BUC News #479 (17 February 2006)
Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Contents:
ADVENTISTS APPLAUD BAN ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES
DIVERSITY SEMINAR AT NEWBOLD: A HIGHWAY OF BLESSING
ABPA LINKS WITH NEWBOLD DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS STUDIES
HOPE CHANNEL SPEAKS OUT ON TEN COMMANDMENT COMMISSION
"MAGNIFICENT SEVEN" TO ATTEND SEC YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONVENTION
ADRA-UK APPEALS FOR GREAT SCOTTISH WALKERS
SABBATH SCHOOL UNIVERSITY DOWNLOADS NOW AVAILABLE
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"
COMING EVENTS
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ADVENTISTS APPLAUD BAN ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES
Tuesday 14 February will be a day to remember in smoking cessation circles. The government, in a free vote, voted to ban smoking in public places. So, many thanks to all of those church members who contacted their MPs following our appeal last week. The BUC Health Ministries department is delighted with the result: "This was our main objective when I was an executive committee member of the Tobacco Control Alliance, and it was also the purpose of a number of letters sent by me to successive Secretary's of State for Health," says BUC Health Ministries director Pastor Richard Willis. "It is rewarding to see that years of effort have paid off as it is easy to be discouraged in the face of massive industry pressure."
Seventh-day Adventists have always pioneered in smoking cessation, notably through the renowned Five Day Plan to Stop Smoking (5DP) programme which has helped 20-25 million people world-wide quit the habit. The Church even used Dr Luther Terry (former Surgeon-General of the United States who brought out the first major report on the effects of smoking on health) in some of its programmes. Both Ellen G White and Dr John Harvey Kellogg wrote extensively on the dangers of smoking, the former through her many writings and the latter in his book Tobaccoism and articles in Good Health.
It is perhaps a tribute to the 5DP that many other smoking cessation programmes around the world are modelled on it. The most recent Adventist contribution to the stop smoking scene is the development of the drug Zyban by Loma Linda professor Linda Hopper-Ferry to help relieve quitters' depression, one of the side-effects of stopping smoking. It is also largely through the work of the ICPA (International Commission for the Prevention of Alcohol and drug dependence) and UK's NCPA (National Committee for the Prevention of Alcohol and drug dependence), both of which are sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, that the cricket World Cup in Bermuda will be smoke-free.
DIVERSITY SEMINAR AT NEWBOLD: A HIGHWAY OF BLESSING - Gifford Rhamie
Tuesday 31 January saw the first scholarly Diversity Seminar of 2006. In a spirited yet eloquent manner Dr Sigev Tonstad (Norway), expositioned the topic, "Blessing in the Midst of the Earth: Travelling the Prophetic Highway."
Focusing on the text in view, Isaiah 19:19-25, Tonstad steered the audience through the overwhelming mercies of a Loving God, intent on creating a path (highway) that will result in the salvation of nations traditionally antagonistic to Israel. This is new, since other passages cite the nations coming and submitting to Zion, or Israel, on the other hand, subduing the nations. But now God recasts a vision where uniformity is abandoned in favour of diversity.
The phrase, 'The day of the Lord,' punctuates the text five times, each time introducing a cardinal point. These points are not just localized to events relevant to the time of the prophet or indeed events yet future, but they advocate a new paradigm: that Israel, Egypt and Assyria, not historically devoid of the melee of oppression, slavery and separation between them, are deemed as inclusive of one people speaking a common language. So, God then is a 'missionary' Gatherer redeeming disparate peoples by "reuniting and reconfiguring" them through the ineluctable presence of his "Prophetic Highway".
Dr Tonstad went on to highlight the potential blessing of a new brand of religion as evident in the text. It is a blessing where God inspires a "dramatic realignment" demonstrated through dialogue between those of entrenched and opposing persuasions. Here, for Tonstad, Isaiah echoes what seems to be a new missiology: that right in the midst of these pagan societies a new exodus is organised that leads to reconciliation. There is not just an exodus for God's people, but one for 'others' as well.
This exodus is not articulated in legal terms that conjure up fear, sentencing and condemnation but medical terms of healing, compassion and rehabilitation. This is a new rhetoric for a new composite people defining new relationships. A different highway emerges – a highway of inclusion. Thus, the phrase, "Day of the Lord!" has a new ring to it. It is a phrase that discloses God's unique character at its 'diversity' best.
ABPA LINKS WITH NEWBOLD DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS STUDIES - Audrey Balderstone
The Adventist Business and Professionals' Association (ABPA) has the honour this year of hosting the ASI Europe Convention 6-10 July. Newbold College has been chosen as the venue for the Convention and as Newbold is the only Adventist College in Europe which offers a Business Degree this will be a unique opportunity to showcase the progressive Department of Business Studies to delegates coming from all parts of Europe.
