Hello, this page is an archive for home page news of 2014. Sermon links can be found on the at the Sermons Archive page.
Bilston SDA Church Variety Show
It was a cold and dark evening when Bilston SDA Church members and friends gathered at St Chads Church for the hottest gig in town that night (27th December 2014).
It was a great show, well enjoyed by the audience. If you where not there, well you have a chance to see what we all enjoyed that night and even some of the acts too.
Just follow this link to see what happened! Saturday Night.
It was a vivid, exciting and contemplative event for the very first three baptismal candidates for the new Bilston SDA Church. Not that Bilston SDA Church is new; its inception as a Church dates back to 1993 with only twenty members – most of whom came from the then know Oxford Street SDA Church (now Wolverhampton Central). A first baptism in its own church building, where over the years baptism was held at the other Churches of the district.
Thanks to everyone that where there and to those that made the day a wonderful experience for all!
Access the full evening event here along with video of the baptism.
Updated 25 December 2014
Once again, Jean has struck gold (think pounds!) with her brilliant dinner party. This great cook from the heart of the West Midlands can teach the great TV cooking personalities a thing or two for sure.
We had a wonderful night with great food and very entertaining guests. It was well worth attending. Will be at the next one, will you?
She is thinking to offer her services to those you like the idea of having a dinner party but dread the idea of stepping in the kitchen. Jean is just the person to talk to! Connect the webmaster if you are interested.
See the pictures here at the News Gallery.
Date 07 December 2014
Bilston SDA Ordination Service for Deacons and Deaconesses
With the solemnity of only a man of God can extrude, the ordination service of deacons and deaconesses took place on Sabbath afternoon, November 8th 2014. The speaker was one of Bilston Church favourite pastors – Pastor Richard Jackson of the North Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church and formerly pastor of Bilston Church too.
Head Deacons – Brother Horatio Lawrence and Sister Yvonne Campbell.
Updated 14 November 2014
The rest of the article can be found here.
New Quiz Champions!
The last Quiz competition for 2014 was held at GBK Church in September. With a winning streak up until the last competition little Bilston Church was able to hold on to the trophy. Then Wednesfield Church was able to grab the trophy in the competition leading up to the final of the year.
Yet again the Quiz Trophy is passed to another worthy victor. Wolverhampton Central Church will round off the Quiz competition as the winners of the last contest. Well done. Lets see who gets it next year!
Bilston Church Remembers! (Remembrance Day)
Many of us of Jamaican heritage don't share the ravages of war as those native to the UK. Yet even so, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, a spiritual family that share in the lost and pain of each other and that includes the heritage of the great wars, of those who suffered. Has such, has seventh day Adventist, our heritage has a Church, an organised denomination, suffered too. In ways too terrible to talk about by some, on both sides; the allies and the Germans. Pain and sorrows still very much alive even today.
This year marks the century of the Great War. A hundred years (1914-2014). Each year we remember those who served and died as a result of that brutal shedding of innocence, lost youth and blood. Each year we honour the solders that lived and died in the trenches of the western front of Europe.
Yet as it is, no one mentions the fact that there were actually Seventh - day Adventist who were caught up in this global conflict. Many fighting a battle of conscience as to whether to serve King and country or the King of Heaven. Many on both sides of the war decided to follow their personal convictions.
The rest of the article can be found here.
A Matter of Conscience
Following months of research, filming and editing, the documentary account of Adventist conscientious objectors during World War 1 is now available on the Hope TV UK website. As Britain remembers the outbreak of what was called 'The Great War' 100 years ago, church members from across the country have expressed great interest in the project, both from visiting the Adventist WW1 website, from presentations at various churches and Camp Meetings, and with an account in Messenger sharing the courage of these young men who 'stood for right' though the heavens fall. See the documentary here.
Re-posted from http://adventist.org.uk/news/2014/2014-buc/a-matter-of-conscience-film-released#sthash.0xJN5OjL.dpuf
Original Post Date 22 October 2014
Annual Week of Prayer
1 - 8 November 2014
'Christ's Method Alone' is the theme for the annual Week of Prayer, 1 - 8 November 2014. Visit any Adventist church across the British Isles or the world to join with fellow members in sharing this important theme and spending time in prayer. You can view the readings online here: Adventist Review.
The Bilston Church will be opened on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday evenings for prayer meetings. Handsworth SDA will have Peter Gregory of Iona Ministries as speaker for the Sunday night meeting.
Source:http://adventist.org.uk/events/2014/2014-buc/annual-week-of-prayer
Sermon Update
Speaker: Pastor Richard Jackson
Title: We Made It!
