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Focus

 

 

Tottenham Baptist Church

 

December 2005/January 2006

 

Where are we going?

 

 

I suppose it could be a question asked by the Wise Men when they set out on their journey, but I am asking it of the church at Tottenham.  Hopefully, early next year our hall will be revamped and redecorated, and that work paid for!  We will have a set of buildings honouring Jesus, and fit for use in the 21st Century.  The question is “Where are we going?”

 

An important step will be to call a minister, who must be a person of vision.  But it would be foolish to imagine that a person coming from outside Tottenham would have more understanding of the needs of this area than those who live there now.  A famous church grew with the motto “We see a need and we meet it; we see a hurt and we heal it.”  What are the needs and the hurts within Tottenham today?  That should set our agenda.

 

The star of the wise men was probably not a supernatural event, else it would have been called a light not a star.  In the study of Gods world the wise men enquired what God was doing in His world.  We need to ask “What is God about to do in His world at Tottenham?”  When we grasp that vision, if we are wise, we will follow it wherever it leads.

 

2006 is shaping up to be a very exciting year.  Catch the vision.

 

Every blessing.

 

Roger Collins

 

 

 


 

 

 

Church family news.... 


Places are being offered in our Music Group for dedicated singers to join the group in leading the singing during worship.  Anyone wanting to help lead the church in song should come regularly for music practices at 10am.  Singers are also being called for carol practices – listen out for times and dates!  Many TBC singers at the Christians Together in Tottenham Choir are furthermore delighted with the successful launch of the choir, as they sang at various engagements, including a service at Balliol College of Oxford University on October 23rd!  They were even served a meal at the College. It was a moving event and we praise God that He is able to open doors like this…

 

Congratulations to Mr & Mrs John Banbridge on their 40th Anniversary in November!  John is one of our Boys Brigade Officers.  Well-earned congratulations also go to the Tottenham Churches Football Club and Captain Steve Turner, who succeeded in winning the North East London Church League Shield for 2004-05.  After many years of efforts, you have done us proud again!

 

We have to give prayerful thanks to God for the children whom we have in our midst:  Christina Harris and Remi Jackson had their eleventh birthdays marked recently in church and were presented with their own new Bibles by the Sunday School.

 

Benefiting from prayers especially these days will be Mrs Leola Reid, recovering from a knee operation;  Mr Albert Ryder, recently admitted for a hip operation;  and Mrs Kath Hatchett, Mrs Evette Griffiths and Mrs Hazel Whitehead, recently unwell.  Please pray also for healing of Miss Vi Maddison’s vision and Mr Melvin Priam’s back & head pain. Please intercede in support of our newly formed set of church cleaners, that more will come out in support by likewise pitching in some hours roughly every month dusting, vacuuming and generally cleaning! We’ll also want to particularly pray in support of Mrs Gloria Bipta, who has suffered the loss of a family member in late October and for any extra cares she would have to bear – cast them all upon Jesus, dear Gloria (1 Pet 5:7)!

We have to be grateful for Gloria and the work that she is initiating to fill social needs of people in our community, lonesome or otherwise, by starting a coffee morning, mainly with the retired people in mind.  Anyone seeking to express their gratitude to God may want to help out even for a while serving refreshments, throwing in kind words and joining in the games during this club.  It is to be held Tuesdays from 11am-1pm beginning from January in the New Year.  No one can manage this club alone, and the church would be grateful for volunteers here to bring more warmth to the community!

 

It is obvious that the Lord continues to build His church here as people are additionally preparing to lead part of the worship:  various members of the congregation attended a seminar for that purpose in November conducted by Rev Roger Collins, and many more had wanted to attend but were held up… Furthermore, Neil Honor is helping out by taking over the Meeting Nicodemuses Today column in Focus, promoting evangelism and including testimonies from members of our congregation. We must thank God that He can use people who want to be used by Him in His service!

 

A funeral, well attended, was held on Friday, 4th November for Mrs Mavis Gayle, a former member of our congregation who had been baptised by Rev Malcolm Patten, our former pastor.  He was joined by Rev Roger Collins in conducting the service. The Pastoral Care Team prays, visits, encourages and does what it can for anyone in our fellowship who may need it.  Care for the congregation is shared by different Care Team members but anyone on the Team would be happy to help.  If you have been ill or if anything is troubling you, they would be eager to hear from you.  Just call!

 

Thornton & Leola Reid                  

            Estela Goudge                               

            Grace Tyzack                                

            Joseph ‘Kobe’ Appiah Danquah    

            Clare Lee                                      

            Margaret McGlynn                        

            Gloria Bipta                                   

 

Sunday Preachers to be announced


 

Coming events.... 

 

 


White Webbs Motor Museum Silver Band

Here’s another change to rub shoulders further with those whom you worship with:  come to this Christmas-time concert on Tuesday, December 6th at 8 pm and sway to tunes for the season.  Refreshments will be served freely and the entrance is also free.  An offering will be taken for the band’s expenses.

