P E E B L E S B A P T IS T C H U R C H

We Care

October 2013

People do not need to be gifted or special to communicate the love of GOD

hildren are much in our minds at the moment following on from Septembers brilliant KAOS outing to Biggar, and as we prepare for an infant dedication. In fact we seem to be swamped with children at the moment! Well, ok, 12 maybe doesnt quite qualify as swamping, but it is over a 1000% increase in what we had 2 years ago... The final words of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew are probably some of the most well-known within the church. One question though is, how are they permeating the life of our church? In his book The church invisible Nick Page writes, We have to start with the children. If you want to change the future you have to start with those who are going to build the future. He doesnt suggest they are the future, or the church of tomorrow, but rather that they are the ones who will build what will come. How as a church are we helping our children and young people to do just that? Are we bold and daring enough to imagine a church where children, young people and adults are integral to the life of a healthy church? Where they are valued as individuals and disciples, loved and accepted and encouraged to develop their faith and gifts? Where they are discipled to engage their faith in every area of their lives? If we are, then the adventure starts now. It actually started a long time ago - Jesus actions, words and challenges being reminders to us all of the call God sets before us as his children. With children and young people leaving the church, and many of their peers having no idea who Jesus is and the difference knowing him can make, this is not something that can be put off till tomorrow. Its time to do something, today.

Ian

If youd like to know more about what our friends in the other Peebles churches are doing, you can find some of their own magazines online: Old Parish Church: topcopmag.wordpress.com St Peters: www.stpeterspeebles.org.uk/netmagazine.php St Josephs: www.stjosephschurch.org.uk/?Home%3A:Current_Newsletter The St Andrews Leckie magazine isnt online yet, but theyre working on it...

By now you should be getting used to the regular articles in the magazine, the notice board, the Prayer Diary, Getting to Know You, Kings Meadow updates, Missionary and BMS updates, Book and/or Music reviews. There are also the odd reports included that are supplied by people who were involved with or attended a church or Christian event/meeting. These stand-alone reports are great to receive, they add a bit of you to the magazine and make it more personal. I would love to receive more of these articles, for you to share your thoughts, inspirations, experience, report of things you are involved in with the church and with other Christian organisations and events. You dont need to write anything lengthy or scholarly, just something friendly. If you feel comfortable enough, it would be wonderful to make it more personal and to share how you saw GOD at work at that event or if you felt him saying something to you. Photos are also great, where possible! I would really like to receive some book and music reviews as well: we should be sharing with each other when we find good tools like this for understanding GODs Word or aiding us in our worship to and relationship with GOD. The church magazine is also a good way to share news with the rest of the church maybe about previous members who now live elsewhere, about friends of the church, current members etc. You dont need to feel pressured to write something every month, but I know we all feel touched and inspired by events, readings, people, and it would be encouraging for us all, and interesting, to share these times. In anticipation The Editor

Sunday 20 October 11 AM Guest Speaker: Stephen Collins

Open Doors
Tuesday 8 October 10 AM
See Wilma Wintour for details

Ladies Who Lunch Tuesday 8 October at Teviot Water Gardens Speak to Kim Strachan for more information

Messy Church Saturday 26th October 3.30 - 5.30pm Victoria Park

Centre

Big Issue on Sun d 27 October 6.30 8.30 PM Victoria Park Cen

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m Vickys Tearoo tober Sunday 13 Oc 3 4 PM

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The Baptist Assembly Thursday 31 October to Saturday 2 November Evenings and Saturday afternoon are free entry!

ether Singing Tog t Dovecot Cour ctober Tuesday 2 O 2 PM

Dovecot Court Service

Sunday Morning Prayer 10.30 am Weekly

Wednesay 23 October 3 PM

ons? E100: Any Questi

Monthly Prayer Meeting Saturday 12th October Details to be confirmed
be confirmed. Date for October to s to Ian in Send any question advance, if possible stchurch.org pastor@peeblesbapti

Many congratulations to Dechlan Wilson who came 12th in his category, and 76th in the world, at the ITU World Triathlon Championships in London in September. Jacqueline and Esther were both there to cheer him on as he competed in his event, the Agegroup Aquathlon, comprising of a 1km swim and 5km run in and around the Serpentine in Hyde Park.

