ASHFORD COMMUNITY CHURCH
NEWSLETTER: 2ND SEPTEMBER 2018
FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN
LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF SOLOMON: WE MUST REMAIN TOTALLY DEVOTED TO GOD
How could a man who was given so much wisdom by God become so foolish towards the end of his life? I Kings 11 tells the story of Solomon being led astray by his infatuation towards his wives and concubines (1000 in all!!!). Rather than stay true to his Lord, who had always been so good to him, he began to follow after ways that were wrong – and which ultimately led to the division of his kingdom into two.
The cause, as we saw in our talk last Sunday, was that he succumbed to the “3 P’s of Foolishness”: firstly, he began to think that he could maintain his POWER through political alliances with neighbouring countries rather than through trusting in the God from whom all his power came; secondly, maintaining popularity with PEOPLE became more important to him than obeying the wise direction of God who forbade intermarriage with foreigners for the very reason that it was likely to “turn his head”; thirdly PLEASURE, in the form of wealth and women, became a bigger draw to him than God. His foolishness led to his losing everything.
And the lesson for us? God has given us SOOO much – everything in fact – our eternal lives, the Spirit of wisdom so that we are able to do all things, and an incredible relationship with Him. It is time to give ourselves a “spiritual health check” to ensure that these things (our work and position, our relationships, and our hobbies and pleasures) are not more important to us than our relationship with God. And if it is???
Cont’d overleaf
Cont’d
Well – it is not too late…
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14)
God bless us all
Peter
TODAY: ALL-IN SERVICE PARABLES
September has arrived! This week we recommence our monthly ‘All in’ services looking at the parables of Jesus.
NEXT SUNDAY: – FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
We start a new series looking at The Fruits of the Spirit and we begin by looking at ‘Love’.
HARVEST SUPPER: We have been unable to book a “caller” for a Barn Dance so we will postpone this excellent idea till later. So, watch this space to see how we plan to celebrate the harvest this year.
REVIVAL PRAYER: Please join us on Friday mornings if you can as we ‘Prayer Walk’ the boundaries of our church. If you don’t want to walk you can stay in the church to pray for those who are. church to pray.
RIDE + STRIDE: If you can help by manning a desk at the church on Saturday 8th September please sign the form on the prayer table. Don’t worry if someone is already covering the slot you want, it is good to have more than one person at each session!
RE:FUEL: WORSHIP NIGHTS RUN BY YOUTH: FUELLED BY GOD
The next meeting will be held at Willesborough Baptist Church on Sunday 23rd September from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Doors open at 6pm
The theme is “New Beginnings” and all young people are welcome for an evening full of games, prayer and praise.
PANTO: If you ordered tickets for the panto in January can you please let Helen have the money by the 16th September. Thank you.
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 4th 10:00 – 14:00 “Open Arms” with Ashford Vineyard
19:00 – 20:30 Worship Practice
Weds 5th 09:30 -10:30 Weightwatchers in the main hall
19:30 – 21:00 Home Groups
Thurs 6th 19::30 – 22:00 East Kent Choir in the main hall
Fri 7th 09:30 – 10:30 Revival Prayer – Prayer Walk
14:00 – 15:30 Ladies Fellowship at Endee’s
19:30 – 21:30 Friday Youth Night at the church
Sat 8th 09:00 – 10:00 Park run in Victoria Park
10:00 – 18:00 Ride & Stride – see notice in church
Sun 9th 10:30 – 12:00 Celebration Service
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