BUC News #587 (9 May 2008)

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

Contents:

ADRA-UK LAUNCHES MYANMAR CYCLONE APPEAL.
LONDON ADVENTIST CHORALE AT SOUTH BANK FESTIVAL.
CHIP GOES CAMPING.
SEC PRESIDENT URGES MEMBERS TO "REDISCOVER CORE BELIEFS".
A SHELTER FOR YOU - SCOTTISH MISSION PROJECT '08.
'BACH'ING ON THE STREET.
KEY TO SUCCESS.
CASH IN THE ATTIC.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION".
COMING EVENTS.

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ADRA-UK LAUNCHES MYANMAR CYCLONE APPEAL

ADRA-UK's Mark Castellino is on a plane to Myanmar (Burma) as part of the ADRA network response in the wake of Cyclone Nargis, a Category 4 tropical storm that struck Myanmar on 3 May, killing more than 22,000 people, leaving at least 41,000 unaccounted for, and displacing more than one million people to date.

"Over the last five days we have heard of increasing numbers of fatalities," Mark says. "Our colleagues on the ground have reported severe damage to properties, livelihoods, and worst of all, loss of life. We know that the devastation is colossal, and it demands a large scale response." Thus for Mark this is far more than just a job. "Together with my colleagues both in Burma, and from around the world, I'm hoping to be able to contribute towards bringing some alleviation to the survivors of this terrible disaster."

ADRA-UK made an initial immediate contribution of US$10,000 - a figure that will rapidly increase as the UK office is working with the ADRA network around the world to provide US$1 million aid.

"I've been to Burma two times previously," Mark says as he rapidly pulls together visas and all the other necessities for a trip like this. "When I saw the news pictures and heard the stories coming back from places that I've been to it gave it deeper meaning to me personally. I'm hoping that my contribution will make a difference to people who are suffering terribly."

ADRA has an advantage on many agencies in that it already has a presence on the ground in Myanmar. ADRA has worked with the World Food Programme in Burma for several years, distributing essential food packages to communities in remote rural areas. Since 2007 ADRA-UK has worked with programmes to increase food security, through training farmers in new agricultural skills, providing seeds and tools, and giving people new non-farming skills to enable them to make a living. This means that the ADRA Myanmar office in Yangon is already meeting the needs of families who survived the cyclone and subsequent flooding in targeted areas in the hard-hit Irrawaddy Delta in the south. Immediate aid includes water, water purification tablets, food distribution, and shelter materials.

The ADRA network is responding from all over the world. As ADRA-UK Programmes Director Mark will join a team to assess the current situation and develop responses to meet the needs. An expert in proposal writing, he is hoping to access some of the funds committed by the UK government's Department for International Development (DFID) along with other international donors. He says, "I will assist in planning how that money will be spent so that we can assist as many people as possible in the best way possible." He will be in Burma for two weeks assisting in the first phase of operations.

In direct response to the tragedy that has struck Myanmar, ADRA-UK has launched an appeal to raise funds to bring immediate relief to the victims. ADRA-UK is coordinating its efforts with the ADRA network to respond to this major disaster.

Please note that ADRA is only accepting monetary donations. It cannot accept food or clothing. Please see how much you can help by making donations on the ADRA-UK website: <http://adra.org.uk>. Cheques for the Myanmar Cyclone Appeal can also be sent to: ADRA-UK, Stanborough Park, Watford, Herts, WD25 9JZ. Make your cheques payable to "ADRA-UK" and if possible, Gift Aid your donation by including a signed note saying "Please Gift Aid this donation". In all cases, please indicate that the gift is for the "ADRA-UK Myanmar Cyclone Appeal". Visit the website for regular updates on the crisis.


