April 2018
CORD Retreat (North America) We were greatly encouraged that our numbers once again increased for the third annual CORD retreat. The number of couples attending has doubled since the first event. We were pleased to have two couples join us from Trinidad, Colorado as well as 5 couples joining us for the first time. Our subject for this session was, ‘Cherish’, a word many couples say in their wedding vows but may have given little thought as to what it really means. Andrew Dorricott spoke to us, exploring the meaning of what it is to love and to cherish our spouses. If we put the act of cherishing into practice, it can enrich our marriages and make them thrive the way God intends. Geoff Hydon led us in a practical discussion on the Biblical definition of ‘cherish’, meaning ‘to warm up.’ We looked at the many ways the Bible instructs and encourages us to do just that in relation to our spouses. Andy Gutteridge delivered the closing talk on how God cherishes each one of us and how He demonstrated that love by giving up His one and only Son. We can best learn to cherish our spouses from His perfect example. As well as good teaching, we enjoyed our times of praise, fellowship and fun and games. We are thankful to have had another opportunity to meet together as couples and to receive God’s blessing. Chris Seddon; Geoff Hydon She’d always feared it would happen, and now it had. Yes, a sudden power cut had severed her internet connection and it might be hours before she’d be reunited with a steady diet of Facebook updates, texts and other absolute essentials of daily life. Would she survive? Somehow, she managed until her connection was restored – phew! But the Bible warns us of a far more important connection that can be lost. It says of some that they’d “lost connection with the Head” (Col.2:19). Some versions say “not holding fast”. The Head is Jesus, of course – but the Greek word ‘krateo’ used by the Holy Spirit for ‘connection’ is astonishing. It means ‘to be mighty, to prevail or to lay or take hold on’. Look at these examples
Inside this issue
Being Connected
of where it’s used: • The angered servant in Matthew 18 who seized (krateo) and choked his fellow servant; • The seizing (krateo) and killing of servants of the wedding master of Matthew 22; • The seizing (krateo) and binding of Satan before being thrown in the abyss of Revelation 20. Krateo involves a forceful, even violent grip which leaves no opportunity for escape. The Holy Spirit could have used other words for “lay hold”. When Jesus told Mary Magdalene, “Do not hold [cling] on to me …”, the Greek word in John 20:17 is ‘haptomai’, which has the sense of ‘changing by touching’
FOC Alert Looking Forward NI Men’s Study Day
or ‘touching that influences’ (see also Matt.9:21 and Lk.6:19). Wouldn’t this word make sense - connecting to the Head changing us for the better and being a positive influence? But that’s not the lesson here. Krateo is also used to describe the two Marys on resurrection morning: “They … clasped (krateo) his feet and worshiped him.” They could say, “I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go” (Song of Songs 3:4). Isn’t the challenge clear? The connection of Colossians 2:19 requires a single focus, a fierce determination and all of our effort to maintain - not to protect our salvation, but for a healthy diet in spiritual growth. So, how is your grip? Martin Jones
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What are you looking forward to? This was the question that was posed at our first South East District Event of 2018 at the Croydon Park Hotel, where around 100 people gathered to study the next three major events planned for all Christians. An exciting, varied and entertaining crèche and children’s programme led by Barry Mann and others focused on “I am the Church of God in Hayes presents the South East District Event Way, the Truth and the Life” and “I am the Resurrection and the Life”. In the main programme, we began with ‘lightning storm’ presentations on the Coming of the Lord, Resurrection and the Judgement Seat of Christ, which started our day off on a factual note before 11 12 1 10 2 open space discussion groups looked at the practical aspects of this call to 9 3 action in the light of these forthcoming events. Groups looked at three different 4 8 7 6 5 aspects of encouragement because of these events - namely “Abounding in the A mixture of talks and discussion groups. Stephen Hickling is our key note speaker. work of the Lord with patience”, “Attaining to the resurrection from the dead” Kids program for under 14’s and a creche. and “Principles concerning judgment”. After lunch and an informal yet highly competitive quiz, more open space discussion groups looked at the comfort that can be gained from these events - “I go and prepare a place for you”, “I am the resurrection and the life” and “Created, Prepared and Equipped for works that will be judged”. An excellent time of praise followed, led by Sam Riley and others, then we were treated to our keynote speaker, Stephen Hickling, who inspired us to think about Saturday 24th February 2018 ‘A Certain Future’ that we are looking forward to – promises, faith, looking 10am - 5pm forward, commendation and reward - our new home, our new vision and our Croydon Park Hotel, CR9 5AA. new bodies all point towards rest, satisfaction and glory. “I remain confident of register if you are coming by emailing this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). Please mary.parker12@btinternet.com no later than We are indebted to Stephen for his excellent ministry and to all those who led Monday 5th February 2018. more information contact: discussion groups and presented the lightning storm talks, and to everyone For jonathan_stanley23@yahoo.co.uk who helped out behind the scenes before and during the event. Jon Stanley; David Parker
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king Forward
Note: Sorry, lunch is not provided. Do bring your own or you can visit one of a number of places to eat nearby.
