BUC News #579 (14 March 2008)
Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Contents:
£3.2 MILLION FRAUD CASE CONVICTION.
BUC MEMBERSHIP PASSES 28,000.
MAKING CHANGES IN IRELAND.
FIRST TRAINING FOR INTEREST CO-ORDINATORS.
KIDS - DOUBLE TRAINING HOSTED BY BUC.
GLOBE THEATRE TRIP SPARKS ATMOSPHERIC EXCITEMENT.
FRESH NEWSLETTER ON MINISTRY TO UNCHURCHED.
PRAYER UPDATE.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION".
BUC NEWS NEXT WEEK.
COMING EVENTS.
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£3.2 MILLION FRAUD CASE CONVICTION [BUC News/Richard de Lisser]
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is to set up a review following the jailing of three of its members in a £3.2 million fraud case. "The trust of our members has been abused," Pastor Don McFarlane, President of the Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland told members of the church's Executive Committee on Thursday, 13 March. Recognising that this kind of affinity fraud can happen in any trusting community, it was nevertheless of concern to the committee that so many church members were affected by the case, some losing many thousands of pounds. While the details of the review are still to be confirmed it is expected that it will look back over four years at all aspects of how the fraud developed and will seek positive ways of helping church members to avoid such scams in the future.
The fraud case climaxed at Southwark Crown Court last Friday, 7 March when the jury returned a guilty verdict on three of the four defendants. They were remanded in custody over the weekend and sentenced on Monday to a total of almost 10 years in prison. The young men were all members of Seventh-day Adventist churches in the London area, as were most of the victims. Following a two month trial Lindani Mangena was convicted of fraudulent trading between 31 July 2003, and 1 March 2004, money laundering and carrying on an unauthorised investment business. Dean Hinkson and Curtis Powell were found guilty of "communicating an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity". Mangena is to serve a seven year jail term and the other two will serve 15 months each.
The three men, who had no financial expertise and were not registered with the Financial Services Authority, principally targeted members of the Adventist Church. Stephen Winberg, prosecuting, stated, "The victims were much more ready to believe what they were told because it came from members of the same tight-knit religious community." Up to 1,000 people are estimated to have been affected by the scheme which promised high returns for investments over a short period of time. Many lost substantial sums of money. One man who lost £70,000 was widely reported in the papers as saying that, "We thought Lindani Mangena was like a modern-day Moses. I thought the Lord had blessed him." However, he felt devastated when the truth emerged stating, "This caused a lot of people a great deal of financial difficulty and hardship." The jury could not reach a verdict against a fourth defendant who has been allowed bail pending a Crown decision whether to pursue the case against him.
Victor Hulbert, spokesperson for the Seventh-day Adventist Church said: "We are obviously saddened when the trust of our members has been taken advantage of like this. It is a cautionary tale that people from all communities need to be careful and take sound financial advice."
As a church we uphold the values of integrity, honesty and transparency. We regret that on this occasion some of our members have fallen short of the mark. We are a forgiving church and as such we will continue to pray for and provide spiritual support to all those who have been convicted or affected along with their families, as they are a part of our church family. The doors of the church are always open to all.
A more detailed coverage of this story and its implications will be in the 8 April edition of the Messenger.
BUC MEMBERSHIP PASSES 28,000
"We need to develop the kind of churches where children can bring their friends and members can bring their neighbours," British Union Conference President, Pastor Don McFarlane, told members of the British Union Conference Executive Committee on Thursday, 13 March. The comment arose from the good news that membership across the UK and Ireland has now exceeded the 28,000 mark. As of 31 December 2007 a membership of 28,110 was reported as worshipping in 243 churches and 33 companies. With 1,031 baptisms and 128 Professions of Faith reported during the year this has led to a net growth of 1,215 members during the year. The full statistics are available on the Secretariat page of the BUC website: <www.adventist.org.uk>.
