Harlestone Road Seventh Day Adventist Church
Newsletter Vol One - August 2014
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elcome to Harlestone Road Seventh Day Adventist Church, where our doors are open to people from all walks of life. We hope you find a very warm welcome here. This is our first Newsletter and we hope it’s the first of many. But that depends on you, the reader. The aim of this newsletter is to not only tell you what’s going on at Harlestone Road, but to help share the gospel of Jesus Christ our Saviour. So if any of you have anything you would like to share, then this could be your platform.
What We Believe - Part 1 The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12.)
Luke 19:9-10 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” In This Issue • • • • • • • • • • • •
Pages 2/3 - History Page 4 - News Page 5 - Belletin Board Page 6 - Where are they now? Page 7 - Brother Jo Speaks Page 8 - World Sabbath Day Page 9 - Area 7 Youth Day Pages 10/11 - Spotlight On Page 12 - Kids Page Page 13 - Church Officers Page 14/15 - Church Rotas Page 16 - Dates for Your Diary
Church History of Harlestone Road
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arly in 2000 it became evident to many attending the Northampton Highlands Avenue Seventh-Day Adventist Church that we were already bursting at the seams, and unable to comfortably house existing members and the many visitors.
We were also in the throws of changing Pastors, with Pastor Aster Bruce joining us on 1st October 2007 from St Vincent and the Grenadines. Initially we were only a handful of 8 – 10 core members and their children. Some weeks we struggled without a pianist as church attendance numbers varied. Our current location was out of Town which made some members, who were not drivers, unable to support us. In March 2008, when we were functional for 18 months, Joan Fuller gave us a boost. She held a Pathfinder Investiture programme in the School’s large hall. Over 200 people were in attendance. It felt as if we were now on the map, but also reinforced the idea that the location was not right. Angela Sterling informed us that the Management of St James Primary CEVA School rent out premises to other denominations. This was answer to prayer, and was seen to be a better location which covers a wide cross-section of various communities. When we inspected the Gym, we were impressed. This was truly the place where God wanted us to be worshipping and witnessing. On the wall facing us as you enter was drawn to the impressive sculpture of a Tree Cross. It may have been a Gym/Assembly Hall, but without a shadow of a doubt a Place of Worship and A Sanctuary, Thank you Lord.
One option was to sell the church and purchase another building in the town, but after careful considera-tion that was decided against.
‘Go and Tell’ of the love of Jesus. We became a Company on 6th March 2011. Lloyd Sterling was appointed as Elder as the Mother Church had been covering this Post. The ‘Ordination of Elders’ was held by Pastor Bruce on 24th September 2011 at Harlestone Road Com-pany. Elder Sterling and Nigel De Vos were ordained in their Post.
Our numbers still continued to grow. We, therefore commenced work to plant a new church in 2005 under the guidance of Pastor Broome. We researched the town for suitable venues. We looked at venues at Wootton, Camp Hill, Briar Hill, Delapre, Far Cotton, Grange Park, Duston, and St James. Nigel De Vos found the Lecture Theatre at Caroline Chisholm Learning Centre in Wootton Fields, which could accommodate more than 100 people for our Sabbath School and Divine Services. Our Mother Church agreed to fund and administer our Church Plant at this site and elected Ingrid Sharpe as our Coordinator. We held our fist service in the Lecture Theatre at Caroline Chisholm Learning Centre on Sabbath 1st September 2007. We were known as North-ampton South Branch Sabbath School. 2
financial and other support over the years. We are here because you supported and encouraged us. We feel that we will survive the severance by God’s grace. However, you promised us that if we do have birthing problems, like a good mother you will rescue us.
Acts 2:47 ………. ‘And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved’ Early in 2013 we were fortunate to have Pastor Cyril Sweeney join us, replacing Pastor Bruce and the church continued to grow.
