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Community Donation County Councillor Chris Capon enjoys listening to music and can be
seen most Sundays through the spring, summer and autumn listening to the
bands that appear on Hythe Oaklands Bandstand.
One of those bands is our very own Corps/Church brass band and when Councillor Capon heard
that we also have one adult and 10 children learning to play musical
instruments, and others on a waiting list, he donated £500 to the band by way of encouragement, from his
Community Fund.
A grateful Bandmaster Richard Carroll attended the presentation at Hythe
Youth Club, to receive the cheque along with representatives from other
organisations who are involved in the community, making Hythe the unique
place it is.February 2010 |
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Under 16's Tournament Our church now has a football club which has grown and is now split into two age groups! Having been established for a little over 2 years we have found ourselves with enough over 16-year-olds to enter a team into the East Kent Church League for men....impressive in itself and you can keep up to date with their progress by clicking here! But while that formed, we recently started again from scratch, and within the last 5 months our under 16's group has now grown to about 8 members, giving us enough to enter them into their first 6-a-side tournament! Unfortunately they didn't win...but it was their first time playing as a team together...and their deportment and behaviour on and off the pitch was exemplary and we are truly proud to have them represent The Salvation Army of Hythe. February 2010 |
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& Junior Soldier Enrolment It was a day of celebration as the KidZone (Sunday School) had their annual prize-giving awards, where the children are given Bible books to encourage their development, and the leaders are thanked publically for all their wonderful youth ministry . The service was entitled 'Be Strong' and the Star Wars theme was used to help present the Bible message based on words God gave to the Bible character called Joshua as he became the leader of the Israelites, taking them into the promised land. The congregation were encouraged to similarly be bold and strong in our Christian faith. During the service Joshua Layton was enrolled as a Junior Soldier by his grandma, Major Margarita Layton. The courage to 'be strong' was exemplified as Joshua then read out his promise to God before singing 'Jesus loves me' as a duet with his sister for his testimony. After the service the KidZone played some games before having dinner together. KidZone is for 3 - 12yrs, and is a modern version of Sunday school with games, crafts, refreshments, and Bible teaching. If you would like to join then either come along one Sunday, or else get in touch for more details: Phone: 01303 268792 Email: phil@hythesalvationarmy.org.uk February 2010 |
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To round off the Christmas season it was once again our great pleasure and privilege to host a Christmas Day Meal: including a 4-course dinner, live musical entertainment, and a packed tea to go home with. The guests were locals who simply wanted and/or needed to be with us and enjoy each others company on this day, and everyone added to the friendly atmosphere. The meal was preceded by a service of Christmas Praise with a message on the importance of Jesus' incarnation. Captains Karen and Phil would like to use this space to emphasise their extreme gratitude to the small army of volunteers who helped in so many ways to make this day special....thank you! December 2009 |
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at the Rare Breeds Centre While most of the country stayed at home watching news reports about the snow and ice which was hampering travel...we took the band off to the Rare Breeds Centre to lead a Carol Service in an open barn! Those who braved the weather sang the carols superbly, laughed graciously at the jokes, and clapped accordingly as all ages had a go at playing the timbrel. December 2009 |
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A full hall enjoyed an evening of fine music, traditional carols, and a Christmas message all wrapped within a warm atmosphere of fun and fellowship. The evening was led by Bandmaster Richard Carroll, and came to a climax as the songsters sang 'Come to the Cradle' with children creating a nativity scene before Captain Phil spoke of the need to identify who the baby Jesus is and His relevance to our lives, followed by Wes Carroll sensitively playing through a Christmas Piano Meditation 'Who is He?' (Click here to watch this on video) In a collection over £260 was raised for The Salvation Army's work in developing countries where education is desparately needed. December 2009 |
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for the Late Night Shoppers As per the every year over the last couple of decades the band from The Salvation Army played carols while the Chamber of Commerce encouraged shops in the High Street to keep their doors open during unusual hours. Members from the Churches Together in Hythe and Saltwood also came and sang some carols as a witness. December 2009 |
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Two delightful Christmas carol services in one day made full use of our church hall as the morning service featured our Parent and Toddler groups, led by Captain Karen, followed in the afternoon by our youth leader Wendy bringing us the KidZone (Sunday School) service. Both events were examples of how simple and yet profound the Christmas story really is...accessible in its fullness to both toddler and adult alike. The morning service included a real life baby Jesus in the manger (as per tradition!) as well as a story told by Bertie the sheep, while the afternoon event included various musical contributions as well as a traditional Nativity play. The Kidzone supporters also raised £80 for The Salvation Army's work in developing countries where education is desparately needed. A video including photos from these events can be viewed by clicking here December 2009 |
