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November 2008
ASTRONOMER JOINS CREATION DEBATE IN SHREWSBURY
OnTuesday evening 11 November the second of the lectures in the "Darwin's God" series was presented at the Gateway Centre, Shrewsbury. Adventist astronomer Dr Mart de Groot spoke about the origins of life and the very special properties of our earth, solar system, and indeed universe, that allow life to exist.
For example if our earth were closer to the sun we would run the risk of being 'locked in' like the planet Mercury, which always has the same side facing the sun. On an atomic level if the electromagnetic force was 2 percent less or 0.3 percent more, molecules could not form. Even more dramatic is the velocity of the expansion of the universe. If the mass density of the universe varied from what it is a present by just one part in ten to the power sixty (1 with 60 zeros), we would not be here! "These facts," said Dr Dr Groot, "point to intelligent design, and you can't have intelligent design without a Designer."
For a full report on this lecture visit the BUC's Adventist News website.
SWANSEA BAPTISM - by Lily Kidwell
The last day of the Week of Prayer, Sabbath 8 November, was a great day for us to witness the baptism of our friend Tony Sciubba from Cowbridge. Tony is presently studying at Swansea University. He searched and learned about Adventism a year ago and later he finally decided to follow teachings of Jesus and the churches fundamental beliefs. Pastor Jovan Adamovic gave him further
Bible studies and these led to him being welcomed Tony into our membership and fellowship through baptism.
On the day of baptism we had a big congregation and all were invited back to our regular 'potluck' lunch. We all congratulated Tony and wished him and his family a bountiful blessing in his walk with Jesus. He was aslo given the assurance that he is now adopted by Swansea church family as well as God’s family as a whole and he should always feel at home with us or any other Adventist church in that he goes to in the world.
Following the baptism Pastor Adamovic appealed to the congregation for anyone who may want to get baptised to get in touch with him.
October 2008
DARWIN CHALLENGED ON HOME TERRITORY
Shrewsbury is famous for being the birthplace of Charles Darwin. Next year it will become the focus for a number of celebrations marking both the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his influential book, "On the Origin of Species".
In an attempt to get a word in first, the Shrewsbury Seventh-day Adventist church has organised a series of three lectures promoting Creationism. Under the general heading "Darwin's God" these lectures aim to present at least some balance in a society where the mantra "Evolution is Fact" reigns almost supreme.
The first lecture of the series was given on Tuesday evening 14 October in the Gateway Centre, a prominent arts venue adjacent to the city's railway station. The speaker was Kendall Down, an experienced archaeologist and Bible lecturer. In his presentation, entitled "Just in Time", Kendall showed in some detail how, time and time again, archaeology has proved the reliability of the Bible.
Starting with Voltaire - who in the eighteenth century predicted that the only place Bibles would remain would be in museums - Kendall listed a number of leading figures who had dismissed the Bible as mere myth and of no historical value. For each attack on the Bible however, archaeological discoveries and technological advances revealed contrary evidence. The Rosetta stone, inscribed in Greek, Demotic and Hieroglyphic text, led Jean Champollion to decode hieroglyphics which in turn led others to find references to biblical events in Egyptian records. Austin Henry Layard's discoveries at Nimrud revealed a reference to King Hezekiah, and his unearthing of the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III brought to world attention an actual picture of the biblical King Jehu.
After dealing with the Gilgamesh Epic, the Moabite Stone and the Dead Sea Scrolls, Kendall concluded, "Archaeology supports the authority of the Bible… We need to work with a spade in one hand and the Bible in the other."
Kendall's lecture style was authoritative and convincing, but also highly entertaining. His collection of photographs from archaeological sites around the Middle East - some of which are no longer accessible - and his obvious familiarity with and love for the subject, endeared him to his audience. Although he spoke for just over an hour the time passed quickly and a number of people stayed behind to ask more detailed questions.
Copies of the special "Crisis over Origins" Focus magazine were given to all who attended. Several hundred more have been distributed in the community.
Two more lectures in the "Darwin's God" series are planned, with astronomer Dr Mart de Groot on Tuesday 11 November, and Old Testament expert Dr Laurence Turner on Tuesday 2 December. All lectures start at 7.30 pm. Admittance Free. Venue: The Gateway Centre, Shrewsbury.
ADVENTISTS WELCOMED BY CHURCHES TOGETHER IN WALES
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wales was welcomed into Category B Membership of Cytûn (Churches Together in Wales) at their annual general meeting in Aberystwyth on Tuesday 14 October. Although the Adventist church has for many years had a good relationship with Cytûn this formal step was necessary following a change in their legal status to a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Pastor John Surridge represented the Welsh Mission at Cytûn meetings for a number of years back in the 1990s and then went on to represent the wider church at the national ecumenical body, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. Having returned to Wales as Mission President he is glad to meet up again with former friends from the other churches. Speaking after the meeting he said, "I was surprised to see so many people I knew from before at the AGM. Most of them were already familiar with the Seventh-day Adventist church and a couple of people there even had Adventist relatives."
The Seventh-day Adventist position on ecumenical relations is that where possible we should have observer-consultant status. When this is not available we should apply for the closest alternative. In the case of Cytûn this is Category B Membership, which allows representatives to attend and speak at meetings, but does not give them voting rights.
"The technicalities might be confusing," Pastor Surridge concluded, "but the important thing is that these meetings give us the opportunity to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in other denominations and allow us to discuss ways of working together in those areas which do not conflict with our respective principles and fundamental beliefs."
