Spirit-Filled People

Paul Rockley takes a look at South Parade’s Vision Statement

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June & July 2013 June & July 2013 Page 1

June & July 2013

The coming of the Spirit at Pentecost equipped the disciples to take the Good News around the world, and we’re still feeling the effects of that great day at South Parade each week. If we do what Paul Rockley urges us to, and take our Vision Statement seriously, who knows where the Spirit will take us: to Kolkata (page 27), Italy (page 14) or to a Teddy Bears’ picnic (page 12) or just to the person on the next desk at work (page 30). Be inspired!

Contents Page 3 From the Ministry Team: Wanting More Page 5 Around the Church Page 9 BMS Update Page 12 Teddy Praise! Page 14 Italy Update Page 16 Pleasure Tunes: Sacred Harp comes to South Parade Page 18 Consider the Lilies: The Flower Team Page 19 Prayer Diary Page 22 Come Prepared: Preaching Themes and Readings Page 23 Constitution Acts: Time to Reflect Page 24 Step of Faith: What Kind of Love is This? Page 27 A Week in Kolkata Page 30 Missional Biscuits: God At Work Page 32 Questions: Real People? Page 34 Church Noticeboard Page 36 South Parade in Numbers: Part 2 Page 38 Time Now to Sow

Matthew Newman Editor

Informed, Involved, Inspired... Intouch!

Contributions to: [email protected] or to the Church Office Deadline for contributions: 26 July 2013 Next edition published: 11 August 2013

Page 2 June & July 2013 From the Ministry Team

Wanting More

e don’t know much about Terah. He Our vision of where W seems almost incidental, we believe God wants as if the biblical narrator is in a us to be needs to hurry to get on to his much-more- interesting and famous son, dominate our horizons, Abraham. All we have is some shape our priorities biographical detail about where he and burn in our hearts was from, who was in his family, how old he was when he died and in between just one verse about brief account is an unfulfilled vision what he did. and a sense of complacency. He wanted more but he settled for And what was that? less. And the story moves on...

“Terah took (his family)... and together ince joining the church I’ve they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans been thinking a lot about the to go to Canaan. But when they came S vision statement which is to Haran they settled there.” (Genesis pinned up in the foyer at 11.31) Headingley. I remember reading it the very first time I came and That’s it. Pretty uninspiring, don’t thinking, “Yes! That’s what I want!” you think? He was in what would Let me remind you what it says: now be Eastern Iran, wanted to go somewhere else about 1,000 miles “A world populated by Spirit-filled away (Israel), but settled in Turkey, people, passionate in following Jesus which was roughly half way Christ and wholehearted in their between the two. Now I may be commitment to build community in pushing this a bit far, but what Him, so that all whom the Lord our comes across to me in this all too God calls can belong, believe and

June & July 2013 Page 3 become all that He wants them to we content ourselves with where be.” we are, without thinking about where we’re meant to be going. I love that. I love the breadth of it. We settle in Haran when we should I love the full-on language. “World”, be moving on to Canaan. not just some areas in North- West Leeds; “Spirit-filled” o where do we begin? rather than well-intentioned; Where the Church “passionate” and not merely S began. At Pentecost, quite keen; “wholehearted”, which we’ve just been not half-hearted; “building celebrating together. As we community”, not just doing understand and appropriate church or having services; all that is entailed in that “all” not some. phrase “Spirit-filled”, we discover the Resource to The problem with vision be all that God wants us to statements is that they can be and the Power to do all too easily be overlooked. He wants us to do. That’s They get relegated to something what happened to those first discussed at a church meeting or Disciples. That’s why Jesus told flagged up once in a while, but then them to wait. And they waited. people focus on what appear to be more immediate concerns. And And then the Promise came. “All of when that happens vision them were filled with the Holy statements are not worth the paper Spirit” (Acts 2.4). Thank God they they are written on, however well didn’t settle for anything less. expressed. For it to mean anything, our vision of where we believe God And nor should we. wants us to be needs to dominate our horizons, shape our priorities and burn in our hearts. Otherwise Paul

“And afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”

Joel 2.28 (NIV)

Page 4 June & July 2013 Around the Church

Special Church Amy hope to join us from the start Meeting of October. At the special church meeting on 16 May two very significant matters We are very much looking forward were considered that could give a to working with them in developing major new impetus to the church’s our ministry amongst youth, vision and ministry. students and young adults, especially as we seek to walk with A call was given to Nathan them as they transition through key Shipley to become our Associate life stages. Pastor for Youth and Young Adults, a role that Notice was given of a had been agreed by last proposal from the elders that November’s meeting. would be brought to the June church meeting “that 17 Nathan worshipped at Becketts Park Drive be South Parade whilst a sold, with the proceeds not student in Leeds and being spent on day-to-day served on the University Christian activities, unless a future church Union executive committee with meeting decides otherwise”. Dan McLeod and Geoff Park. He holds a secular certificate in youth The elders think there is a work and has an MA in Youth and decreased likelihood of future Community Work with Applied ministers requiring us to provide a Theology. For the last five and a half manse. Additionally this manse was years he has been the Youth no longer in an ideal location and Worker at Burwell Baptist Church would need some refurbishment. in Cambridgeshire. He and his wife Releasing resources from the manse could open up more possibilities for

June & July 2013 Page 5 funding the developing vision of the guidance during a service with church, but the elders were not an interval in the middle to recommending the sale proceeds generate ideas over coffee (other than the interest thereon) be  met Nathan Shipley who used for day-to-day activities. challenged the congregation to a mass game of Rock, Paper, Geoff Greer Scissors Church Secretary  transformed the garden behind the main building (thanks Headingley Raymond!) Highlights  had a magnificent day out As spring has come and gone at climbing the three peaks (well, Headingley we’ve: some of us did)  shared a lovely welcome service  heard the newly-reformed youth with Paul band as they led worship (more  asked the question “what shall to come in June!) we do next?” and sought God’s  explored the book of Romans

Congratulations to Keith and Margaret Galliford who will be celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary this month. They were married at South Parade, Headingley on 8 June 1963. This photo shows them signing the register with the minister, Rev David Rigden Green.

