Inside this issue: Page 3

Update

Page 4

What’s on

Page 5

Flower List, Rotas.

Carol singing with

the songsters

Corps Finances

Christmas Fayre

Page 6

Natural Church

Development

Dekamile update

Page 7

Christmas messages

Page 8

Christmas Lights

Charity Shop

Ladies retreat

Page 9

Boundless

Page 10

Your prayers are

needed!

Page 11

Prayer Page

Page 12

Corps Programme.

Activities

Pastoral Care Coun-

cil

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army Letchworth Garden City

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2014

www.letchworthcorps.co.uk www.facebook.com/LetchworthSalvationArmy

We often see images of Jesus in our churches.

Sometimes the images are paintings, or stained

glass windows, of his life with the disciples, feeding

the hungry, carrying little children in his arms, or

teaching people. Many times the image is of him

dead on a Cross. Often the image is of him as a

baby, in the arms of his mother Mary. It’s the

image of Jesus as a baby that we see most often at

Christmas.

Christmas is the celebration of the coming of Jesus

our Saviour into the world. But Christmas without

the rest of the story of Jesus makes a nonsense of

who he was and why he came.

Imagine if you went to my funeral service, and the

only thing they talked about was the joy and

excitement of my birth. Imagine people showing

photos of me as a baby in the arms of my mother

and talking about my birth, but never mentioning

anything else about my life. My birth doesn’t say

everything about who I am.

The Christmas story of the birth of Jesus is only part

of the whole story. It’s the beginning of a story that

encompasses all of his life, and beyond. For

Christians, even more important than his birth or his

Cont’d on Page 2

2

Cont’d from page 1

life, was his death. Read the gospel accounts and count up how many

pages are given over to describing his death. But even the death of

Jesus isn’t the end of his story. The gospels also talk about his

resurrection.

Yet, death wasn’t the end for Jesus. He came alive again and ascended

into heaven. But even the ascension isn’t the end of the story of Jesus.

The Bible tells us he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

He’s coming back to take those who believe he is the Son of God, who

will live with him for all eternity. We can’t just take the Christmas

segment and leave the rest. The Jesus of Christmas is the Jesus who

walked this earth as a man. The Jesus of Christmas died on a Cross for

the sins of the world. The Jesus of Christmas rose from the dead and is

coming back to this earth one day. The Jesus of Christmas isn’t just a

baby in a manger. He’s much, much more.

So, how much more does Jesus mean to you? How much of you is He

still to have. If we truly believe that Christmas is a time of giving and

receiving, then why not, in receiving His love in Jesus this Christmas,

give yourself to Him completely?

Maria and I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New

Year.

Barrie

3

Update

Congratulations

to Brian Smith, who celebrates his

60th birthday on 8th December.

On the move

Gemma and Max Rogers have

recently moved and their new

address is:-

28 Coppen Road,

Hampton Vale,

Peterborough,

Cambs

PE7 8JR

Mark and Anjuli Clayden are also

moving and from 7th

December will be at:-

30 Townfield Court,

32 Horsham Road,

Dorking,

Surrey

RH4 2JE

We wish them all every blessing in

their new homes.

Post Box

The Christmas Post Box is now

available in the foyer. Please

remember to post only those

cards which are addressed to

those members of our fellowship

who attend regularly, otherwise

the cards may not be received by

the addressees. Thank you for

your understanding.

Poinsettia Plants

You can bring a poinsettia plant in

memory of someone to be displayed

in the main hall over the Advent and

Christmas period. They make a lovely

addition to our worship.

Help at Christmas

The food and toy parcels which we

distribute every Christmas to families

in need in the area are much

appreciated by those who receive

them. If you would like to help make

up these parcels, they are being

prepared on the mornings of 16th

and 17th December (10am). If you

are able to help please add your

name to the list in the foyer.

Thank you.

Standing Days

We have two standing days at

Sainsbury’s this month on the 10th

and 23rd, which will contribute to the

2015 Annual Appeal. If you are able

to help with this ministry, please let

Barrie or Maria know.

Thank you

Doreen, mother of Lorraine Gill,

would like to thank friends in the

corps for the card and flowers and for

their messages of support and

prayers during and following

Lorraine’s road traffic accident.

Lorraine is well on the way to

recovery.

