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September 2012

Inspiring a Generation
Reflections onStep Out 2012

At the Training Weekend

As BUS Youth Development Coordinator, leading into summer is one of the busiest times of my year. The summer itself is still hectic, but it becomes more about meeting all the young people taking time out of their own summer to serve churches across our Union. At the beginning of July, as Step Out missions started, I saw a long summer ahead of us. Yet all of a sudden here I am, telling you all about it now its finished. How quickly time flies and how much there is to share! The Olympics had the strapline Inspire a Generation and that simple thought sums up the summer for me. There is an amazing bunch of young people from many different churches across our Union who have taken time out to inspire a generation about Jesus. They have done that by running holiday clubs and youth clubs, getting to know young people, and sharing something of Jesus love with them. The young people taking part in the Step Out programme have done an amazing job of inspiring a generation about Jesus. There were forty people taking part this year, varying in age from 14 to midtwenties. Quite a few who have done Step Out before didnt join this summer, for various reasons including graduating and job hunting. Please pray for these young people as they move into the next stages of what God has planned for them, for a sense of His leading and guiding. Many others joined the programme again, giving up between one and four weeks of their summer to go around the country telling people about Jesus. Excitingly there were a large number of people joining Step Out for the first time. Its really encouraging to see so many new young people wanting to take part. Training took place in June in Inverkeithing Baptist. As there were so many new people it was slightly quieter than Im used to on the Friday night ... but by Sunday solid friendships had been formed and it was no longer quiet! One of the highlights was Alan Donaldson coming to speak with the young people about how far they were willing to go to serve Jesus, sharing something of An Invitation to a Journey with them. Step Out is a lived-out embodiment of what we are reflecting on in An Invitation To A Journey, an embodiment of being intentionally relational, unashamedly missional, and creatively rooted. It was great to encourage the young people and help them see themselves as part of the whole family of Baptist churches in the Union and what were about. We have a really gifted group of young people within our churches and it has been inspiring, to me at least, to see them grow in their discipleship and boldness in telling people about Jesus. For some of the young people, sharing their testimonies, talking, or leading things was a relatively new experience in this kind of setting and they all did brilliantly! Each of the

teams have daily devotions, which different team members lead, and it was both challenging and inspiring to see how they were engaging with the Bible, encouraging one another to apply and live out what they were reading. We were able to work with 14 different churches in our Union, with this being the first Step Out for Ellon and Dunfermline West. Each week was completely different, and in each place it was really exciting to see what God was doing. Id encourage you to pray for the churches as they seek to maintain connections with these young people and their families and continue building relationships with them in a variety of ways. The Step Out material was produced by young adults who are, or have been, involved in Step Out. There were many hours spent over coffee discussing and planning together, with people then going away to work on specific things to feed back into the group. As well as prepared material the teams would oftem share their own testimonies too, sharing the difference God makes in their lives and challenging the young people to think about following Jesus for themselves. Messy games, challenges, quizzes and other things combined with the material made for fun youth evenings. Overall the summer was amazing, and there has been much to be thankful for. The reunion weekend is due to take place in November when there will be another opportunity for the young people to get together and share stories from the summer, build on the friendships that have formed, and look ahead to next year. Mo Gibbs If you have young people in your church who might like to get involved in Step Out next summer, or Step Out is something your church would like to consider, then please dont hesitate to get in touch with me as Id really like to share with you more about Step Out. Were already looking ahead to next year and continuing to inspire a generation in Jesus name!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and at www.scottishbaptist.org.uk!

Published by the Baptist Union of Scotland, 48 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, admin@scottishbaptist.org.uk. Charity Registration No:SC004960

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September 2012

Nairn - Growing Town, Growing Church.

Walking Nairns promenade this morning I saw a salmon leap from the sea shore. Occasionally the dolphins chase the salmon and we can see them leap too! Small flocks of Oyster Catchers fly close over the sands seeming to flick from black to white as they dart and twist in different directions. The Black Isle glistens on the far shore line, some seven miles over the Moray Firth. Gods rich blessing in His creation is so evident here. This certainly is a particularly beautiful part of Scotland! The town of Nairn has significantly grown in the 22 years since the inception of Nairns Baptist Church. (In BU of Scotland since 1992). The population is about 8,500 in the town ,12,000 if one widens the boundaries to include nearby rural villages. Government statistics suggest growth will continue, rising to nearly 14,000 in the next 20 years. Of note is that every age demographic except the over 65s is in decline. Nairn was served by nine `Protestant churches and one RC but the small Brethren church closed this year. As the towns population gets older so too does the
A salt water baptism in Nairn!