Page 6 June & July 2013 Sue Ricketts’ farewell session  commissioned Irene for an 5s toddler group. Sue has stepped exciting period of service down to take on more hours at overseas work and will be missed greatly by all the tots, parents, carers, Why not join us for all that the childminders and volunteers. summer has to offer? Thanks again for all the love and care you’ve poured into this group Barbara Crosse Sue - and for your scrummy cakes! Headingley Morning Mission Community Leader Love from

Thanks Sue! The Under 5s Team Rebecka, our Swedish volunteer has kindly A big thank you to Sue Ricketts for agreed to lead this group until the end of eight faithful and committed years June: thanks Rebecka! as leader of the Wednesday Under The Heat is On 4C Leeds (Christians Combating Climate Change Leeds: SPBC, St George's, St Chad's, St Andrew's United Reformed) wants to help church members to save money on their energy bills by installing energy efficiency measures. Initially, we are focusing on radiator foil.

June & July 2013 Page 7 Much of the heat from a radiator the stronger ones on garden can get absorbed into the wall clearing duty. We hired a skip and behind it rather than heating the offered our neighbours some help. room. Fitting reflective foil behind We created some goodwill, a few radiators is a very cheap and families came to see what was going effective DIY measure, which can on, and we enjoyed meeting them. increase the useful output of a radiator by as much as 12%. 4C This would have been enough for Leeds would like to facilitate church most of us, I think. But as we’ve members to take this step by reflected on it together, the whole demonstrating, or undertaking, the event seemed more important than fitting of the foil. that. Did we feel the wind of the Spirit on our faces? Time-dependent, we may also be Our new minister Paul reminded us able to advise on other ways to last week of how it is not possible save energy in your home or for us to live as Christians by church, as one of our members is a ourselves. We need each other to qualified Low Carbon Consultant. hold us up (you can’t have a building We will not charge for any advice. made of one brick!), and we need

to draw on the depths of the Holy If you are interested, please contact Spirit for the power to make the John Lockwood or Ewan Jones. hardest and most blessed choice of

all. John Lockwood Cragg Hill Mission Community “I’m ready. Do it your www.4cleeds.co.uk way” (Matthew 26.42)

When the Spirit I’m praying for the Spirit to comes? come at Cragg. Would you join Just before Easter, we held a me? “Kingdom Day” featuring Cragg’s now famous hospitality, bouncy Judith Briggs castle, craft activities and a group of Cragg Mission Community Elder

...informed... Share news from Around the Church, from your Mission Community, homegroup or meeting by emailing [email protected].

Page 8 June & July 2013 BMS Update

The Treasurer of BMS World encourage you to take a look at Mission, Robert Ashurst www.bmsworldmission.org/ recently sent this letter to finance13 supporting churches. How have your gifts been used? To hank you very much for the build up local churches, empower support your church national partners, demonstrate T fellowship has given to BMS Christ’s compassion and, at the World Mission in our last financial heart of all these activities, to make year which ended on 31 Jesus known: October 2012. Despite a challenging financial Church: We believe that environment, I am pleased actively engaging to build to say that we finished the up the World Church is year with only a small one of the most important shortfall. This was due to ways to share our faith. In the generosity of the India this has led to churches and to our policy dynamic growth in church of constantly exploring planting, and in the Muslim ways to reduce UK costs, -majority world mission to which has again resulted in initiatives in Bangladesh 95p in every £1 donated and Lebanon. Within being used for our core mission Europe BMS is strengthening the activities. Church through church planting and ministerial training. You may have seen the BMS Finance update video at the Baptist National Partners: “The highest Assembly, outlining both last year’s goal of all we do is to bring people results and also plans for the to a saving faith in Jesus Christ, and coming year. If not, I would an experience of the abundant life

June & July 2013 Page 9 that Jesus described.” This key refugees fled to Lebanon to escape phrase from our strategy document the fighting, BMS personnel For God… confirms our responded by providing emergency commitment to integrated mission. provisions such as food and The principles of local ownership, blankets, and welcomed them dignity and empowerment are at within the local church. the heart of all our partnerships.

What does this mean in practice? The highest goal of all we To take two examples, it means: do is to bring people to a saving faith in Jesus Christ,  bringing ex-prisoners to faith in and an experience of Jesus Christ through the 2nd Chance Rehabilitation Centre in the abundant life that Zimbabwe which provides Jesus described carpentry, agriculture and tailoring training as well as Biblical teaching. Mission: Mission is at the heart of all BMS activities, and we support  empowering the Church in local churches in the UK in Uganda by working with local exploring their call to mission. For leaders to secure land rights some this will mean sending mission and provide agricultural workers or teams and for others training, and using this developing Church Partner environment for Christian relationships with BMS personnel, witness. ministries or regions. Some UK churches are exploring cross- Compassion: Care for people in cultural mission within their local need drives our commitment to community with support from BMS. sending people and resources to help alleviate poverty, prevent e give thanks to God sickness and respond in times of for the faithfulness of disaster. For example, our medical W UK Baptist churches in mission workers in Chad are supporting the work of BMS World providing vital healthcare and, when Mission. With your support, we the harvest failed, gave specialist have been able to bring the good treatment to malnourished children news of Jesus Christ to those who and supplied emergency rations for have never heard the gospel families without food. When Syrian message. Please continue to share

Page 10 June & July 2013 with us in mission this year, through We pray God’s blessing on your prayer, giving and perhaps other fellowship. ways, so that together we can take up the exciting opportunities that God is opening up to us. Robert Ashurst Honorary Treasurer, BMS World Mission

“The best thing I’ve ever done”

Waving goodbye to home comforts and donning their linen trousers, seven BMS Action Teams flew off to volunteer around the world. Six months later, they’re back! So, how was the experience?

