BUC News #572 (18 January 2008)

Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
An illustrated pdf version of this newsletter is available by replying to this email and requesting "pdf version".

Contents:

LDi: CENTRED IN JESUS.
NORTH LONDON CATCHES A VISION.
ADVENTIST LAWYER MAKES LEGAL HISTORY.
MY LIFE, MY LOVE, MY ALL.
ZIM PRAYER WEEKEND.
"RAISING THE ROOF" AT MILTON KEYNES.
BRITAIN'S OLDEST ADVENTIST DIES AGE 105.
LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION".
COMING EVENTS.

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LDi: CENTRED IN JESUS

"Evangelism finds its roots in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ," Pastor Eglan Brooks told last week's LIFEdevelopment committee. "Knowing Christ is the central theme of LIFEdevelopment." At a meeting that included leaders from across the UK and Ireland, then subsequently in a meeting with Directors at the British Union Conference office, Pastor Brooks shared the vision that LIFEdevelopment actually enhances all our evangelism. He stated, "As a church, we are very good at Bible study, bringing people to church and leading them to baptism but," he then went on, "we are not so good at building those early relationships with those who know little or nothing of the church." He also emphasised that we are sometime not so good at the other end of the scale, "nurturing new members, developing their spiritual gifts and helping them share their faith."

LIFEdevelopment has been undergoing a revamp in recent months. Pastor Brooks sees the programme undergirding much of the mission of the church and has developed what he calls a "Matriculation of souls into the church" with ten principles running from the extreme where a person does not believe in God to the goal of a discipled member who shares their faith.

LIFEdevelopment is based around the principle of Jesus that He, "mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, 'Follow Me'." (Ellen G White: Ministry of Healing p.143). The concept is very simple. Talking recently to BUC News Pastor Mike Simpson from Manchester said, "It seems like it is a task to reach people but people are looking for friends. That's what Jesus did. Jesus was just remarkable. We just want to make friends."

The truth of friendship being a significant part of evangelism was brought home to Pastor Brooks at the recent LIFEdevelopment training weekend in Slovenia. Julian joined the church some ten years ago. He is enthusiastic for his Lord but sometimes frustrated by the insular nature of some churches. "Friendship is most important," he stated at the weekend. "How can anyone trust God if they can't see Him living in you."

British Union Conference President, Pastor Don McFarlane, endorses this concept. He said that he would like to see LIFEdevelopment permeate the entire church in the British Union. "When members realise that LIFEdevelopment is no more than seeing every person as a candidate for heaven and taking the time to nurture that person for the Kingdom, I believe there will be an explosion of support for this evangelistic process."

With responsibility of Personal Ministries, Church Growth and LIFEdevelopment across the UK and Ireland, Pastor Brooks is amazed at the tremendous prospect LIFEdevelopment offers for the future of the Church. "Can you imagine thousands of Seventh-day Adventists connecting, reaching new people who have never known the Lord, touching families and friends with deep, meaningful and caring relationships?" he asks, encouraging each member to catch the vision. "However," he notes, "this vision, this programme of LIFEdevelopment and any future plans to engage our members in evangelism is useless unless each one of us as Adventists first make Jesus the centre of our lives."

For more on LIFEdevelopment visit: <lifedevelopment.info>.


NORTH LONDON CATCHES A VISION [Catherine Anthony Boldeau]

The ministry and members in the North London area were blessed this week by the presence of Pastor Freddie Russell. Pastor Russell is the senior minister of the Miracle Temple church in Baltimore and is an excellent motivational speaker as well as a deeply spiritual man of God.

On Sunday, 13 January the officers and pastors of the district came together at the Holloway church to "catch a vision" from the Lord, not only for their churches but their personal lives in a day long leadership conference, "Leading in the church, with a whole heart".

During the day, Russell delivered four seminars: Vision - Seeing beyond the Majority, Earning Respect as a Leader, Ten Great Leadership Lessons I have Learned thus far and How to get the Church Board on your Team. In these presentations, Russell gave practical and sound advice on how to be an effective leader in the local church.

A key element of his presentations was that as a leader, you need to be actively involved in a ministry for leading souls to Jesus Christ and therefore you need to be fully committed in your devotion to Jesus as well. At the end of the conference there was a time of prayer for the anointing of God on all present.