The sermon titled - "We Made It" preached by Pastor Richard Jackson on the first Sabbath of the new Bilston SDA Church is now uploaded to YouTube and our website. Due to injuries there was a delay in processing the backlog.
See the all the videos of the day in the Elder’s Corner.
Link to the First Day page here.
Not many are aware of the cycle event that some of our members took part in this month. Clarence and Marlon rode the 20K (13 miles) of the Wolverhampton Cavers Marathon Cycle event in a time of 55 minutes. It should be noted that they did not come in last as there were many that came in after them - young, middle-aged and old. So they did good. Proceeds went to the various charities supported by the Cavers, Cousins and the Wolverhampton Council along with others.
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Wolverhampton SDA Family Fun Day 2014
There were hundreds of cyclist there, on all kinds of two wheel vehicles. There was fast time trial bikes worth thousands, ride bikes worth hundreds and bikes from behind the shred! There was even a bob sledge flying the Jamaican flag - two flags actually! It was a fabulous day for a bike ride in great company and mostly cleared roads. It was a great cycle ride, you could tell by the grin on their faces when they rode in and collected their medals and goody bags - supplied by Greggs and Cavers. They are certainly doing it again next year, what about you?
Date 12 September 2014
Ted Wilson on the The Sabbath Sofa
Source: YouTube, Upload Date: 27 August 2014, Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGZ12aPcfZI
A "The Sabbath Sofia" report
The Sabbath Sofia website
Updated 11 September 2014
This is very much a coup for the Sabbath Sofia team. You may be wondering just who Ted Wilson is? Well here’s news for you, he is now less than the 20th President of the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists! I found an interview of the elder and it can be seen here.
Pastor Ted Wilson Interview
"Pastor Ted Wilson, President of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church, shares his vision for the Adventist church. Pastor Wilson highlights his key messages of prayer and Bible study as central to our relationship with Jesus, then goes on to talk about some of the more difficult areas of leadership, including the on-going debate on the ordination of women. How do you deal with diversity of opinion, theology and practice in a global church? " (YouTube, 2014)
Sources:
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frskki_fZmk
YouTube Upload Date: 3 July 2014
Seventh-Day Adventist Church: http://www.adventist.org/world-church/general-conference/leadership/
Date 10 September 2014
With a flair only found on Channel 4’s Come Dine Me, Jean laid a dinner spread worthy for the famed television show. With cracking good jokes and even better food, it went down well with her eleven dinner guests. The Jamaican themed meal was top notch and the hostess was eager to please. Well done Jean and your ever present assistant Elizabeth! Can’t wait for next time!
Proceed is in aid to the Bilston SDA Church Building Fund. Another dinner is currently been planned. Contact Jean at Church for your place. Places are still available!
Updated : 11 September 2014
The Last Day at St Chads - August 30th
With some feeling the sadness of seeing the place for the last time and the excitment of leaving for a new place too, the day’s Sabbath activities began. In ones and twos, people came to worship for the last time has Bilston Church at the St Chads Community Centre.
See the pictures of the Last Day here. A video of the last sermon preached on the day by R. Scarlett can be seen there too. The Farewell presentation can also be found on this page too.
Updated 5 September 2014
Blast From The Past!
Well fancy finding this on the Adventist UK website…
No doubt Mel, Billy and Marla who are members of the Bilston SDA Church now think of themselves as “old members” of the Church, or I think Billy would say “members of the Family.” They have so far made a tremendous contribution to the Bilston family, even a wedding (Mel). Who can tell, another may will be in the picture some time to come!
Reference: Adeventist UK website 30 August 2014
Children: Tomorrow's Leaders!
On August 21st Wolverhampton Central SDA Church hosted a one week community campaign. The title of the campaign “Now is the Time – It’s Time to make a Change” was designed to attract the audience to the Book of Revelation and the unfolding count down to the end of days.
Special speaker Pastor Patricia Douglas, NEC Children’s Ministries Director, challenged the children to serve the Lord and appealed to the Church to make use of the men and women of tomorrow.
See the full report on the Adventist website.
Reference: Adventist Church in UK website, 21 August 2014
Work Day At New Church Home
With great vigour and determination the work crew; made up of members of Bilston, Wolverhampton Central, Great Bricklin Street and Wednesfield Churches went about cleaning up the new home for Bilston SDA Church.
So far, the Church is looking like home! The Probation work crew did a splendid job with the grounds and the efforts of the members and friends has made a remarkable transformation on the inside of the building.