LONDON ADVENTIST CHORALE AT SOUTH BANK FESTIVAL [Trevor Johnson/BUC News]

The London Adventist Chorale has been invited to present a programme of music as part of a choral festival called 'Chorus' at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank, London. The week-long festival will see a number of the UK's top quality choirs present programmes in various halls of the complex. The Chorale will perform on Sabbath afternoon, 17 May at 2.00 pm in a programme entitled 'Down By The Riverside', appropriate as the concert venue is next to the River Thames. The programme aims to get a strong Christian message across using songs with texts from various Psalms and Isaiah, as well as what the Chorale is known and loved for - the songs of the Blessed Hope, as told through a cappella spirituals.

Choir director, Ken Burton says, "It's a blessing to be invited to such an event." While acknowledging that some Adventists might think a concert programme on a Sabbath afternoon to be inappropriate, Burton sees a programme of sacred songs, interspersed with small talks leading the listener to an appreciation of the songs as a positive witnessing activity for an audience, many of whom would be unlikely to grace the portals of a church door. "This is, in my view, very appropriate for the Sabbath," he states. "Let's imagine this concert was not happening. What would the audience be doing? Maybe shopping or some other secular activity. We have an opportunity to have them for one and a half hours, engaged in a spiritual activity on the Lord's Holy Day."

The Chorale believes very strongly that its music makes a difference. "Some may come to a church service if invited, but many more would, without hesitation, come to a music programme, where they will hear the same gospel message as they'll hear in church, but in a different environment." This then, in their eyes, is evangelism. Burton insists, "We have to be really careful as a church preparing to meet its Lord, that we don't become so isolated and insular that when the world gives us opportunities to present the gospel, we turn them away."

As with all concerts on the South Bank this will be a ticketed event. The Chorale has been invited and will do its own programme in its own way but the administrative and logistical side of things comes under the management of the venue. Burton recommends that members buy tickets in advance for themselves and their unchurched friends. They are available from the venue, and online <www.southbankcentre.co.uk>. He says, "If we tell people in advance, and they get their tickets in advance, neither we nor they have to purchase on the Sabbath itself. Indeed if we spread the word and ensure, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the event is sold out in advance, there will be none left to sell on the Sabbath anyway." There is a free ticket offer for Adventists. Check the Coming Events section for details.

This is a serious programme. "I've already prayed to the Lord that there will be people won to Him on that very day," Burton says. "Whilst we want to make sure that we speak in a language that the audience can understand, we also want to be very clear about the Lord's glorious promise of His soon return, and leave the audience in no doubt that this promise is not pie-in-the-sky, but a reality, a personal invitation from God to them through us."


CHIP GOES CAMPING [John Wilby, Scottish Mission Communication Sponsor/Joyce Hill/BUC News]

Over the weekend 3 and 4 May, Edinburgh's Royal Highland Centre was transformed into a huge camp ground of vibrant activity. Titled "Church Without Walls", it was a national gathering of faith communities from all over Scotland.

A 500-tented village of individual churches and organisations were there to "tell their story". They had each purchased tents from the organisers which afterwards will be donated to deserving developing countries. Well-known speakers also conducted big-tent seminars on a broad range of faith topics.

David Hatch, Scotland's CHIP Programme Director and his wife, Janice, manned a highly visible tent display engaging some of the several thousand visitors. There were many enquiries from health professionals. Those suffering, or recovering from illness also sought information about how CHIP might be of help to them.

David said "Our story grows out of the past but is about the future. We have a vision to take the 'Adventist Advantage' to the people of Scotland. One of the ways we can achieve that is through the CHIP programme."

Meanwhile CHIP is serving communities across the UK. On Sunday, 27 April, the second helping of the MicroCHIP programme was served in the Stanborough Centre, Watford. As guests enrolled for the evening they were greeted with a feast for the eyes and nutritious new tastes for the tongue.

Richard Poulton, Stanborough Park church Health Ministries Co-ordinator encouraged the guests to accept the challenge of letting 'the next thirty days make a difference'. Healthy Living goals for the next week were set, with the promise that bad habits are reversible where there is commitment. "Probably it's commitment that's the sauce for the MicroCHIP programme," states Stanborough member, Joyce Hill. "So many good, healthy resolutions get lost in loneliness and lack of commitment. Joining others in a team brings encouragement, stimulation and enthusiasm to see you through the dull days." The programme at the Stanborough Centre continues on Sunday evenings at 6.00 pm until 8 June.


