ORPINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH SIGNPOST

Transcription

1 ORPINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH May / June 2016 O B C

2 Contents Page From Martyn 1 From Katie 1 From David 2 From Ivor 4 Keep Sundays Special 6 Ministry of Flowers 7 From Helen 8 Dedication 8 Tearfund Connected Church 9 Bible School at OBC 10 Church Family Meeting 10 BB 11 Update from Ebbsfleet 12 GB 13 United Display 14 Thank You 14 BMS Birthdays 15 Womens Friendship Group 16 You Are Special 16 Twin Church 17 Brook Becomes a Waterfall 18 Spring Harvest Contact details Dates for next Signpost

3 Dear friends, From our Minister This month, 15 May, marks the celebration of the Day of Pentecost. It s the birthday of the Christian Church as we remember that the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the Apostles for the first time. It was the fulfilment of God s promise that another Counsellor would come, in the place of Jesus, to live within us. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth (John 14:16) God wants to fill every one of us with his Spirit. Some people may think that they can live the Christian life without him, but actually it s impossible. Both for the daily life of being a Christian and for the ministry and mission of the Church we need God s power in the person of God s Spirit. Pray with me for an even greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit in OBC this Pentecost. I believe that this is or greatest need. When we have a growing Church, as we do at OBC, with lots going on there can be a danger that we rely on our own strength and resources. May we find that our lives and all our work takes on a new spiritual dimension when we allow ourselves to be filled with the Spirit. With love, Martyn Hi Everyone! From Katie, our trainee youth worker I wanted to give you a little update on how things are going at Youth Café. Just in case you don t know what that is, it s a drop in, café style group on a Friday evening, between 5 and 6.45 for s. We do different activities each week involving baking, messy games and the more chilled out film nights. As I m writing this, we have just started our new summer programme where we have much more planned. 1

4 Since January, I have taken responsibility for this group and I love it! It s a great time to sit and chat to the young people, finding out how their weeks have been, and just general chat. This is a really good opportunity for me to get to know them a little more, and build those relationships up. Taking charge of such a popular group seemed a bit daunting at first, and was a bit out of my comfort zone - but since I ve had more experience, that has become much easier and I enjoy it as much as the youth do! I learn more each and every week at Youth Café. From the simple stuff, like knowing how to chat with them, to leading the session and making sure everyone that comes is enjoying it to the full! We take the young people on trips every now again. I organised a trip to Air Hop (trampoline park) last term. Organising trips is still something I m getting the hang of, as there is a lot to do but I learn from my mistakes, so next time it ll be even better! Thank you so much for your on going prayer and support for the Youth Work that goes on at OBC, it is hugely appreciated. From David, our Children & Family Worker OK Group: Dates for this term are: 4 and 11 May 8 and 15 June 6 and 13 July During this summer term we will be studying some of Jesus well known parables. We also hope to enable some of the older children to be more involved in some of the leading of these sessions to help them grow in their confidence and increase their abilities. 2

5 Kidzone: During the course of this term we will be looking at different Old Testament Bible stories including, Daniel, Esther and Jonah. Our aim is not only to re-tell familiar stories to the children but to help them learn through these characters and make sense of their relevance today. It won t be long before the summer holidays are upon us and as a church we wish to provide something for the children part way through our morning services and give our volunteers a well-earned break. So that we can provide something for our 3 s to 11 s we are looking for volunteers to come forward, so if you could organise one morning then do please come and speak to me so that we can have something wonderful for our children. Mums and Chums and Tiddlers On the last session before Easter we held a special event where the children were encouraged to find hidden parts of a puzzle around the room so we could assembly it together for all to see. The completed puzzle showed a child friendly picture of the Easter resurrection, one of team members read aloud from the pre-schooler s Bible and Martyn finished our session with an Easter prayer. All our members went home with a bag of treats including a copy of the Easter story so that these families might remember the true meaning. We as a team are greatly encouraged each week with the wonderful opportunities to engage with many families who share many things for prayer. Though many are on a journey of discovery of our amazing God, the team bring each session in prayer to uphold the increasing needs of others. Moving on Up Plans are now well under way for our next Churches Together in Orpington event for primary children on Friday 10 June. Booking forms are available from me and this event includes a BBQ, outdoor activities and opportunities to make friendships across the churches. Do please uphold this event in your prayers, particularly for good weather as space is limited inside. This event is open to children in school years five and six and will be held at All Souls Church between 6:30pm and 9pm 3

