Disability Justice
August 2012
and the mission of God
Undefeated: resource for churches to use during the Paralympics page 24 The BIG Welcome: new giveaway booklet page 25
A bi-monthly publication of the Fellowship of Baptists in Britain and Ireland
In this edition Page 3
Editorial: John Boyers, Chaplaincy Manager at the Olympic Athletes’ Village, introduces this edition.
Pages 4-9
Disability Justice: Baptist minister Glen Graham shares his thoughts on Disability justice and the mission of God. David Buckingham of BUild considers the need to include people with disabilities and Alison Taylor shares her experiences of working with people with learning difficulties. See me Scotland tackles the stigma of mental ill-health.
Page 10-11
Baptist Events: Find out about what’s going on and how you can get involved: BUGB Day of Prayer, Rural Churches’ Day, Larger Churches Conference, Missing Generation.
Pages 12-14 Mosaic: A Scottish Baptist church engaging others creatively with the gospel. Page 15 - 21 Other Events: Events being run by other organisations of interest to you or others in your church mission shaped ministry courses, All Praying Together, BUGB Day of Prayer, An evening with Sean Stillman, National Day of Prayer and Worship, Imagine: on the road, Emerging Church, Crucible Course, lyfe Forum, Diverse:city, Parish Nursing training course and Symposium, Inter Faith Week, LICC Executive Toolbox, International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality. Pages 22 - 33 Resources: A range of resources to help you and your church in mission British Paralympian volunteers for BMS in Haiti, Undefeated resource, Key dates for the Paralympic Games, Big Welcome, Thirsty, Hope for harvest, Big Hearted Lyfe, Big Hearted Tour, Outlook Trust newsletter, Life on the Frontline, Going for Gold - a golden opportunity for churches, Disability Sunday, Enabling Church. Pages 34 - 36 Youth, Children and Family Workers: News of events and resources suitable for those working with children, young people and families Who Let the Dads Out? book and conference, Global Day of Prayer, Playtime Conference, Youthwork conference Page 36
A final word
Page 37
Contact details: Get in touch with your local representative on the Fellowship of Baptists in Britain and Ireland
is a bi-monthly publication of the Fellowship of Baptists in Britain and Ireland
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Photo © Matt Jones
I write this in mid-July from the Faith Centre in the 2012 Athletes’ Village. This part of Stratford, East London, is preparing for the arrival of Olympic teams from around the world. Working around the Athletes’ Village are some of the 65,000 ‘Games-makers’, volunteers (like me) who help the smooth running of the Games by taking on tasks and responsibilities. I was asked by LOCOG to give three months to help with the ‘religious provision’ at both the 2012 Games, due to my past experience in sports chaplaincy. So, sensing God in all that, and with the support of others, here I am, working as the Athletes’ Village Chaplaincy Manager. How do we Christians cope with these areas of inclusivity in everyday life? Read Colossians 3: 11 and Galatians 3: 28 which show how the Gospel demolished social exclusivity by the ‘inclusivity of grace’.
Isn’t it remarkable how God leads and guides us? For me, sports chaplaincy began in 1977 in Watford where co-leaders at St James Road Baptist Church affirmed God’s call to chaplaincy work to the then Fourth Division club down the road from ‘SJR’. Thirty–five years on I’m in London’s Olympic Athletes’ Village! Walk through the unexpected doors the Lord opens for you! Who knows where God’s small beginnings might lead: ‘Do not despise the day of small things’ - Zechariah 4: 10.
What about positive discrimination towards the disadvantaged? Looking back to the Old Testament prophets, there seems to be a divine directive to care for the unfortunate, the disadvantaged – the poor, the fatherless, the widow, the orphan and the alien. Isaiah 10: 1-4 and Zechariah 7: 8-10 endorse God’s directive to care for the needy in society. Do we take any notice?
And do be prepared to serve him in the wider world as well as the church! Please don’t become stuck behind church doors and windows. We Christians should be salt and light out there, not just in the world of sport, but in other worlds: education, business, finance, politics, social services or whatever! Christians, invade the world!! That’s what motivates my involvements in sports chaplaincy.
For instance, why do Christian chaplains seem so eager to serve in the Olympics, but far less willing to serve in the Paralympics? Yet in the Athens Games of 2004 I found the Paralympic competitors especially inspiring. Though physically disabled, they met their challenges positively, with commitment and enthusiasm. We more able-bodied who complain about a bad cold or a sore throat have much to learn! One hope for the Paralympics and the 4,200 athletes competing, is that these ‘games to inspire change’ will address our attitudes to disability.
The Olympic (and Commonwealth) Games want chaplaincy because the International Olympic Committee foundation documents state that the spiritual needs of the athletes should be catered for. Being a world event, that provision has to be inclusive. This faith centre has prayer rooms - and chaplains – for the five major faiths, and facilities to provide for others from different faith backgrounds if needed. This provision covers both Olympics and Paralympics.
So as you read on, ask what God may be saying to us about disability justice, inclusivity, and our attitudes to people who are different from us? May he speak through these pages, and may his words touch your heart and inspire your life.
The ‘Games-makers’ (including chaplains) all have to be trained – general volunteer training, rolespecific and venue-specific training. Part of the generic training addresses attitudes, including the issue of inclusivity. We were asked to be respectful and inclusive over matters like race, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs, age and disability.
The Revd John K Boyers Founder and former National Director of SCORE, now called Sports Chaplaincy UK, which he serves as International Director. He is also on the ministry team of Altrincham Baptist Church, and serves Manchester United as their chaplain.
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Disability Justice and the Mission of God This time last year, I received two intriguing invitations. The first was to be part of the group who put together the mission resource Undefeated which you will hear more about elsewhere in missionscene (see page 24). The second was to be a part of the newly formed Disability Justice Group of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. This group seeks to find out the needs and aspirations of disabled people in our Churches and find ways of overcoming barriers to our inclusion in our Churches and Union.
Kingdom he was bringing about had such power at the centre of it that even disease couldn’t stand in the way. When he healed, he often asked the subject of the healing what they wanted in order to give them the power and dignity that others had taken away from them. In his death and brokenness on Good Friday, he was saying that only through brokenness and supposed weakness can real victory and restoration be found. This is picked up by Paul and the other Apostles in their writing.
In this article, I want to set out my firm conviction that justice for all lies at the heart of the mission of God and therefore the mission of the Church. I will begin by reminding us of what the mission of God is, and how justice lies at the heart of it. I will then narrow things down to disability justice in particular.
Jesus implied in his conversations with the religious leaders that those who are well and righteous will not be able to comprehend this upside-down kingdom. Indeed this turned out to be true. The Parable of The Great Banquet in Luke 14 illustrates this well. Jesus has yet again been challenging the Pharisees about their lack of understanding and their unwillingness to be inclusive in their attitudes and behaviour. In the parable of the banquet, some guests who you would expect to be invited are invited to this lavish feast, but one by one they make excuses. These first guests are the so-called righteous people. So the invitation is extended to the poor and the disabled who come in their droves. Notice that they come as they are and there is no idea that he is going to heal or change them; they come because of what they are and their contribution is based on who and what they are. Such people would have been cast out of respectable society, but here they are welcomed and embraced as the rightful guests. The Kingdom of God therefore is full of those whom others consider unworthy but whom Jesus considers worthy of life and justice.
The Mission of God So what is God’s mission plan? Right from the moment of creation, God announced his desire to reach out beyond himself in making a world that reflected his glory and a people made in the divine image of God. In time both the glory and the image became spoiled. This didn’t thwart the great mission plan but rather gave a context for it - the reconciliation of all humans to God, and the restoration of the whole earth to what it should be; the reflector of the radiant glory of God. Jesus coming to earth was the supreme expression of a God whose heart was to reach out and gather in his creation. Sending Jesus in human form to become like one of us is the most profound statement on the nature of God’s heart for a broken and hurting world. As soon as Jesus began his ministry, he announced that “The Kingdom is at hand” and demonstrated this through word and deed. In Luke 4, in the sermon at Nazareth, Jesus describes his mission as one of release, openness and restoration. All on the margins would be drawn in to the centre and be given pride of place in the new world order. This included the poor, the disabled and those imprisoned in various ways.
