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Pastoral Letter
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, our
soon-coming King!
Each day is a precious opportunity for us, as a united
community, to praise God and contribute to the betterment of
humanity. This week, I invite you to reflect on a
thought-provoking question: How can we, as a community, be
more human?
From our earliest years, we learn about love and kindness.
These attributes magnetise our relationships, drawing people
together and fostering joy. But have you ever pondered the
concept of social intelligence? In 1920, Edward Thorndike, a
pioneering psychologist, defined social intelligence as “the
ability to act wisely in human relations.” This definition
has since expanded to encompass our capacity to navigate
complex social changes, relationships, and environments.
A person who embodies the virtue of humanity consistently
attracts others through warmth, love, and kindness. Instead
of focusing solely on oneself, which often leads to
isolation, these interpersonal virtues enable us to build
and thrive in a loving community. The extent of our social
intelligence determines the breadth and depth of our
communal bonds. This concept is foundational to a personal
experience that I am eagerly anticipating and look forward
to sharing with you next week.
In other news, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to
Pastor Marcel Ghioalda, Senior Minister at the Newbold
Adventist Church, who has been voted the new Youth Director
for the Trans-European Division (TED). We also commend
Pastor Kevin Johns, a former Youth and Pathfinder Director
of the SEC, on his appointment as Associate Youth Director
of the TED, with specific responsibilities for Pathfinders
and Adventurers. Finally, we congratulate Dr Dan Serb, the
current Irish Mission President, on his new role as Vice
Principal of Newbold College.
Let us pray for our esteemed colleagues as they seek to
serve the wider territory. May the God of peace minister to
your hearts now and always.
In His Service,
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Dr. Kirk Thomas
South England Conference President
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SEC Camp Meeting 2024 – SEC Communications
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Hey there, SEC family!
We're thrilled to invite you to the
SEC Area Camp Meeting 2024, which will take place
from July 20th to 27th. Our theme this year is
"Maranatha! Are You Ready?" It's a powerful reminder
of Christ's soon return and our need to be prepared.
Join us for a week of inspiring messages, uplifting music,
and heartfelt fellowship. Don't miss this opportunity to
grow closer to God and strengthen your faith. Mark your
calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
More info to come. Stay tuned!
Remember, "Maranatha! Are You Ready?"
Let's prepare our hearts together!
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The SEC Official WhatsApp Channel is Here – SEC
Communications
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We are excited to announce the official WhatsApp Channel of
the South England Conference. Our aim is to enhance our
communication platforms to reach as many members as possible
with vital announcements, interesting stories, newsletter
content, relevant pictures, presidential updates, and
departmental events. We encourage you to follow our newly
created platform and play a part in our outreach efforts by
sharing the link with other members. Existing WhatsApp
groups are also invited to follow the
SEC WhatsApp Channel. Thank you for your support.
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Spring Meeting Elections at TED – Pastor David Neal
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With Pastor Dejan Stojkovic's departure to serve as Youth
Director for the Greater Sydney Conference in Australia, the
Trans-European Division (TED) Executive Committee elected
Pastor Marcel Ghioalda as Youth and Public Campus
Ministries Director at their 20 May Spring Meeting. To
further bolster Youth Ministries, the Executive Committee
voted to elect Pastor Kevin Johns as Associate Youth
Director responsible for Teens, Adventurers, and
Pathfinders. Since 2021, Johns has served as Youth and
Pathfinder Director for the British Union Conference (BUC).
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Newbold Reinstates Role of Vice-Principal – Pastor
David Neal
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At the 19 May meeting of the Newbold College of Higher
Education (NCHE) Board, Dr Dan Serb, currently president of
the Irish Mission, was appointed to the reinstated
administrative role of ‘Vice Principal’, a position vacant
since Dr Michael Pearson retired.
Daniel Duda (Chair, Newbold College Board) and Stephen
Currow (NCHE Principal) welcomed Serb’s appointment.
“It is with great joy that we welcome Pastor Dan Serb to
join the Newbold College family as Vice Principal at this
time,” said Daniel Duda. “He has demonstrated his leadership
skills in guiding the Irish Mission and has shown capacity
in project management. As the Founding Director of the
Centre for Conflict Resolution Europe, which has trained
over 120 people across Europe, we look forward to his
contributions as he joins the Newbold team.”
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When Prayer Meets Technology: Sharing God’s Love
Online
– SEC Communication
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Are you ready to make a difference through digital
platforms?
Join us for a life-changing workshop at the
Balham Seventh-day Adventist Church on
June 15th, starting at 4 p.m. Led by
Pastor Sam Neves, the Associate Director for
Communication and Media at the General Conference, you'll
gain practical skills to offer support and share God's love
with those seeking guidance, regardless of your tech
expertise. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to
effectively use digital tools to spread God's message of
hope and love within our church and beyond!