6 Spinnaker Schools Work You are warmly invited to this year s Spinnaker Prayer Event which will be held on Tuesday 10 May between 1.30pm and 3pm here at OBC. We will be using this opportunity to show some of the materials we have been using in our schools across Orpington, meet the team members and above all an opportunity to pray for the work. If you are unable to attend but would like to receive my prayer sheet with dates then please do let me know. Afternoon Tea at OBC Tuesday 10 th May From pm Prayer event - You are warmly invited to come and hear what s taking place in Orpington From our Treasurer Extracted and adapted from the AGM on April 20th, 2016: It gives me great pleasure to present the accounts for 2015 to you this evening. The accounts have been produced by my excellent Finance Team. This year has seen Stuart White move from keeping the accounts software updated to adopting children I don t know which is the harder?? We have seen change in the money counting team with Henry Knock retiring and new counters joining the rota. Frank Levett has joined the team to keep the software updated and also keeps the Café accounts up to date. Anita Uden continues to do sterling work as Financial Controller although there are fewer and fewer cheques these days. We do a lot of our business online using fast banking. Simon Lees has kept the Building Fund on track and also paid off some capital sums. Simon provides a wonderful consultancy service to the Finance Team and without him we would be seriously at a loss. Alan Moss 4

7 continues to provide a comprehensive Gift Aid service to the fellowship ensuring that every penny possible is contributed to the Church by George Osborne! There are many other treasurers sitting here tonight. Past ones, treasurers of our various church organisations (many thanks to you all) and maybe future ones? If you feel that this could be your calling, then do speak to me as my six years are up and I would be happy to let someone else have a go!! As I ve said before, money is very much in the narrative of the New Testament We are thankful for all that the Lord provides and we try not to hang on to it unnecessarily but rather use it for His purposes. John Cheeseman has provided us with endless hours of assistance in ensuring that our accounts are examined and then reshaped to be acceptable to the Charity Commission. We have taken steps in 2015 to ensure that all our employed staff earn above the New Living Wage, that we are on track to automatically offer pensions to all eligible employees and that our accounts meet the needs of the new regulations saw a step up in offerings, gift aid and donations as compared to 2014 and for this we are most grateful. We were able to complete some jobs on the property, upgrade some of our equipment, take on new missions, put money aside for future building needs and I hardly had to say no to any reasonable requests for money across any of our missions and ministries. If you would like a personal copy, do ask the church office and they will one or print one off for you. Finally, then, a word of warning 2016 will be tough. We have lost a couple of large, regular givers, we are facing increasing costs on a number of fronts and remain very dependent on your faithful, thoughtful and regular giving. As always, I want to see people giving more and more people giving we will then endeavour to count it, bank it, spend it, save it, budget it, claim gift aid on it and account for it as well as we did in On that basis, I commend the accounts to you. Ivor Reveley Church Treasurer 5

8 MAY Morning Celebration - Believers Baptisms Fellowship Lunch (please sign-up) All Age with Parade 6.30 Ascension Celebration Morning Celebration - Pentecost Sunday 6.30 Focus on Mission with Alison Dennis Morning Celebration with Rev Jonathan Edwards Morning Celebration 6.30 Digging Deeper - Christian Ethics JUNE Morning Celebration 6.30 Communion & Healing All Age with Parade 6.30 Persecuted Christians service Morning Celebration with Communion 6.30 Digging Deeper with Rev Tony Cross - Christianity & Politics Morning Celebration with Ivor Reveley 3 July Morning Celebration 6.30 Communion & Healing 6