Seeing enormous poverty first hand was a struggle for Uganda Action Teamer Dan Wilton, from Eastleigh Baptist Church. “Walking through the slums it hits you in the face,” he says. “These are not just faceless people on an advert, they’re real people with real stories and your heart goes out to them.”

Huw Hides, from St Andrew’s Methodist/UCR Church, Sedgley, was placed closer to home. “When I signed up for the gap year I was thinking extreme mission in India or something,” he says, “so Italy seemed like the safe option.” But he still encountered poverty, and a real need for the gospel.

“God has definitely changed my perceptions,” says Huw. “I’ve seen a massive need in Italy and I’m now really excited about mission in Europe. This year’s definitely changed me as a person and given me a passion to fight injustice – where I see injustice God is just breaking my heart.”

Rachel Sword, from Stirling Baptist Church, was based in Delhi, India. She was thrown in at the deep end, teaching 50 disadvantaged children who spoke no English every day. “It was a bit crazy,” she says. “But it was good – it forced me to learn more Hindi and to really think about how to communicate. I learnt to show the children how much God loved them without being able to say it.

“I really have fallen in love with India. The Action Team is the best thing I’ve ever done.”

June & July 2013 Page 11 Teddy Praise!

i! Let me introduce myself. Some nice smiley ladies said, I’m Darcy Bear and I’m “Welcome to Teddy Praise,” and H stuffed! Both with picnic showed us to our picnic blanket at food and polyester wadding. You the front which was awash with see on Thursday 2 May, a beautiful teddy-sized plastic crockery. There sunny day, me and my furry mates was also a bloke with a guitar and a (Carrot, Paddington, Dave, Maude scary beard. From my cosy spot on and Quentin) were invited to a the blanket, whilst gobbling up all teddy bears’ picnic in a very tall the honey-chicken, I counted six building called South Parade Baptist really little people plus mummies Church. Because we’re vertically and a grandma in the back quarter challenged, when inside the of the Sanctuary. There was gluing Sanctuary we looked up and and sticking happening on one side guesstimated that the roof must and some bright toys to play with. nearly touch the clouds! Some of the mummies were sipping tea.

After a while me and my furry mates were deluged as the little people came running and crawling towards us down the aisle. Tightly in one fist most were clutching the paper man and woman they had been decorating with shiny stuff, and in the other was their favourite teddy from home. Darcy with his mate Carrot at When everyone had Teddy Praise! settled at the front one

Page 12 June & July 2013 of the nice ladies started peering scampered off to the back again down a big shiny tube whilst playing with the nice smiley ladies and the “I Spy”. She then handed round bloke with the guitar to flap a some Bibles with lots of colourful massive rainbow coloured cloth up pictures in especially for little and down. They marched round people. Then the bloke with the with it, sat on top of it, sat under it, guitar told everyone about how chuckled, chucked balls on it, God made the world, Adam, Eve, chucked balls off it – all while you and me! He then did lots of singing special Jesus songs! I strumming and we sang some songs decided that the bloke with the and jangled our jingles. guitar and the scary beard wasn’t scary after all! He told me his name The bloke with the scary was Brian. beard and the guitar told o, don’t go down in the everyone about how God woods, but instead join me made the world, Adam, S and my furry friends at the Eve, you and me! next teddy bears’ picnic at Teddy Praise! Remember to bring your I decided he wasn’t favourite teddy with you! scary after all. Love

After a special Teddy Praise closing x prayer, the little people and the Darcy Bear mummies and the grandma

...involved... Teddy Praise takes place on the first Thursday of every month in term- time, in the Sanctuary at 1.30pm. Dates for the next few months are: 6 June, 4 July and 5 September 2013. Please contact Kate Burkett or Brian Nicholls for more information.

By perseverance the snail reached the ark.

Charles Spurgeon

June & July 2013 Page 13 Italy Update

It was a real joy and privilege  How they support 45 families in on Saturday 18 May at the church through the food Headingley to hear from David bank. and Ann MacFarlane about  The continued work amongst their work in Reggio Calabria the refugees in Rosarno, but (the toe of Italy). sadly of how Lucia David and Ann has suffered a are one of the stroke. She used to longest serving co-ordinate this Christian work- work and teach Ital- ers in Europe, ian to the young having worked in men. David and Ann Italy in various with the help of locations within some students are the past 21 years. continuing this work. nn took us  The clubs that through a mean that Church A PowerPoint David and Ann MacFarlane life is very busy, one with much enthusi- being the women’s asm as she shared about: group. About 50 women meet  The recent "marriage" of the monthly, though recently have Italian and the Philipino asked if they can meet more churches, which together total 60 members and is now known as the International Baptist Continue to pray for this church. couple as they return  The recent baptisms on Easter to Italy, and pray that Sunday of four of the members local people will respond and one of the action team members. to the gospel

Page 14 June & July 2013 regularly. Prayer and Bible Prayer points: study is much encouraged and  David is needing further investi- fellowship around a meal after- gations for pain in his newly im- wards is often the norm. planted hip.  The English classes they hold in  Harvey (young man with a brain the church using material pro- tumour) has had a sudden re- duced by their son David, a lapse and his condition is dete- teacher who lives nearby. riorating rapidly, nothing more  Her work in the hospitals - Ann can be done medically. has spent many a day or night in  The mountains of rubbish accu- the local hospital with members mulating due to lack of council of the fellowship and some of workers, some have not been the refugees when they were paid, that the Government will injured after a peaceful demon- intervene. stration.  And most importantly that the local people will respond to the lease continue to pray for this gospel. couple as they return to Italy P in early June for health and Pat Dalgleish strength to keep up with all their commitments. SPBC contact for the Macpac

...inspired... Talk to Pat about finding out more about the MacFarlanes and their work with BMS or check out their page on the BMS website at www.bmsworldmission.org/admacfarlane

...informed...

