WELSH MISSION SESSION ENDS ON A HIGH

Transcription

1 Adventist Heritage Center From: Richard Daly on behalf of Richard Daly Sent: Friday, October 21, :33 AM To: Adventist Heritage Center Subject: BUC NEWS Edition #996 (21 October 2016) Edition #996 (21 October 2016) Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland PLEASE NOTE: This e-newsletter will look and read better with pictures enabled. For additional and updated news and a full listing of coming events visit our website: Contents: WELSH MISSION SESSION ENDS ON POSITIVE NOTE DESMOND DOSS FILM OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE FAITH DIFFICULTIES AND WAYS FORWARD FOR CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM RELATIONS IN BRITAIN TELL THE WORLD: NEW FILM SERIES HIGHLIGHTS ADVENTISM ADVENTIST DOES COOKING DEMO AT VEGFEST UK OLYMPIA DEATH OF DOREEN CLEMENT FUNERAL OF JACQUELINE PICART LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE 'MUSIC IN MY LIFE' WITH VICTORIA BEEBEE: ADVENTIST TV THIS WEEK COMING EVENTS WELSH MISSION SESSION ENDS ON A HIGH 1

2 devotional message. The newly renovated Swansea Seventh-day Adventist church was the venue for the triennial Welsh Mission Session on Sunday 16 October. Over 200 delegates came together comprising a positive diversity in age, culture, gender and geographical range. Newly elected President Pastor Emanuel Bran opened the proceedings welcoming all delegates and BUC President Pastor Ian Sweeney followed with the Highlights of the day included hearing the Secretariat report presented by Pastor Paul Lockham reporting of steady growth in the Mission. During the triennium the membership has shown net growth of 5.5%. The changes in membership includes a total of 31 baptisms during the period, 22 joining the Church through profession of faith and 69 people transferred in. On the other side, it was reported that 29 are missing, and 36 transferred out of the Mission. Former President Pastor John Surridge, gave a pictorial PowerPoint overview of his term in office. He highlighted the achievements of each department with newly rebuilt Swansea church being a project that ended with his term of presidency. Mr Pilmoor expressed appreciation to the Mission for their financial faithfulness and being a good example of stewardship. The Mission has shown consistent returns in tithe despite the lack of dynamism within the Welsh economy compared to other territories. The delegation appreciated the reports with minimal questioning, but were very proactive when the debate took place on plans for the future. It was evident there was a desire to see further growth and unity within the Mission. Questions arose as to how the churches can work more effectively together and become a catalyst for reaching those who are seeking to know God. Other delegates challenged the readiness of some churches to embrace new people if they are already having problems accepting each other. The discussion was amical and moved forward with a united desire to get to know more of the various cultures that now make up the Mission. Other departmental reports were presented by sponsors Pastor Tremeer who oversaw the Youth, and lay members Irving and Lil Saunders for Health Ministries. Retired pastors David Foster and Brian Phillips showed their willingness to continue serving by helping in Family Camp and Trust Services respectively. 2

3 The delegates accepted the Nominating Committee's report of sponsors for the following departments: Sponsors Children's Ministries Communication Family Ministries Health Ministries Pathfinder Stewardship Trust Services Women's Ministries Youth Ministries Youth Ministries Assoc. Brecon Family Camps Mrs Eileen McKenzie Mrs Diana Balmer Mr Ndaba & Mrs Chipo Ndebele Mrs Lil Saunders Ministries Pastor David Rancic Pastor Emanuel Bran Pastor Brian Phillips Miss Samantha Fessal & Mrs Elidah Nota-Muza Pastor Jeremy Tremeer Pastor Jovan Adamović Refer to incoming Executive Committee The Session ended with an inspiring message by Mission President Pastor Bran who spoke of the excuses Moses made when being called to service and reminded the delegation that in working for God, He has already foreseen any obstacle and made provision for them in our lives. A vote of thanks and appreciation was given to former President Pastor John Surridge and ended with prayer by Pastor Sweeney. On departure, one delegate attending for the first time said, "the whole experience was very positive, it was just good to see how the Church operates in an open way." [Richard Daly] 3

