Connect

March 2013

Facing Up to Giants
friends and their family. Many youth and family pastors enter their specialised ministry with a passion to reach lost young people for Christ and yet, despite what is said at interview, discover that they too have a role to please their funders in the congregation who expect their children to be cared for, protected and gently pastorally developed without too much risk or confrontation. It is no surprise therefore to discover that some churches struggle to keer youth workers long term and many leave for the freedom and the missional opportunity found in Christian organisations as opposed to churches. Other giants are out there, knocking the doors of our churches. Existentialism, for example, the philosophy of working out truth based on how it "feels" to you. "It feels so right it can't be wrong" in reference to an all night party may be fairly harmless but what about when it is in reference to an adulterous affair? What if feelings start to lead us into holding positions that are contrary to Scripture? What happens when feelings are the driver? "I have a peace about it" is a phrase often used in churches by those seeking God's will on an issue. Is that the subtle swing of a door that leads the church to a place where there is no longer correction to untruth, no discipline in discipleship and no communal discernment on an issue? Other giants are creeping all around us, individualism, secularism, celebrity culture, the list could go on and on. What is striking from the biblical story in Numbers 13 is that it was the fear of giants in the promised land that kept the children of God from fulfilling the mission of God. If only they had seen that other giants were waiting for them in the wilderness in the coming 40 years, it may have changed their perspective. At no time on this earth is there an absence of giants for the church to face. Whether or not the church takes the risk of doing things differently, breaking out of our comfort zones and seeking to glorify God and build the Kingdom of God in closer engagement with the changing culture around us, we will face giants. However we do not face them alone. As a company of God's people, because of the risen Jesus, we face these challenges in the presence of the Holy Spirit and his holy people. Reflecting on this present period of Lent reminds us of a hope that conquers fear and any other giants that inhibit us. Many of us are using this period of Lent to consciously re-imagine and reshape our lives to be more like Christ, enabled by His Spirit. In doing so we will face some personal giants: seeking forgiveness through repentance, practicing self-control and resistance of temptation, even if it is only chocolate. For some it will be a time of adopting new practices where we seek to better reflect the presence of Christ in our lives and consciously seek His Lordship afresh. We are reminded, as we approach Easter, that our saviour Jesus Christ has conquered the giants of sin and death through loving sacrifice and that our calling is to follow Him on this same path. In this Connect we have two major stories of churches choosing to face giants with loving sacrifice as they seek to advance Gods Kingdom, finding new attitudes, actions and habits to express the eternal hope that we share. My prayer is that you would find grace, in this period of Lent, that enables you to face your own giants and the giants of this age as we continue together to go into all the world in Jesus' name
Alan Donaldson

welve men went to spy in Canaan, 10 were bad, 2 were good. What do you think they spied in Canaan? 10 were bad, 2 were good. Some saw the giants tough and tall, some saw the grapes in clusters fall, some saw that God was in it all, 10 were bad, 2 were good. The 2 good spies Joshua and Caleb, minority voices in the Hebrew secret service, actually saw everything. That old children's song got it wrong! All saw the giants tough and tall, all saw the obstacles, all saw the problems associated with entering the land that they had been promised, but for 2 spies, that altered nothing. Having seen the problems and the possibilities, they encouraged Moses to proceed into the place of fruitfulness. We have giants in our own time in the nation and in the church. Consumerism is rife in society, the recession has pegged it back a little but as a nation we seem to mourn the loss of high street brands more than the loss of dignity, worth and value experienced by staff who face unemployment and their children who face poverty. As lives are being devastated, many will rush to the shops to pick up that item in the closing down sale, driven by the consumerist idol "the bargain" which makes us doubly happy. But beware! This giant has also entered the church. Where once we spoke of the priesthood of all believers, the church as a body serving one another and the world in which we live, so often now we hear talk of finding a church that serves our needs, and the bonus buy, serves the needs of our family. People leave churches, large and small, because "they no longer meet our needs." In a consumer-driven church, ministers are tempted to fill their time serving the church, meeting the demands and expectation of the congregation. The role of minister can become one of managing expectations with little energy left for those beyond the local church members, their

Step Out *Reminder*

Serving on a Step Out mission is for followers of Jesus aged 14-21 within our Baptist churches. Those involved in Step Out will have a Training Weekend, the chance to be involved in a number of week long missions across Scotland (they choose how many) before coming back together for a Reunion Weekend. The cost is 55 (this includes the two weekends, resources, and a Step Out t-shirt) plus travel costs to and from the weekends and mission locations. Applications to join Step Out for this summer are now being taken. If you or any of the young people in your church are interested in finding out more, or in applying to join, then please get in touch with Mo Gibbs at the Baptist Union of Scotland office or email: mo@scottishbaptist.org.uk.

