Harlestone Road Church Newsletter - Issue 2 by David Wells

Harlestone Road Seventh Day Adventist Church

Newsletter Issue 2a - October 2014 Front cover and World Sabbath day pictures supplied by Michael Davis

Message from the Pastor

t’s a privilege to serve the Lord at this time of the world’s history as part of the Advent Movement. Certainly the unfolding of the Great Controversy theme is coming to its great finale. Jesus soon return is imminent. It’s time for us to humbly submit ourselves to Christ Jesus and seek revival and reformation through the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be a part of the outpouring.

midst of trouble, turmoil and uncertainty and have proved His faithfulness. He is not like the weather changing and unpredictable. He is faithful, dependable and reliable. When we trust and humble ourselves to Him, He’ll open doors for witnessing and personal evangelism that will bring many people to the knowledge of our Lord and saviour.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Ps 18:2

news

Harlestone Road Seventh Day Adventist Church

he sun shone brightly on Sunday 17th August 2014 when Andrew and Proscovia exchanged vows of marital commitment in the presence of family and friends. After the register was signed, Pastor Cyril Sweeney officiated a ceremony of dedication of the beautiful couple.

As we journey in our Christian life, let us work together through the power of the Holy Spirit as we fulfil God’s mission entrusted to our church here in Harlestone Road.

There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole of creation. Deut. 6:4. Matt. 28:19. 2 Cor. 13:14. Eph. 4:4-6. 1 Peter 1:2.1 Tim. 1:17. Rev. 14:7.

What do I want for my child? Do I seek for him worldwide fame? Do I treasure for thin wealth and riches? Do I want his life to be just like a game What do I want for my child? Is it power and wisdom and might? Do I want for him untold blessings? Do I want everything to go just right? I’ll tell you what I want for my Eli. A heart full of peace from above. A life of serving others. A heart of patience and love.

May God bless our special work for Him as we lift up Jesus and the cross proclaiming His soon Coming!

What We Believe - Part 2

What Do I Want for My Child?

We pray that God will continue to bless, guide and keep Mr and Mrs Mushing.

abbath 13th September 2014 was a special day for the Fuller family, as their youngest son, Eli was dedicated to the Lord. A number of family and friends were there to witness this beautiful occasion with Pastor Paul officiating. All present were asked to make a commitment in supporting the family in raising this precious baby. A scroll was presented to his parents with the following words:

I want him to know my Savior. To be free from the power of sin. This is what I want for my child. I want him to walk with Him. I want Eli to be like Him. ~Ruth Anderson

One thing we can be sure of during these times is God’s Word. He doesn’t tell us one thing and then does something else. He doesn’t, as we say, string us along, failing to keep His promises. God doesn’t lead us to believe something and let us down. God operates in the realm of truth. We can trust Him.Many people trusted God in the 2

Meet the Elders

Nigel De Vos & Lloyd Sterling Most of you should know who our Elders are. For those who don’t, I introduce to you Nigel De Vos and Lloyd Sterling. I thought it might be of some interest if we found out a little more about them. 1 - Where were you born and raised?

ND: I was born in Twickenham,. Being born there allowed me to be a Welsh supporter as they pretty much owned Twickenham in the 60’s-70’s! LS: Wolverhampton

2 - What do/did you do for work?

ND: I was a Police Officer for Kent police for 30 years. I started my career and did my initial training in Bridgend in South Wales. That was because of insufficient accommodation at the Kent Police training centre in Folkestone. I ended my police career at a Home Office training post in Turvey in Beds. Hence the family move to Northampton. I was also an Equal Opportunity Liaison Officer when I was working with the Home Office. I later became an Equal Opportunity Management Consultant which included working with the borough council. Later joined the National Statistics as an interviewer and retiring as a Regional Manager. LS: My wife (Angela) and I are shared lives carers (having people with special needs live with us as part 4

of our family). I also work with people with a mental health issue for the National Health Service.

3 - Any hobbies?