This is a larger number of baptisms then in either of the previous two years but is a lower net figure due to a reduced number of transfers in from oversees. The committee recognised that there are many Adventists who have not yet transferred their membership into a local church. Dr Bertil Wiklander, President of the Trans-European Division of the Adventist Church praised God noting that "an increase of 1,215 is unique growth in this part of the world". He equally noted the emphasis that is being given to improving ways of retaining members and increasing growth. Steve Logan from Scotland, noted how children in his home church are comfortable to bring their friends to church. It was on this basis that BUC President, Pastor McFarlane made the plea for openness and change in our church to make them more inclusive. Alfred Officer from Brixton noted that lapsed members are coming back to his church with the sustained visitation and encouragement programme from the pastoral team.
But membership was just one of the issues discussed in a full day meeting. The four page agenda also included a review of how future Constituency meetings could be held, and a proposal to set up a Commission to review the current situation of the London based John Loughborough School. The main purpose for the Commission will be to look at steps that are required to build and repair relationships and to look at helpful lessons that can be drawn for future reference.
More details on this along with reports from Stanborough School, the Stanborough Press and other areas will be shared in more detail in next week's BUC News.
MAKING CHANGES IN IRELAND [Douglas McCormac, IM Communication Sponsor]
The Irish Mission has committed itself to empowering the leadership and the members of the Adventist Church with regular training events. Last weekend, 8 - 9 March, was the second such event for 2008. Twenty four church clerks, communication secretaries and other interested members gathered for a weekend in which Victor Hulbert, British Union Conference Communication director and Godwin Benjamin, South England Conference Church Clerk trained pastors and lay members in regards to their roles in their home churches.
Pastor Hulbert took time during Sabbath School to challenge the whole church to think about how user-friendly its building might be, looking at such things as how easy it was to find the church for someone who might be new to the city or to the church? Did the sign outside the building convey the idea that this was a friendly place to worship? Was the language that we used in our bulletins, signs and brochures understandable to all who attended our services? Victor continued his communication theme right throughout the Sabbath morning and afternoon. During the Divine Service the attention of the children was captured by a special story and presentation that had been prepared by the Adventurers at Newbold entitled 'Why Jesus Came'. And it didn't end there, the sermon theme being carried forward by multi-media on screen and a worksheet with a competition for the children. The whole time Pastor Hulbert was asking us "What kind of God did we know? Was He a vengeful, angry God or a God of love just wanting to get to know each one of us?"
In the afternoon Victor shared ideas and ways in which the church could get itself into the local papers and continue to contribute to the church's own publications. He shared many stories in which local churches had made a positive contribution to the communities and how this was reported in the local press. He demonstrated the do's and don'ts of taking pictures and 'what would' and 'what would not be published'.
Sunday morning our group grew as we were joined by the church clerks from around the mission and we were delighted that Godwin Benjamin was able to join us and not only show us how things were done in the SEC but actually got down to the nuts and bolts of what it meant to be a church clerk and the significant contribution that they make to the smooth running of the church. "It was my pleasure to provide training for church clerks, who though eager to serve the church in this ministry had never been trained or mentored," Godwin told BUC News. He was delighted that this keen group were now equipped to serve their churches. One participant told him, "I had no idea that anyone like you existed in the Adventist Church."
The communication secretaries finished their weekend by looking at how the internet could be used and the various resources that were available to help. One person attending commented that they were inspired to go back to their church and make a change but not just by themselves but to get others involved, especially the kids. Willie, a philosophy student studying in Ireland stated, "It was a wonderful and inspiring weekend in Dublin."
Having had a meal together and a final session after lunch we all parted our separate ways knowing that God has called each one of us to a special work. Godwin's reaction summed up the weekend for all participants. "Many questions have been answered and folk are now more equipped to serve their churches. This made me feel that my trip has been worthwhile and I have done something to help the Irish Mission."
Reflecting on the weekend Irish Mission President, Pastor David Neal, said, "This has been an excellent stepping stone in training officers in two church departments, skilled and equipped to serve with excellence, which is a value we are seeking in all areas of church life in the Irish Mission".
