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CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS
what’s happening?
Lessons for us all from a tiny chapel in an African village PAGE 11
What can God do with you? Are you willing to let him? PAGE 10
ISSUE 5 April-June 2013
N EW S
Frozen visitors receive a very warm welcome HOW YOU CAN GET DANCE FEVER A member of Faversham Baptist Church wants you to be a record breaker PAGE 3
FREE ENTRY TO CRE EXHIBITION FOR EVERY READER! Fantastic free ticket offer to the Ideal Homes Show for Churches ! PAGE 6
Narazeth students brave our long winter for UK trip eye witness
If you thought it was cold, think again!
EASTER JOY! Remembering the life of an amazing Baptist pastor who touched thousands of lives PAGE 9
BE WELCOMING! Now’s the time for your church to get ready for The Big Welcome. Find out how inside PAGE 2
The Revd Stuart Davison, SEBA Team Leader writes: You know it’s cold when your car won’t start running and your nose won’t stop. This winter has been
going on so long that the pet shop is now selling dogs, cats and penguins. I thought it was cold personally until I saw the students from Nazareth on the open- top bus as we went round London. They really felt it, trying desperately to take pictures with frozen fingers with thoughts of going home running through their minds – where it is not only Spring, but a heatwave Spring. You can read about their visit inside, but as we remember to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters
in Israel-Palestine I recommend the BMS World Mission Catalyst (issue 2, 2013) with its excellent articles on Zionism, Messianic Jews and Palestinian believers. Some of our ministers may be going to Nazareth later in the year, which will enrich both us here in the churches of SEBA, but also the Arabic Baptist pastors they will spend time with. This month we have the visit of our Union’s President Chris Duffett which provides us all with the opportunities both to learn more
about evangelism and put it into practice. Our ‘theme’ for this year is ‘fishing with nets not rods’ and looks at how we need to have whole church mission strategies rather than just individual approaches. The Network celebrations – coming to a church near you – will include seminars on this theme across our association. Do I long for the warmer weather? I enjoyed last summer – we had a great picnic that afternoon. n www.seba-baptist.org.uk
FISH WITH NETS, NOT RODS!
GET CAMPAIGNING
Angling advice to ministers? It’s all in a good cause. Rise to the bait and find out why on PAGE 6
Your support is needed to wipe out global food poverty PAGE 3
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ISSUE 5 April-June 2013
Welcome to
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Published by Xn Media
y y of bapt ists toda telli ng the stor
? WHAT’S HAPPENING you?
WALLS CHURCH WITHOUT a tiny chapel
What can God do with him? PAGE 10 Are you willing to let
Lessons for us all from 11 in an African village PAGE
N EW S
Frozen visitors receive a very warm welcome
HOW YOU CAN GET DANCE FEVER A member of Faversham you Baptist Church wants to be a record breaker PAGE 3
FREE ENTRY TO CRE EXHIBITION FOR EVERY READER!
to Fantastic free ticket offer for the Ideal Homes Show Churches ! PAGE 6
Narazeth students brav EyE witnEss
EASTER JOY!
If you thought it was cold, think again!
of an Remembering the life who amazing Baptist pastor lives touched thousands of PAGE 9
BE WELCOMING!
Now’s the time for your The Big church to get ready for inside Welcome. Find out how PAGE 2
The Revd Stuart Davison, SEBA Team Leader writes: your car You know it’s cold when your nose won’t start running and been won’t stop. This winter has
e our long winter for UK
pet shop is going on so long that the penguins. now selling dogs, cats and I thought it was cold personally from until I saw the students bus as we Nazareth on the open- top went round London. They really felt it, trying with desperately to take pictures of going thoughts with fingers frozen their minds home running through but a – where it is not only Spring, heatwave Spring. visit You can read about their to pray inside, but as we remember and sisters for our Christian brothers
FISH WITH NETS, NOT RODS!
d in Israel-Palestine I recommen Catalyst the BMS World Mission (issue 2, 2013) with its excellent Jews articles on Zionism, Messianic and Palestinian believers. be Some of our ministers may in the year, going to Nazareth later here in the which will enrich both us the Arabic churches of SEBA, but also spend time Baptist pastors they will with. visit of This month we have the Duffett our Union’s President Chris the with all us provides which more opportunities both to learn
It’s all in a good Angling advice to ministers? out why on PAGE 6 and find cause. Rise to the bait
To advertise, email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk
April-June 2013
trip
it into about evangelism and put practice. is ‘fishing Our ‘theme’ for this year at with nets not rods’ and looks church how we need to have whole than just mission strategies rather individual approaches. s – coming The Network celebration include will – you near to a church across our seminars on this theme association. weather? Do I long for the warmer we had a I enjoyed last summer – great picnic that afternoon. g.uk n www.seba-baptist.or
GET CAMPAIGNING to wipe out Your support is needed 3 global food poverty PAGE
Dear Reader, Welcome to the latest edition of The Baptist. If, like me, you have been fed up of the constantly cold weather, spare a thought for those 20 brave souls who travelled from Israel to SEBA recently. The teenagers had come from unseasonably warm temperatures to experience our unseasonably cold ones!
You’ll enjoy reading about their visit on the centre pages – and be encouraged by the news that plans are afoot to make a return journey. It reminds us that we are part of a worldwide body, just as Andrew Bond’s reflection on page 11 does. He’s an Anglican curate and has much to say on working together. There’s much more in this issue of your favourite free
newspaper! We’ve packed in good news from every corner of the Baptist family. If you’ve got an encouraging story to share, make sure you let us know. Together we can inspire each other to attempt great things for God and expect things from God. Phil Creighton, Editor, The Baptist editor@xnmedia.co.uk
Noticeboard Training day on homosexuality A BAPTIST pastor will be leading a training day for churches looking at issues relating to homosexuality. Entitled Homosexuality: How do we respond as the Church?, the sessions will be led by Steve Elmes, senior minister at Bookham Baptist Church. It will be held from 10am to 4pm at Gillingham Baptist Church and will aim to answer questions and raise understanding of the issue. The course has been developed by the Baptist Union’s Human Sexuality Working Group and
the day sensitively explores the question of homosexuality from scientific, psychological, biblical and pastoral perspectives. The training day is principally for deacons, ministers, lay pastors, and youth leaders. There will be a charge of £10 per person to cover costs. To book a place or find out more call Gillingham Baptist Church office on 01634 850369 (Monday & Wednesday mornings) or email stephengreasley@btopenworld. com. Please bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Training day on child protection SEBA is organising a series of Child Protection training events over the next few weeks: Level 2 training: • Sunday, April 21 Orpington Baptist Church. 5pm, £5 per candidate. • Saturday, April 27 Farnham Baptist Church. 9.30am, £5 per candidate. • Sunday, April 28 Horley Baptist Church. 3pm, £5 per candidate. Level 2 Child Protection Training: (two sessions)
• Mondays April 29 & May 13 Dormansland Baptist Church. 7.45pm-9.30pm, £5. Level 3 training: • Saturday April 27 Farnham Baptist Church – 1.30pm, £5 per candidate. Vulnerable Adults training: • Monday, June 24 Southwick Christian Community Church – time tbc, £5. Some places are still available. To book email mave@seba-baptist.org.uk or call 01273 441509.
The Seba team Regional Minister Team Leader The Revd Stuart Davison Regional Minister The Revd Paul Kerley Regional Youth Officer Maeve Whitchurch Kent Thameside Mission Enabler The Revd Penny Marsh
Administrator Steph Tidy South Eastern Baptist Association t: 01444 233431 e: admin@seba-baptist. org.uk w: seba-baptist.org.uk
Get ready for The Big Welcome IF YOU’VE ever puzzled over how you can welcome people back to church, The Big Welcome wants to put you in the picture. The annual initiative is a simple idea that encourages Christians to invite someone they know to something they love. The Big Welcome takes place on Sunday, September 22 and is organised by Elim, Methodist and Baptist Union churches working together and all three are passionate about making people feel welcome in any church activity. “We want to encourage churches to be really creative about what they invite people to – a meal, a concert, a quiz night,
Sabbatical in Nazareth Nazareth Evangelical Theological Seminary is offering a one month sabbatical opportunity for ministers and church members. Called Come and See, the unique study programme offers a biblical and theological understanding of the Holy Land and the issues surrounding its past and present. There are opportunities to meet with Arab Christians and Messianic believers as well as guided tours of the major biblical sites and time for personal reflection. The next one will take place this November. For more information log on to www.nazarethseminary. org. To speak with someone who has been to previous sabbaticals email the Revd David Ronco on dcronco@gmail.com.
a coffee bar or even a church service,” says a spokesperson for BUGB. “This year’s theme recognises that, wherever we are on our journey of faith, we have questions. We hope that, having offered a Big Welcome, churches will
enable visitors to ask their questions about God and help them grapple with answers.” The Churches have organised resources to help you plan your event and materials include posters, invitations and prayer cards. They all include the iconic puzzlepiece design used as the logo for The Big Welcome. Some of the resources can be overprinted with a photocopier, laser or inkjet printer so you can customise them – or you can get them overprinted. As well as the material for The Big Welcome events, follow-up resources are available so you can offer ongoing support to enquirers throughout the year. For more details, log on to www. thebigwelcome.org.
Your chance to join a tour of the Holy Land The Revd David Ronco from Hertford will be leading another Baptist Twinning Introductory tour to Israel from May 7-15 next year. These tours are a unique opportunity to explore many of the sites in Galilee, Nazareth,
Jerusalem and Bethlehem and meet with local Arab Christians, God's "living stones". If you would like to know more about this ‘journey of a lifetime’ contact David for a brochure on dcronco@gmail.com or by calling 01992 420742.
Make the most of summer at Detling’s Celebration A WEEK of Bible teaching, worship and holidaying will take place on our doorstep later this year. The Detling Summer Celebration takes place at the Kent Showground from August 10-15 and aims to
encourage visitors to service the communities of the South East of England. Speakers include Malcolm Duncan, Debra Green, Rob Parsons, Patrick Regan, Chick Yuill and many more. Plus there’s great entertainment
and space to do as you please. There will be streams for adults and children. To find out more, log on to www.peoplewithoutlimits. org.uk, email admin@ peoplewithoutlimits.org.uk or call 01622 620830.
Advertise in THE Baptist is free because we are paid for by advertising. This is an exciting ministry because we’re helping to bring together churches across the SEBA region. Every issue, we print and distribute
just over 10,000 copies. We’re a perfect place to advertise your business to a loyal and encouraging audience. For more details, email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk
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April-June 2013
Be a Bolly good record breaker! IF YOU’VE ever wanted to be a record breaker, here’s your chance – and you can help charity at the same time. Kushi Feet, which raises money and awareness for schools for street children in India, is attempting to break the world record for the largest Bollywood dance. But they’ll only make it if you and your church put on your happy feet and join them! The charity was formed in 2011 by Emily Cook, a member of Faversham Baptist Church in Kent and came out of a church team visit to Kolkata. Kuski Feet will hold Khushi Does Bollywood on Saturday, June 29 at the Abbey School in Faversham. The event aims to get more than 4,428 people to perform a specially choreographed three-minute Bollywood dance and no experience is necessary. It will be taught by Indian dancer Ash Mukherjee. The family day out starts at noon, with the record attempt starting at 3pm. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. All money raised will be used to support the Good News Children Education Mission (GNCEM) in Kolkata, India – a BMS World Mission partner. You can find out more and register for the event online at www.khushifeet.org.uk.
Churches called to tackle food poverty
Campaigners want your prayers, sermons and support to end global problem
A NEW campaign has been launched to help tackle food hunger and churches are being encouraged to take part.