ND: Gardening, gym, keep-fit classes, running, weights, reading, and travelling. LS: Anything to do with sports. Play football, table tennis and badminton.

4 - Interesting fact that most people don’t know about you?

ND: Played rugby for south east England regional team, not because I was good but I was willing and available. Played rugby with this team at Cardiff Arms Park. LS: I’m a granddad of 4 boys

5 - How long have you been a Christian?

6 - When did you first start attending Harlestone Road?

11 - What are the biggest challenges you face?

LS: From the time we first moved there as a church.

LS: TIME!!

7 - Favourite Hymn?

12 - What next for Harlestone Road Church?

ND: Started attending Harlestone Road from its inception, as Northampton South.

ND: 547 ‘Be Thou My Vision’ LS: 590 ‘Trust and Obey’

8 - How long have you been an Elder? ND: Been an elder I think about 3 years.

LS: Ordained as an Elder in September ... 2012.

9 - Favourite bible a...character b...verse c...story?

ND: A.. .Abraham B.. Psalm 23, and Jeremiah 29:11. C.. Story of Jabez found in 1 Chronicles 4 LS: A.. Paul B… Ephesians 6:12 and Romans 8:35-39 C.. Apostle Paul’s conversion.

10 - What is the main role of an Elder in the church?

ND: Ensuring the forward motion of the church in taking the love of Christ to the community. LS: Supporting the Pastor and attending to the spiritual needs of Gods children

ND: Increasing the numbers of workers for Christ, willing and unwilling ones.

ND: Increasing members, increasing awareness of Christ and increasing prayerful approach to the acquisition of a church building because money alone will not purchase a church. When we are fully committed to the work of Christ, God will provide us a building worthy of this work. LS: For each one of us to search our hearts, confess our sins and allow God to guide our lives . It is a privilege to be a part of this end time movement which has a special message and a special assignment. My prayer is that we will all develop a personal relationship with Christ, our Lord and Saviour and that one day we will all meet again in Heaven.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be. Not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve” 1 Peter 5:2

ND: Always been a Christian, in that I always believed in God and God was with me and had plans for me. Therefore I knew Jeremiah 29:11 before I knew Jeremiah 29:11!! After I met Grace I was introduced to the Adventist belief, took bible studies with Pastor Boyle and was baptized in 1980 in Croydon church. LS: I Was baptised 33 years ago

Debate from Highlands Avenue

Aubrey Davis - Big Church or Small Church

his is a question that I have battled with for a long time. The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Highlands Avenue, like many others across the United Kingdom have experienced unprecedented growth over recent years, although we have to be honest in admitting the significant majority of this expansion has been as a result of immigration rather than an influx from the indigenous population.

Sis Felicia Dhanaraj - “Both have advantages and disadvantages. A large church would have more funding and more programmes. For children in particular a large church allows opportunities for them to have more friends. A small church normally means only a few children to make friends with. Smaller churches remember everyone’s birthdays! Big churches are better for children, small churches are better for adults.” Cherub Dhanaraj - “Small!”

and maintain the building. A larger church may prove to be more attractive to passersby and visitors, although the smaller church my provide a more personal and family atmosphere?

On one hand it goes without saying that more people get involved when there are fewer people, the flip side of course is that small churches mean that fewer people may do too much! A larger church may generate more income through offerings and provide more facilities, a smaller church may struggle to break even 6

‘Many professed Christians, in seeking church relationship, think only of themselves. They wish to enjoy church fellowship and pastoral care. They become members of large and prosperous churches, and are content to do little for others. In this way they are robbing themselves of the most precious blessings. Many would be greatly benefited by sacrificing their pleasant, easeconducing associations. They need to go where their energies will be called out in Christian work, and they can learn to bear responsibilities. ‘The Ministry of Healing, p. 151.’

I have called on my fellow brothers and sisters to help my thinking:

Where do you prefer to worship on Sabbath’s, in a big church or a small church? Bro Travis - ‘I don’t really mind as long as there are enough seats to sit down!’ Bro Alex - “Definitely small. Small churches are more friendly. People lose each other in a big church. Leicester for example is too big. People in big churches gather in small groups and don’t talk to others outside their group”

What has been my challenge is trying to weigh up what I believe would be the best choice for us in Northampton.

