BUC News #604 (19 September 2008)

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

Contents:

SEC COUPLE HONOURED FOR SERVICES TO FAMILY LIFE.
"SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE" AT BUC EXECUTIVE.
ALIVE IN BRACKNELL.
A WELCOME HOME FOR STUDENTS.
AFRICAN OUTREACH SUCCESS IN SECULAR CARDIFF.
HURRICANES CAUSE MASSIVE DAMAGE IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.
CROSSFIRE AT BRECON.
"ALWAYS THERE...."
NINE TRAIN AS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATORS.
NEW ENDOWMENT FOR NEWBOLD STUDENTS.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION".
COMING EVENTS.

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SEC COUPLE HONOURED FOR SERVICES TO FAMILY LIFE [Heather Haworth]

Pastor and Mrs Holford received the prestigious Arthur and Maud Spalding award for their years of devoted service to Family Ministries during an annual Family Life training event in Hungary that Karen and Bernie had attended as presenters. As South England Conference Children's and Family Ministries director and part-time associate, Bernie and Karen have a vast experience in the area of family life. They started off their married life at Andrews University where they both received degrees in this topic. More recently they studied in London for a degree in Family Therapy. Bernie is now doing a 4 year doctorate in Family Ministries at Andrews.

General Conference Family Ministries director and associate director, Pastor and Mrs Flowers, presented the award. They both spoke highly of the contribution of the Holfords to the church in the UK and Ireland, as well as other parts of the world through their seminar presentations and written material. They have contributed towards 14 GC annual plan books and co-authored a book, Jump Start Connections, with the Flowers.

Only 23 such award plaques have been given since 1975 to those who, in the footsteps of Pastor and Mrs Spalding, have benefited the church through their ministry to families. Bernie responded, "It is a privilege for Karen and I to serve the families in our Conference and to build up family relationships through working in our Union as well as other parts of the world. We are excited by the future of this department within our Union as it is positively impacting families." It was a fitting gift for the Holfords who were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and recently experienced another aspect of family life, the marriage of their daughter.


"SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE" AT BUC EXECUTIVE

A thoughtful reflection on the God of nature pictured in Psalm 19 set a positive tone for the British Union Conference Executive Committee on Thursday, 18 September. With his scientific background, Welsh Mission President, Pastor John Surridge, reflected on the wonders that may come from the Hadron Collider experiments in Switzerland and the increased evolutionary debate surrounding the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of Species next February. Having spent the last weekend in the autumn beauty of the Brecon countryside he said, "in such surroundings the scientific threats do not seem as great". Believing that Science and the Bible will ultimately be reconciled he stated, "When I look at nature I see an incredible beauty that, ironically, science is uncovering for us." His encouragement then led onto good news from around the BUC territory. Among them a baptism on the steps of City Hall, Sheffield; memberships goals exceeded in the Scottish Mission; the improved results at John Loughborough School and the launch of ADC Ireland this coming Sabbath.

There are also challenges. Membership growth, while still on the increase is slightly below that of the same period last year. Total membership in the UK and Ireland now stands at 28,499. For the first time in many years tithe is below inflation at 4.1%. With slower summer reporting it is anticipated this will catch up later in the year, but BUC Treasurer, Victor Pilmoor warned, "Be aware we have turned into different times."

Long and detailed discussion stretched the committee out over eight hours. Among the highlights were changes to the ADRA constitution with "awareness creation" becoming a key objective along with Relief and Development; proposed guidelines for the development of New Church Plants; the appointment of Pastor Alan Hodges as BUC Trust Services director alongside his responsibility as Ministerial Association director and an emphasis on wide-scale evangelism in 2009. Policy recommendations were also voted in the areas of Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment as well as Guidelines on Implementing the Data Protection Act. These policies will shortly be available on the BUC website.


ALIVE IN BRACKNELL [Geoff Muckle/BUC News]

There are those who argue that the heart went out of Bracknell the day the 'Met Office' moved to Devon. That may be true to some degree - but the town centre saw a 'heart transplant' on Sunday, 14 September as 'Alive', a puppet outreach ministry of the Newbold youth group performed in the band-stand. 'Alive' came together at the beginning of 2008 and has since been running outreach programmes within their local community spreading into London, reaching hundreds of non-Christians, telling of God's love and the story of Jesus.

