BUC News #562 (9 November 2007)

Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Contents:

IRISH MISSION SESSION REPORT.
ADVENTIST LIFESTYLE SAVES LIVES FOR 160 YEARS.
GREAT YARMOUTH CHURCH CELEBRATES 75 YEARS.
FIRST SPECIAL NEEDS CONFERENCE HELD.
THIRD TED YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONVENTION - YOUTH MATTERS.
THE FORGIVENESS PROJECT ON BBC.
DAD'S ARMY CAN FIGHT GUN MENACE.
MANCHESTER SOUTHERN ASIAN SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION".
COMING EVENTS.

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IRISH MISSION SESSION REPORT

A rich mixture of accents could be heard in the foyer of Banbridge church as 78 delegates met on Sunday, 4 November for the Irish Mission Session. Excited conversation with the meeting of old friends and anticipation of the day ahead quieted at 10:00 am as Irish Mission President, Pastor David Neal took to the platform and welcomed participants. "Pray that this may be an inspiring time together," he told them, indicating that a special prayer room had also been set aside for that specific purpose.

A spontaneous round of applause came when Pastor Alan Hodges, a former President of the Irish Mission, and current Ministerial Association director for the British Union Conference was introduced as the devotional speaker. Quoting Jesus' words in Mark 8:38 he talked about the gain that comes from denying ourselves and following Jesus. "We need involvement in the gospel through Christian witnessing," he said. "This comes not from gimmicks but from knowing Jesus." He made this practical by noting that "Our indication of our love for God is how much we love to converse about Him." Evidencing the reaction of the man healed by Peter at the Gate Beautiful, Pastor Hodges observed that the natural reaction of a changed life is to "shout the praises of the one who has healed and changed. You can't keep quiet."

With that imperative the session opened for business at 10:40 am. In the President's Report Pastor Neal gave thanks for the 8 churches, 6 companies and 3 house churches or informal groups that meet across the mission with up to 1,000 in attendance each Sabbath. Focusing on four key issues Pastor Neal noted that the Adventist Church in Ireland is now very diverse. "New Irish" have come from around the world. They have brought new life to the church but have also presented challenges in terms of worship facilities, Irish identity and changes in worship patterns as the Irish church becomes a Global church. It has also given opportunity for learning, sharing and growth. "I have been moved by the warmth and love expressed by our local members who have shown their care for the new members joining the Irish Adventist family," Pastor Neal stated. "It is a critical concern for our mission to ensure that diversity continues as a positive experience."

The second element was Nurture. Quoting Dr Jon Paulien Pastor Neal emphasised that "Loss of a regular prayer life is the first step to a secularism of the church member." Bible study, corporate and personal, Sabbath School and prayer meetings are all important. "The first work of the church is to worship", he said. "We cannot 'go' unless we have worshipped and encountered the living Christ." Public evangelism, Pastor Neal reported, has not resulted in a great number of baptisms. This is a concern. However, health evangelism has been building bridges.

Recognising Johnny Magee, the youngest delegate at age 16 Pastor Neal focused on the empty pews where Adventist children once sat. "Involvement, nurture and training are essential to keep our youth and help them grow spiritually," he said. To emphasise this the report finished with a video sharing the friendship to two young people, Katherine Nesbitt and Ann Wheeler that led to the baptism of Ann on 25 August. What a joy to see a newly baptised, vibrant young lady stating "I am looking forward to Jesus coming again."

In presenting the Secretary-Treasurer's Report Victor Pilmoor noted 26 Baptisms and 26 Professions of Faith during the triennium. Allowing for deaths and transfers in and out of the mission, net membership increased from 351 to 407. "Many more are attending then are on our books," Mr Pilmoor stated, turning it into a question: "How do we keep contact with informal Adventists, stabilise the incoming members and how do we reach indigenous people?" He also emphasised the need to stay connected with those "cyber-Adventists" who no longer attend but stay connected via various Adventist websites. "We need to find ways to minister to them." Mr Pilmoor reported on church improvements in Londonderry and Coleraine but noted the number of groups without a building. Financially he noted that working capital was up by 147%, tithe by 52% and that the mission is roughly 77% self sufficient.