For details of service times, locations, Mission Communities, small groups, children’s work, student events, our vision and structure, sermon downloads, the church blog, the weekly notice sheet and much much more, go to the church website: www.spbc.org.uk

June & July 2013 Page 15 Pleasure Tunes

Sacred Harp comes to South Parade

Now shall my inward joys arise, of the style, but the compelling And burst into a Song; beauty of the tunes and the Almighty Love inspires my Heart, magnificent words they support And Pleasure tunes my Tongue. draw a growing body of enthusiasts - believers and those who simply he above lines by Isaac love the music - many times a year Watts (from the hymn Africa, for “singings” all over the UK. T 178 in the Sacred Harp hymn book) could have been The compelling beauty written as a description of Sacred Harp music, a thrilling and vibrant of the tunes and the hymn-singing tradition from the magnificent words Southern states of the USA. On draw a growing body Saturday 29 June South Parade will be hosting its first “Sacred Harp of enthusiasts singing”. The typical Sacred Harp “day” Sacred Harp singing dates back begins with a singing school, approximately two centuries, and is introducing beginner and veteran always sung unaccompanied. singer alike to some of The music is from a folk the peculiarities of the tradition, and its exhilarating style. Ability to sight- harmonies have a read is helpful but by sometimes strident no means essential, freshness that and there are always owes little to enough people who the teachings of know what they’re conventional music doing to support theory. Subtlety and even the most nuance are not part unsure.

Page 16 June & July 2013 y the end of the day Have a listen to some of the many somewhere between 60 and examples of the tradition you can B 80 hymns will have been find on YouTube, and come along sung, a prodigious quantity of food on the day and help make the first will have been consumed (bring a Sacred Harp singing at South Parade dish to share as well as your voice) a success. and a unique act of praise and fellowship will have been completed. John Copperwheat Headingley Morning Mission Community

...informed... Leeds Sacred Harp Singing Saturday 29 June 2013 10.30am – 4pm

 Come, enjoy singing and hearing the vibrant harmonies  Morning Singing School with Cath Tyler and Michael Walker  No experience necessary  All are welcome  Books will be available for loan or purchase  Please bring a ready prepared dish to share for Dinner on the Grounds  Admission Free  A voluntary collection will be taken to cover expenses

Further information can be obtained from John and Arja Copperwheat (Headingley Morning Mission Community) or from Chris Brown & Judy Whiting

Christianity helps us face the music even when we don’t like the tune.

Phillips Brooks

June & July 2013 Page 17 Consider the Lilies The Flower Team

hen Margaret Galliford Margaret and Joan visit regularly was 15 she started who might be poorly or W training in a florists housebound and would be shop: Margaret Copley of South encouraged to receive some Parade Baptist Church heard about flowers. it and invited her to join the rota for arranging the church flowers. The church pays for these flowers That was more years ago now than but if you would like to Margaret cares to remember... commemorate a special occasion such as an anniversary, celebrate a The Flower Team at Headingley is reason for thankfulness or make an small but talented: comprising act of remembrance then Margaret Galliford, Jane Margaret Galliford would be Hepworth and Margaret happy to make that Sunday’s Chambers and those of us arrangement in particular who attend the services at colours, or flowers if in Headingley on Sundays are season, for a specific blessed with beautiful donation given directly to flower displays, as part of her. our worship to God. Both the flower But that is not the whole arranging and the story; after the evening distributing bouquets were service Margaret Gale and Joan duties taken over from Margaret Spivey disassemble the arrangement Copley some time ago so the team and make up bouquets which they would welcome new members – distribute. Sometimes this is to and you don’t have to be called folks who attend the evening Margaret to join! service but they also take bouquets to people we know at Headingley

Hall and Corinthian House, Lower Gemma Eastwood Wortley. And there are others that Church Administrator

Page 18 June & July 2013

Weekly Prayer Diary June - July 2013 “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6.6 (NIV)

2 June 9 June

Brian Nicholls SENT Mission Community Heather McLeen Claire Ginn Children’s and Youth work Work among students Steve and Ismay in Tunisia Adrian Howe, Church Treasurer Rosemary Stirk and the Finance Team Cafe Church David Morris and his retirement service at Cambridge The persecuted church 16 June throughout the world Your neighbours Headingley Morning Mission Community Geoff King The Retired Persons’ Fellowship Those who can’t get to church on a Sunday any more Caroline Brown Pull out and use!

June & July 2013 Page 19 23 June 30 June

Paul Rockley Connect Mission Community Adel Mission Community The Under 5s work The church meeting this week Kate Burkett Couples getting married Teddy Praise this week this summer Colin and Jill Jones and the Dave Bartram project in Lisieux, Normandy Your small group and its leader St George’s Crypt Karl Martin (Edinburgh) CAP and our plans for a Debt Andrew Goldsmith (Ruislip) Centre Irene Jane Waites in Albania

Lord God, as once your Holy presence filled the temple, on Pentecost we thank you that your Holy Spirit now fills your people the Church.

Fill each of us with your Spirit that our lives are daily transformed from one degree of glory to another.

Ignite in us a passion to seek your will, a desire to know your word, and a readiness to respond.

