BUC News #489 (28 April 2006)

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

Contents:

NEC ORDINATION SERVICE AT WOLVERHAMPTON CIVIC HALL
ADVENTISTS AND MUSLIMS SHARE PERSPECTIVES
SPRING GROWTH AT NEWBOLD COLLEGE
IRISH MISSION HOSTS EASTER RETREAT
NEC COMMUNICATION DAY AT STANBOROUGH PRESS
MAY HUB NOW ONLINE AND TO BE DISTRIBUTED AT CRE
THIS WEEK'S 'IN CONVERSATION' PROGRAMMES ON HOPE CHANNEL
COMING EVENTS
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NEC ORDINATION SERVICE AT WOLVERHAMPTON CIVIC HALL - Fred Mapp

On Sabbath 22 April seven senior licensed ministers were ordained to the gospel ministry at a special North England Conference Day of Fellowship. Over 2,000 individuals including relatives, friends and members from far and near, attended the event at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall in the heart of the West Midlands, to demonstrate their support for: Graham Allcock, Gary Gordon, Alan Hush, Felix Jack, Richardson Jackson, Kevin Johns and Cedric Vine.

Special guests included, among others: Dr Patrick Allen, President of the West Indies Union Conference; Pastor Llewellyn Edwards, Scottish Mission President; Pastor Cecil Perry, BUC President; Pastor Eric Lowe, BUC Executive Secretary; Pastor Alan Hodges, BUC Ministerial Secretary; Pastor Don McFarlane, Trans-European Division Field Secretary; Pastor Edson Augustus, a district pastor in St Vincent and the Grenadines; and Pastor Peter Kerr, President of the Turks and Caicos Mission.

During the morning service of worship and fellowship, which beautifully set the stage for a memorable afternoon Ordination Service, Dr Patrick Allen addressed the day's theme: "Called to Serve" from the perspective of Isaiah 43:1-3. He reminded the congregation in general and the Ordinands in particular that: trials, troubles and tribulations are not just possible, they are inevitable; there may be fire and flood but God uses fire and flood to purify; and we have a Divine Cosmic Companion who will always be with us. The congregation will long remember his closing thought: "You are called to serve God. Serve Him even through flood and fire. It will be worth it when we see Jesus."

In his address to the Ordinands Pastor Don McFarlane said, "The work that God has called you to do is extremely special," Speaking from 1 Timothy 4:9-16 he emphasised that they were: called by God, anointed to minister, to focus on the gospel ministry, to remember their position as ministers, and to ensure that the Gospel they preached was not the surmising of men but the declaration of God.

Ordination not only marked a milestone in the growth and development of the Ordinands, it also came in the middle of an eventful fortnight for Gary Gordon. His wife, Andrea, was safely delivered of Hannah May, the newest addition to the NEC pastoral family, on Sabbath evening 15 April.


ADVENTISTS AND MUSLIMS SHARE PERSPECTIVES - Velda Cox

On 23 April Adventists and Muslims met together at the Islamic Centre of England, to share their particular perspectives on last day events, which included the second coming of Jesus and the final establishment of God's rule of peace and justice. This was a joint venture between the Global Centre for Adventist-Muslim Relations, Newbold College, UK, and the Shia Muslim community, whose main Centre is located in Maida Vale, London, UK. Between 40 and 50 Adventists from Newbold College and the South England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists attended the event.

Dr Jerald Whitehouse, director of the Global Centre for Adventist-Muslim Relations, was the main speaker on behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Sheikh Bahmanpour, head of the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Department of Islamic Studies, at the Islamic College, Willesden, London, UK was the main Muslim speaker on behalf of the Islamic Centre of England. Mr Oscar Osindo, also of the Global Centre for Adventist-Muslim Relations, and Sheikh Ali Al Hakim, researcher for the Islamic Centre of England, also presented on the topic.

