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November 2018 November 2018 Harvest Tea in Barry page 2 Journey into Blessings page 3 Training For Service - Life in the Spirit page 5 Inside this issue Wind in your Sails? Ever noced that the return journey home is quicker than the one you took when you set off? Yet you have taken the same route with no shortcuts or diversions. You may be travelling home from an exceponal day out, feeling as though you are walking on air. You may have just aended a Church-sponsored event and you’re on cloud nine. Your sincere and pure devoon to Christ (2 Cor. 11:3) has once again been strengthened, the three-fold cord of union with God has been brought to the fore and you feel amazing! But then you return home to daily life and somehow your mind is led astray (2 Cor. 11:3). The joy in your soul starts to ebb and flow and the heights of elaon are no longer reached as they once were. If this is true of your current condion, then you need to take acon and adjust your sail. As all keen sailors know, the thrill of catching the wind full in your sails with the resultant encounter of being thrust forward by the force of the wind whilst sll keeping the boat under control is indeed a thrilling and memorable experience; and this is how we should be living our lives. Steering our boats so that the wind of the Spirit of God catches our sails full on, allowing ourselves to be propelled forward - in His will, by His power. “So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it”(2 Cor. 5:9). ‘One ship drives east and the other west by the same winds that blow, It’s the set of the sails and not the gales, that determines the way they go’ (Ella W Wilcox). Sean Johnston What a beauful me together, Monday 27 August to1 September 2018, studying the word at Aviara in Delta State of Nigeria. 95 brothers and sisters and some friends were in aendance at this District event. Lessons were drawn from materials produced by some Fellowship writers. The main focus this week was to review aspects of the following books: “Unlocking Hebrews” by Brian Johnston, “Healthy Churches of God” by Brian Johnston, “The House of God - Guidelines on some New Testament Teachings” by Eric Sampou, “N.T. Builders for God” by Karl Smith and “Biblical Misunderstandings - Leers to Disciples in Africa” by John Black. Aſter a brief opening forum, small groups gathered for quesons and discussions which created meaningful parcipaon. Other sessions included some character studies and the Fellowship website. The District appreciates brothers and sisters who gave their me and support to the program . Two sessions were devoted to the Leadership Training Program for Elders and Deacons, looking at the state of the Assemblies. It was a me worthwhile spent, and parcipants were encouraged to hold on to the apostles’ teaching and rest in God’s house. Eric Sampou; Jerusalem Obokeno Disciples Teaching Week - East/Delta District of Nigeria

Disciples Teaching Week - East/Delta District of Nigeria€¦ · and matriarchs in the Bible informed our theme “Discovery’’ for the 2018 VBC organisers. The following characters

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November 2018November 2018

Harvest Tea in Barry page 2Journey into Blessings page 3Training For Service - Life in the Spirit page 5

Inside this issue

Wind in your Sails?Ever noticed that the return journey home is quicker than

the one you took when you set off? Yet you have taken the same route with no shortcuts or diversions. You may be travelling home from an exceptional day out, feeling as though you are walking on air. You may have just attended a Church-sponsored event and you’re on cloud nine. Your sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:3) has once again been strengthened, the three-fold cord of union with God has been brought to the fore and you feel amazing! But then you return home to daily life and somehow your mind is led astray (2 Cor. 11:3). The joy in your soul starts to ebb and flow and the heights of elation are no longer reached as they once were. If this is true of your current condition, then you need to take action and adjust your sail. As all keen

sailors know, the thrill of catching the wind full in your sails with the resultant encounter of being thrust forward by the force of the wind whilst still keeping the boat under control is indeed a thrilling and memorable experience; and this is how we should be living our lives. Steering our boats so that the wind of the Spirit of God catches our sails full on, allowing ourselves to be propelled forward - in His will, by His power. “So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it”(2 Cor. 5:9). ‘One ship drives east and the other west by the same winds that blow, It’s the set of the sails and not the gales, that determines the way they go’ (Ella W Wilcox).

