2A Puzzle

16Winbap Family News

19Meet the Students

26Isaac Myers

33Mundy to Sunday

4One year in

From the Editor

Well a ‘new’ year is about to start.

I always find newness to be the most amazingly inspiring feeling. For me it is as if the lid has been taken off the box, and there are a myriad of possibilities ready to be awakened.

You hold in your hands a new thing about to begin.

I would really like to say a very BIG thank you to Margaret Pickett, for her advice and encouragement along the way. I won’t say it wasn’t a little disconcerting how Margaret’s smile grew wider the closer it came to handover! Thank you Margaret!!

I would also like to thank Becca Baxter, Mari Clifton and Eli Stewart for willingly coming on board. Keep an eye out for the new teen and children’s ‘lift out’ sections found in the middle of the magazine!

Along with Becca, Mari and Eli, there are a few other new permanent contributors. Whether its music, books, the allotment, recipes, local based items or those of an international flavour you’re looking for - we’ve got it covered!

Within these pages we hope you find something that will entice you to read on, encourage someone with or even just ponder while you go about your daily routine.

And now, all that is left for you is to join us in lifting the lid to find out exactly what possibilities are waiting to be awakened...

Melissa

10WBC meets Alpha

Your input is important, so if you have anything you’d like to include for the next magazine, please send

them to winbapeditor @ gmail .com

or in the pigeon hole at the back by the 18th September....

P lease make sure that photos are sent as a separate .jpg f ile and text is sent as a .doc

f ile.......thankyou...

36Church Secretary’sreport

a le

tter

from

the

lead

ersh

ip

1

lacking in vision, direction and hence new life, purpose and new people.

Funny how we automatically think everything refers to church!

In fact it better describes a society and what we have seen on our streets these last ten days (as I write this). The rioting. Violence. The ‘casting off of restraint’.

In its original context that is exactly what it is referring to. It’s referring to the Israelite people rioting, revelling and revolting through the worship of a golden calf while they wait for Moses to come down from the mountain with God’s revelation (Ex 32). It’s not talking about Church Vision at all (important though that is to have, and detrimental without) as the better/correct translation of it is:

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint.

If further convincing is still needed this is found through ‘Hebrew Parallelism’ in the next line (which, in their ‘poetry’, often clarifies the preceding line by restating it or its opposite):

But blessed is he who keeps the law

So - this means a few things: When there is no word from God there is still the word of God. Haven’t received a directive, prophetic, encouraging, personal, revelation from God?- well, there’s the Bible!Without God and His word people perish and do whatever they want. Without The Absolute and His absolutes revealed in His nature, the word and Jesus - there are no absolutes… only ‘relatives’, moving goalposts… and you have a culture with everyone doing what they, individually, want. A culture in decline….

… but the rot set in when people stopped honouring and believing in the Bible and the Absolute God who wrote it.

So - as we focus on Identity in this magazine, let’s not be ashamed of ours and what we believe in, and what we hold to. Sometimes it’s not popular to be a Christian in today’s society (or to believe in anything, unless it’s ‘nothing’!) - but we have what our society needs and was built on.

And if we don’t hold on to our identity.. stand up for what we believe in… hold out the word of life that can stabilise our society… who will?! So - make no apology for your theology.

Blessings to you all, dear friends, and thank you so much for the sabbatical!

Identity: “Where there is no vision the people perish”

Proverbs 29:18

Many of us who have ‘been around a while’ in the Christian arena are familiar with this text. We may feel it best describes a church that is

Ewen

Margaret Pickettand this is the timeto pause, seek out

and thank her for almost seven years of inspired editorship….for all of the above and more…...for a publication that has been…..

EdifyingDelightfully produced

InterestingThoughtfulOriginal

RefreshingThank you Margaret for all the energy and passion that you have put into this vital organ of church communication. We have all benefited.

Thank you also to John for your supportive role through all these years.To you both……. enjoy a well-deserved rest.

What brings you: • Newsofchurchlife,ofitsmembersandtheirwideranging activities • Thoughtfulpiecesofprose,informativeandoftenamusingarticles, challenging thoughts • Personaltestimonies • Prayerrequestsandanswers • Puzzles,photographs • Acalendarofevents • Witandwisdom • Reports • Information • Whatdoyoulookforwardtowitheageranticipationseventimesa year? • Whatareweindangeroftakingforgranted? • WhatputsWBConthelocal,nationalandinternationalmap?

THECHURCHMAGAZINE...ANSWER...

A Puzzle

Janet Sparkes2

4

Favour Cluster Afternoon Tea &

Cake Sunday 11th September at

Momford Road, Oliver’s Battery from 3pm.

If you are involved with the Favour Cluster or would like to know more about us please come and join us!

RSVP: Catherine Bartlett

*Offers of cake, gratefully recieved.

3

I can’t believe it is well over a year since we had a phone call from Ewen offering us the Pastoral Co-ordinators post for the Mission to Seniors. This time last year Hannah was shadowing Liz Stacey, being briefed on the details of how the week-to-week administration of the ministry works, and diving in the deep end to delve the murky mysteries of ‘Microsoft Publisher’. My only part was to meet Liz, with Hannah, for sausage and mash and a pint at The Horse and Groom in… I’d better not say where. You know what Baptist folk are like when it comes to sausage and mash. We came back staggering under the sheer weight of Liz’s publications, programmes, pointers and procedures. It was a fantastically useful time, as was the patient input from Jill Purkiss during those weeks. A simple thing, for example, such as learning to publish name labels also provided an invaluable recording system of who attends meetings, which, in turn flags up absentees who might appreciate pastoral follow-up by the team. (Not to mention, aiding rapid learning of 60 or 70 names!)

Come August we took over the reins of this great work to steer it on into the next phase of its life. Having handed over a few lovingly nurtured pioneer works in our time, we know how this can feel for the one who is letting go of the carefully cherished treasure. ‘Will it get crashed?’ , ‘Changed beyond all recognition?’ or ‘Just die a slow death?’

Well, we hope we have done none of those things. A year on what have we learned? Having cycled through ten or eleven Silver Services, as many Silver Seeker’s meetings, numerous Thursdays when ‘nothing’ happens (a euphemism for a full-on pastoral day), and of course, depending on which side of the counter you are on, the appropriately or

ne year in

Hannah and DavidTwelve months closer to'qualification’?

inappropriately named ‘Holiday at Home’, have we drawn any conclusions?

One immediate thought which came to us about three minutes after starting was how fantastic it is to work with such a brilliant team. The cluster (known now as “Honour” for pretty evident reasons) is itself composed of many who (I hope no one will mind me saying this) are themselves quite senior! …I did say ‘quite’.

Suffice it to say many have passed their 40th birthdays! Their fun-loving, sensitive, hard-working, reliable, compassionate, Jesus-honouring ministry is beyond superlatives. They were and are great to work with. Would you believe it, they even find loving ways to tell me when my preaching moves to the distinctly soporific likely to cause some serious horizontal casualties among the Thursday gatherings Thank you, Honour Cluster, for all you do,and bless also the Favour cluster which has linked up to begin serving the elderly in practical ways.

But a little more seriously, by the time you read this I may have preached a few thoughts about where this ministry might take us, not only here at Winchester Baptist, but in a broader sense, in these times of heart-breaking and sometimes short-sighted, very expensive cash-saving cuts. One conclusion is that being reasonably able, we could all carry on doing what we do well, until the Lord returns or we all go to Glory. But is that enough? Reading through the life stories of Elijah and Elisha made me reflect on the importance of extravagant prophetic thought and action. The Winchester churches have trodden this path in the name of Jesus before. Remember the Night Shelter?

4

If you wonder why the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have done and continue to do all they do, this is the reason. When we do these things we know He is with us.

“Vindicate the weak and fatherless;Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.

Rescue the weak and needy;Deliver (snatch) them out of the hand of the wicked.” ’

Psalm 82 verses 3 and 4

Is it enough to give seniors a good time, have a laugh or two with them, preach the gospel, worship God together and try to, against all odds, care pastorally for those who are struggling? Is there more? In this decade when shrinking social services are seriously undermining our capacity to care for the elderly, the terminally ill and the chronically sick, do we want to be saying and doing something more radically extravagant. There is some renewal in our churches, there are whispers of revival here and there, but what of reformation? Our history in this land is littered with great men and women who have cried out to God and shouted out to the nation, “No, this is not good enough! We must honour those whom God honours, and sooner rather than later! Rise up church!” I believe the time is coming when we will hear those calls again. Indeed we are hearing them. Are we ready? Will we be among those who will take seriously the scriptural injunctions of our loving heavenly Father? What would it mean to call down heaven to earth for our elderly folks, never mind what it might mean in a healing meeting? The steering group SPAG are just embarking on some thinking in this direction and, in an effort not to reinvent the wheel, we will be looking at the work of literally hundreds across the city who serve in this way. Your input is welcome if you feel the Lord is speaking to you about it.

I don’t mind admitting that as I write this, I think of the times I have wept over those who, in the last years, months and weeks of life, have not had pleasant times or ‘good endings’. I thank God for all we have been taught in the last five or so years as we have ministered to the ailing, the sick and dying. What an immense privilege it has been for us to love and care folk into the Kingdom inthe power of the Holy Spirit.

At this point, I have to confess I do not know what further to share with you. My ideas are like ‘clouds as small as a man’s hand’. But I know the rain is coming, and, folks, I want us to be a part of it.

As I am often heard to say quite seriously (and I apologise if this offends anyone), “Caring for the elderly, the frail and the sick ain’t sexy” but I will tell you something; it is on God’s heart. Above my desk, on the wall, I have the following note to myself:‘The call of the Father’s Heart…

David Struttaged 58 and counting.

5

t

Please pray for this work here in the

Baptist Church and similar endeavours in the Church across

the city. Pray for wisdom as those who lead support

groups, such as ‘AGE Concern’, struggle with

diminished funding and resources; for the

elderly who often struggle to cope with very

difficult times, in body, mind and spirit, and pray that those who

Father calls to this form of mission will recognise His voice and respond.

Ask God, ‘Is there someone known to me

whose life could be improved by me

making a little effort on their behalf ?’

Thank you.

t

6

I really want to thank all of you for the way in which you have looked after me during the last six months. I first became ill at the very beginning of March and was quickly diagnosed as having stage 3 ovarian cancer. At that time, although everyone was very positive, I knew the prognosis was not terribly good and I had a fair bit of pain and discomfort. It has been a long haul to get to where I am now, hopefully clear of the disease. No one can say that the cancer has gone. Ovarian cancer has a horrible habit of recurring, so your continued prayers will be welcome. It has involved three stays in hospital, a major operation and 6 rounds of chemotherapy. My last round of chemo will be at the beginning of September. After that I will have a scan and three-monthly check-ups.

During the time of my illness you have been wonderful. I have received cards, e-mails, flowers and countless offers of help. Many of you have visited me or have taken me out on trips. A child I once taught said that when people pray for you you feel warm and loved inside. That is how your prayers have made me feel. Thank you to those of you who helped with some gardening jobs. I have had wonderful sweet peas, potatoes and broad beans! Your constant encouragement has helped me through difficult times. As soon as I was able to access my phone after my operation I found at least three lovely texts reassuring me of your concern. How can I ever say thank you for this?

Through all this I have also had my faith to sustain me. I have had times of great intimacy with God - ‘though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me’. Other times I have wondered at the ways of God. Listening to worship songs on my MP3 player, especially when I was in hospital, has been a great encouragement. I have also found great joy and opportunities for prayer while spending time in the garden or painting.

I don’t know why God has given me a second chance as it were and I don’t why we have prayed for others to no avail. I do not believe that God sends evil, He is only capable of goodness, but I do believe that, for various reasons, He allows it and is able to use it. Overall I have drawn closer to God and He obviously hasn’t finished with me yet! He has been the one who has walked with me. I think this is the key, God often has His own agenda but whatever way things go nothing can separate us from His love. As Helena Myers said a few weeks back. We carry God into every situation and circumstance; we take with us a revelation of His Glory. If I can use my life to reveal a bit of God’s Glory what more can I ask?

A thank you fromLois Gravely....

7

8

A person often

DESTINYon the road he tookto avoid

it.