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 Click to watch video |
begins with residential community homes... The Christmas season has arrived when the band start travelling across the community to play carols with evenings of fun, laughter, music, singing, and the all-important Christmas message. This video demonstrates our efforts to make use of this wonderful season as it shows photos from our visits to Terry's Place (Pym House), Captain's Court, and Homepeak House. Bandmaster Richard Carroll leads the events with his usual skill and good humour, backed up by the band-team, but the events also rely on the fantastic reception we have received at these venues. We pray that the message we bring will find a resting place within the hearts of all who hear, so that this may indeed be a truly meaningful Christmas. December 2009 |
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@ Canterbury Salvation Army Once again our church and its music sections travelled to take its Songs of Praise to a sister church...this time to Canterbury Salvation Army. In addition to the brass band, the songsters, and the growing Shepway Community Gospel Choir, we shared in songs and testimony as young Tallis Kite was enrolled as a Junior Soldier of The Salvation Army - professing his faith and promising to try his best to walk closely with Jesus. The band and songsters from Canterbury Corps united with ours on two occasions and a message was delievered once more given glory to God through our music , Word, and songs of praise. November 2009 |
 Click to see full size collage  Click to see full size photo |
 Click to see collage |
Home made cakes, face-painting, new quality goods, children's toys and a warm, friendly environment enticed our town folk into the annual Christmas Coffee Morning and Sale which has raised over £1000. A large amount of this was raised through donations (financial and/or stock) made from our own High Street shops. The atmosphere within the sale was typically buoyant, with hot refreshments available along with good humour and the usual dose of teamwork! November 2009 |
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On this day we remembered again those who have provided for us through their sacrifice. May we continue to thank God for them, for those who strive for our freedom and security today, and for future generations who will also get involved as peacemakers through our armed forces. Ultimately, may this day of Remembrance cause us to dwell on the greatest act of self-sacrifice, given by God Himself, as the Prince of Peace was rejected, killed, and then rose again victorious. Jesus, the Prince of Peace alone gives true peace of mind. All who trust in Him have the assurance of salvation, and the promise of an eternity of peace with Him in heaven. November 2009 |
 Click to see full size collage Eric Godden laying the wreath of remembrance and through The Salvation Army's salute acknowledging that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. |
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October 2009 marks the 25th Anniversary of our Parent & Toddler groups, and we're celebrating... Our 2 toddler groups have been partying The toddler groups have become famous for their friendly atmosphere, good quality toys, singing times, as well as the important social skills which get learnt in this environment. Over the years, of course, many parents and guardians have benefited from these groups too, as they have been able to learn and share different parenting skills too. The group started in Sept 1984, by the corps officers at the time,Captain Jaquces & Mrs Yvonne Rouffet and Carol Dowsett (who is still an active member of our church!) It was an instant success with a second day
added about 1 year later as first
group continued to be so busy. Carol continued to run the group for over 6
years, and it has always been known for its friendly, happy, family
atmosphere. On this time of celebration she commented;
"It's an amazing achievement to have been serving the community in this
way for
such a long time - and we intend to keep it going! Our group is a
lovely place to be, it's fun, friendly and happy, we love to
celebrate birthdays and we are well known for our chocolate biscuits at
snack
time!" The celebrations continue and we are going to celebrate our 25th Anniversary within a special church service, which (appropriately) will be on 25th October 10am, at The Salvation Army, Hythe. Anyone who has ever been to our group, whether Mum, Dad, Granny, Grandad, carer, child, or now a grown up child perhaps with kids of their own, are more than welcome to come along and share in the celebration service which will be light, with good singing, and refreshments afterward with plenty of cake and chocolate biscuits!! October 2009 |
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Marking the end of our Annual Appeal A
service filled with songs, music, tambourines, and the Shepway
Community Gospel Choir marked the close of our Annual Appeal - a
fortnight when we go collecting funds door to door to help The
Salvation Army continue its vital social work in the United Kingdom and
Republic of Ireland. Joy
once again permeated throughout the evening, and the revamped Gospel
Choir, after just one rehearsal, began its new lease of life with two
toe-tapping numbers that have made some of the listeners enquire as to
joining! The
whole evening was led by Richard Caroll as one of celebration and
thanks to our small army of volunteers who helped to make the Appeal
such a success, whilst giving all the praise and glory to God for His
continuous provision. |
