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European Pastors Council 2024 Closing Ceremony
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Pastor Alex Mareniuc
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The European Pastors’ Council (EPC) 2024 of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church concluded in Belgrade, Serbia, with more
than 1,200 pastors, departmental directors, Bible workers,
and spouses from across Europe gathered to reignite their
passion for ministry. The week-long event, organised by the
Trans-European Division (TED), highlighted the challenges
faced by today’s pastors, including political polarisation,
declining church attendance, and the aftermath of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Through a blend of inspiring sermons,
practical workshops, and moments of worship, the EPC
provided a much-needed opportunity for pastors to refocus
their efforts in service to God and their communities.
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GAiN Europe 2024
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TED Communications
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GAiN EUROPE 2024, the Global Adventist Internet Network
conference, is set to take place from
November 15-19, 2024, in Budva, Montenegro. This
year's theme, "Connected. Deep and Wide," will focus on
communication and media ministries for the mission,
cooperation with personal ministries and publishing, and
young creatives sharing faith through digital media. The
event brings together leaders, communicators, content
creators, and experts in various communication, media, and
mission fields. The conference, organised by the
Inter-European Division, Trans-European Division, and Hope
Media Europe, will be held at the Hotel Splendid.
Participants can expect to hear from experts and leaders in
communication, media, personal ministries, publishing, and
youth. Registration costs, including meals, are €380 per
person for a shared room or €495 for a single room. Shuttle
services will be provided from Podgorica airport, with
attendees responsible for transportation from Tivat and
Dubrovnik.
Register here by 30th September.
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The SEC Official WhatsApp Channel is Here
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SEC Communications
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Join the official SEC WhatsApp Channel today!
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60 SEC NEWS
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Don Roberts
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Watch the new episode.
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SEC Sabbath School Lesson
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Pastor Kwado Kwarteng-Ampofo
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Wycombe Community SDA Church Shines at Town Celebration
Event
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David da Silva
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Wycombe Community SDA Church, in partnership with
Buckinghamshire Council, played a significant role in the
Wycombe Celebrates event on September 8. This celebration
was a testament to the unity and diversity of High Wycombe's
community, a community we are all part of. The Area 5
Pathfinder Drum Corp, a part of our church, set an energetic
tone by impressively opening the event. Our church's singing
groups, another integral part of our community, also
contributed to the festivities.
Our involvement in the Wycombe Celebrates event was not only
acknowledged but also highly appreciated. Both the Mayor and
Chair of the Bucks Council praised the Pathfinders as
exemplary representatives of our church's values. The
positive interactions at our High Street stall, where many
visitors expressed interest in our church and its mission,
further underscored our community's appreciation.
Additionally, Pastor Sam Ngui and Sis Venice Williams' live
interview on Wycombe Sound was a testament to the
recognition of our church's events and outreach efforts.
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West Croydon & Croydon Outreach at Thornton Heath
Festival
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Pastor Jesse Samuel
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This year, for the Thornton Heath Festival, West Croydon and
Croydon Seventh-day Adventist Churches joined forces to
spread the gospel by providing a health, literature, and
craft expo on Sunday, September 8th, 2024, from 12 to 6
p.m.
Led by the personal ministries departments, Tony Young and
Annadine Atkinson, along with other leaders, including
Pastor Jesse Samuel, were there to share the love of God
through free health checks, distribution of literature, an
opportunity to engage in craft activities for passersby to
receive and participate in. The council's civic mayor,
Councillor Kola Agboola, was most impressed and pleased by
the churches' work and congratulated them on their positive
impact on the community.
The churches that are five minutes apart collaborated with
their resources and offered the evangelistic services they
provide throughout the week and prayer for those in need.
The overall effort was a success, and we look forward to
uniting in the future for the gospel to go forward to those
in the Croydon area.
The teams aim to follow up on this event by sign-posting
individuals to their local food banks, craft café, community
breakfast, and exercise clubs throughout the week.
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Community Service Day: Gloucester SDA Church
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Javinia Harris
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On Sabbath, September 7th, the Gloucestershire District of
churches was challenged to be ‘Inspired for Mission’. Though
the weather was dull and grey, the church was filled with
warmth as the congregation was prompted to think about their
purpose and what God had called them to do.
The Sabbath School saw Pastor Royston Smith, the SEC
Personal Ministries Director, lead a workshop on ‘Opening
Your Gifts’. Pastor Smith led members to explore their
spiritual gifts by looking at their natural talents,
considering their passion, and reflecting on their
personalities. The workshop was delivered in Pastor Smith’s
inimitable and charismatic way, prompting members to move
outside of their comfort zones and think outside the box, as
God can use anything to deliver His ministry.
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A Special Thank You
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David da Silva
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Wycombe and Hope Community SDA Churches are deeply moved by
the overwhelming generosity shown in response to our appeal
for Hurricane Beryl victims in Grenada and Jamaica. The
outpouring of support from our community has been truly
remarkable.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who
contributed. Your donations will provide crucial aid to
those still grappling with the hurricane's aftermath.
