Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Contents:
IRISH FIRST FOR NETADVENTIST WEB LAUNCH
MEMBERS FAITHFUL DESPITE RECESSION
WEEK OF THE BLOG
MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS REVEAL THEIR BEAUTY
FIRST OUTREACH FOR KINGS LYNN GROUP
NEWBOLD COLLEGE OPEN WEEKEND
NEW FOR 2009 – BRAND NEW ENCOUNTER MAGAZINE!
YOUTH WEEK OF PRAYER
THIS WEEK ON THE HOPE CHANNEL
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IRISH FIRST FOR NETADVENTIST WEB LAUNCH [Marci Neal/BUC News]
An enthusiastic team of pastors and lay people gathered at Banbridge church on Sunday, 15 March to develop easy to use websites for their churches. Training for the netAdventist content management system was led by Pastor Victor Hulbert, BUC Communication director and within a very short time the team eagerly set about creating new websites for the local churches throughout the Mission. Each person was able to start the process of developing their creative site within the easy to use software now available from the BUC. Some sites are already up and running although a number of pages are still under development. Pastor Weiers Coetser of the Banbridge church admits, "This is a terribly addictive activity and I predict that I will be kicking myself for spending so much time on it on Friday night when I actually begin to prepare my communion sermon!"
The package is easy to use, for novices and experts alike. Some of the IT specialists present gave very favourable responses and have already used its features to create impressive sites. Belfast website is one such example.
The Irish Mission is very excited at being the first in the Union to be able to train and use this software. The Mission is fully behind this opportunity and realises that this is a huge benefit both to members and visitors viewing the websites. "It is hoped that before too long all churches and groups in the Mission will have an up-to-date website which can connect with a global audience," states Irish Mission President, Pastor David Neal. "I'm hoping netAdventist will help the process of connecting us and keeping us together internally, and be the front window of the Irish Mission."
The software allows for individuality for each website but gives a corporate flavour of quality and consistency of design for the Adventist Church. Information is power and after the day's training the attendees realised the importance of quality that needs to be on their website. "I think netAdventist looks excellent and certainly exceeded my expectations," states Dublin's senior pastor, Gavin Anthony. "It's extremely flexible, allows people with relatively few computer skills to upload content, as well as giving more advanced developers the opportunity to customise sites as they please. This web-based system rivals the latest packages out there in cyberspace."
NetAdventist is provided free to churches by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It is administered by Unions and Divisions. The British Union have been looking at netAdventist for some time with the Stanborough Park church in Watford being one of those run as a test site for the last 18 months.
Recent positive negotiations with the German Voice of Hope (Stimme-der-Hoffnung) means that the BUC are working with the German Union to host the service. Victor Hulbert says, "This is an ideal partnership as we are working with developers in a European context. In addition, hosting on their site reduces costs both for them and for us, making the websites affordable." The BUC versions will all have a uniform web address: <*.adventistchurch.org.uk> or <*.adventistchurch.ie> although churches can point their own domain towards a netAdventist site should they so choose.
Once the Irish Mission sites are comfortably established netAdventist will roll out to churches across the BUC. Well over 100 churches have currently expressed an interest in the websites and it is anticipated that roll out for these churches will start in about three weeks time. The Irish Mission sites are under development but can be seen at: <http://irish.adventistchurch.ie>, <http://banbridge.adventistchurch.org.uk>, or <http://belfast.adventistchurch.org.uk>. Other sites will be online in due course.
MEMBERS FAITHFUL DESPITE RECESSION
Adventists are known as people of hope. Such hope can be seen as reality in 2009 with increased church attendance and tithe returns even while the news media report doom and gloom. Pastors are reporting increased attendance on a Sabbath morning and the latest BUC Tithe figures shared with the Executive Committee on Thursday, 12 March showed an overall monthly average increase of 4% during the past year. "Our members are more than faithful," BUC Treasurer, Victor Pilmoor reported to the committee. He also quoted GC Stewardship director, Dr Erika F Puni, as noting that "giving is greater during the credit crunch worldwide than before". Many factors may be responsible for this trend including the promises of Malachi 3:10 and the realisation of Jesus' injunction to "store up treasures in heaven" [Matthew 6:20].
Membership growth is also up for the 12 months ending 31 December 2008. Official membership now stands at 29,050, a net growth of 1,940 over the previous year although it was noted that the actual number of baptisms was down on 2007. A very positive emphasis on 2009 as the Year of Evangelism is expected to help turn this trend around.
