BUC News #461 (7 October 2005)

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

Contents:

NEW PRESIDENT CASTS NEW VISION
RELIGIOUS HATRED BILL
"CONNECT ONE MILLION" APPLICATIONS STILL COMING IN
AREA 5 DAY OF FELLOWSHIP
TANGALLE LIVELIHOODS PROJECT COMES TO AN END
"CHILDREN NEED GOD'S LOVE" WORKSHOP
CHANNEL 5 PROGRAMME TO FEATURE ADVENTIST MEMBER
CELEBRATION OF CHANGE AT WELWYN GARDEN CITY
CALLING ALL STUDENTS
PAULSEN DEVOTIONAL LIVE ON THE HOPE CHANNEL THIS WEEKEND
WIDER AVAILABILITY FOR CQ CONTEMPORARY MUSIC CDS
COMING EVENTS
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NEW PRESIDENT CASTS NEW VISION - Catherine Boldeau

For the past two weeks Pastor Humphrey Walters, newly elected President of the South England Conference has shared his vision for the work of God in this field. Pastor Walters was the driving force behind the strategic plan that was voted by the delegation at the SEC Session in 1993 - "The Whole Church Taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole Community", and it is evident that he wants this to become a reality.

Pastor Walters believes that one of the ways the Church can become more mission driven is for the ministry and the laity to work together more effectively. He has stated several times over the past two weeks that "everyone is a minister" and he is passionate and excited that we are "workers together with Christ". The method of outreach that is a key part of his vision is church planting, in particular the house church model. According to Pastor Walters, this model of ministry has not yet had "significant expression within our territory". A key benefit of this approach is that the "house church model assumes an empowering approach which entrusts the planter with the freedom to develop culturally appropriate forms for ministry that accord with the requirements for his/her local context".

Pastor Walters is quick to point out that he has no intention of doing away with the traditional approach to church. He maintains that many people groups, both indigenous and immigrant, remain open and responsive to this method. However, we need to find supplementary forms of outreach in order to reach the wider community.

Assisting Pastor Walters to cast the vision this week were Bill and Jan Levin. Bill Levin is the Church Growth director for the Georgia-Atlanta Conference. He and his wife Jan have planted many successful churches over the past few years. Their presentations were passionate, informative and challenging. Levin makes no bones about the fact that as Seventh-day Adventists, we should "be desperate to see souls saved". He illustrated this beautifully, with two clips from the famous film, Schindlers List. Jan believes that the only way you can be desperate to see souls saved is to "make yourself available to Jesus Christ".

Walters shared his passion first with the Executive Committee on Tuesday 20 September, then with the departmental directors on Tuesday 27 September. The vision was presented to the ministerial workers at their quarterly meeting on Sunday 2 October at the Stanborough Centre and throughout this week at various area gatherings.

The "Church Comes Home" roadshow will end this weekend with special seminars at the High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon, Herts for lay members who have expressed an interest in church planting. In addition to Bill and Jan Levin, speakers are Miroslav Pujic, Aris Vontzalidis and Paul Haworth.


RELIGIOUS HATRED BILL - Cecil Perry

On Tuesday 11 October the House of Lords will consider the Religious Hatred Bill. The implications of their giving assent to the Bill or the Commons finally approving it could create uncertainty and consternation among religious organizations in the exercise of their religious prerogatives. Christians could find themselves in breach of the law if their preaching appears to offend the sensitivities of those who do not share their Biblical views.

Denigrating, ridiculing or making fun at another person's religion could become a criminal act. Speaking against such matters as homosexuality or a dogmatic application of certain prophetic interpretations would be misconstrued as insensitive and thereby deemed as in breach of the law.

As we pray for an end to terror and disasters spare a thought and pray earnestly for those in government who have the task of considering this Bill within a few days. Pray for the preservation of religious and civil liberties. God has made us with freedom of conscience and choice therefore let us pray for His will to be done in this important matter.


"CONNECT ONE MILLION" APPLICATIONS STILL COMING IN

Throughout this week the Adventist Discovery Centre has been busy processing applications for the "Discover" Bible course which have been coming in as a result of the "Connect One Million" mass distribution campaign. One million "Discover" cards have been sent in packs of fifty to every member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church within the territory of the BUC and it is believed that most of these have now been distributed.