H I S

JEAN DE LA FONTAINE

PHOTOGRAPHYBYBARRYMANN

meets

How do we look to God? A few years ago I wrote a song with the line “tell me again how You see me”. I must confess that I have

a long way to go before I can claim to even come close to seeing with His eyes. I need some kind of baptism of love, I think.

The Bible tells us that “man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.” One of the most beautiful passages of Scripture reads:

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth (the womb of humanness). Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with You. (Psalm 139:13-18)

You don’t have to go far to see people who, well, don’t strike you as reflecting the image and likeness of God. The world has a plethora of labels for them such as hobo, bogan, tramp, trailer trash, and even the movie term “extra”. People who behave badly really get to me; my fleshly instinct is to thumb my nose at them. And it’s perfectly true that there are people in this world who are, frankly, evil. However ... the Great White Throne already has an occupant, and it isn’t me.

Ogres are like onions. I begin to wonder if they’re actually parfaits with a bit of onion peel wrapped around them. To God, the most precious commodity in the universe would be the thing that cost His own blood to buy, would it not? People.

Their morality aside, let’s look at People for a minute. Ever seen the Louis Giglio film “How Great Is Our God”? As a sequel to the brilliant macroscopic “Indescribable”, this microscopic documentary examines who God has made us at the cellular level. sense.

“He sees us to the core of our being, in the triple dimensions of body, soul and spirit. He looks into the heart in both the corporeal and the ethereal.”

Rebekah Robinson is a multi-talented mother of two who works as a primary school Chaplain, Queensland,

Australia.Along with all her creative giftings she has also recorded

a self-written debut album, ‘Day in the Sun’ .

Embracing Me, from this album, can be heard when reading the magazine online.

www . beckr . com

Skin Deep

So, when I’m looking at an unwashed homeless man and seeing grime, He’s seeing the marvellous molecular structure of the skin cells beneath that grime. When I’m balking at the man’s leering look, He’s seeing what a miracle the man’s eye is, how the retina picks up light and tells the brain what the image is. When I’m wondering how the man got himself into this state, He’s looking into the amazing possibilities of the man’s future. He’s seeing something so rare in the universe and so precious and valuable, that the man is to the backdrop of the stars as a massive diamond is to a field of comparative rubble. He’s seeing His own image in His handiwork. He’s seeing a prodigal son.

These are the people I’m walking past every day of my life. So even on days when all I can offer is a smile to say, “I see you,” hope begins with me.

t tt

used with permission

9

When WBC’s Cluster trial first began, the idea of doing an Alpha Course as a possible missional activity for the Location Cluster was mentioned at one of our first meetings. As we were only finding our feet as a new group at the time, I felt that we had a long way to go before we could even consider the possibility. But of course God had other ideas! And that’s the point really of Location Cluster’s journey into finding its identity…God has shown us His ideas for the group and He’s given us His heart for the people He’s wanted to bring closer to Himself. So what did this look like in practice?

Towards the end of 2010 one member of the Cluster had one person in their work location that could be invited to an Alpha Course. The rest of us were honest enough to admit that our relationships with non-Christian friends and colleagues weren’t up to much at all, and certainly not at a place to make an Alpha invitation. So we prayed! We do this a lot as a group when our weaknesses come into sharp focus, to receive forgiveness, remove the guilt and move on. We wait for the Holy Spirit to move and invariably words, pictures and ideas are given and shared.

At this point it seemed right for our group to get back in touch with members of one of WBC’s last Alpha and Beta groups, members of which hadn’t been

and more fear and trepidation in getting anyone to come on the course. We were aiming for one group of six to complete the course and that seemed awesome enough from where I was standing, so I immediately went into ‘take control’ mode thinking about all the strategies I could employ to get people on the Course. This was the weekend of our morning Covenant Service in the New Year. I don’t feel I often hear God’s voice but I did that weekend, both at the Leadership Team half day of prayer on the Saturday, then whilst praying for individual members of WBCduring the Covenant Service, and then in that very Godly place – my car on the way home from the service! That was when, in my mind, I was trying to take control of Alpha, its guests etc, and God clearly interrupted and told me ‘I will send the people’ and that I didn’t need to worry. So I didn’tand He did!

Through God speaking to and using others both within Location Cluster and the wider church, our Alpha Supper launch on March 1st saw 15 guests. On the following week, the first night of the Course, we had 16 guests even though some of the Alpha Supper guests decided not to do the Course. We did lose some of these 16 over the coming weeks

around much lately either at church or at other groups. So we did a Christmas social evening, invited them all, they all came (without exception I think), and Location began to get to know them.

It was obvious from their conversations that evening how Alpha had impacted their lives, that they missed being together as a group and how they would like to be involved in Alpha again. Therefore a God-given transition resulted – it was easy to invite these guys to become part of Location too if they wanted, and to be a central part of the Alpha Course we were perhaps thinking of arranging.

This was when God stepped in again…never be a Cluster Leader and Church Administrator, and share with your boss how encouraged you are by the things happening in your group, and mention the discussions you are having re an Alpha Course, because the next thing you know it’s on a church email that there will be a course next year and then there’s no going back!

So Location came back in the New Year and started planning in fear and trepidation…well, I did anyway!

There was fear and trepidation over practicalities (but God’s provision in overcoming this is another story for another time),

10

but it has been so exciting that 12 people completed the course (2 groups) and many of these now are integrated into our cluster or others. You will also be seeing some of them regularly at our Sunday services. Many many thanks to everyone at WBC outside of Location Cluster who was involved with Alpha in any way at all – we couldn’t have done it without you.

So this is how Location Cluster’s identity has changed from the Alpha experience, that we are attempting to seek and follow God’s heart for individuals in the locations of our daily lives. I also felt that the group changed during the first Holy Spirit Weekend (yes, we amazingly did a second one at the end too), when it no longer became guests and team, them and us, but rather all of us together just at different points on our journey with God. Thank you Lord!

Judy Marshall and the Location Cluster

I have always had a belief, but it was never a major part of who I was and I never talked about it with anyone. I had been going to Winbap about six months when the Alpha course was mentioned at church. I heard about the course and was very interested, hoping it would help me find God and it did just that! It has made a huge difference in my life. I have had my first experience with the ‘Holy Spirit’ thanks to Kathy and David and my belief is now a huge part of who I am. Friends of mine outside of Church have commented on how I’ve changed and I am happy to talk about my experiences and how God is part of my life. Heidi

Alpha, God’s righteousness gives us his peace - Psalm 85:8-13

In need of finding peace and fulfilment in my life, strengthening my relationship with God seemed the right path to take. I always knew he was there and had a relationship but the current status was more like “when in need”, it was not a constant relationship. Alpha became the “relationship counsellor”. It gave me the much needed guidance, the path was now lit.

The whole Alpha team were encouraging, inspiring and kind. The atmosphere created by all helped to ensure the Alpha course was a place where I could ask questions, be open and start my search for peace and fulfilment.

I read this prayer today and thought it a fitting prayer to offer.God, thank You for your righteousness. Thank You that you make it possible for us to walk in a right relationship with You. Help me today and always to keep walking in a right relationship with You and to enjoy the peace that follows from that relationship.

Jo

I found it a privilege to be part of a team, my view from the kitchen, the slightly mad stage of serving up! and the space to think and pray for people while the speaker was in action. The excitement of seeing God working in people and continuing now as many people come to church or join in our cluster meetings.

Sally

AAA

A

AAA

A

I

It wil l take you on a journey and I suspect you wil l not regret itAndy Duncan – former chief exec of Channel 4

What distinguishes Alpha from other initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed feel of the proceedings - that, and its astonishing success.The Times, London

What Alpha offers, and what is attracting thousands of people, is permission, rare in secular culture, to discuss the big questions - life and death and their meaning.The Guardian, London

What does the media say about Alpha?

http://uk.alpha.org/

?

Quo

ted

dire

ctly

from

the A

lpha

web

site

11

Boaz is a Christian charity which works with adults in an horticultural setting on a farm near Sutton Scotney. We look after 12 members each day - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays. We have three rabbits, four sheep and one hundred chickens to look after. We also take three donkeys for exercise around the farm fields. Activities include horticultural tasks; egg collecting and sorting: woodwork; cooking; craft and maintenance. We have two full time staff and three part time and we rely on volunteers who can commit to a regular time each week or fortnight to work alongside our members encouraging and supporting them in their tasks. You need to be comfortable with people who have learning disabilities and flexible! (each day is different - depending on weather and jobs needing doing). We also need help with our fundraising events held at weekends and ideas! More information can be found on www.boazproject.co.uk or speak to me Sally Ratcliffe on 07803925015 or Christine Lockhart and Kate Rolfe who are volunteers.

in, up, outbut where.....Voluntary: Acting, done, or given etc of one’s own free will.Volunteer (vln-tîr)Identity: a person who voluntarily undertakes a task

It’s the new buzz word. Its part of Cameron’s Big Society and its coming to a workplace, childcare department, hospital and social club near you - like never before!

Volunteers have never been so utilised or so heavily relied upon. And it’s a good thing. So the government wish us to think. But in times of such deep cuts and austerity, is volunteering the positive activity that it once was? There is anger when qualified workers are made redundant, or have their hours cut. And many then expected to provide their gifts as volunteers – thus naturally unpaid.

And yet, across the globe, across different people groups, societies and faiths, people give up their time, resources and gifts, and CHOOSE to volunteer for far more altruistic reasons.

For it is a choice. Just like a voluntary movement of a muscle or limb is a controlled act of the will. But why? Many may say that they wish to give something back to an organisation that has helped them. Others wish to invest in others rather than in themselves and also enjoy the sheer fun of meeting and drawing alongside others and using their gifts.Today, perhaps more than at any other time in modern history, volunteers are becoming the very life blood of services. And yet in Churches, members and those who attend have been a volunteering workforce throughout the centuries, enabling the church to literally breathe and function.

Perhaps Cameron and his part(ies!) wish to stir us into action for the good of our Society and Country. But for those who have a living faith in Jesus Christ there has always been a much higher calling. LOVE.Beyond our towns, our countries and our society, there is a Kingdom. An upside down, other wordly Kingdom which is based on LOVE. The ultimate, sacrificial, all consuming love that draws us to the Creator God, that draws us towards one another and draws us out into the world. And yes it is costly, but unlike ‘usual volunteering’ there is a truly amazing gift awaiting those who choose to serve Him in this way. Eternity that begins here on earth and the opportunity to be Jesus’ hands and feet , walking in His purposes.

What follows are the inspirational stories of five members of WBC who volunteer within our community….

Mari Clifton12

Alison Stanbrook Kate Rolfe

www.alzheimers.org.ukwww.theexploreexperience.co.ukwww.careconfidential.com

For around eight years now Keith and I have acted as a volunteer couple, going into schools all around Hampshire, so that the young people, (mainly year 10s) can ‘explore marriage and its importance to the family and society they wish to create’. Since the year 2000, Explore has worked in some 160 schools involving around 33,000 students. Of course, you can’t ‘teach marriage’ like you teach maths or English! Instead we use a highly interactive methodology in which the young people identify their personal hopes and fears for marriage, and then interview a couple (like us), in order to seek answers from questions they may never otherwise have the opportunity to ask. Unsurprisingly, we never know quite what questions will arise(!), but the most common types are ‘ How do you know he/she’s the right one?’; ‘Don’t you get bored of each other?’; ‘Why didn’t you just live together?’....and so we share our story.The wonderful thing about this role is that there is no preparation, no right or wrong answers, and no homework! In other words you can simply turn up at the event, share ‘your story’ in answer to their questions, and then leave. The strange thing is, we almost always receive more than we give. We sacrifice a little of our time (perhaps 2-4 half days a year), and we simply see lives changing in front of us as some of the young people receive the seeds of hope in simple keys like ‘forgiveness’, ‘commitment’, ‘trust’ and ‘listening’.

Keith and Helena Myers

I have been a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Society for five years. I saw an advert in our church magazine for a new activities club, so I went along.We meet in the Badger Farm Centre on a Friday morning, where usually there are six couples who attend for care.The ratio of volunteers to clients is roughly one to one, with one half of the couple being the carer and the other the client.The morning starts at 10am with a coffee and a chat before moving onto armchair exercises, a singalong and various other activities.These other activities include things such as physical games with balls, indoor golf, craft, bingo and memory games. While this is happening, the carers are able to sit back, relax and chat with other carers.The morning goes really quickly and we have a great deal of laughter, (especially when we do the Hokey Cokey!!), but we have fun and that is the main thing.

