- Emmanuel Baptist Church
Transcription
- Emmanuel Baptist Church
Why is the Bible so hard to understand Challenge Charles 04 / Light in the Darkness Street pastors scheme 08 / From Heartbreak to Harvest Yinka and Ley Adewole 10 / One body, many parts EBC groups 18 WINTER / 09 10 A light in the darkness From heartbreak to harvest The magazine of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Falmouth, Cornwall Letter from the Minister J esus – the most controversial person in history. Born 2,000 years ago and still stirring up debate today. Who is Jesus to you? Maybe you conjure up an image of a sandal wearing, bearded eccentric or perhaps a cool, confident philosopher? Everyone seems to have their own view, but few have actually read his story. When I read about the life of Jesus, my perceptions of him were radically changed. I now picture Jesus as a revolutionary. He captivated crowds; He healed the sick. He calmed the storm. He raised the dead. He spent time with the rich. He hung out with the poor. He then died a revolutionary’s death. But his revolution wasn’t political or social, but a revolution of the human heart. His revolution still continues today. So who is this Jesus to you? Don’t just take other people’s opinions – search it out for yourself. CONTENTS “But his revolution wasn’t political or social, but a revolution of the human heart. His revolution still continues today.” Take time this Christmas to read one of the Gospels – to read his story and the stories of those who met him. You will find out this Jesus was no ordinary man! Features the emmanuel Family Profiles of people who are existing or new members of our Church family. Daniel Willoughby was recently baptised and has joined the rest of his family as a member of Emmanuel. On 6 September, the Emmanuel fellowship witnessed the baptism of Daniel Willoughby. Seventeen years earlier, whilst waiting for the doctor to confirm that she was pregnant for the second time, Daniel’s mum, Gwen, felt God call her to name the baby Daniel. Just as the biblical Daniel stood firm even when thrown into a den of lions, Gwen sensed God telling her that this baby would need to be ready to fight – to face whatever challenges life brought. Steve and Gwen Willoughby are both native to Cornwall. They met in the mid-eighties and were initially just friends. Romance soon blossomed and they were married in 1988, moving to Wales a year later, where their first son, David, was born. After four years in Wales, the young family returned to Falmouth, and soon joined Emmanuel. By this time Gwen was seven months pregnant with Daniel, and David was an increasingly lively toddler. When Daniel was born three months later, Gwen recalls, he was a joy to hold in her arms. Within a year of his brother’s birth, David was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism, and at seven he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As Daniel developed, Gwen’s conviction that he would face challenges in life was confirmed, as he suffered a number of health problems, and was also diagnosed as autistic. Despite these difficult circumstances, Gwen and Steve describe both their boys as gifts from God. The steadfast Christian faith of their parents has been a constant theme throughout David and Daniel’s upbringing. Gwen and Steve pray with the boys every night, read them Bible stories and the family rarely miss a Sunday at Emmanuel. Gwen describes David’s faith as ‘so very simple... He always says he loves the Lord very much. He never stops telling folk about the Lord and can get very excited about it all!’ David decided that he wanted to make a public declaration of his faith. As a result of this decision, David gave his testimony and was baptised by full-immersion . As Gwen sees it, ‘David was God’s gift to us to raise up as a man in God’s eyes, which I hope we have done.’ Daniel has always responded enthusiastically to prayers, Bible stories and being at church. As a young child he would become upset if the family went past the Emmanuel building and didn’t stop to go inside. Gwen expresses her belief that ‘Daniel’s faith is similar to David’s, and we try and keep him God-centred. Whenever we ask him if he loves Jesus, he always answers ‘yes’.’ By early 2009 Gwen and Steve felt it was right for Daniel to be baptised. They prayed together, seeking God’s will, and talked about it with Daniel. They also discussed the idea with our minister, Charles, whose agreement was the confirmation they needed that this was the right course of action. As Gwen says, ‘We have always felt that Daniel was a big gift from God for us to love and care for, and I felt very strongly that Daniel’s baptism would be an opportunity to give our son back to God, in a way.’ The Willoughby family have clearly had challenges to face. Throughout all their difficulties, Gwen and Steve’s faith has remained steadfast, and their love for God and desire to raise their boys to be men of God continues to shine through. 06 – Winter 2009/10 emmanuelbaptist.co.uk W Hanna Oakes ([email protected]) 02 – Winter 2009 Affiliated to the Trussell Trust based in Salisbury, Highway Church and other Christian supporters from Penryn and Falmouth have set up a food bank to provide crisis cover for the vulnerable and needy in the area. Packs containing three days’ supply of food will be given out by volunteers in the main towns. Due to overwhelming support from our community and many surrounding areas we are blessed to have a warehouse stocked with almost one ton of food. We also have dedicated and trained volunteers ready to serve those in need in our community. After speaking to many professionals working in Penryn and Falmouth, we are being made aware of a large need. Our heart at the Foodbank is to help in the crisis but not to create a dependency on handouts. As part of our goal to be part of a complete solution, we aim to provide our volunteers with a list of resources available from churches in the area. Volunteers and donations of food are still needed. For more information please contact Becky Douglas-Jones on 01326 378433. emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Phil and Kate Dinwoodie with their grandson There is a strong emphasis within the Church on functional membership; that is, members playing a full part in the life of the fellowship through prayer, giving, participation in Church activities and outreach to the local community. The Church membership meets together on a regular basis to pray about and discuss its life together, its future plans and its Town Clerk knew the impact Street Pastors were having in Camborne. So with the Town Council, the Police and the Churches all on board we knew we were really in business. PR: so what exactly is a street Pastor? sG: It’s someone from the local Christian community who wants to make a difference in their town and is willing to engage with people, especially young people, to build relationships through listening and dialogue and be on hand to offer various topics, including ‘knowing your community’, ‘counselling and listening’ and ‘resolving conflict’. ‘Psychology’ was taken by Michael Caddick and ‘education’ by Sarah Smith; Clare Vincent from Grace Community Church is dealing with ‘drugs, drink and solvent abuse’ and Chris Blair (Salvation Army) covers ‘youth culture’. We have other local people coming to talk about ‘mental health issues’, ‘children’s services’, ‘probation’ and ‘mentoring’. Ascension Trust, the parent body for the Street Pastors initiative, will The Baptist, Catholic, Highway, Methodist and New Life Churches are all represented, together with the Salvation Army, the Society of Friends and the University Christian Union. As well as Street Pastors we are also recruiting Prayer Pastors; I think there are around 15 at present. Ideally we want equal numbers, so that every person on the street is supported by a prayer partner back at base. I think it is really important that no Street Pastor should be out on the job unless there is strong prayer backing. nights as well. This is not a flash in the pan, we are in it for the long haul. PR: Is emmanuel offering good support for the scheme? sG: As I said we have had terrific help with the training and I believe there are four volunteers from Emmanuel wanting to be Street Pastors – Nathan Ball, Cyrus Coburn, Michael Griffiths and Nathan Offord. In addition Jenni Crozier and Jill Rae have offered to be Prayer Pastors. towards the scheme and will be issued with a coat, shirt and cap (summer and winter uniform). In course of time we have plans to become a charity, so we can benefit from gift aid. Light in the Darkness impact on the community. If you would like more information about what it means to be a member at Emmanuel, talk to Charles Blizzard via the Church Office on 01326 315249 or [email protected] Winter 2009/10 – 07 emmanuelbaptist.co.uk That was my first encounter with Street Pastors, they left me with some booklets and I came home very excited. It brought back memories of the nights when, as a young Christian, I had gone out to talk to teenagers on the streets of Penryn. Falmouth Churches Together were very quickly enthused by the possibility of Street Pastors in the town, but it was the arrival of John Trott as the new Police Inspector that really gave the idea legs. He had seen the scheme in operation elsewhere and was aware of the benefits. The Mayor was very supportive and the practical help. Those are key words for a Street Pastor – caring, listening, helping. The idea is to meet people where they are, in terms of their perspective on life and where they hang out – whether on the streets or in the pubs and clubs. be doing a session on ‘Good News’. When they are out on the streets the Pastors will be representing the local churches and their Lord, so we need to make sure they are up to speed with as comprehensive training as possible. PR: there must be training involved for that? sG: Yes, there’s a weighty manual which every volunteer has to be thoroughly familiar with and they must attend a training course consisting of 12 sessions. We’re about halfway through at the moment. The police are covering PR: What has been the response from the churches in terms of volunteers? sG: Generally very encouraging. We always hope for more and inevitably a few who show initial enthusiasm drop by the wayside, but we have about 20 in training at the moment from a good spread of churches. 