As of this morning's post 932 applications have been received, demonstrating very clearly the continuing effectiveness of this method of making contacts. If there are any cards remaining in your church, house or car, please make sure that they are distributed as quickly as possible so that the success of this campaign can be maximised.


AREA 5 DAY OF FELLOWSHIP - Alan Hudson

On Sabbath 24 September the Area 5 Day of Fellowship, which was held at the Globe Centre, Reading, got off to a lively start with a song service by the High Wycombe church. Sabbath school included a drama from the Slough Ghana church and special music from 3D. Pastor David Spearing, the main organiser for the day, together with Pastor Everett Picart, welcomed guests to the Divine Service which was led by Pastor Don McFarlane. He spoke on the theme for the day, "Righteousness Through Faith", and in his thought provoking address entitled, "A Matter of Holiness", gave practical advice on the daily routines that can lead to a more fulfilled and faithful life in Jesus.

This area 5 Day of Fellowship broke new ground for local events by offering a separate youth service running parallel to the main service. Music was provided by: The Praise team, 3D, Nikki & Co. from High Wycombe Sands, and the Youth Federation Choir. The Youth speaker, Pastor Patrick Johnson, gave a very powerful sermon entitled, "Building a Powerful Church". In this he explained in very literal terms how a church becomes powerful, not simply through the minister's loud address on a Sabbath morning or the deeds we do, but through personal devotion and developing a true, deep and meaningful relationship with God.

After a picnic style lunch where most people ate and socialised in the youth hall, the afternoon programme took the form of a mini concert, showcasing talent from the majority of churches within Area 5. This included a broad array of styles and content, all of which were performed to a high standard and which testified to the diversity and opportunity which our churches can tap into. Items were provided by Newbold Drama Group, High Wycombe, Slough, Reading, V4X, Russian Fellowship group, Oxford, Guildford, Reading Community Sabbath School group, Wokingham and Area 5 Youth Federation choir. The highlight of this mini concert was when Pastors Don McFarlane, Patrick Johnson, Vlado Godina and George Dadey formed a last minute quartet and sang the final song to rapturous applause.

The number of people who attended this day of fellowship was said to be more than 2,000, which is an increase on last year's numbers and shows how much the Church has grown within the Area 5 region. Many thanks go to all those who were involved in the planning and delivery of this successful day, particularly Nana Bonnie and Aline Hudson for their work on the youth programme.


TANGALLE LIVELIHOODS PROJECT COMES TO AN END - Arlene Senior

In early September the last of the chickens, cows and goats were distributed to beneficiaries in the Hambantota district on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The project, jointly funded by DFID and ADRA-UK for $958,058, started on 1 March 2005. A total of 1,068 families have received the chance of generating a supplementary income by engaging in dairy, poultry or goat production activities.

For the dairy package, each family received a cow and sometimes a calf, cow shed, food, vitamins and minerals, buckets, pails and training. The goat package consisted of three female goats, one male goat, shed and training. The poultry package consisted of 20 layer chickens, chicken coup, food and water holders and training. The majority of the cows were purchased from the Central Western Province of Kurunagala under the guidance of vets, who will continue to be in contact with the beneficiaries regarding their animals. Chickens and goats were sourced from local suppliers.

The project ended with over 180 families taking part in a baseline survey. The beneficiary was asked a series of questions including: how they were getting on with their animal, whether they had generated any income yet, and what plans they had for the money once they had made some. It also gave us a chance to speak to them again and address any problems that may have arisen.

One beneficiary, Mr R M Samdeen from the Hambantota Town area, lost his house in the tsunami, and is now living in a donated tent with his wife and two children. He received the goat package from ADRA and his plans are to have many kids from his goats. Once he is able to generate income he will use it to help his children with their education and to save for their future.


"CHILDREN NEED GOD'S LOVE" WORKSHOP - Janet Guthrie

On Sunday 25 September the SEC Family and Children's Ministries departments held a special programme entitled "Children Need God's Love" at the Advent Centre in London. In attendance were 25 children's leaders and workers and ten parents. The programme was designed to develop parenting skills and also skills for Children's Ministries leaders and workers.