Caring in Crisis was formed in 1999 as a charity to give advice and counselling to women and/or their partners who face an unplanned pregnancy or have had a termination.In 2002 I decided I would like to further my role and took the Called to Care course to enable me to do face to face and telephone counselling. The Called to Care course lasts 50 hours and is usually run over 4-5 months. To be eligible to attend you must be a Christian and have the support and recommendation of your church. The charity is now called Winchester Pregnancy Crisis Centre and we are very excited to have just moved offices to Jubilee House next to The Baptist Church. We are not affiliated to any particular church in the city but we have volunteers and supporters from many. If you could like any further information about what we do and the ways in which you could help please come and have a chat with me.

13

z z

‘A girl, not yet a woman, about to become a mother’I have often thought of Mary, the mother of Jesus inthis way. But how many of us have felt a similar crisis of identity, both male and female, young and the not so young, as we’ve faced new situations and junctures in our lives? Th ose in-between moments when we’re not sure who we are, or what we’re about to become.

Personally I found the last few weeks of pregnancy a time which challenged my identity. Th e fi rst fl ushes of excitement had become a distant memory, I wason maternity leave and work felt like a diff erent world, and the immense urge to meet my little one was pressing upon me as much as he was on my bladder!! In the same way moving house, starting new schools, launching out as a young professional and later having the courage to resign, have led to moments of real soul-searching questioning - But why? What lay at the bottom of thisphilosophising? I believe ultimately that there exists a question - A question that lurks within each one of us that dares to raise its voice and be heard at these times? - It is a question that has been echoed through the ages in many ways and forms....

Who Am I?

Our identity can so easily become entangled with what it is that we do in this life. We would rarely reply to the question with -’A man / a child / a daughter’. It seems too obvious and almost trivial.But have you also noticed that the second mostcommon question when you meet someone is:What do you do? Are we so intrinsically linked with our attendance at an institution, employment status and achievements that we forget who we really are - and in the same breath who others are?

“If I dared to strip away all my current diff erent ‘identities’, I now know that I could still hold on to one. I am a child of God.”

He could allow everything else to be taken away, or choose to bless me abundantly in this life, but this one identity will never be taken from me. Coming to this realisation followed a decision aged 19 to become Christ’s follower. To ask forgiveness and recognise that I was made by Him and for Him. Th e working out of this identity has become a life-long journey, but the opportunity is there for us all. Wherever you may be on life’s timeline....Th e babes in arms or the aged arms enfolding the baby, it is an open invitation.

But we are still given many tasks to do in this world, and as a result we hold many ‘identities’. I believe parents may hold some of the greatest number possible! .... Just imagine the job description for the role: paid in kind not cash!

24/7 carer, teacher, elocutionist and decipherer, supplier of wipes, tissues and endless spare pants!Nurse, taxi, best friend, worst enemy, employer, employee, job-sharer, caterer....And please note - this is not an exhaustive list of duties.

It is an exhilerating, life-changing, daunting and wonderful adventure and as the TV series remindsus - Th ere’s One Born Every Minute! - Not just babies but parents too!!Th e WBC Baby Boombears witness tothis fact!So here you will fi nd many others’thoughts on the notion of identity as they’ve journeyed through parenthood....

Mari Clifton 14

“I was very happy with my identity as a mother. I was very proud to be a mother and felt ‘called’ to be a mother in what I believe is an important job from God, bringing up our children to follow Christ.

As my children are now leaving and I am needed less within the home, I am left feeling my job is almost done and needing the next challenge. There is a large void left in my life and as yet God hasn’t shown me the next step.”Mum to teenagers

“Becoming a father has meant more responsibility, but it has also allowed the big kid in me to come more to the fore, especially as my children grow that bit older. Whilst it is nice seeing bits of my personality (identity) in them, its great watching their own individual personalities develop.”Dad to young children

“Learning to live in the moment. Not so much what I’m doing, or we’re doing as a family, but just enjoying BEING together. Challenges every idea I had of identity being guided by what we do, not who we are.”Mum to young children

The

The

valu

e of

iden

tity

of c

ours

e is

that

so

ofte

n w

ith it

com

es p

urpo

se.

Rich

ard

R. G

rant

Quotes from WBC parents

In the years B.C. (before child) I always viewed the mums-with-young-children contingent at church as some kind of secret society. When my own friends started to reproduce I felt quite aggrieved that they were whisked away to this special club and out of my social life. They started to go to bed really early and I had to ring first if I wanted to pop round! I felt it especially strongly when I became single again at the age of thirty. Suddenly I didn’t “fit” into any group. Too old for the singles, too single for the couples and apparently nothing at all in common with the families. In hind sight I suspect that this was mostly in my head but it made attending church quite hard. Now I have joined the club and I am quite happy to be a fully paid up member. I never thought I would become that person who talks about dirty nappies and sleeping patterns but soon discovered that it is virtually impossible to avoid. I am particularly fortunate to be part of a church with a group of women all experiencing the same thing at almost exactly the same time and the reassurance that you are not alone is a great comfort. Sometimes I just have to look at one of my fellow new mums on a Sunday morning for them to know exactly what sort of night I’ve had and to offer the much needed hug. Now the dust of baby talc (who uses that anymore?) has settled and the shell-shock has subsided I feel able to delve deeper into this world of mums and tots groups and money-off coupons to find my role for God in this new job. I believe this opportunity to meet regularly with groups of women and have one enormous thing in common with them is where God wants me to be; building friendships as we all try to get through the week with some degree of sanity and without breaking the baby. And to all those mums who have gone before us I would like to say, at last, I understand.

Naomi Best 15

This past month at Winbap, we welcomed the Maw family into membership and witnessed the dedication of the Phillipson children.

I A N A N D J O M A W

As members of Emmanuel Church Winchester, we were married at St John’s Farley Chamberlain Church (nr Braishfield / Farley Mount) in Feb 1990. I was working as a trainee architectural technician in Winchester and Jo had just qualified with a degree at King Alfred`s College as a school teacher and had started teaching in Eastleigh. We rented an agricultural dwelling at Chilbolton Down Farm with James & Sue Gray as Farm Managers (members of Emmanuel Church). In 1993 we moved to Nether Wallop and Jessy was born in Nov 94 and Charlie in Nov 96.I must have believed deep down inside, and think it must have been some of the Sunday school or words of truth that impacted me in RE at school. As well my Father was exploring beliefs, ideas and theories and settled on The Word of God at the time and was sharing his new found belief. So I became a Christian in 1984 when I bumped into Emmanuel Church. There I met Jo who joined and was a new Christian from King Alfred’s College Christian Union.We stayed at Emmanuel Church until it disbanded in 2007- 2008 We came to WB Church

approximately two years ago. I got to know the church much more when we stayed at Wellington Country Park for the weekend in March which was nice to meet people and enjoy and relax over the weekend.I am going to regular Bible Study home group meetings with the Burberrys in Chilbolton.The children are currently members of Winchester athletics club and train/compete at county and national level which seems to dominate our current routine, which is a curse and a blessing. I tend to appear in church on most occasions and Jo and the children when they can.I have been in and out of work following the downturn in 2008 and I am trying to prepare my own business whilst working for a small architectural practice in Southampton. I enjoy the outdoors and get into the hills and mountain bike when I get the chance.Jo would be in Zambia on safari painting elephants and hippos for her art exhibitions, as an artist whose career/hobby is on hold for now, being the hyperactive mum who does many things for the children supports their studies, revision and sporting life. Part time work: walking dogs and cleaning at Danebury House squeezes in some extra cash. My aspirations in the church are to get to know everyone and to

grow in faith and knowledge of God`s ways and grow up. I Would like to get involved / challenged more, and see what God can do in our lives.

T H E P H I L L I P S O N S

…W I N B A P F A M I L Y N E W S

…

BMSSeptember Birthdays

• Paul Tipple 5th

• Jacey Jackson 14th

HAP P YBI RT H DAY

16

The dedication of David, Timothy and Lydia, was well worth the wait.It was so good to feel supported by the church in the upbringing of our children. It was something we had been considering for a while but we came to the decision to have the children dedicated now, otherwise David would have become too old and would be making his own decisions.The words that everybody had to say about supporting our children really uplifted us, knowing there will always be somebody there to help in any time of need. We thank you all for participating in the service and dedicatingyourselves to help us. It was amazing to see just how many people attended and how full the church was.

…

Becca Arthur-Almond

“I was born into a Christian family and so I was brought up in the Christian faith. I think it took me quite a while to really understand what it was that Christianity was about. Part of it was basically being one of the only people my age being a Christian. Until I moved to Cyprus, I didnt really realise how many other people believed in Christ. It was a very nice feeling to realise I hadother people my age to talk to and to discuss things that we felt we couldnt talk to adults about, because they would think we were stupid. That was a very big step, I think, for me. Then I moved to Winchester and rocked up toWinbap one day, cried a lot and then Ali came and talked to me and asked if I was all right.Then he told me about “Edge” and so I went to that, and met some lovely people - which helped settle me a bit more in Winchester.But I have to admit that my two years at college weren’t my strongest in terms of my faith.Recently though, with some help from a few people I have tried to get back on track, and I feel that this [baptism] is the right thingto do for me now. It’s, as Tim said, get rid of anything that’s happened that I don’t feel too proud about or that I’m uncertain about and just go forward and see what happens next.”

Abi Bettle

Hannah Phillipson

Hannah’s story can be found in our new ‘Edge’ section.....

Becca Arthur-Almond Abi Bettle

The week before I started coming to WBC, my brother got baptised in Plymouth. During the long drive home I thought about how different he was, how he seemed at peace. I Googled Baptist churches, and this one came top. Next Sunday, I came here.

Growing up, I had always felt something was missing, and tried to fill it by working hard, and partying. That night, it felt like the missing piece had slotted into place. I decided to turn away from my old way of life, and after the service Eunice helped me to make a commitment to Jesus.

Since then, Jesus has helped me in so many ways, and even sped up the healing of my ankle. There is comfort in knowing that I don’t need to worry about what is going on in my life, as it is planned out for me.

If you’re thinking of getting baptised, please see Tim or Becca for more information.

17

18

transition cluster

Hello and welcome

to Winchester! if you are a new student or indeed welcome back if you are returning to Winchester for another year of hard study!

Here at the Baptist church we have a cluster (or small group), just for you called Transition. We are a group of people in our teens or twenties who are in a transitional stage of life. Whether it’s going on a gap year, starting in the work place, going to university or having just graduated; we aim to meet twice fortnightlytostudyGod’sword,worshipandpraytogetherandthentwicefortnightly to socialise with our mates, doing a whole range of activities from visits to the pub or gigs, to bowling and cinema expeditions.

We want our lives to reflect Jesus in the big decisions of life and the small steps and choices we make everyday. In the Autumn term our study if going to be focused on the book of James and how we can be distinctive as witnesses to others in our lives.

Host FamiliesEach year we pair students with lovely host families who promise to provide a

meal once a term. This is a really valuable ministry that gives students a hot meal, home comforts and some support away from home. There are no restrictions on

what your family should look like or when you should have students around. It is low maintenance and can be a real blessing for the students especially the freshers

who will be living in halls without sofas and ovens!

“Having a host family over the past few years has been really great. It has really made me feel more part of the church and meant that I could spend time with people outside the student bubble. The delicious food is a bonus too!!”

Nic Langton (4th year teaching student)

If you want to host a pair of students or if you are a student and want a host from Nov to June next year, then speak to me or Ali by Sunday the 3rd of October.

PHOTO

GRAPHYBYADRIANBAXTE

R

Age: 20

Favourite colour: Purple.

Food: Biscuits - I could probably eat them all day..Hobby: Drumming

Bible verse:Philippians 4:13 - "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" It is the verse that I recited to myself throughout my GCSE's and it somehow kept me sane through them, and it's such a true element of God, that He is real and present in our lives today.

How long have you been worshipping at winbap:I came to WinBap for the first time in summer 2010, before I started at uni and immediately felt at home - especially when Ali heard I played drums and wouldn't really let me leave. I have been worshipping here since then, as I was often invited back to play!

Fav Tuft family moment if any: Ali playing bass like a pro, but with a sleeping baby over his shoulder - so cute!