The programme included songs sung by our 20 puppets, and involved 5 of our own clowns running around inviting people to come to the stand to watch the show. The clowns were also handing out 'Adventist Discovery' cards, enabling non-Christians to apply for free Bible studies.

The programme went down very well with a hundred adults leaving with VOP cards, and a large number of children leaving with the message that Jesus loves them. 'Alive' believe that our message of love and hope should be spread to the world, because Jesus is coming soon. Geoff Muckle, the force behind the project believes it is a great way of getting God's message through to people. He states, "training for the setting up of similar groups throughout the UK, is available to those who share the same desire."


A WELCOME HOME FOR STUDENTS [Kennedy Kundan]

As the new university year begins, many of our young people will be settling in to their new lifestyle and putting every thing else in perspective. For most of them it will be their first time away from the watchful eyes of their parents. For some that can be a daunting prospect and for many it may be a time when they are challenged regarding their spiritual values. But for some like me it will be a time for spiritual uplifting and fulfilment.

When I first went to the University of Portsmouth the first thing that I looked for was the nearest Chinese shop and how much it will cost, but most importantly where is the nearest church. When I visited the Portsmouth Seventh-day Adventist church, I received a warm welcome from the pastor, the elders and all the members of the church including the youth, the teens and even the children.

They took me in and made me one of their own. With that today I am proud to say that I am a member of the Portsmouth Adventist church and currently serving as Pathfinder director and Children's Ministries assistant leader.

"Where am I going with this" you may ask? My point is that if Portsmouth church had not opened their doors to me I might not be where I am. And I am writing this to encourage churches and individual members that God has placed in the heart of universities, to make our doors accommodating and welcoming for our young people who will step into our churches. Please try and make them feel welcome. Please try and visit them and know where they are living and show a genuine interest in their new life in Uni.

Things that are small to you may have enormous value for them, such as inviting them for lunch and just making your friendship and care available to them. It may be the one good meal they get in the week! For it will be those things that would make them want to come back and will look forward to come to church after a stressful week.

Caring for students at university is an imperative for BUC Student Chaplain, Des Boldeau. He states, "What Kennedy Kundan is saying is most appropriate and I would urge all our churches - leadership and members to please keep your eyes open for the person whom you may not have seen before. It may just be a student. Please go out of your way to love them just like Portsmouth did for Kennedy." Pastor Boldeau also urges parents and carers to make contact with him as students leave for university so that he can put them in contact with the local church.


AFRICAN OUTREACH SUCCESS IN SECULAR CARDIFF [Theophilus Gokah]

On Sabbath, 13 September five new members were baptised and added to the rapidly growing South Wales African Adventist Fellowship (SWAAF). The baptism was held in the Cardiff Central Seventh-day Adventist church following a three week evangelistic campaign entitled, "Cardiff for Christ: Chaos Amidst Hope".

The campaign was organised by local minister Pastor George Asiamah together with other members of the African Fellowship, and the speaker was evangelist Robert Osei-Bonsu. Those attending found the messages to be inspiring and particularly relevant to the challenges facing society and communities across Britain.

Cardiff, like much of British society, is largely secular and it is not always easy to present Christian principles to the general public. However, attempting to bring the gospel to such secular people is one of the reasons that SWAAF was organised and this campaign showed that the members are serious in their mission. On this occasion five people were baptised, but a further ten have accepted the Advent message and more baptisms and further campaigns are planned for the future.

During the baptismal programme on Sabbath afternoon each of the candidates' favourite Bible texts were read by John George while the congregation sang their favourite songs. Pastor Asiamah conducted the baptisms while Elder Osei-Bonsu officiated. In his commitment address, Elder Osei-Bonsu charged the baptismal candidates to be faithful. "Holding on to one's faith is a challenge but it is something that all followers of Christ must do while they await His soon return."

Following the baptismal service Elder Osei-Bonsu, who had been extremely busy over the previous three weeks, spent some time relaxing with his friends from SWAAF as they visited the historic area of Cardiff Bay. He will now continue his work of evangelism elsewhere but it is hoped that the seeds he has helped to plant in Cardiff will bear much fruit in the future.


HURRICANES CAUSE MASSIVE DAMAGE IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Turks and Caicos Islands suffered massive damage as a result of the recent hurricanes that blew through the low-lying islands. The hurricanes created widespread flooding, destroyed 90 percent of roofs in Grand Turk and South Caicos, downed power lines, and disrupted the water supply. Residents are in need of food, clean water, and shelter.

