Malcolm commenced a new nine-part teaching series on Sunday, 5th May entitled Jesus and ………… . If you have missed a week, don’t forget you can catch up by heading to our Sermons page at https://downsbaptistchurch.org/sermons/

Sri Lanka Church Bombings.

Over 250 Christians have died as a result of churches being bombed across Sri Lanka!

We earnestly ask for your prayers for the families, friends and communities that have been terrorised by this action.

Should you feel inclined to donate to this cause you may add your contribution to the shop slot at DBC Community Greengrocers in Warren Way. We will ensure that your gift reaches the people who desperately need it.

A large number gathered in the turning circle outside the school gates overlooking Woodingdean for an Easter Sunday reflection led by Pastor Malcolm. Oh the joy of being free to worship in the open air on such a beautiful morning! For the second week running DBC publicly demonstrated and declared its faith in Jesus Christ in the community in which we live.

We reflected on the story of the women who discovered that Jesus was not in the tomb where He had been laid. Sadly the report the women brought back that Jesus was alive was not believed at first. It wasn’t long before they were all overcome with joy when they realised that He had risen just like He said.

To conclude our reflection, as we looked over our community, Malcolm prayed that hearts within our community would respond to the good news that God’s not dead – No! He is alive.

Our reflection was followed by a lovely family communion service in the school hall. It is fitting that we should rejoice and be glad as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. He brings life to those who are dead – life in all its fulness.

Malcolm retold stories about Jesus the Miracle Man to engage the very youngest to the oldest. Jesus performed so many miracles – not to show off or impress people but to point the way to God, to show what He is like and what life with God can be like. But still people did not believe in Him. How could people turn against Him? Jesus came to die that we might have life. Because of Jesus we receive forgiveness for our sins, love, joy, peace and hope. One day we will die but if we trust in Him we will be raised by God to eternal life. What wonderful hope this is!

Malcolm reminded us that we take bread and the fruit of the vine to remember the sacrifice Jesus made. His body was broken for us; His blood was spilt for us and He did it because He loved us so much.

We enjoyed sharing in the love feast and rejoiced in God’s goodness to us. As we took communion, Malcolm spent time with each of the children blessing them and praying over them.

What a blessed day. To God be the glory.

Thursday April 18th at 2.15pm in the Parish Room of the Holy Cross was the gathering of 17 faithful ladies who meet weekly for Thursday Fellowship.

This day was rather special it being Maundy Thursday and we focused our thoughts around the prelude of the events of Good Friday.

5 of our number made contributions in the way of appropriate scripture readings or poems and these were interspersed with hymns. We shared Holy Communion – all put together and ably led by Faith Casse.

The ever welcome cup of tea and hot cross buns concluded the afternoon which had been a very pleasant and personal experience. Thanks be to God.

Special thanks to a member of the Thursday Fellowship for this report.

After a fellowship breakfast of bacon sandwiches and hot cross buns, Gareth Woolcott led our morning’s reflection and communion service. He started by saying that so often Good Friday is seen as a solemn time whereas Easter Sunday, a happy joyous occasion. But both days are celebrations – Easter Sunday a reminder of God’s power and victory over death and Good Friday, a reminder of just how much God loves each one of us.

Gareth read from Matthew 26 v 36 – 45. This atmospheric passage highlights the sorrow, pain and anguish that Jesus suffered. “If it is possible may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus was willing to face an agonising death not out of a sense of duty but out of love. He knew what it would mean for all of humanity. This Easter reflect on the love God has for you and what he did to pay the price for your sin.
Oh amazing love!

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven.”

A good number swelled by visitors joined in our walk of remembrance and witness on a beautiful but chilly Palm Sunday morning.

Once again, Solomon the donkey joined us on our walk and led our procession from the school along the Warren Road towards Warren Hill. The children waved flags and others carried banners. We also took turns in carrying a large wooden cross.

As it was Brighton Marathon day, Woodingdean was extra busy with cars and buses being diverted through the village. Many people waved and tooted their horns at our procession and no doubt some wondered what on earth we were doing!

Before setting out, Malcolm encouraged us whilst on the walk to remember and remind ourselves about the humble king who came to die; to be mindful of His sacrifice and ultimate victory and the hope that He brings and offers to each person. The Bible tells us that Jesus cried over the lost who shunned His offer of love and salvation. We can’t trust in our own strength to save us. It is all about Jesus!

For many on that first Palm Sunday, their “hosannas”, their exclamation of praise and adoration quickly turned to fear and contempt which was eventually replaced less than a week later with “crucify Him.” This Palm Sunday, we cry out – Hosanna! Help us! Save us!