If someone texted you saying a tiger was loose in Winchester. What would you do?Take a camera and go looking for it - but then more than likely run away when I saw it!

MeettheStudents

Lucy Tennant

Leave a message for the congregation: You provide a really great home away from home, and I love the focus you have on your young people - keep encouraging them because they’re gonna grow up and do amazing things!

Leave a message for the students: Hi guys!

Who tells better jokes during their sermons? Ewen or Tim? Controversial! - Too close to call I’m afraid, I’ll sit safely on the fence and say they’re just as funny/interesting/insightful as each other!

Best thing about Winbap? Serious! - The family aspect of it. From the families that have been going there forever, to new couples being welcomed in, there is such a sense of love for each other, every member is valued and open to talk to each other.

If an alien was coming to Winchester how would you describe it to them: To be honest, I think I’d probably be more distracted by the fact that there is an alien than searching for relevant adjectives, but we'll get past that. It's a small city with very little to do but you can't help falling in love with it's trees and general greenery, cute shops and (overpriced) tea shops... even all the hills!

Haikiu of your name please(I'm not sure what a haikiu is...)

L ovedU nconditionallyC os ofY ahweh

19

transition cluster

•

20

Winchester:recent changes in the county town of Hampshire

This article explores some of the changes that have taken place in Winchester in recent years. I grew up in Winchester. It is certainly a traditional city, and in many ways slow to change. However, I hope to identify some changes that have taken place in the city in recent years (both positive and negative). Different aspects of change will be covered: learning resources, shops, visitor attractions and the proposed development of Barton Farm.

One of the most positive changes I have noticed in recent years is the redevelopment of Winchester Library (Winchester Discovery Centre). The library now has a cafe, space for temporary exhibitions, and indoor toilet facilities (all of which were previously lacking). The atmosphere is light and airy and somewhat more friendly and relaxed than it was previously. These changes have made Winchester Library a more enjoyable place to spend time.

All three secondary schools in the city have benefitted from major refurbishments and new facilities. The Henry Beaufort School for example, has enjoyed the developement of the Beacon Arts Centre.

1996 saw the developmentof a large out of town Tesco store. More recently, a Waitrose has been opened in Weeke. Within the town centre, one noteworthy development in Winchester’s retail sector has been the opening of anew Primark shop within the Brooks shopping centre. Winchester has lacked a bargain clothes shop, unlike other cities I have visited (such as Southampton and Portsmouth). Another new shop is ‘H2O Mud and Snow’ an outdoor clothing shop. On a less happy note, the much loved bookshop, Sussex Stationers have closed down. Clearly the financial situation is taking its toll even in this relatively affluent city.

Winchester is a relatively popular city with tourists, both from the UK and abroad. It boosts a wide variety of visitor attractions, including the (relatively new) Science Centre and Planetarium (Intech), Marwell Zoo (home to many species of African mammals), and most famous of all, Winchester Cathedral.

Winchester Cathedral is recognised as one of the greatest medieval buildings in England. The majority of this nine hundred year old church is open to the public every day, and quite recently, the central tower was opened to visitors for the first time. This year, a new extension, the Fleury building, will be opened - the first development on the site for five hundred years. The

Dean of Winchester, the Very Revd James Atwell, praises the development, describing the Fleury Building as ‘evidence of the continuing growth and life of the Cathedral and its community’.

Winchester Castle was a major royal centre during the medieval period. Although the Castle’s Great Hall is the only part to survive above ground, Hampshire County Council have done a good job - there is an interesting onsite exhibition on the castle’s long and eventful history. In the Hall itself, Winchester’s famous Round Table (sixteenth century) is on display.

Over the last decade, the proposed development by CALA homes of a new housing estate on Barton Farm, Harestock has provoked controversy amongst the Winchester community. According to the Save Barton Farm Group (a local pressure group opposed to this development), ‘Winchester City Council has paved the way for major development at Barton farm, a 300 acre site to the north-west of Winchester’ . There are plans for the building of two thousand houses, a new primary school, and a supermarket. CALA homes have specified that 40% of the new houses should be “affordable” homes.

Whilst this probably sounds an inviting offer for young families considering moving to Winchester (one of the South’s most expensive cities), critics fear that Winchester could develop into an urban sprawl, and lose much of its precious green space.

Many positive changes have taken place in Winchester in recent years. The re-opening of the Discovery Centre has been beneficial to the community. The development of new shops (despite the poor state of the economy) is an encouraging sign that not all is lost for retailers

wishing to develop their businesses in thecity. The plans for development of Barton Farm are still controversial, but are now alsouncertain, given the coalition government’srelaxation of housing targets. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts onrecent developments in Winchester. If you have any questions or comments, contact me on:

jimturn87 @ btinternet.com

James Turner

P HO

TO

GR

AP H

Y B

Y B

AR

RY

MA

NN

21

Winchester:recent changes in the county town of Hampshire

This article explores some of the changes that have taken place in Winchester in recent years. I grew up in Winchester. It is certainly a traditional city, and in many ways slow to change. However, I hope to identify some changes that have taken place in the city in recent years (both positive and negative). Different aspects of change will be covered: learning resources, shops, visitor attractions and the proposed development of Barton Farm.

One of the most positive changes I have noticed in recent years is the redevelopment of Winchester Library (Winchester Discovery Centre). The library now has a cafe, space for temporary exhibitions, and indoor toilet facilities (all of which were previously lacking). The atmosphere is light and airy and somewhat more friendly and relaxed than it was previously. These changes have made Winchester Library a more enjoyable place to spend time.

All three secondary schools in the city have benefitted from major refurbishments and new facilities. The Henry Beaufort School for example, has enjoyed the developement of the Beacon Arts Centre.

1996 saw the developmentof a large out of town Tesco store. More recently, a Waitrose has been opened in Weeke. Within the town centre, one noteworthy development in Winchester’s retail sector has been the opening of anew Primark shop within the Brooks shopping centre. Winchester has lacked a bargain clothes shop, unlike other cities I have visited (such as Southampton and Portsmouth). Another new shop is ‘H2O Mud and Snow’ an outdoor clothing shop. On a less happy note, the much loved bookshop, Sussex Stationers have closed down. Clearly the financial situation is taking its toll even in this relatively affluent city.

Winchester is a relatively popular city with tourists, both from the UK and abroad. It boosts a wide variety of visitor attractions, including the (relatively new) Science Centre and Planetarium (Intech), Marwell Zoo (home to many species of African mammals), and most famous of all, Winchester Cathedral.

Winchester Cathedral is recognised as one of the greatest medieval buildings in England. The majority of this nine hundred year old church is open to the public every day, and quite recently, the central tower was opened to visitors for the first time. This year, a new extension, the Fleury building, will be opened - the first development on the site for five hundred years. The

Dean of Winchester, the Very Revd James Atwell, praises the development, describing the Fleury Building as ‘evidence of the continuing growth and life of the Cathedral and its community’.

Winchester Castle was a major royal centre during the medieval period. Although the Castle’s Great Hall is the only part to survive above ground, Hampshire County Council have done a good job - there is an interesting onsite exhibition on the castle’s long and eventful history. In the Hall itself, Winchester’s famous Round Table (sixteenth century) is on display.

Over the last decade, the proposed development by CALA homes of a new housing estate on Barton Farm, Harestock has provoked controversy amongst the Winchester community. According to the Save Barton Farm Group (a local pressure group opposed to this development), ‘Winchester City Council has paved the way for major development at Barton farm, a 300 acre site to the north-west of Winchester’ . There are plans for the building of two thousand houses, a new primary school, and a supermarket. CALA homes have specified that 40% of the new houses should be “affordable” homes.

Whilst this probably sounds an inviting offer for young families considering moving to Winchester (one of the South’s most expensive cities), critics fear that Winchester could develop into an urban sprawl, and lose much of its precious green space.

Many positive changes have taken place in Winchester in recent years. The re-opening of the Discovery Centre has been beneficial to the community. The development of new shops (despite the poor state of the economy) is an encouraging sign that not all is lost for retailers

wishing to develop their businesses in thecity. The plans for development of Barton Farm are still controversial, but are now alsouncertain, given the coalition government’srelaxation of housing targets. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts onrecent developments in Winchester. If you have any questions or comments, contact me on:

jimturn87 @ btinternet.com

James Turner

.

City wide Youth Alpha is starting Monday 26th of September and runs for 9 weeks (excl. half term) @ the Re:fresh cafe finishing on the 28th of November. Aimed for those of you between 16 - 19, but there is room for everyone 11 up to 19.The course is expected to run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and the best part is its.....

all you need to do, is see Becca if you’re interested.... If you’re a youth leader or

just thinking about helping in future Youth Alpha courses, then keep the 12th of September free!

HTB are sending an Alpha trainer for a FREE training session at the Re:fresh Cafe, St John’s House.

If you think this is for you,please let Becca know by the 9th of September.

winbap youththe edge - fresh - friday club

N EW SINSIDE this issue...

Jon reviews “Heaven is for Real”

INTERVIEW: Life after the Edge

Roseanna’s Guide to

Surviving the Edge as a girl

Hannah on Getting Baptised

Name: Roseanna

Age: 15Time@Edge so far: 1 year!

Some dangers for girls in the Edge:getting your shoes thrown out the window, being asked by Becca to do an interview, be-cause this is REALLY hard,

Person to be most wary of:As a girl, you should probably be most wary of Toby, other-wise you might find yourself underneath his arm.... along

with up to 3 other girls!

Best thing about the Edge:being able to make friends with people with different experiences, interests and opinions who you probably wouldn’t come into contact with otherwise.

Your one weapon of defence at the Edge:

My defence weapon is a secret, I’m not telling you.

Although, brute force generally works.

Any advice for girls thinking of coming to the Edge?My best piece of advice to any girls thinking of coming

to edge is.... COME TO EDGE!

Winbap Youth News September 2011

“Life after the Edge”an interview with Natasha Kousseff, one of our young people who

attended the Edge youth group from 2006-2010.

- Name: Natasha Kousseff - Age: 19 - How many years in the Edge: 4- Where did you go after leaving the Edge: After leaving I went to Bath University to study Psychology, and I’ve just finished my first year.- What was the biggest shock upon entering the adult world: I think the biggest thing to adjust to was being in a completely new environment with all new people. I’d never had to do that before because my friends all moved up to college with me from school, so at uni everything starts from scratch, and while you’re trying to get to know new people, you’re thrown into being completely independent for the first time as well, so it’s a lot to adapt to all at the same time. - What has been the best bit about your big move? I know it sounds like a cop-out answer, but I’ve loved all of it! The city is amazing, I’ve met loads of great people, found a fantastic welcoming church, and my course is really interesting. I also think that overall it’s been a really good experience to have been living independently, and it’s just been a great year! - What was the most challenging part? The most challenging thing was definitely adjusting to living with people I didn’t know. To start with I found it really hard and couldn’t wait to be out of halls, but after the first term it got a lot easier, and I’m actually really glad I had the experience of living with people I wouldn’t otherwise have got to know. - Did you budget? I didn’t budget,

but I did keep track of how much money I was spending, and tried to be careful. I managed to live pretty cheaply (not counting the rent!) but since being at uni I know I’m a lot more aware of when and how much I’m spending! - How has going to university affected your attitude to money? I take more responsibility for it! - What is the biggest difference in your faith since leaving home?I grew up going to my local church, but when I moved away it was up to me to find a church that I really wanted to be at, and I chose to get involved with things (churches, CU, cell group) that would help to grow my faith and also give me opportunities to meet some amazing people! - What home comforts do you miss the most?Sofas! And space! You go from living in a house to having just a bedroom and a kitchen, so it’s nice to have more space again when you get home! - Have you ever brought your washing home!?? I did in the holidays, but not if I was just going home for a weekend in term-time. - What do you miss about the Edge?I really loved being a part of Edge, getting to know the people & having the opportunities to explore my faith there. I miss being a part of the group, and I loved the variety of things put on by the leaders - it was great that Edge was something regular, but also that there was always something different to look forward to.

Tips from the Edge...

