We have had a huge response to the sad news of Grace’s robbery. Many people have asked if they can contribute to replacing the money stolen. This is very kind. We have been asked to share here where people can donate. If you would like to do this then please hand in a labelled envelope ‘To Grace’ to the office at The Salvation Army, Church Street or at the Harvestfield Furniture Project and we will make sure it is collates together and is given to Grace. You are all very kind, thank You.

PLEASE SHARE... We are sad to report our very own Amazing Grace (pictures here) was robbed Sunday afternoon in her own home! Thankfully Grace was unaware and was not injured. Those who know Grace know what sort of person she is, what a beautiful example of the Christian faith she is and what a gracious, sacrificial life she leads. At a phenomenal 96 years of old, Grace has over 50 years of volunteering with the British Legion and with The Salvation Army. She currently helps 4 days a week at our furniture Project and she is still an active walker! Truly amazing, which makes the robbery so much more painful. Whilst still in the house, unknown culprit(s) stole Grace’s handbag and purse. As a result Grace has lost around £100, many of her personal effects including bank and registration cards but most painfully for Grace, precious and sentimental photos of her family. And so, we make a plea on Grace’s behalf - if you discover a disgraced bag and/or purse please hand it in to the police in Berwick, Church Street. If you know of the whereabouts of these photos, again please hand into the Police. Grace being who she is, is concerned for the culprits well being, hoping they stop their life of crime. She is such an inspiration and, on here behalf, please...let’s try and get these photos back to her. Thank You.

Today we laid to rest our beautiful Lorna. She will be much missed but has left a lasting legacy that has impacted so many lives. Our Hall was full with around 120 Gathering to celebrate her live. She now rest with her Lord and the picture below show some of the lovely plants donated for our garden so we can look at them and think of Lorna...

Calling all parents and carers, Spare 5 minutes to watch this excellent video from the NSPCC, and just like you would talk to your children about stranger danger or road safety, help them protect themselves from abuse...

What a special day. Thank you to our local MP, Anne-Marie, for the invitation to join her at 10 Downing Street to mark the launch of a commission into the issue of loneliness in the UK - the legacy of the lovely Jo Cox MP who was sadly murdered in June 2016. It was an absolute privilege to meet her family, listen to the governments commitment to tackling this issue in all areas of life and to talk to dozens and dozens of individuals and organisation who, just like The Salvation Army, actively work so hard to tackle loneliness. In the words of The Prime Minister, “we can all play our part in tackling loneliness”. Who do you know that would benefit from a telephone call, a knock on the door or even taking out for coffee, drive or walk? Help break down the isolation and sadness that loneliness brings! God Bless.

Following on from Sunday and looking forward to this coming Sunday, I read this in my daily reflections and thought it may be useful to some. God Bless and have a great day living life to the full.... MATTHEW 12:46-13:17 1. Pursue intimacy Some dangerous cults have twisted the words of Jesus (12:50) to teach that becoming a Christian means severing relations with your family. This is not only dangerous, but also unbiblical. The fifth commandment is ‘honour your father and your mother’ (Exodus 20:12). In the New Testament, we are told that, ‘Anyone who does not provide for relatives, and especially for immediate family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever’ (1 Timothy 5:8). Yet Jesus shows here that there is something even more important than your relationship with your own family. Your supreme calling is to an intimate relationship with Jesus, doing ‘the will of the Father’ (Matthew 12:50). Jesus says, ‘Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother’ (v.50). His words speak of intimacy, permanence and acceptance – a relationship at the deepest possible level. You can have this amazing closeness to Jesus. Stay close to him each day and you will fulfil your potential. 2. Put down roots The highs of spiritual experiences are very important, but if they are not combined with deep spiritual roots there is the danger of shallowness, which can lead to falling away. Be aware of this pitfall. We can all fall away in our hearts even while we are doing the right things. Jesus talks about the seed that falls on shallow ground. It springs up quickly but withers because it has no root (13:6). Later on, he will explain that the person who has no roots lasts only a short time because they fall away when trouble or persecution come (v.21). Your spiritual roots are the parts of your life that no one else sees – your secret life with God. This includes your prayers, your giving and your thought life. If you want to fulfil your potential make sure you develop deep, strong and healthy roots in your relationship with God. 3. Protect your heart It is so easy for people to be distracted by the busyness of life. Many things can fill your life and push out time for God, church and other ways in which your spiritual roots could be developed. Again, this is a danger for us all. Jesus warned about thorns that choke the plant (v.7). Later on, he explains that the thorns are ‘the worries of this life’ and the ‘deceitfulness of wealth’ (v.22). Father, thank you that you call me into this intimate relationship with Jesus. Help me to put my roots down deep and to keep my eyes fixed on you. Help me to guard this relationship and never allow other things, even good things, to crowd in and choke my life.

Sunday our very own May Short will be leading worship. We are looking forward to the Holy Spirit turning up and doing amazing things. Following worship, over tea and coffee there will be a short presentation what it means to be a member of The Salvation Army as a soldier, an adherent or as a junior soldier. Come along and receive a warm welcome. God Bless.

At Kids club this week we considered the Armour of God from Ephesians 6. The beat way to cloth our young people as they deal with difficult lives and a chaotic world. Well Done Kids!

Shine Brightly.....

We can now confirm that, following a private committal Service at Tweedmouth cemetery, the funeral service of Thanksgiving for the life of Lorna Fisher will take place at The Salvation Army, Church Street, Berwick at 12:30pm on Monday 22nd January. All welcome. Our thoughts and Prayers remain with Lorna’s family and friends, including Dave and Wendy Ward as they support the family in preparations for the funeral.