Following a devotional on 'Experiencing God's Love for Ourselves' by Pastor Bernie Holford, attendees chose to attend one of two workshops: Children's Ministries, led by Pastor Bernie and Karen Holford, or 'Parenting with Intimacy', led by trainers Alister and Christine Mort. Attendees were able to ask questions relating to some of the issues that arose later on, including child protection, parenting skills, and evangelism with children using the Sabbath as a focal point.

In keeping with many of the themes and ideas throughout the day, attendees were able to explore the wide variety of resources that were available during the breaks. This ranged from creative prayer and family worship ideas, information on child protection, plus books and videos that were available for loan from the SEC Family and Children's Ministries departments. Children's leader Anette Moore brought along a colourful collection of puppets and crafts, and also offered a craft session for the children as part of the child care activities that were provided for the day.

An 'Inspired Parenting' training weekend will take place from 25 to 27 November 2005, at The Robinson Centre, Wyboston Lakes in Bedfordshire. Information and an application form can be obtained from <www.secadventist.org/fmconferences.php>, or <jguthrie@secadventist.org.uk>.


CHANNEL 5 PROGRAMME TO FEATURE ADVENTIST MEMBER - Darell Philip

To mark Mental Health Day, a series of five short films entitled "Mad For Poetry" will document the lives of five people who tell of their favourite poets and poems and how they relate to their experiences of having been in the mental health system. The first programme will be broadcast at 7.10 pm on Monday 10 October 2005 on Channel 5 and will tell the story of Eileen Philip, a member of the Hackney Seventh-day Adventist Church. Eileen shares how Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise" inspired her to rise up and out of the depths of mental illness. Four other films will follow during the remainder of the week 11 to 14 October. For more information contact Darrell Philip <darell.philip@greatreporter.com>. Phone: 07981 456 038


CELEBRATION OF CHANGE AT WELWYN GARDEN CITY - Trudy Young

Sabbath 1 October was a day of celebration, commitment and change for the Church Plant at Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. Taking part in this special worship service were: Pastor David Neal, President of the Irish Mission, Pastor Victor Hulbert, Executive Secretary, South England Conference and Pastor Jon Gendle. Pastor Gendle was welcomed as he takes over as the new pastor at this time.

It is just two years since our small group from St Albans church, blessed by the Holy Spirit and under the leadership of Pastor David Neal, held our first worship service in the lovely old Quaker Hall in Welwyn Garden City. Within three months we had outgrown that hall and we were blessed when a large school nearby happily agreed to rent their large hall, with use of some other rooms and a kitchen each Sabbath.

Week by week our congregation grew so that by our second birthday the time was right to organise officially into a Company, the cause for our celebration on Sabbath 1 October. There was a lively and joyful praise time, solo items, a very special item by the children, and throughout the service many of the members were asked what this church means to them. The sentiments expressed included: "I feel at home here", "I feel loved here", "I like the friendly atmosphere", "I love the Sabbath School discussions", "I come for the hugs", "I like the way people notice if I am not there", "I always go away feeling uplifted", "I love to see the children taking part". There were also messages of support from friends as far away as Canada and Australia.

Although David Neal has already moved to Ireland to take up his duties as President there, we were all delighted that he returned to be with us on this very special occasion. Pastor Hulbert gave a short but very inspiring address in which he challenged us to look in more depth at the diversity of characters and professions of the team of workers chosen by Jesus and how they were changed through knowing Him. The Charter Commission was read by Pastor Neal, and Pastor Gendle lead the congregation in prayer. This day of celebrations for WGCACC was rounded off with a wonderful fellowship lunch. It was a wonderful day
and Heaven is still to come.


CALLING ALL STUDENTS

At this time of year many Adventist young people will be starting courses at colleges and universities across the country. It is a crucial time for them as they seek to find a home in new local churches and struggle with the pressures, and new freedoms, of college life. For parents and church members who have seen their young people move away, please make sure that their progress is followed up and that they integrate smoothly into their new churches. For members who find new students in their churches this Sabbath please take extra care to make sure that they are welcomed. If possible try to get as many email addresses as possible and, if they would like to be kept in touch with what is going on in the wider Church, pass these on to: <bucnews@adventist.org.uk>.