Finance and membership can be seen as dry statistics, but in his devotional, Trans-European Division President, Bertil Wiklander focused on the idea that business must not be as usual. Quoting Matthew 6:31-34 he noted that "you are different to the pagans". In our mission he emphasised that there is no room for compromise. "We must be different and they will be attracted by the difference." Concluding his remarks he said that a child of God does not seek the material things. "We are defined by what we seek first," he insisted and encouraged, "Put God first."
BUC financial reports are also available online on the Treasury pages of the BUC website: <www.adventist.org.uk>.
WEEK OF THE BLOG
Adventists have always been on the cutting edge of technology. From the Millerite charts of the 1830s to the literature 'spread like the leaves of autumn' and since then to early radio programmes like 'The Voice of Prophecy', Adventists have seen technology as a way to share the Gospel. The latest expression of Adventist witness can be seen in a variety of blogs. Retired pastor, Islwyn Rees writes on Science and Cultural Marxism for a non-Adventist audience in <http://www.thingsiread.org> while Sam Travena publishes <www.sooialo.com> focusing on Christianity in the business place. In Milton Keynes, Mike Johnson has launched a new multi-purpose weekly Blog called "I Want to be Saved" at <http://www.iwanttobesaved.net>. Mike says, "It's another tool relevant to this sound-bite generation and is designed to introduce Christ to people who look for things now and in bite-size pieces. The aim is for them to develop a relationship with Christ and to show them simply, how much Christ wants them to be saved and how they can access this salvation." Other blogs include Pastor Gavin Anthony's <www.reflectingJesus.org> with its emphasis on discipleship and the personal spiritual diary and musings of Welsh pastor, Jan McKenzie: <http://thejerichoroad.com>. Various forums can also be found in places such as Facebook. Youth are also playing a part in sharing their faith. A humorous young man, Espen Johnson, shares his insights on life from a wheelchair in his YouTube videos "WaistHighView". He covers a variety of themes, some of them on the realities of his life, others related to events like Christmas when he took on the characters of the three wise men in a highly entertaining monologue that impacted the lives of his non-Christian friends.
Statistics show that 12–24 year olds spend more time in social networking on the internet and less time watching television. During training workshops over the past year BUC Communication director, Victor Hulbert has been emphasising the need for members and youth to use these modern technologies to share their faith 'in the market place'. "I am delighted that Adventist Christians are taking the opportunity to share their faith and value systems in the place where an increasingly large number of people spend large portions of their time," Victor states. "The internet has its dangers but is also a great opportunity for witness. It is non-threatening for even an atheist or an agnostic to visit a Christian site – and who knows what Good News they may discover."
It works both ways as well. Belfast members were surprised and delighted when a stranger came in off the street and became a friend one Sabbath morning. Now they are even more surprised to find themselves on a blog, Globe-hoppers.com: <http://www.globe-hoppers.com/seventh-day-adventist-church-in-belfast-north-ireland.html>.
In a substantial blog article Kari writes, "Yes, these were great people, with a great church, the Seventh-day Adventist church in Belfast, North Ireland. God's spirit is in many places, even if we choose to emphasize different aspects of the gospel... it is still the gospel of Jesus and He is what holds all things together. I was glad to spend three hours in God's house... even on a Saturday."
There is no better impression of a church then that given by visitors. On this occasion the blog has been a double witness.
MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS REVEAL THEIR BEAUTY [Geraldene Farmer, NEC Women's Ministries Director]
The beautiful surroundings of Staverton Park in Daventry was the setting for the first "Mums and Daughters" Retreat since 1999. Run from 13 to 15 March, mums and daughters from across England and Wales arrived on the Friday to spend a weekend of quality time together, rediscover their uniqueness and to make renewed commitments to each other. The theme for the weekend was 'Revealing Your Beauty' and was organised by the BUC.
Presenters Heather Haworth, Malika Bediako, Geraldene Farmer and Susanna Matthan provided much needed spiritual nourishment, affirmation and food for thought. Susanna's family, husband Chris and daughter Asha greatly enhanced the quality of the praise and worship sessions by accompanying the group on the piano, violin and cello.
Some of the attendees took the opportunity to relax and explore their creativity by learning the useful art of card making presented by Anette Moore. On Saturday night, accompanied by squeals of laughter, everyone enjoyed 'Making Fun' with Malika as mums and daughters discovered how well or how badly they really knew each other.