Marinko Markek, Head of the Department, last week met with Audrey Balderstone (President of ABPA and President of ASI Europe) with a view to developing links between Newbold and the Adventist business community in the UK and Europe. ABPA already offers free membership to students in full-time education and Marinko and Audrey feel excited about the opportunities which closer ties between the two entities will afford to students and to business and professional people.
Christian business and professional people face moral and ethical dilemmas every day and one of the strengths of the Association is the opportunity to discuss these issues and to seek prayerful support from members and from the Chaplain, Pastor John Ferguson. It is envisaged that the Department of Business Studies will offer seminars each semester so that business and professional people and students can discuss and debate topics such as these.
Having access to Adventist businesses in the rest of Europe will mean that students will have the opportunity to experience placements in places as diverse as Spain, the Czech Republic and Romania. Right at the start of their working lives we need our students to be inspired by the example of successful business and professional people who take every opportunity to witness for Christ in their places of work. We need them to dedicate their talents to God, to be fully supportive of the work of His Church, and to offer their expertise when it is needed. Working together the Department of Business Studies and ABPA aims to find creative ways of involving students and business and professional people in building up God's Church and in hastening the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
If you are interested in attending the ASI Europe Convention, or of joining ABPA please visit the website: <www.abpa.co.uk>.
HOPE CHANNEL SPEAKS OUT ON TEN COMMANDMENT COMMISSION
Have you heard about the new Ten Commandment Commission? It is a powerful coalition of religious leaders that include some of the most recognised names in Christianity. Every student of Bible prophecy should be fully aware of the goals of this influential organization. This weekend on a special edition of Inside Hope join Pastor Brad Thorp and Pastor Gary Gibbs along with James Standish, Associate director of the PARL department of the world Adventist Church who works particularly with the US Congress on Religious Liberty issues. Listen carefully as they explore what this commission intends to accomplish and how it will affect you. Is God's law under attack? Is Bible prophecy rapidly fulfilling?
Hope Channel is doing something extremely bold and you can be part of this exciting initiative. Watch Inside Hope this weekend to hear what you can do to capture the attention of this Commission.
Broadcast Schedule for Hope Channel Europe: Sabbath 18 February - 3:00 am, 2:30 pm, and 7:30 pm; Sunday 19 February - 8:30 am; Wednesday 22 February - 1:00 pm; Friday 24 February - 8:30 pm. All times are GMT.
"MAGNIFICENT SEVEN" TO ATTEND SEC YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONVENTION - Japhet de Oliveira
Bailey Gillespie (director of the Hancock Centre for Youth & Family Ministry); Courtney Rae (Youth Pastor at Miracle Temple Adventist Church); Gilbert Cangy (Youth director for the South Pacific Division); James Black (Youth director for the North American Division); Paul Tompkins (Youth director for the Trans-European Division); Ron Whitehead - (director for the Centre of Youth Evangelism) and Steve Case (president of the Piece of the Pie Ministries) are just seven of the twenty-nine specialists teaching at the SEC Youth Leadership Convention 3-10 September this year in Madrid, Spain. "Summoned to Lead" is the underlying theme.
Whether you are a novice or a veteran in youth ministry, the YLC has something to offer you. It's the place to learn, share, network, grow, refresh and understand how best you can serve in any area of youth ministry. This year we are offering a fast track course for Master Guides, we have Clean Slate Improv creative ministry group from the USA, Moor Close worship team, and a whole new resource library of ideas to assist you each day. New classes for those who have been before and old classes for those you've missed. Now is the time to book as the flights are cheap and the earlybird rate is still available.
For more details or to see the draft timetable visit the new SEC Youth department website at <www.secadventist.org/YD> or call Japhet on: 07815 799019. We have only 200 spaces and 47 have already been booked.
ADRA-UK APPEALS FOR GREAT SCOTTISH WALKERS - Bert Smit
If you cannot make it to the ADRA-UK FunRun in London's Hyde Park on Sunday 19 March, why not join us for another walking activity up in beautiful Scotland! On Sunday 18 June you can support ADRA-UK on a one, six or twelve mile sponsored walk around the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
The Great Scottish Walk is an annual event that gives people the opportunity to raise funds for a charity of their choice. We are looking for people to join us on The Great Scottish Walk to raise money for ADRA-UK projects. It promises to be a fantastic day of exercise and fun.
One of the central elements to this event's appeal is that no one is excluded. It is attractive to the individual as it is to a group. It is something companies and organisations as well as families and community groups can participate in. Unlike most other events everyone can take part, no special equipment or training is required, it is entirely accessible.
The Great Scottish Walk offers two different route lengths, six or twelve miles, so that the less able, and much older or younger participants can take part in a shorter route. The walk starts in Holyrood Park and finishes in Meadowbank Stadium.