PAULSEN DEVOTIONAL LIVE ON THE HOPE CHANNEL THIS WEEKEND

This weekend the Hope Channel will broadcast a one hour programme featuring a devotional with Pastor Jan Paulsen, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. With Church leaders from around the world in the live studio audience, Pastor Paulsen's keynote address, "Embracing the Unique" will set the tone for next week's 2005 meeting of the Church's executive session. This programme will be broadcast globally on the Hope Channel as follows: Hope Channel North America (available here on the web) live from midnight on Friday 7 to 1 am on Sabbath 8 October, then again from 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm, 3.00 to 4.00 pm, and 10.00 pm to 11.00 pm on Sabbath 8 October. On Hope Channel International (also available here on the web) the times are: 9.00 am, 6.00 pm BST on Sabbath 8 October, and 8.00 pm BST on Sunday 9 October. Hope Channel Europe will show the programme by satellite at 8.00 am and 3.00 pm BST on Sabbath 8 October.


WIDER AVAILABILITY FOR CQ CONTEMPORARY MUSIC CDS

There are still some CQ (Collegiate Quarterly) Contemporary Music CDs available free, following last week's promotion. To make them more widely available all you have to do is visit the CQ website at <http://cq.adventist.org>, have a look at the online CQ lessons, and email a message to BUC News saying, in not more than 100 words, what you like about them. Your CD will be sent to you completely free of charge but you must be resident in the UK or Ireland. You must include your name, date of birth, and postal address, and agree to your comments, along with your name and age, to be published (though we can't guarantee that they will be).


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.

SIX WEEK DANIEL SEMINAR AT LEYTONSTONE. 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings continuing until 22 October. Venue: 14 Drayton Road, Leytonstone, London E11. 30 places available. Contact: Jean Heroe <jeanheroe@msn.co>. Phone: 020 8471 4951.

EXPERIENCE THE POWER SATELLITE TV SERIES. 6:00 pm every Tuesday until 6 December on Revelation TV, Sky Digital 676. Speaker: Walter L Pearson. Website: <www.bolministries.co.uk>. Contact: Steve Thomas <revsathomas@aol.com>. Phone: 07932 722753.

IN TIMES LIKE THESE - LEICESTER EVANGELISM. Continuing at 7:00 to 9:00 pm every evening (except Thursdays and Fridays) until Sabbath 15 October. Speaker: Dr Richard De Lisser. Contact: Pastor Paul Liburd <pn.liburd@virgin.net>. Phone: 0116 239 2080.

PROPHECY SEMINAR - GREENWICH. Sabbath mornings until 29 October. What's happening to our world? Only one book has the answers - the Bible. Venue: Greenwich church. Contact: Isaac Ogunlana <sanctuary@greenwichsda.org.uk>. Phone: 01322 270492.

KEN BURTON IN GRAND GOSPEL CONCERT - CROYDON. 7.00 pm on Friday 7 October at the New Life Christian Centre, Cairo New Road (Near Reeves Corner), Croydon. Also the Croydon Adventist Gospel and Youth Choirs. Tickets (£3.00) from St Andrews CofE School. Phone: 020 8686 8306.

HEALTH & TEMPERANCE WEEKEND - BIRMINGHAM. 7:00 pm on Friday 7 to Sabbath 8 October. Two-day seminar devoted to healthy living at the Windsor Street South church, Nechells, Birmingham B7 4HX. Contact: Yvonne Howell <maxcoley@yahoo.com>. Phone: 01212 404110.

BRADFORD CHURCH FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Sabbath 8 and Sunday 9 October. It's been 40 years since the Bradford Church was dedicated and the members want to celebrate it with you. Contact: John McGoldrick <jmcg44@ntlworld.com>. Phone: 01132 2587825.

WHY WE SING! A GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA - IPSWICH. Doors open at 6:30 pm on Saturday 8 October. Featuring 'The Advent Singers' and 'Sisters in Christ' at Ipswich High School, Ivry Street, IP1 3QW. Contact: Paul King <paul.king000@btconnect.com>. Phone: 01473 620885.

NEC STUDENT DAY - GRANTHAM. Sabbath 8 October at the Finkin Street Methodist church, in the centre of Grantham. Preaching, workshops, and fellowship all day. Contact: Alan Hush <ahush@necadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 0115 960 6312.

LONDON YOUTH FEDERATION - BLACK HISTORY MONTH LAUNCH. 6:30 pm on Saturday 8 October at the Advent Centre. Social at 8:00 pm. Concert on 29 October. Contact: Ranette Prime <rai118@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07817 713050.

