BMS (Baptist Missionary Society) works among some of the most marginalised and least evangelised people, in some of the most fragile places on earth. 

As a church we support their work and have signed up to their Birthday Scheme which is administered by Maria, one of our members. To find out more, head to https://downsbaptistchurch.org/community/mission-works/

BMS World Mission Birthday Scheme has been revamped and exciting changes made in order to achieve its full potential, as follows:-

• Birthday Scheme Secretaries have been renamed Birthday Scheme Co-ordinators.  This means someone who organises the BS in the local church, such as an administrator.
• Resources have been refreshed. These include the gift envelopes and the news bulletins.
• BS gifts will continue to support BMS medical work. We were giving to Guinebor 2 hospital in Chad, North Africa, on the edge of the desert, to support them with medicines, operations, surgeons, nurses etc., etc.  Now, however, our gifts will be used for other urgent BMS work, such as evangelism and church planting, education, justice ministries and relief work.
• Birthday Scheme members will receive a free copy of ‘Engage’, the BMS magazine, 3 times a year, to see their birthday gifts at work. Members can, of course, opt out of any mailing and their details will also be fully data protection compliant.

Appeal for more BMS Birthday Scheme Members:-  

We would love to see some more members in the DBC Birthday Scheme. Why not join us and bless others with a gift on your birthday! It will bring encouragement and hope to so many as well as blessing you!

Bryan Pickard’s prophetic message for Downs Baptist Church  on Sunday, 9th July, 2023 as the members seek to be a light shining into the community of Woodingdean.

(Written from notes taken during his sermon)

In 2 parts:-

1.Hebrews chapter 12 verses 1 -3 (especially verse 2- Please read it) 

Faith in Action

Note that the book of Hebrews is written to encourage the believers (Jewish converts) not to lose heart, give up their faith or settle for a second-best experience of God.

It is written for us too, exhorting us not to grow weary or fainthearted in our faith journey.

We are exhorted to fix our eyes on Jesus:-

• The pioneer of our faith – He is the breaker of new ground, blasting a way from death to life.
• The finisher (perfecter) of our faith – He is the One who has run the race and now stands at the finishing post. He will see us safely there, holding us fast.

We will succeed and take the victors’ prize.

There is a danger of becoming settlers. We say that “we like it here!” Don’t tread water and go nowhere. Don’t settle for something safe, easy and predictable – Jesus has begun a good work in us – be a pioneering people – trailblazers! But, Jesus must be number one in our lives: Matthew chapter 6 verse 33 – Seek first the Kingdom of God.

He enables us to move forward again (for example after serious illness).

Example of Abraham – his call into the Promised Land. Abraham settled halfway, but God encouraged him to move on again.

We may need to stop and take a breather.  To get some rest with Jesus.

Warning:-  Rest and reflection must not become a settled state.

Some of us may be old (!!), but we are still in the race!

We stop for a while, but we must not tread water. We take a break, but we can’t settle!

2. Joshua chapters 1 – 3  Crossing the Jordan. READ the whole of chapter 3 – (it’s an amazing chapter! )

When God speaks it generates faith. Faith comes through hearing. Romans 10 v 17. When God says we can go on, we can!

Warning:-  Don’t get stuck in the past.

And faith for the future is great, but we are called to live in the here and now.

There have to be changes from our settled state.

Look at the example of Israel – they wandered in the desert for 40 years, having their faith stretched. The time to move on had come.  The Israelites were called to a new experience, to cross over, to break new ground together, to move into their inheritance, to trailblaze.

Chapter 3 verse 4 emphasises that –  “You have never been this way before.”

We are also called to a new experience, to fathom new ways of doing things. There will be new challenges and new victories. However, the best is yet to come.

Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11:-  For I know the plans I have for you…………

If God calls us, we can be brave and courageous like Joshua. We need to be people with a rucksack still on our backs.  We must be willing to pack up our things and move. And our leaders will have to step into the water first! It will be a new season. For example, things that the Israelites relied on, disappeared.  They had to plant their own crops, to manufacture their own food.

In the same way churches want to settle for a nice, secure life. Warning –  Don’t settle for the wrong reasons.

