BUC News #576 (22 February 2008)

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

Contents:

BBC'S HORIZON FEATURES ADVENTISTS LONGEVITY.
"MORGI TIME" AT BUC MINISTERIAL COUNCIL.
FIRST EVER 'COACHING CHURCH PLANTERS' TRAINING EVENT.
SEC ELDERS' SPIRITUAL RETREAT - A TIME OF REFRESHING.
NEWBOLD OPENS NEW HOMILETICS CENTRE.
HOUSE OF PRAISE.
MIDDLESBROUGH "DOES SOMETHING DIFFERENT".
PRAYER FOR JOHN LOUGHBOROUGH SCHOOL.
NEW CHURCH PLANT IN KIDDERMINSTER.
KENYAN AIDS ORPHANS UPDATE.
LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION".
COMING EVENTS.

----------------------------------------

BBC'S HORIZON FEATURES ADVENTISTS LONGEVITY [Sharon Platt-McDonald/BUC News]

Many Adventists were among the 2.2 million viewers of BBC television's Horizon programme last Tuesday, 19 February, to watch "How to live to be 101". The documentary revealed findings from 30 years of research by scientists Drs Bradley and Craig Willcox. They followed three communities where people live the longest in the world.

The report included Loma Linda Seventh-day Adventists and showed that church members there live five to ten years longer than their American counterparts. Dr Elsworth Wareham was filmed performing open heart surgery at age 92. The positive impact of a vegetarian diet, disciplined lifestyle, faith and stress reduced living were indicated as key factors for their longevity.

In a population of 1 million people, the Okinawans of Japan have over 900 centenarians, an average more than four times higher than the UK. Aging more slowly than anywhere else in the world is partly due to a lifestyle featuring strongly on diet and exercise.

Dietary Impact: The Adventist dietary habit was clearly emphasised. The programme stated, "Many Adventists stick to the vegetarian diet encouraged by the church." 103-year-old Marge Jetton attested to the fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains that kept her healthy.

The report advocated the benefits of a 'rainbow diet' where high antioxidants protect against cell damage. These rich, colourful foods like orange, deep yellow, red and green fruits and vegetables are key to enhancing health as we age. In addition, Tofu and unprocessed Soya were found to be responsible for the Okinawans having the lowest levels of prostate and breast cancer and chronic illness prevalent in the West.

Dr Bradley Willcox stated: "If we lived in the West more like the Okinawans, we could probably close 80% of our cardiovascular units, 1/3 of our cancer wards and nursing homes would go out of business."
Equally important to longevity is reducing the amount we eat. The Okinawans stop eating when they are 80% full, eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is a stark contrast to cultural habits that drive food consumption in the West.

Exercise: It was amazing to see 103-year-old Adventist, Marge Jetton, cycle 6 miles daily before breakfast. She walks with the agility of a healthy 70-year-old and exercises regularly lifting weights. Okinawan's exercise well into old age enabling them to retain their mobility and agility. They also grow their own food and engage in a lot of outdoor activities.

Genetic Impact: Gwen Foster, Adventist Health and Fitness Tsar from Philadelphia, states, "faulty genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger". Dr Clemency Mitchell, an Adventist doctor and health advocate based in Binfield, Berkshire indicates that genetics only account for approximately 20% of longevity. Commenting on the reduced life expectancy in some parts of Glasgow, a contrast highlighted in the programme, she maintains that positive changes in lifestyle can still make a considerable difference.

Faith Impact: Stating that people who go to church regularly lived longer, the spiritual impact of the Adventist faith was closely examined. Strong beliefs and a positive response to stress were seen as important. Researcher Dr Kelly Morton says: "There are many stressors in life that we cannot control... Connection to something higher than ones self, connection to the sacred, connection to a tight knit religious community allows you to modulate your reactions, your emotions, to believe that there is a broader purpose and therefore your body can stay in balance and not be destroyed by those stressors and traumas over time".

This Horizon report reinforces the benefits of the Adventist Health Message, currently the object of worldwide interest. Recognising the interest Adventist World Church Headquarters recently voted to reaffirm its health guidelines. With Horison's health focus in the UK being on Glasgow the church there has reemphasised this difference to the local community. In a release to local media, John Wilby, Scottish Mission Communication sponsor wrote, "For over 100 years Adventists have promoted a holistic lifestyle based around the 8 principles of good health, NEWSTART (Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest and Trust in Divine Power [Ministry of Healing p.127]). These principles lead to a more positive lifestyle and not just living longer, but living a better quality of life."

