29th December 2019

ASHFORD COMMUNITY CHURCH

NEWSLETTER: 29^th December 2019

       FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

And so we come to the end of an eventful year.

There have been times of laughing and times of crying. People have been born, married and gone to “Glory”. There have been good times and there have been bad times. But, our God is ALWAYS good, ALWAYS knows what is best, and is ALWAYS with us no matter the circumstances of life.

It has been a very good year for Ashford Community Church. We have grown in number and we have grown in spirituality. God calls out to us still:

“Tell the people to move forward” (Exodus 14: 15 GNV)

We are called to look into the new year, 2020, and to press on, and to put behind us the things of the past (Philippians 3: 14) as we move towards our goal.

However, this week, it is good and right to reflect on all the wonderful things that God has done amongst us this year. Although we must not “dwell” in the past, it is right to remember God’s deeds and to “learn” from them. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God told Joshua to get 12 men to set up 12 stones by the Jordan so that they might stand as a memorial for all time – so that the people do not forget what God has done.

We will not forget.

‘In the future when your descendants ask their parents, “What do these stones mean?” ²² tell them, “Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.” ²³ For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over (Joshua 4: 21-23)

God bless

Peter

THIS WEEK:  “ Review of the Year 2019” We look back at the past year and hope that you come prepared to share some of the things that have blessed you, grown you or challenged you over the past year.

NEXT WEEK: “Our Vision 2020” Join us next week as we meet together on the first Sunday in 2020 and look forward to all that the Lord has in store for us and our community.

NEW YEAR WALK: On New Years Day why not join us for a walk followed by lunch in High Halden. Meet at Cloke Farmhouse, TN26 3BZ at 11am with suitable footwear as it will be muddy. Please let Steve and Dorothy know if you are coming today or by tomorrow at the very latest.  You can email them at  slynes956@aol.com

BIBLE STUDY: The next meeting will be on January 10^th at Church House.

LADIES FELLOWSHIP: The Ladies Fellowship meets fortnightly on Friday afternoons between 2pm & 3.30pm. The next meeting will be in the New Year. Date and venue TBA.

FELLOWSHIP MEAL: Please see last weeks’ notice sheet for information about the coming meal and help required and speak to Gill or Helen if you can help. Thank you.

LEARN TO SIGN: The BSL Sign Language course will recommence on Thursday 9^th January. Please speak to Alasdair if you would be interested in attending the course.

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.

FOODBANK: This still provides a very much needed service to people in our area so please, if you can, bring along any items and place them in the box provided. Thank you

STAMPS: Please place any used stamps in the box provided on the prayer table to help with the work of the Medical Mission. We are very thankful for the wonderful gift of so many stamps over the past couple of weeks – every one helps. And you can even donate whole collections.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

Weds 1^st         11:00  New Years Walk – see notice

Thurs 2^nd       19:30 – 22:00    East Kent Chorus

Fri 3^rd            09:30 – 10:30     Revival Prayer

Sat 4^th           09:00 – 10:00     Run in Victoria Park

Sun 5^th          10:30 – 12:00      Celebration Service

                                    Refreshments served from 10am

                                    Prayer in the Prayer Room from 10:10