Thank you to everyone who saved Sainsbury vouchers for Kingsland Primary School. They were used to get baking equipment and playground toys. Jacqueline PYT CHRISTMAS HAMPERS UPDATE: Peeblesshire Youth Trust have been looking for someone to co-ordinate their Christmas Hampers food collection, which has been going on for the last five years. We think we may now have found someone, which is great news - details to follow!

The Summer BBQs. . .

The Summer BBQs have come to an end, but we would like to thank everyone who was involved in organising these and providing such tasty delights for our stomachs I think we can be sure everyone went home with full stomachs on the last Sunday of each summer month! With one Sunday as an exception, the weather was beautifully sunny and warm for us, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves young and old(er) alike and the place was abuzz with chatter. Thank you

Over the last ten or so years, the Baptist Assembly in Scotland has changed beyond recognition. Ask people who last came 15 or 20 years ago if they would like to attend, and often youll be met with a groan, a roll of the eyes, and an if I must response. By contrast, delegates from the last few years tend to leap at the chance to return, and according to the surveys almost unanimously recommend Assembly to others. Those surveys have shown a consistently improving trend over several years, in terms of satisfaction with a range of difference aspects of Assembly. That is deeply encouraging, not least because it reflects an ongoing desire for members of our Baptist family to spend time together, enjoying the privilege of worshipping freely together, and hearing stories of what God has been doing in our lives. This years theme Forging the Future - focuses on how we prepare disciples for mission in 21st century Scotland. Our evening speakers Adrian and Bridget Plass need little introduction, while in the morning we look forward to hearing from home grown Bible Study leaders Gavin Hunter (from Westray Baptist), Mat Wilson (from the BMS International Mission College), and Judy White and John Greenshields (of our Union staff). Worship will be led by David Currie from Dumfries Baptist. Bill and Jennie Jacobs, Linda Bell, and Ian and Lindsey Gray will all be going from Peebles Baptist, but Assembly is open to anyone, and the evening sessions (from 7pm) and Saturday afternoon (from 2pm) is free! You can find more information on the Assembly website: www.baptistassemblyinscotland.org

The next Messy Church will be on Saturday 26th October, at the usual time of 3.30-5.30pm in the Victoria Park Centre. Open to families of all primary school children - come and join in the fun, with crafts, games, songs, a short talk and a meal together. Were always looking for people who would be willing to come and help, especially with preparing and serving food and clearing up at the end. If youre available, please see Ian. The Foodbank will have a supermarket collection at Sainsburys, on Saturday 26th October. If youre shopping that day, please add something extra to your trolley for the foodbank - Sainsburys will then top up the donations even more! The new Priest at St Josephs Catholic Church has arrived, Fr Wojciech Rybka SVD. Fr Wojciech is a Polish missionary Priest, latterly in Taiwan. He is coming to Scotland for three years to study for a PhD at Edinburgh University. I know we hardly need to ask, but, please be as welcoming as possible as he settles in to a new church, town and country, especially as he manages his time with his studies also. We have enjoyed joining together with St Josephs for special services with Peebles Churches Together, and look forward to this continuing with Fr Wojciech Rybka.

Its that time of year again, time to fill our shoeboxes. Every year, boxes of gifts are collected to send to children who otherwise wouldnt get anything for Christmas. It can be quite fun to fill a box, and exciting to think that such a simple thing could make a young boy or girls face light up this Christmas. Please consider doing one of these it doesnt need to be more expensive than you can afford, just a little from us will mean a lot to them. Lots of helpful advice and resources to order or download are available on the Operation Christmas Child website (http:// www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk). You will find some helpful advice on the next page spread.

Giving a shoebox gift to a child in need is simple with Operation Christmas Child.

You wrap and pack it Take it to your nearest Drop Off Pointor, for us, Maragret at church. They check and send it Their in-country partners deliver it to a child in need. It starts in your hands and ends up in theirs. See below for how to do a shoebox in 5 simple steps:

1. Find an empty shoebox The shoebox should ideally be medium size, 30 x 18 x 13 cm. Wrap the lid and the box separately in wrapping paper (before going on to insert your gifts). 2. Decide if your gift is for a girl or a boy You can download girl/boy stickers from the website, and tick the appropriate age box on the sticker (24, 59 or 1014). This sticker goes on the top right corner of the lid. 3. Fill your box with new gifts Please check against the list opposite for dos and donts. All gifts should be new and there should be something from each category included. 4. Make your donation A minimum 3.00 'shipping' donation per shoebox is suggested - which helps ensure your shoebox gets to where it needs to go. They encourage donations to be made online if possible - so that they can tell you where your shoebox went. 5. Drop off your shoebox Ensure your shoebox is secured with a rubber band around the outside. Then bring your shoebox to church and hand it to Margaret by 3 November.

