BUC News #670 (5 February 2010) NOW ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Contents:
GOD'S GREAT COMMISSION TO THE NEC
CHILDREN HELP FOUND A CHURCH
ART AND MINISTRY HITS BIRMINGHAM
'HOUSE OF PRAISE' AIDS HAITI EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
HAITI IN NUMBERS
ADVENTIST-METHODIST DIALOGUE IN CARDIFF
LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD FOR DAVID BALDERSTONE
SABBATH SCHOOL LEADERS AND TEACHER TRAINING
BUC NEWS FROM LEBANON
THIS WEEK ON THE HOPE CHANNEL
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GOD'S GREAT COMMISSION TO THE NEC [Peter Jeynes/Jeff Nicholson - NEC Communications]
"Every Christian is given a gift by their Master. If you use your talents they are multiplied; if it is not used you lose it... Are you using your gifts of time, speech and influence to touch people for God?" These introductory words summarised the presentation of Pastor Mark Finley in the Leicester church to launch the weekend of programmes called "God's Great Commission to the North England Conference." He challenged the waiting congregation to make the motto of the 18th century Baptist missionary to India, William Carey our own: "I cobble shoes to pay my bills but soul winning is my business." Pastor Finley revealed his professionalism that Friday night, 29 January, never having been in the Leicester Central church before; he informed the congregation that the pulpit he was preaching from was used by F B Meyer, a 19th century Baptist pastor, evangelist, Biblical expositor and social reformer.
The appeal at the close of the evening's meeting drew many people to make decisions for Christ. This included one man who had been prayed for, for a period of over 20 years, to make a decision – not only for Christ, not only for joining the church but also for baptism.
A full moon and the sight of three planets high in the dawn sky, with a deep frost and remnants of overnight snow greeted the AV team at Bethel Convention Centre the next morning as they began their technical service for God last Sabbath. Ministry Media, led by Daniel Rayne, along with staff from the North England Conference assisted by Anton and Aaron Stewart and Delaney Francis from the Birmingham area set the stage for day's great events.
Sabbath School saw the hall filling rapidly to its capacity of 2,500, a congregation enthusiastic to learn more and desirous to grow in faith. The Divine Service was deliberately focused towards the sermon time with few special items. As Pastor Finley stepped onto the blue carpet on the stage the audience hushed, the Portuguese group with their translator waited, children were silenced – and then Pastor Finley invited God to speak through him. And God did! The results were seen in the appeal at the end of the sermon as ranks of people kneeling in front of the stage made real decisions for God. One audience member suggested that the meeting was so relaxed that people felt free to make their responses which varied from first time commitment to Christ, to decisions to serve God in an evangelistic endeavour.
The afternoon programme continued with a presentation by Pastor and Mrs Finley. Revealing enthusiasm, deep commitment, wonder at God's work and their appreciations of God's calling them to Ministry, the Finley's enthused their audience with tales of growth and the presence of the Holy Spirit in evangelistic outreach taking place all over the world field. Many in the audience went away with a new vigour and determination to experience the joy and richness that can only come from seeing God at work in power through their lives and witness in earth's closing hours.
One young man, Kyle, an official photographer for the day, had his photograph taken with Pastor Finley. He had only recently made a decision for baptism himself and so went home having seen a model of what true service for God can be. He typified the desire of most, if not all, of the people who had worshipped in West Bromwich that Sabbath.
God's Great Commission to the NEC ended on Sunday, 31 January with a training day held at the Camp Hill church in Birmingham. Around 200 people joined in a day of workshop presentations in which Mark and Ernestine Finley addressed the art of personal and territorial preparation, soul winning, giving Bible studies and nurturing and 'discipling' new believers. The day's programme reflected the excitement and enthusiasm of the programmes held over the entire weekend. Pastor Mike Simpson NEC Personal Ministries and Church Growth director said "I am thrilled at the enthusiasm shown by the membership of the NEC and more so at the support and commitment of our youth and young adults to this weekend's programme. 'With such an army of workers... rightly trained... the message of a crucified risen and soon coming Saviour' will without doubt be spread to all corners of our territory.
A selection of photos from the weekend can be found on the BUC Picture Gallery, <www.adventist.org.uk>.
CHILDREN HELP FOUND A CHURCH [Heather Haworth/Andrew Rashford-Hewitt]
Thirty-five children found a church in two ways. Firstly, they found a warm welcome within the church planting group on their Manor Estate in Sheffield. Secondly, on Sabbath, 23 January they helped to found the Manor Newstart Seventh-day Adventist Community church. A vision that the Holy Spirit inspired back in 1998/99, had now become a reality. A church on the Manor estate in Sheffield is now the third Adventist church in the city and the second to be born out of the Carter Knowle congregation.
