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LifeJuly/August 2019

The prospect of the long, six week, School Summer holidays can fill parents with as much dread as it does Teachers with joy!

But in the life of Lansdowne, this is far from a quiet season. We have two more “Church on the Beach” events planned in July and August. The former, a Beach Baptism, which is always a great event.

We can also look forward to welcoming many summer visitors to our Sunday gatherings. In fact we do quite a trade in those returning to thank God for a wedding anniversary or other memorable occasion. Many is the Sunday when I have prayed after a service with people who enjoyed a honeymoon in Bournemouth and worshipped in the old Lansdowne building!

And this month, we have our very own locals, Roy and Dora Archer, celebrating their Platinum 70th Wedding Anniversary. Look out for the Beach Mission Teams as they connect with holiday makers on

the seven miles of golden sands. And I expect there’ll be many different kinds of International Outreach to the tourists and language students who will congregate in their thousands in the Town Centre and Gardens.

If it’s a Staycation you want, then there’s the Bournemouth and Poole Convention which kicks off in July. And if that’s not enough, you can travel to a field near Wimborne and pitch a tent as part of our Camping Weekend.

So whatever you are up to this Summer, look out for others and always be ready to give an answer for the Hope you have in Jesus.

Peter Baker | Senior Minister

“We’re all going on a summer holiday”

Baptism is a public profession of faith and what better and more public place to do that than the sea?!

On 21 July, as part of our Church on The Beach Sunday evenings, we're planning to baptise a number of people in the sea, down near Toft Steps Zig Zag on Bournemouth Beach. In such a great location, this public act welcomes those being baptised into the church family as professing believers and shows their friends, Bournemouth and the world that they are now following Christ.

Those being baptised would love you to join them to celebrate and we'll be sticking around for a DIY picnic/BBQ afterwards. Those being baptised will be inviting friends and family to join them for this great celebration. Could you invite those you know to look on and hear of how God has been changing lives in our town?

Baptisms

21 July

18 August

Beach Baptism Service: 5:30pm bottom of Toft Steps Zig Zagwith DIY picnic/BBQ afterwards

Beach Service: 5:30pmbottom of Toft Steps Zig Zagwith DIY picnic/BBQ afterwards

As we move into the Summer as a Church Community- though I am writing, just as the weather forecast is predicting a month’s rain in a day across some parts of the UK- it’s probably a good time to take stock. Especially as far as the Regeneration Building Project is concerned.

What next? After an encouraging response to the Gift Day in May, we are planning to go to tender in the Autumn in the hope of awarding contracts so that work might start again on site and then bring the project to completion.

You’ll be hearing more about all of that and how in the process we might deal with the current shortfall of £800k, at the AGM on 9 July. But I think before we answer the “what next?” question in detail and formulate our plans, we need to press the pause button and thank God. The pace at which we live, can mean that we are bounced

forward from one stage to another, without setting up an “Ebenezer”. Who or what is Ebenezer?!

Ebenezer was the memorial stone which the children of Israel erected to commemorate their great victory over the Philistines when Samuel was the Prophet and Judge of the tribes. Read about it in 1 Samuel 7. The people had been waiting 20 years to recover the ark of the Covenant and defeat their greatest enemy. That day came and when it did they remembered God’s faithfulness to them in the Ebenezer stone “to this point the Lord has helped us”, they said.

So from a financial point of view, we have now lived through six years of giving and two specific gift days and the total given or pledged through that time is a remarkable £3.9 million. God has been good and faithful. Time to erect a stone if not a completed building full of them joined together!

God is working... in your waiting

Of course one of the issues which may be working to undercut this sense of thankfulness is having to live with the frustrating delays to our Building Project. Delays which continue. But don’t let the delay rob us of just how amazing God’s generosity has been.

When I quote that £3.9 million figure to people on my travels, they are staggered and start high fiving me! Perhaps that should be our reaction as well. To this point the Lord has magnificently, generously, wonderfully, helped us.

Maybe as individuals, and in all areas of our life experience, we should regularly set up stones of help to recognise the ways God has come through for us. His interventions, answers, resources. It’s a good thing, therapeutic, to give thanks to the Lord says the Psalmist. All we have needed His hand has provided.

And even in these delays, God is working in our waiting. That requires a large degree of trust. When the Lord says “not

now”, it takes humility and patience to wait. Actually the Lansdowne Project is a great example of how God builds the muscle of faith in us.

I have a sneaking suspicion, that if we had been blessed with all the money we needed right at the beginning, our faith muscle may not have developed half as much as it has.