SEC PRESIDENT URGES MEMBERS TO "REDISCOVER CORE BELIEFS" [Sam Davis]

Just over 15 years ago something happened that shook Adventism around the world and the UK. I recall sitting at the dining table with my family watching in disbelief as the compound at Waco was engulfed in flames. I was a young pastor at the time and could not believe that one of my members perished in the flames.

What was it that caused Seventh-day Adventists in good and regular standing to abandon the core of Adventism? What was it that caused those followers to stray from the truths they held so dear to follow a "messiah" who styled himself as "God made flesh?" Many books have been written, interviews conducted and documentaries made all seeking to understand what happened.

What is clear is that those who perished at Waco had become increasingly discontented with the core beliefs of the Adventist faith. "Yes," you may say, "their theology, was not sound." But as true as that may be, the fact is too many good people followed Koresh.

Waco may be forgotten but the mistakes of Waco are still being made. Members continue to follow after dissident groups who have become disaffected with the church. They entertain new "gurus" who purport to have "the truth", and are now able to lead us to the "promised land."

How can we show our members and others what we are all about and what our core teachings are? 'The Core of Adventism' seeks to deal with exactly that. An initiative of the Personal Ministries department of the BUC, it seeks through preaching and teaching to bring us back to traditional and godly based Adventism.

The Core of Adventism starts on Sabbath, 10 May at three venues across London: Tottenham Holcombe Road (JLS), Chiswick and Stoke Newington churches at 7.00 pm each evening. There will also be a Bible Conference beginning at 10:30 am on Monday, 12 May at the Stoke Newington church with some very notable scholars including Dr Pedrito Maynard-Reid (Walla Walla College), Dr Steve Currow (Newbold College), and Dr Radisa Antic (Ellen White Estate). This promises to be a time of spiritual refreshing as we rediscover our core beliefs and stand by them. Please make every effort to attend these valuable meetings. For more details visit the "Core of Adventism" web page: <http://www.adventistinfo.org.uk/departments/personalministries/coreofadventism.htm>.


A SHELTER FOR YOU - SCOTTISH MISSION PROJECT '08 [Marcel Ghioalda]

Scottish Youth will be embarking on their third Romanian Mission Project this summer as they travel there to help those facing the cruel realities of life in some areas of the country. On the first trip, the team built two houses for poor people in Bolintin. The next trip saw the team help rebuild three houses for residents affected by the floods of 2005 and fully renovate a local crèche.

On this occasion, the group will travel to Zarnesti to assist ADRA in building low-cost houses for eight families in a joint venture with the local government. Located in a picturesque valley between two famous mountain ranges in Romania, Zarnesti saw the closure of the local ammunition factory shortly after the fall of the communist regime, leaving the residents without a source of income or the ability to maintain their homes. Entire blocks of flats and houses fell into a state of disrepair which rendered the buildings uninhabitable. When the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) visited the area this winter, they found families seeking shelter in abandoned buildings and even under the open sky. In the meantime, a local volunteer took the initiative to mobilize the locals into renovating the decrepit flats, in an attempt not only to improve their living conditions, but also restoring a sense of self-worth and dignity. At the moment, one block of flats has been renovated to an acceptable standard of living while the second one is waiting for the availability of funds.

ADRA joined forces with locals with a passion for their fellow neighbours and put together a three phase plan of action: building low-cost houses for eight families, building a community centre, and employing a social worker and a counsellor to help the people reintegrate into society.

This summer, during a two week trip (6-20 July), a team of young volunteers from Scotland (and the larger British Isles) will partner with young people from various parts of Romania in order to help the first phase of the project - the erecting of the second low-cost house for another three families. The first such house is being worked on now and the intention is that by the time the work will commence on the second building, the first families would have already moved in.

