|PIC1|Stamford residents who haven't heard about the barbecue-style church service which The Salvation Army is running on Sunday 23 September, will do soon.

Around 3,000 homes in the area will receive a card inviting them to a specially-themed service that takes place every six weeks.

The cards, along with a fresh approach to church being taken by the local Salvation Army leader, Captain Peter Godkin, have helped to double the size of The Salvation Army congregation in Stamford in just nine months.

During the service, people will be able to eat while they listen to Peter's practical message, entitled Joseph - The Original Story: How to Enjoy Life's Summers and How to Prepare for Life's Winters.

Approach

"We present church in an attractive way," said Captain Godkin, who was born in the sun-drenched town of Parramatta in Sydney, Australia. "We use a large-screen, computer-based presentations, moving images, quizzes - whatever it takes to get the Gospel of Jesus across.

"The professionally-produced invitation cards are an imaginative way of letting the public know about us and that we care. The people of Stamford have responded, with many new people coming as a direct result of receiving a card.

"We have an eclectic mix of people at our church because we offer something for everyone. I am a passionate leader and I believe that we should represent God in interesting and relevant ways that reflect our faith, which is concerned about every aspect of every person's life."

Appeal

Captain Godkin is also using the Aussie approach to this year's Salvation Army Annual Appeal collection, in which The Salvation Army across the country raises funds for its social work and to which Stamford locals donated £3,500 last year.

These collections have usually taken place over a fortnight every September. But this year, in Stamford the door-to-door collections will be done in one evening on Monday 17 September 2007 from 5pm. "That's how it's done in Australia and it works well, so I thought why not try it in Stamford," said Captain Godkin.

"Tradition has its place but so does progression," concluded Peter. "We have a vision to build a large church through prayer and we are looking outwards for ways we can support the local community."

Everyone is invited to Enjoying Life's Summers While Preparing for Winter at The Salvation Army, Casterton Business & Enterprise College, Ryhall Road, Stamford, PE9 4AT on 23 September 2007 from 10.30am.

For more information, to make a donation to The Salvation Army's Annual Appeal or volunteer to collect, telephone 01780 75 22 75. Donations can also be made through The Salvation Army's website - www.salvationarmy.org.uk/annualappeal





[Re-printed in Christian Today with the kind permission of The Salvation Army]