ADRA-UK is working closely with ADRA International to establish if we can provide emergency assistance to the islands. Our current information is that the local ADRA representation is preparing a proposal for initial funding. ADRA-UK has indicated to the network that it is ready to contribute to the ADRA relief intervention.

This week we received a report from Pastor Richard Jackson who recently left the North England Conference to serve in the Turks and Caicos Mission:

"'The Lord's our Rock in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm.' This was our faith as we braced to experience the powerful category 4 Hurricane Ike as it passed through the Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday night, 6 September. The sound of the howling wind and the unfriendly roar of the sea had made us realise that we were in for a haunting night.

After the passing of the hurricane, we went to the different islands to assess the damage. The islands of Grand Turk and South Caicos suffered the brunt of Hurricane Ike and sustained enormous damage. More that eighty percent of Grand Turk has been damaged, the figure rising to more than ninety percent in South Caicos. Pastor Peter Kerr, President of the Turks and Caicos Mission lost part of his roof. Many church members also suffered greatly from Hurricane Ike as their homes were flooded, and roofs ripped off. Some members completely lost everything as their houses collapsed during the passing of the hurricane.

On South Caicos the schools were demolished and immense flooding caused residents to seek alternative shelter. Many roofs were ripped off as well as houses crumbled to the ground. Most of the power lines were down and trees littered the road. South Caicos is the fishing capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands so many fishermen suffered great loss as their boats where nowhere to be found.

Our church buildings in both Grand Turk and South Caicos had minor damages. On the other islands the buildings are intact. Amidst the damage and ruin the hurricane had caused, we are rejoicing today that no lives were lost during this treacherous disaster. God has really been good to us and we continue to sing His praises.

The aftermath of Hurricane Ike has left us with many homeless members, many needs to care for. There are members of our church who are in need of items such as clothing, linen, household items, and standby generators. If you desire to make any contribution please contact: Pastor Royston Smith, 07837199941; Wednesfield Seventh-day Adventist church, 01902865471 or Clive Ferguson, 07877997735. Financial donations are also needed. For further information please contact Pastor Royston Smith.

The 1,767 members of the Turks and Caicos Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, along with the 37,000 population, thank you for providing assistance in their time of need."


CROSSFIRE AT BRECON [John Surridge, Welsh Mission President]

The September Brecon Camp is usually a quieter and more relaxed affair than the one held at the end of May. The darker evenings and the misty autumnal mornings create a different, more contemplative, atmosphere which this year presented the perfect backdrop for three thought-provoking talks by our guest speaker David Wright.

David's theme for the weekend was "Crossfire" and during the first meeting, late on the Friday evening, 12 September, he graphically illustrated the word by setting fire to his flipchart! Though the flame was quickly extinguished a smouldering trail continued to burn - eventually forming the shape of a cross.

Over the next two days David presented three challenging talks, all focussing on the cross. On Sabbath morning he told the story of an attempted execution in Exeter where an innocent man managed to escape being hanged. Although innocent of the crime he was tried for, his later life proved that he was very much a sinful human being. This story was compared and contrasted with the actual execution of Christ - an innocent man in every sense of the word.

In his following talks David presented "a tale of two chickens" - referring to Peter and the [censored] that crowed, and "a view from the cross" - reflecting on just who and what Jesus saw during those last few hours before He died on the cross. After considering Mary, John, the other disciples, and the centurion, he left us with the challenge, "where do you stand?"

In contrast to this year's May camp, we were blessed with good weather for the weekend. For a change many of the 100 or so people who made up the Sabbath morning congregation were able to sit outside in the sun. In the afternoon a large group went off hiking to a beautiful waterfall - some even jumping in! The moonlight on Saturday evening, while not quite bright enough to read by, encouraged many to stay out late talking, fellowshipping, enjoying the company of new friends.

Particularly welcome at the camp were two groups of young people from outside of the Welsh Mission - one from the Newbold area and one from Cornwall. Some of these had been with us in May and now feel very much part of the Brecon family. A marquee set up especially as a café provided a social area for all the young people present and was hailed as a great success.

Though the focus of Brecon Camps is again shifting somewhat, from a mainly family camp to a family and youth camp, this is being well received. The leadership and sheer hard work of camp organiser and Welsh Mission Youth Sponsor Jeremy Tremeer is particularly appreciated.

