BUC News #465 (4 November 2005)

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

Contents:

ADVENTISTS SHINE AT 2005 GEM AWARDS
INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION IN SPAIN
SEVEN BAPTISED IN BRADFORD
STANBOROUGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES 65TH ANNIVERSARY
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS ADVENTIST LONGEVITY
HOLY SPIRIT TAKES OVER HAUNTED HOTEL IN THETFORD
"ADVENTIST WORLD" MAGAZINES DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK AND IRELAND
WEEK OF PRAYER
"ONE HOPE STREET" TO BE BROADCAST ON OBE TV
COMING EVENTS
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ADVENTISTS SHINE AT 2005 GEM AWARDS - Sharon Platt-McDonald

The Gospel Entertainment Music (GEM) Awards ceremony is designed to highlight and recognise the diverse talents of numerous UK Gospel artists. Now in its third year this prestigious event seeks to honour those who have excelled in their arena of gospel music.

This year's event took place on Saturday evening 29 October in the impressive Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich and was hosted by David and Carrie Grant - renowned for their performance on the gospel circuit. Attendees were greeted with a sparkling drinks reception and a sit down meal for VIP guests.

Nominees were entered in ten categories, together with their respective sponsor, and throughout the evening the Adventist presence was strong. Firstly, the theme music for the event was written and arranged by Carlance Parnell from the Stafford Seventh-day Adventist church. This dramatic and beautifully arranged piece helped set the ambience for the evening.

Then there was the exceptional performance from Jeharna South from the Pendeford church in Wolverhampton. As a performing guest artist this outstandingly talented 11-year-old demonstrated a maturity beyond her years. The audience was wowed by her stunning rendition of "When You Believe", for which she received a standing ovation and thunderous applause.

When the London Adventist Chorale was announced as winner of the "Best Established Choir" category, there was a rapturous outburst of applause from the audience. A significant percentage of the excited response came from the large Adventist contingent, whose beaming faces, hand waving, feet stomping and exuberant cheers demonstrated their degree of support and appreciation for the Chorale. The award was picked up by Chorale member Denzle McDonald, who sings second tenor. In his acceptance speech Denzle thanked the audience and sponsors for their support and gave credit to God for bringing the Choir this far.

Equally when Blessed Voices were declared winners of the "Best Album" category, the response mirrored that of the Chorale. Following the live rendition of their song '"Relations" - written by group members Cameron and Meshach - the audience stood to their feet in deafening applause and vocal expressions of appreciation. Cameron in his acceptance speech gave a glowing tribute to God for His leading in their lives and His hand in their current success.

This event attracted extensive media coverage and we extend our congratulations to all the winners and pray for their continued witness as they seek to share the gospel through the medium of music.


INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION IN SPAIN - Audrey Balderstone

Pedro Morales from Columbia was the energetic guest speaker at the ASI Spain meeting in Burgos over the weekend of 28-31 October. Pedro is a successful Marketing Consultant and while talking to Adventist Business and Professional people he imparted sound marketing strategies and invited his audience to explore ways in which to apply them to church and spiritual life. His series of five lectures/workshops examined attitude, productivity, motivation, secrets for high performance and creating balance in life. A happy life, he told his audience on Sabbath morning, is achieved by enjoying the simple, daily things of life, believing that Jesus has saved us from the guilt of sin, and looking forward with hope to eternal life with Him. Lively exchanges and discussions confirmed that his lectures were topical and warmly appreciated by all the group.

Led by Angel Duo, the Spanish Chapter is one of the most efficient and effective chapters in ASI Europe. They pioneered the Youth for Jesus concept in Valencia this year and the enthusiasm of Sara Guntin was infectious as she reported on the success of the Campaign. Working over seven months various teams of young people made friends with young people in the town through outdoor activities so that when they were joined by two young men from the States, a group from Czech Republic and a young man from Austria, they had the names of over two hundred contacts. The teams were given courses on how to deepen their own spiritual experience by effective Bible study and how to impart their love of the gospel to others. With their distinctive orange t-shirts, modern advertising and marketing items this lively, motivated group really made an impact in the town through street witnessing and health programmes. The result was that Sara's brother, Israel, preached to large crowds each night and !
with sincerity, humour and youthful energy he was able to inspire visitors and church members alike to commit their lives to God.

