April 2009

TRANSFORM022

Church secretaries: you are receiving two copies of Transform with this mailing. Please pass one copy to your treasurer.

Administrators

Inside TransformEditorial Mission Ministry Faith & Unity Council Around the Union Staff News Communications PublicationsFinance Legal and Property Issues Safeguarding Events

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Baptist House PO Box 44 129 Broadway Didcot OX11 8RTtelephone 01235 517700 facsimile 01235 517715 email info@baptist.org.ukRegistered Charity No. 1125912

Please find enclosed with your copy of Transform the BUGB’s annual DVD called ‘Go…’. These four inspiring films are centred around the passage in Matthew 28:18-20 where Jesus commands His missionary disciples to ‘go’. This useful resource is designed for you to use in your local church in services, housegroups, meetings, for personal use and much more! Please turn to page 18 for more information…

Editorial

THANK GOD FOR ADMINISTRATORS!

I wonder when you last uttered those words. Some of you may well include such a prayer on a daily basis and that’s splendid … but I fear that such moments are rare. I’m thinking of those wonderful people who act as secretaries, treasurers, organizers of rotas and room bookings, and the people who take minutes … to name but a few. I believe that their role is absolutely crucial and that with all our hearts we need to thank God for them.

I can’t remember ever visiting a growing and lively church without also meeting effective administrators. The body of Christ is made up of such very different parts, and it takes a great deal of skill and spiritual sensitivity to enable every person to perform their God given role. In 1 Corinthians 12:28 Paul speaks about the gifts that God has given to the church and in the NIV it reads,”In the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.” The words translated “help others” and “gifts of administration” could be translated in many ways. The 1st century version of these gifts would certainly have looked very different from today’s! But I have no doubt that Paul

would look at those doing administrative roles in the 21st century church and ensure that they were on his list! The body of Christ simply can’t function without them.

The great lie is that administration is unglamorous and repetitive and should be done by inherently dull and unimaginative people. This is the complete opposite of the truth. Administration is a vital and exciting spiritual role that needs imaginative, gifted and sensitive Spirit-filled Christians to do it. I thank God for those churches who not only recognize the importance of administrative gifts but who ensure that their administrators are given all the encouragement and resources in order to do a first class job.

The Baptist Union of Great Britain needs thousands of administrators to serve the Lord effectively today – locally, regionally and nationally, we rely on these gifts. My own ministry as General Secretary would be impossible without the wise, creative and committed work of administrators.

So let’s think of ways in which all of us can affirm and encourage those who play these roles. But, more important than that, let’s make sure that we are regularly turning to our great God and giving thanks to him for his generosity in giving us gifted administrators.

May God continue to bless your work for him.

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MissionIntroductionThe challenges facing our nation are immense at this time. As a department we have been reflecting on the many opportunities that need to be grasped. In this section you will see initiatives about debt, the conference on Evangelism and Back to Church Sunday. We continue to work as a team to resource the local churches in their God-given mission.

The Really Useful Evangelism Conference 30 June – 2 July 2009

In the last edition of Transform, we told you about this exciting joint BUGB and Baptist Union of Wales conference, taking place at Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church. In response to an observation that Christians seem to be losing their skill in telling the gospel story, the Really Useful Evangelism Conference will re-examine how to tell the gospel in today’s world and help enable those in our churches to be missionary disciples bringing others to faith. Open to all, it will aim to help churches to focus their work on making Jesus known, exploring

Ian BunceHead of Department

how we can talk about Jesus and faith in an effective and interesting way.The programme for the conference includes input from skilled practitioners, a mixture of challenging keynote addresses, a selection of practical workshops to equip evangelists, time for personal reflection, opportunities for worship, and late night events with Taste and the Saltmine Theatre company. Main speakers will be:• Dennis Pethers (Viz-a-Viz Ministries) • Phil Collins (Saltmine) • Roy Searle (the Northumbria Community) • Juliet Kilpin (Urban Expression) • Kingsley Appiagyei (BUGB President 2009-2010) • Jonathan Edwards (BUGB General Secretary)

The workshops during the conference will be available on the following topics:• Contemporary Proclamation• Mission-Minded Church• Encounters in Community Space• Workplace Evangelism• Signs and Wonders and Evangelism• Mission in Partnership• Developing Disciples• Street Evangelism that Works• Holistic Social Action• Evangelistic Strategy for your Church• Events Evangelism

The cost for the event is £70 per person, and booking forms are available from

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the website at www.baptist.org.uk/ training_events/evangelism_conference.html or contact the Mission Department on 01235 517713 for a copy. We expect that this will be a very popular event, so advise you to book places for your church group as soon as possible. The deadline for receipt of bookings is Friday 29 May.

Back to Church Sunday

On 27 September 2009, thousands of people will be inviting someone special back to church with them. People lose touch with church for all sorts of reasons but millions would come back if invited. On Back to Church Sunday 2008, people in more than 450 Baptist churches invited and welcomed back over 6,000 friends - we hope and pray that Baptist churches will add Back to Church Sunday to their plans for 2009 and begin preparing to invite and welcome people back.

This year’s theme, Come as You Are, is all about a warm welcome. In response to feedback about the resources available in 2008, the materials have been revised and three different packs are available this year providing all you need to advertise, invite and welcome people. Details about each pack are available on the website, along with an order form, at www.baptist.org.uk/b2cs. We will need to receive your order and payment by Friday 29 May, so that the packs can be despatched in June.

Key to this initiative is the need for good preparation by church leaders and members so that personal invitations are given and a warm welcome is received on the day. Resources to help are available from the website, or from the Mission Department on 01235 517713.

The Baptist Union and Incarnate

Following the Baptist Union’s Church Planting Consultation in 2004, a grass-roots network of church planters called Incarnate came into being. This has grown over the intervening years with a number of people joining who are planting emergent or post-Christendom expressions of church, valuing the support and experience of other church planters in what can be tough pioneering work. The Mission Department of the Baptist Union has formed a partnership with the Incarnate Network, adopting them as the official church planting network for the Union. In February the third joint three-day houseparty was held in Derbyshire with enthusiastic participation from the 40 people attending. The guest speakers were George Lings, Director of the Church Army Sheffield Centre, and Stuart Murray Williams. Together they looked back over the lessons to be learned from the last 15 years of planting to inform our present practice and future planning at association and Union level as well as in local churches.

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MissionThe talks from the houseparty can be downloaded from the Incarnate website where new members can also sign up. The Mission Department will be hosting a church planting day for the Incarnate Network and any other church planters at Baptist House on 19 October.

Money Advice

The Money Advice Mission File has recently been updated, with current statistics and even more information about sources of help and advice. At this time of financial anxiety and concern, this is a valuable resource to help churches support those who are struggling. The Mission File is free and can be downloaded from www.baptist.org.uk/resources/resource_downloads/383.pdfWe are also offering regional Money Advice seminars, so please check with your association about whether an event is planned in your area.