For the following three evenings, the mood was one of reflection and meditation as Pastor Russell spoke on the topic of Prayer. The final evening was very practical as the regular prayer meeting became a time of prayer and prayer alone including an anointing service for those who were sick. All the pastors present were actively involved in this aspect of the worship. At the end of the service, Russell appealed to the members to "pray for their pastors instead of talking about them at the table during Sabbath lunch". Pastor David Burnett, Area Co-ordinator of North London found it a truly moving service. "We should be having prayer meetings like this every week," he said.

As part of his visit to North London, Pastor Russell was invited to speak to the London ministers on Tuesday morning at the Stoke Newington church. Commenting on the event, Richard de Lisser, South England Conference Communication director said, "We were encouraged today to rise above mediocrity and be the best that we can be for the Lord Jesus Christ. It was truly inspirational". Pastor Russell will share more of his life and the importance of prayer as an invited guest on the Hope Channel programme, "In Conversation" in a few weeks time.


ADVENTIST LAWYER MAKES LEGAL HISTORY [Richard de Lisser, SEC Communication Director]

Adventist lawyer Asha Wije, a member of the Wimbledon International Seventh-day Adventist church, made British legal history late last year when she successfully represented a group of workers, one of whom, a gardener with learning difficulties, was awarded £550,499.09, the highest recorded compensation in a claim of disability discrimination, against his former employer Lambeth Serviceteam Limited, now Veolia Environment Services Lambeth. Asha, an employment law solicitor, working on behalf of the GMB Union who supported claims on behalf of its 24 members, recovered total compensation of over £1.3 million.

Asha Wije said, "It has been a privilege to have contributed to making a real difference in the lives of people who have been badly treated in the workplace."


MY LIFE, MY LOVE, MY ALL [Naomi Osei]

On Saturday, 12 January, people from across London and beyond joined together at the Advent Centre for a night of praise, worship and thanksgiving to God. With the Advent Centre bursting at the seams, the Holy Spirit moved upon the hearts and minds of all who attended using SAPP (Praise team), Spiritual Sounds, Friends, Alex Douglas and the United Praise Choir (UPC) to reach all who were there. The night also featured drama highlighting the human race's moral decline and the way in which we as humans allow ourselves to move further and further away from Christ, allowing various people and things to take His place. The audience applauded when the drama depicted Christ stepping into the middle of the situation, taking back His rightful position as Lord so causing the sin sick soul to be free again.

The event was called 'My Life, My Love, My All' with the aim of the event being to reinforce the fact that it is not just about going to church week after week, knowing Bible prophecy or holding positions in church. These things are all secondary and will not end up being worth it if upon Christ's return we do not hear the words "Well done my good and faithful servant". We also wanted to create an opportunity where people could come together, have an amazing worship experience, listen to good quality music and singing and receive the undiluted Word at no cost. Our speaker, Laura Osei, ended the evening with a short message emphasising the fact that Christ needs to be the centre of our lives. She reminded us that God requires our lives as a living sacrifice and that building and maintaining a relationship with Christ is the only way that our salvation can be guaranteed.

"My Life, My Love, My All" was organised by a team of vibrant people who have a passion for spreading the good news of salvation known as Anointed Events & Music Management. Currently, the team consists of Naomi Osei, Olivia Briscoe, Serena Maurice, Alec Gage, Laura Osei, Shola Pyne, Ellen Bryant, Marie Cader, Andrae Johnson and Michael Williams. Together, they plan to work hard at being an effective witness to this generation, meeting them where they are and introducing them to a relationship that will change their lives forever. They will be planting a church in the West London area and the first service will be held on Sabbath, 16 February. Log on to <www.myspace.com /anointedmanagement> or contact the team via email, <anointedmanagement@hotmail.co.uk> for further information. Your prayers are also welcomed. A selection of photos can be seen at: <http://www.flickr.com/gp/8910339@N05/F52192>.


ZIM PRAYER WEEKEND [Zom Musiyiwa]

One hundred and thirty Adventist and non-Adventist individuals from at least seven nationalities participated in a Prayer Retreat the weekend of 21 to 23 December 2007 at Quinta in Oswestry. Guests began arriving as early as 3:00 pm on Thursday, 20 December and were welcomed by Elder Kudzai Chigogora who worked hard throughout the weekend to ensure that all were comfortably housed and fed physically and spiritually. The women and occasionally men too combined to prepare and serve food for the varied congregation. One could not help but remark that this is like in the Apostolic Age where they "did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God" Acts 2:46-47. Guests came from as far away as Leeds, Newcastle, Bradford, London, Birmingham and Leicester and other places.

