BUC News #545 (29 June 2007)

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

Contents:

SHEFFIELD ADVENTISTS HELP FLOOD VICTIMS.
GOVERNMENT FAITH LOBBY REORGANISED.
SABBATH CONCERT ATTRACTS VISITORS TO AFRICAN FELLOWSHIP.
NEC CAMP MEETING DVDS.
LONDON GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL CANCELLED.
RESOURCES FOR SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHERS.
WEB RESOURCES.
TOM TOM UPDATE.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION".
TRANS-EUROPEAN DIVISION PRAYER GUIDE.
COMING EVENTS.

----------------------------------------

SHEFFIELD ADVENTISTS HELP FLOOD VICTIMS

After a week which has seen torrential rain and severe flooding across the north of England, Sheffield Adventists are partnering with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, ADRA-UK to provide basic necessities for the 300 families that Sheffield Council are working to re-house in the next two days. Pastor Andrew Rashford-Hewitt told BUC News this morning that all three Adventist churches in the town are involved in providing parcels of blankets, dry food and other essentials for distribution in conjunction with the local council and Social Services. The church and individual members have also contributed to the mayor's appeal for funds for displaced persons.

With the forecast of more heavy rain over the weekend the Carter Knowle Adventist church is extending its normal Monday drop in-centre and is using church funds, donations and a £2,000 grant from ADRA-UK to provide sandwiches, soup and hot drinks for the families affected by the severe weather.

The BBC reports that about 900 people have been using emergency shelters in Sheffield. The UK Environment Agency has labelled the recent weather conditions as "phenomenal". The agency's flood expert, Phil Rothwell, stated on Tuesday that, "We've had a sixth of the annual rainfall in 12 hours."

With more heavy rain forecast for the weekend emergency services are preparing for more flooding. Adventist Community Services, together with ADRA-UK will continue to work with the council to provide help and support. The Adventist churches in Sheffield are on high ground and have been unaffected by the flooding.


GOVERNMENT FAITH LOBBY REORGANISED

The Times newspaper reported this week that Seventh-day Adventists are among religious bodies to be excluded from The Churches Main Committee, a body set up by the UK government to lobby the Government on legislation in all areas except faith and education. Currently the Adventist Church is one of 39 bodies that make up the membership of the Committee.

Ruth Gledhill, Religion correspondent for The Times writes that, "the committee, although little known outside church circles, has been influential in advancing the cause of Britain's faiths on issues such as VAT, immigration, employment, charity law and child protection."

The Churches Main Committee website, currently identifies itself as "a Judaeo-Christian ecumenical body bringing together the interests of Christian Churches and the Jewish community in their dealings with Government in all its aspects (other than education)." The committee sees its primary role is as a vehicle for conveying to the Government the views of the churches on legislation and other matters which directly affect them. It is also a channel through which the Government can consult the churches as a whole on such matters.

Peter Bottomley MP, who is chairing the review, is offering associate membership to a number of groups including the Seventh-day Adventist church. He told The Times that "when a legislative topic comes up that affects one of these groups in particular, they will be brought into consultations." He stated, "The purpose is to make it more useful to more people more often."

Representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland, Eric Lowe, Executive Secretary, stated that while he recognized the need for the new structure to have a more clearly defined membership criteria, he was concerned that in the current draft the limitations of associate status meant that the church would only have access to information and would not be able to attend any meetings.

This point was recognized in a review meeting of The Churches Main Committee executive on Tuesday, 26 June. Replying to the Adventist Church's concerns, Philip James, Head of Policy Unit for the Church Commissioners, Church House, in London stated, that it accepted [the Adventist Church's] point that associate members of the new body, the Churches' Legislation Advisory Service, should have the right to attend general meetings. In clarifying the comment he added that "We had always intended that to be the case but, unfortunately, the Charity Commission had failed to put it in the draft.