congregation of most churches. Regular Sunday attendance is estimated to have fallen from around 660/670 to around 450/470 in just a few years. The `younger in the town are conspicuously, not, replacing the older folks. All the more remarkable then that our small Baptist Church has managed to grow, for the first time in its history hitting (and now exceeding) fifty members. Additionally, we have 40 more regular attenders and if everyone turns out we number well over 100. Even more remarkable is that our growth is cross generational, attracting new folks, mostly incomers, some with families, some couples, some singles. God has blessed us, and we are humbly grateful, as we are to our wider Baptist family in the Baptist Union of Scotland for their financial support, as we move from a place of some financial interdependency to sustainable financial independence, (we are almost a NET contributor and hope to be soon). New ministries in the past few years include following up a desire to be better disciples. Eight groups meet for regular prayer and Bible study. The latest (with their leaderships blessing), sees members of the local URC joining a Baptist-led study group. This type of study is a new experience for some of the folks.

Last month the 8 young people on our puppet ministry team joined in a local effort to provide nurturing and fun to a dozen kids from Belarus, in Nairn with the Chernobyl Childrens Lifeline Charity. In May we welcomed Dave, Polly and Zack, the Kosovo BMS Action team, fantastic young witnesses to the Christian faith and the value of mission. They gained access to both primary schools and Nairns senior Academy. To say they were a great hit understates their impact and achievement! Our pastor is part of the chaplaincy team in two of the schools, one of which has been the domain of just one church minister until a recent retirement. We have great hopes for reaching the young in all the schools of Nairn. This is relatively new Kingdom work. Perhaps the greatest change for us has been to our constitution, going from closed membership to one which recognises the faith and value in our church community of those Christians not baptised as believers by full immersion. Hopefully, at some point they will share our view and come to a place of believers baptism. In the meantime they can `join the church as `associate members and contribute vital roles in the life of the church. We value your prayers. Thank-you for your support. Rev. Tim Power

Initiate will be delivered as a pilot course in 2012-13, at a reduced cost of 100, by Ian Birch and Stuart Blythe
Venue: The Board Room, Baptist Union of Scotland office, 48 Speirs Warf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, Time: 10.00am-4.00pm.

Dates: Saturday 15th September 2012 (Introduction and Baptists Identity 1)

Saturday 6th October 2012 (Baptists Identity 2) Saturday 10th November (Interpreting the Bible 1) Saturday 8th December 2013 (Interpreting the Bible 2) Saturday 19th January 2013 (Mission 1) Saturday 16th February 2013 (Mission 2) Saturday 16th March 2013 (Discipling 1) Saturday 20th April 2013 (Discipling 2) Saturday 18th May 2013 (Leadership 1) Saturday 15th June 2013 (Leadership 2)

Tea and coffee will be provided but participants should bring a packed lunch with them. Lunch break will be an opportunity for shared discussion and prayer. Participants will receive a folder and notes and will be expected to do work in-between meetings, keeping a learning Journal which will be assessed.

Published by the Baptist Union of Scotland, 48 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, admin@scottishbaptist.org.uk. Charity Registration No:SC004960

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September 2012

Notice Board
Facing the Unthinkable
This seminar runs on Saturday 6th October, 2012, 9.00am to 1.30pm in Morningside Baptist Church, now at 2 West Tollcross, Edinburgh, EH3 9BP. The Seminar is especially designed to equip trustees, leaders and all those who work with children and vulnerable adults by covering all aspects of Dave It is interactive safeguarding.Bookless and opportunity is given for delegates to ask questions or raise issues of concern on any area connected to protection of the vulnerable and good working practices. Cost is 19.50 per delegate, including a workbook (value 5) There are two special group offers: Small Group: 5 places for 75; Large Group: 15 places for 200 (payment for this offer has to be received in full on booking) but individual names are not needed. Please note that the events are by ticket only. If you are booking less than three days before the event please phone to ensure there is space and you receive all of the relevant information. Book online at www.ccpas.co.uk/ training.html or contact Karen Ledger on 0845 1204550, option 3, on Mon, Tues, Thurs during school hours or on training@ccpas.co.uk

Scottish Church History Society Conference

24 October, 2012, in Stirling Baptist Church, from 9.30am- 4pm. Theme: Scottish Church History - Lessons from the Past, Lessons for the Future. Registration and welcome from 9.30 to 10 am. The Keynote Address is by Prof T M Devine on The Puzzle of Sectarianism in Modern Scottish History followed by papers from scholars on the conference theme,with time for discussion. Cost: 10 including lunch. For more details or to book, contact Christine Lumsden on christinaclumsden@gmail.com

The Forfar Files...

