BUC News Edition #770 (2 March 2012)
Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Contents:

TEARS, TESTIMONY & A TIDE OF CHANGE
HOMELESS COME HOME TO WIMBLEDON
JESUS ALL!
LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR CHURCH PLANT
WHO NEEDS A PILLOW WHEN YOU HAVE A SHOEBOX FULL OF GOODIES?
KENNINGTON RETREAT: MORE THAN CONQUERORS
LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE
YOUTH WEEK OF PRAYER 2012
PROGRAMMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK
COMING EVENTS

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TEARS, TESTIMONY & A TIDE OF CHANGE [Calvin Mazengwe/SEC Communications]

It all ended in tears! Not the normal expectation for a Youth Day programme – but a positive result for the Harlow South church plant as youth and adults responded to the moving testimony of a former addict who had found Christ.

The young, Essex-based plant invited youth from neighbouring churches for the event on Sabbath, 4 February who joined teens and youth from the community for a programme focused on the effects of substance abuse.

Sabbath School looked at the example of the prodigal son and the consequences of his decisions. After a substantial session of praise and prayer, the stage was the set for a very honest, eye-opening personal testimony by Michael Oxley, a young man from Reading who spoke of a life spent battling addictions before he finally accepted Jesus Christ. Michael's story helped to bring home how the power of God can bring you through even the darkest of hours. He changed from an addict to a powerful speaker and noted that "God is really love!"

Youth Day organiser Del Baxter said "the best and most powerful way to impact young people is to show them how God has already changed the complex lives of their peers. Michael's story however, truly touched not only the youth but the whole church."

Following the programme, local leader, Calvin Mazengwe remarked how impressed he was with both the turnout of young people and the feedback they gave. One young person said they would not even consider taking drugs after hearing Michael's testimony. This really emphasises our Health Message. Another adult said that they cried throughout the presentation: "I thought I was the only one crying but when I looked around I discovered that all the ladies were in tears. It was a moving and life changing testimony."

Harlow South church youth are continuing to connect with local people through similar programmes and already have weekly contact with young people in the community. "Evangelism can also be done by youth," Calvin enthuses, adding, "we are encouraging our youth to also brighten their corner and I am pleased that so many invited youths came."

Harlow South is a new church plant which already has more than ten candidates preparing for baptism including four youth.


HOMELESS COME HOME TO WIMBLEDON [BUC News with David Souch]

Spring may be here, but Adventist churches across the country have been helping with winter feeding programmes and night shelters for the homeless.

Wimbledon International Adventist church is one of the latest to join in. Working with a faith group called 'Faith in Action', they joined with a group of churches in Merton and the YMCA for 5 weeks in January 2012 to open their doors to the homeless. Seven churches each opened their doors one night each week. Wimbledon, in line with their sister church, Willesden in North London, chose to open up the church hall on Saturday evenings, providing dinner and breakfast and a bed for the night.

David Souch reports, "We had a maximum of 12 guests we would provide dinner for and most importantly, socialise with the guests, play table tennis, watch TV or a DVD. Match of the Day was especially watched. The guests had the opportunity to have a shower which was a blessing to them, you cannot imagine unless you experience it for yourself the appreciation of the guests of the kindness and love shown to them in all the venues. One of the guests said 'this has restored my faith in humanity.' The guests in the morning would be given a cooked breakfast then on Sunday evening would go to another venue."

Wimbledon and Willesden are not the only churches to be involved in this kind of project. The Adventist church in Milton Keynes has also opened its doors as reported in the Milton Keynes Citizen. Running from December to the end of February volunteers were surprised at the numbers who came under their care, and recognised that the need was even greater than their capacity. Willesden have been involved with the Brent Night Shelter since 2010. (See Video report)

Souch reports that a great plus sign of the project for Wimbledon was that the church became more known in the community and on a number of occasions they were able to share their faith. He says, "Too often we as a church have been known as you can't do this or can't do that, we need to show that we love people as Jesus did."

Why care? One guest spent Friday night on Wimbledon Common where it was very cold. He had lost or had all his possessions stolen. When he arrived at Wimbledon church on Saturday evening he simply said, "I am hungry!" Souch says, "This sent a chill down our backs. How many of us had experienced this sensation, this man could not go to the fridge or cupboard or go to Tesco for he had nothing."

With Willesden in their third season, both Milton Keynes and Wimbledon plan to make this an annual exercise, expanding their programme for next winter. "This has been a truly fulfilling experience for everyone involved in this project, Wimbledon church members who volunteered made this possible with their prayers, donated money, time, and personal commitment. We believe that this community project is one of the ways to fulfil our commission to witness as a church," Souch concludes.