9 Date Donated by Remembering Arranged by MAY 1 Helena Brady Her parents Karen Sumner Jean Ainsworth Reg and their Anniversary 8 Doug & Wendy Their Wedding Anniversary Wendy Collins Collins 15 Ann Ochiltree Her husband Don s birthday Karen Hicks 22 Mick Cater His and Sheila s Wedding Anniversary Jo & Richard Lewis Their Wedding Anniversary 7 Linda Timmins 29 Viv Cox Her husband Richard Marilyn Crisp JUNE 5 Monica King Her parents Wedding Anniversary Fran Morris David & Joyce Wright Joyce s father Jean Haysom Melanie Warren Her parents Wedding Anniversary and mother s birthday Her mum Barbara Hynes 12 Brenda & Bernard Their parents Karen Hicks Rouget 19 Heather Salzer Her sister Heidi Karen Sumner Womens Friendship Anniversary 26 Richard & Linda Timmins Their Wedding Anniversary Wendy Collins If you would like to take part in this ministry, either as a regular annual donator or with a single donation for something special, please speak with Linda Timmins (linda.timmins@ntlworld.com )

10 From Helen Pourak our Parish Nurse Breakfast Sugar Swaps Go bananas-try adding a sliced banana to plain porridge or plain wholewheat biscuits (like Weetabix or supermarket own-brand varieties). It's one of your 5 a day too! Fruit and yoghurt-when serving up plain cereal, try adding different fruit, like raspberries or blueberries, and low-fat, lower-sugar yoghurt too. Semi-skimmed-try semi-skimmed, 1% or fully skimmed milk with cereal-but remember, fully skimmed milks are not suitable for children under 5. Wholegrain bread-instead of sugary cereal, try wholegrain toast. And if they want jam or low-fat spreads, spread it thinly-it's just as tasty! Perfect porridge oats-mix plain porridge oats with fruit and low fat, lowersugar yoghurt and leave it to soften overnight in the fridge. Served up the next day, it's delicious! Bagels-try lower-fat soft cheese on bagels topped with scrummy sliced banana. For more ideas, see 8

11 A light in the darkness: Leela came to Mumbai from Bangladesh when she was just 22.. Overwhelmed by her need for food and water she was lured by the promise of a well paid job. She was promised to be taken by traffickers to Thailand. But instead of getting a job she ended up dancing in a bar in a rundown suburbs of Mumbai. Heartbreakingly she danced for the next seven years. Each day she woke up to a deep fear and an endless cycle of predatory customers. She was never paid. Seven years later a woman visited her and offered to pay her a way out for Leela; a new job in Mumbai! Her joy was overwhelming - she had been waiting for this moment for the last seven years. But her trust was betrayed again. She found herself taken by this woman to the red light district in Mumbai s centre. For the next nine years Leela worked in commercial sex work, each day bringing new violation to her precious life. We met Leela early last year during one of our visits to the red light district. In the beginning she was very suspicious of us: she would argue and get irritated whenever we were around her. We see this with so many young women we work with - years of mental and physical abuse makes it hard for them to trust people. They keep their distance. Over the years we have learnt that our day-in day-out, unglamorous work of turning up where our clients live is how their lives are changed. We visited Leela every day, making sure we were there for her whenever she wanted someone to talk to. After a few months of being a consistent, reliable presence in her life she began to open up. She started attending support meetings with other women from similar backgrounds. Sharing our stories with others brings healing. We are seeing this so deeply with Leela. Her aggressive, defensive behaviour is being replaced with a new lightness. My new friendships have given me a different way of looking at the world, she told us. I have found space to envision a different future. I am looking forward to getting out of the sex trade - life doesn t have to look like this forever. Please continue to pray for her. 9

12 Bible School at OBC The Apostle Paul wrote to his son in the Lord these words: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ( NLT ) Martyn has asked me to think about a Bible School for all in OBC, which I would love to do. It will not lead to a theology degree, but would be a vehicle for having a living understanding of the Bible. I have done this in a number of churches in the past and found it very beneficial for all believers. When, what and how are to be decided. If you think this is an idea worth following up please speak to Martyn or myself. Norman Dix CHURCH FAMILY MEETING Wednesday 18 May PM OPEN TO ALL (not just Church Members!) DISCUSSION - INFORMATION - DECISIONS*- SHARING *To vote you will need to be a Church Member Belonging to OBC Not yet a Church Member? Everyone who comes to OBC is an important part of our Church Family. But if you d like to take your commitment to God s work at OBC a step further and be involved in decision-making by becoming a Church Member (which will give you a vote at our Church Family Meetings) please pick up a leaflet from the Welcome Desk or talk to Martyn for more details about hooking-up with OBC. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM 10