ALERT – Fellowship Outreach Fund
Generous direct giving in 2017 from 36 Churches (37 in 2016), from those individuals who gave through Gift Aid (greatly appreciated!) and substantial indirect giving from some
Generous direct giving in 2017 from 36 Churches (37 in 2016) ... enabled Fellowship Outreach to meet its budget to within less than 1% overspend. North American Churches who funded the upgrade and servicing of the new Fellowship Website, along with help in some travel costs, enabled Fellowship Outreach to meet its budget to within less than 1% overspend. At our AGM in January, encouraged by such giving and challenged by ministry
Therefore, we agreed a budget for 2018 of £123,900.
on a consideration of the expansion of the Fellowship since the early 20th century, we were reminded from the Scriptures of the need of an appetite for pioneering work, balanced by an alertness to the danger of overextending and an awareness of divinely-imposed limits. Therefore, we agreed a budget for 2018 of £123,900. Included in this is a moderate amount to cover exploratory visits to Zimbabwe and Mozambique (if required) and the usual substantial support for the ongoing work in Myanmar, the Philippines, India and Africa, plus a range of ‘special projects’ (TFS, Week of Prayer, IWDP etc.).
Churches and individuals who are able and who usually support the Fund to continue to feel an exercise to do so; as the year progresses, in God’s will, this will reverse this alarming decrease in income.
However, in the first 2 months of 2018 income has dropped significantly (£16,518 against £45,864 in 2017).
Gifts, payable to ‘Churches of God’ can be sent to Leonard Ross, 85 St. Ronan’s Drive, Peterculter, Aberdeen AB14 0RJ, or direct to Lloyds Bank, sort code 3084-41, Account 35350060 Church of God, advising Leonard of your gift (Lmr. maxwells@btinternet.com)
However, in the first 2 months of 2018 income has dropped significantly (£16,518 against £45,864 in 2017). This causes concern, and so we wish to highlight this now and appeal to those
Gifts, payable to ‘Churches of God’ can be sent to Leonard Ross, or direct to Lloyds Bank
If you are a UK taxpayer you can maximise your gift by using Gift Aid. This can be directed through Central Gifts (Bank of Scotland, sort code 8018-31 Account 00150202), advising Len Burgoyne (lenburgoyne@btinternet. com) and requesting that your gift is directed to Fellowship Outreach. Thank you, Fellowship Outreach Committee
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For Prayer
Ministering Brethren April and onwards
SALVATION ARMY CE NTRE CAVENDISH DRIVE, W ALTON.
John Black I hope to visit Liberia with Lawrence after the Conference of overseers, late April until late May, visiting Ghana on my return journey, God willing.
L9 1HW
LINDSAY WOODS
STEVE SEDDON
JOHN BOWLER
4.00 until 7.30
Phil Brennan Ministry in Buxton and Nottingham. A visit to Whitemoor, followed soon after by COCG. Brian Johnston In the first part of April, I’m scheduled to be completing work in Malawi. Then the middle part I expect to be dominated by COCG. I hope to balance the remainder of my time between Leigh and Antwerp. Craig Jones Head down to Jamaica March 28 inaugural Men’s Weekend 30-31, Easter Monday Conference April 2, children’s VBS programme April 3-6 April 12-20 - expect to be in UK for COCG April 30 - leave for Australia Geralde Magusara April 5-9 - I will visit the outreach in Luzon. April 11-30 - continue outreach in Banaybanay and Pantukan Andy McIlree I’ll be in Kilmarnock during April, then in Brantford during May and Colorado for the month of June. Laurence Onyokoko I hope to be in Liberia from April 6 until mid May. Brian Tugwell In Liverpool for April, following a visit to India. Robert Wood Mainly Aberdeen, but a trip to Birmingham is planned and attendance at the COCG. David Woods The month begins with Whitemoor 2018, then COCG. The rest of the month will be occupied with regular local and District activities and a special District Outreach Seminar.