The Health Scotland Golden Mile, is aimed at people who would like to become more active or feel they are unable to manage the full six or twelve mile walk. A medal and certificate will be presented to all participants taking part in the event in Edinburgh's Meadowbank Stadium.
Best of all, you can sponsor ADRA-UK, your charity of choice, as you enjoy a fun day out! ADRA-UK is listed as an official charity for the event.
For more information see <www.greatscottishwalk.com> or phone our office on: 01923 681723.
SABBATH SCHOOL UNIVERSITY DOWNLOADS NOW AVAILABLE - Gary B Swanson
Sabbath School University (SSU), the 30-minute weekly satellite broadcast produced cooperatively between the General Conference Sabbath School department and the Hope Channel, is now available for the first time in downloadable audio and video formats on the Internet. Each programme, featuring Australian Pastor Casey Wolverton as host and moderator, features four international young adults interacting with the topic for the week's Sabbath School lesson and offering innovative approaches to the exploration of the topic. Check it out at: <http://ssu.adventist.org>.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"
The BUC's "In Conversation" television programme is now becoming a regular feature in many Adventist homes and a number of churches here in the UK. The programme is broadcast several times during the week on Hope Channel Europe, and can also be watched on Hope Channel and Hope Channel International, though these are only available on the Internet here in Europe.
The best time for Church members to watch "In Conversation" on Hope Channel Europe is probably Sabbath afternoons at 3:00 pm or Monday evenings at 8:00 pm. If you would like to record the programme for showing in church tomorrow it will be broadcast at 1.30 am on Hope Channel Europe.
For a schedule of broadcast times and more information about "In Conversation" see the Adventist Media Centre (UK) website at: <www.adventistmedia.org.uk/inconversation.php>. For the full Hope Channel schedule see: <http://hopetv.org/article.php?id=4>.
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.
WEST MIDLANDS TABERNACLE MEETING. 7:00 pm on Friday 17 February at the Handsworth church. Step into the spiritual training ring and learn the moves from our own heavyweight champion Pastor Roy Morgan. Young people this is the place to be. Contact: Georgia Windrass <wmya_1@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07984 466398.
ALPHA AND LIFE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING - WATFORD. Friday 17 to Sabbath 18 February at Stanborough Secondary School. How to use the Alpha Course and LIFEdevelopment resources more effectively. £15 for a day attendee or £25 for overnight accommodation. This course will be repeated over the weekend of 19-21 May at the Hill House Christian Centre, Bridgewater, Bristol. Contact: Aris Vontzalidis <avontzalidis@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.
FAMILY MINISTRIES WEEKEND - NOTTINGHAM. Friday 17 to Sunday 19 February at the Nottingham Central church. Friday: 7:00 - 9:00 pm "Is There Skill Involved In Mate Selection?" Full day on Sabbath and a 1.00 pm Singles Social on Sunday. Contact: John or Delivon Francis <alphaedu@aol.com>. Phone: 01159 215208.
CHURCH HERITAGE PRESENTATIONS - LEWISHAM. 5:15 pm on Sabbath 18 and Sabbath 25 February at the Lewisham church. Run by the Lewisham AYS department. Contact: Phiona Barnett <phionabarnett@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07930 471276.
TEENS PRAYER AND BIBLE CONFERENCE - EDMONTON. Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 February at the Lee Valley Hostel, Edmonton. The aim of the event is to teach our teens how to study their Bibles and pray without falling asleep or getting bored! Contact: Robert Hines <rhines@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.
NEC PERSONAL MINISTRIES AND SABBATH SCHOOL WEEKEND - SWANWICK. Friday 24 to Sunday 26 February at Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick. Contact: Roy Morgan <rmorgqn@necadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01159 606312.
FRIDAY NIGHT FORUM. Friday 24 February. Log onto the London Youth Federation Forums to join in with the online discussions. All are welcome to join in. Contact: Sacha Gillin <info@londonyouthfed.org.uk>. Phone: 07956 688923.
MOORCLOSE NIGHTS. 6:30 pm on Saturday 4 March. Worship, drama, music, life-changing thoughts, fun and you. Come and experience God's power and love. Children's ministry at the same time, refreshments afterwards. DVD's are for sale from previous Nights. Future nights: 1 April, 6 May, 3 June, 2 September, 7 October, 4 November, 2 December. Contact: Geert Tap <tapgeert@hotmail.com>. Phone: 01344 407652.
TED PRAYER GUIDE. For Sabbath 18 February our Bible focus is on Matthew 6:32. "For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." Please pray that God may give us the Spiritual gifts we need.
For the coming week our Bible focus is on Hebrews 4:12 . "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Please pray that God's Word may be real in every member's life this week.
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