march 2015 - Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church

Sutton Coldfield
Baptist Church
Making Sense
of Life Together,
Sharing the
Love of Jesus
March 2015
Interested in finding out more about Christianity?
THE ALPHA COURSE COULD BE FOR YOU....
Wednesday evenings at 7.00 pm
We meet in the Church Hall for a meal (we ask
for a £3.00 donation to cover costs if you’re
able); listen to a talk with the opportunity for
questions. Those attending are not asked to
pray, speak or do anything they’re not
comfortable with! We want people to feel
relaxed & able to contribute or to simply listen.
WE RUN ROLLING COURSES SO YOU CAN JOIN US AT ANY TIME.
TO BOOK IN OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE TALK TO US AT THE INFORMATION DESK
or email cath@scbc.org.uk
SOME OF THE SUBJECTS DISCUSSED AT ALPHA:
“Christianity: Boring, Irrelevant and Untrue?” “Prayer—Talking with God” “Who is
Jesus?” “The Bible: How can I read it?” “Why did Jesus die?” “Why does God allow
suffering?” “The Holy Spirit” “How Can I be Good?” “Experiencing God”
Find out more about Christianity at cafechurch
ALL EVENTS HELD AT COSTA COFFEE, GRACECHURCH CENTRE
7.30 pm start, finish 9.30 pm
cafechurch is a monthly event we run at Monday 9th March
Costa Coffee. It is open for anyone to attend
“OVERCOMING
and is a relaxed and informal way to look at life issues and
HATRED”
a little bit of Christianity. At each event you will usually
Donald will look at
enjoy the following: how we can overcome
●A free pastry and a
hatred in our
warm welcome! community and in our
●A quiz on the topic
relationships.
with prizes for the
Monday 13th April
best table.
“WHEN LIFE GETS
●A 15 minute talk on
TOUGH”
the evening’s topic. We all face difficulties,
●Someone telling of
how do we handle
their experience of them without them
the topic. ●Fun!
NO NEED TO BOOK—JUST COME ALONG!
defeating us?”
What does God say about....
.....Making Something of Life? 4th March
.....Choosing a Religion?
11th March
.....Evil in our Society?
18th March
.....Why Church?
25th March
QUESTIONS OF LIFE
Join us on a Wednesday evening, in the
Church Lounge, for a 7.45 pm start with
coffee. We introduce the subject with a
quiz, then listen to a talk with time for
discussion, finishing at 9.30 pm.
If you would like to book in please contact
Cath Horne (cath@scbc.org.uk)
LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL
BE HAPPIER, SLEEP BETTER, DO MORE & FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
OUT TO
LUNCH
Join us for a great
2—course lunch in
the church hall
followed by a talk.
Friday 6th March
12 noon—2 pm
“If you could ask
God one question,
what would it be?”
by Cath Horne
Tickets £3.00 from
the Desk or Office.
12 HOURS
THAT CAN
CHANGE
YOUR LIFE
Starting MONDAY 20th APRIL 7.30—9.30 pm in the Church Lounge
These are 8 enjoyable sessions that help people to make a difference to their lives.
Each session is expertly moderated and includes a booklet. Participants are taught
how to deal with their feelings when fed up, worried or helpless and to learn skills
that help tackle life’s problems. We ask for a donation of £10 each, to cover the cost
of the books (if you‘re able).
PLACES
SOME OF THE SESSIONS
ARE
ALREADY
“I’m not good enough” How come other people seem so
BOOKING
confident? Learn their secrets and get to like yourself again!
UP!
“The things you do that mess you up” Get back in control of your
eating, drinking, smoking, spending...anything!
“10 things you can do to feel happier straight away” This session sums
everything up and shows you how to be happier, fitter & able to see the positive
side of life every day.
Living Life To The Full is a guided self-help course that uses the principles of
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help relieve depression or reduce anxiety.
However it is an education resource, not a clinical intervention.
For more information, or to book in please pick up a leaflet from the Information
Desk or contact Neil Le Tissier (0121 355 5088 or neil@scbc.org.uk).