08 – Winter 2009/10 emmanuelbaptist.co.uk PR: When do you plan to go live on the streets? sG: Current plans are to have the commissioning of the Street Pastors on 29November in King Charles Church, and then they will join the Christmas Lights procession through the main street. We want the Pastors to be seen to have the credibility and support of the community and for the people of Falmouth to know the Church has come out to them. Every Saturday night after that the Pastors should be on the streets. My hope and prayer is that after a year or so the scheme will have grown to such an extent that we are able to cover Friday PR: Who is working with you on this? sG: I’m the coordinator and Linda Cole from the Salvation Army is the administrator (she’s a very able deputy too). We have a great management team – Cara Trott (Police), Mark Williams (Town Clerk), Rev. Stephen Tudgey (King Charles) and us two. Money-wise, all the churches have chipped in, IKON (the monthly Christian youth event) has given us their tithe, the Church of England Urban Fund came up with £1400 and the Town Council a massive £3000, for which we are extremely grateful. Each Street Pastor will also pay £60 PASSIONS UNITED F y name is Daniel Widdison and I am currently the Youth Worker for Emmanuel Baptist Church whilst a permanent person is found. Some of you will remember me as I was baptised at EBC back in 2002 and was a member until I moved away to Oxford to study Youthwork in 2003. From 2003–2007 I was heavily involved in a mission-based Youthwork organisation, working on an estate called Blackbird Leys with a wonderful team of Christians from various backgrounds. Seeing that my time is currently divided between three different jobs, it’s rather hard to put the time I would have liked into Youthwork, but with the help of the young leaders, tasks have been made more bearable and do-able! Many faces I remember are now in the older groups and then there are the new faces in younger groups, which makes me feel both happy (about the new ones) and a bit sad because its obvious I must be getting older! A fact of life for me to get over! Since Nigel handed over in September, we have been carrying on with the established groups: Thursday night’s Reloaded group enjoy sharing a meal whilst studying the Bible, together with discussing and working through lifestyle issues. We have explored God’s Sovereignty, forgiveness, self-confidence, freestyle worship, along with good times to pray for 14 – Winter 2009/10 each other (often running over time by an hour or two!). Friday is Oasis kid’s café and then Enzo’s. Both of these groups are informal activity-based clubs. A better relationship with the Church is made during these times and is a great time to ‘Love one another’ and so young people are infected with the greatest love of all – the love of the Lord. The Enzo group (14–16 yr olds) is currently very low on numbers, so we are looking at that and making efforts to republicise it. Doing Sunday school is new to me, as I‘ve only led Youth Alpha on a Sunday morning. I’ve been enjoying the extra time reading the Bible which I have to do in order to prepare! At the same time I am being really scripturally challenged, being asked ‘Where in the Bible does it say…’, at which point I am thinking ‘Why don’t I know where anything is?’ I believe the future for youthwork at Emannuel is very much positive, with many opportunities, but these can only be realized if believers who truly want to see the world transformed by the Lord get involved! Youth work is not a one man job and is probably the biggest growth area of the Church, so its something to be very excited and enthusiastic about! If you have any ideas or something to contribute, please see Nigel or myself. Sending my love to you and appreciation for your support. Daniel Widdison emmanuelbaptist.co.uk irstly let me introduce myself, my name is Jo Round and I’m the new UCCF staff-worker here in Cornwall! I’m a Cornish girl (not quite born and bred but it’s where my heart is) and only left the Duchy to go away to Winchester to University where I completed a degree in Psychology with Theology and Religious studies. I had a fantastic time at university and this was in no small part due to the experience of being really involved with both the Christian Union and a wonderful local church. When the time came to finish University God opened the door for me to work at Christ Church (the church I’d been attending) and I’ve spent the last three years working there as the Student Minister. It’s been a great three years and God has really blessed me, having the privilege of working in a brilliant team, under a great leader and amongst some wonderful students… He even gifted me with the most wonderful fiancé called Matt and I’m very excited that we’re getting married next April! The three or four years that students spend at University are unlike any other in their life, and it is a time when their relationship with God can grow immensely But when the Cornwall post came up, after conversations with Kenny and some other people God really began to lay on both mine and Matt’s heart that this was a move He wanted us to make. I have a real heart for student ministr. The three or four years that students spend at University are unlike any other in their life, and it is a time when their relationship with God can grow immensely. For some it’s the first time ONE BODy, Introducing Jo Round, uCCF staff-worker they are away from their parents and home churches and they’re ‘doing’ it on their own. My heart is for that experience to be a good one, where their faith is strengthened and they learn to trust God more and take risks for Him. It is also a time when students who have never really considered faith before seem more open to thinking about the bigger questions of life, and it’s my desire that whilst at University they find Jesus as the answer to those questions. I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in Cornwall. It’s the most beautiful place in the world in my opinion, but sadly can seem very spiritually lacking at times. I believe that ministry to students is very strategic; if we see students encouraged and equipped to live and speak for Jesus on campus, then they are able to share their faith with the friends, families and homes that they return to, many of them within the County. UCCF’s vision is that every student in Great Britain would have the chance to hear and respond to the gospel, and it’s my desire to see that every student in Cornwall would have that opportunity, and through members of Christian Unions across the County it’s definitely an achievable goal! On any given day you may be surprised by how busy the Emmanuel building can be: you will find industrious volunteers involved in the various groups which form part of our Emmanuel fellowship. Here we profile the roles of four Emmanuel members and the groups they represent sG: I guess it’s all about responding to the thing God lays on your heart. The moment I saw the Street Pastors that night in Portsmouth I knew that’s what we needed for our young people in Falmouth. When something becomes a passion in your life you make time for it; some other things may have to be put aside; but when God sets the agenda you have to run with it. For more information about the street Pastor scheme, email sarah Gray: info@ falmouthnewlifechurch.org.uk Winter 2009/10 – 09 emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Winter 2009/10 – 15 MAnY PARtS. 18 – Winter 2009/10 emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Within weeks of starting to attend Emmanuel back in 1994, together with a dozen or so other chaps from the church, I enjoyed an excellent day’s walking on Dartmoor. That day I got to know guys who, quite possibly, I wouldn’t have spoken to on a Sunday. I believe men, unlike ladies(!), find it easier to talk when they’re doing something together – and to combine walking and talking, apart from being both enjoyable and healthy, proves that men can do more than one thing at a time! On a glorious Summer’s day in 2006, five ‘intrepid’ adventurers, three pairs of ‘knobbly knees’ and a dog called Kassie caught the ferry from Helford Passage at the start of the first ‘Stepping Out’ men’s walk – a six-and-a-half mile circular walk taking in St Anthony-in-Meneage, Manaccan and Frenchman’s Creek (and an impromptu swim for Kassie, who had enjoyed a good roll in a fresh cow-pat - lovely!). Since that first walk there have been 22 subsequent walks of varying lengths, terrain, and weather, and a couple of dozen different chaps have taken part at different times – including a number of non-church folk. The format is simple: we start with a coffee, we walk, we talk, we sort out the world’s problems whilst taking in Cornwall’s stunning scenery and, most importantly, we enjoy a meal and a pint together! Shorter half-day ‘ambles’ are included in the programme for those who can’t, or don’t fancy, getting muddy whilst walking miles carrying their lunch. Listening to a bunch of guys in deep discussion about weighty subjects like ‘creation’, ‘the end times’ and ‘the beautiful game’, is always a thrill. If you can, why not join us – we’ve only got lost a few times! Bryan Green emmanuelbaptist.co.uk EBC groups REGULARs 04 Challenge Charles 12 Calendar of Events, Meetings and Services Winter 2009/10 – 19 perfect and has all the answers. In time, they both joined the leadership team and Ley joined the worship team harnessing her musical talents once more. More than a decade later, Yinka and Ley feel very privileged to have been part of that Harvest. It became a time in which they found both healing and strength. They moved to Cornwall in the early nineties; following Yinka’s appointment to work at Treliske, they now live in Falmouth and have three lively and loving children. When asked to share their future dreams for their children, their response is that they would like to see them get a sense of their own purpose and destiny, to experience joy, to know and embrace talent and above all to have confidence and security in God’s love for them, that this would be the very foundation rock of their lives; and from this they would be able to reach out to others. If you have been affected by any of the themes raised in this article and would like help then please do get in touch with the Church office and we will offer appropriate support. Carrie Holmes talks to Ley and Yinka Adewole 10 – Winter 2009/10 emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Winter 2009/10 – 11 emmanuelbaptist.co.uk 10 From Heartbreak to Harvest Ley and Yinka Adewole, written by Carrie Holmes Parent and toddler group Little Treasures of Falmouth Churches Together in arranging monthly services in the care homes and Alan Offord visiting the Age Concern Day Centre, Sheldon House Nursing Home and Earle’s Retreat sheltered flats. For many, the Service provides an opportunity they might not otherwise have to meet with others to pray and worship God. For some it opens a window into the Christian faith that hopefully creates a desire to know more. For that we give thanks and praise to God. Peter Richards son when Ley was five months pregnant. This loss meant that their weekly church