January 2020
Philippines Camp Report
Hi everyone. My name is Elizabeth Baracas. I am 20 years old and newly added to the Church of God in Macopa Tagum. Together with my four siblings I was able to have my first Camp experience. My family was given the nickname ‘Baracas Musketeers’ because we are all so close and stick together. We even brought a small tent which we all squeezed into together. Firstly, I’d like to say that I am very thankful to Kevin and David who gave me this opportunity to write about my Camp experience. I was really surprised that I was chosen for this task. I also would like to express my gratitude for
being able to attend the 2019 Camp. I was asked to be the Camp registrar and this was a great experience for me as a new Camper. It gave me responsibility and the opportunity to meet my brothers and sisters as they arrived. I also volunteered to serve the food so I could get closer to them and do something for the Lord. We had several games and activities that brought us all closer together. All Campers participated even though I could see some were shy. They tried their best to be part of the grouping. Each group competed in singing and dancing. The last evening we were judged and it was a lot of fun.
I was impressed with the song leaders we had each day. We enjoyed being led in praise by them several times throughout the week. My sister was one of them and I am so proud to see her God-given talent being used. Our theme this year – “Conformed to the image of His Son’’ - had a positive impact on me. The theme was a daily reminder to me that Jesus loves us and died to save us. We received good teaching from many Filipino brothers first thing in the morning and at night. Brothers Kevin Beal and David Woods taught us during the day. All Campers gained a better knowledge of Jesus, such as how He has been
What’s it all about?
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Many will remember a song called “What’s it all about, Alfie?” It’s a great question. What is life all about? What makes life worth living? Fewer will remember the singer Jessie J’s answer, “It’s not about the money money money, we don’t need your money money money, we just wanna make the world dance …”. If she’s right, I’m doomed to a life of misery because my dance skills are non-existent. Thankfully, she’s wrong. Could the Hokey Cokey song really be correct? “ You do the Hokey Cokey and you turn around, and that’s what it’s all about.” - I don’t think so. The Westminster Shorter Catechism said the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him for ever. The Lord Jesus said, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17: 3). Taken together, we can see that it is God Himself who makes life worth living. He is what it’s all about. Instead of saying ‘eternal life’, the Revised Version renders John 17: 3 as: “this is life eternal”, emphasising that what is in view is the quality of the life we can lead. It is a life that is on a different plane to anything we could ever have experienced without Christ in our lives, an abundant life full of joy and focused on Almighty God and His Son. Can there be a more satisfying life than one which has God as our Father (Eph. 1: 5) and the Lord Jesus Christ as our brother (Heb. 2: 11)? Can there be anything better than spending our days in the word of God, searching through the boundless riches of Christ (Eph. 3: 8), having daily times of communion with our Father and spending our lives in the service of the King of kings? Glorifying God and enjoying Him forever; that’s what life is all about. Steve Peers
Inside this issue
Annaluin 2019 Baptism in Birmingham Christmas Craft Fayre
page 3 page 6 page 8
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Don’t forget to visit the Church website for all the media links
www.churchesofgod.info/media/
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Philippines Camp Report
Central Gifts Fund: Changes
around from the beginning and will always be with us. The teaching and times of discussion were very valuable. We all studied well and wrote things down in our notebooks. We enjoyed the quizzes after each session that helped with our learning. The last evening we were given the opportunity to share feelings of our Camp experience. I went to the front to share because I was so happy about Camp. However once at the front I couldn’t get any words out. Only tears