Yes Please! Wed love you to choose from each of these 4 categories: Toys: bear, soft toy, tennis ball, finger puppet, jigsaw, yo -yo, building blocks, small musical instrument. trucks and cars. dolls, clip on earrings, etc. Educational supplies: felt pens, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, colouring book, notepad, picture or puzzle book, chalk, pencil case, stickers, etc. Hygeine items: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, hair clips, bar of soap, flannel, etc. Other items: sweets (sell-by date to be at least March of the following year), gloves, scarf, sunglasses, cap, hat, bangles, necklaces etc. No Thanks! Please note the items we do not wish to be included in the shoeboxes: No Food particularly chocolate (non-chocolate sweets are allowed) No medicine or vitamins of any kind No war related items toy guns, play soldiers or knives of any kind No clothing other than listed above No fragile items e.g. glass containers, mirrors No liquids including blow bubbles, shampoo, bubble bath, toiletry sets or aerosols No dangerous items sharp objects, scissors or razors No books with many words Nothing of a political nature No hand-made stuffed toys without a CE mark. For knitted items that we can accept, please visit ww.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/ landing.asp

Getting to Know You

Linda Bell

I originally come from west Lothian - a wee hamlet called Threemiletown, where my mum still lives. There were no other kids there so my 'social life' was in the next village of Ecclesmachan, where I also went to Sunday school and church in the parish church. Both my parents were Christians so I grew up knowing about Jesus and believed in God as Creator and Jesus his son as naturally as breathing. I remember though, when I first understood that I could have a personal relationship with Jesus, that He had died to save ME. All I had to do was say sorry for all I had done to let Him down, and ask him to take me forward. I had Just been to a Saturday night meeting at Carrubbers Close with my dad, I don't remember the meeting, but I can still picture sitting in the car before we went back into the house and my Dad telling me about being 'saved' ,in my language. I really MET Jesus then. Maybe a couple of years later we started attending Broxburn Baptist Church for evening services and it was there that I felt drawn to be baptised - same time as my Mum and Dad actually. They continued membership in our local church but I felt my place was in Broxburn. I was at high school there, those were good days - wider horizons - first major crush etc etc etc. I knew that I wanted to be a Social worker by the time I left school but having started school at 4 years old I was still too young to be accepted at Moray house, so I had, what would now be described as a gap year. I worked in Bangour Village Psychiatric Hospital. I think I did a lot of

growing up then, in more ways than one. I wasn't Miss Goody Two Shoes through my teens and early twenties ( haven't been since come to think of it), but I never really doubted my relationship with Jesus, and I believe keeping attending church and mixing with Christians kept my faith alive and kept me from straying too far. College was mostly a good, but really stretching experience and I encountered areas of life, on placement, I still had not come across yet. I qualified in 1975 at the age of 21 and was set loose on the good people of Midlothian. My home church became Dalkeith Baptist Church, where I first encountered a certain WW (Wilma Wintour), though she was SO much older than me then (not so much now?). I had a good peer group there and also felt very supported by folks of older generations. I lived in Penicuik for ten years. My job went through various incarnations and for a long time my specialism was Learning Disability. The last ten or so years of my career was spent in Scottish Borders Social work where I worked with people with disabilities, and with older people, many of whom had dementia. I have taken early retirement but despite all the politics , ever increasing admin etc. social work was the only job for me. I dont know where to start re hobbies lacemaking, patchwork, sewing, stained glass, various things involving the hands + a wee bit of an artistic bent, photography, reading- mainly crime fiction, gardening and am now hoping to learn how to grow food. I moved to live in Eddleston in 1985 to share a home with my best friend. I believe Gods hand was, and is, in that, and he also took us to visit Peebles Baptist church as part of the process, then a tiny wee bendy building, but filled with good folk. This church is my home and the people who are part of it are family to me. Its amazing how God bonds people together who might not cross paths outside church. I used to observe people in church leadership and feel thankful somebody else was doing it, but Gods sense of humour has put me in that place, for now at least. Most of the time my roles with kids and teenagers, have been a blast. Twenty years ago I could never have envis-

aged being so involved in catering and now in a church community garden! All that time spent with the likes of Alan Titchmarsh and Jamie Oliver was not just self indulgence after all! God is also allowing me to use things I enjoy in Vickys Tearoom and now in 'singing for the brain opportunities. I moan and grumble and feel out of my depth/sad, happy, exhausted, exhilarated, and I let the Lord and other people down; but what a great God - forgiveness, fresh starts, new opportunities and blessings - blessings way more than I could ever count.