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Spreading Glad Tidings

You can spread the word in Tottenham about the King of Kings that was born and that can be welcomed into people’s hearts to give abundant and everlasting life:  grab some of our free Christmas wish cards and distribute them in the neighbourhood!

500 leaflets are being prepared with details on our Christmas programmes and weekly activities.  Help bring people in from the cold into TBC – just mark the streets you would cover on our list in the lobby and start distributing!

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Girls Brigade Achievements Night & Fayre

You are all encouraged to come on Thursday 8th December at 7 pm and support lasses who have been attending the Girls Brigade and will be presented with badges!

You can also start – or continue – your Christmas shopping with crafts, Christmas cards, etc at their Christmas Fayre, and get refreshments immediately following the celebration, which is to be conducted by Rev Roger Collins, with the Chapel Stones.

GB, BB, SS & Youth Group Christmas Party

Children and youth who attend our Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Sunday School and Youth Groups – don’t miss the season’s party!  Come and have fun as we celebrate this happy season!  Admission is free.  Food and drink for all, and the evening starts at 6:30pm.  Volunteers encouraged – please report in advance to Sunday School teachers or Brigade Officers.

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Nativity Service – Sunday, 18th December

Our Sunday School children and Youth Group practice for weeks to present the Christmas story during the morning service – just for you and yours! There have been various styles in recent years – from rap to Newsflashes from the past… Come and support their work and dedication.  Your presence at this service will be well appreciated!

Our Baptist Missionary Society appeal will be taken to help bring the gospel in a specific part of the world with a particular need – the cause will be presented during the service!  Your generosity has been marvellous throughout the years.  Let’s pray the Lord will work mightily through people’s hearts again this year!

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Carols by Candlelight –18th December

One of the best events to catch the Good News at Tottenham Baptist:  listen to the Christmas story read in parts from the Gospels by different members of our congregation, and bring a friend or neighbour who could use some Christmas cheer.

Christmas songs also! This special Evening Service begins at 6:30pm.  Please inform Miss Maddison, our secretary, in advance if you would volunteer to read.

Christmas Day Celebration

We can give thanks for the best present we could ever get – the Son of God who came to show us Himself as the Way!  Note that this Sunday Morning Service, being on 25th December, will start like our usual Christmas Day Services at 10:15 am, not 11am.  Children, feel free to bring a gift you have received and tell your friends!

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Rededication of Deacons

Our re-elected deacons will rededicate themselves for the New Year during the morning communion service of 15th January.  Let’s give prayerful thanks for their time and efforts to have our church run smoothly, and give them prayerful support for the New Year!

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Members Meeting – Tuesday 17th January

Shape the course of our worship throughout the week by speaking out or – better yet! – volunteer as the Lord would lead you about our activities, or perhaps He may simply expect you just to listen and join in prayerfully!  As usual, members of the church meet for 8 pm.

 

Christmas Cards to One and All

To prevent waste, increase our Building Fund revenue, and brighten each one of our lives further, our church members

have decide as a whole to encourage one another by each pinning up a Christmas greeting card to the whole church on our bulletin boards this year, instead of distributing individual cards!

By avoiding multiple Christmas cards, savings are encouraged to be donated to our current Building Fund.

 

The Best Mother-in-Law Story Ever

A man, his wife and mother-in-law went on vacation to the Holy Land.

While they were there the mother-in-law passed away.  The undertaker told them, “You can have her shipped home for £5,000, or you can bury her here in the Holy Land for £150.”

The man thought about it and told him he would just
have her shipped home.  The undertaker asked, “Why?”
“Why would you spend £5,000 to ship your mother-in-law
home, when it would be wonderful to spend only £150?”

The man said, “A man died here 2,000 years ago, he
was buried here and three days later he rose from the
dead.  I just can’t take that chance!”

Submitted by Miss Vi Maddison
   From Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.  Credit:  Sutton Branch’s ‘The Scribbler’ and the British Polio Fellowship.

May Bringing People Together Again

May Richards has done it again, successfully pulling off the Broadwater Family Gospel Festival in October.  The Tottenham, Wood Green & Edmonton Journal reported it in an article with the headline “May Spreads Goodwill with her Gospel Party,” reading in part: “The Fifth Annual Family Gospel Festival raised the roof at Broadwater Community Centre […].  The money raised is donated to help children with sickle cell and thalassaemia. May, 74, said she hoped to spread goodwill with her efforts, which she wanted to promote unity within the community.”

The article pictures her (left) with Paul Dennehy, Neighbourhood Manager at the Broadwater Farm Estate, and quotes her:  “It was a lovely night. This year we had more people than ever to perform at the festival.” This included The Christians Together in Tottenham Choir, the Seventh Day Adventist Choir, the Chapel Pebbles, and others.  May is quoted: “I was very tired by the end of it all. The main reason I started to organise the concerts is that I am a pensioner, and I wanted something to keep me going —something to keep my mind active.”