JOIN US THIS EASTER
OPEN DOOR
COFFEE
MORNING
Tuesday 24th
March
AGAPE MEAL MAUNDY THURSDAY
2nd APRIL at 7.00 pm
Church Hall
10 am—12 noon
Church Lounge
Bring a friend for a
warm welcome,
cup of tea, hot
cross buns & a
friendly chat.
Join us for a simple supper of soup and bread to
celebrate the Last Supper. We will be sharing
communion together. Daveen Wilson will be bringing
a short reflection. Tickets £1 each and limited to 100.
Please contact the church office if you would like
to come along.
GOOD FRIDAY WALK OF WITNESS
An opportunity to Witness to the local shoppers. Service at Holy Trinity Parish
Church followed by walking down the Parade into the Mall (times tbc).
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES
2.30 pm
Service with Communion
Tea, Coffee and Hot Cross Buns
served afterwards
7.30 pm
Service with Communion
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES
8.30 am
‘Unplugged’ quieter service,
with communion
10.30 am
Celebration Service with communion
Children’s activities in the Hall
6.30 pm
Celebration Service
Churches Together
SonRise Service
Easter Sunday Morning
5.30 am
Wheatmoor Farm,
Tamworth Road, B75 6JP
Hot drinks served in the barn afterwards
‘He is Risen indeed’
ALL WELCOME
Refreshing the Worship Building
Why do we want to “refresh” the worship building?
The mechanical and electrical services, as well as some fixtures, fittings, furniture
and equipment are in some cases worn out and inefficient. It is no longer the bright,
modern, attractive and inspiring space it was.
What are we proposing to do?
Four phases of work are proposed. PHASE 1:
● Replace the lighting throughout the worship building.
● Remove the temporary ‘stage’ lighting and replace it with an integrated system.
PHASE 2:
● Replace church chairs with high quality
stackable chairs, with storage trolleys.
● Re-carpet the church platform, blocks &
water resistant subfloor around baptistry.
● Remodel the whole of the reception area,
including the internal entrance porch.
● Replace the doors from the reception
areas into the church with ones that meet current fire safety standards and which
provide a better acoustic barrier.
● Replace the partition between the reception corridor and the church lounge with a
modern “moveable wall” partition, which also provides a better acoustic barrier.
PHASE 3:
● Replace the church heaters, the church floor covering and the church boiler.
PHASE 4:
● Replace the church hall old boiler. ● Replace hall chairs and tables.
Please pick up a booklet from the Information Desk which gives more
details, costs and answers to questions. Proposals are to be decided upon
at the Church Members’ Meeting on March 26th.
LADIES FELLOWSHIP—2 pm Thursdays
This term we are looking at Jesus, the.... and have a varied programme.
Cards are available from the Information Desk or Carol Young. If you
are free come and give us a try, you will get a warm welcome. We
meet in the Church Lounge sharing friendship, laughter and a love of
the Lord and we try to support and encourage one another.
Meetings for March
March 5th Jesus, the...‘Observer’ A Spring Outing.
March 12th Jesus, the...‘Saviour’ Reflections from Jacky Popple.
March 19th Jesus, the...‘Creator’ Craft for Easter with Maddy & Denise.
March 26th Jesus, the...’Lamb’ Communion and thoughts from Madeline Harsent.
Easter Break ‘till 16th April. If transport is a problem, we have use of the minibus.
WELCOME LUNCH Sunday 15th March 12.30 pm, Church Lounge
This is a special lunch for all those who are new (or newish) to the church. If you
have been coming to SCBC for about a year or less we would love you to
join us. Julio Tolaini, our Deacon with special responsibility for welcoming
will be hosting this event and talking a little about how you might be able
to get more involved and how we can help to make you feel more at home.
Please could you book in at the Information Desk or Church Office
and let us know of any particular dietary requirements you may have.