The deadline for applications is Friday 22nd March.

Published by the Baptist Union of Scotland, 48 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, admin@scottishbaptist.org.uk. Charity Registration No:SC004960

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March 2013

Serving up 15,000 meals for Glasgow's Homeless

guest speaker, at Caulders Garden Centre, with Caulders agreeing to donate 10% of all sales on the night to the cause. In total, local businesses contributed more than 2,000. Within the church itself, a core team of volunteers was mustered to organise a number of fundraising events. These included a men's pool night, YF neighbourhood carol singing, a clothing swishing party and bake sales undertaken by younger children. The highlight was a sponsored 'Sleepout in the City' event when a 16-strong contingent, aged 18 to 76, braved the cold by sleeping on just cardboard boxes in Glasgow City Centre. A staggering 7,000 was raised. Sleep-out event organiser, and NMBC deacon, Fraser Muirhead commented, "As part of the 10:10 project, we decided to do something a little different and get a small insight into what it's like to sleep took part to raise awareness of poverty in our city. To have raised such a substantial amount of money is testament to people's heart for the poor. When a church like ours gets the bit between its teeth, we really go for it and that's been proven once again. "It's also been a catalyst that's seen thousands of people engaged with the local church in a positive way, with hundreds coming into our building and many new relationships started." Grant Campbell, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Mission said: "We are delighted with how a local church has galvanised its community to raise more than 15,000 to help us serve 15,000 meals to those homeless this winter. All the money raised is going straight to those who need it most in our city. A hot meal is often what initially attracts people to our services. It's from there that we can start to build relationships with each

A GRAND Total

When the local church partners with its community, schools and businesses, something very special can be achieved. That's what Newton Mearns Baptist discovered when launching 10:10, an exciting project to raise 10,000 for Glasgow City Mission to provide 10,000 hot meals to those homeless in Glasgow. What seemed like a big target ended up being smashed with funds exceeding 15,000. Pastor Brian More explains that, just yards from the church building, a new retail park has recently opened together with 1,000 new homes. "We wanted to engage our new neighbours meaningfuly and demonstrate God's heart for the poor in a tangible, practical way, illustrating that the local church has something positive and relevant to say. "We were aware that many of the new businesses in the area wanted to establish their community credentials, whilst our schools have a requirement to teach good citizenship' as part of the Curriculum for Excellence". Working in partnership with Glasgow City Mission, a charity that has provided Christian care since 1826 to those trapped in poverty, a number of fundraising

ideas were brainstormed. Glasgow City Mission provided bespoke materials to market events, including posters, flyers, a totaliser, articles for the local press and an SMS donations service. First up in engaging the local community was Crookfur Primary School with Pop Connection, a Christian organisation that works with primary schools to record their own pop CD of life-affirming songs then deliver a high profile community concert. More than 700 mesmerised parents, teachers and members of the public poured into the church to watch the pupils performing tracks from their very own album, raising 1,000 in the process. Building on good school relationships, Mearns Primary and Eastwood High School added a further 2,000 to the total by undertaking dress down days and bake sales. Trish Collins, the church's Community Worker, contacted local businesses and was delighted when Waitrose agreed to make Glasgow City Mission their Charity of the Month for December. She also organised a ladies evening , with Pam Fulton of Queens Park Baptist as

The Sleep Outers

The Pop Connection Choir

rough in Glasgow at Christmas by doing it ourselves. After an hour or two of good camaraderie, the cold really started to set in. That's when it hit us: we've got 7 hours or so more to go. We were all acutely aware that whilst we could then return to warm homes, loving families, hot baths and Bible Study leader comfortable beds, this would not be Glen Marshall the case for the scores of rough sleepers in Glasgow". Jonathan Bismark, a member of the youth fellowship, observed: "Cardboard is no substitute for my memory foam mattress. Four layers of clothing don't come near my warm cotton duvet and the frost that forms on your sleeping bag is not the same as sleeping with a gentle breeze coming through the window!" The various events raised an astonishing 15,600, smashing the 10,000 target. Brian More said, "It has been a real joy to partner with local organisations and all those who

individual, understand their needs and signpost them to our daytime activities which often act as a catalyst for transformation and rehabilitation. As a Christian charity, we rely on churches, businesses, individual donors and charitable trusts to sustain and grow the work that we do. We cannot thank Newton Mearns Baptist Church, and all those who participated in events or made donations, enough. It's been a great example of partnership working at its best."
For further information, contact: Rev Brian More, Newton Mearns Baptist Church, 0141 616 2362 office@newtonmearnsbaptist.org.uk www.newtonmearnsbaptist.org.uk Graham Steven, Marketing & Fundraising Manager, Glasgow City Mission, 0141 221 2630 graham.steven@glasgowcitymission.com www.glasgowcitymission.com

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and at www.scottishbaptist.org.uk

Published by the Baptist Union of Scotland, 48 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, admin@scottishbaptist.org.uk. Charity Registration No:SC004960

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March 2013

Engagement Diary for March

1 The Joint Assembly Planning group meets. This evening, Alan Donaldson visits the South West Baptist Network. 1-5 John Greenshields is with the National Settlement Team. 4 Scottish Baptist Womens Fellowship (SBWF) President Christine Heron is with Hawick Baptists WF this afternoon. 5 This is the Scottish Baptist Ministers Day of Prayer. 6 The Property Group meets Dave Bookless this morning. Alan Donaldson meets with Alistair Clunie of BMS this afternoon. 7 Alan Donaldson attends the EA Council then the launch of Home for Good. 8 A BUS conference for chaplains runs today. 9 The Public Issues & Social Action Group meets. 10 Alan Donaldson preaches in Queens Park Baptist Church today and Jim Purves in Dumbarton Baptist this morning. 11 Christine Heron visists Coatbridge Baptists WF tonight. 12 Alan Donaldson attends the BMS Council of Reference today. 14 Our National Team meets. Mo Gibbs visits Stirling University re: Sports Day plans. 17 John Greenshields preaches in Peterhead Baptist Church whilst Jim Purves is with Collydean Baptist in the morning and Motherwell Baptist this evening. 18-20 Alan Donaldson attends the Baptist Union of Great Britain Council. 19-21 Next Stage of Ministry conference takes place. 23 Jim Purves is with Castlehill Baptist, Bearsden, for their Anniversary Weekend. 24 Alan Donaldson preaches in Motherwell Baptist. 25 The SBWFs annual Day of Discovery takes place in Stratchlyde Hilton. 28 Our National Team meets.

Consolidation and Growth at Cornton

Teacher and Basketball coach, approached the Primary School with a cross curricular programme Cross Teach that deals with the development of each child in a holistic way linking R.M.P.S., Social Education and P.E. This is fully integrated into the National Curriculum meeting many of the experiences and outcomes contained within it. It is focused on developing Health and Wellbeing. This programme was well received by teachers and parents and has attracted interest from elsewhere. Our Youth Worker has recently spoken at a conference on the initiative, and the school have asked for the programme to be repeated. Cross Sports is a mid-week sports club held in the playground of the local Primary School, which is right in the heart of the local community, with the full support of the Head Teacher. As a result of being in the playground this gives us a very visible presence in the community and also attracts passing children. This developed out of the Cross Teach programme and provides proper coaching in basketball, volleyball, badminton, and American football. This type of coaching is normally out of the reach of many of the children from a deprived area like Cornton. The most popular sport regularly taught is Basketball and the school team have enjoyed some success. This has helped raise the confidence and self-esteem of the children. It is hoped that Cross Sports will expand to other churches and schools across Stirling this year. We are excited about the work going on in Cornton and would value your prayers as we continue investing in the lives of children and young people.
Hamish Wishart Pastor, Cornton Baptist Church

Concentration at the Youth Cafe

BMS Womens Link

March 6th: Bangladesh Update with Bill Baxter. April 4th: AGM and BMS Update with Rev Judy White Meetings are from 10.15am in Adelaide Place Baptist Church, Glasgow. More info from Mrs Jan Watson on 01294 822594.

Its hard to believe that its been over three years since we embarked on a youth work project in Cornton. Truth be told, weve been doing childrens and youth work in Cornton since the work in the community of Cornton began in 1959 its just that three years ago we took the step of faith in employing a youth and community worker to further consolidate and grow the work. As our funding from BUS comes to an end, we wanted to say thank you to all in our family of churches for supporting this exciting work we couldnt have done it without your support. Please pray for us as we continue the work and as we actively seek more funding to allow us to do this. CBC Kids Club has been a mainstay in the life of the church and the community over many years in different guises. Ruth McCaig, our youth worker, has consolidated this work and is ably supported by many volunteers. She has developed our Youth Caf and it has a great atmosphere because the young people understand and adhere to the expected behaviour and hold each other accountable. A key strategy was to restrict the age range to S1 and S2 at first, and encourage the P7 in the Kids Club to move naturally to the Youth Caf. This was very effective and the age range is now extended to all teenagers. The range of games and activities has increased and there are now thirty to forty young people involved with about twenty five attending each week. In addition to games, there are discussion groups which are centred around a talk, a video clip or the words of popular songs from the charts. The subjects for discussion have recently included ambition, materialism, war and identity: all significant issues, and the discussions often go on long

after the organised discussion time is finished. Perhaps one of the exciting parts of the youth caf work has been the relationships built with the young people, such that two of the older An appreciative client! teenage girls are now helping out at the kids club. This is the result of intentional discipleship as Ruth has gotten alongside them and

Well protected!

encouraged them to be part of the church family. These girls are as yet unsaved but hopefully, as they see us live life, they will come to know the Saviour whom we love and serve. Two particularly encouraging projects over the past year have been Cross Teach and Cross Sports. After a discussion with Active Stirling and the Primary School, Ruth, who is a qualified R.E.

Who needs the Globetrotters?

Events in our publications, website or social media are for info only and do not necessarily reflect involvement or endorsement by BUS staff.
Published by the Baptist Union of Scotland, 48 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, admin@scottishbaptist.org.uk. Charity Registration No:SC004960

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March 2013

St Marys Community Church, Dundee: Rev Richard Toller. Its nearly a year now since we had the dedication service for our extended church building and we are still rejoicing in the extra space and more comfort. There are still a few things to be completed as bad weather and Sunday 3rd illness slowed things down but the end is in sight. Use of the premises for a variety of activities is Fiona Barnard: Chaplain, St Andrews growing and we thank God for new people University. Thank God for the opportunity to be worshipping with us, though we remain a small part of the University of St Andrews' Chaplaincy congregation. team, and the special responsibility of reaching Please pray for the speedy completion of the international students. remaining work and clear direction as to nature of Pray for good relationships between townour future mission in this housing scheme. Also wide church families who offer hospitality to we ask for prayer for the many people we come students far from home. Pray for Christian into regular contact with that they may come to students as they share the gospel with classmates, know Jesus for themselves. Several have and for the weekly Christian Union global cafe. expressed a desire to come on Sundays but things Pray for Bible studies attended by both Christians Stenhouse/Gorgie, Edinburgh. Rev George seem to prevent them, pray these obstacles will and those who are curious about Jesus. Pray that Cruickshank. The 80 year old building and be overcome. our churches will be welcoming and sensitive to Our Pastor is spending February in Ghana extensive grounds have been handed over to an internationals. Pray for guidance and discernment Aberdeen developer. In return, there will appear a visiting various churches, schools and a centre for to know how best to reach the world on our small retail park for 3 shops and on the first floor the rehabilitation of people with disabilities and doorstep, many of whom can be especially open providing some training for pastors in village a new Stenhouse Baptist Church entered by to the gospel. Thank you! churches. Please pray his visit will be of longstairs/lift. Temporary accommodation is now a term benefit to the churches he visits priority - with a few options. Rev Hamish Wishart: Chaplain Stirling We have good contact with local primary University (and Pastor of Cornton Baptist school through Scripture Union. Four care homes Sunday 31st Church). Give thanks for the openness of are regularly visited. A giant Easter banner will sit students to seek out support and counsel in the in the church grounds as a significant witness. St Ninians Community Church, Stirling: chaplaincy. Pray for wisdom for me in dealing Because of a lack of local ministers, the church Revs Graham Bell and Mo Gibbs. with some of the issues that come up. Give thanks will have its own 3-day Holy Week services. Like many churches we have experienced both for good relationships with the Christian Union joy and sadness in the past few months in a and indeed with the university management team. Sunday 24th variety of ways. Among the joys however has Pray for the work amongst international students been the continuing development of links in the and in particular for the vision of Friends two local primary schools including assemblies, Stirling Baptist Church: Rev Dr. Alasdair International, Stirling, to have a full-time worker lessons and Scripture Union groups. Black. During 2012 we adopted a new vision of on campus. This term has also seen us involved in the becoming an Acts 1 Church "A Spirit-filled and pilot of a homework club for local children empowered witnessing community" to be Sunday 10th working in partnership with COP (local expressed locally, regionally and beyond. community group), one of the primary schools Locally we would welcome prayer for our Southside Chuch, Ayr: Rev Colin Mutch. and some of the services within Stirling Council. developing Family Life Centre as well as our Southside has recently moved "home", leaving one ongoing work with children, youth and students Graham continues to work full time in HMP of the local secondary schools and now meeting in and our community engagement at The Haven Glenochil and we'd appreciate your prayers for Ayr Town Hall. This is a significant move for us him as he serves God there as well as amongst us. and through our City Centre Chaplaincy. We are and we would appreciate your prayers as we Please also continue to pray for us as a church thankful for progress made in the past year, for adapt to our new surroundings. We are grateful to the testimony of those recently baptised and for family as we continue to work out what it means God that over 20 years of being a nomadic church, the commitment of staff and volunteers who for us to love God, love one another and love the He has always provided accommodation. community we are in. work in these areas. We are currently advertising for a youth worker At a Regional level we are excited about the - our present youth worker has been called by Stonehaven. After a long period of vacancy, the appointment of Rab Donald as our Pastor for God to return to teaching. We are thankful to God Community Involvement & Regional church expects Rev Nathan Young, from the for the large number of children and young USA, to settle as their pastor on the second Expressions. Please pray for all involved in people at Southside and seek His leading in this Sunday of March. Nathan has spent time with helping to build strong disciples who are new appointment. Stonehaven Baptist before and now his home equipped to witness effectively within their As a church, we are focusing on discipleship church is supporting him and sharing ministry spheres of influence. and how to be more like Jesus. Pray for us all, As part of our witness "Beyond" we are in the costs for a three year period, seeing the from the youngest Christian to those who have appointment as something of a missionary final stages of selecting a project that will form followed "The Way" for many years, that we the corporate calling of the church to engage with outreach. would be challenged, encouraged and changed Please pray for him and his family as they put a specific global issue. Our prayer is that this throughout this year. down roots in Scotland and commence focus will awaken greater involvement in global ministering in Stonehaven. Pray that the church witness that will result in lasting benefits that Springburn, Glasgow. Please pray for the members and Nathan will work well together, will extend well beyond the project we will be church and its pastor Rev Crawford Harvey. seeking Gods will and knowing His blessing as supporting. Prayer is also welcomed for the "Poured Out" they go forward in his service. Sunday 17th Pray too for the deacons, making final Prayer Conference that we are hosting in arrangements for the pastor's arrival and for conjunction with Tear Fund and Prayer for several of the church members who have been St Andrews, Rev Andrew Rollinson. Please join Scotland on April 19-20. struggling with ill health of late. us in thanking God for the sense of unity and purpose we are enjoying at the moment. We have been heartened by: an Alpha Course where one person has recently come to faith and others are really seeking; the input from our two gap-year pastoral apprentices, the start of a number of mission outreach activities, CAMEO (for older folk) and Messy Church for young families. We are convinced the only way we will truly serve God's purposes (in a town where there are now a number of new vibrant evangelical churches) is through mission and conversion growth. Please pray for our work with students; for new elders; that a largely older congregation will make wise decisions to invest in a younger church for the future; and that the quality of our life in Christ will speak well in this town.
Published by the Baptist Union of Scotland, 48 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, admin@scottishbaptist.org.uk. Charity Registration No:SC004960

Prayer Link for March