He also took the opportunity to share the Adventist Advantage with the community, offering the Better Living Health courses from the Adventist Discovery Centre, Stanborough Park, Watford Herts, WD25 9JZ, online at <http://discoveronline.org.uk> or by emailing <adc@adventist.org.uk>. Glasgow churches are also in the process of developing Health courses for the community. The "Adventist Advantage", as it is sometimes called is focused around 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 the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

The BBC2 programme is available for a limited time at <www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/ b0090c8d.shtml>. The BBC report can be read at: <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/ 7250675.stm>. [Viewing statistic from <www.barb.co.uk>].


"MORGI TIME" AT BUC MINISTERIAL COUNCIL

With a busy schedule a time keeper is important. Affectionately nicknamed "Morgi" by guest speaker Pastor Ron Smith, Pastor Roy Morgan rapidly became star of the show, accepting with good grace and humour the banter that carried across the various sessions of the four day BUC Ministerial Council held in Rogaska, Slovenia, 10-14 February 2008. Sunshine, blue skies and stunning scenery outside balanced the beauty of the marble clad Cristal Hall, home to the 230 plus participants from across the UK and Ireland, as they enjoyed worship with Ron Smith, Executive Secretary of the Southern Union in the USA, learned from John Dybdahl, retired President of Walla Walla University, improved health skills with Philadelphia Health Tsar Gwen Foster and developed leadership skills with Freddy Russell of Miracle Temple church, Baltimore, along with Dr Bertil Wiklander and Raafat Kamal, President and Field-Secretary of the Trans-European Division. In addition a range of workshops covered skills from Internet Evangelism to Getting along with Difficult People, Practical Theology and Pastoral Counselling to Spirituality for the 21st century.

The Council was organised by the British Union Conference Ministerial Association director, Pastor Alan Hodges. He chose the theme, "Not by Might, nor by Power, but by My Spirit," believing that, together with the power of the Holy Spirit, great things can be achieved for God.

This was evidenced even during the meetings as several members of staff at the hotel asked Pastor Hodges about the church. A number of them also attended the Tuesday evening concert. Pastor Hodges said, "Those attending the Council made a good impression on many of those working at the hotel and many pastors have expressed their appreciation for the event."

Among them Pastor Selburn Fray who found the meetings "very informative and thought-provoking" though he wished there had been more time for socialisation. Pastor Aris Vontzalidis agreed. "More space for interaction would be good," he said, though happy that the interactions he did have helped "capture the vision to grow spiritually".

As a young minister just discovering the day-to-day pressures of the job, Dejan Stojkovic found it a "wonderful opportunity to take time to catch up spiritually - to have time to listen to a sermon." With boundless enthusiasm he said, "I'm now ready to go back and do a good job."

Many expressed the joy of meeting again with old friends from across the BUC, and with making new friends with the changes in ministerial personnel. Pastor Chackochen found it a time to rejuvenate while Pastor Fred Mapp found it to be "very practical, very relevant to our Christian ministry."

Outside of meeting times participants enjoyed the spectacular scenery, the leisure facilities with gym, swimming pool and sauna, and the excellent cuisine. Tuesday night also exposed the ministers to a variety of local Adventist talent including a string ensemble, piano solos and a stunning mandolin orchestra - a highlight for many of the participants.

Ministers also really appreciated the openness and honesty of BUC President, Pastor Don McFarlane as, in his closing presentation, he opened his heart sharing his desire for a motivated ministry, challenging ministers to focus on the heart-felt needs of the 21st century and prepare the millions of people resident in the UK and Ireland for the return of Jesus Christ. "There are many people whose lives we have not touched," he said. "I have a burden for them." A burden shared and prayed for by the whole ministerial team as they said their good-byes and headed back refreshed and inspired.

A selection of audio presentations, handouts and photographs from the event are available on the Ministerial Association page of the BUC website, <www.adventist.org.uk>.


FIRST EVER 'COACHING CHURCH PLANTERS' TRAINING EVENT [Sam Davies]

The relevance of Church Planting and the need to support pastors and lay church planters adequately through coaching for effective Church Planting was the essence of a three-day Coaching Training event, 29 - 31 January, attended by 40 participants, principally pastors, with a handful of active lay church planters.