Responding to the needs of those on whose doors they knocked, the evangelistic small group from Sheffield Carter Knowle church soon had a regular attendance of children and early teens. Often the number of children is larger than the caring adults.
Manor has grown to become a thriving young church with a combination of children, young people, adults, from all backgrounds and ethnicity, fellowshipping around meals and the Word. With the support of Pastor Ian Sweeney in the early years, followed by Pastor Des Rafferty and then presently Pastor Andrew and Andrea Rashford-Hewitt, the Manor church has gone from strength to strength. Outreach meetings and a play scheme held last year really touched the residents - indeed over 200 people from the community joined in for a trip to Skegness. Four of them have since been baptised.
A combination of love for all of God's children, child centred ministries and services, Pathfinders, Bible classes for adults, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and a reverential yet relaxed service style all helps to make Manor what it is – a church unique in its own right.
Praise and worship was vibrant and engaging. The Children's Choir was spot on and very touching. Then Pastor and President Ian Sweeney of the NEC led the address focusing on the Lord's desire that His places of worship be a place of prayer for all peoples. The culmination was the charter being signed by the committed members and the children, a fantastic new idea by Pastor Paul Haworth, NEC Executive Secretary, and his wife Heather whose responsibilities include Children's Ministries at the BUC. Pastor Haworth was excited about the importance of this exercise: "We want these children to feel they belong to this church and are an integral part of its mission to reach out to others in this estate." Dressed in their Pathfinder uniform the children excitedly signed their names on their own special side of the charter.
Carlton Lee is the church leader at Manor Park. He enthused that the day was "fantastic, and the people, did you see the people, they loved it!" Pastor Rashford-Hewitt added that it was a testimony to the "hard work of the whole team, the children, the support of Carter Knowle as the mother church and most of all the Holy Spirit." Jenny Sweeney, wife of Pastor Sweeney said she would definitely come back and visit. The members would extend that invitation to everyone. They may be worshipping on an estate that suffers social deprivation – but they have an abundance of the fruits of the Spirit.
Already one mum is following in her two baptised daughters' footsteps and is taking baptismal studies from a couple of members. Another teen has requested Bible studies with a view to baptism.
Manor Newstart members have found, like other denominations, that the churches that are doing as Jesus requested, "Feed my lambs," are the fastest growing churches in the British Isles. Pastor Haworth, Pastor Sweeney and Mr Rejoice Kampengele, NEC Treasurer, resoundingly commended the founders of this latest church for responding to Jesus' request to minister to younger members of His family. Further support and commendation was given by Pastor Roy Morgan, the Burngreave and Huddersfield churches and from Walsall church in Birmingham.
ART AND MINISTRY HITS BIRMINGHAM [Daniel Blyden]
"'How Great Thou Art' was a creative, spiritually focused presentation of art, music and spoken word that shared the gospel with a large mix of churched and unchurched Brummies," said Pastor Malcolm Watson. A multimedia arts presentation sponsored by Eternal Drama Ministries, alongside the visual arts project, 'Vision: Create: Evangelise,' was the climax of a series of outreach evangelistic activities.
Held at Birmingham's Central Library Theatre on Saturday, 30 January the programme was sponsored by the Newtown-Aston Community Seventh-day Adventist church and used art, poetry, and drama to share the gospel.
Eternal Ministries drama group opened the programme by showcasing the gospel message through a play entitled 'The Return of the Great King' to an eclectic audience of about 250 Christians and non-Christians. The musical-theatre production, which was based on an original play written by Cargill 'CJ' Webley was based around two Christian young people's attempt to encourage their friends to get ready for the Second Coming of Jesus.
"After the play there was an evangelistic appeal to which some youth responded wanting to know more about Jesus," stated Daniel Blyden, leader of the project. "We also took people's details to join our mailing list."
The play was complemented by an evening of poetry, music, dance and visual arts. The programme also featured the official launch of the 'Vision: Create: Evangelise' project – a youth-led initiative which aims to channel the creative gifts and talents of the church into evangelism. The project is created and sponsored by the youth and focuses on using the Bible in developing the spiritual values and awareness of the unchurched in our communities. The project also includes workshops in Art and Crafts, Graphic Design, Creative Writing & Poetry and Media Communications and produces resources to be used in continuing evangelistic outreach. Vision: Create and Eternal Ministries endeavours to continue delivering workshops covering a wide variety of creative skills throughout the year 2010 and beyond and welcomes those who would like to get involved. Please contact <vision.createministries@live.com> or <newtownyouth@hotmail.co.uk> for further information. Other contact details: Blog: <www.visioncreateministries.wordpress.com>. On YouTube search for: 'Vision Create Evangelise' or follow 'visioncreate' on Twitter.