Roseanna on “How to Survive as a Girl

in the Edge”

Page 2

Jon reviews “Heaven is for Real” by Todd Burpo

Winbap Youth News September 2011 Page 3

Hannah on getting Baptised

Jon reviews “Heaven is for Real” by Todd Burpo

This book is about Colton Burpo, a 3yr old boy, and his amazing journey to heaven and back. The book starts with the Pastor Todd Burpo the father of Colton and author of this book, describing how it all started. Colton ended in hospital and in surgery for a ruptured appendix and went to heaven for approximately 3 minutes.

The book rather than throwing in all the heaven stuff at once, slowly trickles it all in, which is what I like about it. It doesn’t just focus on the heaven bit it also shows how God helps the Burpos family through life, Todd’s injuries and illnesses, the loss of their second child and of course Colton’s ruptured appendix, however the part about heaven is amazingly compelling stuff.

The book rather than being very dark and theological is quite light and easy to read. When describing heaven Todd uses Colton’s own words, so it is easy to understand and interesting to see how a nearly 4 yr old

explains it. For instance, instead of saying holes in Jesus’ hands he says markers and other quirks like

that.

‘amazingly compelling stuff ’

So before I give too much away I would like to say this is an awesome book which really explains many things for me, it is a great read suitable for age 14 to 104, a really good page turner and great for keeping

God in our everyday lives.

When do you remember making a commitment for the first time? “When I was about 11 on a camp with Pathfinders [Christ Church, Winchester’s Y7-Y9 youth group], in the Saturday evening service. If you had to describe your journey with God so far in 3 words, what would they be?

“Amazing, unsure, secure.”“It was important to me to get baptised to me because I wanted to publically witness my faith to people around me, that I am serious about Christianity and not just following in my family’s footsteps. Best Bits?

The part of my baptism which I enjoyed the most was when people gave prophetic words and pictures. I also enjoyed seeing my non-christian friends coming into the church and I pray all the time that something

may stick with them for later in life.

My favourite bible verse at the moment is Ecclesiastes: 2v24-26. I would strongly recommend it, but I would not push it on them, after all it is their own decision. “only get baptised if you think you are ready for it, if not wait, talk to God and see what he has to say about it.” it was an amazing experience getting baptised, one I will never forget.

Theatre Royal Winchester Sunday 18th September

1:30pm &3pm www.theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk

Welcome to the first issue of WinBap Kids. The section of the church magazine designed for kids and those who are kids at heart

The start of the new term: For children starting new classes or new schools. For families getting back into the school routine For C.O.G.S: That the children will really hear God through the new material. For more leaders and helpers. For great relationships between the children and between the children and leaders. Jim Bailey: Altogether Worship For Jim as he prepares. That children and families would know who to invite.

Summer Camps: For the amazing times that our children and their families had this summer at the many Christian camps. C.O.G.S team: Thank God for our faithful team of leaders and helpers who serve in C.O.G.S each week C.O.G.S Beach Party For the fun and laughter that was had. For the non Christian friends that came.

if anyone is joined to Christ he is a new creation. the old has gone the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Theatre Royal Winchester Sunday 18th September

1:30pm &3pm www.theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk

Welcome to the first issue of WinBap Kids. The section of the church magazine designed for kids and those who are kids at heart

The start of the new term: For children starting new classes or new schools. For families getting back into the school routine For C.O.G.S: That the children will really hear God through the new material. For more leaders and helpers. For great relationships between the children and between the children and leaders. Jim Bailey: Altogether Worship For Jim as he prepares. That children and families would know who to invite.

Summer Camps: For the amazing times that our children and their families had this summer at the many Christian camps. C.O.G.S team: Thank God for our faithful team of leaders and helpers who serve in C.O.G.S each week C.O.G.S Beach Party For the fun and laughter that was had. For the non Christian friends that came.

if anyone is joined to Christ he is a new creation. the old has gone the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Beach Party

Whose you favourite King? King David or King Solomon?

Send your answer with your reason why

eli@winbap.org.uk Result and comments in the next issue

Q: Who was the first person mentioned inthe Bible to play tennis? A: Joseph, because he served in the Pharaoh's court.

What kind of lights did Noah had on his ark?Floodlights.

Got a good joke? Then send it eli@winbap.org.uk and it might appear in

future issue

This is a family friendly worship album that has a mixture heart felt worship and songs that will make you smile. It takes you on a journey through all the up and down’s that happen in a 21st century Christian family. It’s a album that the whole family can listen to anytime, anywhere!

Top 3 Songs: 1. I don’t know what the

future holds 2. God loves me / Lord I

love you 3. God shaped hole You can hear Jim live at his altogether worship show at WinBap on Saturday 17th September!

to

e.

n

a

Saul's blinding light

Read Acts 9:1-19

Let's talk Talk about a time when God has helped you the right thing. What’s is something good that God can help you do every day?

let's do Why don’t you do some of your daily activities, like brushing your teeth or getting dressed, while wearing a blindfold. What was it like being blind? what do think it was like for Saul?

Let's pray Dear God, you can change our hearts just like you changed Saul’s. When we want to something that is wrong, help us to obey you and do what's right instead. In Jesus’ name amen.

The Jesus connectionJesus changed Saul’s heart when he wanted

to do bad things, Jesus can change our hearts too!

Beach Party

Whose you favourite King? King David or King Solomon?

Send your answer with your reason why

eli@winbap.org.uk Result and comments in the next issue

Q: Who was the first person mentioned inthe Bible to play tennis? A: Joseph, because he served in the Pharaoh's court.

What kind of lights did Noah had on his ark?Floodlights.

Got a good joke? Then send it eli@winbap.org.uk and it might appear in

future issue

This is a family friendly worship album that has a mixture heart felt worship and songs that will make you smile. It takes you on a journey through all the up and down’s that happen in a 21st century Christian family. It’s a album that the whole family can listen to anytime, anywhere!

Top 3 Songs: 1. I don’t know what the

future holds 2. God loves me / Lord I

love you 3. God shaped hole You can hear Jim live at his altogether worship show at WinBap on Saturday 17th September!

to

e.

n

a

Saul's blinding light

Read Acts 9:1-19

Let's talk Talk about a time when God has helped you the right thing. What’s is something good that God can help you do every day?

let's do Why don’t you do some of your daily activities, like brushing your teeth or getting dressed, while wearing a blindfold. What was it like being blind? what do think it was like for Saul?

Let's pray Dear God, you can change our hearts just like you changed Saul’s. When we want to something that is wrong, help us to obey you and do what's right instead. In Jesus’ name amen.

The Jesus connectionJesus changed Saul’s heart when he wanted

to do bad things, Jesus can change our hearts too!

Five years later I attended a Play Therapy conference and found myself in a ‘Baby Bonding’ session run by my friend Debi I had no idea why I felt impelled to go as it was not relevant to my work but I felt a strong sense that I should. She was researching the effect of mothers singing lullabies to babies and demonstrated a significant improvement in bonding between mothers and babies.

In 2009 Ewen preached on living your dream. God spoke to me through this and Peter and I started to plan a trip despite my having no idea what I could do to help.

The following year we went to Kisumu, Kenya where I met Phoebe, who runs an orphanage. I talked to three groups of women who care for children and taught them about attachment, the effects of trauma, and how to sing songs to the babies they cared for. None of them knew any of this and they did not sing to their children. When I spoke about trauma, they could all vividly remember the riots of 2008 and many were still looking out for danger two years on. I surmised that the trauma had closed them off and made it harder for them to bond with the babies. This tendency was confirmed by a friend who works in Southern Sudan.

A charity called Lullaby has been formed to go and empower traumatised people in Africa to sing lullabies to their babies. Why? Because it’s a simple way to form the crucial bonds of attachment between a baby and his/her carer that builds empathy, communication and resilience to trauma.

It all started in 2003 when I visited a school in Kibera, Nairobi. I met orphans who were in a feeding programme and it made me cry.

When I returned to the UK I felt there was so much more to be done but did not know how to proceed. Then Jacey came round one day and challenged me to go to every country in Africa to ‘do my lullaby thing’ and write a book about it! This felt like a crazy idea but it wouldn’t leave me!So now we* have formed the charity Lullaby. Our plan is to form links with a local community to conduct a needs analysis and ensure that the local people would welcome our input.

We plan to fly out and meet a group of mothers/ carers. We explain why attachment is important and ask them to share with us the lullabies they already know. We then teach them to sing these lullabies to their babies and meet often to practice and encourage each other during the weeks of our stay. As the mothers grow in confidence we encourage them to share this simple free concept with their family and friends. We then assess the effect of this to see if it is really helping.

*Helen Revans, Cliff Turner, Brenda Holman and me, Helen Howes

“Everyone seemed to think these children were so fortunate because they were being fed, which they were, but no one seemed to consider that they might be suffering emotional trauma from losing their parents and being abandoned in the slums. I knew then that God wanted me to do something.”

22

Helen Howes

I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do.Helen Keller

This idea is very simple but it could make a huge difference to the next generation. I plan to return to Kisumu with Debi to start this journey this September. Just watch this space!

If you are interested in getting involved, please email me at lullabyafrica @ yahoo . co . uk. The website should be up and running soon.

23

Identity - everyone has one. If you’re young or old, small or tall, your identity is your own, we are all individual. That’s why we’re so special, that’s why we are God’s children, because he made us different from everyone else. But then the person next to you is different from everyone else too! In ‘Lion King 2’ the song “We are One” gets it spot on. We ARE one, (not just you and your family, but you and everyone. Everyone who ever lived and will live). We are joined in Christ - one very happy family.

These are the lyrics:

We are one, you and I,We are like the earth and sky,One happy family under the sun.All the wisdom to lead and the courage that you need,You will find when you seeWe are one!

This leads me onto the lyrics ‘We are like the earth and sky’, but we are more than the earth and sky! Its true! God made us, including the sky and so on, in a week so this is an opportunity to prove we love what we have, and care about it. That makes our identity beautiful, because the earth around us is being looked after by us.

Now its not just about looking after the world around us - we can’t forget the people who actually live in it! This is all about helping people with cuts and bruises on the outside and on the inside. Wherever those bruises are, we can always try and help.

If you ask me, our identity is who we are and who are with, what we do or have done, and what we are like. Part of our identity is the ‘outside sort of thing’ - what welook like, if we’re skinny, or maybe a little rotund. But to God the outside doesn’t really matter. To Him what’s on the inside is more important. For example, it wouldn’t matter to God if you weren’t as stylish as everyone else but were really kind and loving.

That doesn’t mean God hates all beautiful people, He loves them just as much as others.

Our identity is also made up of the ‘inside’ us, the part that thinks all the thoughts and the part that is hopefully kind and caring!

Right, now we’ve got the in and out sections of our identity done we should talk about the other things that make us, us. Like what we listen to or read, this can actually affect us.

If we read and listen to Godly things we probably won’t start suddenly thinking and saying unGodly things. That also goes for who we are with, your ‘friends’ might say bad things or do things that we as Christians don’t agree with. So if you are constantly with some people who aren’t actually helpful friends, they are more likely to start to influence what you do in an unGodly way.

Part of our identity, as Christians is God. He is in our heart. He is our heart. So when we are outside and in the street, in school or anywhere else, His light should shine through, as if we are walking lights, but this is only like that if we keep our personalities pure and our identities clean.

We can do this by:• Caring about the world

around us.• Looking after others.• Trying to be as good as

possible (committing no sins).

Why are identities important?Identity is important because otherwise we wouldn’t be able to know who is who and the world would be boring.

What is God’s identity?God’s identity is unknown. In the bible it says that we are made to look like God but have our own identity.

What is an identity?Identity is what we look like and what our personalities are like.

1 Peter 2:9Genesis 2:7Jeremiah 1:5John 1:12

I don’t know about you, but when I write, I am giving a piece of myself away. It can be quite a scary thing to expose your thoughts to others and not be sure of how it will be accepted...BUT there are always exceptions to the rule and a few Sundays ago, I had two eager young ladies asking if they could write an article for the church magazine.Undaunted by a theme of ‘identity’, these young eleven year olds leapt at the chance. So here it is, ‘Identity’ unpacked for you by our youngest contributors.

Identity

Marie-Louise & Emily

24

Jim Bailey is an all age entertainer, singer, songwriter musician, magician and puppeteer.

He has been writing, recording and performing fun, funky and fresh children’s and adult music for over twenty years.  Jim was the co-founder of ‘Kingdom Kids’ a ministry that grew into ‘The Feast’ children’s teaching curriculum for Elim and New Frontiers Churches and, that grew into ‘Children’s Ministry’ conferences and materials with Kingsway & now run by Children Matter.

