“DECLARING CHRIST TO PEOPLE,

DISCIPLING PEOPLE TO CHRIST.”

“Janus” was the name of the ancient Roman God of gates and doors who had two faces looking in opposite directions. The month of January, named after this deity, likewise has two faces pointing in opposite directions as it faces the end of one year and the beginning of another. This provides us with an opportunity to look backwards and then forwards as we celebrate the faithfulness of God. Backwards. Here are some things that you might well look back on church wise with thanksgiving:- The year began with 24 hours of prayer & fasting and God’s call to seek his face in per-sistent prayer that he might do a “new thing” amongst us. The freedom in Christ discipleship course; where upon working through the “steps to freedom” a new liberty in Christ was experienced by many. Ministry wise we have welcomed Nathan Gordon as our new Youth Pastor, and have appointed Robin Brenchley as our Minister in Training while he studies at Spurgeon’s college. The Good Friday March of witness, where our speaker at the open air service was the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Church anniversary, where cakes were delivered to all the shops and businesses that share the High street with us; where an exhibition of 150 years of SBC history was on view; where a meal was shared with an African twist; and where two celebratory services were experienced with guest preacher Jonathan Edwards. But having glanced back over the shoulder it is worth remembering that Churches tend to give greater attention to what they were than to what they are becoming - “It is easier to look back and smile on yesterday’s accomplishments than it is to look ahead and think about tomorrows possibilities” (Charles Swindoll.) Forwards. So as the hymnist wrote – “Forward be our watchword” because we do not want to regress or fossilise; but instead to maintain forward momentum and growth as we “strain” and “press on” (Philippians 3 v 13 & 14) to reach out and grasp “tomorrows possibilities,” with a sure and certain hope ringing true in our ears that our God is able and our God is faithful. Once again thank you for your encouragement and faithful support in ministry, and a Happy New Year to you all.

Rev. Chris Hughes.

A message from the Minister

2

CHURCH LEADERSHIP TEAM

Youth Pastor

NATHAN GORDON ROBIN BRENCHLEY

Minister in Training

CHRIS HUGHES

Minister

Morning Service 10:30am and Evening Service 6:30pm (refreshments served after each of these services)

Communion is taken in the evening on the 1st Sunday in the month and in the morning service on the 3rd Sunday.

MARION BRENCHLEY

Church Office details

Office open 9am-2pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. and Wed evenings 6-9 pm Tel: No. 420990

Email: office@sbc-church.org.uk Web: www.sbc-church.org.uk

Office Manager: marion.brenchley@sbc-church.org.uk

Deacons

MARK WRIGHTON

SHAUN HENDRY

TREASURER ADMINISTRATOR

BRIAN DICKSON DAVID CASSE PAUL BLAKE IAN DERHAM

ADRIAN CHEESMAN GRAHAME ATKINSON

At the beginning of 2017 we have some changes to our leadership team.

At the end of last year Hazel, Richard, Faith and Robin finished their time on the diaconate

and we thank them all for their service and hard work.

Two new deacons were elected in November.. As they start their three-year term on the

Diaconate, we welcome Grahame Atkinson and Brian Dickson. Robin will also be part of

the leadership team in his capacity as Minister in Training over the next three years.

So for all those on the leadership team, we bless you and pray that God will continue to

lead and guide you in the way that you must go as you start this new and exciting year.

Shaun Hendry

Church Administrator

3

There are many of us who still remember Rev Colin Bass who was the

senior Minister here at SBC from 1995 to 2007 and left just before

Rev Chris Hughes came along.

On Sunday 27th November some of us from the church were invited to his

retirement meal which was held at Hayward's Heath Baptist Church where he has

been senior Minister since 2007.

Colin officially retired this Christmas

and will be

moving with his wife Truus and two

sons to live near their younger

daughter Christine who lives in

Reading Berkshire.

Colin will be sending his new

address into the church office once he

has it, for anyone who would like to

keep in touch with them.

To Chris and the leadership team and to all

those who worked so hard to make sure all

our Christmas celebrations went smoothly

and beautifully.