While one team will be working on the building site, another team will be putting on holiday programmes for the 120 children living in the two blocks of flats mentioned earlier.

You don't have to be Scottish to join the project. If you want to make a difference, you appreciate working side-by-side with people from a different culture; you care; you have done it before and loved it; you haven't done it before but heard that it is great; you want to be challenged; you need a sense of perspective in your life; you have a skill you would like to put to further good use; you have no obvious skill for such a project, but are very willing to help; you want to see Christianity in action - this could be the project for you.

Should you wish to take part in the project, you can do it in two ways: come along and join our team; or, raise funds for this project in order to make sure we can afford to purchase the materials necessary for the house. For further details see <www.sdascotland.com> or contact the Scottish Mission Youth Sponsor: phone: 01738 850 399; mobile: 07814 009 063; email: <marcel@sdascotland.com>.


'BACH'ING ON THE STREET

Violinist Chris Rogers is planning to play all of Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin. "You must think I am mad," he says, "but it is for a good cause." Along with his wife, Susanna, he has become a volunteer Street Pastor in Lincoln. They volunteer once a month to be out on the streets between 10.00 pm and 4.00 am on a Friday or Saturday night. They are there to help people in need at that time of the night. Chris says, "as you can imagine at that time, when people are leaving night clubs, they have many needs, whether emotional, or something as practical as just getting home safely!"

It costs us to train as SPs and it costs the organisation to run itself, hence this fund-raising event. Chris will be performing Bach on Monday, 26 May at the church of St Mary Magdalen, Bailgate, Lincoln. You would be welcome to drop by and listen. Better yet, if you want to sponsor Chris, you can do it via Facebook: <http://apps.facebook.com/sponsor-me/campaign/bach-sonatas-and-partitas-for-solo-violin>, or can just send a cheque to: Embers Cottage, 56 High Street, Billinghay, Lincoln, LN4 4AU. All money goes direct to Street Pastors. A cover note saying you are happy to Gift Aid your donation will make it more valuable. For more information about Street Pastors visit: <www.streetpastors.co.uk>.


KEY TO SUCCESS [Zanita Young, Education Chair, London Youth Federation]

The Education Department for the London Youth Federation presented an evening called "Key to Success" at the Advent Centre on Sabbath, 12 April. It began with praise and worship and an Introduction of the Education Department.

Testimonies were given by Barrister Candice Henry, who witnessed to all how God performed miracles in her life in order for her to achieve her goal. She stated that, "it's only God that brought me through my law degree as it conflicted with my Christian beliefs." Leah Blenman, a teacher and Councillor, shared how God had taken her from death's door with emergency surgery while on a visit to Jamaica. She said, "God spared my life. The surgeon brought the cyst that had been twisting inside of me. It was an ugly ball of sin the size of a tennis ball." Leah talked not just about the mass prayer chains, but the opportunity she had to witness and pray with the surgeons who were about to save her life.

Speaking from personal experience, Andrew Fuller instructed all to "follow the Lord Jesus Christ and depend solely on Him daily who is the Author and Finisher of our faith." He stressed that God's goodness leads man to repent. He emphasised that people need to recognise God to begin anew and victory is already ours through grace.

Poetry, music and song led the programme forward to a climax by the main speaker, Mrs Laura Osei. She happily informed the congregation that Education is a good thing and "if we keep in contact with Jesus, He will direct our paths." She reminded the congregation that "with the Lord Jesus Christ we can achieve anything and the victory is already won only if we believe and trust in Him." She was also very practical encouraging everyone to start planning their goals and asking themselves what they can do to achieve it instead of being negative and using excuses to not achieve what they really want to do. Her inspiring talk left the congregation seriously thinking about their individual lives as all stood for intercessory prayer for true success starting from that moment.

The event was truly an eye opener to true success in life through our Lord Jesus Christ.