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Ignite Your Spirit: A Summer Variety Concert –
Carolina Nyakila
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You are warmly invited to attend our uplifting Summer
Variety Concert on Saturday, 1st of June 2024 from 3 to 6 PM
at the Advent Centre in London. Come enjoy an afternoon of
inspirational live music, moving poetry, and motivational
speeches that will stir your soul. Admission is free and
light refreshments will be served following the
performances. We look forward to seeing you there for this
special community event!
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Two Young Men with Similar Names become Brothers in
Christ Through Baptism
– Nomsa Maphango
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On Sabbath, 4 May, Southampton Church witnessed the baptisms
of Christian (Kristi) Lazarev and Michael Lazaro. The teens
and youth-led out in a beautiful worship service filled with
singing and pieces from an instrumental ensemble. Pastor
Bozidar used several sporting illustrations to remind the
baptismal candidates that Jesus would walk beside them in
the race of life no matter their mistakes or struggles. He
also called attention to the similarity of their family
names and the association of their first names with the
titles of Jesus. Although not blood relations, they would
now be brothers in the faith.
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Cornwall Ministers: A Tale of Community Spirit –
Pastor Caleb Akinola
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In the quaint town of St Austell, nestled amidst the
picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, a remarkable display of
community spirit unfolded as ministers and church members of
the St Austell Seventh-day Adventist Church banded together
for a monumental task – the revitalization of their beloved
church building and its surroundings.
With sleeves rolled up and hearts united in purpose, the
ministers and members embarked on a transformation journey,
determined to give their church a much-needed facelift.
Armed with paint brushes, a digger, a Shovel, a Fork, a Hand
towel, a rake, a pruning saw, a wood shredder, loppers,
brooms, and an unwavering sense of camaraderie, they set out
to tackle the challenge head-on. The unity and teamwork were
a testament to their strong sense of belonging.
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The Calebs are in Town – Pastor Clifford Herman
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The Missão Calebe (Caleb Mission) is an evangelistic
program of the Seventh-day Adventist Church developed in the
South American Division (SAD) territory and is now a global
initiative. Its goal is to promote the participation of
young Adventists in voluntary and mission endeavours during
school vacations. It aims at utilising students' creative
energies (particularly in Public Campuses) to dedicate some
of their vacation time to Jesus. The initiative encourages
anyone over sixteen to actively participate in community
outreach and evangelism through home visits, Bible studies,
and other activities. Those who participate in the Caleb
Mission are called "Calebs" and usually go to the mission
field wearing shirts and carrying backpacks, Bibles, and
other materials stamped with the project's name and logo.
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14th Annual Believers' Convention – BHSDAC Comms Team
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60 SEC NEWS – Don Roberts
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Watch the new episode.
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SEC Sabbath School Lesson – Pastor Kwado
Kwarteng-Ampofo
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BUC Youth Congress 2024
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Single Ministry, Click and Connect – Pastor Rio
Espulgar
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Children Ministry Leadership Training – Pastor Rio
Espulgar
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Lone Parent Summer Camp – Pastor Rio Espulgar
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ASI-UK First General Assembly After Restart – Elder
Michael Garkov
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ASI-UK is rapidly gathering momentum by announcing its first
General Assembly after its relaunch earlier this year. The
meeting will elect new ASI-UK leadership and recommend plans
for the organisation's strategic development. The meeting
will be held on 23 June 2024 at Camp Hill SDA Church in
Birmingham. All ASI-UK members and prospective members are
invited to attend. The General Assembly will be preceded by
networking meetings and worship on 21-22 June at the King
Solomon International Business School in Birmingham. For
more information and registration, visit www.asiuk.org.
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Facilities Hire at Stanborough Primary School – Sally
Aguiar
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Whether you need a
versatile space for gatherings, performances, or
workshops, our school hall provides the perfect setting with ample
room and amenities to accommodate your needs.
For sports enthusiasts, our 5/7-a-side pitches and
basketball courts offer an exciting opportunity to engage in
friendly competitions or rigorous training sessions. With
well-maintained surfaces and ample space, you’ll find
everything you need to enjoy the game to its fullest.
Are you looking to embrace the great outdoors? Our
expansive field and parkland beckon with lush greenery and
open spaces, providing an idyllic backdrop for outdoor
events, picnics, or team-building activities. Whether you’re
planning a community event, a corporate retreat, or a
fundraiser, our outdoor facilities offer the perfect blend
of accessibility and natural beauty.
Our school is committed to providing a welcoming and
accommodating environment for all your needs. Our dedicated
staff is on hand to assist with any inquiries and ensure
that your experience is seamless from start to finish. So
why wait? Reach out to us today to explore our hiring
options and discover how our facilities can help bring your
vision to life!
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Stanborough Primary School Volunteers Needed – Sally
Aguiar
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SEC OneDrive Folder – SEC Communication
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You can access all the posters, letters, and communications
issued by the SEC and shared by local churches in this
folder.
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