Meeting our
teenagers’
Parenting teenagers is harder than ever for most parents today!
deepest needs,
The secret of successful parenting is to balance love & boundaries;
setting healthy
gentleness & firmness, being able to say both ‘yes’ & ‘no’. Positive
boundaries,
parenting means using warmth, love, respect, consistency, good
helping develop
communication and empathy in the way we behave with our
their emotional
children. The most exciting and rewarding aspect of parenting is
health & teaching
helping children develop character and a sense of worth, helping
them how to
them work out who they are and developing a strong & mutually
make good
enriching relationship. Parenting courses can be helpful because choices takes skill
and dedication.
we can learn ‘tried-and-tested’ techniques that help us handle our
THE PARENTING TEENAGERS COURSE
children firmly and lovingly. Learning skills such as reflective
listening and positive discipline can change your view of parenting
and help understand why children behave as they do. We are the
main influence on our teenagers’ future. Discovering we are not
alone in the challenges we face & picking up ideas from other
parents can make a big difference.
COURSES FROM THE FAMILY MINISTRY TEAM
For couples planning marriage............
One Day Course from Care for the Family
SATURDAY 18th APRIL
• Could you invite engaged relations, friends or colleagues?
• A fun day with a romantic ‘table for two’
A GREAT
• Led by trained facilitators
FOUNDATION
• Contact Rob & Pam on 07804 853 057 FOR A LASTING
• Email rob.pam@marriage.org.uk
MARRIAGE
• Great feedback from previous couples
“Fantastic material and a really good insight to married life” “Not only really helpful
but a really enjoyable and lovely experience!” www.marriagebydesign.org.uk
..................and for married couples:
We can all learn how to
make even the happiest
marriage better
• 7 sessions delivered in the home of a host couple from the church
‘It has strengthened our
• Informative and fun practical talks, played on DVD
love for each other more
• No group work, you will never be asked to share anything
than we could have
about your relationship with anyone other than your partner
possibly imagined”.
• On dates to suit you and your matched host couple
• Contact Rorie & Kathy on 07787 861054, email marriage.scbc@outlook.com
Starting Tuesday 14th April over 5 weeks 7.30—9.30pm
Cost £15 pp or £25 per couple Includes workbook & refreshments
(We don’t want cost to be prohibitive - please let us know if we can help)
This informative course is for parent(s), stepparent(s), grandparent(s) and carer(s) of pre-teens and teenagers 11—18
Session topics
• Keeping the end in mind
Please contact: Alan & Karen Cobbald 07855 862107
• Meeting our teenagers’ needs
parenting.scbc@gmail.com
or contact the church office
• Setting boundaries
More
information
at www.scbc.org.uk
• Developing emotional health
Please note prior booking is essential
• Helping them make good choices
LAURIE MARSHALL
“11 0’clock
on a Monday
Where will you be, what will you be doing?
I am the Head of Science at Hodge Hill Girls’
School in Birmingham.
At 11.00 on Monday morning I am in a science lab working
with year 11 pupils who are studying for a vocational
qualification in science. We might be doing experiments;
using the internet to research a topic; having a discussion or
trying to understand the complexities of the human body.
The challenges of being a Christian? I enjoy my job. I am
fortunate to lead a fantastic team of teachers who are good
at what they do and supportive of one another. I also
thoroughly enjoy working with teenagers despite the
challenges they sometimes present. Teaching is a great job
for people who like variety, enjoy the unpredictable and are
happy to put up with regular policy changes from our bosses
in government. Coping with stress, remaining patient & calm
in all situations can be one of the biggest challenges. Committing everything to God
in prayer is the main way forward. What opportunities do you have by being a
Christian? The majority of my pupils are from a Muslim background and enjoy
discussing issues of science and religion. Seeing things from their point of view helps
develop a greater knowledge and understanding of the differences (and similarities)
of our two religions. Biology (my main science) is full of topics that carry a real wow
factor and encourage us to look beyond ourselves to a creator God. This spiritual
dimension to my work is both a fascinating opportunity and a serious challenge.
How can we pray for you? That all Christian teachers will have the sensitivity and
wisdom to represent Jesus effectively in what can be a set of challenging circumstances. Pray that we will have the energy & skill to teach effectively and help pupils
establish the foundations on which they can build a lifelong learning experience.
