Harlestone Road Church Newsletter - Issue 2

Harlestone RoadSeventh Day Adventist Church

Newsletter Issue 2a - October 2014

Front cover and World Sabbath day pictures supplied by Michael Davis

2 3

It’s a privilege to serve the Lord at this time of the world’s history as part of the Advent Movement. Certainly the unfolding of the

Great Controversy theme is coming to its great finale.

Jesus soon return is imminent. It’s time for us to humbly submit ourselves to Christ Jesus and seek revival and reformation through the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be a part of the outpouring.

One thing we can be sure of during these times isGod’s Word. He doesn’t tell us one thing and thendoes something else. He doesn’t, as we say, stringus along, failing to keep His promises. God doesn’t lead us to believe something and let us down. God operates in the realm of truth. We can trust Him.Many people trusted God in the

midst of trouble, turmoil and uncertainty and have proved His faithfulness. He is not like the weather changing and unpredictable. He is faithful, dependable and reliable.

When we trust and humble ourselves to Him, He’ll open doors for witnessing and personal evangelism that will bring many people to the knowledge of our Lord and saviour.

As we journey in our Christian life, let us work together through the power of the Holy Spirit as we fulfil God’s mission entrusted to our church here in Harlestone Road.

May God bless our special work for Him as we lift up Jesus and the cross proclaiming Hissoon Coming!

Message from the Pastor

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer;My God, my strength in whom I will trust; my buckler,and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Ps 18:2

What We Believe - Part 2

There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole of creation. Deut. 6:4. Matt. 28:19. 2 Cor. 13:14. Eph. 4:4-6. 1 Peter 1:2.1 Tim. 1:17. Rev. 14:7.

The sun shone brightly on Sunday 17th August 2014 when Andrew and Proscovia exchanged vows of marital commitment in the presence

of family and friends.

After the register was signed, Pastor Cyril Sweeney officiated a ceremony of dedication of the beautiful couple.

We pray that God will continue to bless, guide and keep Mr and Mrs Mushing.

Sabbath 13th September 2014 was a special day for the Fuller family, as their youngest son, Eli was dedicated to the Lord. A number of family

and friends were there to witness this beautiful occasion with Pastor Paul officiating. All present were asked to make a commitment in supporting the family in raising this precious baby. A scroll was presented to his parents with the following words:

What Do I Want for My Child?

What do I want for my child?Do I seek for him worldwide fame?Do I treasure for thin wealth and riches?Do I want his life to be just like a game

What do I want for my child?Is it power and wisdom and might?Do I want for him untold blessings?Do I want everything to go just right?

I’ll tell you what I want for my Eli.A heart full of peace from above.A life of serving others.A heart of patience and love.

I want him to know my Savior.To be free from the power of sin.This is what I want for my child.I want him to walk with Him.I want Eli to be like Him.

~Ruth Anderson

newsHarlestone Road Seventh Day Adventist Church

4 5

6 - When did you first start attending Harlestone Road?ND: Started attending Harlestone Road from its inception, as Northampton South.

LS: From the time we first moved there as a church.

7 - Favourite Hymn?ND: 547 ‘Be Thou My Vision’

LS: 590 ‘Trust and Obey’

8 - How long have you been an Elder?ND: Been an elder I think about 3 years.

LS: Ordained as an Elder in September ... 2012.

9 - Favourite biblea...character b...verse c...story?ND: A.. .Abraham B.. Psalm 23, and Jeremiah 29:11. C.. Story of Jabez found in 1 Chronicles 4LS: A.. Paul B… Ephesians 6:12 and Romans 8:35-39 C.. Apostle Paul’s conversion.

10 - What is the main role of an Elder in the church?ND: Ensuring the forward motion of the church in taking the love of Christ to the community.

LS: Supporting the Pastor and attending to the spiritual needs of Gods children

11 - What are the biggest challenges you face?ND: Increasing the numbers of workers for Christ, willing and unwilling ones.

LS: TIME!!

