BUC News #565 (30 November 2007)

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

Contents:

CHRISTIAN LEADERS ASK MUSLIMS FOR FORGIVENESS.
EQUIPPING FOR MINISTRY.
STANBOROUGH PARK BENEFITS FROM CHIP.
JOHN LOUGHBOROUGH SCHOOL ANNUAL SPEECH DAY.
TRANSFORMING CRUSTY OLD CHURCHMEN.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN EUROPE SINCE 9/11.
STANBOROUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL RAISES MONEY FOR CHARITIES.
WATER INTO WINE MARRIAGE RETREAT AT NEWBOLD.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR NEW LIFE CHURCH.
LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION".
COMING EVENTS.

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CHRISTIAN LEADERS ASK MUSLIMS FOR FORGIVENESS

Christian leaders have responded positively to a letter from 138 Muslim scholars that called for a 'common word' between Muslims and Christians. Douglas Morgan, Director of the Adventist Peace Fellowship is among the many signatories of the return letter which recognises where Christians have made mistakes in the past with, for instance, the Crusades and that there are also areas of concern and dialogue in the present with the "war on terror".

They write, "We receive the open letter as a Muslim hand of conviviality and cooperation extended to Christians worldwide. In this response we extend our own Christian hand in return, so that together with all other human beings we may live in peace and justice as we seek to love God and our neighbours."

Petras Bahadur, Director of Adventist-Muslim Relations for the South England Conference believes that, "the response of the Muslim scholars worldwide and their pursuance of peace is a great initiative." His conviction is that Christians as a whole and Adventists in particular should take a lead in promoting this peace and friendship. He says, "We would like to participate in making this world a better place to live in and extend our love."

The letter extends an invitation for dialogue to "begin the earnest work of determining how God would have us fulfil the requirement that we love God and one another."

The full text of the letter can be seen at <http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=23280>.

EQUIPPING FOR MINISTRY [Elsie Staple, SEC Health Ministries & Community Services Director]

"Please, I want to know more when I get back to London." This comment came not from a delegate at the South England Conference "Equipping for Ministry" conference but from among hotel guests at the same venue who joined in worships, enjoyed health screenings, and participated in the health workshop at the week long event.

"Splendid" was the word the participants used to describe the week of fun, training, worship and outreach held in Montenegro from 11-18 November. A joint training programme of the Health Ministries and Community Services and the Personal Ministries and Sabbath School departments of the SEC, the programme amply demonstrated the effect of working together to impact our various communities for Christ. Forty one persons attended including two doctors from Serbia and two persons from the North England Conference.

Splendid Worship: Making new friends was a natural part of our experience. This resulted in some guests at the hotel joining us for morning and evening devotions and Friday vespers. "Building up the body of Christ," Pastor Perry, SEC Prayer Coordinator focused on Ephesians 4:12-13 and, with various speakers, we reflected on these verses throughout the week. Worship also involved exercises to reinforce the application of the Word to our lives. Prayer was a positive part of the whole experience with Hermine Davis organising prayer groups throughout the day.

Splendid Outreach: "This is so humane", responded a hotel manager as permission was granted to health screen workers and guests. Over 150 persons were screened for blood pressure, carbon monoxide and diabetes and were given advice on cancer prevention. Those with any abnormality were referred to the doctor who advised and who took their contact details. Our T-shirts, 'Health for the whole person' became very popular with staff and guests. The positive response also affected the health team: "This is an awesome experience", "It is much better than I anticipated" were among their responses.

Splendid Fellowship: Fellowship commenced 6:00 am every morning with power walking along the beach. Eldon Staple set a rapid pace for the walkers. Not all kept up with him as they realised 'the race is not to the swift' but enjoyed the three miles brisk walking at their own pace. For Terry Messenger, Personal Ministries and Sabbath School director, that meant jogging the route. A day trip took the coach 4,500 feet up mountains. The aerial view was spectacular! The use of the bio sauna and steam facilities were all enjoyable opportunities for establishing friendships.