Dr Whitehouse started his presentation with the entry of sin into the world, outlining how man lost the privilege of close association with God and yet at that time God laid His plan for the restoration of both peace and justice in the future. Dr Whitehouse illustrated how God planned to restore His relationship with man through His promise to Abraham through the descendants of both Ishmael and Isaac. However, he said, "Satan has fought through the ages to prevent the restoration of the relations between God and His people. This has resulted in a controversy that has lead to injustice and conflict in our world down through the ages." Dr Whitehouse then went on to show how God, through sending Jesus to this earth, demonstrated His self-sacrificing love for all of humankind, and through this His desire to restore the peace and harmony lost in the garden. "God's plan for personal peace is offered to all men by giving a 'new heart' experience to all those who seek Him," he said. "Those that have this 'new heart' need not fear the judgment and can look forward to spending eternity with God." Utilising the image of Daniel 2, Dr Whitehouse showed how God planned to re-establish His kingdom, His rule of justice and peace, and how Seventh-day Adventists believe that God's plan for restoration, promised through Abraham, is for all peoples of the earth who believe in Him.

Mr Oscar Osindo followed with a presentation on the second coming of Jesus, showing that both Adventists and Muslims look forward to His coming and see it as the time when peace and justice will be restored. He noted that although the world has tried to bring about peace in so many ways, they have not succeeded. "When Jesus left this earth He promised to leave peace with those who were left behind," Mr Osindo said. "Not the kind that the world offers, but God's peace, the kind of peace which brings about true justice. When Jesus began His ministry on earth the first time He began with the heart of man by the process of redeeming human beings. The kind of peace that Jesus brings, begins with a 'new heart' experience," Mr Osindo said. He then went on to examine the details of the second coming of Jesus, the judgment which will take place at the end of time, and the final restoration of God's peace and justice on earth.

Sheikh Bahmanpour started his presentation by noting the similar perspectives that Seventh-day Adventists and Muslims have on end-time events, and how both share in common the hope of the restoration of peace and justice at the second coming of Jesus. Sheikh Bahmanpour went on to say that you cannot think of peace without justice. "Those whose hearts are not with God, will never find internal peace," he said. "True peace should be inside the heart. That is where justice comes from. If there is no justice in society, then there is no peace of heart." He then went on to say that the peace and justice that we experience on this earth is only a shadow of the real experience that we will have later, when God establishes true peace and justice for all humankind at the end of time. Sheikh Bahmanpour then went on to outline how the second coming of Jesus and the coming of the 'Mahdi' (a Messianic figure that will emerge out of Mecca who will work in co-operation with Jesus at the end of time) will bring about true peace and justice for all humankind.

Sheikh Ali Al Hakim spoke on how justice can be arrived at while on earth through study and application of Shariah Law.

"In a world in which there is often confrontation rather than peace between communities of faith, it is refreshing to see people working together to build bridges of understanding," said Velda Cox, who worked with the Islamic Centre of England to bring about the event. "I hope that many more similar events will take place between Adventists and Muslims in the future," said Dr Whitehouse. "Such events need to stand out as a voice against the too prevalent militant rhetoric that only increases tension and misunderstanding between faith traditions."

For more information and for some pictures from the event see: <www.ic-el.com/English>.


SPRING GROWTH AT NEWBOLD COLLEGE - Angela Matthews

It's not just the flowers that have been growing at Newbold College this spring. The college curriculum has also been growing, with the introduction of two new programmes. Now in the latter stages of planning and development, the courses will be on offer to students beginning next school year (2006-2007.) One of the new programmes to be offered is called The Gap Year Experience. The one-year course will combine a semester of anthropology, development and religion studies at Newbold with a six month field placement through Adventist Volunteer Services (AVS) or the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). By including a study element with practical active service, "This course will help students build a mature world view, providing them with experiences that will be vital to any future career," says Course director and Dean of Students, Pastor Henrik Jorgensen.

The other addition to the curriculum is the introduction of the one year Undergraduate Certificate in Theology (Youth Leadership) which is also a combination of class learning and practical experience. It is open to students from different types of educational backgrounds and, according to the Dr John Baildam, Director of Academic Affairs, "has been constructed so that qualified students completing the course will have covered the equivalent of level one of a Bachelor of Divinity Honours programme or will have credits to transfer into an American degree." It is also open to students who don't have the qualifications to enter a regular degree programme but nevertheless "seek to improve their skills in working with young people." By taking classes in theology and ministry, and by doing hands-on practical work with young people in Adventist churches, under the guidance of experienced pastors, students are equipped with the skills they need to be strong youth leaders. This Newbold College programme is offered through collaboration with the South England Conference and is very generously subsidised to make it possible for as many students to attend as possible.