September 2008
NEWBOLD EMPHASIS AT WELSH MISSION DAY OF FELLOWSHIP
Warm sunshine and azure skies greeted the 200 or so visitors to the Welsh Mission Day of Fellowship in Llandrindod Wells on Sabbath 27 September. Once again the meetings were held at the Pavilion, the largest conference venue in mid-Wales, and once again lunch was enjoyed on the terraces and in the gardens outside.
The emphasis for this year's Day of Fellowship was on Newbold College, which was represented by Dr Jane Sabes, Principal; Dr Laurence Turner, Principal Lecturer in Old Testament; and Dr Jean-Claude Verrecchia, Principal Lecturer in New Testament; together with two young musicians, Manuel Matos (piano) and Marta Cupertino (violin).
In the morning service Dr Turner spoke on the theme for the day, "Standing Out from the Crowd." In his retelling of the story of the image of gold and the fiery furnace, as found in Daniel chapter three, Dr Turner pointed out the thoroughly Babylonian nature of the image and emphasised the importance of standing in opposition to the Babylonian principals of size, power and conformity. He also referred to the beast of Revelation 13 with its thoroughly Babylonian number of 666, implying that the importance of standing in opposition to Babylonian principals is as relevant today as it was in the time of Nebuchadnezzar.
In the afternoon programme Dr Verrecchia presented a Bible study entitled, "Rejoice: We have a High Priest!" Working from Hebrews chapters 8 to 10 he highlighted the differences between the high priests of the Old Testament and the High Priest of the New Testament - particularly the fact that the latter did not need to make any sacrifice for Himself because He was the sacrifice. "The result of Christ's sacrifice is that sin has been annulled," said Dr Verrecchia. "It is not future, it is done. It cannot be repeated."
Dr Jane Sabes, Principal of Newbold College, although previously unknown to most of those in the congregation, made a major impression early on when she took the children's story. Carefully fitting her message to the theme of the day, she talked about chameleons and the temptation there is to blend in with our surroundings. In the afternoon Dr Sabes took on a different role as she chaired a question and answer session on Newbold College. In her responses Dr Sabes emphasised the spirituality of the students at Newbold and the unique atmosphere that exists there. Manuel Matos gave a personal testimony of how enjoyable life can be as a student at the college.
The two new ministers in the Welsh Mission, Pastors David Foster and Jovan Adamovic, were active in the adult and youth Sabbath Schools respectively, and Pastor Jan McKenzie hosted the final programme of the day - a Songs of Praise programme featuring musicians from within the Welsh Mission.
Sadly missed at this year's Day of Fellowship was Pastor Mike Logan, who passed away in August after suffering from a brain tumour. Photos from Mike's time in Wales were shown on the screen and former Welsh Mission President Dr Brian Phillips paid tribute to his ministry, before praying specifically for the members of his family.
Videos of the three main presentations can be watched in our video library.
More than 100 photos can be seen in our gallery section.
A DVD containing all three video presentations can be purchased for £4.50 (including postage) from: "Ministry Media", Tir Silyn, Llangadog, SA19 9HB. Phone: 01550 740353 for bulk orders or further details.
NEWPORT HEALTH FAIR MAKES A DIFFERENCE
To mark the start of the BUC's "Make a Difference Week", on Sunday 21 September the Newport church held a Health Fair in the Eveswell Primary School, just over the road from the church building. The event was advertised widely and two large banners were placed either side of the main road inviting members of the public to come in. Major exhibitors included the Adventist Book Centre, with both food and books on offer; The Stroke Association; Cardiff University's Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Clinic; a CHIP presentation stand, run by Newport Elder Even Green; and a healthy food demonstration put on by Welsh Mission Health Ministries Sponsors Lil and Irving Saunders.
The main attraction, outside the school in the bright sunshine, was a shiny red fire engine, generously loaned and cheerfully manned by the crew of the Maindee Fire Station. Children were allowed to climb into the cab, wear helmets, and operate the fire hose, and selected adults (including one senior member of the Newport church and one Mission President), were also allowed to join in the fun.
The serious business of health awareness was addressed inside the school. Maggie Munnery and her team from Cardiff University took numerous blood samples and provided reports on people's blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as blood pressure and a pioneering measurement of arterial stiffness. "People need to be aware of their baseline measurements, and know what the numbers mean," she said. "Education is important, but once people know the facts they need to move on and do something about changing their lifestyle."
Tess Saunders, Information Officer with The Stroke Association, had numerous pamphlets and leaflets highlighting the major risk factors associated with strokes. "We are the only charity in the UK specifically working for people affected by stroke," she said. "We offer family support services, communication support, and of course plenty of information." When asked what was the main contributing factor to strokes she replied, "Untreated high blood pressure." However she went on to say that in many cases this was very treatable.
Wholesome food, low in salt and fats, and high in vitamins, was available free from the healthy kitchen. Members of the public were unanimous in their appreciation and many were surprised that vegetarian food could be so tasty.
The organising team were particularly grateful to Paul Poddar and Stuart Sly, who got up very early to bring the ABC stand down from Grantham. Also much appreciated was the work of Tony Trigg, site manager for the school.
Since the construction of the Gallivan LIFEdevelopment Centre inside the Newport church, the members have taken an extra special interest in health matters. This event was designed primarily to bring simple health principles to the general public, but also to let them know that Adventists care about their local community.
More than 60 photos from the day can be seen in our gallery section.
For more information about strokes and the work of The Stroke Association phone: 0845 3033 100 or visit: <www.stroke.org.uk>.
The September Brecon Camp is usually a quieter and more relaxed affair than one held at the end of May. The darker evenings and the misty autumnal mornings create a different - more contemplative - atmosphere which this year presented the perfect backdrop for three thought provoking talks by our guest speaker David Wright.