Splendid Knowledge: Our main facilitator was Sandra Golding who informed us how to obtain and apply for funding as we prepare the church for community ministry. Malika Bediako, Women's Ministries director, presented ideas on how to start and sustain a small group and also how to make our church visible. Terry Messenger encouraged us "to identify our spiritual gifts" which will assist us to "witness without fear". Millie Williams and Gloria Simon demonstrated the main components of health screening. Elsie Staple, Health Ministries and Community Services director promoted the 'Breathe Free' quit smoking programme, the 'Eight Natural Doctors' and the 'MicroCHIP' (a slimmed down version of the Coronary Health Improvement Programme). During the MicroCHIP workshop Gloria Simon expounded on the value of drinking water and healthy eating. At this workshop we had 8 visitors who were guests at the hotel. They were excited about the MicroCHIP programme and asked to be informed when it commences in London.

There are always ways to improve and some wished there was more time for networking or that more time should be given to MicroCHIP and the establishing of the Women's group. However words on the plane home were "Wow - wonderful, oh wonderful!", "It far surpassed my expectations," "You have ignited a fire within me," and "I am returning to London fired up for ministry". That is the aim we hope to realise in each person's life.


STANBOROUGH PARK BENEFITS FROM CHIP [Catherine Anthony Boldeau]

The Health department of the Stanborough Park church organised a MicroCHIP programme in one of the church halls during the month of November. In attendance during this month were 15 people from the North England Conference, who were encouraged to come by Pastor Malcolm Watson. "Our examination of Coronary Health Improvement Project's simple methods attracted us," he stated. "I was convicted to act immediately to find members who would adopt CHIP's lifestyle changes and be trained to implement CHIP in their churches within the NEC ... two are not yet baptised".

The programme not only involved lectures and visual presentations, but also practical cookery demonstrations. Claudette Harris, who organised the programme stated, "Initially it was overwhelming to see the group from the north since we were only going to give light refreshments and not a meal, as all our members live close to the church. However, the enthusiasm from the group was so rewarding that it made up the process of catering!"

Testimonials were also given by the participants. Each has benefited personally. Most have lost weight, blood pressure has lowered, blood sugars have stabilised and other unhealthy conditions have improved. Sharon Platt-McDonald, BUC Health Ministries director, enthusiastically said at the conclusion of the programme, "The CHIP programme is here to stay. I hope that it will revolutionise the way the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland thinks of Health Ministries, as an evangelistic endeavour".


JOHN LOUGHBOROUGH SCHOOL ANNUAL SPEECH DAY [Catherine Anthony Boldeau]

"Live extraordinary lives" because you live in "extraordinary times" Kwame Kwei-Armah told students at The John Loughborough School Annual Speech Day on Sunday, 25 November. As keynote speaker for the occasion Kwame Kwei-Armah, a renowned actor, famous for his role as Finlay Newton in BBC's Casualty, deliberated on the fact that as a young person, he did not have to face the issues that today's teenagers experience. Dr Keith Davidson, BUC Education director, commenting on the speech said, "The challenge from the guest speaker was deeply moving".

Speaking to the 300 people in attendance at the Gladesmore Community School in Tottenham, Headteacher Dr June Alexis, spoke of the successes of the school, during the past year. "Despite the challenges, we have faced and are facing," she said, "God is still here with us and has blessed these young people to complete their GCSEs". There were several pupils who got outstanding results, notably, Jemiliat Otun (13), Joshua Agilinko (13), and Lemarr Lockear-McGrowder (13). These young people received grades A* to C grades and a further 17 received five or more A* to C grades.

Mayor Councillor Sheik Thompson and his wife, Mrs Kyoko Thompson attended the event and were pleased to accept a cheque of £142.27 for the Mayor's Fund raised by pupils from the school. He personally thanked the students for their "kind donation". They also enjoyed the music provided by Year 10 girls and also Antonio Francis and Louanne Sampson, teaching staff at the school.

