BUC News #643 (3 July 2009) NOW ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Contents:
£14,000 RAISED AT STANBOROUGH PARK CHURCH FLOWER FESTIVAL
TEA, TOAST & TALK AT LEICESTER CENTRAL
ALBANIA REVISITED
FIRST YEAR UNIVERSITY TUITION FEES – £1950
BUC EXTRAORDINARY SESSION MINUTES
HUMILITY THE ANSWER FOR BUC TRUSTEES
CRAZY WHEELS FOR ADRA
WHAT'S NEW ON THE BUC WEBSITE
LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE
NORTHAMPTON SOUTH: NEW VENUE
THIS WEEK ON THE HOPE CHANNEL
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£14,000 RAISED AT STANBOROUGH PARK CHURCH FLOWER FESTIVAL
A weekend Flower Festival has raised almost £14,000 for Helen and Douglas House Hospice, a home providing care for teenagers and young adults. "God has been so good to us and blessed us mightily," Audrey Balderstone, organiser of the Stanborough Park church Flower Festival told BUC News. "Our goal was to raise £10,000 and I am so excited that we have surpassed this!"
"At The Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow," sung with power and conviction, was a fitting hymn with which to end the Flower Festival that ran 25 – 28 June. Entitled 'Windows On To God', it drew hundreds of non-members into the church each day to marvel at the superb floral displays which interpreted words of scripture. Focusing on the attributes of God; of the ways in which He interacts with His people; of His redemptive love and power and of the ways in which we respond to His love, the aim of the Flower Festival was to uplift the name of Jesus and to remind our visitors of His great creative power.
Thirty-five arrangers drawn from local non-Adventist churches and flower clubs in the area joined with the Stanborough arrangers to create forty displays of stunning beauty. On the hottest weekend of the year it was a challenge to keep the flowers looking fresh over four days, but as Audrey said at the Preview on Thursday evening "God works miracles in this church" – and He did. The flowers, with a lot of tender loving care, stayed fresh and even a torrential thunderstorm and local flooding did not prevent the church being filled for the excellent Saturday evening classical concert. It took the prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Harrington, three hours to make a half hour journey, but he brought a warm personal message of support from David Cameron whose late son benefitted from the care at Helen and Douglas House Hospice – our chosen charity this year. An offering collected over £1,400.00 and reflected appreciation for the excellence of the music organised by Roland Guenin.
The 'River of Roses' was a popular feature of the Flower Festival, with visitors able to give a donation for a rose which they then placed in the water to remember a loved one, say 'thank you' to family and friends or to give praise to God. Associate pastor, Mary Barrett, was thrilled at the opportunities she had to talk with visitors about spiritual matters and all involved were able to answer many questions about our beliefs. Most of the congregation who attended the 'Hymns and Songs of Praise' service introduced by Valerie Fidelia were non-members. The singing, conducted by Pastor Roy Burgess, was led by the Stanborough Choir and young instrumentalists from the church. The Sabbath morning service, at which Pastor Paul Clee spoke, had an overflow of over 100 who watched the service via a video link in another room.
Audrey says, "Our God is a God of miracles and we witnessed His power, His love and His goodness in mighty ways during our Flower Festival. We are truly delighted with the amount we could raise for Douglas House and for the witness of this festival."
DVDs of the Flower Festival are available by sending a cheque made payable to 'SPC Flower Festival' to: Flower Festival, Stanborough Park Church, 609 St Albans Road, Watford, WD25 9JL at a cost of £6.00 including postage and packing. All profits will go to Helen and Douglas House Hospice. Photos are available in the BUC picture gallery, <www.adventist.org.uk>.
TEA, TOAST & TALK AT LEICESTER CENTRAL [Philip Herbert]
The Community Services department at Leicester Central Seventh-day Adventist church are very busy with various initiatives. Bernie Aldred and Coralie Pinder, have taken up the department's vision and come together to run a project, where they feel their church can reach out in a caring and concerned way to the community, to meet both practical and spiritual needs. It's called 'Tea, Toast and Talk'. Literally this. The church opens its doors every Thursday from 12 noon – 2.00 pm. On these days, they serve hot drinks, soup, and toast for people who may decide to drop in.