'HOUSE OF PRAISE' AIDS HAITI EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS [Theo Charles]
The South England Conference Area 5 annual 'House of Praise' was fittingly redefined as a fundraiser specifically for the Haiti Appeal. Already billed as a fundraising event to aid community work in the TVYF (Thames Valley Youth Federation), the decision was taken to change the focus as ADRA mobilized its effort to support the stricken Caribbean country. People from across Area 5 gathered together and collectively raised in excess of £1,200.
On Sabbath evening, 23 January, Newbold church once again was the location for an evening filled with music, spoken word and testimonies, with churches from Reading, Slough, Oxford, Bracknell, High Wycombe and Newbold themselves all represented by acts, including 4 Christ and Harmoni.
This year's event focused on being more interactive, with the TVYF praise team, led by Emmanuel Daddey, leading the congregation in extended praise sessions which were powerful, invigorating and fun. This special opportunity to simply 'sing out to God' was gladly welcomed by an enthusiastic and engaged audience.
The TVYF were grateful to have so many willing participants, including the guest MC, Andrew Davis, who hosted the event with his customary charm and vigour. Newbold church senior pastor, Patrick Johnson concluded the event with a reflection lasting just 5 minutes, but resonating in everyone's minds long after, poignantly reminding us of the devastating impact of the earthquake in Haiti and commending the efforts to support the appeal. For the latest on the Haiti Earthquake and ADRA's efforts visit <www.adra.org.uk>.
House of Praise 2010 was indeed a blessing and all hope for a new and exciting mission to take House of Praise to the next level in 2011.
HAITI IN NUMBERS [John Torres, ADRA Senior Public Relations Manager/BUC News]
While the need for humanitarian aid remains critical in Haiti, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is extending increased assistance to hundreds of thousands of affected people through the distribution of basic necessities, including food, water, hygiene items, and medical assistance.
Here is ADRA's response by the numbers:
4,200,000: Water treatment tablets currently being distributed by ADRA to provide additional access to clean water for affected persons. It takes 20 minutes for one water treatment tablet to purify one litre of water.
1,300,000: Meals that ADRA has distributed to survivors to date.
1,000,000: Worth of aid in US dollars that ADRA committed to the Haiti earthquake response within hours of the disaster.
200,000: Number of Haitians benefiting from ADRA's largest water purification system, which was installed on 28 January. The new system can provide approximately 17 gallons (or 64 litres) of water per minute, and is currently being managed by a team of ADRA volunteers and local leaders.
153,000: Number of people that ADRA expects to feed during a massive two-week food distribution currently underway in Port-au-Prince, which is being coordinated by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). Each day, ADRA will provide 25 kilos of rice rations to 1,700 families, or approximately 10,200 people, which will be enough to feed them for two weeks.
100,000: Number of pounds (45 tons) of rice, beans, oil and salt that were distributed on 25 January to thousands of displaced survivors currently living on the campus of the Haitian Adventist University in southwest Port-au-Prince.
71,000: Value in US dollars of a shipment of medical supplies sent by Orlando-based Florida Hospital on 21 January. The donation included 23 palettes of IV solution, IV lines, antibiotics, analgesics, masks, and other emergency supplies, which were given to the Adventist Hospital of Haiti.
55,000: Number of people who have gained access to clean water through 12 additional water points installed by ADRA and partner GlobalMedic across the Carrefour region.
15,000: Value in US dollars of medical supplies given for response from Heart to Heart International.
1,000: Number of pounds (454 kilograms) of medical supplies donated by partner International Aid.
40: Pallets of tarps, heavy plastic sheeting, water, hygiene items, generators, infant care supplies, and medical supplies sent through ADRA to Haiti by Harvest Time International, a Florida-based organization.
11: Number of ADRA network offices around the world providing personnel for the ongoing emergency response.
A brief video report on ADRA's work in Haiti can be seen on the Inter-American Division website. To donate to ADRA and for latest updates visit <www.adra.org.uk>.
ADVENTIST-METHODIST DIALOGUE IN CARDIFF [John Surridge]
On Thursday evening, 28 January, three Adventist ministers along with members of the Cardiff African Fellowship, met with the minister and members of the St Andrews Methodist church in Birchgrove, Cardiff. The Cardiff African Fellowship has been renting the St Andrews church for nearly six months now and relations with the Methodist congregation have been very good.
The meeting was initiated and chaired by Rev Philip Drake who pastors two Methodist congregations in Cardiff. Proceedings began with Welsh Mission President, Pastor John Surridge, giving a twenty minute presentation on the Seventh-day Adventist church, using video clips and photographs of Adventist work around the world. Pastor Surridge highlighted the church's size and exceptional growth rate but also acknowledged the major contribution that Methodism has made to the development of the Adventist church, particularly in its early years. He pointed out that the Adventist stand on temperance and gambling was identical to the position that Methodists originally held and that the Adventist tradition of holding quarterly communion services can be traced back to the days when horse riding Methodist preachers often took three months to visit every church in their circuit.