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After nearly 2 years of running a Salvation Army Football Club, which started with just one 13 year old boy, we have reached the stage where we are able to enter a full squad into the Kent Church League of Mens Football on Saturdays...quite an achievement. Consequently, we now have two football groups running, one for 10-15yrs and one for 15+yrs. (Would you like to join us?) In preparation for the start of the season our new team played a friendly match against Guildhall FC, a secular Sunday league team, which enabled us to learn valuable lessons as well as enjoy the occasion. Click here to read match reports and keep up to date with progress within our football groups from now on. September 2009 |
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(taken from a full report by Bandmaster Richard Carroll) Our annual music ministry on the Oakland’s bandstand is an event many look forward to, and as the crowds gathered they were
not to be disappointed. In
addition to some devotional pieces, triumphant marches, toe-tapping
numbers, and solo items, this year we brought even more variety as Wes
Carroll took to the piano to capture the audience and Wendy Margott and
Alyson Found mesmerised the crowd with their timbrel display. Among
the music was a Bible thought presented by Captain Phil Layton, which
introduced a beautiful arrangement of the tunes 'Deep Harmony' and
'Abide with me', entitled 'Reflections in Praise'. 'Peace, perfect peace God gives to me September 2009 |
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As per tradition, an afternoon of fun, friendship, and food followed a morning of worship together at our church, where each Sunday you always receive a warm welcome, good music, great singing, and a Bible message. (click on the play button in the middle of the screen to begin) This video provides a glimpse into the scenery as Richard Carroll takes charge of 'the kitchen' while others either help, chat, or play with the children. You'll also see a reminder of an incident toward the end of the day when a 5 year old's ball went into the canal, and was retrieved by a brave member of our football club. The Songs "It's just a Perfect Day" accompanies photos of our annual BBQ alongside the canal in Hythe. August 2009 |
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After several decades of selling The Salvation Army's weekly Christian newspaper, 'The War Cry', Roy and Patricia have decided that it is time to retire from their very effective ministry due to the demands of age. In a sincere moment of gratitude on behalf of our church, they were called to the front within our morning service in order to be publically thanked and presented with a certificate and card. Roy and Patricia are typical Salvationists. Lovable, very friendly, Christ-centred, and always willing to help, and they continue to worship with us and carry on various other avenues of ministry within our mission to this community. August 2009 |
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Every two years in Hythe there is a Venetian Fete wherein a carnival is held along the Royal Military Canal, and various clubs, businesses, societies and other groups may contribute a float to be led up and down the canal in front of several thousand onlookers. This year, the Churches Together in Hythe and Saltwood entered a float, designed with an illuminated cross in the centre, with models of each church beautifully painted around the sides. On board were some of our KidZone members (and parents) who were a great witness to the joy within our Christian faith, the growth within The Salvation Army, and the life within the Churches Together. August 2009 |
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Captains' Cream Tea
As our friendly Wednesday Club drew to a close for a brief break throughout August, the annual tradition of a Cream Tea in the garden of Captains Karen and Phil was maintained for a 7th consecutive year. Delicious home-made scones brought in by Patricia Whitewood, which were enjoyed among the great company, some classical music, and a couple of cups of tea! We are very grateful to Hythe Age Concern who allow us use of their minibus, and together with the fine weather the afternoon went perfectly. The Club, which is very relaxed and full of fun and trivia, is open to anybody each Wednesday between 2:30 and 3:40pm in our hall, and re-starts on September 9th. July 2009 |
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3-Day Cycle Challenge (click on the play button in the middle of the screen to begin) Captain Phil Layton and Wes Carroll take on the 2009 challenge of cycling from London to Paris, via Calais, in just 3 days. It's an epic adventure, with terrible weather conditions, but plenty of humour along the way. This was a fundraising event for The Salvation Army, Hythe, made successful by the generous support of our church members and groups, local friends, family and businesses, and the company of Gemma Found (navigator/camera/brains) Eric Godden (transporter/fixer) and Richard Carroll (driver/entertainer) Our sincere thanks also goes to Gareth Huyton for the cycling advice and training tips he gave us in preparation. Click here to read our training blog. The above video is a playlist that will play through the slideshow and then each of the videos from the cycle challenge in chronological order. Use the arrow buttons on the sides of the video to forward onto the next video if required. Alternatively, follow this link to see the videos separately. July 2009 |
 The best way to record this fantastic weekend of music ministry would be to watch the videos (on the right) and to read the following two letters: Click here to read a letter of thanks from Captain Phil Layton to The Hague Salvation Army (Thank you.pdf) A letter of thanks from Bandmaster Richard Carroll (event organiser): The words "Thank you" seem so inadequate.