Thanks to the team that prepared a well-made meal for lunch. It was lovely; dumpling, fish, flitters, hmm and the list went on. Yum-yum I said all the way through. Hold on, was this a church dinner and not a simple work crew lunch? Hard to tell. Maybe if you come to the next work day you could tell me. It’s Sunday 31st August. See you there, I understand painting will be the task of the day.
Dated 29 August 2014
The rest of the article can be found here.
The Sabbath Sofa in Soho
A "The Sabbath Sofia" report
The Sabbath Sofia website
Updated 15 August 2014
Cycling News
I had a serious crash the 31st July on the Broadway Walsall with a taxi. The man drove across the main road without looking while I was riding down the hill from West Bromwich road lights. It was only the good Lord why I wasn’t killed.
Thanks so much for the kindness of the people that stood over me, particularly the ladies of the shop off Alexandra Road/Broadway West, my angels. The toll: two fractured ribs, a broken right shoulder, compressed left sholder, a painful neck and a fractured sternum.
Knocked up right and proper but will still be cycling once mended. This is one of the few natural pleasures given to man that I can't give up! Thanks for all the kind words and visits of friends and family. May God bless you all as He blesses me. You may find that updates to this website will be a bit slow this month due to my injuries.
Dated 9 August 2014
Our Newest Member
This week the Ferguson Family welcomed God’s latest member to their membership; Stacy gave birth to beautiful baby girl. May God’s greatest gift be a continual blessing to their family.
Dated 7 August 2014
Marlon Returns Home
Enroy Junior Vickers (Marlon) returned from his trip to McGill University, Montreal, Canada in high spirit and of course jet lag! Even so, this has been the event of his life and he thanks all those that made it possible for him to attend this historic International Baccalaureate World Student Conference 2014.
He noted that he was greatly impressed with the speakers who spoke on Human Rights along with the comrade shared with the other IB students from across the world, ranging from the US to India to Australia.
In particular, he is most thankful to all those of the Bilston SDA Church family for their contribution to make this trip possible.
Wolverhampton Social Committee Announcement
The Wolverhampton District of SDA Churches has announced that the Sports Day for August 17th is cancelled. The reason given is due to poor predicted turn out and other summer activities taking place on the same date by other Churches. The committee apologies to all for this cancellation.
Date 7 August 2014
Londoners are tired! The Sabbath Sofa
A "The Sabbath Sofia" report
The Sabbath Sofia website
Athletics Day 2014
Activities for people of all ages
100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, Short Put, Triple Jump, Long Jump and High Jump plus children’s games and a race for the Pastors.
The NEC held it’s Sport’s Day at the Aldersley Leisure Village on Sunday 20th July. It was to be a day when all the Churches that make up the North England Conference could get out and socialise in the sun and there was sun!
Sadly it wasn't largely attended as the planners hoped, but there was a good turnout of Churches outside the local area of Wolverhampton. Even so, members of Bilston Church were there to support those that competed.
Amid good competition, Erdington Church came out as the victorious athletic team of the day.
Pictures can be seen here.
Updated: 22 December 2014
New President of the Trans-European Division Elected!
The Adventist website reports that Raafat Kamal was elected President of the Trans-European division of Seventh-day Adventist Church (TED), located in St Albans, England on the July 10 2014.
Raafat, who is 50 had this to say, “I am honoured to be selected for this position and I accept it with sincere gratitude." He continued to say that he looks forward to working with the TED team, Unions and Fields, and institutional leaders to make God known among our communities in Europe and brings glory to His name and that he approaches this new task prayerfully.
The post was previously held by Pastor Dr Bertil Wiklander, who held the post for 19 years, the longest serving President of the TED. He retires to Sweden his home country.
Kamal, originally from Lebanon, has lived and worked in England, Norway, Pakistan and Iran. He married Heidi Kamal Kendel from Norway, a registered nurse, in 1987. The couple have two daughters.
Trans-European Map
From the breathtaking glaciers in the north to the sun-washed shorelines of the south; from the lush glens of Greenland in the west to the great ice-capped mountains in the east the Trans-European Division (TED) sparkles with diversity. Encompassing 23 countries and a myriad of languages and cultures, this division teems with a fusion of fascinating peoples and beliefs, awe-inspiring landscapes and an abundance of mouth-watering foods.
The Trans-European Division's beauty, whether found in its people, cultures or landscapes, is magnified by its diversity and upheld in its unity. In a place of great cultural division, Seventh-day Adventism is building bridges of hope.
Being a Seventh-day Adventist is like being part of a large family. Wherever we go, there is always someone to welcome us, and we feel at home with our brothers and sisters as we serve them (http://www.ted-adventist.org/countries ).