David's theme for the weekend was "Crossfire" and during the first meeting, late on the Friday evening, he graphically illustrated the word by setting fire to his flipchart! Though the flame was quickly extinguished a smouldering trail continued to burn - eventually cutting out the shape of a cross.
Over the next two days David presented three challenging talks, all focussing on the cross. On Sabbath morning he told the story of an attempted execution in Devon where an innocent man managed to escape being hanged. Although innocent of the crime he was tried for, his later life proved that he was very much a sinful human being. This story was compared and contrasted with the actual execution of Christ - an innocent man in every sense of the word.
In his following talks David presented "a tale of two chickens" - referring to Peter and the cock that crowed, and "a view from the cross" - imagining just who and what Jesus saw during those last few hours before He died on the cross. After considering Mary, John, the other disciples, and the centurion, he left us with the challenge, "where do you stand?"
In contrast to this year's May camp, we were blessed with good weather for the weekend. For a change many of the 100 or so people who made up the Sabbath morning congregation were able to sit outside in the sun. In the afternoon a large group went off hiking to a beautiful waterfall - some even jumping in! The moonlight on Saturday evening, while not quite bright enough to read by, encouraged many to stay out late talking, fellowshipping, enjoying the company of new friends.
Particularly welcome at the camp were two groups of young people from outside of the Welsh Mission - one from the Newbold area and one from Cornwall. Some of these had been with us in May and now feel very much part of the Brecon family. A marquee set up especially as a café provided a social area for all the young people present and was hailed as a great success.
Though the focus of Brecon Camps is shifting somewhat - from a mainly family camp to a family and youth camp - this is being well received. The leadership and sheer hard work of camp organiser and Welsh Mission Youth Sponsor Jeremy Tremeer is particularly appreciated.
More than 90 photos from the weekend can be seen in our gallery section. To experience a Brecon Camp for yourself make a note in your diary - Friday 22 to Monday 25 May 2009.
FIVE BAPTISED FOLLOWING AFRICAN FELLOWSHIP CAMPAIGN - by Theophilus Gokah
On Sabbath 13 September 2008 five new members were baptised and added to the rapidly growing South Wales African Adventist Fellowship (SWAAF). The baptism was held in the Cardiff Central Seventh-day Adventist church following a three week evangelistic campaign entitled, "Cardiff for Christ: Chaos Amidst Hope".
The campaign was organised by local minister Pastor George Asiamah together with other members of the African Fellowship, and the speaker was evangelist Robert Osei-Bonsu. Those attending found the messages to be inspiring and particularly relevant to the challenges facing society and communities across Britain. With themes such as: Four Big Secrets of a Happy Family, Secrets of Ancient Scrolls, What Happens When You Die?, and Why So Much Suffering?, Elder Osei-Bonsu captured the imagination of young and old alike.
Cardiff, like much of British society, is largely secular and it is not always easy to present Christian principles to the general public. However, attempting to bring the gospel to such secular people is one of the reasons that SWAAF was organised and this campaign showed that the members are serious in their mission. On this occasion five people were baptised, but a further ten have accepted the Advent message and more baptisms and further campaigns are planned for the future.
During the baptismal programme on Sabbath afternoon each of the candidates' favourite Bible texts were read by Brother John George while the congregation sang their favourite songs. Pastor Asiamah conducted the baptisms while Elder Osei-Bonsu officiated. In his commitment address, Elder Osei-Bonsu charged the baptismal candidates to be faithful in their faith. Holding on to one's faith is a challenge but it is something that all followers of Christ must do while they await His soon return. Each of the candidates was presented with certificate and gifts, including the book "Fundamentals of the Seventh-day Adventist Faith".
Following the baptismal service Elder Osei-Bonsu, who had been extremely busy over the previous three weeks, spent some time relaxing with his friends from SWAAF as they visited the historic area of Cardiff Bay. He will now continue his work of evangelism in other parts of God's vineyard but it is hoped that the seeds he has helped to plant in Cardiff will bear much fruit in the future.
More than 90 photos from the campaign and baptism can be seen in the gallery section of the SWAAF website.
August 2008
We were very sorry to hear the news that our dear friend and colleague Pastor Mike Logan finally succumbed to a particularly aggressive brain tumour on Tuesday 26 August. He and his wife Evelyn had moved back to Ireland following his diagnosis at the beginning of the year and they were living in our church house in Kilnasoolagh (pictured left), near Newmarket-on-Fergus, at the time of his death. The funeral was held on Friday 29 August at the Newmarket church, which is just a few yards from the house, and probably around 200 people attended. The service was organised by the local pastor, Tony O'Rourke, and BUC President Pastor Don McFarlane gave the main address.
It's hard to believe that it is less than a year ago that Mike was our speaker at Brecon Camp. Those of us who were with him then will not forget his moving testimony of how God had worked in his life and led him into ministry. We are very fortunate that the BUC Media Centre recorded an "In Conversation" interview with Mike before he became ill so his testimony lives on. If you've not seen it yet you can view it online now.
SWANSEA CHURCH PICNIC - PEMBREY COUNTRY PARK - by Lily Kidwell
Despite the unpredictable weather we all had a good time at this year's Swansea church picnic which took place on Sunday 24 August at the Pembrey Country Park. A lot of people turned up and it was good to welcome Pastor Jovan and family as well as their friends.
Pembrey Park is our usual annual venue for the church summer outing. It is a big place and has lots of room for everyone and lots to do like going to the beach, doing barbeques or eating in the restaurant, going on the "Cobra" toboggan, ski slopes, pony riding, and there is also a shop where you can buy cold drinks, food and ice-cream. The beach is huge and ideal for playing games and flying kites. It is also good for camping. If you wants to know more about the place check out this link.