More than 90 photos from the weekend can be seen on the Welsh Mission website: <www.adventistwales.org>. To experience a Brecon Camp for yourself make a note in your diary - Friday 22 to Monday 25 May 2009.

[Editor's Note: David is a lay preacher from Winchester. He has worked as a Science teacher in London; worked in outdoor education and training for 15 years with International YMCA and also as a Community School Manager for 13 years in Hampshire. At present he is an Education Officer at Hampshire County Council. For several years he served as a Youth and Pathfinder leader/trainer for the church, and also 5 years as an Ecology and Ethics lecturer at Newbold College. David loves nature and the countryside. In his free-time he goes on long hikes around the UK.]


"ALWAYS THERE...."

Every Sabbath at around 9.30 am a little red car draws up outside Glasgow church. As soon as the church doors are open, out of it steps a member of the congregation. Until recently, when the task was taken over by the children, he could be seen a few minutes later faithfully picking up the litter outside.

This man was born a month before the end of the First World War in which 8.5 million soldiers lost their lives. But this was nothing compared with the 40 million people worldwide who died from a flu epidemic in his first year of life. He went on to survive the horrors of the Second World War.

A 1948 copy of the Messenger records his wedding at the age of 30 to another church member in Plymouth. A 1956 Messenger reveals his painting and decorating expertise in the building of the new Dublin church.

This man spent 29 years as a colporteur. A term not used much these days but it involves going from house to house selling church literature. He moved around the country living and working in Dublin, Plymouth, Southampton, Edinburgh, and Cornwall before settling in Kilbarchen near Paisley in Scotland. He was married for 30 years before his wife sadly passed away.

He has been a member of the Glasgow church for more years than he cares - or can - remember. From doors open to doors closed this man is "always there", and we thank God for such faithfulness.

On Sabbath, 13 September the church celebrated the 90th birthday of Jimmy Ponder. To replace one he lost recently, and as a small token of love and appreciation, Pastor Clifford Herman, presented him with Jimmy's trademark - a flat cap.


NINE TRAIN AS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATORS [Heather Haworth]

Nine Family Life experts are now more fully equipped to lead out in their role in the UK. The Certificate of Family Life Educators is a World Church course for those leading out in Family Ministry. The nine from the UK travelled to Szeged in Hungary, famous as the main distributor of paprika to Europe since the 16th century, for a full week of training, 7 - 14 September. They completed two modules of the five year course: Family Life Education Programmes and Implementation and Marriage and Family Dynamics. From across Europe ten completed their 5 year course and graduated including Mrs Heather Haworth BUC Family Ministries director. Heather shared, "I am so impressed by this course that we now run our own BUC Family Ministries certificate training for anyone who has a burden to enhance family life within their church and their own family".

This year the guest presenter was Dr Bryan Craig, and his wife, who has just retired after serving for 25 years as Family Ministries director of the South Pacific Division. Other presenters were Pastor and Mrs Flowers GC directors, Pastor Tompkins TED director and Pastor and Mrs Holford SEC directors. Dr Craig used his years of experience as a writer and presenter in running a one day marriage enrichment seminar on the Sabbath.

The lay and pastoral workers from our Union were all impressed by the presentations: "This was the most thought-provoking and practical weeks seminars I have attended," exclaimed one attendee. "It has broadened my scope of what Family Ministries entails," said another. A third commented, "As a church we are to take the gospel to hurting people and with 48% of marriages breaking up we have an avenue to meet millions of people in the British Isles who need God to help them through their relationship crisis." Pastor Felix Jack, the newly elected North England Conference Family and Children's Ministries director said "It was an enriching and informative week that has given me much excellent material and enhanced my ability to share about family life in a practical way."

For details of the BUC course to be held 5-7 December 2008 contact the BUC Family Ministries department.


NEW ENDOWMENT FOR NEWBOLD STUDENTS [Helen Pearson]

Pastor Denys Baildam was always proud of the college where he studied and where his son, John, is Dean of Academic Affairs. Now, in memory of the contribution that Denys, along with his wife Jean, made to the ministry in Britain over the years, they have established an endowment fund to support worthy Newbold students both academically and financially.

They are not the only family to make such a choice. Barbara and Henry Abrahamian have also recognised the growing need to support worthy Newbold students. They have created the Beaven-Abrahamian Endowment Fund.