The Leicester Central church is a beautiful listed building, situated on the corner of London Road, and University Road. It stands complete with spire, in a part of the city where many people pass by, either heading down the road to the University of Leicester, or dashing down London Road to the many and various restaurants, the city, or the train station.
Coralie Pinder said, "We are there to meet people's needs. We can't meet everyone's needs ourselves, but God is there to guide us."
Many people have commented that they have walked past this building so many times, and wondered what happens inside it. Some have come to see the beautiful stained glass windows and to appreciate a sense of the history that is wrapped up in this building, which has been a part of the Leicester City wide Heritage tour trail.
Bernie Aldred commented, "this church should be open everyday. I wish I could do more. When I was a child, the churches were always open. If the door of the church is open, people will come in. People seem to be in need of kindness and someone to listen to their concerns."
However, when the doors are opened, there are opportunities for the church to minister to those who come to find food, time out from a busy uncaring world, clothing, or for a surgery with Pastor George Kumi in the vestry.
Pastor Kumi said "Tea, Toast and Talk has given me the opportunity to meet with those inside and outside of the church, to talk about spiritual and physical needs, which would otherwise have been missed. I hope this ministry will expand in a great way. We as a church will have to move out of our comfort zone and take radical steps in reaching out to people. I like the tenacity of the ladies who keep the stall open, though no one joins them on some occasions."
Some people come just to sit quietly and reflectively inside the church. A former Adventist member has passed by in his van on numerous occasions and has commented that the church doors always seemed to be shut, but was glad of an opportunity to come into the church. Each person that walks through the church doors has a different need and brings a different perspective to the dialogue.
ALBANIA REVISITED [Crieff Church Communication Department]
As Board Chair for Crieff Aid Projects, Pastor John Arthur has just returned from what was his fiftieth visit to Albania. Thanks to the generosity of Adventist church members at Crieff (through their offerings and Gift Aid returns), £7,000 has been contributed towards a school reconstruction project 12 miles south of Tirana.
Since democratisation 18 years ago the country has experienced startling progress including a massive building programme in the capital city, a multi-million Euro road development scheme throughout the country, and the construction of a new international airport. "But not much has changed in rural villages," said Arthur.
As Director of ADRA Trans-Europe he was responsible for the first despatch of Western aid into this impoverished state in the early 90s following four decades of harsh and isolationist rule imposed by Communist dictator, Enver Hoxha. Most of the foreign humanitarian organisations have now pulled out, but ADRA continues to operate. Since the dawn of the new millennium its portfolio has included the renovation and re-equipping of more than 40 village schools and health clinics all of which were in a deplorable state. Numerous European countries have assisted through the provision of finance and working parties - including groups of young people from Ireland and Stanborough School, Watford. The Agency is also currently operating a small health centre on its main compound in Tirana, together with a health education field programme.
Arthur maintains that the situation with the church is both disappointing and encouraging. The sad aspect has been the loss of a good number of young people who were baptised in the mid nineties but have since been caught up with the secular onslaught. However, five nationals who have been working with ADRA have recently joined the church as a result of witnessing the Agency's "Love in Action" approach.
FIRST YEAR UNIVERSITY TUITION FEES – £1950 [Helen Pearson, PRO Newbold College]
A recent decision by the Newbold College Board of Governors means that next school year (2009-10), some degree students at the College will pay only £1950 for a year's tuition fees.
British students aspiring to earn a degree at Newbold received a substantial encouragement last month when the Board of Governors voted to award £80,000 worth of scholarships to fund all or part of the tuition fees of new students from the Trans-European Division (TED).