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Hayes Press Updates Make sure you check out the new and updated Hayes Press website. Hayes Press has had a web presence for over twenty years, but this was developed significantly in 2006 to what became commonly known as the “Ranch” website! Our thanks go to Adrian Goodgrove for all his work in developing this most professional site over the past ten or so years. As many will be aware, the site was ‘fully loaded’ with thousands of pages of reference articles, a wide range of Christian resources and Bible story artwork, and over these years produced hundreds of thousands of pounds of business, and no mean database, as well as top rankings on Google. But its now time for change! One of the key things about a good web presence is keeping a freshness about a site. As well as this, FLC wish to refocus on our own ever-increasing book list rather than the previous diversity. The new website has been developed to do just that, no longer with all the bells and whistles of the previous site but rather one that clearly demonstrates what we are about in terms of our own publications list.
Don’t forget to visit the new Church website for all the media links www.churchesofgod.info/media/
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Easter Walking Holiday 2018 Walking and fellowship in the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland is being planned for 1-7 April 2018. New walkers will be very welcome. Further information on the walking and accommodation is at http://www.micaiah.org.uk/walking Many thanks, Peter & Margaret Stoner
Whitemoor 2018 | A Project 242 Event
A relevant, life-altering, Christ-focused study. (Easter Weeknd) Fri 30th March WHEN - Mon 2nd April 2018 IS IT? Whitemoor Lakes, WHERE Lichfield, WS13 8QT IS IT? Book your place at WHAT project242.co.uk NOW?
Recorded Ministry Available Online
https://soundcloud.com/theymaybeone
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At Home with the Lord, Alan Hyland, Birkenhead, England On 31 January 2018, aged 83, Alan passed peacefully into his Master’s presence. Alan accepted the Lord Jesus as Saviour as a boy of 10 and, following baptism in December 1946, spent 71 years in the Church of God in Birkenhead. Alan was a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus, engaging locally in Sunday School work, tract distribution and serving as Treasurer for many years. Alan had been an elder since 1972 and took an interest in those in the Church. In the wider District he was involved on the YPM and Camp Committees and used to organise buses to take local Merseyside people to District conferences. Over the past few years Alan was not well enough to be looked after at home. During his time at Orton House, where he was cared for and well-respected as a kindly Christian gentleman, he looked forward each week to being taken to the Remembrance where he loved to be. Alan’s wife Joan and daughter Susan are with us in the Church in Birkenhead. They will miss him very much, but know the joy that he is with the Lord. At Alan’s funeral, David Webster reviewed Alan’s life and brought encouragement from 1 Thessalonians 4. Our faith in the death, resurrection and return of the Lord Jesus allows us hope despite our sadness. We will see Alan again. David Woods read verses of comfort from the Bible at the graveside. David Webster; David Woods
A Note of Appreciation from North West England District
The North West England District wants to acknowledge the faithful service of Alan Hyland. He served as an elder from 1972 focused on his home Assembly in Birkenhead. In addition to local responsibilities, Alan also served on the committees that organised NWE District YPMs and camps. He continued to be a keen supporter of young peoples’ work after retiring from committee work. Alan was faithful in attending District elders’ meetings until relatively recently, when his declining health prevented him from doing so. We are thankful to have had his counsel and input over the years. He is enjoying his reward – the glory of his Saviour’s presence. On behalf of NWEngland District, Steve Seddon; David Woods
At Home with the Lord, David Raj, Pernampet, India
Our brother David Raj passed away on 2 March. He was 55 and a stalwart deacon at Pernampet. Formerly a drunkard and brawler, he was introduced to Christ and transformed into a calm, quiet, uncomplaining and faithful man. He was always on time, always present and known to visit the hall twice a day for personal prayer. For a while he served as a Gospel worker. The Assembly will miss a pillar of strength. His wife, Ruth, and daughter, Grace, will value prayer along with the extended family, many of whom now follow the Lord. B. Tugwell; R. Deivasagayam
At Home with the Lord, Frank (Fred) Frith, Liverpool, England