CASH IN THE ATTIC [Miriam Wood]

The popular BBC1 programme Cash in the Attic will feature an Adventist family on Monday, 12 May at 11:45 am (check for exact time on the day). The Anucha family from Binfield are very musical. The three daughters, Kelechi, Eberechi and Ogachi play violin, cello and piano and father Zach sings. Miriam Wood from Maidenhead church sold items donated by members of Newbold church and some of her own to fund-raise to provide music lessons for the girls.

The idea of contacting Cash in the Attic originally arose to assist Nma Anucha's rehabilitation after major surgery for cancer. Sadly her condition deteriorated and she died early last year. Miriam decided to go ahead with the programme in memory of her friend and to help Nma's daughters with their music studies.

The programme was filmed in Miriam's home in Bracknell, at Ogachi's school where she practises with a class of young violinists and at Newbold Church Centre. The auction was held in Grantham.


THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"

A black and white picture of the workers leaving the factory gates would typify the very poor working class background from which Don Lowe rose to be a gentle leader in the church he came to love. He marvels at how God has led in his life and is still leading in the lives of others. Learn his story on "In Conversation" on the Hope Channel at the times listed below or view on demand at <www.hopetv.org.uk>:

Friday 9 May: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Freddy Russell
Sabbath 10 May: 12:30 am and 3:00 pm: Freddy Russell
Monday 12 May: 3:00 am and 7:00 pm: Don Lowe
Wednesday 14 May: 8:30 am: Don Lowe
Friday 16 May: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Don Lowe
Sabbath 17 May: 12:30 am and 3:00 pm: Don Lowe

"In Conversation" is an interview programme produced by the BUC's Media Centre and broadcast on Hope Channel Europe. Each week a different story will challenge your faith and thinking, giving you insights into how God changes lives and works with people.

Hope Channel Europe is available on satellite and online. 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.

NOW IS THE TIME EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN. Continuing to Sabbath, 7 June. Evangelistic Campaign at Edmonton Central & Tottenham West Green Road Seventh-day Adventist churches. 7.30 pm each evening and 11.00 am on Sabbath. Speakers: Pastor Roger Morris & Evangelist Roger Duncan both from Trinidad and Pastors Richard de Lisser and David Burnett. The campaign starts at Tottenham WGR. From 3 - 17 May it will be held on Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Sabbath and from Sunday, 18 it will be held every day (except Thursday). The campaign moves to Edmonton Central on Sunday, 25 May - 7 June. For more details contact Roger Charles <rogercharles2000@hotmail.com>. Phone 07958116893 or visit <www.tottenhamsda.org>.

ANNUAL NEC EVANGELISTIC OUTREACH PROGRAMME. Continuing to Saturday, 31 May. Pastor Kenneth O Rancifer is the keynote speaker for the month long series, excluding Thursdays. The tent is pitched in Hamstead Pavilion Playing Fields, Hamstead, Birmingham. The official website for this event is <wwww.pavilionofhope.org.uk>. You can gain the sermon titles from this website and there are links available to hear Pastor Rancifer's sermons. He is a dynamic preacher and the atmosphere is exciting. There are portable loos on site and a nice area to eat lunch now that the weather is improving. Contact: Nova Banton <newstar@talktalk.net>. Phone: 07950 141213.

THE ONLY SMOKING ANIMAL. Saturday, 10 May to Saturday, 21 June. Have you tried remedies to stop smoking? Do you want to feel like a new person after giving up? There is Good News! You can begin a New Start. Venue: Egham Youth Centre, 185 High Street, Egham, TW20 9DY. Time: 5:00-7:00 pm. Free admission. Contact: Sylvia Wilson on 07708094905.

THE JOY OF SERVICE. Sabbath, 10 May. Battersea Seventh-day Adventist church presents The Joy of Service. Venue: Priory Hall, Prince of Wales Drive, Battersea, London, SW8 4BL. Times: 09:30 - 11:00, 11:30 - 13:00 & 16:00 - 17:30. Buses: 44, 137, 156, 344, 452. Keynote speaker: Paul Day. Afternoon film: Codex Alimentarius starting at 16:00. Lunch provided. Contact: Hazel Andrew <batterseasda@aol.com>. Phone: 07950 563 645.