12 - What next for Harlestone Road Church?ND: Increasing members, increasing awareness of Christ and increasing prayerful approach to the acquisition of a church building because money alone will not purchase a church. When we are fully committed to the work of Christ, God will provide us a building worthy of this work.

LS: For each one of us to search our hearts, confess our sins and allow God to guide our lives . It is a privilege to be a part of this end time movement which has a special message and a special assignment. My prayer is that we will all develop a personal relationship with Christ, our Lord and Saviour and that one day we will all meet again in Heaven.

Most of you should know who our Elders are. For those who don’t, I introduce to you Nigel De Vos and Lloyd Sterling. I thought it might be of some interest if we found out a little more about them.

1 - Where were you born and raised?ND: I was born in Twickenham,. Being born there allowed me to be a Welsh supporter as they pretty much owned Twickenham in the 60’s-70’s!

LS: Wolverhampton

2 - What do/did you do for work?ND: I was a Police Officer for Kent police for 30 years. I started my career and did my initial training in Bridgend in South Wales. That was because of insufficient accommodation at the Kent Police training centre in Folkestone. I ended my police career at a Home Office training post in Turvey in Beds. Hence the family move to Northampton. I was also an Equal Opportunity Liaison Officer when I was working with the Home Office. I later became an Equal Opportunity Management Consultant which included working with the borough council. Later joined the National Statistics as an interviewer and retiring as a Regional Manager.

LS: My wife (Angela) and I are shared lives carers (having people with special needs live with us as part

of our family). I also work with people with a mental health issue for the National Health Service.

3 - Any hobbies?ND: Gardening, gym, keep-fit classes, running, weights, reading, and travelling.

LS: Anything to do with sports. Play football, table tennis and badminton.

4 - Interesting fact that most people don’t know about you?ND: Played rugby for south east England regional team, not because I was good but I was willing andavailable. Played rugby with this team at Cardiff Arms Park.

LS: I’m a granddad of 4 boys

5 - How long have you been a Christian?ND: Always been a Christian, in that I always believed in God and God was with me and had plans for me. Therefore I knew Jeremiah 29:11 before I knew Jeremiah 29:11!! After I met Grace I was introduced to the Adventist belief, took bible studies with Pastor Boyle and was baptized in 1980 in Croydon church.

LS: I Was baptised 33 years ago

Meet theEldersNigel De Vos & Lloyd Sterling

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be. Not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve” 1 Peter 5:2

Sis Felicia Dhanaraj - “Both have advantages and disadvantages. A large church would have more funding and more programmes. For children in particular a large church allows opportunities for them to have more friends. A small church normally means only a few children to make friends with. Smaller churches remember everyone’s birthdays! Big churches are better for children, small churches are better for adults.”

Cherub Dhanaraj - “Small!”

I found the comments really thought provoking and revealed some points I hadn’t considered before. Ellen G White had some interesting or should I say inspired words on this topic...

‘Many professed Christians, in seeking church relationship, think only of themselves. They wish to enjoy church fellowship and pastoral care. They become members of large and prosperous churches, and are content to do little for others. In this way they are robbing themselves of the most precious blessings. Many would be greatly benefited by sacrificing their pleasant, ease-conducing associations. They need to go where their energies will be called out in Christian work, and they can learn to bear responsibilities.

‘The Ministry of Healing, p. 151.’

I guess if we are to reflect on Matthew 24:14 we will be reminded that Christ cannot return until the gospel is preached to all the world. We are to be ‘the salt of the earth’ Matthew 5:13. Salt indeed is sprinkled and not dispensed in large cubes. Perhaps now - I have the answer to my question!

Debate fromHighlands AvenueAubrey Davis - Big Church or Small Church

This is a question that I have battled with for a long

time. The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Highlands Avenue, like many others across the United Kingdom have experienced unprecedented growth over recent years, although we have to be honest in admitting the significant majority of this expansion has been as a result of immigration rather than an influx from the indigenous population.

What has been my challenge is trying to weigh up what I believe would be the best choice for us in Northampton.