Linda

Kings Meadow Update

At the Church Members meeting on Wednesday 25th September, the meeting viewed a slide show of facts and photos of the work completed on the Kings Meadow between January and September 2013. There have been many highlights including the growing of a good crop of tatties, lots of involvement of people from within the church and from friends, family and other people from the area, and some great examples of Gods generosity to us, and of our needs being met which have been an encouragement to everyone. The planning group is currently made up of Rab, Bill, Linda, Lindsey and Ian, but we would welcome others to join if they are interested in supporting the garden. Plans are currently being drawn up for the development of the garden site to include the 5 large raised beds that were recently donated. The success of the last of our church BBQs which was held on the garden indicated that the future development of the site with seats and benches and a bbq area would give us potential events to be held there including social gatherings, mission and outreach. The church meeting voted to go ahead with the garden development, so please keep praying, baking scones for the work parties or getting your wellies out, as there will be loads happening over the autumn months.

Prayer Points

Thank and praise God for who He is, The True and Living God. Pray for the new Priest in residence for St Josephs who has just arrived - Fr Wojciech Rybka SVD. He is Polish and has just come from Korea, and is studying for his PHD at Edinburgh University. Urgent prayer request from Slavic Gospel Association for Pastor David Godfrey, after becoming increasingly ill he has been diagnosed with a large tumour on his brain. He is currently in Westonsuper-Mare Hospital to ascertain whether treatment is possible, pray too for his wife. Please pray along with this Pastor in Syria (Open Doors) : That the cup of war be taken away from our Country Syria. That the Lord may send the power of His Holy Spirit on His Church that it may reach out to the suffering souls who- harassed and helplessare like sheep without a shepherd, that He makes us to speak with great boldness and that many wonders and signs be performed, souls return to Christ, and there be singing and praises. That the Lord send more help: that the house of the Lord may have food to satisfy the need of the internally displaced; that there be support for the wounded and the sick who need medication, and healing; that He may send those who can help us build a centre for children affected by the war - especially those children who are now disabled and have special needs.

Pray for the Baptist Assembly Thursday 31st October-Saturday 2nd November and for our delegates Bill and Jennie Jacobs, Linda Bell, and Ian and Lindsey Gray. Please pray for our friends Jean and John Leask, from Shetland, who are both in hospital at the moment.

Psalm 5 1, 2, 3
Give ear to my words, o, Lord consider my meditation, Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, o Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.

On a mission to share Jesus with one of the most unreached people groups in the world, Ben Francis and his team have planted an unbelievable 10,500 churches.
Journeying to rural north Indian villages to share the gospel message with people who have never heard of Jesus before is a daily occurrence for Ben, BMS Associate Team Leader for India. Hes encountered many dangers, witnessed amazing miracles and seen countless lives transformed by grace so he has a story or two to tell of Gods power and provision. We asked this gospel-sharing, churchplanter extraordinaire for ten tips to turn us into top evangelists. Heres what he said:
1. Pray
First, before you do anything: pray.

2. Make contact You have to get peoples attention before you present them with hope; we call this an entry strategy. In the villages we do sports, or set up a medical camp, or tell stories. In the UK you may do something different like asking people if their kids would like to do some arts and crafts, or hosting a neighbourhood BBQ. It could be as simple as saying, hi, how are you? to your neighbours, so they are no longer strangers to you.