Dispite only being here for a few weeks, Pastor Adamovic and his family managed to find their way to the park too. They even brought some of their friends who came to visit them over the weekend. Before lunch we played some games and enjoyed the company of each other. We were thankful that the weather was only cloudy and not the rain we were expecting.
In the afternoon there was a football match and Eifion Paul taught us how to play "Brennball", one of Sweden's national sports. Some of us who were not feeling so competitive decided to take a walk down to the beach and through some of the park grounds. It was really relaxing to just be able to just enjoy some casual time together.
Our favourite is the lunch time when we all share our specially prepared food for the day and everyone have a chance to mingle and chat with one another. If you are in the area why not join us next time.Some pictures from the day can be seen in our gallery section.
WELSH MISSION TRIP TO ROMANIA - A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE - by Jeremy Tremeer
It's amazing what can happen when you are taken away from the comfortable surroundings of your home environment. The 20 volunteers that went over to work at an orphanage in Romania all experienced things that had a great impact on them. Firstly all of the volunteers, most of whom were new to each other, quickly showed a willingness to work together as one, and took each challenge that came with determination and an impressive spirit of love and unity. We all shared a house which was across the road from the ICC Romania Project. This is a project which provides a stable environment for orphaned or abandoned children, and which also aims to make a difference in the community in which it is based.
To help them develop their project there our volunteers spent just under two weeks working in the hot summer sun, clearing a building site for a new bakery that ICC plans to open. We also learnt a lesson about how far removed we are in the UK from the food chain, as we spent 2-3 days harvesting potatoes in the fields surrounding the project. It certainly is different from just going down to the local supermarket, and it gave us all a taste of what life is like for many who need to do this to survive.
We were also able to spend time interacting with the children. These children, ranging in age from from 5 to 13 years, were loving and open, and quickly attached themselves to our volunteers. They wanted to borrow our cameras and take pictures of us and the other children, and loved having piggy-back races! We all grew fond of them quickly and it was hard to say goodbye to them.
As well as working at the project there were also visits into the local community and hospital. As we visited families and mothers with new babies, we gave them gifts of clothes and toiletries and so on, gifts that were donated by the volunteers themselves and their churches.
Throughout the time we were there, we took time each morning and evening to spend with our creator God, and in song and prayer we were touched and inspired by Him, by His love and care for each of us. As a group leader it is my prayer that our time in Romania will be not just a collection of memories, but an experience that will open up new possibilities for each of us to understand God's grace and how He can work through us.
More than 120 pictures from the trip can be seen in our gallery section.
On Sabbath 9 August Pastor Jovan Adamovic attended his first service in the Swansea church, together with his wife Hajdi and one year old daughter Hana.
During the special installation service Pastor Adamovic was accompanied on the platform by Swansea elders Mary Latchman and Lil Saunders, as well as Welsh Mission President Pastor John Surridge. In his introductory address Pastor Surridge described the process that the Seventh-day Adventist Church goes through to find new ministers, and the chain of events that led to Pastor Adamovic being called to the Welsh Mission from his native Serbia.
Pastor Adamovic will be taking the place of Pastor Ed Sammons, who is now ministering in California. He will also be caring for the Carmarthen and Lampeter churches during Pastor Mike Logan's illness. As part of the morning service three members of the congregation - representing the young, the established members and the visitors - presented Pastor Adamovic with three candles - representing his three new churches. It was now his responsibility, said Pastor Surridge, to keep the flames alight.
Already an experienced minister, Pastor Adamovic also has considerable expertise in youth ministry and is keen to work with the young people in the West Wales area. Judging from the enthusiastic response he received and the conversations during the fellowship lunch, it is clear that all the members in Swansea are keen to work with him.
July 2008
SARALINN FRAZER BAPTISED IN RHYL CHURCH - Sabbath 26 July 2008
On Sabbath 26 July Saralinn Frazer was baptised in the Rhyl church by Pastor Geoff Dennis. Witnessing the event were her mother Sandra and grandmother Edith; three aunts - Maureen, Edith and Yvonne; her three sisters - Anita-Zelina, Carina and Sharlene Heidi; and her uncle, Villy. Although it is not usually surprising to have many family members present at a baptism, in this case three had come from Norway and two had travelled all the way from California to help make Saralinn's day special.
Another key person at the baptism was Malcolm Turner, elder of the Rhyl church. Back in the late 1960s when he was a student at Newbold College, Malcolm gave Bible studies to Sandra and Edith Frazer - Saralinn's mother and aunt respectively - at the farm manager's home where the family lived. They were subsequently baptised by Pastor W Frazer. Many years later, and now living in Rhyl, Sandra invited Malcolm to study with her daughter Anita-Zelina, and she was baptised by Pastor Geoff Dennis in December 2005. After witnessing her sister's baptism Saralinn made no secret of that fact that she too wanted to be baptised, and once again Malcolm Turner was invited to conduct the Bible studies. These studies culminated in Saralinn's baptism, which Malcolm shared in by assisting Pastor Geoff Dennis in the baptismal pool. "It has been a real privilege to share in this sacred work for our Saviour," he said. "It is such a joy to see the Spirit move in a young person's life week after week as they are drawn nearer to Jesus."
In his sermon Welsh Mission President Pastor John Surridge spoke of the wonderful celebration there is, both on earth and in heaven, when someone makes a commitment to Jesus. In the case of Saralinn, whose positive attitude, infectious happiness and zest for life make her a joy to know, this is especially true.
Some pictures from the day can be seen in our gallery section.