The guests would often break into prayer circles to petition God for individual and group needs. Testimonies were also heard of how the Lord Jesus had guided and protected guests in the past and even on the way to the retreat. A group of ladies shared how their car had gone through an accident on the way to the retreat to come out with no injuries to both people and the cars. Others shared how they had requested special prayers at church and how God had softened hearts and changed lives. The success of the meeting owes a lot to a band of prayer warriors led by Mrs Tsvangirai from Harlow Seventh-day Adventist church.

Manjit Biant delivered inspiring messages based on Daniel 1 and 11; Jonathan Bennett shared how church members could reach the British people with the Advent message. Noel Chitate gave a talk in which he analysed the reasons why Jerusalem went into captivity and drew parallels to our present situation. The key note address came from Zom Musiyiwa who spoke on how to walk with Christ in the last days "the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer" 1 Peter 4:7. Praise be to God as five individuals gave their lives to Christ. Efforts are being made to keep in touch with members and integrate them into local churches where they can be further nurtured. A similar event has been planned for the first week of April and details can be obtained from Kudzai Chigogora, email: <kchigos88@hotmail.com> or telephone: 0208 842 4471/0798 454 0525.

One English person who attended the weekend wrote afterwards, "Despite some ups and downs, I am in no doubt that life has taken a very positive turn in recent weeks and I most certainly see the "Zim Prayer" weekend as a major turning point... I suddenly feel so much better connected to God. I have contacted a pastor about arranging my baptism."


"RAISING THE ROOF" AT MILTON KEYNES [Catherine Anthony Boldeau]

The Milton Keynes Seventh-day Adventist church had a capacity congregation last Sabbath afternoon, 12 January, for the launch of its contemporary worship service, "Raising the Roof" aimed at secular people in its local community. The service consisted of two elements, Praise and Worship and "Preaching the Word".

The hour-long service was interactive and lively, with Charmaine and company leading out in the worship. The choice of music varied from the pumping, "People around the world" to the quiet and emotive, "Falling in love with Jesus". The competence of the vocalists and the band enhanced the mood of worship.

Complimenting the music was a short devotional thought by the local church pastor, Alonzo Wagner. He spoke directly to the people as he passionately deliberated how God can bring you through the trials and tribulations in your life. Citing Job as an example of faith and courage, he challenged those in the congregation, "to try Jesus for themselves".

Speaking after the service, Pastor Wagner said, "The purpose of "Raising the Roof" is to show those in the community that worshipping God can be exciting. The service is structured in such a way as to appeal directly to them... I am grateful to all the members of Milton Keynes who helped to make our first service a success". "Raising the Roof" will become a fortnightly event at Milton Keynes.


BRITAIN'S OLDEST ADVENTIST DIES AGE 105 [Eric Lowe]

It is with sadness we report the death of what we believe to be the oldest Seventh-day Adventist in Britain, Mrs Irene Osborne (née Himsworth) who passed away on Wednesday, 16 January 2008.

Born on 14 January 1903, Mrs Osborne had just celebrated her 105th birthday at The Dell, Oulton Broad, Suffolk. She entered church employment as a Bible Worker in 1926 and worked as such for two years in the Scottish Mission and 22 years in the North England Conference. In 1950 she joined the team in the Voice of Prophecy at the British Union office on Stanborough Park where she gave further service until retirement at the start of 1963.

Irene was a Bible Instructor at the Voice of Prophecy when a young Valerie Pearce joined there as receptionist. They have been friends ever since. Valerie says, "She was such a lovely, warm and caring person. She was so selfless people were drawn to her." Irene brought many people to a knowledge of Christ and even in her later years continued to have a positive influence on others. Valerie states that "even when she was in her eighties the children in the church were drawn to her."

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, 5 February at 1:00 pm in the Lowestoft church, followed by the committal at Gorleston Crematorium at 2.30 pm.


LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE

The latest 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>. In this special double-issue Pastor Don McFarlane challenges, "Let no one spoil your joy in 2008!" Pastor Cyril Sweeney focuses on the family issues of forgiveness, South England Conference President, Pastor Sam Davis reflects on a recent conversation he had in Westminster Palace and in a new "Issues" section, Dr David Marshall reviews what happens when minorities damage life for the rest of us. You will also find plenty of news and reports of the music that has blessed our church over the Christmas season.


THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"

Home schooler, local politician and church planter, Sue Matthan, is the guest in the Hope Channel programme, "In Conversation", this coming week. Watch her at the following times or on the "Broadcast on Demand" section of the website, <www.hopetv.org.uk>.

Friday 18 January: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Steve Logan
Sabbath 19 January: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Steve Logan
Monday 21 January: 3:00 am and 7:00 pm: Sue Matthan
Wednesday 23 January: 8:30 am: Sue Matthan
Friday 25 January: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Sue Matthan
Sabbath 26 January: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Sue Matthan
Week starting 27 January: Ron Lawrence

"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.

JESUS IS ALIVE. Sabbath 19 and Sabbath 26 January. Join Peckham Seventh-day Adventist church each Sabbath in January for the preaching series Jesus Is Alive with Pastor Jones-Lartey exploring Acts 1. 19 January "Can I Get A Witness?", he will be speaking about the Christian experience. We can only testify on what we have seen, heard and touched. 26 January "This Same Jesus", he will be speaking about the glorious return of Jesus. Come and discover to recover. The strong messages are supported by Peckham's Praise team backed by Paulette Prendagast. Are you looking for a place of worship? Peckham Adventist church is the place to be on Sabbath. There will be a baptism on 26 January. Time to be announced. Contact: Ebenezer Jones-Lartey <joneslartey@aol.com>. Phone: 07939 065798.

NO LIMITS IN CROYDON. Sabbath, 19 January. Join "No Limits" from Soweto on the last event of their amazing UK tour. Time: Divine Service and 4.00 pm (1 hour presentation in AYS). Venue: Croydon Seventh-day Adventist church, 95 Selhurst Road, South Norwood, London, SE25 6LH. Opportunity to purchase their music. Highly recommended. Contact: John Saul <molapo_selepe@yahoo.com>. Phone: 07714 091181.

NEC OFFICERS TRAINING DAY. Sunday, 20 January and Sunday, 27 January. The North England Conference invites all church officers to their two annual training days at the following venues: Sunday, 20 January, Manchester Pendleton Seventh-day Adventist church. Sunday, 27 January, Birmingham, Camp Hill Seventh-day Adventist church. Both days commence at 10.00 am. Lunch is provided. Contact: Paul Haworth <phaworth@necadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01159 606312.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP MEETING (SEC ROAD SHOW). Sunday, 20 January. SEC event for all church officers in Areas 5, 6, 7 held at Stanborough Park church from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visioning, departmental orientation and opportunity for exchange of ideas with the new SEC leadership team. Contact: Ruth Stewart <rstewart@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923232627.

PERSONAL MINISTRIES & SABBATH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TRAINING WEEKEND. Friday, 25 to Sunday, 27 January. Purpose: Quality training of Personal Ministries (PM) and Adult Sabbath School (SS) leaders. Features: Main presenter, Gary Gibbs from the GC and author of "Winsome Witnessing" - the book for every Adventist PM and SS Leader who are impacting on their churches, will say how it is done. Venue: Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, near Derby. Those who attend will return inspired, equipped and be qualified to give a professional edge to their leadership. Enquiries: Phone 0115 960 6312 or email Pastor Roy Morgan <rmorgan@nec adventist.org.uk>.

PERSONAL MINISTRIES AGM. Sunday, 27 January. Purpose: To provide quality training, resources and discussion. Speakers include: Pastor Eglan Brooks of the BUC; Pastor Aris Vontzalidis of the SEC. Venue: The Advent Centre, London. Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. Enquiries contact Pastor Terry Messenger on 01923 232728 or email <tmessenger@ secadventist.org.uk>.

SOCIAL EVENT FOR UNATTACHED ADVENTISTS. Saturday, 2 February. Afterglow - born from the notion of the rays of light at the beginning and end of Sabbath. Presenting an evening of comedy on singledom, savoury refreshments and stimulating conversations within a Christian environment. Tickets cost £12. Venue: Advent Centre, Central London church, Crawford Place, London, W1H 5HD. Please visit <www.centrallondonchurch.org/afterglow.php> for more details and to purchase your ticket. Contact: Julita <afterglow@centrallondonchurch.org>. Phone: 07940488760.