13 This time last year we had 14 boys on a Monday night, and I asked for prayer and encouragement to get new members to come along to The Junior Section. We now have between 20 and 25 each Monday and the Anchor Boys have a similar number, which is a fantastic turnaround. We attended our Junior Section Afternoon on 12 March at the 13 HQ, St Mary Cray. The boys won the art competition and the handball final, came second place in the team games and figure marching competitions and third place in the bible quiz. Our Annual Display is at Kemnal Manor Senior School on 21st May. It is going to be a joint display with the Girls Brigade and the month of May will be packed with rehearsals to entertain you on the night! On the 10 June we are taking 13 boys to camp at Carroty Wood, Tonbridge for the weekend. Camp is a chance for our boys to build friendships with other boys from BB companies across the Battalion. They have the chance to take part in new activities such as high ropes and abseiling as well as the usual swimming, football, cricket and other sports we would play on a Monday night. I am confident that the boys who come will have a great time, and I know that the only reason that Graham, Andrew and myself take the boys is to give them the fun and experiences we had on camps in our youth!. It is also a chance for the boys to share in Christian fellowship and for the most part boys of the Brigade are more likely to make a commitment to Christ on camp than at any other meeting. We also are the 3 camp Chefs so keep them well fed with Michelin Star food! The Boy s and Girl s Brigade members played in the London Massed Bugle Band at the Olympic Park on 20 March. This was an effort to entertain the runners at the Sport Relief Games. The next event for the Massed 11

14 band will be the Lord Mayors Show on Saturday 12 November. Finally I would like to express thanks on behalf of all the Officers of the Battalion to John Iddiols who is retiring as Battalion President this session. His work for the BB has been Invaluable and he is held in high regard by all the officers and members who have served under him. Garrick Beal Leader in Charge. You may remember Penny Marsh and Vanessa Puttee visiting us at OBC to give an update on the church planting in Ebbsfleet with the South Eastern Baptist Association. Here s the latest news: Dear friends at OBC The Easter Egg Hunt went really well with good weather and six families from Castle Hill and five families from the surrounding areas. Penny closed the day by explaining the Easter story with a message of resurrection and new life. We raised for Castle Hill at the Boot Fair on 3 April. Thank you for those of you who have given to this. Our next event on 15 May is Run For The Bus, to raise more funds for the community bus. If you d like to sponsor them please go to: 12

15 Girls Brigade Senior Section (age 11 14) The Seniors have had a busy time since September. Their badgework has covered a variety of subjects including Healthy Living, Money Matters, Technology and First Aid. We sampled healthy smoothies and treats whilst pampering ourselves, but also learning how important it is to exercise and have a healthy and varied diet. We have been learning about budgeting and realising how difficult it can be to do or have everything we would like. With thanks to Danny and Katie (the youth team) for helping us with the Technology projects. It is amazing what can be done on a mobile phone these days apart from making calls! St John s Ambulance came to teach us First Aid. Each week extra volunteers arrived giving the girls more opportunity to practice what they had been taught. They were able to use the resuscitation dolls, defibrillator and bandages galore. St John s were also able to teach the girls about cyberbullying and privacy on social media. As you can see, it is wonderful the opportunities that our young people are offered through the Brigades. This year some of the girls in the band were invited to play at the Olympic Park for a Sport Relief event and will be going to play at the London Marathon to help the runners on their way. The older girls have begun their journey on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme by joining with the Boys Brigade to complete a successful practice expedition at Bronze level. The qualifying expedition still to come. Whilst all this is going on, the whole company have been preparing for their annual display on Saturday 21 May at Kemnal Technology College. We warmly invite families and friends to come and support both the Girls and Boys Brigades at this forthcoming event. An evening not to be missed! Well done to all our girls on their achievements this year and their loyalty and commitment to the Company. Also thanks to all of our supporters and helpers, who are there for us during the year. Jenny Tompsett 13

