BUC News Edition #769 (24 February 2012)
Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Contents:

REVITALISING STRUGGLING CHURCHES
WORSHIP BEATS GAMES FOR SEC TEENS
NEW BOOST TO ANGLO-GERMAN RELATIONS
'LOVE UNLIMITED' FOR PASTORAL COUPLES
SUPPER CLUB INSPIRATION
'FULL INVOLVEMENT' AT SEC YOUTH DAY
EGYPT COMES TO WESTON
ADRA SUCCESS IN MYANMAR
150 COUNTDOWN TO OLYMPICS
HAD A CALL FROM THE PRESIDENT LATELY?
SONGS OF PRAISE
PROGRAMMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK
COMING EVENTS

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REVITALISING STRUGGLING CHURCHES [Jeff Nicholson/Mike Simpson]

Long-term decline? Stagnant membership? No significant membership growth for twenty years or more? That is a real challenge for some forty churches in the North England Conference – but a challenge those churches are willing to face up to. Over the weekend, 10 - 12 February, the NEC Church Growth and Personal Ministries department invited them to meet together at the Barceló Daventry Hotel in Northampton.

Commenting on the recent significant membership increase in BUC membership in the recent years, Mike Simpson pointed out that "Most of this growth cannot be described as kingdom growth, ie growth due to local active evangelistic effort, but has been due to immigration and transfers of membership from other World Fields." Many congregations have had significant growth by vote of membership through Profession of Faith – but this too is similarly due to members being voted in from other World Fields. While there is much rejoicing for these new members and the new life that they bring to our congregations, we are challenged as we face our unchurched communities daily by the commission of our Leader, 'The fields are ripe and ready for harvest!'

A careful evaluation of the NEC's experience has shown that many churches really have had no significant or intentional evangelistic outreach in their local communities whatever for many years – whether Bible studies or other outreach programmes. Many churches have no programmes dedicated to meet the needs of their local communities. Many though looking good on the books are experiencing stagnation as a result of disunity and loss of vision showing no long term growth. Other reasons given for lack of kingdom growth in many congregations include lack of training and mentoring, a loss of vision and direction from church leadership, disunity in the local congregation and becoming disheartened due to long-term stagnation.

Another issue highlighted during the conference was that in some multi-church pastoral districts, where there is a large church, the smaller congregations often suffer ineffective leadership and lack of effective ministerial oversight since the larger church demands much more time to manage. An over dependence on ministerial oversight and governance was highlighted as a great disadvantage for long-term evangelistic growth. It was stated that in areas of the world where there is long-term significant kingdom growth, the laity had more responsibility for the running of the local church and the implementation of the evangelistic mission of the Church. If we are to see a seed change in our situation in the NEC then each member will have to take on the Biblical challenge, "I have chosen you to bear fruit. Fruit that will last." As in many sections of the world showing significant evangelistic growth, there needs to be significant lay input in planning and implementing the work of local evangelism, a greater lay input in the work of personal evangelism and management of the local church. In such situations pastors often oversee large pastoral districts of between 8-10 churches and the local lay leadership of necessity have to be trained and empowered to lead in all sections of the church.

How can we change our present situation?

Pastor Simpson outlined his vision for creating a new beginning in personal and wider church evangelism for the Conference as summarised below.

· Training and resourcing the lay membership of the church to get involved in the wider mission of the church. Pastor Simpson challenged the attendees to take to heart the philosophy behind the cycle of evangelism where the church membership as a whole will implement the cycle of evangelism and follow a strategic plan where members working together on local projects to train and put the church to work in the job of evangelism. Click on the following links for more information on the Cycle of Evangelism: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

· Evangelism Area Coordinators – lay people trained and empowered to work in various areas of the Conference to train, resource and empower local members in the work of practical evangelism was seen as an important tool to help turn around the fate of these struggling churches.

· Employment of Taskforce workers to do evangelism in the communities of some of these struggling groups was seen as an important tool to resuscitate many churches, especially those without young able workers. It was suggested that local Gift Aid returns and other evangelistic funds might be used to fund some of these evangelistic activities thereby impacting the communities and saving these congregations from imminent death.