JESUS ALL! [Kirsten Øster-Lundqvist with Daniel Sabatier]

It wasn't a convention – but a gathering of people. People who need to see Jesus and find Jesus, together, within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was the third meeting of 'The One' project, this time in Seattle, and a small group from Southern England joined the 700 leaders and laity. Pastor Sam Davis, South England Conference President, was more than impressed with the quality of the sermons and presentations that served as a guide to get the round tables discussions started. "This is Adventist preaching without a doubt" stated Pastor Davis, and "the loyalty and the love to the church was clear in the speakers. It is a message our members need to hear, so I plan to make this the focus of our 2013 Camp Meeting." That will please Stanborough Park church member, Dan Sabatier. "When I look back at my life when I'm older – I will look at the One project as a pivotal point in my life's journey. It is something that has opened my heart to see the Jesus that I have always yearned to see/hear/feel. He is alive. His community is vibrant." He then pleads with Church leadership, "We need the One project to do a gathering here…. This is the best thing that has come out of the Church for a long time.... The UK needs this."

The One project is, in essence, a gathering of individuals in the Adventist Church who are passionate about placing Jesus at the centre for all in the Adventist Church. It started with seven pastors meeting in a small room in Denver, from where the desire to revisit the Christology of the Adventist Church grew. Their by-line reads: "Celebrating the supremacy of Jesus in the Seventh-day Adventist Church."

The expansion from 70 personally invited leaders and laity meeting in Atlanta in February 2011 to over 700 in Seattle, 13 - 14 February 2012, a year later, demonstrates a felt need. British born pastor Japhet De Oliveira, chaplain for Mission and director of the Centre for Youth Evangelism at Andrews University is co-director for the One project. He comments, "Two days focused on Jesus in our past, present and future was simply the best thing to do. With over 700 leaders from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe and USA it was really good to have so many from England, especially, as Newbold College would like to host a One project gathering in 2013." He adds, "There are three gatherings a year. One in Australia, one in Europe and one in North America."

Each of the ten sermons and presentations were followed by what makes this a different gathering. Sitting around tables, leaders and laity, students and retirees meet to dialogue around the centrality of Christ in many aspects of their church and faith. "The dialogue becomes an integral part of the gathering," explains Pastor Kirsten Øster-Lundqvist, SEC Communication director. She served as a table facilitator. "Each dialogue is unique to each table, but the presence of the Holy Spirit clearly guides in the open-ended discussions as similar thoughts and discussions echo through the room."

This is not merely an information gathering exercise but grappling with issues that impact who we are as Adventists. The presenters who were not given long introductions, nor were there lots of official acknowledgements of dignitaries despite the North American Division president, Pastor Jackson and other well-known leaders were attending.

The presenters, mainly pastors and one professor in history took us through some key dates in our Church history that altered the focus of how we as a Church saw Jesus in our faith. Pastor Alex Bryan, senior pastor at Walla Walla church, and co-director of the One project shared about how our Adventist Hymnal consists of 80% non-Adventist authors, yet it doesn't detract from the impact these hymns have in our worship. Pastor Dilys Brooks, associate chaplain at Loma Linda tackled the sensitive matter of discrimination in her sermon on community – there was no doubt her skilfully and passionate preaching brought home a positive response as she addressed challenges our Church continues to grapple with.

SEC pastor, Eddie Hypolite brought home the importance of mission, urging us to "rearticulate the way we speak to the world so that they can hear." Pastor Hypolite also reminded the gathering that the Adventist message doesn't need defending, the Adventist message needs living.

The One project concluded with a communion, and a blessing over each person, something that British born pastor David Newman expressed as the most meaningful communion he had experienced in a long time: "I was present and found the conference the most inspiring I have attended in the past 40 years." He added, "It renewed my faith in Adventism, that Jesus will become central. He is in our church but He is not central.... I expect to see at least 1400 at the next conference. Doctrines are only relevant if they tell me something about Jesus."

Jesus all!


LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR CHURCH PLANT [Rosemary Lethbridge]

Adventists are used to fund-raising. It is in the Adventist psyche. But usually it is the church collecting for a building project, ADRA, or some worthy mission to a far flung land.

"Would you mind terribly if we did some fund-raising for you?" Words spoken, not by an Adventist, but by the chairperson of a local Community Association, wanting to raise funds for an Adventist project.

A year ago the Calmore Community Association in Southampton decided that they valued the work of 'The Watering Hole', so much that they offered to help us do our work by raising some money for us. The Watering Hole is a forward looking, community-based, church plant. Plant director, Rosemary Lethbridge reports, "Throughout the year they advertised our programmes and events, invited us to speak at community functions and held social events to raise money for us. The result – we have just been presented with a cheque for £1000 to use as we see best."