So fill us with your Spirit that our lives cannot help breathe out your praise.

Make your Church a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Where there is injustice, make your church a royal priesthood and a holy nation.

Where there is violence, make your church an ambassador for Christ.

Where there is greed, hatred or pride, grant your church a truly prophetic voice.

Fill your people with your Holy Spirit, that we might be a holy presence in your world.

Page 20 June & July 2013 14 July 7 July Gemma Eastwood

Church Office Cragg Mission Community The deacons Geoff Greer, Church Secretary Other local churches Someone you know The Baptist Union, Jonathan who doesn’t know Jesus Edwards (General Secretary) The Arabic Christian Fellowship and Lyn Green (see page 35) Nathan Shipley (see page 5) The Green House Richard Pollard (Bristol) Chris and Dorothy Gnanakan Matthew Wright and the work of OTAN David and Ann Macfarlane Street Angels in Headingley Ed Preston, UCCF and local Matthew Rowe Christian Unions

28 July 21 July Cafe Church at Holt Park The Monday meeting Church@LittleLondon Joanna Project Lawrence Cockrill Diane Horsley Judith Briggs The work of TLG and the Early Rooted Intervention Centres Leeds City Mission Those in hospital Jayne Godfrey in Bratislava ABC Coffee Shop Dan Mcleod (Surrey) John Gleghorn (Bingley) Levi Booth Nick Cook (Market Harborough) Gaynor Hammond

June & July 2013 Page 21 Come Prepared

Preaching Themes and Readings

Date Morning Services Evening Service Mark 9 Romans 9 2 June A troubling vision In the Potter’s hands of glory Romans 10 Mark 10 9 June How will they hear The Servant King Romans 11 Mark 11 16 June All in God’s good time Nothing but leaves Romans 12 Mark 12 23 June Therefore... Everyday The Big Commandment discipleship Romans 13 Mark 13 30 June Those “blessed” Romans The unknown hour

Romans 14 Mark14 7 July Living with diversity The Lord’s Supper

Romans 15 Mark 15 14 July Personal obligations The wrong choice Romans 16 Mark 16 21 July Many expressions of Accompanying signs church, one foundation

“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.” Mark 13.35-6 (NIV) (30 June)

Page 22 June & July 2013 Constitution Acts Time to Reflect

t the meeting of the both privately and by being present Elders and Ministry wherever possible at meetings for A Team in April a few of corporate prayer; us recognised that we could  to live in loyal love and fellowship not honestly say we always live with all the other members of the out these principles outlined in Church; the church constitution. We  to take some part in the work of wondered if other the Church according to our calling, members also recognised gifts and opportunities; this in themselves?  to accept personal responsibility for the government of the local Church BELONGING TO THE by being present, CHURCH whenever possible, at the 6.1. In response to God’s meetings of the grace and mercy, the Church; responsibilities of membership  to give regular include: financial support to the Church in proportion to  to live a life consistent with personal resources and the Gospel and worthy of our high circumstances; calling in Christ Jesus our Lord;  to attempt, by personal invitation,  to spend some time every day in hospitality and visitation to bring prayer and reading of the others to the Church; Scriptures;  to witness to the Lord Jesus Christ  to share regularly, unless by word and deed, and to take part unavoidably prevented, in the in the evangelisation of the world. corporate worship of the Church, and to be regular and faithful in the observance of the Lord’s supper; The Ministry Team  to fulfil the ministry of intercession

June & July 2013 Page 23 Step of Faith

What Kind of Love is This?

South Parade member Sue of me had been ripped out, the pain Brady shares her recent was almost unbearable. experience of resting in God’s love during a time of grief. As I cried out to God in my pain I felt as though I was drowning in my n 22 January this year my sorrow and didn’t know how to get mother died. She had just relief. Every day I found myself O spent four days with Ron going over the events of the (my husband) and myself as she did weekend she had spent with us. most weeks and as far as we knew Had I missed something? Had she everything was normal. Ron took been feeling ill? If so why hadn’t I her home on the Sunday as usual noticed? As a nurse, should I have and I said I would ring her seen something? These were later in the week but on real accusations in my mind Monday teatime I received and the guilt piled on until I a phone call saying she could not sleep properly or had collapsed and was even divert my mind away being taken to hospital. from the thoughts. She had a ruptured aortic aneurism I found (burst major blood attending vessel) from which she eventually services in died at 5.45am on Tuesday church very hard and a few times morning. either ended up in tears or had to leave early. One time that was To say I was shocked is an especially hard was an evening when understatement. I felt as though Ron came with me. I was fine until everything was unreal and I was the last hymn, How Great Thou walking through a thick fog: nothing Art. This had been one of the made sense. It felt as if a huge part hymns at mum’s funeral. Well, Ron

Page 24 June & July 2013 loves this hymn and was belting it There is one thing though that I out at the top of his voice totally really want to share and that is how oblivious to the fact that I was in God enveloped me in His deep bits next to him and all he said was love. He comforted me and eased “I enjoyed that, it’s a good hymn” my pain with a love that I can only and him, someone who does not say was far deeper than anything I believe! have experienced before. During the many times that I sobbed before God comforted me the Lord a gentle calmness would and eased my pain slowly wash over me. One time I was telling Him how much I hurt with a love that was and didn’t know how I could find far deeper than the strength to go on, I suddenly anything I have noticed the little Footprints story on experienced before the desk in front of me, telling me that it was at these very times when the Lord was in fact carrying me. But God heard my cry and provided comfort in many ways. I received So why do I feel the need to share? many cards, texts, emails, telephone calls and visits from people who I want to share because I am sure am sure didn’t really know what to there are many other people say, but just allowed me to share I who have either gone through and cry. I am so thankful to God or are going through similar feelings for prompting people and to of loss as those I experienced, or everyone who responded and who are suffering in some other supported me in this way. way and I want them to know that, “God loves you” in just the same way that He loves me and He will “carry you” as and when you need Him too.