4 Back to top... Story... DESMOND DOSS FILM OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE FAITH military award in the United States. Generations of Seventh-day Adventists have grown up with stories of the exploits of Private First Class, Desmond Doss. His heroic actions on the island of Okinawa in the bloodiest battle of World War II were shared with Adventist youth at summer camps and in Pathfinder meetings for decades. Doss himself would teach groups of boys and girls the bowline knot that he used to lower 75 injured soldiers to safety, an act that awarded him the Congressional Medal of Honour, the highest In November this incredible story, told in Hacksaw Ridge, will appear on more than 3,000 screens around the UK, and in every major media market of the world. What was once an 'Adventist' story will be known to people of many cultures and faith traditions. Below is a special commentary and a statement from the 'It is Written' ministry, North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists and Pastor Victor Hulbert from the Trans-European Division (TED). John Bradshaw, speaker/director for It Is Written: It looks like Hacksaw Ridge is going to be huge. And that matters for Christians. It's likely that millions of people are going to watch the powerfully told story of a Seventh-day Adventist war hero. And they'll learn about not only his deeply held beliefs and faith, but also about the remarkable God who enabled Doss to carry himself with such outstanding grace, commitment, and bravery. Hacksaw Ridge neither downplays Desmond Doss' Christian faith nor minimises his beliefs. Instead, the movie respectfully and accurately portrays Doss' steadfast faith in God. Corporal Doss, a Private First Class at the time of the Battle of Okinawa, is presented as a balanced, Sabbath-keeping, vegetarian, Bible-believing Christian who was moved by faith in God to adhere to his beliefs in the face of overwhelming opposition. Gibson's Hacksaw Ridge is an inspirational story of a Christian's unwavering faith in God. In one of the later scenes of the movie, Doss, played by Hollywood leading actor Andrew Garfield is doing all he can to save American servicemen. After lowering a soldier to safety, 4

5 Doss prays, "Lord, give me one more!" Each time he lowers another soldier to safety the prayer is repeated: "Lord, give me one more!" Doss' prayer is the prayer that should be prayed by Christians everywhere. "Lord, give me one more. Help me get one more!" While time is running out for Planet Earth, precious opportunities are being presented to reach this world for Christ. Disciples of Christ recognise that witnessing opportunities present themselves in countless ways. Even through Hollywood blockbusters. Churches and members will need to be ready to engage in conversations with those who watch Hacksaw Ridge, and be prepared to answer questions about what drove Doss to be steadfast in his faith in God. North American Division's statement: The story of Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to receive the esteemed Medal of Honour, is one that has inspired generations of his fellow Seventh-day Adventist Church members. As powerfully shared in the upcoming film, Hacksaw Ridge, Doss' strong convictions, his Adventist beliefs, and his unshakeable confidence in God come alive, and hold the promise of inspiring a new generation of believers. While a graphic portrayal of the realities of war, Hacksaw Ridge paints a stirring portrait of the resolute manner in which Doss lived his faith, even while living through the horrors of the battlefield. The Seventh-day Adventist Church historically has strongly discouraged its members from bearing arms, and Doss embodied that philosophy. He became the first person to voluntarily enlist and then be granted conscientious objector status, the role in which he contributed to the often-heroic rescue of scores of his fellow soldiers. Pastor Victor Hulbert, TED Communication director: Hacksaw Ridge, a Mel Gibson film about Desmond Doss, the man Adventists know as WWII's unlikeliest hero, is about to hit our screens. You may not like the violence after all, portraying a bloody battle scene where Doss saves 75 lives is not going to look very pretty. You may not like cinemas. That is fine. Doss didn't like it either but he gave permission for his life story to be turned into a film as he realised that his humble journey could help others discover faith. Hacksaw Ridge is the biggest PR opportunity the Church has ever had. Mel Gibson, a man from a radically different faith background was convicted that this is a story he had to tell. It is a 5

6 story of moral courage, faith, pacifism and Sabbath keeping. Even the evangelical world is enthused with the Sabbath keeping part of the film comparing it favourably with the classic 1924 story of Olympian Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire. You can prepare for questions that may come your way as a result of the film by ordering a specially produced edition FOCUS magazine now while stocks last. Phone: Also see: Adventist Review: Would Desmond Doss be happy with 'Hacksaw Ridge'? Deadline Hollywood: Mel Gibson interviewed during his Venice Film Festival comeback. Adventist Review: 'Hacksaw Ridge' talking points: A guide for church members. [Richard Daly] Back to top... Story... DIFFICULTIES AND WAYS FORWARD FOR CHRISTIAN MUSLIM RELATIONS IN BRITAIN Newbold College's 2016 Beach lecturer, Dr Philip Lewis, visiting fellow at York St John University, was admirably qualified to speak about Christian- Muslim relations in Britain. He has lived alongside Muslims both in the UK and in Pakistan while for more than three decades, studying, writing and lecturing about Islam. His life work has been advising churches and secular organisations and encouraging Muslim-Christian understanding. Alongside the lecture, he handed out a useful and wide-ranging bibliography to enable his audience to read more for themselves. He told them that his goal was "to challenge lazy generalisations about British Muslims." To achieve this, his masterful lecture included some history, some sociology and a lot of personal insight. He began by dividing 20 th century UK Muslims into those who visited post-war, those who followed them here believing that they would eventually return to their Muslim homelands, and 6