service was too much to bear; having to repeatedly recount their sadness as people asked after Ley and the baby’s welfare. Ley and Yinka decided to leave this church and found refuge in a YWCA basement in Earls Court where a friend was holding a church meeting that became known as Harvest. It was here that God taught them about what a true church community should be. The people who came to Harvest were not the usual crowd with starched shirts and shined shoes. They were people who broke the social silence and dared to be honest with where they were at. People were open about the big issues that affected them; sexuality and gender issues, addiction, homelessness and debt were all discussed, prayed about and dealt with. One reason why people leave church is because they feel others are judging them. It’s like a steam ship with people jumping off the stern (lets use the technical term, this is Falmouth after all) in to the sea and just getting left behind. Yinka and Ley discovered that an effective church is one that seeks to help people find a purpose for their life and then support them to fulfil it. The church should have an open door so that all who will come, may come. It should be seen as a Health Centre promoting spiritual, emotional and mental well being; accepting that no person is FroM HEartbrEak to HarvEst I came from another church where I helped run a parent and toddler group on a Tuesday afternoon. When I started coming to Emmanuel, I asked if it would be possible to start a similar Tuesday afternoon group here. At the same, Cathy Buckley and Pauline Jordan were starting a pre-school and needed someone to take over the running of the Friday morning Parent and Toddler session. “Wow, Father!”, people; some from Emmanuel, a number from other churches and always a few with no particular church allegiance. Chairs are spaced more widely and small tables interspersed to facilitate the serving of tea. The form of the service varies, but will include the singing of well-known hymns accompanied on the organ, solos, musical items, poems, testimonies and short Bible talks. In December the children of the Sunday School usually take part with a drama and singing. There is a strong interrelationship between the afternoon Service, Food for Thought and the Torch Fellowship (for blind and partially sighted), with people filtering through from one to the other. The afternoon Service also supplements the outreach work Daniel Widdison gives an update of Youth work at EBC emmanuelbaptist.co.uk even have a girlfriend!’ (You can always count on a true friend to be honest!) However, Yinka did get married soon after this and his bride was… Ley of course! You may be expecting to hear that Yinka and Ley lived happily ever after, but this is not the full truth of the matter (and would indeed be a very short article). They settled in London but sadly, in 1994, they suffered the enduring heartbreak of losing their firstborn Bi-monthly Sunday afternoon services for older people were first introduced in December 1999, largely on the initiative of Dr Pat Price. The aim has been to show and share the transforming love of Christ in a way that is warm, friendly, informal, sensitive, relevant and familiar to older people in the community. A cream tea after the service gives opportunity for conversation and friendship to develop. From the start it was agreed the Church would provide transport for those who would otherwise find it difficult to attend. After five years of organising these services Pat Price announced her ‘retirement’ and I then took responsibility, with recent assistance from Mark Misselbrook. A typical service lasts about 50 minutes and attracts 40 to 50 18-21 One body, many parts ave any ideas o r topics you would like this magazine to explore, or any feedback abou t the magazine itself , please contac t editor@emma nuelbaptist.co .uk He knew, aged 4, that in future he would train and work as a doctor. It could be said that this same decisiveness led Yinka, aged 26 to tell his friend, Ley, that he soon planned to be married. Ley’s response was somewhat incredulous: ‘What? You don’t services for older people More Mature Persons’ Service 14-15 Down with the kids Any suggestions? If you h It would seem that Yinka has always been a decisive person! I thought, “Another session!” Wendy and Sheila joined me in this new venture, although unfortunately Sheila finished many years ago now. On Monday and Wednesday mornings, another Parents and Tots meeting was being run by someone who hired the church hall every week, but soon felt it was time to step back and she asked us if we would take the groups on – Father God never lets His children down. So we had four groups to run, and they began to grow in number, so much so that we started two more weekly sessions on a Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. God is our overseer. Our main aim over the last 13 years has been to serve and show the love of Jesus in all we say and do – from setting up to putting away each session. We offer a safe and bright environment catering for 0–5 year olds, provide nappy changing facilities, a soft play area, table-top activities, ride and push-along toys, snacks and drink time for all and a sing-along to end each session. Wendy and I have many conversations each session – each one so important in buidling relationships and friendships – we are so blessed! Lynne Pellow Below: Emmanuel’s Sports Hall, full of excitable toddlers and their parents, at the end of a Little Treasures session God is our overseer. Our main aim over the last 13 years has been to serve and show the love of Jesus in all we say and do – from setting up to putting away each session. Flowers at emmanuel Men’s walking group Stepping Out For more information about Falmouth Cu: [email protected] www.falmouthcu.co.uk emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Yinka and Ley discovered that an effective church is one that seeks to help people find a purpose for their life and then support them to fulfil it. PR: You’re a hairdresser, you lead the youth work and help your Dad at New Life Church, you’re on the Chaplaincy team at Falmouth school and now you’re spearheading the street Pastors Scheme! How do you find time for yet another activity? Peter Richards talks to Sarah Gray about the Street Pastors scheme Membership update New members for Winter 2009: Daniel Willoughby, Joanna Ellis, Lily Slydel, Helen Ward and Becs Williams. Peter Richards: Where did the idea of street Pastors in Falmouth come from? sarah Gray: I suppose it goes back to 2005, when I was in Portsmouth for a conference with some teenagers from our New Life Church. We were walking back to our digs late at night, young people were pouring out of the clubs and it was a bit scary. Then we bumped into some people in uniform who were obviously on good terms with the youngsters and were offering help where it was needed. Peter Richards talks to Sarah Gray about the Street Pastors scheme M elcome to the Winter edition of the Emmanuel Baptist Church magazine. We hope you have enjoyed the first y ear of this magazine – we would really love to hear any feedback or ideas you may have about it: whether a specific topic request for ‘Challenge Charles’, or a suggestion for another article, please email [email protected] In this edition we have a mix of articles: Why is the Bible so hard to understand?; how the new Street Pastors Scheme is being a light in the darkness; a heartwarming testimony of one family’s life story so far; and a glimpse of some of the many groups and activities that go on in the week in our church. In addition to all this we have the regular updates on Prayer and Mission at Emmanuel, together with Falmouth Churches Together’s work; testimonies from church members; and reviews of books, CDs and websites. Thank you once again to everyone who has contributed to this edition and to Active Colour for kindly donating the printing at cost. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year! together. We were supported very much in our last church and as the circumstances worked themselves out before us we felt the Lord was showing us the way ahead. We came to Emmanuel Church the second Sunday after our move and felt immediately at home. Phil , trained in Fine Art, is now continuing with his painting career; Kate, retired from being a senior lecturer in midwifery, now works as a carer in the St Agnes and Perranporth areas . Our son teaches English as a foreign language in Germany; our daughter is pursuing A-levels at Camborne college; and our grandson brings us joy each day! We feel the Lord has established us so quickly and lovingly and we are so grateful for His loving kindnesses around us everyday. Our plans for the future are that we may grow more like Jesus and we feel we have a long way to go yet. That we might support, pray and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ in what ever ways we are able and to learn to be more obedient to God as the days go by. The whole of Psalm 40 we have found to be true and commend it to you as a good read , but verses 2–3 in particular sum up where the Lord has led us to at the moment: He has set our feet upon a rock and established our goings. He has put a new song in our mouths, a hymn of praise to God . The Willoughby & Dinwoodie families Down with the kiDS Tackling poverty in Penryn, Falmouth and surrounding areas. We moved to Ponsanooth with our daughter and grandson in August 2008. Phil and I meet and were married in 1986 at St Thomas Lancaster where Phil played guitar and drums in the music group and I was a housegroup leader. We started our married life in London and were privileged to go to Holy Trinity Brompton when the Alpha course was just starting. Our son Jules was born in London and then circumstances moved us back to the North West where our daughter was born. We spent the next few years living in and around the Lake District, being involved in several small fellowships and helping where we could. Over our married life we have holidayed in Cornwall, usually twice a year, school terms permitting. We have had many lovely moments here. We always hated having to travel back North at the end of the holiday – our hearts sank as we passed Birmingham and the skies became greyer. After some particularly difficult family times we both felt that we needed a change in our lives and the opportunity had arrived when Kate could retire . We have always tried to pray through every circumstance in our life 08 Light in the Darkness Rev’d Charles Blizzard Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank Phil and Kate Dinwoodie 06 The Emmanuel Family Youth Work update by Daniel Widdison Editor’s Comment Winter 09/10 God is our overseer. Our main aim over the last 13 years has been to serve and show the love of Jesus in all we say and do – from setting up to putting away each session. 