This way we have to keep on trusting God for the next bit of the journey. We can’t see the end of the road but we can see the corner of the next bend. So we can keep walking. God gives us enough. Isn’t that one of the lessons of the waiting room? God gives us enough to trust Him but not too much that we might then trust ourselves.

So let's raise that Ebenezer! God is working in our waiting.

Peter Baker | Senior Minister

God is working... in your waiting

Key datesMen’s Convention 2nd November 2019 Summer Convention 6 - 10 July 2020

Monday 1st - Friday 5th July 2019

Come and join us this summer for: High quality expository preaching,

encouragement for churches to be faithful,fellowship - diversity of worship

Maintaining Spiritual Reality

Summer Programme

W W W . B O U R N E M O U T H A N D P O O L E C O N V E N T I O N . O R G

Evening Event Location Citygate Church & Community Centre, 138A Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 8AS Parking at Asda, free but limited to less than 3 hours. (2 hrs 59 mins to be exact!), or in the surrounding streets.

Morning Events & Leaders Day Location Christ Church, Westbourne, Alumhurst Road, BH4 8ER Limited parking on site, or in public car park in Alumhurst Rd. For more details go to: http://www.christchurchwestbourne.com/fi nd-us/fi nd-us

Finding us

W W W . B O U R N E M O U T H A N D P O O L E C O N V E N T I O N . O R G

info@bournemouthandpooleconvention.org 07772188302

On the first of July, the Bournemouth & Poole Convention begins its annual week of gathering the churches and preaching the Word. We are very much looking forward to a week of great Bible teaching and real fellowship with Christians from many churches in this conurbation and beyond.

At the evening programme, from 1-5 July at Citygate Church Centre, we welcome the return of Charles Price, our speaker in 2015. Charles is the retired pastor of The People’s Church, Toronto. He will be speaking each night from 1 Samuel, taking as his theme, “Finding and Maintaining Spiritual Reality”. If you enjoyed Charles’ series in 2015, on the Sermon on the Mount, you will eagerly anticipate his teaching this year from the Old Testament.

At the three morning talks, from 3-5 July at Christ Church Westbourne, our preacher will be Adrian Reynolds, formerly Director of the Proclamation Trust, now Training Director of the FIEC. Adrian is speaking on “Every Blessing: Enjoying Spiritual Contentment in Christ” from Ephesians 1.

On Tuesday 2nd July Adrian is leading an interactive morning seminar at Christ

Church Westbourne on “The Grid”. He has written this short book on the theme of “Establishing Leadership Training in the Local Church”. This is event open to all. You need to ask David Cook for a booking form or go to the website to book a place. With lunch, the cost is £10. We remain grateful for all the support which continues to be given by Lansdowne volunteers in the convention meetings, including those in the media team, led by Stewart King, the music group, DP desk and the Keith Jones bookstall and refreshments team. If you would like to help as a steward, please tell Hilton Jones.

It will be another treasured memory in all too short a time. So, don’t miss the opportunity that is on our doorstep to meet and mingle with Christian believers in the churches in our area. We pray that you will be enriched, encouraged and edified.

There is even more to look forward to in the Autumn, when, on November 2nd, Charles Price comes to Moordown Baptist Church for a day to speak to the men, encouraging, equipping and engaging with them.

David Cook | Convention Chairman

Over a quarter of a century ago Don Carson posed an important question: what is the most urgent need of the western church? Could it be the need for greater purity, or perhaps a stronger commitment to evangelism? Of course, these and other needs are crucial to the life of the church, but in his judgement, the revolution we most desperately needed was a revolution in prayer. It was this conviction that led him to write his classic book, A Call to Spiritual Reformation. Each chapter explored a prayer of the apostle Paul, as a way of discovering God’s passions and priorities for our praying.

I suspect that Carson’s observations of the church in the early 90’s are still true of today’s Christians, so the same kind of reformation is still desperately needed.

During the first two weeks of September (Sunday 1st – Sunday 15th), we’ll be focusing on the prayers of Paul. Each morning there’ll be a short video focusing on a passage from Paul’s letters, to shape our praying, and we’ll be meeting formally and informally across the fortnight to share food

together and pray. We’ll be launching this focused time of prayer on the 1st, as we gather for an all-age prayer celebration at 10:30. This will include plenty of creative ways for us to pray together. After this, we’d encourage you to get together with other from church (maybe in your Small Groups or serving teams) to share some food and devote the afternoon to prayer. In the evening, we’ll be having an extended time of prayer and praise after our regular service.

Throughout the fortnight there’ll be plenty of formal opportunities to come together around a meal table and pray together (see below), but we’re deliberately keeping these weeks quiet, so there’ll be plenty of opportunity to pray together with your Small Groups, teams, friends and family. This fortnight is about a return to the biblical basics of prayer. To gather together, echoing the prayers of Scripture for our own generation.