Frank Frith, known to us all as Fred, received the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, aged 21, after the Lord spoke to him in a very special way. He had been handed a Gospel leaflet which he did not read, and some ten months later he found the leaflet, read it but remained unaffected by the message of salvation. However, a particular hymn was quoted which he noticed. That very same day he went to the evening meeting of the Church in Liverpool. He could not remember what was said but was jolted when the speaker gave out that very same hymn at the close of his talk. Down from the glory the Saviour came, Down to the Cross and the death of shame; Gazing in wonder I there exclaim “Jesus died for me” Later Fred said: “Listening to those words, I asked myself - ‘Did Jesus die for me?’ There and then during the singing of that hymn I found myself singing with joy in my heart, realising for the first time that Jesus died for me – for me. I sat down and asked God to forgive me and told Him that I believed He sent His Son to die for me. My heart overflowed with joy, a joy that I cannot express.” Fred was baptised in the autumn of 1956 and remained in the Church of God in Liverpool for the rest of his life. For many years he was active in Sunday School work. Later, when ill-health forced him into early retirement, he became a great Church visitor. All the elderly and housebound received regular visits from Fred which encouraged them and brought joy into their lives. Fred passed into his Master’s presence on 27 January, aged 82. We will miss him but, for him, it is ‘at home with the Lord’. David Webster paid tribute to Fred at his funeral which was attended by family and friends. David Webster; Graham Schleyer
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New Baby in Hayes We give God thanks for the birth on Friday 2 March of Hannah Mary, a sister for Charlie, to Jenny and Stephen Oxley. The Church in Hayes has been blessed with several young children in recent years, so this brings more excitement and pleasure as we see the prospects of Sunday Club being extended further by another little one. Please join with the family in their rejoicing. Thank you for prayers on their behalf and continue to pray for this happy Church. David Parker; Jon Stanley
Notice Board March
N. Ireland Men’s Study day
30-2 Whitemoor 2018, Project 242 Event April 2 Conference – Kingston, Jamaica 3 - 6 VBS – Kingston, Jamaica 7 NW England SOH 7 W Scotland Motherwell Spring Conference 10 S Wales DySGu (Barry) 16-18 Overseers’ Conference 21 SE England District Event (walk) 21 Vancouver Conference - at Van Dusen Gardens. 22-28 Fellowship Week of Prayer 27-28 Scotland Girls’ Overnight Camp 28 N Ireland District Bible Study (Belfast)
It was with a real sense of anticipation, and indeed excitement, that brethren from the 4 Churches in N. Ireland gathered at the Ross Park Hotel to hear the ministry of God’s word and to study the holy Scriptures. Our subject was ‘Moses – the servant of the LORD’ and our guest speaker was John Archibald. What a great day we had as we were enriched and greatly encouraged by our brother’s inspiring ministry, and the discussions that brought to us a wonderful, panoramic view of divine purposes through Moses and the Messiah, God’s chosen and supreme Servant. We began with John’s first talk entitled ‘The basket in the Nile’, and that led us into our first discussion on ‘The Servant of the LORD’. Then after lunch and a good chat we listened to John’s second talk entitled ‘The enduring flame’, which brought us to our second discussion on ‘Transcendental experience, mistake and death’. As you can see, we were taken from the precious little bundle of life in the basket floating on the mighty Nile to Nebo’s mountain top where this mighty servant of God at 120 years of age (whose ‘eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated’!) viewed the Promised Land and was buried by his God. Then, to bring us even higher, we had our final talk – ‘Moses and Jesus Christ’; there on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses (and Elijah) spoke with Jesus Christ about His exodus. It was so fitting that our final contemplation was of ‘Jesus only’, after the favoured 3 disciples had heard the voice from the majestic glory and Moses (now in the Promised Land!!) and Elijah had gone. It was truly a memorable day for us, so needful of encouragement in N. Ireland, and we are deeply grateful to John for bringing us such a vision of God’s purposes for each one of us and our Churches both now and into eternity. On behalf of the N. Ireland District Events Committee Lindsay Woods; Ian Lockhart
Editors: Steve Peers & Guy Elliott 40 The Spinney, Brackla, Bridgend, CF31 2JE Email: editors.intelligence@gmail.com
KEY: DySGu - District Study Group, S. Wales SOH - Sisters’ Open House YC - Young Christian YPM - Young Peoples Meeting
Text for the Month The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9 (ESV)
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