But we have to let go of past insecurities and relationships and be willing to put our feet into the water.  The Spirit of God is urging us to set out upon the waters. God will give us the strength to trailblaze.

Conclusion

Despite the hurts, we want to finish well.  We want to see the work in Woodingdean move forward.  We want to push on ahead with You.

To listen to the first part of Bryan’s message and to see another precis of the second part, head to our Sermons page

What a lovely afternoon we had celebrating our Anniversary. Looking back in the archives, it would appear that we are 64 years old! How wonderful to think that this little group has been going all this time!

21 people gathered to celebrate with a cream tea and Sue led us in a few thoughts based around our Birthday Song which we sing to everyone who has a birthday just to say that ‘we love you and may God bless you.’

We wish you every happiness and joy that comes to stay.

In all the year you’ve just begun, God bless you every day.

Protect you underneath His wings, and teach you many precious things.

What a fitting way to close off our year!

We take a break now until the 7th September but there are four coffee mornings to pop along to for fellowship.  Check out the news page and calendar for further details.

Sue’s talk at Thursday Fellowship this week highlighted the reactions of four centurions to Jesus and His followers.

There was the centurion who believed that Jesus could heal his paralysed servant at a distance, merely by His word. (Matthew 8 v 5-13).

Another was the centurion at the foot of the cross who declared, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27 v 54).

Julius was the centurion who was ordered to accompany Paul, now a prisoner, on the long and dangerous journey to Rome.  (Acts 27 v 1-12). He was greatly impressed by Paul’s faith.

The final centurion was Cornelius, who asked Peter to visit him, and filled his house with family and friends who wanted to hear about Jesus. (Acts 10 v 23b – 48). The Holy Spirit came upon all of these Gentiles in power and they were baptised.

All of these men were non-Jewish soldiers, whose lives would never be the same again because of their encounters with Jesus or His followers.

Sue left us with a thought – are people’s lives changed because they meet us and see something of Him in the way we live? Are they able to say just like the centurion at the cross that “surely this man Jesus is the Son of God?” Food for thought indeed!

It was lovely to welcome John back to Thursday Fellowship as our speaker. John’s passage was Mark 1 v 14-20 and his theme – ‘come, follow me!’

God is bringing people to Himself. He did in the past and He is doing so today. Who do you follow? What do you follow? Why do you follow?

In the Bible, Ruth followed Naomi and she is counted in the genealogy of King David and of course Jesus. The wise men followed the star and they met Jesus who was born to be King. Peter followed the angel when in prison to a place of freedom. They all got more than they bargained for when they followed! Psalm 23 tells us that the Lord is our Shepherd.  He knows us personally and if we have any sense, we follow because Jesus can provide all that we need and will guide us in the right paths.

John told us some interesting and humorous stories about passports! Did you know that in your passport it states on the inside front cover that the “Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of His Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance, and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary?” It does indeed, but, you need to follow instructions. The passport has the promise in it but it doesn’t mean anything by itself. John couldn’t travel unhindered because his passport had expired!

We can follow people on social media, but it doesn’t mean much at all.  It is far more important to follow the One who says, “Come, follow Me.”

John challenged us to be a person of action right where we are – to bloom where we are planted.  God is not really interested in our ability but in our availability! Be open to His call. Listen. “Come, follow Me!”

John left us with the words of that lovely song from the musical, Godspell – Day by Day, which gives us much food for thought!

To see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow The more nearly – day by day.

What an enjoyable afternoon as we welcomed Rosemary Kemp to our meeting for the first time.

Sue began our time together by reading Psalm 100.  What are we that God should love us so much?! We were reminded to give thanks and praise His name.

After thinking about some of our members who were not able to be with us, there was an opportunity for open prayer. This is always a very special time but more so when someone begins their prayer journey by praying for the first time and then gaining confidence to do so on other occasions. Such a blessing!

The afternoon was then handed over to Rosemary who led us on the piano with some worship songs with a Jewish feel: When the Spirit of the Lord is within my heart and Jubilate and then the very lovely Graham Kendrick song, Rejoice, rejoice Christ is in you.