For more details of these and other courses on offer at Newbold visit: <www.newbold.ac.uk>.

During the working week, artistic activities, musical performances, developments in the college curriculum and school trips have kept students and staff focused on the challenges of working and studying together. A wide range of activities have facilitated spiritual, mental, physical and social growth among the people who work and study here. In the Newbold church, a 6-week series of expository sermons on the final chapters of the book of Luke culminated in an Easter morning service in the College garden and helped to direct thinking about the closing scenes of the life of Christ. Radisa Antic, Daniel Duda, Henrik Jorgensen, Michael Pearson, Mary Trim and Jean-Claude Verecchia each addressed a different event, suggesting interesting perspectives on many familiar scenes from the Bible.

Artists, poets, musicians and writers at Newbold had a special opportunity this month to showcase their talents, by participating in a successful arts festival from 1 to 7 April. An art display was set up for the week which included the works of painters, photographers and designers. Elfred Lee, a visiting artist from California, conducted discussions and demonstrations as well as displaying his own art work. Writers had the opportunity of performing their work during a poetry reading, while clothes designers sent their creations down the catwalk in a fashion show themed around environmental conservation and care. Reduced price tickets to drama performances at South Hill Park, a local arts centre, encouraged a deeper exploration of the dramatic arts. Singers, pianists and other instrumentalists performed a wide variety of music at two concerts, one before Timothy Arnold an international examiner from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, who gave helpful suggestions for improving their performances, and the other for the Friday night vespers programme. According to humanities lecturer Peter Balderstone who is involved in organising and overseeing the annual arts festival, "The objectives of the Festival were achieved. There was debate on Lee's style of art. Some loved it, some were not so keen. His political stances also were causes for contention."

Musical performances continued this month with the visit of the Vejlefjordskolen Choir from Denmark, which led out a Friday night vespers programme, and an interactive concert by local songwriter Claris Lombart.

"We want Newbold to be a place where people grow and change," says Principal Dr David Penner. "The ongoing schedule of activities at Newbold provides staff, students and members of the community with a number of unique and exciting opportunities to develop many facets of their lives."


IRISH MISSION HOSTS EASTER RETREAT - Adam Keough

They came from Scotland. They came from Wales. They came from Ireland. They came from Northern Ireland - but many more countries were represented! This year's Three Missions Easter Weekend which took place from Friday 14 to Monday 17 April saw over 80 young people gather at the International Youth Hostel in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland for a long weekend of spiritual nurture and fun. Hosted by the Irish Mission where cultural diversity is becoming more and more evident, over 15 nationalities were represented, including a group of four young people who came from Ekebyholm Adventist School in Sweden along with Pastor Jeremy Brooks (chaplain at Ekebyholm) who was the worship speaker for the retreat.

The spiritual theme for the weekend - "Wheeling and Dealing in Grace" - linked with the Irish Mission Youth department's theme for the year of 2006 - "A God of Grace". During the weekend the young people had an opportunity for spiritual refreshment, to renew friendships, build new ones, go on trips, play games, have an outdoor bonfire and, probably one of the main highlights of the weekend, an afternoon of canoeing, kayaking, archery and team games on an island!

The Three Missions Easter Weekend is a yearly event hosted by each of the Missions on a rotational basis. In 2007 the Welsh will be the hosts and if you would like to apply to be part of next year's retreat please email me at: <adam@adventist.ie>. The organisers would also like to thank Newbold College for being personally represented at the event by Dejan Stojkovic.


NEC COMMUNICATION DAY AT STANBOROUGH PRESS

More than fifty church communicators gathered at the Stanborough Press on Sunday 23 April for an all-day workshop organised by NEC Communication director Pastor Fred Mapp. The purpose of the event was to develop the skills of local communication secretaries in the North England Conference and to highlight those communications areas where the church can be most effective.

In his worship address NEC Executive Secretary Pastor Paul Lockham, who lives near to the Stanborough Press in Grantham, used passages from the Bible to show how God, through human writers, had used it as an extremely effective communication document. Press Editor Dr David Marshall spoke about the importance of writing news in story form, while his wife, Mrs Anita Marshall discussed various ways in which news copy can be made more interesting. "Why not get a real donkey in your church at Easter and have a real baby in the crib at Christmas," she said. "Of course you must remember to feed the baby but not the donkey!"

