June 2018
The Bottom Line!
But let’s start at the top line! Jesus said “GO” (Matt.28:19) to His disciples - and this wasn’t a proposal, a discussion topic, or an invitation, but a command! The disciples were commanded to go and preach the Gospel and make disciples. What was required then and is required now to obey this command is not “rocket science” (i.e. you don’t have to have an academic degree or a scientific mind etc.). a) It means simply going out to where people are and proclaiming to them in the language they understand the unchangeable truths of who Jesus is, what our needs are, and what God has done in Jesus to meet those needs. The reality of the seriousness of sin and of judgement is followed up by an explanation of the finished work of Christ on the cross for those who are convicted of their sin. b) It means having a Church programme that meets the needs of those who respond and come along to our collective gatherings; sound expository preaching supplemented by more personal Bible study, something for families, something for children and teens; these are the needed facets that a fully functioning Church of God should strive to include. Are these not achievable goals? What holds us back, then, from fulfilling these two vital aspects of obedience to the Lord? Are we going out on a regular, sustained basis, house to house, in the street, visiting schools, seeking opportunities wherever a door opens (see Matt. 10: 5,16 and Luke 10: 1)? Your Assembly may need help to do this, so pray to the Lord of the harvest for labourers - men and woman who are willing to give of their time. Do we need to examine our practices to see whether we are imposing “shackles”, or “traditions”, that are not of the Lord when it comes to what we organise at our collective gatherings in our halls - shackles and traditions that put people off? And the bottom line for our encouragement? “...and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20) He has promised to be with us, and it’s only by His Spirit that we will see results in the work He has commanded us to do. (Zech. 4:6) Gilbert Grierson
Inside this issue
Some newcomers want to try other services at Shiloh Hall, Glasgow Our Coffee Morning on Saturday 21 April brought the breakthrough we’d hoped for with previous ones: two women independently said they’d like to come to other services. One said she felt so welcomed, and that she preferred a smaller church. This time we were supporting Autism Scotland, and found it easy to get people in the street to take our leaflet, saying such things as “Something for Autism”. Shops readily take posters when they hear it’s an event that supports a charity. But in this case people stopped, or even turned back, to say they had a family member or friends who are affected by the demands of a young sufferer. So we got 20 visitors, and several significant conversations. It’s too early to know if the ladies’ interest translates to action, and we ask for your prayers for this - with its potential. The day collected £215 for Autism Scotland, with more to follow. The next week we had a joint ‘Family & Friends’ with Barrhead, addressed by Ally Fotheringham, after a quiz session from David & Norma. Three of our long-standing contacts came (two belonging to a Georgian family who have been attending since last Spring’s campaign with Karl Smith)—all needing adjustment to a clear view of what we preach, since they come from quite different backgrounds. They enjoyed the befriending game-slot and heard another clear message, while Gilbert got the chance to renew acquaintance with the Glasgow scene. Both these events were a prelude to a week with Gilbert Grierson, followed by Karl for three weeks, and John Black to close the month of May. We plan to do more with our stall in the nearby main road, from which we got our contacts last Spring. Otherwise, we’re following the same pattern of using our normal services, so that the programme is sustainable after our skilled and dedicated helpers have gone. We pray the Lord of the harvest that He may use them and us in winning souls and making disciples. Another bond with the immigrant family is that they’re keen to have a Thanksgiving Service for their youngest child, newborn on 1 January this year. We have already worked out with the District clear guidelines for helping all to understand the Scriptural limits of this occasion—being exactly as the title suggests: thanksgiving to God for a new life being granted to parents. Again, please pray that the parents, and perhaps other visitors, will find this further assures them of the care of the Church and its ministry to the community. A. Osborne; M. Archibald
Using Web and Social Media Whitemoor 2018 Harvest Festival
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WANTED Baptisms; Conference Reports; Births; Marriages; Obituaries; Camps; Adult Outreach; Youth Work Intelligence is nothing without you. It can only exist if you use it to share news across the Fellowship. You may think that what you do in your Assembly is nothing out of the ordinary, but it could be a real inspiration to someone else. Or perhaps you’re an Assembly that just struggles along and you think your story is unimportant, but a report of your faithfulness could be a great help to others in similar circumstances. After all, the Lord Himself shared with us the story of Philadelphia, a Church that none of us would consider to be thriving. “I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Rev 2:8). We all love to hear of the blessings of God, however big, however small. So please, look at your Assembly, or District, and let us know what’s happening. Don’t let anything go unreported. If you haven’t yet done it, why not ask someone to be your Intelligence Correspondent? If you’re a social media user who posts news to Facebook, don’t forget to send it to Intelligence too so that we can all read it. Guy and Steve