Hello from Forfar! Work on the building is pushing forward with some time needing to be caught up. We are hoping all the structural work will be completed by the end of September when we will have opportunity to complete some of the internal furnishings. We have a target date of the end of October to start the group Mainly Music which is an opportunity for those with preschool children to come together for a fun time of music and friendship. The official opening date for the buildings will be Saturday November 10th An appreciative client! which will lead into an open week where people from the community can come along and see what is happening. Part of what we are planning is to link the past use of the buildings as part of a school into what is happening now with the displaying of photos and the sharing of memories. We continue to take opportunities to share in the community for example by helping in a charity shop and being part of the organising group of a local preschool group Mums and Mites. Prayer is high on the agenda as we sense the depth of the battle that is going on. We value your prayers as we prepare over the coming couple of months for the opening week for the building. Stephen Oyarzabal Howard Davids address should be 68 Balnakyle Road, Inverness, IV2 4BT, 01463 719144 and he served at Grantown on Spey Baptist from 2002-2005. Please also note that the following are Accredited and not Pre-Accredited ministers: Revs Peter Carr, Douglas Craig, Peter Foster, Andrew Giffen, Rae Mackenzie, Stuart Murdoch, Ross Murphy, Tim Power and Mark Schenk.

Messy Church Training

13th October, Edinburgh Training is being given for Scottish Messy Teams by Lucy Moore, founder of Messy Church. The day of training costs 10 per person or 50 for a team. For more information contact Reuben Addis on reubenaddis@yahoo.co.uk

Under Christs Rule

This booklet of 6 Bible Studies for churches was launched at Assembly 2011 but is now also available as a download on our website (www.scottishbaptist.org.uk) If you browse it, like it and want to use it in your church, we also have hard copies available at 2 plus p&p. Order from Roberta on admin@scottishbaptist.org.uk or call 0141 423 6169.

Yearbook Corrections
Under professions in the Church List at Broughty Ferrys entry the figure refers to the total members added, not professions of faith. Also, Mr Isdale Anderson, 15b Whinney Brae, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2HU 01382 736549 alison.isdale@blueyonder.co.uk is now acting as Church Secretary. In the BUS Accredited List, Rev

A Big Day for Larkhall Baptist

Saturday, 11th August, was a big day at Larkhall Baptist Church with the Ordination and Induction of Tom Vernon, their new Associate Pastor.

PLEASE NOTE: The events advertised in our publications or on our website cover the wider Christian scene in Scotland and do not necessarily reflect the involvement or endorsement of Baptist Union staff or any specific knowledge about content.
Published by the Baptist Union of Scotland, 48 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, admin@scottishbaptist.org.uk. Charity Registration No:SC004960

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September 2012

Prayer Link for September

Sunday 2nd
Jim Meighan, Chaplain, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow. David Middlemiss, Army Chaplain. Please pray for these chaplains in their demanding roles in different spheres of service.

Sunday 9th
Larkhall: Rev Stuart Wadsworth. On Saturday 11th August, Tom Vernon was Ordained and Inducted as Associate Pastor at Larkhall. We would appreciate your prayers as Tom and his wife Christine and family settle into the town and the church and Tom establishes his ministry working alongside Stuart. We would also appreciate your continued prayers for Ruth, Stuarts wife, and for Hazel our former Worship Leader who are both battling cancer. Thank you for your prayers which are much appreciated. Leith, Edinburgh. Please pray for the church and its pastor, Rev Bill Cowie.

We thank God for those in the church who have recently come to faith and are now wishing to be baptised and become members. A number of the above group attended the Alpha Course and through the teaching and the Holy Spirit they have committed their lives to Jesus Christ. We are blessed by the numbers attending our youth programmes, led by a very able youth worker, supported by a number of committed young volunteers. We pray this will continue and the young people of Leven will become aware of our youth work and be led to sample it. Please pray that as we look to expand our involvement and outreach ministry in our community - that as we present proposals to the church there will be a sense of confirmation and unity among us. Linwood Baptist Church: Rev Robert Voysey. We give thanks for God's continued blessings, especially in this, Roberts sabbatical year, and for the provision of speakers in his absence. Linwood has a mainly mature membership with a healthy 40-50 at morning service and 1520 at evening service. We continue to enjoy a very close family type fellowship. See and Know is run for children up to two years old, Sunbeams for two to six years, Trailblazers from six to high school and Bible class groups. We also continue to have an informal prayer time on Tuesday mornings, a midweek prayer meeting on Wednesday night, a monthly Prayer Breakfast and monthly Fellowship Lunch. Our praise band plays at both morning and evening services. We give thanks that we have enjoyed Roberts ministry for the past 15 years and would ask your prayers as he returns in September. Pray too that we would continue to find other openings to present the Lords work.