Enough Food For Everyone IF campaign is a coalition of aid agencies, charities and religious groups, including the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Christian Aid, that aims to tackle the structual causes of hunger. The campaigners say that one in eight people in the world will go to bed hungry tonight, yet the planet can provide enough food for everyone. It is, they argue, unfair, unjust and totally preventable. The 100+ groups in the campaign want to get the world’s leaders that if they take strong action to tackle the structural causes of hunger – if they do, there will be enough to meet the needs of earth’s 870million hungry people. The ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IF campaign tackles 4 issues head on: aid, tax, land and transparency. It says that hunger can be overcome IF: • We give aid to help the poorest people feed themselves. • We stop big companies dodging tax in poor countries. • We stop poor farmers being forced off their land. • We force governments and big corporations to
be honest and transparent about their actions. This year gives the UK the perfect platform to speak out as it will be hosting a G8 summit in June. The campaign is already underway, with many churches already erecting IF banners outside their buildings to show their support. In the run-up to the Budget in March more than 20,000 emails and letters were sent to MPs, many of whom were individually lobbied to pressure George Osborne to take action on aid and tax. The result was the Chancellor announced the Government will give 0.7% gross national income in international aid. Responding to the Chancellor’s decision, Christian Aid Director Loretta Minghella said: “A 40 year-old promise to the world’s poorest was finally delivered. We congratulate the Government for ensuring that – even in challenging economic times – this country has done the right thing by the hundreds of millions of women and men around the world living in poverty.” Now the IF campaign is turning its attention to events in June when David Cameron holds a Hunger Summit and the British government chairs the G8 summit in Enniskillen , Northern Ireland.
There will be a huge gathering of thousands of people coming together to demonstrate their support for the IF campaign in London on Saturday, June 8. That will be followed by a concert with high-profile speakers, performers and celebrity video messages in Belfast on Saturday, June 15. The following day, a church service will be held in the centre of Enniskillen with senior church leaders from Ireland and the UK plus representatives from developing countries. Organisers say that if the campaign is to continue to succeed, it needs your help so that the Prime Minister hears the IF message loud and clear. Churches are asked to join in, by organising groups or speaking and praying about the campaign in services. Christian Aid’s South East Regional Team say it is ready to help, whether it’s preaching at your church or pointing you to the right resource. For more details, email LSE@christian-aid.org. n In the two minutes it took to read this article 10 more children around the world will have died from malnutrition. Christian Aid says that our faith must propel us to take action to stop this. For more about the IF Campaign, visit www.christianaid.org.uk/if.
Building up the church in the Philippines Worthing Baptist Church members have agreed to take up the challenge of facilitating the building of a Sunday school for a church in Dalusan in the province of Iloilo in the Philippines. Currently, there is no shelter for the children’s work at the church where the weather can often be extremely hot or extremely wet. Church member, Analeen Bacarro is the Worthing link with leaders in Dalusan and she has just returned from a visit. She said she is delighted to report a healthy increase in the number of children now attending. While she was there, Analeen was able to encourage the church team who will oversee the building work and she opened a local bank account in order to receive funds for the commencement of the work. Initial funds will be sent over in the near future to secure the work of an architect and a builder. Worthing Baptist Church will then run a series of fund raising events to ensure that there will be enough financial resources to complete the work. Initial estimates put the cost of the project at £4,500.00 Additionally, to give the project a boost, a local Dalusan resident has donated land upon which the school can be built. Worthing Baptist Church members and deacons are committed to supporting and praying for this exciting project. The church is delighted to have a large group of worshipers from the local Filippino community. Further news and details will be reported in the next edition of SEBA News.
Tackling self-harm A DAY conference to explore self-harm from a biblical perspective is taking place at Godalming Baptist Church. Held on Saturday, May 18, it will be led by Christine Ledger, who has worked as a supervisor for the NHS for 18 years and is also a CWR author. The day costs £10, and places must be reserved by May 1. For more details, call Fiona Gwynn on Monday and Thursday mornings at the church on 01483 422105, or send an email to office.gbc@ btinternet.com
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I don’t ask him to sense. When I wake, to which top I should guide my choice as turn up for work! wear, or whether I should you turn to the my life is his gift to Isaiah 30:21 says: “Whether a But I also believe that your ears will hear my gift to him if I live right or to the left, me, and potentially, saying, ‘This is the way; him and dovetails [word] behind you, it in a way that pleases translates ‘word’ as if I live to bring walk in it’.” (note NIV into his universal purpose; to love and salvation ‘voice’). the comfort of God’s we see examples with. contact in Throughout Scripture, come I the people promise to guide his we make our choices of God fulfilling his Consequently, how he guided Abraham God, or otherwise, people. Through angels of has potential to honour city; through pillars seek his promise to to pray for a wicked Hebrews so it is important we the guided he – then follow it. cloud and fire a guide those choices territory; through arise, through unknown when difficult situations e he Otherwise, sheep-fleec a rejected, when we are miraculous event with when we are hurt or a leadership role; d or tempted, guided Gideon into bored, distracted, disillusione sky he guided sensitive by our own feelings, through a star in the we might be guided of a Saviour; through or else those of the Magi to the birth in opinions and desires, his people to trust prophets he guided ways of the world. his divine Word result in choices the Messiah; and, through his Such guidance might scribes, God guides ungodly words or written down by his dishonour God with of living. that way godly and te clothing; people into a right behaviour, even inappropria fulfilled his of resources he has Moreover, God ultimately indwelling through the misuse through the possessions, talents), promise to guide us given to us (money, lives (John 14:16us time he has given of his Spirit in believers’ or by wasting the ed in the New and our own interests 17; 16:13), demonstrat while we pursue occasions (for example, seeking his. Testament on many agendas instead of Acts 16:6).
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guidelines (NIV Spirit living within us. on the Word of God Psalm 119, A devotion so here Read and reflect on ways. It’s a long passage, guides us in God’s Study Bible), which get you started: are a few thoughts to 4-5) precepts …” (verses nswer already awaits “You have laid down nce in prayer when his a to use your money, • Do you ask God for guida for example, on how on Principles, intent Word? his you in respond to a person priorities, or how to what to make your causing you harm …? that the psalmist speaks Trust not on your us to feel the shame living, nor do we all your heart and lean • God does not want e him, “Trust in the Lord with confession and repentant of; and, through sincere in all your ways acknowledg own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5-6). to. paths” have your you.” direct If we do and he will I might not sin against following God’s guidance. Word in my heart that Trust is paramount to to follow. So “I have hidden your we may be reluctant . not trust God implicitly, first need to satnav built into a car (verse 11) the promise, we may nk of God’s Word like a lly . before we can receive • It may be helpful to thi for directions, it automatica of his love and faithfulness the engine and ask have readdress our knowledge Do you trust When you switch on guidance and already asking you to walk on? when you pray for you. •What ‘water’ is God guides you. Similarly, he will use it to direct out of the boat’? your mind and heart, him enough to ‘step God’s Word built into be a pitfall to you take time to ‘hide’ understanding” can to live a godly life, or do “own our e, n self-effort Furthermor • Do you rely o make judgements and remember it, providing guidance. We easily heart; to meditate on not even hearing God’s God’s Word in your value, but things are is not to hand? face at Bible your situations when about people and ongoing guidance don’t always (verse 18) on the surface. We things in your law.” always as they appear forces and so I may see wonderful , complexity, driving by, or lost in your Bible? “Open my eyes that Nothing, know the background ance but feel confused open being as they are. • Do you seek God’s guid do, often! God loves and allon that result in situations of the psalmist – I Then pray this prayer from God. He is all-knowing however, is hidden can plant his guidance. hearts into which he , he will guide, but we understanding. be confused. If we ask on them, or opinions and so act • God does not want us to 59-60). (see verses 34 and •Are you quick totoform aside and seek guidance then choose to obey them set must willing gain. are you towards selfish understanding? your statutes and not from God’s supreme “Turn my heart towards …” from worthless things Turn my eyes away Choice ancient paths, guidance? Might his (verses 36-37). and look; ask for the when you seek God’s “Stand at the crossroads it …” (Jeremiah seeking guidance for • What motivates you way is, and walk in be a result of your ask where the good apparent lack of response this prayer. pursuits? If so, pray 6:16a) answer. But that selfish gain or worthless to guide us, he will It towards your hear. When we ask God steps to my want we turned my ways … be quite what “I have considered answer may not always or attitudes, (verses 59-60). motives of our hearts, I will hasten … to obey…” … u do not feel God is right. statutes put may pinpoint certain be t, might that be why yo that first need to • Could you say this? If no the basic lifestyles and behaviour that you seek? choose to live out to guidance have the first you may giving Indeed, we our ancestors 97-104). – the godly ways that ing, direction …” (verses his guidelines of Scripture of God’s further insight, understand promise God’s guidance in “Wisdom, the seek that we promised when followed – in order Would you like such • Such are the things meditation and obedience. guidance, guidance will follow. sincere God’s through follow to Word decide not Furthermore, if we that leads to guidance? on an alternative path 105). for my path” (verse we may find ourselves to my feet and a light d? When (1 Timothy 1:19). “Your Word is a lamp spiritual shipwreck ce aside of God’s Wor ways? Then bring ight you look for guidan a detour from God’s taken here else m you W • Have “what • Word, f ask again from God’s might that not be helpful? bing God’s promise o this image to mind, that path. to reading and absor then choose to take • How committed are you is the right way to follow”, Word – note verse 148. guidance through his
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As you were growing up, were you aware of your a bedtime story, Humility in paths father’s internatio never played in what is right and “He guides a gameme nal with This 23:3 tells us, fame and impact? me, never guides the humble Psalm And I “He fixed believe me a snack that histhat name’s (Psalm – you way”day ss for his knowsake”. I was25:9). the I was born just before themon things ofyou righteousne born again into teaches think of a father God’s family. guidance my father had a conscious of our of the promise doing.– My big meeting in LA that grandpare is the Humility is being nts purpose helped to uphold put everything on will and his God and and they us to raise usGod’s the dependency on radar. But we were fabulous. that enables Was it aabsolute straightforward paththat out in our daily were shielded from I say increasingly transformed to encourage my father’s fame. We as we arethat womenways and teaching? consequently living to preaching who are were not allowed single parents. You can do to do likeness of Jesus. lifestyles and choices. interviews and we it with God’s into the I marriedroutines, help. But I would young and by the weren’t exposed us common given have time I was 26 I to the God has rather press, except once Billy Graham I believe had three children as a part-time father in a while, there aged five, three and than any was a photo opportuni other man as a full-time 10 months. I was just ty. So I knew my busy and I drifted father. He taught father travelled a lot, knew me a lot about what from God – I didn’t mean to, he told people about God is like, and but I did. Somebody Jesus, but the scope his integrity and his humility told me about an of it woman I didn’talive organised Bible study have impacted me understand. And I’m not 26 September in my own ministry. and I decided I wanted sure it would have It was a wonderfu to be in one. Nobody made any difference unless l home: Christ-cen tred, Christ-loving that was somehow and emphasised as, Christ-serving. “Because of your father’s ministry you’ve got to behave that way” and that was never conveyed So was there a ‘saintly to us. glow’ around the My mother adored house at all times? my father and so I did too. But it meant Not at all! I’m the that I was pretty second child so I much had an raised by a single older sister, a parent and grandpare younger sister and nts two because it was estimated younger brothers. My oldest sister was my father travelled bossy 60% of the time when like older sisters I was growing up. are and my younger So he never tucked brother, Franklin, me in bed, never was just a strong-willed read me child – so, in between them, there was a lot going on! When you’re would start it, so I decided to establish raised in a family like it just that, what you share so I could be in it! is a common experience So, at 26, I found myself that’s unique – nobody teaching 500 women who’d never been else in the world would know what in a Bible study before it’s like to be in either. And I did that, that every family except your week, for 12 years. siblings, so there’s I never missed a a bond class there that I appreciate because I wanted so much to know . God and to come into that relationship with him. You’ve said “God has no grandchi ldren”, so what was your How did you find personal journey the time to do to that becoming a Christian when you were a young mum? ? I was raised to know I kept a basket of Jesus and love Jesus, toys under my desk and my mother so the children could was very consistent only play with them in having family devotions if they came to the study, and they every morning and had to evening – I didn’t learn to be quiet particularly like and play around me. I got them actually! But I remember interrupted a thousand one Easter, when times during the day, I was seven or eight but you train yourself years old – it was to just get right back a into your concentrat Good Friday – and ion. It’s funny how you I was watching teach your children an old black-and by your example, -white movie so they learn to love portraying the the things that you life of Christ love. When they catch called King of Kings you on your knees by Cecil in prayer or catch you DeMille. I was watching B reading your Bible the – not that you are trying scene of the crucifixion to show them you and need to pray – it’s contagious I remembe r . We don’t have to being be perfect, thank goodness, convinced and but we need to be impacted saved and we need that he died – not to have a personal just as walk with the Lord that someone who is genuine and authentic. was crucified by the How do you manage Romans – but that your ‘quiet times’ he in a busy life? actually died for my The important thing sins. And I can is to set aside time every day. I do it in the morning. But because remember as a I’m not a morning person little girl telling I get up and do my stretches and exercises, God that I was then I walk twoand-a-half miles to Starbucks, get sorry and asking a triple espresso, come back and that’s when him to forgive I do it because I have to wake myself up. me and cleanse The first thing I do is pray and ask for me, and claiming the Lord’s blessing, then I go through a portion Jesus as my Saviour. 8 May womanalive of Scripture – and I’m asking myself what does
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Anne Graham Lotz
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do More good things to s Clean our beache Big Weekend (15th atch Join the Beachw to clean up ber) and help & 16th Septem our rubbish left on suk. and record the out more at www.mc beaches. Find or call 01989 566017. org/beachwatch e Enjoy our heritag – many of them es Over 4000 properti will be to the public – normally closed doors from 6th-9th opening their Days. It’s Heritage Open ity September for places and commun all about people, so look d by volunteers, organise is and visit www. in your area or out for activities s.org.uk openday heritage shoes Wear the wrong ss about by Help raise awarene cancers this month gynaecological to work or slippers wearing your wellies Feet run. The Funny on the school d by the Eve organise is n or campaig appeal.org.uk Appeal. Visit www.eve register and find to 0100 call 020 7605 out more.