The second thing I want to share is that God has reminded me that His love is not for holding on to, it is for sharing.

Jesus tells us, as He told His disciples, that we are to love one another as He has loved us. The

June & July 2013 Page 25 greatest love we can ever show is riches he may strengthen you with to lay down our lives for each power through his Spirit in your other, in other words, put aside self inner being, so that Christ may and selfish thoughts and deeds. dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted Please understand, these are the and established in love, have thoughts that God has given to me power, together with all the saints, and has been speaking into my heart to grasp how wide and long and and I recognise that they may or high and deep is the love of Christ, may not be for everyone who is and to know this love that reading this at this time. surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all To finish I would like to pray the fullness of God.” Amen. words Paul prayed for the Ephesians: “I pray that out of His glorious Sue Brady

...inspired...

If you want to share part of your spiritual journey for the “Step of Faith” column to encourage others, email [email protected]

“I now know that the darkest times are yet to come, but for now I shall live to find the diamonds of joy that each day brings. God has brought me through this far and I have no reason to believe that He won’t continue to drag me through, albeit kicking and screaming, what is to come. If there is one thing I’ve learned this cycle, it is that no matter how desperate life gets, it is God who is in control. What is more, the safest place to be is under His wing so that is where I will stay.”

Stari Gunarathne, from her blog, Finding the Anchor in the Storm at iwontbewanting.blogspot.co.uk

Page 26 June & July 2013 A Week in Kolkata

Judith Briggs travelled with five breached we found we saw far others to Kolkata for a week at more than we usually do. the beginning of April to meet India is a land of extremes: of BMS partners. They hope to wealth and poverty, of wonderful work together with them in food and under-nourished people, the future to give Jesus of great learning and ignorance, of LIFE:style trainees a life- natural beauty and man-made changing experience of mission rubbish, of corruption and that will enrich their innocence, of splendour and discipleship. squalor.

ou may have read a “Rough In and amongst all this we became Guide” to Kolkata, seen aware of people building for the Y images on TV or flicked kingdom of God. They are doing through a BMS Engage magazine, so this in various ways. that the sights of this Indian city may not surprise you. But nothing Church planting in rural West can prepare you for the actual Bengal with Big Life ministries experience of the place: inescapable (headed up by Ben Francis, who heat, continuous noise, crowds of seems out of a similar mould to people and crazy traffic. No-one Chris Gnanakan!) We shared our much wears seat belts. India has baptism stories and then witnessed one of the highest global death the baptisms of seven people, both rates from road traffic accidents. women and men. Four of them had Once out of the airport we soon converted from a Muslim saw why! background. Their conversion is costly. We had to keep quiet We stayed in the BMS guesthouse because there had been trouble in in the heart of the city - an oasis of the village on the previous night. calm - and went by all sorts of It’s most likely that their families transport (scary and hilarious in will disown them and that they will equal measure!) to visit projects and find it hard to get work. Their lives make connections with people. might even be in danger. They When all our comfort zones were were all determined to go through

June & July 2013 Page 27 with it, nonetheless. In baptism we identify with Jesus’ death to his will We came back fizzing and trust in God’s will. Our with energy because of brothers’ and sisters’ earnest desire the experience of the to do this was humbling and inspiring. unstoppable power and love of God Medical Missions in West Bengal. We witnessed primary Women especially face deep healthcare in action. Two of our opposition from their families if team dispensed vitamins, calcium they choose to convert. We heard and some antibiotics following a of one converted wife whose doctor’s examination of a whole husband was about to slit her queue of people, mainly women and throat until he asked himself why children. Most of these children she was not afraid to die for this suffer skin and bone diseases Jesus. He soon trusted Jesus because of poor nutrition. How do himself. But there are many stories you begin to address such a massive with sad endings too. need? Well, you just have to start. The doctor preached and prayed Freeset jute bag and T-shirt for healing, as well. This work enterprise in the red light whilst financially cheap is personally district of Kolkata. Annie and costly. This is hostile territory. Kerry, NZ Baptists began Freeset 13 years ago. It employs around 200 women, all of whom worked in prostitution before. We were shown round this small-scale craft venture that gives not only work but friendship, healthcare, solidarity, literacy classes, dignity, crèche facilities and the possibility of new life in Jesus Christ.

It’s estimated that there are 10,000 prostitutes in Judith (front right) and the team the 1 square km around in Kolkata

Page 28 June & July 2013 the Freeset works. The scale of the soil of the India we saw and we need is huge. Without Freeset and came back not despairing at the other similar small-scale initiatives, needs or overwhelmed by the these women have no option but to problems, but fizzing with energy. earn their bread in Why was that? It was this way. because of the faithful service of determined 98% of these women believers, because of have chronic health the connections we care issues: STDs, made and the HIV, respiratory friendships we began diseases and but also because what emotional trauma are we experienced was common. There is the unstoppable opposition to this power and love of work, too. It may God: the God whom take years for some we love and trust women to pluck up too. enough courage to go to the Freeset training programme. When you are out of your comfort zone, it’s possible to see and hear oing to Kolkata was a your own calling more clearly than challenging experience. you might ever do back home, like G We were challenged by the we did. faith of our Christian brothers and sisters engaged in difficult and I hope to show my India slides at dangerous work. We were Cragg some time in June. There challenged by their high will be an opportunity at that time expectations of God to meet their to give to BMS work with Big Life need and to multiply the tiny dent ministries. I do hope you will be they can make in the huge mountain able to come. of need all around them. We were challenged by the spiritually fertile Judith Briggs

...involved... Ask Judith about Jesus LIFE:Style: a programme of mentoring, mission training and reflection, plus mission in Kolkata or in one of your Mission Community’s partner countries.