Organised by the SEC Church Growth and Global Mission department, Pastor Aris Vontzalidis took participants back to one of the church's pioneers, Ellen White, who wrote that "As churches are established, it should be set before them that it is even from among them that men must be taken to carry the truth to others, and raise up new churches." [Christian Service p.61].

Principal speaker, Carsten Berglund, a Seventh-day Adventist Professional Coach and Human Resources Management Consultant from Sweden was adept in his presentations as he showed how coaching could help bring out the best from people in relation to Church Planting. He explored the meaning of the term "coaching" and differentiated it from the role of similar disciplines such as Supervisor, Mentor, Therapist, Teacher or Management Consultant. While the former suggest a certain level of superiority and control, the Coach on the other hand comes along as a partner who enables the person being coached to discover for themselves the agenda for their lives and ministry and help to see that become a reality. Coaching is about Leadership Development, focusing on helping people to achieve their goals as opposed to telling them what to do.

The venue, High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Herts, provided ample room for participants to experiment with the principles of coaching. The practicing mode allowed participants to also reflect on practical situations they've dealt with in church planting and other leadership roles.

Church Planter, Patrick Stewart from Stratford church, London, said, "the idea of listening to others in a meaningful way was very much impressed upon me. The way of coaching others so that they find solutions for themselves has never occurred to me".

Lesley King, a Yeovil church planter added, "I now realise coaching is reflecting back to the person as a mirror to enable them to find the solution to their problem by drawing it out of them".

Pastor Vontzalidis emphasized that Church Planting is essential for church growth and we must not forget that the Seventh-day Adventist Church started as a Church Planting Movement.


SEC ELDERS' SPIRITUAL RETREAT - A TIME OF REFRESHING [Emmanuel Osei]

The first weekend in February provided a spiritual retreat and time of refreshing for the 110 elders of the South England Conference. Congregating at Staverton Park, they enjoyed fellowship and camaraderie whilst spending quality time in devotion and prayer under the theme "Ministering the Gospel in Contemporary Times".

The Friday evening began with rich, harmonious singing led by the Braithwaites. Pastor Paul Lockham, the Executive Secretary of the SEC presented the keynote address challenging us not only to preach but to live the gospel in our community. On Sabbath morning Linda Corre led us to consider Deborah leading the people of God to victory. Prayer and reflection was one of the main features of this retreat and much time was spent in different forms of prayer. Dr Terry Messenger challenged us to look for opportunities with our communities where we can minister as gospel workers. Pastor Cecil Perry drew from his rich experience as a pastor and administrator to deal with the role of elders in these contemporary times. Other presentations by various department leaders allowed elders to appreciate ways of doing things better and differently in the cause of God.

The retreat was concluded by charging and inviting all attendees to commit themselves to serving the Lord in their respective churches.


NEWBOLD OPENS NEW HOMILETICS CENTRE [Helen Pearson, PRO, Newbold College]

The official opening of a new Homiletics Centre at Newbold this week was attended by leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland during their annual February visit to the College. The new centre, a refurbishment of a classroom in Murdoch Hall, will be used to teach public speaking and preaching and has been financed by gifts from alumni and from the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland.

Principal David Penner thanked the donors for their contribution to the Centre and pointed out the new furniture which allowed students to replicate different kinds of congregations. "The refurbishment has created a whole new atmosphere in the room," he said. New lighting, double glazing with new blinds and electrical points for laptop computers have all been installed.

Dr Laurence Turner, who teaches Homiletics, looked forward to training "a whole new generation of Adventist preachers" in that room. Pastor Alan Hodges, BUC Ministerial Association director and Pastor Don McFarlane, BUC President, congratulated the College on the development of a very pleasant room. Pastor McFarlane reminded everyone of the reason for its existence. "Preaching of the Word has been very important in Adventist life," he said, "and fine preachers from Newbold have graced the British Union for many years".

For more on this and other stories from Newbold visit <www.newbold.ac.uk>.


HOUSE OF PRAISE

Newbold Church Centre was the venue for the second annual "House of Praise" festival sponsored by the Thames Valley Youth Federation. Sabbath evening, 9 February highlighted musical talent from across the area, not for the purpose of self-promotion, but in a time of praise to our God and Creator. The varied styles of music complemented the diverse nature of the churches in the Thames Valley and meant that every participant and member of the congregation went home with a song on their lips. A selection of pictures from House of Praise can be seen on the BUC picture gallery, <www.adventistpictures.org.uk>.