with those of other or no faiths through the internet as well as the published books of the Pastor. Please pray that speaking engagements in secular groups that arose through this will see Gods hand continuing to bless.. Lochgilphead: Rev Derek Gibson. We have been very blessed by God in recent days, particularly during our 'Family Week' in July. This gave us many opportunities to reach out and serve people of all ages within the community. At the heart of our church life is building relationships with people and providing opportunities for them to engage with the Christian faith. A key aspect of this is Messy Church, which we run once a month, and it has been so encouraging to see a good number of young families come on a regular basis. On 9th September we are holding a cafe style church service as our Big Welcome initiative and would welcome prayer for this. We are seeking to extend the present church building quite significantly so as to provide 2 additional general purpose rooms and better kitchen facilities. This is a huge financial undertaking for the church so please pray for God's provision and that the whole process will go relatively smoothly.

Sunday 16th
Lerwick: Rev Iain Morrison. The first year in our new church building has gone very quickly. It seems only yesterday when Alan Donaldson was challenging us at the open ceremony to give the building away. I am glad to report that is exactly what we have been doing, with hundreds of people from many different nonchurch organisations going through our new building during the week. We no longer have a mission on our doorstep, the mission is now within our doorstep. Our ongoing burden is to help these people find their way to Jesus and to life eternal. With this in mind, we plan to do the Contagious Christian Course for the whole church this coming Autumn. Pray that we will learn to become more contagious sharing our faith and the community with our new building. Give thanks that we have already been blessed in our first year, with 3 baptism, 6 new members and 14 people doing an Alpha course. Leslie: Rev James Faddes. Its been an exciting and challenging year for our fellowship, in terms of youth and community work, as well as exploring what it means to be a healthy church. Please pray that God would empower us to go and make disciples who will seek the kingdom of God in Leslie and beyond. Our priority is to seek first the kingdom of God, rather than simply sustaining religious activities. We are encouraged and excited about the year ahead!

Engagement Diary for September

1 Journeying Together weekend in Oban, Fort William and Lochgilphead. 2 This evening, John Greenshields will be with the Bathgate church as their Interim Pastor, Harry Sprange, celebrates 40 years in the ministry. 4 Our Unions Council meets today. 5 Today and tomorrow, John Greenshields attends the National Settlement Team and College Consultation on Ministry in Manchesster. 9 Judy White preaches in Kirktintilloch Baptist, John Greenshields preaches in the Lighthouse Church, Forres, Alan Donaldson is at Linwood Baptist this morning and at Morningside this evening as they celebrate Racial Justice Sunday. 10 Alan Donaldson is at the CRBS for training. 11 The joint BUS/BMS Assembly Planning group meets this morning. 13 Our Unions National Team meets this afternoon. Judy White visits Aberdeen Christian Fellowship. 14 John Greenshields is in Westray this weekend for the Baptist Church reopening.after refurbishment. 15 Participants on the new BUS/Scottish Baptist College Initiate course meet for the first time today. 16 Alan Donaldson preaches at Pollok Baptist Church in Glasgow. 18 Alan Donaldson and Judy White attend the Mission Forum today and tomorrow. 23 Judy White preaches in Cupar Baptist today. 26 Alan Donaldson and Brian More attend the EBF Council in Berlin. 27 The National Team meets today.

Sunday 30th
Lochgelly: Rev Jonathan Magee. We give thanks for the sale of the manse - a financial resource for the future. The church continues to appreciate opportunities to be a witness in the community, although with little manpower, by partnering with community groups. The Pastor is regularly involved in School chaplaincy work, but is also invited to all "over 70s treats" to meet the local senior citizens and offer pastoral support. Through our Parent and Toddler group we have developed a good relationship with young adults, and pray that, in time, we will see some attending the church We would value prayer for Coffee Mates, a drop in for men, well supported by men outwith the church. Pray that we might see more Christian men coming to add to the witness. We are aware that men, nationally, do not usually attend organised events. As a small church, we have more opportunity to witness to men on a percentage basis. Pastoral opportunities in the community continue to abound, including funerals and counselling needs. The church is small but with great opportunities. We have a great God who has opened up doors, but pray that in time we will be resourced with more manpower. On a wider and even international perspective God has opened up doors to share His love even

Sunday 23rd
Leven: Rev Mark Pexton. We are encouraged and thank God for new people beginning to attend the church. We pray that they feel welcome in our church family and that through prayer and our fellowship the Holy Spirit will work in their lives.

Published by the Baptist Union of Scotland, 48 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, admin@scottishbaptist.org.uk. Charity Registration No:SC004960