ASI Spain is committed to continuing the work begun in Valencia and voted that this should be their project for the coming year. Sara will spearhead the initiative and she and the ASI Committee were heartened by the support of the members, shown by the offering of 14,000 euros collected - a one hundred percent increase on that given last year - even though the attendance was smaller. As President Angel Duo says, "We serve a Mighty God."

ASI Europe plans a number of Campaigns in European cities next year and the offering which will be taken at the ASI Europe Convention at Newbold College, 6-10 July 2006 has already been earmarked for Youth Evangelism. Dwight Nelson has been invited as the guest speaker for the Convention which will offer practical as well as spiritual guidance to participants. To find out more about the British Adventist Business and Professionals' Association visit the website at: <www.abpa.co.uk>. The website for ASI Europe is: <www.asi-europe.org >.

[Note: Audrey Balderstone is the President of ASI Europe]


SEVEN BAPTISED IN BRADFORD

Sabbath afternoon 22 October was a time of song and celebration in the Bradford Seventh-day Adventist Church. Seven people took a stand for Jesus as they were baptised by Pastor Des Rafferty, following a sermon by local minister Jeff Couzins, on the "Living Dead." Pastor Couzins related how the Bible teaches that we are dead in our sins till we repent and accept Christ as Lord. Baptism is the outward sign of the internal metamorphism and spiritual death, burial and resurrection in Christ.

All seven candidates were overjoyed at the experience and the congregation joined in with lively singing and special items. One candidate cried with joy in the baptistery and another was so overcome by the occasion that she fainted after leaving the water. The young lady later recovered shortly after and joined the others as the elders gathered to pray over the newly baptised members and welcome them into fellowship.

Pastor Rafferty's appeal after the baptism, accompanied by a moving mime by Sandie Couzins to the words and music of an appeal song, "The Altar" by Ray Boltz, encouraged some others to commit their lives to the Lord.

Bradford has been blessed with 15 baptisms so far this year and the church is planning another one in early 2006 to welcome some more people who have recently responded to the gospel message, along with the folk who responded to the appeal.


STANBOROUGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES 65TH ANNIVERSARY - Helen Pearson

People came from Canada, France, Serbia and Switzerland to celebrate sixty-five years of history for one Watford School. On Sunday 23 October one hundred and fifty 'Old Stanbroughians' - former students of Stanborough School in Garston - gathered at the school to meet friends and former teachers, and to reminisce. The day's programme also gave them the opportunity to meet some present students and see the latest developments in the school plant.

Among the group were four couples who had met at Stanborough School and later married. The youngest of the couples were Samuel and Amy (Swain) Neves who attended the school in the 1990s. Amy works in the Treasury department of the South England Conference office and Samuel is training to be an Adventist minister.

One of the oldest present was 80-year old Selma Herrington of Worthing who attended Stanborough School in the late 1920s when it was housed in three rooms in a building in Sheepcote Lane, Garston.

Among the former staff present were Peggy Appleyard-Mason who taught English at the school in the late 50s and 60s. Mrs Mason, widow of the late Derrick Mason, a former Head of Stanborough School, (1975-1984) and an accomplished pianist and choir director, led the former students in the singing of the school song. Her rendition of the Grand March from Aida - traditionally played during pupils' entry to school prize-givings - was greeted with applause and foot-stamping!

Stanborough's present head, Mr Steven Rivers, told the former students: "Stanborough School is an independent school. We like being independent because it gives us the freedom to develop our unique curriculum with its emphasis on personal values and Christian standards." He introduced the former students to Nick and Adam, two of twenty-five students going to Albania for the half-term break to build a youth centre there. "Even though Stanborough School itself needs money," he said, "part of our unique ethos is never to forget that there are people less fortunate than ourselves."

Chris Young, a student from the 50s said: "Stanborough gave us a sound foundation on which to build our lives."


NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS ADVENTIST LONGEVITY - Clemency Mitchell

Adventists are featured very positively in this month's National Geographic Magazine. "The Secrets of Living Longer" looks at three very different groups of remarkably long lived people: in Sardinia, Okinawa, and Loma Linda. Life enhancing factors that all three groups share are daily physical and social activity, close family ties, simple diet with plentiful fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and not smoking. Sadly, the inhabitants of Okinawa and Sardinia are not immune to the epidemic of obesity that follows the adoption of Western lifestyle, with its cars, computers and TV ads for fat and sugar rich foods, and it seems unlikely that future generations in either place will enjoy the longevity of their grandparents and great grandparents. The article notes that the additional factors that give Adventists the edge over the other groups are the vegetarian diet, Sabbath observance and an active faith that gives meaning to life and emphasises that we are stewards of our bodies.

It is significant that National Geographic contributor David McLain acknowledges the importance of religion to the longevity of the active centenarians and others that he interviewed in Loma Linda. It's not just the vegetarian diet and the abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, which were hardly mentioned, but the active outgoing social life, the meaningful faith, and the weekly stress-breaking day of rest. Over the last few years the health advantages of religion have finally been acknowledged. Dr Koenig of Duke University was probably the first to hit the headlines when his research demonstrated that regular attendance at a place of worship (Catholic, Protestant or Jewish being the places of worship in his patient catchment area) gave a health advantage equal to that of not smoking. In the more than 200 published research papers on the Seventh-day Adventist health advantage, most have centred on the diet and the abstinence from poisons. David McLain points out that the w!
eekly rest day, when Adventists switch off completely from their everyday work and worry, is one of their greatest health advantages.

For well over a hundred years Adventists have called their health programme "the right arm of the message" and the "entering wedge". Thank you National Geographic for reminding us what a treasure our health message is.

Note: A short video presentation based on the article can be seen on the National Geographic website at: <www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0511/sights_n_sounds>.


HOLY SPIRIT TAKES OVER HAUNTED HOTEL IN THETFORD - Chris Peake

Following the Charity Concert reported in a recent issue of the Messenger, the Area 8 team struck out on Thursday 6 October with the first night of a four-week set of "Amazing Discoveries in Bible Lands" seminars in a conference room of the Bell Hotel, Thetford. In the leading position as speaker was Pastor Michael Walker, who had painstakingly converted all his slides from previous campaigns into PowerPoint files for the occasion. With the other pastors of the area, and a number of trusty laypeople from Gorleston and Norwich in support, the series got off to a smoothly professional start.

Approximately seven thousand handbills had been distributed around the town by team members, and it was while we were giving them out in the street that one young lad read the flyer and asked, "Is it a Christian thing then? It's a bit odd having that in a place that's haunted isn't it?" But, haunted or not, the only supernatural power in evidence at the series was the working of the Holy Spirit, as the attendance grew over the four weeks from just five to eighteen - including the town's Mayor and his wife!

The Thetford project is an experimental campaign, in which we are presenting several clusters of four or five meetings separated by rest periods of a few weeks. Each cluster will be fully advertised, and we are hoping that with the repeated advertising and word of mouth from the participants, attendance will build from month to month, drawing in ever larger numbers of interests. So far, the response has been wonderfully positive, with most of the people promising to help with publicity for the next set of meetings.

Our next event is a Christmas Concert, featuring return appearances of Charles Ngandwe and Tina Brooks, who proved so popular in September, and January will see another set of four seminars begin. So with such an encouraging start behind us, we can say with confidence, "Thank God for His leading thus far, and please pray with us for His continuing empowerment."


"ADVENTIST WORLD" MAGAZINES DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK AND IRELAND

This week two editions of the brand new international Seventh-day Adventist Church magazine, "Adventist World", will be distributed to all Adventist churches in the UK and Ireland. Around the world more than one million copies of each edition are printed in English, with additional copies being printed in Spanish and French. Altogether it is estimated that six million or more people will have access to the magazine. The cost of the monthly magazine is estimated at less than 2.5 million US dollars per year, which represents excellent value for money on a per-member basis.

According to "Adventist World" editor William Johnsson, the new magazine represents a strategic move for the Church and is part of an effort "to foster the unity of the world Adventist family." It comes with several elements in mind. All articles will be one or two pages in length, except for the cover story, which will run to four pages. It will focus on informing members about the world Church, while articles on Adventist heritage, Bible questions and a simple Bible study will also be featured.

An effort is also being made to find writers from all over the world, in an effort to enhance the international perspective of the magazine. General Conference President Pastor Jan Paulsen says, "We think it is critical to the Church, to the Church's witness, to the unity of the Church that we have a voice that can speak to the whole world Church, with the same message to all."

