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

Contents:

ADRA PLANS NETWORK WIDE REHABILITATION PROJECT IN PAKISTAN
LANDMARK FOR OLDEST STANBOROUGH PARK CHURCH MEMBER
DR MART DE GROOT TO SPEAK ON RADIO BBC DERBY
TEN COMMANDMENTS DAY - NATIONAL REPENTANCE OR IMMINENT PERIL
THIS WEEK'S 'IN CONVERSATION' PROGRAMMES ON HOPE CHANNEL
COMING EVENTS
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ADRA PLANS NETWORK WIDE REHABILITATION PROJECT IN PAKISTAN - Bert Smit

Following the mega-earthquake that devastated Kashmir at 8:52 am on Thursday 8 October 2005, current estimates of the impact in Pakistan administered Kashmir make grim reading: 82 thousand confirmed dead; 70 thousand confirmed injured; between 1.6 and 2.2 million children affected; 3.3 million people instantly made homeless. The tragic timing of this disaster resulted in the deaths of many school-children plus thousands of women and small children who were inside their homes at that hour.

ADRA International is working closely with other donor countries in providing the funding for a major rehabilitation project in the Bagh district of the Kashmir region. The plan calls for construction of 200 semi-permanent homes and animal shelters for families in the participating communities. ADRA will construct four steel framed school units including male and female latrines and water tanks. The construction will be earthquake resistant and will benefit 1,600 students.

The beneficiaries are families in the thirteen sub-districts of Bagh who need to establish long-term housing, and their children who need to re-enter the educative process. Education is the primary building block of development and Kashmiri people are strong on sending their children, both boys and girls to school. Special emphasis will be given to remote communities which are ready to participate and have had limited help thus far. Estimates are that 62% will be male and 38% female with 45% being children and youth of school age.

ADRA-UK will participate in this project by using the remaining funds donated for the disaster. Anyone willing to make a further contribution to this new action plan can do so on our website: <www.adra.org.uk>.

Projects such as these, where tangible help is given to people in desperate need, are an illustration of why ADRA exists. They also help to motivate our loyal supporters and collectors during the Annual Appeal - Ingathering. Figures now coming in from the Appeal are very promising. Information obtained from the bank yesterday, Thursday 4 May, show that the following totals have so far been reached by the constituent fields of the BUC:

South England Conference - £259,135.44
North England Conference - £174,728.65
Welsh Mission - £13,024.34
Scottish - £6,000.00 (approx)
Irish - £10,000.00 (approx)
Grand Total - £462,000 (approx)

We will keep you updated as more money from the ADRA Annual Appeal is paid in to the bank. In the meantime we would be very grateful if you could make every effort to help your Ingathering Local Agent collect all the money in and complete the necessary paperwork so that the accounts can be finalised.


LANDMARK FOR OLDEST STANBOROUGH PARK CHURCH MEMBER - June Coombs

Stanborough Park church's oldest member, Doris Clarke, will celebrate her one hundredth birthday tomorrow, on Sabbath 6 May. Doris moved to Watford in 1968 after retiring from denominational employment which included working as a Bible Instructor, preceptress at Newbold College and missionary service in West Africa. Her retirement proved to be equally active and she spent many years involved with church welfare departments

Having spent most of her youth in Australia her family returned to England in 1924 and settled in Manchester where she found secretarial employment in the cotton trade. Being a churchgoer and interested in religious topics she attended a series of evangelistic meetings which led to her being baptised into the Adventist Church in November 1932. From this time onwards her maxim became 'My church is my life.'

As her employment presented problems with Sabbath-keeping she enrolled on the Bible Instructor's course at the old Newbold College in 1933 where she met her future husband, David, a ministerial student. Graduating in 1936, she worked as a Bible Instructor in the north of England until their marriage in September 1938.

Her ambition of becoming a missionary was fulfilled when she joined her husband in West Africa in 1947 along with their young daughter, Ruth, where they spent eight years working in the Gold Coast (Ghana), Nigeria and Sierra Leone. However, after her husband's untimely death in 1955 Ruth's education became a priority and she needed to find work in Britain - first as Newbold preceptress and then as a Bible Instructor.

Even in retirement she continued to be on active service, leading the London Welfare Federation for eleven years and helping to set up the Chiltern Welfare Federation after reorganisation, becoming its first Vice President.