FIRST TRAINING FOR INTEREST CO-ORDINATORS [Catherine Boldeau]
"Finally, someone realises that we need training", exclaimed one of the attendees at the first training for Interest Co-ordinators held by the Personal Ministries department of the British Union Conference. Pastor Eglan Brooks, Personal Ministries director recognised that these officers are sometimes overlooked but play a vital role in connecting with missing people in the church. Thus he held a one day conference for the Interest Co-ordinators in the South England Conference at the Advent Centre, London last Sunday, 9 March. Nearly 40, mainly from the London area, benefited from the presentations during the day. From the lively debates, it was evident that they thoroughly appreciated the ministry training provided.
Pastor Brooks reflected, "Interest Co-ordinators should play a key role in the function of connecting with people who attend our church and who are not members. They should also play a role in contacting those individuals who are sick or have not been to church for a while. As their title states, they should be 'interested', just as Jesus Christ is interested in all of us".
KIDS - DOUBLE TRAINING HOSTED BY BUC [Heather Haworth, BUC Children's/Women's/ Family Ministries Director]
"This is probably the most well rounded and valuable Conference-sponsored training programme I have attended," stated Pastor David Riley, Central London church pastor. His was reflective of the response of those who attended the "Kids In Discipleship" training at the Stanborough Centre, Watford, 6 - 9 March. This third years training brought over 40 coachers, presenters and teams from across the Trans-European Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church including 2 teams from Hungary; Lithuanian and Lebanese teams as well as the two churches and two church plants within the SEC.
Training for the leaders began two days earlier as, on Tuesday, 4 March the British Union Conference office boardroom became a TED training centre for those going to coach local church teams and the KID presenters. Carsten Berglund, a Swedish Adventist who teaches coaching, led out the first day, while on the second day Mrs Anne-May Wollan, TED Children's Ministries director, and Mrs Barbara Clee, teacher, outlined how to present.
"Kids in Discipleship" is making a real difference in the lives of families in the UK and beyond. It is a positive, fun and life changing programme. For more details about the next training, 23 - 26 October, please contact Pastor Bernie Holford, KID University director, <bholford@secadventist.org.uk> or Mrs Heather Haworth, BUC Children's Ministries director, <hhaworth@adventist.org.uk>. Also learn more about KID on <http://www.ted-adventist.org/resources/cm.htm>.
GLOBE THEATRE TRIP SPARKS ATMOSPHERIC EXCITEMENT [Moses Arendse & Catherine Boldeau]
Nearly 80 John Loughborough School students from Years 9 - 11, accompanied by 6 members of staff boarded coaches on the morning of Tuesday, 11 March to visit Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and watch the Bard's comedy "Much Ado About Nothing." The Year 9 students wanted to see the performance of their SATS set text on stage because Shakespeare 'wrote for the stage not for the page'.
Once inside The Globe there was an atmosphere reminiscent of Elizabethan audiences with lots of "oohs" and "aahs" as the audience joined in the intriguing plot. As The Globe is an open-air theatre, the groundlings braved the occasional downpours. But the performance was so captivating that the children hardly noticed the rain.
Carla Edgecombe, a Year 10 student, stated: "It was a good experience and quite entertaining. I liked the variation in the music choice as it gave the play a kind of contemporary feel." Jacqui Nicholls, English teacher stated, "The trip was an entertaining, educational experience." The trip was organised by Moses Arendse, Head of English.
FRESH NEWSLETTER ON MINISTRY TO UNCHURCHED [Sarah K Asaftei]
RE:FRAME NEWS, a monthly publication of the Centre for Secular & Postmodern Studies (CSPS) is now available for free email subscription. CSPS, part of the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission, works to create relevant yet authentic Adventist resources for evangelism and outreach among unchurched postmoderns. RE:FRAME NEWS provides updates, ministry tips, comments, blogs, feature profiles and interviews, and much more - designed to encourage both pastors and lay members in ministry to their local communities. This is your opportunity to see what is going on in Adventist circles around the world in ministry to postmoderns. If you haven't already subscribed, email <ask@reframe.info> with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line, or visit <www.reframe.info>.