Before you came our Captain said it would be a significant and
important event in the history of Hythe Corps and he was absolutely
right, but not just for the corps but for the town of Hythe.
The Lord truly blessed us all and answered so many acts of faith, it is almost too much to comprehend.
The friendship, fellowship, musicality and spirituality, was
tremendous and I know that we will still be talking about and
remembering this weekend with fond memories for many many years.
Please let your folk know just how much we enjoyed hosting your visit.
I also need to thank you for your generosity which assisted greatly in making the weekend the success it was.
Last night after you had gone, we had to convert the hall into a
Parent & Toddler Group ready for this morning. Perhaps we should
have got all the toys out for your "YP" band members!!! Then when I got
home I put on my excellent new slippers and relaxed.
Once again, "Thank you" for being so flexible and accommodating, and for occasionally laughing at my jokes!
God bless you all,
and I hope we can arrange for Hythe to visit The Hague next year. Richard
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Click the play button above to watch all the videos consecutively, or use the arrows at the sides of the screen to switch to the next/previous video... Alternatively, click here to choose the videos individually |
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The latest member of our church to decide to become a salvationist is Brenda, who has been coming to our services for over 2 years but has been linked to The Salvation Army since 1972 when she lived in Leeds. Anyone can come to our church, and we have members of our spiritual family here who come from various Christian traditions and denominations. Some folk come who simply enjoy the worship here at Hythe, while others decide to formalise their membership by becoming Adherents. By becoming a salvationist, Brenda is agreeing to live her life according to Salvation Army principles and practices, and is required to sign 'A Soldier's Covenant' which is a confirmation of her Christian beliefs and a promise to God that she will try to live a life pleasing to Him. To read the full Covenant click here. During her enrolment and preparation classes Brenda shared her life story which has had many ups and downs, but she has firmly placed her trust in Jesus Christ as her Saviour, and loves being a part of the fellowship within our church. June 2009 |
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 Click to see full photo Watch some of the band videos: 1 - Onward Christian Soldiers - Stand Up for Jesus 2 - Teach Me How To Love Thee 3 - Reflections in Praise |
The fanfare opening of the march "Golden Jubilee" (Onward Christian Soldiers/Stand Up for Jesus) heralded the start of a God glorifying 'Songs of Praise' event at Lewisham Salvation Army, South London, featuring our own church Band & Songsters, and supported by many of our own church members... Further musical items of praise included the band medley "Scripture sing-along", and excellent singing from the songters with "Total Praise" and "If you would be strong" resounding around the hall. A beautiful arrangement of "Amazing grace" preceded a poignant message from Captain Phil Layton which identified the peace and praise we enjoy now and for eternity because of the gift of salvation through faith alone in Jesus Christ. This was followed by a perfectly apt arrangement of the hymn tunes 'Abide with me' and 'Deep Harmony', to which the following words were associated: 'Peace, perfect peace, God gives to me, Through faith in Christ at Calvary One day His face I'll gladly see Praise Him through all eternity' The arrangement, entitled 'Reflections in Praise', was met with prayerful silence encapsulating the peace and praise being testified to that evening. It was one of two pieces presented that evening which were written by Wesley Carroll, the other being "Teach Me" (how to love Thee) which was similarly effective. The congregation concluded their evening of Total Praise through hymns old and new with great enthusiasm as we sang "At the cross" and "Praise God I'm saved". Both churches received encouragement from this event, both enjoyed each other's fellowship, and the desire to be with our Lewisham friends was reciprocated by the hospitality given. But above all, the event was truly one of Total Praise to God! April 2009 |
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Good Friday & Resurrection Sunday The climax of the Easter season began with the Churches Together in Hythe joining for a procession along the High Street culminating in an outdoor worship service. The Salvation Army provided a lone drummer to beat out the steps along the procession, while our brass band played some hymn tunes at the Town Square to gather people in and to welcome the cross which had been carried and was then put up before us. The outdoor service was effective as an act of worship and it is hoped that it will serve as a witness too. Around 40 folk then came back to our own hall for refreshments before Captain Phil led an indoor service with the theme 'Murder He Wrote'...an Agatha Christie style 'who dunnit' in which we considered who was responsible for the murder of Jesus. This service reached its climax with a multimedia presentation entitled 'We are the reason', but in the benediction we encouraged each other to remember that it was only Friday, and we must always remember that Sunday's coming! **** On the Resurrection Sunday our focused switched from thanking Jesus for providing our salvation, to praising Him also for promising our future resurrection. The Rapture was examined briefly as our resurrection belief that Jesus could return imminently, and that we have a home being prepared in heaven right now! During the service the whole church left its building and crossed over to the Royal Military Canal bank where we sang 'Christ the Lord is risen today!', accompanied by the brass band in an act of public testimony. With fine weather encouraging us, we also left our main door swide open for the rest of the service, in the hope that our heart-felt singing might be heard by passers-by. April 2009 |
