March Connect 2016

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Connect March 2016 @scottishbaptist

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Purity Rev Dr Jim Purves Mission and Ministry Advisor Baptist Union of Scotland

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning, so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

(Romans 6:1-4 NIVUK) Purity. Not a word we hear mentioned much in the media, is it? And is it just my imagination, or has it come to feature far less in contemporary songs and choruses that we sing? Now, there are things that we are certainly getting right, I believe, as we focus on being ‘intentionally relational’ and ‘unashamedly missional’. We are being creative, exploring afresh what it means to be rooted in Christ. But the devil has a way of getting us to lose sight sight of other basics. One of the things we can lose sight of is purity. How is that?

It might be because purity, like punishment for sins and our salvation, starts with God’s initiative and now ours. Now that we are coming to Easter, we are focusing afresh on that incredible, redemptive initiative of God’s goodness and mercy: Jesus died on the Cross to bear the consequence and take the punishment for all our sins. Hallelujah!

But again, it might be because purity also costs us something. As the Apostle Paul points out, we have to die with Christ to be raised with Him: the very thing that believers’ baptist stands for. But if we only focus on a penalty paid at the Cross, we’ll have missed so much of the Christian message. If we see the punishment without seeing the purging and perfecting of our humanity; if we sing about the Cross without seeing the need to celebrate the bodily Resurrection and present reign of Jesus, we will be left with a partial message that is but a fragment of Biblical truth. We need to understand that it is also about purity. And purity costs.

The writer to the Hebrews got this, when he wrote down, in Hebrews 2.10, “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.” John Wesley, in his holiness message of the 18th Century got it. Charles Finney, in the great revival of the 19th Century got it. Duncan Campbell, in the Hebridean Revival of the 20th Century got it. Will we get in in the 21st Century?

So much nonsense about accepting impurity is spoken of in the world and sadly, at times, falsely preached about in church. But imagine how it will be when Biblical truth wins the day. When the message people hear and respond to is about all of punishment paid for, perfection manifest and purity pursued. Imagine how it can be when a people rejoice in both the power of the Cross and the resounding power of purity won through through the Resurrection and the power of Pentecost. Imagine it. Pursue it. And witness real revival happen!

Renovated premises at Baugh Sunday 14th February 2016 was an important day in the life of Tiree Baptist Church - a service of thanksgiving and dedication of their renovated premises at Baugh.

The Baptist church on the island was constituted in 1838 and was built upon a significant work of God in the Highlands. Historically there were two main meeting places but recently the church has been meeting in the island’s community hall, An Talla.

The Church building at Baugh was opened in 1836 and extended in 1859 as a consequence of God working in extraordinary ways. With a real sense of vision and commitment to the work of God the building was renovated in 2015.

The dedication service was the culmination of much hard work by the contractors under the oversight of project manager Ian Tainsh, who along with some other church members invested many hours of hard work.

Former pastor of the Church, Rev Peter Williams, brought greetings and led the opening prayer. The encouraging morning message was given by Rev Alan Donaldson.

Tiree Baptist Church are ordinary people living on a remote Scottish island for the God who does extraordinary things.

Former Scottish Baptist General Secretary honoured in Canada At the launch of the MacRae Centre, Dr. Harry Gardner, President of ADC and Dean of Theology of Acadia University commented that “The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture will be an integral part of the work of Acadia Divinity College preparing students and church leaders to think deeply on matters of faith and witness.”

The Centre for Christian Faith and Culture is named for Andrew D. MacRae in honour of his valuable leadership as the 4th Principal of Acadia Divinity College and recognition of his lifelong commitment to evangelism and mission. In 1979, the Reverend Dr. MacRae received an invitation from Acadia Divinity College to establish the first Chair of Evangelism and Mission in Canada. In 1980, Dr. MacRae began his service at the College, and in 1983, he became the first occupant of the Sheldon and Marjorie Fountain Chair of Evangelism and Mission. He then served as Principal (President) and Dean of Theology from 1985 to 1998. In 2004, Andrew received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Acadia University.