On one hand it goes without saying that more people get involved when there are fewer people, the flip side of course is that small churches mean that fewer people may do too much! A larger church may generate more income through offerings and provide more facilities, a smaller church may struggle to break even

and maintain the building. A larger church may prove to be more attractive to passersby and visitors, although the smaller church my provide a more personal and family atmosphere?

I have called on my fellow brothers and sisters to help my thinking:

Where do you prefer to worship on Sabbath’s, in a big church or a small church?

Bro Travis - ‘I don’t really mind as long as there are enough seats to sit down!’

Bro Alex - “Definitely small. Small churches are more friendly. People lose each other in a big church. Leicester for example is too big. People in big churches gather in small groups and don’t talk to others outside their group”

Bro Mac - “I prefer small. You know everybody and you see everybody!”

Sis Annis - “Prefer smaller. More intimate environment. We used to meet regularly in the park for church services and in people’s homes. It was very nice! There are some advantages for larger churches though as you can have programmes like the World Sabbath Day which went really well!”

Ephesians 2:20 Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone

Note from editor:

If anyone from Harlestone Road Church want to add their thoughts to the debate, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to email your comments to: [email protected]

6 7

Maxine BTestimony

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is an independent humanitarian agency established

by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the specific purpose of individual and community development and disaster relief. ADRA-UK is a registered charity in the United Kingdom. Each year Harlestone Road SDA Church contributes to a variety of fund raising appeals and activities. ‘Ingathering’ has historically been known as the primary fundraising period which occurs each year at the end of March/beginning of April. Ingathering is now often referred to as the ‘Annual Appeal’.

For the ADRA Annual Appeal 2014 Harlestone Road SDA Church banked a grand total of £1307.52. Green ADRA collection canisters are used to collect donations from the public as well as donation envelopes. Throughout the year you can keep a green canister at home in which your own monies can be placed. This can also

contribute as a personal donation to the Annual Appeal.

ADRA has two main areas of work: development and relief. Given this, the vision of ADRA is to empower the poor around the world with resources, skills and opportunities to live a better life with dignity and hope. ‘Gift Boxes’ have now arrived for the Togo appeal and are being distributed to members and visitors who would like to make a contribution. Previously known as the ‘Shoe Box’ appeal, Gift Boxes allow you to fill little boxes of joy for children with items that are much needed. Each box cost £2 to purchase and using the recommendation list below you can fill it accordingly for shipment. Our destination for this year’s boxes is Togo in West Africa. Togo is a French speaking country with over 6 million people, and in

partnership with the ADRA Togo office, we will be distributing 9,000 boxes to children living in the rural and poverty-stricken areas of the country.

Please do listen to the announcements in church when ADRA may be highlighted, especially with regards to emergency relief appeals. We are hoping to get the whole church involved with some competitive fundraisers throughout the year, so look for notices in the bulletin. Your ADRA-UK coordinators at Harlestone Road SDA Church are: Emel Thomas, Ana Morris and Maxine Crossley - http://www.adra.org.uk/

Two years ago, my husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Unknown to us, our children had been planning a surprise party. From the beginning of the week, they had been telling us ‘Don’t plan anything, we are taking you out for dinner!’.

So on the day of our anniversary, one of our daughters took on the job of being our chauffer. As we got into the car we were given blindfolds to put on! My husband and I thought we would be clever and started to guess where we were going, but we soon lost our bearings and decided just to be patient. We finally arrived and we thought ‘Good, no more blindfolds!’.But ‘NO’ said our daughter, ‘You can’t take them off yet!’.

We were led out of the car, slowly and carefully walking along, then at last we were told ‘You can take the blindfolds off now’. ‘SURPRISE!!!’ shouted all who were there. And wow, we were surprised when we saw a room full of family and close friends, who had been invited to celebrate with us. We had such a lovely time, going around greeting everyone and asking about other family members who were absent.

Later that night, after the party had finished, I was still buzzing from the excitement of it all.But then, the Holy Spirit brought something to my attention. Missing family members! And how what had happened at the party is like a reflection of what could happen when we get to Heaven.

God is planning a surprise party for us in Heaven. The blindfolds represent ‘Death Sleep’. Taking off the blindfolds is God’s voice calling us to WAKE UP!