I found the comments really thought provoking and revealed some points I hadn’t considered before. Ellen G White had some interesting or should I say inspired words on this topic...

I guess if we are to reflect on Matthew 24:14 we will be reminded that Christ cannot return until the gospel is preached to all the world. We are to be ‘the salt of the earth’ Matthew 5:13. Salt indeed is sprinkled and not dispensed in large cubes. Perhaps now - I have the answer to my question!

Bro Mac - “I prefer small. You know everybody and you see everybody!” Sis Annis “Prefer smaller. More intimate environment. We used to meet regularly in the park for church services and in people’s homes. It was very nice! There are some advantages for larger churches though as you can have programmes like the World Sabbath Day which went really well!”

Ephesians 2:20 Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone

Note from editor: If anyone from Harlestone Road Church want to add their thoughts to the debate, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to email your comments to: dwells1972@hotmail.co.uk 7

contribute as a personal donation to the Annual Appeal.

he Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is an independent humanitarian agency established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the specific purpose of individual and community development and disaster relief. ADRA-UK is a registered charity in the United Kingdom. Each year Harlestone Road SDA Church contributes to a variety of fund raising appeals and activities. ‘Ingathering’ has historically been known as the primary fundraising period which occurs each year at the end of March/beginning of April. Ingathering is now often referred to as the ‘Annual Appeal’.

ADRA has two main areas of work: development and relief. Given this, the vision of ADRA is to empower the poor around the world with resources, skills and opportunities to live a better life with dignity and hope. ‘Gift Boxes’ have now arrived for the Togo appeal and are being distributed to members and visitors who would like to make a contribution. Previously known as the ‘Shoe Box’ appeal, Gift Boxes allow you to fill little boxes of joy for children with items that are much needed. Each box cost £2 to purchase and using the recommendation list below you can fill it accordingly for shipment. Our destination for this year’s boxes is Togo in West Africa. Togo is a French speaking country with over 6 million people, and in

Calling our loved ones home Two years ago, my husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Unknown to us, our children had been planning a surprise party. From the beginning of the week, they had been telling us ‘Don’t plan anything, we are taking you out for dinner!’. So on the day of our anniversary, one of our daughters took on the job of being our chauffer. As we got into the car we were given blindfolds to put on! My husband and I thought we would be clever and started to guess where we were going, but we soon lost our bearings and decided just to be patient. We finally arrived and we thought ‘Good, no more blindfolds!’. But ‘NO’ said our daughter, ‘You can’t take them off yet!’. We were led out of the car, slowly and carefully walking along, then at last we were told ‘You can take the blindfolds off now’. ‘SURPRISE!!!’ shouted all who were there. And wow, we were surprised when we saw a room full of family and close friends, who had been invited to celebrate with us. We had such a lovely time, going around greeting everyone and asking about other family members who were absent.

partnership with the ADRA Togo office, we will be distributing 9,000 boxes to children living in the rural and poverty-stricken areas of the country.

Please do listen to the announcements in church when ADRA may be highlighted, especially with regards to emergency relief appeals. We are hoping to get the whole For the ADRA Annual Appeal 2014 church involved with some competitive Harlestone Road SDA Church banked a fundraisers throughout the year, so look grand total of £1307.52. Green ADRA for notices in the bulletin. Your ADRA-UK collection canisters are used to collect donations from the public as well as donation coordinators at Harlestone Road SDA Church are: Emel Thomas, Ana Morris and Maxine envelopes. Throughout the year you can Crossley - http://www.adra.org.uk/ keep a green canister at home in which your own monies can be placed. This can also 8