4

Christmas Programme 2014 November 29 9.45am Carolling at Royston 6.45pm Band at the Town Square—Christmas lights and Carols 30 10am — First Sunday in Advent, Toy Service—Commanding

Officers 11.45am Band at Monread Lodge, Woolmer Green

December 1 Ladies Fellowship 5 8pm band at MS Society Carols, Norton Methodist Church 6 09.45am Band Carolling at Letchworth 7 10am Advent service - Commanding Officers 3pm Spirella Civic Carol Concert with Pixmore Junior School 8 Over 60s Christmas Meal 9 Parent & Toddler Group party 10 Standing Day at Sainsburys Letchworth 11 7pm Songsters Carolling at homes 13 09.45am Band Carolling at Stevenage 14 10am Advent service - Steve and Ann Hambides 11.45am Band at St. Catherines 13 Over 60’s Carol Service 16 10am Preparation of toy parcels 7pm Songsters Carolling at homes 17 10am Preparation of food parcels 20 10.30am Carolling at Letchworth, outside Cuthberts in Eastcheap 21 10am Messy Church Carol Service 11.45am Band at Osborne Court 2.30pm Band at Bickerdickes Garden Centre 23 Standing Day at Sainsburys Letchworth 24 6.30pm Band on Jackmans Estate 24 11.15pm Candlelight Carol Service 24 10.15am Band at Lister Hospital House groups will not be meeting during December.

What’s on?

5

October 2014

Income Cartridges 2761

Offerings 271

Harvest (75%) 1208

Other Corps Income 635

Corps Income 4875

Charity Shop Income 1340

Total Income 6215

Expenditure

Charity Shop 365

Corps 3859

Total Expenditure 4224

25% of our Harvest giving goes to

DHQ towards the Divisional Mission

Fund which supports smaller corps in

the division with capital expenditure

for mission opportunities.

Christmas Fayre

The Christmas Fayre raised a

sum of £1398.11. A big thank you

to all who were involved and sup-

ported in whatever way.

£

Over 60’s tea 120.70

Door 21.47

Toys 66.00

Ladies Fellowship 139.00

Mercia and friends 204.00

Cakes 203.60

Band 86.86

Songsters 271.40

Refreshments 271.08

Santa’s Sack 14.00

Total 1398.11

FLOWERS

Thank you to those who bring the

flowers which add so much to

our worship from week to week.

Flowers during December will be

brought by:

7 Janet Burchell

14 Janice Clark

21 Rod and Lyn Clayden

28 Jackie Roberts

TEA & COFFEE

Thank you to those who serve

tea and coffee after our meetings

and add to our fellowship.

Refreshments during December

will be served by:

7 Jacky Clayden & Joyce

Birkett

14

21

28

Carol Singing with the Songsters

The Songsters will be singing carols at various sheltered

residences on Thursday 11th December and Tuesday 16th

in December. You are very welcome to come along and

join them in this lovely ministry. Just have a word with the Songster

Leader, Alison Carver, if you would like to take part.

6

Dekamile For a couple of years or so, people in

our fellowship, including Over 60

members, have been supporting the

charity Dekamile. Part of that support

has been the making of soft toys for

the children of the village, Agome

Sevah, and they have been sent out at

regular intervals and much appreciated

by the children. This recent photo from

Togo shows children in the village,

complete with doll!

More information about the work of

the charity in Togo can be found on

their website

Dekamile.co.uk

Gerald Birkett

NCD - Natural Church Development

Where are we?

One or two have asked about Natural Church Development and

whether or not it is still a ‘live’ issue as far as our church is concerned.

The short answer is ‘Yes’, it is still our intention to follow the processes

of NCD as it is a useful tool in assessing where a church is in its

spirituality.

There have been a number of reasons why NCD has lost pace, but I am

hopeful that we can recommence our journey in the New Year.

Maureen Carver has concluded her time as our ‘champion’, our thanks

were offered at the summer Corps Council. So, here is an opportunity

for somebody to rise to the challenge of NCD and take us on into 2015.

I will say however, that this cannot be officer led, it needs to be

someone from within the fellowship itself. So if you think that this

could be you and you care about our church and its spiritual growth as

well as valuing NCD then please speak up! Barrie

7

Our wish for you all is that the joys and delights of this Holy Season will remain with you through the coming year.

Maureen & Geoff Carver

Bob & Theresa Dearman send their love and wish all past and present members of Letchworth Corps a Blessed Christmas and a Peace-ful New Year.