Both before and after lunch the major discussion focused around pastoral care. Nicolai Mihalachi from Dublin voiced the Romanian church's frustration at the three years it took to get a pastor. Raymond Little and Edward Magee of Belfast church questioned why was it so difficult to recruit pastors to Ireland in what is now a booming economy while Andrae Rotaru, again from Dublin pleaded with the leadership to make effective use of the new Romanian pastor and so encourage more groups that will help the church grow.

These are issues that stretch beyond Ireland and the leadership team shared that pastoral recruitment is something that the BUC is looking at strategically. They also noted that the Irish Mission has some excellent young pastors who need to be valued and that there is a drive to encourage more to train at Newbold College. At the same time Mr Pilmoor emphasised that the Mission cannot afford to have a specific pastor for each national group. "Virtually all the tithe that comes in is spent on pastoral care. We have increased the number of pastors," he said. "We now have a Romanian speaking and will shortly have a Filipino speaking pastor but they also have to care for a broader community."

The idea of the 'broader community' stimulated South African, Kathy Hillier. She gave an impassioned plea to work together. "I may look European but I am not and Ireland is not home. I am of a minority in Ireland but I am in Dublin church and I've been placed there for a reason. We must work together with what we have... Whatever language we speak 'we' are Dublin church". Betty Sisson, also from Dublin, added, "Let us pray for the Lord to direct how we can all work together. We rejoice in the growth. We used to take pews out - now we are jammed in."

At just gone two o'clock the Nominating Committee presented its report. Adam Keough was re-elected as Youth Sponsor with the recommendation that the incoming Executive should review the balance of the pastoral load given to him and the kind of support he is given. The Executive Committee was then elected as follows:

David Neal (Chair)
Victor Pilmoor (Secretary)
Kim Papaioannou - Banbridge
Stephen Wilson - Galway
Raymond Little - Belfast
Frida Kvamme - Londonderry
Andrei Rotaru - Dublin, Romanian
George Sisson - Dublin
Patrick Appiah-Konadu - Longford

In a further recommendation from the Nominating Committee, delegates voted that the BUC Executive Committee give consideration to extending the size of the Mission Executive so that it can be more representative of the "New Irish". That left the rest of the afternoon for delegates to separate into four groups formulating plans around the areas of Nurture, Youth, Diversity and Evangelism. An hour of excited discussion then led to a series of recommendations for the new Executive Committee to consider and develop.

With the sun setting, both the day and the Mission session drew to a close at 4.30 pm with a vote of thanks and a tribute from the Mission President to his wife and part-time secretary, Marci. "I work with my best friend. It is great to work with her. I appreciate her work and input." It was a day of plans and discussion. More importantly it was a day of hope for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ireland.

Full details of committee reports and the video testimony are available on the Irish Mission website: <www.adventist.ie>. A picture gallery is available on the British Union Picture Gallery: <www.adventist.org.uk>.


ADVENTIST LIFESTYLE SAVES LIVES FOR 160 YEARS

Sophia is 73 years old. In March she was preparing to die. High-blood pressure and cholesterol levels, diabetes and chest pains meant she had been hospitalised. Severe varicose veins meant she could no longer walk. Today her blood pressure has dropped from 180/110 to 128/80. Her blood glucose is down from 14 to 3.5 mmols. Her chest pains are gone and she now walks two hours a day.

What has caused the transformation? For the last seven weeks she has been following a programme called CHIP (Coronary Health Improvement Programme). It puts the emphasis on the word 'improvement' and challenges our western lifestyle with health principles that have been demonstrated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for over 160 years.