· It was also suggested that the Conference should mandate local pastors to dedicate more time and effort to these struggling churches thereby changing their future and making them self-sustaining entities.

Many of the attendees at the weekend programme expressed great relief at the tone of the programme having arrived with apprehension, fearing that they might be told off for the state of real growth in their congregations. By the close of the programme they left reassured that the Conference truly had their best interest at heart and really wanted to help.


WORSHIP BEATS GAMES FOR SEC TEENS [Tanaka Mutanga/SEC Communications]

Teens skipping games in order to worship? Unusual perhaps, but "More please!" was the clear request on the closing night of a Teens' Prayer and Bible Conference held at Stanborough Secondary School, Watford. One young man said, "I could have spent half-term at home, but God decided to bring me here. I used to go to church and after this week I'm going to try to get back into going." It is that spirit that led to a time of praise and worship that went on past midnight, rather than the planned games night programme.

109 young people attended the half-term Conference, 13 - 17 February, organised by the South England Conference (SEC) Teens department. "On Monday, I met teens who had been 'sentenced' to attend; but by the end of half-term break they didn't want to leave!" exclaimed Dejan Stojkovic, Teens director at the SEC.

Speaker for the week was Pastor Ryan Simpson; pastor in, and Youth and Pathfinder director of, the Bermuda Conference. Looking specifically at Jeremiah, chapter 29, he spoke of how God has plans for our young people to prosper. "The whole week was a spiritual blessing and we left knowing new things and new people," enthused attendee Tanaka Mutanga, who was especially inspired by performances from musical groups 'Anointed Saints' and 'Young Heritage'. Another young man stated, "People were literally pouring their hearts out to God. I would give anything to do this week over and over again."

The event highlighted the dependence teens have on God. "We realised that St Augustine's quote, about filling a 'God-shaped vacuum' with only Jesus and His Gospel, is spot on!" reflected Dejan. His personal joy was that during the Conference 20 young people committed themselves to be baptised in 2012. He concluded, "I can openly say that the Conference was spiritually defining for me and for the ministry of the department over the next few years."


NEW BOOST TO ANGLO-GERMAN RELATIONS [Philip Brown]

Detailed discussions over the last six months with our state-recognised Seventh-day Adventist university in Germany have resulted in Newbold College, here in England, being granted permission to offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees which will be conferred by the Theologische Hochschule Friedensau. This news will enable the College to teach towards German university degrees as well as degrees through a UK university. On Friday, 17 February, deputy Principal, Dr John Baildam, received confirmation from Friedensau Principal, Dr Friedbert Ninow, that the German education authorities in Magdeburg had cleared the way for Friedensau to enter into an academic partnership with Newbold College.

Dr Ninow was delighted to announce that the authorities had given an 'absolute yes' to our proposal. Newbold College Principal Dr Philip Brown, pronounced himself "delighted to learn that students of Theology at Newbold College will have the choice between German or British university qualifications." Dr Baildam is "excited to know that much hard work at both institutions has resulted in a more formal relationship between them. The arrangement will be an outstanding one for our students, whether visa nationals or from within the European Economic Area. We very much look forward to this new era in Newbold College's history."


'LOVE UNLIMITED' FOR PASTORAL COUPLES [Catherine Anthony Boldeau]

"It was a breath of fresh air," according to one of the forty pastors' wives attending the Pastors' and Spouses' Retreat in Wokefield Park in Reading, the weekend of 10 - 12 February. "Long overdue," she said.

The weekend opened with a session called 'Strengthening the Pastoral Family', co-presented by Pastor Jansen and Dr Gloria Trotman, Certified Family Life Educators, now retired, from the Inter-American Division. "The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be presented to the world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family. This will recommend the truth as nothing else will." (Adventist Home, p 32). This opening statement set the scene for a weekend of reflection, soul-searching, spirituality, humour and even romance.