MIDDLESBROUGH "DOES SOMETHING DIFFERENT" [Peter Jeynes]

"Do something different" is Pastor Roy Morgan's slogan for the North England Conference's ADRA Annual Appeal this year.

For Middlesbrough "something different" has meant that they started early. Under the enthusiastic leadership of Judy Hamilton-Johansson a team of bag packers from the church descended on Sainsbury's in Darlington to help Sunday shoppers ease their passage through the checkouts at the store.

For Judy, ADRA is a major part of her church life, so much so that she plans ADRA events throughout the year. Her enthusiasm is infectious. Besides encouraging our bag-packing volunteers she encourages other people to follow in her footsteps. Ceira, Judy's eight-year-old daughter, has plans to take over the ADRA job when her mother 'retires'. And the bag-packing? £428.09 in the bank, many smiling faces and potentially many saved lives.


PRAYER FOR JOHN LOUGHBOROUGH SCHOOL [David Marshall]

Messenger staff along with BUC and SEC officers have been deeply impressed by the level of prayerful concern with regard to the rumours circulating about the John Loughborough School. The reality behind the rumours is that, for the next twelve months, the Haringey Local Authority, through an Interim Executive Education Board, will be in control of the school. Four of the ten people who make up the Interim Education Board are Seventh-day Adventists. The Director of Children's Services for Haringey, Sharon Shoesmith, has undertaken to oversee a return of the school to the control of the regular Board of Governors in twelve months' time.

It is encouraging that groups have been formed in a number of Adventist congregations in the London area to pray for our secondary school. A similar approach is encouraged further afield. We need to pray for the head teacher, staff and every student at the school. May the current situation be a means used by God for the ultimate betterment of the school.


NEW CHURCH PLANT IN KIDDERMINSTER [Milan Gugleta]

A new church plant is being launched on Sabbath, 8 March in Kidderminster at the Holy Innocence Community Hall, Stourport Road. This church is a 'daughter' of the Worcester Adventist church. Initiated by Steve and Lisa Winnitt, they are very enthusiastic about reaching their immediate community with the message of Jesus Christ. They invite you to bring a friend and join them for a refreshing experience that will lead towards a closer relationship with God.


KENYAN AIDS ORPHANS UPDATE [June Coombs]

The plight of Kenyan AIDS orphans reported in BUC News #574 (1 February 2008)) has touched the hearts of many people with an initial offering of £2,000 given by members of Stanborough Park church now having grown to over £7,000 in response to an appeal by Pastor Ian Sleeman and his mother-in-law Betty Hewitt to help feed, educate and clothe 90 children left in her clinic by the Kenyan authorities. The amount grew to £4,000 the week following the appeal as members honoured their pledges. Many others have sponsored children to provide an income throughout the year. A further £1,200 was donated by a kind-hearted BUC News reader while other donations have come from some very unexpected sources.

Mrs Hewitt is absolutely delighted with the response. She is hoping that she will have sufficient funds by September to finish the 100-bed dormitory block currently under construction. This will enable her to open her natural remedies clinic for HIV/AIDS patients in line with her original plans.

Mrs Hewitt has decided to extend her stay to enable her to raise further funds for her project.


THE LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE

The latest edition of the Messenger, the official journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland, can now be found online at <www.adventistnews.org.uk/messenger>. In it we discover a pastor who drives the Chancellor's car, the Voice of Freedom, fifth-generation Adventists continuing the legacy, and how to profile the church.


THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"

There are contrasting guests in this week's "In Conversation" on the Hope Channel. Enjoy all three at the following times:

Friday 22 February: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Andrew Leonce
Sabbath 23 February: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Andrew Leonce
Monday 25 February: 3:00 am and 7:00 pm: Vivienne Vine
Wednesday 27 February: 8:30 am: Vivienne Vine
Friday 29 February: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Roy Adams
Sabbath 1 March: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Roy Adams

"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.

ZIMBABWE DAY OF FELLOWSHIP. Sabbath, 23 February. The Zimbabwe-UK Seventh-day Adventist Fellowship (ZUSDAF) invites you to a Zimbabwe Day of Fellowship at the Metrodome Leisure Complex, Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AN from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Our guest speaker is Pastor Don McFarlane, BUC President. The theme for the day is 'Our God is Still on Time'. The afternoon will include a music programme. All welcome. Contact: George Nyatanga <zusdaf@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07789334774.