May presented a cheque of £2,500 in November for the cause at the North Middlesex Hospital to Haematologist Dr Yardumian, Paediatrician Dr Wilkey and Ward Manager Caroline Hyatt.

                                   GENEROUS GIVING

Thank Offering 2005

The total of our 2005 Thank Offering has now reached £2,526. This total is almost the same as our 2004 total and we must give thanks for this generous response to the need towards the repayment of our loan. We are grateful to all those within our Fellowship and also past members and friends who gave so willingly.

Thanks be to God who touched the hearts of those who gave.

Asia Earthquake Appeal

The response to the retiring Offering for the Earthquake Appeal together with other gifts totalled £206.Which has been sent to help the relief operations.

Mill Grove

In addition to the Harvest gifts, £183.22 plus some personal cheques were sent to Mill Grove totalling around £340. This was very much appreciated by all at Mill Grove.

I would like to say a big thank-you to all connected with our Fellowship for their very generous giving.

                                                                                    Les Paskell

 

This magazine is your magazine!  Help shape TBC whichever way the Lord leads you.  Pass on any articles, prayers, poems, or news about new arrivals, graduations, anniversaries, and submit pictures also if you wish!

 

Jose Jurado Aranda. E-mail:  tbceditor@hotmail.com

Prayer Calendar:  vacant

Meeting Nicodemuses Today:  Neil Honor

Printer:  Junior Deane

Webmaster:  Jim McGlynn

 

You can also read Focus online at: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/voter/tbc.htm

 

 

The Christmas List

 

There is a list of folks I know

All written in a book

And every year at Christmas time

I go and take a look.

And that is when I realise that

These names are a part

Not of the book they're written in

But of my very heart.

 

For each name stands for someone

Who has touched my life sometime

And in that meeting they've become

The "rhythm of the rhyme"

I really feel I am composed

Of each remembered name

And while you may not be aware

Of feeling quite the same

My life is so much better

Than it was before you came.

 

For once you have known someone

The years cannot erase

The memory of a pleasant word

Or a friendly face

So never think my Christmas Cards

Are just a mere routine

Of names upon a list

Forgotten in between

For when I send a Christmas card

That is addressed to you

It is because you're on the list

Of folks I'm indebted to.

 

And whether I've known you

For many years or few

In some way you have had a part

In shaping things I do.

So every year when Christmas comes

I just realise anew

The biggest gift that God can give

Is knowing folks like you.

 

Anon

submitted by Paul Ambler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never a Dull Moment

Back in the summer on Saturday, 23rd July, we took a group of children from the Sunday School and the Brigades down to Chalkwell for the day.  We were blessed with good weather.  It was an enjoyable day for all.

We hired the mini bus from High Cross Church and set off for the Seaside.  Ivy drove us down to our destination. However, as far as the Crooked Billet Roundabout we broke down, and Janette had to call the AA to get us on our way again.

The children were well behaved overall.  We reached the seaside, where the children played various games all day as Janette told th    em they were not allowed to go in the sea.  Janette then had the call of nature and, as her back was turned, the children were running into the sea after the ball and I was in deep trouble, after being strictly lectured by Janette.

As we boarded the bus back home, Janette was changing the children into dry clothes when, behold, we broke down again.  This time, we had to call out Inter-national Rescue (aka Mrs Margaret McGlynn) to get the children back to base.

I had visions of spending the night in a couple of rooms at the Holiday Express on the North Circular as we leaders were still stranded, but the AA got us back to church later in the evening.

Then, to cap it all, Janette told me laughing to herself not to arrange anything else as I am totally jinxed!

God bless,

Steve Cook, BB

Bumper Stickers for You

      His pain is your gain.

Practice random acts of praise and worship!

   If God is your co-pilot, switch seats

Each day is a gift of God.
 Have you thanked him lately?

          The spin stops here – God.

  God grades on a cross, not on a curve

                                                  From bumpertalk.com


 

BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY NEWS.... 

 

 


BMS Birthday

Scheme

 
JANUARY

 

MISS OLIVE PERSSON             5th

MR ADAM HATCHETT               26th

 

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Hungary for Jesus!

 

There’s a real thirst for the gospel in the landlocked, central European country of Hungary! And the number of Baptists is growing fast, supported by BMS World Mission partners, personnel and grants. One in eight of Hungary’s 3,200 towns and villages have either a Baptist church or a house group. Many are tiny congregations, with just a handful of mostly elderly or unemployed members, and whose pastors must frequently travel to look after their scattered congregations – but there is a genuine desire amongst Baptist believers to make Jesus known. Philip Halliday, BMS Regional Secretary for Europe, explains, “Hungarian Baptists have a heart for spreading the gospel, longing for new, young believers to help in the work. An encouraging number of new churches are being planted throughout the country, and the Baptist Union of Hungary (MBE) holds conferences to train the leaders.”

“More and more people are hearing the call to mission work, to Hungarians and beyond. They need to be properly trained and equipped for service, and supported in every way; a challenge for the churches.”