Eric Lowe stated that he is happy with this clarification as "the Church's needs and concerns can be heard and represented." Associate membership status will be in line with the Adventist Church's membership of other bodies including Churches Together in England.


SABBATH CONCERT ATTRACTS VISITORS TO AFRICAN FELLOWSHIP [Theophilus Gokah]

On Sabbath, 23 June the South Wales African Adventist Fellowship (SWAAF) hosted a special music day and afternoon concert at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. An estimated 200 people attended the event which attracted African visitors from the local area as well as friends from further afield.

In their spoken messages Dr Lovemore Nganunu, a medical practitioner based in Scotland, and Richard Khumalo, highlighted the positive impact that good music can have on the church and on society. However, "music can only heal the wounds of society if it brings people to Christ," said Dr Nganunu. "Many forms of contemporary music and even some so-called sacred music are a disgrace to our institutions and to the church. They encourage pride of dress, pride of appearance, self-gratification, hilarity, and trifling."

Dr Nganunu went on to say that there is a need today for women and men who will build the walls of the church, the walls of society, and regenerate the walls of health and morality. Messages of health and morality in contemporary society are gradually fading away from the church. It is the duty of Christians to show leadership if the walls of society are to be rebuilt as they were in the days of Nehemiah.

The afternoon concert featured some good examples of quality Christian music with groups like Raffle's Inspiration from Bristol, Holy Family and For Christ from Reading, the Chigbo Sisters from Newport, Emmanuel from London, Joyful Bells from Leeds, Stella and Chifundo from South Bristol, among others. Particularly inspiring were the performances of the younger artistes - Raffle's Inspiration, a violin trio, For Christ, a singing group, and the Chigbo Sisters also a singing group. These talented young people reminded the congregation of the important role that young people can play in the church, and also in healing societal wounds through music that binds the cords of friendship.

This concert was just one part in the wider mission of SWAAF to reach the African community, as well as the general public in South Wales, with the Advent message. Although the group has only been running for three months it has already developed significant momentum and new contacts are being found almost every week. "I will be the first Ugandan to be a member of SWAAF," said one visitor on Sabbath. "My heart has been touched by what I have seen."

For more information as well as more than eighty pictures from the day, see the SWAAF website at: .


NEC CAMP MEETING DVDS [Peter Jeynes]

DVDs of the three main speakers at the North England Conference Camp Meeting 2007 are currently available for purchase. The full set includes Sharon Robles' informative and very spiritual health meeting talks, Jeffrey Rosario's stirring Power Hour presentations and the thought-provoking evening commitment services by Dr Allen.

Please order the Camp Meeting DVDs through Ludy Robinson of Middlesbrough church on 0191 4923002 - we regret that payment by cheque before delivery is necessary.

Full Set (14 DVDs) £32.00; Health programme only (4 DVDs) £10.00; Power Hour programme only (4 DVDs) £10.00; Commitment programme only (6 DVDs) £17.00. There is a £3.00 charge for postage and packing where necessary. Please allow 14 days for delivery.

Proceeds of sale to go to Middlesbrough Church Building Fund.


LONDON GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL CANCELLED

The Administration of the South England Conference regret to announce that the London Gospel Music Festival, scheduled to take place at Shoreditch Park, Hackney on Saturday and Sunday, 7 and 8 July 2007, has been cancelled. While the stated objectives of this event are altogether commendable, and most aspects of the proposed programme representative of all that could be desired in an event of this nature, we are nevertheless unable to give it our endorsement as an SEC-sponsored event. After having spent considerable time in carefully considering all facets of this event, it is our feeling that were this programme to be rolled out at this time, as it is currently framed, it is likely that substantial misunderstandings would arise as could damage the name of the church. As an administration we greatly value the presence and participation of all our young people in the life of our faith community. We are appreciative of their particular ministry needs and cognisant of our responsibility to ensure that they are properly catered for in the way we 'do church'. Our Youth Ministries department is in particular charged with ensuring that the interests of our youth are properly served. We are grateful for all they do in the furtherance of this objective.