So, we can see that God’s justice and life are extended to all - yet those who have no honour on earth are elevated in his kingdom, thus restoring the balance. We see a big hearted God allowing himself to be broken in order to restore broken humanity, and using broken people in the eyes of the majority to be part of his mending rule and reign.
Through his healing ministry, Jesus touched those the religious deemed untouchable and unworthy. By healing those who came to him, Jesus wasn’t saying that they were imperfect as they were, but, that the
This is where the Church comes in. We are that people and so we should reflect the kind of people Jesus wanted. In all that we are and do, we need to include all in the mission plan of God for the world.
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This is where the Disability Justice group comes in. The Racial and Gender Justice Groups have paved the way for us in highlighting what a long way we have to go to be really inclusive, both in respect of whom we reach and those involved in reaching them. We are not asking for special treatment, but merely to have a place at the table. As disabled people, we have so much to give, if only people will find out how this can be done. We endeavour to produce resources for the churches to enable them to reach out to disabled people and to include people with disabilities in the life of the Church and the mission of God.
I want to end with a few quotes which really challenged me and I hope will get you thinking:
A helpful resource which has just come out is a book published under the umbrella of ‘Churches For All’ called Enabling Church by Gordon Temple and Lin Ball (see page 33). The book is written for all who believe that people with disabilities should be welcomed, valued and enabled to make a contribution to the work of God in their community. This is something we all strive to bring about, but need a little help getting there. There will soon be a list of organisations working to this end on our section of the BUGB website. We need to work together to see this happen and to fulfil God’s vision for a truly inclusive kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven.
“If the disabled formed one nation, it would be the third largest in population after China and India. It would be the poorest, least-educated, leastemployed, least-evangelised, with the lowest Church attendance. This is the mission challenge. Disabled people are not a distant nation, they are amongst us.” (Tony Phelps-Jones)
“In God’s family we see people differently. We don’t judge with the world’s yardstick. We see each person as made in God’s image, someone for whom Jesus Christ died” (Jonathan Lamb) “What does it mean to be whole? For me, it’s knowing my true worth and identity in Christ. My disability is one part of who I am. My desire is to follow Christ. It’s not about walking. It’s becoming more and more like him.” (John Naude)
May God’s kingdom come amongst us now.
The Revd Glen Graham
Minister of Salisbury Road Baptist Church in Plymouth and on the BUGB Disability Justice Group
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A church that fails to include people with disabilities is itself disabled ... Some of you will have seen and heard Richard Bowers leading the actions in the saying of the creed at the BWA Congress in Birmingham, or reading the scriptures at this year’s Baptist Assembly. His enthusiasm and sensitivity are infectious. His welcome is second to none! He is a person with learning disabilities and he shows his love for Jesus by welcoming people to church Sunday by Sunday, and by composing prayers and hymns for use in worship.
So often we ‘intellectualise’ our faith, wrapping it up in cumbersome words and practices that may even hide the simple truths of the good news that Jesus brings. People with learning disabilities have a knack of cutting through the trappings of worship and expressing in simple terms that “God loves me and I love him”. They may be vulnerable, but they are also able to hold firmly to the core of the gospel and can teach us so much. To what extent are people with learning disabilities, of any age, included in the life, worship and activities of your church? Are they able to access all aspects of your church’s life? What gifts can they bring? If your church was to have an unexpected disability audit covering such things as access, awareness, inclusion, practical support, and resources how would you fare?
Richard Bowers reading the scriptures at Baptist Assembly 2012
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The Baptist Union Initiative with people with Learning Disabilities, ‘BUild’, is a specialist network sponsored by BUGB. Launched over 25 years ago BUild was started by Baptists concerned about how their churches could make the love of Christ known to people with learning disabilities who were already part of their fellowships. The concern then, as it must still be for us today, is this: how do we include everyone, whatever their ability, more fully in the life of the church? BUild, using its nationwide and international network of contacts, works hard to bring together parents, carers, professionals (in medical, educational and social work), pastors, churches and people with learning disabilities. We do this by providing support and pastoral advice, preparing specialist materials, training and, most importantly, developing awareness. We have held celebrations in various parts of the country, bringing together parents, carers and groups of people with learning disabilities; to share in worship, expressed in music, art and craft, drama and prayer, is a real inspiration! Some have learned new skills, others have been affirmed in the work they are already doing, while others have become aware, perhaps for the first time, that the challenge is not insurmountable. Four booklets on Discipleship (Knowing Jesus, The Church, Joining the Church and Following Jesus) are available to help those with learning disabilities to understand what it means to follow Jesus, to be baptised and to become a church member. Together we have addressed specific issues, such as understanding autism / Aspergers, the practicalities of baptism, celebrating Christmas, supporting those approaching marriage, and establishing new groups. A new website will soon be available, which we hope will make advice and resources more accessible.  For further information on learning disability or about matters which may concern you, please contact the BUild secretary, David Buckingham on 01782 618966 or email buildtogether@northern.org. uk There will always be someone who can help! David Buckingham Honorary Secretary of BUild BUild can provide helpful advice, speakers, discipleship and educational materials, can arrange conferences and issues a newsletter twice a year.
These booklets from BUild can be ordered from the Baptist Union of Great Britain’s online store at: www.baptist.org.uk/resources/bugb-online-store. html
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Exciting! Challenging! Scary! Exasperating! Invigorating! Exhausting! We had flag waving and lots of action songs - simple, very repetitive, songs with easy words. Not children’s songs, because many of them were not children; often songs with one line that just repeated over and over again. We also learned that they responded, and seemed to find it easier to be involved, if we did simple drama. Many could not imagine things so we dressed up a lot. We used bright colours and we acted things out often.
Having been asked to write an article about my work with those with learning disabilities, these were the words that immediately came to mind. For several years I was involved with the running of a midweek group for up to 35 people with learning disabilities, who came to Potter Street Baptist Church from various local residential care facilities and private homes, from a wide geographical area. Alas, I am no longer involved with this work because of the time commitment and the lack of regular support from helpers - often because of the lack of specialist help from the local care homes because they just did not have the staff.
I think the best way to describe these evenings would be ‘unpredictable, exhausting and very fulfilling’. That would be for us as helpers. Those that came, came very regularly and seemed to enjoy their time there. Measuring response was sometimes difficult, but relationships between those that came and those that helped were genuine, became easy and were definitely two-way relationships - however profound the disability might be.
As well as a midweek group, we also had a drama group that travelled nationally and internationally under the umbrella of the Michael Roberts Charitable Trust1. Through drama, God used this group to open up the gospel to people in ways that I, as a Baptist minister with a degree in theology, could not even begin to touch on.
The drama group travelled to various events and different churches for a period of about five or six years - maybe longer - doing a repertoire of just four or five different dramas. No matter how many times we had done the drama (and it must have been up to 50 times for some of them, in various different places) each time we travelled, we always practised in Harlow and then in the location that we would be performing on the day. We practised the songs as well, over and over.
The midweek group had many with learning disabilities in it - some extremely profound and some more challenged regarding their behaviour etc. I was not involved with the group at its inception but very soon after it had begun, having taken a group from a local care home to Spring Harvest, we discovered that the group responded to lively music, liked to feel they could be involved and that it was safe for them to do so. 1 The Michael Roberts Charitable Trust, based in Harlow, promotes the value and significance of every person, empowering them to develop their potential and selfconfidence www.mrct.org.uk
The learning disabled were the stars; the Spirit moved through them in their ministry, and it was their ministry. We learned that we are all challenged in some way and that we are all limited in some way.
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Faith Communities Unite in Pledge to Tackle Stigma
The point is that God uses those who come and give whatever they have for his plan and purpose. He doesn’t necessarily call those with the gifts. We had a man who had very little coherent speech and yet he would come to the microphone and want to pray and you could tell the difference between when he was talking and when he was praying – it was also difficult to shut him up sometimes as well! You had to be prepared for anything to happen - if you asked questions, even rhetorical ones, they would probably answer them, and be much more responsive than some congregations. They laughed easily, they cried easily - there was no pretence. Under no circumstances could they be rushed - particularly if you were in a hurry or if food was involved!
Eleven Lanarkshire faith communities have become the first in the country to unite to publicly pledge their commitment to work with See Me - Scotland’s national campaign to tackle the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health. The See Me campaign aims to form partnerships with companies and organisations across Scotland to take positive mental health messages into local communities. See Me is committed to empowering people to speak openly and confidently about mental ill-health and break down the associated barriers.
I always worried about this a bit because I felt perhaps we were pushing them all around and they were doing their thing and it was like a spiritual ‘freak show’ in some way. It is only when this ministry stopped that it became clear how much they loved the group - how much they enjoyed their ministry, and that they certainly got something from it and gave so much to so many.
1 in 4 of us will experience ill-health publicly Representatives from mental the faith communities signed the pledge and agreed action plans to join with See Me in theseIt’s objectives, by taking action time for the stigma as community stakeholders. to stop Suzie Vestri, See Me Compaign Director said, “We
I remember three of those with learning disabilities being baptised and they were able to give their testimony of a real relationship with Jesus – not in a conventional way, but without a shadow of a doubt they knew what they were doing and why they were doing it. I still have contact with many of the learning disabled as they are regular members of my congregation – one of them always leads us in the Lord’s Prayer, when we have it. His words are not always distinct and his pace is interesting sometimes, but he can do it and we celebrate that. We have a lady who comes every week, brings a Bible with her she cannot read, and her offering. At the end of the service she always goes to whoever has taken part in the service, collects the microphones from them and puts them away. To me this shows commitment and a heart to serve.
welcome the commitment of Lanarkshire faith organisations and look forward to working with them to break down the barrier that stands in the way of people talking about mental ill-health. Mental health problems can and do affect people from all walks of life. It’s the reaction and support of family, friends and colleagues that can make a huge difference to recovery ...” SC-008897
The Revd Stephen Younger, of the Baptist churches of North and South Lanarkshire said “Baptist churches are deeply committed to Jesus as Saviour and Lord, revealed in scripture, and seek to emulate his healing ministry to the whole person - body, mind spirit and mind. Faith ‘sees’ God’s peace brought to the whole person and sees that every person is loved and valued by God”.
As I said, the specific ministry has now finished due to a lack of committed workers, but they are all still part of the community of faith and do add something to it. The Revd Alison Taylor Minister of Potter Street Baptist Church in Harlow
For more information on signing the See Me pledge, visit www.seemescotland.org
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Rural Churches’ Day
A number of day and residential events are available throughout the year with inspiring speakers, the opportunity to share ideas and encouragement, and meet with others working in similar situations. Please book your place at events as early as possible and note that some venues have limited space - places may fill up before the closing date.
Becoming your community’s heartbeat
An interactive day to explore how churches in a rural context can engage with their communities Tuesday 11 September 10:30 - 15:30 Aylestone Baptist Church, Leicester Speaker: Simon Mattholie CEO, Rural Ministries Hosted by: Ian Bunce Head of Mission Department, BUGB Cost: £20.00 per person, including lunch Closing date for bookings: Tuesday 21 August For more information and booking, see: www.baptist.org.uk/events.html
Larger Churches Conference for the Senior Ministers of Larger Churches - by invitation only Monday 26 - Wednesday 28 November High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon Speakers: Steve Brady - Moorlands College Ian Stackhouse - Guildford Baptist Church Cost: £195 per person including accommodation in single en-suite rooms and all meals. For more information and booking, see: www.baptist.org.uk/events.html
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MISSING HAVE YOU SEEN THIS GENERATION?
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AGE: 18 - 30 YEARS OLD The Younger Leaders Forum would like to
invite you Missing: have you seen this generation. This is our flagship event about the Missing Generation
which we hope will open the floodgates to more events
and bigger conversations. Questions we will be
exploring on the day include:
Who is the missing generation?
What can we do right now to engage with them? As well as guest speakers, including Rachel Jordan &
Phil Timson we want to hear YOUR experiences. How
do you feel as part of the missing generation and what
can be done to encourage and support you in your
churches.
www.missinggeneration.com/events/book Find us on Facebook
VENUE:
INTERNATIONAL MISSION CENTRE 24 WEOLEY PARK ROAD SELLY OAK, BIRMINGHAM, B29 6QX
TIME:
10 am - 4:30pm
DATE:
Saturday, 13th of October 2012
FOR MORE INFO:
www.missinggeneration.com/events/missing
COST:
ÂŁ10 (includes refreshments)
G
@missingGen
www.missinggeneration.com
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A Scottish Baptist church engaging others creatively with the gospel through the intentional building of missional relationships
A mosaic, you might say, is a picture - a scene - built up through, and consisting of, many unique parts of different shapes and sizes that when viewed together form a whole; a oneness.
Newton Mearns Baptist Church
What might that picture look like? During March and April, Newton Mearns Baptist Church (NMBC) held its fifth Mosaic series: a programme of events held primarily on Sunday afternoons and evenings which has allowed a very fresh and dynamic form of church life to exist beyond the walls of our home on Greenfarm Road. Mosaic is a planned series of events and activities centred around our Christ-like desire to ‘reach, teach and encourage’ that creates meaningful opportunities for the people of NMBC and those who are our family and friends to engage together and develop relationships. Groups such as Mosaic Run, Mosaic Pool and Mosaic Grandstand demonstrated church reaching out and being lived out beyond its four walls, whether it was inviting friends and colleagues for a morning jog, some games of pool or to watch the big match live! Christ-like hospitality seen through a simple invite, a show of concern, and for others to know that they had been remembered.
The planning and success of Mosaic centres around our willingness to be active witnesses by creating, publicising and hosting activities and groups born out of each of our interests and personalities. A modelling of a natural and authentic faith that is alive and vibrant in our lives and church. This season, over 20 such groups formed a very distinct Mosaic picture.
Cammy Kennedy and Christine Vernon used their interest in fitness and the outdoors to organise two separate groups: Mosaic Cycle and Mosaic Run. Both groups, thankfully, were blessed by some rare Scottish sunshine and found the experience very useful to get to know people from within and outwith the fellowship. The very definition of active witnessing!
During this unique time in the church calendar you would have found people singing, studying, socialising, cycling, reading, cooking, discussing, dining, chatting, knitting, nattering, movieing, hosting, jogging‌..! A wonderful demonstration of the God-given richness and variety of his people and how we might be used.
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Mosaic Fairtrade Family Lunch - March 2012
Many of the Mosaic groups reached and encouraged through the warmth of hospitality; relational ministry being built and encouraged by the extending of an invite, the provision of a meal and quality time spent in one another’s company. We had ladies (and one brave young teenage gent!) engage in a Knit and Natter. The experienced helped the novices and much laughter and friendship was the common thread in getting to know one another better.
Andrea comments: “There was a real sense of togetherness and fellowship both with the adults and the children and it was good to have time together as families.” Other groups allowed the church family to grow closer and better know each other. Mosaic Read and Mosaic Teach opened up God’s Word through scripture: the books of Daniel and Hebrews being explored during the Mosaic series. Others, such as Mosaic iPray and ‘A Question of Faith’, allowed people to chat through life issues and share meaningfully in prayer and fellowship - where church was lived out in smaller intimate groups that sought to bless and encourage the spiritual life of the church.
Movie Mosaic brought together the silver screen enthusiasts and stimulated engaging after-movie discussion accompanied by cinema-style snacks. Mission being done movie style. Others simply and intentionally invited friends and neighbours… or incorporated a Fairtrade theme to their meal. Fellowship and friendship were shown through afternoon tea by some, or by a group of young mums down at the local coffee shop for a social. We even had one brave lady host eight of our young adults in a ‘Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook’ evening where enjoyment and togetherness were shared in the kitchen and then round the dinner table. The willingness of one leading to the building up and encouragement of others.
Christian Men Together Mosaic Quiz and Curry Night - March 2012
Nick and Andrea Blair, members who have two young children, devoted their time and effort to organising a Mosaic Family group which brought together couples with young ones through lunches and outings to the local Pollok Park as well as reaching out to the local community by visiting an elderly care home and spending time with residents on Mothers’ Day.
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Mosaic Gospel Glee Choir - Easter Sunday, April 2012
One of the highlights of the Mosaic programme was the Gospel Glee Choir outreach that took place on Easter Sunday. This was the church’s invitation to join in celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Day through a contemporary mix of pop songs and worship music. It was very well-received by the 400+ people in attendance - many coming through relationships built up and shared with those who form part of NMBC. An answer to our prayer as we seek to be Good News people within our community.
Mosaic is a wonderful opportunity for the church to partner with Christ and to reflect a life centred on him, lived richly and to its fullest; modelling a grace and love which has the ability to transform lives through our willingness, as Christ did, to ‘reach, teach and encourage.’
Glen Cartwright Missions Forum Chair Newton Mearns Baptist Church
The event was a roaring success with positive feedback in abundance. Of particular significance was the involvement of our wonderful new neighbours - the unique Isobel Mair Special Needs School. Several pupils were keen participants in the Gospel Glee Choir and the church was delighted to be able to present a cheque for around £800 to the school - a further encouragement to the great work being done by our partners within Mearns.
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mission shaped ministry equipping you to plant and sustain fresh expressions of church
Attendance at the course is normally six weekday evenings, three Saturdays and one weekend over the year. Courses are starting on:
You are invited to share an 18-month learning journey in a supportive community to be equipped for a lifetime of good practice and learning in growing fresh expressions of church
East Midlands
8 September - Edinburgh 15 September - Hull 22 September - Wolverhampton from September 2012 29 September - Newcastle 29 September - Doncaster 29 September - Market Harborough 6 October - Bury St Edmunds 6 October - Gloucester 20 October - Chelmsford 20 October - Nailsea
Leics and Northants
“The greatest benefit of the course is its practical side and the chance to talk through issues relevant to your situation.� Leanne Corlett, course participant
freshexpressions.org.uk 15
All Praying Together
Sean STILLMAN AN EVENING WITH
7 - 9 September
Prayer – making headlines
WHEN LOVE CROSSES THE GREAT DIVIDE
Millions of people did it when footballer Fabrice Muamba collapsed. Most people do it at least once in their lives. Many people do it daily. And this year, more people than ever are doing it together as well as individually.
When Love Crosses The Great Divide An Evening With Sean Stillman "The work going forward at Zac's Place is in every way innovative, courageous and important for the community in general as well as the Christian community. I have been privileged to watch the development of this initiative over several years and would want to pay the most sincere tribute to the dedication and vision of those who have been running it." Rowan Williams - Archbishop of Canterbury
Norman Ivison - Director of Communication and Resources, Fresh Expressions
Mon 10 Sep
All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Ave, Reading, RG1 6JE. 07918 165613
All Praying Together is a united weekend of prayer and fasting by individuals and churches of all denominations as part of HOPE – the national mission movement. Resources and ideas will be available for all to use. Visit www.hopetogether.org.uk for resources on prayer and fasting and sign up on the HOPE website to receive news of All Praying Together and the new resources as they are released.
Sean Stillman (Zac's Place & God's Squad) takes to the road in September for a series of dates to enthuse about mission to the margins. It provides Thur 13 Sep LEEDS an opportunity for anyone seriously engaged in, or wanting STOKE Fri 14 Sep to be engaged in, mission on All events run froman 7.30 - 9.30pm. the fringes Admission to hear from is free but donations will be accepted. experienced practioner who's office@exousia.demon.co.uk found his home amid the chaotic street community, bikers, artists and many living in a cycle of destructive patterns of behaviour.
‘I knew as soon as I walked into Zac's Place I was somewhere special. Amazing things were happening in that small space: lives being transformed, wounds being healed, God taking control in a gentle way. I left inspired, humbled and changed’
READING
CAMBRIDGE
Tues 11 Sep
Melbourn Baptist Church, Mortlock St. Melbourn, SG8 6DB.
DERBY Weds 12 Sep
Harehills Lane Baptist Church, Hilton Place, Leeds, LS8 4HF. 0113 2628080
Wesley Hall Church, Noblett Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6HR. 01782 281818
Osmaston Road Baptist Church, Derby, DE1 2GU. 01332 349468
www.zacsplace.org/tour
Just a bloke on his bike, the sermon on the mount and 25 years worth of stories from the margins. Monday 10 September:
On Sunday 9 September 2012 Baptist churches are being encouraged to do something we are all called to do as Christ’s disciples – pray. For more information and some helpful resources, see: www.baptist.org.uk/aboutbaptists/bugb-futures/885bugb-day-of-prayer-sunday9-september-2012.html
Exousia Trust - Registered Charity 1002581
Jesus taught his disciples to pray and from Friday 7 September to Sunday 9 September Christians all over the UK will be using the prayer Jesus taught, as they all pray together, wherever they are: ‘Our Father…your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven’.
JUST A BLOKE ON HIS BIKE, THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT & 25 YEARS WORTH OF STORIES FROM THE MARGINS
www.zacsplace.org
Prayer is making headlines. Prompted by headlines on the front page of The Sun and even on the side of Scottish buses, people are talking about prayer and expecting God to answer.
All Nations Christian Centre, Reading Tuesday 11 September: Melbourn Baptist Church, Cambridge Wednesday 12 September: Osmaston Road Baptist Church, Derby Thursday 13 September: Harehills Lane Baptist Church, Leeds Friday 14 September: Wesley Hall Church, Stoke All events run from 19:30 - 21:30. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. More information is available at zacsplace.org and www.zacsplace.org/tour or contact office@exousia.demon.co.uk
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Your church can become a community that envisions, equips and supports people to live fruitful lives on their daily frontlines - wherever they are Join LICC’s Neil Hudson for an inspiring day of training that will offer practical help for church leaders and leadership teams who are determined to create whole-life disciplemaking churches. He’ll be exploring the biblical vision and the practical principles and process he’s been learning in his work with churches of different sizes and denominations across the nation and offering a clear framework for moving forward.
Emerging Church Saturday 6 October Bristol Baptist College
Emerging Church
Saturday 6th October During the past 15 years or so, Christians across western culture have been exploring new and different ways of being church and engaging in mission. Some people are very sceptical of what might be yet another short-lived fad. Others are excited by the passion, creativity and missional energy they see in these initiatives.
Tuesday 25 September - 09:30 - 16:00 LICC, London Tuesday 2 October - 19:30 - 21:30 Glenwood Church Centre, Cardiff (Joint event with CICC)
This Crucible Elements day on Emerging Church is a short introduction to this subject. Come and learn with others who are interested in pioneering, creativity and mission in local communities.
Monday 8 October - 09:30 - 16:00 Dawlish Christian Fellowship, South Devon Monday 8 October - 09:30 - 16:00 Christ Church, Liverpool (Led by Chick Yuill)
Cost: £25.00 (£15.00 if unwaged) - including lunch and other refreshments.
Thursday 11 October - 09:30 - 16:00 New Life Church, Rugby
For more information, contact Stuary Murray Williams on 0117 330 7826 or email stuart@murraywilliams.co.uk
Friday 12 October - 09:30 - 16:00 Orangefield Presbyterian Church, Belfast Thursday 8 November - 09:30 - 16:00 Shrewsbury Baptist Church (Led by Chick Yuill) Saturday 10 November - 09:30 - 16:00 Elad Elim Church, Guernsey
Crucible consists of three intensive training weekends each year to equip Christians to follow Jesus on the margins.
Tuesday 13 November - 09:30 - 16:00 Kingsland Church, Colchester
To download the 2012-13 brochure, see: www.baptist.org.uk/component/docman/doc_ download/874-crucible-brochure.html
For details, and booking, see: www.licc.org.uk/ imagine/resources/imagine-on-the-road
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ves in red li -cent es Jesus ti living communi se diver
S DIVER
The first international lyfe forum: A Residents’ Guide to the Kingdom of God
Y E:CIT
Lee Abbey, Devon Monday 8 – Friday 12 October 2012 At this unique event, key leaders from business, culture and church will gather as residents of the Kingdom of God to discover a deeper life with God — personally, locally and globally. Hosted by James Catford (Group Chief Executive, Bible Society) and the combined ministry teams of Bible Society, Lee Abbey and Renovaré. Although not with us personally, we will be drawing on insights from people like Richard J Foster and Dallas Willard to discover a balanced vision and a practical strategy for life with God in the public square.
DIVERSE:CITY - 17-18 November This weekend of events in east London is being organised to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Urban Expression.
• A unique event for key leaders from business, culture and church • Interactive forum hosted by Lee Abbey, Bible Society and Renovaré • Discover a deeper life with God in the public square
Join the celebrations and learn from the adventures of the teams that have moved into inner-city communities across Britain.
URBAN EXPRESSIO
How to book
15th year c
Cost: £350 per person (full board accommodation from Monday evening – Friday breakfast)
For more information: contact Doreen on 07852 590727 the Urban Expression community from or emailJoin doreen.westley@urbanexpression.org.uk
Please book directly with Lee Abbey at: www.leeabbey.org.uk/devon
To book your place, see: Sat 17 & Sun 18 November 201 www.urbanexpression.eventbrite.co.uk
for a week-end of celebrations
100 team members later & we’re back where it a ...Tower Hamlets! www.urb
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The next Parish Nursing Training Course will run from Monday 22 - Thursday 25 October 2012 and will take place at the International Mission Centre in Birmingham. If you are interested in attending the course, please do either contact Parish Nursing Ministries UK (PNMUK) on 01788 817904 to chat further or alternatively complete the Application Form on the PNMUK website www.parishnursing.org.uk and someone will be in touch with you directly. Please note: if you wish to attend the course please send the completed course Application Form to PNMUK as soon as possible, and at least 6 weeks before the start of the course. The 2012 Parish Nursing Annual Symposium will focus on ‘Caring for Carers’ and takes place at Hothorpe Hall, Leicestershire from Sunday 18 - Monday 19 November. PNMUK are pleased to advise that amongst their confirmed keynote speakers will be Margaret Sentamu, a keen supporter of their work. For more information and a booking form, see www.baptist.org.uk/component/docman/doc_ download/1176-pnmuk-symposium-2012.html Please return your booking form to PNMUK by 12 October 2012 to secure your place. Alternatively, for any further information, please contact PNMUK on 01788 817904 or www.parishnursing.org.uk
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Applications are now open for Executive Toolbox 2013
Inter Faith Week 18 - 27 November
A course from LICC’s Work Forum
Building good relationships and working partnerships between people of different faiths and beliefs is part of the year-round work of many people and organisations across the UK.
Three 24-hour modules from January to June equipping you to make a difference in your workplace culture, relationships and leadership.
Having a special Week provides a focal point for building these relationships and partnerships, and helping to open inter faith activity up to a wider audience.
Join a cohort of 36 Christians in mid to senior level positions of influence at St Katharine Conference Centre, described as ‘an oasis in the heart of the city of London’.
Inter Faith Week:
You will develop a deeper biblical vision of God’s purposes for work, analyse the culture of your organisation, develop spiritual strategies for change impacting yourself, your team and your organisation and build your confidence and resilience as a Christian leader in the workplace for the long term.
• Highlights the good work done by local faith, inter faith and faith-based groups and organisations • Draws new people into inter faith learning and co-operation
“The course has broadened my knowledge, deepened my theology and improved my biblical interpretation skills.” George, 2011
• Enables greater interaction between people of different backgrounds • Helps develop integrated and neighbourly communities
Find out more at: www.licc.org.uk/engaging-withwork/executive-toolbox
• Celebrates diversity and commonality • Opens new possibilities for partnership See www.interfaithweek.org for more details. Look out for new inter faith resources coming soon from BUGB
Planning Ahead The 5th International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality
will be taking place from Sunday 7 - Wednesday 10 July 2013 at The University of Edinburgh More details to follow, or have a look at www.fiop-mha.events-made-easy.com
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British Paralympian volunteers for BMS in Haiti A recent trip to Haiti was invigorated by a British Paralympian joining the BMS team as a volunteer. Wheelchair sprinter Anne Wafula Strike took time out from training in June to meet Haiti’s Paralympic hopefuls at Haiti Hospital Appeal’s (HHA) disability sports facilities and rehabilitation centre.
A highlight of her trip included meeting Josue Cajuste, who will represent Haiti at the Paralympics competing for shot and javelin titles. She also met earthquake survivor Leon Gaysil – who hopes to become Haiti’s first ever handcyclist in the Paralympics.
Anne went with a community rehabilitation team supported by BMS and shared her story amongst communities in northern Haiti and also managed to fit in some time to train alongside the country’s London 2012 Paralympic Team.
Encouraged
Anne encouraged and inspired them as they work towards competing on the world stage. “I’ve learned so much from them… Cajuste is such a star. In Haiti he is someone with a disability who’s been marginalised and regarded as useless in the community, but he will be representing and flying the flag for Haiti in London this summer. That is so powerful.” Featured on BMS’ Undefeated resource, Anne Wafula Strike became the first wheelchair racer from east Africa to compete in the Paralympic Games in 2004. Yet, despite her recent success and fame, like many of the disabled children in Haiti, her life began very differently.
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What the church needs
Churches in the UK can watch Anne training and sharing her story of Christian faith by ordering Undefeated, a church service pack to give churches everything they need for a one-hour service during the Paralympics (29 August – 9 September). Gary Streeter MP, chair of Christians in Parliament, called the feature video of the Undefeated resource “fantastic” at its launch at an event at the Houses of Parliament, saying that it was “exactly the kind of thing that the Church needs to be involved in”.
‘Cursed’
Anne contracted polio as a young girl. This resulted in her family being driven from their community due to the stigma and abuse that they faced. Anne explained to people in several communities and schools around Cap Haitien that, as a child, people viewed her as ‘cursed or bewitched’, a reality faced by many children in Haiti.
Gareth Wilde BMS Mission Resources Coordinator This article first appeared on the BMS World Mission website, and is used here with permission.
“As a BMS volunteer, it’s been a privilege to share God’s love in the community and see how people’s live have been transformed. This is a great year - the games are coming to London and we’re all excited, everyone’s talking about medals, but there are communities in the world with virtually no accessibility for people with disabilities.”
Anne Wafula Strike was also interviewed in the latest edition of BMS World Mission’s Engage magazine. See www.bmsworldmission.org/ engage
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Undefeated Undefeated has been produced in partnership by BMS World Mission, the Baptist Union of Wales and the Baptist Union of Great Britain. It is designed for a one-hour church service, particularly suitable for use during the Olympics and Paralympics. The aim of Undefeated is to help churches to: • Become more inclusive in their welcome towards people with disabilities • Be inspired by the faith of athletes hoping to compete in the Paralympics • Acknowledge the excellence of Paralympic sport • Discover what the Bible has to say about disability • Celebrate the contributions made by people with disabilities in our churches • Remember international issues of justice and disability
Key dates for the Paralympic Games
• Highlight how BMS is serving people with disabilities around the world
August 24 Aug 25 Aug
The DVD contains four short videos and a range of other resources. Two of the videos feature sport contributions and comment from four leading athletes with a disability: • wheelchair racer Anne Wafula Strike • archer Robert Shaw • runner Sophia Warner • goalball player Michael Sharkey.
26 Aug 27 Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug
Order your copy, at £6.00 + £2.50 p&p, from www.bmsworldmission.org/ undefeated
Paralympic Flame lighting in London Paralympic Flame lighting and flame festival in Belfast Paralympic Flame lighting and flame festival in Edinburgh Paralympic Flame lighting and flame festival in Cardiff Paralympic Flame festival in Stoke Mandeville, start of the 24 hour Paralympic Torch Relay to London Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony
September 9 Sep Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony
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There’s a space for you Offering a warm welcome to church services and other activities is key to helping people to feel valued and part of what is going on. We are encouraged that many churches will be making a special effort to invite friends for a BIG Welcome event this year, and pray that they will be encouraged by the response they receive.
Experiencing God’s welcome
Whether you’re planning a BIG Welcome service on a Sunday, or inviting people to a BIG Welcome event in a local coffee shop, pub or community centre, we pray that that many more people will come to experience a loving relationship with God. We look forward to hearing about the creative ways in which your church uses the resources, and the responses you get from those invited to a BIG Welcome event.
New for this year, is a small BIG Welcome booklet, which aims to provide some fantastic news for all of us. In a world which is so full of negatives and bad stuff, this A6-sized booklet attempts to lift the spirits and help find answers for some of the questions which we all have at points in our lives; questions such as: • Who am I, really? • Is there a true purpose for my life? • Will it all make sense one day? A sample copy is being sent to all those churches which ordered a pack of BIG Welcome resources, and these booklets make an ideal giveaway for people who come to your church for the first time, at any time of year. Further copies can be ordered from the BIG Welcome website, www. thebigwelcome.org
www.thebigwelcome.org 25
The importance of making people feel welcome doesn’t stop when your BIG Welcome event ends – it’s an ongoing way to help build relationships, and share the good news of how much God loves them. Why not start planning to offer a BIG Welcome at Christmas, and other times of year?
thirsty Today a billion people worldwide will be using dirty water to drink, cook and wash with. They have no other choice. Use thirsty at your harvest celebrations this year and discover the refreshing difference that clean water projects are making to people in Haiti. You can help BMS save lives there and in similar situations around the world. www.bmsworldmission.org/resources/video/harvest
HOPE brings a fresh mission focus on harvest New HOPE for Harvest book published • Create a community collage to display outside your church, with positive stories and pictures of activities taking place in your area. • Encourage your church to have a meat-free Sunday – if everyone in the UK gave up meat once a week, the emission savings would be the same as taking 5 million cars off the road. • Have a technology fast – no TV, iPod, computer or mobile phone for a whole day. These are just three of the ideas in HOPE for Harvest, the latest book from HOPE, helping churches to use key moments in the Christian calendar as a focus for mission. As well as offering fresh ideas for harvest festivals, the new book focuses on the importance of work, generosity and thankfulness as key aspects of a mission lifestyle. HOPE for Harvest includes: • Fresh ideas for harvest festival services and • Articles from Tearfund on thankfulness, generosity, celebrations, plus ways to reach your community mission and caring for the environment with the good news of Jesus during harvest. • A youth group session, lots of mission ideas and a • Four weeks’ worth of Bible studies from the Bible study for young people Stewardship Trust looking at harvest in the Old and New Testaments. Cost: £5.99 For more details, and to order a copy, see: www.hopetogether.org.uk/Groups/133405/HOPE/HOPE_ • Articles and ideas from Mark Greene of London step_by/Books/Books.aspx Institute for Contemporary Christianity on the value of work and how to support your congregation in their workplaces.
HOPE is a national movement encouraging and equipping churches to work together in mission.
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Big Hearted lyfe ‘My prayer is that as followers of Jesus we take the Bible out of the pew into the pub, out of the church into the café and out of our private quiet time into noisy public places. The reason for this hope pumping away within me is that we live in a desperately unreached nation where the majority of people remain clueless as to the best news this world has been graced with.’
Lyfe is a small group experience which takes people deeper into the Bible. Lyfe groups meet in pubs, coffee shops and cafés to spend time reading and reflecting on Scripture, and then selecting a relevant ’challenge’ to experience throughout the week.
Chris Duffett President of the Baptist Union 2012–13 Developed with Chris Duffett, Big Hearted lyfe features six small group sessions based on Bible Society’s lyfe ‘experience’ and Chris’s big-hearted theme for his Baptist Union presidential year.
Bring lyfe to your study group and take up the challenge with Big hearted lyfe.
Each session includes reading and reflecting on Scripture, followed by a ‘big-hearted’ challenge to help us grow in love for God and for the people around us. Here is Chris’ story….
Published in May 2012, Big hearted lyfe is available from the Bible Society. Cost: £9.99 for a pack of 6 ISBN: 978 05640 4856 4 http://shop.biblesociety.org.uk/ shop/9780564048564/#.UAkwR0TaidN
‘When I met up with a friend to think and pray about the Big Hearted lyfe booklet, we chose a garden centre café and a high street coffee shop as places where we would work.
This booklet is sold as a small group resource that accompanies the other lyfe resources available from lyfe.org.uk
As we wrote down our ideas and looked at the Bible, we were invited to pray for healing for a man who had had a stroke and who was walking with discomfort, we met people who I knew from the school gate and we spoke about what we were doing and why and we listened to the manager of the coffee shop as he spoke about some heartache he was encountering.
Big Hearted Tour
That’s the beauty of being amongst people who are not Christians when we meet and study God’s Word together. Conversations start and people have questions.’
As part of Chris Duffett’s role as President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain in 2012-13, he has embarked on The Big Hearted tour around BUGB Associations. Check www.bighearted.org.uk for dates and venues.
Outlook Trust is a Christian organisation which aims to reach older people with God’s Good News about Jesus and his promise of abundant and everlasting life. Their latest newsletter is available to download from: http:// outlook-trust.org.uk/en/public/uploaded/Outlook%20Newsletter%20 Summer%202012%20FINAL-publisher.pdf Sign up to receive newsletters from Outlook on their website at: http://outlook-trust.org.uk/contact_us.html
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Life on the Frontline ‘Where do most of the people in your church spend most of their time in an ordinary week?’ asks Tracy Cotterell. Most, she says, will be ‘out on the frontline’. How, then, to encourage and equip them to be fruitful in those places?
When I met him he was about to return to work following a short strike during which only five drivers had crossed the picket line.
In 2009 the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity contacted 3000 Christians who had been to Spring Harvest. We asked: ‘Where do you find it most challenging to be a disciple of Christ?’ The response, unsurprisingly, was work, home, the neighbourhood. 98% of Christians spend 95% of their time in such places. How do we make a difference for Jesus there?
Albert has a vision to make a difference in his place of work. Quietly spoken, with a sense of humour, a diplomat and a good listener, Albert deploys that gifting by actively engaging with the relational tensions of his workplace. Along the way he hopes to drive lots of people safely from A to B, enable as many as possible to experience grace through his attention to their needs, and to speak about Jesus, the one after whom he’s chosen to pattern his own life, the one whom he seeks to know more deeply as he lives life with God on the ‘frontline’.
‘My job tomorrow,’ he said, ‘is to be a peacemaker.’
Where we are really matters to God. A little while back I met a man called Albert. Albert drives buses. He’s passionate about serving people, extending those courtesies that make life easier – waiting for the person who’s still running to the stop; exercising patience with those who’ve lost theirs. He’s also bothered about the other drivers in the depot.
Whoever we are, our lives on the frontline matter to God. We may be old or young; healthy or infirm; rich or poor; employed or not. We may be busy or bored; optimistic or pessimistic; radically cutting edge or relatively retro. Whatever our context, as Christians,
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Life on the Frontline has also been successfully used in Sunday morning meetings as a way of capturing the imagination of the whole congregation for ‘whole-life’ discipleship. Northolt Baptist Church is a small community, ethnically diverse, mostly retired, with a smattering of working professionals. They combined each of the sessions with teaching from passages in 1 Peter, discussion in threes and fours, with opportunities to share insights and stories. It proved to be valuable in allowing everyone to take part, hear each other speak, learn about each other’s frontlines, and begin to own a commitment to pray for each other in them. Antony Billington, a member of this church reflects, ‘For us, the DVD proved helpfully inclusive, with young and old alike given fresh eyes to see their everyday places – the school playground as well as the sheltered accommodation – as arenas where faith and discipleship is lived out, and as places to engage others with the gospel of Christ.’
we have at least one thing in common: we each have a frontline that is significant in God’s mission. These are our crossingplaces where we spend much of our time; where we meet people who don’t know Jesus. These are the places where we’re invited to live with the intent to be, do and say as Christ would in that place and with an expectancy that something transformational will happen. Often, though, Christians don’t see themselves, their workplaces, homes, colleges and clubs in this light. We all need to grow in confidence that God can, and will, use us in these places. Director of LICC’s Imagine Project, Neil Hudson, comments: ‘Our experience of working with churches is that people feel liberated when they see how their daily lives can be wrapped up into God’s mission. But it’s hard to keep going on your own. We need some pathways forward and we need friends who will champion us along the way. This is the starting point for our new course Life on the Frontline.
Ian Bunce, BUGB’s Head of the Mission Department adds, ‘This is an ideal resource for churches seeking to support the daily crossingplaces of their members - whether they’re 18 or 80. It’s brilliantly put together, accessible and understandable, but not patronising. I commend it to all Baptist churches.’
Launched in March this year, Life on the Frontline is a six session DVD resource for small groups to help local churches engage, equip and empower their people to serve God on the frontlines of everyday life. Each session begins with a short, documentarystyle film featuring real-life stories that help people discover the potential of their own contexts. Take stores employee Ed, for example. Convinced that he was called to service anywhere but in his workplace, Ed was frustrated by God’s seeming refusal to move him out of the warehouse. It was then that he made his life-changing decision: to arrive ten minutes earlier every morning. This gave him time to chat to his co-workers and slowly forge better relationships with them. Ed didn’t ‘push’ his faith onto them, but nor did he make a secret of it. And he felt a new motivation to pray for his colleagues - and, in whatever way he could, to be a blessing to them. So, not surprisingly, he was prepared when one of them began to share a personal problem with him…
Life on the Frontline is a six-session DVD-based course. The disk contains videos, Leaders’ and Participants’ Guides. £8 for one pack; £5 for multipack purchases. Available online from www.licc.org.uk/shop or by phone 020 7399 9555.
Tracy Cotterell is Chief Operating Officer at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Prior to that she was director of LICC’s Imagine Project which seeks to serve churches and leaders in developing whole-life disciplemaking churches.
The workplace is often a place where Christians struggle to know how to live faithfully and fruitfully for Jesus, especially in today’s challenging workplace culture. But it’s not the only place where Christians spend their time. Life on the Frontline builds on the films, using selected Bible passages and inter-active exercises, to explore Christ’s call and commission for all kinds of people, places and life stages – in a retirement home, fostering children, dealing with difficult teenagers in the local area.
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Going for gold – a golden opportunity for churches The world will soon be celebrating the outstanding achievements of the Paralympians. The spotlight will well and truly be on disabled people – or rather, on a tiny minority of a growing group of people who, truth to tell, are all too often overlooked and forgotten in our communities.
Anna Sharkey, blind, is a goalball player for the Paralympics
‘The startling reality is that the numbers of disabled people in the UK are growing and undoubtedly represent one of the largest unreached people groups – people untouched by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who seldom figure in the evangelism strategies of our churches.’ These challenging words come from Dr Gordon Temple, chief executive of the UK’s leading Christian mission for people with sight loss and executive officer of Churches for All, a network of about a dozen Christian disability organisations.
The facts speak loudly: • Almost 20 per cent of the working population is disabled – that’s almost 7 million people. • Altogether there are some 10 million people in the UK who are disabled. • One child in 20 has a disability. • Two million people in the UK have significant sight loss or are blind. • About 1.2 million people in the UK have a learning disability. • Over 90 per cent of us will experience disability at some point in our lives.
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‘Add to that disturbing picture all that we know about demographic increase – at its greatest in the over 85s. And also consider that many of the 80,000 babies born each year needing specialist hospital care will have disabilities. It all adds up to a world that will no longer be able to ignore the needs of disabled people. ‘In my experience, churches have been slow to grasp the fact that the teaching of Jesus compels us to make his Church a place that is totally inclusive and welcoming,’ says Dr Temple. ‘It’s wrong to think that simply installing ramps, hearing loops and accessible toilets has opened up churches to disabled people. Changes in attitude are far more significant than compliance with legal regulations.’ Dr Temple is urging churches to start building relationships with disabled people in their communities immediately – using the Paralympics as a cue. ‘One big idea with an immediate appeal, which originated with the most creative evangelist ever – Jesus Christ – is to hold a Luke 14 Banquet. Another is to celebrate Disability Sunday – which this year falls during the Paralympics.’ The idea of the Luke 14 Banquet, explains Dr Temple, comes from the story Jesus tells in which ‘the Master’ says ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ His servants fill the party seats with disabled and disadvantaged guests. ‘Many churches are already blessed to have people with a range of disabilities within their congregations, of course,’ he says. ‘But the Luke 14 Banquet is about reaching out into the community and generously inviting people to a celebratory event – perhaps marking the Paralympics. This kind of event reflects Jesus’ heart on inclusion.’ Dr Temple feels passionate about the Church seizing opportunities like this for demonstrating inclusivity. It’s not about giving a ‘handout’ to disabled people but more about enabling them to use their Godgiven abilities to the blessing of the Church.
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‘If the Church is missing out on having disabled people in its midst then it is missing out on the gifting they have to offer. It’s incomplete and is itself disabled!’ Dr Temple has explored these themes of inclusion and the gifting of disabled people in a new resource book called Enabling Church. Written in partnership with Lin Ball, the book has been simultaneously published as a standard 112-page paperback (by SPCK) and in braille, large print and audio editions (from Torch Trust). All versions are £7.99. The flexible material in the book is presented in seven sessions ideal for small groups, with Bible study discussion questions, activities, prayer and worship suggestions, and real-life interviews with disabled people.
Mike Townsend, who’s blind, leads communion
A real life story from Enabling Church Alan first had cancer over 30 years ago. ‘That slowed me down . . . I spent a lot of time not able to rush about doing all the things that I thought were important and a lot of time thinking. I began to think that there was more to life than just ticking boxes, achieving things and showing other people what I’d achieved. I’d been given an opportunity to review my life and a strong signal that life was not what I could make all the time . . . I determined that I would try to do better.’ Treatment was successful and Alan, a university academic, returned to work. Then, after some years, he began to experience back pain. A visit to the GP revealed nothing. Alan put the symptoms down to ageing and lack of exercise. On New Year’s Day 2004 he went for a walk with friends and it was obvious to everyone that he was having difficulty walking – tripping over his own feet and struggling to get over stiles.
Surgery meant the removal of much of his spine and hence his mobility. These days he walks on two sticks or uses a wheelchair. ‘When I woke up after the first operation on my back, a vision came to me of the stripes on our Lord’s back when he had been scourged before crucifixion, and that gave me strength. ‘Life deals out these things; you have to play the hand you’ve got. It’s no use grizzling about what you wish might have happened. ‘I can still sing. It gives me great delight to go to church every Sunday, put on my choir robes, stagger up the aisle into my place . . . I can’t stand when others stand, I can’t kneel when others kneel . . . but I can sing to the glory of God, and I thank him for that. ‘Becoming disabled has actually made me a much better person. Every day is a bonus. My faith brings me the strength to stop and think about other people much more than I used to.
Alan was discovered to have a rare cancer of the spine.
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Disability Sunday 2 or 9 September 2012 The Paralympic Games celebrate the abilities of disabled people. So can your church. Why not mark the day by having a Paralympicsthemed Disability Sunday Service, including people of all abilities and involving people with disabilities. For a resource pack linked to the Paralympics to help you and your church mark Disability Sunday see www.churchesforall.org.uk
For other excellent resources, see: • More Than Gold - helping your church make the most of the 2012 games: www.morethangold.org.uk/your-church/ paralympics.html • BMS resource designed for a one-hour church service, particularly suitable for use during the Olympics and Paralympics: www.bmsworldmission.org/undefeated If we are all made in the image of God, ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ as the psalmist puts it, what does that mean if we can’t see, or can’t walk; if we can’t hear, or can’t speak? How can we be said to share in God’s unconditional love if we are humiliated by epileptic seizures? If we can’t remember our own name because of the ravages of dementia? Or if the only response of which we are capable is a smile? How can we truly be a valued and valuable part of the Body of Christ here on earth - the Church?
• Practical hints and tips about running a Luke 14 Banquet: www.torchtrust.org/cms.php?page=81 • Statistics from Disabled Living Foundation: www.dlf.org.uk/content/key-facts • Statistics on premature babies: www.bliss.org.uk/media-centre/facts-and-figures-2 • Statistics on learning disability: Learning Disabilities Observatory report 2012: www.improvinghealthandlives.org.uk/uploads/doc/ vid_9244_IHAL2011-02PWLD2010.pdf
This rich resource book for church leaders, congregations and small groups challenges us to get to grips with what the Bible says about disability - and what the Church could do in response. Themes of understanding, inclusion and interdependency are explored through discussion, prayer, worship, hands-on activities and listening to the authentic voices of disabled people. Authors: Publisher: ISBN: RRP:
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Gordon Temple and Lin Ball SPCK Publishing (17 May 2012) 978 02810 6649 0 £7.99
Who Let the Dads Out? is an effective way for churches to engage with fathers, male carers and their pre-school children. What began as a local church initiative in 2003 has now grown, and there are around 50 Who Let the Dads Out? groups around the country. In March 2012, Who Let the Dads Out? became a core BRF ministry, enabling the team to support this growing national ministry, and this book was published at the same time. ‘Parent and toddler work can transform relationships and strengthen families, yet sometimes men may have very limited access to the parent and toddler world. ‘This book tells the story of how Who Let The Dads Out? came into being. It gives a practical guide for setting up and running the monthly sessions, complete with theological background, real-life case studies, helpful hints and tips, and twelve easy craft ideas.’ [From BRF website] Author: Publisher: ISBN: RRP:
Who Let The Dads Out? Conference
Mark Chester (founder of Who let the Dads Out?) BRF (March 2012) 978 184101 885 0 £6.99
Come and join with others who are passionate about engaging dads, granddads and male carers with their children and the Christian faith.
Developing Discipleship within Who Let The Dads Out?
Speakers include:
Saturday 22 September 09:30 - 15:30
• Mark Chester, founder of Who Let The Dads Out? and Family Officer at Liverpool Football Club
The Lighthouse Centre, Middleton, North Manchester, M24 1AZ Cost: £15.00 including lunch (bring four people and get the fifth place free)
• Lucy Moore, founder of Messy Church and part of the BRF team
At the fourth annual Who Let The Dad’s Out? (WLTDO) conference the speakers and workshops will explore the theme of making disciples. How do we point people towards a greater commitment? How do we help them understand who Jesus is? How can we invite them to join us on a journey of discipleship?
• Ian Bunce, Head of Mission Department at the Baptist Union of Great Britain • Helen Lock, Playtime Co-ordinator at Care for the Family For more information, and to book your place, see: www.brfonline.org.uk/wltdo
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Global Day of Prayer Saturday 29 September 14:00 - 18:00
Young people from across Britain are invited to gather at Wembley Stadium to pray for our nation and be part of the Global Day of Prayer. See the video at https://vimeo.com/42341444 or download a Leaders’ Pack from www.hope-revolution.com/united and encourage your young people to join in. (see also p17)
Playtime Conference
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Playtime is a Care for the Family project that provides support and resources for anyone interested in engaging with young families in a church-based toddler group setting. This one-day national conference is a great opportunity for leaders to meet, be equipped and inspired as they seek to develop their toddler group ministry. The day is jampacked with new ideas, resources, and an opportunity to share and network with others. The conference this year is based on the theme of ‘Storytelling’. We are delighted to have Bob Hartman, Mark Chester, Rob Parsons and Claire Wells among our list of speakers. Each of them will bring engaging talks relevant to the ministry of toddler groups.
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6 October 2012 Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire
The Aviator Hotel, Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire. NN6 0BN 06/06/2012 09:31
For full details, and booking, see: www.engagetoday.org.uk/playtime/ events/playtime-national-conference-2012
Youthwork the conference: 23-25 November 2012
If you do any type of youth work, we think you’re amazing! This November, leave the youth at home and join 1000 youth workers at Youthwork the conference for a weekend full of great teaching, resources and space to hear what God is saying to you. LUMEN: Shine Brighter “You are the light of the world”. Not you ought to be, or try harder to be…but you are the light of the world. People will see what the kingdom of God is like is by looking at us and our young people are often the ones looking in up close! Special offer for Baptist Youth Specialists: We have 40 tickets available at £70 (normally £90) for Baptist Youth Specialists. Please book through the BUGB Mission Department at mission@baptist.org.uk to claim one of these special offer places. For more details on the programme and speakers, see www.youthworkconference.co.uk
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Within 8 weeks, it will all be over. The medal tallies will have been counted, and Great Britain will be carrying out the analysis of ‘was it really worth it?’ Some will have been declared winners, for others their life dreams will have come to nought! The untold, invisible stories - well that is a whole different thing. Below the headlines there is a wealth of individuals and teams who have succeeded, reached their potential and will remain unthanked, faceless and just get on with the next chapter of their lives, not feeling that they are anyone important. To me, mission is celebrating the value and worth of all. No one is unimportant in God’s eyes. No one is faceless to God - as we have in this edition celebrated people, many of whom have a unique contribution to make. Let us together declare for all, you are special, you are unique, you bring delight to God. Ian Bunce BUGB Mission Department
A life-changing experience. Youth strengthened . . . encouraged . . . emboldened
Meet, fellowship & worship with Baptist youth from around the world.
Singapore 17-21 July 2013 Baptist World Alliance www.bwanet.org We are working on a package for groups attending the conference. If your group is interested in finding out more, contact mission@baptist.org.uk or look out for the mailing coming to BUGB Church Secretaries in late August.
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Fellowship of Baptists in Britain and Ireland Baptist Union of Scotland Alan Donaldson 0141 423 6169 alan@scottishbaptist.org.uk Scottish Baptist College Principal - Jim Gordon 0141 848 3988 scottishbaptistcollege@uws.ac.uk
1 Shetland Islands
1
Northern John Singleton 2 01642 655551 johnsingleton@thenba.org.uk
1
North Western Sandra Crawford 01942 221595 sandra@nwba.org.uk
3
Northern Community Learning Network
Glen Marshall 0161 249 2520 glen.marshall@bigfoot.com Yorkshire Jane Day 0113 278 4954 jane.day@yba.org.uk
3 2 4 4
3
Baptist Union of Wales Marc Owen 5 01267 245660 marc@bedyddwyrcymru.co.uk
7
Y Coleg Gwyn (North Wales Baptist College) Elfryn Jones 5 01248 362608 coleg-gwyn@hotmail.co.uk
7
South Wales Andy Hughes 029 2049 1366
8
andy@southwalesbaptistassociation.org.uk
Bristol Baptist College Principal - Stephen Finamore 0117 946 7050 admin@bristol-baptist.ac.uk
9
9
11
richard.lewis@easternbaptist.org.uk
12 14
13
15
Channel Islands
London David Shosanya 0208 543 6447
12
Spurgeon’s Baptist College Roger Standing 12 020 8653 0850 ex228 r.standing@spurgeons.ac.uk South West Barbara Carpenter 01823 490195
13
barbara@heurisco.globalnet.co.uk
Central Helen Wordsworth 10 01788 817292 rev.h@rhwordsworth.plus.com Eastern Richard Lewis 01842 754953
9
Peter Dunn (Director for Mission) 01235 517648 pdunn@bmsworldmission.org
david.shosanya@londonbaptist.org.uk
South Wales Baptist College Principal - Peter Stevenson 8 029 2025 6066 pks@swbc.org.uk West of England Alisdair Longwill 01453 883308 awlongwill@googlemail.com
11 10
8
Heart of England Adrian Argile 6 0121 472 4986 adrian.argile@blueyonder.co.uk East Midland Mike Fegredo 07972 350242 mfegredo.emba@gmail.com
6
5
Southern Counties Colin Norris 07725 039943 c.norris@scba.org.uk Regent’s Park Baptist College Nick Wood 01865 288129 nicholas.wood@regents.ox.ac.uk South Eastern Stuart Davison 01444 253163 stuart@seba-baptist.org.uk
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Mat Wilson (IMC Team Leader) 0121 683 7948
mwilson@bmsworldmission.org
www.bmsworldmission.org Irish Baptist Networks Stephen Adams stephen.adams@ibnetworks.org www.ibnetworks.org
14
14
BUGB Mission Department Ian Bunce 01235 517716 mission@baptist.org.uk
15 August 2012