There are seven BMS supported partner workers (national Christian mission workers) in Hungary – three church planting couples and one youth worker. BMS’ commitment to gospel work in Hungary will also continue through the provision of support for regional Bible schools and 20 evangelistic national events.

Amongst MBE’s success stories is the Roma Mission programme, which is steadily growing among Hungary’s eight per cent gypsy population – some 800,000 people – with seven Roma churches now established.

Philip says, “Evangelists travel to Roma settlements to share the good news, then a fellowship soon begins in the house of one of the new believers. Enforced settlement under communism has deprived these people of their traditional crafts, and the industries they then worked in have largely been modernised, leaving many unemployed and with few prospects. The Roma Mission offers social care and aims to help find ways back to work.”

BMS was pleased to participate in this ministry by providing 50 per cent funding to build two new Roma church buildings this year.

The Chapel Stones Report 2005

 

As you know, there are five of us in the group:  Allan on the drums, Jose and David on guitars, me on the piano and, since just after Easter, Effie Mydell on the violin.

We were very sorry to see Jaap and Louise return to Holland as they had been a big help to us, but pleased that Effie is doing so well.

We did play at the CTT open-air service at High Cross in July and were joined by the Chapel Pebbles.

Since we began playing for the Sunday Services we have improved a lot and hope that we will continue to do so.

If there were any musicians in the congregation who would like to join us they would be very welcome. Also, if there is anyone who would like to lead the singing at the Sunday morning Service, they too would be welcome, but would have to join us at 10am for practice.

Val Paskell

TBC Baptist Missionary Society Report 2005

We raised the outstanding and record-breaking amount of £1060.84 as a result of our 2004 Appeal for war-torn Uganda during last year’s Nativity Service. Members of our Youth group presented the appeal which focused on the terrible plight of the children in Uganda whose childhood and freedom are denied them as they are forcibly taken away to become child soldiers, “wives” of rebel army leaders, human cargoes and slaves. We also found out about the missionaries who are working in Uganda and how they are serving God and the Ugandan people in this troubled land. Thank you so much for all who contributed to this amazing amount.

During the year, I have held occasional BMS sessions for the children and young people to keep them aware of the BMS and the work it does across the world.

Contributors to the Baptist Birthday Scheme raised £345.00 during the past year, which will be sent to fund essential medical work.

Janette Whitehead

Sunday School / Youth Group Report 2005

 

We span a wide age-range across our Sunday School and Youth groups and currently teach a spectrum from 4 to 22 years within our Primary, Junior and two Youth classes. Our children and young people, once again, performed well during our 2004 Nativity Service. Members of the Youth group sang or reminded us, through drama, what Christmas is all about whilst the younger ones re-enacted the Christmas story. The Christmas party, with the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, was a particular success as it had an especially happy and welcoming feel to it, as younger and older children played and enjoyed themselves happily together.

We were able to focus more on teaching the Easter story in our sessions, this year, as due to limitations imposed by the renovation work, we decided not to present an Easter play or holiday club. However, at Stephen Cook’s suggestion, he and I took a couple of children to the circus at Alexandra Park during the Easter holidays, which was enjoyed by all.

On Sunday, 22nd May we celebrated our 174th Sunday School anniversary with a service that emphasised how we can use many different parts of our body to serve God and others. The children participated well and several members of the congregation mentioned how much they enjoyed the youngsters’ contributions of prayers (especially, Ivy’s “little ones” in Primary), singing, dancing and games throughout the service.

In July – again, at Stephen Cook’s suggestion – we took a group of children to Southend for the day. Special thanks to Ivy for driving the mini-bus that, unfortunately, broke down on the way there and on the way back [See also p.10 – Ed.]. However, God was good and we managed to arrive safely at the seaside and watch the youngsters have a fun-filled albeit a rather wet day. (Have you ever tried to keep children dry when they are near the sea even if they are fully clothed?) Thanks, also, to Stephen for thinking of the children and wanting to take them on such a great day out.

One of the highlights of the past year has been the continuing involvement of the seven girls who make up our singing and dancing group, “Chapel Pebbles.” They have practised regularly on Tuesday evenings after school, presenting some of their songs and dance routines to the church in Sunday morning services. They have also performed in one outdoor service held at the United Reformed Church along with other church groups, as well as in the Christians Together in Tottenham Gospel Concert and the Broadwater Farm Family Gospel Concert. They all enjoyed performing at these events, which have helped to increase their confidence. It was particularly pleasing that a girl who used to attend TBC Sunday School and Youth group saw them perform and asked about joining the group! Special thanks to Ivy who jointly leads the girls and to May Richards for her support of “Chapel Pebbles” and, indeed, all the children in the Sunday School and Youth classes.

This year, we sent 27 shoeboxes – each packed with gifts – to children abroad via SMILE International. The children who receive these shoeboxes have very little – if anything – of their own. Many have seen their families killed or wounded or have witnessed their homes burning to the ground. These gifts will certainly help to bring a smile to these young faces, which is the whole purpose of this Christian charity.