Missing loved ones, relatives and friends….could be a reality as if they are not there they will be amongst the lost. Church, let us listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit of God, as he leads and guides us to do our part in calling our loved ones back home and into God’s fold.

We are planning a Family Day, here at Harlestone Road, for Sabbath of November 29th. This will be an ideal opportunity for you to invite your loved ones, friends and neighbours along and either introduce or even reintroduce them to the good news of Salvation, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Calling our loved ones home

8 9

Whilst serving as a missionary in Tokyo, Japan – I was thrilled to learn that the International

division of the Church celebrated 13th Sabbath with something they called: ‘World Sabbath Day’. The predominantly Filipino congregation adorned themselves with their traditional wares, prepared mostly southern Asian dishes and decked the altar with various flags. The morning services were as usual and the afternoon programme was an extended musical concert followed by a youth social in the evening. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKSVjofGGwQ

World Sabbath Day became common practise for me and my life living inside Tokyo Central Church. By the time I returned back to the UK, I was not only missing Asian life and my mission I missed World Sabbath Day and with the Northampton congregations being very similar to that of the International division, I yearned for an event such as the one I had experienced.

After a brief but inspirational chat with three friends in church, we decided to have a multi-department international event, which

I named World Sabbath Day, after the model that we would adopt. The theme would be ‘Unity in Diversity’. What we could not have possibly banked on or planned was the sheer size and support and miracles that God had in store for us all.

From the onset, we knew our World Sabbath Day on this side of the world, would be trilateral; aimed at and involving children (Matthew 18:1-5), encourage and inspire unity in diversity (Acts 17:26, Galatians 3:28) and be a tool for outreach to our friends and family (Matthew 24:14).

I knew my friend Tomoko would be interested in such an international event, we both enjoy international foods and love our children trying out new challenges. I set up a challenge for all of our children and praise God our children came through, singing ‘Jesus Loves Me’ in Japanese and preparing delicious vegetarian sushi for the lunch.

We are now preparing a DVD of the event, complete with videos from Japan, New Zealand and the U.S. The profits from the sale of the DVDs will go towards our church building funds.

The end result of World Sabbath Day UK, for me, was beyond anything that I have ever organised or imagined. I know God has another amazing event in store for us and perhaps next time we could reach out in further with an invitation to the Northampton mayor and mayoress……... watch this space.

World Sabbath DayOrigins... by Jasmine

WORLD SABBATH DAY PHOTOS

10 11

What are the achievements and challenges of The Seventh Day Adventist in Brazil?Since we are the biggest community of Seventh Day Adventists in the world, our challenge is to keep growing and don’t lose our members, because, as in many countries, people get baptized and after some time they leave the church.

How do you spend your free time in Brazil? Do you have any hobbies? I usually spend my free time in Brazil, with my friends, my sister or my dogs. I like walking with my dogs (2 Golden Retrieviers), swimming, going out for dinner and until 2011 I was singing in the church choir.

What are the differences between the UK and Brazil and are you enjoying your time in England?Brazil and UK are different countries in several aspects. Weather, food, culture, lifestyle. I am enjoying the UK though. I’m not a fan of fish and chips or tea, but on the other hand I love the fact that violence levels are so low! As for church, I guess there is a lot of work to be done here in the UK. In Brazil, the Seventh Day Adventists are well known because not only do we have thousands of churches, but also schools, universities, hospitals, social projects and even a food factory that produces vegetarian meat, amazing grape juice, honey and so on.

What is your name and where do you come from? My name is Carolina Gomes de Andrade, and I come from Sao Paulo, Brazil

Were you born into an adventist home?Yes. I’m the 3rd generation of Seventh Day Adventists in my family

Do you have any brothers or sisters?Yes, I do have an older sister.

You are a student right? So what are you studying and what are your plans after graduation?Yes, I’m a student. I’m doing my Masters in International Relations at the University of Northampton and I wish to work for an InternationalOrganization when I graduate.

What was the reason that you came from Brazil to Northampton?I came to Northampton because I was accepted at the university here and got a scholarship.