Jim travels the UK extensively with All Age Altogether Worship Shows or Praise Parties and training for children’s workers. He imparts how to do fun visual and interactive children’s & all age worship that is enjoyable, relevant & real.

He’s lead the 8-11 programmes and all age worship @  Spring Harvest as well as other Christian Festivals, events and conferences, Elim Bible Week,  Stoneleigh Bible week and Detling.

Jim is a member of Equity and Children Worldwide. His professional background was in IT and youthwork. He trained for the ministry and was ordained in 1992. He’s on the road constantly with family shows and adult concerts.

He works with churches interdenominationally and has a strong passion for sharing his faith through his songs andskills to any audience.

Jim’s been writing songs since he was fourteen and is still learning this lifetime craft of songwriting and storytelling. He has written a large number of songs in a wide variety of styles and genres and recorded a number of albums. 

When he is not on the road he can be found walking, climbing or canoeing but most of the time asleep under a duvet !

1990 - 201120 years in 200 words

Jim Travelled with Gospel to 65 counties of the UK.

Driving over 3 million miles to reach nearly three million individuals. Over 42,000 (14%)  of which took booklets and information about  the Christian faith and prayed prayers to become followers of Jesus.

Away for forty-six weekends each year through 1990-2007 singing and sharing about how to Know God made you and Loves you and has a great plan for your life.

Completed training sessions for over 60,000 children’s workers.

Travelled to ten different countries including China, Mongolia, Philippines, Hong Kong, UEA, USA, Canada singing and sharing Jesus’s message.

Broke new ground in pioneering the first ever British children’s worship album on compact disc and produced the first ever worship DVD. Pioneered Kingdom Kids, a national children’s work, with the first ever British charismatic children’s curriculum.

Was directly involved in helping this grow into children’s ministry (Kingsway) resources and national children’s workers conference.

Opened and ran “Sounds Creative” professional recording studios from 1998 to 2003. Raised the Bar for professionalism and quality in British children’s ministry.

for you to REMEMBER

Jim will be with us on the 17th of Septemberfor an Alltogether Worship ShowANDtake children’s work training. Please see Eli interested!

25

26

Hi everybody!

I’ve spent the last year in Toronto, Canada, studying on the ‘School Of Ministry’ at Catch The Fire, the church famous for the ‘Toronto Blessing’, and perpetuating revival, in 1994. I went away for two, five month periods on which I attended two schools: the first, the heart module, focused on cultivating my relationship with God and personal development, alongside a lot of teaching about the basics of Christian ministry; the second, the worship module, was all about music, prayer and developing everything I’d learnt during the first module. On both courses I studied the ‘core values’ of the ministry for the first month (hearing God’s voice, healing life’s hurts, the father heart of God and the prophetic), then underwent three months worth of week-long teachings on subjects like physical healing, the book of Genesis, identity, prophetic singing, power evangelism, song-writing, the psalms and boundaries. Each school concluded with a 3 week outreach to another country so I also got to visit Finland and Denmark during my year away!

The whole year was such a stretching experience! During the first month I was thrown into hectic days full of awesome worship every morning, amazing teaching during the day and an incredible social environment, alongside having to share a room with three other guys, cleaning the building, performing immunerable ministry duties and having ‘spiritual open-heart surgery’ at every conceivable moment! My year was marked by incredible personal growth as I was stretched in so many areas, challenging myself to take every opportunity to grow in my relationship with God and grow as a person. I saw incredible growth in the areas that God pushed me in, like music and prophetic ministry. I was challenged again and again to step out in prophecy and in leading worship but God was so faithful every time and I saw so much personal breakthrough.

I saw incredible healings whilst I was away. I watched rashes ‘evaporate’ before my eyes, I watched a man run around the room after he was healed of Lyme’s disease (he couldn’t stand for more than a minute before then!). I watched as every time I chose to step out, God came through and let me witness people coming to Christ, witches being healed of pain when we prayed for them in Jesus’ name and God revealing his heart so powerfully and specifically through prophecy! God was also impossibly faithful with finances, providing over £5000 for me across the year through ways that were far beyond my imagination and control!

The entire reason I attended the school was with the sole purpose of pursuing God and wanting to experience more of his heart for me. I can assuredly say that I had the most incredible encounters with the father’s heart in my life and now I’m only hungry for more! When I came to the school, I was such a nervous person, riddled with insecurities and next to no confidence in myself. Having struggled with bullying and the associated issues throughout my childhood, I really struggled with the concept of being loved by God. But he took my hurts and brought so much healing to me; it was sensational. He gave me so many people who encouraged me, loved me and accepted me for who I was, really showing the father’s heart for me. He was infinitely faithful in everything I asked him for and everything I wanted. My plea was always Ephesians 3:20, that He would do infinitely more that I could ask for or imagine … And he did, he really really did! I have been inspired to pursue the depths of the heart of God and follow Him wherever He leads me. It’s been such an exciting journey so far and I’m so excited about the future! And I’ll leave you with the most important lesson I spent a year trying to really understand …

He loves you!!!

Isaac Myers

Isaac Myers

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. Unsolvable without God’s wisdom that is.Charles Swindoll

14

I long to accomplish a

great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to

accomplish small tasks

as if they were great and noble.

Helen Keller

PH

OT

OG

RA

PH

Y B

Y B

AR

RY

MA

NN

27

wayne's

worldone sonic society

10,000 ReasonsMatt Redman

10000 reasons not to buy? Well not quite that many, but my first reaction was along those lines. We Are The Free, starts the album, and it took me a while to get this loud, repetitive opener out of mind. It’s ok for running around the Soul Survivor tent to, but Redman can do so much better than this, and fortunately he does later. There are too many words crammed into a standard “Worship” format, and it’s just loud - in a bad way! (4/10)So, things can only get better and they do marginally with Here For You. It starts uncannily like Forever Reign (see One Sonic Society review below, but that is where the comparison ends. (5/10)Then a complete change. Holy is a piano-driven song displaying true honesty in the lyrics and melody. This is what Matt Redman does best, opening his soul to the listener and expressing his deepest feelings with lovely melodies and expressive lyrics. (7/10)The title track is a gem. 10000 Reasons has a gentle piano melody, a catchy hook and is singable. The live recording is used to good effect here, the audience’s genuine praise and excitement at the thought of meeting their God and being his presence. The song builds to an emotional climax, “10,000 years and then for ever more!!.. Great worship and singing with a beautiful uplifting chorus. Nice mandolin too! (8/10).

Just losing interest and then up pops “Magnificent”. A lovely song, based around the title. The song builds gradually towards the catchy chorus, with three repeats and some good lead guitar. Again, when he does the simple songs and concentrates on the melodies, Matt Redman writes well. Endless Hallelujah – simple piano melody repeated endlessly – vocals following the falling scale – once again honest gut feelings expressed – about worship, love, seeing the true Lord and his purposes. Best song on the album (8/10).

EP OneOne Sonic Society

One Sonic Society were formed from the ashes of the Delirious breakup when guitarist Stu Gerrard joined forces with drummer Paul Mayberry and Jason Ingram to form a group whose intention is “true xxxxx”. Add Jon Thatcher, the ex-Delirious bassist, and the stage was set for something different. This is worship way detached from Matt Redman’s style, simple songs, catchy melodies, and a closing number featuring a 7 minutes drum section.Worship that breaks the mould because it is simple and raw, no touchy/feely stuff here in Burn and Meet With Me, but the same honest desire to experience God as he really is, to be changed by Him and have the worst parts of our natures destroyed.

Forever Reign and Greatness of our God have become standards in many churches, and recorded by Hillsong (if that’s a recommendation?). Forever Reign in particular is a powerful promise to rely only on God and that His Love will always be enough. Stu G cranks up his guitar for the bridge into a well restained solo mirrored by Thatcher’s bass line. Burn shows a willingness to consider the end times, when “all else will be gone” and we are just left, God and us, to discover that all is for God’s glory.Meet With Me is a heartfelt plea for more. A deeper meeting with God, whom we have encountered in a limited, minimal way whilst knowing there is much more. “I will quiet my soul, and surrender control, I’m letting go, meet with me”. Stu G is on form as usual – whether in simple riffs beautifully played on acoustic guitar, or the soaring, driving lead guitar that he is equally capable of. His playing is always just right, technically accomplished but never showing off, always having something else in reserve should it be needed. Thatcher’s bass is a wonderful deep sound, restrained and just doing enough, whilst Paul Mayberry’s drum solo at the end of Meet With Me is just great, but why is it there? Who cares, this is worship with a difference, breaking boundaries and the mould that some of Redman’s songs just can’t break out of.Buy this and and see more at onesonicsociety.com 28

29

This recipe was invented for this year’s Holiday at Home & proved to be extremely popular. It was served alcohol free without the Limoncello, so I’m sorry the name is misleading!

L imoncel lo TiramisuServes 12

what you need:

1 packet sponge fingers1 jar good lemon curd 125ml orange juice125ml lemon juice3 ½ tbs sugar¼ pt whipping cream250ml mascarpone cheese1 tub of orange & lemon slices to decorate (or lemon peel)

how you do i t :

• Put lemon & orange juice in saucepan with sugar. Heat till sugar dissolved. Allow to cool.

• Beat whipping cream until it starts to thicken, but not stiff. Add mascarpone & mix.

• Dip sponge fingers into cooled fruit juice & cover the base of a 7 * 11 inch tin/dish. You should use half of the sponge fingers on the bottom layer. If you haven’t completely filled your dish don’t worry, just stop leaving a nice straight edge.

• Then begin the layering. Next spread with ½ the jar of lemon curd

• Next spread 1/3 cream mixture.

• Next do another layer of soaked sponge fingers

• Next the final ½ of the lemon curd

• Next a 1/3 cream mixture

• Mark out your 12 pieces (by dividing the tin into 3 * 4).

• Pipe a swirl of cream mixture on the top of each piece & decorate with a lemon segment.

NOTEYou can make

individual servings in

glasses so that you can see the layered dessert.

c a r o l y n ’ s k i t c h e n

lost theplot

withAndy

& Lorna

breakfast, lunch and tea you might like to try a recipe for courgette soup like the simple one below which is suitable for freezing.

There should also be some pumpkins and squash to harvest this time of year. Pick them and put them outside for a few daysto ripen in the sun (or at least harden-off in the rain!) and, depending on the variety, they’ll keep for a few months. If you have green tomatoes you can cut the whole vine and if you hang it indoors they should continue to ripen or, for quicker ripening, pop the tomatoes into a paper bag with a ripe apple or banana.Begin lifting root veg like turnips, beetroots and carrots and store them in damp sand in a dark, cool place. A garage would be ideal.

Onions and shallots can also be lifted for storage in the garage once their foliage has died back. If the weather is suitable, continue to sow crops like turnips, spring cabbage and consider planting over-wintering onions and garlic sets (small bulbs which will grow over the winter and be ready for picking next summer)

Being September, we’ve thought a lot in this first article about beginning to harvest and store our hard-grown produce. The bible tells us that there is nothing wrong with having lots on earth (home, car, holidays, savings etc) but it’s whether we are storing treasure in heaven that really matters. This is the bible’s way of saying we shouldn’t let gathering more stuff be the sole goal in our lives; sharing ungrudgingly our time, possessions and love with others is just as important as is remembering to always thank God who gave us these things in the first place.

Courgette Soup

400-500g fresh courgettes700ml chicken stock1 sliced onion¼ teaspoon oregano¼ teaspoon rosemarySalt and pepper to tastePlace all ingredients into a large saucepan and bring to boil. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. When cool, blitz in a blender until smooth. Serve reheated or chilled.

If you’ve grown the usual range of allotment or garden veg, you are likely to have been picking French or runner beans and courgettes day after day after day! If the runners are getting too much you can always “shell” them and freeze just the beans (good in winter casseroles) but instead of making the family eat courgettes for

When Andy and I were asked if we would be willing to write a recurring (if it goes down well!) allotment/gardening feature in the church magazine we were more than happy…but aren’t you always happy to share when you are passionate about a topic?