Sean Johnston

What a beautiful time together, Monday 27 August to1 September 2018, studying the word at Aviara in Delta State of Nigeria. 95 brothers and sisters and some friends were in attendance at this District event. Lessons were drawn from materials produced by some Fellowship writers. The main focus this week was to review aspects of the following books: “Unlocking Hebrews” by Brian Johnston, “Healthy Churches of God” by Brian Johnston, “The House of God - Guidelines on some New Testament Teachings” by Eric Sampou, “N.T. Builders for God” by Karl Smith and “Biblical Misunderstandings - Letters to Disciples in Africa” by John Black.

After a brief opening forum, small groups gathered for questions and discussions which created meaningful participation. Other sessions included some character studies and the Fellowship website. The District appreciates brothers and sisters who gave their time and support to the program . Two sessions were devoted to the Leadership Training Program for Elders and Deacons, looking at the state of the Assemblies. It was a time worthwhile spent, and participants were encouraged to hold on to the apostles’ teaching and rest in God’s house.

Eric Sampou; Jerusalem Obokeno

Disciples Teaching Week - East/Delta District of Nigeria

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Sisters’ Forum - East/Delta District of Nigeria

For Prayer Ministering Brethren

November and onwards

John BlackFrom 6 to 29 November I will be in Liberia, followed by a visit to Ghana from 29 November to 3 December.

Phil BrennanI anticipate being in Trinidad Colorado from 5 to 27 November.

Mark ImoukhuedeFor November, God willing, I shall be in the Western District.

continued on next page

Africa is so thankful for the sacrifice and generosity of our brothers and sisters in the western world, who provide constant support for events such as Sisters’ Forum and more; activities that generate Christian influence in our community. There are only two seasons in Nigeria - the rainy (wet) from June to October and the dry season. Temperatures can climb as high as 400C (1040F), hot and humid in the dry. In spite of the present heavy rains, 58 representative sisters from the District were in the sunshine city of Portharcourt on 7 July at the Sisters’ Forum of the Churches of God in the East of Nigeria.

The Fellowship was sweet. The times of studying the word and prayers were good. The discussion and drama presentation added colour to the occasion. Elo-Oghene from Aviara spoke on “little things that matter” (Matt . 11: 22-25). She emphasised the need to live clean lives. Sin is always sin, whether big or small - “whoever shall keep the whole Law and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (Jas. 2:10). Being human, we categorise sin; murder, pride, hypocrisy and mammon - these seem terrible, but some others like lying, gossip and malice may look small. The truth is, every sin has consequences. Texts of Scripture were quoted: Matt . 5:8, 1 Pet. 5:16; Heb. 12:14 and others. All were encouraged to separate themselves from evil and to overcome sin through faith by the word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us keep close to the Lord.

Blessing Abasiama Ekot gave a brief talk on “the habit of a healthy mind” (Ps. 37:1-8). Those who experience spiritual hygiene, who delight themselves in the Lord, are possessing a healthy mind. They enjoy a good lifestyle. Keep on keeping the faith.

Richard Owotorufa was a guest speaker. He brought encouragement and expressed challenges which we all face. One legacy we live behind is that of good character. Like seed sown, there will be good harvest in due season. There should be a rigorous search for truth, the worship of God and a settled lifestyle to the glory of the good Lord.

Participants enjoyed friendship and delicious African cuisine.Eric Sampou; Jerusalem Obokeno

Harvest Tea in BarryAlthough small in number

Barry Assembly continues to reach out with the Gospel, and recently held a harvest tea where 28 parents, children and friends came together for an enjoyable time. After sharing food together, David Palmer led a time of singing followed by James Stanley who gave the message, showing a children’s video about the story of Ruth and then speaking about God’s guidance in her life, showing to those present how God loves to guide our lives.