Among the international writers contributing to the October issue of the magazine is Mrs Karen Holford, Associate director of the South England Conference Family Ministries department. Her article, entitled, "Praying a New Prayer," comes under the heading of Adventist Life. Other sections include: Devotional, Focus, Feature, Fundamental Beliefs, Spirit of Prophecy, and Adventist Service.

Producing a world magazine presents some technical challenges and without the use of modern communication techniques this project would not have been possible. The editorial responsibilities fall on the Adventist Review team in Silver Spring, Maryland, with two additional editors in Seoul, Republic of Korea, adding strategic planning for the new magazine. The final publishing process involves sending electronic files of the magazine to four different printing presses, located in the United States, Korea and Australia.


WEEK OF PRAYER

This coming week, Sabbath 5 to Sabbath 12 November, is the week of prayer for the Seventh-day Adventist Church around the world. Daily readings have been published in a special edition of the Adventist Review which also contains an introduction by British Union Conference President Pastor Cecil Perry. The theme for the week is "United in the Witness of Truth" and there is also a set of children's readings entitled, "Togetherness in Sharing the Good News of Jesus." If you have not yet received a copy of the readings you can download one from the Adventist Review website at: <www.adventistreview.org/index.php?issue=2005-1540>.



"ONE HOPE STREET" TO BE BROADCAST ON OBE TV

Mark Grey's drama "One Hope Street", which we featured in the 23 September edition of BUC News, will be broadcast on OBE TV on Sunday 6 November at 9.00 pm. It will be shown again on Tuesday 8 November at 8.00 pm.

OBE (Original Black Entertainment) TV can be seen on Sky Channel 223. For more information see the OBE website at: <www.obetv.co.uk>.

If you are unable to watch either of these broadcasts you can obtain copies of the "One Hope Street" DVD direct from Carmel Greystone by sending a cheque for £11.50 (this includes postage and packing) made out to "Carmel Greystone" to: 14 Castle Mead, Boxmoor, Herts, HP1 1PR. Alternatively copies can be obtained from the South England Conference or the ABC.


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.

EXPERIENCE THE POWER SATELLITE TV SERIES. 6:00 pm every Tuesday until 6 December on Revelation TV, Sky Digital 676. Speaker: Walter L Pearson. Website: <www.bolministries.co.uk>. Contact: Steve Thomas <revsathomas@aol.com>. Phone: 07932 722753.

WEEK OF PRAYER. Sabbath 5 to Sabbath 12 November. If you don't have the special edition of the Adventist Review containing the week's readings you can download it from the Adventist Review website at: <www.adventistreview.org/index.php?issue=2005-1540>.

KIDS FOR KIDS - CHILDREN'S CHARITY CONCERT. At 7:00 pm on Saturday 5 November the Telford Pathfinders, working with ADRA, will host a children's charity concert at the Methodist Church, The High Street, Hadley, Telford. Admission by ticket only. Adults £7.00 - Children £4.50. Contact: Dana Sudworth <dsudw1sc@stokecoll.ac.uk>. Phone: 01785 614346.

MOOR CLOSE NIGHTS - NEWBOLD. Doors open at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 pm start on Saturday 5 November at the Church Centre, Newbold College. Full parallel children's programme, refreshments afterwards, and later a bonfire and fireworks. See: <www.moorclose.info>. Contact: Geert Tap <tapgeert@hotmail.com>. Phone: 01344 407652.

GRAND GOSPEL CONCERT - BATTERSEA. 7.00 pm on Saturday 5 November at the Battersea church. Admission free, though an offering will be collected. Contact: Basil Lumsden <info@battersea-sda.org.uk>. Phone: 07958 588194.

OXFORD STREET YOUTH DAY - WOLVERHAMPTON. Sabbath 5 November. Contact: Melanie Jeanville <lady_shuga@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07706 168456.

FINANCIAL FREEDOM SEMINAR - BALHAM. 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday 6 November at the Balham church, conducted by Deborah Harris Contact: Errol Anderson <errol@andersonwham.freeserve.co.uk>. Phone: 020 8672 9415.