As from 1 January 2020, Len Burgoyne retires from his role as Treasurer, but continues as a trustee of Central Gifts. He is replaced by Graeme Hunter of Wigan Assembly. Gifts for Central Gifts should be sent to Graeme, with effect from 1 January 2020, if possible by internet Bank transfer Churches of God Central Gifts Fund Sort Code 80-18-31 Account 00150202 Or, if unable to utilise internet banking, by post to Graeme Hunter, 134, Waterloo Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside PR8 3AZ (Cheques payable to ‘Churches of God of joy came. Camp was amazing, and I Central Gifts Fund’). already look forward to Camp next year. Please note: ALL Funds, except Hayes I hope to have more times of building Press and Fellowship Literature come on the bond we have together because under the Central Gifts Fund/Account. of Jesus. Camp will always be a special Change of Secretary: following a long memory! Thank you and God bless! Elizabeth Baracas and faithful stint in this role, Alex Hope has retired from Central Gifts. Leonard Ross (Aberdeen) now assumes this role. On 28 October to 2 November another We place on record warm appreciation Camp was held at Huyong Huyong for the extensive and diligent work Nature Park. This year 98 people from which both Len and Alex have fulfilled Churches of God in Mindanao attended. The theme was “Conformed to the over recent years. image of His Son” (Rom 8:29). Many new faces were at Camp this year A division of Churches of God Central Gifts Fund registered as a charity in Scotland no who were enthusiastic and talented. At the beginning of each morning and SCO24963 and England 299106
evening session we sang the theme song “We want to be like Jesus”. As the days went by the theme song was accompanied by Macopa youth and brother Kevin with actions and dance moves. Camp was really different this year because phones were confiscated. This had a positive effect on the youth. They were more sociable towards each other and able to keep more focused on the teaching. Throughout the week we had talks about the Lord Jesus Christ and how to think like Him, be like Him and live like Him. We also gained a better understanding about things like the Trinity, relationships, and our service for Him. We really listened attentively, wrote down in our note books and had discussion times. We were helped in our understanding because right after Kevin and David’s teaching there was a quiz. During our last days at Camp we had so much fun. We experienced the zip line, enjoyed the swimming pool and we witnessed the unleashed talents of young people at the last night of Camp.
This year Camp was unforgettable. We’ve collected tons of stories that we want to share with others and encourage them to be more like Jesus. Lastly we are looking forward to the next Camp, really hoping for more valuable memories to happen. Mark Ceil Lopez
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For Prayer
Ministering Brethren January and onwards
Mark Imoukhuede I shall continue in Abuja, God willing, during January 2020. I have seen an oncologist here in Abuja for assessment prior to the commencement of my treatment. I will appreciate the continued prayers of saints.
Annaluin 2019 There has been a youth weekend on the first weekend of November in Newcastle, County Down since the early 1980s. Growing up in Northern Ireland you knew when you became a teenager the wait was over and you were finally old enough to attend. Other young people from across the Fellowship also came over for the weekend, and many friendships first made at ‘Ardaluin’ still remain strong today many years later. Nine years ago we left the long established venue of Ardaluin House and moved further along the coast to the village of Annalong, and ‘Annaluin’ was born. With the change in accommodation, families with younger children have been able to attend too but the main focus remains on being a youth weekend. Numbers are in theory limited by the number of beds, but every year we manage to squeeze in everyone who wants to come and this year was no exception. Over 30 ‘youth’ from the rest of UK (plus one from Canada, via Cork) made the effort to come over and join the locals. Flight arrival (+ departure) coordination and car hire/drivers made it possible to transport everyone without too much difficulty. The study theme was Romans 8, with Michael Johnston (Kirkintillock), Ben Strachan (Newcastle) and Gareth Andrews (Belfast) taking the main talks, and Michael and Stephen McCabe (Belfast) also leading group discussions. Praise and prayer sessions are always a highlight and this year was no exception. The timetable leaves ample time for catch ups with friends old and new. Saturday free time in nearby Newcastle proved that the dodgem cars and ice cream shops remain a hit and James Willis (Swindon) ably took over the traditional Saturday Night Fun with a competitive quiz. The weekend finished when we joined Belfast Church of God on Sunday morning, followed by lunch with the Assembly and a further talk. All who attended the weekend, and those present just for that final session, were able to enjoy precious times of fellowship and teaching. We are grateful to everyone who joined us at Annaluin once again and all who helped with the running o f t h e we e ke n d , especially those coming from afar. You’re part of a long tradition and remain ver y welcome to come and join us again. NI Youth Work Committee