RESOURCES FOR SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHERS

The Family Ministries department at the South England Conference have put together a sheet of resource ideas that may be helpful to Sabbath School teachers and Family Ministries leaders, etc, as they prepare lessons and programmes for next quarter to fit in with the Sabbath School lesson. They are available from the SEC Family Ministries department or on their website at: .


WEB RESOURCES

Ken Burton, director of the London Adventist Chorale has provided a list of some useful websites. He states, "This is useful as sometimes it is taken for granted that everyone knows about these sites, but speak to your typical Adventist and many will relate to you they never knew these sites existed." As well as emphasising the Adventist World Church website, , and the site for the Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland, he also lists as useful:

ADVENTIST MUSIC: . A very valuable but underused website. Underused, because people probably do not know it exists. It is a site which lists Adventist musicians from around the world with links to their site.

ADVENTIST RECORDINGS: . A new website. Up and running, but becoming fully functional. This aims to be a comprehensive one-stop source for UK Adventist recordings. Its aim is to encourage, promote and sell music - with full credit card and PayPal facilities.

ADVENTIST VOCAL ENSEMBLE. AVE has had an output of over forty unique songs [performances on television and radio], not to mention collaboration items which would take its output to around 70 songs. That is a serious amount of TV time for any musician of any genre and experience. Their new album is out and it's been extremely well received. You can buy, using credit card or PayPal directly from the site. It also has tracks by a subsidiary group of AVE, Tessera (Mary Did You Know being a firm favourite among most buyers). Also listen to music and see broadcasting schedules. You can hear tracks on MySpace. Visit: and .

CROYDON ADVENTIST GOSPEL CHOIR. This website is undergoing a total revamp. See performance schedules and, as the UK Adventist artists with the most album recordings, a wide choice of CDs to buy online. MySpace has a good selection of music from across the albums. Visit: , .

FESTIVAL OF SOUND. The annual Festival of Sound in Croydon starts in July. It's a programme aimed and packaged at the community to get them inside the four walls we call 'church'. It's a LIFEdevelopment concept, i.e. break down the barriers and befriend. Always a success, with some great programmes planned for this year and competitions to win prizes. Visit: .

KEN BURTON. The Ken Burton website is not only about Ken, but it's an easy 'one-stop' site which links into a lot of the other sites listed here and giving a summary of performances across the choirs if you don't have time to visit individual sites. It's the place to order products such as the famous Vocal Warm-Up CDs, which can be bought using credit/debit card and PayPal. Also interesting memoirs and blogs such as the 'Kenya Diaries'. MySpace has music and a song you can download for free. Visit: , .

LIFE HERITAGE. Life Heritage, Inc. is just bursting with all sorts of resources - tools to equip for ministry, and books. Its most dynamic function is in the Podcasts which deal with all sorts of hot issues, and its prayer line. Visit: .

LONDON ADVENTIST CHORALE. When LAC launched its MySpace page, it was as though the world's population was just waiting. It gained lots of friends in a short space of time. The main .com site has a full schedule of dates including rehearsal dates - very useful for prospective members wanting to come and hear. There are also links to hear/view/buy albums. One of the LAC's 'MySpace' friend is Obama, Hilary Clinton's contender for Democratic leadership and who knows the White House! The new LAC will also be available here when it is released in a few week's time. Visit: , .

Please note that music sites often automatically play music as soon as the web-page is reached.


TOM TOM UPDATE

With several changes of address for Seventh-day Adventist churches in the UK and Ireland the database of Adventist churches has been updated. To find a church visit . From within that page you can also download the latest POI for Tom Tom satellite navigation equipment allowing you to arrive promptly and fresh at your chosen church on Sabbath morning.


THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"

"In Conversation" is an interview programme produced by the BUC's Media Centre and broadcast on Hope Channel Europe. This week Jacqui Grant, Associate Executive Secretary with responsibility for HR at the South England Conference shares her faith journey, and particularly her recent involvement in church planting. Details for this week's programmes are as follows:

4:30 am and 7:30 pm: Friday 29 June: Kresho Senjaric
12:30, 1:30 am and 3:00 pm: Sabbath 30 June: Kresho Senjaric
2:30 am and 7:00 pm: Monday 2 July: Jacqui Grant
8:30 am: Wednesday 4 July: Jacqui Grant
4:30 am and 7:30 pm: Friday 6 July: Jacqui Grant
12:30, 1:30 am and 3:00 pm: Sabbath 7 July: Jacqui Grant

Next week's guest will be Peter Walton, a scientist and Christian who loves working with children and teens. North American and International versions of Hope Channel are only available on the Internet here in Europe. To find out more and to watch Hope Channel online go to: .


TRANS-EUROPEAN DIVISION PRAYER GUIDE

For Sabbath, 30 June our Bible focus is on Genesis 20:3-5. But God came to Abimelech in a dream one night and said to him, "You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman." Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he said, "Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? Did he not say to me, 'She is my sister,' and didn't she also say, 'He is my brother'? I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands." Then God said to him in the dream, "Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her..." This week consider what is our attitude toward the sacredness of marriage.


COMING EVENTS

A full list of coming events is located on the BUC website at: . Only brief details are listed below.

BELFAST 50th ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND. Friday, 29 June to Sunday, 1 July. To celebrate our church's 50th Anniversary we are inviting everyone with a connection to Belfast church to join us for a special celebration weekend. Pastor David McKibben, formerly from Northern Ireland, will be our special guest speaker for the Sabbath services. Over the course of the weekend there will be various activities/outings planned, as well as a chance to look back at the church's history - and forward to the future. So why not come along and join us for the weekend... we will be happy to provide you with the names and numbers of B&B's if you need them. Contact: Adam Keough . Phone: 07889 920 990.

SCOTTISH MISSION FAMILY CAMP. Friday, 29 June to Friday, 6 July. Scottish Mission Family Camp at Port Ban Caravan Park, Kilberry on the west coast of Scotland. Contact: Clifford Herman . Phone: 01698821617.

YOUTH REVIVAL - EXPERIENCE THE POWER CAMPAIGN. Friday, 29 & Sabbath, 30 June. Sands Church, High Wycombe presents a special weekend programme. Come and join us for a Youth Revival - Experience the Power Campaign on Friday at 7.30 - 9.30 pm and on Sabbath for Sabbath School & Divine Service from 9.30 am. Special AY programme from 3.30 pm. Speaker: Juan Jaminez. Venue: Sands Church, Chapel Lane, High Wycombe HP12 4BY. Contact: Perfect Ngidi . Phone: 07851510993.

GRAND OPENING/DEDICATION OF NEW £3M CHURCH. Sabbath, 30 June. The pastors, elders, church board and the entire membership of the London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist church invites you to the grand opening and dedication of our new church building. The church building property was acquired 6 years ago in Canning Town, East London. Although dilapidated, the opportunity to develop this place of worship for the benefit of God's children in an easily accessible and conspicuous, landmark area was too good to miss. The cost of this multi-purpose sanctuary complex is about £3m and much of this money has been raised already by church members. Venue: London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church, 50 Chadwin Road, Canning Town, London E13 8NF or 301 Newham Way, Canning Town, London E16 4ED. Full day programme from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Contact: Pastor Dr. Emmanuel Osei . Phone: 0208 699 7881/07947 850.

FAMILY SUCCESS SEMINAR. Sabbath, 30 June. What makes a successful family? In four life-changing sessions discover what true love really is; how to raise children successfully; how to deal with conflict and the importance of commitment. Pastor Terry Messenger and his wife Lynette will share powerful principles from their own life as well as impacting insights from others. Where? Greenwich Seventh-day Adventist church, Devonshire Drive, Greenwich, SE10 8JZ. When? Sabbath 30 June; 7, 14, 21 July. Begins 6:00 pm. Each session lasts 1 and a half hours approx. Crèche service available. Contact Terry Messenger on 07879 454267 to reserve your place. Email: . Phone: 020 8262 6535.