Morning”
NORMA MURRAIN
When I was asked to write about 11.00 on a
Monday Morning, I thought “That might not be
very exciting, since Monday is my day off!” But I
realised that Monday AM is the most important
time of my week, it’s a time for seeking God in
private prayer whether alone in my room or
walking with Him in the park. As I listen His still
small voice stirs my soul urging me to continue
the work at The Silver Fish Jewellery Company and our registered charity Treasured.
NORMA MURRAIN continued.....Thus, forward to Tuesday morning our little shop in
the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham opens and I meet with my team; our jeweller
James and order processing assistant Carol, first to pray, giving God thanks & to
pray for the team and our customers. The first day of our week is cleaning—the
glass shelves and window displays must be kept spotless and the silver jewellery
must shine! As I clean the verse “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours
in the world. God is not a secret to be kept.....” Mathew 5:14-16 (The Message) comes to
mind: I am here to be a light, even in the tough times, we are compelled to shine,
our door is open when churches are closed, and we never know who will walk in. I
am reminded of the huge privilege and responsibility of being a ‘light bearer’ and
sharing the gospel of Jesus through our work. Please pray that God will continue to
open doors for our message and that we will proclaim it clearly. Pray that we can be
a blessing and inspiration to all who gaze at our window displays and especially to
those who step inside. May they see our good work, may they recognize the love in
the craftsmanship and be drawn to and thus glorify our loving Father in Heaven!
JON ALSOP
It feels like a double life sometimes. One day I’ll be mixing
with other Christians in a church environment, learning the
bible, singing songs, eating quiche and feeling fired up for
what I believe. The next I might be at work where I feel miles
from anyone who I can share my faith with, where the
subject does not even seem to be something that should be
considered as conversation. So a big challenge for me is
bridging the gap between these two contrasting lifestyles.
I work as a Quality Engineer in a facility that makes titanium
alloys, mainly for Aerospace. Big furnaces, lumps of metal,
heavy machinery and lots of noise—a busy place, running 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. I have to remain focussed throughout a 12 hour shift, helping ensure quality
is being maintained. I work 4 days, then I'm off 4 days when I can spend time with
my family. There is variation in my job and also lots of different people that I work
with throughout the day, I could be on the shop floor, with managers, customers,
cleaners or our suppliers. Occasionally I travel to see suppliers in other countries to
audit their facilities, which could mean being away from home for several days.
In terms of prayer being able to pitch my faith effectively to others is near the top
of my list. I want to be able to show others who God really is and talk about him in a
relevant way, maybe challenging their perception of who he is and what he is
about. I would like to be able to live out a life at work that is both a testament to my
faith but also does not put people off the idea of getting to know Jesus. It can be a
fine line, making sure that I honour God by doing what is right but not alienating
myself from others.
INTERESTED IN
Getting involved?
On Thursday 19th March, at 2.00 pm, repeated at 8.00 pm there
is an invitation to anyone who would like to explore opportunities
to volunteer with the church. Donald will be sharing about some of
the different roles in church life and how we can be involved. If you’re not currently
serving in the church in any way and would like to discover what might be right for
you please do come along to one of these sessions.
Friday Diner Helpers Needed!
This is a great opportunity to join the friendly Friday Diner Team. You don’t need to
commit to every Friday—we operate a rota system. We need folk to help in the
kitchen, welcome guests and serve tables. If you would like to find out more please
contact cath@scbc.org.uk or chat to us on the Information Desk on a Sunday. We
would love to hear from you!
Homemade Cake Bakers Needed!
To bake homemade cakes for the Questions of Life Course. To start each
Wednesday evening off we want to offer those on the course homemade cakes and
coffee. If you can help please contact cath@scbc.org.uk.
‘HOLIDAY AT HOME’
Tuesday 31st March & Wednesday
1st April 10.30 am—3.30pm
Join us for 2 great days of friendship and fun
as we gather for another Holiday at Home.
We will have cinema, guest speakers, a
variety of craft activities, jigsaws, newspapers
and chats, a ’thought for the day’, quizzes, leisurely exercise times including hand
massages and of course a superb 2-course lunch. Booking forms from the Office or
the Information Desk. £4 per day.
If you CAN help....