We are heading to the Jubilee Centre, Barcombe for our church Away Day on Saturday, 8th June.

We would really like to encourage people to join us at this event – the purpose of which is quite simply to share in an enjoyable time together with a range of activities to suit all tastes.

The plan is to enable social interaction between any who would like to join us – so “one and all” are invited to come along. “One and all”  includes those who are regular attenders at DBC and those who have thought on occasions that they might like to see what the church is about.

The main theme of the day will be based on our church Vision Statement, which is  ‘To Know God and Make Him Known’.

The programme for the day is as follows:

9.30am Arrive and enjoy a Buffet Continental Breakfast

10-10.30am All Together Worship

10.30-12noon Activities

12-2pm Lunch and Free Time

2-3.30pm Activities

3.30-3.45pm Tea/Coffee

3.45-4.15pm All Together Worship

For more information please contact the Leadership Team. https://downsbaptistchurch.org/contact-us/

To know God and to make Him known

A WORSHIPPING CHURCH OF PEOPLE WHO PRAY AND FOLLOW THE TEACHING OF THE BIBLE.

Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14 v 6

A WITNESSING CHURCH OF PEOPLE WHO SHARE OUR FAITH IN WORDS AND ACTIONS.

Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” Luke 10 v 27

The Medical Centre at Dundori in the Rift Valley region of Kenya near Nakuru started from modest beginnings as a health clinic, but has now grown into a medical centre with overnight accommodation and male and female wards.  Originally there were just one or two beds for inpatients, but since then there has been a lot of expansion, rebuilding, redecoration and development in drainage and pipe-borne water.

Initially, Gideon Oyienga was the only medical officer and he was aided by a nurse. The number of staff has now risen to 10 workers including 2 more clinical officers, a lab technician and a dentist.  Gideon has always been the medical director overseeing the work, and he conducts operations.  Although not a trained medical doctor, he has lots of experience and some medical training. Some years ago he visited the UK to attend a medical course organised by Peter Armon, a former member of DBC and a doctor. He stayed in Woodingdean with the late John Bracey.  Illnesses treated include malaria, typhoid, epilepsy, hypertension, child birth problems and dental problems. By January 2012 there was a rise in the number of outpatients treated and a total of 12 inpatients.  Serious cases are referred on to the Provincial Hospital in Nakuru.  Gideon’s slogan is “We treat but God heals” and each day starts with prayer, praise and Bible study.

A trust has been set up called The Great Commission Trust, Kenya. Pastor Daniel Gitau is the director, and the vision for the various projects around Dundori is his.  The trust takes care of the business and financial matters relating to Dundori and the medical centre now has an accountant on its staff.  The trust is a charity – a non-profit making organisation.  There are also a total of 52 Friends and Supporters of the Great Commission Medical Centre Dundori.  Among them is DBC which has helped fund medical work in Dundori for nearly 20 years. Other partners included John Bracey until his death in 2016, and MEDS (Medicines for essential drug supplies).  Supporters also include the Brighton Christian running team, the Habakkuk Harriers, led by Roger Sisley.

Until his death in October 2016, John Bracey, a longstanding member of DBC, was a major supporter, encourager and instigator of the clinic for many years.  He visited Dundori nearly every year and helped the clinic so much practically.  He practically rebuilt it!  He regularly took out cash and equipment, sometimes at a danger to himself.  He also advised the clinic on setting up a proper accounting system because their accounts were in a dire state. The clinic is always in debt and in trouble with the chemist due to the high cost of drugs and medical bills.  This is largely due to the fact that the patients are not always able to pay for their treatment.  DBC makes a regular quarterly contribution towards the cost of medicines for the clinic.

There is a growing group of Chrisco churches in the area which Pastor Daniel Gitau has responsibility for – about 10 fellowships including Dundori and Molo.  The latest is the ‘Worship Centre’ in central Nakuru.  God is working in these lively Pentecostal churches.  The projects we as a church want to support are embedded in the church and part of it.  Staff members at the clinic come from the churches.

Other projects DBC supports:-

1. Molo Feeding and Rehabilitation programme which Leonard Mbae supervises.  2 eco-friendly ovens have been built and also a rural 2-acre plot of land has been bought to be used at first for growing crops.
2. Dolphin Academy school – a rural school, which now has had the electricity supply connected and paid for, and a computer installed to help with administration.
3. The incinerator project is still ongoing and the clinic now has the document from NEEMA.