The 'Balancing Work and Family' seminar explored the tensions that the pastor faces between duty to church members and time for family. Quoting extensively from scripture, pastors were encouraged to be diligent in their God-ordained duties. However, it was acknowledged that most pastors were in fact workaholics and the presenters stated that 'it is a real killer', not only physically but to family life and spirituality. Giving practical suggestions to the problem of balancing family life with church life, the Trotmans' suggested that each pastor should include 'margin in his life'. Quoting from Richard A Swenson, in his book Margin, they said, "margin is the gap between rest and exhaustion, the space between breathing freely and suffocating. It is the leeway we once had between ourselves and our limits."

The main presentation on Sabbath morning challenged with, '10 Major Mistakes Pastoral Couples Make that Sabotage Their Marriages'. Included in this is that 'they put work before God and family, (Psalm 127:1), they allow the marriage to drift instead of steering it, (Proverbs 28:19) and they work to remake their spouses into images of themselves, (Proverbs 25:24, 1 Peter 3:1-3).

The afternoon sessions dealt with issues of communication, and conflict management in marriage and focused on techniques and strategies to deal with conflict and ways to communicate more effectively with spouses.

An evening banquet was a time for sharing, romance and laughter. Without revealing any secrets, it was good to see pastors in a completely new light and through new eyes. And the morning after was filled with smiling faces who appreciated the Sunday morning seminars about intimacy and sexuality.

Reflecting on the weekend, one pastor said, "Pastors, both male and female, and their spouses and families are under a lot of pressure. This weekend was so needed!"

See your pastoral couple in the relaxed atmosphere of this retreat by visiting the BUC picture gallery.


SUPPER CLUB INSPIRATION [Ian Cort]

Inspired by the BUC Health Summit last summer church members have started a Supper Club at their Ringway Life Building, Altrincham. For one evening every 6 weeks we transform our church centre into a cosy restaurant, with beautifully laid tables, candles, and live music. We then serve our guests a healthy vegetarian meal. Between the main course and dessert we share a 10-minute talk on health and well-being.

This is a formula that works! 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach' so they say! We have been able to invite a lot of visitors and they all want to come back the next time. The American experience is that whole churches have been started by supper clubs.

Why is it successful? I think it is because we can show people the practical side of Christianity –friendliness and caring, a healthy balanced view of life, and introduce them to a loving God.

For further information contact us at events@lifebuilding.org.uk.


'FULL INVOLVEMENT' AT SEC YOUTH DAY [SEC Communications/Katie Ramharacksingh]

"I've come too far and I'm not turning back!" sang award-winning artist, Maurette Brown-Clark at The Rock Tower, Islington inspiring over 1500 young people that had gathered for the Youth Day of Fellowship entitled, 'Use Me Lord'.

Sabbath, 18 February was dedicated to showing each young person that whoever they are; God can use them if they let Him. "If we could see God it would change our lives and we would be more ready to do His will… God is looking for individuals that will stand up!" declared Pastor Rupert Bushner, Church Growth director in Allegheny West Conference, Ohio, USA, and speaker for the South England Conference (SEC) Youth Day.

Marching through the front door were Pathfinders led by SEC Pathfinder director, Kevin Johns who expressed, "we want the Church to see their hard work because they do so many positive things throughout the year." However, after ten o'clock, there was more queuing than marching as crowds wrapped around the building waiting to get inside to hear both Pastor Bushner speak and Maurette Brown-Clark sing.

Chudi Ugbomah managed to get inside and described it as, "a very inspirational and poignant message," adding, "Pastor Bushner basically wanted us to bring out the dark things in our lives because God wants us to be perfect."

Pastor Steve Thomas, SEC Youth director, commented on the enthusiasm of those who attended, "After today, I'm really hoping that the youth will get involved, especially for Hit London, in the witnessing and preaching so that it's not just on paper; it's reality."


EGYPT COMES TO WESTON [Cynthia Southcott]

During half-term week, twenty-six children enjoyed a trip to Egypt – at least in their imagination. The hall of the Weston-super-Mare Seventh-day Adventist church was transformed into an Egyptian landscape, complete with murals of pyramids and palm trees, a royal residence, and an oasis (refreshment area), ready for the Pyramid Rock Holiday Bible Club. The children spent the mornings learning about the Bible story of Joseph. They had a great time with crafts, games, action songs and stories.