The Sunday School and Brigades held a Light Party on Monday, 31st October and, as usual, had fun playing games, eating and thinking about how God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit can be compared to a 3-way torch whilst representing the “Light of the World.” We even gave the youngsters mini torches to help remind them of the evening’s message. Thanks to all who came along to help and support us during the evening: Tony, Daneika, Alison, Margaret, Grace (Tosin, Kemi & Tobi’s mum), Janis, Vi and Stephen Cook.

A final “Thank-you” to everybody who keep all our children, young people and teachers in your prayers and thoughts and for all your encouraging words and thoughtful support. It is all very much appreciated. Please continue to uphold us all so that we can serve our Lord and these youngsters in the best way possible.

Janette Whitehead

The Persecuted Church Action Group Report 2005

I am very pleased to say that we now have a monthly meeting to pray for and write to our Christian brothers and sisters across the world who are being tortured, killed and

persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. We meet at 6.30pm on the third Sunday of the month and our numbers have ranged from one to five. We have prayed and/or sent letters to or on behalf of our fellow Christians in a variety of countries such as Indonesia, Chechnya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, North Korea, Eritrea, China and Vietnam. These prayers and letters have made a real difference and we have been able to give thanks to God for answered prayers and even the release of prisoners.

We were able to focus on the persecuted church during one of our Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer Meetings in October, led by Revd Collins, which was a special time, after which we were able to sign a petition to let our suffering brothers and sisters know we are praying for them. On Sunday, 6th November – on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church – cards were made, written and signed by the children and young people in the Sunday School and Youth Groups for persecuted children in Colombia and Sri Lanka. The youngsters showed interest as we discussed what was happening around the world and responded well to designing and creating attractive and imaginative cards which included some very thoughtful, caring and supportive messages.

Please continue to pray for our persecuted Christian family around the world – the greatest gift we can give them is prayer!

Janette Whitehead

                                   Pastoral Care Group Report 2005

 

The Pastoral Care Group is very active.  We have many members unwell, including my own wife, who just had an operation on her knee and has been released on Tuesday, 15th November and is

improving gratefully.  We also have many newcomers in the congregation.

We have constant enquiries from members of the congregation for visits and for pastoral advice, and for information about the church.

Mr George Wheeler left our group as he has moved abroad but has been replaced by Mrs Estela Goudge.

Thornton Reid

The Girls Brigade Report 2005

This year our numbers are 8 explorers, 8 juniors, 7 seniors and 1 brigader;  4 staff members and myself.  Although we have a good attendance on a Thursday evenings, getting them out to church parades is an uphill battle.

This year, we have attended the District Church Parade in March, where Kelly was promoted to an Intermediate young leader.  In May, we went to camp at Gilwell Park, with 1st Enfield and 1st Ponders End Companies.

In July, we took part in the district sports days and I am pleased to say we won several medals.  In the next few weeks, we shall be taking part in the district swimming gala on 26th November at Edmonton Pool, and on December 8th we will once again be holding our awards evening and Christmas fair, for which Revd Roger Collins has very kindly agreed to come and join us.  For anyone who wishes to join us, it will begin at 7 pm.  We will, of course, be holding our usual Christmas party with the Boys Brigade and Sunday School, which will be on Friday, 16th December.

As a company, last year we took up the challenge from National HQ for GB ‘To Arise.’  Our prayers have certainly been answered with new girls coming into the company, but our staff ratio is going down.  We, as a company, and countrywide need leaders and would like your prayerful support in this.

My grateful thanks as always go to Margaret McGlynn, Janet Jenkins and Anne Tarrier for their help and support every week, but also to those who pop in and see us occasionally.

Belinda Plunkett

              The Boys Brigade Report 2005

 

We’ve had a difficult year.  Our numbers still remain at 10 juniors.  We haven’t taken part in any competition this year.  We are down to one of only 3 Companies in Haringey now.

The boys are doing very well, being quite keen on their

award work. It’s a real joy to be able to teach Bible stories

in our devotional time.  Behaviour has improved a little from what it was last year.  We still have got the same officers:  John Ambler and Stephen Cook as Lieu-tenants, John Banbridge as Warrant Officer and myself as Captain.  Tony Bowan is proving a valued helper and hopefully one day he will join us as an Officer.

We had the Battalion Church Service in our church in the last Sunday in October.  On December 18th we are having a joint party with the Girls Brigade, the Sunday School and Youth Group, as we have in previous years.  Please continue to pray that our numbers might increase.

Vi Maddison

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15

Specially for young people

Specially for young people 

 

 


For really young ones – Baby Jesus is born

O

ne day, while Mary was at home cleaning her room, an angel suddenly appeared.  Before Mary could say anything the angel told Mary that she was favoured by God, and that God was with her.

Mary was surprised.  She was trying not to be afraid, but she had never seen an angel before.  After all, Mary was just a regular lady like you or angel want?