Brian Johnston I will be involved in local, district, Fellowship Outreach Committee and Leading Brethren responsibilities, and then in the later part of the month I expect to be in Zimbabwe. Craig Jones Carole and I will be in India from 8 January to 12 February with Brian and Elsie. This will involve a series of study days and special meetings in the southern Assemblies (Chennai, Pallavaram, Pernampet, Mulbagal) and a visit to the Assembly in Goa, Lord willing. Geralde Mag-usara I will be working in our new outreach at Puting Bato, Comval Province, an hour and a half from Montevista. Andy McIlree God willing, I will be in Belfast for their conference in mid January, and continuing a series of meetings in Kilmarnock. Laurence Onyokoko I will be working with two other brothers at Ibedeni from 11 January to 4 February. It’s a plan by the East Delta district to support the Assemblies’ outreach exercise. Karl Smith January allows me to revive the Bible Discussion Group at Kirkintilloch amongst other work locally, and to get on with some neglected committee work. I also hope to support Edinburgh on at least one Sunday. Brian Tugwell I will be in India from 8 January until 3 March. Robert Wood I continue in Aberdeen for most of January with support for Leigh towards the end of the month in Brian’s absence. David Woods January is a schedule of local and districtbased activity, with Renfrew Conference, the Fellowship Outreach Committee AGM, a visit to South Wales, and the North West Youth Weekend thrown into the mix.
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BEHOLD 1_5 JULY 2020 | CEFN LEA_WALES
Annual Calendar If any District has yet to send us their annual calendar of events, could you please do so by 10 January.
SOUTH EAST MEN’S STUDY DAY Saturday 8 February
MOSES The Reluctant Leader 10.30 - 4.00 St James’s Place 30 Lombard Street London EC3V 9BQ For further details please contact Andy Merchant ajmerchant@gmail.com
Northern Ireland Summer Camp 2019 The theme of NI Summer Camp 2019 was Light, with 1 Peter 2: 9 “Out of the darkness into His wonderful light” being the key verse for the week. Whilst there may have been a few ‘firsts’ to deal with this year, these only added to our regular repeat performances to help make another great year. We are always delighted to have new campers join us, and this year’s first timers brought opportunities and challenges that helped make the week so special. You’ll have to come next year to experience it all, but the widespread - often imaginative - use of ‘actions’ during the singing sessions were very much a highlight. Brian Johnston and David Woods were very able returning campers and led the morning workers’ meeting and the young adult and teen groups. This year, the more youthful leaders were able to join the morning Bible study sessions on ‘Why I believe what I believe’, and all thought this was very worthwhile. Whilst the Open Golf competition was being played only a few miles away, resulting in some alternative arrangements, we still managed to fit in our usual water obstacle assault course, shopping and beach trips. The 50th anniversary moon landing was an excuse to have a Rocket Night, and alongside our Light Night gave all a chance to show off their dressing up outfits. We are always thankful that the Lord lays NI Summer Camp on people’s hearts and they come year on year to help out. Whether it was walking round town dressed as a tiger for Hunt the Leader, supervising sports or mealtimes, settling nonsleeping children or giving talks at campfire or group sessions, all these activities led to Camp being such a successful week. The willingness of all the workers to get stuck in is very much needed and very much appreciated. We pray that the proclamation of the Gospel message and the times of discipleship continue to make an impact on those who attended, both locally in NI and elsewhere. July 2020 (DV) will come soon enough and with it another great camp. NI Youth Work Committee
WEEKEND FOR SISTERS 28 February to 1 March 2020
The Fenwick Hotel, Fenwick, Kilmarnock KA3 6AU As a follow up to the 2019 Weekend when we looked at ‘The All-Sufficient Shepherd, the subject for 2020 is
“The Glory of The King” – Psalm 24 Guest Speaker: Dave Webster (Liverpool) Full details will be sent to Assemblies in Scotland, and a warm welcome is extended to sisters from other areas.