Jeff Butler; David Palmer

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Ambassador HallCoutts RoadNewcastle upon Tyne24 November3pm-6pm

50 Years in the Present Hall

Newcastle Assembly invites you to an afternoon of Music and Ministry

continued from last page

For Prayer Ministering Brethren

November and onwards

Craig JonesI will be engaged in local Ontario responsibil it ies: our District teaching & fellowship gathering, Cultiv8; monthly young disciples class in Toronto; weekly adult Bible class in Hamilton; ministry visit to Mount Forest.

Brian JohnsonMy scheduled travel outside the UK in November looks likely to be confined to a trip to Belgium.While home-based, I speak twice a week in my home Assembly. Among District commitments, there is Manchester conference. With Rosemary, I will be preparing the January 2019 NT. I have 3 months’ worth of SFT programmes to complete and record. Overseas work, including recent plantings, and radio listeners / web contacts, makes for ample on-go ing correspondence.

Geralde MagusaraI will be in Montevista for the first two weeks of November. Then the rest will be in Lingig to continue supporting them. Also, assisting the IWDP (17th), and organising our 8th Church anniversary in Davao (30th).

Andy McIlreeI will arrive home from Ontario at the end of this month and will be in Kilmarnock until the end of the year.

Karl SmithMy main priorities are Scottish Fami ly weekend from 9-11 November, outreach and Bible discussion class in Kirkintilloch.

Robert WoodI will be working in Aberdeen and Buxton during November.

David WoodsOnce back from the Philippines, I expect to slot back into the local Manchester and NW England routine for the remainder of the month.

Discoveries about the golden secrets of the successful life of some patriarchs and matriarchs in the Bible informed our theme “Discovery’’ for the 2018 VBC organisers. The following characters were under study: Samuel, Daniel, Esther, Paul and, of most importance, our Lord Jesus Christ. Other contemporary issues were dealt with, such as peer pressure, dress code and the social media.

145 participants attended the 5 day program from Monday 23 to 27 July 2018. Facilitators identified the study cases as achievers due to their faith and consist-ent lives of prayer. There were testimonies of some who gave their lives to the Saviour at the event.

We appreciate the effort of Assembly brethren in this annual outreach program. The event has been designed to reach secondary school students and University undergraduates. We thank the good Lord for a useful time of fellowship together and look forward to another experience, DV.

Eric Sampou; Reuben Nagberi

The Church of God, Portharcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Vacation Bible Course 2018

John Black was with us in Liverpool for 3 nights in September. He ministered God’s word to us under the title Journey into Blessing, taking lessons for disciples today from the book of Ruth. The first talk was about decisions. The poor decision of Elimelech to take his family away from God’s land was contrasted with Ruth’s brave decision to go to Israel with Naomi. The second night John looked at commitment. Ruth’s commitment was potentially very costly, but she discovered that God was governing the whole situation. She found in Boaz provision and protection. John challenged us ‘Where did you glean today?’ The final talk was about union. For Ruth, it was union with Boaz; for us it is union with Christ. Ruth discovered her ‘Kinsman Redeemer’ and found rest. John’s challenge was for us to remain devoted to our Lord and Master. We enjoyed having John and Eppie with us. The talks are available from Billy Bell or on our local Soundcloud page: soundcloud.com/user-943300239

David Webster

Journey into Blessing

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Wembley Conference 10th November 2018

15:00 – 19:30 including meal

Personal Life – Tom Palmer Family Life – Tony Jones

Church Life – Robert Shaw New Denham Community Centre

Oxford Road, New Denham UB9 4DW Near M40 / M25 junction

51°33'20.8"N 0°29'24.0"W [email protected]

So we make it our goal to please Him.. 2 Corinthians 5:9

“How lovely on the mountains...”

Forms and further information can be obtained fromCelia Brennan phone: 01298 23445 email: [email protected]

MIDLANDS SISTERS’

… tracing the footsteps of the Lord in the heights of theHoly Land through Matthew’s gospel.