7 those who finally settled here. He showed that Muslim groups in various parts of the UK have different national backgrounds some from East Africa, some from Pakistan, some from Turkey. Within each group there is further division between older and younger generations, English and non-english speakers, and a widening gap between those from an industrial culture and the more educated YUMMIs young, upwardly mobile Muslims. "No-one is a 'Muslim in general'", he said. He identified negative and positive changes to Muslim societies since the atrocities of 9/11 and 7/7. The ensuing moral panic in the media which has targeted Muslims as 'the enemy within' has been socially destructive. On the other hand, he pointed out that government funding has become available to address deficits in Muslim leadership, including that of imams, over 90% of whom have been born outside the UK. Muslim scholars themselves have three broad responses to the wider society: isolation, engagement and resistance. Dr Lewis believes that there is and needs to be radical rethinking within Islam if all Muslim leaders are to be in touch both with their own communities and the wider society. As it is, he suggested, sexuality and political subjects are often taboo in both mosques and homes, leaving young Muslims adrift. The specific intellectual challenges facing UK Muslim communities were Dr Lewis' next focus. Muslim theology, he showed, offers no systematic formulation of being in the minority. Historically, Muslim thought was often developed in a military context which took success and dominance for granted. Muslims knew how to command and obey but had little experience of living with equality or, like many Jewish and Christian communities, as minorities. Progressive Muslim scholars are now seeking to quarry their traditions for resources which will enable them to share power in democracies. They are hampered in this work by the persistence of imported sectarianism, by cultural illiteracy, the lack of Muslim arts graduates, and the lack of a Muslim tradition of curiosity about 'otherness'. Some in the Muslim world are beginning to realise that their co-religionists have not understood or participated in the construction of modernity for over four centuries. But there are optimistic signs: a greater engagement in tertiary education both by and with Muslims, educated Muslim women working for a visible, active progressive Islam, and the development of a British Muslim intellectual tradition in the UK with a few public intellectuals like Hakim Murad and Mona Siddiqui. Politically too, Muslims like Baroness Warsi and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, are becoming more visible. And then there are the celebrity Muslims, Nadiya Hussain, Mo Farah and Citizen Khan! Finally, Dr Lewis recounted how churches are working on developing trust: engaging imams in conversation, looking closely at anti-muslim rhetoric in society, avoiding extremes of sentimentalism and demonization, and cooperating in strategic planning for sustainable, intergenerational conversations both nationally and internationally. Christians are actively collaborating with the new generation of British Muslims on charitable projects. Work with 7

8 progressive Muslim women in peacemaking has been crucial to developing these good relationships. "If Christian-Muslim relations are to succeed we need a safe space to ask hard questions of each other", Dr Lewis concluded. For the 100-strong audience in Newbold's Salisbury Hall, this year's Beach Lecture provided one such space. [Helen Pearson. Photos: Victor Hulbert] Back to top... Story... TELL THE WORLD Tell the World is a unique fully dramatised cinematic production which powerfully tells the story of the birth and development of the early Advent movement. Shot on location it features an original musical score, and a full cast of professional actors and film crew. In an effort to make the film as real as possible, all 170 pages of the Tell the World script and the 200+ scenes were meticulously scrutinised for historical accuracy by three of the Church's foremost historians Dr Alan Lindsay, Prof George R Knight and Dr Jim Nix of the Ellen G White Estate. Highlighting the major events that shaped the Early Church over a 60-year period, the film traces the period from William Miller's 1814 wartime experiences at the Battle of Plattsburgh, through the rise of the Great Awakening and the Disappointment of 1844, to the birth and formal organisation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the consequent beginnings of its dynamic worldwide missionary movement in the 1870s. As such, it provides wonderful insights into the dynamic characters that paved the way forward including William Miller, Joshua V Himes, Ellen Harmon, Joseph Bates, James White and J N Andrews. This is an amazing story full of pathos, drama, controversy, joy, sadness and inspiration, and consequently, needs to be told. Tell the World brings the story of these early pioneers to life as they wrestle to understand scripture, hotly debate theology and overcome bitter disappointment. See how God guided and inspired them in their earnest search for truth. Be reminded again of how God called a young lady, Ellen Harmon, to do a special work in leading the fledgling Church. 8