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n (Jennife Katniss Everdee where the corrupt in a futuristic society selects 12 teenagers government annually the death. When her battle to for a televised womanalive May 9is chosen, (Willow Shields) little sister Prim place – and rs to go in her kill or Katniss voluntee where she must tion competi enters a head. to turn it on its she manages leading – in playing the game, nationwide unrest rather than just she inspires a be killed. But of resistance, unwitting symbol n rebellion. full-blow a to Becoming an – third instalments the second and eyehas some ener The Hunger Games moral It’s a real eye-op an regime, but ment to dull our Not we allow entertain live under a totalitari We might not How much do bsessed society? in an image-o s for our culture. opening warning onto our true identity how can we hold ster. senses? And action blockbu for a Hollywood bad questions ber 3rd on DVD on Septem Games is released Hunger +The The Damaris Trust and writer for is a researcher * Sophie Lister and see culturewatch.org and study guides For more articles toolsfortalks.com
gham Palace until exhibition at Buckin nds – a special 7300. Queen’s Diamo uk or call 020 7766 oyalcollection.org. details visit www.r
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is tragedy? This story turns to Sittser in A explored by Jerry to d (Zondervan through how Grace Reveale help us think 24325 0). In The Big Story: ISBN 978 0 310 live well. Life ago, he lost his God’s Unfolding Twenty years a Your Place in and mother in Johnston (IVP daughter, wife Plan, by Heidi for d is explore how 474 5791) car accident. He ISBN 9 78184 questions: through loss in the soul grows those asking the for? How ed. Now he here A Grace Disguis What are we up to date to difference? To brings his story can I make a of s we are explore the theme find those answer through can God how redemption and taken on a journey there For your of all our lives. God’s story becauseown story redeem the story book to give away. to WA/ copies of each our * We have five name and address page 43. lies the key to . on simply send your d at the address and our true identitys when chance to win, WA/Grace Reveale But what happen Big Story and/or er 41 When our womanalive Septemb things go wrong?
work the peace-building vital funds to aid and help to raise is backing the Cake. Lisa (left) life-savi Faulkner’s Fantasy in a special party pack along of Cord or the d personality Lisa to anyone recipe is include actress and TV autumn and her which will be sent Our picture shows or call campaign this collection box, a Tea 4 ime4tea and ns Time , invitatio eningitisuk.org/t Meningitis s, colourful bunting or find out more visit www.m with party balloon sign up ional for the event. To who registers run-up to Internat campaign in the 3033344. cards, Peace of Cake Emily on 0117 invitations, recipe . organisation Cord’s red by Yorkshire Tea and 01926 315301 peace-building Or sign up for The event is sponso rd.org.uk/peaceofcake or call 21st September. le from www.co Peace Day on ideas are availab activity and posters
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life to the full mean? Lord, what does living ffed diary, Surely not an overstu rds not bursting cupboa experiences, or cramming in life’s ng to the limit, not striving, stretchi ng in? squeezi and up using go – Is it more about letting life brings e, accepting what seeking your purpos me through it, you seek to teach and welcoming what things myself? and trying to manage rather than striving – known Does it involve being sses to face my weakne having the courage the person you want, to shape me into and trusting in you to hide away? rather than trying s– Is it about being generou s others, and heart toward having an open hand of the doubt giving them the benefit ing people? wing and misjudg rather than withdra in the present – Does it mean living ss today, blessings and goodne recognising your tasks I have now being faithful to the ahead? g about what lies rather than worryin are not easy for me. Lord, these things grow in faith, Please help me to ss, to trust in your goodne love, and to receive your mercy grace in my life, to recognise your Amen. today and always.
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Living sim
Enjoy little luxaury
00 February womanalive
ply
Frugality doe sn’t necessarily mean giving up everything , says Penelo pe Wilcock
I
f you hear the phras simplicity” es “volun or “living tary simply”, I what kind wond of picture Gand a person you imagin er e? people whoshi or Mother Teresa I e radical – evident in simplicity their attire is and accom Or maybe modation. St Francis of Assisi – someone or at least in wellies and with string , spending corduroys held up every living raising onion s minute each teabag on the allotment and making do a secon matters to d cup. There are you to live moments in “Yes! That’s simply, frugal responsibly, my life when but me!” On I think ly and such days renounce feel envio drawn to lace something in you is us or inferio everything I want to irresis and pearls and live in r, nor flirtati mountain, adopted to – there is still tibly Simplicity a hut up a sustained ous tempt and as a way of hope. by nothing of my comp prettier or styles, its seduce. Nothi dress but the milk interpretatio life has innumerable anion goat, more ladylik ng is n as open some berrie in the wild manner, a our imagin and free as s plucked and my daily sweet dispo e than a gentle ation. Fruga lity in high sition, and a willin silk undie reading of I’m sorry if s can be as heels and the Bible. gness to includ a ready smile I authentic do not last. disappoint you; such attired in If our comm e others. as when a mome I also like gabardine it is nts perfume. is to be sustai itment to Christian you just have mac and I love the cashmere, silk and simplicity lace-u nable, we ballet, and friends for for feastin don’t neces to know where to shop. ps; must make room g as well afternoon sarily betok meeting as fasting tea in china and femininity, might take en frivolity: Frills – for fun delicious cake. a café with pretty because God as much and trouble gettin a lady well as work for a praye made us to If, like me, r meeti g ready play as you haven a current beautiful earth and serve. He gave Part of simpli ng as for a dinner account the ’t been blessed with us this date. to enjoy and city is mode size of Texas came that purpose in delight in. sty – seriou we might , and it life, a humb Jesus s live abund that mean admire beaut le antly; s the joy of y that aspire spirit. I cannot full and free for me – but also s to make the salvation others bubble-bath bliss of soaking in a fragrant . ■ An eBay
For simpli city with a bargain
If you long for a luxury item – mayb Swarovski e crystal earrin gs or some expensive perfume – don’t get it at full price on your be tempted to on eBay. You credit card, look can almos t certainly there at a find it fraction of its store price. selling some And thing on eBay cover the yourself might cost!
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April-June 2013
Signing up to be together Church leaders from Kent have made history by signing a covenant, committing them to working together.
It also encourages others to do the same to further the life, mission, work and worship of the churches and congregations in their care. It is the first time such an agreement has been signed and it will be renewed each year. It was signed at Kent College, Pembury at the annual forum of the Kent regional body of Churches Together in England in February. The theme of the day was the Family: God’s family and our family. The Rt Revd John Hine, the Roman Catholic Bishop for Kent and Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Southwark, gave an insightful Bible study which asserted the holiness of daily family life; due to the care and sacrifice that takes place within families every day. Although family life can be chaotic and frenetic, it is ‘through the cracks of even the most broken situation that the light of God’s love can come in.’ Emma Kevan, Christian Aid Regional Coordinator for Kent, reflected on the global family and how the support of people here, can make
Church leaders from a range of denominations in Kent signed a covenant committing them to working together for the sake of the Gospel
a huge difference to those thousands of miles away. She highlighted the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign (see page 3). The Forum closed with ecumenical worship held in Pembury Old Church, led by Lt-Colonel Peter Moran, the Salvation Army’s South-East Divisional Commander, and the Tunbridge Wells Salvation Army band. The Revd Canon Harvey Richardson, County Ecumenical Officer for Kent,
Koinonia: serving God’s elderly Saints S
ybil Webb came to Koinonia for a much need two-week respite stay in May 2011 and returned for a second stay the following month. During that stay she believed the Lord was leading her to make Koinonia her home and she was able to join the Koinonia family in July of that year. This is her story. Being brought up by Christian parents I made a decision for Christ at the age of 15 and, on my 18th birthday, I heard a call from God through Mark chapter 16 to go and serve Him on the mission field. This began when I trained between 1939 and 1946 to be a Nurse and Midwife after which I studied for two years at Redcliffe College. Called to the Egypt General Mission (now MECO) I sailed to work in mission through my nursing and midwifery in Egypt in 1948 during which time I was asked to teach sewing at a local school. This opened doors for me when I was asked to start a Sunday School in the local church so I set about to teach the teachers who were to lead that vital work and even translated some of the gospels into Arabic for them to use.
K Sadly this service was brought to an abrupt end in 1956 with the start of the Suez Crisis but that led me to Ethiopia where I served God until returning home in 1969 to care for my mother. The Vicar of St George’s Church in Worthing asked me to be a Parish Worker which led to my ordination as a Deaconess. Having retired in 1980 I continued to care for my mother until her Home Call six years later after which I returned to the mission field for a year with MECO then on to the United Arab Republic and Amman in Jordan for a final year. While enjoying the care and fellowship at Koinonia when I was on respite and considering my future care needs, God again spoke to me through Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” That was confirmation that Koinonia was to be my home. I am blessed being a part of the Koinonia family, my body, mind and spirit is cared for daily by the staff team and by my fellow residents who share my home. Koinonia truly is Fellowship at its very best.
who steps down from his post this year, said: “It was wonderful to be able to meet together as Christians across the denominations, to worship, to learn, to discuss and to share news with each other about the grass roots ecumenical projects and events taking place across the county. “It was especially meaningful to witness, at the closing act of worship, the signing of the Covenant by all the Church leaders in Kent.”
that’s life!