Sign-up for the department newsletter The Mission Department now produces a bi-monthly newsletter, sharing news and resources to help you in your mission. Available for download from the website, a direct link is sent with the monthly Webwatch email. If you would

be interested in receiving the newsletter directly, please email mission@baptist.org.uk to be added to our distribution list.

CRB EnquiriesPlease note that there is no longer anyone in the Mission Department who can answer queries about CRB Disclosures. Please contact the BUGB Safeguarding Officer, Alan Elson, in the Ministry Department for advice. You can contact Alan on aelson@baptist.org.uk or 01235 517719.

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MinistryPaul GoodliffHead of Department

IntroAmongst the work of the Ministry Department is attention to policies and some of the current ones are under review, especially the ‘Register’.

Review of the RegisterA review is currently underway of the way in which the Register of Covenanted Persons Accredited for Ministry is understood and developed. We will continue to have an ‘accredited list’ of ministers but still need to consider the nature and number of categories to be included. The aim is to develop a theologically coherent framework for the accreditation of ministers and other workers in our churches that meets the current needs. In particular, it is hoped that the review might give greater clarity to the issues surrounding the role of regionally recognised ministers and the recognition of children’s workers.

Manse Life SurveyThose Baptist ministers who are members of the Baptist Ministers’ Fellowship (BMF) will have received a letter giving details of how to participate in a survey of life ‘in the manse’ in the context of ministry. Any minister who is not a member of the BMF is welcome to participate in the survey by going to www.baptist.org.uk/manselifesurvey. Any minister interested in joining the BMF can do so today by emailing Stephen Copson at secretary@bmf-uk.org

Chaplains to Her Majesty’s ForcesThe annual conference for our United

Board (predominantly Baptist and United Reformed Church) military chaplains took place at Amport House in January. Amidst strong fellowship and much good humour, we were reminded again of the personal cost faced by those we commission to this important ministry. I urge you to remember in prayer all those who serve in this way, especially those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Their opportunities for witness to Christ, pastoral care of servicemen and women and their families, and engagement in incarnational ministry are gladly and powerfully seized. For more information on these opportunities, and how you might become involved as a Baptist minister, please talk to Paul Goodliff or Vivienne O’Brien.

Recommended Terms of AppointmentIt has been drawn to our attention that in one significant way the terms of appointment agreed for full and part-time ministers have differed. The standard terms give full-time ministers the entitlement to six months notice by the church on the termination of their appointment, while part-time ministers have only three months. This anomaly should be removed by giving part-time ministers six months notice, like their full-time equivalents. If you are the secretary or treasurer of a church that has appointed a part-time minister, we urge you to alter those terms to recognise this revised notice period. We always hope that this will never be invoked but should circumstances arise that require notice to be given, part-timers should not be

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discriminated against with a briefer notice period.

“I’ve lost my job, pastor…”Or “My house is being repossessed…” or “I don’t know how I’ll cope – my income’s dropped with these low interest rates…” These and many other situations are fast becoming reality for people in our churches, and will place extra demands on the pastoral care being offered by ministers, during the current economic downturn.

Yet helping people through economic problems is rarely an area of care where ministers have been well prepared. And not just ministers! Fellow church members who feel no difficulty in asking about someone’s health would find it very awkward to ask how a person is coping, emotionally or financially, after being made redundant, for example.

If, however, we believe God’s love and care extend to all the problems we face in life, then the pastoral care of the church should also reflect that and try to address these economic matters which can cause immense pain and anxiety. To help in this area, the Baptist Union’s Work and Economy Group (part of the work of the Sector Ministries Committee) is doing two things.

It is organising a Special Interest Group at the 2009 Assembly called When it Comes to the Crunch. Following on from that an introductory paper will be produced on ministry over economic issues. This will be included in a future ministers’ mailing

Ministryand will be available on request. Both the interest group and the paper will tell stories to help ministers, and others engaged in caring for those in need, to reflect on the issues, as well as offer resources and ideas about where to turn for guidance.

Care for the carersMinisters are reminded of the availability of the Churches’ Ministerial Counselling Service, to whom they can turn for confidential help. This is offered to all ministers on the Register of Covenanted Persons Accredited for Ministry, to all recognised Lay Pastors, and to all ministers in training, as well as all adult members of their households.

If you are eligible and think you might benefit from help with personal or work-related issues, contact the service and they will put you in touch with a counsellor. You will normally receive a maximum of 12 sessions, and will only be asked to pay what you can towards the counsellor’s fees. The Baptist Union will pay the rest, without your identity being revealed.

Most of those who are eligible have been sent a list of the contact numbers. However, if you have mislaid it or for some reason never received it, you can find the list on the CMCS website. Go to www.cmcs.org.uk, then click on ‘How can I access the Service?’ Alternatively, phone the Ministry Department on 01235 517706 – you will not be required to reveal your name.

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Faith and UnityGraham SparkesHead of Department

IntroductionThere is always a danger that our agendas and activities become very church centred. But while we may be rightly concerned about the life and health of our churches, we will also want to affirm a much wider commitment to seeking God’s presence in all creation. The work of Faith and Unity tries to keep our horizons broad – to call us to seek peace in a world scarred by violence, to ask how our faith is to be understood within today’s multi-faith society, to engage us with key issues of political concern, to address issues of racial justice both within and beyond the church. This is all part of God’s mission.

Global Baptist Peace Conference9-14 February

‘Live in harmony, live in peace’ (Romans 12) was the theme taken up by 350 Baptists from almost 60 different countries meeting together in Rome in February. This was a gathering for peace activists, and brought together many who are involved in deeply impressive work in places torn apart by violence and conflict. It provided a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other the skills and resources needed to build peace and seek justice within our world.

We gathered for worship in the mornings and evenings that was both rich and inclusive. Beautiful music, inspiring preaching, shared prayers of grief and joy,

and a rich use of symbols all contributed to a sense of God’s presence in our midst.

The majority of the week was spent in workshops and bigger plenary sessions where experience, theology and practice were woven together. Groups looked at case studies from places such as Cuba, Rwanda and Cambodia; reflected on the biblical and theological basis for peacemaking and conflict transformation; and talked through what it means to make peace in the face of violence and interfaith tension. In our shared sessions we heard storytellers from around the world sharing their experiences of peace-building in Nicaragua, Angola, Zimbabwe, Republic of Georgia, Morocco, Bangladesh, India, and a maximum security prison in the USA.

The week ended with a peaceful public demonstration in Rome to raise awareness of human rights abuses, genocide, and ongoing wars that result in tremendous loss of life throughout the world. We stood quietly through the reading of verses from Scripture, the litany of names of places torn by conflict, and simple prayers. It gave voice to the concern we have as disciples of Christ and people of faith about the callous loss of life on this planet.

The conference drew to a close with final discussions and an agreed statement. But of course, it’s not enough to simply talk and discuss. We are called to live in peace. The hope is that the week together will have changed everyone

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Faith and Unity

present, enabling all to go back home encouraged and equipped to help bring about meaningful change in our broken world.For more information about the conference, including the closing statement, go to www.globalbaptistpeace.org.

‘A Common Word Between Us and You’Last year a letter entitled ‘A Common Word Between Us and You’ was written by 138 Muslim leaders and scholars that appealed for Christians and Muslims to cooperate in engendering peace and religious freedom.

The Baptist World Alliance has issued a careful and thoughtful response to this significant letter, drawing on the insights of many Baptists from around the world, and aware of the need for better understanding between Christians and Muslims. It will be of interest to many of us who work in multi-faith contexts. This response can be found at www.bwanet.org/default.aspx?pid=979.

European Parliament Elections4-7 JuneIn early June, all Member States of the European Union will participate in electing a new European Parliament. That Parliament will, for the next five years, make decisions that will have lasting consequences for all our lives, and so it is important that we play an active role in the thinking and debating that leads up to the decision making.

A resource has been produced by the Conference of European Churches to help us. A copy is available from the Faith and Unity Department or it can be downloaded by going to www.ecumenicalvoices2009.eu/To read the BUGB statements on political extremism, go to www.baptist.org.uk/resources/social_political_resources.asp?section=95

The Global Financial CrisisThe Joint Public Issues Team joined with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland to organise a substantial conference looking at issues surrounding the current global crisis within the financial system. One of the main speakers was Professor Bob Goudzwaard of the Free University in Amsterdam who said, “We cannot accept and should not accept as churches, that we are driven by our present financial and economic system to produce and consume always more”. Niall Cooper, National Coordinator of Church Action on Poverty, called for a rediscovery of the Christian value of ‘richness to be found in sufficiency’. For more information on the proceedings of the conference, go to www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.webradio#178

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CouncilTrustee Board - Council accepted the Management Accounts of the Union for the year ended 31 December 2008 showing a deficit of £84,252. The formal SORP Accounts of the Union would be made available later.

The issue of the allocation of funding from Home Mission to the associations was also considered, and it was agreed that further work and consultation needed to take place.

Council agreed that no change would take place to the process of seeking church subscriptions for at least two further years.

Council noted a process for reviewing the Union’s Auditors.

Subject to satisfactory detailed negotiation with the Government, Council agreed that the scheme of Ecclesiastical Exemption from secular planning controls for churches with buildings that are listed should continue. This usually (but not always) makes it easier for these churches to obtain legal consent for alterations to be made to Listed Buildings.

Communications - The Communications Department and Committee had two key items on the Council Agenda. Council received a presentation of the new Home Mission Development/Promotion Strategy. This initiative has been developed by a representative from each association and the Head of Communications and Grants Manager

from the National Resource. The Strategy aims to help our churches over the next few years rediscover a fresh understanding and passion for Home Mission. Features of the Strategy include a desire to bring a more coordinated approach to Home Mission promotion across our associations and the National Resource, broaden the message that Home Mission is more than simply asking for money - but also seeking prayer support and sharing great stories. Another key outcome of the process of developing the Strategy is the setting up of a new Home Mission Development/Promotion Network which includes the above representatives. Council also considered work being undertaken on a revised communications policy reflecting on the significance of the Baptist Times. Council were invited to discuss key questions about the value and role of the Baptist Times in breakout groups and feedback will be included in a report to the Trustees in June.

Faith and Unity - A number of reports and updates of work in progress were given to Council. These included information on several ecumenical initiatives (including the preparation of a model constitution for LEPs), news of resources and campaigning undertaken by the Joint Public Issues Team on issues such as the economic crisis and climate change, and details of our developing commitment to racial justice and women’s justice.

An ecumenical delegation from the Baptist Union of Sweden and the Church of

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Richard NichollsGeneral Manager

CouncilSweden joined Council for one session. Faith and Unity were facilitating their visit to this country to explore ecumenical ways of working, and this provided an opportunity for the delegation to address Council and lead prayers.

Ministry - The Sector Ministries’ Committee meets to discuss the work of chaplains involved in Health, Education and Industry. This group recently reported that a number of chaplains had indicated their willingness to be shadowed by ministers who were considering applying for chaplaincy posts in the future. Ministers can use In Service Training for this taster opportunity which gives a unique insight into chaplaincy with an experienced practitioner. For more information please contact Ian Millgate, Ministry Support Administrator.

The United Board reports were received from military chaplains in all three services. The secretary to the Board, the Revd Ian McFarlane, in his report to Council declared that 2008 had been a year of celebration and consultation. The senior chaplains of the three services gave a report to Council on the Tuesday evening, outlining the work they are involved in both at home and when away on operations. This was very well received by Council which expressed appreciation for the humour and the sensitivity with which the presentations were given.

Other reports were received from the Baptist Union Retreat Group, formed 20 years ago, with the intention of

encouraging the life of prayer and silence within the denomination, and from Baptists for Healing. This group reported on various events including that of the healing service which is held each year at the Baptist Assembly. The Group is planning an ecumenical service in 2009.

The Ministry Department submitted a document outlining the core tasks for 2009.

Mission - The Mission Department reported on the ‘Really Useful Evangelism Conference’ that is coming up (30 June – 2 July) and also reminded Council about Back To Church Sunday. Last year 450 churches took part and we had over 6,000 people return to churches within the Union. The department is looking to repeat this initiative again this year.

The main emphasis of the Mission Department report was the presentation of the new initiative called Crossingplaces. Crossingplaces is a mission challenge to all parts of the Baptist family, to move into the space beyond the buildings and safe places to share the gospels, in the places where we meet the non-church world. This theme was developed at Council. Over the next few months new support resources and initiatives will be available to churches to encourage the creation and use of Crossingplaces. An emphasis will be given to the Crossingplaces we find in work lives and social lives beyond the church. This is very much about supporting the Strategy of Encouraging Missionary Disciples.

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Around the Union

CentralAdministrative contact: Stephen Copson01462 442548stephen.copson@dsl.pipex.co.uk

East MidlandAdministrative contact: Rebecca Nicholls0115 981 8645administrator@embaptists.co.uk

EasternAdministrative contact: Eleanor Reed01371 831463secretary@easternbaptist.org.uk

Heart of EnglandAdministrative contact: Karen Martindale0121 472 4986mailbox@baptist-heartofengland.org

Early in the year, regional ministers, Geoff Colmer and Helen Wordsworth, ran a series of four seminars (we lost one to the snow) in various locations on ‘When Christians Disagree’, looking at issues of conflict resolution and coping with difference in congregations. The process of how best to pursue our aims and objectives for the benefit of the member churches, and how to work effectively as a Council body, is a developing theme and in March the CBA Council held a Strategy Day as the directors continue to reflect.

There are many encouragements as churches reach out to their communities in creative and loving ways. Greenhill Community Church, Coalville is working with converted drug addicts and alcoholics, providing accommodation and support. Oundle Baptist, 16 years after being planted, is now expanding in its school setting and needs to consider how it copes with too many people for one service! Deeping St James is reaching out with curry nights for men and sing-a-long Mamma Mia for the women! Many are developing Street Pastor teams - Blaby is the latest alongside Leicester city

centre, Hinckley and many others.

The new association office at the International Mission Centre in Selly Oak is proving to be a great blessing! A much-improved working environment for the HEBA staff team, better parking facilities and a range of meeting rooms for association activities are just some of the benefits. A particular encouragement is the opportunity the move to IMC has provided for meeting, talking and praying with folk from BMS World Mission.

The LBA is focussing on the adoption of a strategy for the next five years, entitled ‘Making disciples – sharing the good news of Jesus’. The LBA team has led a series of ten roadshows around the association sharing the vision behind the strategy. The response

LondonAdministrative contact: Paul Martin020 7692 5592paul@londonbaptist.org.uk

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Around the Union

South WalesAdministrative contact: Mark Thomas02920 491366mark@swbabugb.org.uk

Over 250 deacons, elders, and pastors from across the region attended the first round of leadership roadshows in February & March. Held in six different locations, ‘Beyond our Imagining’ set the scene for encouraging church leadership teams to consider how

to commence work in mid-summer. In the meantime, please pray for the Revd Stuart Davison as he takes on additional responsibilities during the period of vacancy.

North WesternAdministrative contact: Andrew Funnell01942 221595eafunnell@aol.comWe have been greatly encouraged by the number of churches now using our Encouraging Missionary Disciples resources and hope to follow this up with a Church Life resource later this year. We have also launched a five-year Home Mission strategy with the aim of helping churches to grasp our vision, enabling resources to be released both regionally and nationally for mission.Following discussions with the Hungarian Baptist Union, we are very excited by the possibilities that are emerging through this developing partnership and look forward to exploring these opportunities further over the coming months.

South EasternAdministrative contact: Steph Tidy01444 233431admin@seba-baptist.org.ukAt the end of March, we said farewell to our regional minister/team leader, the Revd Norman Tharby. Norman had been with us since January 2002 and led the association through the difficult process of combining three associations; initially as a Partnership and then eventually becoming SEBA as we now know it. By the time you read this we hope to have appointed a successor

NorthernAdministrative contact: David Lennox0191 413 2205david.lennox@northern.org.ukThe NBA has recently undertaken a review. Following careful consideration of the report by the Association Council at its regular meetings and at a Special Council Away Day we are now looking at ways of implementing the findings of the review. Part

of the present Mission Strategy is developing mission links with Tryon Evergreen Baptist Association, north of Houston, Texas. The Mission Director and three pastors from association churches in Texas recently made a four-day visit to the association meeting with association staff and ministers from some of our churches.

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to the roadshows has been encouraging. The team and the directors will finalise the strategy during May, and the strategy will be launched at The London Event (the annual gathering of Baptists in London) on 13 June.

South WestAdministrative contact: Chris Wooding01392 433533chris@swbaptists.org.uk

SWBA’s Spring Tour is getting underway with a series of five evenings in different association districts. The title of the tour is ‘When it comes to the Crunch: how to respond as God’s people to the current

Southern CountiesAdministrative contact: Keith Hawton023 8041 0691k.hawton@scba.org.uk

This story illustrates how many of our churches are seeking to be at the heart of community:After three years of planning, at last the diggers are on site and work on the new £4.5 million Finchampstead Baptist Church Centre is underway. This will comprise a large sports

YorkshireAdministrative contact: Deborah Gamble0113 278 4954debbie.gamble@yba.org.uk

West of EnglandAdministrative contact: Geoff Starling0117 965 8828office@webassoc.org.uk

economic climate’. As a team we’re very aware of the big financial challenges not only in church life but in individual lives at this particular time. These evenings, aimed particularly at church leaders, will provide biblical reflection and practical guidance on managing the church’s budget, sustaining the church’s mission and retaining the church’s vision.

This year will see the end of WEBA’s first ‘Imagine’ process, in which church leadership teams are invited to imagine the shapes of church to come, and the start of a second two-year course which will begin in the autumn. We are also beginning to run Partnership for Missional Churches, in association with Together in Mission, and several churches are starting on our new Fit 4 Purpose? ‘health check’ process. Our new website at www.webassoc.org.uk is now up and running, with more opportunities for churches to connect and find the mission resources they need. Regional minister, Nigel Coles, is looking to develop an idea he is calling ‘72’. Referring to the 72 disciples Jesus sent out in pairs, the idea will focus on the rest of the church who don’t count themselves as part of the leadership team. People will be encouraged to meet in groups of three, and be equipped to develop a missional lifestyle.

hall, coffee shop, library and children’s centre (in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council), as well as a range of other rooms and offices. This is a much needed facility for the area and will be a practical way of sharing God’s love through serving the community.

they can move forward in their mission, and how to be church in their own local situations, as well as in the context of cultural change. Led by association staff, ‘Beyond our Imagining 2’ will take place in the autumn and follow on from where we left off.

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Staff News

National

Laveena Shetty

Laveena has recently joined the Communications Department as the New Media Co-ordinator. She will be developing and maintaining the BUGB website, as well as looking at increasing the use of New Media on the website. Laveena will also be involved with training and advising individuals and groups with regard to their new media requirements.

Terry Jones

Regional

Terry Jones retired in March. Terry has worked in the Mission Department as Mission Adviser since March 2004 and we have been so grateful for the wealth of experience that he has brought to the department and the Baptist family as a whole. Terry has undertaken many significant tasks, not least the pioneering of the Fresh Horizons project. We will miss Terry greatly, but wish him and his wife, Ann, a long and happy retirement.

Central This summer sees consecutive periods of sabbatical for Helen Wordsworth and Stephen Copson.

East MidlandThe Revd Steve Mantle, our regional minister/team leader, leaves the association at the end of June after many years as both a local church minister and regional minister to take up new ministry opportunities in Southern Africa. He will be working with vulnerable children and adults, seeking to promote good safeguarding practice.

EasternOur association secretary Eleanor Reed is retiring in August so we will be looking

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for a new secretary during the next few months.

Heart of EnglandDavid Thompson, Treasurer of Tamworth Baptist Church, has taken up the new post of Grants & Finance Assistant in HEBA. David worked for Lloyds TSB for 38 years but took voluntary early retirement at the end of October. His work will cover all aspects of association finance and the administration of Home Mission grants. Having been a member of Home Mission supported churches and also a Home Mission visitor, David is keen to use his experience to help others.

LondonAt the end of June Pete Leveson, the LBA’s Youth Work Co-ordinator will conclude his term of service with the association. Pete has worked for the LBA since 2000, initially in a part-time capacity, but more recently in a full time role.

North WesternPhil Jump will be going on sabbatical from May through to September and we pray for a time of refreshment and renewal for Phil during this break.

NorthernThe association has appointed Chris Bambrough for two days per week to act as Youth Specialist.

Southern CountiesPlease pray for SCBA as we examine our purposes and structures. This will precede

the appointment of further staff. In the meantime, we have a part-time acting regional minister, the Revd Martin Poole, who is assisting Team Leader Grenville Overton and colleagues Gill Crippen and Keith Hawton. We are grateful for our support staff - Patricia Criddle, office administrator, and Stella Charles, PA to Grenville.

YorkshireWe are delighted about the appointment of the Revd Jane Day as regional minister for Mission from 1 September 2009. Currently pastor of Gildersome Baptist Church, Jane worked in the team ministry of Didcot Baptist Church whilst training for ministry at Regent’s Park College, Oxford. Prior to ministerial training, Jane worked as Training and Development Officer for HBOS and as National Administration Manager for the Girls Brigade in England and Wales.

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Communications

IntroductionThe Communications Department have been very busy over the last few months on a number of key projects. These include refreshing the BUGB Visual ID and Logo, completing the creation of the new Baptist Basics series (see page 20) and looking more closely at the future potential of the BUGB website.

‘ Go…’ - The new BUGB DVD now on general release!

You should have now received your personal copy of the new BUGB DVD filmed in the West of England which has been mailed with this edition of Transform. The overarching theme ‘Go…’ links to the new BUGB Strategy ‘Encouraging Missionary Disciples’ and ties in with Matthew 28. Designed for ease of use by busy church leaders/members, the four films are four minutes long – ideal for showing in services, meetings, house groups or at home! The booklet that accompanies this DVD also points you to other great resources to support your church’s mission and ministry. www.baptist.org.uk/dvdfollowup/dvd09.html

1. Go….and share your storyThis film helps to dispel the myth that evangelism is hard, that sharing your personal story is not important, and that people are just not interested in the Christian faith. The aim of this film, set in a café in Bristol, is to stimulate debate and encourage people to share their own stories of faith.

2. Go…into all the worldFilmed at Bristol Baptist College, Ali Boulton (a mature student minister) talks about her calling into the ministry and her experiences of being a student. She also reflects on her aspirations for creative church planting.

3. Go…and work togetherThe story of re:Source inspires us to reflect on what God can do when churches work together. Supported by Home Mission and the West of England Baptist Association, this initiative has helped regenerate declining churches in the Bristol area.

4. Go… and be baptisedIn this film a young father, Nigel Moore, shares his personal testimony and invites us to watch his baptism. Diagnosed with cancer in 2006 he was given five years to live. Nigel’s vision is that as people watch this film, they will be encouraged to consider their own journey of faith and be baptised.

If you would like further copies of this amazing DVD, please email us at communications@baptist.org.uk or call 01235 517708.

Amanda AllchornHead of Department

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of these inspiring stories are featured in this new resource. www.baptist.org.uk/resources/home_mission_resources.asp?section=19

To order these, please email us at communications@baptist.org.uk or call 01235 517708.

BUGB Magazine – relaunch!Following some very useful feedback, we are redesigning the look and content of BUGB Magazine. The new magazine will be launched this July with extra

features which will include linked online audio visual materials. The frequency will change from a bi-monthly to quarterly, so please note that there will not be an edition in May. However, we are working with The Baptist Times and BMS World Mission on a ‘Mega edition of The Baptist Times’ linked to the engaging theme of the 2009 Baptist Assembly ‘Who do we think we are?’. These are due to arrive in churches around the end of April. Take a look at the Baptist Times website www.baptisttimes.co.uk

Home Mission Promotion – new resources!

Due to popular demand we have redesigned and launched a brand new Home Mission money box and A Little

Introduction to Home Mission. These will support the promotion of Home Mission in your local church. At the heart of Home Mission, are the stories of God speaking and people responding - a few

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PublicationsJenny StewartManager

NEW RELEASES IN 2009

Baptist Basics – expanded and rewritten

The very popular series on Baptist Basics has been rewritten and expanded for us by Nigel Wright with new leaflets on The Congregation, Stewardship and Mission and Evangelism, bringing the series to a total of 12 leaflets. The brightly designed, attractive series of A5 sized leaflets are now available to buy individually at a cost of £0.70 each or as a pack of 12 in a presentation folder for £7.00. The titles in the series are now: 1 Why be a Baptist? 2 The Congregation3 Believers’ Baptism 4 Church Membership5 The Lord’s Supper 6 The Church Meeting7 Stewardship 8 Leadership in the Local Church9 Children in the Church10 Radical Dissent11 Mission and Evangelism 12 Lifestyle

These leaflets can be used individually with enquirers or they can be worked through as a 12 part study guide for house groups or new member’s classes.

The leaflet previously available in this set, Visiting new members is now available as a free download from the BUGB website under the membership tab of the Resources section.

Baptist Churches: An Introduction

Nigel Wright has also written an introductory guide to Baptist churches for those enquiring as to what Baptist churches are about, what they believe and how they differ from other denominations. Headings include: Basic beliefs, A Baptist DNA, Leadership in the church, A very brief history and Being connected. Designed for you to hold multiple copies in church foyers and at stands at fairs, etc, the attractive A5 leaflets are for sale in packs of 5 for £1.00.This guide replaces part of what was previously included in Who’d Be A Baptist (now out of print).

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2009 Directory

The Baptist Union of Great Britain 2009 directory is now available for sale for £15.50.

When weak, then strong

This book is a combined revision of two earlier books, Complete in Christ (BUGB 1996) and Treat with Special Honour (BUGB 1997). It considers the contribution of people with physical, sensory and severe learning disabilities to the life of the church, and how churches can make inclusion a reality. Much of the advice, practical and down-to-earth, comes from those who have various disabilities. At the same time they show the importance in their lives of faith in Jesus Christ. There is much here about proclaiming the gospel in accessible ways and about Christian discipleship. Faith Bowers has been a leader in BUild, the Baptist work with people who

have learning disabilities, and involved ecumenically with disability concerns generally, as well as speaking out of her own personal family experience. Priced at £10.00 (including package and postage - cheques made payable to ‘BUild’), copies must be purchased direct through the BUild Resources Secretary, Rev Alison Gidney, 56 Grosvenor Street, Liscard, Wallasey, The Wirral CH44 1AQ. Telephone: 0151 639 7520 Email: aggidney@btinternet.com

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Bernard Green, BUGB’s former General Secretary has drawn on many unpublished records from 1931-48 to show the impact of Hitler and Nazism on

Baptists across the continent and the beginning of postwar reconciliation.

To be published for the EBF celebration in July 2009, this book will sell for £16 + £2 inland postage and packing

Prepublication OfferFor orders received before 31 May 2009 the price will be: £14+£2 p&p. Advance orders should go to: Mark Sage, 14 St Vincent’s Place, Eastbourne, BN20 7QW. Cheques made payable to Baptist Historical Society.

Finance

IntroductionThe Finance Office hasn’t slowed down following the end of year accounts. Among the many requests for help we receive from churches we are also in the process of winding up several small trusts following recent changes to charity legislation. Due to the current state of the economy, we are having to monitor the various investments very closely.

2009 Stipend

The Trustees have fixed the Home Mission Stipend for 2009 at £19,100. Treasurers should also note that the value of a Manse for Pension Fund purposes is £5,750 per annum as from 1 January 2009. This increases the amounts that churches and ministers pay as pension scheme contributions, and significantly increases the benefits which will be received in due course from the fund.

2010 StipendThe Trustees have not yet established a Guideline Stipend for 2010.

Deposit ratesThe Baptist Union Corporation currently (from 10 March 2009) pays interest at 1.00% on money deposited by churches in the Baptist Union Loan Fund. The current rate is advertised each week in the Baptist Times. The deposits assist the

provision of loans to churches, and are welcomed by the Corporation.

Loan ratesThe Baptist Union Corporation is willing to lend at 3.70% (from 10 March 2009) to churches buying, extending or renovating buildings or manses, subject to suitable repayment arrangements being in place. This rate is also subject to change in line with national interest rates. The current rate is advertised each week in the Baptist Times.

Mileage rates

The recommended mileage rates continue at 40p per mile for the first 10,000 miles within each tax year, and 25p for each mile thereafter.

Compiled by Philip Cooke FCA., Honorary Taxation Adviser to the Baptist Union

Taxation Guidance Notes:My Taxation Guidance Notes for Churches & Ministers were updated in January 2009 and can be downloaded from the BUGB website - document F5.

Philip PutmanHead of Department

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Official rate of interest on beneficial loans:The ‘official rate’ of interest used to calculate the taxable benefit arising on a beneficial loan (ie at less than the ‘official rate’) made by an employer to an employee was reduced from 6.25% pa to 4.75% pa as from 1 March 2009, with the result that the average rate for the tax year 2008-09 will be 6.1%. Where the aggregate loans made to an employee do not exceed £5,000 a taxable benefit does not arise. The ‘official rate’ is also used in computing the value of the taxable benefit arising from the provision by an employer of accommodation which does not qualify for exemption.

Computers etc:

A new capital allowances regime came into force in April 2008 under which businesses qualify for a 100% investment allowance of up to £25,000 per annum in respect of expenditure on plant and machinery. Because employees who have to provide plant and machinery for the purpose of undertaking their employment similarly qualify under these rules, it follows that where it is necessary for a minister to purchase a computer or other office equipment in order to perform the duties of his or her office, a claim can be made for such investment allowance. The claim should be made in box 21 of the Minister of Religion pages of the

tax return, but if there is personal use of any such equipment the claim should be restricted accordingly.

Travel from manse to church:The question is asked from time to time as to whether journeys from the manse to the church qualify for the Revenue approved mileage allowance. The answer is that since it is accepted that the manse is the base from which a minister performs all of the duties of his or her office, church business mileage begins and ends at the manse. Of course this begs the question of whether the property in which the minister resides satisfies the established criteria for a manse, namely that is provided by the church for the better performance of the minister’s duties and it is situated in reasonable proximity to the church/fellowship which it serves. [See Taxation Guidance Notes for Churches & Ministers - section 1 for further details.]

Some tax return seasonal reminders:

For the church:(a) Remember that the provision of accommodation for a pastoral minister of religion does not give rise to a taxable benefit and so does not have to be reported on form P11D. Similarly, with regard to the associated expenses of council tax, water charges and buildings insurance.(b) 2008-09 is the last year for which the Revenue are willing to make a payment (of £75) if the employer’s annual PAYE return is filed online voluntarily. From 2009-10 it will be compulsory to file online. If you wish to take advantage of this ‘bonus’ it

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will necessary to register swiftly in order that the return can be filed by the due date of 19 May.

For the minister:(a) The rent received by a minister (and spouse if the property is jointly owned) in respect of a property which has been leased to the church for use as a manse has to be shown on UK Property (UKP) pages of their respective self-assessment returns along with claims for any associated expenses such as loan interest and property maintenance expenses not borne by the church under the terms of the lease.(b) Don’t forget that casual preaching and any other fees (eg weddings and funerals) are taxable and need to be included in box 4 of the Minister of Religion pages of the tax return. If such fees are received in a situation where a return form has not been issued it is incumbent upon the minister to report such income and request a return.

Rental paid for minister-owned property:

Once again it is necessary to dispel the notion that the rental paid by a church in respect of a minister-owned property leased for use as a church manse, should

be linked to the manse annual value for pension fund purposes. The manse annual value (£5,750 for 2009) exists solely for the purpose of computing contributions to, and benefits from, the Baptist Ministers’ Pension Fund, and ought not to be used as a yardstick for determining the rental of any particular property which, as far as possible, should bear some relationship to the market rental for the size and location of the property in question. It is acknowledged that some churches may be unable to pay the full market rental, in which case the parties will need to agree upon the most practicable level of rent.

These notes are issued for general guidance only. The author or publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of material contained herein. If you are in any doubt about the correct treatment of any matter you should seek further professional advice. I am prepared to respond to questions of a general nature and my e-mail address is: philipjcooke@aol.com. In order to avoid any such e-mails being treated as ‘spam’ please state ‘Church Tax Enquiry’ as the subject and also indicate the name of your church.

Finance

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Legal and Property Issues

IntroThe feedback from churches that are seeking registration with the Charity Commission is good. The process is not as difficult as they expected, and they have found the guidelines leaflets helpful.

Ofsted Exemption Notification Form for Holiday ClubsIn the last edition of Transform we told churches that they would need to notify Ofsted about their holiday club in order to qualify for an exemption from the need to formally register with them. A form has now been made available which churches should use for this purpose. This can be found at www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Forms-and-guidance/Browse-all-by/Other/General/Exemption-notification-form.

Gas & Electrical Safety CertificatesWhen a church lets its manse it is a legal requirement to undertake a survey of the gas appliances, electrical appliances, and electrical circuits, before the property is occupied. Many letting agents can do this for churches or the church could contact their utility companies to arrange an Annual Landlords Certificate of Safety.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)It is a legal requirement for landlords letting residential properties to provide a report to potential tenants about the energy efficiency of the premises. This can be obtained through most property letting agents or from appropriately qualified Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA’s). Government estimates the cost at around £100 for an Energy Performance Certificate that lasts for 10 years. A further certificate will be required on expiry of the 10 year period if the property is still let.

Gaia Communications (Energy Brokers)A number of churches have been approached by this company and offered the opportunity to review their energy supply arrangements. Whilst we would accept that some churches might benefit from a review we would like to make it clear that this company is not endorsed by the Baptist Union despite suggestions to the contrary.

New and Updated Guideline Leaflets:C1 Burial Grounds (updated) B.6 Loans to Churches (updated) B.11 Baptist Union Loan Fund Application Form. (totally revised) C.4 Church Amalgamations (updated) C29 Churches, Charities and Incorporation (published December 2008) C30 Registered Charities and Public Benefit (published February 2009)

English Heritage Lead Theft GuidanceEnglish Heritage has prepared guidance for historic places of worship on the problems of metal theft. Whilst roofs are the most likely targets other items such as rainwater goods and lightning conductors are also at risk. The guidance highlights the importance of prevention for all churches and using a combination of security measures to deter thieves. Many of the suggested options are low cost but effective. Advice is also given on dealing with the aftermath of a theft. The guidance can be found at www.english-heritage.org.uk/metaltheftguidance.

Linda HolderManager of the Baptist Union Corporation

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SafeguardingAlan ElsonSafeguarding Administrator

STOP PRESS NEWS!

We have just received news that the implementation timetable for the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) has been slowed down.

The new timetable is

October 2009• The scheme will open with the creation of two lists of all people currently barred from working with children or vulnerable adults. • Employers will be able to access these lists to make checks on new workers – details of how this will be done have yet to be released. • Employers will be able to refer people who pose a risk to children or vulnerable adults to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). Details of how this can be done will become available nearer the date.• The criteria already announced for regulated positions will apply to those who are seeking enhanced CRB Disclosures. • Standard Disclosures will no longer be available to those working with children.• The current application form will remain in use.

July 2010• Individuals will be able to register with the ISA on applying for Disclosures. A 5 year programme for registration will start to include all those currently working with the relevant groups as well as new appointments.• Employers will be able to ‘express an interest’ in a person’s registration status and will be informed of any changes.• The new CRB/ISA form will be launched.

• Employers will be able to do free, online checks of a person’s registration status.

November 2010• It will become a legal requirement for individuals to register with the ISA if they intend to work or are working with vulnerable groups.

This means that the timetables for implementation that we have circulated are now out of date. Therefore do not destroy your current CRB forms at the end of August – you will need them for another year.

As information becomes available we will tell you. Some guidance should become available to us from the end of April or early May; this date may change following an error in the consultation process.

In the meantime, please continue to refresh Disclosures and prepare for next year. You may want to get those Disclosures that need refreshing next year done in the earlier part of the year. Note that the launch date for applications for registration is July 2010.

When the detailed guidance is available, training sessions will be announced for regional trainers who will contact local churches to deliver briefings on the new regulations. The Home Office have confirmed they will have a speaker at the Baptist Assembly to introduce the ISA.

Our partners in the Congregational Federation have produced this Q & A sheet. You may find it helpful.

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What is vetting and barring?It is a new ‘pre-employment’ registration for those wishing to work with vulnerable groups. It will determine whether information is held about someone that makes them unsuitable. If so, the scheme will bar them from that work.

Is it mandatory?Yes, it will be illegal to recruit anyone for certain roles without checking their vetting and barring status. This applies whether the position is paid or voluntary.

What roles are covered by the scheme?Any activity of a specified nature that involves contact with children or vulnerable adults frequently, intensively and in some cases overnight. Any activity allowing contact with children or vulnerable adults that is in a specified place frequently or intensively. Any activity which involves day to day management or supervision of people carrying out such roles. The exact definitions of ‘frequently’ and ‘intensively’ are available on request.

How is this likely to affect churches?The scheme will include all church activities with children, such as Sunday Schools; after school clubs and organizations; carer and toddler groups; and crèches. It will include ministers and pastors. It may include lay preachers. It includes church visiting schemes specifically for a vulnerable group, such as those ‘shut in’ or elderly.

How are people registered on the scheme?To be on the scheme the applicant will need to complete a combined form for both criminal record applications and registration with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

Registration will cost £64. It is fully portable for any work with children or vulnerable adults. It will be free for those undertaking voluntary work only. The new forms will be similar to existing criminal records application forms and will be available in the same way from the Baptist Union. Disclosures will continue to be needed and will be requested at the same time.

Will people still need to obtain criminal record disclosures?Where Enhanced Disclosures are required, at present the answer will certainly be yes’. However, there are some less sensitive roles where vetting and barring may be sufficient. The Baptist Union is consulting with ecumenical partners to develop a consistent approach.

What new duties does the scheme require of churches?There will be new duties to refer anyone who has been appointed to a particular role with children and young people or vulnerable adults to the ISA, where there has been relevant conduct leading to a disciplinary matter or where someone has resigned pending disciplinary action. Guidance on relevant conduct and risk of harm will be issued.I apologise for any confusion that may have resulted from our early release of preparatory information and I hope that this delay from the ISA/CRB does not create undue problems for you. From our point of view it gives us the time we need to enable proper preparation to be done.

NEW! VBS Helpline just opened 0300 123 1111. – a lo-call number (Mon-Fri 0800-1730) for any questions on VBS. 27

Events

The Netherlands 24-26 July 2009Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet with your European Baptist family this July as we celebrate 400 years of Baptist witness in Europe, and look forward to the future together, based on the convictions and values of those early pioneers.Over the weekend there will be programmes for everyone including a special programme for children 12 and under, celebrations, seminars, exhibitions and a visit to the sites where Baptists began. Since Amsterdam 400 takes place during the Summer school holidays, why not make this part of your family holiday by extending your time in the region and adding some of the many sights onto your itinerary. See the event website at www.amsterdam400.org for information on the event. Registration is available online via the website or by mail with full details on the website. Easyjet provide low cost travel to Amsterdam from various UK airports. Many other airlines also fly into Amsterdam Book now to enjoy the fellowship and inspiration of your wider European family.

Baptist World Congress - Honolulu Hawai’i28 July -1 August 2010

The website (www.bwacongress2010.org) and online registration is now live for the next Baptist World Congress to be held in 2010. These events

are held every five years on different continents with the last one having being held in 2005, here in Birmingham.Proposed speakers are currently being invited, Focus Groups topics being confirmed and Bible Studies starting to be written and more details will be announced regarding the programme details, speakers etc. in Summer 2009.Accommodation bookings are open for the first selection of hotels – those recommended by the Hawai’i Convention Center. A leaflet listing these (and the initial Congress leaflet) can be obtained by contacting the BUGB Communications Department (communications@baptist.org.uk or 01235 517 718). Further lists of cheaper accommodation options will be made available later this year and may well be found through travel agents or websites such as www.expedia.co.uk from August 2009. Now is the time to start considering your options with regard to travel routes, stopovers, other places to visit, etc, in preparation for travel bookings to open in the Summer. With so many alternatives that people are wishing to choose to get there, we will not be arranging a group booking but you may like to contact Phil Hindle at Thyme Travel to help you make plans. Phil’s contact details are: enquiries@thymetravel.gtmail.co.uk, 01823 690091.Those who attended the 2005 Congress were truly blessed by being there and meeting their worldwide Baptist family, whose lives inspired, challenged and encouraged us – don’t miss out on the opportunity.

Jenny StewartEvents Manager

International

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Leading EdgeWarwick, 10-16 August 2009Early bird discount extended.Recognising the financial pressure many are facing this year, we have extended the early bird discount deadline to 5 May. Book by 5 May and receive 5% discount.Don’t miss out on this year’s event with our exciting line-up of contributors.Matt & Juls Hollidge Dennis Pethers Ian & Ruth Coffey Jonathan Edwards Luke Hamlyn

There will be the usual programmes for all ages with exciting new activities including the climbing wall that was so popular in 2008. Also, recently confirmed, we have an evening with John Archer, recently named Stage Magician of the Year. With the popularity of the venue for those in their 20s, with those over 30, there will be three options for adults to study the bible this year:• Venue 1 – a more interactive style of bible study with an opportunity to explore together the impact and practical side of what is heard in the in-depth bible study. • Venue 2 – a very creative interactive study for those in their 20s.• Venue 3 - a more formal bible study.Don’t miss out. Book now and remember there is a 5% discount for groups of 15 or more paying guests. See the website for more information: www.baptist.org.uk/leadingedge

Faith & Unity

Bite the BulletSaturday 4 July 10:30 - 21:00Westbury Avenue Baptist ChurchThe issue of gangs and gang violence is the subject of a second Bite the Bullet conference organised by BUGB and the Ascension Trust. Professor John Pitts, criminologist and gang expert, will be present, together with former gang members, sharing their experiences. There will be a panel discussion and workshops to help parents detect if their children are involved in knife or gun crime. Throughout the day young people will be contributing, with many speaking during the workshops. The day will finish with a Gospel concert. It is a free event, everyone is welcome and food will be provided. For more information, contact the Faith and Unity Department.

The GatheringSaturday 10 OctoberEdmonton Baptist Church, LondonThe Gathering is a special annual event for all Baptists! It seeks to encourage us to discover the richness that can be found in cultural diversity – and to discover culturally relevant ways of engaging with our local communities. This year’s Gathering will be a collaborative event with the London Baptist Association, and will explore the theme of how Jesus is revealed in other cultures, particularly looking at spiritualities from the Indian subcontinent. The Gathering starts at 10:30 and costs £15 per person (£10 if you book before 31 July).Whatever your cultural context, come and

David ShosanyaFran BeckettJim & Jules KilpinKingsley AppiagyeiMark Greene

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National

Events

explore with us! For further details, contact the London Baptist Association or the Faith and Unity Department on 01235 517726.

Mission

Evangelist Network Facilitation DayThursday 21 May at Baptist House, Didcot

Rural Network Facilitation DayThursday 4 June at Baptist House, Didcot

The Really Useful Evangelism ConferenceTuesday 30 June – Thursday 2 July at Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church

Back to Church SundaySunday 27 September 2009

Contact mission@baptist.org.uk for more details on all these Mission events.Please book your place at these events as early as possible to prevent the Union or association from incurring last minute expenses. We appreciate your help and look forward to receiving your bookings!

CentralOn 21 April, CBA is hosting ‘Living Hospitality’, a one-day seminar with Kumar Rajogopalan and David Shosanya of LBA exploring how churches can be welcoming places for Christians of black and ethnic minority groups. On 6 June the Annual Assembly has the theme ‘God’s Heart for People and Places’ where David Shosanya will be the main speaker.

East MidlandThe team go on a mini-tour in the summer to do Café Style Roadshows when we

will explore fresh expressions of church and worship and encourage each other.Friday 26 June: Evening celebration of the 400th Anniversary of Baptist Beginnings at Gainsborough Hall, Lincs.The Revd Jonathan Edwards and the Revd Ruth Gouldbourne will be joining us at our late summer Ministers’ Conference at The Hayes, Swanwick.

EasternThe annual EBA Assembly is on Saturday 27 June in Christ Church, Ipswich. The theme is ‘Breaking the Chains’ and the keynote speaker is the Revd David Shosanya from LBA. There will be a full day of seminars with youth and children’s programmes running throughout the day.

Heart of EnglandFor some years now the HEBA AGM has been combined with a Family Day – something that in many ways has worked well but which also led to a number of frustrations. So, on 20 May 2009 there will be a new-style Gathering & AGM at George Road Baptist Church, Erdington. Partly designed to give the regional ministry team and others an opportunity to share together in their vision for the future, it is hoped more serving ministers will be able to attend the meeting.

LondonSaturday 16 May: Worship Training Day, details to be confirmed.Saturday 13 June: The London Event 2009, 14:30–15:30 and 15:00–17:15 at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church.Saturday 4 July: Bite the Bullet, Westbury Avenue Baptist Church, Wood Green.

North Western17-19 April: The BUGB President, John

Regional

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Weaver, is visiting the region and holding a series of meetings entitled Conversations with the real world – Debt, employment and human dignity.20 June: Warrior is a men’s conference to be held in Liverpool and will include seminars entitled ‘Winning Men’, ‘Gearing Church up for Men’, ‘I’ll ask the Missus’ and ‘Work and Men’.

NorthernSaturday 6 June: The association Spring Assembly will take place at Heaton Baptist Church, Newcastle and will include the association AGM. The Annual Ministry Exchange Sunday takes place as usual on the last Sunday in June.

South Eastern9, 10 and 11 June 2009: Ministers’ and Church Leaders’ Conference. A two-night stay at Ashburnham Place, Battle, East Sussex. Details from Emma Dann on 01732 361005.

South WalesThursday 11 June: Mainstream Wales in Pontlliw (near Swansea) with Tony Campolo. Pre-event registration, via the association office, will be essential due to anticipated popularity & limited space.Friday 12–Saturday 13 June: Momentum (the Baptist Assembly in Wales), incorporating the association AGM. Main Speakers are Tony Campolo & David Kerrigan. There is also a Youth programme on the Saturday.Beyond our Imagining 2 (for leadership teams) in September/October. The six different dates will be announced shortly.

South WestWhen it comes to the Crunch – a series of evenings for church leaders looking at

how to respond as God’s people to the current economic climate. 7.30pm on all dates21 April Teignmouth Baptist Church22 April St Thomas Baptist Church, Exeter23 April Christchurch, Estover, Plymouth28 April Barnstaple Baptist Church29 April Taunton Baptist Church6 June: ‘Elders – who do they (we) think they are?’ A one-day consultation for churches with elderships to be held at the association office in Exeter.20 June: SWBA Annual Assembly, Wellington Baptist Church. We’re delighted to welcome the team from the London Baptist Association as our speakers for the day.

Southern CountiesJune will be a busy month. There will be association forums at Testwood, Kidlington, and Easthampstead. The aim is to connect the association with local voices and views, as we seek to be intentional in equipping churches to be healthy and effective in their life and mission. We will continue our series of successful Leaders’ Days, informing about key issues faced in today’s society. Details from office.administrator@scba.org.uk

Yorkshire13 June: YBA Assembly & AGM. ‘Dare 2 Believe’ at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, near Bradford. The day will include input from the Revd Kingsley Appiagyei and a session with Viz-A-Viz Ministries as part of the YBA’s Commissioned Ministry programme. Bookings and further information through the YBA office.

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