Of the twenty-six children only nine were from the church. The remainder had been invited by the church children. The team of helpers had hoped that 20 children might attend, so were extremely thankful to God for blessing them with an attendance beyond their expectations.

Asked what she had learned one child responded: "I have learned that God is a Helper, Planner, Provider, Forgiver and King." Another said: "I now know that God is with me, wherever I am, even though I might not realise it."

On the Sabbath morning, the children took the church service and demonstrated some of the songs and Bible verses they had learned during the week. It was encouraging to see so many non-church parents in attendance. The children were presented with a certificate and a very colourful book on the life of Joseph. The response from the parents was overwhelmingly positive, saying they would be more than happy to send their children again. The children also wanted to know when another Bible Club would take place and they have been invited to come to a weekly children's Bible Club on a Sabbath morning – more commonly known to Adventists as Sabbath School.

Deep appreciation needs to go to the nine team members, some of whom used part of their annual leave to ensure that the programme could go ahead.


ADRA SUCCESS IN MYANMAR [ADRA-UK]

ADRA has been working in Myanmar (Burma) for many years and a recent visit to ADRA supported projects by the British Ambassador to Myanmar, along with Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy Party, has clearly shown how British aid is changing lives.

Aung San Suu Kyi joined Ambassador, HE Andrew Heyn, in seeing first-hand how British aid from the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) is helping improve the lives of ordinary Burmese people. They visited two villages in Myaing Township where British aid is supporting local NGOs to develop the rural economy and empower communities.

"This visit illustrates the importance of the work ADRA is doing in Myanmar," states ADRA-UK CEO, Bert Smit. He says, "We recently completed a food security project in Myanmar and are currently negotiating a new project which will start this summer in the country. ADRA-UK is also helping Burmese refugee workers in neighbouring Thailand."

Villagers demonstrated how aid had helped provide water taps for every village household, seeds and tools to plant home gardens and support and training for other local initiatives. They also met with women members of a self-help group, who showed how they had invested their own and project resources to improve conditions in the village.

The project is implemented by Action Aid and the Adventist Development & Relief Agency (ADRA). It is part of a wider project in 50 villages in Magway region, benefiting more than 5,000 families.

In a letter to ADRA Myanmar dated 6 February, Paul Whitingham, Head of DIFD Burma stated, "I found the whole ADRA team highly professional, enthusiastic and kind throughout the whole preparation and visit itself…. We saw examples of excellent community led work in all the villages."

For more on this story see the UK Embassy in Burma website.


150 COUNTDOWN TO OLYMPICS

With just 150 days to go to the London Olympics the countdown is on and 110 'Gold Champions' from the Seventh-day Adventist Church are now trained in making plans for outreach and summer activities to coincide with the Olympics. They spent Sunday, 19 February training at the London Ghana Adventist church. Mike Freeman MBE gave an introduction to the Games' Pastors' training, Children's Outreach was presented by Scripture Union, and Athlete Family Hosting by MTG. Ambassadors in Sports, did an all-day training, which included some outdoor practical work. Paralympics Outreach, Youth, Social Justice, Torch Relay, and Mission Teams, completed a very successful day. For full details see the 'Gold Champions' newsletter #10.


HAD A CALL FROM THE PRESIDENT LATELY?

Not all phone calls are what they seem as Welsh Mission President, Pastor John Surridge, discovered this week in a phone call claiming to be from one of the General Conference Vice Presidents, stranded in London without a visa. He was not the only one to receive such a call from someone hoping to deceive kind Christians who will always help their fellow man. The hoax caller was targeting Church institutions in the UK and beyond, but calls and emails like this are not uncommon. They regularly come to the Communication department at Church headquarters and have to be treated with discernment.

Harold Wollan, at World Church Headquarters gives the following advice. "The emails give the impression it comes from one of our workers who have come into a financial emergency, either as a result of an accident or being a victim of crime. These requests have so far all been fraudulent, and we are drawing your attention to this to avoid anyone of you being lured into sending money to these false claims. We have heard of at least one of our Unions that have sent money as a friendly gesture of help to someone they thought were in need. Please be careful, make sure you investigate thoroughly before you respond to such requests. Often someone has hacked into the email account of the individual they are impersonating."