This week's Daily Mail has carried several stories reporting research that demonstrates that the diet and lifestyle advocated by the Adventist Church adds four or more years to the average lifespan and radically improves the quality of life. A November report from The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research corroborates what Adventists already know.

As the most comprehensive report on cancer prevention ever produced it has resulted in 10 recommendations on food and lifestyle choices that affect the development of cancer. These include maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity, avoiding sugary drinks, processed foods and red meat and replacing them with vegetables, fruits and wholegrains.

Putting this into practice has changed the lives of a group in Wallington, Sutton. Connie had undergone many hospital treatments for her severe digestive problems. She was bloated and severely constipated. Part way through the CHIP programme she now feels like a new woman and has been "regular" for the first time in years. Along with others in the group she has experienced weight loss without starving, increased energy levels, and a drop in cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Programmes such as CHIP in Sutton, Healthy eating clubs in Cumbria, Oxford and Port Talbot, and a host of other initiatives across the UK are based on principles that Adventists discovered in the 1860's at a time when doctors were still treating illness with arsenic, tobacco and other poisons.

Starting off with developing breakfast cereals as a healthy start to the day, Dr J K Kellogg founded the breakfast industry and established Battle Creek Sanatorium in Michigan, USA. Noted for his investigations and treatments of cancer and his many books and articles advocating prevention, he is just one of the Adventist health advocates who over the last 140 years has worked to improve health around the world both by lifestyle management and through research and medicine.

In 1958 the work of cancer prevention was widened with the ground breaking "Five-day Plan to Stop Smoking". The first programme of its kind, pioneered at the New Gallery Centre in London's Regent Street the programme caused a sensation with its graphic links between lung cancer and smoking. It was the start of the process that has led to today's understanding of the dangers of nicotine. Adventist owned Loma Linda University Medical Centre in California has also been significantly involved in cancer prevention and treatment including collaboration on the current European Prospective Investigation in Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).

With an emphasis on healthier living and a great belief that prevention is better than cure you might think life is boring. But knock on the door of Sharon Platt-McDonald, Health Ministries director for the Adventist Church in the British Isles and you will find a smiling, vibrant person. She connects with another tip off for longevity, a sense of humour. "There's no point living four years longer if you're miserable," she says. "Following the tips for healthy living generally makes people happier in other areas of their life as well."

The "Adventist Advantage", as it is sometimes called is based on the plant based diet outlined in the first chapter of the Bible and other health principles of hygiene, holistic lifestyle and positive choices outlined in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.


GREAT YARMOUTH CHURCH CELEBRATES 75 YEARS [Yvonne Hill]

Two young people met on the sea-front. They fell in love, got baptised and married. Their names were Bob and Francis Haylett. The year was 1931 and as young Adventists they were vey much instrumental in the planting of Yarmouth church. Francis is now a widow of 96 years but she is still able to recall events of long ago.

Sabbath, 27 October was a special day for the Seventh-day Adventist church in Burnt Lane, Gorleston. Celebrations began with morning Bible Study presented by Pastor David Neal followed by a service conducted by Dr Daniel Duda who is the Education, Ministerial Association and Chaplaincy director for the Trans-European Division. The highlight of the day was a concert in the afternoon with Charles Nagabwee. Charles sang from the heart and totally captivated the audience. Many of the previous pastors who had served at the church came for the day to share past experiences and memories.

The church clerk, Vera Cowley, gave an interesting account of the church history recalling the early days and how, after much work and evangelism 57 people made a decision to be baptised. The church didn't have a building or a baptistery but the Yarmouth Baptist Church very kindly offered their facilities, unfortunately they didn't have heating and so it was decided to use a sister church in Norwich.

The minister at the time, Pastor Joyce, found a building in King Street which is now a restaurant, the 'Yankee Traveller'. It was not an easy task to refurbish the building and make it suitable to use as a place of worship. The church grew and they did much outreach into the community which included night services for the fishermen.