The Trans-European Division is comprised of 23 European countries with a population of 202 million people and a membership of 84,000 members. This territory makes a total of 11 Unions and three Fields. For more information about the TED please visit www.ted-adventist.org. [tedNEWS]
Sources:
http://adventist.org.uk
http://ted-adventist.org
13th Sabbath Children Play: David And Goliath
This Sabbath we had the Children's 13 Sabbath play take over a part of the regular Sabbath School programme. With a number of people at camp last week, it was ideal to postpone it. It proved a worth while wait! The play was well done and all were blessed to see it. Have a look, follow the link.
First big ride with members, even going to meet another person at West Park!
Bilston Church has its own cycling club! Let’s see established in 2013 with first club ride of three members – Michael, Clarence and Donald, this informal arrangement has lasted for the past year.
With the Great Manchester Cycle now in the past the next target is the Wolverhampton Marathon Cycle sportive 2014 (Sportive - is a short to long distance, organised, mass-participation cycling event, typically held annually). Currently the club intends to use the event to raise awareness of the new home for Bilston SDA Church and raise funds for furnishing the new church. Should there be any of the more seriously inclined, there are a number of other sportives that some members are interested in.
With warm weather in full stride and long evenings, now is a good time as ever to get fit. The club will be organising rides on Sunday mornings and arrangements for evening rides can be made. Simple rides as rides around the Wolverhampton Parks (East and West) can be arranged. We look forward to having you join our peloton (that’s the name for a group of cyclists riding together!).
Paid in Full by a Glass of Milk
Sabbath July 5th Children story. This was about a little boy and a glass of milk. Listen to it in the Children's Corner.
Bilston Church Film and Video Expert Returns from NEC Camp Meeting 2014
Our very own Marla Vickers has returned from another exhausting week of Camp. This time the NEC Camp Meeting 2014 – Transformed Agents (30 June – 6 July, Pontins – Prestatyn).
She worked with audio, video and cameras and she did splendid work that provided the content for the team dong the video streaming.
A current awardee of a 2.1 degree in Video and Film Production BA (Hons) from the University of Wolverhampton, she is well suited for this type of work and immensely enjoys doing it. She had high praise for Geraldene Farmer (NEC Women's Ministries Director) who was responsible for this year's media team. Who said work and fun can’t go together?
Date: 07 July 2014
Marlon flies off to Canada for the IB World Student Conference this month
Enroy Junior Vickers (Marlon) will be part of a group of RSA Academy students who will be delegates to the International Baccalaureate World Student Conference 2014, to be held at McGill University, Montreal, Canada on July 21 – 25. The following is taken from the website:
Human Rights for the 21st Century
The goal of the International Baccalaureate World Student Conference 2014 is to encourage deep reflection on some of today’s most pressing Human Rights issues and provide participants with the opportunity to discuss and develop new approaches for addressing the violations of the basic rights we share as humans.
This conference will devote one day to each of our major themes, which include Indigenous peoples’ rights, Children’s rights, and how technology can be used to advance human rights actions. By bringing together subject matter experts, scholars, activists, advocates, lawyers, and philanthropists, we hope that by way of education, engagement and dialogue we will set in motion the first of many ripples that will positively influence the practices and policies that will change the world for the better.
Junior, as he is popularly known, is currently raising funds to help finance this trip. He is urging you to give generously, so that he will have an opportunity to speak for the rights of UK Youths that cannot be heard.
Enroy J. Vickers acting for Sabbath School 2014
On Sunday 29th June Clarence Crosdale and Enroy Vickers made their mark at the Great Manchester Cycle 2014 event. Rubbing elbows and most likely riding too close to celebrities and regular cyclists, they rode the 26 miles event.
With a gathering exceeding 8,000 cyclists from all walks of life and covering three events – 52, 26 and 13 miles the city centre was packed and closed off from motorists. Overcast for most of the day the brave duo chalked up the miles and finished in fine form in 1 hour and 45 minutes.
This is only the beginning, the Caver Wolverhampton City Marathon Events 2014, to be held on the Sunday 7th of September 2014 will be their next event. They will be doing the 20k Cycling event on semi-closed roads. The idea is to raise funds for the new Bilston SDA Church. They will be joined with members of sister churches too. So give then your support when you see them cycling pass you in Wolverhampton!
You can see more pictres here.
The Healing Touch Of God!
Some good news for our readers. Remember Savannah and Sister Adair? Two members that where in the hospital for different, both for critical reasons. Well, both are at home now. I was able to speak to both ladies and they are well and giving God thanks for His healing mercies and both are attending Church.