The weekend came to an end after a moving session presented by Geraldene, where mum and daughter pairs went on a trail to re-discover and affirm their beauty in Christ. Tears flowed and hearts were watered as mothers and daughters prayed together, laughed at and with each other or just hugged in enjoyment and appreciation.
And how did participants react? Going by the evaluation forms it would seem the weekend was worthwhile: "This weekend has really brought my girls and me together. We have decided to restart having devotions." "I loved the interactive presentations and enjoyed being able to get away a bit." "I have learnt a lot that I can share with those who were unable to come".
After a ten year gap "Mothers and Daughters" were back together! For those who attended, they cannot wait for it to happen again.
FIRST OUTREACH FOR KINGS LYNN GROUP [Chris Peake]
It was cold, it was grey, but the Kings Lynn members rallied in force to staff their first ever community outreach event in the town's Tuesday Marketplace. Magnificently led by Elsie Staple and her husband, the team set up under a gazebo shelter to deliver free health checks, including blood sugar and cholesterol level testing.
The response was enthusiastic, with volunteers working to capacity the whole day, achieving a total of 105 tests. The Kings Lynn group has a high proportion of NHS workers in its membership, and so has chosen to use health issues as a primary line of work for the townsfolk. This event made many friends for the new church group in the town, and has laid a good foundation for follow-up activities.
NEWBOLD COLLEGE OPEN WEEKEND [Tabitha Cedenio]
Do you want a taste of student life at Newbold? Are you curious about the classes? Do you want to meet the lecturers? Would you like to spend a weekend getting to know fellow students? Then this is the opportunity for you! Newbold College is hosting an Open Weekend, Friday, 3 to Sunday, 5 April. If you are considering joining Newbold in September then come along and get a taste of what it's like to be a student at Newbold. Experience vespers, worship and classes with Newbold students and staff. To be a part of this exciting weekend please send an email to Ben Senty <bsenty@newbold.ac.uk> or call Anita Kelman on 01344407492. There are only a limited number of places and they are filling up fast, so be quick.
NEW FOR 2009 – BRAND NEW ENCOUNTER MAGAZINE!
Encounter magazine has had a make-over for 2009 and it will be arriving in all churches across the British Union this weekend! With a new look, new size and loads of new features – you can preview it online now at <http://www.adventistinfo.org.uk/departments/youth.php>.
Encounter Editor, Pastor Des Boldeau is excited about the new format. "It's a new, bright and colourful beginning! Open it up and read some of the exciting stuff. Be captivated by the layout, graphics, competition and other special features then tell us what you think!" He is encouraging youth to leave feedback on the website or email <encounter@adventist.org.uk>.
PM Secretaries should look out for the new Encounters which will arrive from the Stanborough Press with the 20 March Messenger. Please ensure all 14-25 year old youth in your church receive a copy. Encounter is now also on Facebook: Search 'Encounter Magazine'.
YOUTH WEEK OF PRAYER
The Youth Week of Prayer commences this Sabbath, 21 March. Hard copies of the readings were sent out via the Stanborough Press on 24 January and your local PM leader should have received these with the Messengers of the same date. Spare copies of the readings are available for collection only during office hours from the BUC temporary offices in Park Street, St Albans. Please call Natalie on 01923 672251 or email <ndavison@adventist.org.uk> to arrange an appointment. PDF versions of the readings are available on request from <bucyouth@adventist.org.uk>.
Your feedback on the week would be appreciated – what creative ideas did your church implement during the week? What did your youth think of the readings? Do you have any suggestions for next year? Please let the BUC Youth department know via any of the contact points detailed above.
May this week be a blessing and a time of great spiritual renewal for all the youth in your church.
THIS WEEK ON THE HOPE CHANNEL
Robert Hines specialises in working with Teens. What are the special skills needed? And what in his background has prepared him for this challenging role? Robert is our guest on "In Conversation" on the Hope Channel at the times listed below and is on demand at <www.hopetv.org.uk>:
Friday 20 March: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Aris Vontzalidis
Sabbath 21 March: 12:30 am and 3:00 pm: Aris Vontzalidis
Monday 23 March: 3:00 am: Robert Hines
Friday 27 March: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Robert Hines
Sabbath 28 March: 12:30 am and 3:00 pm: Robert Hines
Information on 'In Conversation' is now also available on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/ In-Conversation/86232431216?ref=mf> and Twitter <http://twitter.com/In_Conversation>.
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>.
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