LEYTONSTONE YOUTH DAY - WAR VS PEACE. Sabbath, 23 February. Leytonstone church presents an insight into the word of God especially for the youth. Focusing on the struggles today's youth are facing. Speaker: Dr Richard de Lisser. Time: 9:30 am. Lunch will be provided followed by an afternoon programme. Contact: Jodian McKenzie <jodian1@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07962 367 551.

CAYA TEEN CHURCH. Sabbath, 23 February. Our monthly Teen Church programme with a difference. We invite you to join us at Stanborough School at 1.30 pm for lunch and 2.30 pm for our programme. Our theme this month is "The Talents" as we take an interactive look this year at the parables of Jesus. Contact: Judy McKie <jmckie@spsch.org>. Phone: 01923 673268.

THE DATING GAME: WIN, LOSE OR DRAW! Sabbath, 23 February. An AYS programme designed to explore the highs, lows and opportunities of Seventh-day Adventist dating. Venue: Holloway Adventist church at 5.00 pm. Followed by 'The Big Date' at a restaurant to be confirmed (£8.99 per head limited). Free bottle of Pure Heaven for the first 10 to confirm booking by 14 February. Contact: Damien or Annell <thebigdate@socialightministries.org.uk>. Phone: 07921992296/07985291680.

GOSPEL MUSIC EXPLOSION. Saturday, 23 February. It's a gospel music explosion, with the melodious voices of Stephanie Johnson (New York, USA) and Jean Brown (New Jersey, USA) at 7.30 pm. Venue: Advent Centre, 39 Brendon Street, London W1H. Tickets - £10 in advance. Supporting artiste New Beginning and Joint Praise (London). Contact: Gospel Events UK <gospeleventsuk@ aol.com>. Phone: 07930412246 & 07941573479.

DEREK PARAVACINI IN CONCERT. Saturday, 23 February. Derek Paravacini, a remarkable young pianist, will perform at Newbold Church Centre, Binfield, Bracknell at 7:30 pm. Derek is blind and learning disabled, plays in many countries and features on TV programmes. Chris Rogers, violin and Newbold School Choir will also contribute their music to the evening. The concert is in aid of Newbold School. Tickets: £8, £6 concessions, students/children free. Contact: Miriam Wood <miriam_melody2000@yahoo.co>. Phone: 01344 421088.

ALL NIGHT PRAYER MEETING. Saturday, 23 February. 10:00 pm to 5:00 am. Venue: Plaistow Seventh-day Adventist church, 97 St Antony's Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 9QB. With participation from local churches and a special item presented by the 'Plaistow Prayer Tower Team'. The meeting will consist of dedicated prayer and worship. Bring yourself, bring family, bring friends, this invitation is open to one and all. As you read this invitation we pray that the Lord Jesus Christ leads you and clears the path for you to join us for an evening of dedicated prayer and worship. (Light refreshments will be provided on Sunday morning at 5:30 am). Contact: David Garwood <david.garwood@tesco.net>. Phone: 07895 028690.

SCOTTISH MISSION CHURCH OFFICERS TRAINING DAY. Sunday, 24 February. The Church Officers Training Day is an all-day event, aimed at the officers of the church to enable them to train and develop the role they have within the church. If you wish to request particular training, please contact your local church pastor. To secure a place please call the Scottish Mission office on 01764 653257. The venue is Crieff Seventh-day Adventist church; light lunch provided. Contact: Carole Peacock <sdascotland@onetel.com>. Phone: 01764 653257.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP MEETING (SEC ROAD SHOW). Sunday, 24 February. SEC event for all church officers in Area 8 to be held at Cambridge church from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visioning, departmental orientation and opportunity for exchange of ideas with the new SEC leadership team. Contact: Ruth Stewart <rstewart@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232627.

AN EVENING OF PRAISE (GOSPEL MUSIC EXPLOSION). Sunday, 24 February. An Evening of Praise, with the melodious voices of Stephanie Johnson (New York, USA) and Jean Brown (New Jersey, USA) plus supporting artiste from Birmingham (UK) at 5.30 pm. Venue: Harper Bell Adventist School, 29 Ravenhurst Street, Birmingham, B12 0EJ. Tickets £5 at the door. You got to be there! Contact: Gospel Events UK <gospeleventsuk@aol.com>. Phone: 07930412246.