16 Please come and support us! UNITED DISPLAY Saturday 21 May 6.30pm Kemnal Technology College Sevenoaks Way (Car Park off The Avenue BR5 3DJ) Performances from all ages : Band : Special Awards : Refreshments We wish to thank those of you who have been praying for us over recent months as we have encountered a number of health and other issues. We thank God for our Church friends and for the way in which He has cared for us through your support. We have really appreciated the flowers we have received from time to time, the practical help and many phone calls enquiring after our progress. Whilst Bernard is now much better and is driving again, Brenda has difficulty in walking and still experiences much pain and discomfort. Bernard and Brenda Rouget I m so thankful to God for my church family. The love and care I ve been shown during my battle with depression and anxiety over the past few months has truly surprised me. Your messages, cards, gifts, meals, baking, visits, prayers, help and encouragement have meant more than I can say. 14 Marg Travers

17 Happy Birthday to those who celebrate in Kathryn Donald MAY Sue Davis Melanie Warren Robert & Ingrid Spinks Julie Iddiols Vanessa Puttee JUNE Matthew Reveley Alison Dennis Eleanor Nimmo Chris Reveley Sonia Mulley Callum Little Julia Pedley Jean Ainsworth Peter Cotton Maureen Harris The BMS Birthday Scheme supports medical work across the world. Every year, with your help, over 300,000 is raised for medical projects. MAKE YOUR BIRTHDAY COUNT! If you would like to give the gift of life on your birthday, talk to Fran Morris. Anyone can join, including children. On their birthday, members receive a BMS birthday card with a gift envelope which they use to make a donation. They then hand the gift envelope back to Fran (or Vera Brewer if Fran isn t available) who ll see that it reaches the BMS Orpington CELEBRATING 70 YEARS 15

18 All ladies are invited to come to MAY 9 Footsteps Barbara Huntley 16 Bible Study David Jermyn 23 Music with John Castle at the organ Half Term JUNE 6 East African Safari - Tony & Brenda Cross 13 Mission Tales Doreen Jermyn 20 Anniversary celebrating 119 years! Rev Don and Mrs Pam Attenborough 27 Bible Study David Jermyn We look forward to seeing you at our very friendly meeting to share fellowship, interests and support good causes. 2-3pm followed by tea in the lower small hall. For more information please see Pauline Hollands, Helen Stockman, Doreen Jermyn or Brenda Cross. We were pleased to see 35 friends at our recent Afternoon Tea. We all enjoyed the activities, quiz and time together. With many thanks to all those who support these events and to those who bake something special for our guests to enjoy, it is always appreciated. Our Summer Holiday at Home plans are coming together and an application form is available from Jo Lewis or Heather Salzer for anyone interested. The dates are now July 29 & 31, not as previously mentioned. We look forward to seeing many friends old and new so please think and pray about who you might invite, we would especially welcome those who are unable to go on holiday anymore or live alone. 16

19 TWIN CHURCH Over the last seven years as a church we ve been twinned with our brothers and sisters at Providence Baptist Church in Bucharest, Romania. The church there is led by two very gifted pastors, Oti Bunaciu and Sorin Badragan. Both Oti and Sorin have visited us in Orpington and a number of members from OBC and young people have led two holiday clubs there for the children. It s important to remember that Providence is situated in Ferentari, the poorest area of the city where many Romanians don t like to go because of the Roma gypsy people who live there. In response to the great need within that community Providence founded the Project Ruth School which now educates, feeds, offers health care and counselling for some of the most deprived and despised people of Bucharest. Martyn continues to be one of the Trustees of that charity and we ve been privileged as a church to be involved with the project. Oti and Sorin have recently asked us to pray for the church and for Project Ruth: The church has six church plants in the outskirts and villages around Bucharest. Please pray for their leadership and growth. Pray for the many young people within the church who face increasing pressures from the world. 17