In a joint presentation with BUC Communication director Pastor John Surridge, Mr David Bell, who specialises in graphics and photography at the Press, gave a series of handy tips for digital photographers. "One of our biggest problems here at the Press is the resolution of digital photographs," he said. "People might have five megapixel cameras but by the time the pictures reach us they seem to have shrunk!"

Pastor Fred Mapp concentrated on ways to add value to church bulletins. These important communication documents are often thrown away after the Sabbath service but Pastor Mapp explained how, with a few simple additions, members can be persuaded to hang on to them and use them as reference materials. "Why not include just one of our 28 fundamental beliefs or one of our official statements every week," he said. "These are useful for reference but they also remind our members of exactly what the Seventh-day Adventist position is on these matters."

The day concluded with a practical session on "Dealing with the Media" where volunteers were subjected to a video interrogation. "Know what you want to say and say it with enthusiasm," said Pastor Surridge. "Prepare message points so that you won't get sidetracked from the information you want to deliver."

Special thanks and a round of applause were given to Mrs Maureen Hammond who led the catering for the day. Many people complemented her on the excellent food, and more than one commented that the Stanborough Press was actually a very good venue for this kind of workshop. With various structural improvements being planned it may well host more workshops in the near future.


MAY HUB NOW ONLINE AND TO BE DISTRIBUTED AT CRE - Japhet De Oliveira

The latest issue of HUB is now online and will also be handed out at the Christian Resources Exhibition in two weeks' time. See the latest calendar of events and adverts for two new courses on offer at Newbold College. One costs £2,000 for the whole year including board and lodging. Read the guide to revise by Joanna Poddar, the report on a placement by Tamara Bloom in Peru or check out the latest topic for the LYF Friday night forum. This month also features resources and articles from writers both in the UK and Norway. We have even included the first draft of dates for 2007 including the World Teen/Youth Prayer Conference in Texas. We welcome emails to the editor, submissions and new ideas. If you do not receive a hard copy at the moment but would like to drop me an email at: <jdeoliveira@secadventist.org.uk>.


THIS WEEK'S 'IN CONVERSATION' PROGRAMMES ON HOPE CHANNEL

'In Conversation' is an interview programme produced by the BUC's Media Centre and broadcast on Hope Channel Europe. Details for this week's programmes are as follows:

Michelle Lewis - 1:30 am on Sabbath 29 April
Victor Pilmoor - 3:00 pm on Sabbath 29 April and 7:30 am on Friday 5 May
Dalbert Elias - 3:30 am on Monday 1 May and 8:30 am on Wednesday 3 May
Bert Smit - 8:00 pm on Monday 1 May

As well as these broadcasts on Hope Channel Europe, 'In Conversation' can be seen three times on Hope Channel (North America) and eight times on Hope Channel International every week, though these are only available on the Internet here in Europe. To find out more and to watch Hope Channel online go to: <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.

ADVENTIST RADIO MILTON KEYNES. On air in the Milton Keynes area until 29 April. FM 107. Programmes start at 7:00 am daily and can be heard 24-hours per day at: <www.armk.org>. Phone: 01908 696982. Email: <radio@armk.org>.

EVANGELISTIC SERIES - STANBOROUGH PARK. Continuing at 8:00 pm every Tuesday until 11 July at the Stanborough Centre. Speaker: Brian Davison. An 18-week illustrated evangelistic series entitled, 'Truth For Today, Hope For Tomorrow'. Bring your friends. Each programme will be preceded by refreshments. Email: <john@camelot.euro1net.com>. Phone: 01923 894664.

TEENZ CAMPAIGN - BRIXTON. Continuing at 5:30 pm each Sabbath until 29 April at the Brixton church. Theme: 'God's Rehabilitation System'. Speakers: Andrew Fuller and Laurent Grovenor. Contact: Simone Dixon <goldensimone@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 07985 116953.

STUDENTS PRAYER AND BIBLE SESSION - LEWISHAM. Friday 28 April to Monday 1 May. Join the teens and youth of Lewisham church and discover the "ABC of Prayer". Friday, Sunday and Monday at 7:30 pm, and Sabbath at 5:15 pm. Contact: Phiona Barnett <phionabarnett@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07930 471276.