Maxine B Testimony

Later that night, after the party had finished, I was still buzzing from the excitement of it all. But then, the Holy Spirit brought something to my attention. Missing family members! And how what had happened at the party is like a reflection of what could happen when we get to Heaven. God is planning a surprise party for us in Heaven. The blindfolds represent ‘Death Sleep’. Taking off the blindfolds is God’s voice calling us to WAKE UP! Missing loved ones, relatives and friends….could be a reality as if they are not there they will be amongst the lost. Church, let us listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit of God, as he leads and guides us to do our part in calling our loved ones back home and into God’s fold. We are planning a Family Day, here at Harlestone Road, for Sabbath of November 29th. This will be an ideal opportunity for you to invite your loved ones, friends and neighbours along and either introduce or even reintroduce them to the good news of Salvation, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. 9

World Sabbath Day Origins... by Jasmine

hilst serving as a missionary in Tokyo, Japan – I was thrilled to learn that the International division of the Church celebrated 13th Sabbath with something they called: ‘World Sabbath Day’. The predominantly Filipino congregation adorned themselves with their traditional wares, prepared mostly southern Asian dishes and decked the altar with various flags. The morning services were as usual and the afternoon programme was an extended musical concert followed by a youth social in the evening. http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=RKSVjofGGwQ

I named World Sabbath Day, after the model that we would adopt. The theme would be ‘Unity in Diversity’. What we could not have possibly banked on or planned was the sheer size and support and miracles that God had in store for us all.

WORLD SABBATH DAY PHOTOS

From the onset, we knew our World Sabbath Day on this side of the world, would be trilateral; aimed at and involving children (Matthew 18:1-5), encourage and inspire unity in diversity (Acts 17:26, Galatians 3:28) and be a tool for outreach to our friends and family (Matthew 24:14). I knew my friend Tomoko would be interested in such an international event, we both enjoy international foods and love our children trying out new challenges. I set up a challenge for all of our children and praise God our children came through, singing ‘Jesus Loves Me’ in Japanese and preparing delicious vegetarian sushi for the lunch.

We are now preparing a DVD of the event, World Sabbath Day became common practise complete with videos from Japan, New for me and my life living inside Tokyo Zealand and the U.S. The profits from the Central Church. By the time I returned back sale of the DVDs will go towards our church to the UK, I was not only missing Asian life building funds. and my mission I missed World Sabbath Day and with the Northampton congregations The end result of World Sabbath Day UK, being very similar to that of the International for me, was beyond anything that I have division, I yearned for an event such as the ever organised or imagined. I know God one I had experienced. has another amazing event in store for us and perhaps next time we could reach After a brief but inspirational chat with out in further with an invitation to the three friends in church, we decided to have a Northampton mayor and mayoress……... multi-department international event, which watch this space. 10

Meet the Congregation

Carolina Gomes de Andrade What is your name and where do you come from?

My name is Carolina Gomes de Andrade, and I come from Sao Paulo, Brazil

How long will you stay?

I’m supposed to submit my dissertation in February, 2015. So, I might stay until March 2015.

Were you born into an adventist home?

What are the achievements and challenges of The Seventh Day Adventist in Brazil?

Yes. I’m the 3rd generation of Seventh Day Adventists in my family

Do you have any brothers or sisters? Yes, I do have an older sister.

You are a student right? So what are you studying and what are your plans after How did you find the adventist church in graduation? Yes, I’m a student. I’m doing my Masters in Northampton? International Relations at the University of Northampton and I wish to work for an International Organization when I graduate.

Before coming to the UK I started looking for a church in Northampton. I found on internet, both churches, Harlestone Road and Highlands. Then, when I arrived in Northampton I checked which one was closer to the place I was living. That’s why I came to the Harlestone Road.

How would you describe your homeland Brazil? I can say I have a great life back home.. My country has a lot of issues, but we are free to believe in anything we want. There is also a Law that protects people’s faith. We are very blessed to worship our God anytime, at any place we want.

What was the reason that you came from How many Adventists are living in Brazil? Brazil to Northampton? I came to Northampton because I was accepted at the university here and got a scholarship. 12

Today we are around 1.2 million Seventh Day Adventist members in Brazil.