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Using web & social media Developing a more effective online Christian witness
For Prayer
Ministering Brethren June and onwards
John Black Lawrence and I continue in Monrovia for another ten days. We had three nights of outreach and leave the outcome to the Lord of the harvest. We live in a digital and technological age. At the end of 2017 it was estimated that 4.2 billion people were using the internet, including 95% of North Americans and 85% of Europeans. By April 2018, Facebook had 2.2 billion monthly active users worldwide, with India as the leading country with 270 million, and the Philippines at number six in the world rankings with 69 million users. The expression ‘Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words.’ appeared in a 1911 newspaper article. Instagram took this idea and ran with it. This mainly mobile photo and video sharing network has reached 813 million monthly active users, up from 600 million in December 2016. So inevitably websites and social media have become a ‘shop window’ resource for churches. At our outreach seminar in Manchester on 28 April, we wanted to explore how we could use these media with integrity in order to support an effective Christian witness. So for those who thought that cookies are something to be eaten, tablets are to reduce pain and clouds are a mass of floating water droplets, we began with an idiots’ guide to web & social media. Concepts and terms were explained to help us to better understand the content of some of the later ideas that were presented. Since the mid-2000s, social media platforms have changed the way that society interacts with and spreads information. That said, there’s much about ‘self’ on social media and so Dave Webster led us through a Biblical meditation entitled ‘Me, my selfie and I’. Sometimes our social media interaction can negatively impact our self-esteem and we need to remind ourselves of who we are in Christ. It’s interesting to read that ‘in the last days … people will be lovers of self’ (2 Tim. 3:1-2) in great contrast to the Lord Jesus who did nothing from selfish ambition (Phil. 2:3-5). We were challenged to think about the motivation behind some of our posts, remembering that we are ‘predestined to be conformed to the image of [God’s] Son’ (Rom. 8:29). Open discussion covered such questions as: How can we have an effective Christian witness on social media where it is inherently designed to talk about self? What do our posts, likes, shares and comments say about us? How do we balance personal interests (hobbies, political bias, etc.) with sharing Christian themes? How does our individual social media presence impact the witness of our Church? Why do some people abstain from using social media, and is this satisfactory? The Internet is a powerful tool, but also poses obvious risks for children and young people. Sadly, there are individuals who use the Internet for harm, and we have to do all we can to protect children and young people in our care. And so we used this event as a training opportunity to review guidelines for Internet, email and texting communication for those involved in youth work with children and young people. And finally we spent some time exploring websites and social media pages that are currently in existence among the Churches of God – global or produced by individual local Churches. The time that it takes to create and maintain such web resources was recognised. We thought of ways to enhance and vary posts, how to gain a higher profile for our websites and social media pages in the local community, to guard against using photographs of individuals without their expressed permission, and how to minimise maintenance. The use of technology and the Internet forms a significant part of our lives, but we can’t beat face-to-face contact and communication, if at all possible, as we share the good news of Jesus Christ. But is this a way that we can at least start the conversation? NW England Outreach Coordinators
Brian Johnston For two-thirds of June, I plan to be still in East Central Africa, having by then, DV, moved on through Malawi to Mozambique. Craig Jones Continuing our visit here in Australia until 12 June (currently in Bundaberg, and we’ll be in M e l b o u r n e f ro m 1 8 M ay ) . Remainder of the month will be spent preparing for camps in North American district, which start at the beginning of July in Ontario with Kids’ Week 1 and Day Camp and include Jamaica Camp and Ontario Teen Camp in August. Geralde Magusara For the month of June, I will be working in the two companies (Malinawon and Makopa) in the Church of God in Tagum. Thanks for your prayers. Andy McIlree I am in Brantford, Ontario, for this month, and will be with Trinidad and Littleton for the month of June. Karl Smith Focus on studying the life of the Lord and general preparation for camps. Publicising the Bridge (Glasgow) and speaking engagements in Glasgow, Kirkintilloch, Wishaw and Greenock. Robert Wood Birmingham outreach and also occasional outreach visits to Derby though no dates set at this stage. Support for Leigh 3 Lord’s Days during Brian’s absence. David Woods June continues local and districtwide activities and a visit to Armagh for their conference.