How long will you stay?I’m supposed to submit my dissertation in February, 2015. So, I might stay until March 2015.

How did you find the adventist church in Northampton?Before coming to the UK I started looking for a church in Northampton. I found on internet, bothchurches, Harlestone Road and Highlands. Then, when I arrived in Northampton I checked which onewas closer to the place I was living. That’s why I came to the Harlestone Road.

How would you describe your homeland Brazil?I can say I have a great life back home.. My country has a lot of issues, but we are free to believe in anything we want. There is also a Law that protects people’s faith. We are very blessed to worship our God anytime, at any place we want.

How many Adventists are living in Brazil?Today we are around 1.2 million Seventh Day Adventist members in Brazil.

12 13

Meet theCongregationCarolina Gomes de Andrade

flags of

A

F

K

P

U

B

G

L

Q

V

C

H

M

R

W

D

I

N

S

X

E

J

O

T

Y

Many different nations are represented at Harlestone RoadHow many can you name? - Answers on page 19

SanctificationJourney

A recent Adventist Review Online article: “Ready to Be Real - Opening up the discussion about divorce in the church” got me thinking. I would encourage you to read it on:http://www.adventistreview.org/141525-20#.VBVq-gAZ_a8.mailto

It’s not just marital problems that we find hard to talk about. It’s any problem. Someone once coined this phenomenon to me as ‘Sabbath masks’. It describes the habitual “Happy Sabbath” greeting that says, I’m ok and you’re ok and we’re all ok. Yet how can we be, when we’re all sinful and in need of the cleansing fire of the Holy Spirit to prepare us for eternity.

More recently I have been broaching the subject of ‘being each other’s keeper’ and I almost always get some push back about the risk of being seen as or actually being nosey, or having gossip motives. The painful experience of broken confidences can cloud our recognition of the responsibility that each of us has to love one another and to be trustworthy.

The reality is that we can only get so far in our spiritual growth on our own with the Holy Spirit. That is why Jesus formed us as a church. It is through deep and trusting relationships with each other that we feel able to expose the self-centredness in our lives and receive the support and challenge that we sometimes need to overcome a cherished habit, mind set, character trait, etc.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Sharing breaks the power of secrecy in our lives and allows others to encourage us in the journey of faith and in resisting temptation. Galatians 6:2 urges us to “bear one another’s burdens”.

We don’t need to have this close relationship with everyone but nevertheless close relationships are key. Jesus invited people into relationships with himself; he loved them and in the process showed them how to follow God. His primary method was one to one, or one to small group. Occasionally he gave a sermon or taught in the synagogue. Are we satisfied that we have the desire and the means to develop (1) sufficient relationships of the right quality and (2) the trustworthiness we need to be each other’s keeper?

In the next edition of the newsletter, we will begin a 4 part series on Sanctification. Part 1 being ‘Am I Spiritually Health?’

By Sheryl Lawrence

14 15

Harlestone Road

The book of Proverbs contains two of the greatest verses on the power of smiling. Proverbs 15:13, says “A

happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit”. Happiness comes from the heart in other words, if you choose to be happy on the inside, it will show on the outside.Prov 15:30 shows the converse idea that when you choose to have a cheerful outlook then your heart will be joyful. In other words, put a smile on your face and you will also feel well on the inside.There are lot of reasons for Christians to always have a smile on their face. As Paul admonishes us – ‘If this world is our only hope then we are the most miserable people on earth’ but thank God we have eternity await us through His son Jesus Christ.It takes a few seconds to smile but to someone who needed it, it can be an indelible mark in their mind for life. It is about twenty years now but I still remember a smile on mum’s face on her death bed. Smiles draw people to us, improves our immune system, relieves us of pain, lowers our blood pressure, it is contagious….amongst many others. Maybe you feel you don’t have anything to smile about right now…...............................so why not try to read the following story:-In certain parts of the USA, there are many churches known as “answer back” churches. When the preacher says something, the congregation naturally replies.