BIBNOBIB CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY. 7:00 pm on Saturday 8 October at the Kennington Community Fellowship, 58 Kennington Oval, London. A fun and interactive quiz. Email: <bibnobib@yahoo.com>. Phone: 07961 021404.

ALPHA COURSE LEAMINGTON. Starting at 7:00 on Saturday 8 October and continuing for ten weeks at: The Mission, Leamington Spa, George St, Warwickshire. Contact: Tristan Simmons <tristan@s1mmons.wanadoo.co.uk>. Phone: 01908 330442.

'BACK TO THE BEGINNING' SERIES - DERBY. 7:30 pm from Sunday 9 to Friday 14 October at the Chester Green church, Derby. Evolution versus creation series with Dr Mart de Groot. Contact: Cedric Vine <cedricvine@aol.com>. Phone: 01332 573262.

HAPPY FAMILY BIBLE SEMINAR - COLERAINE. 7:30 - 8:30 pm Monday 10 to Friday 21 October at the Coleraine church. Contact: Anton Kapusi <anton.kapusi@ntlworld.com>. Phone: 028 7134 2037.

SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM WEEKEND FOR SEC AREAS 2, 3 & 4. Friday 14 to Sunday 16 October at the Hill House Christian Centre, Otterhampton, Bridgewater. Cost £40 per person for a twin bedded ensuite or £25 per person sharing a regular room with up to 8 persons. £10 for day visitors. Contact: Valerie Austin <vaustin@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

SCOTTISH MISSION YOUTH RETREAT. Friday 14 to Sunday 16 October at Killin Youth Hostel on Loch Tay, Scotland. Guest speaker Dr John W Webster. See <www.sdascotland.com> for details. Contact: Marcel Ghioalda <marcelg@onetel.com>. Phone: 01738 850399.

'PLAY IT FORWARD' - HACKNEY YOUTH DAY. 9:30 am till very late on Sabbath 15 October at: All Saints Church, Haggerston Road, Hackney, London E8. Speaker: Pastor Bobby Bovell. Lunch and a social included. Contact: Adrian Blake <blake_adrian@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07903 941662.

BRING BACK THE GLORY - BATTERSEA EVANGELISM. 7.30 pm Saturday 15 October to Saturday 5 November. Speakers: Pastor Simeon Esson, Pastor Don McFarlane, and Pastor Charles Brevitt. Contact: Pastor Simeon Esson <smesson@aol.com>. Phone: 07985 408699.

LEWISHAM ADVENTIST CULTURAL WEEKEND. 9:30 am on Sabbath 15 and 2:00 pm on Sunday 16 October. Contact: Monica Hadden <phionabarnett@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07985 602401.

HEALTH MINISTRIES DAY - CAMP HILL, BIRMINGHAM. 3.30 pm on Sabbath 15 October. Speaker: Dr Nganunu. Contact: Christine Burt <kcburt@aol.com>. Phone: 01827 283855.

INCUBATORS - LEEDS. 10.00 on Sunday 16 October. Second of the Church Planters' training workshops. Contact: Paul Haworth <haworth6@tiscali.co.uk>. Phone: 0121 3512188.

ICC MULTIMODAL WORKSHOP - LONDON. Series starts Sunday 16 October at the Advent Centre. Fee: £150 per person. Contact Josee-Marie Penner <jpenner@newbold.ac.uk>. Phone: 1344 407419.

'ANOTHER LEVEL' YOUTH CAMPAIGN - PECKHAM. 7:30 pm every night from Sunday 16 to Saturday 22 October. Speaker: Pastor Greg Nelson. Contact: Phillip Mapoma <nosizwe@aol.com>. Phone: 07930 363385.

THE BEACH LECTURES - NEWBOLD. 7:30 pm on Monday 17 and 11:00 am and 4:00 pm on Tuesday 18 October. Theme: "God, Jesus and Dialogue". Speaker: Professor Paul G Weller of the University of Derby. Contact: Gifford Rhamie <giffordr@newbold.ac.uk>. Phone: 01344 407483.

STANBOROUGH SCHOOL SPEECH NIGHT. Thursday 20 October. Contact: Steve Rivers <srivers@stanboroughpark.herts.sch.uk>. Phone: 01923 673268.

LAY BIBLE WORKER'S COURSE - EAST SUSSEX. Friday 21 to Sunday 23 October at Ashburnham Place, East Sussex. Cost £120. Contact: Vivienne Evers <vevers@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

MORE THAN A CONQUEROR - SMETHWICK. 7:00 pm on Friday 21 October at the Birmingham Breath of Life church. Fellowship with young people across the West Midlands. Contact: Donna Palmer <wmya_1@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07947 227208.

SPONSORED 24 HOUR BADMINTON - WATFORD. Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 October at the Stanborough School Gym. STOP International Charity <www.stop-intl.org.uk> is raising funds for an Adventist Children's Village for orphans in India. Contact: Kish Poddar <kishpoddar@onetel.com>. Phone: 01923 673987.

WEEK OF PRAISE - STOKE NEWINGTON. Every night except Thursday, starting at 7:30 pm on Saturday 22 and finishing on Saturday 29 October. Contact: Communications Department <stokeysda@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07889 857636.

EAGLES WINGS & FRIENDS SHOWCASE - GREENWICH. 5:00 pm on Sabbath 22 October. Singing, drama, poetry and mime at the Greenwich church. Contact: Shirley Grant <shirley_grant59@hotmail.com>. Phone: 020 8691 9619.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DAY - MANCHESTER. 10:15 am on Sabbath 22 October at: St Peters House, Oxford Road, Manchester M1 6HF. Speakers include: Costa Vaggas, Kaye Sudeene, and Ike Anurukem. Contact: Mgcini or Del <sdass1@aol.com>. Phone: 07979344372.

TED PRAYER GUIDE. For the week commencing 9 October our prayer theme is the SPIRIT OF PROPHECY. The Spirit of Prophecy has been a wonderful blessing in our Church. Counsel from the Lord's messenger concerning our publishing work, our health and medical programme, our educational network and our overall Church mission has been invaluable. Moreover, the writings of Ellen G White have enabled millions around the world to understand the word of God more clearly, and to experience spiritual enhancement.

The Church has a subsidy plan to help non-English speaking countries to translate all Ellen G. White's major works into local languages. May her writings continue to benefit young and old in their journey to the heavenly kingdom. Please pray:

? That the Spirit of Prophecy writings will be more widely distributed throughout the Trans-European Division.
? That God will bless the efforts being made to translate books into more languages so as to bring blessings to the Church. [John Arthur, former Publishing director, TED]

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SMALL ADS

STUDENT VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR ROUNDELWOOD HEALTH SPA, SCOTLAND. A young lady student volunteer is urgently required at Roundelwood Health Spa operated by the Church in Scotland. Her duties will include simple treatments and supervision of the hydrotherapy pool. All training will be given on arrival. The successful candidate for this volunteer position will receive a stipend of £150 per month, plus free accommodation and meals, and will also have the opportunity, when off duty, to enjoy the swimming pool and gym facilities. Accommodation is in a very pleasant flat and shared with our current young lady volunteer from the Ukraine who speaks good English. For further details, or to apply, contact Roundelwood at: <administrator@roundelwood.fsnet.co.uk>.

CHANGE OF DATE FOR MEN'S WEEKEND RETREAT. The NEC Men's retreat, which was originally scheduled for 11 to 13 November will now take place from 18 to 20 November 2005 at: The Robinson Centre, Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire. Contact Cyril Sweeney at the NEC office.

OPEN DAY ADVENTIST RUN CARE HOME. A purpose built residential care home in Bury, Lancashire, is almost ready for occupancy. There will be an open day at 2:00 pm on Wednesday 19 October. For more information phone Stan Hensman on: 0161 723 5756. Email: <hollybankdualreg@btconnect.com>.

ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE. Light and airy double room available immediately in comfortable flat in trendy Crouch End, North London. Share bathroom and kitchen with one other female Adventist professional. Contact Rebecca on: 020 83407644 or 07768 766088.

ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE. Double room in a modern, Adventist home, situated in a nice residential area in Bristol BS5. Close to M32, Tesco, other shops, and a large park with open fields. Ideal for an Adventist student. Phone: 07737 056275, or 0117 902 3185 after 5:30 pm.