The angel quickly tried to reassure Mary, "Do not be afraid!"  the angel said.  "God has found favour with you.  You will have a baby boy, and are to give him the name Jesus."

Mary was confused, she was not yet married to Joseph, so how could she have a baby?  The angel thought that this might concern Mary so he said, "The Holy Spirit will perform a miracle, and because of this your baby will be called the Son of God."

To Mary's surprise the angel had more exciting news;  "Even your cousin Elizabeth is going to have a son in her old age.  Many thought that she couldn't have children, but she is already pregnant.  Nothing is impossible with God."

Mary couldn't believe what she was hearing, she didn't know what to say.  She realized that she was trembling, and knelt down.  When she was finally able to speak she said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I hope everything you have said will come true."

The angel then disappeared, and Mary was left alone.

Soon after, Joseph found out that Mary was going to have a baby.  Joseph was confused and upset by this. But an angel came to him in a dream and said, "Joseph do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.  The child Mary is going to have is God's son, and you are to give him the name Jesus."

When Joseph woke up he remembered what the angel had said.  He knew that everything was okay, and he wasn't upset anymore.

In those days the government decided that they should count everyone that lived in that area of the world.  So Joseph had to take Mary to his town, Bethlehem to register.

It took Mary and Joseph a long time to get to Bethlehem.  They didn't have cars back then, so they had to get there on a donkey!  This was very tiring for Mary because she was soon going to have a baby.

When they reached the town, all the hotels were full and there was nowhere that they could stay.  Finally, someone felt bad for them, and offered them a small barn where animals were kept.

They were thankful that they at least had a place to lay down.  It was warm, and there was plenty of straw to lay on.

That night an exciting, wonderful thing happened.  Mary and Joseph had a baby!  But it wasn't just any baby, it was Baby Jesus!  The creator of the whole world, the King of Kings, the one who would save the world.

The little baby boy fell asleep in Mary's arms and she wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger on some clean straw.

Mary and Joseph soon fell asleep, they were so glad to have this special baby join their family.

Adapted from www.dltk-bible.com

For 11 year olds and up – Cobbler’s son becomes leading missionary

Born in rural Northamptonshire in 1761, Carey’s only education was provided by his father’s charity school and the natural world around him. He was then apprenticed to a shoemaker in Piddington and married there.

It was during this time he became a Christian and a founder of a chapel at nearby Hackleton.  His interest in languages was awakened by finding a Greek Bible commentary.

Carey went on to become a schoolmaster and pastor at Moulton, as well as continuing to make shoes.  Here his heart began to ache for the millions who knew nothing of the Christian gospel. After moving to Leicester he was involved in founding the Baptist Missionary Society in 1792. He volunteered to become their first missionary, setting sail to India from where he never returned.

Remembered as he is as a missionary, he gave so much more to India and to the world. He became a professor of Bengali, Sanskrit and Marathi at the Fort William College in Calcutta training young men for the Indian Civil Service. His passion for social justice led him to campaign in India to abolish widow burning (‘sati’), the killing of unwanted baby girls and the burning alive of people with leprosy.

Having set up the first printing press in India, he translated the Bible into many Indian languages. He also translated Indian classical literature and traditional stories as well as publishing the first newspaper in Bengali.  His passion for education led to schools being set up – for boys and girls – as well as the establishment of Serampore College, the first college in India to teach a wide range of subjects in modern languages and to issue degrees. Carey’s interest in botany led him to found the Agro-Horticultural Society of India and to produce books on both science and natural history.

William Carey attended no university, yet became Principal of the finest college in India in his day - a college still renowned for its excellence nearly 200 years later.  The Indian Department of Post issued a stamp (right) in 1993 to commemorate the Bicentenary of his arrival in India.

His was a life of determined vision, personal tragedy and outstanding achievement.  His work is still enjoyed by millions across India - this was the legacy of the Northamptonshire cobbler.

Adapted from www.thecareyexperience.co.uk and www.bms.org.uk


Seeking the Answers – Part VIII

We probably know several phrases now in common use that originated in the Bible, but here are a few which you may not realise were biblical phrases.

             A man after his own heart

Meaning:  A kindred spirit - someone I can agree with.

Origin:  Samuel 13 v 14. “But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command."”

Bite the dust

Meaning:  Die or fall prostrate to the ground.

Origin:  Psalm 72 v 9 – “The desert tribes will bow before him, and his enemies will lick the dust.”

A Leopard cannot change his spots

Meaning:  It is difficult for a person to change his character.

Origin:  Jeremiah 13 v 23. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard its spots?  Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.”

                                        By the skin of your teeth

Meaning:  A very close miss from some disaster.

Origin:  Job 19 v 20  “I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped with only the skin of my teeth.”

At your wit’s end

Meaning:  At a total loss – desperate.

Origin:  Psalms 107 v 27. 'They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.'

By Allan Bennett

            “What a person desires is unfailing love;
                      better to be poor than a liar.”