Since we are the biggest community of Seventh Day Adventists in the world, our challenge is to keep growing and don’t lose our members, because, as in many countries, people get baptized and after some time they leave the church.

How do you spend your free time in Brazil? Do you have any hobbies?

I usually spend my free time in Brazil, with my friends, my sister or my dogs. I like walking with my dogs (2 Golden Retrieviers), swimming, going out for dinner and until 2011 I was singing in the church choir.

What are the differences between the UK and Brazil and are you enjoying your time in England?

Brazil and UK are different countries in several aspects. Weather, food, culture, lifestyle. I am enjoying the UK though. I’m not a fan of fish and chips or tea, but on the other hand I love the fact that violence levels are so low! As for church, I guess there is a lot of work to be done here in the UK. In Brazil, the Seventh Day Adventists are well known because not only do we have thousands of churches, but also schools, universities, hospitals, social projects and even a food factory that produces vegetarian meat, amazing grape juice, honey and so on. 13

flags of

Harlestone Road

Many different nations are represented at Harlestone Road How many can you name? - Answers on page 19 A

Sanctification Journey By Sheryl Lawrence

A recent Adventist Review Online article: “Ready to Be Real - Opening up the discussion about divorce in the church” got me thinking. I would encourage you to read it on: http://www.adventistreview.org/141525-20#.VBVq-gAZ_a8.mailto

It’s not just marital problems that we find hard to talk about. It’s any problem. Someone once coined this phenomenon to me as ‘Sabbath masks’. It describes the habitual “Happy Sabbath” greeting that says, I’m ok and you’re ok and we’re all ok. Yet how can we be, when we’re all sinful and in need of the cleansing fire of the Holy Spirit to prepare us for eternity. More recently I have been broaching the subject of ‘being each other’s keeper’ and I almost always get some push back about the risk of being seen as or actually being nosey, or having gossip motives. The painful experience of broken confidences can cloud our recognition of the responsibility that each of us has to love one another and to be trustworthy.

The reality is that we can only get so far in our spiritual growth on our own with the Holy Spirit. That is why Jesus formed us as a church. It is through deep and trusting relationships with each other that we feel able to expose the self-centredness in our lives and receive the support and challenge that we sometimes need to overcome a cherished habit, mind set, character trait, etc. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Sharing breaks the power of secrecy in our lives and allows others to encourage us in the journey of faith and in resisting temptation. Galatians 6:2 urges us to “bear one another’s burdens”.

We don’t need to have this close relationship with everyone but nevertheless close relationships are key. Jesus invited people into relationships with himself; he loved them and in the process showed them how to follow God. His primary method was one to one, or one to small group. Occasionally he gave a sermon or taught in the synagogue. Are we satisfied that we have the desire and the means to develop (1) sufficient relationships of the right quality and (2) the trustworthiness we need to be each other’s keeper? In the next edition of the newsletter, we will begin a 4 part series on Sanctification. Part 1 being ‘Am I Spiritually Health?’

KWAME

Communications

CHRISTIAN’S

THOUGHTS

he book of Proverbs contains two of the greatest verses on the power of smiling. Proverbs 15:13, says “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit”. Happiness comes from the heart in other words, if you choose to be happy on the inside, it will show on the outside.

So one day a preacher was speaking on what it would take for the church to become better. He said “If this church is to become better, it must take up it’s bed, and walk.” The congregation said “Let it walk, Preacher, let it walk.”