Further details from Eleanor Reilly 0141 887 1423; e-mail L111nor@talktalk.net
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Manchester Conference November 2019
We held our annual Conference on 9 November at the Elm Road Church in Gatley, a venue we have used for a few years now. Around 50/60 were present, where we once again had the enjoyment of hearing messages from the Lord and praising His name together. Our three speakers were David Allen (Cardiff) David Webster (Liverpool) and Lindsay Woods (Cullybackey). David Allen opened the ministries by speaking to us from Matthew 5: 1316: “You are the salt of the earth”; “You are the light of the world”. The value of salt is not very high, yet it is so necessary for preservation and flavouring. In OT times it was added to incense and offerings (see Ex. 30: 34,35, and Lev. 2: 13), What was its purpose? David challenged us from Mark 9: 50 that as Christians we need salt in our lives, which speaks of Christ without which we would be bland and tasteless. Our lives need to consist of salt, light, and good deeds in order to be well pleasing to our God - a challenge to us all. David Webster spoke to us of the ‘the Lord’s coming, ready or not”: 1. Old Testament promise; 2. The Lord’s own words; 3. The teaching from 1 Thessalonians. 1. Jesus taught the two on the way to Emmaus from the Old Testament about Himself, that He had to first suffer then enter into His glory. 2. We were taken to John 14: 1-4, for the Lord’s words that He would come back, and also in Acts 1: 11 from the messengers from heaven - “Jesus….will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven”. 3. 1Thess. 1: 7-10 Waiting …serving Him as a priesthood. 1Thess. 2: 17-20 Triumph …of His resurrection. 1Thess. 3: 12,13 Confidence …as we serve Him today. 1Thess. 4: 13-18 Assurance …encouraging each other. 1Thess. 5: 23,24 Kept …for His coming. Lindsay Woods spoke to us from Psalm 110 - Christ as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, also linking Matt. 22: 41-45, Acts 2: 29-36, Heb. 1: 13 and 5: 5-10. Two declarations: 1. God as eternal King. Yahweh says to Adonai “sit at my right hand...” The Lord God speaks to Christ the Messiah, the Anointed One. Extending His sceptre to include the Gentiles, ruling amongst His enemies, arrayed in holy majesty; 2. The Lord has sworn. A divine oath and “He will not change His mind.” Christ is a priest forever, “in the order of Melchizedek,” having no beginning and no end, taken from among men. His promise is sure. We wish to thank our three brethren for coming and giving us a message prepared before the Lord, and also to thank all who attended and shared a good afternoon and evening with us. Manchester Overseers
6th – 8th March 2020
Speaker: David Woods
Midlands Sisters’ Weekend Hothorpe Hall, Leicestershire
Forms and further information can be obtained from Celia Brennan 01298 23445 email: celiabrennan@live.co.uk
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West Scotland District
RENFREW CONFERENCE Thursday 2nd January 2020 ▪ 2.00-6.30 pm The Normandy Hotel, Inchinnan Rd, Renfrew. PA4 9EJ
2.00 Introduction Ben Strachan (Newcastle) Jo Johnson (Buckhaven) Tea Break
David Woods (Manchester) Michael Johnston
The Beroean—Young writers - young readers 5.30 Buffet Meal (no charge) .