Pastor Bruce surveyed the Mother Church to ascertain members willing to join the Church Plant. 20 Members signed up to regularly attend.On 4th April 2009 we held our first services at Harlestone Road. We changed our name to Northampton South Seventh-Day Adventist Branch Sabbath School, Harlestone Road. It was quickly established that fellowship lunches on Sabbaths would be a regular feature of our Church. Thus, we sought to get to know our members and guests better, so that we could more effectively carry out our mission to
We have grown from strength to strength following our move to Harlestone Road. Our Sabbath Services attendance, incorporating Divine Worship, is usually over 50 adults. The Children’s and Youth Sabbath School are well attended with separate clas-ses for our different age groups. We have much to be thankful for, and much to be done. In 2012 the time had come to cut our umbilical cord from our Mother Church and emerge selfgoverning. We thanked our Mother Church for their
Now, 18 months later, he is leaving us to take up his new role at the BUC. We will be blessed with a new Pastor in July of 2014. Our next stage in the future is to become a fully-fledged Church. Our Vision is ‘Mission – Go and Tell’. Our Goal remains to preach Jesus and Him crucified. We will continue looking for our own premises. May God continue to bless us with His Holy Spirit and enable us to have a united Company lifting up and magnifying Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To God be the glory for the things He hath done. 3
news
bulletin board
Harlestone Road Seventh Day Adventist Church
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he 24th May 2014 was regrettably Reginald (Reg) Goodwin and wife Christine (Chris) last Sabbath with us, at Harlestone Road Seventh-Day Adventist Company. They were both founder members, and supported us very well in their roles of ‘Head Deacon and Sabbath School Team member respectively. The pair did a considerable amount of community work helping needy people.
Their ‘Ministry’ was especially valuable to Sister Clare Barber who was housebound. They became her ’Carers’ until she fell asleep in Jesus. Reg and Chris were presented with a Photography Print of Delapre Park, Northampton, bearing the name “Peace in the Park”. May the Lord richly bless you, as you leave for your new home in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 4
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n the 14th June 2014, the church witnessed and welcomed the dedication of Summer Rangarira.
Parents Perpetua and Lloyd were supported by their other 2 children Mutsa and Okello, as well as the whole extended family who came from near and far. May the Lord continue to bless the whole Rangirara family.
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une 14th was also the day we said goodbye to our Pastor. Pastor Sweeney has taken up a new role at the BUC, as the Family & Children’s Ministries Director. We thank him for his time with us and wish him and his family all the very best in his new role. We hope they will all still be regular visitors to Harlestone Road church.
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where are they now
Rohit and Kadie
As the airplane lowered to our final landing spot in
the beautiful island of Tobago, I could hardly contain the joy and excitement as I began my new adventure. My wife and I got into the car and began to drive to our destination. I begged the driver to leave the window down as I felt the cool evening breeze rush across my face. Around every corner of the island there was a hidden gem of clear crystal waters which calls out to you. I really loved this island of Tobago,
and fast paced, but also quite serene. I visited their church which happened to be the Adventist University’s church. The experience was uplifting and memorable! Back home in Tobago I continue to enjoy the blessings that God has given to me. A wonderful family, a lovely wife, our own house with a spectacular view, the company of church members and a local church just a few minutes away. Although
Brother Jo Speaks I like the old paths, when Mum’s were at home, Dad’s were at work, brothers went into the Army and sisters got married BEFORE having children. Crime did not pay, hard work did…..and people knew the difference. Moms could cook, Dads would work, children would behave. Husbands were loving, wives were supportive and children were polite. Women wore the dresses and men wore the trousers. Women looked like ladies, men looked like gentlemen and children looked decent.
filled with friendly people and a perfect view of the beach from my bedroom window. I was so thankful to God. My sole purpose to come to this island was to settle down for a few years with my wife, Kay. I began job hunting as well as taking in the many attractions the island had to offer. My journey took me to many different beaches, some with white sane, some grey. They were all enjoyable and I must say, the jetskiing and banana boat riding were by far the most exhilarating experience thus far! I travelled to Trinidad in order to visit my brotherin-law and his family. A bit more industrialized 6
I miss my church family from Harlestone Road, I am comforted that we would meet again someday. Please continue to pray for me and my wife as I also continue to pray for you.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
People loved the truth and hated a lie. They came to church to get IN, not to get OUT.