Over the years and particularly, during the war, the church fell into disrepair and it became necessary to sell the building and for a short time they rented the Unitarian Church. A building fund was set up and through various activities such as autumn fairs, stalls and £1 a brick funding they managed to save enough to build a church. Pastor Walter Newman found a suitable plot of land in Burnt Lane, Gorleston which had not been built on for 300 years and had once been the site of a monastery. On the edge of the car park some of the ancient listed walls still stand.

The present minister, Pastor Walker and his wife Pearl and the members of the church would especially like to thank the local dignitaries who attended the service. These were Councillor Brian Watts and his wife Patricia; Revd Peter Paine the Port Chaplain and his wife Patricia and also two of the Community Police Support Officers PC Melanie Johnston-Smalley and PC Wayne Attew.


FIRST SPECIAL NEEDS CONFERENCE HELD [Sharon Platt-McDonald, BUC Special Needs Coordinator & Health Ministries Director]

Training, learning and experience were the focus of the first Special Needs Coordinators' Conference held at St Albans church in Sunday, 4 November. Jointly hosted by the British Union Conference and the Adventist Special Needs Association (ASNA), it was an opportunity to celebrate the work of those who care for individuals with special needs and disabilities and to develop the role of the newly appointed coordinators.

Under the theme, 'Achieving Access', delegates were provided with adequate training and support to further enhance their experience as Special Needs Coordinators and encourage greater understanding of their role. They were then given relevant information to raise the profile of disability awareness in their churches and facilitate the development of the Coordinator's role. Finally they were given the resources to challenge barriers that hinder compliance with the Disabilities Discrimination Act as it relates to churches.

Nigel Nicholls (Chair of Trustees for ASNA) chaired the morning session and Sharon Platt-McDonald BUC Special Needs Coordinator and Health Ministries director chaired the afternoon session. Pastor Terry Messenger, SEC Personal Ministries director, gave an engaging keynote address related to addressing the diverse needs of our communities. The keynote plenary presentation was delivered by an external Christian organisation, Causeway. Their key aim is to make the gospel accessible to people with disabilities. Their director, David Bendor-Smauela, presented a thought-provoking session on 'The Accessible Gospel'. It had a profound impact on everyone. A number of ministers present felt they had not seen the gospel presented from that perspective before. Additional presentations were made by Joy Bussey highlighting the work of the Special Needs Camp, Sophia Nicholls who looked at personal attitudinal assessment and Sharon Platt-McDonald who examined the role of the Special Needs Coordinator.

Afternoon workshops included: Developing a Ministry for People with Learning Disabilities by Peter Winmill from Causeway; Supporting Carers and Raising Awareness about Mental Illness by Anne Loftman; Removing Barriers to Access by Sophia Nicholls; and Deaf Awareness by Sign Ministries. All the workshops were specifically developed to support church ministry.

Achieving a full attendance, delegates from all parts of the British Isles spoke favourably of the conference. Comments like "very informative", "well organised", "an eye opening experience", "a long awaited and excellent event" were voiced throughout the day. They now return to their churches empowered to undertake their role with more confidence and zeal.


THIRD TED YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONVENTION - YOUTH MATTERS [Des Boldeau, BUC Youth Ministries Director]

The stunning mountainside of Halvorsbole, surrounded by a beautiful lake and couched amidst the lush pine trees of Norway is one of the most breathtaking views I have had the privilege to behold! That was the feeling of many who attended the third Youth Matters Leadership Convention hosted in Norway, 18 - 21 October. The beauty was matched by the food and the spiritual atmosphere. Thanks to the hard work of the Norwegian Union Youth director; Victor Marley, the infrastructure lacked nothing. All that was needed was for us to attend the many critical concerns seminars, the workshops and the plenary sessions.

Dr Søren Østergaard, presented some amazing facts and statistics pertinent to ministering more effectively to teenagers and youth within the boundaries of Europe. He is Director of the Centre for Youth Studies and Christian Education and teaches Youth Ministry at the Scandinavian Academy for Leadership and Theology in Oslo. It was refreshing to hear someone else apart from an Adventist speak about the harmonious development of the mental, physical and spiritual. He framed it in terms of a three-legged stool - cognitive, emotional and social.