                                                       Proverbs 19:22 (NIV)


The office holders were elected by the church at the AGM as follows: -

OFFICE

OFFICE HOLDER

Secretary

Miss V Maddison

Treasurer

Mr L Paskell

Church mtg minute Sec

Mr A Bennett

Deacons’ mtg minute Sec

Mr L Paskell

Auditor

Mrs V Elsden

GB Area Treasurer

Church Registrar

Mrs V Paskell

Focus Editor

Mr J Jurado Aranda

Prayer Calendar

 

Sunday School Leader

Miss J Whitehead

Sunday School Teachers

Mr L Paskell

 

Mrs K Hatchett

 

Mrs L Reid

 

Mrs I Legore

Crèche

Mrs M McGlynn

Organist

 

Music Group

 

Flower Rota

Miss V Maddison

HMF Publicity

Mr N Honor

BMS Secretary

 

BMS Young Protection Representative

Miss J Whitehead

BMS Birthday Scheme

Mrs H Whitehead

Bible Society

Mr T Reid

GB Captain

Mrs B Plunkett

BB Officer-in-Charge

Miss V Maddison

BB Lieutenants

Mr P Ambler

 

Mr S Cook

BB Warrant Officer

Mr J Bambridge

Churches Together in Tottenham Reps

Mrs M Richards

 

Miss J Whitehead

Woman’s World Day of Prayer Rep

Mrs G Tyzack

Health & Safety Officer

Mr N Honor

Churches for All

 

Child Advocates

Mrs M Richards

 

Mr N Honor

Pastoral Care Team

Mr Reid

Mrs Reid

Mrs Goudge

Mrs McGlynn

Mr Appiah

Mrs Tyzack

Mrs Lee

Mrs Bipta

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I said to the man

who stood at the gate of the year,

'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'

 

And he replied,

'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'

 

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God,

Trod gladly into the night.

He led me towards the hills

And the breaking of day in the lone east.

 

So heart be still!

What need our human life to know,

If God hath comprehension?

 

In all the dizzy strife of things

Both high and low,

God hideth His intention.

God knows. His will is best.

The stretch of years which wind ahead, so dim to

Our imperfect vision, are clear to God. Our fears

Are premature; in Him all time hath full provision.

 

Then rest:  until God moves to lift the veil from our

Impatient eyes, when, as the sweeter feature of life’s

Stern face we hail, fair beyond all surmise God’s

Thought around His creatures our minds shall fill.

 

by Minnie Louise Harkins 1875-1957

First 7 lines included in King George V1 Christmas broadcast 1939

Submitted by Grace Tyzack

 

Ed. - Grace adds:  “I would like to thank all my friends at T.B.C. for all their help over the past year, for the prayers, the hugs, the good wishes… I could not have got over my operation without you.  On behalf of myself and my family, may I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year for 2006, and my heartfelt thanks.”

Meeting Nicodemuses today

 

Faith

 

I was thinking about faith and these memories came back to me, which I will share with you.

 

In 1974, I came to London to train as a chef.  I was provided with accommodation in Wood Green.  While shopping on that first day, a man ran up to me and asked, “Do you know Jesus?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“Do you go to church?” he further enquired.

“Not yet, I have been in London six hours,” I further replied.

 “Jesus says you have to join mine,” he asserted.

“Ok,” I said.  “Show me your church.”

 

He took me to a flat off Bounds Green Road and introduced me to a group of people, all of whom had recently come to know Jesus.  Most of them had done drugs, several had been in the occult, some were communists – and we ‘done’ church together:  praying, reading the Bible, and sharing what God was doing.

 

People joined us and found Jesus, including four people with whom I worked.  I suggested we should go to a proper church to get some teaching.  So we picked Braemer Baptist Church.  We trooped in one Sunday – fifteen adults and five children.  All with long hair, all in jeans and t-shirts, most putting our fags out just outside.  A small congregation saw us as an answer to their prayers.  There were only four meeting regularly in the rear hall.  The main hall was vandalised and out of use.  They took on a lay pastor, Mr Ambrose.  He led Bible Studies at my friend’s flat for us.  We usually finished the night with, “Let’s have a coffee, a fag and a prayer.”

 

He didn’t tell us off, but allowed Jesus to change us.  Four of us were baptised by Mr Ambrose.  Most of that group are still active Christians:  Mitch is a Baptist minister;  Mary works at Teen Challenge UK;  Steve attends a local Baptist church;  John Kelly is going strong in another Baptist congregation;  and I am here.

Conversely, in the 80s I was working in a posh hotel in the Berkshire countryside, and on a Sunday went to a local church and was told, “Don’t come here, we are a ‘dead’ church.”  I took their advice.  I found a church that moved in faith.  Tottenham Baptist has been down to four members but moves in faith and prayer, and welcomes those whom God sends.

 

Let’s encourage each other to witness and share the Good News of the Lord!  You are welcome to tell Neil Honor or the editor your witness stories or thoughts!