Miles Tradewell | Minister

Date: Event:

Tuesday 3 September Prayer lunch (soup and roll)

Wednesday 4 September Prayer and pudding (bring and share)

Friday 5 September Prayer breakfast (sausages)

Monday 8 September Prayer breakfast (croissants)

Wednesday 11 September Building prayer lunch (sandwiches)

Thursday 12 September Prayer and pudding (bring and share)

MOREImmeasurably

a f o r t n i g h t o f p r a y e r

Fearfully and Wonderfully: the Philip Yancey tour with The Leprosy Mission

Acclaimed author PHILIP YANCEY (whose works include What’s So Amazing About Grace? and Disappointment with God) is coming to Lansdowne Church on Friday 27 September in support of THE LEPROSY MISSION as part of a rare speaking tour. The aim of the tour is to honour the legacy of DR PAUL BRAND, his mentor and friend, and to shine a light on leprosy in the 21st Century.

Philip Yancey’s life was profoundly affected by his time with the renowned Leprosy Mission surgeon Dr Paul Brand, who pioneered the tendon-transfer techniques that make it possible for people affected by leprosy to once again use

their hands and feet. Philip cites Dr Brand’s faith as a milestone in his own spiritual journey. Observing the self-sacrificial work of Dr Brand, Philip was amazed that his life and experiences were not shared about more widely. Taking the initiative, the two of them embarked on what turned into three co-written books, offering reflections on the human body, Christianity, and the physical, psychological, and spiritual effects of leprosy. Now mostly out-of-print, they remain some of the most cherished publications by Yancey.

Philip Yancey and The Leprosy Mission have come together to launch a fresh movement. The evening will feature interviews with Philip based on his experiences with Dr Paul Brand, interspersed with engaging media, guest interviews, and some audience interaction. Musician, presenter, and humanitarian DAVE POPE (SpringHarvest, The Flame Trust, Saltmine)

has also joined the tour to help coordinate and present. Furthermore, Hodder & Stoughton are republishing the books Yancey co-wrote with Dr Paul Brand into one volume, complete with updates, edits, and new material, and copies will be available for purchase during the tour.

This will be an unforgettable evening and as a church we are pleased to be part of this initiative.

Reserve tickets will soon be available, so do watch out for further details.

Linda Fox | Mission Council

ConnectConnect Groups

Lansdowne church is a place where everyone is someone and Jesus Christ is Lord. A family that cares for each other. A people engaged in making and maturing disciples. This begins on Sundays but the fun really starts when we role up our sleeves, let down our guards, and start getting involved together. This larger church then becomes small as we share our lives and God’s word. Practically, this will usually mean being part of a small group and serving team. A ‘Connect Group’ will help you connect into church life in this way.

You will discover our priorities and passions over the course of 3 evenings. You’ll learn something of our groups and programmes as we share together over a meal. Meeting in a home, you will to get to know a small number of others who are also on their journey into Lansdowne.

We’ll see what God’s word reveals about life in his body and we’ll discuss together how you could be part of it here.

Starting at 6:45pm with the meal, we aim to be finished by 9pm. The dates are flexible to accommodate any who may want to come, taking place throughout the year whenever we have 5 or 6 people ready to start. If you would like to come along then please speak to a member of the welcome team or contact the church office. We would be delighted to hear from you. We are always looking for hosts too. So if you enjoy preparing meals for others and would be happy for us to use your home, just let us know.

Mike Smailes | Assistant Minister

Welcome Connect Join In

Small Group

Connect Group

Welcome Evening

Serving Team

Membership

At the end of June both Jon Senior and Mary Browse will be leaving the staff of Lansdowne Church. Both have served the church well in their respective roles.

Jon joined the staff in 2017 and his responsibilities were to develop the 18s/30s and the Students ministry. Both ministries have seen steady stream of new members, with over 25 people now attending LIFE ministry at Naked Coffee on a Monday evening. The student ministry has also been developing which has seen a growing number attending the lunches on a Sunday. Jon will be focusing on his studies at Moorlands in the immediate future along with his role with EE.

Mary also joined the staff in 2017 and her focus has been internationals both students and the wider community. The Friday cafe has been growing with 35 to 40 now attending including a number of individuals from

the Middle East which is both an encouragement and a challenge. Mary is now seeking God on the next season for her development and would value your prayers as she investigates various options.

We are now in the process of recruiting a Student and Internationals Coordinator to build on the foundations set by Jon and Mary. It is proposed that this will be a single fulltime role but depending on the candidates that apply, it may be more appropriate to fulfil the role with part time persons. Interviews are scheduled to take place in June and it is intended to make an appointment before the start of the new term in September.