Being Jewish, Rosemary shared her faith journey and delighted us with stories from her childhood and memories and accounts of her ancestors and traditions she was brought up with.  Some were very funny, like the time when unbeknown to her parents, she skipped Sunday School for three months – so devious! To make her testimony come alive, Rosemary brought some Jewish items to show us – the Menorah and Shamash candlesticks, a prayer shawl, a dreidel spinning top and talked about their significance in her upbringing.

Rosemary highlighted some very poignant verses from Colossians 2 v 8-9, 16-17 and 20-22 to contrast a religion of man-made traditions, regulations and behaviours with the reality and freedom of knowing who Jesus really is, namely the Messiah. Reading the book, “Messiah in Both Testaments” written by Fred John Meldau made everything come together for her and she came to faith. She realised that faith was needed in view of life’s struggles of which she has had many. Her questions were answered and she needed to have answers to share with others especially her family.

Our time seemed to pass so quickly and Sue said that Rosemary must come again! Here, here!

Jane’s message was all about seasons.  Life comes in seasons.  Years of fast-paced rushing around can give way to seasons of stillness and rest.  Times of desperate need are sometimes followed by refreshing and abundance and vice versa.  Some seasons feel dormant and wasted while others can thrill us with fruitfulness and joy.  We can all look back on our lives and see many different autumns, winters, springs and summers – the ebb and flow of life!

Jane’s reading was Ecclesiastes 3 v 1-8.  There is a natural order to our world and there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Paul said in Philippians 4 v 11-13 that he had learned to be content whatever the circumstances. We must learn how to embrace not just the good things, but also the difficult things and times. You can let bad things destroy you and make you bitter or you can let bad things make you stronger and better!

Jane gave us four tips to help us especially if and when we go through a difficult season:

• Stay humble with a good attitude.  Learn to depend on God’s grace – because His grace is sufficient for you. 2 Corinthians 12 v 7-9.
• Don’t rely on your own devices and strength.  2 Corinthians 1 v 8-9. Remember FROG! Fully Rely On God.
• Stand firm and grow through the trial and the tough times and keep praising God.  Let it make you  a better person and not a bitter one! 1 Peter 1 v 6-7.
• Allow God to teach you and equip you to be a blessing to others. 2 Corinthians 1 v 3-4.

Jane challenged us to think about what season of life we are in right now.  What is God doing?  What is God preparing us for?

Through every season there is a purpose.  Let Jesus be the centre of your life.  Trust Him.  Shine like a star, be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. (Romans 12 v 12 – our text for the year!).

We finished our time together with the chorus – In every circumstance of life by David Fellingham:

In every circumstance of life
You are with me, glorious Father.
And I have put my trust in You,
That I may know the glorious hope
To which I’m called.
And by the power that works in me,
You’ve raised me up and set me free;
And now in every circumstance
I’ll prove Your love without a doubt,
Your joy shall be my strength,
Your joy shall be my strength.

We welcomed Phil Cook as our speaker.  Phil regularly comes to our meeting and we all enjoy his teaching. As an introduction, Kath spoke about presents and had brought along one of her great grandson’s favourite toys – Thomas the Tank Engine. It was discovered after about a year of playing with the engine that a particular button made Thomas come alive so that it spoke and moved! Kath then showed us a beautiful Bible she had been given after retiring from Girls’ Brigade in 1992 and said that it is no good if you leave it in the box and don’t open it up and read it! So true!

This set the tone for a lovely afternoon of hymns/songs:

• May the mind of Christ my Saviour especially verse 2, May the Word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour.
• When the road is rough and steep.
• Blessed Assurance.
• Majesty.
• Jesus lover of my soul – the old Charles Wesley hymn – chosen by our speaker, Phil Cook to close our meeting.

Kath read Ruth chapter 1 and Phil referred to this passage and others as his message was on El Shaddai – which is translated, “The Almighty God”. Phil told us that this is correct but literally translated, it is “I am God who provides for you as my child with a breast to lean on and from which to feed.  I am your sufficiency in your helplessness.”

Our God is the Mighty One of resource and sufficiency – to make us strong for our earthly pilgrimage.