 

Bible Society News

Fundraising – the fun way – in Namibia

The cost of around 2,000 Bibles will be subsidised as a result of the efforts of those who participated in the Bible Society in Namibia’s fundraising weekend at the end of October. With activities including competitions, a concert and a sponsored walk, there was something to encourage everybody to raise or donate money for Bible distribution.

The weekend began with a concert by South African singer Randall Wicomb. The next day, more than 1,100 people, young and old, arrived to participate in the Society’s second Walk for Bibles. They could choose to walk, run or even swim 5 km or 10 km. After their exertions, they were invited to enjoy refreshments, stalls, children’s activities and light-hearted competitions.“

The second Walk for Bibles was a huge success,” says General Secretary the Rev Barnie Van der Walt. “We realise that it is only with the help and direction of our Heavenly Father that we accomplished what we did. We plan and look forward with excitement to our third Walk for Bibles!”

“All I know is that when I pray, coincidences happen; and when I don't pray, they don't happen.

                                              Dan Hayes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credits:

 

‘Coming Events‘ ‘White Webbs Motor Museum Silver Band’ flute clipart from:

www.marchingarts.com

 

‘Coming Events’ ‘Spreading Glad Tidings’ wreath clipart from:

clipart.christiansunite.com

 

Coming Events’ ‘Girls Brigade Achievements Night & Fayre’ GB logo clipart from:

www.spccarshalton.com

 

‘Coming Events’ ‘GB, BB, SS & Youth Group Christmas Party’ youth fun clipart from:

www.freecc.free-online.co.uk

 

‘Coming Events’ ‘Nativity Service’ clipart from:

www.cc-art.com

 

‘Coming Events’ ‘Carols by Candlelight’ singer clipart from:

www.intcon.net/~songbird/artists

 

‘Coming Events’ ‘Christmas Day Celebration’ clipart from:

www.cc-art.com

 

‘Christmas Cards to One and All’ clipart from:

www.aphids.com

 

‘The Best Mother-in-Law Story Ever’ man clipart from:

’75,000 Clip Art Images’ CD-ROM by Focus Multimedia

 

‘May Bringing People Together Again’ photo credit:

Tottenham, Wood Green & Edmonton Journal

 

‘Generous Giving’ offering clipart from:

www.tap.net

 

‘The Christmas List’ wreath cliparts from or adapted from:

www.cc-art.com

 

‘The Christmas List’ angel clipart from:

www.gurney.co.uk/timo/clipart/clipart.htm

 

‘The Christmas List’ card clipart from:

office.microsoft.com

 

‘Never a Dull Moment’ boy clipart from:

’75,000 Clip Art Images’ CD-ROM by Focus Multimedia

 

‘Never a Dull Moment’ tow-truck clipart from:

office.microsoft.com

 

‘Baptist Missionary Society News’ guitarists photo credit:

BMS World Mission

 

‘The Chapel Stones Report 2005’ clipart from:

’75,000 Clip Art Images’ CD-ROM by Focus Multimedia

 

‘TBC Baptist Missionary Society Report 2005’ clipart from:

www.freecc.free-online.co.uk

 

Sunday School / Youth Group Report 2005’ clipart from:

timshen.truepath.com

 

‘The Persecuted Church Action Group Report 2005’ clipart from:

www.cc-art.com

 

Pastoral Care Group Report 2005’ clipart from:

office.microsoft.com

 

The Girls Brigade Report 2005’ clipart adapted from:

 http://www.vision.net.au/~newstedbaptist/Girls Brigade.html/

 

‘The Boys Brigade Report 2005’ clipart from:

www.boys-brigade.org.uk

 

‘Specially for Young People’ angel clipart from:

www.gurney.co.uk/timo/clipart/clipart.htm

 

‘Specially for Young People’ bells with ribbon clipart from:

www.cc-art.com

 

‘Specially for Young People’ mistletoe with ribbon clipart from:

clipart.christiansunite.com

 

‘Specially for Young People’ Jesus with Mary and Joseph clipart from:

www.coloring.ws

 

‘Specially for Young People’ William Carey bust clipart from:

www.leicesterchronicler.com

 

‘Specially for Young People’ Carey baptising clipart from:

www.proel.org

 

‘Specially for Young People’ Indian stamp clipart from:

www.shepsplace.net  Stamp design:  Shanka Samanta

 

‘Seeking the Answers’ David with sheep clipart from:

clipart.christiansunite.com

 

‘Seeking the Answers’ broom clipart from:

office.microsoft.com

 

‘Seeking the Answers’ leopard clipart from:

’75,000 Clip Art Images’ CD-ROM by Focus Multimedia

 

‘Seeking the Answers’ bear clipart from:

office.microsoft.com

 

‘I said to the man’ banner clipart from:

Microsoft Picture It! Publishing 2001 Setup, Designs and Art Disc 3

 

‘Bible Society’ Walk for Bibles photo credit:

Bible Society in Namibia, from www.biblesociety.org

 

 

We have tried not to infringe any copyright and to acknowledge any known authorship.  If there are any errors or omissions please notify the editor.