YES, WE CAN WORK TOGETHER. Sabbath, 30 June. In the light of the recent spate of gun and knife killings in London, Peckham Seventh-day Adventist church has organised a community meeting with Chief Superintendent Malcolm Tillyer (Southwark Borough Commander). Time: 5:00 -7:00 pm. The Police will be interacting with the community on how to prevent crime. Venue: Peckham Church, 149-159 Ivy Dale Road, Nunhead, London SE15. Contact: Ebenezer Jones-Lartey . Phone: 07939 065798.

PAVILION OF HOPE ADVENT YOUTH & FAMILY FUN DAY. Sunday, 1 July. The main event is the strollathon which consists of a 2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km stroll/run. Other events running on the day: aerobathon, gymathon, stalls, health and sickle cell screening and fun activities. The venue is East Park, Wolverhampton. Contact: Trevor Davis . Phone: 07989 856810.

GOLDEN SANDS BANQUET. Sunday, 1 July. The Youth department from Sands church, High Wycombe are cordially inviting you to attend the 'Golden Sands Banquet' from 4:00 - 8:30 pm. The banquet is a formal dress occasion providing a 3 course meal and live entertainment. Tickets £10. Venue: West Wycombe Village Hall, High Street, West Wycombe, Bucks HP14 3AH. Contact: Perfect Ngidi . Phone: 07851510993.

FUND-RAISING CONCERT. Sunday, 1 July. All are invited to a fund-raising concert at the Brixton Seventh-day Adventist church, Santley Street, London SW4 7QG at 6:00 pm. Admission free but a generous offering will be taken in aid of buying equipment for a Primary School in Jamaica. Artistes include: Croydon Gospel Choir, Celia Wickham-Anderson, Everol Dixon, Diadem, Brixton Adventist church and gospel choirs and many more. Contact: Leslie Reid . Phone: 07960317522.

NEWBOLD AWARDS CEREMONY. Sunday, 8 July at 10:00 am, Newbold Church Centre. Dr James Standish is the special guest speaker at this year's Newbold Awards Ceremony. As a lawyer he represents the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church at the US Congress and the White House. James Standish is the Director of Legislative Affairs at the World Headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and a Newbold alumnus. Join about 50 young people from Newbold's international community of students who will receive awards, diplomas and degrees. Everyone is invited to the Newbold campus to support the men and women who work so hard to achieve a Newbold education. However you will need a ticket (free) to get into the ceremony. These can be obtained from Helen Savage tel: 01344 407420, email: . For more details visit the Newbold website: .

LONDON ADVENTIST CREDIT UNION MEETING. Sunday, 8 July. The London Adventist Credit Union Ltd will be holding its regular meeting at the John Loughborough School. The meeting will start at 1.30 pm, come along and have an input in the development of your Credit Union. Contact: L C Saunders . Phone: 01375 377705.

CROYDON CHILDREN'S CHURCH MUSIC PROGRAMME. Sabbath, 14 July. Come and hear some children praise God with their array of talents. Please bring a friend and be on time. Programme starts at 11:30 am sharp at the Croydon Seventh-day Adventist church. Contact: Andrew Newby . Phone: 07949220307.

TASTER DAY - CELEBRATION OF ADVENTIST DIET. Sabbath, 14 July, starting 13:30 at Bradford Seventh-day Adventist church. Come taste and see that the Lord is good! Adventist diet celebration day! Come taste and see that healthy food is not difficult to prepare and tastes good! Recipes available on the day, prizes to give away - free entry! For more information or to register to take part, visit our website and for enquiries email us. Bradford Seventh-day Adventist Church, 15 Melbourne Place, off Little Horton Lane, Bradford BD5 0HZ. Contact: J Pagna Disso .