WELSH MISSION BIBLE CONFERENCE - CARDIFF, SABBATH 19 JULY 2008
"The Assurance of Salvation" was the theme for a special one day Bible Conference held at the Cardiff Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sabbath 19 July. Guest speakers were BUC President Pastor Don McFarlane and Pastor Ivan Milanov, who is currently researching the book of Daniel for his PhD thesis at Newbold College. An estimated 170 people came from all over South Wales, filling the church to capacity.
Although Pastor Milanov was not previously known to most of those in the congregation, they soon warmed to him as he spoke on the theme, "Let the Justice be Done" in the first morning session. Starting with the Old Testament he explained the close relationship between the Hebrew concepts of 'righteousness' and 'justice', and showed how a misunderstanding of God's nature can come from the Greek view of justice as 'punishment'. In contrast the biblical view of justice and righteousness includes victory, covenant and deliverance.
In the divine service Pastor McFarlane spoke on, "A Matter of Holiness". Starting from Revelation 22:11 and the characteristics of those who will be saved, he reminded the congregation that holiness is vitally important for our salvation. However, he then went on to show that there are actually three types of holiness: generic holiness, obtained by association; personal holiness, a process of maturing obtained by walking with Christ; and God's holiness, which can only be received as a gift, through faith. Important as the first two are, it is only the last one of these that can save us.
This theme was developed further in the afternoon by Pastor Milanov, who asked the question, "Once Saved Always Saved?" Sadly, Pastor Milanov pointed out, not all Seventh-day Adventists have the assurance of salvation - or at least many of them feel uncomfortable expressing their assurance. Salvation though, has three components: past, present and future. Now we are saved from the power of sin, but not the presence of sin. It is a matter of both 'moment' and 'process', but all the time it is a 'relationship' with Jesus.
The day concluded with numerous practical illustrations of what "The Assurance of Salvation" means in day to day life. "Those who are saved will produce good works," said Pastor Milanov. They will do good, not out of guilt or the desire for a reward, but simply because it is good.
Pastor McFarlane drew on his long experience of pastoral and administrative ministry to illustrate how we should present the gospel to people today. "Condemnation destroys relationships," he said. However, responding to questions on church discipline and standards he explained that there are some cases where discipline is still necessary. "The people we need to discipline are the rebellious, the haughty and the hypocritical," he said, "but not those who are struggling. We need to be an encouraging and affirming church, where sinners can come and know that they will not be condemned… The highest standard of the church is the standard of love."
Many people worked hard to make the Bible Conference a success. Overall coordinator was the local pastor, Jan McKenzie, but he was assisted by the Cardiff elders, deacons, musicians and singers, among others. Those present were particularly grateful to the highly efficient catering team who provided a full meal for around a hundred people at lunch time.
Those familiar with the Cardiff church were pleasantly surprised by the recent facelift that the building has received. New railings and paint in the car park have secured and brightened up the rear of the church, and a great deal of cleaning and tidying by members during a recent workday have much improved the interior as well.
Around fifty photos from the day can be seen in our gallery section.
LINDA JOINS YSTRAD MYNACH CHURCH FAMILY THROUGH BAPTISM, 12 JULY 2008
On 12 July 2008 members of the Ystrad Mynach church went down to Cardiff to see the baptism of Linda Knight. Linda was born in Watford, and although she doesn’t come from a church background, always believed in God. In her teens she moved to South Wales, and made occasional visits to Newport church with her sister Val. After some difficult times she moved to Trelewis, and later attended a reunion at Ystrad Mynach, where she was made to feel welcome. She began attending the church, and also a small group with Erica, Jane, Val and Pauline. Through this small group and the church as a whole she describes the love she experienced as 'overwhelming'.
Summing up her day, Linda said, "The happiest day of my life was when I gave my heart to Jesus at my baptism."
Pictures by Marrick Schoonraad
SHREWSBURY AND TELFORD DAY OF FELLOWSHIP AND ORDINATION SERVICE, 5 JULY 2008 - by Clyde Moore
Cytûn is the ecumenical Christian organisation of Churches Together in Wales so it was in that spirit that members of Shrewsbury, Telford and Wrexham [part of the Welsh Mission] organised a Shropshire Day of Fellowship for Sabbath 5th of July. Despite the intermittent showers and the local Abbey’s annual fair the sanctuary was almost full. Sis Anette Moore led out in the children’s Sabbath School, whilst the adults were led in a study of Paul by Shrewsbury’s first elder, Peter Bayliss. It was engaging and members enthusiastically participated. Peter Bayliss closed with a challenge for everyone.
The Tuckley twins had kindly accepted the invitation to minister in song which they did to the glory of God. Pastor Clyde Moore, the district minister, also rendered a solo entitled “A Sinner Saved by Grace.” Sis Anette Moore caused the congregation to gasp as she created a visual representation of what Satan had done to God’s creation. Each child was given a personal model to take away, some adults also asked for their own copy!
The speaker for the day was evangelist Costa Vaggas, although unheard of before by many of the members, he will be certainly remembered for his enthusiastic, zealous and timely sermon. He is an internationally renowned speaker having conducted campaigns, in Bermuda, South Africa and all over Britain. He was accompanied by his wife, Nadia, a native South African.
His theme for the day and the title of his sermon was simply “Hero.” Basing his sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:21 Elder Vaggas related the story of the Flight 90: Disaster on the Potomac in 1982 and the unselfish but fatal act of saving five others by Arland D. Williams Jr. He drew several parallels from that tragic story to the cost of the life of God’s only Son in rescuing humanity. It was a very powerful image that was created in our minds. He reminded us sincerely that we need to focus on Jesus Christ who is out true hero. One member stated that “it was a sermon that needed to be preached!”