Dr Jane Sabes, Principal of Newbold College, expressed joy over the generosity of these families and the significant contributions these endowments will make in educating students. She said, "Having myself established endowments, I know the personal satisfaction that comes from memorialising a loved one in this way - whether it be at the time of their death or to recognize a significant milestone in their lives such as retirement, an anniversary, a birth, or a birthday. The Baildam and Abrahamian families have done something of great significance, the results of which will only fully be realised in the Kingdom. For these acts of thoughtful generosity, Newbold College thanks them."

Contributions to either of the above funds can be made through the College Bursar, Berit Lisle. For more information see the website, <www.newbold.ac.uk>.


THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"

Today Victor Marshall is a successful pastor in the North of England. That might be a surprise for those who knew him as a child with the odds stacked against him. But Victor believes in miracles and has seen them happen in his own life. Hear about it on "In Conversation" this week on the Hope Channel at the times listed below or view on demand at <www.hopetv.org.uk>:

Friday 19 September: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: David Swain
Sabbath 20 September: 12:30 am and 3:00 pm: David Swain
Monday 22 September: 3:00 am and 7:00 pm: Victor Marshall
Wednesday 24 September: 8:30 am: Victor Marshall
Friday 26 September: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Victor Marshall
Sabbath 27 September: 12:30 am and 3:00 pm: Victor Marshall

Hope Channel Europe is available on satellite and online at <www.hopetv.org.uk>. The old Hope Channel Europe frequency ceased on Sabbath, 23 August. For latest details and instructions on re-programming your set-top box 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.

'TALES TO TELL' CAMPAIGN. Continuing every Tuesday, to 9 December. Entertaining wisdom for life's journey. Stories that encourage, challenge, inspire and unravel life's mysteries. A series you will enjoy. Time: 8.00 pm. Presented by Patrick Boyle. Venue: Stanborough Park Church Centre, 609 St Albans Road, Garston, Watford, Herts, WD25 9JL. Contact: Patrick Boyle <pboyler6@aol.com>. Phone: 01923 894664.

ZIMBABWE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST FELLOWSHIP DAY. Sabbath, 20 September. The Zimbabwe Seventh-day Adventist Fellowship Day will be held in Barnsley from 09:00 hrs to 17:30 hrs. This is going to be a special day for families. Why not come along and enjoy God's ideal for the family. Powerful preaching, teaching and singing. Separate youth service and lessons. Venue: The Metrodome Leisure Centre, Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AN. You may also visit our website at <www.zusdaf.org> for more information. Contact: George Nyatanga <secretary@zusdaf.org>. Phone: 07960208728.

WEST BLETCHLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH YOUTH DAY. Sabbath, 20 September. The Youth of West Bletchley Seventh-day Adventist Community Church invite you to their first Youth Day. Main Speaker: Deborah Bayley. Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Venue: West Bletchley Community Centre, 3 Porchester Close, Bletchley, MK3 6BH. Lunch is provided. Contact: Vernon Noel <vernscape@googlemail.com>. Phone: 07956 409385.

COVENTRY CENTENARY 2008. Sabbath, 20 September. Come to Coventry's Methodist Central Hall, Wawick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA on Sabbath and celebrate 100 years of Seventh-day Adventists in this city. Services 10.00 am - 5.00 pm. Do bring some sandwiches with you as we are unable to cater on these premises. The guest speaker will be Pastor Paul Clee. The programmes are expected to feature the Adventist Chorale, and other musical items. This promises to be a joyous occasion, and you are invited. Please note the following: a. Coventry Central church will not be open for services on 20 September. b. Concessionary parking is available at £3 for the day in the New Union St. multi storey car park which is conveniently sited to the venue. However, as we do not have sole use it may be advantageous to be early. If there is an attendant on site kindly inform that you are part of the Seventh-day Adventist Centenary Celebration taking place at the Methodist Central Hall. Contact: J Alison Duncan <jalisonduncan@btinternet.com>. Phone: 02476417210.

MAKING WISE DECISIONS. Sabbath, 20 September. Liverpool Stoneycroft youth invite you to their Youth Day. Speaker: Jonathan Dantzie, featuring By Faith (London). Free lunch and a social event to follow in the evening. Come and join us as we seek to ask God to help us in the decisions that we make from day to day. Venue: The United Reform Church, Lister Drive, Liverpool, L13 7HN. Contact: Michelle Donga <michello3@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07878787023.