Sex was a personal word. Homosexual was an unheard of word and abortion was an illegal word. Preachers preached because they had a message and Christians rejoiced because they had the victory. Preachers preached from the Bible, singers sang from the heart and sinners turned to the Lord to be saved. A new birth meant a new life, Salvation meant a changed life, following Christ led to eternal life. Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God, being a Deacon meant you would serve the Lord, Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus and being a sinner meant someone was praying for you. Laws were based on the Bible, homes read the Bible and churches taught the Bible.
Jeremiah 6:16 - Thus says the Lord: Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is. And Walk in it., then you will find rest for your souls.
Hymns sounded Godly, sermons sounded helpful. Rejoicing sounded normal and crying sounded sincere.
Preachers were more interested in new converts than new clothes or a car. God was worshipped, Christ was exalted and the Holy Spirit was respected.
Cursing was wicked, drinking was evil and divorce was unthinkable.
Church was where you found Christians on the Lord’s day, rather than in the garden, on the golf course, or being somewhere else.
We read the Bible in public, prayed in school and preached from house to house. To be called a Christian was worth living for. To be called a traitor was a shame.
Yes, I still like the old paths the best.
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World Sabbath Day Date: Sabbath 30th August 2014 10:00 - 16:00 Venue: Harlestone Road SDA Church The Jamaican motto is ‘Out of many – one people’. This could be the motto for World Sabbath day. There are approximately 17 million Adventists worldwide, keeping the Sabbath, singing hymns and reading
scriptures in thousands of different languages. In Northamptonshire, we have the unique privilege of being part of a multicultural congregation. World Sabbath Day is a rare and special opportunity to celebrate our international status and emphasise unity through diversity. This is a multi-departmental event, enriching our church whilst reaching out to our friends and family outside of the church. Children will have the opportunity to travel the world, learn new languages, discover time zones and have a World Sabbath day passport, stamped at every port they travel to. Adults will be able to speak and sing in their native tongue and sample the cuisine of distant lands, learn new recipes and make new friends.
Isaiah 58:13—If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’s holy day honourable, and if you honour it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
On Sabbath 28th June Northampton hosted the NEC Area 7 youth day at Northants Cricket Ground. It was so good to see so many of the area’s youth there, not only attending but leading out (including our very own Josh). There were visitors from all over the area, including Rugby, Wellingborough, Coventry, Leicester, Corby and Northampton. Here are a small selecion of pictures taken.
The children of Harlestone Road Church have designed and decorated the posters, the passports and invitations. They are looking forward to inviting friends and family from as far afield as Scotland. Please join us in this premier event and let your light so shine.
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spotlight on... Communications Communications There are many departments that form the backbone of the church, but what are they, and what do they do? In this edition we will take a look at Communications.
What is the role of Communication in the church today? The role of the Communication Department is to promote good internal and external communication.
What does that mean? Internally we are the same as any organisation. We have structure and roles and we need to make sure that ALL departments come together, to work as one, so that the church runs smooth. Externally we need to tell people who we are, why we are here and what our message is.
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really going to be able to approach strangers and proclaim the Gospel message?
What is OUR role, as a church, with regards communications?
The role of the Communications Team is varied. It’s not only producing bulletins and setting up the audio-visual kit on Sabbath. It’s to make sure that information channels within the church are open and to share what information we have. We shouldn’t be scared of approaching our church members, because if we are reluctant to help each other, then are we 10
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)
Be forthcoming with information and share it. Find out what is going on and get involved. There are many roles that are still to be filled within our church at Harlestone Road. Help us to witness to the outside world, whether it be online through our website and Facebook, or on a Sabbath morning. Our aim is to promote good communication in Harlestone Road Church. This will enable ‘Spiritual Growth’ and ‘Spread of the Gospel’, as we share information with the various communities we look after.
