MARCH 2015
COMING SOON THIS MONTH Sunday 8th: Church Meeting Saturday 14th: Prayer Morning
Saturday 28th: Big Welcome
CHURCH MEETING
PRAYER MORNING
Sunday 8th March
Saturday 14th March
After Lunch!
9.30—11.00am
EASTER BIG WELCOME Saturday 28th March 10.00am—2.00pm
Maundy Thursday Service Thursday 2nd April Time TBC
DON’T FORGET TO SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES…. More information on how to do this on the back page.
WELCOME BACK Hello and welcome to our March edition of One.
CONTENTS Church Weekend Away
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Our theme for this edition shares the theme of our weekend away together ‘Playing Your Part.’ For those of you who couldn’t make the weekend, Fi summarises what we learnt and what we got up to (anyone for the cha cha cha?!)
Church Weekend Away photos
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Keren has written an article about playing her part in children’s ministry, Sarah in learning leadership skills as she describes her Soul 61 gap year beginning later this year and Joy on how Luncheon Club play their part.
Sarah Callen: Soul 61– Information 14 about Sarah Callen’s upcoming gap year with Soul Survivor.
Still looking for a way to play your part? Check out Chris’s article on our Easter Big Welcome. Thanks to everyone who submitted articles for this edition of One. Steve Cleary
Children’s Ministry– Keren’s recent 8 news about her children’s ministry with CYM. One Family News
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One Ministry
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Prayer Diary
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Church Meeting Feedback
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Luncheon Club
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Easter Big Welcome
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CHURCH WEEKEND AWAY This year’s Church weekend away, took place at PGL Liddington, a children’s activity centre near Swindon, amid freezing weather! The accommodation varied in warmth and comfort, which, for some, was a problem, but for the most part it was adequate for our needs and excellent value for money. Sessions were held in the Liddington Suite, rooms reached by traversing a veritable maze of corridors. Smaller rooms nearby were used for refreshments and a crèche, manned very kindly, by some members of the Faringdon Baptist Church. Many thanks to them for releasing parents to join in the sessions. The young people were catered for with many different activities, organised by Chris Walker and his fantastic team.
Friday evening we had a session to open the theme of ‘Playing Your Part’ and to introduce Rev. Ian and Ruth Coffey, the study leaders. After the evening session there was opportunity to continue fellowship in the various lounges in the accommodation block or to visit the ‘Gym and Tonic’ bar on site, to watch the Rugby! Saturday we began our studies with a session entitled Learning, based on the Wise and Foolish Builders of Matt 7:2428. Ian contended that, as all believers are ‘part of the body of Christ’ and God has endowed each of us with gifts, we should use those gifts in service of each other. If we put Jesus’ teachings into practice we lay strong foundations; if we don’t read the Bible and put learning to practical use, we will not grow and contribute.
He reminded us that we never take our L plates off this side of Heaven. Session 2; Growing, was based on Philippians 2. To grow, we need to have the same mind set as Jesus and be Christ-like in the way we treat one another. We looked at Euodia and Syntyche and how their disagreement caused division and how sometimes we disagree over trivial things. Instead we should have the humility and compassion of Jesus towards one another. Ruth led us in a practical exercise in smaller groups after each study session including looking at various areas of church life and how we relate to one another. Saturday afternoon was left free for family time and many took advantage of the various activities provided at the centre: such as archery, zip-wire, and abseiling. The evening entertainment was absolutely fantastic, including a newlyformed ‘Rock Band’ wearing dubious wigs and a hilarious Generation Game compered by Simon. Who will ever forget Toby and Steve’s Cha-cha-cha?!
Sunday morning’s session, Serving, was based on 1 Corinthians 12; Our God-given gifts to be used! Ian discussed ways of discovering gifts and opportunities for service. He ended with the thought that worship is much more than singing songs. It is the submission of all our nature to God and of all our will to his purpose.
Many thanks to Lyn Hart, Catherine Spencer, the musicians, leaders and many more who helped with organising a wonderful Church Weekend Away! Fi Luland
CHURCHWEEKENDAWAY PHOTOS
A time of reflection and challenge
Moments before The EBC Generation Game
Our first round dad and daughter contenders for the Generation Game
Abba Quo in their debut performance!
Edy was always jumping out of nowhere with his photography gear!
Ian Coffey delivered incredible teaching and encouragement
Paul makes abseiling look easy!
Our resident Robin Hood or is it Little Jon?
Sian braves the zip wire!
Aeroball…..or adults on trampolines throwing balls at each other.
Steve and Joyce strut their stuff for the Generation Game
“Tina’s got moves!!!”
- Sarah Callen
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY I am really excited to be completing a children's ministry course with CYM. This course lasts for 6 months and i nv olv es 6 traini n g d a ys in Southampton that take place on a Saturday followed by personal study and placement activities at church. So far I have assisted Chris with some schools work and I am now beginning to get more involved with our Epic children's group. Having been a primary school teacher for 12 years I have always had a passion for working with young children. As I have experienced being a mum more recently, I also feel led to be a support for families and new parents. I first approached Joth about my interest in children's and families ministry in September and felt that possibly this was something God may be calling me to do.