WMYA TABERNACLE - WEST BROMWICH. Starting at 7:00 pm on Friday 28 April at the West Bromwich church. Speaker: Andrew Hazel. Contact: Georgia Windrass <wmya_1@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07984 466398.

WEST MIDLANDS CULTURAL WEEKEND. Sabbath 29 to Sunday 30 April at the Handsworth Wood African Fellowship. Speaker: Pastor Silburn Fray, originally from Jamaica and currently pastoring in the Wolverhampton Oxford Street church. Theme: Forward Together. Afternoon programme starts at 4:30 pm with praise and drama from the Harper Bell School. Venue for Sunday 30 April: Harper Bell School. Programme starts at 2:30 pm. Entrance: Adults £2.50, Children: £1.00. Contact: Judith Asare <lois903@blueyonder.co.uk>. Phone: 0121 544 3990.

YOUTH DAY & CONCERT - READING CENTRAL. Starting at 10:00 am on Sabbath 29 April at the Caversham Methodist Church, Gosbrook Road, Reading, Berkshire. Speaker: Pastor Steve Palmer. The concert begins at 6:00 pm. Tickets: £4.00 for adults and £3.00 for under 16's. Contact: Collis Keir <colliskeir@aol.com>. Phone: 07905 517944.

CAMP HILL CHILDREN'S DAY - BIRMINGHAM. Sabbath 29 April. Worship lead by the children of Camp Hill church, particularly Young Hope Choir, whose members range in age from 4 to 13 years. Contact: J Halliday-Bell <j.halliday-bell@duran.gotadsl.co.uk>. Phone: 07800 761613.

HEALTH LECTURE AT THE ADVENT CENTRE. 3:00 pm on Sabbath 29 April. Speaker: Hamilton Williams. Theme: "Free Radical Pathology". Come earlier and have a vegan lunch with us. Contact: M Passer <mbpasser@aol.com>. Phone: 020 7724 2987.

FUND RAISING CONCERT - RUGBY. 4:00 pm on Sabbath 29 April at the United Reformed Church, 44 Hilmorton Road, Rugby, CV22 5AD. Featuring: the Rugby Singers, Voices of Wilderness, Iris Shuterland, and Channels Only. Agape Feast after the concert. Contact: Roberto <roberto.silva@olealliance.co.uk>. Phone: 07813 011020.

CAMP HILL YOUTH DAY - BIRMINGHAM. Sabbath 6 May. Youth choirs, groups, and a guest preacher. Contact: J Halliday-Bell <jacque.halliday-bell@swbh.nhs.uk>. Phone: 07800 761613.

YOUTH DAY - CARDIFF. Sabbath 6 May. Guest speaker: Micah Campbell. Social and games evening after sunset. Contact: Pastor Clyde R Moore <clyde.moore@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07789 554876.

STANBOROUGH SCHOOL FAMILY FELLOWSHIP - WATFORD. 11:00 am on Sabbath 6 May. Join the students and staff of Stanborough School as we sing and worship together at our Annual Day of Fellowship. Bring the whole family. Phone: 01923 673268 or Contact: Lydia Dean <dwhitehall@spsch.org>. Phone: 07941 883921.

"NOW IS THE TIME" EVANGELISM - GREENWICH. Sabbath 6 to Sabbath 27 May at the Greenwich church. Saturdays: 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. Friday, Sunday and Wednesday evenings: 7:15 pm. Speaker: Dr Richard De Lisser. Contact: Terry Messenger <terry_messenger@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07879 454267.

MOORCLOSE NIGHTS. 6:00 pm on Saturday 6 May at the Newbold Church Centre. Children's ministry, at same time. Come and experiencing God's power and love. Contact: Geert Tap <tapgeert@hotmail.com>. Phone: 01344 407652.

ALL NIGHT PRAYER MEETING - LEICESTER. 7:00 pm on Sabbath 6 May to 6:00 am on Sunday 7 May at the Leicester Central church. Theme: The Hidden Power of Praise in Prayer. Speakers include: Dr Acquah, Pastor Delroy Foster and Pastor Paul Liburd. Music: Joyful Inspiration, Peter Tabornal, Spiritual Addiction, Jane Liburd, Lydia Liburd, Living Hope, and many more. Contact: Jeanetta Liburd <pj.liburd@virgin.net>. Phone: 0116 239 2080.