Closing date 15th March.
please pick up a form from the desk or
contact Liz Allen on 351 6696 or
leaderserve@hotmail.com
Monday 30th March: 10.30 am Setting up
tables/chairs. Tuesday 31st March: 1 pm Washing up Wednesday 1st April: 1pm
Washing up, 3.30pm Putting tables/chairs away.
HELPERS NEEDED!
FOOD PARCEL SCHEME
Over the last twelve months the Food Parcel Scheme has been
busy serving those in our community that are experiencing crisis.
We would like to thank you for your continued support. Each
parcel contains three meals for three days plus toiletries when
required. We have given out nearly 400 parcels, about 7,500
items, to over 100 different people who visit us either at the
church or the Second Thoughts Shop. The shopping list appears
in the weekly newsletter and if you would like to help sort and
package the goods please speak to Georgina Whateley.
WEALTH, FINANCE,
FAITH & FAIRNESS
For the past few years I’ve been part of a
growing band of activists who go to the
annual general meetings of companies to
directly question directors over their
actions. I’ve asked questions on tax
avoidance, executive remuneration and
living wage. I’ve met
many others from
faith groups and
other organisations
that have used this
approach to challenge
constructively those
in positions of power.
I believe this is one
way of living out my
faith in daily life,
standing up against injustice and unethical behaviour and defending the interests of the vulnerable. The bible teaches
that wealth brings power and with
power comes responsibility. We are
called to defend the poor and seek
justice.
Do issues such as inequality and
treatment of the vulnerable
concern you as a Christian?
Have you ever looked at the behaviour of
multinational companies and worried
about issues such as tax avoidance,
executive pay, and whether they pay
sufficient to their lowest paid workers?
Do you ever want to do something, but
don’t know what you can do? If this is
something that you feel called to get
involved in, you don’t need to be a
shareholder or have any savings yourself,
as there are groups who hold shares who
will send you along as their
representative.
If you have any savings, or a pension, it is
likely that there are ways in which you
can use this to get involved. If you would
like to know more, get in touch with me,
IAN BRINDLEY, ianbrindley@yahoo.com
or John Williams,
john@scbc.org.uk.
You might also be
interested in the following links:
http://www.eccr.org.uk/
http://www.yourfaithyourfinance.org/
http://www.ethicalmoneychurches.org/
www.shareaction.org
Our Christmas Day Offering of
£10,880 was sent to the Bible
Society to help with the work of
refugees in Iraq & Syria.
15th March
8.30 am: Donald
10.30 am: Donald
6.30 pm: Donald
1st March
22nd March
8.30 am: Donald 8.30 am: Donald
10.30 am: Donald 10.30 am: Donald
6.30 pm: Donald 6.30 pm: Paul
Wilson
8th March
29th March
8.30 am: John
8.30 am: Donald
10.30 am: John
10.30 am: Donald
6.30 pm: Donald 6.30 pm: Cath
MARCH
SPEAKERS
CHURCH OFFICE
CHURCH MEMBERS’ MEETINGS at 8pm
Thursday 26th March
Wednesday 24th June
Monday 28th September (tbc)
Tuesday 24th November
NEWS UPDATES
If you would like to receive our news
bulletins by email that would be great and
help us to save some paper! Please contact
Jen at office@scbc.org.uk requesting this and
we will add you to our mailing list.
STAFF TEAM
Donald Campbell—Team Leader
Paul Bridge—Youth & Children’s Worker
Phone: (0121) 355 5088
Cath Horne—Mission Team Leader
Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church
Neil Le Tissier—Pastoral Team Leader
Deb Lyden—Young Adults Worker
Trinity Hill, Sutton Coldfield
Sam Lyden—Youth Worker
West Midlands
Jen Pritchard— Administration Assistant
B72 1TA
Denise Taylor—Second Thoughts Worker
Georgina Whateley—Community Projects Co-ordinator
John Williams—Administration Team Leader
Hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pm
for more info email office@scbc.org.uk or visit our website www.scbc.org.uk
Twitter@SuttBaptist Facebook: www.facebook.com/www.scbc.org.uk