9 Tell the World has been designed to have worldwide appeal and it is envisaged that the film will be available for distribution in multiple languages, and suitable for global broadcast on Hope Channel. Thus, Tell the World is a powerful tool for all pastors, evangelists, teachers, schools, universities, lay people and youth, both for outreach and nurture. "I believe we are all convinced that this film will be a tremendous spiritual encouragement to God's people and the public", stated Elder Ted Wilson, Adventist World Church President. Register your interest in the Tell the World feature film Stanborough Park will be hosting a screening of the Tell the World movie this Saturday, 22 October at 6pm. If you would like to download a copy of the TTW trailer for use in your local church or house group, please click the link below: TTW trailer - low-res download (98.1 mb) TTW trailer hi-res download (138.7 mb) [Richard Daly] Back to top... Story... COOKING DEMO AT VEGFEST 9

10 Adventist author Kirly-Sue (aka Susanne Kirlew) is helping to change the image of vegan food, so if you think being vegan is all about boring, bland tofu and buckwheat, Kirly-Sue has some wonderful recipes you will love. Born and raised in London to Jamaican parents, Kirly-Sue was a vegetarian for over 25 years and she is now a vegan. Her Jamaican heritage is reflected in her cooking and baking. and Twitter. 3ABN TV snapped up Kirly-Sue after seeing her on the Hope Channel, to do a cooking segment on their channel and this lasted for 4 years. This year she was invited to do cooking demonstrations at the VegefestUK at Olympia, London, an event that attracted thousands of people. Her popularity has meant she has many followers both on Facebook Subscribe to Kirly-Sue on YouTube to get free recipes and healthy eating information. [Richard Daly] Back to top... Story... DEATH OF DOREEN CLEMENT It is with sadness that we learned of the death of Mrs Doreen Clement on Sunday 2 October Doreen was one of our older members having reached the grand age of 102 years and 7 months. Born in Watford on 10 March 1914, Doreen went to school in Watford and then on to Hertfordshire Commercial College to train as a stenographer and bookkeeper. She then joined the staff of the Stanborough Press in June 1931 where she continued to work until June That same month she moved to work at the BUC office as a secretary. She was temporarily called up to work as a 'land girl' in 1942 and after returning to secretarial work at the BUC left at the end of September 1945 to work for her father for a time. Following her marriage to John Allan Clement in 1947, who was working as an accountant at Granose at the time, Doreen then worked from November 1949 to May 1952 as a secretary in the Stanborough School office. During this time her husband had moved from Granose to the BUC as Missions Secretary Treasurer (Oct 1950 to Nov 1952). He was then elected as Secretary Treasurer of the South England Conference where he served from 1 December 1952 until he was called to the same role in the North England Conference on 5 June 1967 where he served until retirement on 30 November

11 In retirement Allan and Doreen moved to Paignton in Devon and after her husband's death in 1995 Doreen remained in their home for a couple of years before moving into Coniston House. Unfortunately, Doreen suffered a couple of falls in August of this year from which she never really recovered. She passed to her rest on Sunday 2 October, ready and trusting in the God whom she had served all her life. The funeral took place on Wednesday 19 October in Paignton. Any wishing to remember Doreen by a tribute may make a donation to ADRA-UK. FUNERAL OF JACQUELINE PICART We announce with great sadness, the death of Jacqueline Picart, wife of Pastor Everett Picart (pastor of Chiswick Seventh-day Adventist church). Jacqueline passed to her rest on Monday 10 October 2016 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. Jacqueline leaves behind: her husband Pastor Everett Picart, a son Shaun, and daughter Sherie, and many immediate and extended family members. The funeral service will be held on Thursday 27 October 2016 at 11:30 am at The Globe, 12 Portman Road, Reading, RG30 1EA Contact: Patrick McKerrow LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE This week's Messenger (21 October), the official journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland, provides a heart-warming report on the opening of the Peace Garden, located within the grounds of Stanborough Park. Editor Julian Hibbert, shares an interesting editorial on the lessons learnt from Martha who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus. The OneLife evangelistic campaign held in many of the London churches saw significant church growth. This edition provides a detailed report. 'Communicate your faith willingly' is the last of a four-part series by BUC Communication director Richard Daly. All this, plus lots of other news and reports of baptisms across the British Union Conference. [BUC News] Back to top... Story... 11