In his presentation Rev Drake spoke about the history of the Methodist church and in particular the story of the two brothers, John and Charles Wesley. John Wesley's emphasis on personal holiness and the need for order in church work and worship is still a guiding influence in both Methodism and Adventism, and the hymns of Charles Wesley are familiar to Christians of many different denominations.
Following the two formal presentations the congregation divided into small groups where specific questions could be asked. Each of the Adventists present - Pastors George Asiamah and Jeremy Tremeer, and local members Dr Theo Gokah, Dr Esther Ndiweni and John George - spent time explaining fundamental Adventist beliefs such as the Sabbath, the Second Coming of Jesus, and the State of the Dead.
Throughout the evening there was an atmosphere of graciousness, respect, and genuine interest. The members of both congregations hope that the cordial relations will continue to grow over the years ahead.
Thirty photos from the day can be seen in the gallery section of the South Wales African Fellowship website.
LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD FOR DAVID BALDERSTONE
Funerals and award presentations do not normally go together, but failing health meant the opportunity sadly never arose for ADRA-UK to make a special Lifetime Service Award to David Balderstone for his commitment to the work of ADRA. Since his days as one of the founding members of ADRA-UK until his final act last December as ADRA-UK Transport Manager in shipping 8,000 shoe boxes from the 2009 appeal to Zambia, David worked tirelessly for the projects he believed in.
Thus a special time was made during the funeral service on Thursday, 28 January to make the presentation to his two sons, Adam and Peter. As chairman of the ADRA-UK board, BUC President Pastor Don McFarlane told a capacity congregation at the Stanborough Park Adventist church in Watford that "David's heart beat with love and compassion for others, especially the poor and the oppressed. Like our Lord he was more interested in the well-being of others that his own."
A full obituary will appear in the Messenger. An audio tribute to David is available on the BUC website, <www.adventist.org.uk>.
SABBATH SCHOOL LEADERS AND TEACHER TRAINING [Terry Messenger]
"My Sabbath School team and I thought the training we received today was very informative, and will help to equip us in our ministry for the Lord," commented one of the attendees at a special Sabbath School Leaders' Training weekend, 30 – 31 January. Elder Gary Swanson, Associate Sabbath School director at the General Conference Adventist headquarters in Washington DC was the guest speaker. On Sabbath, Elder Swanson preached and ran a training workshop at the North Wembley church. Using the title "Contending with the Horses", he emphasized how important it is to study God's Word and how the Sabbath School has a vital role to play in this.
In the afternoon about 150 Sabbath School leaders assembled to learn about the history of the Sabbath School in the Adventist church and the most effective ways to teach – linked with Jesus' teaching methods.
On Sunday the leaders gathered again at the Advent Centre for a full day's training. Vital information was given regarding best practice teaching methods, especially relating to types of questions to ask and not to ask in order to encourage active participation, as well as practical tips as to how to run an effective Sabbath School.
Elder Swanson was impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the leaders and appreciated the lively interaction during the sessions. Some of the leaders wished that more of their teachers were in attendance, but they were encouraged to take what they had learned and to train their teachers in their local churches.
If what was learned over this weekend is applied in our churches I believe we will see a greater attendance in our Sabbath Schools and many from the community coming to our services.
BUC NEWS FROM LEBANON
BUC News next week will be produced from Beirut, Lebanon and the campus of Middle East College, home to the new Middle East Media Centre. A world Hope Channel Advisory will climax in the opening of the media centre next weekend. Please be prepared for the possibility that BUC News may suffer from production delays. Submit your story early to ensure publication.
THIS WEEK ON THE HOPE CHANNEL
Rosemary Lethbridge grew up in a strict Christian home. Her dad was a pastor and church administrator. She knew decorum and how to behave. But meet her today in "messy church" and you meet a different person. She has a burden for those with no church – and no knowledge of the Saviour she has come to love. Rosemary 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 5 February: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Mike Simpson
Sabbath 6 February: 12:30 am and 3:00 pm: Mike Simpson
Monday 8 February: 3:00 am and 9:00 pm: Rosemary Lethbridge
Wednesday 10 February: 8:00 am: Rosemary Lethbridge
Friday 12 February: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Rosemary Lethbridge
Sabbath 13 February: 12:30 am and 3:00 pm: Rosemary Lethbridge
From the archives: Australian born Terry Menkens was raised on a sugar cane farm in tropical Northern Queensland. Surrounded by beautiful wildlife and a loving family, he reflects on how his idyllic childhood shaped his future career as a life long educator.
TED Media also produces a UK based programme, Faith Development which airs Monday at 9:30 pm, Wednesday at 10:00 am, Friday at 8:30 pm and Sabbath at 3:30 pm.
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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