By way of introduction, we thought it would be a good idea if one of us explained why we decided to take on an allotment in the first place. Why would someone choose to spend hours of their free time breaking their back and watching poor weather and pests destroy most of their work?Put that way it does sound like a terrible waste of time but, if this is the case, then why are gardeners some of the happiest people I know? For me, the answer is simple…

I feel strongly that God intended all of us to be creative on a daily basis and yet our hectic, modern world robs most of us of the chance to do so.

I don’t expect each of us to be knocking out a Mona Lisa every day but even the last vestiges of creativity are gradually and subtly being removed from our lives. How creative is heating up a ready meal in the microwave?

How creative is texting compared to letter writing?

Gardening brings you as close to God as any other form of creativity because it is simply impossible to do it without the help of the natural world He created.

This could end up sounding like a verse from ‘We plough the fields and scatter’ but hopefully, as the months pass, and and I will begin to lure some of you non-gardeners into the pure pleasure of growing your own.

Yes, it can be back-breaking and even, at times, heart-breaking but there is nothing quite like it for pure physical and emotional satisfaction. And of course, the produce tastes fabulous!Home grown food...food for the mind, body and soul!

30

From the library.... What will I find in the Church Library?The library contains many Christian paperbacks, commentaries, Bibles and studies that are mostly kept in alphabetical order.A catalogue of all the books is kept in the library for you to browse.

How do I borrow a book?Easy! You will find a book on the shelf and all you need to do is sign the book out with your name and date. To return a book please sign it back in and put it back in its alphabetical place on the shelf please.

What if the book I want is not held in the library?If there is a book that you cannot find in the library first check that we have a copy in the catalogue. If not let me know and we will see if we can get it in.Alternatively buy the book, read it then donate it to the library!

Can I give my cast off books to the library?Thank you to all those who do donate books but we request that only books in good condition, reasonably up to date or relevant books can be donated. Just email me with your list as space is limited!If you have particularly enjoyed a book from the library please write a brief comment about it under your name when returned – Thank you.

Please do not hesitate to contact me, preferably via email if you have any books to donate or with any book suggestions or reviews that you are bursting to tell everyone about.Clare Smithsmithc62 @ sky . com

BEING THE BODY 9780849945083Charles Colson

A new call for The Church to be light in the darkness, Charles Colson has been called, 'one of the most important social reformers in a generation.' Ten years ago in The Body, Colson turned his prophetic attention to the church and how it might break out of its cultural captivity and reassert its biblical identity.

Today the book’s classic truths have not changed. But the world we livein has. Christians in America have had their complacency shattered and their beliefs challenged. Around the world, the clash of world views has never been more strident. Before all of us, daily, are the realities of life and death, terror and hope, light and darkness, brokenness and healing. We cannot withdraw to the comfort of our sanctuaries...we must engage. For, if ever there was a time for Christians to be the Body of Christ in the world, it is now.

In this new, revised and expanded edition of The Body, Charles Colson revisits the question, 'What is the church and what is its relevance to contemporary culture at large?' Provocative and insightful, Being the Body inspires us to rise above a stunted 'Jesus and me' faith to a nobler view of something bigger and grander than ourselves--the glorious, holy vision for which God created the church.

Cindy's review Sep 02, 07 Insightful comments on the purpose and role of the Church. Excerpt criticizing trends of 'feel-better religion': "The aim this time.. is support, not salvation, help rather than holiness, a circle of spiritual equals rather than an authoritative church or guide. A group affirmation of self is at the top of the agenda which is why some of the least demanding churches are now in the greatest demand.../ The task of the church is not to make men and women happy; it is to make them holy. And when we seek to please them, we lose them anyway."

Widsith's review Jun 19, 10 In this 1993 ECPA Book of the Year, Colson sounds a clarion call for the church to rise above traditional divisions and market-driven programs to be what God has called her to be-His people. In doing so, the Body of Christ can reclaim God's holy vision for His church. Truly a modern-day classic.

Reviews from Goodreads.com....

31

32

The Business Cluster is a small group setting for those who have a passion for business. This cluster aims to mutually encourage and resource you to prosper the Kingdom of God through your business life. It is suitable for anyone who is energised by the prospect of discovering Gods heart and head for business. We will explore what a rich source of guidance and inspiration the Bible is for those in business. This is about more than being a Christian at work, this is an opportunity to embrace and develop your gifts and become more fruitful in your calling, a calling to business. I passionately believe God has called and gifted many of us for the challenge and privilege of a prosperous business life. The cluster aims to equip and encourage the saints for this work of service.

I believe you will be both encouraged and inspired afresh by just how much of relevance the Bible has to say about good business practice and how time with your peers will transform and invigorate your working life. We will unpack the application of Kingdom Business Principles to your business practice and together explore what God can achieve though the application of his Word to our business lives. My prayer is that we will come to see afresh that our day to day business can and should be Kingdom Business. The business cluster aims to actively build the Kingdom of God both through the refinement of our individual business practice and the opportunities for transforming the practice of others. The cluster has the potential to form a vehicle for outreach into the business community and a bridge for the gospel.

The group could meet monthly over breakfast or lunch in the city centre or at our places of work or, if you’re up for it, more frequently on a mid week evening. There are opportunities to link with other Christians in the city, Churches Together or the City Centre Chaplain. Alternatively it could form a cluster within the church, specifically serving the needs of those with a heart for business both within the church and, through us, the wider community.

If business is your passion and you have felt unsure how God could use your energy and gifting for business to prosper his Kingdom, or you just want to bring the blessing of Joseph to your work place then this could be the cluster for you.

To find out more speak to Paul Bulkeley.

THEBUSINESSCLUSTER

WBC’s New Bookkeeper

After some eight years of faithfully serving WBC, Alan Heppell, ably assisted by Ann, has stepped down as our Bookkeeper.

Alan has played a pivotal role within the church being most diligent in his work and always ensuring that our finances have been dealt with efficiently and in the most effective way, to benefit the church and those connected to it. So a huge THANK YOU once again to you both for all that you have done for WBC. It is greatly appreciated.

As Alan makes use of his financial expertise in other activities outside of the church, so we welcome a new face to the role... literally! Steve Bond and his wife Valerie only joined us back in the spring, but despite being new to the church Steve felt that the bookkeeping role was a practical way in which he could serve the church and get involved.

Steve has recently retired from the MOD and has a background in internal auditing. He has some very interesting past times involving both the air and land, so please do take the opportunity to introduce yourself and get to know him and Valerie and help them settle into the church as well as into Steve’s official role as Bookkeeper.

Steve Bond

Heather Mann

Heather Mann 33

retired

I can guarantee that if you were to ask any reasonably active, able-bodied person who has retired in the past few years, “what do you do

with all your spare time?” you would receive the same answer. “Spare time, what spare time?

As a retired Structural Draughtsman / Overhead Line Technicist, I am no exception and can honestly say that I have never found myself wanting for something to do. Perhaps becoming a member of WBC way back in 1967 and then Val and myself becoming part of a “church plant’ to Harestock for a fifteen year period in 1990, partly explains why!!

It is now eight years since I said farewell to the workplace although it only feels like yesterday because of my interests, hobbies and church involvement. At my age, I have seen it, done it, heard it; unfortunately I just can’t remember what IT is!

When Andy Marshall tries to persuade us to be in our ‘third place’, I become confused dot com because I really am spoilt for ‘third places’.

So, this is how a ‘simple’ retired seventy-plus-some-thing fills his average week:

Weather permitting; I team up with my two very good friends, Ron Sweetenham and Frank Sturge to go to Grately, where we spoil a good walk by playing eighteen holes of golf. We are so regular and recognised for our outreach endeavours, that we now have the nickname of the ‘Winchester Worshippers’.

Tuesday to Thursday leisure pursuits are hastily juggled around the ‘great British weather.

Consequently, my excuse for loafing beside a lake in the countryside with a fishing rod in my hand and communicating with nature, I have sometimes to be quite flexible. Tuesday, however, tends to be the day that I choose to visit my favourite venues at Ampfield and Wellow.

I like to think that I am an average “Percy Thrower” in gardening terms and this interest has also to rapidly change to suit our fickle weather, but Wednesday nicely accommodates this sometimes-evil necessity of life!!

I have, in past years, assisted at the ‘Holiday at Home’ and recently agreed to help with the Thursday ‘Silver Service’ events on a regular basis.

Sport has always been an integral part of my life and although badminton, cycling, cricket, football and tennis have now become only interests, indoor and outdoor bowling play a major role in my day-to-day life. I am at present the Men’s Captain of the Littleton Bowling Club and also a member of the Riverside Indoor Bowling Club. This means that I could be bowling in many club or league competitions anywhere in the south of England at almost any time. However, I tend to restrict most of the more serious involvement to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings throughout the year.

As designated ‘Red Leader’ of the ‘Real Life’ cluster, Friday’s have become an integral part of my social calendar. Forget the walking, we concentrate on the social aspects of retirement and reach out whenever the opportunity arises while eating, drinking and laughing. I am truly blessed to have such an involve-ment with so many lovely caring Christian friends and a very supportive and hard working wife.

Saturdays, I meet up with a friend of forty-four years standing for a coffee and sausage roll - no expense spared in my socialising budget!!

Finally, Sunday is a day of rest apart from my quar-terly ‘Welcome’ duty. Frighteningly, this duty now totals something close to twenty-five years at City Road and Harestock.

Still can’t remember what IT is or was!

Tony Mundy

34

The Arab Spring - Background & Overview of Events in 2011

At the turn of this year, very few people would have predicted the turmoil that has arisen in the Arab states of North Africa & the Middle East. Few of us would deny that these countries are crucial in East – West relations & in particular relations between the Islamic world & the ‘Christian’ west, much of which is at best only nominally Christian.

Of course, it is also true that the Arab/ Muslim countries are far from a monolithic bloc; there are divergences between Sunni Islam, the ‘orthodox’, most widespread branch (80-90% of total Muslims – numbers disputed), which is perhaps best typified as the state religion of Saudi Arabia (where the conservative Wahhabi sect is dominant), Libya & many other countries & Shi’a Islam, which is the state religion of Iran & the predominant religion in Iraq, although the minority Sunnis have long dominated government & state institutions. In Iraq under Saddam Hussein, the Shi’a Muslims were persecuted.

Christians were (relatively) tolerated, but after the overthrow of Saddam in 2003, Islamist groups have stepped up persecution of all religious minorities, leading to mass migration of ancient Christian confessions, whose presence pre-dated the Arabs by centuries. Other countries have mixed Sunni & Shi’a groups, often with the dominant group persecuting the minority. Another factor in some parts of the Middle East is that Ba’athist pan-Arab socialism is a

major ideological force, probably more important that Islam, for example in Syria which is officially a secular state, with Islam recognised as the religion of the majority, approx 90%.

Within these countries, there are many differing ethnic & tribal groups; the minority Kurds (although mainly Islamic) are poorly tolerated in both Turkey & Syria. Their claimed ‘homeland’ does not recognise country boundaries, which are largely historical or sometimes arbitrary & some date back to colonial times.

Although Bedouin people are now ‘settled’, usually in villages, they were originally nomadic, moving where the pastures were most suitable, without regard to national borders.

Poverty & poor employment prospects are common factors in countries involved in the Arab spring, but another important factor is the presence of dictatorial regimes, usually with corrupt, unrepresentative ruling elites.

As well as the monarchies (eg Saudi Arabia), some ruling elites are based on dominant tribes & sometimes even dominant families or clans. Some of those oppressive regimes have now been toppled in Tunisia, Egypt & recently Libya, by revolution, albeit incomplete with transitional rule currently.

In others, esp Syria, the battle for freedom continues; it is in

abeyance in Bahrain & other Gulf States. In still other countries, the Arab spring has so far made little impact; it is notable that there has been no uprising in Saudi Arabia, which is perhaps the most oppressive country of them all.

However, Saudi Arabia has a very powerful military machine, it is relatively prosperous (from oil) & it has maintained good relations with the West, especially USA. In other countries there has been little protest, for example in Morocco, where there is a fairly benign monarchy.

In Jordan, the long-standing shrewd & wily pro-western King Hussein appointed his son, King Abdullah, as his successor in 1999. When mild protests began, King Abdullah simply dismissed his Prime Minister & appointed a new one with promises of UK-style cabinet government later; there has been little further unrest.

The countries which the Arab spring has affected tended to have an interest in supporting each other, the status quo being fairly secure & predictable. They are all part of the Ummah, the diverse but international brotherhood of Muslim states.