The funny side of church Readers share some of the things they’ve found funny while in church. n To alL the girls who are in a hurry to have a boyfriend or get married, a piece of biblical advice: “Ruth patiently waited for her mate Boaz.” While you are waiting on YOUR Boaz, don’t settle for any of his relatives: Broke-az, Po-az, Lyin-az, Cheatinaz, Dumb-az, Drunk-az, Cheap-az, Locked-up-az, Goodfornothin-az, Lazy-az and especially his third cousin Beatinyo-az. Wait on your Boaz and make sure he respects Yoaz. n A BOY goes up to his minister and gives him £1. “Why did you do that?” he asks the young lad. “My mum says you’re such a poor preacher,” was the reply. n Has anything funny happened to you in a church context? Email your stories to editor@xnmedia.co.uk.
providing loving care for elderly Christians for over 35 years
oinonia Christian Care has been providing loving care for elderly Christians for over 35 years. Situated in the “Poet’s District” of Worthing it is only half a mile from the seafront and the town centre, accommodation is provided in four linked houses which still retain their Victorian charm and homely character. Challenged by Acts Ch2. the concept of bringing into being a home for elderly Christians originated at a meeting of Ministers of the Sussex Auxiliary of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches in 1968, but it was nearly 10 years before The Koinonia family was born in June 1977 at 4 Winchester Road. Since then 3 adjacent houses have been added to the site and linked together as one and occupies an imposing site at the corner of Winchester and Richmond Road. Residents can enjoy two comfortable lounges plus two sun lounges which lead to the well maintained garden. There are 31 residents rooms carpeted, decorated and furnished to a comfortable standard with en-suite facilities. New residents are encouraged to bring small items of furniture and favourite possessions to make their rooms personal and homely and while they have access to the common areas of the home, their rooms remain their own private space where they can retreat for quiet times to read or watch TV, or invite friends and family to visit at any time. At the centre of the homes’ activities are the daily evening epilogues where the residents come together at the end of the day to share times of worship and to hear God’s Word. Alongside a busy and varied activities programme, the residents enjoy summer outings to places of interest have had lunch on the Watercress Line steam trains, cruised on the Chichester canal, visited garden centers and Amberley working museum, National Trust gardens and enjoyed scenic coach rides along the Sussex coast. It is important to note that Koinonia Christian Care exists today because of the faithful prayerful support of many friends throughout its history and because of the generous giving by so many, giving which echoes God’s
abundant grace and has enabled the purchase and refurbishment of all four properties without the need to borrow a single penny commercially. To Him be all the Glory. So, what about the future? Recently God has shown His great abundance again with an anonymous benefactor purchasing for Koinonia an adjacent care home that has been empty for over five years. After refurbishment it will provide an additional eight resident’s rooms, a large lounge / dining area and conservatory overlooking a smaller secure garden. This will be linked to become an integral part of the home and work will be completed in the summer of 2013. The management and trustees have become very aware in recent years of the increasing number of elderly in society who are developing the debilitating disease dementia. This project will help Koinonia Christian Care embark on an expansion of its care provision to include Dementia care. The development of the property comes of course at a cost and if you would like to make a gift to help finance this exciting new God led development your cheques can be made payable to Koinonia Christian Care and addressed to Koinonia, 4 Winchester Road, Worthing. BN11 4DJ. Rooms available A few rooms are available at the moment for elderly evangelical Christians who are seeking care in the unique environment of a Christian family home. So if you would like to view the home and the facilities available and meet some of the Koinonia family, or wish to apply for a short respite stay or permanent placement you can arrange this by contacting the manager John Royston on 01903 237764 or by e-mail office@koinoniacare.org . When you do visit you will be assured of a warm friendly welcome. So many visitors comment on the lovely sense of peace and family fellowship they feel when they come through the door affirming as they leave that it is a happy home. Koinonia continues to live up to its name which means Fellowship, and fulfils Jesus’ command to “love one another”.
Find out more
Call John Royston on 01903 237764 email office@koinoniacare.org Koinonia, 4 Winchester Road, Worthing. BN11 4DJ
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6|news|t he BA P T I S T | resources
Visit CRE for FREE with our brilliant ticket offer THE BAPTIST is pleased to invite you and your friends to CRE International as our guests, saving you up to £6 per ticket! The exhibition – dubbed the Ideal Homes Show For Churches – takes place in Esher, Surrey from May 14-17. It’s packed with great ideas to help you and your churches and gives you the chance to meet the people behind some of the UK’s best resources. We’ll be there too! To get your FREE tickets, simply log on to www. creonline.co.uk. Click on BUY TICKETS and enter your details and choose the option for “Exhibition Complimentary” and enter the code SEBA2013. Follow the instructions and remember to bring your ticket to the show. See you there!
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April-June 2013
Brilliant inspiration and fresh ideas at the Ideal Homes Show for churches IF YOU’RE looking for some fresh ideas and some brilliant inspiration for your church, the answers are right on your doorstep. Taking place from May 14-17 at Sandown Racecourse in nearby Esher, the annual International Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) aims to help equip and empower your church. And with everything on show from stained glass windows to socks, there is something for everyone. With more than 300 organisations and exhibitors who can help you address the practical and spiritual needs facing your church and community, if what you’re looking for
A clergy catwalk show is one of the fun events that take place at the forthcoming CRE exhibition in Esher, Surrey
isn’t there, the chances are nobody does it. From book publishers to youth specialists, charities to chair manufacturers, ways to worship and what to wear, CRE has it all. No other event offers you the chance to meet such a remarkable range of suppliers and mission organisations. Every year there are new stands that have never exhibited before so even if you came last year it is worth returning this year. And it’s not just a trade show. There are more than 100 practical and inspiring seminars and workshops
taking place across the four-day event, including a visit from Tony Campolo, an update on Messy Church, a look at issues facing people in their final years and issues facing women within the Church. Live music and theatre, cafés, campaigns and more will be available to enjoy … and you’ll be able to shop until you drop with plenty of stalls selling the latest books, CDs, DVDs and gift ideas. n To find out more about CRE, simply visit creonline.co.uk which is updated regularly. It really is the ‘ideal church show’, and organisers look forward to meeting you there.
Ministers: fish with nets, not rods!
£2,000 microgrant up for grabs at CRE Visitors have 2,000 more reasons to come to CRE International this year. For the first time you will discover how to win a £2,000 micro-grant to start a community transformation project, courtesy of the Cinnamon Network. In 2011 it was estimated that 2.5% of the UK Church or 1,000 local churches were leading a community franchise project, mobilising 20,000 volunteers and serving 200,000 beneficiaries. “It was our sense that over 25% of the UK Church or 10,000 local churches could be running a community franchise project mobilising 200,000 volunteers and serving more than 2 million beneficiaries,” explains Cinnamon Network’s Matt Bird. “From food banks to job clubs, night shelters to money advice, dozens of churches have already benefitted. “We’ll show visitors how to follow their lead and bag a £2,000 micro-grant to help them on their way.
Church leaders from SEBA gathered together to worship, pray and learn for the annual ministers’ conference
Advice and encouragement was on hand as SEBA ministers gathered together for a conference. Dan Doherty reflects on the event This year’s SEBA Ministers and Leaders conference started on Wednesday, February 27 – exactly 1,633 years ago to the day that The Edict of Thessalonica was produced.
The aim of this landmark document was to promote Trinitarian Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, in light of many opposing doctrines. Would our conference be as dramatic, memorable, and influential as that? Well, that depends on its application. I guess the impact of any conference can only be measured by the outcome – the extent to which the attendees put in to practice the things they have gained from it. So, what did we gain? At the start of the conference we heard from regional minister the Revd Paul Kerley, who encouraged us not to dwell on the ‘Great Expectations’ that many have of their ministers, but
instead to come before the Lord, willing to rest with Him, receive from Him, and learn from Him. The Revd Stuart Davison, SEBA regional minister team leader, reminded us of the importance of equipping Christians for team evangelism, recognising a variety of gifts among our people, and the importance of teamwork. In order to avoid isolating people or making them feel guilty in their evangelistic efforts, we should endeavour to “fish with nets (together), not rods (alone)”. Throughout the conference set in the grounds of Ashburnham Place we enjoyed great hospitality, beautiful surroundings, drinking vast amounts of tea (naturally) as well as hearing from a variety of speakers including Matt Bird from the Cinnamon Network, and the Revd Dr Paul Goodliff from BUGB’s ministry department. It was also good to meet with other leaders to share, encourage and support one another. On Wednesday, the Revd Ian Coffey, vice principal of Moorlands Bible College, delivered the first of three inspirational sessions. With his wealth of experience, depth of insight, and great sense of humour, Ian gave us much to think about. Teaching from the book of Acts, Ian reminded us how to effectively Minister in contemporary culture,
which is marked by pluralism, materialism, ethical relativism and narcissism (self-centredness). On the Thursday, Ian helped us to reflect on how to be sustained in ministry, finishing the race well. Ministry will inevitably have its delights and its disasters, but through it all we must never forget what we are doing, why we are doing it, how we are to do it and whom we are doing it for. For the final session Ian very humbly shared with us some of his most recent reflections on ministry today. For me, this was the most stimulating part of the conference. It felt that after our voyaging we came to discover that which we had not yet been able to fully grasp or describe. Ian shared about the importance of embedding the Word in a non-book culture – indeed, we must think creatively about how to get God’s word central in the lives of our people. Finally, Ian talked about the importance of sung worship. Challenging some elements of the prevailing worship culture, Ian identified some areas of concern, as well as illuminating areas of opportunity for us to develop balanced, fresh and Christ-centred worship in our local churches. Please pray for us, that in our local churches we might be able to put into practice that which we have taken from the conference, and that in and through it all, God may be glorified! Dan is associate minister of Beulah Baptist Church, Bexhill on Sea
Europe’s leading Christian Resources Exhibitions CRE Midlands
NEC BIRMINGHAM 2013 NEC Birmingham, 3 & 4 October CRE Scotland
LOWLAND HALL 2013
Royal Highland Centre, 27 & 28 November
CRE East
PETERBOROUGH 2014
Peterborough Area, 29 & 30 January CRE International
SANDOWN 2014
Sandown Park, Esher 13 – 16 May
For continually updated information visit:
CREonline.co.uk Tel 01793 418218
Christian Resources Exhibitions is part of Bible Society (Charity Reg. No 232759)
Christian Resources Exhibitions EQUIPPING AND EMPOWERING YOUR CHURCH
8|feature|
April-June 2013
Narazeth Baptists make an exchange visit
Quartet Four people recently got baptised at Worthing Baptist Church. Here, they share some of their amazing journeys to Jesus
H
oly Week was a special week for one Baptist church – it was able to baptise people on Palm Sunday and Easter Day.
Gerry Richards was first up, then seven days later the Revd Mike Parker was able to baptise Leigh Browning, Val Brown and Steve Brown. Mike said he is thrilled that the act of Baptism is touching lives at Worthing Baptist Church – both for “new” Christians, coming to faith through Alpha courses and for folk who have been worshipping for years and realise that it is something they are now called to do. “So many of those present were deeply touched by the testimonies of these four friends as they publicly declared their personal journeys to a relationship with our Lord, there will be another Baptismal service soon,” he said. “Check us out on Facebook,” he added.
Members of Nazareth Baptist Church braved the English winter for an exchange visit. Activities included a session at a care home for the elderly (bottom right) and sightseeing (bottom left)
Gerry’s Testimony
A
n amazing few days is how leaders have descrived taking a group of 20 students from Nazareth Baptist School to visit the sights of South East England.