PRAYER UPDATE
A BUC reader wrote in two weeks ago to express her appreciation for the prayer story in BUC news and for the fact that the BUC and ADC staff take time to pray for needs and requests around the UK and Ireland. She was thankful that staff had taken the time to pray for her young daughter who was undergoing open-heart surgery.
Another reader noted that the East Kilbride church is praying each week for pastors Mike Logan and now Delroy Foster. She says, "Not knowing the man personally makes prayer seem strange/ impersonal but many here continue to pray for him like my own family who mention him every day, I hope you can let Mike know this as it may help him, and his family. Pastor John Surridge, Welsh Mission President, visited Mike recently and reports that he and Evelyn are in good spirits. He is currently on a four week break from treatment. He is speaking better and is involved in an ecumenical prayer group where he is staying. Mike and Evelyn are both grateful for your prayers.
Lastly a prayer of thanks for Sharon Platt-McDonald and her husband, Denzel, who, along with many others experienced turbulent gales first-hand on a flight into Gatwick airport and a landing in hair-raising conditions. They thank God for His protection as they share the Adventist health ministry in this country. In the book, Steps to Christ p.93, Ellen White talks about prayer as the "opening of the heart as to a friend". Within the UK and Ireland we are delighted for the many thousands of Seventh-day Adventists who share that friendship in prayer for themselves and their communities. Please feel free to join with staff at this office who pray each morning at 8.30 and ADC staff who share a special prayer time at 12 noon.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"
Enjoy this week's "In Conversation" on the Hope Channel at the following times:
Friday 14 March: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Sujoya Paul Bullock
Sabbath 15 March: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Sujoya Paul Bullock
Monday 17 March: 3:00 am and 7:00 pm: Paul Clee
Wednesday 19 March: 8:30 am: Paul Clee
Friday 21 March: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Dr & Mrs Ncube
Sabbath 22 March: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Dr & Mrs Ncube
"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>.
BUC NEWS NEXT WEEK
Due to commitments next week and the Easter break BUC News will be issued on Wednesday, 19 March. If you have a story for inclusion please try and submit it by Monday evening, 17 March.
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.
CHISWICK MICROCHIP SEMINARS. Continuing to Sunday, 16 March. Chiswick Health Ministries - Area 6D Chiswick Seventh-day Adventist MicroCHIP (Coronary Health Improvement Programme) Seminars at Chiswick Seventh-day Adventist Church, Stamford Brook Road, London, W6 0XW. Email for more details <chiswickchurch_press@yahoo.co.uk>.
NEWBOLD COLLEGE CHOIR UK TOUR. Continuing to Sunday, 23 March. Newbold College Choir has chosen the UK as the location for its 2008 Spring Tour. During their vacation, the choir, under the direction of Dr Sandra Rigby-Barrett, will present performances of their Easter musical "The Witness" at Seventh-day Adventist churches throughout the UK & Ireland. For details of times and venues go to <www.newbold.ac.uk>.
YOUTH EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN 'LET ME OUT OF HERE!' Continuing to Saturday, 22 March. Doncaster Seventh-day Adventist church presents a 10-day Youth Evangelistic Campaign with the theme 'Let Me Out of Here!' running every evening 7.00 to 8.30 pm, Pastor Victor Marshall and the Youth team invite you to join us. Venue: 1 Austerfield Avenue, Bentley, Doncaster, DN5 9QU. Contact: Bheki Sibanda <bheks03@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07940633907.
HANWELL - AGAPE FEAST. Friday, 14 March. We will be having an Agape Feast on Friday night, at Hanwell Seventh-day Adventist church, 58-60 Greenford Avenue, Hanwell, London, W7 3QP. All welcome. Starting at 7.00 pm. Contact: Carol Fletcher <sassi1247@yahoo.co.uk>.
YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES. Friday, 14 to Sunday, 16 March at Wokefield Park, near Reading. This event is organised by the SEC Church Growth and Personal Ministries departments. It will give opportunity for quality training, fellowship, worship, prayer and relaxation with Pastor Eglan Brooks (BUC) and Dr Mike Hamilton (TED). We are encouraging all Church Planters, Personal Ministries & LIFEdevelopment leaders to attend plus all those who would like to benefit and be further equipped for ministry. Cost: £65 per person sharing a twin en-suite room and £80 per person single en-suite room. For application forms please contact the Church Growth department at the SEC or email Sophie Vontzalidis <svontzalidis@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.