A special mention goes to our church

cleaners who worked around all the many

events that took place, with our own many

celebrations and with all the visitors to the

church. The scouts and Westlands school all

held their Christmas events here . We had

almost 3 thousand people in the building

throughout December. Even with all the

blocked toilet issues etc our cleaners

managed to keep the church clean and tidy

throughout such a busy time.

To Danni Shanmugam and the team of

decorators who dressed up our lovely

Christmas Tree and made the church look so

Christmassy. Thanks also to Heather salt.

To the house groups who were on

refreshment duty over the Christmas period,

serving us with mountains of mince pies

and hot drinks at the end of each service.

To the worship team and choir who gave up

many hours with rehearsals etc. A special

thank you goes out to Richard who led the

carol singers around the district with his

guitar and also as we sang Christmas Carols

outside the church to the many shoppers

passing by.

4

Our monthly meeting at

Woodstock in December was well

attended by residents and quite a few

well known carols were sang. Bible

passages reminding us of the Christ-

mas story were read and Chris spoke

on “God with us”. Alan Cole gave a

short talk reminding everyone present

that Christmas has a deeper meaning

than holidays and decorations.

Thanks to all those who have helped

in 2016 and we look forward to your

assistance in the New Year.

At the time of this magazine going into print a date had not yet been arranged for January 2017,

so please keep your eyes open and if you can help when the notice goes up on the board in the

lounge, please sign up. Thanks to Ros and the team at Woodstock for the continued invitations

and for preparing and bringing the residents in to join with us as we share with them the Gospel

message. God Bless and a Happy New Year

WOODSTOCK BY DAVID CASSE

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT BY DAVID CASSE

A big thank you to all who helped with the music at the recent “Carols by Candlelight” service.

There are too many people to mention individually. Thanks to the Digital Projector team for all

their help in rehearsals, as well as on the night, the musicians and all the choir. Thank you for

your hard work and patience in learning 4 new items. Thanks also to the Office staff for sorting

and photocopying music.

Also we were very sorry that the Sutehall family were unwell and unable to join us on the night,

but thanks go to them for the use of their home for a couple of practices when the Church was in

use. If I have missed anybody out, my apologies, but thank you to everybody.

God bless you as we continue to serve Him together.

FOODBANK BY DAVID CASSE

Thank you to all who have donated food and finance during the past year. It has been a busy

year and December has been particularly so. As you know the Hub is open for Foodbank clients

between 10-12 and the last couple of weeks it’s been nearly 12 o’clock before the volunteers

have got away. They do an invaluable job and a personal thanks to them all. If you would like

to join and do even one Friday morning a month, then please see Kay Cheesman and she would

be delighted to give you further information. As I said earlier, December was an exceptionally

busy month and between 1st and 24th December, 149 people were fed by the 3 distribution cen-

tres (Baptist Church, Holy Trinity & The Net Church) with the Baptist Church feeding 70

(almost half). The Baptist Church alone gave out on the first 4 Fridays (2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd)

492.4 kg. Of food which in old units is nearly 1,100 lbs. So again thank you to all who support

this work as we share in a practical way and pray that it will also lead to spiritual blessings as

well.

Thank you to Trevor & Hazel who have also assisted in bringing food from the warehouse to the

Church on a regular basis. God bless you all in your service for HIM

5

On the 14th December ABC had an end of term

Christmas party. It was busy but that’s what I love.

Our children had their free play which led into the

party food and they very much enjoyed that.

We had the honourable pleasure of Chris our

minister come in to tell the wonderful Christmas

story..... everyone enjoyed it. Thank you Chris.

I then led our kiddiwinks into song "Thank you Lord

for ABC" "Thank you Lord for boys and girls" and

"Thank you Lord for Christmas, I loved that Chris

stayed on. Then we sang the wonderful HO HO HO

Jingles bells and our hand bells welcomed in Father

Christmas. All the children were stunned and keen.

We sang jingle bells as he left while his reindeer

were waiting and then time ran away with it. One

thing for sure it was a lovely start to my birthday to

share it with ABC kiddiwinks.

The above article was written and sent in by the ABC Coordinator Kristina Childs who is in the photo helping out Santa!

ABC Christmas Party 2016

NATHAN AND THE YOUTH/CHILDREN ‘S

TEAM OUT FOR A CHRISTMAS EVENING

CELEBRATION.