So one day a preacher was speaking on what it would take for the church to become better. He said “If this church is to become better, it must take up it’s bed, and walk.” The congregation said “Let it walk, Preacher, let it walk.”Encouraged by their response, he went further. “If this church is going to become better, it will have to throw aside it’s hindrances and run!” The congregation replied, “Let it run, preacher, let it run!”Now really into his message, he spoke stronger. “If this church really wants to become great, it will have to take up it’s wings and fly!” “Let it fly, Preacher, let it fly!” the congregation shouts.The Preacher gets louder. “If this church is going to fly, it will cost money!” The congregation replied. “Let it walk, Preacher, let it walk.” I hope that has helped to put a smile on your face. Please continue to smile. Not only will it encourage others to do the same but you will feel good and probably have a better attitude for doing it! Even though we suffer many trials… if in the mist of all these you keep calm, trust the Lord and smile, that is when you can have peace at heart. When we give the Lord our all and trust Him without self-interest or self-gratification He will make our lives pleasurable and worth living. Till God willing I bring you another story next quarter to smile about. Lets keep on smiling.

CommunicationsOne of the many ways we can reach out

to people is through the internet. Mainly through our website and social media. I

know these forms of media are not to everyone’s liking, but we are in 2014 and these days most people look to the internet for information. If we don’t maintain a presence there, then we could be missing huge opportunities to reach out to people.

So please help by supporting the efforts being made by the communications team to improve our presence on the internet. Please feel free to contribute articles, stories, testimonies, ideas, anything you think might help bring Harlestone Road Seventh-Day Adventist church to life (in an online capacity) and to help spread the Gospel.

Previous sermons, Children’s Stories and musical items are available on YouTube.Search for ‘truthforfreedom7’ or ‘harlestoneroadsda’.

To be added to the Harlestone Road Prayer Group and/or Harlestone Road Community on WhatsApp, send a text to 07958 567887

For those of you who use Facebook, please check outNorthampton Adventist Fellowship and/or ‘harlestoneroadsda’.W

We have recently started using Instagram also, to share pictures taken on Sabbath. You can find us by searching for harlestoneroadsda.

Website Address is:http://northampton.adventistchurch.org.uk/

KWAMECHRISTIAN’STHOUGHTS

16 17

Preaching PlanChurch Rota&

For any changes to the Sabbath School Rota please contact Joan on Tel: 07958 662 158

For any changes to the Divine Worship Rota please contact Nigel on Tel: 07823 331714

For any changes to the Deacon/Deaconess rota, please contact Juliette, Kinglet or Moses.

Deacon & DeaconessROTA

• For any changes to the Sabbath School Rota please contact Joan on Tel: 07958 662 158• For any changes to the Divine Worship Rota please contact Nigel on Tel: 07823 331714• For any changes to the Deacon/Deaconess rota, please contact Juliette or Moses.

Answers for Flags of Harlestone Road quiz:

A: Zimbabwe B: Nigeria C: Moldova D: Jamaica E: Romania F: Wales G: Venezuela H: England I: Hungary J: Monserrat K: Barbados L: Dominica M : Japan N: Ghana O: Bulgaria P: Aruba Q: India R: MalaysiaS : Malawi T: Uganda U: Brazil V: Kenya. W: Guyana X: Iceland Y: Italy

18 19

Dates foryour diary

St James CEVA Primary School, Harlestone Road, Northampton, NN5 7AGhttp://northampton.adventistchurch.org.uk/

• 30 Oct‐2 Nov I-Preach Weekend in Kidderminster

• 2 Nov - Ladies Prayer Breakfast @ Sis Ana’s Home

• 1‐8 Nov Week of Prayer

• 17‐22 Nov ‐ Evangelistic Meetings in Northampton - (Dwayne Lemon and Christopher Hudson)

• 29 Nov ‐ Family Day @ Harlestone Road SDA Church

• 7 Dec ‐ Ladies Prayer Breakfast @ Sis Angela’s Home

• 30 Jan‐8 Feb ‐ NEC Youth Winter Holiday in France

Contact Details• Pastor - Paul Dhanaraj:

07445 318778• Church Elder - Lloyd Sterling:

01604 591117• Newsletter Editor - David Wells:

[email protected]

20