After a picnic fellowship lunch for which the sun came out and children and adults alike were able to stretch their legs, we commenced the afternoon elder ordination of Sis Elva Brooks, serving first elder of the Telford Seventh-day Adventist church. The church was again almost full to capacity as Sis Elva’s close family members witnessed this special service; her mother, a brother and three sisters, two daughters, two sons, three grandchildren and nieces, together with the Telford church family. Again we were blessed with the singing and songwriting talents of the Tuckley Twins. Pastor Clyde Moore delivered the homily entitled Servant Leadership, where he reminded members and ordinand alike of the ingredients of true leadership. Sis Elva was invited to kneel at the front of the church and Pastor John Surridge, Welsh Mission president gave the prayer of ordination.
The day concluded with a fellowship supper at the home of Sis Brooks who closed the Sabbath by reading the passage Romans 5:1-11 which contains her favourite text “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8 KJV) We give God thanks for this day and look forward to next year’s Day of Fellowship which will be in Telford.
Fifteen pictures from the day can be seen in our gallery section.
June 2008
CLUB CREATION CAMP ON THE GOWER
The Gower peninsula, with its rugged beauty, idyllic beaches and good accessibility, is a popular destination for outdoor types and has a long history of hosting Adventist camps. For many years the South England Conference ran its summer youth camps at Oxwich bay, a sheltered spot on the southern coast of the Gower. In contrast the western end of the peninsula faces directly into the Atlantic making the beaches of Rhossili and Llangennith a mecca for surfers.
Surfing wasn't one of the activities on offer at this year's "Club Creation" camp, which for the second year running was held at the St Madoc Christian Youth Camp, just a few minutes walk from Llangennith beach. The camp was held over the weekend of 20-22 June, but the forty mile per hour winds would have made it challenging even for that elite band of surfers who brave the waters year round. Instead the five senior staff and twenty-five youngsters who attended the weekend camp spent their time doing indoor games, crafts, cooking, and attending worships.
Club Creation is a youth and children's club run by members of the Ystrad Mynach church. Although primarily aimed at the children or grandchildren of members it also attracts their friends - particularly at camp time. A number of those who attended the camp had very little knowledge of the Seventh-day Adventist church, or even of Christianity for that matter. This led to a few complaints about the lack of bacon sandwiches but it didn't stop them joining in enthusiastically with the singing and other worship activities.
Singing was an important part of the camp. For some time the Club Creation leaders had been looking for musicians who could lead out and their prayers were more than answered when no fewer than six guitarists got together and formed the camp band.
The St Madoc Christian Youth Camp is, shall we say, in transition at the moment. It has a beautiful new dining hall and well equipped kitchen, but the sleeping accommodation is rather basic. A great deal of building work is currently underway however, and it is hoped that by next year facilities will be even better.
For details of the Welsh Mission's youth and camping programme contact Jeremy Tremeer on: 02920 832559.
CARMARTHEN MALE VOICE CHOIR VISITS CWMFFRWD
On Tuesday evening 3 June the thirty-strong Carmarthen Male Voice Choir returned to the Carmarthen Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cwmffrwd to give a charity concert. The choir first performed in the small chapel just over a year ago when they managed to raise £235 for the Cardiac Unit at the West Wales General Hospital. This year they did even better, raising more than £350 for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team.
The choir was supported by the young solo soprano talent of Carys Davies, who performed two pieces in the first half, and two in the second, all of which were in Welsh.
The concert was well attended by local residents and church members alike and the choir, singing in both Welsh and English, received enthusiastic support. Particularly well appreciated were "Amen", "Eli Jenkins' Prayer" from Under Milkwood, and the ever popular "Calon Lan". The choir demonstrated their versatility by singing "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika", the national anthem for a number of African countries.
During the interval Mr Lawrence Richards described the work done by the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team for local cardiac patients. Once on the receiving end of their treatment Mr Richards told of the how the team members help people who have had heart attacks get back to health and fitness.
Throughout its one hundred and fifty year history the Seventh-day Adventist Church has had a keen interest in healthy living. Currently it promotes the Coronary Health Improvement Programme (CHIP) around the world.
May 2008
'PARABLES OF LIFE' AT BRECON CAMP
The bank holiday weather was described as "a washout" - first by weather forecasters, and later by newspaper headline writers, as in some parts of the West Country and Wales nearly a month's rain fell in a couple of days.
There is no question that the Brecon Family Camp, which ran from Friday 23 to Monday 26 May, was wet. It rained as people arrived on Friday evening and it rained as they left on Monday morning, but it was what happened in between that was important.
The Brecon Camps have been popular for over thirty years now and they have a dedicated following. Over the years they have attracted families and young people alike. However, as the camps are self-catering and require a fair amount of equipment, they can be a bit of a struggle for young people who don't have much camping experience. So this year Jeremy Tremeer, the Welsh Mission Youth Sponsor and camp director, introduced a few changes to try to make it easier for young people to attend:
Firstly he arranged for a catering tent to feed any young people who did not have cooking facilities. This was run by volunteers Jane Toft-Bayliss, who lives nearby, and her sister Metti Toft-Zumbuhl, who came to the camp all the way from Switzerland.
Secondly Jeremy brought in a youth speaker who was known to the young people from the recent "Three Missions Weekend" in Scotland. Pastor Robert Hines had not been to a Brecon Camp before but went down well with young and old alike. Over the weekend his theme was "Parables of Life" and in each of the worship services he presented two parables - one for the children and one for the older ones. Many people commentated on Pastor Hines' energetic and animated style, as well as his graphic illustrations. Few will forget, for example, the story of how his father gashed his hand with a machete while cutting a length of sugar cane!