New students coming from the UK and other 'hard currency' countries within the TED can apply for nine scholarships which will reduce their tuition fees for the first year of their studies by 50%. This means that for the student's first full academic year of study the normal tuition fees of £3,900 will be reduced to £1,950. If they also apply for the BUC church member's grants for tuition and accommodation fees, scholarship students from the BUC will pay the comparatively small sum of £5197 to live and study during their first year at Newbold.
Scholarships will, of course, be based upon the student's proven academic record and his/her genuine expression of interest in pursuing one of the degree programmes offered by Newbold College. They will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and the deadline for application is 1 August.
The total amount of £80,000 for the 2009/2010 school year will be divided into two parts so that students from Scandinavian/Western European countries and from Central/Eastern European countries get similar numbers of places to study.
"We are grateful for the support and generosity of the TED in making this money available to new students says Newbold's principal," Dr Jane Sabes. "We are expecting that there will be real competition for the scholarships among students in the 40 countries of the TED. For deserving students this is the opportunity of a lifetime."
For more information, go to <www.newbold.ac.uk>. For application forms, contact Admissions Officer, Annet Johnston <ajohnston@newbold.ac.uk>.
BUC EXTRAORDINARY SESSION MINUTES [Eric Lowe, BUC Executive Secretary]
We are writing to inform all the delegates and church workers and members that the minutes of the BUC Extraordinary Session Sunday, 17 May 2009 are now on the BUC website for your perusal along with the newly voted and updated Constitution. Follow the links from the "What's New" section on <www.adventist.org.uk> from where you can download and print out a hard copy if you desire.
HUMILITY THE ANSWER FOR BUC TRUSTEES
Irish Mission President, Pastor David Neal, took another look at humility when he led the devotional at the start of the British Union Conference Executive Committee on Thursday, 25 June. He spoke of the authority that comes with selecting the choice of 'President or CEO' when filling in a form for car insurance. He then spoke of the need to battle our ego, particularly in a church/Christian environment. "Swallow your pride occasionally, it's non-fattening," he quoted. Looking at various personal statements from the apostle Paul, he noted that one whom many consider to be the greatest theologian and missionary considered his purpose to be to "save sinners of whom I am foremost".
The climax of his argument that Paul's humility grew alongside his adoration of his great God set a positive background to reports of evangelistic success, positive Camp Meetings, a Field School of Evangelism in Wales and an increase of membership to 29,331 by 31 March 2009. It equally balanced the generous faithfulness of members who continue to return a faithful tithe in times of financial constraint and hardship. (The latest tithe report can be seen in the Treasury pages online at <www.adventist.org.uk>.)
It was a day of major discussion. Among the financial statements, pension applications, personnel changes and travel authorisations, a strong focus on media and evangelism meant the trustees approved a proposal to negotiate a better, mainstream viewing platform for a UK based Hope Channel. They also looked at ways to support Stanborough School during the current recession and beyond. It was also a day for reflection as the minutes recorded the passing of nine of our church retirees over the last three months.
Pastor Don McFarlane presented a 'Welcome Pack' for new members, both baptised and those who have transferred from overseas. This includes information about the church, support services, resources and suggestions on how a diverse church made of many peoples and languages can worship and evangelise in a spirit of unity. Endorsed by the committee, with a few modifications the pack will shortly go to print and be available for all churches.
CRAZY WHEELS FOR ADRA
His friends and family know that he can do it. Cycle from London to Athens. Most people think it is a great idea. "A little crazy but an excellent idea," they say.
Craig Shipton is organising a sponsored cycle ride starting this month. He says, "I am motivated to go on the trip from London to Athens for two reasons. I love an adventure and I also wish to make a positive difference to the lives of others. Jesus commands us to Love others as we love ourselves… It is my hope that this trip will be the start of something which can better the lives of other people."
Craig is very optimistic about what can be accomplished using sports activities to help people in need. Three charities will benefit from the cycle ride: ADRA, Compassion and UNICEF. Craig says, "All do an excellent work and each charity has its place. By involving all three I think each group brings something extra that the other doesn't offer."
The trip will start in London on Wednesday, 22 July with Craig expecting to reach Athens on Friday 25 September.
For more information or to sponsor riders, please visit <www.25000spins.com>.
WHAT'S NEW ON THE BUC WEBSITE
With a website that regularly receives over 130,000 visitors per month, and with thousands of pages of resources and materials, it is often hard to keep up with what is new. For that reason the website of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, <www.adventist.org.uk> has recently added a 'What's New' portal to its front page. This week's latest offerings include 'Pilmoor's Ponderings', a monthly blog that this month reflects on flowers and numbers; the May tithe figures; the recently voted constitutional changes and links to the recently launched website, <www.adventistwebministires.org.uk> that is supporting local churches who want their own website.
From small beginnings in 1996 the website has grown enormously. Last year it had to move to faster, bigger servers, and it is now the portal for both church members and those in the community who want to find out more about the church. Recent design changes on the site are also aimed at making content more accessible to those who do not necessarily know too much about the church. News and picture galleries are the most visited sections of the site with church directories, resources and media also being very popular. "The site will continue to evolve with time to reflect the changing technologies and the culture and society we serve," states BUC Communication director, Victor Hulbert.
The latest initiative of the Communication department is to make free, quality websites available, not just for the headquarters site, but for every local Adventist church in the UK and Ireland. "Websites are a fantastic window into the life of a church," Victor states. "Often potential visitors to a church will surf the web first to see what kind of community the church is, whether they have activities for their children, or simply to find out more about their beliefs." A website is non-threatening to a searcher. They can read, look at resources, listen to sermons and see if this is the kind of place they would like to go. An active, up-to-date and vibrant website is a cheap and positive way to make a statement to the community.
LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE
The 3 July edition of the Messenger, the official journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland, can now be found online at <www.adventistnews.org.uk/messenger>. "Building up, reaching out" gives a full SEC Camp Meeting report, Children Matter looks at getting children on your welcome team, our Follow the Bible feature takes us into a treasure hunt and David Marshall enjoys "The rustling of India paper".
NORTHAMPTON SOUTH: NEW VENUE
Please note that Northampton South now worships each Sabbath at St James Primary School, Harlestone Road, Northampton, NN5 7AG.
THIS WEEK ON THE HOPE CHANNEL
Ken loves music. It flows through his body. The director of the London Adventist Chorale and the Croydon Adventist Gospel Choir Ken Burton talks about his upbringing, his love of music and how that affects his faith. He is this week's guest on "In Conversation" on the Hope Channel at the times listed below and on demand at <www.hopetv.org.uk>.
Friday 3 July: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Chris Rogers
Sabbath 4 July: 12:30 am and 3:00 pm: Chris Rogers
Monday 6 July: 3:00 am and 9:00 pm: Ken Burton
Wednesday 8 July: 8:00 am: Ken Burton
Friday 10 July: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Ken Burton
Sabbath 11 July: 12:30 am and 3:00 pm: Ken Burton
From the archives the first of "In Conversation Series 1" is now available online. Dr Richard de Lisser talks about his upbringing in London during the 1960s, his career as a civil servant and his decision to move away from a life in politics to become a pastor.
BUC News is a weekly news bulletin produced by the British Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and edited by the Communication Department. Victor Hulbert, director; Mary Kapon, secretary. Items for inclusion should be sent to <bucnews@adventist.org.uk> and need to be received by 6.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably as simple email text. All unattributed stories written by the editorial team. Coming Events and Small Ads should be kept short and preferably be submitted via the on-line form at: <www.adventist.org.uk>. The editor reserves the right to modify articles received to make them suitable for inclusion. The views expressed by individuals cited in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, though we try to ensure that they do. You are free to re-print any portion of this bulletin without the need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify BUC News or other sources whenever you publish these materials. Back issues and an RSS feed including photographs are available on our website at <www.adventist.org.uk>.
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