried out to God:

we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you

Our extravagant HOPE rests in our mighty and loving Father in Heaven – and this hope is for you.

God bless

Peter

THIS WEEK: “FROM THE HEART”.  Our brother Dudley Ward will bring the message this week. We look forward to hearing what the Lord has to say through him.

NEXT WEEK: 2020 Vision.  We continue looking at how we can all be equipped to serve the Lord. We focus today on those who are hurting.

FILM NIGHT: This Wednesday, 26^th February, there are no home groups. Instead we invite everyone to come along to the church for an ACC “Film Club” presentation when we are showing the film “The Shack”. Please bring friends and relatives if you are able. The film starts at 7.30pm but please come along from 7pm when refreshments will be served. There is no charge but any donations to help cover costs of refreshments etc. will be appreciated and a box for this purpose will be provided.

BAPTISM SERVICE: On Sunday 8^th March we will be having a Baptism during the service. Please come along and bring friends and family if you can.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS: We currently give our special offerings to The Gideons, Ashford Street Pastors, London City Mission, Open Doors, MAF, Tear Fund and Danielle Gilbert. We are currently looking to review this and possibly add others such as Christian Concern and Ashford Winter Night Shelter and Scripture Union. Please would you speak to Ernest before the 1^st of March if you have any views on who we should continue to support or not or who we should begin to support. Thank you.

BIBLE STUDY: The next Bible Study will be at 2.30pm on Friday, 6^th   March, at Church House. Everyone welcome.

LADIES’ FELLOWSHIP:. Ladies Fellowship meets fortnightly in various homes. The next meeting will be this Friday, 28^th February, at Gill’s. 

STREET-A-WEEK: We hope many of you have been praying this week for our neighbours in Francis Road. As announced last week we will be praying for a different street each week in the run up to Easter. This week we will be praying for Jemmett Road.

FOODBANK/STAMPS; Please place any food or stamps in the boxes provided. These contributions are always gratefully received so a big thank you to everyone.

PRAYER TABLE; Please help yourself to any literature that you might be interested in and other items available on the prayer table. Also, the donations box provided for voluntary offerings towards the purchase of Bloss coffee can be found on the prayer table.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

Mon 24^th           14:00 – 16:00     U3A Playreading Group         

Tues 25^th          11:00 – 14:00     Open Arms

                        19:00 – 20:30    Worship Practice

Weds   26^th       09:30 – 10:30    Weight Watchers

                        19:30 – 22:00    Film night  “The Shack”

Thurs 27^th        19:30 – 22:00     East Kent Chorus

                      19:00 – 20:30    Signing Course

Fri 28^th             09:30 – 10:30     Revival Prayer

                         14:00 – 15:30     U3A Singing for Pleasure

                        14:30 – 16:00     Ladies Fellowship

                      18:00 – 19:30     Pizza & Hot Topics      

Sat 29^th            09:00 – 10:00     Run in Victoria Park

Sun 1^st              10:30 – 12:00      Celebration Service

Refreshments served from 10am. Prayer in the Prayer Room from 10:10