12 MUSIC IN MY LIFE Sunday, 23 October, 1:00 pm Revelation TV. 'Music in my life' with Victoria Beebee: In this episode conductor, composer and performer, Ken Burton talks to Victoria Beebee, singer, songwriter and music educator. Victoria works with groups and uses music to help with confidence building. Thursday, 27 October, 8:30 pm Revelation TV (repeated Sunday, 30 October, 1:00 pm). 'Music in my life' with Tina Brooks: In this episode Ethnomusicologists Tina Brooks talks to Ken Burton about the place that music has in cultures around the world and how musicians are regarded within those cultures. [BUC News] Back to top... Story... COMING EVENTS For a full listing of Coming Events please visit Friday 21 - Sunday 23 October: NEC Parenting Weekend CANCELLED. 'The ABC of Parenting' with Pastor Keith Boldeau. Sabbath 22 October: A Day of Thanks & Praise to God. A morning of songs and worship, followed by a concert hosted by Mark Palmer who is also the main speaker. Morning Worship: 9:30-13:00. Concert: 15:30-17:30. Check link for further details. Venue: Oasis Christian Centre, Grange Avenue, Stirchley, Telford, TF5 0LF. Adventist Heritage Evening. Come and join us for an evening learning about the Adventist heritage in the form of: A pictorial gallery museum of protestant giants, pioneers & heroes of Adventism. Time: 17:30-19:00. Venue: Camp Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B12 0JP. Monday 24 - Friday 28 October: SEC Prayer and Faith Conference October. Thames Valley Youth Federation and SEC Teens Ministries would like to invite you to the Prayer & Faith Conference. Price: per person for 12

13 residential and 55 for non-residential. Venue to be decided. Check link for further details including booking etc. Sabbath 29 October - Sabbath 5 November: Welcome To An Advent Enrichment Seminar. This outreach event is for all people. Come and be blessed, and you will be changed by the spoken word. Guest speaker: lay preacher J Walker from the SEC School of Evangelism. Check link for full details. Venue: Clapton SDA Church, Chelmer Road, Clapton, London, E9 6AY. Sabbath 29 October: UK-Zambian Adventist Day of Fellowship. UKZAF is an Adventist diaspora group dedicated to providing a strong, vibrant, united and caring network for UK-based Adventists of Zambian origin or connection. For more details, visit our Facebook page or contact publicity@ukzaf.com. Check link for further details. Venue: United Reformed Church, London Road, Kettering, NN15 7QP. Sunday 30 October: Trip to International Slavery Museum in Liverpool & Blackpool. Departing at: 5:30 am sharp. Leaving from: Holloway Seventh-day Adventist Church, 381 Holloway Road, London N7 0RN. Cost: 35 adult; 15 child. Contact Brother Barclays on Saturday 12 November: Wings of Love Concert. Wings of Love International Act of Kindness is a project set up to help our less fortunate children in Jamaican children's homes. Come along and enjoy great talents and great traditional dishes. wingsofloveinternational8@gmail.com. Time: 17:00-20:00. Check link for further details. Venue: Holloway SDA Church, 381 Holloway Road, London, N7 ORN. BOOK NOW: Gala Gospel Concert. 3 December SEC Music & Number Seven Promotions presents a Gala Gospel Concert. Make your bookings on Gala Gospel website. Venue: Ruach City Church, Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7HY. Journey to Ghana Gift Box Appeal. Sun 12th Feb - Thurs 23rd of Feb 2017 A great opportunity for 20 volunteers to accompany ADRA to Ghana and distribute Gift boxes, as well as help renovate a school.for more information, volunteering@adra.org.uk for an application form.spaces are issued on a strict first come first served basis. BUC News is a weekly news bulletin produced by the Communication Department of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Items for inclusion should be sent to <bucnews@adventist.org.uk> and need to be received by 6:00 pm on Wednesday. Coming Events should be submitted via the online form at: The editor reserves the right to modify articles received to make them suitable for inclusion. The views expressed 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. 13

14 You can manually unsubscribe from this mailing list by clicking on reply and including the word 'unsubscribe' in the subject line. The British Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church accepts no liability to any party for any error, omission or mis-statement by any contributor in any material published in this newsletter. Small Ads are provided as a service to members but, by their very nature, the BUC can take no responsibility regarding the accuracy of their content. This was sent to ahc@andrews.edu why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Seventh-day Adventist Church UK & Ireland Stanborough Park Garston Watford, Herts WD25 9JZ United Kingdom 14