Encouraged by their response, he went further. “If this church is going to become Prov 15:30 shows the converse idea that when better, it will have to throw aside it’s you choose to have a cheerful outlook then hindrances and run!” The congregation your heart will be joyful. In other words, put replied, “Let it run, preacher, let it run!” a smile on your face and you will also feel Now really into his message, he spoke well on the inside. stronger. “If this church really wants to There are lot of reasons for Christians to become great, it will have to take up it’s always have a smile on their face. As Paul wings and fly!” “Let it fly, Preacher, let it admonishes us – ‘If this world is our only fly!” the congregation shouts. hope then we are the most miserable people The Preacher gets louder. “If this church on earth’ but thank God we have eternity is going to fly, it will cost money!” The await us through His son Jesus Christ. congregation replied. “Let it walk, Preacher, It takes a few seconds to smile but to let it walk.” someone who needed it, it can be an indelible mark in their mind for life. It is about twenty I hope that has helped to put a smile on your face. Please continue to smile. Not only will it years now but I still remember a smile on encourage others to do the same but you will mum’s face on her death bed. Smiles draw feel good and probably have a better attitude people to us, improves our immune system, relieves us of pain, lowers our blood pressure, for doing it! Even though we suffer many trials… if in the mist of all these you keep it is contagious….amongst many others. calm, trust the Lord and smile, that is when Maybe you feel you don’t have anything to you can have peace at heart. When we give smile about right now…............................... the Lord our all and trust Him without selfso why not try to read the following story:interest or self-gratification He will make our In certain parts of the USA, there are many lives pleasurable and worth living. churches known as “answer back” churches. Till God willing I bring you another story When the preacher says something, the next quarter to smile about. Lets keep on congregation naturally replies. smiling. 16

ne of the many ways we can reach out to people is through the internet. Mainly through our website and social media. I know these forms of media are not to everyone’s liking, but we are in 2014 and these days most people look to the internet for information. If we don’t maintain a presence there, then we could be missing huge opportunities to reach out to people.

So please help by supporting the efforts being made by the communications team to improve our presence on the internet. Please feel free to contribute articles, stories, testimonies, ideas, anything you think might help bring Harlestone Road Seventh-Day Adventist church to life (in an online capacity) and to help spread the Gospel.

To be added to the Harlestone Road Prayer Group and/or Harlestone Road Community on WhatsApp, send a text to 07958 567887 Previous sermons, Children’s Stories and musical items are available on YouTube. Search for ‘truthforfreedom7’ or ‘harlestoneroadsda’. For those of you who use Facebook, please check out Northampton Adventist Fellowship and/or ‘harlestoneroadsda’.W We have recently started using Instagram also, to share pictures taken on Sabbath. You can find us by searching for harlestoneroadsda. Website Address is: http://northampton.adventistchurch.org.uk/ 17

Preaching Plan

Church Rota

Deacon & Deaconess

ROTA

• • •

For any changes to the Sabbath School Rota please contact Joan on Tel: 07958 662 158 For any changes to the Divine Worship Rota please contact Nigel on Tel: 07823 331714 For any changes to the Deacon/Deaconess rota, please contact Juliette, Kinglet or Moses. 18

Answers for Flags of Harlestone Road quiz: A: Zimbabwe B: Nigeria C: Moldova D: Jamaica E: Romania F: Wales G: Venezuela H: England I: Hungary J: Monserrat K: Barbados L: Dominica M : Japan N: Ghana O: Bulgaria P: Aruba Q: India R: Malaysia S : Malawi T: Uganda U: Brazil V: Kenya. W: Guyana X: Iceland Y: Italy

Dates for your diary • 30 Oct‐2 Nov I-Preach Weekend in Kidderminster • 2 Nov - Ladies Prayer Breakfast @ Sis Ana’s Home • 1‐8 Nov Week of Prayer • 17‐22 Nov ‐ Evangelistic Meetings in Northampton - (Dwayne Lemon and Christopher Hudson) • 29 Nov ‐ Family Day @ Harlestone Road SDA Church • 7 Dec ‐ Ladies Prayer Breakfast @ Sis Angela’s Home • 30 Jan‐8 Feb ‐ NEC Youth Winter Holiday in France

Contact Details

• Pastor - Paul Dhanaraj: 07445 318778 • Church Elder - Lloyd Sterling: 01604 591117 • Newsletter Editor - David Wells: dwells1972@hotmail.co.uk St James CEVA Primary School, Harlestone Road, Northampton, NN5 7AG http://northampton.adventistchurch.org.uk/ 20