They arrived from the warm and sunny climes of the Middle East to the cold and blowy British weather – so much for showing them the delights of a spring! Nevermind, the warmth of the welcome from the SEBA churches that they visited certainly made up for it. The group spent their time on the Sunday visiting a couple of churches services where they sang and shared about life in Israel. On the Monday, they went on a visit to a local school where they led a presentation on what it was like at the Nazareth Baptist School. Afterwards, they joined British students in their classes. They also received a taster of some of the projects that churches are involved in, including a care home for the elderly and a project for the homeless. The group also explored some historic places within the region, including a visit to Hever Castle and Brighton Pavilion. Of course, no visit to the UK would be complete without a sightseeing day in London. Despite the temperatures being close to freezing, the brave students booked an open top bus trip. Maeve Whitchurch, SEBA youth officer, said: “If the sun had been shining, I am sure that we would not have seen so many
shivering youngsters with woolly hats and gloves. “Even though the weather was cold they remained very cheerful and entered into the whole programme with enthusiasm. “They tried some traditional British dishes like fish ‘n’ chips, scones with cream amd jam and hot cross buns, all topped off with a visit to the sea, a game of bowling and – for most of them – their first sight of snow.” And the visit wasn’t just for the benefit of the students, as Maeve explains: “I am very pleased to say that everyone who encountered this lovely bunch of students and their two teachers were very welcoming and made them feel so at home,” she said. “They easily made friends with our young people and what a grand spread was provided for their Sunday lunch. “All-in-all it was a very successful trip so a very big thank you and well done to everyone who was involved, from helping them settle into the hostel on the first day driving minibuses during the week, helping me strip the beds at the hostel after they had gone and everything in between.” It is hoped that this visit will become the first of an ongoing exchange programme. “I will be starting on the preparation for a return trip when we will take some of our young people out to Israel next year,” Maeve says. “I am certain that there will be a lot to see and experience so make sure that you watch The Baptist, the monthly youth updates and the SEBA website for more details.”
What is the Nazareth Baptist School? The school is affliated to the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel, a collection of 20 churches in Galilee and Central Israel, 16 of which are native Arabic speaking churches, the other
four use English and Spanish. Established in 1937 as a primary school, it was supported by the Southern Baptist Mission in USA. It was closed during the Second World War, but re-established in 1949. It
now offers secondary education. It is the only school in Israel that has graded chapel services each day and Bible classes in its curriculum for all students, regardless of their background or religion.
Gerry didn’t come from a church background and, despite being a choirboy, he left it as a teenager. “For many years I lived that way but looking back I realise the Lord was with me, and tried to show me He was on a number of occasions, but I didn’t see it,” he said. Seventeen years ago, he and his wife Beryl were welcomed by Worthing Baptist Church when they got married there. “I gradually got involved but just stayed a ‘friend’ of the church,” he said, adding that after persuasion he attended an Alpha course. “I went with many questions; by the end of the course much had been resolved although a degree of confusion remained. Some months later I attended a baptism and the testimony brought such clarity that everything seemed to fall into place.” A spell of pneumonia hospitalised him, and during a visit by the church’s pastor, Mike became a Christian in the hospital chapel. “A journey of 73 years, man and boy, I finally got there,” he said. “And as they say it is never too late.”
Leigh’s Testimony As a child, Leigh attended an Anglican Sunday School, as well as Brownies and Guides. When she was old enough, she joined the youth club and was confirmed at 14. “I didn’t really understand what confirmation was all about. We weren’t allowed to ask any questions during the classes and just had to accept what we were taught,” she said. At 19, she married a non-believer and stopped going to church. She had a daughter and a son, who both came along to support her baptism. “Then life started to go wrong,” she continued. “In the space of three years, my marriage broke down, my father died, I was at risk of losing my job, so I re-located to Worthing to work in the hospital and then my mother died. “As you can imagine, any little bit of faith I had was lost. I felt if there was a God, why was He putting me through so much?” After seven years in Worthing, she tried various churches but said she was never made to feel welcome, so she gave up. “In August last year, I was invited to a dedication ceremony in this church. I was made to feel really welcome and I went home with plans to return the next week,” she said. “I returned the following week and … was made to feel just as welcome again. I decided that this was the church for me.” After hearing a testimony from a church member, she decided to attend an Alpha course. “It was wonderful! I was allowed to ask all the questions I should have been able to ask in confirmation classes.
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April-June 2013
make a real splash!
prayer point
Church is building for the future Sarah Bingham, pastor of East Worthing Baptist Church writes: Many thanks for all of you who have been and are still praying for us, and also to those who sent us gifts towards our refurbishment. You may remember that we planned work in three phases; to repair the dangerous structure and fit double glazing, to replace the heating and put in a kitchenette in the main hall and finally to line the walls of the two side rooms and further ‘cosmetic’ work like re-plastering. The walls and roof are now structurally sound and double glazing has reduced the sound escaping via the windows. We have great neighbours, but if they were working nights, they were not happy with the Community Concert Band or the Egyptian Dance Troupe who use our hall as rehearsal space. They appreciate our efforts to be good neighbours. Feeling the chill
Clockwise from above: Gerry Richards, Val and Steve Brown and Leigh Browning, all of whom were baptised at Worthing Baptist Church this Easter
Due to a miscommunication, our helpful builders, did all the messy work in one go to save money long-term. This included removing the radiators from the hall. We rejoiced to move back into the hall under a safe roof in September, but come November and the cold weather, had to move services into the side room to stop us from freezing. We are almost halfway to raising the funds to replace the heating, but looking forward to warmer weather, when we will be able to use the hall again. We are especially grateful that both the Band and the Dancers were prepared to miss a few weeks in the coldest weather and stayed with us as we press on towards the target. Next?
“Five weeks into the course, I realised that I had always believed in God but just hadn’t felt His presence because I didn’t realise that I had to invite Him into my life. “That evening, after the session, I stayed behind with Mike and the other helpers. We prayed together and I invited Christ into my life. That night I didn’t feel any different and I wondered what all the fuss was about. “The next day, I suddenly felt really happy and that a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I wanted to tell everybody what I had done.”
Val’s Testimony “My coming to faith has not been a sudden, dramatic event but a slow and steady journey,” said Val. Christened as a baby and confirmed at 14, Val only started going to church regularly when she met Steve. “I considered myself a Christian because I went to church and believed in God and Jesus,” she said. “When our son was a baby, our marriage went through a very difficult time and eventually Steve left us for somebody else. At that time, some friends took me to meet a lovely Christian lady who they thought could help me. She laid hands on me and so began my real journey of faith. “After two-and-a-half years of praying for Steve to come home, I eventually was able to give our future to the Lord – whatever it may be – and it was then that Steve and I were reconciled and we later had a daughter. “The Lord had brought us through and, for both myself and Steve, eventually our faith became a real relationship with Him.” Val and Steve joined Worthing Baptist Church two years ago. She decided to get baptised as she wanted to become a full member of the church and most of all to make a public declaration of her faith.
Steve’s testimony “Mine is what I like to call the testimony of a ‘serial convert’. If there was ever an appeal to come forward at the end of a service or meeting I’d be on my feet,” said Steve. Brought up in a Christian family, Steve joined the Boys’ Brigade and aged about seven made his first commitment. When he was 12, he was confirmed at Eton College chapel. It was “a wonderful, religious experience that I enjoyed immensely”. Another altar call came at a BB meeting when he was a young teenager, followed by a Billy Graham crusade when he was 15. The family moved to Worthing in 1966, “when my Dad became verger at St Paul’s church in Chapel Road and, once again, we lived next door to a church.” In December 1969, he started a casual Christmas job in a tailor’s shop, and the manager introduced him to his niece – and Steve’s future wife, Val. They married in 1973 and had a son together in 1980. However, after an affair, Steve left Val and “lived away from my family, feeling pretty much disowned by parents and most of our friends, for two-and-a-half years sad years”. Val did forgive him and the couple were invited to an Alpha course when he accepted that he was truly forgiven by God. “I also discovered there that a relationship with Jesus was what I’d been missing out on all those years,” he said. “Val and I renewed our wedding vows, had a lovely daughter in 1987 and started to grow together in our new, strong faith – not something I had inherited from my parents, or earned from my regular attendance at church, or deserved for my many brave, if empty, gestures in standing up to be counted; but a free gift from God through His grace and His love for me, for us, for you. “We celebrated the birth of our first grandson four years ago and look forward to meeting the next one in June – not events we take as matter of fact, but privileges we are blessed to experience.”
Due to repairs needed in the manse, we have had building companies provide quotes for that work. They also revisited the potential heating solutions for the hall and quoted for that. It may be that for now, we end up moving forward using a different system to that we initially envisaged, but which we will be able to install much more quickly. Please keep praying for us; for wisdom and for courage to make potentially long-lasting decisions about exactly how to move forward. n Following completion of my studies at Spurgeon’s College, my ordination is on July 6 at 2pm. Everyone is welcome, but please let us know if you are going to come, so we can make sure there are enough chairs.
resources
A quiz night via Skype Holding a quiz night either as a fundraiser, or as part of a wider event like Harvest Supper, is nothing new. There is, though, the chance to make it something more and maybe even to feel like something new. Last year, for our Harvest celebrations we at East Worthing decided to swap our usual film evening for the fun of a quiz. I was devising the rounds and mentioned this on Facebook to one of the elders at my former church, Memorial Community Church, Plaistow. My friend is an avid quizzer, so asked if she could have a copy of the questions to complete ‘for fun’. Somehow, this turned into her hosting a Plaistow team in her living room, joining in the quiz by Skype. At our end, we projected their image through the data projector, carefully turning off the sound when the teams needed to consult. Due to the short notice, at the other end they had to make do with a laptop screen. If we were to do it again, though, we would make sure both locations had a projector and occasionally ‘sweep’ the webcam across the competing teams to generate more connection. It didn’t all work out, though; the fish and chips arrived in Plaistow just as we finished eating ours in Worthing. Guess which team won? You got it! The ringers from Plaistow. Sarah Bingham is the pastor of East Worthing Baptist Church
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April-June 2013
What’s happening? Are you struggling with life? Are you weary? Do you need rest? A reader looks at the wonderful promises made to us from the Cross
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hat is happening? Dear reader, I want to begin by saying some words that I believe Jesus wants to say to You at this moment and time.
Sat in my room waiting for God to give me the words to say and just when I felt I really wasn’t going to get any words of inspiration, I felt the Lord was telling me to say these words to you: “I love you. The past is gone, done and buried. I have plans for you, plans to make you prosper and grow, not to harm you ... I am the Vine and you are the branches, if anyone remains in me and I in them, they will bear much fruit. Without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Hold on to the great Vine and don’t let go. As the storms of life rage and the rain of tears and struggling pour down, either from your own eyes and lives, or through the lives and eyes of those around you, it is natural that we can sometimes feel totally shipwrecked, alone, and unable to say, do or find some kind of consolation. At times you may feel completely alone but just like trembling Peter stepping out onto the violent sea, Jesus was with him, stretching out His hand and I believe He is reaching out His hand to you in your life, even this very day. All you have to do is put out yours. God is our anchor. He will not allow us to be destroyed only sometimes shaken. Life can be like a tornado swirling around us but God is like a great oak tree who’s roots seep deep down into the soil of the earth. If we hold on to the Vine, becoming stronger branches, we will not be moved. Like the great oak tree our God is unmoving and unchanging in His great love. For the wonderfully humorous and positive person reading this, you may feel, “Chloe, why so negative?” Well, I feel that God spoke into my heart and explained to me that it is vital to have the joy of the Lord as our strength but it is indeed more blessed to mourn than to rejoice because this does a deeper work of changing and teaching us. Could this be why so many suffer? I don’t know – but what I do believe
is that many people do not need a quick fix message on how to be even happier, optimistic or jolly, instead there is a greater need of the message of hope to those suffering. Every day, cries for help surround us but we fail to hear or see them. Perhaps you’ve spoken to someone this week whose eyes read “help” but in a hurry you couldn’t invest time, yet later your conscience told you otherwise. If this is you, please forgive yourself. God understands that at times we struggle to know “just what to say” and perhaps next time, forget words and believe in the gift of giving your time. Perhaps it is the opposite and in that word “help” you gave an embrace and said what you felt to be feeble words of comfort. If that is you, don’t be disheartened. God will bless your compassionate heart.
So, what Is happening?