3. Deepen relationships Use the relationships you already have, with people whose paths you regularly cross. That is your circle of influence. Slowly sow in the truth and show that that truth is applied in your life because if you tell them something that is not showing in your life, people wont listen to you. 4. Share the simple gospel message Once we have made a connection we ask, if people are interested, will you open your home so we can come in and tell you more about Jesus? We go to their houses, where they are comfortable, and start sharing the gospel: who Jesus is: the Son of God; what Jesus did: the miracles of Jesus that people really love to listen to; and what Jesus taught: the parables of Jesus. 5. Renew your confidence in the gospel I think that UK Christians, with all due respect, have to renew their confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel still has the power to save, to heal, to restore and to give hope for eternity. Sometimes we forget that. I think, as believers, we have lost confidence in the gospel and thats why we dont share it with anyone else. 6. Share your story Start gossiping Jesus wherever you go. Start sharing your story and there will be a change. And the best bit about it is that it is your story, no one can refute it. Some days you wont feel like sharing. It sounds crazy, a guy whose job is church planting sometimes gets up and doesnt want to talk to anybody. But then I think, oh my goodness, every time my heart beats two people die and go into a Christ-less eternity in my part of the world. How can I keep quiet?

7. Practise Our story has three parts life before knowing Jesus, when we came to know Jesus and how we are living today. Practise. Write it down. No one wants to hear a long story. You just need a minute for each section. Its very simple actually. When I started practising I thought, oh, this is not that tough. 8. Wait for God to show up No evangelism is complete without a supernatural element: there may be a dream, there may be an answer to prayer. You and I can be blue in the face talking about this, but if God doesnt show up that deal is not complete. 9. Expect miracles Seven to eight out of every ten village churches we start come out of a miracle God starts doing things and people say wow, this is a real God. Miracles are not only for India, but for everywhere Gods people are called. Miracles dont happen where they are needed, they happen where they are expected. 10. K I S S Keep It Simple, Stupid Keep sharing your story and keep it simple. If somethings working, keep at it!

&
Ann and David MacFarlane Prayer Letter - September 2013
bmsworldmission.org/admacfarlane

Before anything else I want to thank you all for a great home assignment visit in May. So thanks to you all at Thrapston, Aldwincle, Woodford, Ringstead, Farnworth, South Parade, St Agnes, Swarcliffe, Hawick, Paisley Central and Falkirk. Just as we started our home assignment we heard that Harvey had been taken into hospital and there was not a lot of hope for him to recover this time round. So we basically were phoning every day and preparing for me to make a swift return for his funeral. As it happened we were able to complete all our programme and the day after our return Harvey died. Everyone was convinced that he waited for our return. The day before he died we prayed that God would take him home and he did. Harveys funeral will never be forgotten. I have never in my pastoral life experienced such joy and hope at someones funeral. Noe and Neda his mum and dad were immense. We still have some Italian people coming to the church and we have visited a family. In fact it

was not just the day of the funeral but even the day before as people came to visit the church where his body lay. The church was full the whole day and at times Noe was leading the singing as people paid their respects. On behalf of Noe and Neda we want to thank all of you who faithfully prayed for Harveys healing. He has the perfect healing now as he is now in the presence of his God and Saviour.

We had last Sunday another five baptisms. It should have been six but on e lady did not want to be baptised in the sea so we will baptise her later in the church. Three of our young folk, Hanson, Alpha and Nino, who is the brother of Rosella who you will remember was baptised in the sea last September, and two new people were baptised. God is good and we praise and thank him for all that he is doing among us here at Reggio. It was strange not to have a summer mission team but it gave us some time to have two weeks holiday. It was great as we had my daughter Diann, her husband and their two children. It was great to

spend time with them. The work at Rosarno still has not got under way as they are still up north. They will be coming back in their droves in a month or so and we will begin again the work of getting clothes mattresses and all the usual stuff we do. We will not have our Lucia this time for as I said in our last newsletter she had a stroke and went up north to a rehabilitation centre. We knew it would be a long process for her and we have just received notice from her son that she will be coming back to Reggio in October. Please keep praying for her for, they are saying that she has lost completely movement in her left arm and has only slight movement in her leg. It means that she will need constant care now and will not be able to stay on her own as before. This is going to be hard for Lucia as she was very active and involved with so many different projects in and out with the church. The political chaos and corruption at Reggio continues. The commission sent from Rome after the arrest of the whole local council is saying that there is no money left and from this Monday there will be no public buses running. Our food bank should start up again in September as there is no distribution in the month of August. There are more and more Italians now who want to be on the list for food.