It just so happened that a day or two later he received an email about this course that may be taking place in Southampton and was there anyone in the church interested in doing it. I thought and prayed about it and felt it would be something good to do as I would learn more about this sort of role and what it involves. It is certainly challenging me in lots of ways and is enabling me to practice using my passions in a Christian environment. I'm hoping that through this course I will experience more of how God wants to use me and learn more about his love of children and families.
If you would like to pray for me then here are a few requests: Pray that I will build up strong relationships with the children I will be working with in Epic. Pray I will play a positive part in the development of our relationships with our local schools. Pray that God will direct me in my placement activities and that I will be a help and support to our leaders and volunteers that do a fantastic job already. Pray that I will get the time to complete my personal study and assignments as I continue to teach two days a week and bring up my family. If you would like to know more about what I'm up to as my course progresses then I would love to come and have a chat with you. Keren Hillman
‘I am hoping that through this course I will experience more of how God wants to use me…...’
As many of you know the theme of the weekend away was ‘playing my part’. I found it a challenge. As many of you are aware Simon and I have now been in the church for a year. I know that is hard to believe and I cannot believe how much has happened in this last year, 3 house moves, new job, new friends, new life, one stay in hospital, one daughter leaving the country! What we didn’t realise is how hard leaving our life of 34 years would be. How can you know until you do it?
During our time at Faringdon Baptist Church I think we could say we played our part in the church family, we did most jobs, you name it, we did it!! Over the weekend I struggled because we were on our old stomping ground and our friends came and helped with the children. Where did I belong? You could say I belong at EBC because I have a role, I am the Pastoral Worker and that is true. But, for me it is also important to remember:
‘Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.’ I Corinthians 12 v.27
I am therefore part of the EBC body of Christ. Each one of us at EBC is part of the body of Christ.
I found there was something key that came out of each of the sessions. Session 1 was about us all being learners and it was good to be reminded that we are all learners and we don’t take the ‘L’ plates off this side of heaven. That puts us all on an equal footing, we are ALL learners. Session 2 was all about growing and that growing is all about relationships. We are all different; God doesn’t want us all the same. Just like the world around us that He created, the church should reflect this
variety. What makes us one is Jesus. If we are learning and growing then our life of service will grow. Ian talked about God giving us all gifts. If we don’t know what they are we should:
Ask God
Ask people we trust to tell us the truth
Get out and exercise that gift
It was good to be reminded that God gave us gifts to use and those gifts were to benefit the body. Remember the body is you and I.
So where does that leave me? I now have a part to play in this part of the ‘body of Christ’ and that is right and proper. God is central to this. Where does that leave you? You have a part to play in this church family too. You may already know what that is or you may have to ask God what He is asking you to do. So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12 v 5 Lynda Wisbey
Hello! I’m sure most of you already know me, but in case we haven’t met, my name is Sarah Callen and I’m 17 years old. I am currently at college finishing my A-levels. For a long time I have been asking myself, like many young people my age, ‘what’s next after college?’ and more importantly, ‘how can I live my life for God the most?’ Well, I battled with these questions for ages and after months of praying and listening to God I finally stumbled across what I felt God calling me to do for him. I felt God calling me to take a gap year with Soul Survivor Watford on their leadership course-‘Soul61’. The course provides teaching and
training in order to develop you as a person and as a leader. I saw this as an opportunity to change the world for the glory of God. I am doing this course because I feel called to serve God in this way and to have him work through me to bless others. After going to an interview at Soul Survivor Watford, God was faithful and I was offered a place on the course in 2015-16. Now my challenges are financial, as I have to pay the course fees and living expenses for next year and I am praying that God will provide for me. I am greatly excited about this opportunity that I have and cannot wait to grow in God’s word! Thanks for all the prayer so far, I really appreciate it!
‘I felt God calling me to take a gap year’
PRAYER DIARY Please pray for...
Can I encourage you to find a different thing each day to thank God for ... keep a list of them, and see what you discover at the end of the month. Pray as you read your Bible that there will be something that will challenge you: either in your understanding or your way of life.
As you set off into a new day, pray that God will be with you in such a way that you will be HIS PRESENCE for someone you meet. That He will enable you to minister for Him into their lives: by something you say or do.
Can I encourage you to take an item you read, see, or hear in the media each day and turn it into prayer.
As we approach another Easter let's pray that we will have a new visioning of what it was all about.
Pray also that you will find something that will encourage, comfort, or strengthen you.