Who are the Communications Team?
Now, if the internal communication fails and we are reluctant to liaise with one another, our own Brothers and Sisters, what hope of we of getting the external communication right? All communication is vital in this communication-rich world.
So what do the Communications team do?
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.
Previous sermons, Children’s Stories and musical items are available on YouTube. Search for ‘truthforfreedom7’ or ‘harlestoneroadsda’.
Ana
James
Reiss
For those of you who use Facebook, please check out Northampton Adventist Fellowship 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/
Joshua
Gyles
David 11
Kids Page
Church Officers
Harlestone Road Seventh Day Adventist Church
Pastor - Paul Dhanaraj Elders - Lloyd Sterling, Nigel De Vos Church Clerk - Davina Sylvan Deacon - Moses Malopa
Child Safety Rep - Nadine Fuller ADRA Local Agents - Emel Thomas, Anaselia Morris, Maxine Crossley Perpetua Rangarira Youth Leader & Assistant - Gyles Fuller & James Sterling
Ushers - David Wells, Christian Kwateng, Communication Secretary - Anaselia Morris Maurice White, Kinglet Mhlanga, Abbey Joel, Conrad, Lori Soos and Sizwe Sabawu Communication Assistants - James Sterling, Joshua Nkire, David Wells Head Deaconess - Juliette Fuller Reiss Mothersille, Gyles Fuller Deaconesses - Ingrid Sharpe, Maxine Crossley, Maxine Barrett
PA & Av Team - Lloyd Sterling, Joshua NKire, James Sterling, Louisa Hillman
Usherettes - Shirley Gyamfuaah, Annette Serwaa
Women’s Ministries Leader & Assistant Beti Soos & Heather Malopa/Debra NCube
Sabbath School Superintendent & Assistant Joan Fuller & Maxine Crossley
Men’s Ministries Leader & Assistant Lloyd Sterling & Moses Malopa
Personal Ministries Leader & Assistant Maxine Barrett & Sheryl Lawrence
Music Department Leader - Joan Fuller
Personal Ministries Secretary Grace De Vos Interest Co-Ordinator - Sheryl Lawrence
Church Board - Lloyd Sterling, Nigel De Vos, Davina Sylvan, Joan Fuller, Ingrid Sharpe, Maxine Barrett, Anaselia Morris, Juliette Fuller, Sheryl Lawrence, Grace De Vos, Gyles Fuller, Angela Sterling, Beti Soos
Colossians 3:17: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 12
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Preaching Plan
Deacon & Deaconess
ROTA
Church Rota
Sunset Times • • • • • • • •
9th August - 8.39pm 16th August 8.26pm 23rd August - 8.11pm 30th August - 7.55pm 6th Sept - 7.39pm 13th Sept - 7.23pm 20th Sept - 7.06pm 27th Sept 6.50pm
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. 14
Acts 20:28 - Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 15
Dates for your diary • July 25-Aug 31: Aberdaron Camps • Aug 16: Religious Liberty Festival West Bromwich • August 24: Women of Virtue Day Leamington Spa • Aug 30: World Sabbath Day @ Harlestone Road
• Nov 16-23: Dwayne Lemon and Chris Hudson in Northampton We do hope that you have enjoyed browsing would like to see in future editions, please do get in contact with David Wells, or any member of the Communications Team, as we would love to hear from you. We want this Newsletter to represent ALL of Harlestone Road SDA church, which as we know,
• Sept 19-20: CrossTrain Youth • Oct 10: Marriage Retreat Weekend Warwickshire • Oct 30-Nov2: I-Preach Weekend Kidderminster
Contact Details Church Elder - Lloyd Sterling 01604 591117 Newsletter Editor - David Wells
St James CEVA Primary School, Harlestone Road, Northampton, NN5 7AG http://northampton.adventistchurch.org.uk/ 16