Reflecting on the Speech Day, Dr Davidson concluded that "after such a momentous event, we are left feeling that we can move forward despite difficulties experienced".

A small selection of pictures from the speech day are available on the BUC picture gallery, <www.adventistpictures.org.uk>.


TRANSFORMING CRUSTY OLD CHURCHMEN

There was some fear and quaking at the knees as 13 leaders from the South England Conference office were put through their paces at a Media Training day. Former BBC Trainer, John Smith, using his innate humour worked to "transform crusty old churchmen into masters of the media". He may have said it 'tongue-in-cheek' near the start of the day but a morning lecture on writing effective press releases caused one director to push back the deadline for this edition of BUC News. "Now I know how to write I must revise my story," she said. That revision made a difference! In addition presentations were made on how to relate to journalists, how to prepare for an interview and how to manage a media crisis.

Things got very practical in the afternoon as participants faced the TV camera, were "door-stepped" by colleagues pretending to be tabloid journalists or were faced with defending their actions via a telephone interview. Reflecting on the day, SEC President, Pastor Sam Davis said, "this really was an excellent training event, and a very necessary one considering what we are sometimes faced with as leaders. Very often we have to deal with real life situations and can walk quite innocently into a media minefield."

Organised jointly by the British Union and South England Conference Communication departments this is one of a series of days that are helping administrators, directors and pastors right across the UK and Ireland learn skills that can help them relate effectively with the media. This will develop further in the future. As Pastor Davis states, "I believe that ministers in the field need to have this kind of training... In many instances how we handle the media will determine to a large extent whether we have a good or bad ending."



RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN EUROPE SINCE 9/11 [Helen Pearson, PRO Newbold College]

Sunday 25 November saw Newbold's Centre for Religious and Cultural Diversity assemble an impressive panel of speakers for a major conference to discuss religious freedom since the attacks on the World Trade Centre in 2001.

Lectures from British Union President, Pastor Don McFarlane, as well as from representatives of the House of Lords, the Universities of Buckingham and Reading, the Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters and Newbold College staff stimulated wide-ranging discussions on contemporary freedom of religion in the workplace and the wider society. The words of American President, Thomas Jefferson were much quoted: "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."

Lincoln Steed, Editor of Liberty magazine, highlighted the potential problem by citing the words of a leading American politician: "Religious freedom is no longer a luxury we can afford."

Pastor Don McFarlane, leader of the Seventh-day Adventist church in the UK and Ireland used Adventist responses to the Sexual Orientation legislation in this country as a case study to consider the church's response to threats to freedom of belief. Dr Jonathan Gallagher, United Nations representative for the Seventh-day Adventist church explored the effects on religious freedom of the United Nations agenda.

Baroness Cox of Queensbury, described her visits to Nigeria, Sudan and Indonesia and her observations concerning the effects of jihad in those countries. "The Christian churches have been slow to respond to the issue of child slavery and the manipulation of humanitarian aid as weapons of Islamisation," she said, "Western democracy and Christendom have been asleep at the switch."

In Newbold's newest conference space, The Smith Centre, forty participants from around the UK heard and questioned the various speakers and each other.

Participants included pastors and lay people, teachers and students. They used words like "informative", "practical", and "thought-provoking" to describe the course. Cynthia Lewis from Lewisham said: "The conference covered a wide variety of topics, the lecturers were approachable. There was plenty of time for questions and good interaction between participants."

Pastor McFarlane reflected: "What encouraged me about the day was to see a varied group of Adventists - both professionals and members from different countries all concerned about religious freedom. Seventh-day Adventists have a history of taking the lead in this subject and we should continue to do so."

For more information and pictures visit the Newbold website: <www.newbold.ac.uk>.


STANBOROUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL RAISES MONEY FOR CHARITIES [Catherine Anthony Boldeau]

Children in Year 1 and 2 at Stanborough Primary and Nursery School have raised funds for two charities in the past two weeks. Under the guidance of their teacher Julie Koziol, Year 1 organised a used toy sale and raised £72.27 for ADRA-UK. Mark Castellino, Programmes Manager for ADRA-UK stated, "Over the past several years we have appreciated the efforts of pupils and staff of Stanborough Primary School as they have regularly and generously supported our work at ADRA-UK. Through harvest festival collections, Christmas shoebox presents, and now this toy sale, the school has helped us to assist those in need around the world. And just as valuable has been the opportunity to educate the children in issues of international development, philanthropy and service to others; issues that are increasingly important in the world that we live in today. We would like to thank the school for this donation and for making these issues relevant to children from the outset of their education."

Luke Stickland and Amy Jessop, together with their parents, organised a special assembly to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes, an illness from which they both suffer. Part of the assembly was a video presentation made by Luke, Amy and Sophie, Amy's twin. Nathan Stickland, father of Luke, gave an interactive demonstration of how insulin affects the body, with the help of the Year 2 pupils. In addition to this, yesterday was non-uniform day at the school. £156.35 was raised for Diabetes Awareness as part of non-uniform day.

Luke and Amy's story was featured in last week's Watford Observer.


WATER INTO WINE MARRIAGE RETREAT AT NEWBOLD [Tabitha Cummins and Jeremy Cedenio]

I guess the big test for any marriage retreat is men. Did the men enjoy it? Would they do it again? The answer was a resounding yes from the men that attended the Water into Wine marriage retreat with their spouses at Newbold College.

As an engaged couple at our first marriage retreat this was a special moment. Preparing for marriage amidst the wedding plans and normal working life we were able to take time out and attend to the serious business of our relationship. We were not the only ones who felt this way. Apparently it's not only engaged couples who feel the stress of life. All the married couples at the retreat remarked how good it was to take a break from day to day life and focus on each other.

The wonderful thing about a Water into Wine conference is that the couple is at the focus. Yes, you are there with 18 other couples in the beautiful surroundings of Moor Close but really the two of you have an opportunity to really connect and spend time together. This was helped with Karen and Bernie Holford as well as Pastor Leslie and Irma Ackie guiding you through the development of relationship skills including communication and forgiveness. Chris and Susanna Rogers with their daughter Asha led in very meaningful worships.

There were so many little things that made this conference special but one thing that all the couples agreed on was that conversation with their partner was the most special. The hosts fostered an environment in which you felt safe and guided towards having much needed conversation with your partner. Throughout the course of the weekend, Bernie and Karen extolled the importance of reflecting a Christ-like love towards our spouses in order to improve our relationship not just with our partners, but with others as well.

While learning skills to enhance our relationship were at the centre of the retreat there was more to it than that. On Saturday evening the couples were treated to a intimate and romantic banquet with their partners. All dressed up and given the tools of communication the couples were treated to live music, great ideas and wonderful displays of appreciation by some of their partners.

For those of you who have interacted with Karen and Bernie before you will know that creativity surrounds them and this weekend was no different - the climax of the weekend was a special communion service. This was the culmination of a weekend filled with spirituality, learning, conversation and most of all relationship building. There could have been no better way to end a conference like this.

Our advice, if you get the opportunity to attend the Water into Wine marriage retreat is, go for it. You will be surprised at what you will learn about yourself, your partner and your relationship. This is a real opportunity to connect in a spiritual way to the person you love.

Please contact the Family Ministries department at the SEC on 01923 232728 or email <fm@secadventist.org.uk> to register your interest in future events.


CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR NEW LIFE CHURCH

Please note that New Life Seventh-day Adventist church which used to be based at the United Reformed Church in Portland Avenue, Stamford Hill, London has now relocated to the following address: St Andrews Church, Bethune Road, Stoke Newington, N16 5DU. You are welcome for worship at the following times each Sabbath: 09:00 Sabbath School, 10:45 Divine Service, 16:00 AYS. Website: <www.newlifesda.org.uk>.


LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE

Reports of the Welsh and Irish Mission Sessions can be found in the latest edition of the Messenger, the official journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland. David Marshall denies feeling his age in a timely editorial and Pastor Jonathan Barrett has a good laugh. All this and more online at <www.adventistnews.org.uk/messenger>.


THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"

Kresho Senjaric is the guest in the Hope Channel programme, "In Conversation", this coming week. Two top Adventist musicians, Ken Burton and Chris Rogers have also been added to the "Broadcast on Demand" section of the website, <www.hopetv.org.uk>.

Friday 30 November: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Daren Bullock
Sabbath 1 December: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Daren Bullock
Monday 3 December: 3:00 am and 7:00 pm: Kresho Senjaric
Wednesday 5 December: 8:30 am: Kresho Senjaric
Friday 7 December: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Kresho Senjaric
Sabbath 8 December: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Kresho Senjaric

"In Conversation" is an interview programme produced by the BUC's Media Centre and broadcast on Hope Channel Europe. 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 please visit: <www.hopetv.org.uk>.


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.

CHRIST OUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. Continuing to Sabbath, 1 December. The London Ghana Adventist church continues their evangelistic campaign on Friday evenings, Sabbath morning and afternoons, Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings. Pastor E D Poakwa, pastor of the 1,000+ member Mateheko church in Accra, Ghana, is the main speaker for this month long series. Venue: London Ghana Adventist Church, 301 Newham Way, Canning Town, London, E16 4ED . Closest tube station: Canning Town on the Jubilee line. Contact: Pastor Emmanuel Osei <eeosei@hotmail.com>. Phone: 020 747 48095.

LONDON GHANA ADVENTIST ANNUAL THANKSGIVING HARVEST. Sabbath, 1 December. The good Lord has showered His blessings upon His people throughout the whole year and it is time for His people to show appreciation for what the Lord has done for us. We therefore invite you to come worship and thank the Lord with us at our church premises. It is our goal to raise close to a £100,000 for the Lord and so come and thank the good Lord in your own way. Church address: 301 Newham Way, Canning Town, London, E13 4ED. Contact: Pastor Emmanuel Osei <eeosei@hotmail.com>. Phone: 020 747 48095.

LONDON ASIAN ADVENTIST FELLOWSHIP. Sabbath, 1 December. We welcome Asians and everyone within the British Isles to join us for this exciting day. Venue: The Baptist Church, (opposite Police Station), 389 Barking Road, Plaistow, London E13 8AL. Guest speaker: Pastor Ashwin Somasundram, then stay for Asian lunch. In the afternoon we will have a choir competition by different Asian choirs from non-Adventist churches. Last year's event led to a church plant where an average of 60 people attend each week. We plan to expand that outreach this year. Your support in bringing or sending your Asian Christian friends to this programme would be greatly appreciated. Contact: Petras Bahadur <pbahadur@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

PRAYER DAY AT NEW LIFE CHURCH. Sabbath, 1 December. Come and witness the power of prayer and praise to be held at our temporary new address: St Andrews Church, Bethune Road, Stamford Hill, London, N16 5DU. Starting at 9:30 am. Contact: Jean Bohi <jeanbohi3@ hotmail.com>. Phone: 0207 2548157.

IPSWICH COMMUNITY CHOIR. Saturday 1 and Saturday 15 December. The choir will perform at the Bury St Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fornham Road, (near the train station), Suffolk, IP32 6AH on Saturday 1 December between 4-6 pm for a Gospel Concert, and on Saturday 15 December at 7:30 pm for a Christmas Carols programme. Contact: Richard Shone, 01359221269 or Claude Lombart <claudelombart@btinternet.com>. Phone: 01359221269.