LONDON LIVE - SPECIAL EASTER EVENT. Friday, 14 March. A special agape Easter event at Regent Hall, Oxford Street. Speaker: Eddie Hypolite. Also the London Live drama team, media team and music. The Cafe opens at 6:30 pm, with the programme starting at 7:45 pm. There will be a special focus on the Easter message. Contact: Murray Harvey <murray@mylondonlive.com>. Phone: 07875310972.
CHRISTIAN FAMILY LIFE SEMINAR. Friday, 14 to Sunday, 16 March with the Nebblett Family from the USA. Seminars will be held at 7.30 pm Friday, 9.45 am Sabbath, and 10.00 am Sunday. (Breakfast served at 9.00 am). Venue: North Wembley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 217 East Lane, North Wembley, Middlesex, HA0 3NG. Contact: North Wembley church <communication-team@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 020 8908 0744.
YOUTH WEEK OF PRAYER. Sabbath, 15 to Sabbath, 22 March. "Lord of the Towel" is the theme for this year's Youth Week of Prayer at a church near you. Make sure you are blessed as we see how the human side of God's nature is expressed in some of the personal stories of Jesus. Let this week make a difference in your life. Contact: Natalie Davison <ndavison@adventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 672251.
BRADFORD YOUTH WEEK OF PRAYER. Sabbath, 15 to Sabbath, 22 March. You are all invited to Bradford Youth Week of Prayer every evening at the Seventh-day Adventist church, Melborne Place, Bradford from 6:30 pm to 8.00 pm. Contact: Angellina Wingolo <wingoloangellina@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07946191698.
CHISWICK HOMECOMING SABBATH. Sabbath, 15 March. Homecoming Day -all are welcome. Lunch will be provided. Chiswick Seventh-day Adventist Church, Stamford Brook Road, London, W6 0XW. Contact: <chiswickchurch_press@yahoo.co.uk>.
YOUTH DAY: ALL DRESSED UP, NOWHERE TO GO! Sabbath, 15 March. Liverpool Stoneycroft church presents an insight into the word of God especially for the young people. Starting: 9:30 am. Lunch provided followed by an afternoon programme. Social event in the evening featuring: 3D, Praise and Harmony and many more... Buses from town: 10, 12, 13, 15 and 18A. Contact: Michelle Donga <michello3@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07878787023.
CAYA TEEN CHURCH. Sabbath, 15 March. Our 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 is based on the Easter story as we take an interactive look at Jesus' sacrifice for us. Contact: Judy McKie <jmckie@spsch.org>. Phone: 01923 673268.
A GOSPEL EVENING. Saturday, 15 March. A night of inspiring and uplifting gospel music by some of the blessed talents in UK Gospel with live band. In aid of the Children's Hope Foundation hosted by Adrian Blake and Tyrena Powell. Featured artists: DTWG, Legacy, Sheyi featuring: Mighty, Joy, Jermaine Foster, Ryan Carty, West Midland's Praise Team, Nathaniel Peat, and more. Tickets are £7 each and are available from local churches. Venue: Mount Zion Centre (Aston Christian Centre), 70 Thomas Street, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4TN. For more information please contact Melissa Fisher <misskriss486@hotmail.com>, 07816 312 018 or Deinma Eppie 07920 401 519.
ASNA GOSPEL CHARITY CONCERT. Saturday, 15 March. Adventist Special Needs Association Gospel Charity Concert. Venue: Six Ways Baptist Church, Wood End Road, Erdington, Birmingham. Artists include Willing Spirit, Steadfast, Handsworth Youth Choir and more. Price: Adults £7.50 - concessions £5.00. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Contact: Sophia Nicholls <asna@special1.fsnet.co.uk>. Phone: 01491 833395.