LONDON GHANA CHRIST IS THE ANSWER CAMPAIGN. Sabbath, 10 to Sabbath, 31 May. Do you have a longing deep vision to know God better? Would you want to understand the Bible more clearly? Do you want more answers to all your questions? Do you enjoy good Christian fellowship and music? The London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist church invites you to a 3 weekend encounter with Christ the Answer to all our questions. The speaker, Pastor Enock Kofi Affum, currently serves as the senior pastor of the Washington Ghanaian Adventist church in Hyattsville, Maryland. Venue: 50 Chadwin Road, Plaistow, London, E13 8NF. Days: Fridays, and Sunday evenings, Sabbath mornings and afternoons. Contact: Dr Emmanuel Osei <eeosei@hotmail.com>. Phone: 020 7474 8095.

THE CORE OF ADVENTISM. Sabbath, 10 to Sabbath, 17 May. London, Area 6, together with the BUC and SEC will be hosting "The Core of Adventism". As part of the programme, a Bible Conference for ministers and elders will held from 12-15 May during the day from 10:30-3:30 at the Stoke Newington Seventh-day Adventist church. The evening evangelistic series will focus on the core beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; District 6A (John Loughborough School - Dr Robert Kennedy), 6C (Stoke Newington Church - Pastor Michael Dyson), 6D (Chiswick - Pastor Frederick Paul Durairaj). The evening programmes will begin at 7.00 pm in each of the districts. Speakers during the day are Dr Pedrito Maynard Reid, Walla Walla College, Dr Radisa Antic, Ellen White Estate, Newbold College, Dr Stephen Currow, Newbold College. View Theme Song at <http://www.youtube.com/silvaFMmusic>. Contact: Pastor Eglan Brooks <ebrooks@adventist.org .uk>. Phone: 01923 672251.

FAITHSHAPERS TRAINING DAY. Sunday, 11 May. A day of training for all children's workers, offering workshops and presentations, as well as books and materials to browse and buy. The Sizzix cutting machine will also be available to help you design fun crafts for your children's programmes. We cannot guarantee space or materials for anyone who has not pre-booked, so if you would like to attend please contact Anna McLarty to reserve a place. If you are among the first twenty to respond you can also claim your bonus free gift! If you are unable to attend yourself, please pass on details of the event to others in your Children's Ministries and Children's Sabbath School teams. Visit our website to view and download a poster. Advent Centre, Crawford Place, London. 10.00 am - 5.00 pm. Bring your own lunch. Contact: Anna McLarty <amclarty@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 656 530.

BRIXTON CHURCH EDUCATION FAIR. Sunday, 11 May. The Education department of the Brixton church will be hosting an Education Fair between 10.00 am and 3.30 pm. Lots of information on all areas of education for you and the entire family. Come along and bring a friend. Refreshments will be on sale. Contact: Joan Reid <reidjoan@blueyonder.co.uk>. Phone: 0208 655 4329.

SPRING FESTIVAL AT NEWBOLD. Sunday, 11 May. Newbold College is holding a Spring Festival to give prospective students a chance to get a taste of what the College has to offer. On Sunday, 11 May, from 12 noon - 3.00 pm in Salisbury Hall, the College is inviting special guests to meet students and staff, explore their career options, tour the campus, and enjoy the international cuisine for which Newbold's multi-cultural community is famous. For more information and to receive your complimentary ticket contact Kay Choudary, Tel: 01344 407581; Mobile: 07930 119271; Email: <events@newbold.ac.uk>.

GRACE & RESTORATION (THANK YOU JESUS!). Sabbath, 17 May. Balham Women's Emphasis Day for everybody (because we all need some grace and restoration)! It will be a day of heartfelt worship, praise in song, powerful prayer... a taste of how good God is! Sabbath School: 9.30 am. Worship Service: 11.00 am (guest speaker: Mazlin Holness). Fellowship lunch. Afternoon Special Service: 6.00 pm. Venue: Balham Seventh-day Adventist church, 16a The Boulevard (off Elmfield Rd), Balham, SW17 7BQ, London. Contact: Verna Casey <vscar1ett@aol.com>. Phone: 07973530477.

CAYA TEEN CHURCH. Sabbath, 17 May. Our monthly Teen Church programme with a difference. We invite you to join us at Stanborough School - 1.30 pm for lunch and 2.30 pm for our programme. Our theme this month is "The Closed Door" as we take an interactive look this year at the parables of Jesus. Contact: Judy McKie <jmckie@spsch.org>. Phone: 01923 673268.

LONDON ADVENTIST CHORALE AT SOUTH BANK CENTRE. Sabbath, 17 May. The London Adventist Chorale will be performing at the South Bank Centre Queen Elizabeth Hall at 2.00 pm. The programme is entitled 'Down by the Riverside' and consists of songs with texts from various Psalms, and Isaiah, as well as the songs of the Blessed Hope, as told through a cappella spirituals. FREE TICKET OFFER. This offer is limited to availability so you must act quickly in order to avoid disappointment! Call the box office to purchase your own ticket in advance: 0871 663 2500 [9 am - 8 pm] (please note there is a transaction fee). This special offer is only open to purchase by phone NOT VIA SOUTHBANK website. Confirm you wish to take advantage of the special offer scheme by Quoting 'ADVENTIST CHORALE OFFER' and purchase a single ticket. Request 1 free ticket within the price range of £8 - £25.00. Please note that you can purchase a ticket at any price for yourself and obtain 1 extra ticket subject to availability. Arrange for tickets to be posted to you or you can collect them at the box office on the day. For more details visit the website, <http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/calendar/productions/london-adventist-chorale-39845>. Contact: Trevor Johnson <trevor.johnson@rhul.ac.uk>. Phone: 07767 817151.

BAPTISM AT BURNGREAVE, SHEFFIELD. Sabbath, 17 May. Four Pathfinders will publicly commit their lives to Jesus at 4.00 pm at the Burngreave, Sheffield church. Please feel free to join us on this special occasion. Contact: Annice Thomas <annice@upwardway.co.uk>.

SHARING JESUS EFFECTIVELY. Sunday, 18 May. A Personal Ministries and Sabbath School training event for London area 6a and 6d. Topics include: Characteristics of a Healthy Church, Cyclical Evangelism and Empowering the Sabbath School. This is a one day event for anyone who wishes to become a more effective witness for Jesus and wants to see the church grow. Venue: Holloway church. Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Lunch is provided. Contact: Terry Messenger <tmessenger@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

SPRING CHARITY CONCERT. Wednesday, 21 May. Rebeca Fenoy-Anthony, BMUS Composition Studies, London College of Music, member of the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, invites you to a Spring Charity Concert. Music composed by Rebeca Fenoy-Anthony. Time: 8:00 pm. Venue: St Mary's Church, Ealing Broadway. Email or check the website for more details. Proceeds in support of ADRA. Contact: Rebeca Anthony <rebecafenoy@yahoo.co.uk>.

NEWBOLD PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN DAY. Thursday, 22 May. Newbold Primary School, Popeswood Road, Binfield, invites you to their Open Day, from 10:00 - 12:00. To book a place on this Open Day, which includes: a tour of the school, meeting the headteacher and a question and answer session, please call Mrs Chilvers, headteacher on 01344 421088. For more information, see our website at <www.newboldschool.co.uk>. We look forward to meeting you! Contact: Vicky Chilvers <newboldschool@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 01344 421088.

MONTSERRATIAN AND FRIENDS DAY OF FELLOWSHIP. Sabbath, 24 May. The Eighth Annual Montserratian Seventh-day Adventist Day of Fellowship commencing at 9:30 am. The Whalley Range Methodist Church, Withington Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 8FA. Special guest speaker: Pastor E R Francis, President, North England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Contact: William B Riley <williambriley@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 01212417318.

ELDERS' TRAINING EVENT. Sabbath, 24 May. At Brixton Seventh-day Adventist church from 3.30 pm - 7.00 pm. All local church elders and their spouses are invited to attend. Guest speakers from the General Conference - Pastor James Cress, Ministerial Association Secretary and Pastor Jonas Arrais, Associate Ministerial Association Secretary. For more information call Pastor Alan Hodges on 01923 672251 or email <ahodges@adventist.org.uk>.

LAY-BIBLE INSTRUCTORS COURSE. Sunday, 25 May. This course is open to all those who would like to share their faith more effectively. It begins on Sunday, 25 May and runs through to 30 November. There will be a special graduation service on 14 December when certificates will be presented. It takes place every last Sunday of the month (except August). Venue: The Advent Centre, London. Duration each Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Lunch is provided. Cost: £70. Cheques to be made payable to the 'South England Conference' and sent with application form (available from your pastor, elder or Personal Ministries leader) to: The Personal Ministries Department, 25 St John's Road, Watford, WD17 1PZ. Contact: Terry Messenger <tmessenger@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

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SMALL ADS

DRACULA won't be there, but business, professional and lay ministry people will be at the ASI Europe Convention in Transylvania, 18-21 June 2008. Jose Rojas will be the dynamic speaker at a Convention for people who 'Share Christ in the Market Place.' Inspiring testimonies, useful workshops, interesting exhibition booths and opportunities for networking are only a few of the benefits of experiencing an ASI Convention. Details and application forms from the websites: <www.asi-europe.org> or <www.4Christ2.com>.

HEADTEACHER - STANBOROUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL. The British Union Conference invites applicants for the position of Primary Headteacher at Stanborough Primary School, a dynamic Adventist school, with a Christian and multicultural ethos. The successful candidate will be a practising Seventh-day Adventist and is expected to demonstrate: Vision and leadership skills to motivate and inspire the staff in fulfilling the mission of the school; Sound grasp of educational leadership and management principles and the ability to be an effective professional leader and team builder; The skills to manage and develop the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils, the expectations of the church community and national initiatives; The ability to work with governors in developing school policies, formulating the strategic plan and managing the school's improvement strategy for raising achievement; A successful track record in contributing to the creation of an effective teaching and learning school community; An understanding and commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy and practice of education; Good communication and interpersonal skills. Further details and an application pack are available from: Dr Keith Davidson, Education Director, British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Stanborough Park, Watford, Herts, WD25 9JZ. Phone: 01923 672251. Email: <kdavidson@adventist.org.uk>. Closing date for applications: Friday, 6 June 2008.

NEWBOLD COLLEGE is seeking to appoint a full-time lecturer in New Testament commencing 1 August 2008. The deadline for receipt of applications is 23 May 2008. Further details are obtainable from the Newbold College website: <www.newbold.ac.uk> or from Vice Principal, Mike Pearson, at <mpearson@newbold.ac.uk> or tel: +44 1344 407401 or fax: +44 1344 407404.

For more job vacancies please visit <www.adventistnews.org.uk/vacancies.php>.

JUST 16 PLACES LEFT. Over the past 6 years International Children's Care (ICC UK) have successfully organised 10 short-term mission trips to Romania, enabling young and old to participate in missions abroad. Due to the success of these trips, 4 trips have been organised for this year, one of which was at Easter and 3 more to take place in the summer. There are limited seats still available on a first come first serve basis. 2 to 13 July - 3 places left; 27 July to 8 August - 5 places left; 12 to 21 August - 6 places left. Each group will be doing something slightly differently, following on from the previous group. For further details, costs and an application form, please contact Daren Bullock on 08700 60 22 55, 0781 806 7488 or email <daren@iccuk.org.uk>. We are seeking more mission trip coordinator/leaders. If you are interested we would like to hear from you!


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>.

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