PORTSMOUTH ADVENTURER & PATHFINDER DAY INVESTITURE. Sabbath, 20 September. Celebrating World Pathfinder Day with our investiture service, where the children will be rewarded for all their hard work. Join us at the Seventh-day Adventist church, 133 Chichester Road, North End, Portsmouth, Hants, PO2 0AQ. All welcome. Contact: Kennedy Kundan <kennedy.kundan@ portsmouthadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 07534 978 222.

SOMEONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Sabbath, 20 September to Sabbath, 4 October. Find out more at Plaistow Seventh-day Adventist Church, 97 St Antony's Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 9QB. Every night at 7:00 pm (except Thursdays) until 4 October. Come listen to Pastor Wilson as he speaks about: What is your purpose on earth? What do all of today's events point to? The Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Earth's final events and much more. Free Health checks. Free gifts. Separate children's programme. Contact: Pastor Mohan Abbadassari <mohanabbadasari@aol.co.uk>. Phone: 07771631885.

SEC FOOD HYGIENE (ONE DAY COURSE). Sunday, 21 September. Cost: £45. Please bring your refreshments as only drinks will be provided. Application form can be obtained from Natalie on 0207 723 8146 or email by request to: <nsimon@secadventist.org.uk>. Receive your certificates valid for 3 years.

PASTOR JACK SEQUEIRA AT THE ADVENT CENTRE. Friday, 26 September to Sabbath, 4 October. Sharing God's message from Paul's letter to the Romans. Visit <www.centrallondon church.org> for more details. Contact: David Riley <office@centrallondon church.org>. Phone: 020 7724 2987.

ENDLESS LOVE - MARRIAGE RETREAT. Friday, 26 to Sunday, 28 September. "Endless Love" - A time of enrichment for married couples. Venue: The Robinson Executive Centre, Wyboston Lakes, Beds, MK44 3AL. Contact the NEC Family Ministries department for information and an application pack. Contact: Cyril Sweeney <ssweeney@necadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 0115 9606312.

SEC MARRIAGE RETREAT: TURNING WATER INTO WINE. Friday, 26 to Sunday, 28 September. Turning Water into Wine is a special time of refreshment that will help couples to explore their relationship in fresh, exciting and Biblical ways. Download an information pack and application form from the South England Conference website (go to Events). Registration costs £90 per couple. Contact: Anna McLarty <fm@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

HEALTH DAY WITH DR VICKI GRIFFIN BET. Sabbath, 27 September. Special Health Day of Fellowship with 3ABN speaker Dr Vicki Griffin from Michigan Conference at Derby Chester Green Seventh-day Adventist church. Contact: Pastor Cedric Vine <cedricvine@aol.com>. Phone: 07985160275.

WYCOMBE DISTRICT - GRAND REUNION HOMECOMING DAY. Sabbath, 27 September. The Amersham, Micklefield and Sands Adventist churches from the High Wycombe District invites and welcome all friends, past, present and future to a Grand Reunion Homecoming Day, starting at 9:30 am. Come and fellowship with us for the day to celebrate our love for God and each other. Love lunch will be provided for all. Also a Grand Reunion Social will be held in the evening at 7:30 pm. Special Speaker: Winsome Brown-Baadjes. Venue: St Andrews Church, Hatters Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 7NJ. Contact: Winsome Brown-Baadjes <winsome.souls.4christ@google mail.com>. Phone: 01494 639371 or 01494 451028; Gideon Thomas <gideon.thomas4@ntlworld. com>. Phone: 01494 639548; Jerome Langenhoven <jhlangs@langenhoven.wanadoo.co.uk>. Phone: 01494 474385.

SYDENHAM CHURCH BUILDING FUNDRAISING CONCERT. Sabbath, 27 September. Sydenham church invites you to our church building fundraising concert, featuring many well-known artists and musical performances. Venue: St. Lawrence Church Hall, Bromley Rd, Catford, SE6. Time: 6:00 pm. Food will be on sale. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of a church building. For more information please contact Tony Sammie: 07985183582 or Pastor Howson: 020 8239 0912. Email: <sydenhamcommunications@googlemail.com>.