June & July 2013 Page 29 Missional Biscuits

God At Work

Anita worked for a Who would have thought that pharmaceuticals company. chocolate biscuits could be an She and her fellow scientists instrument of the Kingdom? But would come to work each they were for Anita. Through morning and shuffle off to their those biscuits and coffee she individual cubicles to carry out released relational wellbeing important research. And then amongst her colleagues, and it was in the evening they would good not only for them but for the shuffle out again and go home. business as well.

t wasn’t long before Anita You see, the gospel really is realised that this way of doing good news not just for our I things wasn’t good for them and working colleagues but also wasn’t good for the business for our work and either....nobody shared ideas, workplaces. When we nobody knew what else was going work, we can reflect on that could have been relevant. our working God who There was no team work. created beauty and order, gave us a means So Anita decided to try of providing for to change things. She ourselves, our families performed an experiment and others less fortunate, and a way to see how many scientists would to release the huge potential that come out of their cubicles if offered lies in people and the world around freshly brewed coffee and chocolate us. biscuits at 11am on a Friday. And she discovered that 97 per cent of And as we work we can join in with scientists would indeed emerge... God’s bigger mission: to help fix and they started to talk to each what was broken when we decided other... and discovered that they to go our own way in that first could help each other with ideas workplace, Eden. We don’t need to and techniques. leave God at the door when we go

Page 30 June & July 2013 to work. We can be those who anything you could do to help shape the world on God’s behalf as change them for the better? we work and be shaped by him  Make learners of Jesus’ ways? through our work. – how could you show others what Jesus is like by what you do Who would have thought or how you do it, so that they that chocolate biscuits see it’s good and join in?  Be a Mouthpiece for truth could be an instrument and justice? – speaking up for of the Kingdom? what is true and just, or against what is unfair or unhealthy.  Be a Mouthpiece for the ometimes though we need gospel? – praying and being help to see what being a prepared for the opportunity to S disciple of Christ looks like in share something of what Jesus a world of work that can seem so has done in your life. remote from our church community. Well here’s a Clearly we can’t do all these at framework that could help you once... we need discernment as work it through. We call it “7Ms”. well. Ask yourself these questions: Ask God for eyes to see what With God’s help, how could I… you’re already doing... and be  Make good work? – doing encouraged. good work intentionally for the Lord: your best with his help Ask God for eyes to see what you  Model godly character? – might do... and be courageous. how might we manifest the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, Remember this doesn’t need to be patience, kindness, goodness, complicated – eyes to see and a faithfulness, gentleness and self- packet of biscuits could be enough! control?  Minister grace and love? – the way we work, the way we Charles Hippsley

set up a meeting, the way we do Director of the LICC Work Forum, an appraisal, with the other www.licc.org.uk/work-forum person’s interests at heart. Reproduced with permission from OMF’s  Make culture? – how are things Billions magazine May 2013, www.omf.org.uk. done in your workplace? Is there

June & July 2013 Page 31 Questions Real People?

rian in his weekly notes asks, Suppose John told his gospel to “How can we in our time listeners one of whom wrote it B capture the excitement of down. Did this teenager remember those who heard the gospel in the his tumultuous years with Jesus and early days of the church?” Is one vividly share it with his disciples answer to try to capture more twenty or thirty years later? There about the life of the man or woman is no reason why it cannot be true. called by God to be prophetic or to Can you feel the sense in which bear witness to the Gospel of John could describe himself as the Redemption? disciple whom Jesus loved?

We could read the epistle from the For centuries the greater part of universally acknowledged leader of the Epistles was attributed to Paul the Jerusalem church and test our with little understanding of his life understanding of the Gospel and background. On the road to comments on the family of Jesus. Damascus, Saul, Pharisee of the Was he the man widely known as Pharisees could not escape from his James the Just? Or we could read formal lawyer’s role. It was not Habakkuk and ask how his God’s purpose that he should. He prophetic vision was formed by his would need that background. For time. How do we interpret it in the decades many Christians were knowledge of the life, death and Judeans or Greek speakers widely Resurrection of Jesus Christ? dispersed in Asia. They were under pressure from established Jewish culture in many cities. Paul as minister to the Gentiles had an almost impossible task of honouring Jewish faithfulness to the Creator Yahweh and insisting on the continuity of the new worship of Jesus as Lord with the fulfilment of the law. He needed all the skills in

Page 32 June & July 2013 argument that he acquired in the For some decades we have had the courts. The conflict of law and benefit of studies in first century grace would be a struggle for both Jewish culture in books by Tom Jew and Gentile. Wright and others. We are urged to see justification and Paul’s letters are more righteousness in court language. If readily understood as we are charged with sin by the law, the judge delivers a not guilty being directed to churches verdict for those who by faith say with particular histories Jesus is Lord and accept God’s and problems righteousness given to us by Grace.

lthough we sin we are Paul presents his credentials to the reconciled to God and at church in Rome “that we may be A one with him by the mutually encouraged by each unmerited forgiveness of the father other’s faith” (1.2). The economy for those of faith who truly repent and directness of chapters 1 and 2 of their sins. The repetitive and are very obvious. The seven verses often dense language is more from 1.16 contrast the evidence of relevant when we recognise the God the Creator with pagan beliefs, purpose of Paul’s writings and to followed by the consequences of whom they were directed. All not acknowledging God. The seven Pauline Epistles are more readily verses from 2.12 show his skills in understood as being directed to debate and end with the nature of churches with particular histories God’s judgement. In eight verses of and problems. By trying to envisage Chapter 3, Paul finds six Old who they were and their challenges, Testament references to confirm can we see more relevance to our his claims for his Jesus gospel. It life and times? does not take much effort to bridge twenty centuries to find today’s parallels. Cyril Snell Headingley Morning Mission Community

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1.16 (NIV)

June & July 2013 Page 33 Church Noticeboard

Leading the Jesus Way From this autumn several local Baptist churches are teaming up with the Yorkshire Baptist Association to provide a good quality learning programme for people who are motivated to go a little deeper. This may be simply the desire for study and reflection, it may be related to a specific leadership role or be part of exploring a call to further training or Christian ministry. It’s the kind of thing that would suit would-be leadership team members, small group leaders, preachers, deacons and elders.