At a more local level, the best thing to do when such a request comes in is to phone directly to the person involved, or their office (not using any number that may be in the email as this will be fraudulent) and let them know that their email has been hacked or that someone is pretending to be them. This can then often stop the problem escalating.

John Surridge's solution was simpler. While on the phone he looked up the details of the GC Vice President on the website and then asked the fraudster who was Head of Theology at Andrews University at the time he was studying there. Suddenly the fraudster lost interest in the conversation and hung up!


SONGS OF PRAISE

Following last week's announcement in BUC News of an Adventist led Songs of Praise to be recorded for BBC1's Songs of Praise on Sabbath, 28 April, choir conductor for the day, Ken Burton has recorded a short video to promote the event. You can watch the video, or download it to show in your church by visiting the SOP Pentecost webpage on the BUC website. If you are a singer, there are full details on how to apply for free tickets there as well.


PROGRAMMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK

A choice of UK produced Adventist programmes are available for you to watch this coming week.

On Revelation TV (Sky 581 or Freesat 692) watch the following two programmes:

Searching for a God to Love, Monday, 27 February, 8:30 pm. Part of a series of presentations by Dr Chris Blake during the Newbold Week of Prayer. This week's title: 'Humble Assurance' – how can I know that I am saved? This series now also airs on Hope Channel Europe each Friday at 8:30 pm and Sabbath at 7:30 pm.

'Adventists In Conversation', Thursday 1 March, 8:30 pm. Elsie Staple is well known as a Health Educator and promoter. Her vibrant personality and exuberant style underlie her approach to life as an active church member involved in community work – as well as in nursing from an early age.

On Hope TV you can watch a wide variety of programmes on the satellite and website. Next week's schedule includes the following UK produced programmes among its much larger international output:

Friday 24 February: 8:00 pm: Viewpoint: Christians and Politics,
8:30 pm: Searching for a God to love: Why I don't abstain (2)
Sabbath 25 February: 12:00 am & 9:00 am: Viewpoint: Christians and Politics,
7:30 pm: Searching for a God to love: Why I don't abstain (2)
Monday 27 February: 12:30 am and 9:30 pm: Sue Matthan – Activist for Jesus
Wednesday 29 February: 8:00 am: Bertie de Nysschen – The good life… to the real life!,
12:00 midnight: Ron Lawrence – Bursting the Adventist bubble
Friday 2 March: 8:00 pm: Viewpoint: End of Life Choices,
8:30 pm: Searching for a God to love: Suffering! Why so much?
Sabbath 3 March: 12:00 am & 9:00 am: Viewpoint: End of Life Choices,
7:30 pm: Searching for a God to love: Suffering! Why so much?


COMING EVENTS

MADISON ADVENTIST ACADEMY CHOIR AT CHINGFORD. Sabbath, 25 February. The Madison Adventist Academy Choir from Tennessee, USA, will be presenting God's message in song, at Chingford Community Adventist Church, Highams Park United Reformed Church, 40 Malvern Avenue, Highams Park, London, E4 9NP on 25 February. Sabbath School, 9:30 am, Divine Service 11:00 am. The programme concludes at 4:00 pm after fellowship lunch. Nearest underground, Walthamstow Central (Victoria line) then bus 275 to Hale End Road, Woodford Green (bus stop outside S 'n' S Local). Nearest overground, Highams Park (from Liverpool Street). Contact: Angela Austin <angela024@btinternet.com>. Phone: 07981 872123.

RAISING CANCER AWARENESS. Sabbath, 25 February. 4-6 pm at the Balham Seventh-day Adventist Community Church in partnership with the Paul's Cancer Support Centre. Speakers include Abi Ajose-Adeogun BME Project Consultant; Beverley van de Molen Macmillan Information & Education Officer and a speaker from the Prostate Cancer Charity. The event focuses on breast and prostate cancer and includes the risk factors, how to recognise the signs and symptoms and the benefits of early diagnosis. There will also be personal perspectives from two users of the centre. We must know how to access the support available. Do come you won't be disappointed. Contact: Patricia Thomas-Guy <ptgpat68@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07943789226.