SABBATH SCHOOL AGM. Sunday, 3 February. Purpose: To provide quality training, resources and discussion. Speakers include: Dr Mike Hamilton of the TED and Pastor Roy Morgan of the NEC. Venue: The Advent Centre, London. Time: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Lunch will be provided. Enquiries contact Pastor Terry Messenger on 01923 232728 or email <tmessenger@secadventist.org.uk>.

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SMALL ADS

LIVE-IN AU PAIR REQUIRED. An Adventist family from Basildon Seventh-day Adventist church are looking for an Adventist live-in au pair who speaks Spanish or French as their first language to assist with two children aged 2 and 4. For more details contact Tyronne: <Tyronne@Waldron.tk>, or call: 07956067485.

ROOM TO LET-BIRMINGHAM. Double, newly decorated, furnished in Gt Barr/Perry Barr. Close to local bus routes, city centre, local amenities. Rent: £300.00, free wireless internet access. Contact details: Angela Jackson: 077369 60065; <ajackson17@hotmail.com>.

STANBOROUGH SECONDARY SCHOOL VACANCY. Part-time KS3 or KS4/5 Mathematics teacher required from February half-term. Applicants should hold a degree in the subject, a teaching qualification and experience. Applications forms, available from the school, and a current CV should be sent to Judy McKie, PA to Head Teacher, Stanborough School, Stanborough Park, Watford WD25 9JT or email <jmckie@spsch.org> by Monday, 4 February 2008.

LARGE PRINT VERSION OF BUC NEWS. Peter Walton, a member of the Stanborough Park church takes BUC News and increases the font sizes each week so that those with failing eyesight can read it more easily. Interested? Simply send BUC News an email <bucnews@adventist.org.uk> and we will forward your details to Peter.

NEWBOLD COLLEGE is seeking to appoint a full-time colleague in Pastoral Theology (Pastoral Care and Counselling) commencing 1 August 2008. The deadline for receipt of applications is 15 February 2008. Further details are obtainable from the Newbold College website: <www.newbold.ac.uk> or from Vice Principal, Mike Pearson, at <mpearson@newbold.ac.uk> or tel: +44 1344 407401 or fax: +44 1344 407404.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR TALENTED DESIGNERS: Intaract is a design and marketing consultancy in North London. We are interested to hear from talented graphic designers (web & print). Ideally you would have a design qualification and commercial experience. Please email us your CV and folio to Daniel Cudjoe at: <daniel@intaract.net>.

STANBOROUGH PRIMARY & NURSERY SCHOOL in Watford requires a qualified, experienced teacher for April 2008 (earlier if possible). The successful applicant will: be committed to support and encourage the Christian ethos of the Seventh-day Adventist Church School; have QTS; be enthusiastic and professional; have up-to-date professional knowledge; provide evidence of excellent class teaching across the curriculum and primary age range; be an excellent classroom practitioner with high expectations; have the ability to establish good relationships with parents; be hardworking with a good sense of humour; lead in a curriculum area; be flexible and adaptable in dealing with situations as they occur; be willing to engage in the full school programme. For an application pack, please telephone the school secretary, Miss Laura Harris on 01923 673291. Closing date for applications: Wednesday, 23 January 2008. Interviews: Wednesday, 30 January 2008.

LARGE FURNISHED ROOM TO LET in Stanmore. Adventist female owner would prefer female tenant. Rent £75.50 per week including gas/electric. Ring Maureen on 07949-909-268.

TWO BEDROOM FLAT fully furnished to let. Looking for Adventist professional person. Ring Maureen on 07949-909-268. Rent to be discussed.

CARPET AT DISCOUNT PRICE. A Brighton and Hove church member has 5 large rolls of hard wearing pale blue carpet available suitable for a church or residential facility. It does not need underlay. If you are interested please contact Pastor Leslie Hill: <leshill@greenbee.net>.

BUC RECEPTIONIST. The BUC has an immediate vacancy for a Receptionist and is looking for a cheerful person, conversant with switchboard operation and able to offer a welcoming, helpful and professional approach to visitors and callers, both in person and on the telephone. Responsibilities include oversight of photocopying, franking and fax machines, supervision of the post room and the maintenance of general office supplies. Employees at the BUC office are expected to be committed to the mission and the values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Salary £17,500 - 20,000 per annum in accordance with experience. Closing date for applications 22 January 2008 with interviews to follow on 28 January 2008. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please send CV to: Executive Secretary, BUC Office, Stanborough Park, Watford, Herts, WD25 9JZ or email <secretariat@adventist.org.uk>.


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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