Neville Coomer has once again shared with us a response from the Scottish Bible Society. Neville adds his sincere thanks to ‘stamp savers’ and would encourage new savers to enlarge this work. He says, “A little here and there soon adds up to a bin bag full! A friend from Halifax recently sent a parcel with 53000 used stamps!! All parcels are welcome, no matter what size.”

Stamps for Bibles

The Churches of GodMr N CoomerHilton of Forthar Glenrothes KY7 6LP

26 July 2018

Dear Mr Coomer

Thank you for the stamps which have kindly been donated to our Operation Family Project from the Churches of God, who have been faithfully collecting stamps for us for 38 years. Thank you for your ongoing partnership! Please pass on our thanks to all those who contributed to this donation.

The hunger for God‘s Word continues to grow in countries all over the world, and your gift will help provide people with their own copy of the Bible, some for the very first time. For every £5.00 that we receive from the sale of your items, someone will receive a Bible, Children’s Bible, New Testament or Gospel. Thank you for giving people an opportunity to engage with God through His Word.

Your support and prayers are vital. If you would like any further information on our work or resources then please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our Community Partnership Manager Norman Liddle, visited Malawi last year to see how God’s Word is change lives. He visited families and children who have already benefited from the kind gifts of supporters like you, and saw firsthand the great joy experienced by those who have received a Bible in their own language.

Norman returned with so many stories to tell and would be delighted to share them with you - please get in touch with him on 0131 347 9812 to enquire about a speaker visit at your church.

Yours sincerely,Robert RussellHead of Donor Care

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Teachers: Phil Brennan, Steve Seddon, David Woods. Attendees: Catriona McLachlan, Elaine McLachlan, Sam Jones, Jessica Lockhart, April Butterworth, Charlotte Butterworth, Amy Doel, Anna Johnston, Michael Johnston, Samantha Van Wellen, James Willis, Kemi Adelaja, Ben Strachan.

Many of us this year were new to TFS. We all thoroughly enjoyed this week of fellowship together at Flaxlands, Swindon. ‘Life in the Spirit’ was the original topic that launched the ‘Training for Service’ programme back in 1994. The course was updated and reworked for TFS 2018, to enable us to really ground ourselves in the essential truths of the Spirit of God.

The first day started with a study of the Trinity, focused on God the Spirit as one of the three Persons of God. We studied both His personal characteristics (e.g. can be grieved – Eph. 4:30; can be quenched – 1Thes. 5:19; can be lied to – Acts 5:3) as well as His divine attributes (e.g. eternality – Heb. 9:14; omnipresence – Ps. 139:7-10; omniscience – Isa. 40:13,14; omnipotence – Rom. 15:13).

Next, we looked at His work in salvation (e.g. Rom. 8) concluding that the Holy Spirit is the active ‘agent’ bringing about new life in the believer, then being present in the life of a believer as a guarantee of the promises of God (Eph. 1:14). We then went on to study the work of the Holy Spirit in sanctification (2 Cor. 3:18). God has sanctified us at salvation both in position (set-apart) and condition (made holy); the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit each day in our lives facilitates a deeper personal relationship with God, focusing us on holy living and creating in us an appetite for going deeper into the things of God (1 Cor. 2:9-13).

Another two days were spent discussing the joy of the Holy Spirit which is attained by engaging with Him through God’s word (2 Cor. 3:18), prayer (Rom. 8:26-27) and in day-to-day life (1 Pet. 4:10-11). The importance of this was set apart in three different subtopics: ‘our obligation’ (Jn. 4:23), ‘our opportunity’ (1 Pet. 2:5) and ‘our responsibility’ (Heb. 10:24-25).

For the last topic, ‘the work of the Holy Spirit in service’, we talked about the Holy Spirit who guides us in our service for God (Jn. 16:13) and gives us spiritual gifts that are for the edification and unity of the body of Christ so that they may glorify God (Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Pet. 4:10-11). During the evenings, we had talks on six different characters whom the Spirit of the Lord was upon: David, Joshua, Paul, Bezalel & Oholiab and the Lord Jesus Christ himself.

