BUC News #363 (10 October 2003)

E-mail Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Contents:

LIFE DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOK REACHES CHURCHES

NEW ADVENTIST GROUP LAUNCHED IN NORTH LUTON

FRIENDS HAVEN AT HIGH WYCOMBE SANDS

PORTUGUESE CHURCH ADDS NEW MEMBERS

NEWBOLD COLLEGE HAS NEW PRINCIPAL

HISTORIC VENUE FOR HEALTHY LIVING SUPPER CLUB CONCERT

BRIXTON WEBSITE

TONIGHT'S ATN BROADCAST

COMING EVENTS

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LIFE DEVELOPMENT HANDBOOK REACHES CHURCHES

This Sabbath the newly released LIFEdevelopment handbook, entitled, "The missionary, 3rd Millennium A.D.", will be reaching most churches throughout the British Union Conference. Although much has been said about LIFEdevelopment over the last two years the 64-page handbook will make the philosophy, purpose, and practical application of the LIFEdevelopment process much more accessible to church members.

Presented in a clearly laid out and easy to read style, the handbook consists of five sections as follows: 1. Why are most churches struggling? 2. LIFEdevelopment.info: The Basic Idea. 3. The Journey of Seven Steps. 4. Starting a LIFEdevelopment Community. 5. Being contagious: 'Tipping Points for a Final Generation.'

In his foreword to the handbook BUC President Pastor Cecil Perry says, "Many Adventists care deeply about unchurched people, but barely know how to reach them in a postmodern culture, if not indifferent society. We hope this handbook will inspire you to personal involvement. It offers fresh methods and ideas and will challenge you to see our secular neighbours through the eyes of Jesus."

LIFEdevelopment co-ordinator Pastor Alan Hodges was very pleased with the final results when the handbook finally emerged from the printers. "Although we had read the draft text and had an idea of the layout it's only when you get the handbook in your hands that you appreciate the effort that has gone into the design and style. It really is easy to read and it should make it much easier for our members to grasp the concept of LIFEdevelopment. Initially we were only going to print a couple of thousand copies but when we saw how good it was we ordered enough copies for every Adventist family to have one for themselves."

The LIFEdevelopment handbooks are being delivered to churches together with the 3 October edition of the Messenger. Make sure that you pick up your copy this Sabbath.

NEW ADVENTIST GROUP LAUNCHED IN NORTH LUTON - from Catherine Boldeau <cboldeau@secadventist.org.uk>

The South England Conference is pleased to announce the official second church plant since the Session in September. On Sabbath 4 October, the Luton North Seventh-day Adventist Assembly held its first service at the St John's, Methodist church, Birdsfoot Lane, Luton. The seating capacity of the sanctuary is approximately 200 and mid-way through Sabbath School, seating was at a premium.

The Luton North group is the baby of the Luton Central church. Anyone who has been to the mother church recently has found it hard, if not impossible, to find a seat. So much so, that I am led to believe that people have had to go home due to the lack of seating available. Due to the overcrowding the church has found it necessary to start another church to accommodate its growing numbers.

Local church pastor Andrew Leonce, who was ordained at the Session, told me, "I am so excited at the start of new church and I know that the Lord will bless the members who worship there".

Speaking earlier this week South England Conference President Pastor Don McFarlane said, "It has been my desire for several years to see a second Seventh-day Adventist church in Luton, as I am convinced that this will lead to an increase of the Church's influence in this rapidly growing town. The advent of a large group of Zimbabwean members into the Luton church during the past two years has served as a catalyst for a second church in Luton. As Conference President I am pleased that whatever the nationality or background all members of the Seventh-day Adventist church can find a spiritual home in the SEC."

In the new Luton North church the morning service begins at 9.30 am and, as there are no lunch facilities, members are requested to leave the building by 1.00 pm. The afternoon service commences at 4.00 pm and the sanctuary must be vacated by 6.00 pm.

FRIENDS HAVEN AT HIGH WYCOMBE SANDS - from <patsy.thomas@sbucks.nhs.uk>

For three weekends in September the High Wycombe Sands church hosted a special seeker worship campaign entitled "Friends Haven" which concluded with a celebration barbeque. The objective of the meetings was to build long and lasting friendships with the families, friends and neighbours of church members, and to give them a basic introduction to the gospel with the theme "Jesus Our Friend".