“Dr. Andrew MacRae’s greatest desire is for people to know Christ. I am excited to further the work he has begun by helping our churches and leaders learn to engage our culture well,” said Dr. Robbins, Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Ethics. A reception followed these announcements and the Simpson Lecture, with special guests: Dr. MacRae’s beloved wife, Jean, their son and daughter-in-law, Findlay and Julie MacRae, their daughter, Fiona Webb (née MacRae), and their three grandchildren, Andrew, Calum, and Jane MacRae.

Dumbarton Baptist church ‘on the move’ The story so far.............

Like many in our wider church family, we have been led these past years to recognise just what ‘church’ really is and what it means for us as individuals and as a body in serving Him. We have been challenged afresh to address the call of ‘the Great Commission’ and the need to reach those in our community who are in need of spiritual and practical hope, and much time has been spent in prayer for a way forward in what God would have us do. Similarly, we have been practically awakened to the ongoing repairs and upkeep of our old church building, and not least the limitations of meeting these needs as a small church family. Hence our decision to put our building up for sale at the start of 2015. Anticipating and eventual move, we took the challenge of holding taster worship services in several different venues, all of which confirmed that we were indeed ‘church’ as we sensed our love of each other and of Him, where ever we were. This past year has also seen us in a time of vacancy, following on from our last Pastor’s move to Forfar in April, and we continue to seek the person God would choose to move forward with us.

Where are we now...........

Without doubt, we are in a place of new beginnings and an ever present sense of God’s unfailing faithfulness. Having our building up for sale this past year with no offers of sale, we took a step of faith just over a month ago and decided to ‘step out of the boat’, by closing the door of our ageing building regardless of sale. Three weeks later, we had received 2 offers! So we are most definitely ‘on the move’ and are excited to discover just what God wants to do with Dumbarton Baptist.

Our vision.....

To see our town of Dumbarton revitalised and the church of Dumbarton Baptist, along with our local Dumbarton churches together, serving to demonstrate the good news of the gospel. Please keep us in prayer.

New Milestone On Saturday 20 February, Milestone Christian Fellowship opening its new venue at Bridge Street in Girvan in a lively event attended by worshippers, supporters and well-wishers form Girvan and churches across South Ayrshire.

Milestone was planted in Girvan a little over ten years ago by Noel McCullins, then the Baptist Union of Scotland’s Mission Networker for the South West of Scotland.

Since then, Milestone has met in Girvan’s Community Centre, a fresh expression of church seeking to be a missional, relational and rooted community of faith serving Girvan and its surrounding villages. Pastor Adam Oellermann said, “it’s exciting to see so many here today who’ve been part of our journey – Milestone’s growth is a testimony to the deep support of our local network of Baptist churches and the continuing help and generosity of the Baptist Union of Scotland.”

The new building, which had previously been the nightclub known locally as Jesters, was transformed entirely by the labour of the church’s members. Craftsman and church treasurer Les Hanna, who managed the project, said “It’s been a hard slog to get us to this point – but it’s all worth it to see the worship going on here today.”

Milestone is a small congregation, and the purchase and development of the property underlines their vision and their determination to make the Gospel real in Girvan.

Church member Gill Kenney said, “People used to come to Jester’s to have fun, but we’re hoping that now they’ll come here for joy – not just a good time but a good life.”

As the last of the tools are packed away, the church is excited not about returning to “business as usual” - but about getting on with God’s work in Girvan!

Scottish Baptist History project April 2016 The Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office (SCPO) chaired by Crown Terrace Baptist Church’s Brian Miller has produced a briefing for the upcoming Scottish Parliamentary Election.

There is to be a meeting of the Scottish Baptist History project on Saturday 23April 2016 at Hillhead Baptist Church, 53 Cresswell Street, Glasgow G12 8AE

It is an excellent resource for those intending to engage with politicians and political parties in the coming weeks.

10.00 Tea/ Coffee 10:15/30 Anne Muir ‘Whose History is it anyway? Missing voices in Official Histories’ 11:45 Tea / Coffee 12:00 Catriona Gorton ‘How many Baptists does it take to change...?