At the end of the course everyone took home a copy of the newly reprinted book, ‘Training for God’s Service’ by Guy Jarvie (available from Hayes Press), a fantastic collection of notes with practical Scriptural instructions for disciples today. To end with, we would like to say a big thank you to Margaret, Esther, Colin, Alistair, Lois and all the saints in Swindon for your hospitality, love and care during our visit.

Samantha Van Wellen (Antwerp); Ben Strachan (Cullybackey)

Training for Service 2018 - Life in the Spirit

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At Home with the Lord - Stuart Ronald Hickling, Birmingham, England

Our dear brother, Stuart Ronald Hickling, was called home into his Master’s presence on 18 August 2018, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 65 years old. The Church of God in Birmingham records its thankfulness for Stuart’s life of faithful devotion to the Lord, a life which was celebrated during the funeral service that took place on Tuesday 11 September 2018 at Gornal Wood Crematorium Chapel, Dudley. The occasion was very well-attended, indicating the many lives that Stuart had touched with his caring, selfless nature: he exemplified Philippians 2:4, being ever willing to help others, rather than looking after himself.

Kevin Hickling conducted the service and remembered his brother as the big man with the big heart, recalling how “Titus came” bringing encouragement and support to Paul. He also reflected on the widow of Nain (Luke 7), who twice journeyed down the same road of sadness after losing both husband and then son, relating this to Judith and Andrew’s loss of both their mum and now their dad, but rejoicing in Jesus’ response - “weep not... young man arise.” Stuart’s son, Andrew, then read a touching poem about his father. At the graveside Peter Watts offered a message of love and salvation, distinguishing our earthly tent from our heavenly dwelling. Although the occasion was a sad one, it was also a time to

rejoice because all those present were encouraged with the reality that where Stuart has gone is far better.Stuart was born in 1953 and he was saved at an early age, putting his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was baptised in

1965 and added to Hereford Assembly. He faithfully served in a number of Assemblies, including Hereford, Nottingham, Cromer, St Helens and, latterly, Birmingham. Whilst in Cromer, Stuart had a pivotal part to play in what was then a very small Assembly. Stuart also supported the Midlands’ Camp work for a number of years, where he served in the cook house helping to feed countless children during that time. Stuart’s long career with WH Smith impacted where he and his family lived and, in 1986, he re-located to the West Midlands where he spent the majority of his adult life. Stuart remained a faithful servant of the Church of God in Birmingham from that time until his death and was recognised as an overseer in July 1997. Sadly, Stuart lost his wife, Liz, over ten years ago to cancer. This had a devastating effect on his life, as he missed her profoundly. The two are now together once again, at home with their Saviour.

Stuart will be remembered by the Church for his keen sense of humour and his warm, engaging personality. He regularly called and visited members of the Church, particularly sick and elderly saints. We will miss him dearly as an overseer, a fellow brother and a good friend.

John Boyce, Stephen HicklingNote of AppreciationStuart’s family, namely his mother Betty, his children Judith & Andrew, his brothers Kevin & Roger, his sister Marianne, his

daughter-in-law Laura & little grandson Max, would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, cards and messages of support.

Overseers of the Midlands District add our appreciation of our brother and fellow elder, Stuart Hickling. Stuart served among us for some 21 years, first being recognised in oversight in 1997, then faithfully serving the Lord’s people in Birming-ham Assembly and the Midlands District. His constant humility often caused him to underestimate his worth, but he was always ready with a word of encouragement for others, thus exemplifying Philippians 2v 3 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself “. His love for the Lord and His people was clearly evident. We salute the memory of a brother who was faithful in all God’s house.

On behalf of the Midlands DistrictJ A Bowler; P J Brennan

Tribute to our brother Stuart Hickling from Midlands District Overseers

Martin Bolt passed into the Lord’s presence, aged 76, on 29 July 2018 after a battle with cancer. Martin was 9 years old when he accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, and that faith sustained him for the rest of his life. Baptised shortly afterwards, he spent his life in the Church of God in Birkenhead. He married Mary in 1963 and they had 55 years together. Martin was for most of his working life in the Merchant Navy, working away for long periods of time. Martin and Mary have 2 children and five grandsons.