▪ Children’s room ▪ Ministry is ‘in church’ ▪ Please bring PH&SS hymnbook
Baptism in Birmingham
It was our joy on Saturday 31 August 2019 to host the baptism of Natalie Halliwell. Natalie had been faithfully joining us at the Remembrance (and many other Church activities) since she started her medical degree in Birmingham in 2016. Despite the challenges of a demanding university course, Natalie has been regularly involved in the Church’s activities and has often brought friends along to outreach events. We have observed Natalie’s growing interest, enjoyment and knowledge of God’s things over the last three years and it was our joy to see her take the next step of discipleship. From our knowledge of Natalie, it was no surprise to us to see a hall packed full of people who had come to witness her baptism. Many of Natalie’s family were present, as well as friends from all over the UK. Stephen Hickling took us through what it means to be baptised, recalling the victory and freedom that we have in Christ when we devote our lives to Him. After the baptism, James Needham shared with us the way that our sheep-like natures reveal our deep need for the Good Shepherd, and how God calls us by name to depend upon Him throughout all that life throws at us. We gladly received Natalie into the Church of God in Birmingham the next day, with several friends staying on to witness her addition. “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15: 57). Amy Doel; Stephen Hickling
Wedding Anniversary Celebrations
East Scotland New Year Conference Saturday 4th January 2020 Whitburn South Church Halls EH47 0DE (off Longridge Road) (usual venue) Speakers:
Jim Cranson (Kilmarnock) Leonard Ross (Aberdeen) John Archibald (Wembley) Welcoming cuppa from 1.30 p.m. Ministry commences at 2.00 p.m. Hot food provided at Tea Interval Travel / directions / further information from Robert Fisher Tel.: 01506 324862 E-mail: rhfisher@fastmail.com
John and Mary Kerr’s 65th wedding anniversary took place on 3 September. Later, to mark the occasion, most of the saints from Ayr and Kilmarnock as were able, together with some members of the family, to gather in Ayr hall for a time of fellowship and a buffet supper. The programme was varied, with community singing of some of John and Mary’s favourite hymns; an interview of John by Alistair Coomer; a hymn from The Kilmarnock Singers, and a message from Simon Davison, being enjoyed by all. John and Mary’s forgiving spirit following their accident 18 years ago has been an inspiration to all of us. Please remember them in your prayers as they enter the next phase of their lives together in service for the Lord. Ken Robertson; Willie Stewart
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At Home with the Lord - Mair Sutton, Stoke-on-Trent, England
On Monday 25 November 80 people came together in memory of Mair. Having sung the first of three hymns, “When peace like a river attendeth my way”, the others followed during the course of the service, namely: “Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace”, and: “I know not why God’s wondrous grace to me hath been made known”. John Bowler focused our attention on Proverbs 11: 16: “A Kind hearted woman gains respect” and on Acts 9: 36: “ This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.” How true this was of Mair, for she knitted for many charities and gave toys to the needy. Mair was saved in her late teens and subsequently was baptised on 1 December 1955, being added to the Church of God in Stoke on Trent the following Lord’s Day, a week before her 21st birthday. In 1957 she married our late brother Stan Sutton and they were blessed in having three children - Steven, Christopher and Jane. Mair was a faithful, loving wife to Stan, and a much loved mother and grandmother. John drew our attention to 1 Thessalonians 3: 13-14, emphasising that Mair is now asleep in Jesus; she is absent from her body but at home with the Lord. She is separated from us for now, but not for ever. What an example Mair has been! A truly devoted Christian lady who was always willing to share her faith with others. John stressed that God’s love and forgiveness which Mair enjoyed is available to all who put their trust in Jesus, as Mair did many years ago. Malcolm Bootherstone, at the graveside, drew our attention to Psalm 16:8: “I have set the Lord always before me”. This, he said, was very applicable to Mair in how she lived out her life before the Lord, and before her many friends. Making reference to 2 Corinthians 5: 8, “absent from the body at home with the Lord”, Malcolm said that Mair now is at home with the very One whom she served so faithfully during