Reaching the millennial generation
A new network that aims to resource millennials within Baptist churches and those with a passion for reaching them is beginning to come together

Baptist Steering Group
Lynn Green shares key communications from the January gathering of BSG, which includes short films of three churches from the South East explain the creative ways they have been sharing the Gospel

Hope rises from cancer despair
In turmoil following a cancer diagnosis, a Baptist minister experienced a sudden burst of creativity resulting in a series of songs about God and faith

New theological college in Yorkshire
St Hild College will train Anglican ordinands, Baptist ministers in training and independent students

Two Baptist ministers marry in Cardiff
And 19 more ministers in attendance as the two Revds tie the knot

Minister partnership for two churches
Two Baptist churches have embarked on an exciting new partnership where they will share two ministers

Concern for detained Burmese pastors
Two Burmese Baptist pastors whose detention by the Burmese Army prompted an international outcry face up to five years in prison

 

The most powerful thing you can do for POTUS
Donald Trump will need the prayers of the church if he is going to have any measure of success in leading the nation

Why do pastors burn out?
When leading a church becomes principally about numerical growth and legacy, it’s no wonder church leaders struggle. There is another road

Crime, rehabilitation... and God’s nudge
Baptist churches can genuinely help those leaving prison by partnering with the Langley House Trust, a leading offender rehabilitation charity

Giving God your loving attention
How to go about rediscovering contemplative prayer

Multi-ethnic Churches: a gospel imperative
God has demonstrated that His Gospel brings an end to whatever divides us - multi-ethnic churches are essential in a post-Brexit world



Reviews:
Dementia: Pathways to Hope By Louise Morse
How I Changed My Mind About Evolution Edited by Kathryn Applegate and J B Stump
God is no Thing by Rupert Shortt
Overload: How to Unplug, Unwind and Free Yourself from the Pressure of Stress By Joyce Meyer

Film: La La Land
 

Albany Park Baptist Church, Bexley: Christine Everitt
Bethesda Baptist Church, Haverfordwest: Joe Jones
Bishop's Stortford Baptist Church, Herts: Vanessa Fox, Peter Hamilton Gray
Butt Lane Baptist Church, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire: Sian Hough, Brendan Hanley
Nansen Road Baptist Church, Ipswich: Daniella Lynch
Witnesham Baptist Church, Ipswich: Maggie Gallant

Baptism stories
New Year, new life, writes the Revd Peterson Anand, minister of Nansen Road Baptist Church
Followed by great times of praise, worship and parties at Christmas, we had a great celebration of the baptism of Daniela Lynch on the New Year’s Day 2017.

The church was full with friends and family members of Daniella. It was a surprise kept for Emmanuel, father of Daniella at the very moment of baptism. She made the promises to follow the Lord Jesus Christ for life and she shared her testimony and story of her Christian journey. She had a Christian upbringing but drifted away from God during her college studies, almost becoming an atheist. Earlier she had suffered with depression and suicidal attitude. When she went to Nottingham for her University studies, she attended the Christian Union and the church where preacher talked about depression. She was touched by God through the preaching of the word of God. 

In response to the word of God, she gave her life to the Lord and encountered and experienced the power of God the Holy Spirit. Since then, the Lord filled her with extraordinary joy. The depression and suicidal attitude left her for good by the power of God. After learning about the importance of water baptism, she decided to give a surprise Christmas gift to her parents by taking water baptism.

Initially, she wanted to be baptised on Christmas Day but it was not possible due to the prior plans of the church services. However, she agreed to be baptised on New Year’s Day 2017. Before her baptism day, she has not been feeling well for some days. There was a point when we had lost our hope for her to be baptised on 1 January. However, God answered our prayers by granting her healing and she was prepared and ready to be baptised with the Bible Studies on baptism. We praise God that He healed Daniella and gave her victory over all the obstacles for her to be baptised on the New Year’s Day with the beginning of new life in Christ, and with the surprise New Year’s gift to her parents, family, friends and the church.

We give all the glory to God for such a beginning of the New Year for everyone! What a wonderful way to celebrate the New Year 2017!

Know anyone preparing for baptism? Check out our range of cards

Send your notifications and stories to phobson@baptist.org.uk

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Looking for a Christian internship?
A gap year or year-out? DNA - Discover, Nurture, Action - is an exciting 11 month journey of church based discipleship in the context of mission. There is a new promotional film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5uDBkmcF_M

For more, visit: dna-uk.org

The Incarnate Houseparty: 6-8 March 2017
The annual gathering which provides a great opportunity to meet with those involved in pioneering, those overseeing it and those simply wanting to find out more. Speakers include Anna Roddick and Keith Hebden.
To book, visit: buytickets.at/incarnatenetwork

Lest we Forget
Studies prepared to equip Baptists to reflect on the 2007 Baptist Union Apology and explore ways to address the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, ten years on.
http://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/488872/Lest_we_Forget.aspx

BMS Day of Prayer: 5 February
Churches, small groups and believers all over the globe will be praying with BMS World Mission on its annual Day of Prayer on 5 February.
For all resources visit: http://www.bmsworldmission.org/dayofprayer

Regent's Park College
Former students of Regent’s Park College, Oxford are invited to the Jubilee Ministerial Gaudy to celebrate the college's 60 years as part of the University of Oxford. More information here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ministerial-gaudy-jubilee-60-tickets-31411828625

The Revd Dr Barrie White - DVD of thanksgiving service*
*Please note that the email given in the previous Round-up was incorrect - the correct one is listed below - our apologies*
Anyone interested in the DVD of the thanksgiving service for Dr White, which is free, should contact the Revd John Perry on revjohnperry@hotmail.co.uk