I am sure you will join me in thanking both Jon and Mary for their services to the church and praying that God will be developing their skills and using them powerfully in their new roles.

Doug McGinn | Director of Operations

Staff Update

Something for Everyone(check website for latest information)

www.lansdownechurch.uk

Footsteps (for pre-school children) Sunday mornings at WA. Children stay in for first 15 minutes of service.

Jelly Tots (pre-school children) lansdownechurch.uk/jelly-tots Woodbury Avenue at 9:30am on Wednesdays (term-time) St Augustin’s at 10:00am on Thursdays (term-time) Young Church (school years R-5) Sunday mornings at WA at 9.15am & 11.15am. Children stay in for first 15 mins of service. Hi5 (school years 2-5) Fridays at 6:30pm lansdownechurch.uk/hi5 Youth Church (for school years 6-10 term-time) Sunday mornings at WA at 9.15am & 11.15am. Children stay in for first 15 mins of service. Lansdowne Youth (for school years 6-10) Fridays at 7:30pm term-time lansdownechurch.uk/lansdowne-youth CYFA (school years 11-13) Wednesdays at 7:30pm term-time. lansdownechurch.uk/cyfa ‘Life’ for Students and 18- 30s facebook.com/groups/lansdownechurchstudents Mondays at 7:00pm at Naked Coffee (4 Christchurch Rd).

Women of Lansdowne lansdownechurch.uk/women-lbc All meetings start at 10:00am with tea/coffee and brunch.

Men of Lansdowne lansdownechurch.uk/4men All meetings start at 8:00am with tea/coffee and breakfast. Alpha Course (check website for dates) lansdownechurch.uk/alpha Thursdays at 10:00am at Woodbury Avenue. All welcome. Mondays at 7:30pm at Woodbury Avenue. All welcome. Castle Coffee Thursdays between 10:00am-12:00pm at Woodbury Avenue. Join us for a coffee and a chat. Everyone welcome. In Touch lansdownechurch.uk/in-touch Providing practical and spiritual help to the homeless. Every Tuesday and Friday at 11:45am at St Augustin’s Church, Bournemouth. International Cafe lansdownechurch.uk/international-students Fridays at 8:00pm at Naked Coffee (4 Christchurch Rd).

Prime Time lansdownechurch.uk/primetime Daytime group that meets on a monthly basis at Woodbury Avenue

Connect Groups – An informal introductory group for newcomers or those who don’t yet feel connected to Lansdowne Church.

01202 297977lansdownechurch.uk office@lansdownechurch.ukRegistered Charity No 1158579

Lansdowne ChurchWoodbury AvenueBournemouthBH8 0HHLansdowne Church is a name of Lansdowne Baptist Church Bournemouth. CIO. Charity No. 1158579.

Key DatesJuly/August 20195-7 July Church Camping Weekend 6 July SAT Women of Lansdowne 10:00am | WA 7 July SUN AM Peter Baker The Seven Deadly Sins ‘Envy’

7 July SUN PM Peter Baker Luke 6:12-49 Walking With GodW/C 8 July - Small Groups meet at various times/locations9 July TUE Members’ AGM 7:30pm | WA13 July SAT Men of Lansdowne 8:00am | WA14 July SUN AM Mike Smailes The Seven Deadly Sins ‘No Sin’ (Communion)14 July SUN PM Luke : 7: 1-17 Walking With God18 July THU Mission Prayer Central | 7:30pm | WA20 July SAT Wedding of Lois Lee and George Nay 1:00pm | WA21 July SUN AM Miles Tradewell 21 July SUN PM Beach Baptism Service - 5:30pm at the bottom of Toft Steps 28 July SUN AM Mike Smailes Genesis 1-228 July SUN PM Luke 9: 1-17 (Communion)01 August THU Prayer Central | 7:30pm | WA04 August SUN AM Peter Baker Genesis 3-1104 August SUN PM Peter Baker Luke 9:18-36 Walking With God11 August SUN AM Genesis 12/Malachi 4 (Communion)11 August SUN PM Peter Baker Luke 10: 25 - 37 Walking With God15 August THU Mission Prayer Central | 7:30pm | WA16 August FRI Wedding of Andy Jones and Stacey Boyle 1:00pm | WA18 August SUN AM Miles Tradewell Matthew 1/John 2118 August SUN PM Beach Service 5:30pm at the bottom of Toft Steps25 August SUN AM Miles Tradewell Acts 1/Revelation 2225 August SUN PM Peter Baker Luke 11: 1-11 Walking With God (Communion)