Reflections on the 17th Century Baptist Hymn-singing controversy.’

1:00 /1:15 Lunch [Tea / Coffee available] 2:15 Lina Toth ‘Revival Among the Aliens: The Case of Lithuanian Baptists’ 3:30 Conclusions

For those intending to preach and teach on political issues in the run up to the election you will find it helpful in highlighting some of the key issues for theological reflection.

Find out more at scottishbaptist.com/public-issues

The programme which features papers on a variety of topics is as follows:

There will be a conference fee of £3, including coffee, tea and biscuits, for each of those attending. Participants may like to bring a packed lunch.

For more information and to book see our website or contact briantalbot@hotmail.co.uk

March Prayer Link March 6th Ron Flett (City Centre Chaplain, Aberdeen) Praise:Things in are going well. We are now called “team Aberdeen”. Two volunteers Georgie and Meredith visit the shops and businesses in Union Street. Gary continues to do regular visits to the Foyer. Dan has taken up a charge in Edinburgh so I now cover Glencraft. So there is a lot to be grateful for as we serve as Chaplains. People are accessing the service and we are building useful links.

Prayer: For the dynamics of the team as we define our own roles and responsibilities. How we continue to grow the work of support in the Work Place.

Campbeltown Community Church We are so grateful to God for the continued development and growth of the Mainly Music Outreach, which enables us to serve young families in our area. We are thankful too, for the start of a new youth programme and the teens from other churches that have boosted the numbers.

We are feeling the loss of members in their 20’s who have moved from the area over these past two years. Please join us in praying for disciples to move to the area to help us, and also that we would see by His Grace, souls won from the local community in 2016.

Canonmills Baptist Church Carbrain Baptist Church

March 13th George Hunter (P/T Chaplain, Auchenlochan) A point of praise for us here at Bankhouse is that on 21st of February we had the first of a monthly Sunday afternoon service led by Rev. David Young and friends from Kirkmuirhill Parish Church which the residents really enjoyed.

A point for prayer is that at Courtyard the old dining room has been transformed into a comfortable residents lounge. We are hoping to have a Wednesday afternoon serice here starting in March if residents wish, please pray for the Lord’s leading in this.

Carluke Baptist Church Carnoustie Baptist Church Castlehill Baptist Church Praise for unity among us and growing vision for the future Pray for our meeting place, the cost of school lets has jumped a huge amount. Seek God with us about his plans for us.

March 20th Cliff Jackson (Lead Chaplain, Auchlochan) At Auchlochan the chaplaincy team is grateful to God for meaningful conversations with a rapidly growing number of non-Christian residents and staff. Please pray that we make the very best of such opportunities, building relationships of trust, love and faith. We value your prayers.

Castlemilk Community Church we at Castlemilk ask you to join with us in giving God praise for the upcoming baptism of one of our teenagers. We would also appreciate your prayers for God’s discernment in the next few weeks and months.

Cathcart Baptist Church Central, Edinburgh

March 27th John Jamieson (Army Chaplain) Gordon Jones (Chaplain, Royal Alexandria Hospital) Give thanks for myriad meaningful and fruitful encounters in support of a wide variety of people undergoing challenging experiences such as anxiety, bereavement or addiction. Please pray that this chaplain will constantly know God’s grace and wisdom in order to respond always in a pastorally sensitive and faithful manner to the healthcare community’s various spiritual needs.

City Gates, Edinburgh Cleland Baptist Church Coastline Community Church continues to be encouraged with new faces attending week by week. Praise the Lord!

Please pray for the Lord’s provision and guidance as our Youth Worker ‘moves on’ at the end of May, and we seek further funding for an Associate Pastor with responsibility for Youth and community work.

Coatbridge Baptist Church Give thanks for a successful Burns Supper at which about 30 adults and children, who are on the periphery of the church, joined us. It was a great night.

Pray for guidance as we consider how we can further engage with those who joined us that evening and also others, through an arts based program (music, drama and literature) which will be trialled in the next few months.