I
often feel in order to know what is happening, we need to know and accept what has already happened. Often times the pain people feel or the struggle that they have daily is due to a difficulty in accepting what they cannot control. We mourn when our family members and friends stray and make mistakes. We want to save them from the pain that those mistakes will bring yet in the difficulty to accept no control, we must accept that God is In control. He knows what He is about. It’s the same when a loved one is struck with illness or disease, like cancer or any other terrible disease, we look up and cry to God “What is happening?” There are so many stories in the Bible where some of our loved heroes faced terrible trials and difficulties: Noah and the flood that was to destroy everything, Moses with the rebellious people he wanted to help, Daniel, innocent yet faced with lions, prayerful David faced with Goliath, and so many others who must have initially found themselves at awe and with a difficulty to understand just what was happening. Yet where there was an acceptance of what they didn’t understand, it developed into a firm faith, and all was later
revealed for a greater glory. As this article is being read, Lent and Easter will be finished with our hearts beaming and revived at the refreshed mindset of just what our Lord and Saviour has done for us. How, in Him being risen, we also are risen – but more of that later, I’m stumbling ahead. When Jesus was crucified, his mother and friends mourned deeply. No words of hope could have counted for much as they watched their teacher, their friend, their brother, their son, tortured and nailed to a cross. The cry of their hearts must have pleaded desperately “God, what is happening!” We often cry those same words.
What is happening Around us?
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gain, this may sound very grey and drab, but please allow me to be real. We have civil wars. We have poverty and deaths on the increase. Starvation, both physical and spiritual. We have an up rise of an angry generation. Porn. Collapse in schools and doctors surgeries. Low jobs and low incomes. Overflowing prisons and crime on the increase. It’s painful to look out the window and see things as they are and the temptation is so real to retreat and close the curtains, to go back to bed and hide, or to avoid anyone or anything that may remind us of the sad aspects of life but as damaging as this can be, so is the opposite end of the spectrum. To read the news five times in a day, to become absorbed in talking about all that is wrong in the world and never seeing the good or becoming so
overwhelmed and depressed that we are unable to function, can be harmful. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) There is also a great deal of good around us as the Kingdom of God breaks through like sun beams in certain cracks and spaces, if we have open eyes to see them. There are millions of wonderful outreaches, missions and organisations aimed to and for the lifting up of those who are poor or struggling. Counselling is on the increase for those who need support. There are marriages, love, romances and children being born. People are changing, coming to faith, being healed and set free. “… proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 10:7)
What is happening IN You?
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ave you crucified your past on the cross of cavalry? Have you placed every mistake you’ve ever made at the feet of Jesus? Have you accepted that Christ has paid the price for you? Or do you hold on to your sins, mistakes and flaws like a security, not realising the harm it does to you? Jesus did not go to the Cross that we would die, but that we would repent and live! That means when you say sorry for a mistake you have made God takes it in His hands and buries it completely.
Jesus was tortured and beaten, not so that we would torture and beat ourselves every time we fall but so that we would see how in Christ we are risen from our mistakes into forgiveness and new life. Dear reader, what is happening in your Heart? Has Christ been risen in your heart? Have you been risen with Him into new life? Are you pressing forward and forgetting what has been before? Has unforgiveness made its home in your heart? Are you angry? Are you bereaved? Are you weak? Are you fearful of the future? Are you under pressure? “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Jesus, you are the Lord of Love, Jesus you are the Vine. Transfigure us O God, And break the chains that bind. Jesus, you are the Lord of Love, Jesus you are the Vine. From you the hungry have their fill, And the healing of all ills. Jesus, you are the Lord of Love, Jesus you are the Vine, Your finger writes in our hearts; “You are mine.”
Chloe Karan Cherry JackmaN
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April-June 2013
Pilgrim’s progress
Andrew Bond
Being a church without walls What does it mean to be part of the Church family? Andrew Bond, an Anglican curate, finds answers in a Kenyan chapel
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here is a church dedicated to St James where the faithful gather for worship during the week – and especially on a Sunday.
It nestles beneath the coconut fronds on a dusty road leading to the coastal village of Watumu on the Kenyan coast north of Mombasa. It has no doors, and no windows. Apart from supporting pillars it has no walls. Picture it in your mind – a church with no walls. It is a simple building but yet its beauty lies in its simplicity and its position – it’s surrounded by tropical shrubs like frangipani, hibiscus and poinsettia. There is no incense or scented candles to give an intoxicating scent; instead the air is filled with the sweet aroma of these tropical plants. What does it means to be part of the Church family? Like any family it has its strengths and its weaknesses but in our case the strengths must outweigh its weaknesses. We all gain our strength from Christ, Himself baptised as we are into the faith and into our new lives as Christians, as the faithful followers of God’s own son. Much has been written, and will be written about divisions within the Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion in general. There are divisions over questions of gender and sexuality in ministry. There are divisions over the Government’s planned proposal to change the law in relation to marriage. There are divisions between the wealthy churches and those less fortunate. These divisions have been brought sharply into focus with the installation of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd Justin Welby. He has said he is taking on an impossible “job”. But he will not be alone. As a member of that great Christian family he will never be without the touching hand of Christ, with whom he will walk. True the Archbishop does not have the authority in the Anglican Communion that, for example, the Pope has in the Roman Catholic Church – but having been in Kenya when former Archbishop Michael Ramsey visited the country I have witnessed how the post carries with it huge authority and much affection.
Medium
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How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. 2 1 4 Each compartment must form a straight 6 4 5 a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be 4 5 in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells 4 3 6 2 remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. 3 5 2 1 Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ 2 1 3 are formed.
© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
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AT A THANKSGIVING service for a dear friend, the pastor reminded us of Henry’s profession. The caretaker of the church for many years, it was an apt description. He took care. He was the one who was happy to be in the kitchen washing up, serving others with kindess and diligence. And he took care of people who crossed his path. Often, he’d take risks to take strangers in as lodgers, giving them love and care that formed life long friendships. You might think of the caretaker as a lowly position, but as Henry proved, you must take care not to think of it as such. Faith is like WiFi. It’s invisible, but it has the power to connect you to what you need.
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YOU CAN now follow in the footsteps of Bear Grylls and go on adventure weeks, led by him and his group of experts. For around £2,000, guests are taken on a survival tour where they are shown how to live on a diet of mealworms and rabbit, make their own shelter and do all the things that you’ll see Bear do on his famous television show. Bear is remarkable and also a spokesman for the Alpha Course. “Alpha is a way to explore what we hunger after – meaning, intimacy and relationship,” he says. Not only is he the man to follow in a forest, but he’s also the one to help guide you to the King.
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SON of a weaver, apprenticed as a cobbler and self-taught in several languages, one man had great ambitions. Despite personal tragedy, which saw three of his children die while infants, he refused to let grief make him bitter. Instead, it made him even more determined to serve God, becoming a school teacher and a church pastor. He was inspired and challenged by the journals of James Cook, wanting to share the Gospel among the world. So he did; translating the Bible into Bengali and Sanskrit, among others. And in doing so, he established a missionary organisation that has helped countless of people over centuries. Who is this man who attempted great things for God and expected great things in return? Why, none other than William Carey, founder of BMS World Mission.
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Sudoku SUDOKU
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© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
Str8ts STR8TS
Antony Pilgrim
Seeing the then Archbishop lead an open air service of the faithful in Nairobi was both moving and inspirational. It was if the family had come together to see a trusted and much loved senior member. They had of course come together in praise of God. We read in St Paul’s Letter to the Galatians at Chapter 3 vv 27-29 these moving words, “As many of you as were baptised into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” St Paul was not suggesting that Greeks would lose their language and culture, nor that men and women would somehow become hermaphrodites. He was certainly not condoning slavery. What he was saying was that people previously divided were now all united under Christ. It is a chapter I recommend you read, and re-read every time you read of reported divisions in the Church. Ours is a faith steeped in the Scriptures; it is from these Scriptures we gain our strength and understanding of Christ. Without constant recourse to them we are weakened and we are vulnerable. Through these words of Scripture we stop, we reflect and we glimpse God in our minds as we do. Next time you go to church, think of that simple church of St James on the East African coast. The familiarities will far outweigh the differences. Think of that church as your church – our church is the body of Christians past present and future sharing in the one Baptism of Christ. Yes there are differences between us but think though of those words of St Paul to the fledgling Church in those early years after Christ’s death and Resurrection. If you do you will surely be strengthened in the knowledge that diversity is different from division. In one there is strength, in the other there is animosity. The Principal of a theological college in Cambridge used to start each new academic year with a commission to his students. He would pray with them and end with “Put down your roots, but bring down your walls”. It is a simple message. Perhaps in some small way that little church standing by an unmade road in Kenya epitomises what we should be about. It has no walls – but a welcome to all. For in Christ, through our Baptism, we are all one as St Paul wrote 2,000 years ago. And it is our responsibility to ensure we spread this powerful message. And it is our responsibility too, to give to all a really warm welcome to the Christian family. The Revd Andrew Bond is curate for churches in Pangbourne, Tidmarsh & Sulham, Berkshire
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts. If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
For the solutions, please turn to page 14
across 1. Head of a diocese (6) 5. Sleep (6) 8. Obstacle (4) 9. Adds to (8) 10. Fur (6) 12. Spots (4) 15. Washed his hands of it (7, 6) 16. Rouse (4) 17. Native American (6) 19. Enterprising journey (4, 4) 21. Harvest (4) 22. Memorial (6) 23. Praises (6) down 2. Deepest (9) 3. Embrace (3) 4. At rest (8) 5. Anger (4) 6. Jesus — over death (9) 7. Do this up or down (3) 11. Explain (9)
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2. Deepest (9) 3. words Embrace (3) (4) 4. At rest (8) 20. Little one (3) 5. Anger (4) 21. Decay (3) 6. Jesus … over death (9) 7. Do this up or down (3)
Serving in Retiremen Serving in Retirement?