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING CONCERT. Saturday, 25 February. With various projects ongoing in the Greenwich area, including a weekly drop-in centre, the Greenwich Community Services department is hosting a community fundraising concert on 25 February @ 5:00 pm to aid in their outreach efforts. This event is not to be missed as it promises to appeal to all audiences, so invite your friends and family and come along for a special blessing. Adults £5, children under 16 £2.50. For more info please email info@greenwichadventist.org.uk or call 07557051054. See u there! Contact: Elsa Conreaux <info@greenwichadventist.org.uk>.

BREATHE FREE. Sunday, 26 February. The revised Breathe Free™ The Plan to Stop Smoking prepares the student to organize and conduct a stop smoking clinic for interested participants in their church or community. This course, (the updated 5 Day Plan) gives techniques and principles on how to successfully overcome the smoking habit. Fifteen hours of in class work and approximately 5 hours of work outside the classroom are required to complete this course. Time: 10:00 am to 4.00 pm. Venue: Yardley Adventist church, Berkley Road, Hay Mills, Birmingham, B25 8NW. £15 per person. Contact: Grace Walsh <gwalsh@necadventist.org>. Phone: 0115 9606312.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH EXPO TRAINING. Sunday, 26 February. Time: 1000-1700 at The Advent Centre, 37-39 Brendon Street, London, W1H 5JE. This training is for those who would like to facilitate Children's Health Expos. It uses the acronym NEWSTART which allows the participant to move from station to station where they will be given relevant, child-friendly information. This holistic approach aims to enhance the health of children and will assist in decreasing some of the common health conditions among children namely obesity. This event can also be planned for one day during half-term, summer school and even during the Olympic events in your community. The cost is £20 which covers a hot meal and training resources. Contact: Elsie Staple <estaple@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

JUMBLE SALE: STANBOROUGH PRIMARY & NURSERY SCHOOL. Sunday, 26 February. Where? At Stanborough Primary School, Appletree Walk, Watford, WD25 0DQ. When? Sunday, 26 February from 12 noon to 2:00 pm. Stalls with books, china, face painting, clothes, cakes, children's toys and excellent value cafe lunches. Bring your family and friends and come early to get the best deals! Contact: Helia Mateus <helia.mateus@gmail.com>. Phone: 07702408994.

STANBOROUGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP & BURSARY EXAM. Sunday, 26 February. Stanborough School's Scholarship scheme aims to make Adventist Education more accessible to outstanding students. Candidates must apply for entry for the following academic year and demonstrate academic potential. Stanborough School's Bursary scheme aims to support families that are currently opting out of the Adventist education system due to financial considerations. Candidates will be required to demonstrate both academic potential & financial need. Both types of award are multiannual. The first wave of scholarships and bursaries will provide up to 15 places for prospective students applying for entry in Year 7, Year 8, Year 10 or Year 12 (IB). Candidates must register and pay an administrative fee of £10. The examination will be held on Sunday 26 February, 14.00 to 17.00. To find out about the eligibility criteria please contact Mrs Sonia Poddar at registrar@spsch.org or call 01923 673 268.

CHARCOAL THERAPY PRESENTATION. Sunday, 26 February. Presenter John Dinsley, medical missionary and author of many books on Charcoal Therapy. Time 6:30 pm. Venue: Balham Seventh-day Adventist Church, 83 Elmfield Road, London, SW17 8AD. Admission free but come prepared with an offering. Books will be on sale. Your knowledge will be heightened as a result of attending this event. Contact: Elsie Staple <estaple@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

CHARCOAL REMEDIES. Friday, 2 March to Sunday, 4 March. Come listen to John Dinsley, author and lecturer, unfold the microscopic world of activated medicinal charcoal. He will be sharing from his book CharcoalRemedies.com – a collection of science, history, and 150 stories that will acquaint you with the amazing capabilities of this safe and powerful product. You will learn how medicinal charcoal is able to serve as an antidote to over 4,000 natural and man-made toxins, and, how it can be used to relieve the pain and suffering of many common, and some not-so-common diseases in both man and animals. Friday – Sunday, Wednesfield church, Wolverhampton. Contact: Grace Walsh <gwalsh@necadventist.org>. Phone: 0115 960 6312.