20 Pray for the outreach ministry to the prison in Bucharest and the regular services held there. Pray for the Gypsy Smith School established at Project Ruth to train Roma Pastors from all over Romania to be equipped for leadership. Pray for the poor within the community of Ferentari, including the widows of the church fellowship. Pray for the resourcing of Project Ruth and its daily efforts to bless the Roma families through the child sponsorship programme. Pray for Oti and Sorin with many responsibilities not only at the church but teaching within the university and leading the Baptist Union. A BROOK BECOMES A WATERFALL Lives are changing in one of the remotest parts of Uganda, thanks to a dedicated Baptist Mission team serving the Karamojong people. MAF pilot Dave Forney heard the story first when he picked up Jeremy Taliaferro recently from Kaabong in the remote Karamoja region of northern Uganda. He was excited to share ther news of spiritual revival spreading like wildfire among the Karamojong. They re sitting back and watching the Holy Spirit work! Dave exclaims joyfully. Intrigued to know more, I arrange to meet Jeremy, Susan and their three children when they are next in Kampala. The family came to Kaabong in early 2012 and found an empty church and a few nominal believers. 18

21 After years of frustrating work discipling a small group of Karamojong believers, with zero results and lots of trials, we were getting very discouraged, recalls Jeremy. Among the biggest problem was alcoholism within the community. Then, the Mission team changed tactics. We decided to begin evangelistic meetings challenging these nominal Christians about whether they really were believers - explaining that being a Christian is not just being a non-muslim. In the first week, seven people came forward, including a warrior called Ngole. According to Jeremy, the Karamojong from this region think raiding and even rape is an acceptable part of their culture. But when Ngole responded to the message of forgiveness and repentance, others noticed the change and wanted to know Jesus for themselves. During the weekly evangelistic meetings that followed, over 70 people came to faith - many through Ngole s testimony. The ones the Lord is using the most are the ones who are very poor and haven t any education, says Susan Taliaferro. Jeremy and Susan have now heard encouraging reports of revival among the Taposa, another tribe of Karamojong origin, across the border in South Sudan. We ve prayed so long for their hardness to go, Susan explains. It s shown us just how much God cares for the Karamjong and hasn t forgotten them. Give thanks that more than 70 people have come to the Lord through the work. Pray for the new Christians. Are thinking and praying about being baptised? Speak to Martyn or Danny to help you make a decision. 19

22 Spring Harvest 2017 Minehead week two 8-13 April 2017 Suitable for the young and old and in-between, single, couples and families, wherever you are on your journey with God, Spring Harvest caters for all, just as the title suggests! Prices start from 169pp for twin room, Self catering apartment 209 Deposit of 35 per adult, 20 per child under 15 required by 15 June Sponsorship, bursaries and discounts are available, so please come have a chat if this will make the trip possible for you. For further details please speak to or Sue Cooke cookefamily85@talktalk.net or Amanda Stone amandastoneshome@aol.com Sanctuary Saturdays th May and 11 th June 20

23 Orpington Baptist Church Station Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 0RZ Orpington Baptist Church Office: (Mrs Jo Lewis & Mrs Pam Reynolds) Website: Minister Rev Martyn Travers Youth Pastor Rev Danny Brown Children & Families Worker David Jones Worship Co-ordinator Jon Newman Church Treasurer: Mr Ivor Reveley Tel: TEXT-A-PRAYER and someone will pray for you

24 is the bi-monthly newsletter for people who come to OBC. Its aim is to keep everyone informed about our Church life and the needs of the world around us, near and far. is also available as esignpost SAVES PAPER SAVES ADMIN TIME SAVES MONEY AND e-signpost is sent out before the paper copies are printed, so you get it early! If you d like to receive e-signpost via your computer (so you can just print out relevant pages if required) please send your address to Jo and Pam at the office: office@orpingtonbaptist.org.uk Jul/Aug 2016 deadline: Wednesday 22 June I d be grateful if all items are ed to me on or before that date please* (Paper copies available Sunday 3 July 2016) marg15456@aol.com *To ensure your article is read by all with eager anticipation please try to keep it to a maximum of 700 words. Thanks! Marg Travers If you don t have a computer Ekua Stephen has kindly offered to type your article for you. Please give it to Ekua (not the Church Office)at least two days before deadline. OBC meets together for worship on Sundays at 10.30am and 6.30pm. During the morning service there are groups for babies through to young people. We usually celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday evening and 3rd Sunday morning of each month. For more information about our weekly programme please look at our Sunday bulletin or the OBC website: