BUC News #473 (6 January 2006)

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

Contents:

FOUR THOUSAND RESPONSES TO "CONNECT ONE MILLION" PROJECT
"IN CONVERSATION" GETS REGULAR SLOTS ON THE HOPE CHANNEL
SCOTTISH MISSION HOGMANAY
SHAUNA ROTHWELL - WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE
GLOUCESTER "REACH" ORPHANAGE OUTREACH
DEATH OF MAURICE BROOKS
COMING EVENTS
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FOUR THOUSAND RESPONSES TO "CONNECT ONE MILLION" PROJECT

The Adventist Discovery Centre is pleased to announce that as a direct result of the "Connect One Million" mass card distribution project more than 4,000 applications for Bible correspondence courses have been received. "This is astounding," says ADC director Pastor Dalbert Elias. "To reach 4,000 applications at the rate of four responses per 1,000 cards distributed means either that our members have distributed virtually every single one of the million cards, or that the rate of return is even greater than the four per thousand that we usually consider as a maximum. In either case the Lord has blessed this venture in a mighty way."

Year end analysis shows that of the 4551 total 'Discover' course applications received during 2005, 4,011 have resulted from the Connect One Million project. Other 'Discover' statistics for the year are as follows: confirmed enrolments - 518; active students - 575; papers graded - 2,343.

In total for 2005 the ADC received 6343 applications for courses of one kind or another, enrolled 1,279 students, has 1,579 active students, has graded 9,223 papers, and has seen 408 students graduate. The numbers of enrolled and active students, as well as the numbers of graded papers and graduated students, are all expected to rise during 2006 as a direct result of the Connect One Million project.

In other developments the Adventist Discovery Centre's website is up and running and the 'Discover' course is now available online. Also, prayer requests, questions and queries can be posted on the website. You can visit the website yourself at: <www.discoveronline.org.uk>.

"There is no doubt that God has blessed the efforts of our Church members and those of the ADC staff during 2005 as we have all worked together to reach people with the gospel," says Pastor Elias. "I am convinced that He will continue to do great things through the Adventist Discovery Centre during the years that we have left on this earth."


"IN CONVERSATION" GETS REGULAR SLOTS ON THE HOPE CHANNEL

The BUC Media Centre's television interview series "In Conversation" has been given a prominent position in the Hope Channel's brand new programme line-up. According to the new schedule the half-hour programme will be shown a total of sixteen times per week - three times on Hope Channel North America, five times on Hope Channel Europe, and eight times on Hope Channel International.

There are still some teething troubles with the programme schedule and this week some programmes have been shown up to an hour later, or half an hour earlier, than advertised. We expect these anomalies to be sorted out in the near future and we would appreciate feedback from viewers notifying us of any other deviations from the published schedules.

This Sabbath the programme should be shown at 1:30 am and 3:00 pm on Hope Channel Europe - which is the channel we receive via our satellite dishes. It should also be shown at 3:30 am and 2:30 pm on Hope Channel International (web streaming) and 9:30 am and 10:00 pm on Hope Channel North America (web streaming). There should also be a showing on Hope Channel International on Friday evening at 9:30 pm.

Please remember that these times are what has been published in the guides but at this early stage may not match up exactly with the actual broadcast times.


SCOTTISH MISSION HOGMANAY - Karoline Brown

Over the weekend of Friday 30 December to Monday 2 January, around 40 youth gathered near the city of Edinburgh for a weekend of fellowship and fun. In good Scottish tradition we gathered to celebrate the occasion of the passing of one year and the rejoicing of the new one that was to follow. The weekend was predominantly a social event, but there was also a strong spiritual component. Each day saw different youth or leaders taking a 30-minute worship slot. These were on various topics from the relationship between Celtic symbolism and Christianity, to ecological awareness!

There was a distinct ethnic feel to the weekend. On Saturday night a special meal was prepared by the cooks (the most valued members of the weekend), celebrating a 'taste of the east'. Around eight of the women attending dressed in traditional saris. It was a colourful evening with good food and fellowship. An award ceremony also took place, thanking members of the group for their work within and outwith the church over the past year. The youth gathered at a local viewpoint across the river from Edinburgh to view the fireworks and a group prayer in the car park brought in the New Year!

The group completed an experiential worship experience on Sunday. This revolved around 13 stations, each with various readings, creative tasks, music, edibles, and reflections. It was a very spiritual journey and was enjoyed by all who participated. On Sunday night the group learned, or re-learned to ceilidh dance, led by some of the local Scottish youth. They demonstrated the dance routines while other youth played fiddles and guitars - no one was seriously injured! The party dismissed on Monday lunch time, friendships rekindled, spirits enlightened, and excited about what God had in store for each one in this coming year He has blessed us with.

Note: Pictures of this event are available on the Scottish Mission website at <www.sdascotland.com>.


SHAUNA ROTHWELL - WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE

In the last edition of BUC News we reported that ten-year-old Shauna Rothwell was to be featured on Ireland's RTE1 programme "When Dreams come True". She did indeed appear on the programme and, at the time of writing, the seven-minute clip can still be viewed on the RTE website. You will need to have RealPlayer installed and then visit: <www.rte.ie/tv/whendreamscometrue/thisweek_clips.html>.


GLOUCESTER "REACH" ORPHANAGE OUTREACH - Robert Hinds

On Thursday 8 December, five members of the Gloucester church and two non-Adventists, flew to Romania to carry out work on the "Reach" orphanage at Peretu and to interact with the children there. They joined an advance party that had left on Sunday 4 Deccember to secure supplies and building materials. This party included members from the Croscombe and Bath churches, and the project was led by Elvira Pearson, "Reach UK" director, together with her husband Pastor Rex Pearson.

During their stay in Romania the volunteers were kept busy painting and decorating the downstairs rooms and replacing broken windows and doors. A new kitchen was installed, with new floor and wall tiles, and equipment donated by members of the party. The boys' toilet block was also renovated.

Before leaving Peretu on Friday 16 December, we shared in a Christmas party with the children, where gifts which had been brought with us brought smiles to the faces of the children. That same day we travelled north to the other "Reach" orphanage in Mislea, and spent Sabbath with them before returning home on Sunday 18 December.

Everyone who took part in the project has indicated that it was a life changing experience. Whatever blessings we were able to give were more than returned by the children with their love, enthusiasm and musical talents, and the dedication of the people caring for them. Our hearts and eyes were full as we said our goodbyes on the final morning. Each member has also expressed a desire to return and continue the much needed work at Peretu.

Each member of the party paid their own air fare, and thanks to the generosity of local churches, work place colleagues and sponsors, more than £3,500 was raised to fund the project in addition to the items which were donated for the kitchen. We would like to say a big thank you to all who made this venture possible.

Details of "Reach" and how to support the organisation, can be obtained from: <rpelvira@aol.com>.


DEATH OF MAURICE BROOKS

We are very sorry to report that Maurice Brooks, former headteacher of Newbold School, passed away on Monday 2 January following a year-long battle with cancer. The funeral service will take place at 2:30 pm on Tuesday 10 January in the Newbold church. The committal will be held at the Binfield church cemetery at 3.30 pm and will be followed by light refreshments in the Newbold School Hall. Flowers (or donations for "Cancer Research") may be sent to the funeral directors: A B Walkers, 157 Binfield Road, Bracknell, Berks.

Alternatively you may like to make a donation to Newbold School. If so please make your cheque payable to "Newbold School" and send it directly to: Mrs Victoria Chilvers, Head Teacher, Newbold School, Popeswood Rd, Binfield, Bracknell, Berks, RG12 5AH. Please mark your donation as "A Tribute to Maurice Brooks".


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.

REKINDLING THE FIRE - FULHAM EVANGELISM. Starting 7:00 pm on Friday 6 to Sabbath 14 January. "Rekindling the Fire" is a revival series that will be conducted by Dr Richard de Lisser at the Fulham church. The full schedule is as follows: Friday 6 Jan: 7:00 pm - "Rekindling the Fire". Saturday 7 Jan: 5:00 pm - "There is Hope in the Valley". Friday 13 Jan: 7:00 pm - "Catching the Spirit". Sabbath 14 Jan: 11:00 am - "Who Will Help the Lord". Sabbath 14 Jan: pm - "What Fellowship". All are invited. Contact: Horace Taffe <htaffe@hotmail.com>. Phone: 020 8900 1979.

ALL DAY PRAISE AND WORSHIP SERVICE - CARDIFF. Starting at 9:30 am Sabbath 7 January. Lunch will be provided for all who attend. Afternoon programme. Contact: Pastor C Moore <clydermoore@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 02920 731935.

SEC PATHFINDER AGM. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Sunday 15 January at the Lewisham church. Contact: Pearl Beckles <pathfinders@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

LONDON YOUTH FEDERATION RALLY DAY - LONDON. Saturday 21 January. Contact: Sacha Gillin <info@londonyouthfed.org.uk>. Phone: 07956 688923.

YOUTH LEADERS RETREAT & AWARD CEREMONY - LONDON. Friday 27 January. Run by the London Youth Federation. Contact: Sacha Gillin <info@londonyouthfed.org.uk>. Phone: 07956 688923.

THE HOPE GOSPEL CONCERT - WALTHAMSTOW. 7:00 - 10:30 pm on Saturday 28 January. A gospel concert in aid of the London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church building programme. Participants include: Beckton Marantha Choir, Beckton Voice Divine, F F Hector (Walthamstow), The Chorale (West Green Road), 3 Angels (Leytonstone), Blessed Voices, Ghanaian Choirs, Christina Amoh-Kyeremeh (Stratford), Kwame Joe, Kingsmen, Kofi Darko, Joe Danso & Melodious Voices, The Chosen (all from London Ghana church), and many more. MC's: Devon Boyd, Collins Amofah, Nana Sifa Twum and Kwaku Owusu Frimpong (HotFM). Venue: Walthamstow Assembly Hall, Forest Road, Walthamstow, London E17. Tickets: Adults - £10.00, Youth (16-18yrs) - £5.00, Children - free. Contact: John Bright Sam <john@bsam.fsnet.co.uk>. Phone: 07960 095012.

ASNA FUNDRAISING CONCERT - READING. 7:00 to 10:00 pm on Saturday 28 January at the Wesley Methodist Church, Queens Road, Reading. Artists will include: Vox Simba, Resurrection, Jacque Gill & Beryl Pusey, Karen Akah, Daniella and many more. For tickets and more information contact: Sophia Nicholls <asna@special1.fsnet.co.uk>. Phone: 01491 833395.

TED PRAYER GUIDE. This Sabbath, 7 January, our prayer focus is that God's will may be done throughout the Trans-European Division this New Year, and that we all may draw closer to Him.

For the coming week our Bible focus is on Psalm 16:1,2 - Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."

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SMALL ADS

SEC YOUTH ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS. Auditions to be part of an South England Conference Youth Orchestra will be staged during February 2006. For an application form please send an email to Alex Weekes at: <alexander_weekes@hotmail.com>, or telephone him on: 07745 718248.

LONDON ADVENTIST CREDIT UNION. Members of the London Adventist Credit Union are reminded to attend the union's monthly meeting to be held at The John Loughborough School on Sunday 8 January 2006 at 1.30 pm. The monthly meeting is always held on the second Sunday of each month. Members can leave messages for the Credit Union Secretary and Officers on the following telephone number: 020 8216 9895. Further details about the Credit Union can also be found on its website at: <www.lacu.co.uk>.

VOLUNTEER VACANCY. Stanborough School in Watford is seeking to fill the position of Maintenance Assistant. The position would entail helping out with any maintenance duties in and around Stanborough Secondary School, Stanborough Primary School and the Boarding school. No formal qualifications are necessary. The position will be suitable for an Adventist volunteer. This position is a stay in position offering boarding, food and a monthly allowance. For further information please see our website <www.stanboroughpark.herts.sch.uk> or contact Mrs Mercer on: 01923 673268.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY - THEORY/PIANO INSTRUCTOR OAKWOOD COLLEGE. Oakwood College, a Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher learning in Huntsville, Alabama, USA, announces a full-time, tenure-track position in music theory/piano to begin in the fall semester 2006. Contact: Audley Chambers. Phone: 001 256 726 7282. Email: <achambers@oakwood.edu>.

CHILD CARE HELP REQUIRED. Finnish medical student in Newcastle requires a responsible person to help look after her 20-month and 8-year old sons from approximately mid-January to mid-June 2006. Preferably looking for an aupair-like arrangement with a church member in good and regular standing. Evenings free and no weekend responsibilities. Room and board provided. For further information, please email <joanna.matthan@ncl.ac.uk> or phone: 0191 261 6337 (evenings).

AU PAIR. Suzy is 21 and from Hungary. She loves children and would like to work in a family in any part of the UK or Ireland. She is an experienced babysitter and children's Sabbath School teacher, and has good references. Email: <katihorvath@hotmail.com>.

SERENDIPITY BIBLE. Unused surplus Serendipity Bible for sale. Price £8.00 plus postage. This contains good studies, especially for small groups. Email: <terzel@tiscali.co.uk>.

JOB OPPORTUNITY. The ADRA EU Liaison Office in Brussels, Belgium, is looking for a Director as of 1 March 2006. The ADRA EU Liaison Office is the representation of the ADRA network towards the EU related institutions in Brussels. Being an active member of various NGO networks and working groups, the ADRA EU office aims at strengthening ADRA's image towards the European Commission and European civil society groups. ADRA EU assists in the promotion of key development issues according to ADRA's mandate. The office also engages in capacity building within the ADRA network through training, advising on and coordinating EU related activities of ADRA support offices located in EU member states as well as to implementing partner offices. The position of Director offers a unique opportunity to gaining in-depth understanding of the functioning of the European Union in general and that of the EU's, institutions, policies and mechanisms related to external aid in particular. It provides!
opportunities of first-hand experience of high-level decision-making and allows for meetings and exchange with key multilateral, bilateral and private sector stakeholders. Tasks oriented towards capacity building of the ADRA network are highly divers, involve many personal contacts and bear scope for personal skills and career development. Applicants should: have a Masters degree or equivalent, preferably related to development cooperation or political science; have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, if possible also field experience; be familiar with EU policies and regulations, PCM, project planning and M&E requirements; have an excellent command of English and good knowledge of French; have excellent analytical, communication and instructional skills; developed skills in leadership, office management, and administration; be enthusiastic about ADRA and its mission and able to represent ADRA and the Seventh-day Adventist Church towards other institutions an!
d organisations; be a member of the Adventist Church; have a pro-activ
e and strategic approach to work. Please send a detailed CV and introductory letter to Mr Jörg Fehr, Chairman of the Board. Email: <joerg.fehr@adra-eu.org>. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2006.

STUDENT EXCHANGE. Julia, a 14-year-old Adventist girl from Pforzheim in Germany, would like to come to South England for one or two weeks during the beginning of May 2006 to stay with an Adventist family with children of a similar age. She would be happy to do housework or attend school etc. One of more of the English children would then be welcome to visit Julia's family in Germany. For more information contact Harald <hage00@web.de>.


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. Items for inclusion should be sent to <bucnews@adventist.org.uk> and need to be received by 6.00 pm on Thursday, preferably as simple email text. Coming Events and Small Ads should be kept short and preferably be submitted via the on-line form at: <www.adventist.org.uk/news>. 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 are available on our website at <www.adventist.org.uk>.

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