She is thrilled! "As a church we have found support, care and help coming from our community for a whole variety of programmes we run," she adds. "Recently when misinformation was being disseminated local councillors came to our aid and defended us."

Why the support from the local council and the Community Association? Rosemary states, "Together we are trying to make a difference to the lives of the people in our community and are achieving more than we could do on our own. As you can imagine this kind of mutual help and support gives us a real buzz as we continue to use our spiritual gifts and energy."


WHO NEEDS A PILLOW WHEN YOU HAVE A SHOEBOX FULL OF GOODIES? [Godwin Benjamin]

I know our donors are always keen to know the progress of the ADRA-UK Shoebox Appeal, so I am glad to report that I visited Mali from 12 to 19 February to distribute the shoeboxes from last autumn's appeal.

My itinerary was busy and the days were long, but the pleasure of the smiling faces kept me going and made me forget any weariness. I visited seven schools, five orphanages, four groups of street children and a women's prison to give shoeboxes to the children of the prisoners. We were able to distribute nearly 4000 shoeboxes and the remainder will be distributed by ADRA Mali in the coming weeks.

I received many positive comments and gratitude from the principals and teachers of the schools I visited and also the people who managed the orphanages and who try to provide refuge for the street kids. Bi-Bi, a lady who ran one of the orphanages, told me "these girls have never received a gift in their lives and just by you coming here, lets them know that somebody cares about them."

Michael Reich, country director of ADRA Mali commented: "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to you and your colleagues, as well as the donors for this excellent collaboration. People are talking about the joy you have brought. I heard about children taking their presents with them to bed, some sleeping with their heads on them as pillows. It is a collaborative effort which made this project possible and I would like to join you in thanking everyone for his/her contribution, whether in the UK, or in Mali."

In addition, Michael informed me that many people talked to him about the shoebox distribution when he attended a meeting of the board of an NGO network.

During my seven days in Mali, I experienced the joy of seeing many smiling faces as a result of receiving a shoebox and the goodies inside. However, this was tempered by the heartbreak I felt due to the large number of young babies that I saw in the orphanages I visited.

I was humbled because many times as I was leaving a place where I had distributed shoeboxes, the children would be singing thank you Godwin, thank you ADRA, but I know the people who should really have their name sung are the thousands of members and friends up and down the UK who donate the shoeboxes. I am just the person doing the delivery. To all of you I say thank you on behalf of the children of Mali who have benefitted from your generosity.

ADRA-UK will shortly be issuing a YouTube video of Godwin's visit to Mali along with a picture gallery on the ADRA-UK website.


KENNINGTON RETREAT: MORE THAN CONQUERORS [Kwabena Adjei-Owusu]

We have to be "more than conquerors" if we are to make it in to heaven, and "ordinary Christians will not make it!" These were just two of the phrases mentioned by Pastor Hamilton Williams, which continued to ring in the minds of Kennington Community Fellowship members and friends as they attended the yearly KCF Retreat at Hill House Christian Centre in Bridgwater, Somerset.

From 16 - 19 February, the Kennington worshippers and friends escaped the hustle and bustle of London and stayed at the serene Christian centre surrounded by beautiful hills and fields, revived by the sweet fresh air of the countryside. The purpose of the retreat was to connect with God and with the rest of the KCF family, but also for those not familiar with the traditional Adventist worship, to see the Holy Spirit work in a more relaxed setting.

Pastor Williams was one of the speakers at the retreat, presenting sessions on 'How to take control of your life', 'Improving your people skills' and 'More than conquerors'. These sessions gripped the audience and had them all discussing issues of psychology and practical Christianity.

Questions were raised such as "What is an ordinary Christian?", and "How can we be more than conquerors?" Pastor Gifford Rhamie, a regular speaker at the retreat continued the theme he started back in 2011, where he discussed the 'Purpose driven church'. This looked at how to further improve on the work done by the members during the last year and how KCF could help to improve the lives of those they were trying to minister to.

As always, the Saturday evening social gave the young at heart something to enjoy, while the anointing service at the close of the retreat crowned the whole event, giving the attendees something to reflect upon.

Many thanks go to the KCF members who organised the Hill House Retreat this year, the catering personnel, and the Pathfinder counsellors for all their efforts over the long weekend. For more information on Kennington Community Fellowship, and pictures of the retreat please see <www.kcflife.com> and Kennington Community Fellowship on Facebook. Also follow us on Twitter @kcflife.


LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE

Good news for you! With people's attention focused on 'end of world issues', the headline of the latest Messenger (2 March 2012) proclaims an opportunity of hope: 2012 is the Year of the Bible Correspondence School. Could this be more important than the Olympics or the end of the Mayan calendar? Certainly for those that may find the 'Blessed Hope of Jesus' in studying these lessons. The 2 March edition also highlights key moments from the recent ASI conference, Julian Hibbert ponders on 'free speech', and also investigates how we know God's will for our lives. An insight on prophecy, a glimpse at AFM missionaries and a round-up of news makes this essential reading either online, or pick up a copy in your local church.


YOUTH WEEK OF PRAYER 2012

The global dates for the Youth Week of Prayer are 17 - 24 March. The BUC Youth Ministries department only received the print ready materials in mid-February and these are being printed and dispatched in time for the first Sabbath, 17 March. Please contact your Personal Ministries director at your local church to ensure the magazines are passed on. In the meantime, you can download a pdf version at <www.adventistyouth.org.uk>.

For all other enquiries about this and other Youth Ministries matters please email <bucyouth@adventist.org.uk>.


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, 5 March, 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? – the discussion. 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 8 March, 8:30 pm. Bill Kitchen knows how to talk! It's a skill he's perfected since his days as a nurse and conscientious objector doing his National Service in the 1950s – when he sold books to add to his meagre income – through to today, where, in supposed retirement, he is still a force in the community where he leads a church in his beloved Lake District.

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 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?
Monday 5 March: 12:30 am and 9:30 pm: Ron Lawrence – Bursting the Adventist bubble
Wednesday 7 March: 8:00 am: Michael Mbui – Party man to man of God,
12:00 midnight: Anthony Apoku-Mensah – Changed and changing life
Friday 9 March: 8:00 pm: Viewpoint: Sabbath – Antidote to the 21st Century,
8:30 pm: Searching for a God to love: Suffering! Why so much? Pt 2
Sabbath 10 March: 12:00 am & 9:00 am: Viewpoint: Sabbath – Antidote to the 21st Century,
7:30 pm: Searching for a God to love: Suffering! Why so much? Pt 2


COMING EVENTS

ASI EUROPE REPORTING. Friday, 2 March to Saturday, 3 March. The ASI Europe Board Meeting meets at Newbold College 2 - 4 March and extend an open invitation to their Friday and Saturday evening programmes when various Chapters will present their inspiring reports. Discover how lay-people and business professionals are making a difference across Europe. Learn lessons that may make a difference locally to you. Venue: Salisbury Hall, Newbold College, St Mark's Road, Binfield, RG42 4AN. Time: 19.30 - 21.00 on Friday evening and Saturday evening. Friday evening: France, Hungary, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, Poland. Saturday evening: Portugal, Romania, Ukraine, Spain, Switzerland, Czech-Slovak. Contact: Audrey Balderstone <abalderstone@btconnect.com>.

DEPRESSION RECOVERY TRAINING. Friday, 2 March to Sunday, 4 March. POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. The NEC Depression Recovery programme in Preston has been postponed until further notice. Contact Grace Walsh for further updates. Email: <gwalsh@necadventist.org>. Phone: 0115 960 6312.

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.

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.

BABYLON RISING (EVANGELIST SERIES). Friday, 9 March to Saturday, 10 March. There's a rising sense of anxiety in the world today and people are wondering where things are headed. Don't miss "Babylon Rising" a relevant 2 night only series featuring John Bradshaw (It is Written TV Broadcast) at Preston Adventist Church, Grimshaw Street, Preston, PR1 3DD. Topics include: Friday 7:30 pm: 'Babylon Rising'; Sabbath 11:30 am: 'The Day of the Dragon', 4:00 pm: 'Mystery & Mayhem', 6:30 pm: 'The Writing on the Wall'. Invitation open to all. There's more to the world than meets the eye and the Bible provides the answers. For more information contact: Michael Simpson <msimpson@necadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 0115 960 6312.

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>.

MISSION TO THE CITIES 'HEALTH EVANGELISM'. Saturday 10 March to Sunday 25 March. Dr Elvin Adams will be in NEC Area 5 at Newtown Church, Aston from 10-17 March and in Area 3 from 18-25 March at Manchester South Church. Health Evangelism Training will take place Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm at a cost £30.00 per person or £10 per day. In the evenings Dr Adams will deliver Health Presentations on a variety of topics such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and so forth. Please encourage church members and the community to attend these sessions at no cost. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to acquire training of the highest value. The workshops will give both theory and practice in the running of church–based health programmes. Contact: Grace Walsh <gwalsh@necadventist.org>. Phone: 01159606312.