This process of making friends for Jesus began in May 2001 when Pastor Elliott Williams conducted a "Becoming a Contagious Christian" seminar. In this seminar members learnt the importance of "rubbing shoulders" with the unchurched who we come into contact with every day.

In the two years after the seminar the High Wycombe Sands church established several small groups, including the Men and Women's Ministries department, Plus One (for young adults), Expressions (a social club), and Wednesday Evening Prayer meeting. These meetings were developed with the needs of un-churched people in mind and now include biblical and informative discussions along with practical activities.

The "Friends Haven" campaign felt very much like a continuation of our work over the last two years. Possibly the first campaign of its kind in the Conference to be supported and funded as an evangelistic outreach project, "Friends Haven" made every effort to help guests feel comfortable and relaxed whilst at the same time maintaining the spiritual enriching experience that comes from major campaigns.

Meetings were held at two separate venues, one in the home of Euvie and Andrew, which covered the Cressex area, and the other in the church hall at Sands. With refurbishment to the church hall during 2002 the location was perfect with its warm surroundings, space, and flexibility for members and guests to move and circulate throughout the evening. Contemporary worship music played in the background as guests arrived and hot drinks and biscuits were shared, allowing conversation to flow freely.

Highlights of both venues included health talks by Dr Alec Stevens, quizzes, "get real" life experiences, gifts of CDs, books and videos, and exceptionally good ice-breakers. There was also live music and spiritual messages as members shared their stories of how Jesus had become their best friend. The campaign ended with both groups joining together for a barbeque where bonds of friendship were strengthened with the guests and also within the existing church family.

"Friends Haven" has been a great success. Members and friends have enjoyed the meetings so much that they are now continuing on Friday evenings. Friends have also been integrated into existing small groups. Quality seeds have been planted from this method of evangelism and we look forward to telling you more as people are brought to Christ through the LIFEdevelopment process.

PORTUGUESE CHURCH ADDS NEW MEMBERS - from Catherine Boldeau <cboldeau@secadventist.org.uk>

The Portuguese Speaking Seventh-day Adventist church held a ten-day evangelistic series from 26 September to 4 October. The speaker was Pastor Henry Feyerabend, writer and presenter for the "It is Written" Adventist television programme in Canada. Over 34% of Canadians watch this weekly programme. Pastor Feyerabend is of German descent but was a missionary in Brazil for many years where he learned to speak Portuguese.

On Sabbath 4 October nine members were added to the church through baptism.

NEWBOLD COLLEGE HAS NEW PRINCIPAL - from Melody Tan <asstadv@newbold.ac.uk>

On Thursday 2 October, Newbold College started its day with a new principal. Business student Anca Tanasa swapped places with Newbold's principal David Penner, as each relinquished their respective responsibilities for the day.

As principal, Anca began her day much earlier than as a student when she had to turn up for work at 8.30 am. After spending 30 minutes maintaining relations with the staff of different departments, she spent the rest of her morning sitting in various committees and even had to chair one.

"It was very enlightening to simply sit and listen to the head of departments give their weekly reports. The amount of pride they had in their work made me realise that as a student, I had never thought about how much work needed to be done around campus," Anca later reflected about her early morning meeting. "The staff members are extremely dedicated individuals who work very hard. Their passion really inspired me and I truly believe there are very good and capable people working at Newbold."

David, in taking Anca's place as student, was extremely diligent - he even turned up for classes in which Anca was not enrolled. Being Anca for the day also meant he had to work at the library in the afternoon. Unfortunately, he was severely reprimanded (by his sister) for being late due to an engrossing conversation he was having with his fellow students at the cafeteria, comparing cafeteria meals with mum's cooking.

"I really enjoyed being a student," David said after his experience. "The College exists mainly for the life of the students and therefore it is important for me to have this opportunity. It reminds me of what it is like to be a student. It is also great to be able to meet a large variety of students on a different level of relationship."

Unlike David who "would be a student all my life if I could figure out how to afford it", Anca decided that, "being principal is a job with big responsibilities. Having this position for one day is fine for me, but I wouldn't want to do it for more than that."