Cutting edge and razor sharp seminars were also presented by: Gavin Anthony - Discipleship Strategy for Youth; Jeroen Tuinstra - Postmodern, Paradigms and Youth; Des Boldeau - Outside the Box; Paul Tompkins - Adventist: Culture or Choice?; Marianne Kolkmann - Sexual Abuse and Victor Marley - Ministry to Early Adolescents. Workshops included: Ron Whitehead - 7 Principles of YM Excellence; Manuela Casti - Valuegenesis Results and Stephan Sigg - Link2Life Satellite Youth Evangelism.

On the opening evening, the World Youth director, Baraka Muganda, spoke and connected immediately with Northern European kids as if he had known and worked with them for a long time. He used his humour and experience to win them and then he brought home his messages for them.

On each of the mornings, we had Pastors Muganda, Whitehead and Tompkins bringing morning devotional thoughts to set us up for the days work ahead. However, without a doubt, the high point was Sabbath morning when, after Pastor Muganda spoke, we all participated in celebrating 100 Years of Youth Ministry in the Adventist Church by releasing helium balloons with Voice of Prophecy cards attached to them. It was hoped that they would be taken toward Oslo and some would result in people making contact with the church.

I thank God for the leadership of our Division Youth director and his vision to provide such quality training and networking exposure for our Youth leaders and young people.


THE FORGIVENESS PROJECT ON BBC

Letlapa Mphahlele and Ginn Fourie will be special guests on BBC Radio 4's Midweek programme with Libby Purves on Wednesday, 14 November at 9.00 am (repeated at 9.30 pm). Invited to Crieff Seventh-day Adventist church as part of their week long "Forgiveness Project", starting 13 November, they will talk about reconciliation following the death of Ginn's daughter by a bomb attack ordered by the Azanian People's Liberation Army in South Africa. At that time Letlapa was their Director of Operations. Somehow they met and reconciled themselves. Crieff church are running the project for a full week including lectures in schools, churches and at Glasgow Cathedral. For full details visit <www.crieffadventist.org.uk>.


DAD'S ARMY CAN FIGHT GUN MENACE

A one week Men's Conference in the troubled Moss Side area of Manchester has resulted in the establishment of the "All Nations LIFEdevelopment Centre". Up to 400 attended on Saturday, 20 October at the Moss Side Community Leisure Centre with further meetings in the week both there and at the West Indian Community Centre. Pastor Nevilon Medows, once a New York gang member urged fathers to stand by their sons. He also encouraged couples in conflict to put aside their differences for the sake of their sons, who may find a sense of family in gangs and express their frustrations by hurting other people. The Manchester Evening News headlined, "Dad's army can fight gun menace". However, more important is the mentoring programme that, as a result of the meetings, is now being established with programmes in schools and the community in the South Central side of Manchester. Pastor Mike Simpson of the Central Manchester Adventist church coordinated the programme and was impressed by the impact it has made with both fathers and mothers who joined in special programmes to help move families in the area on to a more positive footing.

The Men's Conference followed a week of revival meetings in the Central church where Pastor Meadows spoke specifically on the Sabbath. As a result a number of individuals have found a new joy in the meaning of the Sabbath rest including a large group from outside of the Adventist church.


MANCHESTER SOUTHERN ASIAN SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Please note a new address for the Manchester Southern Asian Seventh-day Adventist church: Platt Lane Methodist Church, corner of Platt Lane and Heart Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 7BU. Time of services: Sabbath School 10.00 am, Family Worship 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. All are welcome.


THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"

Pastor Mick Smart is the guest on the Hope Channel programme, "In Conversation", this coming week.