YOUR FREEDOM, YOUR DESTINY - TOTTENHAM EVANGELISM. 7:30 pm on Sabbath 6 May, continuing to Sabbath 17 June every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. Speaker: Pastor Nicu Butoiu. Music from the critically acclaimed Adrian Pressley, and singing evangelist, Claude Edwards. Email: <tottenhamsda@hotmail.com>. Phone: 020 8802 1477.

YOUTH & TEENS LEVEL 2 TRAINING DAY - WATFORD. Sunday 7 May at the Stanborough Park church. Contact: Jadanna <youth@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

HARPER BELL PTFA BANQUET - BIRMINGHAM. Sunday 7 May at: The Centennial Centre, Icknield Port Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16. Calling all Harper Bellians! The Harper Bell School Parents, Teachers & Friends Association (PTFA) presents a "Celebrating Achievers and Contributors Banquet". We would love to see you again. Contact: Lorraine McDonald <amanda.gardiner@ukonline.co.uk> on: 07736 804299, or Elrose Lindsay on: 07904 728048.

LYF "HIT LONDON" EVANGELISM. Sabbath 13 May. Contact LYF Evangelism Chair Sam Gungaloo <info@londonyouthfed.org.uk>. Phone: 07956 688923.

LEICESTER CENTRAL YOUTH DAY. Sabbath 13 May. Contact: Sally-Ann Flemmings <jslady21@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07930 441396.

AREA 5 YOUTH RALLY DAY. Sabbath 13 May, Reading. Youth Day of Fellowship, run by the Thames Valley Youth Federation. Contact: Nana Bonnie <bonnie_nana@yahoo.com>. Phone: 07980 936183.

LYF 5 A-SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT. Sunday 14 May. The London Youth Federation's annual Five-a-Side football extravaganza. Venue: Catford Power League, Private Banks Sports Ground, Canadian Avenue (South Circular), Catford, SE6 4SW. Registration fee: £50. Late registration: £60. Contact: Trevor Young <info@londonyouthfed.org.uk>. Phone: 07958 753695.

ELLEN G WHITE SEMINAR - NEWBOLD COLLEGE. Sunday 14 May. Speakers: Dr Richard Davidson - Professor of Old Testament, Andrews University and specialist on the Doctrine of the Sanctuary; Dr Jo-Ann Davidson - Professor of Systematic Theology, Andrews University; and Cindy Tutsch - Associate Director, White Estate with responsibilities for making Ellen White relevant to young people. If you are planning to attend please let us know by 1 May, especially if you are planning to eat in the cafeteria which is a personal expense of £5.00. Contact: Dr Radisa Antic <rantic@newbold.ac.uk>. Phone: 01344 407448.

EVANGELISTIC SERIES - BRADFORD. Sunday 14 May to Saturday 27 May. Evangelistic series at the Bradford church led by Pastor Jeff Couzins. Theme: "Is Biblical Faith Relevant Today?" Meetings take place Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7.30 pm. The two Sabbath programmes will be at 11.30 am, with fellowship meals and afternoon programmes to follow. Contact: Jeff Couzins <jeff.couzins@blueyonder.co.uk>. Phone: 01274 222197.

TED PRAYER GUIDE. For Sabbath 29 April our Bible focus is on Deuteronomy 31:8. 'The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.' Please pray that God will bless those who are lonely and afraid for the future.

For the coming week our Bible focus is on Hebrews 12:14. 'Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.' Please pray that the peace of God will move on all disagreements and arguing in the Church.

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SMALL ADS

CERTIFICATE IN YOUTH LEADERSHIP. Biblical. Practical. Essential. The new Certificate in Youth Leadership is now live. With our first intake in August this year we are inviting others to join an exciting and challenging course. Not only will you attain at least Level 2 Youth Leadership and your Master Guide but you will also tackle some key theological foundations. There are two predominant pathways. The first if you qualify will count as the first year of three-year Bachelor of Divinity the second will give you the Certificate in Youth Leadership. This course is jointly sponsored by Newbold College and the South England Conference Department of Youth Ministries. For application forms, course content and financial packages, contact Japhet De Oliveira <jdeoliveira@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728. Mobile: 07815 799019. Alternatively you can email Newbold College at: <admissions@newbold.ac.uk> or visit their website at: <www.newbold.ac.uk/handbook-short-programmes/5.html>.