In Ruth 1 although Naomi professes that the Lord has afflicted her, she uses the words El Shaddai – a note of hope that the Lord is with her.  And God proved Himself to her, as Ruth, her daughter-in-law, a pagan woman came into a believing family, was transformed and became a descendant of David and of Jesus. What a wonderful story of God’s redeeming grace!

Phil told us that El Shaddai appears 31 times in the book of Job – the most of any book. Things happen that we don’t have an answer to.  Job didn’t understand why he suffered so much but he knew God to be El Shaddai – “I am God who provides for you as my child with a breast to lean on and from which to feed.  I am your sufficiency in your helplessness.” Job rose above his anguish…”Though He slay me, yet, I will trust in Him (Job 13 v 15).

Phil encouraged us to lean into Him completely.  Sometimes we are tested – we are being proved.  He has done all things well!

Below is a hymn Phil wrote which he has given permission to reproduce here:

El Shaddai, The Almighty God,
Perfect and pure and right and good.
On You we lean - Protective Arm -
Divinely shielded from all harm.

You are our Lord and You provide
Shelter and refuge where we hide;
Shielded from every wild alarm,
Within Your arms just peace and calm.

You're our sufficiency and care
When helplessness is all we share.
You succour us and keep us strong;
For You, O Lord, we seek and long.

You're altogether lovely, fair,
Bridegroom and Saviour, Friend just there.
And in the desert when we roam
You gently seek and bring us home.

Wilderness days are in the past,
We'll lean on Him while life shall last.
"For I am His and He is mine" - 
Redeeming love the eternal theme.

After a super birthday party at Faith’s home because of the local council elections on 4th May, we were back in the Parish Room of the Holy Cross to welcome Connie Croly on the 11th May.

Sue led our meeting reading Proverbs 3 v 5-6 and Psalm 91.  We sang, Be still and know that I am God, Father I place into your hands the things I cannot do, The Lord’s my Shepherd and Trust and obey to conclude. Wendy read the poem, Don’t throw away the lifeboat by Hilary Malpass. Sue’s thoughts were very much on trusting and as it turned out, so were Connie’s.

Connie shared tales from her life in the Salvation Army and very interesting they were too! Through the years God calls us and sometimes it can be so clear and you just need to respond positively.  Connie said that the following chorus was very special to her:

Just where He needs me, My Lord has placed me;
Just where He needs me, there would I be! 
And since He found me, by love He’s bound me To serve Him joyfully!
What can I do to ease life’s heavy burdens?
What can I do to help mankind in need?
Just where I am I’ll share my neighbour’s hardship, Lighten his load, and prove a friend indeed.

God always has work for us to do and that work is important. Connie encouraged us to trust Him in all things and get alongside people and share our story – even on a bus!

Let’s serve Him where we are placed.  Can you say, “speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!”

What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; never fear, only trust and obey.

Next week, we welcome Phil Cook.

Sue illustrated her talk on the second coming of Jesus with the exciting story of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who set out for Antarctica in 1914.

His ship, the ‘Endurance’ got trapped in pack ice.  For a time, they lived on the ship until it broke up, and they survived on the ice for some months.  Finally, they pulled three of the ship’s small boats through terrible conditions to reach open water, then sailed to an uninhabited island. The situation was desperate as many of the 28 men were ill, weak and frost-bitten.  They needed help!

Shackleton took one of the boats with 5 of his most experienced sailors through blizzards and dangerous seas to South Georgia, over 800 miles away leaving behind the remaining 22 under the trusted leadership of Frank Wild.

Every morning, Frank packed up his sleeping bag and said, “Get your things ready, boys – the Boss may come today!” Every day these men watched the horizon waiting for help to come. Many months passed until one day someone spotted a ship.  The ‘Boss’ had returned, as he had promised.

Every one of the crew went home, not one was lost.  What an incredible picture of the return of our Saviour, Jesus Christ! Luke 21 v 27, 28 and 36 – “Stand…lift up your heads…watch…and pray.”

Sue challenged us – Are we ready for our Lord’s return? Something to think about!