June 2014
Savannah, second from the right.
Sister E. Adair at the Home Coming Sabbath Service June 7th 2014
Wednesfield SDA Church Quiz Night New Winners!!!
Wednesfield SDA Church Quiz Team Leaders
It was a very enjoyable evening for everyone present, with members from Great Brickkiln Street, Bilston, Central and Wednesfield. It was an exciting close finish between Bilston and Wednesfield Churches to determine the new champions of the Wolverhampton district of churches and it was passonately contested by Great Brickkiln Street. As in any type contest, there can only be one to walk away with the winner’s cup. This time round it was Wednesfield SDA Church. Well done Wednesfield SDA Church.
Great Brickkiln Street Church Team
Wednesfield Church Team
Bilston Church Team
Date: 25th June 2014
Well Bilston Church Continue to be the Quiz Champions of Wolverhampton SDA Churches?
Tusedays, 24th June will see the Quiz Competition once again at Wolverhampton Central SDA Church, with the local Churches vying for the right to be called Quiz Champion of the district. With members of Central, Wednesfield, Great Brickkiln Street and even Pendefork competing in earnest, it seems Bilston Church will have a fight on its hands to remain the undefeated champion of 2014.
Why don’t you join up this time round and support your church? It’s been a wonderful social gathering so far and it will be great fun to have you there.
Date: 24th June 2014 Time: 7:30 pm.
Wolverhampton Social Committee
With a bit of overcast and the weather predicted to be rainy, the members of the Wolverhampton Social Committee kicked in to high gear to prepare the Colton Hills Community School gym for the family fun day.
With food lavishly prepared by the industrious members of the Churches, members and friends trickled in there twos and threes. By 3 pm the gym was alive with highly competitive young people, the dominoes could be heard banging the table as six love was doled out to the unfortunates, the laughter and patter of feet of the children and the chatter of the more well off (older?) members alone with old friends of the Wolverhampton district of Churches.
All the local Churches were represented, Bilston, Willenhall, Great Brick Kliln Street, Central and Pendeford. There was even two pastors present with their families; Pastors Appiah and McIntosh.
The food was great, the social activities were awesome and most people had fun. Even though the day had started out rather cold and wet it turned out to be a success for the Wolverhampton Social Committee. Their foresight to provide the gym as an alternative venue proved timely and wise. Thank you members of the Committee for a wonderful day! Let’s hope that next year will be bigger and better!
Pictures can be seen here.
Report : E. Vickers
Date: May 25th 2014
Speaker: Dr. Elie S Honore – President of the Adventist Healthcare Services Inter-America (AHSIA)
Book tickets here, or for further information, please contact the Health Ministries Department on 0115 9606312
Marriage Retreat 2014
Name of the presenters
- Leebert & Vinette Hughes
- Ray & Glenda Augustine
- Pastor Andrew & Andrea Rashford-Hewitt
- Pastor John & Delivon Francis
- Pastor Paul & Jeanetta Liburd
Highlights of the weekend
- Engaging and interactive seminars
- Beautiful rooms
- Exquisite delicatessen
- Inspiring music
- Group activities
- Time to rest and reflect
- Quality free gifts and hand-outs
- Resident professional photographer (with one free portrait per couple)
- A spiritual Bible based retreat with time for prayer
- Beautiful grounds and nearby walks (weather permitting)
Bookings can be made at this link - www.necadventist.org.uk
Music Day Sabbath 17th May 2014
God’s Amazing Love
Wednesfield Seventh-day Adventist Church
Speakers: Viv, Andrew and Oscar
I was only there for the afternoon programme, which was the praise section of the day’s activity. The Church was full of members and friends. The audience came from numerous churches from Birmingham to Wolverhampton. Bilston Church was also well represented, supporting a close sister Church.
The programme was soul stirring and uplifting, made so by the splendid singing and soulful music of the wind instruments (flutes, recorder and another but the first two are the limit of my musical education!) It was a lovely and short evening of fellowship. The following pictures are just a few of the people who participated in the programme:
Report : E. Vickers 23rd May 2014
The Praise Team
This is a Church richly blessed with a wide range of very talented musicians. Well done Wednesfield Church for your rich performance!
To see more click here.
Once again the membership of Bilston SDA Church can be proud on meeting their goal for the ADRA UK Appeal 2014. The Church was able to collect £2,210.00 for the 2014 annual appeal. The Church is also going to initiate a programme of handing out tins now for next year's appeal, to increase in-gathering and making it much easier for members and friends to contribute for next year's goal.