her lifetime. Yes, she is now forever with the One of whom, like Paul, she could say, “the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me” – indeed, for all of us who believe (Galatians 2: 20). Malcolm stressed that being with the Lord is not just for a period of time but for ever. Then there shall be no more death, no more sorrow, no more tears, no more pain, for the Scripture is abundantly clear that it will be declared “the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21: 4). We would ask for your prayers that any unsaved who were present may respond aright to the invitation John presented. We are sure too that the family would appreciate your continued prayers on their behalf. Alan Sands; Malcolm Bootherstone
At Home with the Lord - Dennis Kerrins, Leicester, England
Dennis passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord at his home in Leicester on 22 October 2019 following a long illness, which he bravely bore. Dennis was born in Derby, the middle of 3 children, but he spent most of his life in Leicester. He attended Sunday School and Bible classes at Broomfield Hall and was baptised and added to Leicester Assembly in 1943 at the age of 16. He was a very faithful member and deacon of the Church for the following 76 years. Dennis left school at 14, joining the G.P.O. as an apprentice telephone engineer, staying until he was called up for National Service in 1946, aged 19. He served with the Royal Signals in Burma (Myanmar) and Ceylon (Sri-Lanka) for two years and was promoted to Lance Corporal. On leaving the army and until his retirement, Dennis worked as a draughtsman and engineer for a dust extraction and air-filtering company. In March 1951 Dennis married Sheila Brown at Northfield Hall in Leicester. They had three children, Denise, Angela and Harvey. Sadly, Harvey died soon after birth and was sorely missed. Dennis was very proud of his three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Dennis and Sheila were married for fifty years until Sheila’s death in 2001. Dennis will be remembered as a kind and generous man, always ready to help anyone and to share his knowledge in practical ways. He was fiercely independent and a straight talker but was loyal and much loved by his family and friends who will miss him. Dennis took an active part in the ministry and service of the Church in Leicester as a valued deacon. John Bowler spoke very fittingly at Dennis’s memorial service at Downing Drive on 15 November, and afterwards at the graveside at Oadby Cemetery. The Scriptures to which John referred were Prov. 10: 7 “The memory of the righteous is a blessing”, 2 Tim 4: 6-8 “the time of my departure is at hand, I have fought the good fight ….”, followed by John 11: 25, John 14: 1-3 and Rev. 21: 4. Frank Gutteridge; John Martin
Notice Board January
Christmas Craft Fayre 2019 Despite the wind and rain there was an excellent turnout for our annual Christmas Craft Fayre this year. On Saturday 2 November about 350 people visited the Piggery at Flaxlands, Swindon, to buy gifts and support Alzheimer’s Wiltshire. They had the opportunity to browse a great variety of handmade items for sale, have their portraits drawn, choose a silent auction donation to bid for, or just sit and “catch up” with friends over coffee, bacon rolls and yummy cake. The cafe run by volunteers was open all day and had a steady flow of customers. Most children enjoyed taking part in the craft activities, choosing from a selection of things to make - the button Christmas trees and elf cones were amazing. Due to everyone’s hard work on the day a substantial amount was raised for Alzheimer’s Support Wiltshire. The Church of God in Swindon ask you to join us in our prayers, that the people who happily came to the Fayre will return to services where they’ll hear and want to learn more about the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you. Liz Hickling; Alistair Taylor
01 West Scotland: Conference, Glasgow 02 West Scotland: Conference Renfrew 04 East Scotland: Conference, Whitburn 11 South Wales: DySGu 18 Northern Ireland: Belfast Winter Conference 18 South East: YC Hayes 18 South Wales: District Oversight KEY: DySGu - District Study Group, S. Wales SOH - Sisters’ Open House MFC - Mount Forest Camp TTT - Ten to Thirteen YC - Young Christians YPM - Young Peoples’ Meeting
Text for the Month The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore. Psalm 121:8
Editors: Steve Peers & Guy Elliott 40 The Spinney, Brackla, Bridgend, CF31 2JE Email: editors.intelligence@gmail.com
Published by Hayes Press The Barn Flaxlands, Royal Wootton Bassett Wiltshire SN4 8DY Tel. 01793 850 598 www.hayespress.org