Love and Christmas Greetings to you all from Joy and Rodney Beacham 42 Lissenden 1 Burton Road Branksome Park Poole BH13 6DS rodney.beacham@btinternet.com

Christmas MessagesChristmas MessagesChristmas MessagesChristmas Messages

Wishing all our friends at Letchworth a happy and blessed Christmas, God Bless you all, Dave & Averil Wade xxx

GREETINGS FROM SOMERSET! Keith and I would like to say how much we appreciate receiving the Newsletter each month and to hearing all about you and what is happening at Letchworth. In this December edition we would like to send Christmas Greetings to you all and pray that God will come very near to each one of you and that Letchworth Corps will go on from strength to strength in the New Year. May God Bless each and every one of you as you continue in the Lord's work. Keith & Gillian Manning Majors

8

Ladies Retreat—Walking Worthy

On the 7th

November, five ladies from our corps travelled to Chelmsford for the

Divisional Ladies Retreat Day. We spent the day considering what it means to

‘walk worthy of the Lord’ and what the outcome of a worthy walk might be

using Colossians 1: 9-14, which outlines some characteristics of a worthy walk.

The day began with worship and Major Carol Frederiksen (Enfield) led a session

focussing closely on the bible verses. Annie Howlett Foster (Cambridge) contin-

ued the theme leading a lively session of interactive activities. A delicious hot

buffet lunch gave us time to enjoy fellowship and reflect on the morning.

After lunch we chose different options, some of us taking part in a gospel choir

and some in a craft activity. There was also time to explore displays and a gift

stall and to use the wonderfully peaceful Prayer Room.

The final worship session included an item from the Gospel Choir and an

opportunity to respond to the challenges we had considered during the day.

On our journey home we experienced an awesome sunset over the country-

side. A truly blessed day!

Charity Shop

Our Charity Shop is still ticking along but is still in need of support both dur-

ing the week and at weekends. Can I remind you again that this is a great

way for us to outreach in our community with people coming freely into the

shop day by day. All you need to do is smile, be polite, and be willing to get

involved with the day to day activities. If this could be you, and you want to

keep the public face of The Salvation Army visible in your town, please get

involved. Barrie

On Saturday 29th November

Major Barrie with the band led

carol singing following the

switching on of the Letchworth

Christmas lights.

A large number of people

stayed to join the singing.

Members of the band are pic-

tured with celebrity guest, Kim

Wilde

9

The 150th

Anniversary Congress of The Salvation Army will take place in London,

from 1st

– 5th

July, 2015. Nearly 16,000 Salvationists from 126 countries will unite

under the theme “BOUNDLESS: The Whole World Redeeming”. The five days of

Congress will be focused on ‘commemorating the past, celebrating the present, and

innovating for the future’ of The Salvation Army. The Congress Office has

recognised that much help is needed from volunteers over the course of the five

days and is reaching out to us - soldiers, adherents, and friends of The Salvation

Army - for help!

Boundless Volunteers will be essential team members who are the face of Congress

and who help make this historic event happen. The Congress Office will need the

help of volunteers in various roles including greeters, volunteers at information and

registration desks, Boundless Buddies, translators and more. (Boundless Buddies

will serve as a host and guide to a group of Sponsored Delegates during its time in

the UK.)

The Congress Office is reaching out to willing and energetic individuals to be

Boundless Volunteers. All volunteers will receive comprehensive training so no prior

experience is necessary. Events of the Congress will be spread across multiple

venues and many days. For this reason, volunteers will receive varying assignments

and are asked to be available from 29 June – 5 July, 2015. For individuals who speak

a language in addition to English, the Boundless Buddy role could be a great fit. As

many of our Sponsored Delegates are not proficient in English, foreign language

skills are a plus.

Boundless Volunteers will gain new skills, meet new people, and be a part of

history! To ensure that each volunteer is prepared for their role, training will be

provided. While in London for the week of the Congress, each volunteer will receive

a free 7-day public transport Travelcard. Meals, refreshments, and a volunteer vest

will also be provided. Volunteers will also receive an exclusive Boundless Volunteer

commemorative badge to keep as recognition of their service to the International

Congress.

For more information or to register your interest in volunteering, go to on the

Boundless website boundless2015.org/boundless/volunteer

Or speak to the Corp’s Congress Liaison Officer, Stuart Elliott

10

YOUR PRAYERS ARE NEEDED!