ALL NIGHT PRAYER MEETING. Saturday, 15 March. All Night Prayer meeting from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am and ending with breakfast. All are welcome. Venue: Willesden Seventh-day Adventist Church, Glebe Road/Pound Lane, London, NW10 2JD. Contact: Cynthia Stewart <maureen.duncan@barnet.gov.uk>. Phone: 07949 909 268.
WOLVERHAMPTON YOUTH WEEK OF PRAYER - GOD HELP ME! Sunday, 16 to Saturday, 22 March. Wolverhampton AYS in association with Tabernacle sends out an open invitation to Youth Week of Prayer 2008. Each night from 7.00 - 8.00 pm at Oxford Street church, we will be looking at the following topics; Who am I?, What's stopping me from loving you?, What do I do next?, Am I good enough?, How can I reach my friend?, Why did I do that? On Sabbath we will be looking at 'The Father's Love Letter'. Speakers for the week include: Pastor Garry Gordon, BJ Taylor & Kanika Green, Odelyn Smith and Andrew Hazel. Our Sabbath speaker is Clive Palmer, so come along and bring your friends and family members as we spend a week together reconnecting with God. Contact: Mark Palmer <fourpalmers@blueyonder.co.uk>. Phone: 07931 531722.
AdvANCE. Wednesday, 19 to Sunday, 23 March. Adventist Apologetics Networking Conference on Evangelism. Speakers: Randy Skeet, Stephen Bohr, Jeffrey Rosario, Jude Jeanville, Jean-Claude Verrecchia, Clifford Goldstein. Cost £155 residential delegate or £55 day delegate. Venue: Paragon Hotel, Birmingham. To support our students across the territory the NEC Student Association with the Youth Advisory are planning this landmark conference to support our youth by nurturing faith building, networking, and training them in contemporary faith sharing in the academic environment. The ultimate aim of AdvANCE is to encourage and equip missionary mindedness and effective contemporary witnesses for Christ. For further information: <www.necyd.com>. Phone Alan Hush: 01159606312. Email <ahush@nec adventist.org.uk>.
ADVENTIST MUSLIM RELATIONS WEEKEND RETREAT. Friday, 21 to Sunday, 23 March at Stanborough Park School. Speaker: Bryan Gallant, Director AMR at the Quiet Hour. Cost: £55 including food, accommodation and materials. Contact your local church for assistance with cost. Contact: Sabrina Gungaloo <sgungaloo@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 656509.
WELSH MISSION HEALTH RETREAT WEEKEND. Friday, 21 to Monday, 24 March at Hebron Hall Christian Centre, Cross Common Road, Dinas Powy, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. Guest speaker: Sharon Platt-McDonald, BUC Health Ministries director. Cost: Adults £75.00; Children under 10 £45.00. Contact: Lil Saunders <saunderslil@hotmail.com>. Phone: 01792 549412.
MUSIC4CHILDREN - RESIDENTIAL MUSIC WEEKEND. Friday, 21 to Sunday, 23 March. Children aged 8 - 14 are invited to come along with their instrument (including voice) on this residential music weekend. Led by a team of experienced musicians from Seventh-day Adventist churches, they will learn music that they can play in church. A fun-filled weekend where young musicians can improve technique, gain a better understanding of music, and focus on sacred music as well as interact with their peers in group settings. Venue: Bilberry Centre, near Birmingham, cost: £30. Contact: Diana Sinclair/Anne Dove <dsinclair@necadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 0115 9606312.
LEWISHAM YOUTH WEEK OF PRAYER. Sabbath, 22 to Sabbath, 29 March. Theme: "Walking with the Eternal, for the time is Now." Speaker: Pastor Elwin St Rose. Time: Sabbath 11:15 am & 5:15 pm, Sunday - Friday 7:00 pm. Venue: Lewisham Seventh-day Adventist church, 428-434 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, London, SE13 6JL. Contact: Phiona <phionabarnett@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07930471276.