Friday 9 November: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Dr and Mrs Ncube
Sabbath 10 November: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Dr and Mrs Ncube
Monday 12 November: 3:00 am and 7:00 pm: Pastor Mick Smart
Wednesday 14 November: 8:30 am: Pastor Mick Smart
Friday 16 November: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Pastor Mick Smart
Sabbath 17 November: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Pastor Mick Smart
The week starting 18 November: Pastor Patrick Johnson

"In Conversation" is an interview programme produced by the BUC's Media Centre and broadcast on Hope Channel Europe. North American and International versions of Hope Channel are only available on the Internet here in Europe. To find out more and to watch Hope Channel online please visit: <www.hopetv.org.uk>.


COMING EVENTS

A full list of coming events is located on the BUC website at: <www.adventist.org.uk>. Only brief details are listed below.

JESUS IS COMING SOON! Continuing to Saturday, 10 November. Plaistow church begins a series of Prophecy meetings presented by Dr Sharath Babu Nakka, a blind evangelist and theology professor from India. Dr Nakka, blind since the age of 10, is an expert in eschatology as it relates to the books of Daniel and Revelation. The meetings will take place each night from 6.30 to 8.30 pm, except Thursdays, with Saturday meetings taking place at 9.30 am and 6.30 pm respectively. Plaistow church is located at 97 St Anthony's Road, London E7 9QB. Contact: Pastor Mohan Rao Abbadasari. <mohanabbadasari@ aol.co.uk>. Phone: 07771 631885.

REVIVE YOUR FAMILY RENEW YOUR FAITH. Continuing to Saturday, 10 November. Two weeks of family revival and faith renewal with Pastor Cyril Sweeney and Pastor Richard Jackson. Celebration Day of Fellowship - 10 November with guest speaker Pastor Garry Gordon. Venue: Pendeford Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ryefield, Pendeford, Wolverhampton, WV8 1UD. Nightly at 7.30 pm except Monday and Thursday. Come and be blessed. Contact: Richard Jackson <rssjackson@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07740984029.

WEEK OF PRAYER: WORDS OF HOPE. Continuing to Sabbath, 10 November. The annual Week of Prayer focuses this year around "Words of Hope". Take this special time to fellowship, study and pray as we focus on the Hope given us by our faith in Jesus Christ. The readings for the week are downloadable from this website. Contact: Victor Hulbert <vhulbert@adventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 672251.

YOUTH DAY: HANDSWORTH WOOD AFRICAN FELLOWSHIP. Sabbath, 10 November. You are invited to our Youth Day - one not to be missed! From 9:15 am till... at our usual place of worship - Handsworth Wood Girls High School, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham. Contact: Gerald Ncube <gncube@gmail.com>. Phone: 07734930945.

SCOTTISH MISSION YOUTH DAY OF FELLOWSHIP. Sabbath, 10 November. Youth Day of Fellowship at Dundee Congregational church, Constitution Road, Dundee with Pastor Sam Davis as the speaker for the day. See website <www.sdascotland.com>. Contact: Marcel Ghioalda <marcelg@onetel.com>. Phone: 01738 850399.

LONDON YOUTH FEDERATION AGM. Saturday, 10 November. Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (the AGM) of the London Seventh-day Adventist Youth Federation (the Federation) will be held at 7:30 pm at the Advent Centre, 37 Brendon Street, London W1H 5JE for the purpose of electing of new officers. Contact: Eugene James <eugjames@gmail.com>. Phone: 07958655663.

NOTTINGHAM CHURCH BANQUET. Saturday, 10 November. Nottingham Church Banquet at the Hilton Hotel (near Victoria Centre in Nottingham City Centre) at 7:00 pm. Cost: £25. Dress code: evening wear. For more information contact Sis Taylor on 01158407227, <none@none.com>. Phone: 01158478313.