MARION AND THE OFFICE TEAM CELEBRATED

WITH THE LUNCH REGULARS AS A VERY TASTY

CHRISTMAS DINNER WAS PREPARED BY THE

LUNCH BUNCH COOKS...

IT WAS A LOVELY WAY TO START THE

CHRISTMAS FEASTING.

6

Dear SBC family & friends,

Greetings in the name of our Saviour!

It’s crazy to believe January 2017 marks the 10th month since I was welcomed into the fellowship as Youth Pastor, the time has gone so quickly. I wanted to take this time to sincerely thank everyone at SBC for making me feel so welcome in the Church. Its not easy moving into a new environment especially transitioning from a Pentecostal back-ground but through your love, patience and support I can truly say I feel settled, focused and very much a part of the SBC family.

Whenever I am asked by friends and family wanting to know what SBC is all about, I always respond; SBC is a place where you feel the love of Jesus! We know God loves us all but its important that Gods love is demonstrated in our love for each other. Jesus told his disciples in John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. The love that resonates in our local church is a wonderful demonstration of Gods unconditional and unfailing love, TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

If I could pick my favourite highlight in 2016 I would say it had to be the children’s and youth Christmas production. It was such a delight to see our young people involved and I certainly will never forget our modern twist of the legendary Christmas story. To all who played a role thank you and especially to our amazing volunteers who have been a joy to work with in 2016.

In 2017 the youth ministry has a vision to Live out Loud and Live out Love, this is a play on the phrase LOL which many young and mature use to illustrate laughing out loud via text message. Throughout the course of this year our prayer is that young people will be challenged to not just be hearers of the word but also doers. We have an exciting and action packed programme for 2017 but most importantly I do pray the fruit of this years ministry will see young people enter into a relationship with Jesus and grow in the knowledge of the saviour.

So friends I sincerely pray that you have a wonderful 2017 and even the challenging moments that present themselves are opportunities for our faith to increase as we depend on the everlasting arms of our Great and Good Father.

God Bless and a Happy New Year-Nathan

A message from the Youth Pastor

THE CAVELL WAY PROJECT

I have received an email from Bill Clarke who is in charge of the Cavell Way project.

In the New Year they are looking to appoint volunteers to help with two aspects of the

project.

Mondays from 3.45 to 5.45 to help with a club for 8-11 year olds.

Thursdays from 12.45 to 2.45 to help with a parent & toddler group.

If you feel you would like to help in any of the two areas mentioned or would like more

details then please contact Hazel Waters who will put you in touch with Bill Clarke.

7

For members and regular attendees we have what is known as

‘Pigeonholes’ for all internal mail.

These are situated at the rear of the church lounge, filed under the alphabetical

first letter of the surname .

Post mail here to other church members and regular attendees and check your

own box each Sunday. Especially if you are part of a team that needs Rotas.

You can also put articles for the magazine etc. in the church office pigeonhole!

There are still many Christmas cards waiting to be picked up.

Please have a look and take what is yours as anything left for more than 4

weeks will be dealt with appropriately by the church office.

INFORMATION BULLETIN

1st 10:30am Robin Brenchley 6:30pm NO SERVICE

8th 10:30am Compassion Sunday 6:30pm Alan Cole & Communion

15th 10:30am Chris Hughes –Communion 6:30pm Chris Hughes-Mission

22nd 10:30am Chris Hughes 6:30pm Chris Hughes T & E

29th 10:30am Chris Hughes 6:30pm Nathan Gordon

BORN IN A BARN

PUPPET SHOW

On Saturday 17th December, the street

evangelism team put on a puppet show with the Christmas message at the front of the church, and opened the Hub for coffee/mince pies etc. The message was centred around

Jesus being sent by God to open the door into his Kingdom which had been closed by sin, which was put across with music and puppet voices. The church has in its possession a number of puppets, some of which were used in the recent past to present at church services and events, and some others which have been recently donated by a church in town which closed down. We do feel that this ministry has a lot of potential, both on the street and within the church and would ask that anyone who would like to help in anyway make this a reality in the coming year to let us know.