JOB VACANCY AT ADRA-UK. ADRA-UK is seeking to appoint an Executive Director with the following core competencies: experienced and committed with a minimum of seven years senior management experience in the development sector; basic knowledge and experience in community development, proposal and report writing; strong cross-cultural and human interpersonal skills; demonstrated characteristics of honesty, initiative and team player; MA preferable; loyalty and commitment to work harmoniously with ADRA's parent body, the Church leadership and entities, locally and internationally; strong organisational skills; excellent communication skills - articulate and comfortable with speaking in public; passionate supporter of the Annual Ingathering Appeal; visioning and driving the implementation of strategy; strong networking abilities to liaise with ADRA offices, government offices, embassies, councils, etc. A letter of application together with a current CV and the addresses of two referees!
should be sent to: Eric Lowe, BUC Executive Secretary, Stanborough Park, Watford, Herts WD25 9JZ. Tel: 01923 672251. E-mail: <elowe@adventist.org.uk>. The deadline for receipt of applications is 30 November 2005. Interviews for suitable candidates will be held in December 2005.

JOB VACANCY AT ADRA-UK. ADRA-UK is seeking to appoint a Programmes Officer. Key responsibilities include investigating, sourcing and monitoring funds from government, public and private donors; supporting ADRA-UK's implementing partners on proposal development, donor compliance, monitoring & evaluation, and donor reporting; and provide backstopping to ensure that ADRA-UK's projects are successfully planned, conducted and completed. Salary will be according to the denominational wage scale. A letter of application together with a current CV and the addresses of two referees should be sent to: ADRA-UK Programmes Director, Stanborough Park, Watford, Herts WD25 9JZ. Tel/Fax: 01923 681723. E-mail: <mcastellino@adra.org.uk>. The deadline for receipt of applications is 30 November 2005. Interviews for suitable candidates will be held in December 2005.

ORGAN DONOR REGISTER. Cynthia Davis works in the field of organ donation promotion and has made the following comments: "As Christians, many appear to have issues with organ donation. The act of agreeing to give a part of your body to another when we die, or even possibly while we are still alive, may raise many moral and ethical issues. But what if it were you needing a transplant? How would you feel then? The Bible has a few words for us about our willingness to give in difficult circumstances. For example, 'If a man asks you to go a mile with him, then we are go two miles!, Give to the one who asks of you, and those who want to borrow from you do not turn away!' Matt. 5:41, 42. Our duty is to help others, in spite of what it may cost us. Further, we are reminded, if your eye offends you pluck it out, or if your hand offends you cut it off, for it is better for you that you go to the kingdom without, than your soul be lost in hell. Matt. 18:9. We don't need to preserve these bod!
y parts in order to enter the Kingdom, for we shall receive new ones hereafter! Many transplant recipients go on to live very rewarding and fulfilling lives, marry, have children, enhance their careers, but most importantly give back to God more than they could have ever imagined. They know the beauty of life because they have been given the 'Gift of Life' and a 'second chance' here on earth. We can help make that difference happen: Begin to think about the difference donation can make to an individual's life; Make your decision known to your family; Register your wish on the Organ Donor Register. To join the Organ Donor Register phone: 0845 60 60 400. For further information visit: <www.uktransplant.org.uk> or email Cynthia at: <cynthia.davis@kingsch.nhs.uk>."

VOLUNTEERS WANTED IN WALTHAMSTOW. The Animated Gospel Choir (puppet team) was set up in 1995 and has travelled to South Africa, Denmark, Holland, Germany, Scotland, Austria, USA, and Ireland as well as all over England. Based at the Walthamstow church, they currently have 11 puppeteers and are in need of the following support staff: Treasurer ? responsible for all the monetary transactions and banking needs; Administrator - responsible for general admin duties and must have access to a computer and email; Audio Visual Technician - responsible for the technical equipment for all choir bookings; Stage/Props Manager - responsible for the puppet stage, puppets and any other props for all choir bookings; Chaperones - responsible for up to three puppeteers at a time who are underage minors (between the ages of 11 to 17 yrs). This is mainly to accompany them on bookings and to be responsible for their general wellbeing. Experience is preferred but not essential. These are voluntary posit!
ions so there is no monetary reward but there are lots of perks. Contact Susanne Kirlew <susanne.kirlew@virgin.net>. Phone: 07932 594312.


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