GOAL SONG WRITING WORKSHOP. Sunday, 11 November to Sunday, 9 December. This workshop seeks primarily to provide educational and practical skills to those interested in a gospel music ministry, as well as for those seeking to build on their song writing abilities. The main focus will be on developing song writing skills through interaction, collaboration, discussion, and teaching, aided by some of the best Adventist musicians and facilitators. The workshop will offer training in music publishing, performance, copyright, and promoting "original" gospel music. Ultimately the goal is to help you grow in your song writing gift and musical skills of local musicians and worship leaders - to the glory of God! Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm. Venue: Willesden Adventist church. Course fee: £30 (including lunch and refreshments) £10.00 daily. Contact: Sylvia Samuel <musicministry@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 0797 321 7364.

THE FORGIVENESS PROJECT. Tuesday 13 to Tuesday 20 November. Crieff Seventh-day Adventist church presents "The Forgiveness Project", based on the reconciliation of Letlapa Mphahlele and Ginn Fourie. Ginn's daughter was killed by a bomb attack ordered by the Azanian People's Liberation Army in South Africa. Letlapa was their director of operations. Somehow they met and reconciled themselves. Learn their story and far more at this event. For full details of the programme and events visit <www.crieffadventist.org.uk>. Contact: Llew Edwards <sdascotland@onetel.com>. Phone: 01764 653257.

TURNING WATER INTO WINE MARRIED AND ENGAGED COUPLE. Friday, 16 - Sunday, 18 November. Married and Engaged Couples Weekend at Newbold College, Berkshire. Every couple needs time to learn, reflect and celebrate their relationship. Those who have attended past events highly recommend this weekend! Cost: £80 registration fee per couple + accommodation. Discounts available if the booking and payment are received by 5 November. Download an information pack and application form from <www.secadventist.org.uk> (go to Events) or contact Anna on 01923 656503 email: <fm@secadventist.org.uk>. The main speakers are Bernie and Karen Holford.

SCOTTISH MISSION DAY OF FELLOWSHIP. Sabbath, 17 November. Theme: 'The Forgiveness Project'. Sabbath School: 10:00 am. Venue for the morning: Crieff Parish Church (St Michaels) Strathearn Terrace, Crieff. The Morning Service at 11:15 am is entitled 'Forgive and Forget?' See above Advert on The Forgiveness Project for more details. Lunch will be at the Crieff Seventh-day Adventist Church, Gwydyr Road, bring your own lunch. At 2:30 pm the afternoon programme, also at Crieff church will consist of stories, the exhibition and discussion. Contact: Carole Peacock <sdascotland@onetel.com>. Phone: 01764 653257.

WALTHAMSTOW DAY OF FELLOWSHIP. Sabbath, 24 November. Theme: "Under the Influence". Main Speakers: Dr Richard De Lisser, Pastor Leslie Ackie and Pastor Ashwin Somasundram. With special music from the London Adventist Chorale, Mark Bunney, Covenant Pearls and Deep Persuasion. Venue: Walthamstow Assembly Hall. Start time: 9.45 am. Free parking. Contact: Christopher Peynado/Rohan Alex <chris_peynado@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07809152822/07970 675464.

HEALTH DAY OF FELLOWSHIP AT YORK CHURCH. Sabbath, 24 November. York Seventh-day Adventist church is inviting everyone able to come and share with us healthy messages. There will be plenty of health music, health messages and please come with a packed health lunch and we shall all share the lunch on one family table. All welcome. Contact: Jackson Moonga <jacksonmoonga1@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07849468193.

"STEP UP!" Sabbath, 24 November. Great Brick-Kiln Street Seventh-day Adventist church, Wolverhampton. Men's Ministry Day. Contact: Joe Higgins <stepup@blueyonder.co.uk>. Phone: 07790 127248.