YOUTH DAY: LET ME OUT OF HERE! Sabbath, 22 March. Doncaster Seventh-day Adventist church presents a wonderful day of fellowship for the youth, at the climax of a 10-day Youth Evangelistic Campaign themed 'Let Me Out of Here!' A message of deliverance through Jesus Christ. Come one, come all... young and old. Starting at 9.30 am. Fellowship lunch will be provided and an afternoon programme of music, lively debate and topical discussion. Venue: 1 Austerfield Avenue, Bentley, Doncaster, DN5 9QU. Contact: Bheki Sibanda <bheks03@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07940633907.
NEW LIFE GOSPEL EXPLOSION VARIETY CONCERT. Sabbath, 22 March at St Andrew Church Of England, Bethune Road, Stoke Newington, London, N16 5DU. Promptly starts at 5.00 pm. In aid of New Life Church Building Fund. Entry: free, except you will need to bring a friend and a silent offering. This is a family evening as it has something for everyone. Starting with Praise & Worship and including some of London's most blessed and talented artists. Further information from Barbara Lawrence on 0794 000 7331 otherwise we will see you there! Email: <barbara.vision solutions@googlemail.com>.
"AN EASTER LOVE STORY" - THE MUSICAL. Sunday, 23 March. Are we here by chance? How did life come about? The greatest love story appeals to all ages and encourages the viewer to explore the whole purpose of life. A great evening not to be missed! £3 per ticket... under 8s go free! Doors open at 5.00 pm. Venue: Luton Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1 North Street, Luton, LU2 7QD. Contact: Careen Hanson <dazzarg@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07957 179349.
NOTTINGHAM BULWELL CHILDREN'S DAY "U R SPECIAL". Sabbath, 29 March. A local Children's Day at Bulwell Seventh-day Adventist church, 1 Ragdale Road/Main Street, Bulwell, Nottingham, NG6 8GQ. All day programme with guest speaker in the morning and puppet ministries in the afternoon followed by a children's party. Contact: Julie Scott <dawn2260@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 0115 8408309.
GENESIS SEMINARS 1 - 'THE CAGED BIRD SINGS'. Sunday, 30 March. A series of workshops for young people to stimulate thinking and to assist youth to investigate how 'black' culture, history and individualism inform the quality of their lives. Venue: the London Advent Centre, 10.30 am - 1.30 pm. For youth and young adults only. Costs are a subsidised rate of £10 per session. A collaborative venture between the BUC Youth & Health Ministries departments and Newbold College. Developed by Val Bernard, Christian sociologist. Contact: Natalie Davison <ndavison@ adventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 672251.
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SMALL ADS
ELDERS' TRAINING EVENT: Sabbath, 24 May at Brixton Seventh-day Adventist church from 3.30 pm - 7.00 pm. All local church elders and their wives are invited to attend. Guest speakers from the General Conference - Pastor James Cress, Ministerial Association Secretary and Pastor Jonas Arrais, Associate Ministerial Association Secretary. For more information call Pastor Alan Hodges on 01923 672251 or email <ahodges@adventist.org.uk>.
PART-TIME RECEPTIONIST NEEDED. Required to provide a courteous and professional service, working from the offices of the South England Conference in Watford. Previous receptionist experience is required along with the ability to provide excellent customer care. 20 hours per week - Monday, Tuesday & Friday, with some flexibility to work additional hours if required. Salary will be in line with the denominational salary scale. Please forward CV and covering letter by email to <jgrant@secadventist.org.uk> or post for the attention of Ms J Grant, South England Conference, 25 St John's Road, Watford, WD17 1PZ. For any further information please telephone 01923 232 728. Application closing date Friday, 28 March 2008. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN LEWISHAM. 1) PLAY (Project Lewisham Adventist Youth) are looking for volunteer play workers who are friendly, approachable and have good communication skills. You will have experience of working with children between the ages of 5-11 years old. The volunteer role involves working in a holiday play scheme during Easter, Summer and half-term. 2) Junior Youth Club. An exciting new venture needs volunteers to work with young people aged 9-13 years old. There are no financial rewards however, the rewards are having a positive impact on the lives of the young people you will work with. For further information please contact Barbara Robinson-Perry, Lewisham Seventh-day Adventist Church, 428-432 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, SE13 6LJ. Telephone: 07952 632436. Email: <playadventist@yahoo.co.uk>.