May our praying please the Lord, and be a part of God's purposes and activity in His/our world. Tony Smallwood
Special church meeting January 29th 2015
Joth reminded us, from R om a n s 12, th a t together we make up a body: each of us is important to the whole body of the church: Christ’s church here on earth. We looked back to Christmas, reflecting on how the v a ri o u s activities and outreach had an effect on the wider community. Lynda Wisbey said that visiting adults were surprised that they also
received a gift at the Big Welcome in November. The carols in the coffee shop were warmly welcomed and appreciated. Tony Smallwood reported a comment in the Swan Centre during the Christmas “wrap” that our church is always ”outside”. What a great compliment!
Chris Harvey gave us an update on the plans for HOPE 2015, an initiative by the Churches Together in Eastleigh. The main week of activities will be from July 5th to 12th, and at the meeting we committed ourselves to playing our part. We were reminded to pray for the HOPE events.
In family news, the church w el c om e d Charlotte Stewart into membership following her baptism. We also accepted the resignation of Nicky Bradford.
Richard Knight brought us an update on the church’s financial position. The day-to-day budget for 2015 is more or less the same as that for 2014.
We are spending less on repaying our various loans. There followed discussion on two important issues. First vote The deacons have been considering selling the former manse in Scotter Road. Money realised from this sale could not be used for other projects. The plan would be to buy a 3bedroom house in Eastleigh town centre, (possibly on the Pirelli Estate). The tenants in Scotter Road may be moving fairly soon, which would facilitate
the sale. After questions from church members and more explanations, a vote was taken. The church decided to go ahead with the sale of the former manse. Another vote would be required before the purchase of a house in Eastleigh. Emma Leggett brought us up to date on the Wells Place Centre. The refurbishment of the first –floor washrooms was almost complete. (continued over)
CHURCH MEETING FEEDBACK WPC had realised a profit last year, and the D&M team and deacons would be considering how to use profits in future years. She reiterated the need for more volunteers in the coffee shop and on reception, and told us that this year the coffee shop would close for the month of August. Second vote Toby Dodson will complete his studies at Moorlands College this summer. Joth reminded us of Toby’s long experience in working with people with various addictions. Toby has been befriending and assisting the marginalised within our community for the past three years. Toby spoke to us about his prayers and plans for the future, and how the Lord confirmed that he was in the place he needed to be.
To quote Toby, “I believe supposed to be here.”
I’m
A proposal was made that Toby be appointed Community Minister at EBC, continuing and expanding this work. No decision would be made about the number of hours he would be employed until church members decide on their financial support for this ministry. A vote was taken, and was overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal. Pledge forms would be produced for church members to commit to the additional expenditure
Janet Giles
LUNCHEON CLUB Playing Our Part Luncheon Club plays an important part in the fellowship of the older members of our church family and community. We meet every Thursday during school term time to chat, to eat and to get to know each other better. New members are always welcome. The cost is currently £3.50 which includes tea, coffee and biscuits from 11am and then lunch around 12.15pm. Lunch consists of a hot main course, a dessert, cheese and biscuits followed by another round of hot drinks.
Please try to arrive no later than 11.30am so we can make sure we have a lunch ready for you. At 11.45 we have our notices followed by singing of our favourite hymns and a thought for the day. On the first Thursday of each month we have an entertainment from 1.30pm until 2pm which you are welcome to stay to. We are a friendly group and we’d love to see you if you’d like to come.
Joy Simmons
Believe it or not Easter is now just around the corner. As we ramp up towards this wonderful time of year, and especially The Big Welcome, the outreach team have been thinking about their stomachs!! More specifically they’ve been thinking about hot cross buns. Have you ever stopped to wonder why we have hot cross buns at Easter? Well I took a little time to do a bit of research and was quite surprised to find that originally cross buns were a pagan holiday treat! However as the gospel spread throughout our country what once was pagan was transformed by the Cross it bore. In the 12th Century monks began to produce hot cross buns and distribute them on Good Friday to the poor and hungry that would visit their monastery. Thanks to the monks desire to spread God’s love, the cross on the buns was no longer just decoration, but carried the symbol of God’s love: the Cross of Jesus. I find it quite amazing how just a few simple ingredients can create something that clearly meant so much to some people that it became a part of our history and culture. But also how the Cross transforms even a sweet roll from a pagan treat to a message of love. This Easter Big Welcome we’re going to be doing loads of things to try and bring that message of love to the people of Eastleigh. Just as a hot cross bun needs all it’s ingredients to be a hot cross bun, so the Big Welcome needs each of us to play our part. We have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of our monastic brothers and sisters by giving our time and skills to show love to our community and transform their Easter into a message of love. So if you can spare a bit of time to welcome people, give out hot cross buns, set up, clear up, do craft or any number of other things please speak to one of the ministry or outreach team and get involved! Chris Walker
Articles for the next edition of One should be emailed to Linda Mandley no later than the 9th March 2015. Please note that, due to space restrictions, articles may be edited by the team. If you have any photographs or other images you would like us to include, please email these as well and we will do our best to include them.
We hope that One will be used to share your thoughts, prayers and experiences with the rest of the fellowship and we look forward to receiving your articles.
www.eastleighbaptist.org.uk 023 8061 3210