The Principal-Student Exchange Day was initiated by David last year. He wanted to give students a taste of what being in an administrative role would be like, as well as the responsibilities it entailed. Last year, Theology student David Riley had the opportunity to be principal for the day.

HISTORIC VENUE FOR HEALTHY LIVING SUPPER CLUB CONCERT - from Sophia Nicholls

The Holywell Music Room owned by Wadham College, Oxford University, is the oldest custom-built concert hall in Europe, opening its doors to the public for the first time in 1748. This was the venue secured by Oxford's Healthy Living Supper Club (HLSC) for a special ADRA-UK charity concert on Wednesday 8 October.

The HLSC is organised and run by the members of the Oxford church, led by Junko Murayama and supported by her committee - Nigel Nicholls, David Spearing, Jackie Crawford and Leigh-Anne Morgan. The HLSC is now in its sixth year and meets on the first Wednesday of each month for health talks and a healthy meal. There are over 120 members on the HLSC database and average regular attendance is between 30 and 40. This is a local Oxford city project attracting a large membership from local and surrounding areas.

Junko Urayama (not to be confused with Junko Murayama, mentioned above) is a Christian professional concert pianist. At Wednesday's concert at the Holywell Music Room she presented an inspiring, sensational and moving piano recital to an audience of over 120 local Oxford people. Her poise and personality came over in this wonderful performance and many from the audience were moved to purchase her CD (all profits to ADRA-UK) and also to find out more about the supper club. Junko Urayama was introduced to the leader of the supper club at the Wembley Arena Day of Fellowship (26 April) and was invited to play at the HLSC meeting.

The HLSC continues to work in Oxford closely following LIFEdevelopment principles. We ask for your prayers as we work in this field to bring people to an understanding of God's love.

BRIXTON WEBSITE

The new Brixton church website is up and running at: <www.brixtonseventhdayadventist.co.uk>. Produced by Al Eccles' 7 Star Web Services the site is written predominantly in HTML with a few Macromedia Flash components. Feedback should be sent to: <info@7starwebservices.com>.

TONIGHT'S ATN BROADCAST

Tonight an Adventist NewsLine story from Chad reports on a project to build new schools in that country and to supply them with teachers. Learn about the special partnership that is working together to provide educational facilities in Chad. From Novgorod, Russia, comes the report of a fire of suspicious origin at the Adventist church. And in a happier story from Pretoria, South Africa, Adventist young people organized a march and outreach programme inviting the community to take a stand against drugs and to accept Jesus. This week NewsLine also brings the stories of two firsts for women in leadership in the Adventist church. In Fiji, Suruj Deo was named Treasurer of the Fiji Mission. And in Sweden, Audrey Andersson (nee Boyle) was named Secretary of the Swedish Union Conference. What would a MacVeggie burger be? NewsLine reports on a partnership between a well-known fast food company and a health food company that may make it a reality. Annual Council, the major annual business meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, will be held at the Church world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, 10 - 15 October. Many of the sessions will be broadcast by ATN, giving you a first-hand glimpse of these meetings. NewsLine will provide information about the broadcast schedule. All this and more this week on NewsLine.

In Sabbath School University we continue our look at the book of Jonah. As the first verses reveal, this book is set against the background of judgment, God's judgment. God, we know, is a God of love; nothing proves that better than Jesus' death on the cross, the greatest example of God's judgment. We can trust that God's judgment will be fair and righteous. Only as we keep the Cross, and what it represents, before us can we truly begin to understand God's righteous judgment upon evil. As nations around us face calamities, do these difficulties reflect God's judgment? What is or isn't God's judgment? Why is it important to understand God's character, His fairness and justice in bringing judgment upon all unrighteousness? Join Pastor Wolverton and his team this weekend on Sabbath School University for this interesting study of the book of Jonah.

This week on "His Word Alive!" Pastor Barry Black looks at the story of Elijah and how God sent him to the brook Cherith and cared for his needs. Elijah had been through a difficult experience; he had done the right thing - surprised his friends and confused his enemies. Then the brook dries up. The Lord gives, and He takes away. What do we do when our "brook" dries up? Thankfully God never shuts down all His blessings at once! Are you discouraged? Facing some really difficult circumstances? Don't miss Pastor Black's sermon of encouragement and comfort.