GOSPEL REWIND. Saturday, 24 November. A hand clapping, toe tapping evening of Gospel music featuring: Blessed Voices, London Adventist Chorale, Mark Bunney, Adoration, Faith Vocal, NIV, Inspired, Kaine Gospel Choir, East London Choir Reunion and many more. Venue: The Walthamstow Assembly Hall, Forest Road, London E17 4JD. Doors open 5.45 pm for 6.30 pm start. Cost: Tickets in advance £7 - Adult, £5 Child (4-16 years). Tickets at the door £10 - Adult & £7 Child (4-16 years). Disabled facilities: access to main hall. Free parking. Contact Chris Peynado 07809 152 822; Syl Davis 07754 177 493. Email: <chris_peynado@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07970-675.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN EUROPE SINCE 9/11. Sunday, 25 November. Has 9/11 re-opened the freedom of religion debate in Europe? Is religious intolerance in Europe on the rise? Are limits being placed on people's right to witness to their faith? Speakers: Baroness Cox of Queensbury, Professor John Marks (University of Buckingham), Dr Frank Tallett (University of Reading), Dr Jonathan Gallagher (United Nations Liaison for the Seventh-day Adventist Church), Pastor Don McFarlane (President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK & Ireland), Lincoln Steed (Liberty magazine), Marinko Markek (Lecturer in Business, Newbold College). Venue: The Smith Centre, Salisbury Hall, Newbold College. Time: 9:15 - 18:00. Conference Fee: £20 (includes coffee, lunch and afternoon tea). Contact: Dr David Trim; phone: 01344 407473, email: <dtrim@newbold.ac.uk>.

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SMALL ADS

CONFERENCE ON TEENS - APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING. The deadline is approaching for applications to this conference which is being organised for parents, teachers, ministers, youth leaders and anyone else working with teenagers. 30 November to 2 December at Staverton Park Hotel, Daventry, Northamptonshire. Cost: £125 per person and includes accommodation, meals, course materials and use of the on site leisure facilities. For full details and an application form visit: <www.conferenceonteens.org.uk>. Apply today to ensure your place!

THETFORD SABBATH MEETINGS. Sabbath afternoon service at 3.00 pm every 1st and 3rd Sabbath of the month. Venue: Iceni Room (first floor), The Bell Hotel, King Street, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2AZ. Car parking facility. You are welcome to worship with us. We do however request you be conscious that interests attend from the on-going evangelistic series and so there is a need to be sensitive to that fact in whatever we may comment upon during any discussion. Thank you for your understanding. We solicit your prayers and support.

TRIP TO THE HOLY LAND. Interested in a 10-day inspirational trip to Israel from 28 April - 7 May? Apollo Kabuye Kawoya is organising a trip and has some spare spaces. Cost: £900 including flights, half-board and all trips. For more information email <apollo.kawoya@gmail.com>.

ACCOMMODATION NEEDED. A young man is seeking accommodation in the Stockport area. If anyone can assist please contact Lanceworth Stewart: 07951 914 132 or <lanceworth@hotmail.com>.

MARKETING SKILLS? ADRA is creating a "Marketing and PR Advisory Council" that will help steer the agency towards greater effectiveness in raising awareness and improve income generation. Council members will volunteer their expertise and time to re-think areas such as Ingathering and plan the promotion of the work of ADRA-UK. Please contact ADRA if you have experience in marketing and/or fundraising or charity promotion and would like to help. ADRA will reimburse travel costs. Please send your CV and contact details to <info@adra.org.uk>.


BUC News is a weekly news bulletin produced by the British Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and edited by the Communication Department. Victor Hulbert, director; Mary Kapon, secretary. Items for inclusion should be sent to <bucnews@adventist.org.uk> and need to be received by 6.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably as simple email text. All unattributed stories written by the editorial team. Coming Events and Small Ads should be kept short and preferably be submitted via the on-line form at: <www.adventist.org.uk/news>. The editor reserves the right to modify articles received to make them suitable for inclusion. The views expressed by individuals cited in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, though we try to ensure that they do. You are free to re-print any portion of this bulletin without the need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify BUC News or other sources whenever you publish these materials. Back issues and an RSS feed including photographs are available on our website at <www.adventist.org.uk>.

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