Prayer points Rosarno, and for Lucia Food Bank For Davide, Cristina and their two children Lorenzo and Marianna and their two children. Antonio and Giusy who still have not found work after their dismissal from the football team. Ann and David

An Update from Cathie Aberdour

formerly of Wycliffe Bible Translators

Dear all,

Time goes so fast! I just realized that I should send out another update. My last one told about Judy's trip to the Apurina. In July my brother Jim, my sister-in-law Nettie and my sister Margaret were staying with me which was great - a mini family reunion. Jim & Nettie were over from Australia and stayed 2 months here. Margaret was over from the Netherlands and was with me for two weeks. We attended the Faith Mission Convention for one of these weeks and were greatly blessed by that. Then Judy was able to spend the month of July with me and thanks to lots of folks we were able to visit around quite a bit. We were able to speak at the Deeside Christian Fellowship in Aberdeen and renew friendship with Rebecca Collins and her family. Rebecca with her friend Sheila had visited us at Monkey River in 2011. Then we were able to meet up with Myra and Betty who had visited the Apurina when we had the dedication of the NT back in 2005.

This month I was speaking at Macduff Parish and Calvary Church in Fraserburgh, two churches that I always visit when I'm on home leave. It was great to meet all these praying folks again. On the 12th I look forward to speaking at Pathhead Baptist in Kirkcaldy and renewing fellowship with the folks there again.

Then on the 18th Margaret arrives here again from the Netherlands. She's come to be my nurse for two weeks as I go into the Western General for breast cancer surgery. Do value prayers for the 19th when I have this operation. I might be able to return home the same day so the surgery is not too invasive! Thank you for all your prayers,

In Him,

Cathie
(Tuesday 10 September 2013)

Thirsty Appeal
The next collection of small change saved up in your water bottles will be on Sunday 6th October (then 3rd November and 1st December) We will continue to collect money on the first Sunday of each month to support our BMS Link Workers in Haiti and Mozambique who are involved in Development Ministry, which includes improving the supply of clean drinking water.

No Hands But Ours:

Giving and Receiving Care
Previously called "God's Gloves", this book is by Jennifer Rees-Larcombe who shot to stardom when she experienced a sudden and dramatic healing from an illness which had kept her wheelchair-bound for eight years. It was out of those eight "wilderness years" that this book grew. As a "celebrity Christian", her illness was well-publicized, and she was the focus of endless attention - much of it unwelcome. She developed a keen sense of what was helpful to people in need and what wasn't, and in this book tells many simple stories to affirm that people do not need to be gifted or special to communicate the love of God. Small acts of kindness and love reflect far more powerfully than fine words, and are in every Christian's ability. Jennifer Rees-Larcombe is the author of "Children's Bible Story Book", and the autobiographical "Beyond Healing" and "Unexpected Healing". Book Depository

Books The Fight

John White - IVP 1996 Pb 230pp
Fight was recommended to me as essential elective reading. Having never read a book by John White, I was drawn immediately by his background in medicine and psychiatry and experience in Latin America. It is also a short book! The book is designed to explain key aspects of the Christian life, with the hope of founding in the reader a clear understanding of the gospel and his new status in Christ. It encourages him to grasp all that is needed to help him mature and 'finish the race' ( 2 Tim 4:7). The chapters are addressed directly to the reader and cover such meaty subjects as prayer, hearing God, witness, faith, guidance, holiness, work, changed relationships and the Enemy. White uses many personal anecdotes and experiences which complement his clear and incisive explanations of Scripture. Each chapter ends with a summary and suggested further study, encouraging personal inquiry and contemplation on the subject matter. In this way, John White makes his book alive and personally relevant. At times we all need to refocus our minds on the central issues in our walk with God; this book did just that for me. Whilst it is ideal to give to a new Christian to explain the basics, there is much in it to challenge any Christian. White's passionate advocacy of prayer and Bible study as the key to walking close to the Lord were particularly moving. This book is clear, well-balanced and refreshing. I would recommend it unreservedly as a 'can't put it down' classic. Honor Ashton

Music
5 Minutes With. . . Matt Redman
What issue is on your heart at the moment? A21 brought human trafficking and modern day slavery to my attention. I had no idea there were around 27 million slaves in the world today and some of them right under our noses. 27 Million is an attempt to speak into that. Which is the most special of all the songs youve written? You never let go because weve had so much response. We wrote the song out of a real hard time Beth [Matts wife] just had her fourth miscarriage in a row and we had a friend that week we thought was going to die. It seems to have connected with other peoples pain and struggle. Is there a book that has especially inspired you? Ive just finished Bear Grylls book, Mud, sweat and tears. It inspired me in a weird way as Im the opposite of him! I dont take risks in life or like being outdoors and getting muddy but spiritually speaking were called to be adventurers outside of our comfort zones. Do you have a favourite Bible verse? Revelation chapters 4 and 5. When you think your life is spiralling out of control or you cant get a handle on some kind of pain or confusing thing, you just look up and see this perfectly powerful God on his throne holding all things together. Whats the biggest life lesson youve learned? Theres a lesson Im trying to learn which is simply, whoever youre with, try to be with them 100 per cent. Invest yourself fully in the moment.