A third activity designed to appeal particularly to young people was a trip to a nearby climbing centre. Here, for nearly three hours on a grey and drizzling Sunday afternoon, twenty-four campers, ranging in age from under ten to forty-something, tackled caves, rope bridges and twenty metre vertical walls - and had a great deal of fun in the process.
Other innovations at the camp included a larger marquee, possibly the largest the camp has ever had, and extra portaloos - a total of eight - though it was something of a guessing game to work out which ones were working at any given time!
Some observers believe that this year's Brecon Camp was the best attended ever. During the Sabbath service there were about 170 people in the marquee and even on the final day, when quite a few had already left, there were still about 100 in for worship. Altogether well over 200 people passed through the camp at some time or other over the weekend.
It's true that the weather dampened some spirits, but Pastor Hines told a very fitting parable that went something like this:
An old lady lived in a small house in the middle of a yard where her various animals lived. She felt cramped in her small house so went to a wise man and asked him what she could do about it. He advised her to bring all her animals right into the house with her. This she did - though with some effort - and ended up with a cow in the bedroom, sheep in the kitchen, chickens in the living room, and a pig in the bathroom. With so many animals in the house the old lady could hardly move and eventually she went back to the wise man to tell him that his plan hadn't worked. He advised her to move all the animals out of the house and back into the yard where they came from. This she did - and she never complained about her small house again.
As the rain-lashed campers left the field on Bank Holiday Monday they took with them memories of good food, new friendships, excellent worship music, and thought provoking talks. They also took a renewed appreciation for the everyday things we have been blessed with, but sometimes take for granted.
Notes:
Approximately 100 pictures from the camp can be seen in our gallery section.
For an audio visual presentation see www.adventistpictures.org.uk/gallery/2008/Brecon/index.php.
Those who enjoyed learning Matt Redman's song "You Never Let Go" can hear him performing it at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIAdgLR1ZGw.
April 2008
At the end of April Pastor Geoff Dennis retired after 31 years of service to the church. His first years of ministry were spent in the South England Conference where he worked in an evangelistic team with Pastor David Currie. Very long hours and virtually no holidays didn't discourage him, and to this day Geoff remains an evangelist at heart.
Geoff first came to the Welsh Mission in 1988 and it was here that he spent the larger part of his ministry. His final posting was in the North Wales district where he cared for the Rhyl church as well as the Llandudno Junction, Bangor and Wrexham groups.
On Sabbath 19 April Geoff and his wife Nancy arrived in Wrexham to take the service, but they were surprised to find that Pastor Clyde Moore and Mission President Pastor John Surridge were also there. Other members, as well as Karen, the manager of the hall where the group meets, also turned up to pay tribute to Geoff and Nancy and to wish them well.
Revealing something of a hidden talent, Clyde sang an appropriate solo, "Where do I go From Here", and Geoff preached an evangelistic sermon based on the story of Peter healing the crippled beggar at the Gate Beautiful, recorded in Acts 3. Members commented that although it was his last sermon as their official pastor he had been "on fire" for the Lord!
The following day Geoff and Nancy were invited to the Welsh Mission Executive Committee in Shrewsbury. Here, formally during the meeting, then informally over a restaurant lunch, BUC President Pastor Don McFarlane, and Welsh Mission Secretary-Treasurer Victor Pilmoor paid warm tribute to the work Geoff and Nancy had done over the years.
The Welsh Mission pastoral team will not be the same without Geoff but we are glad that Geoff and Nancy plan to remain in North Wales for their retirement. We wish them all God's blessings in this new phase of their lives.
FAREWELL AND DEDICATION IN NEWPORT - by Vera Machell
Sabbath 12 April witnessed a special day of celebration in the Newport church. Local pastor Jan McKenzie spoke on the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and during the children's time he answered a little girl's question: "Who made God?" A nine-year-old's comment on God being indestructible brought the second advent vividly into focus when he said, "When I see God in heaven I'll ask him about it."
The day was about endings and beginnings. Sybil Robinson and her daughter Carmen Oliver spent their last Sabbath with us before retiring home to Jamaica after 40 years membership in Newport. A gift and cards were presented to them with added congratulations to Sybil for her 80th birthday on 16 April.
We have been blessed by the addition of three baby girls to our congregation during the past few months. Kiana Marise Da Costa Sharpe, Waruguru Gachuba and Alma Olayse Mbvundula were all dedicated to the Lord and welcomed into the church family.
The ceremony was rounded off by an unaccompanied quartet singing"I will lift up mine eyes to the hills", followed by a fellowship lunch with special cakes for the occasion. We thank the Lord for His blessings in providing us with a diverse and expanding membership to fill our newly refurbished church building.
FAREWELL TO ED AND SHANA SAMMONS
On Sunday 13 April around one hundred members and friends gathered in a hall at Singleton Hospital, Swansea, to say farewell to Pastor Ed Sammons and his wife Shana. Just four days later they were on a plane to California…
Ed grew up in the Newport church and then returned to Wales as a minister after completing his studies at Newbold College. He began his ministry in September 2000, serving his internship with Pastor Geoff Dennis in the Swansea, Port Talbot and Carmarthen churches. After completing his internship Ed stayed on as the district minister and was ordained on Sabbath 27 August 2005.
In addition to his pastoral duties Ed also took on the role of Welsh Mission Youth Sponsor - a role that made good use of his many talents and was well suited to his extrovert personality. Over the years he organised many youth programmes and events, and his skills in this area helped to bring many young people into a living relationship with Jesus.