NO LIMITS (SOWETO AMBASSADORS) IN THE UK. Sabbath, 1 December to Sabbath, 19 January. The formidable No Limits are here to bring a spiritual warmth to our chilly season. Dates: 1-2 December-Birmingham churches; 8-9 December-Tottenham, London; 15-16 December-Thanksgiving Day, Cardiff; 22-23 December-Prayer Retreat in Shropshire; 29-30 December-In Concert with No Limits, Honest.2nd City, Mount Zion Centre in Aston Birmingham; 5-6 January-Leeds church; 12-13 January-Bristol North; 19 January-London (TBC). Contact: Dr Molapo Selepe <molapo_selepe@yahoo.com>. Phone: 07947249952.

FUNDRAISING CONCERT AT NOTTINGHAM CENTRAL. Saturday, 1 December. Despite Jamaica having an image of being self sufficient the economy is in a flux (currently 148.01 Jamaican dollars to the British pound). This flux has created pockets of economic divide between the "haves" and the "have nots" all over the island. Our efforts target the areas where there is extreme poverty, assisting our neighbours in Jamaica with the church's support. The Comma Pen Seventh-day Adventist church and their branch church Alligator Pond (situated in St Elizabeth and Manchester, Jamaica) have arranged a health seminar which we will support with the funds raised. Nottingham Central are supporting this with a free concert featuring our talented artistes. Come and support this event to hear the spirit of our church in voice! Food will be on sale on the evening. Concert starts at 6:00 pm. Contact: Jackie Elson <jackie_elson@yahoo.co.uk>.

UNLIMITED PRAISE 'FREE @ LAST'. Saturday, 1 December. Inviting you to a concert at the Ghandi Hall, Headingley Campus, Leeds Metropolitan University. Doors open 6:00 pm. Featuring: Unlimited Praise, Go Tell, Jeharna South, Pure Harmony, Joyous Symphony. Gift for the first 50 at the door! Price: £10 adults, £9 - 10% discount for valid Student ID, £6 OAP/Child (5-15 years). Contact: Verna Muimo <vez045@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07907038617.

GOSPEL CONCERT. Saturday, 1 December. Together We Will Stand. An evening of Gospel Music with artists from London, Nottingham, Wolverhampton and Birmingham in aid of Windsor Street Pathfinder Club. Time: 7:30 pm. Entrance fee £5.00 in advance. Venue: Harper Bell School, Birmingham. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Contact: Gustas <ajeffrey6@aol.com>. Phone: 07930412246.

CHOIR LEADERS DAY. Sunday, 2 December. Choir leaders and assistants are invited to attend this interactive training and discussion day where you will be able to: Plan an effective rehearsal; Learn new music; Browse, select and purchase music; Share your experience; and Ask questions. Please bring your own packed lunch. Venue: Harper Bell School, Birmingham, B12 0E. Cost £5:00. Reserve your Choir Leader's Pack. Contact: Diana Sinclair <dianarsinclair@gmail.com>. Phone: 07886203696.

THETFORD'S 2007 CHRISTMAS CONCERT. Sunday, 2 December by the Croydon Gospel Choir at the Carnegie Rooms, Cage Lane, Thetford, Norfolk, at 3:00 pm. Collection for ADRA. For further information contact Pastor Mike Toy, Area 8 Coordinator on 02082031783 or Claude Lombart <claudelombart@btinternet.com>. Phone: 02082031783.

ADVENTIST FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY. Sunday, 2 December. The Adventist Football League will be hosting their annual presentation ceremony to honour the league champions for the seasons 2004/05 and 2005/06 at the Advent Centre, London, starting at 6:00 pm. Please come to see these young men who are participating in a unique type of evangelism proudly accept their rewards. Food and drinks afterwards. Contact: Dennis Bennett <dennis_g_bennett @yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07737 366 791.

"THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE" - LEYTONSTONE CHURCH. Sabbath, 8 December. The children of Leytonstone church will be putting on a programme which demonstrates their many talents. Enjoy preaching by two young dynamic speakers from Stonebridge church. Presentations from the Beginner and Kindergarten classes. Scripture, skits, mimes and Leytonstone Children's Choir. Hyland House school children will be performing a musical play. AYS programme includes concert, quizzes/games, presentation ceremony. Location: Leytonstone Seventh-day Adventist Church, 14 Drayton Road, Leytonstone, E11. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Contact: Jodian F McKenzie <jodian1@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07962367551.

HOME COMING DAY - WEDNESFIELD. Sabbath, 8 December. A special invitation goes out to all former attenders of Wednesfield church in Wolverhampton. Visitors very welcome as usual. Refreshments. Any queries please call on Wednesday or Saturday evening. Phone: 01902 865471.

CAYA (COME AS YOU ARE) TEEN CHURCH. Sabbath, 8 December. Stanborough School's monthly Teen Church programme with a difference. We invite you to join us at Stanborough School at 1.30 pm for lunch and 2.30 pm for our programme. Our theme this month: "A Child is Born" as we take an interactive look at the birth of Jesus. Contact: Judy McKie <jmckie@spsch.org>. Phone: 01923 673268.

A CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS CONCOCTION IN ACOUSTIC HEAVEN. Saturday, 8 December. The Hampstead Adventist Choral Society and Orchestra (HACS) - 2007 Performance at the newly acquired St Paul's Church. Come and enjoy a classical compilation of music, in a Grade II listed historical building. Relax and soak up the atmosphere of this architectural splendour as the HACS presents an evening of delightful music with a concoction of classical, spiritual and choral performances at Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, [previously known as St Paul's Church], Chelmer Road, E9 6AY, a venue which has been hailed an "acoustic heaven". The performance will coincide with the completion of the restored stained glass windows, some of the finest examples within the United Kingdom. Doors open at 4:15 pm, for 5:00 pm start. Admission is free. Contact: Fiona D Pacquette <dwanell@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07746359839.

MUSIC AND WORSHIP SEMINAR. Saturday, 8 December. Music and Worship Seminar presented by Trevor Johnson at 4:30 pm at North Wembley Seventh-day Adventist Community church. Come along and enhance your perception of worship and musicianship. All welcome... Bring friends and family. Contact: Jermaine Hamilton <jermaine_hamilton@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07886848393.

LIVERPOOL STONEYCROFT CHURCH FUNDRAISING CONCERT. Saturday, 8 December. It's happening again in Liverpool, this time a fundraising concert for our church building fund. Featured artists: Mark Bunney, Higher Ground, Echo, Go Tell, and many more. Ticket prices: Adult £8 and Children £4. Time: 7:00 pm till 10:00 pm. Venue: Kensington Junior School, Brae Street, Liverpool, L7 2QG. Tickets are already on sale. Be sure to come and get a basketful of blessings! Free parking will be available! Contact: Michelle Donga <m.donga1@student.liverpool.ac.uk>. Phone: 07878787023.

NEC FESTIVAL OF LAITY. Sabbath, 15 December. NEC churches coming together to say what works in this culture. Churches that no one seems to hear about will come to the fore - and more! Venue: Clarendon College/New College, Pelham Avenue, Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG5 1AL. Contact: Pastor R Morgan <rmorgan@necadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 0115 960 6312.

SWAAF THANKSGIVING SERVICE & PRAISE CONCERT. Sabbath, 15 December. The South Wales African Adventist Fellowship (SWAAF), Cardiff, invites all friends and well wishers to join them in thanksgiving and praise from 9.30 am. There will be a fundraising concert in the afternoon in aid of the Gospel Mission in Wales and to secure a permanent place of worship. Please come and support generously; you cannot afford to miss such an inspiring and promising programme. In attendance will be "Ghana Choir" from Reading, "No Limits" from Soweto, South Africa, and other artistes from Nottingham, Walsall, Sheffield and Brecon. Principal speaker, Pastor John Surridge, Welsh Mission President. Also, Dennis Manuwa (Tottenham). Master of Ceremony, Pastor Clive de Silva. Contact: Theophilus Gokah <tgokah@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07939499475.