After her retirement from this role she settled for a quieter life and ran the welfare department at Stanborough Park church for over ten years. In recognition of her long service she received a special award from the Chiltern Federation in 1998.

She undertook many additional roles as well in her retirement, including leading Bible study classes and taking prayer groups. Her last public role was cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony for the new church extension at Stanborough Park as the church's oldest member.

She is now a resident of Fairhaven Home in Watford where her special birthday is to be celebrated with a party for family and friends.


DR MART DE GROOT TO SPEAK ON BBC RADIO DERBY

At 8:45 am on Sunday 7 May Dr Mart de Groot, former director of the Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland and retired Seventh-day Adventist pastor, will be interviewed on BBC Radio Derby. Dr de Groot has lectured widely on the subject of creationism and has contributed to the recent discussions on Intelligent Design. Later this month, starting on Sabbath 20 May, Dr de Groot will be conducting a week long seminar in Sutton-in-Ashfield where he will discuss issues such as the relationship between faith and science, the big bang, and how to reconcile what the Bible says about origins with scientific evidence.

"The Radio Derby interview came about following an initiative by the Sutton-in-Ashfield members. They suggested that I contact the radio station and talk to them about the series that we are planning. At the moment there is a lot of discussion in the media about the whole issue of Intelligent Design, and although this is not the main focus of my lectures it is something that people are interested in and I will address it to some extent. When I spoke to Louise Rice at the radio station she was very interested and they have invited me to take part in their breakfast programme."

Dr de Groot still lectures around the world and has been interviewed many times by the media. Even if you are not in the Derby area on Sunday you can use the BBC Radio Derby website to listen to the programme. For more information see: <www.bbc.co.uk/derby/local_radio/index.shtml>.


TEN COMMANDMENTS DAY - NATIONAL REPENTANCE OR IMMINENT PERIL

The Hope Channel will be breaking into its regularly-scheduled programming on Sabbath evening 6 May to bring a special report on the 10 Commandments Day movement in the USA. Is this the beginning of a national repentance, or a sign of imminent peril?

Discussing the religious liberty implications of the new legislative interest in the Law of God will be Lincoln Steed, editor of Liberty magazine, and Drs John Graz and Jonathan Gallagher of the Church's Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department. There will also be a Question and Answer segment with Pastor Brad Thorp and Gary Gibbs, president and vice president of Hope Channel and attorney James Standish, director of legislative affairs for the Adventist Church. Viewers are encouraged to send their questions to <10cc@hopetv.org>. Other special guests will include Ron Wexler, president of the 10 Commandments Commission; and Blackie Gonzalez, chair of the 10 Commandments Commission (first broadcast in February).

Also included in the programme will be a segment on "Written in the Heart," a three-day event organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church's religious liberty team. The three-day event is packed with special seminars, congressional visits by members of the Adventist Church, and a religious liberty rally on Capitol Hill. For more information visit: <www.religiousliberty.info>.

Following the special broadcast, Hope Channel will premier an Adventist movie entitled, The Quest. Derived from a true story, the characters in The Quest delve into an exciting and challenging journey in search of the lost commandment that leads them to discover new Bible truths. The cast comprised of college students. This movie will be released on DVD in the ABC stores soon. Visit: <www.onsitevideo.net/movie>.

Broadcast times for Hope Channel Europe are as follows: Sabbath 6 May - 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Sunday 7 May - 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Times are in British Summer Time.


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:

Richard Willis - 1:30 am on Sabbath 6 May
Mark Castellino - 3:00 pm on Sabbath 6 May
Raafat Kamal - 3:30 am on Monday 8 May and 8:30 am on Wednesday 10 May
Steve McKenzie - 8:00 pm on Monday 8 May
Eddie Hypolite - 7:30 am on Friday 12 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.

BETTER DAYS ARE COMING FESTIVAL - NOTTINGHAM. Starts 7:15 on Friday 5 May at: All Souls Church, corner of Lenton Boulevard and Ilkeston Road, Nottingham. Speaker: Pastor Samuel Telemaque from the Caribbean Union. Every night until Sabbath 13 May. On Sabbath 6 May the Nottingham Central morning service will be devoted to a prayer conference led by Pastor Telemaque. Contact: Dr Patrick Herbert <docherbert@lycos.co.uk>. Phone: 07932 681927.

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.

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. Unfortunately, due to renovations at the church, we are unable to provide our visitors with lunch so please bring your own with you. 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.

BLUE SYNERGY AND YOUTH DAY - WATFORD. Starts at 9:45 am on Sabbath 13 May at the Stanborough Centre. All day event - social in the evening. Contact: Daniel Sabatier <dan@be-blue.org>. Phone: 01923 894664.

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. Starts at 10:00 am on 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. Please let us know 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.

ALPHA, LIFE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSE CHURCHES. Friday 19 to Sunday 21 May. Weekend workshop on how to use the resources more effectively. Venue: Hill House Christian Centre, Bridgewater, Bristol. Contact: Aris Vontzalidis <avontzalidis@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

SAMUELE BACCHIOCCHI SABBATH AND ADVENT SEMINARS. 7:30 pm on Friday 19 and all day on Sabbath 20 May at the Tottenham Holcombe Road church. Themes: "My Search for the Sabbath at a Vatican University", "Living the Advent Hope", and "Divine Rest for Human Restlessness". Contact: Pastor A Lawrence <cafuema@yahoo.com>. Phone: 01923 894355.

MUSIC DAY - SHEFFIELD. Sabbath 20 May at the Sheffield Carterknowle church. Speaker: Pastor Robert Williams. Fellowship lunch. Contact: Anna <fenio_jm@yahoo.com>. Phone: 07990 692674.

MEN'S DAY OF FELLOWSHIP. Sabbath 20 May at the Walthamstow church. Theme: "Destiny". All are invited for the whole day. Lunch will be provided. Contact: Chris Peynado <chris_peynado@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07761 086932.

CREATION SEMINAR SERIES - SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD. Sabbath 20 to Sabbath 27 May. Week long seminar at the Sutton-in-Ashfield church. Speaker Dr Mart de Groot, eminent astronomer and retired Adventist pastor. Series starts with the 11:30 am divine service on Sabbath 20 May and weekday lectures are at 7:30 pm on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Topics include: The History of the Bible, Christianity and True Science, What Science says about Origins, From Creation to Evolution and Back, and What the Bible says about Origins and How it all Fits Together. Contact: Mrs Zelda Hall <terzel@tiscali.co.uk>. Phone: 0115 987 4479.

NORTH WEMBLEY MUSIC DAY. Sabbath 20 May. Contact: Jermaine Hamilton <jermaine_hamilton@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07759 164859.

MUSIC DAY - SHEFFIELD CARTERKNOWLE. Sabbath 20 May at Victoria Hall Methodist Church, Sheffield town centre. Contact: Ruth Reid <queenb_13@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 07908 978843.

NEWBOLD GRADUATION. Sunday 21 May. Contact Newbold Principal Dr David Penner for further details. Email: <dpenner@newbold.ac.uk>. Phone: 01344 407407.

YOUTH & TEENS LEVEL 2 TRAINING DAY - WATFORD. Sunday 21 May. Part II. Continued from 7 May 2005. Venue: Stanborough church. Contact: Jadanna <youth@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

SACRED CONCERT AND SEMINAR - WILLESDEN. Sunday 21 May at the Willesden church. Theme: "A Place Beyond". Presented by Dr Schubert and Ullanda Innocent-Palmer, of Heart & Soul International Ministries, USA. Commencing at 1:00 pm with seminars. Admission free but please bring a love offering. Contact: Ullanda Alexander <ladeeull@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 07949 751990.

TED PRAYER GUIDE. For Sabbath 6 May 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.

For the coming week our Bible focus is on Acts 6:4. '[we] will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.' Please pray that we may return to our primary duties, prayer and ministry of the Word of God.

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SMALL ADS

LONDON ADVENTIST CREDIT UNION. Members of the London Adventist Credit Union are reminded of the May monthly meeting to be held at The John Loughborough School on Sunday 14 May 2006 at 1:30 pm. It is important that all members attend these meetings, held on the second Sunday of each month, to be updated on events and to participate in the work of the Credit Union. Contact Dr Keith Davidson (Director). Email: <kdavidson@adventist.org.uk>.

ADVENTIST CARER WANTED to assist with personal care and practical tasks for an elderly female who has physical and visual disabilities. The work is 20-24 hours a week in the Watford area. Person required is someone with a flexible caring approach and preferably with caring experience. Contact: 07956 429522.

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.


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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