LAY ACTIVITIES OUTREACH DAY 7th ANNIVERSARY. Sabbath, 14 July. You are invited to the 7th Anniversary of (LAO) The Lay Activities Outreach Day entitled "Any Day Now". Come and experience a day of worship, prayer, praise and lay evangelism - witnessing at its best. If you have never been? Is an event not to miss! Venue: Methodist Church, Chatsworth Road, off Homerton Road, Clapton. DLR: Stratford Station. Buses: 108 - Stratford, 308 from Stratford bus station - Chatsworth Road, get off one stop before bus terminates. Contact: Sis Edward . Phone: 02089861535.

----------------------------------------

SMALL ADS

JOB VACANCY. Newbold College is seeking to appoint an assistant in the Engineering department to begin as soon as possible. Deadline for receipt of applications is 15 July 2007. See website: for more information or contact details: Berit Lisle, Bursar, email: , tel: 01344 407403.

ACCOMMODATION NEEDED. A young Malagasy Adventist currently a university student in Paris will be coming to London this September for training. He does not know anyone in London and is seeking accommodation, preferably with a church member. If you can help please contact Pastor Razafimamonjy Andriamanalina Johnson, Ministerial Association Secretary, Reunion Conference, Indian Ocean Union Mission by emailing or .

FOUR BEDROOMED DETACHED HOUSE TO RENT in Rothwell, near Kettering, Northants. Near all local amenities yet secluded with small well fenced garden. Built 1920s as the Manse for the United Reformed church and in the grounds of the church. Ample off road parking. Kettering Station with half hourly service to London (approximately 1 hour duration) only 4 miles away. 12 month assured term contract available with possibility of extension. Suit professional or business person with family. Contact , phone 01536 418091 or mobile 07779254427.

BUC CONFERENCE ON TEENAGERS. Staverton Park Hotel, Daventry, Northampton, 30 November - 1 December 2007. Featuring guest speakers and experts in their field, this will be an exciting and uplifting weekend for all parents, guardians and youth leaders who either have teenagers living at home or who work with teens. The early bird booking fee is £100 per person if registered before 10 September, after that date fees will be £125. Fees include accommodation in a double/twin ensuite room, all meals, course materials and use of the hotel facilities. Please call Pastor Des Boldeau on 01923 672251 or email Natalie Davison at: for more details and an application form.

HOUSE FOR RENT IN WALTHAM ABBEY EN9. Large 3 bed mid-terraced house, residential neighbourhood, cul-de-sac location, fitted wardrobes; fitted kitchen; downstairs shower; upstairs bathroom; large double reception room with sky-light; covered car-park; off-street parking for 3 cars; security lighting in front and back; large garden (south-facing for maximum light); semi-paved garden; friendly neighbours; close to Waltham Abbey town and major outlets such as Tesco. Appropriate for a family or a group of individuals needing a comfortable house environment. Available July 2007. Rent negotiable and very reasonable. Contact: Mrs Pilgrim; Tel: 0208 292 4530 or email .

DORCHESTER MEETING. A small group of Adventists are starting a mid-week home meeting in Dorchester, Dorset in July. If you know of any Adventists, ex-Adventists, or others who might welcome an invitation, please contact Pastor Ian Lorek .


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 and need to be received by 6.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably as simple email text. Coming Events and Small Ads should be kept short and preferably be submitted via the on-line form at: . 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 are available on our website at .

You can manually unsubscribe from this mailing list by clicking on reply and including the word 'unsubscribe' in the subject line. You can subscribe to ANN (Adventist News Network), the email news bulletin of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, on the GC website at: . You can subscribe to TED News, the email news bulletin of the Trans-European Division, by sending your name and email address to: .

The British Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church accepts no liability to any party for any error, omission or mis-statement by any contributor in any material published in this newsletter.