 Click to see full size collage What is The Rapture? 1) Click here to watch an introductory video 2) Click here to visit a website 3)- The Rapture/Resurrection Song - I will Rise  Click to see full size collage |
 Click to see full photo (Beatrice flanked by Corps/Church Secretary Anne Carroll and Captain Phil Layton) |
Our church is a very welcoming one, where a warm and friendly greeting awaits you. Mrs Beatrice Lawman has been a part of that vital ministry by being the church Welcome Sergeant for over 21 years, greeting folk as they came through the doors and passing out songbooks, Bibles, or newsletters too. As Beatrice has encountered long periods of ill health, she has decided to retire from this role, but her example has been spread as other members of the church happily carry on this friendship ministry. March 2009 |
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Every now and again we like to maintain certain traditions within our church, and Mothering Sunday is one of those occasions! Music followed while gifts of flowers were taken to Mums by their children, accompanied by hugs and kisses, and also a special few minutes of reflection as we remembered with gratitude those Mums who have either died or are too far away to be with on this day. Capt. Karen provided the gospel message including a challenge for each individual to discover their identity as a child of God, which also highlighted our togetherness as a spiritual family. March 2009 |
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also featuring our church singing group & guest soloist Fred Aberg "Praise" was very much in evidence when our brass band shared with
the Hythe Town Concert band in the 7th annual concert, organised by
Bandmaster Richard Carroll.
The guest soloist was Songster Leader Fred Aberg, from our
sister church in Folkestone, who thrilled the packed parish church with
his cornet, flugel horn and trumpet solos.
This year our own songsters were also invited to take part and they added a terrific new dimension through their vocal strength and evident passion for the words they sang. Following the song "Total Praise", Captain Phil Layton proclaimed a Gospel invitation linked to the theme which also introduced our band's principal piece of the evening, "Reflections in Praise" written by Songster leader Wesley Carroll. At the conclusion you could have heard a pin drop as the Holy Spirit took hold of the moment. The second half of the programme featured the Hythe Town Concert
Band in a programme of toe-tapping film scores and classical transcriptions. Even in this secular
half of the concert, Fred Aberg's choice of 'Blessed Assurance' was
particularly poignant.
The Right Worshipful Mayor of Hythe and Speaker for the Confederation of Cinque Ports, Councillor Alan Ewart-James, said, "The
2009 season of St. Leonard's Church concerts opened with a spectacular
band concert given by the Hythe Band of The Salvation Army and the
Hythe Town Concert Band. The Salvation Army Band along
with their Songsters really raised the roof and the big band sound of
the Hythe Town Concert Band filled the church with such wonderful
melodies that it made me realise how lucky we are to have such musical
talent in our town.
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Once again our church was in a celebration mode as we welcomed two new Adherents (members of our congregation who have decided to formalise their membership, professing their Christian faith as well as identifying with The Salvation Army's Mission Statement). Nancy Shaxted (pictured) and Maureen Smith are two of the many friendly people you'd meet if you came along to one of our services! February 2009 |
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At the first football tournament of the year, members of our own Salvation Army Football Club split to make two teams which performed very well indeed. As a result, the tournament final had the two teams facing each other and, after a tense draw, the game had to be decided on penalties! Once again we are very proud of our youngsters who represent us with pure football and fair play. Our Football Club consists of girls and boys aged 10-16 yrs. For more info., click here. February 2009 |
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for KidZone and Football Club 'Football Crazy' was the theme of this special annual service in which we celebrated the youngsters who are involved at our church through the KidZone (Sunday School) and Football Club. The youth presented items through song, dance, prayers, and instruments and in between times were presented Christian books, CDs and DVDs to encourage their development and remind them that they are valued as a part of our spiritual family. The main talk was divided into two halves as the basics of Christianity were compared to a football match, after which the footballers received certificate awards for consistent sportsmanship, fair play, and pure football. Following the service the KidZone members had more fun as they played games and decorated cakes, while the footballers did their thing in the local park, before we all joined together again for a meal. Want to join? KidZone: 3 - 12yrs Football Club: 10-16 yrs February 2009 |
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