What has fatherhood taught you about life and faith? Its taught me just how gracious God is and how he is quick to show mercy and slow to show anger. Its highlighted to me what a perfect and amazing father he is and made me want to aspire to be like that. Most embarrassing moment on stage? At last years Soul Survivor I forgot nearly the whole first verse of Blessed be your name. There were 10,000 people there and Ive been singing it for ten years. I had so many people tweet me afterwards! Favourite mainstream/secular song? Living in America got me into country music a bit and theres a Carrie Underwood song Temporary home that actually speaks into a spiritual thing. Its a classic example of great story-telling through a song. Worst habit? Getting distracted. Someone will send me to do something and half way through Ill totally forget what Im doing. Favourite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon? I love watching some football with my boys.

This article first appeared in the BMS Engage issue 3/2012 Loretta Andrews is a freelance writer, radio producer and presenter

Sunday 6 October Children: Childrens Talk: Communion Servers: Flowers: Stewards: Teas: Jenny Jacobs, Pat Hamilton & Wilma Wintour Charles Tulloch Rab Bramhall & Jacquline Wilson Margaret Johnstone Hazel Hogan & Bill Jacobs Douglas McCall

Transport and Setting up - Team 1 Sunday 13 October Children: Childrens Talk: Flowers: Stewards: Teas: Rab Bramhall, Linda Bell & Christine Drummond Rab Bramhall Janet Smith Liz Keiro & Jennie Jacobs Wilma Wintour

Transport and Setting up - Team 2 Sunday 20 October Children: Christine Drummond, Charles Tulloch & Moira Dalrymple Childrens Talk: Christine Drummond Communion Servers: Liz Keiro & Morag Bramhall Flowers: Linda Bell Stewards: Carlyn McCall and Janet Smith Teas: TBC Transport and Setting up - Team 1

Services in Victoria Park Centre (unless otherwise indicated)

Pastor: Ian Gray 07881 518854 pastor@peeblesbaptistchurch.org

Sunday 27 October Children: Childrens Talk: Flowers: Stewards: Teas: Bill Jacobs, Carlyn MacCall & Lindsey Gray Bill Jacobs Vi Brown Carlyn McCall & Frank Drummond Helen C

Transport and Setting up - Team 2

Transport Team 1 Douglas McCall, Lindsey Gray, Margaret Cowan Team 2 Christine Drummond, Margaret Cowan Setting up Team 1 David Tidder, Frank Drummond, Janet Smith Team 2 Janet Smith, Bill Jacobs, Jacqueline Wilson Laying Communion Table in October Jacqueline Wilson

Secretary: Christine Drummond 01721 722062 Treasurer: Liz Keiro 01721 730217 Website: http://peeblesbaptistchurch.org

Articles for the magazine

We would like the magazine to be as informative and relevant as possible. We aim to provide news about Peebles Baptist Church, its wider concerns and involvement, and Peebles Churches Together. If you have anything you feel you could provide a regular report about, or something you feel should be included in the magazine one month, a Christian book review, a report on an event etc., please do get in touch with us at magazine@peeblesbaptistchurch.org. All articles should be sent to this email address by the 12th of every month. If you do not have internet access or if you think you might have a problem meeting the deadline one month, please dont let that put you off; speak to Morag Bramhall to see how best you can supply something. We would love to have you involved in this project and enhance our church community.

Eco Tip
Reduce, reuse, recycle, re-think
Think twice when you decide to toss it. That vintage bicycle was never fated for the rubbish pile! We turn down many opportunities to refurbish products headed for a landfill. Many household items can be reusedfrom old T-shirts and shoe boxes to glass jars and single-sided paper. If you dont need it in your home, maybe someone else does. Donate unused clothes and furniture to a thrift store. Or, to find people in your area interested in reducing waste by exchanging used goods visit www.freecycle.org. Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without New England Proverb