Date: Friday, 10 October. Programme Time: 18.00 - 19.30 BST. Slate Time: A few minutes before programme. Satellite: NSS7. Frequency: 11.57375 GHz. Pol: Horizontal fixed. Symbol Rate: 6.62000. FEC: 2/3. PAL. Languages: Bulgarian, English, French, German, Kiswahili, Korean, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Twi. Further details from the ATN website at: <www.adventist.tv>.

COMING EVENTS

A full list of coming events is located on the BUC website at: <www.adventist.org.uk>. Only brief details are listed below.

AYLESBURY EVANGELISTIC SEMINARS. Final meetings Sabbath 11 and Sunday 12 October. Speaker: Pastor Jeremiah Bonner. Venue: St Mark's United Reformed Church, St Mark's Road (off Prebendal Avenue), Aylesbury. Contact: John Dillon <john@jd1928.freeserve.co.uk>. Phone: 01296 337389.

THE ANTICHRIST FILES. 7.00 - 8.30 pm every weekend until Saturday 1 November. Venue: Lionel Road Community Hall, Eltham Green, SE9. Contact: Pastor Jones-Lartey <joneslartey@aol.com>. Phone: 07939 065798.

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS. This weekend at the Hampstead church. Black History Month Special with Dr Keith Burton, Professor of Theology from Oakwood College. Contact: David Burnett <david@burnett15.fsnet.co.uk>. Phone: 01992 764784.

INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CONCERT. 7.00 pm on Saturday 11 October. Join the Hanwell Seventh-day Adventist Church for an exclusive International Gospel Concert in St Mary's Hall, next door to the church, at 58-60 Greenford Ave, Hanwell, London W7 8QP. Cost: £5.00 adults; £2.50 under 16s. Contact: Tony Brownlow <sylva@tiscali.co.uk>. Phone: 0208-810 8748.

PUREVOICE AT THE SHAW THEATRE THIS WEEKEND. Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October. PUREVOICE, is an a cappella musical theatre, bringing together some of the best talents from Adventist churches. Showing at the Shaw Theatre (London). Box Office: 0207 387 6864 and 0870 730 1180. Contact: Emmanuel Yeboah <transition007@aol.com>. Phone: 0845 230 0145.

ASNA CONFERENCE - UNDERSTANDING DISABILITIES. 10.30 am to 4.30 pm on Sunday 12 October at the Stanborough Centre, Watford. More details on the ASNA website at: <www.asna.co.uk>. Contact: Sophia Nicholls <asna@special1.fsnet.co.uk>. Phone: 01491 833395.

STANBOROUGH SCHOOL SPEECH NIGHT. Thursday 16 October. Contact School head Steve Rivers for further details. E-mail: <stanbsec@aol.com>. Phone: 01923 673268.

WELSH MISSION HEALTH WEEKEND. Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October. Contact Welsh Mission President Brian Phillips. E-mail: <bpphd@sdanw.fsnet.co.uk>. Phone: 01443 814582.

WOLVERHAMPTON AREA TEENS DAY. Starting 9.30 am on Sabbath 18 October. "The Reason Why I Sing," with Winsome Brown-Baadjes. Venue: Oxford St Church, Wolverhampton. Social in the evening. Contact: Mark Palmer <palmer@abacusweb.net>. Phone: 07931 531722.

AVENUE PRAISE AND WORSHIP. 3.30 pm on Sabbath 18 October. Come and join AVENUE for an afternoon of praise and worship at the Leamigton Spa Mission. Contact: Anna <annavicsimmons@hotmail.com>. Phone: 01908 330442.

STANBOROUGH PRESS BOOK SALES. Sunday 19 October at the John Loughborough School; Sunday 26 October at the West Midlands Centre; and Sunday 2 November at the Gloucester church. Contact: Stanborough Press <abcsalesuk@aol.com>. Phone: 01476 539900.

DISCIPLESHIP RETREAT. Sunday 19 October to Sunday 26 October. For Autumn Harvest Members. Contact: David Cox <dcox@adventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 672251.