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We praise God for the ‘The Contemporary Christ’ event at Whitemoor Lakes, Easter 2018. It was a real encouragement to welcome 275 people to share in fellowship, Bible teaching & discussion, praise, and prayer. Keynote talks are available to listen to at Soundcloud.com – search for ‘theymaybeone’ and you should be able to locate the Whitemoor 2018 album there. Enjoy the perspectives of some of those who attended the weekend:
What an amazing way to spend the Easter weekend! Whitemoor 2018 was a great reminder of how relevant our Saviour is in today’s world. However quickly things appear to be changing all around us it’s good to remember that, for us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” Heb. 13:8). The different topics presented by the speakers fitted together very well and were also very interesting and informative. The weekend of teaching and discussion was an encouragement for everyone of all ages to live as contemporary Christians and to engage with those, whether it be in school or work, who appear to be falling further away from God, by “showing the glory of Christ in an ordinary context” (Stephen McCabe). How can we do this? Paul told the Christians at Colossae that “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:5-17). This is something every one of us can do for the Lord. Whitemoor provided a great opportunity for everyone to meet up; catching up with old friends, and meeting new ones with shared beliefs. The activities were great fun with everyone (of all ages!) getting involved from the ceilidh and lip sync battle to bouncy castles and sports. This amazing chance to spend time with friends we don’t get to see very often is a clear demonstration of how the Lord Jesus is working in our lives today, bringing us together in praise, prayer and worship (Eloise Kernaghan, Romford).
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Although we approached our first time at Whitemoor with some trepidation (are we too old?), we enjoyed the event very much. It was good to meet up with old friends, make new ones, and share a special time with lots of people of all ages. A highlight of the weekend was the Remembrance in Birmingham, when there were over two hundred and fifty present – a special time indeed. Whitemoor was an excellent venue - good food, countryside surroundings, tea and coffee available any time day or night, and comfortable lounges to relax in with friends until late in the evening! It was lovely to see so many families and young people enjoying their time together, and the band helped us all in our praise times to sing joyfully to the Lord. The subject for the event was ‘The Contemporary Christ’, something very relevant for us in our world today. The keynote talks from five speakers over the weekend were challenging and instructive, and gave us food for thought in considering our attitudes, and our prejudices too. The breakout sessions were very helpful, where small groups could discuss topics which would not be easy in a large gathering with all ages present. We would like to thank the leaders of these sessions, when sensitive and difficult matters were presented from a Biblical viewpoint, and with an understanding of the issues many face, and how we should respond with love and grace to those we know who have different beliefs and may lead a different lifestyle to our own. Many thanks to the organisers, speakers, breakout session leaders, band members, outdoor activity organisers, and to those who entertained the young children throughout the weekend. Most of all we thank our Heavenly Father for His presence and for the help of the Holy Spirit with us all during our time at Whitemoor 242, bringing before us the truth that ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever’. Heb. 13:8 (Anne & Andrew Merchant, Romford).
