WEC International open day

This coming bank holiday will hold WEC's (a missionary organisation) annual open day. The day will hold a couple of meetings to learn about the growth of the gospel abroad and there will be time to eat (you can buy hot food or take a pack lunch) and relax in the grounds. More details at http://www.wec-int.org.uk/uk/breaking/mayday.htm
If anyone needs lifts email me at davidappleton6@hotmail.com

Improving your Quiet Times

This month's 16+ meeting will actually be be this Sunday 8th May . It'll be led by David Philpott on "Improving your Quiet Times". Sorry about the typing error on the 16up program! Hope to see you all there.

Banner of Truth Youth Conference

Gerald: Dare I ask what I missed this year?

Sarah: The talks/speakers this year were some of the best I've heard at Banner over the last 5 years. Sharon James spoke particularly well on "God's Design for Women" and just as a reminder to all of us - here are some extra books she really recommended on the subject:

"God's Design for Women" by Sharon James
"What the Bible says about going out, marriage and sex" by Dr Chris Richards and Dr Liz Jones
"Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womandhood" by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Mahaney
"The Relationships Revolution" by Nigel Pollard
"Biblical Womandhood, nine studies for individuals or groups" by Sarah Young

There were also very good talks by Sinclair Ferguson on "To Live is Christ" in three parts, 1) The Gift of Christ, 2) Our Life with Christ and 3) True Devotion to Christ. The first one was very challenging as it reflected on the tremendous meaning and implication of Romans 8 v 32 "He who did not spare his only Son but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things".

Jonathan Watson also delivered a very helpful , earnest address about Preparing for Marriage and Andrew Love talked on Trusting God for the future and knowing his will in all things. I think some people have the tapes on order so I know I'll certainly be borrowing them and listening to them again. Plus we all came away with free books didn't we!

If others could post things that either challenged them, or encourgaed them or things they enjoyed about Banner - that would be great. Lets keep discussing it for months to come rather than forget what we have learnt!

New 16up program for 2005

Finally the 16up program for 2005 is ready! Here it is:

May 8th David Philpott
Improving your Quiet Times

June 12th Graham Lodge
Growth in Grace

BREAK FOR THE SUMMER

September 11th Graham King
Reflections on Aber

October 9th Ron Hollands
Where did the Old Testament come from?

November 13th Vic Poole
Where did the New Testament come from?

December 11th Commitee members
Looking back and looking forward

The locations will be on the leaflets we will hand out/email round in due time. Both HTC and HWEC will have large copies of the schedule put up in their churches so people don't forgot what's on. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them here or contact any one of the commitee members (Gerald, Karen, Sarah or Dave A). Enjoy!

Religion and politics

Don't forget there is a 16+ meeting after the evening service, led by Richard Stonelake, on politics and it's relevance to Christians.

Here is the handout he gave on the election/moral issues. It contains questions that we should ask our local candidates and then use our votes according to how many questions they answer satisfactorily

1. Abortion - Would you favour a reduction in the term for "social" abortions i.e those done for any reason other than to save the mother's life (at present 24 weeks)? Do you oppose late abortions carried out because of foetal abnormalities?
2. Embryo research - Are you opposed to the use of human embryos for a) cloning; b) choosing a child's gender; c) chimeras (human cells blended with cells of other species; d) hybrids (human cells implanted in other animals; e) gathering stem cells?
3. Assisted suicide - Would you oppose any move to make assisted suicide easier (no longer an offence)?
4. Euthanasia - Do you oppose the provisions of the Mental Capacity Bill which a) require hospitals to allow patients with little hope of recovery to die and b) require patients to be deprived of food and water if they fall into a coma or become too ill to speak for themselves?
5. Religious hatred - Do you agree that the measure contained in the Serious Organised Crime Bill restricts freedom of speech, particularly for Christians?
6. Civil Partnership - Do you agree that this measure weakens the sanctity of marriage and is misguided?

Ooh, Aah!

A few photos from the recent celebration of Sarah's birthday day out at pain balling, oops sorry, paint balling.

The birthday girl returning from her tour of duty 

...Would you want to meet these people in a dark alley? 

Looking innocent...