ACCOMMODATION NEEDED: An Adventist professional from Sheffield working in Burton-On-Trent is seeking accommodation in the Derby or Nottingham areas preferably with an Adventist family ASAP. She prefers a single room and is willing to negotiate living costs, all inclusive if possible. If you can help please contact Janelle at <jay_kay00799@hotmail.com> or call 0797 0908995.
AU PAIR IN SWITZERLAND FOR JULY? A Swiss family is looking for a young lady (or young man), preferably with some knowledge of French, to take care of their children during July. Please write to: <sonia.panoussopoulos@itu.int> for more details.
MR DORREL SAUNDERS of Emmaville Smithfiled, Jamaica. Currently residing in the UK. A buyer has been found for the property in Jamaica. If anyone knows Mr Saunders or sees him, please ask him to urgently contact his ex-wife or Mrs Ledgister on 0208 764 1555
JOB VACANCY - MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT. The Stanborough Press Limited, based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, is seeking to recruit a Management Accountant at its Grantham-based offices. Key responsibilities include the monthly preparation of management accounts, debtor and creditor control, monthly payroll and assisting the Financial Director in various aspects of the day-to-day accounting operation. The successful applicant will be an individual motivated by a desire to spread the Gospel and will need to become fully conversant with Excel/Quattro Pro and have a working knowledge of year-end account preparation. It is also expected that the successful applicant will have a strong commitment to the ethos of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Salary and allowances according to the denominational wage scale. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Letter of application with current CV and addresses of two referees should be sent to: The Financial Director, Stanborough Press Limited, Alma Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 9SL. Email: <stanborg@aol.com>. Deadline: 31 March 2008. Interviews for suitable candidates will be held in April.
A FREE SAMPLE ISSUE OF 'LEAD' MAGAZINE (Leadership, Education, Advent, and Discipleship), a new publication from the Review & Herald Publishing Association, is available while supply lasts. Visit the website: <myleadmagazine.com> and click on "trial issue". A fee of US$1.75 mailing cost will be required and payment can be made by credit card. The normal single issue price is $12.75.
BOOKS NEEDED. Michelle Sullivan is looking for a copy of the SDA Bible Commentary (full set) at a reasonable price as she cannot afford a new set. Also Testimonies to the Church and The Bible Story books by Arthur Maxwell. If you can help please phone 07886 186444 or email: <mmsully23@aol.com>.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST HEALTH SHOP - the first in Birmingham is now open to the public, from Sunday to Friday each week. On Wednesdays they have an Alternative Practitioner who gives free advice from the teachings of the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, from high blood pressure to arthritis, to book in: call 0121 350 9696. The health shop is called Herbs of Eden and is owned by Herbal Vine, Seventh-day Adventist Directors, and sales of granoVita products are also available. They are located on Erdington High Street, 20 yards from six ways Erdington roundabout. For more information contact Warwick Bryan at: <wazz13@hotmail.com>.
BORDESLEY GREEN CHRISTIAN CENTRE in Birmingham is going to move into a new building in Hall Green and are planning to start a new Youth Club. They are looking for help with equipment. Do you have anything that you don't use any more that could be put to good use for young people? They need things like a snooker table, table tennis table, football table, darts, paint, carpet and lighting (spots). Any donations welcome. Please contact Simon Baker, NRG Youth for more details: <nrg.youth@crawler.com> or call 0121 247 5342.
ACCOMMODATION NEEDED NEAR EPSOM. A 31-year-old Adventist professional from Germany is taking up a job at a technology company in Epsom this March. Described as a reliable and quiet but sociable person with a sense of humour he is looking for a single room (e.g. shared flat, furnished, available from 10 March) close to Epsom or along the railway line from Waterloo to Epsom (e.g. around Vauxhall, Clapham, Wandsworth, Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Worcester Park). However he will consider all reasonable places with rent up to £450 pcm, bills included if possible. Broadband would be great. If you can help contact Alexander at <alexander.trampe@google mail.com> or phone 00 49 521 1641276.
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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