20 – Winter 2009/10 To have flowers in our church celebrates creation and adds to the worship of our great God. Over many years this has been organised by Betty Hearn and a team of helpers. Betty has decided to step down; so a big ‘thank you’ to her for all she has done. To continue this work (which is also good fun!) there is an opportunity to join the team for this coming year and to help out on a regular basis. We are hoping to run a workshop in January/February 2010 to get together and exchange tips on arrangements. We are also proposing to reinstate the opportunity for members to contribute money towards a particular week, maybe to mark an anniversary. Please contact me on 01326 218711 to gain more information about the important flower work of Emmanuel. We would love more people to get involved – including the chaps! The more the merrier! Jill Griffiths emmanuelbaptist.co.uk emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Winter 2009 /10– 21 16 Prayer and Mission Focus 17 Winter 2009/10 news: Falmouth Churches Together 22 Reviews: Books, Music and Websites 23 Puzzle Page! The Emmanuel magazine is published quarterly by Emmanuel Baptist Church, Falmouth, Cornwall www.emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Editor Hanna Oakes Planning Team Emmanuel Communications Team Design Jon Chubb, Hanna Oakes and Neil Tinson Print Active Colour The reproduction of any editorial or images without prior permission is strictly prohibited. Views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by Emmanuel Baptist Church. Winter 2009/10 – 03 Challenge arles: Why is the Bible so hard to understand? Charles Blizzard AS soon as our Editor posed me this question as a topic, I thought of a certain professor called CEM Joad. In the 1940s and early 50s, there was a radio programme called The Brains Trust. This programme was very similar to our current Question Time on television, or Any Questions on BBC Radio 4. It had a chairman, a panel of experts and questions were asked by an invited audience. Professor Joad was a regular member of the panel of experts and he acquired a certain celebrity status because of his wit, his astute answers and the fact he began most answers he gave with the comment, “It all depends on what you mean by…” So let me begin my answer with the comment, that it all depends on what you mean by ‘hard to understand’. If you mean can a person come to the Bible and read it and fully appreciate and understand its teaching without some knowledge of the social, cultural and religious life of the ancient people of Israel and the early Church, then the 04 – Winter 2009/10 answer is that the Bible could be considered hard to understand. But that is the case with any study of an ancient culture or historical writing. In reading the Bible we are definitely plunged into a very different world and culture. But if we are willing to do some study, the Bible will speak powerfully and relevantly to us. What do I mean by some study? Firstly let’s take the Old Testament. By study I mean that we will need to discover the major historical events in the life of the nation of Old Testament Israel. The events into which the Old Testament prophets spoke their words. Events such as the Exodus, the giving of the Law, entry into the promised land, the start of the monarchy, the division of the kingdom, the eighth century conquest by Assyria, the sixth century conquest by Babylon, the exile and return. Understanding these significant events will enable any reader to understand the significance and challenge to us of most of the Old Testament. The same applies to the New Testament. If a reader of the New Testament is willing to research the background and beliefs of such groups as the Pharisees, Sadducees and the Herodians, who are often mentioned in the Gospels, the reader will certainly understand the confrontations between Jesus and these groups. If the reader of the New Testament researches the first century understanding of the title ‘Christ’, they will certainly understand the controversy that started when the early Church claimed that Jesus of Nazareth was the ‘Christ’ prophesied by the Old Testament. If the reader knows emmanuelbaptist.co.uk that the title ‘Lord’ was demanded by the various emperors of the Roman Empire in the first century, they will realise the enormous political and religious significance of calling Jesus ‘Lord’. With a little bit of study and research I do believe that both Old Testament and New Testament are not hard to understand. Now that of course does not mean that in the Old Testament and New Testament there are no doctrines, concepts or statements which may cause us to ‘scratch our heads’. The Apostle Peter, writing in one of his two letters to the churches contained in the New Testament, actually says of Paul’s letter to the churches these words, “his letters contain some things which are hard to understand”. Those who have studied Paul’s teaching would readily agree. But that In reading the Bible we are definitely plunged into a very different world and culture. But if we are willing to do some study, the Bible will speak powerfully and relevantly to us. emmanuelbaptist.co.uk should not surprise us – Paul is writing about massive concepts. He’s writing about the character of God, the eternal plans and purposes of God in creation, and how that is worked out in the history of mankind. There are some things which are just too big for our minds to grasp and understand no matter how much study and research we do. Sometimes we will not understand why God did this or that. But that is because we are finite creatures; we don’t see the big picture as God does. Let me conclude with two final points: Firstly, there is much in the Old Testament and particularly in the New Testament which is fully understandable. Much of Jesus’ teaching is straightforward. Our problem is not in understanding it; in fact we understand it too well. Our problem is in the challenge it presents to us, the transformation that it demands and the resistance we offer in order not to put our lives under the authority of God. In other words, it is not understanding that we lack. Secondly, I think that people often use the phrase “the Bible is so hard to understand” as a very convenient excuse not to consider the claims of the Christian faith. It surprises me that so many are willing to spend extraordinary amounts of time in understanding potential personal investment schemes, pension plans, insurances, etc., but will spend little or no time in studying and considering the claims of the Christian faith – which affect not only this life but eternity. Winter 2009/10 – 05 The Emmanuel Family Profiles of people who are existing or new members of our Church family. Daniel Willoughby was recently baptised and has joined the rest of his family as a member of Emmanuel. On 6 September, the Emmanuel fellowship witnessed the baptism of Daniel Willoughby. Seventeen years earlier, whilst waiting for the doctor to confirm that she was pregnant for the second time, Daniel’s mum, Gwen, felt God call her to name the baby Daniel. Just as the biblical Daniel stood firm even when thrown into a den of lions, Gwen sensed God telling her that this baby would need to be ready to fight – to face whatever challenges life brought. Steve and Gwen Willoughby are both native to Cornwall. They met in the mid-eighties and were initially just friends. Romance soon blossomed and they were married in 1988, moving to Wales a year later, where their first son, David, was born. After four years in Wales, the young family returned to Falmouth, and soon joined Emmanuel. By this time Gwen was seven months 06 – Winter 2009/10 pregnant with Daniel, and David was an increasingly lively toddler. When Daniel was born three months later, Gwen recalls, he was a joy to hold in her arms. Within a year of his brother’s birth, David was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism, and at seven he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As Daniel developed, Gwen’s conviction that he would face challenges in life was confirmed, as he suffered a number of health problems, and was also diagnosed as autistic. Despite these difficult circumstances, Gwen and Steve describe both their boys as gifts from God. The steadfast Christian faith of their parents has been a constant theme throughout David and Daniel’s upbringing. Gwen and Steve pray with the boys every night, read them Bible stories and the family rarely miss a Sunday at Emmanuel. Gwen describes David’s faith as ‘so very simple... He always says he loves the Lord very much. He never stops telling folk about the Lord and can get very excited about it all!’ David decided that he wanted to make a public declaration of his faith. As a result of this decision, David gave his testimony and was baptised by full-immersion . As Gwen sees it, ‘David was God’s gift to us to raise up as a man in God’s eyes, which I hope we have done.’ Daniel has always responded enthusiastically to prayers, Bible stories and being at church. As a young child he would become upset if the family went past the Emmanuel building and didn’t stop to go inside. Gwen expresses her belief that ‘Daniel’s faith is similar to David’s, and we try and keep him God-centred. Whenever we ask him if he loves Jesus, he always answers ‘yes’.’ By early 2009 Gwen and Steve felt it was right for Daniel to be baptised. They prayed together, seeking God’s will, and talked about it with Daniel. They also discussed the idea with our minister, Charles, whose agreement was the confirmation they needed that this was the right course of action. As Gwen says, ‘We have always felt that Daniel was a big gift from God for us to love and care for, and I felt very strongly that Daniel’s baptism would be an opportunity to give our son back to God, in a way.’ The Willoughby family have clearly had challenges to face. Throughout all their difficulties, Gwen and Steve’s faith has remained steadfast, and their love for God and desire to raise their boys to be men of God continues to shine through. emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Phil and Kate Dinwoodie We moved to Ponsanooth with our daughter and grandson in August 2008. Phil and I meet and were married in 1986 at St Thomas Lancaster where Phil played guitar and drums in the music group and I was a housegroup leader. We started our married life in London and were privileged to go to Holy Trinity Brompton when the Alpha course was just starting. Our son Jules was born in London and then circumstances moved us back to the North West where our daughter was born. We spent the next few years living in and around the Lake District, being involved in several small fellowships and helping where we could. Over our married life we have holidayed in Cornwall, usually twice a year, school terms permitting. We have had many lovely moments here. We always hated having to travel back North at the end of the holiday – our hearts sank as we passed Birmingham and the skies became greyer. After some particularly difficult family times we both felt that we needed a change in our lives and the opportunity had arrived when Kate could retire . We have always tried to pray through every circumstance in our life together. We were supported very much in our last church and as the circumstances worked themselves out before us we felt the Lord was showing us the way ahead. We came to Emmanuel Church the second Sunday after our move and felt immediately at home. Phil , trained in Fine Art, is now continuing with his painting career; Kate, retired from being a senior lecturer in midwifery, now works as a carer in the St Agnes and Perranporth areas . Our son teaches English as a foreign language in Germany; our daughter is pursuing A-levels at Camborne college; and our grandson brings us joy each day! We feel the Lord has established us so quickly and lovingly and we are so grateful for His loving kindnesses around us everyday. Our plans for the future are that we may grow more like Jesus and we feel we have a long way to go yet. That we might support, pray and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ in what ever ways we are able and to learn to be more obedient to God as the days go by. The whole of Psalm 40 we have found to be true and commend it to you as a good read , but verses 2–3 in particular sum up where the Lord has led us to at the moment: He has set our feet upon a rock and established our goings. He has put a new song in our mouths, a hymn of praise to God . Phil and Kate Dinwoodie with their grandson Membership Update New members for Winter 2009: Daniel Willoughby, Joanna Ellis, Lily Slydel, Helen Ward and Becs Williams. There is a strong emphasis within the Church on functional membership; that is, members playing a full part in emmanuelbaptist.co.uk the life of the fellowship through prayer, giving, participation in Church activities and outreach to the local community. The Church membership meets together on a regular basis to pray about and discuss its life together, its future plans and its impact on the community. If you would like more information about what it means to be a member at Emmanuel, talk to Charles Blizzard via the Church Office on 01326 315249 or [email protected] Winter 2009/10 – 07 Peter Richards: Where did the idea of Street Pastors in Falmouth come from? Sarah Gray: I suppose it goes back to 2005, when I was in Portsmouth for a conference with some teenagers from our New Life Church. We were walking back to our digs late at night, young people were pouring out of the clubs and it was a bit scary. Then we bumped into some people in uniform who were obviously on good terms with the youngsters and were offering help where it was needed. Town Clerk knew the impact Street Pastors were having in Camborne. So with the Town Council, the Police and the Churches all on board we knew we were really in business. PR: So what exactly is a Street Pastor? SG: It’s someone from the local Christian community who wants to make a difference in their town and is willing to engage with people, especially young people, to build relationships through listening and dialogue and be on hand to offer various topics, including ‘knowing your community’, ‘counselling and listening’ and ‘resolving conflict’. ‘Psychology’ was taken by Michael Caddick and ‘education’ by Sarah Smith; Clare Vincent from Grace Community Church is dealing with ‘drugs, drink and solvent abuse’ and Chris Blair (Salvation Army) covers ‘youth culture’. We have other local people coming to talk about ‘mental health issues’, ‘children’s services’, ‘probation’ and ‘mentoring’. Ascension Trust, the parent body for the Street Pastors initiative, will The Baptist, Catholic, Highway, Methodist and New Life Churches are all represented, together with the Salvation Army, the Society of Friends and the University Christian Union. As well as Street Pastors we are also recruiting Prayer Pastors; I think there are around 15 at present. Ideally we want equal numbers, so that every person on the street is supported by a prayer partner back at base. I think it is really important that no Street Pastor should be out on the job unless there is strong prayer backing. nights as well. This is not a flash in the pan, we are in it for the long haul. PR: Is Emmanuel offering good support for the scheme? SG: As I said we have had terrific help with the training and I believe there are four volunteers from Emmanuel wanting to be Street Pastors – Nathan Ball, Cyrus Coburn, Michael Griffiths and Nathan Offord. In addition Jenni Crozier and Jill Rae have offered to be Prayer Pastors. towards the scheme and will be issued with a coat, shirt and cap (summer and winter uniform). In course of time we have plans to become a charity, so we can benefit from gift aid. PR: You’re a hairdresser, you lead the youth work and help your Dad at New Life Church, you’re on the Chaplaincy Team at Falmouth School and now you’re spearheading the Street Pastors Scheme! How do you find time for yet another activity? Light in the Darkness Peter Richards talks to Sarah Gray about the Street Pastors scheme That was my first encounter with Street Pastors, they left me with some booklets and I came home very excited. It brought back memories of the nights when, as a young Christian, I had gone out to talk to teenagers on the streets of Penryn. Falmouth Churches Together were very quickly enthused by the possibility of Street Pastors in the town, but it was the arrival of John Trott as the new Police Inspector that really gave the idea legs. He had seen the scheme in operation elsewhere and was aware of the benefits. The Mayor was very supportive and the 08 – Winter 2009/10 practical help. Those are key words for a Street Pastor – caring, listening, helping. The idea is to meet people where they are, in terms of their perspective on life and where they hang out – whether on the streets or in the pubs and clubs. be doing a session on ‘Good News’. When they are out on the streets the Pastors will be representing the local churches and their Lord, so we need to make sure they are up to speed with as comprehensive training as possible. PR: There must be training involved for that? SG: Yes, there’s a weighty manual which every volunteer has to be thoroughly familiar with and they must attend a training course consisting of 12 sessions. We’re about halfway through at the moment. The police are covering PR: What has been the response from the churches in terms of volunteers? SG: Generally very encouraging. We always hope for more and inevitably a few who show initial enthusiasm drop by the wayside, but we have about 20 in training at the moment from a good spread of churches. emmanuelbaptist.co.uk PR: When do you plan to go live on the streets? SG: Current plans are to have the commissioning of the Street Pastors on 29 November in King Charles Church, and then they will join the Christmas Lights procession through the main street. We want the Pastors to be seen to have the credibility and support of the community and for the people of Falmouth to know the Church has come out to them. Every Saturday night after that the Pastors should be on the streets. My hope and prayer is that after a year or so the scheme will have grown to such an extent that we are able to cover Friday emmanuelbaptist.co.uk PR: Who is working with you on this? SG: I’m the coordinator and Linda Cole from the Salvation Army is the administrator (she’s a very able deputy too). We have a great management team – Cara Trott (Police), Mark Williams (Town Clerk), Rev. Stephen Tudgey (King Charles) and us two. Money-wise, all the churches have chipped in, IKON (the monthly Christian youth event) has given us their tithe, the Church of England Urban Fund came up with £1400 and the Town Council a massive £3000, for which we are extremely grateful. Each Street Pastor will also pay £60 SG: I guess it’s all about responding to the thing God lays on your heart. The moment I saw the Street Pastors that night in Portsmouth I knew that’s what we needed for our young people in Falmouth. When something becomes a passion in your life you make time for it; some other things may have to be put aside; but when God sets the agenda you have to run with it. For more information about the Street Pastor scheme, email Sarah Gray: info@ falmouthnewlifechurch.org.uk Winter 2009/10 – 09 Yinka and Ley discovered that an effective church is one that seeks to help people find a purpose for their life and then support them to fulfil it. It would seem that Yinka has always been a decisive person! He knew, aged 4, that in future he would train and work as a doctor. It could be said that this same decisiveness led Yinka, aged 26 to tell his friend, Ley, that he soon planned to be married. Ley’s response was somewhat incredulous: ‘What? You don’t even have a girlfriend!’ (You can always count on a true friend to be honest!) However, Yinka did get married soon after this and his bride was… Ley of course! You may be expecting to hear that Yinka and Ley lived happily ever after, but this is not the full truth of the matter (and would indeed be a very short article). They settled in London but sadly, in 1994, they suffered the enduring heartbreak of losing their firstborn son when Ley was five months pregnant. This loss meant that their weekly church service was too much to bear; having to repeatedly recount their sadness as people asked after Ley and the baby’s welfare. Ley and Yinka decided to leave this church and found refuge in a YWCA basement in Earls Court where a friend was holding a church meeting that became known as Harvest. It was here that God taught them about what a true church community should be. The people who came to Harvest were not the usual crowd with starched shirts and shined shoes. They were people who broke the social silence and dared to be honest with where they were at. People were open about the big issues that affected them; sexuality and gender issues, addiction, homelessness and debt were all discussed, prayed about and dealt with. One reason why people leave church is because they feel others are judging them. It’s like a steam ship with people jumping off the stern (lets use the technical term, this is Falmouth after all) in to the sea and just getting left behind. Yinka and Ley discovered that an effective church is one that seeks to help people find a purpose for their life and then support them to fulfil it. The church should have an open door so that all who will come, may come. It should be seen as a Health Centre promoting