News Archive
June 2005
Poor history
Whirls of white wristband wearers will willingly be giving up their Saturday this weekend to fight extreme and stupid poverty.
Saturday, July 2nd will see key world leaders from the world's most
industrialised countries gather in bonnie Scotland for the G8 summit.
As these leaders gather to thrash out various global issues facing the
world, tens of thousands of individuals will march through the streets
of Edinburgh with one voice - to call for greater trade justice, debt
cancellation and more effective aid for the world's poorest countries.
HBC will be sending out two full coaches with various folk from the
life of our church. The day looks set to be both demanding and
exciting, and we would welcome your prayer support on the day for all
those attending - particularly for those with little children. Don't
worry though if you have missed the opportunity to join us for this
special day. There are many ways in which you can get active in helping
us 'Make Poverty History'. Why not have a chat to a member of our 'MPH'
team on Sunday - or for more details about the campaign as a whole and
ways for you to get involved, click here.
And why not make a start by simply buying the official 'Make Poverty
History' white wristbands - available from most charity shops for the
donation cost of just one pound!
Toybox
On Sunday (26th June) it was great to welcome Hannah and Georgina from
the Toybox charity to church. They delivered a powerful challenge to us
about getting involved in supporting children who have no homes,
families and no sense of who they are. Toybox supports rescue and
rehabilitation teams for street children in Guatemala, giving them
loving homes, education and hope for the future. Find out more by
clicking here.
WWJP?
This morning I ripped open a parcel with a daring passion! The parcel
was emblazened with 'Apple' logos, and my heart was pounding. Yep!
Behold, the new iPod Mini that I've been saving up for.
But as I think about which music to download onto it, and which songs I
could do with avoiding, I can't help but wonder, if Jesus had an iPod,
what songs would He listen to? What songs are sweet fragrance to him,
I wonder? To put it directly - WWJP (What would Jesus Play)?
Matt led us in some beauitful worship last night, and it's clear his
heart, along with others at HBC, is set on exalting the Lord's name
through the melodies we make. But for me, Matt's willingness and
passion to just lead us through that moment of 'stillness' and
'silence' last night really refreshed my soul before Jesus. The
psalmist writes that it is in our stillness that we can seek and find
the Lord. In fact, the psalmist goes on to say that we can 'taste and
see that the Lord is good'. Where will your stillness be this week? Be
like an iPod... go make sweet summer tunes to our Lord and Saviour.
Taste and see that he is good!
Heatwave
The recent hot weather has even reached the North East! Instead of putting on another layer we're reaching for a cool drink to quench our thirst under the midday sun. Are you feeling dehydrated, dry and thirsty? Minister and best-selling author Max Lucado encourages us to "treat your soul as you treat your thirst. Take a gulp. Imbibe moisture. Flood your heart with a good swallow of water." Visit Maxlucado.com to find out more.
Albanian adventure
Heaton Baptist Church has a long history of sharing the love of God not just in on our own community, but communities all over the world. Many have felt called to go out and serve in other countries and have been sent out with the church's support and blessing. I’m going to visit HBC members Roger and Nikki Pearce and their family in Albania from June 3 to 10. Roger and Nikki have been working in Tirana for the last few years. Click here to find out more about Roger's work in the GDQ school or Nikki's work in the ABC clinic. Or email me to find out how you can support the Pearces.
Postcard from Albania
I've been to visit HBC members Roger and Nikki Pearce and their family in Albania for a week. To find out more about my impressions of Albania click here. Roger and Nikki have been working in Tirana for the last few years. Click on the following links to find out more about Roger's work in the GDQ school or Nikki's work in the ABC clinic. » more
Big is beautiful
'Small is beautiful' is what they say — owners of iPods or other MP3 players will probably concur with that. But 'big' can be just as good, which is why we're excited about this coming Sunday as we join together with a number of other congregations from around Newcastle for City Hall Sunday. We aim to worship, pray and share ministry together (both adults and children) because we recognise that unity brings pleasure and glory to God and provides the context in which He has promised to bless. Come and be a part of something bigger on Tyneside this Sunday.
Who's buzzin'?
Please consider giving up Saturday morning and/or afternoon to join
us for the Buzz activities and make a positive difference through our
desire to serve Jesus and serve others. Even if you can only commit to
doing an hour or so with us on the day, every contribution will add to
the final impact and leave us all 'buzzzzzzin' for Jesus! There are two
key projects taking place on the day: painting the outside of
Ravenswood Youth Centre, and litter-picking the surrounding
grass areas; and painting the perimeter railings at Paddy Freeman Park.
Both still need more hands on deck. Click the arrows below for details.
» more
Dirty hands, holy hearts
That's what's behind this Saturday's 'Buzz Day' (June 11) as we get involved in working alongside other local people in two practical projects in the area. 'Dirty hands' because we want to say as a church we care practically about the local neighbourhood and 'holy hearts' to say that our motivation is God and a desire to reflect his character to bless. Come and use your hands and share God's heart.
Spirituality shopper
Jonathan Edwards, a friend to many at HBC and a former church member,
presents the first of a three-part TV series tonight at 8pm on Channel
4. Called Sprituality Shopper, Jonathan helps 'non-religious' members
of the public find a spiritual answer to a major problem in their
lives. For more details, click here.
What's happening?
This weekend's bulletin is now available for downloading at the Our publications part of the site.