LEARNING TO LOVE SEMINAR. Friday, 29 February to Wednesday, 5 March. Tottenham West Green Road Seventh-day Adventist church presents a four day event, from Friday through Sabbath, Sunday and Wednesday. The "Learning to Love Seminar" will be presented by the President of the South England Conference, Pastor Sam Davis - Need More Love? Then don't miss the powerful practical seminar. This is designed to help our members apply God's healing love within our own church. A special series of studies that could work a miracle in our church. Not to be missed. Contact: Roger Charles <rogercharles2000@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07958116893.

PRAYER & FASTING DAY. Sabbath, 1 March. Camp Hill Adventist church in Birmingham invites you to a special day of Prayer, Fasting and Soul Searching. Come experience the presence and power of being in the courts of Heaven and receive anointing of the Spirit. For directions see our website. Contact: Communication Team <bulletin@camphilladventist.org.uk>. Phone: 0121 772 4389.

FAMILY LIFE WEEKEND SEMINAR. Friday, 7 to Sunday, 9 March. Camp Hill Seventh-day Adventist church, Birmingham, invites you to join us in a special Family Life Weekend with the Nebblett Family from the USA. You will be blessed. For more information please visit our website. Contact: Pastor J Nicholson <bulletin@camphilladventist.org.uk>. Phone: 0121 772 4389.

WOODFORD GREEN FIRST YOUTH DAY. Sabbath, 8 March. Woodford Green Seventh-day Adventist church invites you to its first Youth Day from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. The address is Woodford Green Church, Ray Lodge Road, IG8 7JB, (off Snakes Lane East). Contact: Marlene McPherson <mcpherson9@aol.com>. Phone: 0208 500 1717.

COMMUNICATION EMPHASIS WEEKEND. Sabbath, 8 to Sunday, 9 March. Writing, photos, worship, the web, meeting the media with confidence, this is a weekend of sharing and learning for all interested in Communication in the Irish Mission. Venue: Dublin Seventh-day Adventist church. Starting with Sabbath School on Sabbath, and continuing with a full day on Sabbath and climaxing on Sunday morning, this is a programme you will not want to miss. Guest speaker, BUC Communication director, Pastor Victor Hulbert. For more details and to reserve your space contact Pastor Douglas McCormac <doug@adventist.ie>. Phone: 00 353 1 295 1107.

ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS. Saturday, 8 March. Mission to Mend Jamaica - A group of 40 people will be venturing to Kingston, Jamaica this summer to hold 4 simultaneous campaigns in conjunction with the East Jamaica Conference. Our aim is to raise £40,000 primarily to meet some of our financial costs. The group will consist of preachers, musicians, prayer warriors and Bible workers. Many fundraising events have been planned, one being a concert that will take place on 8 March at 7.00 pm at the Advent Centre, London. Entry will be £5. NB: This is not a concert just for young people... older folks are more than welcome as there will be music that will appeal to all. Also good food will be on sale. Contact: Sacha Gillin <sacha_gillin@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07956226995.

KCFS TRAINING DAY - SCOTTISH MISSION. Sunday, 9 March. Keeping our Church Family Safe is one of the most important things we can do in our church - not only that, it is a legal obligation. This training is for everyone who works with the children in the church, in Sabbath School, choirs, Pathfinders and Adventurers etc. This is an all-day event, and covers Introduction Training Unit 1 & Responsible Persons Training Unit 2. If you have not already completed this training it is essential for all with offices involving working with the children. This training is specific to Scotland, one of the trainers will be Mrs Maureen Keough, who is Highlands Children's Services manager, so has first hand experience in the field. The venue is Crieff Seventh-day Adventist church and light lunch will be provided. Please contact the Scottish Mission office to register your place at this event. Contact: Carole Peacock <sdascotland@onetel.com>. Phone: 01764 653257.

----------------------------------------

SMALL ADS

SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR MOTHERS THIS MOTHER'S DAY. Visit <http://newbold.ac.uk> to see how you can bless your mother and help the Ethiopian Mother's Day Project all in one go. Can you take the mother's day challenge?

STANBOROUGH SCHOOL STAFF VACANCIES. This Independent Seventh-day Adventist Christian co-educational school with a strong and established academic tradition and family atmosphere, is looking to employ the following teachers for September 2008: 1) Head of English. Due to the retirement of the present teacher, Stanborough School requires a new Head of English. The teacher will teach Key Stage 3 - 5 (IB). 2) Head of ICT. We require a full-time ICT teacher to teach from Key Stage 3 - 5 (IB). Applicants should hold a degree in the subject, a teaching qualification and experience. Salary as per Denominational Scale. Application forms are available from the school and should be sent with a current CV to: Judy McKie, PA to Head Teacher, Stanborough School, Stanborough Park, Watford, WD25 9JT. Tel: +44 (0)1923 673-268 or emailed to <jmckie@spsch.org> by Friday, 7 March 2008.

JOHN ALFRED SEYMOUR, a former teacher at Stanborough School and retired Headteacher of Fletewood School in Plymouth had a fall two weeks ago and is now in a convalescence home with a trapped nerve in his spine. His daughter, Estelle, is asking if those who know him from the past might like to send him a card of encouragement to the Peirson Centre, Peirson House, Mulgrave St, Plymouth, PL1 2RW.

BIBLE COMMENTARY SET needed at a reasonable price as cannot afford a new set. If you have one available please contact Brian Palfrey, 4 Plas Ebbw, Northville, Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP441QJ or email <brianpalfrey49@yahoo.co.uk>.

TWO BED FLAT/HOUSE NEEDED. Adventist family, two adults and a 16-year-old child, is looking to rent a two bed flat or house (long-term) in Croydon or surrounding area from 18/03/08. If you can help email the Dzintars at: <dzintars@mac.com> or phone 07894823876.

CALLING WRITERS AGED 18-35. The General Conference Youth department are looking for new writers, ages 18-35, for the AM Buzz (programmes) and Conversations (Bible studies) sections of their new magazine, LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advent, and Discipleship). If you are interested please send your name and email address to Roma Paley, <rpaley@ted-adventist.org>.

DANIEL 2 STATUE. Free to a good home. Pastor Peter Jeynes has a 3 metre tall statue made from fibre glass based on the pictures we have become used to seeing when we give Bible studies about Daniel 2. He comes in 2 pieces, legs and torso so can be carried in the back of a car. The most famous person who has seen him said, "He's a big lad isn't he!". Thank you for the testimonial Prince Charles. No charge for the statue, however if Pastor Jeynes delivers him he would need to cover the cost of his petrol. Contact Peter at <peterjeynes@talktalk.net> for more details or a photo.

ROOM TO RENT. A choice of two rooms. Large bedroom fully furnished to let not far from Northolt Station, Central line and Hayes & Harlington mainline. Rent £85 and £75 per week including gas and electricity. Call Vani on 07931730146.

MR DORREL SAUNDERS of Emmaville Smithfiled, Jamaica, currently residing in the UK has been requested to urgently contact his ex-wife or Mrs Ledgister on 0208 764 1555. If somebody knows this gentleman can they please pass this information to him as a matter or urgency. Many thanks.

FULL-TIME SECRETARIAL VACANCY AT THE NORTH ENGLAND CONFERNCE OFFICE. An exciting and challenging role is open for an energetic person with good secretarial skills and a commitment to the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The responsibilities will include amongst others, routine secretarial and data entry tasks, and preparation of workshop/seminar materials. The position will require competency in the use of Microsoft Office or comparable software packages and desk-top publishing. Salary and terms of employment will be in keeping with denominational policies and are available on request. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Interested individuals are invited to send a CV and to request an application form: Paul Haworth, Executive Secretary, North England Conference, 22 Zulla Road, Mapperley Park, Nottingham, NG3 5DB. Email: <admin@necadventist.org.uk>. Closing date for applications: Wednesday, 5 March 2008.


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>. 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>.

You can manually unsubscribe from this mailing list by clicking on reply and including the word 'unsubscribe' in the subject line. You can subscribe to ANN (Adventist News Network), the email news bulletin of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, on the GC website at: <http://news.adventist.org>. You can subscribe to TED News, the email news bulletin of the Trans-European Division, by sending your name and email address to: <tednews@ted-adventist.org>.

The British Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church accepts no liability to any party for any error, omission or mis-statement by any contributor in any material published in this newsletter.
List address: bucnews_txt@adventist.org.uk
Subscribe: bucnews_txt-subscribe@adventist.org.uk