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS WEEKEND - BIRMINGHAM. Friday 11 to Sunday 13 November at the Windsor Street South church. Cooking demonstrations, health checks, DVDs, books and health products on sale. Contact: Fred Evans <frederick.evans@gmail.com>. Phone: 07908 058759.

DIVERSITY LECTURE - NEWBOLD. 7.30 pm on Tuesday 15 November in room MH20, Newbold College. "The Experience of being brought up by Seventh-day Adventist Parents in the UK". Speaker: Mrs Lidija Godina, University of Reading. Contact: Gifford Rhamie <grhamie@newbold.ac.uk>. Phone: 01344 407483.

MEN'S WEEKEND RETREAT - NORTH ENGLAND. Friday 18 to Sunday 20 November at The Robinson Centre, Bedfordshire. £90.00 per person for two sharing, or £120 per person in a single room. Contact: Cyril Sweeney <csweeney@necadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 0115 960 6312.

WEST MIDLANDS YOUTH MEETING - BIRMINGHAM. 7.00 pm on Friday 18 November at the Windsor Street church. Fellowship, praise, worship and inspiration for all young people in the West Midlands. Speaker: Pastor Ian Sweeney. Contact: Donna Palmer <wmya_1@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07947 227208.

TWO-DAY CONFERENCE ON TEENAGE ISSUES - DAVENTRY. Sabbath 19 to Sunday 20 November at Staverton Park. Cost: £80 per person, including all meals and accommodation. Subjects: bullying, gang culture, parenting, drugs, anti-social behaviour, sexual health, young offenders. Contact: Des Boldeau <bucyouth@adventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 672251.

YOUTH DAY - ILFORD. Sabbath 19 November at the Ilford church. Lunch provided. Contact: Lovetta <lovetta@o2.co.uk>. Phone: 07950 818490.

YOUTH DAY - CARDIFF. Sabbath 19 November at the Cardiff church. Speaker: Craig Gooden, Theme: "Light My Fire". Fellowship lunch, afternoon programme and evening social. Contact: Pastor Clyde Moore <clydermoore@hotmail.co.uk>. Phone: 07789 554876.

GREENWICH TEENS DAY. All day on Sabbath 19 November. Theme: "A Weakness 4 Sweetness". 5.00 pm concert with: Croydon Choir, Solance, GDSA Mime, Joel and Co, Word in Motion and more. Contact: Natasha <natashariviere@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07932416166.

LEEDS PRAISE EVENING. Sabbath 19 November. Afternoon programme featuring: Eden, Truly Blessed, Simple Message, Joybells, VT, Sam & Dick, and Wolverhampton Youth Choir. Followed by cultural evening at 7:30 pm - which costs £1.50. Contact: Tokoza <tiktak17@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07716258247.

HANDSWORTH YOUTH DAY - BIRMINGHAM. Sabbath 19 November. Theme: "Purity". Preacher: Laurant Grosvenor. Contact: Mark Larman <marklarman@msn.com>. Phone: 07956 140949.

TED PRAYER GUIDE. The theme for the week commencing 6 November is WEEK OF PRAYER AND SACRIFICE. "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matt. 9:36. NIV)

Millions of people today lack direction and hope; they do not know Jesus Christ and His Saving grace. Through its "Global Mission" programme the Seventh-day Adventist Church looks with compassion at the crowds ? the millions of people in countless people groups.

The Church is taking Jesus' words in Matthew 28 seriously: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit."

This week is the Annual Sacrifice week, and the offering at the end of the week has the purpose of contributing towards taking the Gospel and the Three Angles' Message to areas of the world where they are not yet known. Please pray:

? That every member finds their place in the fulfilment of Matthew 28.
? For every effort that is made to witness about God's Goodness. [Harald Wollan, Executive Secretary, Trans-European Division]

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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. Items for inclusion should be sent to <bucnews@adventist.org.uk> and need to be received by 6.00 pm on Thursday, preferably as simple email text. Coming Events and Small Ads should be kept short and preferably be submitted via the on-line form at: <www.adventist.org.uk/news>. The editor reserves the right to modify articles received to make them suitable for inclusion. The views expressed by individuals cited in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, though we try to ensure that they do. You are free to re-print any portion of this bulletin without the need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify BUC News or other sources whenever you publish these materials. Back issues are available on our website at <www.adventist.org.uk>.

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