ACCOMMODATION WANTED. 17-year-old German girl would like to spend the next school year (from September 2006) at school in England and she would like to live with an Adventist family. Her family would be very happy to have an English student come to Germany for a year in exchange, otherwise she would either pay or work for her keep. Please contact Marianna as soon as possible. Phone: 0049 5806 658 or e-mail: <m.neufeld@bestwater.de>.

TEACHING VACANCIES. The Governors of Stanborough Primary School in Watford are looking to appoint three Key Stage 2 teachers for September 2006. They should be enthusiastic and caring with high expectations and a passion for teaching and learning. Successful candidates should be prepared to: lead a curriculum area, teach across the primary age range, and be fully involved in the life of the school. We can offer: a school with a strong Christian ethos, a family atmosphere and small classes, and supportive, hard-working colleagues. For an application pack, please telephone the school secretary, Laura Harris, on: 01923 673291. Closing date: 19 May 2006. Interviews will be held on 24 May 2006.

GAP YEAR EXPERIENCE AT NEWBOLD COLLEGE. This could be your chance to make a difference. Newbold College is offering a one-year programme focusing on mission work. The first semester will be spent at Newbold College where courses will include anthropology, development, and religion. Six months will then be spent on a placement through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) or Adventist Volunteer Services (AVS). The total cost for the year will be just £2,000 plus possible AVS costs such as airfares and visas. "This course will help students build a mature world-view, providing them with experiences that will be vital to any future career," says Newbold College Chaplain Henrik Jorgensen. First intake: August 2006. Apply to: Newbold College, Binfield, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 4AN England. Telephone: +44 1344 407421. Fax: +44 1344 407405. Website: <www.newbold.ac.uk>. Email: <admissions@newbold.ac.uk>.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED. Do you have a willingness to help others who are less fortunate than you are? Do you like to travel and meet people of other cultures? Do you have time from 23 July to 6 August or 20 August to 3 September? If you can answer 'yes' to the above, then why not join a team of 21 eager volunteers in Romania where you will help to build a third children's home. You will be giving orphans and abandoned children the opportunity to live a normal family life with local foster parents, who will become their new mum and dad. Spaces are limited so if you are interested you need to act now and call: 08700 60 22 55 or 07946 400 253. Web: <www.iccuk.org.uk/shortprojects>. Email: <joyce@iccuk.org.uk for more information>.

JOB VACANCY - ABC SALES MANAGER. The Stanborough Press Limited, based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, is seeking to appoint an Adventist Book Centre Sales Manager at its Grantham-based offices. Key responsibilities include the marketing of its UK sales portfolio which includes the oversight and hands-on management of new and existing products, its ABC outlets and its regular weekend book sales. The successful applicant will have a proven marketing background preferably with a Marketing degree; experience with motivation of staff in a relatively small but challenging environment; strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills; and a strong commitment to the ethos of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Salary and allowances according to denominational wage scale. Letter of application with current CV and addresses of two referees should be sent to The Manager, Stanborough Press Limited, Alma Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 9SL. Email: <stanborg@aol.com>. Deadline 5 June 2006. Interviews for suitable candidates will be held in June.

JOB VACANCY - ABC SALES CLERK. The Stanborough Press Limited, based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, is seeking to recruit an ABC sales clerk at its Grantham-based offices. Key responsibilities include direct contact with the general public and church members on a daily basis via telephone in a busy environment, and additionally include general clerical duties. Sunday work will be
required in connection with book sales conducted in local church facilities. The successful applicant will be an individual motivated by a desire to spread the Gospel and will need to become fully conversant with all publications marketed by the organisation. Good communication skills are essential, as is also the need to have a strong commitment to the ethos of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Salary and allowances according to the denominational wage scale. Letter of application with current CV and addresses of two referees should be sent to The Manager, Stanborough Press Limited, Alma Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 9SL. Email: <stanborg@aol.com>. Deadline 5 June 2006. Interviews for suitable candidates will be held in June.


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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