Retired Christian businessman shares 12|advertisement| t h eBA PTIST | April-June 2013
To advertise, email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk his knowledge with the world
Retired Christian businessman shares his knowledge with the w
Retired Christian businessman shares his knowledge with the world
Retired Christian businessman shares his knowledge with the world
T
T
en million apprenticeship or businesses to to strength, For Mike As the principles retail shop or farm people in scheme to bring hope raise £250 over a it’s all about “giving of trading are global, free range eggs. In Worthing, businessman Mike Tyler was able to take early retirement years old en million apprenticeship or businesses to and to str As the principles retail shop or farm the UK and and opportunity for year to sponsor an something back” is to Behind all of his starting andarefelt Mike’s called plan to use his people business experience running, in scheme toor bring raise £250 over a to it’s al of trading are global, freeand range eggs. In Worthing, businessman Mike Tyler wastoable apprentice. to take early retirement 050. now over training work helphope a trying to respond pass on commercial hard work, Mike says together with his wife Wanda, a local church coffee shop and then a the UK are and opportunity for year to sponsor an Mike’s plan is to Behind all of his and business experience 65 years old ‘know how’ through people in very starting family and startrunning, an income God’s great challenge some therefelt hascalled been atolotuse of hisyoung e already now over training and work to or help a trying pass on commercial hard work, Mike says the lonely and elderly. Hardwith work great funcommunities, serving lovelycoffee and the numberclub will for providing poor generating project in a inapprentice. the Bible for us to free prayer. together hisbut wife Wanda, a local church shoppeople and then 65 years old young in very family start an income God’ ‘know how’ through there has been a lot of and many have nearly doubled where there is. work no very poor community serve the needs of the business “Two weeks afterwith folk in the localtraining community, many struggling difficulties club for the lonely and elderly. Hard but great fun serving lovely and the number will poor communities, generating project in a in the providing free prayer. million shop or farm apprenticeship or is businesses toAid For Trade to strength,poorest! For Mike As the principles y elderly by 2050. en Could state many welfare. Mike courses online. His retail carefully preparing a have nearly doubled where there is. no very poor community serve business training “Twostruggling weeks afterwith As folk in the local community, difficulties people in free range scheme to bring hope raise £250goes overfrom a it’s all about “giving of trading are global,can Worthing, businessman Mike Tyler was able to take early retirement retirement be In a time looking for churches strength partners abroad rathereggs. large budget to His by 2050. Could state welfare. Mike is As Aid For Trade poore courses online. carefully preparing a Serving the poor via the the UK Behind all hisinternet? and opportunity for year to sponsor an something back” and is to for Christians to are use pass plan on use this training fund theof expansion and felt Mike’s called to his business experience starting retirement be a time looking for churches goes from strength partners abroad and can running, rather large budget to Serving theand poor via internet? Mike,pass now five, set andchurch leads aand new charity venture using now over hardup work, Mike says training work tothe apprentice. or help a trying to respond to onseventy commercial their spiritual gifts, and start successful this venture for Christians use pass oncoffee this training fund the together with his wife Wanda, atoof local shop and then a expansion d for most, 65 years old there has been a lot of young people in very family start an income great challenge ‘know how’ through Mike, now seventy five, set up andventure leads aand new charity ventureGod’s using thefor amazing internet toofhelpgifts, Christians in very poor communities talents, experience small businesses starting to explore theirelderly. spiritual and start successful of this club the lonely and Hard work but great fun serving lovely andbe the number will prayer. amazing internet poor communities, project in a in the Bible for us to providing free this can toof help Christians ingenerating very poor communities talents, experience businesses starting to explore and passions they high integrity, in their the andstarting praysmall about who overseas to generate income by very small trading enterprises. have nearly doubled “Two weeks after where there is no very poor community serve the needs of the business training folk in the local community, many struggling with difficulties . he spiritual and passions they high integrity, in their by andstarting pray about who have gained over communities. we could apply to state overseas to generate income very by 2050. Could This venture, carefully preparing a welfare. Mike isis now As small Aid Fortrading Trade enterprises. poorest! courses online. HisAid for called Trade (www.aidfortrade.org.uk) have gained over communities. we could apply to working Theabroad website, for possible large gained as years? is now This venture, called Aid for Trade (www.aidfortrade.org.uk) retirement be a time large budget to looking for churches goes from strength partners canwill rather working years? The website, will for possible large helping partners involved in job creation in Pakistan, Albania, Serving the poor via the internet? Mike Tyler thinks also feature access to grant support—a g waysforthat Christians to use fundhelping the expansion pass on this training partners involved job creation in Pakistan, Albania, Mike Tyler thinks also feature to ingrant support—a Mike, now seventy five, set up and leads aand new charity using Mozambique, Kenya, Ghana and Kyrgystan. so. 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| th e BAPTI ST |news|13
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April-June 2013
Partners in ministry & mission: Ethical food news Reflections of a hospital chaplain Fairtrade sales on the up Chaplains are the unsung heroes of hospitals. Here, the Revd Lynda Rowlinson shares a typical day
H
Patients in hospitals often appreciate visits from chaplains – and the work needs your support
ow well do you know your local hospital chaplaincy team? Do you know what they do and how they operate?
If a member of your church is admitted into hospital, do you contact the chaplain to let them know or, if you visit your church member in hospital, do you drop in to say hello to the chaplain? How often do you invite a chaplain to visit your church, and, perhaps most importantly, do you pray for the chaplains in your local hospital? I’m sorry for all these questions but I simply wanted to get you thinking. I joined the Chaplaincy Team of Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust (Worthing Hospital) in October 2011. As assistant chaplain I work sessionally alongside two other part-time chaplains and one, full-time, lead chaplain. Having been in church based pastoral ministry for a number of years this move to part-time hospital chaplaincy and part-time church based ministry has been quite eyeopening. I had not previously considered the potential for ‘partnership in ministry and mission’ with the local hospital. In church life we are very comfortable with an understanding of ‘partnership’ with national and global mission, supporting ministries through prayer, and sometimes practically too, but hospital ministry, what has that got to do with the local church? Perhaps if I explain a little about how the chaplaincy team works at Worthing Hospital, and the scope and range of our ministry, then you might see how your church could be enriched by deepening a sense of partnership with your own local hospital. The Chaplaincy Team comprises NHS employed chaplains and volunteer chaplains and chaplaincy ward visitors. Our role is to provide pastoral and spiritual support to patients, their families and visitors, and to hospital staff. We also have some involvement with staff training and development. Our ministry is available to people of faith and of no declared faith. A typical day might look like this: The office phone rings and a ward sister asked “Would someone could come and sit with Mrs A, who has just been told she has a terminal illness.” The patient does not have any church connection, but at that moment Mrs A simply needs someone to sit with them, and be with them. After a while I ask if she would like me to pray. I read from the Scriptures and pray then I leave Mrs A with a small cross, a gift from the chapel.
The ward sister is grateful because they were short staffed and could not have spent so long with their patient. I take a coffee break in the WRVS café, which leads to a conversation with a gentleman who is visiting his wife. She has been in hospital now for several weeks. The gentleman just needs someone to talk too. Let me explain that I do wear a ‘dog collar’ in the hospital. This is an environment where uniforms help everyone know who is who. They are uncomfortable to wear and at first I was very self-conscious, but the number of random conversations that I have had around the hospital because of the dogcollar means I accept that the uniform is a means by which God opens up opportunities for mission and ministry. Back to my ‘typical’ day; in the office there is a list of patients that we know would like a visit from a chaplain, and I begin a few ward visits. Sometimes church ministers let us know if a parishioner or member is in hospital, but mostly this information comes to us via our wonderful team of volunteers. They visit wards and generally chat to the patients and offer to pray with or for them. It is their conversations that often alert us to a patient having a church connection or to a patient wanting a chaplain to visit. If my ward visit spans a lunchtime I might find myself being asked by staff to help a patient with their meal. As I write, this afternoon I will speak to a group of 40 new staff members at their staff induction. They are split into small groups and I have about 15 minutes to explain to them about spirituality and the role of the chaplaincy team. Whether they are admin staff or nursing staff, I explain that we are there for them as much as for the patients. Last week we held a memorial service in the chapel for a member of staff who had died, at various times through the year we hold family services for staff and toddlers from the staff nursery, every week we have a communion service for patients, visitors and staff. Before I leave the hospital I pop in to see a patient I have visited regularly for quite some time. She is a member of a local church and I have shared communion with her on several occasions, once also with her minister who was visiting. It’s good news, she has been given the all clear and she can go home.
Her husband is on his way in to pick her up and I contact her minister to let him know. We pray and give thanks to God. I tell her that I hope not to see her again and we laugh and hug. She knows what I mean. I leave the hospital and head home, content but emotionally wrung out. I’m still ‘on call’ and will be until 6am tomorrow. I have no idea what the next 12 hours might bring; a call from the delivery suite to pray with a family whose premature baby has died, a call from ICU to a patient I have been visiting, to support his family because the decision has been made to switch off the life support machine, or a call from a ward sister because a patient has asked to see an Imam. It could be any of those or it could be that the phone doesn’t ring at all. I spend the evening preparing to conduct a funeral service tomorrow. It is a ‘contract funeral’ which means that the deceased either had no funds or family to pay for their funeral. It is expected that only myself and the funeral director will be attending and only the barest of details are known of Mr G’s 54 years of life. I pray the Lord will help me to do justice to the life of a man He knew, even if I didn’t. So why do I think that the local church and hospital chaplaincy teams are partners in ministry and mission? It’s not simply because, as a hospital chaplain, I might have occasion to minister and support a member of your church or that maybe one of your members might like to join the team of Ward Visitors as a volunteer. It’s more than that. The communities we are called to serve and bare witness too are the same communities. The patients, families and visitors and the hospital staff that I serve are the men, women and children that live on your patch, they are your neighbours, they are the mission field you are called to love and serve. It is simply that, for a while, they find themselves in my world, often disorientated, lost and sometimes hurting. I am truly blessed by having both a ministry in the hospital and in the local church. The link between the two is invaluable, they enrich each other. My prayer is that you will be inspired to get to know your local hospital chaplains and explore ways of supporting a shared ministry and mission, to the glory of God and His Kingdom.
The Fairtrade Foundation has revealed that sales soared in 2012, as public support for all things Fairtrade grows. The Fairtrade Foundation’s new CEO, Michael Gidney, says: “Fairtrade sales continue to confound expectation in the midst of the current tough economic climate.The UK public have developed a lasting appetite for food and goods traded on fairer terms with producers, and forward thinking businesses are responding energetically to this by providing a wider range of products.” One of the reasons for the growth is the continued switchover to Fairtrade: revamped products included Maltesers, Kit Kats,Tate & Lyle’s sugar and Ben & Jerry’s ice creams.The Co-operative switched all its bananas over to Fairtrade and the Divine, Cafedirect andTraidcraft all brought out new products. It’s estimated that last year, retail sales of Fairtrade products in 2012 reached £1.57bn, a 19% increase on sales of £1.32 bn in 2011.
Be hot stuff and help Habitat For Humanity! A PERI PERI sauce maker is celebrating its first birthday by with a special cookery contest that any one can enter. Award-wining African Volcano is a range of peri peri sauces and marinades created by chef Grant Hawthorne. For each bottle sold, a 30p donation is made to Habitat For Humanity’s youth project in CapeTown. Now, the search is on for original recipes made using the medium sauce and marinade. Entries have to be in by April 30, and finalists will be chosen for a cook-off at a top London cookery school on Monday, May 20. The overall winner will received a ThermomixTM31, a unique food processor that also weighs, blends, grinds, kneads, steams and cooks. Runners-up will receive African Volcano sauce and marinade packs, South African Wine or a fantastic Cape Wine Academy course for two people. Every entry will be entered into a draw to win 12 bottles of African Volcano. Grant said: “With this competition I would like to see people getting creative with the sauce and marinade.There are five categories and only one is chicken.” To find out more about the contest, log on to www. africanvolcano.com/competition.
Go on – grow your own With Spring finally arriving after several false starts, now is the time to be thinking about growing your own. And, one online garden centre is finding that business is booming. The VegTrug is a raised vegetable garden that fits into small spaces and offers a convenient solution for budding gardeners. Paul Smith, marketing manager at Garden Essentials, said: “It’s a fantastic way to get started or maintain your love of gardening – it’s suitable for growing deep and shallow rooted veg so you can really let your imagination run wild then get creative in the kitchen.” Garden Essentials’ exclusive VegTrug Home Farm Kit includes a medium VegTrug plus three free covers and liner at the exclusive special price of just £199 (delivered to your door) – a saving of over £30. For more information visit www.gardenessentials.co.uk
arts
new books
Learning Scripture through song Paul M Harvey has created a new sound aimed at helping youngsters get to grips with Scripture. Phil Creighton finds out more
I
t’s the best book to read, but it can also be hard for little ones to get their heads around.