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At Home with the Lord, Sandy Stewart, Ayr, Scotland Our brother Sandy Stewart, aged 67, was called home peacefully on 21 January 2018 after a long illness. His connection with our Assembly was varied, having been numbered with us in his earlier years and at that time becoming a deacon of the Church. He was away from us for a period, but his heart was always with us. His desire to serve the Lord again in the Church of God in Ayr was realised in 2014, when he and his wife Rosie were received into Ayr Assembly. For much of this time he was confined to his home, but whenever we visited him he always guided the conversation to talk about the Lord and the Scriptures. We pay tribute to his wife Rosie who, with loving devotion, cared for Sandy over the years of his illness and for whom we request support in prayer. Some will remember esteemed NDW Miller, ex Lord’s servant, who was Sandy’s grandfather, and NJM Miller, artist, of Glasgow Assembly who was his uncle. Also, we remember in prayer Sandy’s sister Sally and the wider family in their sad loss. The funeral services at the hall and the graveside were shared by Martin Archibald, Andy McIlree and Len Burgoyne respectively, each of whom provided comforting and challenging messages, well founded in Scripture, to the 100 or so mourners present, many of them business associates and friends not with us. W. Stewart; J. Kerr
New Baby in Liverpool
The Church in Liverpool is delighted to welcome a new baby girl. Aaliyah Marian was born to Pav and Helen Midda on 3rd May. We give thanks, with them, for Aaliyah’s safe arrival. Like the Psalmist, Pav and Helen and the Church rejoice in this new life which is “... fearfully and wonderfully made”.
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Harvest Festival, Church of God, Rajahmundry, India We are delighted to inform you that on 6 May 2018 all saints gathered two hours before the Remembrance, to celebrate Harvest Festival joyously, to raise some extra money for the needs of the Church. Thereafter we all participated in the breaking of the bread with enthusiasm as usual to praise and glorify our Almighty God. The message that day was on the grace of giving (2 Cor 8:7). 1. Tap into the riches of God’s grace 2. Give generously to the cause of Christ 3. Learn contentment The Macedonians tapped into the grace of God - the result was abundance of joy and overflowing generosity even in poverty and affliction. They gave beyond their ability. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He became poor to make us rich. God loves a cheerful giver Dr.G.S. Moses, Bro K.Issac Ra
Notice Board
Ontario Women’s Weekend In early May, 53 sisters and visitors enjoyed a time away from the busyness of the world for our annual women’s weekend held in Guelph, Ontario. Our study for the weekend was on 1 Peter 1 and 2 and we could relate to Peter’s words, seeing how applicable they are to us today. In our morning workshops, we discussed what it means to be holy, the roles which trials play in our lives, and what it means to be born again to a living hope. We were challenged to think how we might answer tough questions that non-Christians may ask us. We had fun playing games as part of our evening programmes, and on Saturday afternoon we were challenged to a team-building breakout box activity where we had to think outside the box in order to solve puzzles that contained the codes for the locks on the boxes. Frustrating as this was at first, the lessons learned here were that we do not always have all the answers we need to work through the problems that we face, but together we can lift each other up, encourage one another and share in the burdens. We are not alone in our suffering. Throughout the weekend we thought about the lessons we can learn from 1 Peter: • We do not belong here • We undergo trials and suffering • We are not alone • We can bear each other’s burdens and lift one another up in prayer • We have a living hope in Jesus Christ Our theme verse for the weekend came from 1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts revere 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.” We were encouraged to get to know God’s word, not just to read it casually but to really study it in order to get to know our heavenly Father better and to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have. The generosity of our sisters was evident as we collected over 220 personal care items to donate to the food bank. These items are ideal to donate because frequently those in need will forego personal care items in favour of food – wouldn’t you? Donated personal care items help take the pressure off tight budgets and allow more money to go towards food. Our sincere thanks for your prayers and support for this weekend. Mount Forest Sisters
Editors: Steve Peers & Guy Elliott 40 The Spinney, Brackla, Bridgend, CF31 2JE Email: editors.intelligence@gmail.com
June 1-3 Spring Alive 3-24 Midlands ‘Church in the Park’ (Birmingham, every Lord’s Day) 9 CULTIV8 9 NW England YPM 9 S Wales DySGu (Cardiff) 16 N Ireland Armagh Summer Conference 16 SE England District Event (Flaxlands) 26 N Ireland Camp prayer meeting 30 NW England SOH 30 SE England YC (London) KEY: DySGu - District Study Group, S. Wales SOH - Sisters’ Open House YC - Young Christian YPM - Young Peoples Meeting
Text for the Month Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
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