Last week at Songster practice in our devotions, we were challenged

to pray for the young people of our church. Specifically, we were

challenged to pray for new children to come into our fellowship.

The question was asked, “Why do so few children come to church?”

And the follow up question? “Have you prayed for them to come?”

It was suggested that we should pray like Hannah. Hannah, the wife

of Penniel (as recorded in the Book of Samuel) was childless, a

shameful position for a wife in the culture of those days, as children

were so vital to secure the future for the family, the tribe, the na-

tion. In desperation Hannah was driven to pray, to pour out her soul.

Her prayer was so urgent , so passionate, that Eli, the priest, thought

she was drunk! So this was the first recorded invitation to pray

passionately for children to know that they are part of God’s family.

Hannah’s prayer was answered. She gave her son, Samuel, back to

God and he became prophet and leader of God’s people.

So we have been invited to pray for children to come into our

fellowship and become part of God’s family here.

We are asking you to include this vital prayer NOW to your daily

prayers. It is good to focus on children. As a church family, we are

incomplete if we do not have children with us. Pray like Hannah!

Pray passionately for children for our church family. Pray for our

members who work with the children. Pray for our older youth who

are stepping up to work with the children who come through our

doors.

11

PRAYER IS THE CHRISTIAN’S

VITAL BREATH

Please continue your prayers for members and friends including:-

Don Spearman, Kate Graby, Sylvia Woodward, Sam Sweetman, Vi Stevenson,

Phyliis and Ave Brock, Ina Horder, Shelia Hazell, Arthur Birch and his family,

Robin (Mercia’s brother-in-law), Lorraine Gill and her family, Anne Ford, John

Walton, Graham Hobbs, Rosemary Parry and family.

Majors Barrie and Maria and our Corps leaders, General Adre Cox,

The Stevenage Salvation Army Corps

The persecuted Christian Church throughout the world.

Question:-

Who is he in yonder stall

At whose feet the shepherds fall?

Answer:-

Tis the Lord! O wondrous story

Tis the Lord, the king of glory!

At his feet we humbly fall,

Crown him, crown him Lord of all.

As people strip away the

Christmas wrappings, may they

find your precious gift of love

within. Amen

Jesus our Prince of Peace, we

pray that every time a carol is

sung, a Christmas greeting

spoken, a nativity play

performed, that your name be

honoured and glorified, and

that hard hearts be melted to

receive you afresh.

Amen

Lord, I pray that your spirit of

truth and love will fill the hearts

of those for whom Christmas has

no meaning. Amen

12

Corps Programme Sunday

10am Holiness Meeting

11.15 Young Children’s

Church (3rd Sunday

monthly)

11.30am Outreach

6.30pm Letchfold Youth

Monday

2.15pm Silver Circle Club

7.45pm Ladies Fellowship

(1st Monday monthy)

Tuesday

10am Parent & Toddler Group

8pm Senior Band Practice

Wednesday

7.45pm House Group Meetings

Thursday

7.45pm Songster Practice

Friday

6.30pm JAM Club (5-12 years)

6.30pm Dance/Timbrels

Saturday

10am Messy Church

(1st Saturday monthly)

You are invited to attend any of our

Services or Activities.

Should you require any further

information please contact:

Corps Officers

Majors Barrie and Maria Sampson

Tel: 01462 683247

Silver Circle Club

Majors Barrie & Maria

Tel: 01462 683247

Ladies Fellowship

Mrs Maureen Carver, Secretary

Tel: 01462 631685

Parent & Toddler Group

Mrs Janet Richardson

Tel: 01462 686443

Charity Shop

Tel: 01462 485415

JAM (Youth) Club

Mrs Jacky Clayden

Letchfold Youth

Mrs Jacqui Clayden

Tel:07885438662

PASTORAL CARE COUNCIL Major Barrie Sampson

Major Maria Sampson

Corps Sergeant Major Nick

Carver

Assistant CSM Stuart Elliott

Songster Leader Alison Carver

Corps Secretary John Clayden

Bandmaster David Fisher

Corps Youth Sec Jacqui Clayden

Corps Treasurer Philip Fisher

LETCHWORTH CORPS

MISSION STATEMENT

To Worship and glorify God, and

to bring others to a faith in Jesus

Christ. To be a vibrant and wel-

coming church fellowship, active

in the community, where needs

are met, and where ALL will feel

comfortable in the embrace of

Christian love.