See the website for more information: http://sec.adventist.org.uk/events/2014-sec/mohap-day-retreat-advent-centre2
Children Story – Sabbath May 10th 2014
Pastor Samuel Appiah told the children the true story of one of athletics most famous female heroines – Wilma Rudolph (1940 – 1994). He spoke of the crippling illnesses that Wilma had to endure at childhood, how ordinarily such a start in life would have killed all hope of a bright future. But for Wilma this only served as a spring board that propelled her to stardom in the world of track and field to become the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games (Rome, 1960).
Wilma was born in a very poor black neighbourhood in the American South. This was at the height of segregation in the United States. Serious illnesses which lead to Polio almost crippled her. Yet she eventually became the fastest woman in the world in the 1960s and competed in two Olympic Games in 1956 and 1960.
Wilma was a staunch supporter of equal rights in a time when black people were marginalised in the United States. She fought for equality within the athletic community for women. Listen to the story and watch the videos on the life of this inspiring woman. Click here.
Olympic website link of her 1960 victories.
My Heart Sings – Great Brick Kiln Street SDA Church
This was the evening that many Adventist members, along with friends and family looked forward to, an evening of praise and music at the Great Brick Kiln Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church on May 10th 2014. The Church is located at 215 Great Brick Kiln Street, Graiseley, Wolverhampton, WV3 0PN.
The event was well attended and the programme for the evening was packed with groups and solos that where to perform. Some of the best singers of the Wolverhampton district of Churches where there to sing.
Along with this well talented group were Bilston Church’s very own Clarence Crosdale and Brother Williams. They were half of a quartet of very gifted men to sing an old favourite (In My Heart There Rings A Melody) but with a very different twist to it. It sounded very good and was well accepted by the audience. Bearing in mind that this was quite likely the first time they met or at least not practiced as they should had, they have a bright future ahead of them. I wonder what name they will give themselves.
Reported by E. Vickers
Date: May 13 2014
A Sabbath Story - Andrew
A "The Sabbath Sofia" report
The Sabbath Sofia website
Great News
Savannah is now back at home! It is unknown if this is a permanent or temporary arrangement with the hospital. Please call contact the family before visiting. They will know where she is. I have been told that she was actually at Church last Sabbath so it is clear that our prayers have been heard. Continue to pray for her full recovery.
Sister Adair is also making good progress. She can be visited at the Bradley Resource Community Centre. She has been given her own room and is able to accommodate small groups. She still does not have full control of her left hand and still have a number of challenges to deal with. Yet this mother of faith is ever so strong! Your visits and prayers will continue to keep her going. She so much misses the company of the Church. Please continue to keep her in your prayers and that of other members of the Church who are ill at this time. Also noted among the sick is Donald McIntosh. He had an operation last week at the New Cross Hospital for a sports related injury. He is currently at home.
Easter with a difference!
SOS Community Church engages shoppers with an open air Church!
The Open Air Church is organised by the Southend-on-Sea community church, which is led by Dr Colin Gordon. He is someone who has always been passionate about meeting people where they are. Something very similar to Grace Walsh message just a few Sabbaths ago.
With his band of volunteers from both the community church and the local community, Colin began setting up the Open Air Church at 5 am Saturday morning, eager to give Easter weekend shoppers a taste of church.
Throughout the day, passers-by heard songs from the Gospel Arts Manna Community Choir, and a variety of solos. Onlookers stopped in amazement as the SEC and Chatham Drum Corps marched through the town centre, to the sea, and back again, while performing incredible drumming sequences. "We have identified what people's needs are in this community, by mingling with the folk, by winning their confidence, by showing them that we are here for them, to support them and to work with them", concluded Dr Gordon. "At that point then, we can share with them the message about the love of God."
See the full story on the Conference website: www.adventist.org.uk
News on Sister Adair and Savannah
Good news on the well being of Sister Adair and young Savannah.
Sister Adair is recuperating well at the Bradley Resource Centre and is looking fondly for your visits. She has had visitors since moving to the Centre by members, even so, please continue to visit and keep her in your prayers. Let's make sure that she knows we are always there for her!
Savannah is still a patient of the Birmingham Children's Hospital. She has had regular visits by the members of the Church and the family thanks you all for the support and prayers in her behalf. She is now well on her way to recovery and is able to talk and even walk! God has been surely good to her! Please keep up the good work of praying and visiting her. Let her know that although she is away in hospital, she is always in our hearts.
April 23rd 2014
News on Savannah's Progress
A group of young people and seniors from the Church went to see Savannah at the Birmingham Children's Hospital on Sabbath 13th April. The good news is that she is doing well and was able to talk with them. We al have a lot to give God thanks for, even our own dear Savannah. May the good Lord be with her always and grant her healing mercies.