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.

JEHARNA SOUTH ALBUM LAUNCH. Saturday, 17 March. Come along and meet teenage gospel singer Jeharna South. Listen to live performances of original songs from her debut album. You are sure to enjoy this special evening of inspirational gospel music and interviews! Doors open 18:15. Commences at 19:00. More information to follow. Contact: Ruthlyn South <info@jeharnasouth.com>. Phone: 07707158425.

ESSENTIAL FOOD HYGIENE TRAINING. Sunday, 18 March. Time: 1000 - 1700. Venue: Advent Centre, 37 Brendon Street, London, W1H 5JE. The course is nationally recognised and is for anyone involved in preparing, cooking or serving food and complies with the Food Safety Regulations 1995. Among the many other topics it will cover hygiene control, how to recognise and prevent food contamination, how to store food safely and the law and how it affects you. In order to obtain your certificate which is valid for three years there will be an exam which is a multiple choice question paper. Those who pass the exam will receive the certificate. Candidates who do not pass or choose not to take the exam will receive a certificate of attendance. Cost: £45. Please make cheques payable to "South England Conference". Closing date: 9 March 2012. Contact: Elsie Staple <estaple@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.

WOLVERHAMPTON CENTRAL YOUTH DAY. Sabbath, 24 March. Wolverhampton Central Youth Day on Sabbath, 24 March. An all day event starting at 9:30 am. Speaker: Chanel Groce. Theme: Final Destination. There will be a play in the afternoon entitled Hope Beyond The Headlines and a Concert in the evening. Lunch provided. Wolverhampton Central Church, Warwick Street, Horsley Fields, Wolverhampton, WV1 3SD. Phone: 01902 452778. Contact: Esther Douglas <edouglas@keinancare.co.uk>. Phone: 07800670041.

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE FOR ALL IT'S WORTH! Sabbath, 24 March. All day Bible Conference featuring: Laurence Turner, Aulikki Nahkola, Cedric Vine and Jean-Claude Verrecchia. Location: Newbold College (Salisbury Hall), St Mark's Road, Binfield, Berkshire, RG42 4AN. Conference Rate (includes: complimentary NRSV Bible, lunch, supper) £98. For more information contact: Debbie McReynolds <dmcreynolds@newbold.ac.uk>. Phone: 01344 407420.

PUPPET MINISTRY WORKSHOP. Sunday, 25 March. Hosted by Willesden Adventist church and presented by the highly gifted and experienced puppeteer Anette Moore (Family Ministries and Children's Ministries Sponsor for the Welsh Mission). This inspiring workshop will motivate you into using the unique and effective method of puppetry to take the Gospel to others. Gain hands-on experience, find out how to start a puppet ministry team; learn basic and advanced puppetry skills; see a puppet being made; two people get the chance to take away a puppet free of charge. Discounted resources for sale. Suitable for adults and children and for anyone already in a puppet team. Cost (until 15 March) £10 per person, or £8 per person for a group of 6 or more people. After 15 March £12 per person. Lunch and refreshments included in the price. If the Lord is calling you to this ministry apply for training now! Contact: Yvonne Cummins <k4cupuppetmin@rocketmail.com>. Phone: 07904906204.

NEC ADRA SPONSORED FUN RUN & WALK. Sunday, 25 March. The NEC Personal Ministries department invites you to their annual Sponsored ADRA-UK Fun Run & Walk for all ages. Come and do a lap (1km) or more (max 15km) to raise funds for ADRA-UK Annual Appeal 2012. There will be music, face painting, refreshments and much more in a wonderful setting – Roundhay Park, Leeds, LS8 2JL. Start time: 11:00 am. Share this with your friends, family or anyone who wants to support ADRA-UK. Help us to Help! For more information and to download sponsorship forms go to the Events page at www.necadventist.org.uk. Contact: Orlene Dunkley <odunkley@necadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 0115 960 6312.

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SMALL ADS

SPRING INTO ACTIVITY AT ABERDARON. Les Simpson is running Activity Led Weekends from the last weekend in April until the end of May 2012. Activities include surfing, hillwalking, bouldering/climbing, coasteering and abseiling. Further details and dates are on the new look website: www.aberdaroncamp.com or at Aberdaron Advent Campsite on Facebook.

BOOK WANTED: Pastor Bertie de Nysschen is searching for the book, 'The Israel of God in Prophecy" by Hans la Rondelle to share with a charismatic friend, caught up in the vision of Israel being once again favoured by God and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Should you have a spare copy please contact Pastor de Nysschen at mieliepap@me.com or phone 01603 742896.

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.