Brian Tugwell spoke about Martin’s faith at the funeral, and of the transforming power of the Gospel seen in his life. Dave Webster read a passage of Scripture and prayed at the graveside. We will continue to remember Mary, Nicky, Chris and their families in our prayers.

David Webster; Brian Tugwell

At Home with the Lord - Martin Bolt, Birkenhead, England

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Our dear sister Mary Dyer was called home on Monday 3 September, aged 92 years, after a few years of patient suffering in a residential care home.

Mary was originally from Clydebank, where in her earlier days she delivered Gospel leaflets to every home in the town and surrounding area, and was a Sunday School Teacher whose teaching still benefits the Fellowship today.

She lived in Canada on two occasions, then back to Clydebank, but as she grew older she moved from Clydebank to be nearer to her family members and was numbered with Hamilton Assembly. In 2010 she was transferred to Wishaw, where she was faithful in her attendance and appreciation of what her Lord had done for her, until she moved to the care home beside her elder sister.

At the committal, Colin Brooks spoke of her life and work and the great joy of what is promised to believers who fall asleep in Christ Jesus. We rejoice to know that for her ‘It is very far better’. Mary’s homecall to glory was a blessed release, and now we know it is far better for her being at home with her Lord.

We pray that her sister Jean and nephews Laird, Eric and Jack Sneddon and their wives appreciate the prayers that were made on Mary’s behalf. The staff who were present from the care home were sincerely thanked by Colin for their attention to Mary’s needs.

David R Gray; Alex Brown

At Home with the Lord - Mary Dyer, Wishaw, Scotland

We record the homecalls of beloved Charlie Gifford (aged 94) on 23 July 2018, pre-deceased on 23 December 2017 by his dear wife of 70 years Winnie (aged 89 years). They were a couple devoted to each other, to their family, to the Lord and to the Church.

They served together in the Church in Lerwick for many years. In their later years ill health restricted their attendance at Church, but it was always uppermost in their thoughts and prayers. Both demonstrated welcome hospitality to visitors to the island, and in their later years they ran a B&B which was highly rated.

Charlie was a unique “reference point” in matters relating to the history of the Church in Lerwick as well as an informed student of the Scriptures, and his experience is much missed. He enjoyed a varied career and throughout maintained constant witness to his faith; he worked as the keeper of the light at Bound Skerry lighthouse, moved to be a keeper of the law as a policeman for 25 years, and as an elder faithfully kept and taught the law of God. In many ways he was ahead of his time, and on retirement from the Force he and Winnie opened, and ran, a Health Food store in Lerwick at a time when ‘health foods’ were very new in the U.K. The shop was sold in 1990 and both then ran the B&B, keeping in contact with many of their guests over the years. Winnie herself led a busy life working in the local hospital and as a care worker at Viewforth Home in addition to all her family duties.

Charlie and Winnie were blessed with a large family - Kenneth, Barbara (numbered with the Church in Lerwick), Marion, Caroline and John. A sadness was the loss of Jennifer who died at just 4 months old; they were also blessed with 12 grand-children and 26 great grandchildren.

Both were well known in the Shetland Isles and in Lerwick, and the evidence of that was seen in the large number who attended both funerals, conducted by Charlie’s fellow elders.

Do please remember the Church in Lerwick (the most northerly in the Fellowship) in its numerical weakness, and our small District, as well as the Gifford family.

Angus Nicol, Leonard Ross

At Home with the Lord - Charlie and Winnie Gifford, Lerwick, Scotland

On Thursday, September 13 Leicester Assembly had the honour of hosting a service to remember and celebrate the life of Freda Clare Parker, who was called home on 7 August. Following interment at a local Natural Burial Ground, attended by her family and where John Parker of Cromer spoke, about one hundred gathered at Downing Drive, Evington in Leicester for the service. David Luck and family members remembered Freda’s life and gave tribute to her love for the Lord and her family.