April 13 2014
Savannah, the teenage daughter of Melanie Turner who was at Church last Sabbath (29th March) with the boys, was involved in a serious traffic accident that evening in Bilston. The accident occurred on the road crossing of Bilston Market and Morrison's supermarket. If anyone witnessed this incident and hasn't as yet informed the Police, please do so.
Savannah who is 15 years old, is currently in the Birmingham Children's Hospital. Her condition is noted as serious but stable. Our prayers are with her and her family at this time. It's most likely that should you try to contact the family you will not get them at the family residence as they are at the Hospital. Please pray for them and let them know that your thoughts and prayers are with them.
Savannah, third from left, with her cousins singing on Youth Sabbath March 2014.
London is Tired!
A "The Sabbath Sofia" report
The Sabbath Sofia website
Prayers for Sister Evelyn Adair
Sister Adair has been in the hospital for the past week due to a stroke. This gallant lady is in the best of spirit even in her condition. She appears to be recovering well but not without mishaps when I visited her on the 2nd March, even so, her faith is strong and she is ever eager to talk about Christ.
Sister Adair is our very own Youtube star and can be seen on our "Meet the members of Bilston Seventh-Day Adventist Church" feature. There you can hear in her very words way Bilston SDA Church is fast becoming the home of many believers in Christ! Please mention this very dear lady in your prayers.
News Update
The latest update so far for this week (April 5th) is that Sister Adair has been moved from the hospital to the Bradley Resource Centre. You can continue to visit her there excluding meal times. Please continue to pray for her full recovery.
Updated April 5th 2014
100 Years of Collecting for People in Need
This year, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the UK is celebrating 100 years of collecting funds for people in need. Pastor Ian Sweeney invites you to celebrate this heritage of caring, by joining together to raise one million pounds this year, in the ADRA Annual Appeal. Can we do it?
News link: ADRA-UK (www.adra.org.uk)
Video taken from Stroke-on-Trent Adventist Church on March 7th 2014
Here is one project that ADRA UK has been involved in over the years, the following video report was published in 2012.
ADRA UK is helping save the lives of neglected and vulnerable children around the world. In the country of Mongolia, as in many developing nations, children with disabilities are kept hidden away in dark rooms for their entire lives because their parents are ashamed to have their neighbours see them.
In this video, see how ADRA is encouraging parents, communities and a nation to bring their disabled out into the light where they can have the opportunities of early diagnosis, therapy, education, socialization with other children and hope for a brighter future! Visit the ADRA Help Us to Help website for more information of the help you can give. Help us to help!
Video was taken from the YouTube website on March 28th 2014
Also from the ADRA Hep Us Save website
Elder R. Scarlett makes an appeal to the Church to support ADRA for 2014.
In the period between the 29th of March and the 13th of April (20th of April in London), many thousands of volunteers will be collecting from door-to-door for the work of ADRA-UK.
This is the 101th year that volunteers have been door-knocking to help people in need. The Bilston Seventh-Day Adventist Church will be joining fellow members to make that call, help us to help others!
For more information please see the ADRA UK website. Click on the image above to go to the website or speak to First Elder R. Scarlett at Church.
On Tuesday night, 25th March was the Wolverhampton Social Committee Quiz Night. The churches of the Wolverhampton District of Churches were all represented with even members from Willenhall Church.
Bilston SDA Church won the event, the chase for the Cup is literally now on! Better luck next time folks!
Pictures can be seen here.
Youth Week Of Prayer March 2014
We are inviting all to our Youth Week of Prayer 2014 this week, with meetings on Wednesday and Friday nights at 7:30pm until 8:00pm and will culminate on Sabbath, March 22nd. We have an engaging format of prayer and worship for you and look forward to see you there!
Update Wednesday Night
Our Wednesday night prayer meeting had a number of the faithful attending with some of young people there to listen and interact with the Word of God. We were all blessed to be there! Let's pray that Friday night will be even better attended!
Global Youth Day 2014
Across the world, more than 58,000 people tuned in to watch the live footage for Global Youth Day, on Saturday, 14 March. The UK had their chance to show what their youth have been up to, from 5-6pm, and these stories were streamed live from Newbold College. Live contributions included stories and experiences from countries across the Trans-European Division, including Poland, Holland and Croatia!
To watch what the world saw on the day, please click on the video below.
Report from the Adventist Church website
NOT TIRED BUT ENERGISED – THE CHURCH IN 2013
An interesting message from the President of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in UK and Ireland, that highs the successes of 2013.