A special acknowledgement goes to our exceptional community
partner, WMCO, whose generous contribution of over £700
worth of items has significantly bolstered our relief
efforts. Your support is invaluable during this challenging
time.
This collective effort exemplifies the power of community
spirit. Together, we're making a tangible difference,
proving that united, we can weather any storm. Thank you for
being the driving force behind this compassionate
initiative.
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Aylesbury SDA Church Revival Week
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Pastor Royston Smith
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Come along and be inspired—one week of preaching and
teaching on issues that are critical to our salvation. God
has a special plan for your life. Come and know what it is.
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Rebuilding the Family Altar: A Week of Fellowship and
Reflection at Chapel Porth
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Kerrine Guthrie
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From July 29th to August 4th, over 40 campers gathered at
the picturesque Seventh-day Adventist campsite in Chapel
Porth, Cornwall, for a family camp that would prove to be
both spiritually enriching and personally transformative.
Organised by Pastor Rio, the South England Conference (SEC)
Family Life and Children's Ministries Director, the camp
offered families a much-needed break from their hectic
routines, focusing on relaxation, fellowship, and meaningful
family time.
The theme for the week, "Rebuilding the Family Altar,"
resonated deeply with the campers. Each evening, Pastor Rio
delivered heartfelt messages urging parents to rekindle the
spiritual practices that strengthen family bonds. Drawing
from his personal experiences, Pastor Rio shared a moving
testimony about his upbringing after his mother left home,
highlighting his journey of forgiveness. His candid
reflections served as a powerful reminder of the importance
of family unity and the healing power of forgiveness.
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Single/Lone Parents' Camp
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Pastor Rio Espulgar
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SEC Family Ministry Department hosted the Lone Parent Camp
from August 12-18, 2024, offering single parents and their
children a meaningful summer experience. This eagerly
anticipated event provided a valuable opportunity for
families to reconnect and create lasting memories.
The camp featured:
• Exciting outdoor activities: biking, games, and theme park
visits
• Evening worship sessions and insightful discussions
• Creative crafts for children
• A special Agape feast to welcome the Sabbath
• A joyful Saturday night bonfire with marshmallow
roasting
Our theme, "Rebuilding the Family Altar," focused on
strengthening spiritual growth and resilience in parents and
children. We encouraged parents to develop their spiritual
foundations while nurturing their families' emotional and
spiritual well-being.
We extend our most profound appreciation to the SEC
administration and all team members. Their unwavering
dedication and hard work were instrumental in making this
camp successful. Their efforts created a nurturing
environment where single-parent families could flourish,
learn, and grow together.
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Meet the Singles: SDA Singles Group
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Susanne Kirlew
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Ready to meet amazing Christian singles who share your
values? Join "Meet the Singles - SDA" and experience a
welcoming community where faith and fellowship come first!
You'll find it here whether you're looking to meet that
special someone or just for friendship and encouragement.
Let's grow in Christ, share laughs, and build lasting
relationships. Your next chapter starts here—don't miss out!
To join, click on the link to take you to the waiting area
for the singles WhatsApp Group Link to join Whatsapp Group.
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Reflecting Hope Retreat
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Dr Augustus Lawrence
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The BUC’s strategic Priority No. 1 is
Reflecting Christ. Under that initiative, the BUC has
embraced the GC Christ for Europe and developed a three-year
evangelistic programme for our territory called
Reflecting Hope. 2023 was our pilot year. 2024 is the
year we ask our Pastors to engage in this initiative. 2025
is the year we ask all our churches across the Union to
embrace this initiative.
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Hay’s Wood Retreat Centre
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HWRC Marketing
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Hay's Wood Retreat offers an exceptional setting for church
retreats, featuring versatile spaces tailored to your
event's unique needs. Our venue provides flexible event
areas, including a commercial kitchen and serveries, with
options to hire the entire building or book individual rooms
by the hour. Located in the Norfolk countryside, our gated
retreat ensures privacy and security while remaining a short
drive from attractions like Sandringham Estate and
Hunstanton Beach. We offer self-catering lodges ranging from
2 to 4 bedrooms, with many featuring sofa beds to
accommodate additional guests. Our budget-friendly pricing
structure charges per lodge, not per person, and rooms can
be configured with single beds if needed.
Select lodges feature hot tubs and private BBQ patio areas
to enhance your stay. Guests enjoy complimentary access to
our well-equipped on-site gym and two woodland play areas
for younger visitors. Immerse your group in nature with our
two picturesque lakes, four scenic walking trails, and the
chance to meet our unique Highland cows, sheep, and goats.
Our large reception area houses a welcoming coffee lounge
and juice bar, perfect for casual gatherings and
refreshments. Whether planning a large conference or
intimate gathering, Hay's Wood Retreat provides a memorable
backdrop for your church event.
Contact us at 01553 606000 or bookings@hayswoodretreat.com
to plan your retreat. Visit www.hayswoodretreat.com or
follow us on Instagram @hayswood_retreat for more
information.
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Messenger Latest Edition
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Sarah Jarvis
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SEC OneDrive Folder
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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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