NEWBOLD DIVERSITY SEMINAR. 7.30 pm on Tuesday 21 October. Dr Nirmal Puwar (University College Northampton): "Coexistence: Race, Gender and Space". Seminars begin at 7.30 pm. Contact Val Bernard <vbernard@newbold.ac.uk> or Gifford Rhamie <grhamie@newbold.ac.uk>.

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY - SMALL GROUPS. Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October at Stanborough Secondary School. Come and celebrate what God is doing in and through Small Groups, Sabbath School units, and the LIFEdevelopment process. Run by the South England Conference. Contact: Valerie Austin <vaustin@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

HACKNEY REVIVAL WEEKEND. "Weapons of Mass Distraction." Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October. Back2bak preaching from Pastors Steve McKenzie and Richard DeLisser on Friday evening, and a full Youth Day on Sabbath starting at 9.30 am and concluding with a free concert. Contact: Adrian Blake <blake_adrian@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07931 745183.

FIX UP LOOK SHARP - EDMONTON TEENS DAY. Saturday 25 October. Speaker: Victor Aquah. Special singers include Kelly Hinkson and Edmonton Praise Team. Lunch provided. Venue: Edmonton church. Contact: Trevor Johnson <trevor.johnson@rhul.ac.uk>. Phone: 01923 675452.

CHARITY INDIAN MEAL. 7.30 pm on Saturday 25 October at the Stanborough Centre, Watford. Three course Indian meal, light entertainment and an exciting Auction of Promises to help raise funds for STOP International's Orphanage Project in 2004. Cost: £10 each or a table of eight for £70.00. Contact: Kish Poddar <kishpoddar@onetel.net.uk>. Phone: 01923 673268.

SEC WOMEN'S RETREAT. Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November at the Staverton Park Hotel, Daventry. Prices from £105 per person. Contact: Ruth Stewart <rstewart@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

THE COMEDY STORE. 6.30 pm till late on Saturday 1 November at the Advent Centre. Clean jokes, live band and a three-course meal, in a fun filled Adventist atmosphere. Tickets £15.00 or £12.00 concessions. Contact: Andrew Davis <andrew.davis@corpoflondon.gov.uk>. Phone: 07939 875325.

BLACKBURN CONCERT. 7.00 pm on Saturday 8 November. In aid of the church youth funds. Don't need to buy tickets but we ask for donations. Artists from different local churches. Contact: Wynny Lunan <wynny@onetel.net.uk>. Phone: 01254677645or07745763821.

SEC AREA 2 YOUTH DAY. Saturday 8 November. Special guest: Pastor Steve Palmer. Venue to be confirmed. Contact: Stefan Burton-Schnull <pastorstefan@tiscali.co.uk>. Phone: 01452 619454.

GOD BLESS THE CHILD (GOSPEL CONCERT). 7.30 pm on Saturday 8 November at the Advent Centre. Featuring: Victor Acquah and George Acquah, Promise, Hyland House Mime Team and choir Silence, and Andrea Clarke. Tickets: Adults £7.50, Children £4.00. Profits go to Hyland House School. Contact: Susanne Kirlew <susanne.kirlew@virgin.net>. Phone: 07932 594312.

TED PRAYER ROTA. For the week commencing 12 October we are praying for the BALTIC UNION. Baltic Union leadership and the leaders of Estonian and Latvian Conferences, and Lithuanian Mission feel that the greatest need is to involve every member in the Church's mission.

Luke chapter 9 and 10 gives us pointers to this mission. Jesus sent the disciples to preach about the Kingdom of God. They did not take any supplies for their physical needs. The apostles returned and reported to Jesus what they had done. The result: "the crowds learned about it and followed Him." Then Jesus fed about 5000 people. So He showed that those who will go to fulfil His mission would be provided with spiritual and physical needs.

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two-by-two to every town where He was about to go. The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name." Jesus rejoiced, He said: "I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."

Here is encouragement for every member and leader. If we all will participate in the Lord's mission then Satan will not be worshipped as he is now. He will fall down like lightning in people's minds. Please pray:

· For the work of both members and their leaders in the Baltic Union

· That all who share their faith this week will claim the promises of Jesus.

· That a great harvest may be seen because of God's blessing. [Valdis Zigalvis, President, Baltic Union Conference]

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