In her early years Freda lived in South Wales and gradually moved to Leicester via London. Her love for Ken and the family was evident in her reliance on him and the fact that they were hardly ever separated for any length of time, as they did most things together. Others found her Christian love in the way in which she cared for not only people in the Church but also in the hospitality shown with an open door wherever they lived. Freda’s cooking and baking were almost legendary, and tasty.

Family memories brought out stories of the way in which she always remembered birthdays and took notice of any of her grandchildren’s achievements, whether large or small. Mention was also made of her desire to help the grandchildren learn to swim; especially on family holidays, but throughout it all, her hair remained immaculate. No one could explain how it never got wet!

Freda had been in a residential home from soon after Ken’s passing, and latterly was not able to remember people and places, but she will be missed by her family and a Church that enjoyed her company and friendship. Please remember in prayer her daughter, Anne, three surviving sons and their families as they mourn her passing. As Christians we know she is far better than she was here on earth, but the feelings of loss can still be overpowering.

Frank Gutteridge, John Martin, David Luck.

At Home with the Lord - Freda Parker, Leicester, England

Editors: Steve Peers & Guy Elliott40 The Spinney,Brackla, Bridgend, CF31 2JEEmail: [email protected]

Published by Hayes PressThe BarnFlaxlands, Royal Wootton BassettWiltshire SN4 8DYTel. 01793 850 598www.hayespress.org

Notice Board

Text for the Month

We’re pleased to let e v e r y o n e k n o w t h a t the majority of Needed Truth and Bible Studies volumes are available for viewing and/or download in PDF format via https://c h u r c h e s o f g o d . i n f o /media/#_Publications

We are working on making the volumes freely available in eBook format on the site, as well as in a searchable online format, so watch this space!

On behalf of the Fellowship Media Sub-Committee

Stephen McCabe; Martin Jones

Needed Truth & Bible Studies Archives

Copies of three new paperbacks have recently been circulated to each UK Assembly as part of our Standing Order process, so ask your literature agent for them if you haven’t seen them yet!

God-breathed (Geoff Hydon)Geoff takes a close look at the many different techniques that

God has used in the writing of our Bible through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, and encourages us to explore and enjoy them as part of our regular Bible reading practice. Some of the techniques covered include: drama, poetry, acrostics, proverbs, rhetoric, irony, exaggeration and logic. You’ll be seeing God’s word through fresh eyes!

Get Real – Living Every Day as a Follower of Christ (Brian Johnston)

Brian provides some helpful, practical and Scriptural guidance on Bible study, personal and collective prayer, worship, Church life and family life, with the goal of becoming authentic, credible disciples who live with real integrity!

A Crisis of Identity (Brian Johnston)Issues of personal and collective identity seem everywhere

today. Is gender fluid? Can a person self-define their gender? How should a person conflicted about their gender be counseled? When do a people have the right to self-determination? What makes a nation? This absorbing book looks at identity from a Biblical perspective - who does God say we are as humans, and what does He want our identity to be as Christians, both individually and collectively?

Paperback and eBook versions are available from www.hayespress.org as well as other major online book retailers (but of course we always prefer you purchase directly from us!).

Martin Jones; Kevin Hickling

New Books from Hayes Press

November

2-4 N Ireland Annaluin Young People’s Weekend3 NW England District Oversight3 SE England YC3 S Wales District Oversight3 CULTIV8.10 NW England Manchester Conference10 SE England District Event (Wembley)10 S Wales DySGu (Cardiff)17 SE England District Event (Family Day)17 International Women’s Day of Prayer24 Midlands Vine Event (Stoke)24 NW England YPM24 SE England Overseers’ meeting

KEY:DySGu - District Study Group, S. WalesYPM - Young Peoples Meeting

West Scotland District Bible Fellowship

24 November 2pm – 4:15pm

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)