8

Mon

Tue

s W

ed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

JA

N 3

0

JA

N 3

1

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

1

12

1

3

14

1

5

16

1

7

18

1

9

20

2

1

22

23

2

4

25

26

27

28

29

1

2.3

0-2

pm

Ren

dezvo

us-

Ha

rmo

ny

Th

erap

y Tru

st

7-1

0p

m

Priva

te fun

ction

JANUARY 2017

10:3

0am

. Mo

rnin

g S

ervice

-

Co

mp

assio

n S

un

day

4p

m. Y

ou

th B

an

d reh

earsa

l 6

.30

pm

. Even

ing S

ervice-

Co

mm

un

ion

1

0.3

0a

m. M

orn

ing

Serv

ice--

Co

mm

ision

ing

of D

eaco

ns &

Min

ister in

Tra

inin

g

4p

m. Y

ou

th B

an

d re

hea

rsal

5-6

.30

pm

-Mo

ney

Co

urse in

Hu

b

6.3

0p

m–

Ev

enin

g S

ervice

-Missio

n

10

.30

am

. Morn

ing

Serv

ice

5-6

.30

pm

-Mo

ney

Co

urse in

Hu

b

6.3

0p

m. E

ven

ing S

ervice–

Tra

inin

g &

Eq

uip

pin

g

10

am

-12

no

on

Co

nta

ct Cen

tre

10:3

0am

. Mo

rnin

g S

ervice

NO

EV

EN

ING

SE

RV

ICE

10a

m-1

2n

oo

n

Co

nta

ct Cen

tre

10

am

-12n

oon

Conta

ct Cen

tre

11

am

C.T

.I.S. P

rayer

10

am

-12

no

on

Fo

od

Ba

nk -H

ub

10

pm

-2a

m S

treet

Pa

stors-H

ub

10

am

-12

no

on

Fo

od

Ba

nk-H

ub

7-9

pm

Un

derg

rou

nd

1

0p

m-2

am

Street

Pa

stors - H

ub

7.3

0p

m

Ch

urch

Pra

yer Meetin

g

9.3

0-1

2.

Priva

te fun

c-

tion

7.4

5p

m

La

dies

Co

nta

ct Clu

b

9.3

0-1

2.

Priva

te

fun

ction

10

-12

noo

n

A.B

.C.

12

.30-2

pm

Fo

od

ba

nk M

tg.

In H

ub

1-3

pm

Ren

dezvo

us-

Joh

n G

reenh

ill

7-1

0p

m

Priva

te fun

ction

11

am

C.T

.I.S. P

rayer

12

.45

pm

Lu

nch

es

2p

m-B

righ

t Ho

ur

10

am

–1

2n

oo

n

Fo

od

Ba

nk-H

ub

7-9

pm

Un

derg

rou

nd

1

0p

m-2

am

Street

Pa

stors-H

ub

10-1

2 n

oo

n

A.B

.C.

7.4

5p

m

Dea

con

s’

Bu

siness M

tg.

9.3

0-1

2.

Priva

te fun

c-

tion

7.4

5p

m

Dea

con

s’

Pra

yer Mtg

.

9.3

0-1

2.

Priva

te

fun

ction

10-1

2 n

oo

n

A.B

.C.

10

:30

am

. Mo

rnin

g S

ervice

4p

m-Y

ou

th B

an

d

6.3

0p

m. Y

ou

th S

ervice

11

am

C.T

.I.S. P

rayer

2p

m B

righ

t

Ho

ur

7-1

0p

m

Men

s’

Fello

wsh

ip

11

am

C.T

.I.S. P

rayer

12.4

5p

m

Lunch

es

2p

m

Brig

ht H

ou

r

10

am

-12

no

on

Fo

od

Ba

nk-H

ub

7-9

pm

Un

derg

rou

nd

10

pm

–2

am

Street

Pa

stors –

Hu

b

10a

m-1

2n

oo

n

Con

tact C

entre

1.-3

pm

Ren

dezvo

us-

Alzh

eimers S

oc.

7-1

0p

m

Priva

te

fun

ction

1-3

pm

Ren

dezvo

us-

Ha

rmo

ny (m

usic

)

7-1

0p

m

Priva

te fun

ction