Using nationally-known speakers, the course will run on the second Saturday of each month. People can attend one-off sessions or sign up for the whole series, in which case they will be provided with additional support, including a tutorial group, mentoring, and a tool box of resources. More publicity will be available soon. If you are interested and want to know more, please talk with Brian Nicholls.

The Leeds Arabic Christian Fellowship... Don’t ...meets in the Green House every Forget Sunday from 3.30pm. Guests are The June church always welcome to join them for all or meeting: part of their meetings and translation Headingley, is available. Thursday 27 June, 7.30pm.

Wedding Bells... Congratulations and Best Wishes to everyone who’s getting married this summer, especially Rachel Greer and Tri Wangrangsimakul (6 July) and John Gannon and Rachel Nelson (27 July)!

Page 34 June & July 2013 New Baptist General Secretary The Rev Lynn Green has been appointed as General Secretary of the Baptist Union, taking up the new role in September 2013. Lynn is well known to many within the Union and is currently a Regional Minister with the Southern Counties Baptist Association team. Previously she served as Minister at Wokingham Baptist Church. Lynn is excited by God’s call to this ministry and as she looks forward to serving our Union in this new role of General Secretary, she outlines her vision.

“My vision is to see our vision and values become reality... Our 5 Core Values – being prophetic, inclusive, sacrificial, missionary and worshipping communities – must be reflected in our life together. I am committed to holding us all accountable to these values in our life together and in our engagement with the world.”

Read more about Lynn at www.baptist.org.uk and pray for her as she takes up the role, and for Jonathan Edwards, the outgoing General Secretary.

Why not visit our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SPBaptistChurch ?

Good Book?

Paul Rockley and John Your group Lockwood are relaunching featured here! the Church Library. Tell To add something to us about a book that the August Intouch changed your life or has made a Church Noticeboard difference in your walk with God. Email email [email protected] with the details. [email protected]

June & July 2013 Page 35 South Parade in Numbers Part Two

Welcome! 400 16 Customers at the ABC Coffee £1.20 New members in the Shop in an For a slice of last 12 months average week homemade cake

Redmire 2013: 242 39 kids New visitors to the SPBC website in the last month 19 leaders 1 baptism and about £464.62 8 hours’

sleep! The amount of tax claimed * back so far 12 since the Rounds of Rock introduction of Paper Scissors it took the new Gift Nathan Shipley to Aided Small beat the whole Donations congregation when Scheme in he led the All-Age April. part of the service at Headingley in May.

* roughly. I lost count.

Page 36 June & July 2013 20 7 Other churches Children come to cell groups use our buildings for worship and meetings 21 The number of members we’re still trying to confirm 45 email addresses for across Number of days Paul Rockley was the mission communities. minister of South Parade before Could one of them be you? being approved as a church member

16 People baptized in the River Aire in 1779 who formed the church that became SPBC. Still going strong 234 years later.

If you have a number for South Parade in Numbers email magazine@

For more “Cake For“Cake more Death”or cartoons spbc.org.uk cakeordeathcartoon.wordpress.com

by AlexBaker by visit:

June & July 2013 Page 37 Time Now to Sow for the Garden of Your Daily Living

Plant:

Three rows of peas: peace of mind peace of heart peace of soul

Three rows of squash: squash gossip squash grumbling squash selfishness

Three rows of lettuce: lettuce be faithful lettuce be patient lettuce really love one another

A garden should always have some thyme: thyme for each other thyme for family thyme for friends

Water frequently with patience and cultivate with love.

You reap what you sow!

Anonymous, thanks to Pam Roe for passing this on.

“If Jesus isn’t at the centre of the church, we are simply the Rotary Club with a pointy roof.”

Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury Church Times, 17 May 2013

Page 38 June & July 2013 South Parade meets as five distinctive Mission Communities across Leeds: in Headingley, Adel and Cragg on a Sunday Morning, and as SENT at Headingley on Sunday evenings. Connect meets at different locations in the community in Bramley. We also have projects in Little London and Holt Park. To find out more, visit the website or contact the church office.

Together, we have a shared vision to build community in Christ. We hope that all who meet us will be helped to belong to Christ and his people, will discover what it means to believe in him, and will become all that he invites them to be in character, lifestyle, witness and service.

Senior Minister Brian Nicholls Minister Paul Rockley

Associate Pastor David Bartram Children’s Worker Heather McLeen Church Worker Geoff King Administration Manager Gemma Eastwood Student Worker Lawrence Cockrill Under 5s Co-ordinator Kate Burkett

Elders Judith Briggs Adam Clayton, Claire Ginn, Geoff Greer (Church Secretary), Adrian Howe (Church Treasurer) John Pelham, Rosemary Stirk

South Parade Baptist Church 0113 275 4989 Kirkstall Lane, Headingley www.spbc.org.uk LEEDS LS6 3LF [email protected]

June & July 2013 Page 39 “

I will pour out my Spirit on all people

” Joel 2.28 (NIV)

Page 40 June & July 2013