Thanks to a missionary on a mission, it’s now a lot easier and it’s all due to Bible 100s project. Paul Harvey – who spent 15 years in Spain with his family working for WEC and now works at its UK base in Bulstrode, Buckinghamshire – has created Bible100s to make it easier for people to learn Scripture. “I really have a burning desire to share the Bible with people because it’s just full of wonderful stories and a
lot of people don’t know how wonderful they are,” he says. Using the NIV as its base, the CD with accompanying website and fun book brings together story songs, worship songs, action songs and memory verse songs to bring the stories alive … and with memorable tunes. Released as Story Songs From The Book Of Faith, it features 15 songs and, as Paul explains, they’re aimed at the young, old and in between. “Some tell the whole story like David and Goliath,” he says. “Others have choruses that repeat, and are nice and catchy.” This first volume includes Faith is Being Sure, based on Hebrews 11:1, The Full Armour,
based on Ephesians 6:11-17 and Joy of Joys (He’s My Friend), based on John 9. The collection rounds off with The Epic Tale Of The Man Called Job, and there are also songs based on Jesus and Jonah, all offering a whistlestop tour of Scripture. Accompanying the CD is a Fun Book that is backed with activities that help children to explore the story behind the song. There are puzzles, colouring-in pages, stories and song lyrics. It’s a great resource for parents or Sunday School teachers looking for something different. And there’s more! Paul has quizzes, games, challenges and reflections to help bring the Bible alive, all available on the website, along with sample tracks from the album. This has been a real labour of love.Paul says the idea has been on his mind for years, but it’s only been in the past 18 months
THE MIND CAFE PRESENTS
the
G. M. GUARD YOUR MIND
A Christian cognitive approach to managing the mind Fun and interactive learning sessions for the prevention and management of mind disorders.Available for groups and individuals. Join us for a taster seminar at the CRE Sandown on Thursday 16th May ‘13 at 3.30 pm. Meet us on stand T12 & T13 www.guardyourmind.org
Tel: 01462 612892
Creating Community: Ancient ways for modern churches
Simon Reed, BRF, £7.99. ISBN: 9780857460097 Here’s a new but old way of being church which is based upon three core elements: a Way of Life, a network of Soul Friends, and a rhythm of prayer. The book shows how the rediscovery of these elements offers a vital key that opens up an ancient way for modern churches. Get It Across Loud And Clear
that he’s turned it into a reality. And the results have been pressed into use in churches already with impressive results. “Seeing kids singalong with smiles on their faces” is part of what it’s all about for Paul. But there’s another burning desire for him to pen these great songs. “Picking up the stories – that’s what it’s all about: getting to know the Bible better,” he says. “My real desire is that a lot
more people know the Bible because of it.” As well as working for WEC, Paul and his family are members of Wycliffe Baptist Church in East Reading. n Story Songs From The Book Of Faith costs £7.50 + £1.50 P&P. Cheques are payable to Paul M Harvey. For more details, log on to www.bible100s.co.uk, or write to BIBLE100s, Paul M Harvey, WEC International, Bulstrode, Oxford Rd, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, SL9 8SZ
By Ali Martin, Authentic Media, £7.99. ISBN: 9781850789932 How can we take the Bible and help it to come alive for others? This book is packed full of practical tips to enable speakers to refine and develop their ability to communicate. It will encourage you to be the very best communicator you can be. So a Comedian Walks Into a Church ... Confessions of a Kneel-Down Stand-Up
By Paul Kerensa, Darton, Longman & Todd, £8.99. ISBN: 9780232529791 This is a tale of two circuits – comedy clubs and churches. Along the way Paul will play to zero people and to seven million, via the rocky road of heckles and putdowns (and that’s just the churches). Support your local Christian bookshop and buy in store
steve vaughan-turner CH Spurgeon
on committees
We must be done with daydreams, and get to work. I believe in eggs, but we must get chickens out of them. I do not mind how big your egg is; it may be an ostrich egg if you like, but if there is nothing in it, pray clear away the shells. We want facts – deeds done, souls saved. It is all very well to write essays, but what souls have you saved from going down to hell? Your excellent management of your school interests me, but how many children Fine! Take it all down, but don’t call me when have been brought into the church by you find people just wandering in off the street! it? Are sinners converted? Brethren, do www.drawingfromexperience.blogspot.com something; do something; do something. While committees waste their time, over resolutions, do something. While Crossword Solution Societies and Unions are Str8ts Solution Sudoku Solution across making constitutions, let 3 2 1 7 6 7 3 2 5 8 4 1 6 9 1. Bishop 5. Repose us win souls. 8. Snag 9. Augments 2 1 3 9 8 6 7 4 5 1 4 9 2 6 3 5 8 7 Too often we discuss, 1 2 9 8 7 4 5 6 5 8 6 1 9 7 4 3 2 10. Ermine 12. Acne 15. Pontius Pilate and discuss and discuss, 3 8 7 4 5 6 2 6 8 3 4 1 9 7 5 16. Stir 17. Indian and Satan laughs in his 7 6 4 5 8 3 2 4 9 5 8 7 6 3 2 1 19. StarTrek 21. Reap 8 9 7 6 5 3 2 1 3 1 7 9 2 5 8 4 6 22. Statue 23. Extols sleeve. It is time we had 7 8 5 6 2 1 4 8 5 3 7 1 2 6 9 4 Down done planning and sought 9 6 5 4 3 2 1 7 8 9 7 4 6 5 8 2 1 3 2. Innermost 3. Hug something to plan. 4. Peaceful 5. Rage 6. 2 3 7 6 2 1 4 3 9 7 5 8 6 5 4 I pray, be men of action Prevailed 7. Sit 11. Interpret 13. Nathanael all of you get to work and The Baptist is an independent publication and published quarterly by 14. Sprinkle 18.True Xn Media Ltd, 10 Amity Street, Reading RG1 3LP. Printed by Trinity Mirror Reading quit yourselves like men. 20.Tot 21. Rot. © Xn Media Ltd 2013 Publisher Xn Media Ltd A lecture to students, 1875 Editor Phil Creighton editor@xnmedia.co.uk Advertising advertising@ xnmedia.co.uk
solutions
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April-June 2013
What’s top of the Christian pops?
That’s the reason … but what’s the question?
A
singer has launched his latest single with a video with a difference: he’s not in it –but hundreds of Londoners are.
For The Reason, Andy Flannagan asked people the same question, but many difference answers are given in response. As Andy explains, The Reason seems to be starting discussions across the country … but just what is the question? The Irish sing-songwriter’s single entered the Cross Rhythms charts at number three and the video is the result of three days spent on the streets of London asking a very specific question. “The answers are illuminating,” he said. “The video has already accrued a bucketload of views in its first days online.
“It juxtaposes our shallow, consumerist dreams with the deeper biblical call to “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.” Andy hopes that the song will become very useful as a discussion starter for small groups, a set-piece insert to a programme, or a great tool to forward/ share on Facebook with friends to get them thinking about justice and deeper things. In its first weekend it has already been used in many events and churches the length and breadth of the UK and further afield The Reason is taken from the album Drowning in the Shallow, which has been produced by Grammy-winning producer Alan Branch and features the world-class musical talents of artists who have worked with people such as Sting, Bjork and Beth
Orton. The song is an invitation to us to take some steps out into the deep water, away from the relative safety and comfort of our flat-screen worlds. “These are beautiful yet painful stories of broken things being made whole and they provoke us to be involved in that process,” Andy adds. “Here there are tears, wisdom and experience gleaned from some of the world’s most difficult places.” n The Reason features on Andy’s album Drowning In The Shallow. For details, visit www.andyflan.com. n The YouTube video can be found at http://goo.gl/lQo7h. n The singer can be found on Facebook and YouTube, search for andyflannaganmusic. He is also on Twitter @andyflannagan.
Sign up for Mission Worship New books from Baptist author
NOVEMBER might seem a way away, but already bookings are being taken for this year’s Mission Worship conference. Held in TH Eastbourne, the popular event brings together TH TOand 17singer/songwriters NOVEMBERacross the country WORSHIP - 15 worship leaders RELEASE TO THE POOR for threeWORSHIP days of Christ-centred worship. Organised by Kingsway, the event will take place from a weekend of worship, teaching and ministry at Mission November 15-17. astbourne, England. The conference exists so that we can worship God in from Brian Doerksen, McClarney, Band, to us, wonderful andChris creative ways forDesperation all of his goodness llingham,and Martin Nathan Jess, New Life Worship, thatSmith, we can take our worship outside to aPete world that Worship Central. needs to hear about God’s incredible love. Mission and worship are What completely intertwined s time to release worship to the poor’. does that mean? with we understand that worship a real word, it'sWorship about to be an each other, which isiswhy we action want Mission and caring for what God cares for, and from time to time it's event which loves and cares for people in the same way that mes from our lips on a Sunday. Jesus does. been close to theconference Heart of God, Jesus references as He The theme is Its Time Tothem Release Worship To nd He repeats that reference when John's disciples challenge The Poor and special guests will include Brian Doerksen, Go back and tell John what you see, the deaf hear, the lame Lou the goodChris newsMcClarney, is preachedDesperation to the poor.” Band, Jesus Glenn spendsPackiam, time them, heals them, feeds them, and lives life with Fellingham, Martin Smith, Nathan Jess,them. New And Life Worship, some ofPete His most passionate and Worship direct sermons (see Matt James, Robin Mark, Central and more. , worship that is Christ-centered is worship that has an Book before May 31 and you can get a £20 discount off the and the marginalized. conference price. who worship who lead others in worship have a ForHim, morewe details, log on to www.missionworship.com.
ur worship through our actions. For if we do not care for the injustice in our communities, in our towns, in our country, and od's will be done? It's time for the church to release worship
Most readers would probably agree that the biggest challenge facing Christian witness in this country today is not downright hostility, so much as impenetrable apathy – and the root cause of this may simply be ignorance. With the retreat of specific Christian teaching in schools for more than two generations now, large and growing swathes of the population simply do not know even the basic facts of what the Church struggles to proclaim. Heroic efforts are made by many concerned believers to face up to this fact by doing something effective to combat the situation; but we live in an age of transience – cyberspace has exploded with communications which by their very nature are ephemeral, and therefore only too easily forgotten. David Gurney is convinced of the truth of the Latin tag Litera scripta manet – the written word remains. He has put this conviction into effect in a trio
of books which seek to retell stories which may be familiar to us, but are frankly new territory to the majority of the people we rub shoulders with every day. His A GOOD FIGHT – PAUL’S JOURNAL was published to mark the new millennium; now two more of his books are available. JUST LIKE US – ROUND THE CRADLE, THE CROSS AND THE CROWN approaches the facts of the birth of Jesus, His death, and His resurrection, from the standpoint of 21 New Testament characters who in one way or another were directly or indirectly affected by them. The author’s approach is imaginative, but not imaginary; the opinion has already been expressed that this book, and its successor, would be invaluable in school class-rooms, as well as part of the programme of church youth groups, beginners’ study courses, etc. It is available from the author at 33 Broadmead, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5RN, at £12 hardback, and £10 soft-cover. JOHN YOUR BROTHER digs
MOVE over Nick Grimshaw and Alan Freeman – there are some new pop-pickers in town. An all-new specialTop 20 chart for Christian music has just been released and backers say it’s going straight in at Number One. The Official Charts Company – the boffins who calculate sales data to collate the Hit Parade that forms the staple of a teenager’s Sunday evening – have teamed up with Christian child development charity Compassion to launch the Christian and Gospel music chart which will be released every Monday. Organisers say that its launch is a response to strong growth within the market and Compassion UK adds that it is delighted to be part of this exciting new chapter for Christian Music. The Official Christian & Gospel Chart will be broadcast every week on leading Christian radio stations Premier Radio and UCB, as well as being published weekly at www.officialcharts.com, the home of the UK’s Official Charts online. The first Number One was Zion by Hillsong United. Among the artists set to feature in the chart are many of Compassion’s Ambassadors, who regularly speak out on behalf of the poor and the ministry of Compassion. Ian Hamilton, Compassion UK’s CEO, said: “Compassion UK are thrilled to be partnering with the launch ofThe Christian & Gospel Charts, we are honoured to have many ambassadors for our ministry among Christian Music artists in the UK as we work to bring Worship and Justice together.” Demand And there is a real demand for the charts: Christian and Gospel music accounts for seven per cent of all recorded music sales in the US, with 26 million albums sold in 2012 – more than the sales of classical, blues and jazz combined. Jonathan Brown, Managing Director, Integrity Music and on behalf of Christian & Gospel Music Labels, is firmly behind the charts’ launch. “This is a defining moment and changes the landscape for Christian and Gospel music in the UK,” he said. “Christian music has always been a part of society in bringing hope and encouragement. With the development of this new chart it will bring significant profile to this growing genre.” Bill Hearn President of EMI CMG is another person who is backing the chart. He said: “I’m excited to see Official Chart Company recognise the importance of the Christian/Gospel genre in the UK.This information will bring more media attention and consumer awareness to our artists and songs which is at the core of our mission as a company.” Jonathan L Bugden, Managing Director of Joining The Dots, said: “It’s exciting to see recognition and measurability of something that’s been under the radar for so long come to reality.The OCC charts will, I believe, make a massive contribution to profiling the real significance of Christian music.” n The charts are now available from a range of websites, including www.officialcharts.com.
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