March 8th 2014
Bilston SDA Church first social was a hit with all who attended! The was a good size collection of members and friends there. With the Games master in control, everyone took part in the activities of the night.
The games were fun and varied so no one was bored! The food, oh boy it was fine! It was cleaned up in no time! If you weren't there, you really missed a social event to let your hair down and have some real decent fun. Perhaps next time eh? oh there will be a next time, bigger and better and more, more fine food. Let you know when later.
Please click to enlarge the picture.
See the rest of the pictures here.
So, wish now that you were there?
Updated March 27 2014
Are you tried?
A production of The Sabbath Sofa
Seriously, try a Sabbath rest, God's richest blessings are just there waiting for you!
A Sabbath Story - Ian
A production of The Sabbath Sofa
Sabbath School Teacher Training Programme
Are you a Sabbath School Teacher? or just maybe you are thinking of becoming one or you have been asked, but think you would need a little training before taking up the task? Well there is a training programme just for you! Click here to see the Poster details.
Latest Messenger Online
February 25th 2014
The Messenger is the official journal of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is published fortnightly by the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and printed by the Stanborough Press Limited.
News taken from the Adventist Church UK website
Journal Website: http://adventist.org.uk/news/messenger
February 22nd 2014
Written by E. Vickers
It was with great joy to behold the commitment of nine new brothers and sisters to the ever loving arms of Christ Jesus at the Wolverhampton Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church on the 22nd of February in the year of our Lord 2014.
The Church was packed to the very last seats in the rear of the hall. People – the brethren along with friends and family of the converts await with barely restrained enthusiasm for the moment to come. The pastors along with other members of the platform party take their seats as the Song Service Team song to the rafters and even to heaven above.
See the rest of the article and pictures here.
Sabbath School News February 15th 2014
Written by E. Vickers
Sabbath School was taken by the Bible Class this Sabbath. The young people with a few elderly ones (lol) arranged to do the Adult Sabbath School Lesson by a single person per day review. They performed a play based on the Lesson depicting how people can wrongly treat social outcasts. This proved very effective and went well with the Lesson Study on the subject of Jesus and Social Outcasts. To think that they don't follow the regular Lesson Study, they did really well.
The play was about a new pastor joining his congregation for the first time. He decides to turn up as a street person to see the reaction of the church. He appears the morning looking like this:
Of-course he was not well received by his new congregation! The character was played by Enroy J. Vickers who actually aspire to become a successful actor!
Bible Class Special Song
What if you could find a little rest from the toils of the week?
The story of the Sabbath Sofa may just have that break you have been looking for, little realising that it's the one thing missing in a life of toil. How about listening for a few minutes to what the team of the Sabbath Sofa can say to you, it may be worth your while or even be life changing!
Each month we will be presenting a new episode for you! Thank you The Sabbath Sofa Team for this wonderful series!
History of the Seventh Day Adventist Church
Found this on Youtube and thought that it may prove informative to visitors of the website.
Bilston Church First New Year Baby Dedication
Report by E. Vickers January 25th 2014
The dedication service for Melanie Turner’s daughter, Mekenzy at Bilston SDA Church was a splendid affair! The Church was packed with visitors of the family along with members of the Church family. There wasn’t even standing room left! The song service was led by Melanie’s relatives; Vanessa and Christina. They did a very good job of it. They certainly should do this more often, I wonder if anyone will take note of that? The Central Church Youth Choir did one of their vibrant selections and it was well received. The most endearing aspect of the programme was when the children performed their parts.
The duet by Kelsi and Christina's little boy was so endearing that it had the audience following every word. This was followed by a duet done by Melanie’s twins; Jayden and Joshua, which pulled everyone’s heart strings. It was marvellous how well they performed, you should had been there! Another little boy did a poem that was just as heart moving. All in all, it was a wonderful occasion, well suited for little Mekenzy Turner's dedication service.
The speaker of the hour was Costa Vaggas of Kent, not a stranger to Bilston SDA Church I am told, but I have definitely heard him preached at the former Oxford Street SDA Church. He is a vibrant speaker, full of life and he certainly had the congregation listening to him. Members of the platform party also included Winsome Baadjes who prayed for the dedication and Pastor S. Appiah. Costa Vaggas’ message for the parents of the little girl was a combination of warnings, instructions and blessings.
The service was closed off with a number of songs performed by friends of the parents, along with a group selection with Melanie (the mother) and her family.
Welcome to the Bilston SDA Church family little Mckenzy Turner!
Help ADRA UK to support the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, give something today!
Website last update: 09 January 2014 15:35