spiritual, emotional and mental well being; accepting that no person is perfect and has all the answers. In time, they both joined the leadership team and Ley joined the worship team harnessing her musical talents once more. More than a decade later, Yinka and Ley feel very privileged to have been part of that Harvest. It became a time in which they found both healing and strength. They moved to Cornwall in the early nineties; following Yinka’s appointment to work at Treliske, they now live in Falmouth and have three lively and loving children. When asked to share their future dreams for their children, their response is that they would like to see them get a sense of their own purpose and destiny, to experience joy, to know and embrace talent and above all to have confidence and security in God’s love for them, that this would be the very foundation rock of their lives; and from this they would be able to reach out to others. If you have been affected by any of the themes raised in this article and would like help then please do get in touch with the Church office and we will offer appropriate support. From Heartbreak to Harvest Carrie Holmes talks to Ley and Yinka Adewole 10 – Winter 2009/10 emmanuelbaptist.co.uk emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Winter 2009/10 – 11 Calendar of Events, Meetings and Services Winter 09/10 B:Beautiful At the Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth, 11am (Sat 12 Dec) A chance for women to meet friends, have fellowship and fun, encourage, affirm, talk, laugh, support and care. refreshments served from 10.30am. For further details contact Jenni Crozier on 01326 373756. Regular services and meetings at EMMANUEL Emmanuel Weekly Prayer Meetings Every Wednesday in the Prayer Room, 6.30–7.30am Thursday, once a month in the Lounge (dates to be published in the news sheet), 7.30–9pm Weekly Sunday services 10.30am Coming together to praise, learn and encourage Every Friday in the Prayer Room, 10–11am Every Sunday in the Prayer Room, 9.45–10.15am 7pm Evening Service Children’s Worship First Sunday of the month (06 Dec, 03 Jan & 07 Feb), 10.30am A worship session for children. During this time we teach worship songs that they can sing along to, activities such as learning a memory verse, and a time of prayer. Services for Older People Second Sunday of alternate months (13 Dec & 14 Feb), 3pm An informal 50-minute service for older people who would otherwise find it difficult to attend Church, followed by a cream tea. Transport is provided where needed. A varied programme including short talks, real-life stories, well-known hymns, solos and musical items. IKON Second Sunday of the month (13 Dec, 10 Jan & 14 Feb), 8pm A worship event for teenagers and young adults. For further details contact 01326 211278. Torch Fellowship Group First Saturday of the month (09 Jan, 06 Feb – lunch), 2.30pm For anyone with a visual impairment, run by Christians from various local Churches. Informal style meeting in the Lounge at Emmanuel; food and transport provided; opportunity for friendship, mutual support, sharing faith and accessing Christian magazines and books available from Torch Trust for the Blind. For further information please contact Peter Richards on 01326 318428. Little Treasures Parent and Toddlers Group Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri, 9.30–11.30am, Mon and Tues, 1–3pm (term-time) For all parents with pre-school children. A chance to have a cup of tea with other parents while your children play. Painting, playdough, books, slides, tractors, singing and much more, in addition to a slightly quieter soft play baby area. Everyone welcome. 12 – Winter 2009/10 2009 Falmouth Christian Union CU meeting every Wednesday at EBC, 7.30pm Small Groups: Every Monday in various venues Prayer Breakfast: Every Friday at EBC, 7.30am Falmouth CU is a mission team of students from different churches who come together to live and speak for Jesus on their campuses. The CU also has Small Groups which meet weekly in students’ homes or halls for Bible study and prayer. For more information about the CU or about joining a small group, email the CU at [email protected] or go to www.falmouthcu.co.uk Food for Thought Every Thursday at Emmanuel, 1–3.30pm Food for Thought is open to anyone who’d like to share a home-cooked meal and enjoy fellowship. There is a small charge of £2.50 for the two-course meal and transport can be provided at a small cost. We have a variety of good speakers at the meetings after the meal, talking on a wide range of topics. The meeting starts at 2.30pm. courses, other services AND meetings Service Not Included First Sunday of the month at Costa Coffee (06 Dec, 03 Jan & 07 Feb), 6–7pm If a mixture of quizzes, live music, interviews and discussions about the deeper issues of life sounds like something that will excite your curiosity, then Service Not Included could be your cup of tea… or coffee, as the case may be. The event is specifically aimed at giving those who do not normally attend church an opportunity to explore various aspects of Christianity. Space will be limited and therefore priority will be given to those church members attending with friends not connected to a church. For more information, please contact EBC Office 01326 315249. emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Falmouth Churches Together (FCT) United Worship Last Sunday of every month (27 Dec, 31 Jan & 28 Feb) 6pm There is a strong partnership between the Churches in the town of Falmouth. On the last Sunday evening of each month, the Churches in Falmouth close their individual services and meet together for a United Worship service. This meeting is hosted by a different Church each month. The prayer content of this meeting is usually for specific local issues. For more information on Falmouth Churches Together, see www.falmouthchurchestogether.org.uk Weekly FCT Prayer Meeting Every Monday at Salvation Army, 8–9am An opportunity to pray regularly for FCT and its members. Please contact us if you are involved with FCT and have any specific prayer requests. FCT Prayer Tent First Saturday of each month (winds permitting) (05 Dec, 02 Jan & 06 Feb) The bright red Prayer Tent is on the Moor in the centre of Falmouth. A small, trained team offer the opportunity to receive prayer and/or to fill in prayer request cards, which are then prayed through and circulated to all the Churches in FCT for intercession. It has been encouraging over the past few years to have had many people come into the tent asking questions, asking for prayer and asking for prayer support. Men’s Breakfast At Falmouth Beach Resort Hotel (05 Dec and Feb date tbc), 8.30am Over the last few years EBC has been running the occasional Men’s Breakfast at one of the local hotels, inviting a speaker to talk on a theme which will appeal to men. The idea is to build up and encourage the guys to introduce other men to Jesus Christ. For more information contact Phil Misselbrook on 01326 319946. Stepping Out Men’s Walking Group (dates for 2010 tbc), 9am Through a programme of ambles and rambles of varying lengths, we hope to encourage fellowship between the men of the Church and establish contacts with those on the periphery. Living in such a lovely part of the country, it is good to walk, talk and share a pint and a meal with a ‘bunch of guys’. Contact Bryan Green on 01326 312115 for more information and start location. emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Oasis Café Every Friday night (in term time) for 11’s–14’s (late yr6–yr9), 6.30–8pm Looking for a place to unwind with friends after a long week at school? Featuring video games, sports, board games, quizzes, a tuck shop and a whole host of outside events, it’s a great, safe place to hang out with mates. Celia, Chris, Carl, Erin and Emma would be glad to welcome you on Fridays. Programmes are available from Celia, Chris or the Church Office on 01326 315249. DEC 2009 Wed 09FCT Lecture with Rev’d Steve Wild at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 7pm Thur 10 ‘Are you feeling Christmassy yet?’ with Mark Richie at EBC, 7.30pm A humorous and interactive storytelling presentation. The evening is filled with carols, stories and performance songs. Sun 13 Service for Older people with Mark Misselbrook at EBC, 3pm Sun 20 Family service involving the children at EBC, 10.30am Sun 20 Gospel Christmas service with Ley Adewole at EBC, 7pm Café style service with coffee, tea and mulled wine (non-alcoholic). Thur 24 Christmas Eve candle-lit service at EBC, 6pm Fri 25 Christmas Day family service at EBC, 10.30-11.15am Sun 27FCT Carol Service at New Life Church, 6pm The prayer focus will be on ‘Looking back, looking forward’. Jan 2010 Sun 24 Preacher exchange – An exchange of preachers/leaders between FCT member churches for morning worship FEB 2010 Thur 25 Lent Lecture with Bishop Tim at EBC, 7.30pm Fri 19 Start of Hunger lunches at Laburnum Hall, 12–1.30pm Fridays throughout Lent Michael Caddick, John Hills, Phil Misselbrook, Alan Offord and Peter Richards all have regular events or venues they speak at. Please remember them in your prayers. For the latest news, events and services, visit www.emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Winter Winter 2009/10– 2009 – 13 PASSIONS UNITED Down with the kids F Youth Work update by Daniel Widdison M y name is Daniel Widdison and I am currently the Youth Worker for Emmanuel Baptist Church whilst a permanent person is found. Some of you will remember me as I was baptised at EBC back in 2002 and was a member until I moved away to Oxford to study Youthwork in 2003. From 2003–2007 I was heavily involved in a mission-based Youthwork organisation, working on an estate called Blackbird Leys with a wonderful team of Christians from various backgrounds. Seeing that my time is currently divided between three different jobs, it’s rather hard to put the time I would have liked into Youthwork, but with the help of the young leaders, tasks have been made more bearable and do-able! Many faces I remember are now in the older groups and then there are the new faces in younger groups, which makes me feel both happy (about the new ones) and a bit sad because its obvious I must be getting older! A fact of life for me to get over! Since Nigel handed over in September, we have been carrying on with the established groups: Thursday night’s Reloaded group enjoy sharing a meal whilst studying the Bible, together with discussing and working through lifestyle issues. We have explored God’s Sovereignty, forgiveness, self-confidence, freestyle worship, along with good times to pray for 14 – Winter 2009/10 each other (often running over time by an hour or two!). Friday is Oasis kid’s café and then Enzo’s. Both of these groups are informal activity-based clubs. A better relationship with the Church is made during these times and is a great time to ‘Love one another’ and so young people are infected with the greatest love of all – the love of the Lord. The Enzo group (14–16 yr olds) is currently very low on numbers, so we are looking at that and making efforts to republicise it. Doing Sunday school is new to me, as I‘ve only led Youth Alpha on a Sunday morning. I’ve been enjoying the extra time reading the Bible which I have to do in order to prepare! At the same time I am being really scripturally challenged, being asked ‘Where in the Bible does it say…’, at which point I am thinking ‘Why don’t I know where anything is?’ I believe the future for youthwork at Emannuel is very much positive, with many opportunities, but these can only be realized if believers who truly want to see the world transformed by the Lord get involved! Youth work is not a one man job and is probably the biggest growth area of the Church, so its something to be very excited and enthusiastic about! If you have any ideas or something to contribute, please see Nigel or myself. Sending my love to you and appreciation for your support. Daniel Widdison emmanuelbaptist.co.uk irstly let me introduce myself, my name is Jo Round and I’m the new UCCF staff-worker here in Cornwall! I’m a Cornish girl (not quite born and bred but it’s where my heart is) and only left the Duchy to go away to Winchester to University where I completed a degree in Psychology with Theology and Religious studies. I had a fantastic time at university and this was in no small part due to the experience of being really involved with both the Christian Union and a wonderful local church. When the time came to finish University God opened the door for me to work at Christ Church (the church I’d been attending) and I’ve spent the last three years working there as the Student Minister. It’s been a great three years and God has really blessed me, having the privilege of working in a brilliant team, under a great leader and amongst some wonderful students… He even gifted me with the most wonderful fiancé called Matt and I’m very excited that we’re getting married next April! The three or four years that students spend at University are unlike any other in their life, and it is a time when their relationship with God can grow immensely But when the Cornwall post came up, after conversations with Kenny and some other people God really began to lay on both mine and Matt’s heart that this was a move He wanted us to make. I have a real heart for student ministr. The three or four years that students spend at University are unlike any other in their life, and it is a time when their relationship with God can grow immensely. For some it’s the first time emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Introducing Jo Round, UCCF staff-worker they are away from their parents and home churches and they’re ‘doing’ it on their own. My heart is for that experience to be a good one, where their faith is strengthened and they learn to trust God more and take risks for Him. It is also a time when students who have never really considered faith before seem more open to thinking about the bigger questions of life, and it’s my desire that whilst at University they find Jesus as the answer to those questions. I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in Cornwall. It’s the most beautiful place in the world in my opinion, but sadly can seem very spiritually lacking at times. I believe that ministry to students is very strategic; if we see students encouraged and equipped to live and speak for Jesus on campus, then they are able to share their faith with the friends, families and homes that they return to, many of them within the County. UCCF’s vision is that every student in Great Britain would have the chance to hear and respond to the gospel, and it’s my desire to see that every student in Cornwall would have that opportunity, and through members of Christian Unions across the County it’s definitely an achievable goal! For more information about Falmouth CU: [email protected] www.falmouthcu.co.uk Winter 2009/10 – 15 Prayer and Mission Focus Suffering for your faith Jenni Crozier The cost of following Jesus is rarely felt by Christians living in ‘the West’. Scripture challenges us to pray for those who ARE suffering for their faith. Barnabas Fund published a time line of Christian Persecution 2008/2009. Surprising though it may seem today, in 2009, Christians are being murdered just because they refuse to deny Christ. World estimates tell us that more Christians than ever before are dying for their faith. So what can we do? We can take action by writing to our MPs when injustice of this kind comes to our attention. We can write to imprisoned Christians with the encouragement that even there, Christ is Lord and we do not forget them. We can encourage them with a visit from us. And we can pray. And perhaps we can follow a timeline ourselves throughout the year, month by month choosing to find out about one of the countries which have the sad distinction of being on the list of the 12 most anti-Christian countries in the World. Not convinced? Then read through this shortened version of the Barnabas time line and consider whether you should be taking action and praying for the suffering church. August 2008 Andulo, Angola – A Muslim mob burned three churches and assaulted four Christians, beheading a school age girl and leaving another needing 20 stitches in her head. Sept 2008 Saudi Arabia – a young woman converted to Christianity from Islam. Her family cut out her tongue and burned her to death. Somalia – a 22 year old convert was murdered whilst attending a Muslim wedding. Oct 2008 Mosul, Iraq – 14 Christians were murdered by Sunni Muslim extremists and 12,000 Christians were forced out of the city leaving everything behind. Nov 2008 Jos, Nigeria – hundreds of Christians were killed and more than 7,000 fled their homes after Muslim attacks Dec 2008 An Egyptian woman who had converted from Islam to Christianity was arrested at the airport, stripped and beaten as she tried to emigrate with her family. Feb 2009 Sangla Hill, Pakistan – A group of Muslim men kidnapped and gang raped a 13 year old girl at gun point. London, UK – A Pakistan born Christian minister was attacked, beaten and threatened with two broken legs on his way to speak on radio about the truths of Islam. March 2009 Sri Lanka – Buddhist militants attacked and injured a pastor and church worker with a machete. Many churches were threatened with violence. April 2009 Xinjiang, China – A local Christian leader has now been held by the Muslim led local government without any news for oneyear. 16 – Winter 2009/10 Find fres inspirat h i o n! Prayer me e tin at Emma gs in the prayer roo nue m Wednesd l Baptist Church: ays 6.30– Thursday 7.30am s, once a month, 7. (in the lou nge, dates 30–9pm published in the new s sheet) Fridays 10 –11am Sundays 9.45–10.1 5am May 2009 Punjab, Pakistan – A Christian bought tea from a Muslim run stall. When they saw he was wearing a cross they beat him to death for buying tea from them. Uzbekistan – owning a Bible became illegal giving state police excuse to increase persecution of Christians. June 2009 Burma – Burmese military attacked Christian Karen villages causing 4,000 to flee into the jungle where they face starvation, disease and snake bite. Yemen – nine Christians from Germany, UK and S. Korea were kidnapped. three bodies have been found. The others are still missing. July 2009 Laos – dozens of Christians in Katin village were threatened with expulsion and confiscation of their livestock (each pig is worth six wks pay) unless they returned to the local spirit religion. Wherever we go in the World of the persecuted Christian the message from them is always, ‘Pray for us’. Dear Father, we praise You for the grace and courage You give to our brothers and sister who suffer for their faith, to those who endure poverty, hunger, discrimination and mockery, to those who are beaten, imprisoned or tortured, to those who have lost family and friends, home and job, because of their decision to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Please fill them day by day with peace, joy and hope. Give them a special awareness of Your loving presence at all time. Strengthen them to endure hardship. Give them Your words to say to those who despise and reject them. Fill them with Your love for those who ill-treat them and give them the grace to forgive and pray for their persecutors. We pray also for ourselves. Help us to remember that we and they are members of one Body. Help us also to value the freedom You have blessed us with and guide us to use that freedom more wisely as we serve those who have none, for their peace and for the glory of Your precious Son, our Saviour. More information on the persecuted church can be found at www.opendoorsuk.org and www.barnabasfund.org emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Winter 2009 news Falmouth Churches Together An association of Christian congregations in Falmouth, Penryn and the surrounding area. Through this forum we can explore and put into effect ways of serving God together both in worship and in service to the community. Welcome to Rev’d Ed Kimes from the USA – the new minister at Falmouth Methodist Church. Children’s activities Training sessions have been held for school Kidz Club volunteers. Volunteers are still needed for School Kidz Clubs and Kidspace. Contact Marcus Jones for more information on 01209 862753. A Week of Guided Prayer will take place in March next year – details available from church ministers. Street Pastors 20 volunteers have now been trained and were commissioned in November. Work on the streets is due to commence in December. Forthcoming Events 9 Dec Advent Lecture by Rev. Steve Wild 25 Feb Lent Lecture by Bishop Tim Thornton Prayer Tent on the Piazza (First Saturday of each month) There has been an increase in numbers of people seeking prayer for themselves or others. Please continue to pray for the ongoing outreach to those in need in our local community: – Services in care homes. – Work with deprived children – Those who have no home and those who are socially isolated. – The developing Street Pastors scheme and volunteers – Chaplaincy in our schools and University – The Food Bank Town Events Falmouth Churches Together will be participating in more community events with the goodwill of the Town The Penryn and Falmouth Foodbank Manager and Town Council. officially began on the 5 November. Due to overwhelming support Climate Change from our community and many Our Poverty Forum will be surrounding areas we are blessed involving this Forum and individual to have a warehouse stocked with congregations in increasing almost 1 ton of food. We also have awareness of the gravity of the dedicated and