SINGLES BOWLING EVENT. Sunday, 28 September. Willesden Single Adult Ministry presents an afternoon of fellowship and fun at the Park Royal Bowling Alley at 3:00 pm. Whatever category you consider yourself, single, never married, single dating, single widowed, single divorced, single... why not join us as we seek to have wholesome Christian fellowship. Contact Ronald on 07930125696 or Claudia on 07931730146. We would greatly appreciate it if you would register your interest early so that we can pre-book the lanes which will prevent disappointment. Contact: Claudia Francis <claudiafrancis@btinternet.com>.

INDOOR MARKET AT NORBURY CHURCH. Every Sunday starting 28 September to 30 November. Come along to Norbury Seventh-day Adventist church, 45-49 Union Rd, Off Whitehorse Rd, Croydon, CR0 2XU. Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Spaces available for £5. Free Entry. Contact: Myrtle Wong <info@norburysda.org.uk>. Phone: 07956593718.
GENESIS SEMINARS. Commencing Wednesday, 1 October. A series of workshops for young people promise to stimulate thinking and to assist youth to investigate how black culture, history and individualism inform the quality of their lives. The workshops have a strong practical element where attendees will embark on a 'contract to change' process that is aimed at facilitating practically informed and effective steps towards relationships, studies, exams, career planning, health and spirituality. Participants will also investigate myths and truths surrounding urban youth whilst being challenged to frustrate the power of limited perceptions in the march towards living the abundant life. Contact: Natalie <ndavison@adventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 672251.

INSPIRATION OR DESPERATION - MEN'S RETREAT. Friday, 3 - Sunday, 5 October. What motivates you and keeps you inspired? How do you cope with pressure? Can desperation affect your health? What is God's plan for us men? These are some of the topics we will be looking at over the weekend. Join us for a spiritual, social and fellowship weekend organised by the Walthamstow Men's Ministries department. Venue: De Vere Venues, Latimer Place, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1UG. Price: £115 per person all inclusive. Places limited. Contact: Chris Peynado <chris_peynado @hotmail.com>. Phone: 07809 152 822.

MOOR CLOSE NIGHTS. Sabbath, 4 October. Moor Close Nights at Newbold Church Centre in Bracknell. Brimming with worship, funny dramas, music and praise, do come and bring a friend to our user-friendly outreach Nights! Afterwards there will be the free refreshments and time for socialising. Newbold Church Centre opens the doors at 18:30, and at 19:00 we 'lift up to Him'. At the same time there is a full Children's Moor Close Nights for the younger worshippers provided by our dedicated Children's Ministry Team. Contact: Geert <tapgeert@hotmail.com>. Phone: 01344 407652.

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SMALL ADS

ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED: An Adventist female is seeking accommodation in the Nottingham area with an Adventist family or female(s) from September for approximately one year. Willing to negotiate rent/bills. If you have a room available, please contact Janelle on 0797 0908995.

2 ROOMS TO RENT in house in Neasden, a few seconds away from the bus stop, 10 minutes from the Underground. The very spacious double room is £400 a month + the bills, the small one is £200 + the bills. For more details contact Anita on 07708175109.

BEATITUDES RESIDENTIAL HOME. "Warm," "friendly," "homely," "A small family type of home"... These are some of the words our clients use to describe Beatitudes Residential Home. Our qualified nurses and NVQ level 2 & 3 carers, provide a high standard of care. With beautifully furnished rooms, a warm and friendly atmosphere, and most importantly people who care and listen to your needs, we endeavour to make your stay with us a conformable and pleasant experience. Situated in a quiet residential area of Thornton Heath, we are well placed for transport links to local amenities. We are close by to the local shopping centre and Croydon town centre. Each client has a private bedroom and shares communal spaces including lounge, dining room, and conservatory. To the rear of the house is a beautiful garden with a paved seating area. We provided assistance for respite and long stay clients, our fees range from £370 to £400 per week. Religious beliefs are encouraged and the Adventist health message is promoted. Adventist clients will be offered a discount rate. For further information please contact the Home Manager Daphne Mahoney by telephone: 0208 653 5280 or by email <mrsdaphnemahoney@yahoo.co.uk>.

JOB VACANCIES. Looking for an opportunity to work for the church? Recently posted jobs on the BUC Job Vacancies website include: 1) Full-time Secretary at the North England Conference office, 2) a Course Tutor and a Clerical Assistant for the Adventist Discovery Centre in Watford, 3) a full-time PA to the Senior Management at Newbold College, and 4) teaching and support staff at the John Loughborough School. For full details of these and other jobs visit: <http://www.adventistnews.org.uk/vacancies.php>.


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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