Ed and Shana were loved and appreciated by the members in their district and by the youth throughout Wales. This appreciation was demonstrated at their farewell party through gifts, flowers, speeches, and a large cake! Mary Latchman, an elder of the Swansea church, spoke of how Ed and Shana had been adopted by the Swansea members and of how they had enjoyed watching them grow and develop over the years. Ed's ministry had also helped the church to grow and develop spiritually during that time.
Ed is now taking up a pastoral position in the Santa Barbara church in southern California. Although he and Shana will be missed, everyone's good wishes for the future go with them - especially as they are expecting their first baby this summer. There is no doubt that God will use them to bring a blessing to their new district just as He has done in Wales.
A number of pictures from Ed and Shana's leaving party can be seen in our gallery section.
ADVENTIST MUSLIM RELATIONS SEMINAR IN CARDIFF
Over the weekend of 12 and 13 April the Cardiff church hosted a special Adventist Muslim Relations seminar. The main speaker for the weekend was Petras Bahadur, though he was assisted by his colleagues Emil Shelufumo and James Asif. Currently serving on the pastoral team in the Willesden church Petras was called to Wales for the weekend especially because of his knowledge and understanding of the Muslim faith.
Interest in the lectures was surprisingly high. Following the Sabbath morning service around sixty people stayed for the afternoon lecture, and for the two Sunday lectures more than thirty were present. This high turnout can perhaps be accounted for by the fact that the Cardiff church has many Muslim neighbours, but it may also be because Adventists throughout the UK are becoming increasingly aware of the necessity of interacting with and relating to their multi-cultural and multi-faith environments in a proactive way.
The approach that Petras uses in encouraging Adventists to relate more positively with their Muslim neighbours is radical: he teaches from the Qur'an! In the Cardiff church this raised more than a few eyebrows, especially when the Welsh Mission President joined in the action and read several passages that Petras had chosen to illustrate particular points.
Explaining his use of the Qur'an Petras said, "If we are to have a genuine dialogue with our Muslim neighbours we need to start where they are." He also pointed out that a good percentage of the biblical themes are already in the Qur'an and most Adventist teachings can be found there. Demonstrating this surprising fact Petras found texts relating to angels, prophecy, Jesus, the final judgment, and the Sabbath, to name just a few.
Much of Petras's time was spent underlining the importance of cultural understanding. "An average Muslim associates the word 'Christian' with general western culture - people who drink wine, eat pork, have a loose and immoral lifestyle, and are therefore unclean… We have to understand that the word 'Christian' carries all the baggage of western culture and an unclean lifestyle, which most Muslims would rather disassociate themselves from." Because this view is almost impossible to change, the traditional, confrontational approach used by many Christians in trying to relate to Muslims will not work. Instead Christians need to adapt their language and behaviour, and try to see things through their Muslim neighbours' eyes.
"As Adventists we have a number of advantages over other Christians in this task," Petras said. "We don't drink, we don't eat pork, and we have high moral standards… We are ideally placed to lead the world in building bridges between Christians and Muslims."
During the lectures practical advice given for helping to build bridges with Muslims included: using the word 'Adventist' instead of 'Christian', 'Movement' instead of 'Church', 'Holy Books' instead of 'Bible', and pointing out that as a people who study the Holy Books we consider ourselves to be 'True Believers'. Changing our language like this is not compromise; it is simply recognising that words and terminology that carry a positive meaning for us may not carry the same positive meaning for others. If our terminology becomes a stumbling block to others then why should we continue to use it? Simple steps like these can help to break down barriers and bring us to a position where we can have genuine friendships with Muslims.
Note: Petras Bahadur's "In Conversation" interview, recently broadcast on the Hope Channel, can be seen at: <www.hopetv.org.uk>.
Pictures from the Adventist Muslim Relations Seminar can be seen in our gallery section.
February 2008
BIG FACE GRACE - YOUTH SERIES STARTS IN CARDIFF
On Friday evening 22 February Pastor Ed Sammons, Youth Sponsor for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wales, led a group of about 20 young people in an evening of fun and praise at the Cardiff church on Cowbridge Road East. Following a social time with "eats" in the kitchen, Ed himself led out in the singing - perhaps best described as 'animated' - accompanied by Chris Kidwell on acoustic guitar and Eiddon Paul on Cajun drum. Elisa Alvarez sang a solo, accompanying herself on the guitar, and then Jeremy Tremeer, minister of the Ystrad Mynach church, gave his personal testimony.
Like a number of Christian ministers Jeremy has had an 'interesting' spiritual journey. In his talk he spoke of how he was brought up in different countries, due to his father's career in the airforce. He also spoke of how his mother became a Christian and of how he, after initially following the Christian path, went somewhat 'off the rails'. Due to lack of time Jeremy was only able to give part of his story and it is hoped that he will give 'part 2' at the next Big Face Grace evening on Friday 14 March.
MICROCHIP - HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME FOCUSSES ON LIFESTYLE CHANGE
Lil and Irving Saunders are both healthcare professionals. They are also the Health Ministries Sponsors of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wales. Together with the Adventist Church across the UK Lil and Irving are promoting the CHIP, or the Corony Health Improvement Project, to church members as well as members of the general public.
On Sunday 10 February Lil and Irving began a series of MicroCHIP programmes in the Port Talbot church. MicroCHIP is a cut down version of the full programme, which is easily accessible and can be run by lay people.
Approximately twenty people attended and guests were treated to a selection of healthy food as well as a video lecture from Dr Hans Diehl, principle author of the CHIP programme.
This MicroChip series will continue until Easter 2008 but more will be scheduled across Wales over the months and years to come. For more information see the CHIP website at: <www.adventistchip.org>.