trained volunteers situation and the need for everyone ready to serve those in need in our to reduce their carbon footprint. community. After speaking to many professionals working in Penryn Homeless Action and Falmouth, we are being made This group is running a Community aware of a large need. Our heart at Café/Drop-In centre on Wednesday the Foodbank is to help in the crisis mornings at the Dracaena Centre, for but not to create a dependency on a trial period of three months. Other handouts. As part of our goal to be facilities offered by the Centre will be part of a complete solution, we aim available for use. All are welcome. to provide our volunteers with a list of resources available from churches in the area. Volunteers and donations of food are still needed. For more information please contact Becky Douglas-Jones on 01326 378433. emmanuelbaptist.co.uk May God continue to guide us and bless us as we seek to be His presence to those around us and as we unite in prayer and work. For further details and any other information please visit the website or contact the Secretaries as below. If you would like to be involved in any of our activities/events please contact your church representative or one of our secretaries as below. Chair: Rev Colin Biggs Vice Chair: Anne Bright Secretaries: Jan Winslade (01326 317750) and Heather Haden (01326 311549) www.falmouthchurchestogether. org.uk Winter 2009/10 – 17 One body, On any given day you may be surprised by how busy the Emmanuel building can be: you will find industrious volunteers involved in the various groups which form part of our Emmanuel fellowship. Here we profile the roles of four Emmanuel members and the groups they represent many 18 – Winter 2009/10 Services for older people More Mature Persons’ Service Bi-monthly Sunday afternoon services for older people were first introduced in December 1999, largely on the initiative of Dr Pat Price. The aim has been to show and share the transforming love of Christ in a way that is warm, friendly, informal, sensitive, relevant and familiar to older people in the community. A cream tea after the service gives opportunity for conversation and friendship to develop. From the start it was agreed the Church would provide transport for those who would otherwise find it difficult to attend. After five years of organising these services Pat Price announced her ‘retirement’ and I then took responsibility, with recent assistance from Mark Misselbrook. A typical service lasts about 50 minutes and attracts 40 to 50 people; some from Emmanuel, a number from other churches and always a few with no particular church allegiance. Chairs are spaced more widely and small tables interspersed to facilitate the serving of tea. The form of the service varies, but will include the singing of well-known hymns accompanied on the organ, solos, musical items, poems, testimonies and short Bible talks. In December the children of the Sunday School usually take part with a drama and singing. There is a strong interrelationship between the afternoon Service, Food for Thought and the Torch Fellowship (for blind and partially sighted), with people filtering through from one to the other. The afternoon Service also supplements the outreach work of Falmouth Churches Together in arranging monthly services in the care homes and Alan Offord visiting the Age Concern Day Centre, Sheldon House Nursing Home and Earle’s Retreat sheltered flats. For many, the Service provides an opportunity they might not otherwise have to meet with others to pray and worship God. For some it opens a window into the Christian faith that hopefully creates a desire to know more. For that we give thanks and praise to God. Peter Richards Men’s walking group Stepping Out parts. emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Within weeks of starting to attend Emmanuel back in 1994, together with a dozen or so other chaps from the church, I enjoyed an excellent day’s walking on Dartmoor. That day I got to know guys who, quite possibly, I wouldn’t have spoken to on a Sunday. I believe men, unlike ladies(!), find it easier to talk when they’re doing something together – and to combine walking and talking, apart from being both enjoyable and healthy, proves that men can do more than one thing at a time! On a glorious Summer’s day in 2006, five ‘intrepid’ adventurers, three pairs of ‘knobbly knees’ and a dog called Kassie caught the ferry from Helford Passage at the start of emmanuelbaptist.co.uk the first ‘Stepping Out’ men’s walk – a six-and-a-half mile circular walk taking in St Anthony-in-Meneage, Manaccan and Frenchman’s Creek (and an impromptu swim for Kassie, who had enjoyed a good roll in a fresh cow-pat - lovely!). Since that first walk there have been 22 subsequent walks of varying lengths, terrain, and weather, and a couple of dozen different chaps have taken part at different times – including a number of non-church folk. The format is simple: we start with a coffee, we walk, we talk, we sort out the world’s problems whilst taking in Cornwall’s stunning scenery and, most importantly, we enjoy a meal and a pint together! Shorter half-day ‘ambles’ are included in the programme for those who can’t, or don’t fancy, getting muddy whilst walking miles carrying their lunch. Listening to a bunch of guys in deep discussion about weighty subjects like ‘creation’, ‘the end times’ and ‘the beautiful game’, is always a thrill. If you can, why not join us – we’ve only got lost a few times! Bryan Green Winter 2009/10 – 19 Parent and Toddler group Little Treasures I came from another church where I helped run a parent and toddler group on a Tuesday afternoon. When I started coming to Emmanuel, I asked if it would be possible to start a similar Tuesday afternoon group here. At the same, Cathy Buckley and Pauline Jordan were starting a pre-school and needed someone to take over the running of the Friday morning Parent and Toddler session. “Wow, Father!”, I thought, “Another session!” Wendy and Sheila joined me in this new venture, although unfortunately Sheila finished many years ago now. On Monday and Wednesday mornings, another Parents and Tots meeting was being run by someone who hired the church hall every week, but soon felt it was time to step back and she asked us if we would take the groups on – Father God never lets His children down. So we had four groups to run, and they began to grow in number, so much so that we started two more weekly sessions on a Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. God is our overseer. Our main aim over the last 13 years has been to serve and show the love of Jesus in all we say and do – from setting up to putting away each session. We offer a safe and bright environment catering for 0–5 year olds, provide nappy changing facilities, a soft play area, table-top activities, ride and push-along toys, snacks and drink time for all and a sing-along to end each session. Wendy and I have many conversations each session – each one so important in buidling relationships and friendships – we are so blessed! Lynne Pellow Below: Emmanuel’s Sports Hall, full of excitable toddlers and their parents, at the end of a Little Treasures session God is our overseer. Our main aim over the last 13 years has been to serve and show the love of Jesus in all we say and do – from setting up to putting away each session. Flowers at Emmanuel God is our overseer. Our main aim over the last 13 years has been to serve and show the love of Jesus in all we say and do – from setting up to putting away each session. 20 – Winter 2009/10 To have flowers in our church celebrates creation and adds to the worship of our great God. Over many years this has been organised by Betty Hearn and a team of helpers. Betty has decided to step down; so a big ‘thank you’ to her for all she has done. To continue this work (which is also good fun!) there is an opportunity to join the team for this coming year and to help out on a regular basis. We are hoping to run a workshop in January/February 2010 to get together and exchange tips on arrangements. We are also proposing to reinstate the opportunity for members to contribute money towards a particular week, maybe to mark an anniversary. Please contact me on 01326 218711 to gain more information about the important flower work of Emmanuel. We would love more people to get involved – including the chaps! The more the merrier! Jill Griffiths emmanuelbaptist.co.uk emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Winter 2009 /10– 21 Cut out your players Reviews Pete Gray, Jai Lawley, Mark Misslebrook, Matt Oakes and Dave White B I 3 2 D I E H F G 3 Key: A. Miss a go for a ‘comfort break’ B. Refuel with tea and biscuits at the Café – Jump forward two spaces C. Local knoledge comes in handy – Skip the tourist traps! D. Miss a go trying to find the Gift Shop exit E. Mmm… Pasty Shop! Miss a go for a pastry-induced doze F. Miss a go struggling into a wetsuit at the Surf School G. Miss a go for an en-suite and fry-up at the B&B H. Warm your cockles in the Pub and skip forward one space I. Can’t resist the sugar hit! Go back to the Café (B) Cut out your spinner J. One for the road! Go back to the Pub 2 B 1 Wordsearch Leftover Letters AND A SEARCH WAS MADE AND IT WAS FOUND EZRA Chapter FOUR verse 19 NIV Read All About It 1. C 2. D 3. A 4. F 5. B 6. E Unscramble BONFIRE NIGHT Autumn Puzzle Page Answers 4 Winter 2009 /10– 23 emmanuelbaptist.co.uk 5 3 emmanuelbaptist.co.uk B 6 22 – Winter 2009/10 1 5 www.youversion.com is many different versions of the Bible in √√√√√ √√√√√ dozens of languages, online for free. ‘The gospel is bigger than you think.’ The debut album from Portland has It has a clear layout, and a daily God Stories takes you on a journey already become recognised as one of reading plan for the disorganised. where you’ll meet the Creator found in the most beautiful album releases in Handy when you’re out without a Genesis and the Bridegroom found in the UK in recent years. The album Bible but have the internet, and Revelation. In between all this are features stunning harmonies, handy for people without any chapters on history, poetry, death and delicate guitars, piano and strings access to a paper Bible. Also hope. 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Pictured, left to right all a great album with a good mix You are struck by the fact that Jesus’ Church Music; These Broken Hands; of tracks. followers really were a bunch of The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus; God Stories. ordinary guys and gals. C 4 These Broken Hands Portland 4 God Stories Andrew Wilson Websites 6 Music START 5 END Books B A J Western Terrace, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4QJ Telephone Email Website Minister 01326 315249 [email protected] www.emmanuelbaptist.co.uk Rev’d Charles Blizzard