DEPRESSION RECOVERY TRAINING. Friday, 2 March to Sunday, 4 March. This programme is designed to train leaders who would like to plan and hold successful 8-week Nedley Depression Recovery Programmes in their local communities. The focus will be specifically on how to help others overcome depression. Time from 2-4 March at Preston church, Grimshaw Street, Preston, PR1 3DD. Cost: £50.00. Contact: Grace Walsh <gwalsh@necadventist.org>. Phone: 0115 9606312.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY OF PRAYER. Sabbath, 3 March. International Women's Day of Prayer – Faith In Action', Hope Community (Beckenham) Church, 56 Churchfields Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4QW. The essential purpose of this day is for prayer and fasting, praise and worship and to provide women with an opportunity to strengthen their ties with other Christian and non-Christian women as they pray and fellowship together. Guest speaker to be announced. Contact: Maxine Stephenson <maxinestephenson@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07719892417.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP AWARENESS DAY. Sabbath, 3 March. A whole day event for information on the ministry of Special Needs Camp at Newcastle upon Tyne Adventist church, Nesham Street, off Westmorland Road. Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7BE. Repeated on Sabbath, 31 March at Ringway Life Church, Sunbank Lane, Altrincham, WA15 0PS. Contact: Joy Bussey <jsbussey@ntlworld.com>. Phone: 01923 461044.

HIT THE MARK. Friday, 9 March to Sunday, 11 March. Sabbath School Retreat, 9-11 March. A dynamic programme filled with inspiring devotionals, praise, worship and great fellowship. Run by a Seventh-day Adventist organisation that specialises in Sabbath School training. Main speaker for the weekend retreat will be Pastor Curtis Hall who heads "Hit the Mark". £100 per person sharing a twin en-suite room; £120 per person in a single en-suite room. Application deadline: 24 February 2012. Venue: Kings Centre, Northampton. Contact: Mavis Bramble <mbramble@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232 728.

MANCHESTER SOUTH MUSIC DAY. Sabbath, 10 March. Manchester South Music Day on Sabbath, 10 March. Theme: 'Highest Praise'. An all-day event, 9:30 am – 7:15 pm, with special guest speakers Michael Baker and Tony Best. The music throughout the day performed by excellent groups from around the country will culminate in an afternoon Gospel Concert. Lunch and evening snacks provided for all visitors. Church address: 13 Wilbraham Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6JS. For more information visit our website at http://manchestersouth.adventistchurch.org.uk/ . Contact: Jackie Mitchell <churchbulletin@hotmail.co.uk>.

EMERGENCY FIRST AID TRAINING. Sunday, 11 March. Time: 1000 – 1700. Venue: Advent Centre, 37-39 Brendon Street, London, W1H 5JE. This is a one-day training course also known as appointed person course. Upon completion the participant will receive a certificate which is valid for three years and recognised by the Health and Safety Executive. The course covers a wide range of emergency situations. So whether you want to know what to do in an emergency or just want to update your certificate, this course is for you. Cost: £40. Closing date: Friday, 2 March 2012. Contact: Elsie Staple <estaple@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

TUESDAY TALKS. Tuesday, 13 March. Tuesday Talks presented by Patrick Boyle. You are invited to share in these friendly discussions. The issues matter. The answers make sense. A light supper will be served at 7:00 pm followed by the talks at 8:00 pm on the subject "What Jesus said about life after death". Stanborough Centre, 609 St Albans Road, Watford, WD25 9JL. Contact: Pat Walton <walton@groats.co.uk>. Phone: 01923 672500.

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SMALL ADS

BOOKS TO GIVE AWAY from Theologian's library: IN SPANISH: Sinopsis de los evangelios (1st edition), Daniel, Apocalypsis (U Smith in 2 volumes), Los origenes una desmitificacion (J Flori), Camino; IN FRENCH: Bibles, Bible studies, S Bacchiocchi, E .G White, W & I Trobisch. To reserve or request a complete list email neusymar@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01749 671408.


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.