"ADVENTIST ADVANTAGE" AT NEWBOLD. Sabbath, 15 to Sunday, 16 December. Dr Clarence Ing, director of the Weimar New Start programme, and Mrs May Ing, New Start dietician, will be at Newbold on Sabbath afternoon in the church: two talks of particular interest to health professionals - 3:00 pm "The Adventist Advantage" and 4:00 pm "Reversing Chronic Disease." Sunday in the Newbold School Hall: One day New Start Seminar 10:30 am - 4:30 pm: a practical programme for people with health problems, including high blood pressure and obesity, and for health professionals. Lunch included (suggested donation £5). Advance booking essential. For more info or to book, phone 01344 459787 or email <clemency@themitchells.eclipse.co.uk>.

ADVENTIST DOMINI IN CONCERT. Saturday, 15 December. A charity concert in aid of STOP International at Stanborough Park church at 7:30 pm. Adventist Domini will present the same programme performed for Princess Alexandra the week earlier. Austin Blackburn will also entertain and inspire with his wonderful musical talents. Delicious refreshments will be on sale both before and after the programme. Come and be filled with the spirit of Christmas and raise funds to help improve the lives of orphaned and abandoned children. Contact: Alison Burgess <alison.burgess4 @btinternet.com>. Phone: 01923 225074.

JOEL WITH BAND HIS IMAGE + THE COMPANY & INSPIRED. Saturday, 15 December. My group of merry men and women (His Image) will be hosting a night of music celebrating the joys of what God has done in 2007 and what He is about to perform in 2008. I'd like you to be there. I've invited a group of special guests: The Company & Inspired. There is a catch though. Gospel music is Kingdom music, so I need you to bring at least one unchurched friend. Tickets £8:00. Venue: The Advent Centre. Doors open 8.00 pm. Contact: Joel <joelmusicuk@gmail.com>. Phone: 07961702984.

STRICTLY COME DINING. Sunday, 16 December. The UK chapter of Adventist Guyanese presents: "Strictly Come Dining" a traditional Guyanese banquet! Come and experience festive celebrations in an exceptionally rich Guyanese cultural atmosphere with rapturous entertainment and deliciously satisfying home-style meals! Time: 3:30 pm. Venue: John Loughborough School, Holcombe Road, London, N17 9AD. Tickets: Couples £50; Singles £30; Children 10 to 16 £15. For more information please call Florence Allen on 01923663596 or Myrtle Hunter on 02089860570. Proceeds are in aid of projects in Guyana! Contact: Florence Allen <terrybkl@aol.com>.

ADVENTIST VOCAL ENSEMBLE (AVE) ON BBC1 SONGS OF PRAISE. Sunday, 16 December. AVE on BBC1 Songs of Praise (Big Sing from Albert Hall). Please tune in at 5.25 pm (please check BBC TV guide for listings) and enjoy the Big Sing where AVE, conducted by Ken Burton, will be one of the featured guest artists. AVE has performed regularly on the Big Sing programme as part of the mass choir for the last two years. As a result of their performance last year of the spiritual "Were You There" the producer was so overwhelmed that she asked for them to feature as guests this year. Contact: Paul Lee <plee@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

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SMALL ADS

ROOM TO RENT (BIRMINGHAM). Double room in semi-detached house, newly decorated, furnished. Perry Barr area close to main bus route, local amenities and city centre. Female preferred. £300.00 pcm including bills and wireless internet access. Please email: <ajackson17@hotmail.com> or phone 07736960065.

CAN YOU HELP A BELGIAN STUDENT? The pastor of the Adventist church in Brussels is hoping an Adventist family in London would be able to provide a home to one of his boys, David Tcherepanya, who wants to study in the region of London. This would be for term-time only. For more details email <david.tch@tele2.be>.


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