They are all generally united in opposition to the state of Israel & in support of the Arab Palestinians. However, even in this regard, there are great differences; the most anti- Israeli being the Hamas regime in Gaza, but also Syria & the dominant

This is the first part of a two part series by Dr Jim McCaulay on the unrest and revolution within The Arab Spring.Though it may seem as if our world is massive and incidences that occur overseas have no direct bearing on our day-to-day life, there are always ripples that are felt even if when they arrive, we forget their origins...

35

The Syrian government has attributed the widespread protests to terrorist groups & thus sought to justify their violent repression, in which thousands of people have been killed & huge numbers imprisoned.

In early August it was announced that that Saudi Arabia had come out strongly in criticism of theSyrian security forces; Syria’s other main ally, Turkey, followed suit.

This unexpected change illustrates the rapidly-changing nature of international policy shifts. Some regimes have sought & gained military help against protesters from powerful neighbours, e.g. the Sunni rulers of Bahrain sought help from Saudi Arabia to quell rebellion by the mostly Shi’a population.

Hezbollah faction in Lebanon, where there are many Palestinian refugees. The most extreme want ‘the Zionist entity’ (they will not even use the name Israel) wiped off the face of the earth. In Egypt, the most populous Arab country, the previous regime of Hosni Mubarak was fairly secular & pragmatic, although riddled with corruption.

As in other countries, it is by no means clear what the next Egyptian government will be like; the Muslim Brotherhood may seek power, either directly or through proxy parties, one of which is (misleadingly) called the Freedom & Justice Party.

Although a worldwide problem, Islamic jihad & other fundamentalist Islamic groups have not featured in the Arab spring. However, we should not be complacent; perhaps they are directing their energies against the West & its collaborators such as Pakistan & waiting to see how they can influence new governments in the countries after the Arab spring.

In most of these countries, the Army has played a pivotal role. In Egypt, change came largely because the Army no longer supported Mubarak, although he was once an Air-Force General. It is quite possible that the military will be reluctant to cede their present power & will provide ‘security’ excuses for delaying or preventing democratic elections.

In Libya, the Army mainly stayed loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, but some defected to the rebels.

General Abdel Fatah Younis was Gaddafi’s trusted aide until he defected to the rebels in February; he was assassinated in Benghazi at the end of July by rebels, possibly because they thought he had been playing both sides.

There is now division among the opponents of Gaddafi & a new ‘cabinet’ was formed in August. In Syria, so far the Army has strongly supported President Bashar al-Assad.

At the start of protests there, it was thought that President Assad was a relative moderate, in favour of gradual change; it is possible that he is under the control of extremist elements in his own country.

The President was an ophthalmologist who had some post-graduate training in London, then was rapidly promoted in the Army after the death of his older brother in a car crash.

After years of grooming for the post, he came into power in 2000 on the death of his father Hafez, who had been one of the main leaders of the Ba’ath party & had led Syria for three decades.

During war in their country, many Christians from Iraq sought refuge in Syria. It is very significant that the rebels in Syria have not sought Western help; Libyan rebels were the only ones to have done so.

Dr Jim McCaulay

"Every experience God gives us, every person He brings into our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that onlyHe can see" Corrie ten Boom

36

On the 20th of July, we held a Special Church Meeting to amend our Constitution (and make a consequential amendment to our Local Procedures), to allow our Children’s Worker to sit on the Leadership Team without having to be re-elected every three years; also to change the title of our Church Administrator to ‘Operations Manager’. There will be a vote at our next routine Church Meeting on 21st September for Eli Stewart to fill that new Leadership Team post.

Immediately following the Special Church Meeting we held our ordinary Church Meeting. The main points from that were:

• Sheila McAulay and Carol Bailey were both elected onto the Leadership Team as Charity Trustees and Elders.

• David Ralph and Ed and Naomi Best were all accepted into church membership.

• Steve Bond has been appointed as (voluntary) book keeper, replacing Alan Heppell

There were no takers for the voluntary Administrative Assistant jobs: a paid post would be advertised internally at 15 hours/week (closing date for applications: end of August).

Tim Williamson will be paid a responsibility allowance when he covers for Ewen during Ewen’s forthcoming sabbatical. A policy is now in place for financial support for short-term mission (copies available from the Church Office)

A new caretaker/cleaner has been appointed (Pasquale Tweeddale) - currently undergoing a probationary trial.

Personal giving was £3000 (5.9%) below budget over the first three months of the financial year, but the books were broadly in balance because of less spending thananticipated. There will be an election for the post of Charity Trustee / Deacon / advocate for Mission & Social Action (Heather Mann’s post) at September’s Church Meeting (nomination forms available from me - closing date 4th September); Heather has indicated that she is willing to stand again.

Worship bands are to be reminded to complete their rehearsals 15 minutes before services start to allow 15 minutes of relative quietness.

A number of church members got together at the beginning of August to formulate a response from the church to the City Council’s proposed development strategy for Winchester over the next 20 years.

As well as commenting on the scale of housing growth proposed for the Winchester town area, our views focussed – as they did in our previous contribution to this debate last December – on the social and community aspects of the proposals, particularly in respect of proposed high density development in the city centre.

We emphasised that the planning strategy needs to take into account quality of life as well as housing densities.

Events to mark our church’s 150th Anniversary continue this month as we open our doors to the public under the national Heritage Open Days scheme on Saturday 10th (9:00am to 5:00pm) and Sunday 11th September (2:00 to 5:00pm). We’ll also be welcoming visitors on the Saturday between 10:00am and 6:00pm who are taking part in the Hampshire & The Islands Historic Churches Trust’s sponsored ‘Ride and Stride’, where they visit as many historic churches as they can on foot or by bike.

We’ll have the baptistry open to view, with a video running of Tabitha Blake’s baptism earlier this year. We’ll also be showing the nine exhibition panels that were on display in the Discovery Centre in May and June, together with some impressive documents from our archives which have not been on public display before,

church secretary’s report

37

including the 19th century parchment Trust Deeds of the Silver Hill Chapel and of our own church. My thanks to all those who have agreed to help with this event.

In mid-November our anniversary exhibition panels go on display again, in the foyer of Hampshire Record Office in Sussex Street, until at least the end of the year.

Also on Saturday 10th September, Eastleigh Baptist Church will be holding an Induction Service for their new Youth Minister, Rev. Chris Walker. If you would like to represent our church at this event, please let me know by Tuesday 6th September.

Please let me know by the same date if you would like to represent the church at the Annual General Meeting of the Southern Counties Baptist Association in Newbury on Saturday 17th September, at which this year’s Baptist Union President, Rev Pat Took, will be speaking.

Finally, we have had a request from a charity – Atlas Christian Outreach Ministries – for financial donations to help them to purchase the redundant Baptist chapel in Broughton and re-open it as a community centre and church. The September Church Meeting will be considering this request. If you would like to know more about this project or wish to consider making a personal donation please see me for further information.

Ed

A F E W S T A T I S T I C S . . .

Each year we carry out an annual statistical count for the Baptist Union – we record the number of people of different ages attending worship services on a typical Sunday and at The Edge and the Silver Service.

This year we will be carrying out our Sunday count on 25th September. The Baptist Union have now published the aggregate figures for last year’s survey and I thought you might be interested to see how we match up to the national average of the 2077 Baptist churches in Great Britain (based on the 1733 returns received by the BU).T Y P I C A L W E E K L Y A T T E N D A N C ENational AverageWinbap

C h i l d r e n a g e d 0 - 1 1National AverageWinbap

Y o u n g P e o p l e a g e d 1 1 - 1 8National AverageWinbap

A d u l t s a g e d 1 8 a n d o v e rNational AverageWinbap

N u m b e r o f C h u r c h M e m b e r s a t 3 1 / 0 8 / 1 0National AverageWinbap

B a p t i s m s i n y e a r t o 3 1 / 0 8 / 1 0National AverageWinbap

26781

2511

297

18-30 30-50 50-65 65+

63AG E B R E A K D OWN F O R W I N B A P

20 56 61 76

16065

51.7

C O M M E N T S• Highest attendance figure submitted nationally = 1100; lowest = 3• About 7% of Baptist churches (150 churches) have congregations of 200+.• Around 3% (60 churches) regularly have single figure congregations• About 250 churches (12%) have 25+ children aged 0-11• Some 16% (330 churches) have no children aged 0-11• Around 180 churches (9%) have 20+ young people aged 11-18• Approx 20% (400 churches) have no young people aged 11-18• Age breakdown of adults 18 and over not published by BU• WBC membership fell by 3.6% over the year to 31st August 2010 because

of a review of the membership roll• Nationally, Baptist church membership fell 0.9% over the year• Baptisms at WBC remained constant at 5 per year• Nationally the number of baptisms fell by 4.85% compared with the

previous year

38 33

PHOTOGRA

PHYBY

BARRY

MANN

39

PastorRev Ewen Huffman 01962 868770ewen @ winbap . org . uk

Associate Pastor (Youth)Rev Tim Williamson 01962 868770tim @ winbap . org . uk

Mission to SeniorsHannah and David Strutt01962 868770hannahanddavid @ winbap . org . uk

Children’s Ministry WorkerEli Stewart 01962 868770eli @ winbap . org . uk

Associate Youth WorkerBecca Baxter becca @ winbap . org . uk

EldersSheila McAulay 01962 868770Andy Marshall 01962 868770

SecretaryEd Jackson 01962 868770

TreasurerDavid Hook 01962 868770

Deacons

Small GroupsGareth Bartlett 01962 868770Building a CommunityCarolyn Breakewell 01962 686770ChildrenWayne Isaac 01962 868770MissionHeather Mann 01962 868770AdministratorJudy Marshall 01962 686770administator @ winbap . org . uk

Winchester Baptist ChurchSwan Lane

Winchester SO23 7AA01962 868770

Whats on....Sunday

10am - Tea & coffee provided afterwards Creche - up to 3 yrs Sparklers - 3 to Yr R All Stars - Yr 1 - 3 Trailblazers - Yr 4 - 6 FRESH - Yr 7 upwards

6.30pm - Tea and coffee provided afterwards

Monday

Re:store - 10am creche provided Helen Revans

Tuesday

2.15pm - Tuesday Afternoon Women’s Fellowshipalternate weeks - Jean Davis8pm - Church Prayer Meeting (first Tuesday in the month)8pm - Teg Down Small Group (Favour Cluster) Jo May8pm - Location Cluster (2nd & 4th) David & Ann Hook8pm - Sparkford Road Small Group (Favour Cluster) Nick Allenson8pm - Kings Worthy Small Group (Connect Cluster) Ben Clifton

Wednesday

7-8am - Prayer Meeting in Tweedley Room8pm - Chandler Ford Small Group (2nd & 4th - Favour Cluster) Carol and David Bailey8pm - Stanmore Small Group Luke & Jo Meharg

Thursday

1.30pm - Silver Service (1st in the month) David & Hannah Strutt 7.30pm - The Edge (Yrs 9 and above) Becca Baxter8pm - Badger Farm Small Group Jean Sweetenham

Friday

10am - Friday Fun (2 ¹/2 - 5 year olds) Diana Wills7-9pm - Friday Club (fortnightly in term time) Heather Mann

Further details available from the church office.t

GG

40

SEPTEMBER‘11SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

D A T E S F O R Y O U R D I A R Y

2nd Church Prayer Meeting 8pm

4th Phoebe Bulkely’s Dedication

10th WBC Heritage Open Day

11th Isobel Dawson’s Dedication WBC Heritage Open Day Favour Cluster afternoon Tea

12th Youth Alpha Training

Silver Seekers

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Silver Service

Friday Fun

Friday Fun

Friday Fun

Friday Fun

Friday Fun

The Edge

The Edge

The Edge

The Edge

The Edge

PM Communion Service

AM Communion Service

17th Jim Bailey - Altogether Worship Show - Leader’s and helper’s training

21st Church Meeting

26th Beginning of City-wide Youth Alpha

24th Olive Branch Opening Day 2pm

28th Space in the City - The Unmediated Voice of God?

30th Joint social with Edge and Friday Club

Tea and Toys

Tea and Toys

Tea and Toys

Tea and Toys

Tea and Toys

Re:store -Ladies Group

Re:store -Ladies Group

Re:store -Ladies Group

Friday Club

Friday Club